U.S. patent application number 15/230893 was filed with the patent office on 2017-04-27 for multispecific and multivalent binding proteins and uses thereof.
The applicant listed for this patent is MedImmune, LLC, MedImmune Limited. Invention is credited to Binyam Bezabeh, Partha S. Chowdhury, Antonio Digiandomenico, Nazzareno Dimasi, Ryan Fleming, Changshou Gao, Sandrine Guillard, Ralph Minter, Steven Rust, Bret Sellman, Charles Stover, Mladen Tomich, Reena Varkey, Vignesh Venkatraman, Paul Warrener.
Application Number | 20170114151 15/230893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48290475 |
Filed Date | 2017-04-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170114151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dimasi; Nazzareno ; et
al. |
April 27, 2017 |
MULTISPECIFIC AND MULTIVALENT BINDING PROTEINS AND USES THEREOF
Abstract
The disclosure generally provides proteins that bind two
epitopes (e.g., a first and a second epitope) and that are bivalent
for binding to each of the first and second epitopes. The
disclosure also provides compositions comprising such proteins,
nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins and methods of making
and using such proteins.
Inventors: |
Dimasi; Nazzareno;
(Gaithersburg, MD) ; Fleming; Ryan; (Gaithersburg,
MD) ; Bezabeh; Binyam; (Gaithersburg, MD) ;
Gao; Changshou; (Gaithersburg, MD) ; Digiandomenico;
Antonio; (Gaithersburg, MD) ; Warrener; Paul;
(Gaithersburg, MD) ; Stover; Charles;
(Gaithersburg, MD) ; Sellman; Bret; (Gaithersburg,
MD) ; Tomich; Mladen; (Gaithersburg, MD) ;
Varkey; Reena; (Gaithersburg, MD) ; Chowdhury; Partha
S.; (Gaithersburg, MD) ; Minter; Ralph;
(Cambridge, GB) ; Guillard; Sandrine; (Cambridge,
GB) ; Rust; Steven; (Cambridge, GB) ;
Venkatraman; Vignesh; (Cambridge, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MedImmune, LLC
MedImmune Limited |
Gaithersburg
Cambridge |
MD |
US
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
48290475 |
Appl. No.: |
15/230893 |
Filed: |
August 8, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14356434 |
May 6, 2014 |
9580509 |
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PCT/US2012/063639 |
Nov 6, 2012 |
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15230893 |
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61697585 |
Sep 6, 2012 |
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61625299 |
Apr 17, 2012 |
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61624651 |
Apr 16, 2012 |
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61556645 |
Nov 7, 2011 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 2317/52 20130101;
C07K 2317/73 20130101; C07K 2317/76 20130101; C07K 2317/66
20130101; C07K 2317/64 20130101; C07K 16/468 20130101; C07K
2317/622 20130101; C07K 2317/94 20130101; C07K 16/22 20130101; C07K
2317/31 20130101; C07K 2317/41 20130101; C07K 16/1214 20130101;
C07K 2317/51 20130101; C07K 2317/35 20130101; C07K 16/2863
20130101; C07K 16/00 20130101; C07K 2317/524 20130101; C07K
2317/526 20130101; C07K 2317/53 20130101; C07K 2317/55 20130101;
C07K 2317/56 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C07K 16/46 20060101
C07K016/46 |
Claims
1. A protein, comprising: a Fab arm that binds to a first epitope,
a binding domain (BD) that binds to a second epitope, and an Fc
region comprising C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3 domains; wherein the BD is
interconnected to the Fab arm via a first polypeptide linker (L1)
and to the Fc region via a second polypeptide linker (L2); and
wherein the protein is bivalent for binding to each of the first
and second epitopes.
2. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises 1-50 amino acid
residues.
3. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 comprises 1-50 amino acid
residues.
4. The protein of claim 1, wherein each of the L1 and the L2
comprises 1-50 amino acid residues.
5. The protein of claim 1, wherein each of the L1 and the L2
comprises 15-30 amino acid residues.
6. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises a hinge portion
and a linker portion.
7. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 comprises a hinge portion
and a linker portion.
8. The protein of claim 1, wherein each of the L1 and the L2
comprises a hinge portion and a linker portion.
9. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises at least 5
amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region.
10. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 comprises at least 5
amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region.
11. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises at least 7
amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region.
12. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 comprises at least 7
amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region.
13. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 comprises at least 12
amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region.
14. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises 8 amino acid
residues of an antibody hinge region.
15. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 comprises 15 amino acid
residues of an antibody hinge region.
16. The protein of claim 1, wherein each of the L1 and the L2
comprises all or part of an antibody hinge region or a modified
antibody hinge region.
17. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises at least 5
amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region, and wherein the
hinge region comprises an aspartic acid to glycine substitution at
EU position 221.
18. The protein of claim 16, wherein the hinge region comprises a
substitution where a cysteine is replaced with another amino
acid.
19. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 comprises at least 5
amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region, and wherein the
hinge region comprises a cysteine to valine substitution at EU
position 220
20. The protein claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises a linker portion
comprising a Gly-Ser peptide.
21. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 comprises a linker
portion comprising a Gly-Ser peptide.
22. The protein of claim 1, wherein each of the L1 and the L2
comprises a linker portion comprising a Gly-Ser peptide.
23. The protein of claim 22, wherein the Gly-Ser peptide is of the
formula (Gly.sub.4Ser)n, wherein n is a positive integer selected
from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
24. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 does not include a hinge
portion.
25. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L2 does not include a hinge
portion.
26. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 and the L2 do not
include a hinge portion.
27. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises the amino acid
sequence EPKSCDKT (SEQ ID NO:4).
28. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises the amino acid
sequence EPKSCGKT (SEQ ID NO:6).
29. The protein of claim 1, wherein the L1 comprises the amino acid
sequence EPKSC (SEQ ID NO:38).
30. The protein of any of claims 1-23, 27-29, wherein the L2
comprises the amino acid sequence EPKSVDKTHTCPPCP (SEQ ID NO:
12).
31. The protein of any of claims 1 or 27-29, wherein the L2
comprises the amino acid sequence CPPCP (SEQ ID NO: 14).
32. The protein of any of claims 1 or 27-29, wherein the L2
comprises the amino acid sequence DKTHTCPPCP (SEQ ID NO:40).
33. The protein of claim 1, wherein the BD is selected from the
group consisting of an scFv, a single domain antibody, a single
chain diabody, an antibody mimetic, an antibody variable domain,
and a receptor binding domain.
34. The protein of claim 33, wherein the BD comprises an scFv.
35. The protein of claim 34, wherein the scFv comprises a VH
domain, a polypeptide linker and a VL domain.
36. The protein of claim 35, wherein the Fab domain is
interconnected via the L1 to an N-terminus of the VH domain of the
scFv.
37. The protein of claim 35, wherein the Fab domain is
interconnected via the L1 to an N-terminus of the VL domain of the
scFv.
38. The protein of claim 35, wherein the Fc region is
interconnected via the L2 to a C-terminus of the VH domain of the
scFv.
39. The protein of claim 35, wherein the Fc region is
interconnected via the L2 to a C-terminus of the VL domain of the
scFv.
40. The protein of any of claim 35, wherein the VL domain of the
scFv has a cysteine at Kabat position 100.
41. The protein of any of claim 35, wherein the VH domain of the
scFv has a cysteine at Kabat position 44.
42. The protein of claim 33, wherein the antibody mimetic is
selected from the group consisting of a minibody, a maxybody, an
avimer, an Fn3 based protein scaffold, an ankyrin repeat, a VASP
polypeptide, an avian pancreatic polypeptide (aPP), a Tetranectin,
an affililin, a knottin, an SH3, a PDZ domain, a protein A domain,
a lipocalin, a transferrin, and a kunitz domains.
43. The protein of claim 1-42, wherein the Fc region is selected
from the group consisting of an Fc region from an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3,
IgG4, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgD.
44. The protein of claim 43, wherein the Fc region comprises a
variant Fc region.
45. The protein of claim 43, wherein the Fc region is
aglycosylated.
46. The protein of claim 43, wherein the Fc region is
deglycosylated.
47. The protein of claim 43, wherein the Fc region has reduced
fucosylation or is afucosylated.
48. The protein of any of claim 44, wherein the variant Fc region
comprises a substitution at position 297.
49. The protein of claim 48, wherein the substitution at position
297 is 297Q.
50. The protein of claim 43, wherein the variant Fc region
comprises a substitution at one or more of positions 239, 282, 289,
297, 312, 324, 330, 335, 337, 339, 356, 359, 361, 383, 384, 398,
400, 440, 422, and 442, as numbered by the EU index.
51. The protein claim 1, wherein the CH1 domain of the Fab arm
comprises a substitution at one or more of positions 131, 132, 134,
135, 136 and 139, as numbered by the EU index.
52. The protein of claim 50, wherein substitution comprises a
substitution to an amino acid chosen from cysteine, lysine,
tyrosine, histidine, selenocysteine, and selenomethionine.
53. The protein of claim 52, wherein the substitution is a
cysteine.
54. The protein of claim 1, wherein the protein comprises a
chimeric heavy chain comprising the following polypeptide domains,
from N-terminus to C-terminus VH1-CH1-L1-BD-L2-Fc; wherein VH1
comprises the heavy chain variable domain of the Fab, CH1 comprises
the heavy chain constant domain 1 of the Fab, L1 comprises the
first linker polypeptide, BD comprises binding unit 2, L2 comprises
the second linker polypeptide, and Fc comprises a C.sub.H2 and a
C.sub.H3 domain.
55. The protein of claim 54, wherein BD comprises an scFv.
56. The protein of claim 55, wherein the scFv comprising, from
N-terminus to C-terminus, VH2-polypeptide linker-VL2 or
VL2-polypeptide linker-VH2; wherein VH2 comprises the heavy chain
variable domain of the scFv and VL2 comprises the light chain
variable domain of the scFv.
57. The protein of claim 54, wherein the L1 comprises a hinge
portion and a linker portion.
58. The protein of claim 54, wherein the L2 comprises a hinge
portion and a linker portions.
59. The protein of claim 57, wherein the L1 comprises, from
N-terminus to C-terminus, a hinge portion and a linker portion.
60. The protein of any of claim 57, wherein the L2 comprises, from
N-terminus to C-terminus, a linker portion and a hinge portion.
61. The protein of claim 1, wherein the first and second epitopes
are different.
62. The protein of claim 1, wherein the first and second epitopes
are the same.
63. The protein of claim 1, wherein the Fab arm and/or Fc region
further comprise at least one binding unit.
64. The protein of claim 63, wherein the at least one binding unit
is interconnected to the Fab arm and/or Fc via a polypeptide
linker.
65. The protein of claim 63, wherein the at least one binding unit
is interconnected at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the
chimeric heavy chain.
66. The protein of claim 63, wherein the at least one binding unit
is interconnected at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the
light chain.
67. The protein of claim 65, wherein the at least one binding unit
is interconnected at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the
heavy chain, and at least one binding unit is interconnected to the
N-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the light chain.
68. The protein of claim 65, wherein at least one binding unit is
interconnected at the N-terminal and C-terminal end of the heavy
chain, and/or at least one binding unit is interconnected to the
N-terminal and C-terminal end of the light chain.
69. The protein of claim 65, wherein at least one binding unit is
interconnected at the N-terminal and C-terminal end of the heavy
chain, and at least one binding unit is interconnected to the
N-terminal and C-terminal end of the light chain.
70. The protein of claim 1, wherein the protein further comprises
at least one additional binding unit interconnected between the Fab
arm and the Fc region.
71. The protein of claim 70, wherein at least one additional
binding unit is interconnected between L1 and the BD.
72. The protein of claim 70, wherein at least one additional
binding unit is interconnected between the BD and L2.
73. The protein of claim 71, wherein at least one additional
binding unit is interconnect to the BD by a polypeptide linker.
74. The protein of claim 63, wherein each binding unit is selected
from the group consisting of a Fab domain, an scFv, a single domain
antibody, a single chain diabody, an antibody mimetic, an antibody
variable domain, and a receptor binding domain.
75. The protein of claim 63, wherein the binding units each bind
different epitopes.
76. The protein of claim 63, wherein two or more binding units each
bind the same epitopes.
77. The protein of claim 63, wherein the at least one binding units
do not bind the first epitope and/or the second epitope.
78. The protein of claim 63, wherein the at least one binding units
do not bind the first epitope and do not bind the second
epitope.
79. A composition comprising the protein claim 1 formulated in a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
80. A nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding the protein of claim 1.
81. A nucleic acid composition comprising a first nucleic acid
molecule comprising a first nucleotide sequence and a second
nucleic acid molecule comprising a second nucleotide sequence;
wherein the protein of claim 1 is encoded by the first and second
nucleic acid molecules.
82. A vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim 80 or 81.
83. A host cell comprising the vector of claim 82.
Description
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY
[0001] This application incorporates by reference a Sequence
Listing submitted with this application as text file entitled
"AEMS_115WO1_SL" created on Nov. 5, 2012 and having a size of 99.2
kilobytes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Many diseases are caused by or associated with biomolecules,
and it is useful to develop disease treatments, therapies,
diagnostic reagents, and research reagents that target biomolecules
and, optionally, modulate their activities. Agents, including
therapeutic, diagnostic, and research agents, that bind to more
than one site may be desired, so that a single molecule can bind
either to multiple regions of the same target biomolecule, or else
to multiple different targets. The approach described herein
provides novel bispecific bivalent binding proteins based on a
unique core structure which may be adapted to generate binding
proteins that bind additional epitopes (i.e., have additional
specificities) e.g. trispecific binding proteins, tetraspecific
binding proteins, pentaspecific binding proteins.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The present disclosure generally provides proteins that bind
at least two epitopes (e.g., proteins that are, at least,
bispecific and bind to a first epitope and a second epitope). Note,
however, that the disclosure also provides proteins that, although
monospecific, exhibit tetravalency for binding to an epitope (e.g.,
a first a second binding unit each bind the same epitope).
[0004] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a protein comprising
a Fab arm that binds to a first epitope, a binding domain (BD) that
binds to a second epitope, and an Fc region comprising C.sub.H2 and
C.sub.H3 domains, wherein the BD is interconnected to the Fab arm
via a first polypeptide linker (L1) and to the Fc region via a
second polypeptide linker (L2), and wherein the protein is bivalent
for binding to each of the first and second epitopes.
[0005] In certain aspects, L1 and/or L2 comprise a hinge portion
and a linker portion. In certain aspects, the linker portion of L1
and/or L2 comprises a Gly-Ser peptide. In certain aspects, neither
L1 nor L2 comprise a hinge portion.
[0006] In certain aspects, the BD is selected from the group
consisting of an scFv, a single domain antibody, a single chain
diabody, an antibody mimetic, an antibody variable domain and a
receptor binding domain.
[0007] In certain aspects, the Fc region is selected from the group
consisting of an Fc region from an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA,
IgM, IgE and IgD.
[0008] In certain aspects, the Fc region is a variant sequence Fc
region.
[0009] In certain aspects, the protein comprises a chimeric heavy
chain comprising the following polypeptide domains, from N-terminus
to C-terminus: VH1-CH1-L1-BD-L2-Fc; wherein VH1 comprises an amino
acid sequence comprising the heavy chain variable domain of the
Fab, CH1 comprises an amino acid sequence comprising the heavy
chain constant domain 1 of the Fab, L1 comprises an amino acid
sequence comprising a first polypeptide linker, BD comprises an
amino acid sequence encoding binding unit 2, L2 comprises an amino
acid sequence comprising a second polypeptide linker, and Fc
comprises an amino acid sequence comprising C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3
domains.
[0010] In some aspects, BD comprises an scFv.
[0011] In some aspects, the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to
C-terminus, VH2-polypeptide linker-VL2 or VL2-polypeptide
linker-VH2, wherein VH2 comprises an amino acid sequence comprising
the heavy chain variable domain of scFv and VL2 comprises an amino
acid sequence comprising the light chain variable domain of the
scFv. In some aspects the polypeptide linker between VH2 and VL2
comprises a protease cleavage site.
[0012] In certain aspects, L1 comprises, from N-terminus to
C-terminus, a hinge portion and a linker portion.
[0013] In certain aspects, L2 comprises, from N-terminus to
C-terminus, a linker portion and a hinge portion.
[0014] In some aspects, the Fab arm binds to a first epitope
present on a target selected from EGFR, IGFR1, VEGF, Ang2, Psl or
PcrV.
[0015] In some aspects, the BD binds to a second epitope present on
a target selected from EGFR, IGFR1, VEGF, Ang2, Psl or PcrV.
[0016] In some aspects, the first and second epitopes are
different. In other aspects, the first and second epitopes are the
same. In certain aspects, the first and second epitopes are located
on the same target molecule. In other aspects, the first and second
epitopes are located on different target molecules.
[0017] In certain aspects, the Fab arm and/or the Fc region further
comprises at least one binding unit, wherein the at least one
binding unit is interconnected to the Fab arm and/or Fc region via
a polypeptide linker.
[0018] In some aspects, the at least one binding unit is selected
from the group consisting of a Fab arm, an scFv, a single domain
antibody, a single chain diabody, an antibody mimetic, an antibody
variable domain and a receptor binding domain.
[0019] In some aspects, the protein comprises more than two binding
units, such as at least three or at least four or at least five
binding units.
[0020] In certain aspects, the binding units (at least 2, 3, 4, 5,
etc) each bind different epitopes. In other aspects, two or more
binding units (in a molecule having at least 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) each
bind the same epitope. In some aspects, the protein comprises more
than two binding units, and none of binding unit 3, 4, 5, etc. bind
the first and/or the second epitope.
[0021] The present disclosure also provides a nucleic acid
composition comprising a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a
first nucleotide sequence and a second nucleic acid molecule
comprising a second nucleotide sequence, wherein the first and
second nucleic acid molecules encode a protein comprising a Fab arm
that binds to a first epitope, a binding domain (BD) that binds to
a second epitope, and an Fc region comprising C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3
domains, wherein the BD is interconnected to the Fab arm via a
first polypeptide linker (L1) and to the Fc region via a second
polypeptide linker (L2), and wherein the protein is bivalent for
binding to each of the first and second epitopes.
[0022] The disclosure contemplates all combinations of any of the
foregoing aspects, as well as combinations with any of the aspects
set forth in the detailed description and examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there are
depicted in the drawings certain aspects of the disclosure.
However, the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements
and instrumentalities of the aspects depicted in the drawings.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a representative bispecific
polypeptide bivalent for binding to each epitope. This depiction of
a bispecific polypeptide bivalent for binding to each epitope is
referred to herein as a biMab (bispecific and bivalent protein
comprising antibody portions). As depicted, this biMab has two
binding units, each of which binds a different epitope. The binding
units are labeled on the right side of the figure, but each of the
binding units are also present on the left side of the figure
(e.g., the molecule is bivalent for binding to each epitope; the
molecule is bilaterally symmetric with respect to the binding units
and upper and lower linker/hinge regions). The biMab epitopes can
be from the same or different target antigen; when the same target
is bound then the biMab binding units bind to non-overlapping
regions (i.e., different, preferably non-overlapping epitopes).
[0025] FIGS. 2A-2C provide representative DNA sequences and protein
sequences of chimeric heavy chain domains of a representative
biMab.
[0026] FIG. 2D provides an alignment of the proteins sequences of a
wild type hinge region and several representative L1 and L2
variations. The top panel shows representative L1 sequences, the
C.sub.H1 and BD domains are boxed, the cysteine that makes the
interchain disulphide bridge with the light chain and the aspartate
residue where undesirable cleavage may occur are indicated with
arrows. The bottom panel shows representative L2 sequences, the BD
and C.sub.H2 domains are boxed, the optional serine insertion (made
to introduce an XhoI restriction site for directional cloning) and
the aspartate residue where undesirable cleavage may occur are
indicated with arrows. Removal of the indicated asparte (e.g., use
of linkers lacking this residue or having an amino acid
substitution at this position) can reduce undesirable cleavage
within the L1 and L2 linkers.
[0027] FIG. 3 provides protein sequence of two representative
biMabs. Note that actual amino acid sequence is not provided for
the following portions of the molecule: VARIABLE HEAVY DOMAIN I;
scFv VH domain II; scFv VL domain II. These portions of the
molecule will comprise amino acid sequence for the particular
binding unit used. The two linker/hinge regions are underlined with
the hinge portion bolded.
[0028] FIG. 4A shows the DNA sequence and protein sequence for the
hinge portion of the upper hinge/linker (also referred to as L1) of
a representative biMab, as well as a schematic representation of
that biMab. The sequence of this hinge portion is depicted on the
right hand side of the schematic and is EPKSCDKT (SEQ ID NO:4). The
sequence for the linker portion of the upper hinge/linker (L1) is
not shown on the schematic.
[0029] FIG. 4B shows the DNA sequence and protein sequence for the
modified hinge portion of the upper hinge/linker (also referred to
as L1) of a representative biMab, as well as a schematic
representation of that biMab. The sequence of this hinge portion is
depicted on the right hand side of the schematic and is EPKSCGKT
(SEQ ID NO:6). The residue (G) in this modified upper hinge, which
has been modified from the normal IgG1 upper hinge sequence (see
also the sequence in FIG. 4A), is shown as underlined, bold and
italic. The sequence for the linker portion of the upper
hinge/linker (L1) is not shown on the schematic.
[0030] FIG. 4C shows the DNA sequence and protein sequence for the
short hinge portion of the upper hinge/linker (also referred to as
L1) of a representative biMab, as well as a schematic
representation of that biMab. The sequence of this hinge portion is
depicted on the right hand side of the schematic and is EPKSC (SEQ
ID NO:38). The C-terminal three amino acid residues of the human
IgG1 upper hinge are not present in this short upper hinge, which
has been modified from the normal IgG1 upper hinge sequence (see
also the sequence in FIG. 4A). The sequence for the linker portion
of the upper hinge/linker (L1) is not shown on the schematic.
[0031] FIG. 5A shows the DNA and protein sequences for both the
linker and hinge portions of the linker/lower hinge (also referred
to as L2) of a representative biMab, as well as a schematic
representation of that biMab. The linker portion is a
poly-glycine-serine linker and the hinge portion is a modified
hinge. The sequence of this linker/lower hinge is depicted on the
right hand side of the schematic. The residue (V) in this modified
hinge, which has been modified from the normal IgG1 hinge sequence
(see also the alignment in FIG. 2D), is shown as underlined, bold
and italic.
[0032] FIG. 5B shows the DNA and protein sequences for both the
linker and hinge portions of the linker/lower hinge of a
representative biMab (also referred to as L2), as well as a
schematic representation of that biMab. The linker portion is a
poly-glycine-serine linker and the hinge portion is a shortened
hinge. The sequence of this linker/lower hinge is depicted on the
right hand side of the schematic. This hinge is a portion of the
normal IgG1 hinge sequence (see also the alignment in FIG. 2D).
[0033] FIG. 5C shows the DNA and protein sequences for both the
linker and hinge portions of the linker/lower hinge of a
representative biMab (also referred to as L2), as well as a
schematic representation of that biMab. The linker portion is a
poly-glycine-serine linker and the hinge portion is also a
shortened modified hinge. The sequence of this linker/lower hinge
is depicted on the right hand side of the schematic. This hinge is
a portion of the normal IgG1 hinge sequence (see also the alignment
in FIG. 2D). FIGS. 6A-D show the DNA sequence, protein sequence of
light and heavy chains of a representative anti-EGFR/IGF1R biMab
(biMab-EI), and a schematic representation of this biMab.
[0034] FIGS. 7A-D FIGS. 7A-C show the DNA sequence and protein
sequence of light and heavy chains of a representative
anti-VEGF/Ang2 biMab (biMab-VA), and FIG. 7D shows a schematic
representation of this biMab.
[0035] FIG. 8A-D FIGS. 8A-C show the DNA sequence and protein
sequence of light and heavy chains of a representative
anti-PcrV/Psl biMab (Bs4-V2L2-2C), and FIG. 8D shows a schematic
representation of this biMab.
[0036] FIG. 9 shows the transient expression levels, in mg/L, of
representative biMabs (e.g., biMab-EI and biMab-VA) after 10 days
of transient expression in 293 cells.
[0037] FIG. 10 shows size-exclusion chromatograms (SEC-HPLC) for
representative biMabs (e.g., biMab-EI and biMab-VA) after protein A
purification and dialysis in 25 mM Histidine-HCl pH 6. The
chromatogram for biMab-EI is provided on the left and the
chromatogram for biMab-VA is provided on the right. Monomeric
content (%) after protein A purification and retention time
(minutes) are schematically shown on the figure.
[0038] FIG. 11A shows the thermogram obtained using differential
scanning calorimetry for biMab-EI and provides comparison to the
parental conventional antibodies. Transition temperatures
corresponding to the biMab domains are shown and have been
identified by overlaying the melting transitions for the parental
conventional antibodies (anti-EGFR antibody (PaniX) and the
anti-IGF1R antibody (Dalo)). The temperature of the peaks and
antibody are indicated for each trace.
[0039] FIG. 11B shows the thermogram obtained using differential
scanning calorimetry for biMab-VA and provides comparison to the
parental conventional antibodies. Transition temperatures
corresponding to the biMab domains are shown (black lines) and have
been identified by overlaying the melting transitions for the
parental conventional antibodies (anti-VEGF antibody (Ava) and the
anti-Ang2 antibody (LC06)). The temperature of the peaks and
antibody are indicated for each trace.
[0040] FIG. 12A depicts the results of an ELISA in which the
binding of biMab-EI, the parental conventional anti-EGFR mAb
(PaniX), or the parental conventional anti-IGF1R mAb (Dalo) is
measured. The results in the left hand panel depict binding to
immobilized EGFR. The results in the right hand panel depict
binding to immobilized IGF1R.
[0041] FIG. 12B depicts the results of an ELISA in which the
binding of biMab-VA, the parental conventional anti-VEGF mAb (Ava),
or the parental conventional anti-Ang2 mAb (LC06) is measured. The
results in the left hand panel depict binding to immobilized
VEGF-165. The results in the right hand panel depict binding to
immobilized Ang2.
[0042] FIGS. 13A-B show the concurrent binding of biMab-EI to its
targets EGFR and IGF1R as determined using BIAcore. For the
depicted experiments, biMab-EI was immobilized and its respective
ligands were run trough. Concurrent binding is observed by increase
in the binding response (RU). The concurrent binding is observed
regardless of the injection sequence of the targets.
[0043] FIGS. 14A-D show the concurrent binding of biMab-VA to its
targets VEGF and Ang2 as determined using BIAcore. The immobilized
molecule was biMab-VA (panels A and B), Ang2 (panel C), and VEGF
(Panel D). Concurrent binding is observed by increase in the
binding response (RU). The concurrent binding is observed
regardless of the injection sequence of the targets and regardless
of what reagent was immobilized on the BIAcore sensor surface.
[0044] FIG. 15 provides K.sub.D values for binding to human FcRn by
biMab-EI, biMab-VA and the parental conventional anti-EGFR mAb used
in constructing the biMab-EI. KD values were determined by using
BIAcore equilibrium binding.
[0045] FIG. 16 depicts the results of ELISA analysis in which the
binding to human C1q by each of biMab-EI, biMab-VA, the parental
conventional anti-EGFR mAb, or BSA are assayed.
[0046] FIG. 17 provides the results of a cell killing assay
measuring cell viability in response to: biMab-EI, the parental
conventional anti-EGFR mAb, the parental conventional anti-IGR1R
mAb, a mixture of the two parental conventional anti-EGFR and
anti-IGF1R antibodies used in constructing biMab-EI, and an isotype
control antibody.
[0047] FIG. 18A-B shows the inhibition of pTie2 (natural receptor
of Ang2) phosphorylation (FIG. 18A) and inhibition of pVEGFR2
(natural receptor of VEGF) phosphorylation by biMab-VA. The
parental antibodies and negative control antibodies were included
in these sets of experiments.
[0048] FIG. 19 shows that biMab-EI and biMab-VA can be concentrated
without significant monomer loss.
[0049] FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of two conventional
bispecific antibody formats refereed to as Bs2, Bs3 in which an
scFv is fused to the amino terminus of the variable region (Bs2) or
the carboxy-terminus of CH3 (Bs3) of a heavy chain through a linker
(e.g., (G.sub.4S).sub.2). An exemplary biMab of in the instant
invention having an scFv inserted in the hinge region, linked by a
linker on the N-terminal and C-terminal of the scFv is shown for
comparison (also see FIG. 8). Two different Bs2 constructs are
shown, for Bs2-V2L2-2C the W4-RAD scFv is fused to the
amino-terminus of the V2L2 VH (See, SEQ ID NOS:51 and 53 for the
amino acid sequence of the light and heavy chains respectively, and
SEQ ID NOS: 50 and 52 for the corresponding nucleotide sequences),
for Bs2-W4-RAD-2C the V2L2 scFv is fused to the amino-terminus of
W4-RAD VH (See SEQ ID NOS: 55 and 57 for the amino acid sequence of
the light and heavy chains, respectively and SEQ ID NOS: 54 and 56
for the corresponding nucleotide sequences). For Bs3-V2L2-2C, the
W4-RAD scFv is fused to the carboxy-terminus of CH3 (See SEQ ID
NOS:59 and 61 for the amino acid sequence of the light and heavy
chains, respectively and SEQ ID NOS: 58 and 60 for the
corresponding nucleotide sequences). For the BiMab Bs4-V2L2-2C, the
W4-RAD scFv is inserted in the hinge region (See FIG. 8 and SEQ ID
NOS:42 and 45 for the amino acid sequence of the light and heavy
chains respectively).
[0050] FIG. 21 shows that BS2-V2L2, BS3-V2L2, and BS4-V2L2 all
prevented lysis of RBCs similar to the parental control (V2L2).
R347 was used as a negative control.
[0051] FIG. 22 shows an opsonophagocytosis assay with luminescent
P. aeruginosa serogroup 05 strain (PAO1.lux), with dilutions of
purified the W4-RAD parental antibody; the Psl/PcrV bispecific
antibodies Bs2-V2L2-2C, Bs3-V2L2-2C, Bs4-V2L2-2C. The Bs2-V2L2-2C
and Bs4-V2L2-2C antibodies showed similar killing compared to the
parental W4-RAD antibody, the killing for the Bs3-V2L2-2C antibody
was decreased. R347 was used as a negative control in all
experiments.
[0052] FIG. 23A-D shows In vivo survival study of mice treated with
different anti-Psl/anti-PcrV bispecific antibodies in a 6206 acute
pneumonia model system. In all studies the control mice succumbed
to infection by .about.30-48 hours post infection. Studies A-D are
show in panels A-D, respectively. FIG. 23A shows all of the
Bs3-V2L2 animals survived, along with those which received the V2L2
control. Approximately 90% of the W4-RAD immunized animals
survived. In contrast, approximately 50% of the Bs2-V2L2 animals
succumbed to infection by 120 hours. FIG. 23B: Bs4-V2L2-2C had
greater activity in comparison to Bs2-V2L2 at both 1.0 and 0.5
mg/kg. FIG. 23C: Bs4-V2L2-2C appeared to have greater activity in
comparison to Bs2-V2L2 at 1.0 mg/kg. FIG. 23D: Bs4-V2L2-2C had
greater activity in comparison to Bs3-V2L2 at 0.5 mg/kg.
[0053] FIG. 24 shows the percent protection against lethal
pneumonia in mice treated with the Bs2, Bs3, BiMab, parental
antibodies alone and in combination. The mice were treated with
different doses of antibody ranging from 0.2 mg/kg to 15 mg/kg. The
percent survival is indicated in the table with the number of
animals for each comparison indicated in parentheses.
[0054] FIG. 25 illustrates a biMab that carries site-specific
modifications for points of attachment of drugs or toxins. The
modifications are shown on the C.sub.H2 Fc domain of the biMab for
illustration purposes only. Modifications can be introduced in any
domain of the biMab or can be introduced in multiple domains of the
biMab. The drug or toxin can be conjugated to the biMab using
chemical- or protein-mediated conjugation methods. Site-specific
protease cleavage sites can be engineered in or around the linkers
that connect the active drug or toxin to the biMab if the release
of the drug or toxin is needed. The binding units of the biMab
modified for site-specific drug conjugation are labeled with the
letters A and B. This biMab modified for site-specific drug
conjugation is bispecific bivalent for each target. Of note, the
biMab targets can be different or can be the same. When the targets
are the same, the biMab binding units may bind to non-overlapping
regions (e.g., bispecific, bivalent), or may bind the same epitope
(e.g., monospecific, tetravalent).
[0055] FIG. 26 illustrates multispecific binding units that can be
generated using the biMab "core" structure as a base. As
schematically illustrated, the biMab "core" structure is made of
binding units A and B (also see FIG. 1). Using the A+B "core"
structure, other binding units can be linked at each terminal end
of the polypeptides that make up the A+B "core," specifically at
positions C, D, E and F. Thus, using the biMab core as base
structure, trispecific binding units (A+B+C; A+B+D; A+B+E; A+B+F);
tetraspecific binding units (A+B+C+D; A+B+C+E; A+B+C+F; A+B+D+E;
A+B+D+F; A+B+E+F); pentaspecific binding units (A+B+C+D+E;
A+B+C+D+F; A+B+D+E+F); and hexaspecific binding units (A+B+C+D+E+F)
can be generated. As indicated in the Table, all the binding
proteins are bivalent for each epitope. Binding units B, C, D, E,
and F can be any binding moiety, for example, antibody fragments
(such as scFv in any possible domain orientation and with any
linker length and composition); single antibody domains (such as VH
or VL); antibody mimetics, such as polypeptide scaffolds that mimic
the binding structure of an antibody; protein domains, such as
immunologic mediators (e.g., cytokines); ligand binding domains;
and macromolecular toxins. The binding units B, C, D, E, and F can
be linked using genetic methods or by in vitro chemical- or
protein-mediated conjugation methods. The linker connecting the
units B, C, D, E, and F can be but not limited to (GGGGS) repeats.
Site-specific protease cleavage sites can be engineered in or
around the linkers if the release of the units B, C, D, E, and F is
needed (see for e.g., FIG. 29). The various binding units (A, B, C,
D, E, and F) may bind epitopes from the same or different target
antigens; when the same target is bound then the binding units bind
to non-overlapping regions (i.e., different, preferably
non-overlapping epitopes). It will be understood based on the
teachings herein that the valency of any of the above binding
proteins can be increased by the incorporation of binding units
that bind the same epitope. For example, but not by way of
limitation, the addition of the same binding unit at C and D will
result in a binding molecule that is bivalent for the different
epitopes bound by A and B and will be tetravalent for the epitope
bound by the binding units at C and D (which bind the same
epitope).
[0056] FIG. 27A-J illustrates several multispecific binding units
that can be generated by linking additional scFv units to the biMab
"core" structure (indicated by the dashed box) as described in FIG.
26. FIG. 27A: trispecific binding units A+B+F (TriMab1); FIG. 27B:
trispecific binding units A+B+C (TriMab2); FIG. 27C: trispecific
binding units A+B+E (TriMab3); and FIG. 27D: trispecific binding
units A+B+D (TriMab4); FIG. 27E: trispecific binding units (A+B+C+D
(TetraMab1) FIG. 27F: trispecific binding units A+B+D+E
(TetraMab2); FIG. 27G: pentaspecific binding units A+B+C+D+E
(PentaMab1); FIG. 27H: pentaspecific binding units A+B+C+D+F
(PentaMab2); and FIG. 27I: pentaspecific binding units (A+B+D+E+F
PentaMab3); FIG. 27J: the hexaspecific binding unit
A+B+C+D+E+F.
[0057] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a representative extended
biMab "core" having two tandem binding units, 2a and 2b (depicted
here as scFvs) inserted at the hinge region of a human IgG. This
figure is for illustration purpose only and is not intended to
limit the number or type of binding units which may be inserted at
the hinge. The binding units inserted at the hinge can be any
binding moiety, for example, antibody fragments (such as scFv in
any possible domain orientation and with any linker length and
composition); single antibody domains (such as VH or VL); antibody
mimetics, such as polypeptide scaffolds that mimic the binding
structure of an antibody; protein domains, such as immunologic
mediators (e.g., cytokines); ligand binding domains; and
macromolecular toxins. The intra-molecular and/or inter-molecular
linkers connecting the binding units present in the hinge can be
but not limited to (GGGGS) repeats. Site-specific protease cleavage
sites can be engineered in or around the linkers if the release of
the units B, C, D, E, and F is needed (see for e.g., FIG. 29).
Where the binding unit is an scFv they may be present in any given
orientation and may comprise mutations to change the
chemicophysical properties of the scFv domains. The various binding
units may bind epitopes from the same or different target antigens;
when the same target is bound then the binding units bind to
non-overlapping regions (i.e., different, preferably
non-overlapping epitopes). It will be understood based on the
teachings herein that the valency of any of the above binding
proteins can be increased by the incorporation of binding units
that bind the same epitope. For example, but not by way of
limitation, the addition of the same binding unit at 2a and 2b will
result in a binding molecule that is bivalent for the different
epitopes bound by binding units 1 and binding units 2a/2b and will
be tetravalent for the epitope bound by the binding units at 2a and
2b (which bind the same epitope).
[0058] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of a representative biMab
"core" wherein binding unit 2 is an scFv having a polypeptide
linker comprising two protease cleavage sites. The left panel
depicts the structure prior to protease cleavage. The right panel
depicts the structure post protease treatment, which results in the
removal of the linker present between VH2 and VL2 of the scFv. The
resulting protein is a disulphide-bridged homodimer, comprising a
total of six separate polypeptide chains.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] Before continuing to describe the present disclosure in
further detail, it is to be understood that this disclosure is not
limited to specific compositions or process steps, as such may
vary. It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the
appended claims, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0060] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention is related. For
example, the Concise Dictionary of Biomedicine and Molecular
Biology, Juo, Pei-Show, 2nd ed., 2002, CRC Press; The Dictionary of
Cell and Molecular Biology, 3rd ed., 1999, Academic Press; and the
Oxford Dictionary Of Biochemistry And Molecular Biology, Revised,
2000, Oxford University Press, provide one of skill with a general
dictionary of many of the terms used in this invention.
[0061] Amino acids may be referred to herein by either their
commonly known three letter symbols or by the one-letter symbols
recommended by the IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission.
Nucleotides, likewise, may be referred to by their commonly
accepted single-letter codes.
[0062] The numbering of amino acids in the variable domain,
complementarity determining region (CDRs) and framework regions
(FR), of an antibody follow, unless otherwise indicated, the Kabat
definition as set forth in Kabat et al. Sequences of Proteins of
Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991). Using this numbering
system, the actual linear amino acid sequence may contain fewer or
additional amino acids corresponding to a shortening of, or
insertion into, a FR or CDR of the variable domain. For example, a
heavy chain variable domain may include a single amino acid
insertion (residue 52a according to Kabat) after residue 52 of H2
and inserted residues (e.g. residues 82a, 82b, and 82c, etc
according to Kabat) after heavy chain FR residue 82. The Kabat
numbering of residues may be determined for a given antibody by
alignment at regions of homology of the sequence of the antibody
with a "standard" Kabat numbered sequence. Maximal alignment of
framework residues frequently requires the insertion of "spacer"
residues in the numbering system, to be used for the Fv region. In
addition, the identity of certain individual residues at any given
Kabat site number may vary from antibody chain to antibody chain
due to interspecies or allelic divergence.
[0063] As used herein, the terms "antibody" and "antibodies", also
known as immunoglobulins, encompass monoclonal antibodies
(including full-length monoclonal antibodies), polyclonal
antibodies, multispecific antibodies formed from at least two
different epitope binding fragments (e.g., multispecifc antibodies,
e.g., PCT publication WO2009018386, PCT Application No.
PCT/US2012/045229, incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety), biMabs, human antibodies, humanized antibodies,
camelised antibodies, single-chain Fvs (scFv), single-chain
antibodies, single domain antibodies, domain antibodies, Fab
fragments, F(ab')2 fragments, antibody fragments that exhibit the
desired biological activity (e.g. the antigen binding portion),
disulfide-linked Fvs (dsFv), and anti-idiotypic (anti-Id)
antibodies (including, e.g., anti-Id antibodies to antibodies of
the invention), intrabodies, and epitope-binding fragments of any
of the above. In particular, antibodies include immunoglobulin
molecules and immunologically active fragments of immunoglobulin
molecules, i.e., molecules that contain at least one
antigen-binding site. Antibodies also include peptide fusions with
antibodies or portions thereof such as a protein fused to an Fc
domain. Immunoglobulin molecules can be of any isotype (e.g., IgG,
IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY), subisotype (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3,
IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or allotype (e.g., Gm, e.g., G1m(f, z, a or
x), G2m(n), G3m(g, b, or c), Am, Em, and Km(1, 2 or 3)). Antibodies
may be derived from any mammal, including, but not limited to,
humans, monkeys, pigs, horses, rabbits, dogs, cats, mice, etc., or
other animals such as birds (e.g. chickens).
A. Novel Bispecific Binding Proteins
[0064] Adding multiple binding sites to a single binding molecule
can greatly enhance the capabilities (e.g. therapeutic, diagnostic,
etc) of the molecule. For example, a bispecific antibody may bind
to more than one region of the same target biomolecule, conferring
greater specificity than a uni-specific polypeptide that binds to
only one epitope on a target. Alternately, a bispecific antibody
may bind to multiple target biomolecules, such as targets that are
present in a complex, or targets for which sequestering and/or
clustering is desired. In a third scenario, the same bispecific
antibody may perform distinct functions at any given time,
depending on the localization and/or expression of its target
molecules.
[0065] Described herein are novel binding proteins. Exemplary
configurations of these novel binding proteins are referred to as
"biMabs". Schematic representations of exemplary biMabs, as well as
specific examples of particular biMabs are provided herein. More
generally, a biMab is polypeptide containing two binding units,
each of which binds to an epitope (e.g., binding unit 1 binds to a
first epitope and binding unit 2 binds to a second epitope). The
basic biMab is bivalent for binding to each of the two epitopes
(e.g., the polypeptide comprises two binding unit 1's and two
binding unit 2's). Thus, where the binding unit 1 and 2 bind
different epitopes, the biMab has the multi-specificity of a
conventional bispecific antibody and the bivalency of a
conventional antibody molecule. Where binding unit 1 and 2 bind the
same epitope the biMab has monospecificity of a conventional
antibody but is tetravalent. In addition to binding units, biMabs
also include linker polypeptides and an Fc portion. The present
disclosure also provides binding proteins which bind to more than
two epitopes by the addition of additional binding units to the
"core" biMab structure to generate trispecific, tetraspecific,
pentaspecific and hexaspecific binding proteins which are bivalent
for each epitope (see for example FIGS. 26, 27 and 28). The present
disclosure provides binding proteins, such as biMabs, and binding
proteins comprising a biMab core. Binding proteins of the
disclosure comprise binding units, linker polypeptides and an Fc
portion, as described herein. The disclosure also provides nucleic
acid molecules encoding such biMabs and methods of producing and
using such biMabs. biMabs, binding proteins comprising a biMab
core, and the various portions of biMabs are described in greater
detail herein.
[0066] A biMab, as described herein, comprises two heavy-light
chain pairs, wherein the heavy and light chains each comprise a
variable region (e.g. VL and VH), which together form a first
binding unit, and wherein the heavy chains further comprises a
second binding unit (e.g. an scFv). Where the first and second
binding units bind different epitopes each heavy-light chain pair
is bispecific and the two pairs together are bivalent for each
epitope. Where the first and second binding units bind the same
epitope each heavy-light chain pair is monospecific and the two
pairs together are tetravalent for the epitope. In some aspects,
the two heavy-light chain pairs are identical. In some aspects, the
two heavy-light chain pairs are not identical.
[0067] The domains of the biMabs may be based on immunoglobulin
domains. Immunoglobulin molecules such as monoclonal antibodies
(mAbs) are widely used as diagnostic and therapeutic agents, and
methods for engineering the binding fragments of mAbs are
well-known in the art. Monoclonal antibodies, like all
immunoglobulin molecules, are made up of peptide subunits. A
typical or conventional mAb comprises two heavy chain subunits and
two light chain subunits. Each mAb heavy chain contains one
variable domain (VH) which contributes to antigen binding, and a
constant domain (CH) made up of three or four subregions (C.sub.H1,
C.sub.H2, C.sub.H3, C.sub.H4). Each mAb light chain contains one
variable domain (VL) and one constant domain (CL). There are two
isotypes of light chain constant domains, kappa (.kappa.) and
lambda (.lamda.), found in mammals. Disulfide bonds join each
C.sub.H1 domain to one CL domain, and join C.sub.H2 domains to one
another. Five types of heavy chains (.alpha., .delta., .epsilon.,
.gamma., and .mu.) are found in different classes of antibodies
(IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM). mAb heavy chains have hinge regions
which confer structural flexibility and mobility. biMabs of the
disclosure may have a similar overall structure to a conventional
antibody, but are distinguishable by the presence of an additional
binding unit located between a first antigen binding portion and an
Fc portion. Thus, unlike conventional antibodies that are bivalent
for binding to a single epitope, biMab's are bivalent for binding
to two epitopes. However, as described herein, biMab's still
maintain numerous desirable properties of conventional antibodies,
such as ability to bind FcRn and ability to bind C1q and Fc.gamma.
receptors (e.g., indicative of ability to mediate antibody and
complement dependent cytotoxicity).
[0068] mAb fragments containing only select portions of a mAb
molecule, such as Fab, F(ab').sub.2, Fab', scFv, di-scFv, sdAb
fragments, have also been used as diagnostic or therapeutic agents.
In addition, specific residues in the variable domains have been
altered to improve binding specificity of antibodies and antibody
fragments. Other residues not directly involved in antigen binding
have been replaced in order to "humanize" regions of non-human
antibodies and reduce immunogenicity of the mAb.
[0069] Although biMabs differ from conventional antibodies, for
example, they are bivalent for binding to two different epitopes
(or tetravalent for binding to a single epitope), many of the
portions of biMabs are derived from or analogous to portions of
conventional antibodies. Any mAb domains and/or fragments known in
the art may be used in the biMabs described herein. In particular,
the biMab may comprise Fab and/or scFvs fragments, or variants
thereof. Exemplary, non-limiting variants of scFvs include but are
not limited to tandem di-scFvs, tandem tri-scFvs, diabodies, and
tri(a)bodies. Thus, in certain aspects, the disclosure provides a
bivalent, multispecific polypeptide comprising a Fab that binds to
a first epitope (binding unit 1), an scFv or variant of an scFv
that binds to a second epitope (binding unit 2), an Fc comprising
at least C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3 domains, a polypeptide linker
interconnecting binding unit one to binding unit two (L; upper
hinge/linker), and a polypeptide linker interconnecting binding
unit 2 to the Fc (L2; linker/lower hinge).
[0070] The disclosure relates generally to novel binding proteins
of the disclosure, of which biMabs are an illustrative example.
Additional examples are binding proteins comprising a biMab core as
well as one or more additional binding units (see, e.g., FIGS. 27
and 28) and/or binding proteins comprising an extended biMab core
(see, e.g., FIG. 29). It should be understood that whenever biMabs
or features of biMabs are described herein, such description
applies generally to the novel binding proteins of the disclosure,
regardless of whether such binding proteins include two binding
units or more than two binding units. Accordingly, the term biMab
is exemplary of binding proteins of the disclosure and, where
context permits, any such reference to biMab may also be used to
describe binding proteins comprising a biMab core.
[0071] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary biMab of
the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, one aspect of a biMab
of the disclosure comprises two identical heavy-light chain pairs,
wherein each heavy-light chain pair is bispecific and the two
identical pairs are together bivalent for each epitope. Each
heavy-light chain pair comprises a Fab domain that binds a first
epitope (binding unit 1), a binding domain (BD) that binds a second
epitope (binding unit 2; depicted as an scFv in FIG. 1), and an Fc
region. More specifically, the biMab comprises two chimeric heavy
chains, each comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH1), a
heavy chain constant region (CH1), a first polypeptide linker
(labeled upper hinge/linker in FIG. 1; also referred to herein as
L1), a binding domain (BD), a second polypeptide linker (labeled
linker/lower hinge in FIG. 1; also referred to herein as L2) and an
Fc region comprising a C.sub.H2 domain and C.sub.H3 domain. The
biMab of the disclosure also comprises two conventional antibody
light chains, each comprising a light chain variable region (VL1)
and light chain constant region (CL). The binding domain (binding
unit 2) of the particular biMab illustrated in FIG. 1 is an scFv.
However, the binding domain of a biMab according to various aspects
of the present disclosure may be any binding domain known in the
art.
[0072] FIG. 1 provides a useful schematic representation of a
biMab, also referred to herein as a biMab "core". FIGS. 2 and 3
provide additional description of the heavy chain of a
representative biMab. We refer to the polypeptide chain, as shown
in FIG. 1, comprising: a VH1 domain, a CH1 domain, an upper
hinge/linker (also referred to herein as L1 or a first polypeptide
linker), binding unit 2 (such as VL2 and VH2 of an scFv), a
linker/lower hinge (also referred to herein as L2 or a second
polypeptide linker), and Fc (such as a C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3
domain). Because this heavy chain may include traditional light
chain regions, it is referred to herein as a chimeric heavy chain.
A biMab comprises two such chimeric heavy chains, and these may be
the same or different. Note that the variable heavy chain domain
(VH) for binding unit 1 is referred to as VH1. In certain aspects,
this is a variable heavy chain of a Fab that binds to a first
epitope. Similarly, the variable light chain domain (VL) for
binding unit 1 is referred to as VL1. In certain aspects, this is a
variable light chain of a Fab that binds to a first epitope. In
contrast, the domains for binding unit two are denoted with the
number "2", such as VH2 and VL2 for aspects in which binding unit 2
is an scFv that binds to a second epitope.
[0073] FIG. 2 provides DNA and amino acid sequence information for
several domains used in exemplary biMab chimeric heavy chains. The
portions of the chimeric heavy chain are presented in FIGS. 2A-2C.
At the top of FIG. 2A, the DNA and protein sequence of the VH1
region is shown schematically. For any particular biMab, this
actual sequence would correspond to the VH1 of the particular
binding unit one, such as the VH1 for a particular Fab. FIG. 2A
then provides the DNA and protein sequence for an exemplary
C.sub.H1 domain and the full human IgG1 hinge region. This is
followed by DNA and amino acid sequences for several exemplary
options for polypeptide linker 1 (L1) which interconnects the Fab
and the BD in a biMab. L1 may comprise a hinge portion and a linker
portion (upper hinge/linker), and this is depicted in FIG. 2A. FIG.
2A first depicts an example of a hinge portion of L1 (denoted as
upper hinge, in this case human Ig1 upper hinge). Note that FIG. 2A
depicts three possible aspects of a hinge portion for L1, denoted
as human IgG1 upper hinge or modified human IgG1 upper hinge. These
hinge portions differ in that the modified hinge portion contains a
D to G substitution immediately following the cysteine or are
lacking the residues after the cysteine. FIG. 2A then depicts the
linker portion of L1, here, a G.sub.4S linker. The upper hinge
portion and linker portion together form L1. However, in certain
aspects, L1 includes only a linker portion or only a hinge
portion.
[0074] FIG. 2B depicts schematically the DNA and protein sequence
of binding unit 2, here an scFv, which may be in VH2-linker-VL2 or
VL2-linker-VH2 orientation. For any particular biMab, this sequence
would correspond to, for example, the VH2 and VL2 sequences for the
particular binding unit 2, as well as the appropriate linker for
these VH2 and VL2 domains. It will be appreciated that the hinge
and linker portions of L1 may be repeated, such that for example,
L1 comprises two hinge portions and two linker portions.
[0075] The DNA and amino acid sequence for an exemplary second
polypeptide linker (L2; also referred to as linker/lower hinge) is
depicted on FIGS. 2A and 2B. The linker portion of L2 is provided
on the bottom of FIG. 2B. As depicted, this linker portion is a
G.sub.4S linker. The hinge portion of an L2 is depicted on the
bottom of FIG. 2B (note, this hinge portion is depicted as lower
hinge or hinge variant). FIG. 2B provides three aspects for a hinge
portion of L2, hinge variant of human IgG1 and lower hinge of human
IgG1. A lower hinge portion and linker portion together form L2
(also referred to as linker/lower hinge). However, in certain
aspects, L2 includes only a linker portion or only a hinge
portion.
[0076] FIG. 2C provides DNA and amino acid sequence for Fc C.sub.H2
and C.sub.H3 domains. The C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3 domains depicted in
FIG. 2B are from an IgG1 although a biMab could readily be
generated using the Fc from any Ig class, including IgM, IgG, IgD,
IgA and IgE, and any isotype, including IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4.
It will be appreciated that the hinge and linker portions of L2 may
be repeated, such that for example, L2 comprises two hinge portions
and two linker portions.
[0077] Finally, FIG. 2D provides an alignment of the protein
sequences of a wild type hinge region and several representative L1
and L2 variations. Indicated is the aspartate where an undesirable
cleavage event may occur. In certain aspects this aspartate is not
present in L1 and/or L2. In certain aspects, the aspartate is
replaced with another amino acid residue (e.g., a glycine). In
other aspects, the aspartate residue is deleted. Also represented
is a variation of L2 that comprises an amino acid insertion (e.g.,
serine). This amino acid insertion was made in order to introduce a
restriction site (e.g., XhoI) into the DNA sequence encoding the
linker. It is contemplated that desired restriction sites may be
incorporated into any linker present in a binding protein of the
invention, in particular to facilitate cloning of binding
domains.
[0078] FIG. 3 provides another representation of the amino acid
sequence of the chimeric heavy chain for an exemplary schematic
depiction of a biMab. Of course, it should be understood that the
specific sequence for the VH1 (variable heavy chain domain 1 of
binding unit 1) and the specific sequence for binding domain 2
(depicted as an svFc in the VH2-linker-VL2 orientation) are not
provided. These sequences will depend upon the particular binding
units that make up a particular biMab. However, the relative
position of the portions of the biMab relative to each other is
maintained (e.g., the biMab format is the same--although the
particular binding units vary).
[0079] In FIG. 3, L1 and L2 are underlined and italicized, and the
hinge portions of L1 and L2 are bolded. In the top panel, the hinge
portion of L1 corresponds to the human IgG1 upper hinge, whereas in
the bottom panel the hinge portion of L1 corresponds to the
modified human IgG1 upper hinge. In the top panel, the hinge
portion of L2 corresponds to the lower hinge variant of human IgG1,
whereas in the bottom panel the hinge portion of L2 corresponds to
the lower hinge of human IgG1. In either case, L1 interconnects
binding unit 1 to binding unit 2, for example, by interconnecting
the VH1 of binding unit 1 to the VH2 of binding unit 2. L2
interconnects binding unit 2 to Fc, for example, by interconnecting
the VL2 of binding unit 2 to the C.sub.H2 domain of an Fc.
[0080] Further schematic representations of representative biMabs
are provided in FIGS. 4 and 5. These figures depict the relative
position in the molecule of the hinge portions of L1 and L2. For
example, in FIGS. 4A-4C, the relative position of the hinge portion
of L1 is depicted. L1 may further include a linker portion, the
sequence of which is not shown in FIG. 4A, 4B or 4C. Examples of L1
further comprising a linker portion are provided in SEQ ID NO:62,
63, and 64). Note, however, that when present, the hinge portion of
L1 is interconnected directly to binding unit 1 (e.g., is
contiguous with a portion of binding unit 1) and the linker portion
is interconnected directly to binding unit 2 (e.g., is contiguous
with a portion of binding unit 2). Because of this configuration,
L1 is also referred to as upper hinge/linker. By way of further
example, FIGS. 5A-5C depict the relative position of the hinge
portion of L2. L2 may further include a linker portion, the
sequence of which is not shown in FIG. 5A, 5B or 5C. Note, however,
that when present, the hinge portion of L2 is interconnected
directly to the Fc domain (e.g., is contiguous with a portion of an
Fc domain) and the linker portion is interconnected directly to
binding unit 2 (e.g., is contiguous with a portion of binding unit
2). Because of this configuration, L2 is also referred to as
linker/lower hinge.
[0081] Having now described the overall biMab format, also referred
to herein as the biMab "core". The various portions and exemplary
functional properties of biMabs of the disclosure are described in
greater detail below. The disclosure contemplates biMabs comprising
combinations of any of the aspects, such as aspects describing
portions of a molecule or functional features of a molecule,
disclosed above or below.
1. Binding Units
[0082] biMabs of the disclosure comprise at least two binding units
(binding unit 1 and binding unit 2). In certain aspects each
binding unit binds to a different epitope, either different
epitopes located on the same target molecule or epitopes on
different targets. Because each binding unit of a biMab is present
as a pair (there are two binding unit 1s and two binding unit 2s)
biMabs exhibit bivalent binding to each epitope. It will be
understood from the teachings herein, that where each binding unit
binds the same epitope a biMab will exhibit tetravalent binding to
the epitope.
[0083] In certain aspects, the first binding unit is a Fab
fragment, for example, a Fab fragment of a conventional monoclonal
antibody or a recombinantly produced antigen binding fragment
comprising a variable light chain (VL1), a constant light chain
(CL1), a variable heavy chain (VH1), and a constant heavy chain
portion (CH1). Optionally, the light and heavy chains of the Fab
may be interconnected via one or more disulphide linkages. The Fab
binds to a first epitope.
[0084] In certain aspects, the Fab is derived from or based on the
sequence of a conventional monoclonal antibody, such as a
conventional murine, humanized or human antibody. In certain
aspects, biMab containing the Fab derived from or based on the
sequence of a conventional monoclonal antibody retains one or more
functional activities of the conventional antibody (e.g., retains
at least 80% or more (80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%) of
a functional activity). For example, in certain aspects, the biMab
containing such an Fab retains one or more of the affinity for
antigen, inhibitory activity, or cell killing activity of the
conventional antibody.
[0085] In certain aspects, the Fab binds to epidermal growth factor
receptor (EGFR). In certain aspects, the Fab binds to IGFR1. In
certain aspects, the Fab binds to VEGF. In certain aspects, the Fab
binds to Ang2. In certain aspects, the Fab is derived from or based
on the sequence of a conventional monoclonal antibody that binds to
any of EGFR, IGFR1, VEGF, Ang2, Psl or PcrV. Exemplary conventional
monoclonal antibodies include panitumumab, dalotuzumab,
bevacizumab, LC06, W4-RAD or V2L2. For example, in certain aspects,
a biMab of the disclosure comprises a Fab as binding unit one, and
this Fab comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or all 6 CDRs of panitumumab,
dalotuzumab, bevacizumab or LC06.
[0086] In certain aspects, the Fab comprises a light chain portion
(VL1 and CL) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in any of
SEQ ID NO: 20, 29 and 42. In certain aspects, the Fab comprises a
heavy chain portion (VH1 and C.sub.H1) comprising the amino acid
sequence underlined in FIG. 6C, 7C or 8C as set forth in any of SEQ
ID NO: 23, 32 and 45. In certain aspects, the Fab comprises a
variable light chain portion (VL1) comprising the amino acid
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21 and a variable heavy chain
portion (VH1) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 24. In certain aspects, the Fab comprises a variable light
chain portion (VL1) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 30 and a variable heavy chain portion (VH1) comprising
the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 33. In certain
aspects, the Fab comprises a variable light chain portion (VL1)
comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43 and a
variable heavy chain portion (VH1) comprising the amino acid
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46. In certain aspects, the Fab is
encoded by a nucleotide sequence encoding the light chain portion
(VL1 and CL) and a nucleotide sequence encoding the heavy chain
portion (VH1 and CH1), for example, a nucleotide sequence
comprising the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19 28,
41 and a nucleotide sequence comprising the nucleic acid sequence
underlined in FIG. 6A, 7A or 8A as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22, 29
or 44.
[0087] In certain aspects, biMabs of the disclosure comprise
binding unit 2 and binding unit two comprises a binding domain that
binds a second epitope. Binding domains according to the present
disclosure (also referred to as "BDs") include for example,
antibody variable regions, antibody fragments, scFvs, single chain
diabodies, or other binding domains known in the art. Binding
domains also include bispecific single chain diabodies, or single
chain diabodies designed to bind two distinct epitopes. Also
included are antibody-like molecules or antibody mimetics, for
example, but not limited to minibodies, maxybodies, "A" domain
oligomers (also known as Avimers) (See for example, US. Patent
Application Publication Nos. 2005/0164301, 2005/0048512, and
2004/017576 each of which are incorporated by reference), Fn3 based
protein scaffolds (see for example, US Patent Application
Publication 2003/0170753 which is incorporated by reference),
Ankrin repeats (also known as DARpins), VASP polypeptides, Avian
pancreatic polypeptide (aPP), Tetranectin (based on CTLD3),
Affililin (based on yB-crystallin/ubiquitin), Knottins, SH3
domains, PDZ domains, Tendamistat, Neocarzinostatin, Protein A
domains, Lipocalins, Transferrin, and Kunitz domains that
specifically bind epitopes. In one aspect, epitope binding domains
useful in the construction of multispecific epitope binding domains
of the disclosure are exemplified in WO 2009/058379 and WO
2011/130324 which are hereby incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
[0088] Moreover, in certain aspects, the BD comprises a ligand
binding domain of a receptor or a receptor binding domain of a
ligand. For example, the BD comprises a portion of FGF that binds
FGFR, a portion of EGF that binds EGFR, a portion of PDGF that
binds PDGFR and the like. Alternatively, the BD may comprise a
portion of FGFR that binds FGF, a portion of EGFR that binds EGF, a
portion of PDGFR that binds PDGF, and the like. The respective
binding domains of numerous ligand/receptor pairs are well known in
the art, and thus can be readily selected and adapted for use in
the biMab format.
[0089] In certain aspects, the binding domain is an scFv. Thus, in
certain aspects, binding unit 2 comprises an scFv. It is to be
understood that an scFv encompasses a polypeptide chain comprising
a variable heavy chain domain (VH) linked to a variable light chain
domain (VL) via a flexible polypeptide linker. FIG. 1 shows a
schematic of an exemplary biMab, wherein the BD (here, depicted as
binding unit 2) is an scFv and the domains are designated as VL2
and VH2. In some aspects the polypeptide linker between VH2 and VL2
comprises a protease cleavage site. FIG. 29 shows a schematic of a
representative biMab "core" before and after protease cleavage of
the polypeptide linker of an scFv binding domain.
[0090] The VH and VL domains of the scFv may be derived from the
same or from different antibodies. In some aspects, a VH or VL of
the scFv may comprise one or more CDRs which bind to a target of
interest, while the remainder of the VH or VL domain is derived
from a different antibody or is synthetic. In some aspects, the
scFv comprises at least one CDR of an antibody, e.g., an antibody
known in the art to bind to a target of interest. In some aspects,
the scFv comprises at least two CDRs of a given antibody. In some
aspects, the scFv comprises at least three CDRs of a given
antibody. In some aspects, the scFv comprises at least four CDRs of
a given antibody. In some aspects, the scFv comprises at least five
CDRs of a given antibody. In some aspects, the scFv comprises at
least six CDRs of a given antibody.
[0091] Several methodologies can be used alone or in combination to
improve the stability of a biMab comprising an scFv molecule. One
potential methodology that can be used, alone or in combination
with one or more of the other methodologies described herein, is
engineered the length and/or composition of the linker connecting
the scFv domains to stabilize the scFv portion.
[0092] Another potential methodology that can be used, alone or in
combination with one or more of the other methodologies described
herein, is by introducing at least two amino acid substitutions
(also referred to as modifications or mutations) into the VH and/or
VL domains of the scFv so as to promote disulphide bond formation
(see for example Brinkmann et al., 1993, PNAS, 90:7538-42; Zhu et
al., 1997, Prot. Sci. 6:781-8; Reiter et al., 1994, Biochem.
33:5451-9; Reiter et al., 1996, Nature 14: 1239-45; Luo et al.,
1995, J. Biochem. 118:825-31; Young et al., 1995, FEBS Let.
377:135-9; Glockshuber et al., 1990, Biochem. 29:1362-7).
[0093] In certain aspects, one mutation is introduced into each of
the VH and VL domains of the scFv to promote interchain disulphide
bond formation between the VH and VL domains upon expression of a
biMab comprising an scFv. In another aspect, the two mutations are
introduced in the same domain of the chain. In certain aspect, the
two mutations are introduced in different chains. In certain
aspects, multiple pairs of two mutations are introduced to promote
formation of multiple disulphide bonds. In certain aspects, a
cysteine is introduced to promote the disulphide bond formation.
Exemplary amino acids that may be mutated to cysteine include amino
acids 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 103, 104, 105, and 106 of VH2 and amino
acids 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 98, 99, 100, and 101 of VL2. The
foregoing numbering is based on Kabat numbering identifying the
position relative only to the VH2 and VL2 of the scFv (and not
relative to the position of the amino acid in the full length
sequence of the biMab or SEQ ID NOS: provided herein). Exemplary
combinations of amino acid positions which may be mutated to
cysteine residues include: VH44-VL100, VH105-VL43, VH105-VL42,
VH44-VL101, VH106-VL43, VH104-VL43, VH44-VL99, VH45-VL98,
VH46-VL98, VH103-VL43, VH103-VL44, and VH103-VL45. In some aspects,
amino acid 44 of VH and amino acid 100 of VL are mutated to
cysteines.
[0094] A further potential methodology that can be used, alone or
in combination with one or more of the other methodologies
described herein, is selecting the order of the domains of the
scFv. In certain aspects, the orientation of the VH domain relative
to the VL domain is optimized for stability. In certain aspects,
the scFv is in the VH-linker-VL orientation. In certain aspects,
the scFv is in the VL-linker-VH orientation. The orientation of the
domains in the scFv also determines how the scFv interconnects to
the Fab portion and the Fc portion of the biMab. This is described
in more detail below in the context of polypeptide linkers.
Briefly, however, given that the BD, for example an scFV, is
interconnected to the Fab by a polypeptide linker (L1) and
interconnected to the Fc by a polypeptide linker (L2), the order of
domains determines which portion of the scFv is interconnected to
L1 and which portion of the scFv is interconnected to L2.
[0095] An additional methodology that can be used, alone or in
combination with one or more of the methodologies described herein,
is by introducing one or more stabilizing mutations by mutating one
or more surface residues of the scFv. In some aspects, one, two,
three, four, five, six, or more than six residues are mutated in
one or both of the VH and/or VL domain of the scFv. In certain
aspects, changes are made in only the VH domain of the scFv. In
certain aspects, changes are made in only the VL domain of the
scFv. In certain aspects, changes are made in both the VH and VL
domains of the scFv. The same number of changes may be made in each
domain or a different number of changes may be made in each domain.
In certain aspects, one or more of the changes is a conservative
amino acid substitution from the residue present in the unmodified,
parent scFv. In other aspects, one or more of the changes is a
non-conservative amino acid substitution from the residue present
in the unmodified, parent scFv. When multiple substitutions are
made, either in one or both of the VH or VL domains of the scFv,
each substitution is independently a conservative or a
non-conservative substitution. In certain aspects, all of the
substitutions are conservative substitutions. In certain aspects,
all of the substitutions are non-conservative. In certain aspects,
at least one of the substitutions is conservative. In certain
aspects, at least one or the substitutions is non-conservative.
[0096] Yet a further methodology that can be used, alone or in
combination with one or more of the additional methodologies
described herein, is by introducing one or more substitutions by
mutating one or more residues present in the VH and/or VL domain of
the scFv to match the most frequent residue at said particular
position of a consensus sequence of VH and/or VL domain of known
antibodies. In certain aspects, substitutions are introduced at
one, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six positions in one
or both of the VH domain and/or the VL domain of the scFv. The same
number of changes may be made in each domain or a different number
of changes may be made in each domain. In certain aspects, one or
more of the changes in sequence match that of a given consensus is
a conservative amino acid substitution from the residue present in
the unmodified VH and/or VL sequence. In other aspects, one or more
of the changes represent a non-conservative amino acid substitution
from the residue present in the unmodified VH and/or VL sequence.
When multiple substitutions are made, either in one or both of the
VH or VL domain of the scFv, each substitution is independently a
conservative or a non-conservative substitution. In certain
aspects, all of the substitutions are conservative substitutions.
In certain aspects, all of the substitutions are non-conservative
substitutions. In certain aspects, at least one of the
substitutions is conservative. In certain aspects, at least one or
the substitutions is non-conservative.
[0097] It should be noted that any of the modifications described
as useful for modifying or stabilizing the scFv portion can be
applied to modify the Fab portion. For example, the variable
domains of the Fab portion of a biMab can be modified to improve
stability, antigen binding and the like. Moreover, either the Fab
or scFv portion can be modified to reduce immunogenicity.
[0098] In certain aspects, binding unit 2 (the BD) is an scFv, for
example, an scFv derived from a conventional monoclonal antibody
comprising a variable light chain (VL2) and a variable heavy chain
(VH2) interconnected by a flexible linker, such as a glycine-serine
linker. Optionally, the variable light and variable heavy chains of
the scFv may be further interconnected via one or more disulphide
linkages, and as described above, may include one or more mutations
or variations. The scFv binds to a second epitope. In certain
aspects the second epitope is different from the first epitope
bound by binding unit 1. In other aspects the second epitope is the
same as the first epitope bound by binding unit 1. In certain
aspects, the scFv is derived from or based on the sequence of a
conventional monoclonal antibody, such as a conventional murine,
humanized or human antibody. In certain aspects, biMab containing
the scFv derived from or based on the sequence of a conventional
monoclonal antibody retains one or more functional activities of
the conventional antibody (e.g., retains at least 80% or more (80%,
85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%) of a functional activity).
For example, in certain aspects, the biMab containing such an scFv
retains one or more of the affinity for antigen, inhibitory
activity, or cell killing activity of the conventional
antibody.
[0099] In certain aspects, the scFv binds to epidermal growth
factor receptor (EGFR). In certain aspects, the scFv binds to
IGFR1. In certain aspects, the scFv binds to VEGF. In certain
aspects, the scFv binds to Ang2. In certain aspects, the scFv is
derived from or based on the sequence of a conventional monoclonal
antibody that binds to any of EGFR, IGFR1, VEGF, Ang2, Psl or PcrV.
Exemplary conventional monoclonal antibodies include panitumumab,
dalotuzumab, bevacizumab or LC06. For example, in certain aspects,
a biMab of the disclosure comprises an scFv as binding unit two,
and this scFv comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or all 6 CDRs of
panitumumab, dalotuzumab, bevacizumab or LC06.
[0100] In certain aspects, the scFv comprises a variable light
chain portion (VL2) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in
any of SEQ ID NO: 26, 35 and 48. In certain aspects, the scFv
comprises a variable heavy chain portion (VH2) comprising the amino
acid sequence set forth in any of SEQ ID NO: 27, 36, 49. In certain
aspects, the scFv comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in
any of SEQ ID NO: 25, 34 and 47. See FIGS. 6B, 6C, 7B, 7C, 8B and
8C.
[0101] The disclosure contemplates that, in certain aspects, a
biMab of the disclosure comprises any of the binding unit 1s and
binding unit 2s described herein, including any combination of a
binding unit 1 and a binding unit 2 described herein. For example,
in certain aspects, the disclosure provides a polypeptide
comprising a Fab that binds to a particular target (e.g., that
binds to an epitope on a particular target), such as a Fab
comprising a particular amino acid sequence or encoded by a
particular nucleotide sequence and/or an scFv that binds to a
particular target (e.g., that binds to an epitope on a particular
target), such as an scFv comprising a particular amino acid
sequence or encoded by a particular nucleotide sequence.
[0102] As described in detail above, binding unit 1 and binding
unit 2 are interconnected via linker polypeptide 1 (L; also
referred to as upper hinge/linker). Generally, the linkage is via
the chimeric heavy chain of the biMab, such that the
interconnection is via the heavy chain C.sub.H1 domain of binding
unit 1 (VH1, such as VH1 of a Fab) and a portion of binding unit 2
(e.g., if binding unit 2 is an scFv, the interconnection is via the
VH2 or VL2 of the scFv). L1 can vary in length and sequence, and
exemplary L1 configurations are described herein. The disclosure
contemplates biMabs comprising any combination of binding units and
linker polypeptides, including any combination of the specific
binding units that bind desired target(s) and specific L1 and L2
polypeptide linkers described herein.
2. Fc Region
[0103] As used herein, "Fc region" encompasses domains derived from
the constant region of an immunoglobulin, preferably a human
immunoglobulin, including a fragment, analog, variant, mutant or
derivative of the constant region. Suitable immunoglobulins include
IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, and other classes such as IgA, IgD, IgE and
IgM. The Fc region may be a native sequence Fc region or an altered
Fc region. The Fc region of an immunoglobulin generally comprises
two constant domains, a C.sub.H2 domain and a C.sub.H3 domain, and
optionally comprises a C.sub.H4 domain. biMabs of the disclosure
include an Fc region comprising a C.sub.H2 domain and a C.sub.H3
domain. In certain aspects, a biMab of the disclosure includes an
Fc domain of the same class as the hinge portions of one or both of
L1 or L2.
a. Altered Fc Regions
[0104] Altered Fc regions (also referred to herein as "variant Fc
regions") may be used to alter the effector function and/or half
life of a biMab of the disclosure. One or more alterations may be
made in the Fc region in order to change functional and/or
pharmacokinetic properties of molecules. Such alterations may
result in a decrease or increase of C1q binding and complement
dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) or of Fc.gamma.R binding, for IgG, and
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), or antibody
dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis (ADCP). The present disclosure
encompasses biMabs wherein changes have been made to fine tune the
effector function, either by enhancing or diminishing function or
providing a desired effector function. Accordingly, in one aspect
of the disclosure, the biMabs comprise a variant Fc region (i.e.,
Fc regions that have been altered as discussed below). biMabs
comprising a variant Fc region are also referred to here as "Fc
variant biMabs." As used herein "native" refers to the unmodified
parental sequence and the biMab comprising a native Fc region is
herein referred to as a "native Fc biMab". Fc variant biMabs can be
generated by numerous methods well known to one skilled in the art.
Non-limiting examples include, isolating antibody coding regions
(e.g., from hybridoma) and making one or more desired substitutions
in the Fc region. Alternatively, the antigen-binding portion (e.g.,
variable regions) of a biMab may be subcloned into a vector
encoding a variant Fc region. In one aspect, the variant Fc region
exhibits a similar level of inducing effector function as compared
to the native Fc region. In another aspect, the variant Fc region
exhibits a higher induction of effector function as compared to the
native Fc. In another aspect, the variant Fc region exhibits lower
induction of effector function as compared to the native Fc. Some
specific aspects of variant Fc regions are detailed infra. Methods
for measuring effector function are well known in the art.
[0105] In general, the effector function is modified through
changes in the Fc region, including but not limited to, amino acid
substitutions, amino acid additions, amino acid deletions and
changes in post translational modifications to Fc amino acids (e.g.
glycosylation). The methods described below may be used to fine
tune the effector function of a biMab of the disclosure, a ratio of
the binding properties of the Fc region for the FcR (e.g., affinity
and specificity), resulting in a biMab with the desired
properties.
[0106] It is understood that the Fc region as used herein includes
the polypeptides comprising the constant region of an antibody
molecule, excluding the first constant region immunoglobulin
domain. Thus Fc refers to the last two constant region
immunoglobulin domains of IgA, IgD, and IgG, and the last three
constant region immunoglobulin domains of IgE and IgM, and,
optionally, all or a portion of the flexible hinge N-terminal to
these domains. For IgA and IgM, Fc may include the J chain. For
IgG, Fc comprises immunoglobulin domains Cgamma2 and Cgamma3 (Cy2
and Cy3) and optionally a portion of the lower hinge between
Cgamma1 (Cy1) and Cgamma2 (Cy2). Although the boundaries of the Fc
region may vary, as used herein the human IgG heavy chain Fc region
comprises residues A231 to its carboxyl-terminus, wherein the
numbering is according to the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Fc
may refer to this region in isolation, or this region in the
context of an antibody, antibody fragment, or Fc fusion protein.
Polymorphisms have been observed at a number of different Fc
positions, including but not limited to positions 270, 272, 312,
315, 356, and 358 of IgG1 as numbered by the EU index, and thus
slight differences between the presented sequence and sequences in
the prior art may exist.
[0107] In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses Fc variant
biMabs which have altered binding properties for an Fc ligand
(e.g., an Fc receptor, C1q) relative to a native Fc biMab. Examples
of binding properties include but are not limited to, binding
specificity, equilibrium dissociation constant (K.sub.d),
dissociation and association rates (k.sub.off and k.sub.on
respectively), binding affinity and/or avidity. It is known in the
art that the equilibrium dissociation constant (K.sub.d) is defined
as k.sub.off/k.sub.on. In certain aspects, a biMab comprising an Fc
variant region with a low K.sub.d may be more desirable than a
biMab with a high K.sub.d. However, in some instances the value of
the k.sub.on or k.sub.off may be more relevant than the value of
the K.sub.d. One skilled in the art can determine which kinetic
parameter is most important for a given application. For example, a
modification that reduces binding to one or more positive regulator
(e.g., Fc.gamma.RIIIA) and/or enhanced binding to an inhibitory Fc
receptor (e.g., Fc.gamma.RIIB) would be suitable for reducing ADCC
activity. Accordingly, the ratio of binding affinities (e.g., the
ratio of equilibrium dissociation constants (K.sub.d)) for
different receptors can indicate if the ADCC activity of an Fc
variant biMab of the disclosure is enhanced or decreased.
Additionally, a modification that reduces binding to C1q would be
suitable for reducing or eliminating CDC activity.
[0108] In one aspect, Fc variant biMabs exhibit altered binding
affinity for one or more Fc receptors including, but not limited to
FcRn, Fc.gamma.RI (CD64) including isoforms Fc.gamma.RIA,
Fc.gamma.RIB, and Fc.gamma.RIC; Fc.gamma.RII (CD32 including
isoforms Fc.gamma.RIIA, Fc.gamma.RIIB, and Fc.gamma.RIIC); and
Fc.gamma.RIII (CD16, including isoforms Fc.gamma.RIIIA and
Fc.gamma.RIIIB) as compared to a native Fc biMab.
[0109] In certain aspects, an Fc variant biMab has increased
affinity for an Fc ligand. In other aspects, an Fc variant biMab
has decreased affinity for an Fc ligand relative to a native Fc
biMab.
[0110] In a specific aspect, an Fc variant biMab has enhanced
binding to the Fc receptor Fc.gamma.RIIIA. In another specific
aspect, an Fc variant biMab has enhanced binding to the Fc receptor
Fc.gamma.RIIB. In a further specific aspect, an Fc variant biMab
has enhanced binding to both the Fc receptors Fc.gamma.RIIIA and
Fc.gamma.RIIB. In certain aspects, Fc variant biMabs that have
enhanced binding to Fc.gamma.RIIIA do not have a concomitant
increase in binding the Fc.gamma.RIIB receptor as compared to a
native Fc biMab. In a specific aspect, an Fc variant biMab has
reduced binding to the Fc receptor Fc.gamma.RIIIA. In a further
specific aspect, an Fc variant biMab has reduced binding to the Fc
receptor Fc.gamma.RIIB. In another specific aspect, and Fc variant
biMab has enhanced binding to the Fc receptor FcRn. In still
another specific aspect, an Fc variant biMab exhibiting altered
affinity for Fc.gamma.RIIIA and/or Fc.gamma.RIIB has enhanced
binding to the Fc receptor FcRn. In yet another specific aspect, an
Fc variant biMab exhibiting altered affinity for Fc.gamma.RIIIA
and/or Fc.gamma.RIIB has altered binding to C1q relative to a
native Fc biMab.
[0111] In another aspect, Fc variant biMabs exhibit increased or
decreased affinities to C1q relative to a native Fc biMab. In still
another specific aspect, an Fc variant biMab exhibiting altered
affinity for C1q has enhanced binding to the Fc receptor FcRn. In
yet another specific aspect, an Fc variant biMab exhibiting altered
affinity for C1q has altered binding to Fc.gamma.RIIIA and/or
Fc.gamma.RIIB relative to a native Fc biMab.
[0112] It is well known in the art that antibodies are capable of
directing the attack and destruction of targeted antigen through
multiple processes collectively known in the art as antibody
effector functions. One of these processes, known as
"antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity" or "ADCC" refers to
a form of cytotoxicity in which secreted Ig bound onto Fc gamma
receptors (Fc.gamma.Rs) present on certain cytotoxic cells (e.g.,
Natural Killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and macrophages) enables
these cytotoxic effector cells to bind specifically to an
antigen-bearing target cell and subsequently kill the target cell
with cytotoxins. Specific high-affinity IgG antibodies directed to
the surface of target cells "arm" the cytotoxic cells and are
required for such killing. Lysis of the target cell is
extracellular, requires direct cell-to-cell contact, and does not
involve complement. Another process encompassed by the term
effector function is complement-dependent cytotoxicity (hereinafter
referred to as "CDC") which refers to a biochemical event of
antibody-mediated target cell destruction by the complement system.
The complement system is a complex system of proteins found in
normal blood plasma that combines with antibodies to destroy
pathogenic bacteria and other foreign cells. Still another process
encompassed by the term effector function is antibody dependent
cell-mediated phagocytosis (ADCP) which refers to a cell-mediated
reaction wherein nonspecific cytotoxic cells that express one or
more effector ligands recognize bound antibody on a target cell and
subsequently cause phagocytosis of the target cell.
[0113] It is contemplated that Fc variant biMabs are characterized
by in vitro functional assays for determining one or more
Fc.gamma.R mediated effector cell functions. In certain aspects, Fc
variant biMabs have similar binding properties and effector cell
functions in in vivo models (such as those described and disclosed
herein) as those in in vitro based assays. However, the present
disclosure does not exclude Fc variant biMabs that do not exhibit
the desired phenotype in in vitro based assays but do exhibit the
desired phenotype in vivo.
[0114] The serum half-life of proteins comprising Fc regions may be
increased by increasing the binding affinity of the Fc region for
FcRn. The term "antibody half-life" as used herein means a
pharmacokinetic property of an antibody that is a measure of the
mean survival time of antibody molecules following their
administration. Antibody half-life can be expressed as the time
required to eliminate 50 percent of a known quantity of
immunoglobulin from the patient's body (or other mammal) or a
specific compartment thereof, for example, as measured in serum,
i.e., circulating half-life, or in other tissues. Half-life may
vary from one immunoglobulin or class of immunoglobulin to another.
In general, an increase in antibody (or biMab) half-life results in
an increase in mean residence time (MRT) in circulation for the
biMab administered.
[0115] The increase in half-life allows for the reduction in amount
of drug given to a patient as well as reducing the frequency of
administration. To increase the serum half life of a biMab, one may
incorporate a salvage receptor binding epitope into the biMab
(especially an antibody fragment) as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,739,277, for example. As used herein, the term "salvage receptor
binding epitope" refers to an epitope of the Fc region of an IgG
molecule (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4) that is responsible for
increasing the in vivo serum half-life of the IgG molecule.
Alternatively, biMabs of the disclosure with increased half-lives
may be generated by modifying amino acid residues identified as
involved in the interaction between the Fc and the FcRn receptor
(see, for examples, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,821,505 and 7,083,784; and WO
09/058492). In addition, the half-life of biMabs of the disclosure
may be increased by conjugation to PEG or albumin by techniques
widely utilized in the art.
[0116] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides Fc variants,
wherein the Fc region comprises a modification (e.g., amino acid
substitutions, amino acid insertions, amino acid deletions) at one
or more positions selected from the group consisting of 221, 225,
228, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 243, 244, 245, 247,
250, 251, 252, 254, 255, 256, 257, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267,
268, 269, 279, 280, 284, 292, 296, 297, 298, 299, 305, 308, 313,
316, 318, 320, 322, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333,
334, 339, 341, 343, 370, 373, 378, 392, 416, 419, 421, 428, 433,
434, 435, 436, 440, and 443 as numbered by the EU index as set
forth in Kabat. Optionally, the Fc region may comprise a
modification at additional and/or alternative positions known to
one skilled in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,624,821;
6,277,375; 6,737,056; 7,083,784; 7,317,091; 7,217,797; 7,276,585;
7,355,008; 2002/0147311; 2004/0002587; 2005/0215768; 2007/0135620;
2007/0224188; 2008/0089892; WO 94/29351; and WO 99/58572).
Additional, useful amino acid positions and specific substitutions
are exemplified in Tables 2, and 6-10 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,056;
the tables presented in FIG. 41 of US 2006/024298; the tables
presented in FIGS. 5, 12, and 15 of US 2006/235208; the tables
presented in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 of US 2006/0173170 and the tables
presented in FIGS. 8-10, 13 and 14 of WO 09/058492.
[0117] In a specific aspect, the present disclosure provides an Fc
variant, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one substitution
selected from the group consisting of 221K, 221Y, 225E, 225K, 225W,
228P, 234D, 234E, 234N, 234Q, 234T, 234H, 234Y, 2341, 234V, 234F,
235A, 235D, 235R, 235W, 235P, 235S, 235N, 235Q, 235T, 235H, 235Y,
235I, 235V, 235E, 235F, 236E, 237L, 237M, 237P, 239D, 239E, 239N,
239Q, 239F, 239T, 239H, 239Y, 240I, 240A, 240T, 240M, 241W, 241L,
241Y, 241E, 241R. 243W, 243L 243Y, 243R, 243Q, 244H, 245A, 247L,
247V, 247G, 250E, 250Q, 251F, 252L, 252Y, 254S, 254T, 255L, 256E,
256F, 256M, 257C, 257M, 257N, 2621, 262A, 262T, 262E, 263I, 263A,
263T, 263M, 264L, 2641, 264W, 264T, 264R, 264F, 264M, 264Y, 264E,
265A, 265G, 265N, 265Q, 265Y, 265F, 265V, 265I, 265L, 265H, 265T,
2661, 266A, 266T, 266M, 267Q, 267L, 268E, 269H, 269Y, 269F, 269R,
270E, 280A, 284M, 292P, 292L, 296E, 296Q, 296D, 296N, 296S, 296T,
296L, 296I, 296H, 296G, 297S, 297D, 297E, 298A, 298H, 298I, 298T,
298F, 299I, 299L, 299A, 299S, 299V, 299H, 299F, 299E, 305I,
308F313F, 316D, 318A, 318S, 320A, 320S, 322A, 322S, 325Q, 325L,
325I, 325D, 325E, 325A, 325T, 325V, 325H, 326A, 326D, 326E, 326G,
326M, 326V, 327G, 327W, 327N, 327L, 328S, 328M, 328D, 328E, 328N,
328Q, 328F, 328I, 328V, 328T, 328H, 328A, 329F, 329H, 329Q, 330K,
330G, 330T, 330C, 330L, 330Y, 330V, 3301, 330F, 330R, 330H, 331G,
331A, 331L, 331M, 331F, 331W, 331K, 331Q, 331E, 331S, 331V, 3311,
331C, 331Y, 331H, 331R, 331N, 331D, 331T, 332D, 332S, 332W, 332F,
332E, 332N, 332Q, 332T, 332H, 332Y, 332A, 333A, 333D, 333G, 333Q,
333S, 333V, 334A, 334E, 334H, 334L, 334M, 334Q, 334V, 334Y, 339T,
370E, 370N, 378D, 392T, 396L, 416G, 419H, 421K, 428L, 428F, 433K,
433L, 434A, 424F, 434W, 434Y, 436H, 440Y and 443W as numbered by
the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Optionally, the Fc region may
comprise additional and/or alternative amino acid substitutions
known to one skilled in the art including, but not limited to,
those exemplified in Tables 2, and 6-10 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,056;
the tables presented in FIG. 41 of US 2006/024298; the tables
presented in FIGS. 5, 12, and 15 of US 2006/235208; the tables
presented in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 of US 2006/0173170 and the tables
presented in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 of WO 09/058492.
[0118] In a specific aspect, the present disclosure provides an Fc
variant biMab, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one
modification (e.g., amino acid substitutions, amino acid
insertions, amino acid deletions) at one or more positions selected
from the group consisting of 228, 234, 235 and 331 as numbered by
the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Position 228 is underlined in
SEQ ID NO:10 in FIG. 2A and positions 234, 235 and 331 are
underlined in SEQ ID NO: 16 in FIG. 2C. In one aspect, the
modification is at least one substitution selected from the group
consisting of 228P, 234F, 235E, 235F, 235Y, and 331S as numbered by
the EU index as set forth in Kabat.
[0119] In another specific aspect, the present disclosure provides
an Fc variant biMab, wherein the Fc region is an IgG4 Fc region and
comprises at least one modification at one or more positions
selected from the group consisting of 228 and 235 as numbered by
the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In still another specific
aspect, the Fc region is an IgG4 Fc region and the non-naturally
occurring amino acids are selected from the group consisting of
228P, 235E and 235Y as numbered by the EU index as set forth in
Kabat.
[0120] In another specific aspect, the present disclosure provides
an Fc variant biMab, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one
non-naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions
selected from the group consisting of 239, 330 and 332 as numbered
by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Positions 239, 330 and 332
are shown in bold and are doubled underlined in SEQ ID NO:16 in
FIG. 2C. In one aspect, the modification is at least one
substitution selected from the group consisting of 239D, 330L,
330Y, and 332E as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat.
See, U.S. Pat. No. 7,317,091, incorporated herein by referenced in
its entirety.
[0121] In a specific aspect, the present disclosure provides an Fc
variant biMab, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one
non-naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions
selected from the group consisting of 252, 254, and 256 as numbered
by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Positions 252, 254, 256 are
shown larger and wavy underlined in SEQ ID NO:16 in FIG. 2C. In one
aspect, the modification is at least one substitution selected from
the group consisting of 252Y, 254T and 256E as numbered by the EU
index as set forth in Kabat. See, U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,784,
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0122] In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides an Fc
variant biMab, wherein the Fc region comprises a non-naturally
occurring amino acid at position 428 as numbered by the EU index as
set forth in Kabat. In one aspect, the modification at position 428
is selected from the group consisting of 428T, 428L, 428F, and 428S
as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. See, U.S. Pat.
No. 7,670,600, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In
another aspect, an Fc variant biMab may further comprises a
non-naturally occurring amino acid at position 434 as numbered by
the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In one aspect, the modification
at position 434 is selected from the group consisting of 434A,
434S, and 434F as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat.
In other aspects, the present disclosure provides an Fc variant
biMab, wherein the Fc region comprises a non-naturally occurring
amino acid at positions 428 and 434 as numbered by the EU index as
set forth in Kabat. In a specific aspect, the Fc region comprises
428L, 434S. See, U.S. Pat. No. 8,088,376. Positions 428 and 434 are
bolded and underlined in SEQ ID NO:18 in FIG. 2C
[0123] In certain aspects, the effector functions elicited by IgG
antibodies strongly depend on the carbohydrate moiety linked to the
Fc region of the protein (Claudia Ferrara et al., 2006,
Biotechnology and Bioengineering 93:851-861). Thus, glycosylation
of the Fc region can be modified to increase or decrease effector
function (see for examples, Umana et al, 1999, Nat. Biotechnol
17:176-180; Davies et al., 2001, Biotechnol Bioeng 74:288-294;
Shields et al, 2002, J Biol Chem 277:26733-26740; Shinkawa et al.,
2003, J Biol Chem 278:3466-3473; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,602,684;
6,946,292; 7,064,191; 7,214,775; 7,393,683; 7,425,446; 7,504,256;
U.S. Publication. Nos. 2003/0157108; 2003/0003097; 2009/0010921;
POTELLIGENT.TM. technology (Biowa, Inc. Princeton, N.J.);
GLYCOMAB.TM. glycosylation engineering technology (GLYCART
biotechnology AG, Zurich, Switzerland)). Accordingly, in one aspect
the Fc regions of biMabs of the disclosure comprise altered
glycosylation of amino acid residues. In another aspect, the
altered glycosylation of the amino acid residues results in lowered
effector function. In another aspect, the altered glycosylation of
the amino acid residues results in increased effector function. In
a specific aspect, the Fc region has reduced fucosylation. In
another aspect, the Fc region is afucosylated (see for examples,
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0226867). In one
aspect, these biMabs with increased effector function, specifically
ADCC, are generated in host cells (e.g., CHO cells, Lemna minor)
engineered to produce highly defucosylated polypeptide with over
100-fold higher ADCC compared to polypeptide produced by the
parental cells (Mori et al., 2004, Biotechnol Bioeng 88:901-908;
Cox et al., 2006, Nat Biotechnol., 24:1591-7).
[0124] Addition of sialic acid to the oligosaccharides on IgG
molecules can enhance their anti-inflammatory activity and alter
their cytotoxicity (Keneko et al., Science, 2006, 313:670-673;
Scallon et al., Mol. Immuno. 2007 March; 44(7):1524-34). The
studies referenced above demonstrate that IgG molecules with
increased sialylation have anti-inflammatory properties whereas IgG
molecules with reduced sialylation have increased immunostimulatory
properties (e.g., increase ADCC activity). Therefore, a biMab can
be modified with an appropriate sialylation profile for a
particular application (US Publication No. 2009/0004179 and
International Publication No. WO 2007/005786).
[0125] In one aspect, the Fc regions of biMabs of the disclosure
comprise an altered sialylation profile compared to the native Fc
region. In one aspect, the Fc regions of biMabs of the disclosure
comprise an increased sialylation profile compared to the native Fc
region. In another aspect, the Fc regions of biMabs of the
disclosure comprise a decreased sialylation profile compared to the
native Fc region.
[0126] In one aspect, the Fc variants of the present disclosure may
be combined with other known Fc variants such as those disclosed in
Ghetie et al., 1997, Nat Biotech. 15:637-40; Duncan et al, 1988,
Nature 332:563-564; Lund et al., 1991, J. Immunol 147:2657-2662;
Lund et al, 1992, Mol Immunol 29:53-59; Alegre et al, 1994,
Transplantation 57:1537-1543; Hutchins et al., 1995, Proc Natl.
Acad Sci USA 92:11980-11984; Jefferis et al, 1995, Immunol Lett.
44:111-117; Lund et al., 1995, Faseb J 9:115-119; Jefferis et al,
1996, Immunol Lett 54:101-104; Lund et al, 1996, J Immunol
157:4963-4969; Armour et al., 1999, Eur J Immunol 29:2613-2624;
Idusogie et al, 2000, J Immunol 164:4178-4184; Reddy et al, 2000, J
Immunol 164:1925-1933; Xu et al., 2000, Cell Immunol 200:16-26;
Idusogie et al, 2001, J Immunol 166:2571-2575; Shields et al.,
2001, J Biol Chem 276:6591-6604; Jefferis et al, 2002, Immunol Lett
82:57-65; Presta et al., 2002, Biochem Soc Trans 30:487-490); U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,624,821; 5,885,573; 5,677,425; 6,165,745; 6,277,375;
5,869,046; 6,121,022; 5,624,821; 5,648,260; 6,528,624; 6,194,551;
6,737,056; 7,122,637; 7,183,387; 7,332,581; 7,335,742; 7,371,826;
6,821,505; 6,180,377; 7,317,091; 7,355,008; U.S. Patent publication
2004/0002587; and International Patent publication WO 99/58572.
Other modifications and/or substitutions and/or additions and/or
deletions of the Fc domain will be readily apparent to one skilled
in the art.
[0127] It is notable that polypeptides presented in the biMab
format comprising a native Fc retain the ability to bind FcRn and
C1q and to mediate ADCC, as shown in the examples. Thus, in certain
aspects, a biMab retains the ability to bind FcRn and/or C1q and/or
one or more Fcgamma receptors (Fc.gamma.Rs). For example, in
certain aspects, a biMab retains at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,
95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the ability to bind FcRn and/or
C1q and/or one or more Fc.gamma.Rs, as compared to a conventional
antibody that binds to one of the epitopes to which the biMab
binds. In certain aspects, a biMab is generated from the binding
domains of one or two conventional antibodies, and the comparison
of activity is made to one or both of those conventional
antibodies.
[0128] Altered Fc regions may also be used to generate heavy chain
heterodimers, resulting in biMabs comprising two different
heavy-light chain pairs. To facilitate the formation of
heterodimers the interface between a pair of Fc regions is
engineered to maximize the percentage of heterodimers which are
recovered from recombinant cell culture. In certain aspects, the
interface comprises at least a part of the CH3 domain. In this
method, a "protrusion" is generated by replacing one or more, small
amino acid side chains from the interface of the first antibody
molecule with larger side chains (e.g. tyrosine or tryptophan).
Compensatory "cavities" of identical or similar size to the large
side chain(s) are created on the interface of the second antibody
molecule by replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller
ones (e.g. alanine or threonine). This provides a mechanism for
increasing the yield of the heterodimer over other unwanted
end-products such as homodimers. CH3 modifications include, for
example, Y407V/T366S/L368A on one heavy chain and T366W on the
other heavy chain; S354C/T366W on one heavy chain and
Y349C/Y407V/T366S/L368A on the other heavy chain. Additional
modifications resulting in a protrusion on one chain and a cavity
on the other are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,183,076; and Merchant
et al., 1998, Nat. Biotech 16:677-681. Other modifications which
may be used to generate heterodimers include but are not limited to
those which alter the charge polarity across the Fc dimer interface
such that co-expression of electrostatically matched Fc regions
results in heterodimerization. Modifications which alter the charge
polarity include, but are not limited to, those presented in the
Table 1 below (also see, WO 2007/147901; Gunasekaran et al., 2010,
JBC 285:19637-46). In addition, Davis et al. (2010, Prot. Eng.
Design & Selection 23:195-202) describe a heterodimeric Fc
platform using strand-exchanged engineered domain (SEED) CH3
regions which are derivatives of human IgG and IgA CH3 domains
(also, see WO 2007/110205).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 CH3 modifications for heterodimerization
Modification(s) in Fc region of one Modification(s) in Fc region of
other heavy chain heavy chain K370E/D399K/K439D D356K/E357K/K409D
K409D D399K K409E D399K K409E D399R K409D D399R D339K E356K
D399K/E356K K409D/K392D D399K/E356K K409D/K439D D399K/E357K
K409D/K370D D399K/E356K/E357K K409D/K392D/K370D D399K/E357K
K409D/K392D K392D/K409D D399K K409D/K360D D399K
3. Glycosylation
[0129] In addition to the ability of glycosylation to alter the
effector function of polypeptides, modified glycosylation in the
variable region can alter the affinity of the antibody (or biMab)
for a target antigen. In one aspect, the glycosylation pattern in
the variable region of the present biMabs is modified. For example,
an aglycoslated biMab can be made (i.e., the biMab lacks
glycosylation). Glycosylation can be altered to, for example,
increase the affinity of the biMab for a target antigen. Such
carbohydrate modifications can be accomplished by, for example,
altering one or more sites of glycosylation within the biMab
sequence. For example, one or more amino acid substitutions can be
made that result in elimination of one or more variable region
framework glycosylation sites to thereby eliminate glycosylation at
that site. Such a glycosylation may increase the affinity of the
biMab for antigen. Such an approach is described in further detail
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,714,350 and 6,350,861. One or more amino acid
substitutions can also be made that result in elimination of a
glycosylation site present in the Fc region (e.g., Asparagine 297
of IgG). Furthermore, aglycosylated biMabs may be produced in
bacterial cells which lack the necessary glycosylation
machinery.
4. Polypeptide Linkers
[0130] Linkers may be used to join domains/regions of the biMab
chimeric heavy chain into a contiguous molecule. As described
above, a biMab includes at least two linker polypeptides, L1 and
L2. Additionally, a biMab may include additional linkers, such as a
flexible linker interconnecting the variable heavy and light chains
of an scFv. Additionally, a biMab may include additional linkers,
such as a flexible linker interconnecting the variable heavy and
light chains of an scFv and other linkers that connect other
binding units to the biMab core structure. Examples of additional
binding units connected to the biMab core structure are depicted in
FIGS. 26-28.
[0131] An exemplary, non-limiting example of a linker is a
polypeptide chain comprising at least 4 residues. Portions of such
linkers may be flexible, hydrophilic and have little or no
secondary structure of their own (linker portions or flexible
linker portions). Linkers of at least 4 amino acids may be used to
join domains and/or regions that are positioned near to one another
after the molecule has assembled. Longer linkers may also be used.
Thus, linkers may be approximately 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50,
residues. Linkers may also be, for example, from about 100-175
residues. When multiple linkers are used to interconnect portions
of the molecule, the linkers may be the same or different (e.g.,
the same or different length and/or amino acid sequence).
[0132] Linkers may be cleavable linkers, which contain at least one
bond that can be selectively cleaved by a cleavage reagent.
Cleavable linkers may be used to facilitate removal of all or a
portion of the linker sequence. Linkers may be engineered to
contain protease cleavage sites, so that cleavage occurs in the
middle of the linker or in at least one end of the linker. For
example, thrombin sites may be engineered at each of the two
flanking ends of a linker. Depending on the type of linker used,
cleavage may also be mediated by agents such as TCEP, TFA, and DTT.
Linkers may be designed so that cleavage reagents remove all
residues from the linker from the cleavage product. Other exemplary
non-limiting linkers include prodrug linkers whose bonds can be
selectively cleaved under in vivo conditions, for example, in the
presence of endogenous enzymes or other endogenous factors, or
simply in aqueous fluids present in the body or in cells of the
body. When biMabs contain more than one polypeptide linker, each of
the linkers may be different, or at least one of the linkers may be
different from the others. In some aspects a biMab comprises
cleavable linker. In a specific aspect, the biMab comprises an
scFv, wherein the scFv comprises a cleavable linker between VH2 and
VL2.
[0133] The linker(s) facilitate formation of the desired structure.
Linkers may comprise (Gly-Ser).sub.n residues, with some Glu or Lys
residues dispersed throughout to increase solubility. Alternatively
or additionally linkers may not comprise any Serine residues, such
linkers may be preferable where the linker is subject to O-linked
glycosylation. In some aspects, linkers may contain cysteine
residues, for example, if dimerization of linkers is used to bring
the domains of the biMab into their properly folded configuration.
In some aspects, the biMab comprises at least two polypeptide
linkers that join domains of the polypeptide. In other aspects, the
biMab comprises at least three polypeptide linkers. In other
aspects the biMab comprises four or more polypeptide linkers.
[0134] In some aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises 1-50
residues, 1-25 residues, 25-50 residues, or 30-50 residues. In some
aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises a portion of an Fc
moiety. For example, in some aspects, the polypeptide linker can
comprise a portion of immunoglobulin hinge domain of an IgG1, IgG2,
IgG3, and/or IgG4 antibody. In some aspects, the polypeptide linker
comprises a portion of a mutated immunoglobulin hinge domain of an
IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and/or IgG4. In some aspects, the polypeptide
linker comprises at least 5, 7, 8, or 15 amino acid residues of an
immunoglobulin hinge region/domain of an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and/or
IgG4 antibody. In some aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises at
least 5, 7, 8, or 15 amino acid residues of a modified
immunoglobulin hinge region/domain of an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and/or
IgG4 antibody.
[0135] The polypeptide linker may comprise all, or a portion of a
hinge region that naturally comprises three cysteines. In certain
aspects, the selected hinge region is truncated or otherwise
altered or substituted relative to the complete and/or
naturally-occurring hinge region such that only one or two of the
cysteine residues remain. Similarly, in certain other aspects, the
polypeptide linker may comprise a mutated or otherwise altered
portion of a hinge region in which the number of cysteine residues
is reduced by amino acid substitution or deletion, for example a
mutated or otherwise altered hinge region containing zero, one or
two cysteine residues as described herein.
[0136] A mutated or otherwise altered hinge domain may thus be
derived or constructed from (or using) a wild-type immunoglobulin
hinge domain that contains one or more cysteine residues. In
certain aspects, a mutated or otherwise altered portion of a hinge
region may contain zero or only one cysteine residue, wherein the
mutated or otherwise altered hinge region is or has been derived
from a wild type immunoglobulin hinge region that contains,
respectively, one or more or two or more cysteine residues. In the
mutated or otherwise altered portion of a hinge region, the
cysteine residues of the wild-type immunoglobulin hinge region are
preferably deleted or substituted with amino acids that are
incapable of forming a disulfide bond. In some aspects, a mutated
or otherwise altered portion of a hinge region is or has been
derived from a human IgG wild-type hinge region, which may include
any of the four human IgG isotype subclasses, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or
IgG4.
[0137] In some aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises a portion
of a hinge region comprising the cysteine residue that forms a
disulfide bond with an immunoglobulin light chain (EU residue 220).
In some aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises an altered
portion of a hinge region comprising an amino acid substitution at
EU residue C220. In some aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises
the amino acid substitution C220V.
[0138] In some aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises an amino
acid substitution that prevents hinge-related spontaneous
self-cleavage. In some aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises an
amino acid substitution at position at EU position D221. In some
aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises the amino acid
substitution D221G. In some aspects, the polypeptide linker lacks
the amino acid D221.
[0139] In some aspects, the polypeptide linker comprises or
consists of a gly-ser linker. As used herein, the term "gly-ser
linker" refers to a peptide that consists of glycine and serine
residues. An exemplary gly-ser linker comprises an amino acid
sequence of the formula (Gly.sub.4Ser)n, wherein n is a positive
integer (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10). A preferred
gly-ser linker is (Gly.sub.4Ser).sub.2 and (Gly.sub.4Ser).sub.4.
Another exemplary gly-ser linker is (Gly.sub.4Ser).sub.3. In yet
other aspects, two or more gly-ser linker are incorporated in
series in a polypeptide linker. In some aspects, the polypeptide
linker comprises at least a portion of a hinge region (e.g.,
derived from an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 molecule) and a series of
gly-ser amino acid residues (e.g., a gly-ser linker such as
(Gly.sub.4Ser)n).
[0140] In certain aspects, L1 and/or L2 include both a hinge
portion and a linker portion, such as a linker portion comprising a
gly-ser linker. In other aspects, L1 and/or L2 include only a hinge
portion or only a linker portion, such as a gly-ser linker. In
other aspects, L1 and L2 include a gly-ser linker portion. In
certain aspects, the gly-ser linker portion of L1 and L2 is the
same length, whereas in other aspects, the gly-ser linker portion
of L1 and L2 are different lengths. When a biMab comprises an scFv,
the heavy and light chains of the scFv may be connected by a
flexible linker. This flexible linker generally does not include a
hinge portion, but rather, is a gly-ser linker or other flexible
linker. The length and amino acid sequence of a flexible linker
interconnecting domains of an scFv may be readily selected and
optimized.
[0141] In some aspects, the polypeptide linker (particularly L1
and/or L2) comprises a gly-ser or all gly linker and a portion or
modified portion of a hinge domain. In some aspects, the
polypeptide linker (L1) connecting the Fab domain to the binding
domain (BD; binding unit 2) of the biMab comprises the amino acid
sequence EPKSDKTGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 63) or EPKSCGKTGGGGSGGGGS
(SEQ ID NO: 64) or EPKSCGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 65). In some aspects
the polypeptide linker (L2) connecting the binding domain and the
binding domain to the Fc domain of the biMab comprises the amino
acid sequence GGGGSGGGGSEPKSDKTHTCPPCP (SEQ ID NO: 67) or
GGGGSGGGGSCPPCP (SEQ ID NO:69) or GGGGSGGGGSDKTHTCPPCP (SEQ ID
NOS:71).
[0142] Regardless of the polypeptide linker used to interconnect
binding unit 1 to binding unit 2 and binding unit 2 to Fc (e.g., L1
and L2), the biMab may optionally comprise additional polypeptide
linkers. The lengths and sequence of such additional polypeptide
linkers are independently selected. For example, the biMab may
further comprise a flexible polypeptide linker interconnecting the
variable heavy and light chains of a scFv. This flexible
polypeptide linker may comprise a gly-ser linker. Generally, this
linker does not include a hinge portion.
5. Specific Configuration of biMabs
[0143] The biMabs of the present disclosure comprise two
heavy-light chain pairs. The polypeptide sequence of the biMab
chimeric heavy chain may comprise a polypeptide sequence comprising
an antibody heavy chain variable domain (VH1), a polypeptide
sequence comprising an antibody heavy chain constant domain 1
(CH1), a polypeptide sequence comprising a first polypeptide linker
(L1), a polypeptide sequence comprising a binding domain (BD1), a
polypeptide sequence comprising a second polypeptide linker (L2),
and a polypeptide sequence comprising an Fc domain. In some
aspects, the Fc domain comprises a C.sub.H2 domain and a C.sub.H3
domain. Thus, a biMab chimeric heavy chain may comprise polypeptide
sequences in the following orientation from N-terminus to
C-terminus: VH1-C.sub.H1-L1-BD-L2-C.sub.H2-C.sub.H3. The
polypeptide sequence of the biMab light chain may comprise a light
chain variable domain (VL1) and a light chain constant domain (CL).
Thus, a biMab light chain may comprise polypeptide sequence in the
following orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus: VL1-CL1. Note
that VH1, VL1, and CL1 are used to denote portions of binding unit
1 that binds the first epitope. BD is used to denote portions of
binding unit 2 that binds the second epitope. In certain aspects,
one or more additional binding units (e.g., scFvs) are present at
the N-terminal and/or C-terminal ends of the biMab core, see for
example FIGS. 26 and 27. In other aspects, one or more additional
binding units (e.g., scFvs) are present within the hinge. Thus, a
biMab heavy chain may comprise an extended core and have
polypeptide sequences in the following orientation from N-terminus
to C-terminus: VH1-C.sub.H1-L1-(BD).sub.n-L2-C.sub.H2-C.sub.H3
where n>1. An exemplary biMab having an extended core is
provided in FIG. 28.
[0144] In the aspects where the binding domain is an scFv, the
biMab chimeric heavy chain may comprise a polypeptide sequence
comprising an antibody heavy chain variable domain (VH1), a
polypeptide sequence comprising an antibody heavy chain constant
domain 1 (CH1), a polypeptide sequence comprising a first
polypeptide linker (L1), a polypeptide sequence comprising an
antibody light chain variable domain (VL2), a polypeptide sequence
comprising a flexible linker, a polypeptide sequence comprising an
antibody heavy chain variable domain (VH2), a polypeptide sequence
comprising a second polypeptide linker (L2), and a polypeptide
sequence comprising an antibody Fc domain. Thus, the chimeric heavy
chain of a biMab comprising an scFv as the BD may comprise a
polypeptide sequences in the following orientation from N-terminus
to C-terminus: VH1-CH1-L1-VL2-L3-VH2-L2-Fc. The chimeric heavy
chain is a polypeptide chain comprising an amino acid sequence
(e.g., the amino acid sequence of each of the polypeptide domains).
Alternatively, a chimeric heavy chain of a biMab comprising an scFv
as the binding domain may comprise a polypeptide sequence in the
following orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus:
VH1-CH1-L1-VH2-L3-VL2-L2-Fc. The chimeric heavy chain is a
polypeptide chain comprising an amino acid sequence (e.g., the
amino acid sequence of each of the polypeptide domains). Note that
VH1, VL1, and CL1 are used to denote portions of binding unit 1,
with VH1 and VL1 denoting that portion that binds the first
epitope. VH2 and VL2 is used to denote portions of binding unit 2
that bind the second epitope. In certain aspects, additional scFv
binding domains are present at the N-terminal and/or C-terminal
ends of the polypeptides that make up the biMab core, see for
example FIG. 26-27 (depicting the biMab core further comprising
binding unit 3 and/or 4 and/or 5). In certain aspects, more than
one scFv binding domains are present within the biMab core, see for
example FIG. 28 (depicting an extended biMab core comprising
binding units 2a and 2b). Each additional scFv comprises an
antibody heavy chain variable region denoted as VH3, VH4, VH5, and
a corresponding antibody light chain variable region denoted as
VL3, VL4, VL5.
6. Labels, Conjugates and Moieties
[0145] biMabs of the disclosure may be conjugated to labels for the
purposes of diagnostics and other assays wherein the biMabs and/or
its associated targets(s) may be detected. Labels include, without
limitation, a chromophore, a fluorophore, a fluorescent protein, a
phosphorescent dye, a tandem dye, a particle, a hapten, an enzyme
and a radioisotope.
[0146] In certain aspects, the biMabs are conjugated to a
fluorophore. The choice of the fluorophore attached to the biMabs
will determine the absorption and fluorescence emission properties
of the conjugated biMabs. Physical properties of a fluorophore
label that can be used for a biMabs and biMab-bound ligands
include, but are not limited to, spectral characteristics
(absorption, emission and stokes shift), fluorescence intensity,
lifetime, polarization and photo-bleaching rate, or combination
thereof. All of these physical properties can be used to
distinguish one fluorophore from another, and thereby allow for
multiplexed analysis. Other desirable properties of the fluorescent
label may include cell permeability and low toxicity, for example
if labeling of the biMab is to be performed in a cell or an
organism (e.g., a living animal).
[0147] In certain aspects, an enzyme is a label and is conjugated
to a biMab. Enzymes are desirable labels because amplification of
the detectable signal can be obtained resulting in increased assay
sensitivity. The enzyme itself does not produce a detectable
response but functions to break down a substrate when it is
contacted by an appropriate substrate such that the converted
substrate produces a fluorescent, colorimetric or luminescent
signal. Enzymes amplify the detectable signal because one enzyme on
a labeling reagent can result in multiple substrates being
converted to a detectable signal. The enzyme substrate is selected
to yield the preferred measurable product, e.g. colorimetric,
fluorescent or chemiluminescence. Such substrates are extensively
used in the art and are well known by one skilled in the art and
include for example, oxidoreductases such as horseradish peroxidase
and a substrate such as 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB); phosphatase
enzymes such as an acid phosphatase, alkaline and a substrate such
as 5-bromo-6-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate (BCIP); glycosidases, such
as beta-galactosidase, beta-glucuronidase or beta-glucosidase and a
substrate such as 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl
beta-D-galactopyranoside (X-gal); additional enzymes include
hydrolases such as cholinesterases and peptidases, oxidases such as
glucose oxidase and cytochrome oxidases, and reductases for which
suitable substrates are known.
[0148] Enzymes and their appropriate substrates that produce
chemiluminescence are suitable for some assays. These include, but
are not limited to, natural and recombinant forms of luciferases
and aequorins. Chemiluminescence-producing substrates for
phosphatases, glycosidases and oxidases such as those containing
stable dioxetanes, luminol, isoluminol and acridinium esters are
additionally useful.
[0149] In another aspect, haptens such as biotin, are also utilized
as labels. Biotin is useful because it can function in an enzyme
system to further amplify the detectable signal, and it can
function as a tag to be used in affinity chromatography for
isolation purposes. For detection purposes, an enzyme conjugate
that has affinity for biotin is used, such as avidin-HRP.
Subsequently a peroxidase substrate is added to produce a
detectable signal.
[0150] Haptens also include hormones, naturally occurring and
synthetic drugs, pollutants, allergens, affector molecules, growth
factors, chemokines, cytokines, lymphokines, amino acids, peptides,
chemical intermediates, nucleotides and the like.
[0151] In certain aspects, fluorescent proteins may be conjugated
to the biMabs as a label. Examples of fluorescent proteins include
green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the phycobiliproteins and the
derivatives thereof. The fluorescent proteins, especially
phycobiliprotein, are particularly useful for creating tandem dye
labeled labeling reagents. These tandem dyes comprise a fluorescent
protein and a fluorophore for the purposes of obtaining a larger
stokes shift wherein the emission spectra is farther shifted from
the wavelength of the fluorescent protein's absorption spectra.
[0152] In certain aspects, the label is a radioactive isotope.
Examples of suitable radioactive materials include, but are not
limited to, iodine (.sup.121I, .sup.123I, .sup.125I, .sup.131I),
carbon (.sup.14C), sulfur (.sup.35S), tritium (.sup.3H), indium
(.sup.111In, .sup.112In, .sup.113mIn, .sup.115mIn), technetium
(.sup.99Tc, .sup.99mTc), thallium (.sup.201Ti), gallium (.sup.68Ga,
.sup.67Ga), palladium (.sup.103Pd), molybdenum (.sup.99Mo), xenon
(.sup.135Xe), fluorine (.sup.18F), .sup.153SM, .sup.177Lu,
.sup.159Gd, .sup.149Pm, .sup.140La, .sup.175Yb, .sup.166Ho,
.sup.90Y, .sup.47Sc, .sup.186Re, .sup.188Re, .sup.142Pr, .sup.105Rh
and .sup.97Ru.
[0153] In some aspects, drugs may be conjugated to the biMabs. For
example, a biMab comprising an scFv may be conjugated to a
cytotoxic drug. In this example, the scFv may bind to a target
antigen on a cell surface, and the cytotoxic drug is then delivered
to the cell. In some aspects, the biMab conjugate is internalized,
which releases the cytotoxic drug to the cell. Any cytotoxic drug
known in the art may be conjugated to a biMab. Some antibody
conjugates are already approved by the FDA or are currently
undergoing clinical trials.
[0154] In certain features, drugs and other molecules may be
targeted to biMab via site-specific conjugation. For example,
biMabs may comprise cysteine engineered domains (including
cysteine(s) engineered into a binding unit and/or Fc domain), which
result in free thiol groups for conjugation reactions. In certain
aspects, a biMab is engineered to incorporate specific conjugation
sites. FIG. 225 is a schematic representation of a biMab modified
for drug conjugation. In some aspects, the present disclosure
provides an Fc variant biMab, wherein the Fc region comprises an
amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 239, 282, 289,
297, 312, 324, 330, 335, 337, 339, 356, 359, 361, 383, 384, 398,
400, 440, 422, and 442, as numbered by the EU index. In some
aspects, the Fc region comprises substitutions at one or more of
the following groups of positions: a) 289 and 440; b) 330 and 440;
c) 339 and 440; d) 359 and 440; e) 289 and 359; f) 330 and 359; g)
339 and 359; h) 289 and 339; i) 330 and 339; j) 289 and 330; k) 339
and 442; 1) 289, 339, and 442; m) 289, 330, and 339; n) 330, 339,
and 442; and o) 289, 330, and 442. In other aspects, the present
disclosure provides a biMab, wherein the CH1 domain of the Fab arm
comprises a substitution at one or more of positions 131, 132, 134,
135, 136 and 139, as numbered by the EU index. In one aspect the
substitution comprises a substitution to an amino acid chosen from
cysteine, lysine, tyrosine, histidine, selenocysteine, and
selenomethionine. In a specific aspect, the substitution is a
cysteine. Methods for generating stable cysteine engineered
antibodies are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,855,275, U.S.
20110033378 and WO 2011/005481, the contents of which are
incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
7. Exemplary Targets
[0155] In some aspects, specific pairs of molecules are targeted by
biMabs (e.g., binding unit 1 binds one of the targets and binding
unit 2 binds the other target). A biMab of the disclosure may be
capable of binding pairs of cytokines selected from, for example,
IL-1.alpha. and IL-113; IL-12 and IL-18; TNF.alpha. and IL-23;
TNF.alpha. and IL-13; TNF and IL-18; TNF and IL-12; TNF and
IL-1beta; TNF and MIF; TNF and IL-17; and TNF and IL-15; TNF and
VEGF; VEGFR and EGFR; IL-13 and IL-9; IL-13 and IL-4; IL-13 and
IL-5; IL-13 and IL-25; IL-13 and TARC; IL-13 and MDC; IL-13 and
MIF; IL-13 and TGF-.beta.; IL-13 and LHR agonist; IL-13 and CL25;
IL-13 and SPRR2a; IL-13 and SPRR2b; IL-13 and ADAM8; TNF.alpha. and
PGE4; IL-13 and PED2; TNF and PEG2.
[0156] In certain aspects, biMabs of the disclosure may be capable
of binding pairs of targets selected from, for example, CD138 and
CD20; CD138 and CD40; CD19 and CD20; CD20 and CD3; CD38 and CD138;
CD38 and CD20; CD38 and CD40; CD40 and CD20; CD-8 and IL-6; CSPGs
and RGM A; CTLA4 and BTNO2; IGF1 and IGF2; IGF1/2 and ErbB2; IGFR
and EGFR; ErbB2 and ErbB3; ErbB2 and CD64; IL-12 and TWEAK; IL-13
and IL-1.beta.; MAG and RGM A; NgR and RGM A; NogoA and RGM A; OMGp
and RGM A; PDL-1 and CTLA4; RGM A and RGM B; Te38 and TNF.alpha.;
TNF.alpha. and Blys; TNF.alpha. and CD-22; TNF.alpha. and CTLA-4;
TNF.alpha. and GP130; TNF.alpha. and IL-12p40; and TNF.alpha. and
RANK ligand.
[0157] In some aspects, biMabs of the disclosure may be capable of
binding one, two or more cytokines, cytokine-related proteins, and
cytokine receptors selected from among, for example, BMP1, BMP2,
BMP3B (GDF10), BMP4, BMP6, BMP8, CSF1(M-CSF), CSF2 (GM-CSF), CSF3
(G-CSF), EPO, FGF1 (.alpha.FGF), FGF2 (PFGF), FGF3 (int-2), FGF4
(HST), FGF5, FGF6 (HST-2), FGF7 (KGF), FGF9, FGF10, FGF11, FGF12,
FGF12B, FGF14, FGF16, FGF17, FGF19, FGF20, FGF21, FGF23, IGF1,
IGF2, IFN.alpha.1, IFN.alpha.2, IFN.alpha.4, IFN.alpha.5,
IFN.alpha.6, IFN.alpha.7, IFN.beta.1, IFN.gamma., IFN.omega.1,
FIL1, FIL1 (EPSILON), FIL1 (ZETA), IL1.alpha., IL1.beta., IL2, IL3,
IL4, IL5, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL9, IL10, IL11, IL12A, IL12B, IL13, IL14,
IL15, IL16, IL17, IL17B, IL18, IL19, IL20, IL22, IL23, IL24, IL25,
IL26, IL27, IL28A, IL28B, IL29, IL30, PDGFA, PDGFB, TGFA, TGFB1,
TGFB2, TGFB3, LTA (TNF-3), LTB, TNF (TNF-.alpha.), TNFSF4 (OX40
ligand), TNFSF5 (CD40 ligand), TNFSF6 (FasL), TNFSF7 (CD27 ligand),
TNFSF8 (CD30 ligand), TNFSF9 (4-1BB ligand), TNFSF10 (TRAIL),
TNFSF11 (TRANCE), TNFSF12 (APO3L), TNFSF13 (April), TNFSF13B,
TNFSF14 (HVEM-L), TNFSF15 (VEGI), TNFSF18, FIGF (VEGFD), VEGF,
VEGFB, VEGFC, IL1R1, IL1R2, IL1RL1, IL1RL2, IL2RA, IL2RB, IL2RG,
IL3RA, IL4R, IL5RA, IL6R, IL7R, IL8RA, IL8RB, IL9R, IL10RA, IL10RB,
IL11RA, IL12RB1, IL12RB2, IL13RA1, IL13RA2, IL15RA, IL17R, IL18R1,
IL20RA, IL21R, IL22R, IL1HY1, IL1RAP, IL1RAPL1, IL1RAPL2, IL1RN,
IL6ST, IL18BP, IL18RAP, IL22RA2, AIF1, HGF, LEP (leptin), PTN, and
THPO.
[0158] In further aspects, biMabs of the disclosure may be capable
of binding one or more chemokines, chemokine receptors, and
chemokine-related proteins selected from among, for example, CCL1
(I-309), CCL2 (MCP-1/MCAF), CCL3 (MIP-1.alpha.), CCL4 (MIP-1b),
CCL5 (RANTES), CCL7 (MCP-3), CCL8 (mcp-2), CCL11 (eotaxin), CCL13
(MCP-4), CCL15 (MIP-1d), CCL16 (HCC-4), CCL17 (TARC), CCL18 (PARC),
CCL19 (MIP-3b), CCL20 (MIP-3a), CCL21 (SLC/exodus-2), CCL22
(MDC/STC-1), CCL23 (MPIF-1), CCL24 (MPIF-2/eotaxin-2), CCL25
(TECK), CCL26 (eotaxin-3), CCL27 (CTACK/ILC), CCL28, CXCL1(GRO1),
CXCL2 (GRO2), CXCL3 (GRO3), CXCL5 (ENA-78), CXCL6 (GCP-2), CXCL9
(MIG), CXCL10 (IP 10), CXCL11 (I-TAC), CXCL12 (SDF1), CXCL13,
CXCL14, CXCL16, PF4 (CXCL4), PPBP (CXCL7), CX3CL1 (SCYD1), SCYE1,
XCL1 (lymphotactin), XCL2 (SCM-1b), BLR1 (MDR15), CCBP2 (D6/JAB61),
CCR1 (CKR1/HM145), CCR2 (mcp-1RB/RA), CCR3 (CKR3/CMKBR3), CCR4,
CCR5 (CMKBR5/ChemR13), CCR6 (CMKBR6/CKR-L3/STRL22/DRY6), CCR7
(CKR7/EBI1), CCR8 (CMKBR8/TER1/CKR-L1), CCR9 (GPR-9-6), CCRL1
(VSHK1), CCRL2 (L-CCR), XCR1 (GPR5/CCXCR1), CMKLR1, CMKOR1 (RDC1),
CX3CR1 (V28), CXCR4, GPR2 (CCR10), GPR31, GPR81 (FKSG80), CXCR3
(GPR9/CKR-L2), CXCR6 (TYMSTR/STRL33/Bonzo), HM74, IL8RA (IL8Ra),
IL8RB (IL8Rb), LTB4R (GPR16), TCP10, CKLFSF2, CKLFSF3, CKLFSF4,
CKLFSF5, CKLFSF6, CKLFSF7, CKLFSF8, BDNF, C5R1, CSF3, GRCC10 (CIO),
EPO, FY (DARC), GDF5, HIF1A, IL8, PRL, RGS3, RGS13, SDF2, SLIT2,
TLR2, TLR4, TREM1, TREM2, and VHL.
[0159] In further aspects, biMabs of the disclosure may be capable
of binding one or more cancer antigen selected from among, for
example, 707-AP, ALK, AFP, AKAP-4, ANHYDRASE IX, ART-4, B7H3, BAGE,
b-catenin-mutated, Bcr-abl, BORIS, CAMEL, CAP-1, CASP-8, CDC27
mutated, CDK4 mutated, CEA, CT, CYCLIN B1, Cyp-B, CYP1B1,
DAM-6/MAGE-B2, DAM-10/MAGE-B1, EGFRvIII, ELF2M, EPCAM, EPHA2,
EPHA4, ERG, ETV6-AML1, FAP, FLUCOSYL, G250, GAGE, GD2, GD3, GLOBOH,
GM1, GM3, GnT-V, Gp100, HAGE, HER2, HER3, HER4, HLA-A*0201-R170I,
HPV-E6, HPV-E7, HSP70-2M, HST-2, HTERT, iCE, KIAA0205, LAGE, LCK,
LDLR/FUT, LMP2, LUGUMAIN, MAD-CT1, MAD-CT2, MAGE, MAGE-A1, MAGE-A3,
MART1, MC1R, MESOTHELIN, ML-IAP, MUC1, MUM-1, -2, -3, MYCN, NA17,
NA88-A, NY-ESO-1, P15, p190 minor bcr-abl, P53, PAGE4, PAP, PAXS,
PDGFR B, PLAC1, Pml/RARa, POLYSIALIC ACID, PR1, PRAME, PSA, PSCA,
PSMA, RAGE, RAS-MUTANT, RGS5, RHOC, RU1, RU2, SAGE, SART-1, SART-3,
SSX2, STN, SURVIVIN, TEL/AML1, TIE2, TPI mutated, TRP-1, TRP-2,
TRP-2/INT2, VEGFR2, WT1 and XAGE1.
[0160] Other biMabs may be capable of binding cell surface proteins
selected from among, for example, integral membrane proteins
including ion channels, ion pumps, G-protein coupled receptors,
structural proteins, adhesion proteins such as integrins,
transporters, membrane-bound enzymes, proteins involved in
accumulation and transduction of energy and lipid-anchored proteins
including G proteins and some membrane-anchored kinases. biMabs may
also be capable of binding enzymes such as kinases, proteases,
lipases, phosphatases, fatty acid synthetases, digestive enzymes
such as pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin, lysozyme, and
polymerases. biMabs may also be capable of binding to receptors
such as hormone receptors, lymphokine receptors, monokine
receptors, growth factor receptors, G-protein coupled receptors,
and more.
[0161] In further aspects, biMabs of the disclosure may be capable
of binding one or more infectious agent (e.g., bacteria, virus).
Infectious bacteria include, but are not limited to, gram negative
and gram positive bacteria. Gram positive bacteria include, but are
not limited to Pasteurella species, Staphylococci species, and
Streptococcus species. Gram negative bacteria include, but are not
limited to, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas species, and Salmonella
species. Specific examples of infectious bacteria include but are
not limited to: Helicobacter pyloris, Borrelia burgdorferi,
Legionella pneumophilia, Mycobacteria sps (e.g., M. tuberculosis,
M. avium, M. intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. gordonae),
Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria
gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, Listeria monocytogenes,
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus), Streptococcus
agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus), Streptococcus (viridans group),
Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus bovis, Streptococcus
(anaerobic species), Streptococcus pneumoniae, pathogenic
Campylobacter sp., Enterococcus sp., Haemophilus influenzae,
Bacillus anthracis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium
sp., Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Clostridium perfringens,
Clostridium tetani, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Pasteurella multocida, Bacteroides sp., Fusobacterium nucleatum,
Streptobacillus moniliformis, Treponema pallidum, Treponema
pertenue, Leptospira, Rickettsia, and Actinomyces israelli. Viruses
include, but are not limited to, enteroviruses, rotaviruses,
adenovirus, hepatitis virus. Specific examples of viruses that have
been found in humans include but are not limited to: Retroviridae
(e.g., human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV); Picornaviridae (e.g.,
polio viruses, hepatitis A virus; enteroviruses, human Coxsackie
viruses, rhinoviruses, echoviruses); Calciviridae (e.g., strains
that cause gastroenteritis); Togaviridae (e.g., equine encephalitis
viruses, rubella viruses); Flaviviridae (e.g., dengue viruses,
encephalitis viruses, yellow fever viruses); Coronaviridae (e.g.,
coronaviruses); Rhabdoviridae (e.g., vesicular stomatitis viruses,
rabies viruses); Filoviridae (e.g., ebola viruses); Paramyxoviridae
(e.g., parainfluenza viruses, mumps virus, measles virus,
respiratory syncytial virus); Orthomyxoviridae (e.g., influenza
viruses); Bungaviridae (e.g., Hantaan viruses, bunga viruses,
phleboviruses and Nairo viruses); Arenaviridae (hemorrhagic fever
viruses); Reoviridae (e.g., reoviruses, orbiviurses and
rotaviruses); Birnaviridae; Hepadnaviridae (Hepatitis B virus);
Parvoviridae (parvoviruses); Papovaviridae (papillomaviruses,
polyoma viruses); Adenoviridae (most adenoviruses); Herpesviridae
(herpes simplex virus (HSV) 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus,
cytomegalovirus (CMV)); Poxviridae (variola viruses, vaccinia
viruses, pox viruses); Iridoviridae (e.g., African swine fever
virus); and unclassified viruses (e.g., the etiological agents of
spongiform encephalopathies, the agent of delta hepatitis, the
agents of non-A, non-B hepatitis; Norwalk and related viruses, and
astroviruses).
[0162] In certain aspects, a biMab of the disclosure binds two
different epitopes on the same target (e.g., binding unit 1 binds a
first epitope on a target and binding unit 2 binds a second epitope
on the same target).
[0163] In certain aspects, a biMab of the disclosure binds to EGFR
and IGFR1. In certain aspects, binding unit 1 binds to EGFR and
binding unit 2 binds to IGFR1. In other aspects, binding unit 1
binds to IGFR1 and binding unit 2 binds to EGFR. In other aspects,
a biMab of the disclosure binds to VEGF and Ang2. In certain
aspects, binding unit 1 binds to VEGF and binding unit 2 binds to
Ang2. In other aspects, binding unit 1 binds to Ang2 and binding
unit 2 binds to VEGF.
[0164] In some aspects, the multimeric nature of the biMabs of the
disclosure confers the ability to target labels or therapeutics to
a specific cell type or molecular target. For example, one
functional domain in a biMab may bind to a target at the surface of
a cell, while another functional domain in the same biMabs binds to
a hapten or labeling agent useful for detection. Similarly, one
functional domain may bind to a cellular target while a second
functional domain binds to a toxin. Because both binding reactions
are mediated through a single molecule, the toxin may be placed in
the proximity of the cellular target, where it affects a cytotoxic
function.
B. Nucleic Acid Molecules Encoding biMabs
[0165] The present disclosure provides nucleic acid molecules that
encode biMabs. One aspect of the disclosure provides nucleic acid
molecules encoding any of the biMabs of the disclosure. A nucleic
acid molecule may encode a heavy chain and/or light chain of the
biMab.
[0166] In some aspects, a nucleic acid molecule encoding a heavy
chain of the biMab is a contiguous nucleic acid molecule comprising
a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a
VH1 domain; a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding a C.sub.H1 domain; a nucleic acid portion comprising a
nucleotide sequence encoding a binding domain (BD) that binds a
second epitope; a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide
sequence encoding an Fc domain, wherein the nucleic acid molecule
further comprises at least one nucleic acid portion comprising a
nucleotide sequence that encodes a polypeptide linker. In some
aspects, a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding a CH1 domain is linked to a nucleic acid portion
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a binding domain (BD) via
a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a
first polypeptide linker (L1). In some aspects, a nucleic acid
portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a binding domain
(BD) is linked to a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide
sequence encoding an Fc region via a nucleic acid portion
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a second polypeptide
linker (L2).
[0167] In some aspects, the binding domain (BD) is an scFv, wherein
the nucleic acid portion encoding the scFv comprises a nucleotide
sequence encoding a VL2 domain and a nucleotide sequence encoding a
VH2, and wherein the nucleotide sequence encoding the VL2 domain is
linked to the nucleotide sequence encoding the VH2 domain via a
nucleotide sequence encoding a flexible polypeptide linker.
[0168] In some aspects, a contiguous a nucleic acid molecule
encoding a heavy chain of the biMab further comprises a nucleic
acid portion encoding a binding unit linked to the 5' end of a
nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a
VH1 domain and/or a nucleic acid portion encoding a binding unit
linked to the 3' end of a nucleic acid portion comprising a
nucleotide sequence encoding an Fc region. In certain aspects, a
nucleic acid portion encoding a binding unit is linked to a nucleic
acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a VH1 domain
via a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding a polypeptide linker. In certain other aspects, a nucleic
acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an Fc region
is linked to a nucleic acid portion encoding a binding unit via a
nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a
polypeptide linker.
[0169] In some aspects, a nucleic acid molecule encodes a light
chain of the biMab. The nucleic acid encoding a light chain of the
biMab may comprise a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide
sequence encoding a VL1 domain, and a nucleic acid portion
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CL domain.
[0170] In some aspects, a nucleic acid molecule encoding a light
chain of the biMab further comprises a nucleic acid portion
encoding a binding unit linked to the 5' end of a nucleic acid
portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a VL1 domain
and/or a nucleic acid portion encoding a binding unit linked to the
3' end of a nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding a CL domain. In certain aspects, a nucleic acid portion
encoding a binding unit is linked to a nucleic acid portion
comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a VL1 domain via a
nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a
polypeptide linker. In certain other aspects, a nucleic acid
portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CL domain is
linked to a nucleic acid portion encoding a binding unit via a
nucleic acid portion comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a
polypeptide linker. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a
vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule or molecules as described
herein, wherein the vector encodes a biMab as described herein.
[0171] A further aspect provides a host cell transformed with any
of the nucleic acid molecules as described herein. In another
aspect of the disclosure there is provided a host cell comprising
the vector comprising nucleic acid molecules as described herein.
In one aspect the host cell may comprise more than one vector.
[0172] The disclosure contemplates nucleic acid molecules encoding
any biMab of the disclosure, as well as either the light or
chimeric heavy chain of a biMab. For example, the disclosure
contemplates a nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide
sequence encoding a biMab light chain (e.g., VL1+CL of a binding
unit 1, such as a Fab that binds a first epitope) and/or a
nucleotide sequence encoding a biMab chimeric heavy chain (e.g.,
VH1+CH1+L1+BD+L2+Fc). The disclosure further contemplates nucleic
acid molecules encoding any biMab of the disclosure further
comprising additional binding units. For example, a nucleic acid
molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a biMab light
chain further comprising an additional binding unit (e.g., binding
unit 2+VL1+CL of a binding unit 1) and/or a nucleotide sequence
encoding a biMab chimeric heavy chain further comprising an
additional binding unit (e.g., binding unit
4+VH1+CH1+L1+BD+L2+Fc).
C. Methods for Producing biMabs
[0173] The present disclosure provides methods for producing
biMabs. In certain aspects, the recombinant nucleic acids may be
operably linked to one or more regulatory nucleotide sequences in
an expression construct. The nucleic acid sequences encoding the
biMab light and chimeric heavy chains can be cloned in the same
expression vector in any orientation (e.g., light chain in front of
the heavy chain or vice versa) or can be cloned in two different
vectors. If expression is carried out using one vector, the two
coding genes can have their own genetic elements (e.g., promoter,
RBS, leader, stop, polyA, etc) or they can be cloned with one
single set of genetic elements, but connected with a cistron
element. Regulatory nucleotide sequences will generally be
appropriate for a host cell used for expression. Numerous types of
appropriate expression vectors and suitable regulatory sequences
are known in the art for a variety of host cells. Typically, said
one or more regulatory nucleotide sequences may include, but are
not limited to, promoter sequences, leader or signal sequences,
ribosomal binding sites, transcriptional start and termination
sequences, translational start and termination sequences, and
enhancer or activator sequences. Constitutive or inducible
promoters as known in the art are contemplated by the disclosure.
The promoters may be either naturally occurring promoters, or
hybrid promoters that combine elements of more than one promoter.
An expression construct may be present in a cell on an episome,
such as a plasmid, or the expression construct may be inserted in a
chromosome.
[0174] In certain aspects, the expression vector contains a
selectable marker gene to allow the selection of transformed host
cells. Selectable marker genes are well known in the art and will
vary with the host cell used. In certain aspects, this disclosure
relates to an expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding a polypeptide and operably linked to at least one
regulatory sequence. Regulatory sequences are art-recognized and
are selected to direct expression of the encoded polypeptide.
Accordingly, the term regulatory sequence includes promoters,
enhancers, and other expression control elements. Exemplary,
non-limiting regulatory sequences are described in Goeddel; Gene
Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology, Academic Press, San
Diego, Calif. (1990). It should be understood that the design of
the expression vector may depend on such factors as the choice of
the host cell to be transformed and/or the type of protein desired
to be expressed. Moreover, the vector's copy number, the ability to
control that copy number and the expression of any other protein
encoded by the vector, such as antibiotic markers, should also be
considered.
[0175] The present disclosure further pertains to methods of
producing a biMab of the disclosure. For example, a host cell
transfected with one or more than one expression vectors encoding a
biMab (e.g., a single vector encoding the chimeric heavy and the
light chain or two vectors, one encoding the chimeric heavy chain
and one encoding the light chain) can be cultured under appropriate
conditions to allow expression of the polypeptide to occur. The
biMab may be secreted and isolated from a mixture of cells and
medium containing the polypeptide. Alternatively, the biMab may be
retained in the cytoplasm or in a membrane fraction and the cells
harvested, lysed and the protein isolated. A cell culture includes
host cells, media and other byproducts. Suitable media for cell
culture are well known in the art. biMabs can be isolated from cell
culture medium, host cells, or both using techniques known in the
art for purifying proteins, including ion-exchange chromatography,
gel filtration chromatography, ultrafiltration, electrophoresis,
and immunoaffinity purification. In certain aspects, the biMab is
made as a fusion protein containing a domain which facilitates its
purification.
[0176] A recombinant nucleic acid can be produced by ligating the
cloned gene, or a portion thereof, into a vector suitable for
expression in either prokaryotic cells, eukaryotic cells (yeast,
avian, insect or mammalian), or both. Expression vehicles for
production of a recombinant polypeptide include plasmids and other
vectors. For instance, suitable vectors include plasmids of the
types: pBR322-derived plasmids, pEMBL-derived plasmids, pEX-derived
plasmids, pBTac-derived plasmids and pUC-derived plasmids for
expression in prokaryotic cells, such as E. coli. In certain
aspects, mammalian expression vectors contain both prokaryotic
sequences to facilitate the propagation of the vector in bacteria,
and one or more eukaryotic transcription units that are expressed
in eukaryotic cells. The pcDNAI/amp, pcDNAI/neo, pRc/CMV, pSV2gpt,
pSV2neo, pSV2-dhfr, pTk2, pRSVneo, pMSG, pSVT7, pko-neo and pHyg
derived vectors are examples of mammalian expression vectors
suitable for transfection of eukaryotic cells. Some of these
vectors are modified with sequences from bacterial plasmids, such
as pBR322, to facilitate replication and drug resistance selection
in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Alternatively,
derivatives of viruses such as the bovine papilloma virus (BPV-1),
or Epstein-Barr virus (pHEBo, pREP-derived and p205) can be used
for transient expression of proteins in eukaryotic cells. The
various methods employed in the preparation of the plasmids and
transformation of host organisms are well known in the art. For
other suitable expression systems for both prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells, as well as general recombinant procedures, see
Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Ed., ed. by Sambrook,
Fritsch and Maniatis (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989)
Chapters 16 and 17. In some instances, it may be desirable to
express the recombinant polypeptide by the use of a baculovirus
expression system. Examples of such baculovirus expression systems
include pVL-derived vectors (such as pVL1392, pVL1393 and pVL941),
pAcUW-derived vectors (such as pAcUW1), and pBlueBac-derived
vectors (such as the 3-gal containing pBlueBac III).
[0177] Techniques for making fusion genes are well known.
Essentially, the joining of various nucleic acid fragments coding
for different polypeptide sequences is performed in accordance with
conventional techniques, employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended
termini for ligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide for
appropriate termini, filling-in of cohesive ends as appropriate,
alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoid undesirable joining, and
enzymatic ligation. In another aspect, the fusion gene can be
synthesized by conventional techniques including automated DNA
synthesizers. Alternatively, PCR amplification of gene fragments
can be carried out using anchor primers which give rise to
complementary overhangs between two consecutive nucleic acid
fragments which can subsequently be annealed to generate a chimeric
gene sequence (see, for example, Current Protocols in Molecular
Biology, eds. Ausubel et al., John Wiley & Sons: 1992).
[0178] In some aspects, an expression vector expressing any of the
nucleic acids described above may be used to express biMabs in a
host cell. For example, a biMab may be expressed in bacterial cells
such as E. coli, insect cells (e.g., using a baculovirus expression
system), yeast, or mammalian cells. Other suitable host cells are
known to those skilled in the art.
[0179] Once the expression vector is transferred to a host cell by
conventional techniques, the transfected cells are then cultured by
conventional techniques to produce an antibody. Thus, the
disclosure includes host cells containing a polynucleotide encoding
biMab or fragments thereof, operably linked to a heterologous
promoter. In certain aspects, both the chimeric heavy chain and the
light chain may be co-expressed (from the same or different
vectors) in the host cell for expression of the entire biMab. In
certain aspects, both the heavy and light chains of the biMab are
expressed from a single promoter. In certain aspects, the heavy and
light chains of the biMab are expressed from multiple promoters. In
certain aspects, the heavy and light chains of the biMab are
encoded on a single vector. In certain aspects, the heavy and light
chains of the biMab are encoded on multiple vectors.
[0180] Mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression of
recombinant antibodies are well known in the art and include many
immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture
Collection (ATCC), including but not limited to Chinese hamster
ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells,
monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
(e.g., Hep G2), human epithelial kidney 293 cells, and a number of
other cell lines. Different host cells have characteristic and
specific mechanisms for the post-translational processing and
modification of proteins and gene products. Appropriate cell lines
or host systems can be chosen to ensure the correct modification
and processing of the antibody or portion thereof expressed. To
this end, eukaryotic host cells which possess the cellular
machinery for proper processing of the primary transcript,
glycosylation, and phosphorylation of the gene product may be used.
Such mammalian host cells include but are not limited to CHO, VERY,
BHK, Hela, COS, MDCK, 293, 3T3, W138, BT483, Hs578T, HTB2, BT20 and
T47D, NS0 (a murine myeloma cell line that does not endogenously
produce any functional immunoglobulin chains), SP20, CRL7O3O and
HsS78Bst cells. In one aspect, human cell lines developed by
immortalizing human lymphocytes can be used to recombinantly
produce monoclonal antibodies. In one aspect, the human cell line
PER.C6. (Crucell, Netherlands) can be used to recombinantly produce
monoclonal antibodies.
[0181] Additional cell lines which may be used as hosts for
expression of recombinant antibodies include, but are not limited
to, insect cells (e.g. Sf21/Sf9, Trichoplusia ni Bti-Tn5b1-4) or
yeast cells (e.g. S. cerevisiae, Pichia, U.S. Pat. No. 7,326,681;
etc), plants cells (US20080066200); and chicken cells
(WO2008142124).
[0182] In certain aspects, biMabs of the disclosure are stably
expressed in a cell line. Stable expression can be used for
long-term, high-yield production of recombinant proteins. For
example, cell lines which stably express the antibody molecule may
be generated. Host cells can be transformed with an appropriately
engineered vector comprising expression control elements (e.g.,
promoter, enhancer, transcription terminators, polyadenylation
sites, etc.), and a selectable marker gene. Following the
introduction of the foreign DNA, cells may be allowed to grow for
1-2 days in an enriched media, and then are switched to a selective
media. The selectable marker in the recombinant plasmid confers
resistance to the selection and allows cells that stably integrated
the plasmid into their chromosomes to grow and form foci which in
turn can be cloned and expanded into cell lines. Methods for
producing stable cell lines with a high yield are well known in the
art and reagents are generally available commercially.
[0183] In certain aspects, biMabs of the disclosure are transiently
expressed in a cell line. Transient transfection is a process in
which the nucleic acid introduced into a cell does not integrate
into the genome or chromosomal DNA of that cell. It is in fact
maintained as an extrachromosomal element, e.g. as an episome, in
the cell. Transcription processes of the nucleic acid of the
episome are not affected and a protein encoded by the nucleic acid
of the episome is produced.
[0184] The cell line, either stable or transiently transfected, is
maintained in cell culture medium and conditions well known in the
art resulting in the expression and production of monoclonal
antibodies. In certain aspects, the mammalian cell culture media is
based on commercially available media formulations, including, for
example, DMEM or Ham's F12. In other aspects, the cell culture
media is modified to support increases in both cell growth and
biologic protein expression. As used herein, the terms "cell
culture medium," "culture medium," and "medium formulation" refer
to a nutritive solution for the maintenance, growth, propagation,
or expansion of cells in an artificial in vitro environment outside
of a multicellular organism or tissue. Cell culture medium may be
optimized for a specific cell culture use, including, for example,
cell culture growth medium which is formulated to promote cellular
growth, or cell culture production medium which is formulated to
promote recombinant protein production. The terms nutrient,
ingredient, and component are used interchangeably herein to refer
to the constituents that make up a cell culture medium.
[0185] Once a molecule has been produced, it may be purified by any
method known in the art for purification of an immunoglobulin
molecule or other multimeric molecules, for example, by
chromatography (e.g., ion exchange, affinity, particularly by
affinity for the specific antigens Protein A or Protein G, and
sizing column chromatography), centrifugation, differential
solubility, or by any other standard technique for the purification
of proteins. Further, the molecules of the present disclosure or
fragments thereof may be fused to heterologous polypeptide
sequences (referred to herein as "tags") described above or
otherwise known in the art to facilitate purification.
[0186] When using recombinant techniques, the molecule can be
produced intracellularly, in the periplasmic space, or directly
secreted into the medium. If the molecule is produced
intracellularly, as a first step, the particulate debris, either
host cells or lysed fragments, is removed, for example, by
centrifugation or ultrafiltration. Carter et al., Bio/Technology,
10:163-167 (1992) describe a procedure for isolating antibodies
which are secreted into the periplasmic space of E. coli. Where the
molecule is secreted into the medium, supernatants from such
expression systems are generally first concentrated using a
commercially available protein concentration filter, for example,
an Amicon or Millipore Pellicon ultrafiltration unit. A protease
inhibitor such as PMSF may be included in any of the foregoing
steps to inhibit proteolysis and antibiotics may be included to
prevent the growth of adventitious contaminants.
[0187] The composition prepared from the cells can be purified
using, for example, hydroxylapatite chromatography, hydrophobic
interaction chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, gel
electrophoresis, dialysis, and/or affinity chromatography either
alone or in combination with other purification steps. The
suitability of protein A as an affinity ligand depends on the
species and isotype of any immunoglobulin Fc domain, if present, in
the molecule and will be understood by one of skill in the art. The
matrix to which the affinity ligand is attached is most often
agarose, but other matrices are available. Mechanically stable
matrices such as controlled pore glass or
poly(styrenedivinyl)benzene allow for faster flow rates and shorter
processing times than can be achieved with agarose. Other
techniques for protein purification such as fractionation on an
ion-exchange column, ethanol precipitation, Reverse Phase HPLC,
chromatography on silica, chromatography on heparin, SEPHAROSE
chromatography on an anion or cation exchange resin (such as a
polyaspartic acid column), chromatofocusing, SDS-PAGE, and ammonium
sulfate precipitation are also available depending on the molecule
to be recovered.
[0188] Following any preliminary purification step(s), the mixture
comprising the molecule of interest and contaminants may be
subjected to low pH hydrophobic interaction chromatography using an
elution buffer at a pH between about 2.5-4.5, and performed at low
salt concentrations (e.g., from about 0-0.25 M salt).
[0189] A biMab may be made and purified using, for example, any one
or combination of techniques set forth above and/or in the
Examples. Solely to illustrate, a biMab may be affinity purified
using standard protein A affinity chromatography using HiTrap
rProteinA FF column that has been equilibrated in PBS 1.times.. The
biMab may be loaded on the column, which may be washed to eliminate
contaminants and unbound material. Washing may be done with PBS
1.times. until the A280 trace reaches baseline. The bound protein
may then be eluted in 25 mM glycine pH 2.8. Fractions may be
immediately neutralized by addition of 0.1 volumes 1M Tris-HCl
buffer pH 8. Fractions may then be analyzed for their biMab content
by reading their absorbance at A280. The fractions containing the
biMab may be pooled together and dialyzed overnight using a
dialysis membrane cutoff of 10,000 kiloDalton (kDa), at 4.degree.
C. in 10.times. volume of PBS 1.times.. The dialyzed biMab may then
be filtered using 0.22 micron filters and analyzed by reducing and
non-reducing SDS-PAGE, for example a 4-12% Nupage gel run in MOPS
buffer.
[0190] Following protein A purification, the biMab may be analyzed
by analytical size-exclusion chromatography in order to determine
the molecular weight (MW, Dalton) and the monomeric content of
constructs. SEC-HPLC may be carried out using a TSK-GEL G3000SWXL
column (Tosoh Bioscience LLC, Montgomeryville, Pa.), which
separates globular proteins with MW that range from approximately
10 to 500 kDa, with a buffer containing 100 mM sodium phosphate, pH
6.8, and at a flow rate of 1 ml/min.
[0191] Regardless of how a biMab is purified, to confirm functional
binding of the biMabs of the disclosure, binding assays may be
performed (before and/or after purification). For example, dual
ELISA assays may be used. In some aspects, a first antigen is
coated on a well, and binding to this antigen immobilizes the
biMab. A tagged second antigen is added to the well, and detected.
Only bispecific molecules that are both immobilized via binding to
the first antigen and also bound to the second antigen will be
detected.
D. Pharmaceutical Formulations
[0192] In certain aspects, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical
compositions. Such pharmaceutical compositions may be compositions
comprising a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a biMab. Such
pharmaceutical compositions may also be compositions comprising a
biMab, or a combination of biMabs, and a pharmaceutically
acceptable excipient. In certain aspects, the pharmaceutical
compositions of the disclosure are used as a medicament.
[0193] In certain aspects, a biMab or a combination of biMabs (or
nucleic acid molecules encoding a biMab or a combination of biMabs)
may be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier,
excipient or stabilizer, as pharmaceutical compositions. In certain
aspects, such pharmaceutical compositions are suitable for
administration to a human or non-human animal via any one or more
route of administration using methods known in the art. As will be
appreciated by the skilled artisan, the route and/or mode of
administration will vary depending upon the desired results. The
term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" means one or more
non-toxic materials that do not interfere with the effectiveness of
the biological activity of the active ingredients. Such
preparations may routinely contain salts, buffering agents,
preservatives, compatible carriers, and optionally other
therapeutic agents. Such pharmaceutically acceptable preparations
may also contain compatible solid or liquid fillers, diluents or
encapsulating substances which are suitable for administration into
a human. Other contemplated carriers, excipients, and/or additives,
which may be utilized in the formulations described herein include,
for example, flavoring agents, antimicrobial agents, sweeteners,
antioxidants, antistatic agents, lipids, protein excipients such as
serum albumin, gelatin, casein, salt-forming counterions such as
sodium and the like. These and additional known pharmaceutical
carriers, excipients and/or additives suitable for use in the
formulations described herein are known in the art, e.g., as listed
in "Remington: The Science & Practice of Pharmacy", 21.sup.st
ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, (2005), and in the
"Physician's Desk Reference", 60.sup.th ed., Medical Economics,
Montvale, N.J. (2005). Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be
selected that are suitable for the mode of administration,
solubility and/or stability desired or required.
[0194] The formulations described herein comprise active agents in
a concentration resulting in a w/v appropriate for a desired dose.
In certain aspects, the active agent is present in a formulation at
a concentration of about 1 mg/ml to about 200 mg/ml, about 1 mg/ml
to about 100 mg/ml, about 1 mg/ml to about 50 mg/ml, or about 1
mg/ml to about 25 mg/ml. In certain aspects, the active agent is
present at a concentration of about 25 mg/ml. In certain aspects,
the concentration of the active agent in a formulation may vary
from about 0.1 to about 100 weight %. In certain aspects, the
concentration of the active agent is in the range of 0.003 to 1.0
molar.
[0195] In one aspect, the formulations of the disclosure are
pyrogen-free formulations which are substantially free of
endotoxins and/or related pyrogenic substances. Endotoxins include
toxins that are confined inside a microorganism and are released
only when the microorganisms are broken down or die. Pyrogenic
substances also include fever-inducing, thermostable substances
(glycoproteins) from the outer membrane of bacteria and other
microorganisms. Both of these substances can cause fever,
hypotension and shock if administered to humans. Due to the
potential harmful effects, even low amounts of endotoxins must be
removed from intravenously administered pharmaceutical drug
solutions. The Food & Drug Administration ("FDA") has set an
upper limit of 5 endotoxin units (EU) per dose per kilogram body
weight in a single one hour period for intravenous drug
applications (The United States Pharmacopeial Convention,
Pharmacopeial Forum 26 (1):223 (2000)). In certain specific
aspects, the endotoxin and pyrogen levels in the composition are
less than 10 EU/mg, or less than 5 EU/mg, or less than 1 EU/mg, or
less than 0.1 EU/mg, or less than 0.01 EU/mg, or less than 0.001
EU/mg.
[0196] When used for in vivo administration, the formulations of
the disclosure should be sterile. The formulations of the
disclosure may be sterilized by various sterilization methods,
including sterile filtration, radiation, etc. In one aspect, the
formulation is filter-sterilized with a presterilized 0.22-micron
filter. Sterile compositions for injection can be formulated
according to conventional pharmaceutical practice as described in
"Remington: The Science & Practice of Pharmacy", 21.sup.st ed.,
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, (2005).
[0197] Therapeutic compositions of the present disclosure can be
formulated for particular routes of administration, such as oral,
nasal, pulmonary, topical (including buccal and sublingual),
rectal, vaginal and/or parenteral administration. The phrases
"parenteral administration" and "administered parenterally" as used
herein refer to modes of administration other than enteral and
topical administration, usually by injection, and includes, without
limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal,
intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal,
intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular,
intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural
and intrasternal injection and infusion. Formulations of the
present disclosure which are suitable for topical or transdermal
administration include powders, sprays, ointments, pastes, creams,
lotions, gels, solutions, patches and inhalants. The biMabs may be
mixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier, and with any preservatives, buffers, or propellants which
may be required (U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,378,110; 7,258,873; 7,135,180; US
Publication No. 2004-0042972; and 2004-0042971).
[0198] The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit
dosage form and may be prepared by any method known in the art of
pharmacy. Actual dosage levels of the active ingredients in the
pharmaceutical compositions of the present disclosure may be varied
so as to obtain an amount of the active ingredient which is
effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a
particular patient, composition, and mode of administration,
without being toxic to the patient (e.g., "a therapeutically
effective amount"). The selected dosage level will depend upon a
variety of pharmacokinetic factors including the activity of the
particular compositions employed, the route of administration, the
time of administration, the rate of excretion of the particular
compound being employed, the duration of the treatment, other
drugs, compounds and/or materials used in combination with the
particular compositions employed, the age, sex, weight, condition,
general health and prior medical history of the patient being
treated, and like factors well known in the medical arts. Suitable
dosages may range from about 0.0001 to about 100 mg/kg of body
weight or greater, for example about 0.1, 1, 10, or 50 mg/kg of
body weight, with about 1 to about 10 mg/kg of body weight being
suitable.
[0199] Note that the disclosure similarly contemplates that
formulations suitable for diagnostic and research use may also be
made. The concentration of active agent in such formulations, as
well as the presence or absence of excipients and/or pyrogens can
be selected based on the particular application and intended
use.
E. Uses
[0200] biMabs, as described herein, may be used to bind targets
associated with diseases or disorders, thereby removing or
otherwise inhibiting the activity of the targets and treating the
diseases or disorders and/or alleviating symptoms thereof. In some
aspects, the biMabs of the disclosure may be used for treating a
disorder related to angiogenesis, cell proliferation, cell
motility, cell invasion, or cell adhesion in a subject, by
administering to the subject in need thereof a therapeutically
effective dose of a biMab of the disclosure that binds to a target
associated with the disease or symptoms of the disorder. For
example, aberrant signalling through growth factors and/or growth
factor receptors has been shown to contribute to unwanted cell
proliferation and cancer. Accordingly, biMabs may be used to treat
unwanted cell proliferation and/or cancer associated with growth
factor signalling. In particular, the tumor growth curve of a tumor
and/or the volume of a tumor may be reduced by administration of a
biMab directed to proteins in growth factor signalling pathways. A
similar strategy may be used for specific cancers or examples of
unwanted cell proliferation associated with other signalling
molecules.
[0201] An exemplary, non-limiting example of a specific biMab is a
bispecific, bivalent molecule that binds EGFR and IGFR. This biMab
may be used to treat unwanted cell proliferation and/or cancer
associated with EGF and IGF signalling. Another non-limiting
exemplary specific biMab is a bispecific, bivalent molecule that
binds VEGF and Ang2. This biMab may be used to treat unwanted cell
proliferation and/or cancer associated with VEGF and Ang2
signalling. For example, the biMab may be used to inhibit tumor
growth and/or decrease the volume of an existing tumor. Similarly,
a biMab may be used diagnostically to detect or monitor cells or
tumors. Moreover, a biMab may be used in a research context to
study, for example, cell growth and survival in wild type or
diseased cells and tissues.
[0202] In other aspects, the biMabs of the disclosure may be used
to treat diseases or disorders caused by an infectious agent such
as a virus, bacteria, or parasite. A biMab may be designed to bind
to one or more biomolecular targets on an infectious agent, thereby
rendering the agent unable to invade and/or infect the host cells.
Alternately, a plurality of biMabs may bind to an infectious agent
and, like native immunoglobulins, trigger an immune response.
Finally, a biMab may be used to bind a target molecule released by
an infectious agent, in order to prevent the target from acting on
host cells and tissues.
[0203] In still other aspects, biMabs of the disclosure may be used
to modulate immune responses to antigens such as pollen, plants,
insect parts and/or secretions, animal dander, nuts, or
self-antigens. biMabs may be engineered to bind biomolecular
targets present in these antigens and/or targets that mediate the
immune response to these targets, like IgE, anaphylatoxins, or
histamine.
[0204] biMabs of the disclosure, such as those described herein,
may also be used for diagnostic purposes. For example, one or more
target biomolecules may be detected in tissues or cells of a
subject in order to screen for a disease or disorder associated
with changes in expression of the targets. A diagnostic kit may
comprise one or more biMabs that bind to target molecules, and a
detection system for indicating the reaction of the biMab(s) with
the target(s), if any.
[0205] The disclosure contemplates numerous uses for biMabs,
including therapeutic, diagnostic, and research uses. Diagnostic
and research uses may be in vivo or ex vivo. For example, a
particular biMab may be used to identify, in cell culture, in
tissue biopsy or in an animal or animal model, whether cells or
tissue express a particular antigen(s) and whether simultaneously
binding of an antibody molecule to both antigens improves
detection, alters cell survival or behavior, and the like.
Moreover, the activity of biMabs may be compared to the activity of
conventional antibodies to evaluate the interactions or roles of
multiple targets or multiple signaling pathways in a normal or
disease state (e.g., does simultaneous inhibition of two targets
have a different effect on cell behavior in comparison to
inhibition of each target separately).
F. Kits
[0206] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a kit. In one
aspect, a kit comprises any of the compositions or pharmaceutical
compositions of a nucleic acid, polypeptide, expression vector, or
host cell described above, and instructions or a label directing
appropriate use or administration. Optionally, a kit may also
include one or more containers and/or a syringe or other device to
facilitate delivery or use. The disclosure contemplates that all or
any subset of the components for conducting research assays,
diagnostic assays and/or for administering therapeutically
effective amounts may be enclosed in the kit. Similarly, the kit
may include instructions for making a polypeptide by, for example
culturing a host cell that expresses a nucleic acid that encodes a
biMab of the disclosure under suitable conditions. By way of
additional example, a kit for therapeutic administration of a biMab
of the disclosure may comprise a solution containing a
pharmaceutical formulation of the biMab, or a lyophilized
preparation of a biMab, and instructions for administering the
composition to a patient in need thereof and/or for reconstituting
the lyophilized product.
[0207] The present disclosure also encompasses a finished packaged
and labeled pharmaceutical product. This article of manufacture
includes the appropriate unit dosage form in an appropriate vessel
or container such as a glass vial or other container that is
hermetically sealed. In the case of dosage forms suitable for
parenteral administration the active ingredient, e.g., an
above-described biMab, is sterile and suitable for administration
as a particulate free solution. In certain aspects, the formulation
is suitable for intravenous administration, such as for intravenous
infusion to a human or animal.
[0208] In a specific aspect, the formulations of the disclosure are
formulated in single dose vials as a sterile liquid. Exemplary
containers include, but are not limited to, vials, bottles,
pre-filled syringes, IV bags, blister packs (comprising one or more
pills). Optionally associated with such container(s) can be a
notice in the form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating
the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals or biological
products, which notice reflects approval by the agency of
manufacture, use or sale for human diagnosis and/or
administration.
[0209] As with any pharmaceutical product, the packaging material
and container are designed to protect the stability of the product
during storage and shipment. Further, the products of the
disclosure include instructions for use or other informational
material that advise the physician, technician or patient on how to
appropriately prevent or treat the disease or disorder in question.
In other words, the article of manufacture includes instruction
means indicating or suggesting a dosing regimen including, but not
limited to, actual doses, monitoring procedures, etc., and other
monitoring information.
[0210] A kit for diagnostic assays may comprise a solution
containing a biMab or a lyophilized preparation of a biMab of the
disclosure, wherein the biMab binds specifically to one or more
targets, as well as reagents for detecting such biMabs. The biMabs
may be labeled according to methods known in the art and described
herein, including but not limited to labels such as small molecule
fluorescent tags, proteins such as biotin, GFP or other fluorescent
proteins, or epitope sequences such as his or myc. Similarly,
primary antibodies used for detecting biMabs may be included in the
kit. Primary antibodies may be directed to sequences on the biMabs
or to labels, tags, or epitopes with which the biMabs are labeled.
Primary antibodies may, in turn, be labeled for detection, or, if
further amplification of the signal is desired, the primary
antibodies may be detected by secondary antibodies, which may also
be included in the kit.
[0211] Kits for research use are also contemplated. Such kits may,
for example, resemble kits intended for diagnostic or therapeutic
uses but further include a label specifying that the kit and its
use is restricted to research purposes only.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0212] 1. A protein, comprising: [0213] a Fab arm that binds to a
first epitope, [0214] a binding domain (BD) that binds to a second
epitope, and [0215] an Fc region comprising CH2 and CH3 domains;
wherein the BD is interconnected to the Fab arm via a first
polypeptide linker (L1) and to the Fc region via a second
polypeptide linker (L2); and wherein the protein is bivalent for
binding to each of the first and second epitopes.
[0216] 2. The protein of embodiment 1, wherein the L1 comprises
1-50 amino acid residues.
[0217] 3. The protein of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the L2
comprises 1-50 amino acid residues.
[0218] 4. The protein of any of embodiments 1-3, wherein each of
the L1 and the L2 comprises 1-50 amino acid residues.
[0219] 5. The protein of any of embodiments 1-4, wherein each of
the L1 and the L2 comprises 15-30 amino acid residues.
[0220] 6. The protein of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the L1
comprises a hinge portion and a linker portion.
[0221] 7. The protein of any of embodiments 1-6, wherein the L2
comprises a hinge portion and a linker portion.
[0222] 8. The protein of any of embodiments 1-7, wherein each of
the L1 and the L2 comprises a hinge portion and a linker
portion.
[0223] 9. The protein of any of embodiments 1-8, wherein the L1
comprises at least 5 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge
region.
[0224] 10. The protein of any of embodiments 1-9, wherein the L2
comprises at least 5 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge
region.
[0225] 11. The protein of any of embodiments 1-10, wherein the L1
comprises at least 7 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge
region.
[0226] 12. The protein of any of embodiments 1-11, wherein the L2
comprises at least 7 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge
region.
[0227] 13. The protein of any of embodiments 1-12, wherein the L2
comprises at least 12 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge
region.
[0228] 14. The protein of any of embodiments 1-13, wherein the L1
comprises 8 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region.
[0229] 15. The protein of any of embodiments 1-14, wherein the L2
comprises 15 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge region.
[0230] 16. The protein of any of embodiments 1-15, wherein each of
the L1 and the L2 comprises all or part of an antibody hinge region
or a modified antibody hinge region.
[0231] 17. The protein of any of embodiments 1-16, wherein the L1
comprises at least 5 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge
region, and wherein the hinge region comprises an aspartic acid to
glycine substitution at EU position 221.
[0232] 18. The protein of embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the hinge
region comprises a substitution where a cysteine is replaced with
another amino acid.
[0233] 19. The protein of any of embodiments 1-18, wherein the L2
comprises at least 5 amino acid residues of an antibody hinge
region, and wherein the hinge region comprises a cysteine to valine
substitution at EU position 220.
[0234] 20. The protein of any of embodiments 1-19, wherein the L1
comprises a linker portion comprising a Gly-Ser peptide.
[0235] 21. The protein of any of embodiments 1-20, wherein the L2
comprises a linker portion comprising a Gly-Ser peptide.
[0236] 22. The protein of any of embodiments 1-21, wherein each of
the L1 and the L2 comprises a linker portion comprising a Gly-Ser
peptide.
[0237] 23. The protein of any of embodiments 20-22, wherein the
Gly-Ser peptide is of the formula (Gly4Ser)n, wherein n is a
positive integer selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
[0238] 24. The protein of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the L1
does not include a hinge portion.
[0239] 25. The protein of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the L2
does not include a hinge portion.
[0240] 26. The protein of any of embodiments 1-5, wherein the L1
and the L2 do not include a hinge portion.
[0241] 27. The protein of any of embodiments 1-23, wherein the L1
comprises the amino acid sequence EPKSCDKT (SEQ ID NO:4).
[0242] 28. The protein of any of embodiments 1-23, wherein the L1
comprises the amino acid sequence EPKSCGKT (SEQ ID NO:6).
[0243] 29. The protein of any of embodiments 1-23, wherein the L1
comprises the amino acid sequence EPKSC (SEQ ID NO:38).
[0244] 30. The protein of any of embodiments 1-23, 27-29, wherein
the L2 comprises the amino acid sequence EPKSVDKTHTCPPCP (SEQ ID
NO:12).
[0245] 31. The protein of any of embodiments 1-23, 27-29, wherein
the L2 comprises the amino acid sequence CPPCP (SEQ ID NO:14).
[0246] 32. The protein of any of embodiments 1-23, 27-29, wherein
the L2 comprises the amino acid sequence DKTHTCPPCP (SEQ ID
NO:40).
[0247] 33. The protein of any of embodiments 1-32, wherein the BD
is selected from the group consisting of an scFv, a single domain
antibody, a single chain diabody, an antibody mimetic, an antibody
variable domain, and a receptor binding domain.
[0248] 34. The protein of embodiment 33, wherein the BD comprises
an scFv.
[0249] 35. The protein of embodiment 34, wherein the scFv comprises
a VH domain, a polypeptide linker and a VL domain.
[0250] 36. The protein of embodiment 35, wherein the Fab domain is
interconnected via the L1 to an N-terminus of the VH domain of the
scFv.
[0251] 37. The protein of embodiment 35, wherein the Fab domain is
interconnected via the L1 to an N-terminus of the VL domain of the
scFv.
[0252] 38. The protein of embodiment 35 or 37, wherein the Fc
region is interconnected via the L2 to a C-terminus of the VH
domain of the scFv.
[0253] 39. The protein of embodiment 35 or 36, wherein the Fc
region is interconnected via the L2 to a C-terminus of the VL
domain of the scFv.
[0254] 40. The protein of any of embodiments 35-39, wherein the VL
domain of the scFv has a cysteine at Kabat position 100.
[0255] 41. The protein of any of embodiments 35-40, wherein the VH
domain of the scFv has a cysteine at Kabat position 44.
[0256] 42. The protein of embodiment 33, wherein the antibody
mimetic is selected from the group consisting of a minibody, a
maxybody, an avimer, an Fn3 based protein scaffold, an ankyrin
repeat, a VASP polypeptide, an avian pancreatic polypeptide (aPP),
a Tetranectin, an affililin, a knottin, an SH3, a PDZ domain, a
protein A domain, a lipocalin, a transferrin, and a kunitz
domains.
[0257] 43. The protein of any of embodiments 1-42, wherein the Fc
region is selected from the group consisting of an Fc region from
an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgM, IgE, and IgD.
[0258] 44. The protein of embodiment 43, wherein the Fc region
comprises a variant Fc region.
[0259] 45. The protein of embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the Fc
region is aglycosylated.
[0260] 46. The protein of embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the Fc
region is deglycosylated.
[0261] 47. The protein of embodiment 43 or 44, wherein the Fc
region has reduced fucosylation or is afucosylated.
[0262] 48. The protein of any of embodiments 44-47, wherein the
variant Fc region comprises a substitution at position 297.
[0263] 49. The protein of embodiment 48, wherein the substitution
at position 297 is 297Q.
[0264] 50. The protein of any of embodiments 43-49, wherein the
variant Fc region comprises a substitution at one or more of
positions 239, 282, 289, 297, 312, 324, 330, 335, 337, 339, 356,
359, 361, 383, 384, 398, 400, 440, 422, and 442, as numbered by the
EU index.
[0265] 51. The protein of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein
the CH1 domain of the Fab arm comprises a substitution at one or
more of positions 131, 132, 134, 135, 136 and 139, as numbered by
the EU index.
[0266] 52. The protein of embodiment 50 or 51, wherein substitution
comprises a substitution to an amino acid chosen from cysteine,
lysine, tyrosine, histidine, selenocysteine, and
selenomethionine.
[0267] 53. The protein of embodiment 52, wherein the substitution
is a cysteine.
[0268] 54. The protein of any of embodiments 1-53, wherein the
protein comprises a chimeric heavy chain comprising the following
polypeptide domains, from N-terminus to C-terminus,
VH1-CH1-L1-BD-L2-Fc;
wherein VH1 comprises the heavy chain variable domain of the Fab,
CH1 comprises the heavy chain constant domain 1 of the Fab, L1
comprises the first linker polypeptide, BD comprises binding unit
2, L2 comprises the second linker polypeptide, and Fc comprises a
CH2 and a CH3 domain.
[0269] 55. The protein of embodiment 54, wherein BD comprises an
scFv.
[0270] 56. The protein of embodiment 55, wherein the scFv
comprising, from N-terminus to C-terminus,
VH2-polypeptide linker-VL2 or VL2-polypeptide linker-VH2;
wherein VH2 comprises the heavy chain variable domain of the scFv
and VL2 comprises the light chain variable domain of the scFv.
[0271] 57. The protein of any of embodiments 54-56, wherein the L1
comprises a hinge portion and a linker portion.
[0272] 58. The protein of any of embodiments 54-57, wherein the L2
comprises a hinge portion and a linker portions.
[0273] 59. The protein of embodiment 57 or 58, wherein the L1
comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, a hinge portion and a
linker portion.
[0274] 60. The protein of any of embodiments 57-59, wherein the L2
comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, a linker portion and a
hinge portion.
[0275] 61. The protein of any of embodiments 1-60, wherein the Fab
arm binds to a first epitope, and wherein said first epitope is on
a target selected from EGFR, IGFR1, VEGF, Ang2, Psl or PcrV.
[0276] 62. The protein of any of embodiments 1-60, wherein the BD
binds to a second epitope, and wherein said second epitope is on a
target selected from EGFR, IGFR1, VEGF, Ang2, Psl or PcrV.
[0277] 63. The protein of embodiment 61 or 62, wherein the Fab arm
binds to EGFR.
[0278] 64. The protein of embodiment 61 or 62, wherein the Fab arm
binds to VEGF.
[0279] 65. The protein of embodiment 61 or 62, wherein the Fab arm
binds to PcrV
[0280] 66. The protein of any of embodiments 61-65, wherein the BD
binds to IGFR1.
[0281] 67. The protein of any of embodiments 61-65, wherein the BD
binds to Ang2.
[0282] 68. The protein of any of embodiments 61-65, wherein the BD
binds to Psl
[0283] 69. The protein of any of embodiments 1-68, wherein the Fab
arm comprises a VH1 domain comprising the amino acid sequence set
forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 24, 27, 33, 36, 46 and 49.
[0284] 70. The protein of any of embodiments 1-69, wherein the Fab
arm comprises a VL1 domain comprising the amino acid sequence set
forth in any of SEQ ID NOs: 21, 26, 30, 35, 43 and 48.
[0285] 71. The protein of embodiment 69 or 70, wherein the Fab arm
comprises a VH1 domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth
in SEQ ID NO: 24 and a VL1 domain comprising the amino acid
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21.
[0286] 72. The protein of embodiment 69 or 70, wherein the Fab arm
comprises a VH1 domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth
in SEQ ID NO: 33 and a VL1 domain comprising the amino acid
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30.
[0287] 73. The protein of embodiment 69 or 70, wherein the Fab arm
comprises a VH1 domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth
in SEQ ID NO: 46 and a VL1 domain comprising the amino acid
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43.
[0288] 74. The protein of any of embodiments 1-673, wherein the BD
comprises an scFv, and the scFv comprises an amino acid sequence
selected from the group consisting of the sequences set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 24, 27, 33, 36, 49, 49, 21, 26, 30, 35 43 and 48.
[0289] 75. The protein of embodiment 74, wherein the scFv comprises
the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25.
[0290] 76. The protein of embodiment 74, wherein the scFv comprises
the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 34.
[0291] 77. The protein of embodiment 74, wherein the scFv comprises
the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 47.
[0292] 78. The protein of any of embodiments 1-54, wherein the
protein comprises a chimeric heavy chain comprising the amino acid
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23 or 32 or 45.
[0293] 79. The protein of embodiment 78, wherein the protein
comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence set
forth in SEQ ID NO: 19 or 28 or 41.
[0294] 80. The protein of any of embodiments 1-79, wherein the
first and second epitopes are different.
[0295] 81. The protein of any of embodiments 1-68, wherein the
first and second epitopes are the same.
[0296] 82. The protein of any of embodiments 1-81, wherein the Fab
arm and/or Fc region further comprise at least one binding
unit.
[0297] 83. The protein of embodiment 82, wherein the at least one
binding unit is interconnected to the Fab arm and/or Fc via a
polypeptide linker.
[0298] 84. The protein of embodiment 82 or 83, wherein the at least
one binding unit is interconnected at the N-terminal and/or
C-terminal end of the chimeric heavy chain.
[0299] 85. The protein of any one of embodiments 82-84, wherein the
at least one binding unit is interconnected at the N-terminal
and/or C-terminal end of the light chain.
[0300] 86. The protein of embodiment 84 or 85, wherein the at least
one binding unit is interconnected at the N-terminal and/or
C-terminal end of the heavy chain, and at least one binding unit is
interconnected to the N-terminal and/or C-terminal end of the light
chain.
[0301] 87. The protein of embodiment 84 or 85, wherein at least one
binding unit is interconnected at the N-terminal and C-terminal end
of the heavy chain, and/or at least one binding unit is
interconnected to the N-terminal and C-terminal end of the light
chain.
[0302] 88. The protein of embodiment 84 or 85, wherein at least one
binding unit is interconnected at the N-terminal and C-terminal end
of the heavy chain, and at least one binding unit is interconnected
to the N-terminal and C-terminal end of the light chain.
[0303] 89. The protein of any of embodiments 1-88, wherein the
protein further comprises at least one additional binding unit
interconnected between the Fab arm and the Fc region.
[0304] 90. The protein of embodiment 89, wherein at least one
additional binding unit is interconnected between L1 and the
BD.
[0305] 91. The protein of embodiment 89, wherein at least one
additional binding unit is interconnected between the BD and
L2.
[0306] 92. The protein of embodiment 90 or 91, wherein at least one
additional binding unit is interconnect to the BD by a polypeptide
linker.
[0307] 93. The protein of any of embodiments 82-92, wherein each
binding unit is selected from the group consisting of a Fab domain,
an scFv, a single domain antibody, a single chain diabody, an
antibody mimetic, an antibody variable domain, and a receptor
binding domain.
[0308] 94. The protein of any one of embodiments 82-93, wherein the
binding units each bind different epitopes.
[0309] 95. The protein of any one of embodiments 82-93, wherein two
or more binding units each bind the same epitopes.
[0310] 96. The protein of any one of embodiments 82-95, wherein the
at least one binding units do not bind the first epitope and/or the
second epitope.
[0311] 97. The protein of any one of embodiments 82-95, wherein the
at least one binding units do not bind the first epitope and do not
bind the second epitope.
[0312] 98. A composition comprising the protein of any of
embodiments 1-97 formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
[0313] 99. A nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence
encoding the protein of any of embodiments 1-97.
[0314] 100. A nucleic acid composition comprising [0315] a first
nucleic acid molecule comprising a first nucleotide sequence and
[0316] a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a second
nucleotide sequence; wherein the protein of any of embodiments 1-97
is encoded by the first and second nucleic acid molecules.
[0317] 101. A vector comprising the nucleic acid of embodiment 99
or 100.
[0318] 102. A host cell comprising the vector of embodiment
101.
EXAMPLES
[0319] The disclosure is now described with reference to the
following examples. These examples are provided for the purpose of
illustration only and the disclosure should in no way be construed
as being limited to these examples but rather should be construed
to encompass any and all variations which become evident as a
result of the teachings provided herein. In general terms, the
present disclosure employs, unless otherwise indicated,
conventional techniques of molecular biology, chemistry,
biochemistry, biophysics, recombinant DNA technology, immunology,
and antibody engineering. All these techniques are of common
knowledge to somebody working in the same field. Of course, it will
be appreciated that specific listing or description of particular
equipment and reagents used, sizes, manufacturer, etc., is not to
be considered limiting on the current disclosure unless
specifically stated to be so. It with be further appreciated that
other equipment and reagents which perform similarly may be readily
substituted.
Example 1: Representative biMabs
[0320] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a representative biMab of
the disclosure. The biMab is a bispecific binding protein, bivalent
for each epitope, in which a Fab domain that binds a first epitope
(binding unit 1) is genetically linked to a binding domain that
binds a second epitope, shown here as being an scFv (binding unit
2), which is then genetically linked to at least a portion of a Fc
domain. The chimeric heavy-chain (shown here with six domains and
three inter-connecting linker polypeptides; VH1+CH1+upper
hinge/linker (also referred to as L1)+scFv (shown here as
VL2+linker+VH2)+linker/lower hinge (also referred to as L2)+Fc
(shown here comprising C.sub.H2+CH3)) may be expressed as a
single-chain molecule. The biMab is also composed of a conventional
light chain, which could be of kappa or lambda isotype. Also
contemplated is a biMab wherein, binding unit 1 and 2 bind the same
epitope which has the monospecificity of a conventional antibody
but is tetravalent. The biMab may optionally possess one or more
native interchain disulphide bridges, at one or more of the light
chain, the heavy chain, or at a hinge region, as shown in this
representation. However, a biMab of the present disclosure need not
contain any interchain disulphide bridges and, in certain aspects,
does not include any interchain disulphide bridges. For simplicity,
only one half of the biMab depicted in FIG. 1 is schematically
labeled.
[0321] For the representative biMab depicted in FIG. 1, also
referred to herein as a biMab "core", the binding domain (BD) that
binds a second epitope (labeled binding unit 2) is an scFv that
binds epitope 2. When a biMab includes an scFv, such as an scFv
that binds a second epitope, the scFv can be in the orientation
VH-linker-VL, or in the orientation VL-linker-VH. In certain
aspects, the scFv that serves as binding unit 2 is in the
orientation VL-linker-VH. Generally, the linker that interconnects
the VL and VH portions of the scFv is a flexible linker, such as a
glycine-serine linker. Suitable linkers, including suitable
glycine-serine linkers are well known in the art. The scFv may
optionally be structurally-stabilized by introducing stabilizing
mutations or by introducing interchain disulphide bond(s) (shown as
an open triangle in FIG. 1). However, stabilizing mutations and/or
an introduced interchain disulphide bond is not required and, in
certain aspects, is not present.
[0322] The first binding unit, which is depicted in FIG. 1 as a Fab
domain that binds to a first epitope, is interconnected to the scFv
via a polypeptide linker. This polypeptide linker is also referred
to as an upper hinge/linker or L1. When the term "polypeptide
linker" is used to refer to a polypeptide linker that interconnects
binding unit 1 to binding unit 2 or binding unit 2 to the Fc
domain, the term includes polypeptides that include only linker
sequence, only hinge sequence, or both linker and hinge sequence.
In certain aspects, the Fab domain is interconnected to the
N-terminus of binding unit 2 (here, either the VH or the VL of an
scFv), using a polypeptide linker comprising cysteines (at least
one cysteine) that may generate interchain disulphide bonds. The
C-terminus of binding unit 2 (here, either the VH or the VL of an
scFv) is interconnected to the N-terminus of the Ig hinge-Fc using
a linker. This linker can be of similar composition of the Ig hinge
and may have cysteines. These cysteines may generate interchain
disulphide bonds.
[0323] The biMab presented in FIG. 1 also comprises an Fc domain
comprising at least C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3 regions. The Fc domain
may be glycosylated, such as at the C.sub.H2 domain (shown in FIG.
1 as an open circle), alternatively the Fc domain may be
deglycosyalted or aglycosylated. Additionally or alternatively, the
Fc domain may optionally contain stabilizing mutations, such as
engineered intrachain disulphide bonds. The Fc C.sub.H3 domain may
or may not contain stabilizing mutations or mutations that favor
heterodimerization. Moreover, the Fc domain may be a variant Fc
domain, as described herein.
[0324] FIG. 2 provides nucleic acid coding sequence and amino acid
sequence information for an exemplary biMab chimeric heavy chain.
The portions of the chimeric heavy chain are presented in FIGS. 2A
and 2B. At the top of FIG. 2A, the DNA and protein sequence of the
VH1 region is shown schematically. For any particular biMab, this
sequence would correspond to the VH1 of the particular binding unit
one, such as the VH1 for a particular Fab. FIG. 2A then provides
the DNA and protein sequence for the C.sub.H1 domain. This is
following by DNA and amino acid sequence for polypeptide linker 1
(L1) which will interconnect the Fab and the BD in a biMab. L1 may
comprise a hinge portion and a linker portion (upper hinge/linker),
and this is depicted in FIG. 2A. FIG. 2A first depicts the hinge
portion of L1 (denoted as upper hinge, in this case human Ig1 upper
hinge). Note that FIG. 2A depicts three possible aspects of hinge
portions for L1, denoted as human IgG1 upper hinge or modified
human IgG1 upper hinge. These hinge portions differ in that the
modified hinge portion contains a D to G substitution immediately
following the cysteine. FIG. 2A then depicts the linker portion of
L1, here a G.sub.4S linker. The sequence of the entire human hinge
is provided for comparison (SEQ ID NO: 9 and 10). The upper hinge
portion and linker portion together form L1 (also referred to as
upper hinge/linker). However, in certain aspects, L1 includes only
a linker portion or only a hinge portion. FIG. 2B depicts
schematically the DNA and protein sequence of binding unit 2, here
an scFv, which may be in VH2-linker-VL2 or VL2-linker-VH2
orientation.
[0325] The DNA and amino acid sequence for the second polypeptide
linker (L2; also referred to as linker/lower hinge) is depicted on
FIG. 2B. The linker portion of L2 is provided on the bottom of FIG.
2B. As depicted, this linker portion is a G.sub.4S linker. The
hinge portion of L2 is depicted in the middle of FIG. 2B (note,
this hinge portion is depicted as lower hinge or hinge variant).
FIG. 2B provides three aspects for the hinge portion of L2, hinge
variant of human IgG1 and lower hinge of human IgG1. A lower hinge
portion and linker portion together form L2 (also referred to as
linker/lower hinge). However, in certain aspect L2 includes only a
linker portion or only a hinge portion. FIG. 2C provides DNA and
amino acid sequence for Fc C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3 domains. As
detailed above, the C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3 domains depicted in FIG.
2C are from an IgG1 although a biMab could readily be generated
using the Fc from any Ig class, including IgM, IgG, IgD, IgA and
IgE, and any isotype, including IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgG4.
[0326] As depicted in FIG. 2A, one aspect of an upper hinge
(present as part of L1) includes the canonical cysteine of the
human IgG1 upper hinge which participates in the formation of an
interchain disulphide bridge between light and heavy chain in a Fab
domain. This cysteine is bolded and underlined in FIG. 2A. This
cysteine is also present in the modified upper hinge depicted in
FIG. 2A, although not demarcated with an underlined. As depicted in
FIG. 2B, one aspect of a lower hinge region (present as part of L2)
is a variant having a mutation at EU position C220V to minimize
disulphide scrambling at the hinge region. This variant is bolded
and underlined in FIG. 2B.
[0327] FIG. 3 provides another representation of the amino acid
sequence of the chimeric heavy chain for an exemplary schematic
depiction of a biMab. Of course, it should be understood that the
specific sequence for the VH1 (variable heavy domain 1 of binding
unit 1) and the specific sequence for binding domain 2 (depicted as
an scFv in the VH2-linker-VL2 orientation) are not provided. These
sequences will depend upon the particular binding units that make
up a particular biMab. However, the relative position of the
portions of the biMab relative to each other is maintained (e.g.,
the biMab format is the same--although the particular binding units
vary).
[0328] In FIG. 3, L1 and L2 are underlined and italicized, and the
hinge portions of L1 and L2 are bolded. In the top panel, the hinge
portion of L1 corresponds to the human IgG1 upper hinge, whereas in
the bottom panel the hinge portion of L1 corresponds to the
modified human IgG1 upper hinge. In the top panel, the hinge
portion of L2 corresponds to the lower hinge variant of human IgG1,
whereas in the bottom panel the hinge portion of L2 corresponds to
the lower hinge of human IgG1. In either case, L1 interconnects
binding unit 1 to binding unit 2, for example, by interconnecting
the VH1 of binding unit 1 to the VH2 of binding unit 2. L2
interconnects binding unit 2 to Fc, for example, by interconnecting
the VL2 of binding unit 2 to the C.sub.H2 domain of an Fc.
[0329] Further schematic representations of biMabs are provided in
FIGS. 4 and 5. These figures depict the relative position in the
molecule of the hinge portions of L1 and L2. For example, in FIGS.
4A, 4B and 4C, the relative position of the hinge portion of L1 is
depicted. L1 may further include a linker portion, the sequence of
which is not shown in FIG. 4A, 4B or 4C. Examples of L1 further
comprising a linker portion are provided in SEQ ID NO:63, 64 and
65). Note, however, that when present, the hinge portion of L1 is
interconnected directly to binding unit 1 (e.g., is contiguous with
a portion of binding unit 1) and the linker portion is
interconnected directly to binding unit 2 (e.g., is contiguous with
a portion of binding unit 2). Because of this configuration, L1 is
also referred to as upper hinge/linker. The hinge portion depicted
in FIG. 4B is a modified hinge portion having a mutation D221G,
introduced to prevent hinge-related spontaneous self-cleavage. The
DNA sequence and the amino acid residue mutated are shown bolded,
underlined and italicized. The hinge portion depicted in FIG. 4C is
a shorted version lacking the last three amino acids of the hinge
provided in FIG. 4A. By way of further example, FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C
depict the relative position of the hinge portion of L2. L2 may
further include an additional linker portion, the sequence of which
is not shown in FIG. 5A or 5B. Note, however, that when present,
the hinge portion of L2 is interconnected directly to the Fc domain
(e.g., is contiguous with a portion of an Fc domain) and the linker
portion is interconnected directly to binding unit 2 (e.g., is
contiguous with a portion of binding unit 2). Because of this
configuration, L2 is also referred to as linker/lower hinge. The
lower hinge portion depicted in FIG. 5A is a modified hinge having
a mutation C220V, introduced to minimize disulphide scrambling in
the hinge region. Alternative lower hinge domains depicted in FIGS.
5B and 5C may be used (i.e., a truncated hinge region) to prevent
hinge-related spontaneous self-cleavage. The specific hinge
portions of L1 and L2 depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 are merely
exemplary, and the disclosure contemplates the use of these, in any
combination, as well as the use of no hinge portion or other hinge
portions.
[0330] FIGS. 6A-C show the DNA sequence and the protein sequence of
light chain and chimeric heavy chain for a biMab targeting EGFR
(Fab domain) and IGF1R (scFv domain), where the EGFR binding unit
is derived from the conventional monoclonal antibody Panitumumab
and the IGF1R binding unit is derived from the conventional
monoclonal antibody Dalotuzumab. This biMab construct is referred
to throughout this application as biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo). This
specific biMab contains interconnecting linkers as described in
FIG. 4-5. The scFv domain targeting IGF1R is in the orientation
VL-linker-VH; the linker connecting the VL and VH domains is 20
amino acids long and is composed of
glycine-glycine-glycine-glycine-serine repeated 4 times. The VL and
VH domains of the scFv (VL2 and VH2 as represented in the schematic
depictions of biMabs) contain mutations VL-Cysteine100 and
VH-Cysteine44, which will form an interchain disulphide bond to
stabilize the scFv.
[0331] FIGS. 7A-C show the DNA sequence and the protein sequence of
light chain and chimeric heavy chain for a biMab targeting VEGF
(Fab domain) and Ang2 (scFv domain), where the VEGF binding unit is
derived from the conventional monoclonal antibody
Bevacizumab/Avastin and the Ang2 binding unit is derived from the
conventional monoclonal antibody designated LC06. This biMab
construct is referred to throughout this application as
biMab-VA(Ava/LC06). This biMab contains interconnecting linkers as
described in FIG. 4-5. The scFv domain targeting Ang2 is in the
orientation VL-linker-VH; the linker connecting the VL and VH
domains is 20 amino acids long and is composed of
glycine-glycine-glycine-glycine-serine repeated 4 times. The VL and
VH domains of the scFv (VL2 and VH2 as represented in the schematic
depictions of biMabs) contain mutations VL-Cysteine100 and
VH-Cysteine44, which will form an interchain disulphide bonds in
order to stabilize the scFv.
[0332] FIGS. 8A-D show the DNA sequence and the protein sequence of
light chain and chimeric heavy chain for a biMab targeting the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) PcrV (Fab domain) and Psl
exopolysaccharide (scFv domain), where the PcrV binding unit is
derived from the conventional monoclonal antibody designated V2L2
and the Psl binding unit is derived from the conventional
monoclonal antibody designated W4-RAD. This biMab construct is
referred to throughout this application as Bs4-V2L2-2C. This biMab
contains interconnecting linkers as described in FIGS. 4 and 5. The
scFv domain targeting Psl exopolysaccharide is in the orientation
VH-linker-VL; the linker connecting the VL and VH domains is 20
amino acids long and is composed of
glycine-glycine-glycine-glycine-serine repeated 4 times. The VL and
VH domains of the scFv (VL2 and VH2 as represented in the schematic
depictions of biMabs) contain cysteine mutations, which will form
an interchain disulphide bonds in order to stabilize the scFv.
[0333] These specific examples of biMabs are exemplary of
bispecific, bivalent polypeptides presented in the biMab format, as
described herein. The remaining examples report the results of
experiments performed to evaluate the structural and functional
attributes of these exemplary biMabs. In doing so, the properties
are often compared to that of the conventional, parental monoclonal
antibodies from which each binding unit was derived. In other
words, the specific biMab-EI described above may be compared to the
conventional parental antibodies panitumumab or dalotuzumab. A
specific biMab-EI may also be compared to other conventional
antibodies that bind the same target or even the same epitope, but
which are not themselves used to generate the binding unit of the
biMab. Similarly, the specific biMab-VA described above may be
compared to the conventional parental antibodies bevacizumab or
LC06. Alternatively, a specific biMab-VA may also be compared to
other conventional antibodies that bind the same target or even the
same epitope. In addition, the properties of these exemplary biMabs
may also be compared to conventional bispecific antibody formats
that bind the same target(s) or even the same epitope(s).
Example 2: Stability of Representative biMabs
[0334] The transient expression levels, in mg/L, of representative
biMabs biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo) and biMab-VA (Ava/LC06) were analyzed
after 10 days of expression in 293 cells (FIG. 9). Expression
levels were determined using a protein A binding method. More
specifically, DNA encoding biMabs were transfected in HEK293F
and/or CHO cells using standard protocols. The transfected cells
were cultivated for 10 days in Invitrogen's Freestyle.TM. media.
Recombinant expression was determined using a protein A binding
assay. Briefly, the culture media was automatically loaded onto a
protein A column using an HPLC system (Agilent 1100 Capillary LC
System, Foster City, Calif.). Unbound material was washed with a
solution of 100 mM sodium phosphate buffer at pH 6.8, and
antibodies were eluted with 0.1% phosphoric acid, pH 1.8. The area
corresponding to the eluted peak was integrated and the total
antibody concentration was determined by comparing to an
immunoglobulin standard. The concentrations of the purified
constructs were also determined by reading the absorbance at 280 nm
using theoretically determined extinction coefficients. After
protein expression, the biMabs were affinity purified using
standard protein A affinity chromatography using HiTrap rProteinA
FF column that have been equilibrated in PBS 1.times.. The biMabs
were loaded on the column and after loading the column was washed,
to eliminate contaminants and unbound material, with PBS 1.times.
until the A280 trace reached baseline. The bound protein was then
eluted in 25 mM glycine pH 2.8. Fractions were immediately
neutralized by addition of 0.1 volumes 1M Tris-HCl buffer pH 8.
Fractions were analyzed for their biMabs content by reading their
absorbance at A280. The fraction containing the desired biMabs were
pooled together and dialyzed overnight using a dialysis membrane
cutoff of 10,000 kiloDalton (kDa), at 4.degree. C. in 10.times.
volume of PBS 1.times..
[0335] These studies indicate that biMabs are capable of binding to
protein A like conventional IgG antibodies. Although expression
level of this biMab-EI is lower than expression level of this
biMab-VA, the observed expression is consistent with that observed
for the conventional antibody from which binding unit two of
biMab-EI is derived.
[0336] The representative biMabs used in this study, are
schematically shown in FIGS. 6D and 7D. The biMab depicted in FIG.
6D is referred to as biMab-EI, and the specific example used is
biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo). The Fab portion of this biMab (binding unit
1) binds to EGFR (EGF receptor) and the binding domain (binding
unit 2) is an scFv that binds to the IGF1R (IGF1 receptor). Note
that this biMab also includes a polypeptide linker (L1)
interconnecting the Fab to the scFv, and a polypeptide linker (L2)
interconnecting the scFv to an Fc region. The biMab depicted in
FIG. 7D is referred to as biMab-VA, and the specific example used
is biMAb (Ava/LC06). The Fab portion of this biMab (binding unit 1)
binds to VEGF and the binding domain (binding unit 2) is an scFv
that binds to Ang2. Note that this biMab also includes a
polypeptide linker (L1) interconnecting the Fab to the scFv, and a
polypeptide linker (L2) interconnecting the scFv to an Fc region.
Sequence information for these specific examples of biMabs are
provided in FIGS. 6A, B, C, 7A, 7B and 7C.
[0337] Size-exclusion chromatography was used to determine the
monomeric content of the representative biMabs and is presented in
FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows the size-exclusion chromatograms (SEC-HPLC)
for biMab-EI and biMab-VA after protein A purification and dialysis
in 25 mM Histidine-HCl pH 6.
[0338] SEC-HPLC was carried out at 280 nm and at 25.degree. C.
using a TSK-GEL G3000SWXL column (Tosoh Bioscience LLC,
Montgomeryville, Pa.), which separates globular proteins with MW
that range from approximately 10 to 500 kDa, with a buffer
containing 100 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.8, and at a flow rate of 1
ml/min. A low molecular weight gel filtration calibration kit from
Bio-Rad (Hercules, Calif.) containing vitamin B12 (11,350 Da),
equine myoglobin (17,000 Da), chicken ovalbumin (44,000 Da), bovine
gamma-globulin (158,000 Da) and thyroglobulin (670,000 Da) was used
as molecular mass standards. In addition, a highly purified 99%
monomeric IgG was used as immunoglobulin molecular weight
standard.
[0339] As shown in FIG. 10, a high level of monomeric content
(>70%) after protein A purification was obtained. SEC-HPLC
analysis clearly shows that after protein A purification, biMab is
predominately monomeric and monodisperse similar to traditional
antibodies.
[0340] These representative biMab-EI and biMab-VA proteins were
also analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). FIG. 11
shows the thermograms obtained using DSC for biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo)
(FIG. 11A), and for biMab-VA (Ava/LC06) (FIG. 11B). Transition
temperatures corresponding to the biMab domains are schematically
shown (black lines in both FIGS. 11A and B) and have been
identified by overlaying the melting transitions for the respective
conventional antibodies from which the binding units of these
biMabs were derived (e.g., the conventional anti-EGFR antibody
(PaniX) and the conventional anti-IGF1R antibody (Dalo) for
biMab-EI; the conventional anti-VEGF antibody (Ava) and the
conventional anti-Ang2 antibody (LC06) for biMab-VA). Differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments, as depicted in FIG. 11A-B,
at a heating rate of 1.degree. C./min were carried out using a
Microcal VP-DSC ultrasensitive scanning microcalorimeter (Microcal,
Northampton, Mass.).
[0341] DSC experiments were carried out in 25 mM Histidine-HCl, pH
6. All solutions and samples used for DSC were filtered using a
0.22 micron-filter and degassed prior to loading into the
calorimeter. The two biMabs and the four parental antibodies that
were used for the DSC studies were >99% monomeric as judged by
analytical gel filtration chromatography run as described before.
For each set of measurement, at least four buffer-versus-baseline
runs were first obtained. Immediately after, the buffer solution
was removed from the sample cell and loaded with approximately 0.75
ml of sample at concentration of 1 mg/ml. For each measurement the
reference cell was filled with the sample buffer. In each
sample-versus-buffer experiment, the corresponding
buffer-versus-buffer baseline run was subtracted. The raw data were
normalized for concentration and scan rate. Data analysis and
deconvolution was carried out using the Origin.TM. DSC software
provided by Microcal.
[0342] This data provided in FIGS. 11A and 11B shows that the
exemplary biMabs have high thermostability. In fact the lowest
meting transition for these two exemplary biMabs is >60.degree.
C. and the domain stability are similar to that of their respective
parental, conventional antibody arms.
[0343] The experiments described in this example demonstrate that
the biMab format is a stable antibody format that can be expressed
in reasonable quantities that have high monomeric content and
thermostability comparable to conventional antibodies.
Example 3: Binding Activity of Representative biMabs
[0344] These biMab-EI and biMab-VA proteins were analyzed to
confirm that, in biMab format, these binding units retain the
ability to bind their target antigens and that this binding is
comparable to their respective parental antibodies, in this
specific example, EGFR and IGF1R for biMab-EI, and VEGF and Ang2
for biMab-VA. FIG. 12A shows data for the binding, measured by
ELISA, of biMab-EI, the conventional parental anti-EGFR antibody
(PaniX), and the conventional parental anti-IGF1R antibody (Dalo).
In the experiments depicted on the left-hand panel of FIG. 12A,
binding to immobilized EGFR was assessed. As expected, biMab-EI and
the conventional parental anti-EGFR antibody bound specifically to
immobilized EGFR, but the conventional parental anti-IGF1R antibody
did not. In fact, binding of the biMab and the conventional
parental anti-EGFR antibody were very comparable supporting the
conclusion that the biMab retains the binding property of the
conventional parental anti-EGFR antibody. In the experiments
depicted on the right-hand panel of FIG. 12A, binding to
immobilized IGFR1 was assessed. As expected, biMab-EI and the
conventional parental anti-IGFR1 antibody bound specifically to
immobilized IGFR1, but the conventional parental anti-EGFR antibody
did not. In fact, binding of the biMab and the conventional
parental anti-IGFR1 antibody were very comparable supporting the
conclusion that the biMab retains the binding property of the
conventional parental anti-IGFR1 antibody.
[0345] FIG. 12B shows data for the binding, measured by ELISA, of
biMab-VA, the conventional parental anti-VEGF antibody (Ava), and
the conventional parental anti-Ang2 antibody (LC06). In the
experiments depicted on the left-hand panel of FIG. 12B, binding to
immobilized VEGF-165 was assessed. As expected, biMab-VA and the
conventional parental anti-VEGF antibody bound specifically to
immobilized VEGF-165, but the conventional parental anti-Ang2
antibody did not. In fact, binding of the biMab and the
conventional parental anti-VEGF antibody were very comparable
supporting the conclusion that the biMab retains the binding
property of the conventional parental anti-VEGF antibody. In the
experiments depicted on the right-hand panel of FIG. 12B, binding
to immobilized Ang2 was assessed. As expected, biMab-VA and the
conventional parental anti-Ang2 antibody bound specifically to
immobilized Ang2, but the conventional parental anti-VEGF antibody
did not. In fact, binding of the biMab and the conventional
parental anti-Ang2 antibody were very comparable supporting the
conclusion that the biMab retains the binding property of the
conventional parental anti-An2 antibody.
[0346] In the above ELISA binding assays, 2 .mu.g/mL of each target
antigen (EGFR, IGF1R, VEGF165 and Ang2) in 30 .mu.L of PBS, pH 7.4
was coated on microtiter wells for 1 hour at room temperature.
Antigen-coated wells were washed 3 times with PBS containing 0.1%
(v/v) Tween-20 and blocked for one hour at room temperature with 3%
BSA. biMabs and antibodies were serially diluted in 30 .mu.L of
blocking solution and were incubated for 2 hour at 37.degree. C.,
followed by extensive washes with PBS containing 0.1% (v/v)
Tween-20. Bound biMabs and antibodies were detected by
HRP-conjugated anti-kappa (FIG. 12A left panel), anti-human-Fc
(FIG. 11A right panel and FIG. 12A-B) secondary antibodies and
visualized with 30 .mu.L of 3,3',5,5-tetramethylbenzidine substrate
(Pierce). The reaction was stopped by adding 30 .mu.L of 0.18 M
sulfuric acid (Pierce). The absorbance at 450 nm was measured using
a microtiter plate reader. The resulting data were analyzed using
Prism 5 software (GraphPad, San Diego, Calif.).
Example 4: Concurrent Binding Activity of Representative biMabs
[0347] FIG. 13 shows the ability of the biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo) to
concurrently bind its targets EGFR and IGF1R by BIAcore assays. The
biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo) was immobilized on the CM5 BIAcore sensor
chip (FIGS. 13A and B). Concurrent binding to both EGFR and IGF1R
is represented by the increase in response unit (RU, Y axis in both
graphs shown in FIG. 13). Both graphs indicate the EGFR and IGF1R
injection, and the co-injection of the two targets. Concurrent
binding of the biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo) to its targets was observed
regardless of the injection event (e.g., EGFR injected first and
IGFR1 injected second, as shown in the top panel, or vice versa, as
shown in the bottom panel) or assay format. Concurrent binding was
observed with IGF1R being injected first, followed by a
co-injection of EGFR and IGF1R (FIG. 13A), and by reverting those
injection events with EGFR injected first, followed by a
co-injection of IGF1R and EGFR (FIG. 13B).
[0348] FIG. 14 shows the ability of the biMab-VA (Ava/LC06) to
concurrently bind its targets VEGF and Ang2. For the experiments
summarized in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the biMab-VA (Ava/LC06) was
immobilized on the CM5 BIAcore sensor chip. Concurrent binding to
both VEGF and Ang2 is represented by the increase in response unit
(RU, left axis in both graphs shown in FIGS. 14A and B). Both
graphs indicate the VEGF and Ang2 injection, and the co-injection
of the two ligands. Concurrent binding of the biMab-VA (Ava/LC06)
to its targets was observed regardless of the injection event
(e.g., VEGF injected first and Ang2 injected second, as shown in
panel A, or vice versa, as shown in panel B) or assay format.
Concurrent binding was observed with VEGF being injected first,
followed by a co-injection of Ang2 and VEGF (FIG. 14A), and by
reverting those injection events with Ang2 injected first, followed
by a co-injection of Ang2 and VEGF (FIG. 14B).
[0349] In addition, as shown in FIGS. 14C and D, concurrent binding
is also observed when either one of the target proteins is
immobilized on the sensor chip. In the experiments depicted in FIG.
14C, Ang2 was immobilized. In the experiments depicted in FIG. 14D,
VEGF was immobilized. In both cases, concurrent binding was
observed (represented by the increase in response unit).
[0350] For the results described in FIGS. 13 and 14, concurrent
binding of the biMabs was measured using BIAcore 3000 instrument
(GE Healthcare). Briefly, different flowcells of a CM5 sensor chip
were immobilized with different protein samples (in 20 mM acetate
buffer pH 4.0 buffer) by amine coupling. An isotype control
antibody (IgG1) on flowcell-1, biMab-VA on flowcell-2, VEGF on
flowcell-3 and Ang-2 on flowcell-4. Another CM5 sensor chip was
prepared by immobilizing the isotype control antibody (IgG1) on
flowcell-1, and biMab-EI on flowcell-2. The biMab's and the
antigens (VEGF, Ang-2, EGFR-Fc, IGF1R) were diluted in the running
buffer (HBS-EP--10 mM Hepes, pH 7.4, 150 mM NaCl, 3 mM
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and 0.05% P20).
Simultaneous binding was determined using the "co-inject"
procedure. Concurrent binding for biMab-EI was analyzed using the
CM5 sensor chip with immobilized biMab-EI. The analyte injections
were composed of EGFR followed by a mixture of EGFR and IGF1R (FIG.
13A). The order of injections of the antigens was reversed in the
next set of experiments (i.e IGF1R followed by a mixture of IGF1R
and EGFR) (FIG. 13B). Concurrent binding for biMab-VA was performed
in all four possible orientations. In the first experiment (FIG.
14A), co-injection of VEGF and a mixture of VEGF and Ang-2 was
measured on an immobilized biMab-VA surface, while in the second
experiment (FIG. 14B), the order of antigen injections were
reversed. In the third experiment (FIG. 14C), co-injection of
biMab-VA and a mixture of biMab-VA and VEGF was measured on an
immobilized Ang-2 surface. In the fourth experiment (FIG. 14D),
co-injection of biMab-VA and a mixture of biMab-VA and Ang-2 was
measured on an immobilized VEGF surface.
Example 5: Representative biMabs Bind to FcRn
[0351] The ability of representative biMabs to bind to FcRn was
assessed by BIAcore analysis. Briefly, the biMabs and control
antibody (10 .mu.g/mL in 20 mM acetate buffer pH 4.0) were
immobilized on to a CM5 sensor chip by amine coupling to achieve
the desired immobilization levels (.about.600 RU). Human FcRn was
buffer exchanged with the running buffer (50 mM Sodium Phosphate,
pH 6.0) using a HiTrap desalting column (GE lifesciences). Two-fold
dilutions of human FcRn (30 .mu.M-30 nM) were injected over the
immobilized antibodies to measure the equilibrium binding for 1 min
at 30 .mu.L/min. The analyte was dissociated from the chip for 5
min with running buffer. Any remaining FcRn was removed from the
chip with two 60-second injections of PBS pH 7.4. Sensorgrams were
generated and analyzed by using BiaEval software version 3.1. The
equilibrium RU observed for each injection was plotted against the
concentration of FcRn. The equilibrium K.sub.D values were derived
by analysis of the plots by using the steady-state affinity model
included in the BiaEval software.
[0352] FIG. 15 shows the K.sub.D for FcRn binding of biMab-EI
(PaniX/Dalo) and biMab-VA (Ava/LC06), as determined by BIAcore. The
K.sub.D for FcRn binding for a representative parental antibody
(PaniX, anti-EGFR) is also shown. As shown in FIG. 15, both biMabs
retain the ability to bind FcRn, and such binding is similar to
that of a parental conventional antibody. The differences in the
observed K.sub.D are within normal BIAcore standard error.
Example 6: Representative biMabs Bind to C1q
[0353] The ability of representative biMabs to bind C1q was
assessed by ELISA. Briefly, five micrograms per milliliter (30
.mu.l/well) of biMabs or antibody anti-EGFR or BSA were coated on
ELISA plates (Costar 3690) overnight in PBS (Invitrogen catalog
number 20012). The ELISA plates were washed 5 times with PBST
(1.times.PBS pH 7.2, 0.1% Tween-20) and blocked with 150 .mu.l of
BSB-PBST (3% BSA (Sigma catalog number A2153), 50% Superblock
(Thermo Scientfic catalog number 37515) in PBST for 1 hour at
37.degree. C. A two-fold dilution of Human C1q (Cell Sciences
catalog number CRC 162B) starting from 100 .mu.g/ml in BSB-PBST was
added (30 .mu.l/well) and incubated at room temperature for 1 hour.
After the incubation, the ELISA plates were washed 5 times with
PBST and 30 al of 1 .mu.g/ml sheep anti-human C1q (Immunology
Consultants Lab catalog number SC1Q-80A) in BSB-PBST was added. The
ELISA plates were washed again 5 times with PBST and 30 al of
1:2500 dilution of Donkey anti-sheep/goat-HRP (SeroTec catalog
number Star88P) in BSB-PBST was added. The plates were finally
washed 5 times with PBST and developed with (30 .mu.l/well) TMB
(KPL catalog number 53-0-03) for 5 minutes; after which, 30 al of
0.2 N HCl was added to stop the reaction. Data were plotted using
Prism5 software.
[0354] As shown in FIG. 16, biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo) and biMab-VA
(Ava/LC06) bind C1q, and the binding is with similar affinity as
that of one of the representative parental conventional antibodies
anti-EGFR (PaniX), which also serves as a positive control. These
data support the conclusion that the biMab format retains the
capacity to mediate complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), in a
manner similar to conventional antibodies.
Example 7: Representative biMab Retains the Cell Killing Activity
Observed for their Parental Conventional Antibodies
[0355] FIG. 17 shows the results of a cell killing assay involving:
(i) biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo), or (ii) the combination of the parental
conventional anti-EGFR antibody (antibody PaniX) and the parental
conventional anti-IGF1R antibody (antibody Dalo), or (iii) the
parental conventional anti-EGFR antibody (PaniX) alone, or (iv) the
parental conventional anti-IGF1R antibody (Dalo) alone, or (v) an
isotype negative control antibody. The cells used for this
cytotoxicity assay were H358 (human non-small lung adenocarcinoma
cells that express both the EGFR and IGF1R receptors; ATCC catalog
number CRL-5807). H358 cell were plated at 50,000 cells per well in
a 96 well plate (Costar catalog number 3788) in 120 .mu.l complete
cell culture medium (1.times.RPMI 1640 Gibco catalog number
11875+10% Hi FBS Gibco catalog number 25300). Serial dilutions of
each antibody were made in cell culture medium at 5.times. final
concentration starting from 200 nM. 30 .mu.l/well of the diluted
antibodies were added to the assay plate and incubated at
37.degree. C., 95% humidity for 72 hr. CellTiter-Glo.RTM. cell
viability assay reagent (Promega catalog number G7571) equilibrated
at room temperature was added (120 .mu.l/well) to the assay plates,
followed by gently mixing and incubation at room temperature for 15
min. After the incubation, the luminescence of the ATP was measured
using Envision 2014 multilabel reader following the manufacture's
recommendations. The CellTiter-Glo.RTM. Luminescent Cell Viability
Assay is a homogeneous method to determine the number of viable
cells in culture based on quantitation of the ATP present, which
signals the presence of metabolically active cells.
[0356] As shown in FIG. 17, biMab-EI (PaniX/Dalo) killed the H358
cells (represented as a decrease in % of viable cells) at a level
similar to that of combined treatment with both parental
conventional antibodies (PaniX (anti-EGFR)+Dalo (anti-IGF1R)).
These results indicate that the biMab format retained the function
of each of the conventional antibodies from which it was
derived.
Example 8: Representative biMabs Retain Functional Activity to
Inhibit Target Ligand
[0357] FIG. 18 shows the inhibition of Tie2 (natural receptor of
Ang2) phosphorylation (FIG. 18A) and inhibition of VEGFR2 (natural
receptor of VEGF) phosphorylation by biMab-VA (FIG. 18B).
[0358] The ability of biMab-VA, anti-Ang2 (LC06) and isotype
negative control antibodies to bind human Ang2 and block
Ang2-mediated Tie2 receptor phosphorylation was determined using
the following procedure. Stably transfected HEK293 cell lines
expressing the full-length human Tie2 receptor were grown in DMEM
supplemented with 10% FBS and 2 .mu.g/mL puromycin at 37.degree. C.
and 5% CO.sub.2 using 96-well culture plates (Corning Cell-bind
tissue culture plates form Sigma-Aldrich) and then serum starved
for 18 hours. Cells were stimulated for 25 min in the presence of
purified human recombinant Ang2 (R&D Systems catalog number
623-AN-CF; Ang2 reconstituted to 3.6 .mu.g/mL stock solution in
PBS), preincubated with either biMab-VA, anti-Ang2 (LC06) or
isotype negative control antibodies. The mixtures of antibodies and
Ang2 were added to the cells and serial diluted starting from a
solution of 120 nM. The cells were then lysed with 40 .mu.L of
ice-cold lysis buffer (7 ml RIPA Lysis Buffer, 1 tube Halt
inhibitor, benzonase--Thermo Scientific--), and the phosphorylation
levels of Tyrosine 992 of the Tie2 receptor was determined from
whole cell lysates by using Meso Scale Discovery with mouse total
Tie2 antibody (Abcam catalog number ab24859) for capture and a
rabbit specific antibody (R&D Systems catalog number AF2720)
for detection.
[0359] As shown in FIG. 18A, the inhibition of Tie2 phosphorylation
mediated by Ang2 is similar upon addition of biMab-VA (Ava/LC06,
IC50 1.79 nM) or its parental conventional anti-Ang2 antibody
(LC06, IC50 1.72 nM). The negative isotype control antibody does
not inhibit the Ang2-mediated phosphorylation of Tie2. This
experiment reveals that the biMab-VA (Ava/LC06) functionally
inhibits Ang2. The IC.sub.50 (half maximal inhibitory
concentration) values in nM are schematically reported. As shown,
biMab-VA (Ava/LC06) and its parental conventional antibody
anti-Ang2 (LC06) have similar IC.sub.50.
[0360] The ability of biMab-VA, anti-VEGF antibody and isotype
negative control antibodies to inhibit VEGFR2 phosphorylation
mediated by VEGF was determined using the following procedure.
Human VEGFR receptor (hVEGFR2) was recombinantly and stably
expressed in AD293 cells, which were grown in DMEM medium with 10%
FBS (Invitrogen). The cells were seeded at 15000 cells per well in
100 .mu.L of medium, using 96-well flat bottom Corning Cell-bind
tissue culture plates (Sigma-Aldrich). After 24 hours of growth,
the medium was removed without any wash and "starvation" media, 50
L/well, composed of DMEM+0.2% FBS+0.1% BSA (Sigma-Aldrich) was
added. The cells were then incubated overnight. The medium was
removed from each well and 50 .mu.L of 4 nM human VEGF165
(Peprotech catalog number 100-20) prepared in starving medium was
added to the cells followed by 30 minutes incubation at 4.degree.
C. Concurrently, biMab-VA, anti-VEGF (Ava) and the isotype negative
control antibodies were also added and serially diluted starting
from 200 .mu.g/mL. The cells were then incubated for 7 minutes at
37.degree. C., the media was removed and no wash step was
performed. The cells were then lysed with 40 .mu.L of ice-cold
lysis buffer (7 ml RIPA Lysis Buffer, 1 tube Halt inhibitor,
benzonase--Thermo Scientific--), and phosphorylation of the VEGFR2
was determined by using Meso Scale Discovery assays kit (MSD
catalog number K151DJD-2). This kit provides assay-specific
components for the quantitative determination of phospho-VEGFR-2
(Tyr1054) in human whole cell lysates.
[0361] As shown in FIG. 18B, the inhibition of VEGFR2
phosphorylation mediated by VEGF is similar upon addition of
biMab-VA (Ava/LC06, IC50 4.58 nM) and its parental conventional
anti-VEGF antibody (Ava, IC50 4.78 nM). The negative isotype
control antibody does not inhibit the VEGF-mediated phosphorylation
of pVEGFR2. This experiment reveals that the biMab-VA (Ava/LC06)
functionally inhibits VEGF. The IC.sub.50 (half maximal inhibitory
concentration) values in nM are schematically reported. As shown,
biMab-VA (Ava/LC06) and its parental conventional antibody
anti-VEGF (Ava) have similar IC.sub.50.
Example 9: Homogeneous Monomer Content of Representative biMabs is
Maintained at Increasing Concentrations
[0362] FIG. 19 demonstrates that representative biMabs can be
concentrated without detrimental impact on monomer content.
Briefly, the biMab proteins were purified to high monomeric content
using protein A and Ceramic Hydroxyapatite Type II Media following
the manufacturer's recommendations (BioRad catalog number 158-2200)
and analyzed by SEC-HPLC in standard running buffer (0.1 mM sodium
phosphate, 0.1 mM sodium sulfate pH 6.8). The purified monomeric
proteins were dialyzed overnight in 25 mM Histidine-HCl pH 6 and
again analyzed by HPLC-SEC in standard running buffer for the
pre-concentration monomeric percentage. The biMabs were then
concentrated to less than one milliliter using Vivaspin 20, 100 kDa
MWCO (GE healthcare catalog number 28-9323-63) at 1455 x g and the
concentration was determined by reading the A280 nm absorbance
value and by using a molar absorptivity of 1.4. The concentrated
material was filtered using 0.22 micron syringe filters and
visually inspected for particulate presence and corrected to 25
mg/mL. An aliquot of 250 micrograms of protein from the 25 mg/mL
solution was analyzed by HPLC-SEC using the standard buffer to
determine monomeric percentage after concentration. SEC-HPLC was
carried out as described in Example 2 above.
[0363] Initial and final concentrations are shown in mg/mL. The
initial concentration of each biMab formulated is presented in the
top half of the table presented in FIG. 19, along with the monomer
content (%) observed at that initial concentration. At these
initial concentrations, monomer content was greater than 99%. The
final, more concentrated preparation of each biMab formulated at 20
mg/mL is presented in the bottom half of the table presented in
FIG. 19. As can be seen by comparing each row of the top half of
the figure to its corresponding row in the bottom half of the
figure (e.g., compare the first row in the top half of the figure
to the first row in the bottom half of the figure), biMabs can be
concentrated with no monomer loss. Monomer content, represented as
a %, was determined using SEC-HPLC.
Example 10: Comparison of Representative biMabs to Conventional
Bivalent Bispecific Antibody Formats
[0364] Additional bispecific antibodies were generated using two
conventional bivalent bispecific formats (see, e.g., Dimasi et al.,
J Mol. Biol., 2009 393:627-92) comprising the variable regions from
the anti-PcrV antibody V2L2 (SEQ ID NO:43 and 46) and the anti-Psl
antibody W4-RAD (SEQ ID NO: 48 and 49). A schematic representation
of the conventional Bs2 and Bs3 bispecific antibody formats and an
exemplary biMab generated from the same variable regions is
provided in FIG. 20. All four antibodies were tested in several in
vitro and in vivo assays as follows.
[0365] The various bispecific antibodies and R347 (negative
control) were evaluated for their ability to prevent lysis of RBCs.
Briefly, the antibodies are mixed with log-phase P. aeruginosa 6077
(exoU.sup.+) and washed rabbit red blood cells (RBCs) and incubated
for 2 hours at 37.degree.. Intact RBCs are pelleted and the extent
of lysis determined by measuring the OD.sub.405 of the cell-free
supernatant. Lysis in the presence of the antibodies is compared to
wells without mAb to determine percent inhibition percent
inhibition of RBC lysis. As shown in FIG. 21 all bispecific
antibodies inhibited RBC lysis at levels similar to the parental
V2L2 antibody.
[0366] A single Bs2 (BS2-V2L2-2C) the Bs3 and the biMab antibodies
were also tested in an in vitro opsonophagocytosis (OPK) killing
assay performed as described in (DiGiandomenico, A., et al., Infect
Immun 72, 7012-7021 (2004)), with modifications. Briefly, assays
were performed in 96-well plates using 0.025 ml of each OPK
component; P. aeruginosa strains; diluted baby rabbit serum;
differentiated HL-60 cells; and monoclonal antibody. In some OPK
assays, luminescent P. aeruginosa strains, which were constructed
as described (Choi, K. H., et al., Nat Methods 2, 443-448 (2005)),
were used. Luminescent OPK assays were performed as described above
but with determination of relative luciferase units (RLUs) using a
Perkin Elmer ENVISION Multilabel plate reader (Perkin Elmer). As
shown in FIG. 22 the Bs2-V2L2-2C and Bs4-V2L2-2C antibodies showed
similar killing compared to the parental W4-RAD antibody. However,
the killing for the Bs3-V2L2-2C antibody was decreased. In this
assay the biMab format had comparable activity to both the parental
and the Bs2 bispecific antibody format.
[0367] The Bs2-V2L2, Bs3-V2L2 and Bs4-V2L2 constructs were assessed
for survival from acute pneumonia infections in several studies
using an in vivo P. aeruginosa 6202 acute pneumonia model. Mice
(n=10) were treated as follows: (Study A) R347 (negative control,
0.2 mg/kg), Bs2-V2L2 (0.28 mg/kg), Bs3-V2L2 (0.28 mg/kg), V2L2 (0.2
mg/kg) or W4-RAD (0.2 mg/kg); (Studies B and C) R347 (negative
control, 1 mg/kg), Bs2-V2L2 (0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg), or Bs4-V2L2-2C
(0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg); (Study D): R347 (negative control, 1
mg/kg), Bs3-V2L2 (0.5 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg), or Bs4-V2L2-2C (0.5 mg/kg
or 1 mg/kg). Twenty-four hours post-treatment, all mice were
infected with .about.(6.25.times.10.sup.5-1.times.10.sup.6
CFU/animal) 6206 (O11-ExoU+). All mice were monitored for 120
hours. The results for the studies are shown in FIG. 23A-D,
respectively, (A) all of the control mice succumbed to infection by
approximately 30 hours post-infection. All of the Bs3-V2L2 animals
survived, along with those which received the V2L2 control.
Approximately 90% of the W4-RAD immunized animals survived. In
contrast, approximately 50% of the Bs2-V2L2 animals succumbed to
infection by 120 hours. (B-D): All of the control mice succumbed to
infection by approximately 48 hours post-infection. (B):
Bs4-V2L2-2C had greater activity in comparison to Bs2-V2L2 at both
1.0 and 0.5 mg/kg. (C): Bs4-V2L2-2C appeared to have greater
activity in comparison to Bs2-V2L2 at 1.0 mg/kg (results are not
statistically significant). (D): Bs4-V2L2-2C had greater activity
in comparison to Bs3-V2L2 at 0.5 mg/kg. To analyze the efficacy of
each antibody construct, mice were treated with 0.1 mg/kg, 0.2
mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg or 15 mg/kg
and analyzed for survival in a 6206 lethal pneumonia model. The
percent survival is indicated in Table shown in FIG. 24 with the
number of animals for each comparison indicated in parentheses.
[0368] These data show that Bs4-V2L2-2C biMab antibody format is as
effective as the mixture of the parental W4-RAD+V2L2 antibodies and
is at least as effective, or even more effective than the
conventional Bs2 and Bs3 bispecific antibody formats in protection
against lethal pneumonia in mice challenged with P. aeruginosa
strain 6206 (ExoU+).
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
[0369] All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby
incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual
publication or patent was specifically and individually indicated
to be incorporated by reference. In addition, U.S. Provisional
Application Nos. 61/556,645 filed Nov. 7, 2011; 61/624,651 filed
Apr. 16, 2012; 61/625,299 filed Apr. 17, 2012; 61/697,585 filed
Sep. 6, 2012 and International Application No: PCT/US2012/______,
filed Nov. 6, 2012 (attorney docket no. PSEUD-100WO1, entitled
"COMBINATION THERAPIES USING ANTI-PSEUDOMONAS PSL AND PCRV BINDING
MOLECULES") are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all
purposes.
[0370] While specific aspects of the subject disclosure have been
discussed, the above specification is illustrative and not
restrictive. Many variations of the disclosure will become apparent
to those skilled in the art upon review of this specification and
the claims below. The full scope of the disclosure should be
determined by reference to the claims, along with their full scope
of equivalents, and the specification, along with such variations.
Sequence CWU 1
1
701294DNAHomo sapiens 1gcgtcgacca agggcccatc cgtcttcccc ctggcaccct
cctccaagag cacctctggg 60ggcacagcgg ccctgggctg cctggtcaag gactacttcc
ccgaaccggt gacggtgtcc 120tggaactcag gcgctctgac cagcggcgtg
cacaccttcc cggctgtcct acagtcctca 180ggactctact ccctcagcag
cgtggtgacc gtgccctcca gcagcttggg cacccagacc 240tacatctgca
acgtgaatca caagcccagc aacaccaagg tggacaagag agtt 294298PRTHomo
sapiens 2Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser
Ser Lys 1 5 10 15 Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu
Val Lys Asp Tyr 20 25 30 Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn
Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser 35 40 45 Gly Val His Thr Phe Pro Ala Val
Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser 50 55 60 Leu Ser Ser Val Val Thr
Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr 65 70 75 80 Tyr Ile Cys Asn
Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys 85 90 95 Arg Val
324DNAArtificialsynthetic construct 3gagcccaaat cttgtgacaa aact
2448PRTArtificialsynthetic construct 4Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys
Thr 1 5 524DNAArtificialsynthetic construct 5gagcccaaat cttgtggaaa
aact 2468PRTArtificialsynthetic construct 6Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Gly
Lys Thr 1 5 730DNAArtificialsynthetic construct 7ggcggagggg
gatccggcgg agggggctct 30810PRTArtificialsynthetic construct 8Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 1 5 10 945DNAHomo sapiens
9gagcccaaat cttgtgacaa aactcacaca tgcccaccgt gccca 451015PRTHomo
sapiens 10Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys
Pro 1 5 10 15 1145DNAArtificialsynthetic construct 11gagcccaaat
ctgtagacaa aactcacaca tgcccaccgt gccca 451215PRTArtificialsynthetic
construct 12Glu Pro Lys Ser Val Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys
Pro 1 5 10 15 1315DNAArtificialsynthetic construct 13tgcccaccgt
gccca 15145PRTArtificialsynthetic construct 14Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro 1
5 15330DNAHomo sapiens 15gcacctgaac tcctgggggg accgtcagtc
ttcctcttcc ccccaaaacc caaggacacc 60ctcatgatct cccggacccc tgaggtcaca
tgcgtggtgg tggacgtgag ccacgaagac 120cctgaggtca agttcaactg
gtacgtggac ggcgtggagg tgcataatgc caagacaaag 180ccgcgggagg
agcagtacaa cagcacgtac cgtgtggtca gcgtcctcac cgtcctgcac
240caggactggc tgaatggcaa ggagtacaag tgcaaggtct ccaacaaagc
cctcccagcc 300cccatcgaga aaaccatctc caaagccaaa 33016110PRTHomo
sapiens 16Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro
Pro Lys 1 5 10 15 Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu
Val Thr Cys Val 20 25 30 Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu
Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr 35 40 45 Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn
Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu 50 55 60 Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr
Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu His 65 70 75 80 Gln Asp Trp Leu
Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn Lys 85 90 95 Ala Leu
Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys 100 105 110
17321DNAHomo sapiens 17gggcagcccc gagaaccaca ggtctacacc ctgcccccat
cccgggagga gatgaccaag 60aaccaggtca gcctgacctg cctggtcaaa ggcttctatc
ccagcgacat cgccgtggag 120tgggagagca atgggcagcc ggagaacaac
tacaagacca cgcctcccgt gctggactcc 180gacggctcct tcttcctcta
tagcaagctc accgtggaca agagcaggtg gcagcagggg 240aacgtcttct
catgctccgt gatgcatgag gctctgcaca accactacac gcagaagagc
300ttaagcctgt ctccgggtaa a 32118107PRTHomo sapiens 18Gly Gln Pro
Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu 1 5 10 15 Glu
Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe 20 25
30 Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu
35 40 45 Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly
Ser Phe 50 55 60 Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg
Trp Gln Gln Gly 65 70 75 80 Asn Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu
Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr 85 90 95 Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser
Pro Gly Lys 100 105 19648DNAartificialsynthetic construct
19gacatccaga tgacccagag ccccagcagc ctgagcgcca gcgtgggcga cagagtgacc
60atcacctgcc aggccagcca ggacatcagc aactacctga actggtatca gcagaagccc
120ggcaaggccc ccaagctgct gatctacgac gccagcaacc tggagacagg
cgtgcccagc 180agattcagcg gcagcggctc cggcaccgac ttcaccttca
ccatcagcag cctccagccc 240gaggatatcg ccacctactt ttgccagcac
ttcgaccacc tgcccctggc ctttggcggc 300ggaacaaagg tggagatcaa
gcgtacggtg gctgcaccat ctgtcttcat cttcccgcca 360tctgatgagc
agttgaaatc tggaactgcc tctgttgtgt gcctgctgaa taacttctat
420cccagagagg ccaaagtaca gtggaaggtg gataacgccc tccaatcggg
taactcccag 480gagagtgtca cagagcagga cagcaaggac agcacctaca
gcctcagcag caccctgacg 540ctgagcaaag cagactacga gaaacacaaa
gtctacgcct gcgaagtcac ccatcagggc 600ctgagctcgc ccgtcacaaa
gagcttcaac aggggagagt gttagtga 64820214PRTartificialsynthetic
construct 20Asp 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 Gln Ala Ser Gln Asp
Ile Ser Asn Tyr 20 25 30 Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys
Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Asp Ala Ser Asn Leu Glu Thr
Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60 Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp
Phe Thr Phe Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80 Glu Asp Ile Ala
Thr Tyr Phe Cys Gln His Phe Asp His Leu Pro Leu 85 90 95 Ala Phe
Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala Ala 100 105 110
Pro Ser Val Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu Lys Ser Gly 115
120 125 Thr Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe Tyr Pro Arg Glu
Ala 130 135 140 Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln Ser Gly
Asn Ser Gln 145 150 155 160 Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp
Ser Thr Tyr Ser Leu Ser 165 170 175 Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala
Asp Tyr Glu Lys His Lys Val Tyr 180 185 190 Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His
Gln Gly Leu Ser Ser Pro Val Thr Lys Ser 195 200 205 Phe Asn Arg Gly
Glu Cys 210 21107PRTartificialsynthetic construct 21Asp 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 Gln Ala Ser Gln Asp Ile Ser Asn Tyr 20 25 30
Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile 35
40 45 Tyr Asp Ala Ser Asn Leu Glu Thr Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser
Gly 50 55 60 Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Phe Thr Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80 Glu Asp Ile Ala Thr Tyr Phe Cys Gln His Phe
Asp His Leu Pro Leu 85 90 95 Ala Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Val Glu
Ile Lys 100 105 222148DNAartificialsynthetic construct 22caggtgcagc
tccaggagag cggccctggc ctggtgaagc ccagcgagac actgagcctg 60acctgcaccg
tgtccggcgg cagcgtgtcc agcggcgact actactggac ctggatcaga
120cagagccccg gcaagggcct ggagtggatc ggccacatct actacagcgg
caacaccaac 180tacaacccca gcctgaagtc cagactgacc atcagcatcg
acaccagcaa gacccagttc 240agcctgaagc tgtccagcgt gacagccgcc
gacaccgcca tctactactg cgtgagagac 300agagtgaccg gcgctttcga
catctggggc cagggcacca tggtgaccgt gtccagcgcg 360tcgaccaagg
gacctagcgt gttccctctg gcccccagca gcaagtctac atctggcgga
420acagccgccc tgggctgcct cgtgaaggac tactttcccg agcccgtgac
cgtgtcctgg 480aacagcggag cactgacaag cggcgtgcac acctttccag
ccgtgctgca gagcagcggc 540ctgtactctc tgagcagcgt cgtgacagtg
cccagcagct ctctgggcac ccagacctac 600atctgcaacg tgaaccacaa
gcccagcaac accaaggtgg acaagcgggt ggaacccaag 660agctgcggca
aaacaggcgg cggaggatcc ggcggaggcg gctctgatat cgtgatgacc
720cagagccccc tgagcctgcc tgtgacacct ggcgaacctg ccagcatcag
ctgcagatcc 780agccagagca tcgtgcacag caacggcaac acctacctgc
agtggtatct gcagaagccc 840ggccagagcc ctcagctgct gatctacaag
gtgtccaacc ggctgtacgg cgtgcccgac 900agattttctg gcagcggctc
cggcaccgac ttcaccctga agatctcccg ggtggaagcc 960gaggacgtgg
gcgtgtacta ctgttttcaa ggcagccacg tgccctggac cttcggctgt
1020ggcacaaagg tggaaatcaa gggcggaggg ggatctgggg gcggaggctc
tggcggggga 1080ggaagtgggg gaggcggatc tcaggtgcag ctgcaggaat
ctggccctgg cctcgtgaaa 1140cccagcgaga cactgagcct gacatgcacc
gtgtccggct acagcatcac cggcggctac 1200ctgtggaact ggatcagaca
gccccctggc aagtgcctgg aatggatcgg ctacatcagc 1260tacgacggca
ccaacaacta caagccctcc ctgaaggaca gagtgaccat cagccgggac
1320accagcaaga accagttcag cctgaagctg tccagcgtga cagccgccga
taccgccgtg 1380tactattgcg ccagatacgg ccgggtgttc ttcgactatt
ggggccaggg caccctcgtg 1440actgtgtcat ctgggggagg gggaagcgga
ggcggaggaa gttgtcctcc ttgtcctgcc 1500cccgaactgc tgggcggacc
ttccgtgttc ctgttccccc caaagcccaa ggacaccctg 1560atgatcagcc
ggacccccga agtgacctgc gtggtggtgg atgtgtccca cgaggaccct
1620gaagtgaagt tcaattggta cgtggacggc gtggaagtgc acaacgccaa
gaccaagcct 1680agagaggaac agtacaacag cacctaccgg gtggtgtccg
tgctgacagt gctgcaccag 1740gactggctga acggcaaaga gtacaagtgc
aaagtgtcca acaaggccct gcctgccccc 1800atcgagaaaa ccatcagcaa
ggccaaggga cagccccgcg agccccaagt gtataccctg 1860ccccctagcc
gggaagagat gaccaagaat caggtgtccc tgacctgtct cgtgaaaggc
1920ttctacccca gcgacattgc cgtggaatgg gagagcaacg gccagcccga
gaacaattac 1980aagaccaccc cccctgtgct ggactccgac ggctcattct
tcctgtactc caagctgacc 2040gtggacaaga gccggtggca gcagggcaac
gtgttcagct gctccgtgat gcacgaggcc 2100ctgcacaacc actacaccca
gaagtccctg tccctgagcc ccggcaaa 214823716PRTartificialsynthetic
construct 23Gln Val Gln Leu Gln Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro
Ser Glu 1 5 10 15 Thr Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys Thr Val Ser Gly Gly Ser
Val Ser Ser Gly 20 25 30 Asp Tyr Tyr Trp Thr Trp Ile Arg Gln Ser
Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu 35 40 45 Trp Ile Gly His Ile Tyr Tyr Ser
Gly Asn Thr Asn Tyr Asn Pro Ser 50 55 60 Leu Lys Ser Arg Leu Thr
Ile Ser Ile Asp Thr Ser Lys Thr Gln Phe 65 70 75 80 Ser Leu Lys Leu
Ser Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Ile Tyr Tyr 85 90 95 Cys Val
Arg Asp Arg Val Thr Gly Ala Phe Asp Ile Trp Gly Gln Gly 100 105 110
Thr Met Val Thr Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe 115
120 125 Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala
Leu 130 135 140 Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr
Val Ser Trp 145 150 155 160 Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His
Thr Phe Pro Ala Val Leu 165 170 175 Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu
Ser Ser Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser 180 185 190 Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln
Thr Tyr Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro 195 200 205 Ser Asn Thr Lys
Val Asp Lys Arg Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Gly Lys 210 215 220 Thr Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Asp Ile Val Met Thr 225 230 235
240 Gln Ser Pro Leu Ser Leu Pro Val Thr Pro Gly Glu Pro Ala Ser Ile
245 250 255 Ser Cys Arg Ser Ser Gln Ser Ile Val His Ser Asn Gly Asn
Thr Tyr 260 265 270 Leu Gln Trp Tyr Leu Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ser Pro
Gln Leu Leu Ile 275 280 285 Tyr Lys Val Ser Asn Arg Leu Tyr Gly Val
Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly 290 295 300 Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr
Leu Lys Ile Ser Arg Val Glu Ala 305 310 315 320 Glu Asp Val Gly Val
Tyr Tyr Cys Phe Gln Gly Ser His Val Pro Trp 325 330 335 Thr Phe Gly
Cys Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 340 345 350 Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gln 355 360
365 Val Gln Leu Gln Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Ser Glu Thr
370 375 380 Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys Thr Val Ser Gly Tyr Ser Ile Thr Gly
Gly Tyr 385 390 395 400 Leu Trp Asn Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly Lys
Cys Leu Glu Trp Ile 405 410 415 Gly Tyr Ile Ser Tyr Asp Gly Thr Asn
Asn Tyr Lys Pro Ser Leu Lys 420 425 430 Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Arg
Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn Gln Phe Ser Leu 435 440 445 Lys Leu Ser Ser Val
Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala 450 455 460 Arg Tyr Gly
Arg Val Phe Phe Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val 465 470 475 480
Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Cys Pro 485
490 495 Pro Cys Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu
Phe 500 505 510 Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr
Pro Glu Val 515 520 525 Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp
Pro Glu Val Lys Phe 530 535 540 Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val
His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro 545 550 555 560 Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn
Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr 565 570 575 Val Leu His Gln
Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val 580 585 590 Ser Asn
Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala 595 600 605
Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg 610
615 620 Glu Glu Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys
Gly 625 630 635 640 Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser
Asn Gly Gln Pro 645 650 655 Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val
Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser 660 665 670 Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr
Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln 675 680 685 Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys
Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His 690 695 700 Tyr Thr Gln Lys
Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 705 710 715
24119PRTartificialsynthetic construct 24Gln Val Gln Leu Gln Glu Ser
Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Ser Glu 1 5 10 15 Thr Leu Ser Leu Thr
Cys Thr Val Ser Gly Gly Ser Val Ser Ser Gly 20 25 30 Asp Tyr Tyr
Trp Thr Trp Ile Arg Gln Ser Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu 35 40 45 Trp
Ile Gly His Ile Tyr Tyr Ser Gly Asn Thr Asn Tyr Asn Pro Ser 50 55
60 Leu Lys Ser Arg Leu Thr Ile Ser Ile Asp Thr Ser Lys Thr Gln Phe
65 70 75 80 Ser Leu Lys Leu Ser Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Ile
Tyr Tyr 85 90 95 Cys Val Arg Asp Arg Val Thr Gly Ala Phe Asp Ile
Trp Gly Gln Gly 100 105 110 Thr Met Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115
25249PRTartificialsynthetic construct 25Asp Ile Val Met Thr Gln Ser
Pro
Leu Ser Leu Pro Val Thr Pro Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Pro Ala Ser Ile Ser
Cys Arg Ser Ser Gln Ser Ile Val His Ser 20 25 30 Asn Gly Asn Thr
Tyr Leu Gln Trp Tyr Leu Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ser 35 40 45 Pro Gln
Leu Leu Ile Tyr Lys Val Ser Asn Arg Leu Tyr Gly Val Pro 50 55 60
Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Lys Ile 65
70 75 80 Ser Arg Val Glu Ala Glu Asp Val Gly Val Tyr Tyr Cys Phe
Gln Gly 85 90 95 Ser His Val Pro Trp Thr Phe Gly Cys Gly Thr Lys
Val Glu Ile Lys 100 105 110 Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser
Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly 115 120 125 Gly Gly Gly Ser Gln Val Gln Leu
Gln Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu Val 130 135 140 Lys Pro Ser Glu Thr Leu
Ser Leu Thr Cys Thr Val Ser Gly Tyr Ser 145 150 155 160 Ile Thr Gly
Gly Tyr Leu Trp Asn Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly Lys 165 170 175 Cys
Leu Glu Trp Ile Gly Tyr Ile Ser Tyr Asp Gly Thr Asn Asn Tyr 180 185
190 Lys Pro Ser Leu Lys Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Thr Ser Lys
195 200 205 Asn Gln Phe Ser Leu Lys Leu Ser Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp
Thr Ala 210 215 220 Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg Tyr Gly Arg Val Phe Phe
Asp Tyr Trp Gly 225 230 235 240 Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser
245 26112PRTartificialsynthetic construct 26Asp Ile Val Met Thr Gln
Ser Pro Leu Ser Leu Pro Val Thr Pro Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Pro Ala Ser
Ile Ser Cys Arg Ser Ser Gln Ser Ile Val His Ser 20 25 30 Asn Gly
Asn Thr Tyr Leu Gln Trp Tyr Leu Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ser 35 40 45
Pro Gln Leu Leu Ile Tyr Lys Val Ser Asn Arg Leu Tyr Gly Val Pro 50
55 60 Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Lys
Ile 65 70 75 80 Ser Arg Val Glu Ala Glu Asp Val Gly Val Tyr Tyr Cys
Phe Gln Gly 85 90 95 Ser His Val Pro Trp Thr Phe Gly Cys Gly Thr
Lys Val Glu Ile Lys 100 105 110 27117PRTartificialsynthetic
construct 27Gln Val Gln Leu Gln Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro
Ser Glu 1 5 10 15 Thr Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys Thr Val Ser Gly Tyr Ser
Ile Thr Gly Gly 20 25 30 Tyr Leu Trp Asn Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro
Gly Lys Cys Leu Glu Trp 35 40 45 Ile Gly Tyr Ile Ser Tyr Asp Gly
Thr Asn Asn Tyr Lys Pro Ser Leu 50 55 60 Lys Asp Arg Val Thr Ile
Ser Arg Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn Gln Phe Ser 65 70 75 80 Leu Lys Leu Ser
Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg
Tyr Gly Arg Val Phe Phe Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu 100 105 110
Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115 28642DNAartificialsynthetic construct
28gacatccaga tgacccagag ccccagcagc ctgagcgcca gcgtgggcga cagagtgacc
60atcacctgta gcgccagcca ggacatcagc aactacctga actggtatca gcagaagccc
120ggcaaggccc ccaaggtgct gatctacttc accagctccc tgcacagcgg
cgtgcccagc 180agattttctg gcagcggcag cggcaccgac ttcaccctga
ccatcagcag cctgcagccc 240gaggacttcg ccacctacta ctgccagcag
tacagcaccg tgccttggac cttcggccag 300ggcaccaagg tggaaatcaa
gcgtacggtg gctgcaccat ctgtcttcat cttcccgcca 360tctgatgagc
agttgaaatc tggaactgcc tctgttgtgt gcctgctgaa taacttctat
420cccagagagg ccaaagtaca gtggaaggtg gataacgccc tccaatcggg
taactcccag 480gagagtgtca cagagcagga cagcaaggac agcacctaca
gcctcagcag caccctgacg 540ctgagcaaag cagactacga gaaacacaaa
gtctacgcct gcgaagtcac ccatcagggc 600ctgagctcgc ccgtcacaaa
gagcttcaac aggggagagt gt 64229214PRTartificialsynthetic construct
29Asp 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 Ser Ala Ser Gln Asp Ile Ser Asn
Tyr 20 25 30 Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys
Val Leu Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Phe Thr Ser Ser Leu His 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 Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr
Cys Gln Gln Tyr Ser Thr Val Pro Trp 85 90 95 Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly
Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala Ala 100 105 110 Pro Ser Val
Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu Lys Ser Gly 115 120 125 Thr
Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe Tyr Pro Arg Glu Ala 130 135
140 Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln Ser Gly Asn Ser Gln
145 150 155 160 Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp Ser Thr Tyr
Ser Leu Ser 165 170 175 Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala Asp Tyr Glu
Lys His Lys Val Tyr 180 185 190 Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His Gln Gly Leu
Ser Ser Pro Val Thr Lys Ser 195 200 205 Phe Asn Arg Gly Glu Cys 210
30107PRTartificialsynthetic construct 30Asp 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 Ser Ala Ser Gln Asp Ile Ser Asn Tyr 20 25 30 Leu Asn Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Val Leu Ile 35 40 45 Tyr
Phe Thr Ser Ser Leu His 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 Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Tyr Ser Thr Val
Pro Trp 85 90 95 Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys 100
105 312184DNAartificialsynthetic construct 31gaggtgcagc tggtggaaag
cggcggagga ctggtgcagc ctggcggcag cctgagactg 60tcttgtgccg ccagcggcta
caccttcacc aactacggca tgaactgggt gcgccaggcc 120cctggcaagg
gactggaatg ggtgggatgg atcaacacct acaccggcga gcccacctac
180gccgccgact tcaagcggcg gttcaccttc agcctggaca ccagcaagag
caccgcctac 240ctgcagatga acagcctgcg ggccgaggac accgccgtgt
actactgcgc caagtacccc 300cactactacg gcagcagcca ctggtacttc
gacgtgtggg gccagggcac cctggtgaca 360gtgtccagcg cgtcgaccaa
gggacctagc gtgttccctc tggcccccag cagcaagtct 420acatctggcg
gaacagccgc cctgggctgc ctcgtgaagg actactttcc cgagcccgtg
480accgtgtcct ggaacagcgg agcactgaca agcggcgtgc acacctttcc
agccgtgctg 540cagagcagcg gcctgtactc tctgagcagc gtcgtgacag
tgcccagcag ctctctgggc 600acccagacct acatctgcaa cgtgaaccac
aagcccagca acaccaaggt ggacaagcgg 660gtggaaccca agagctgcgg
caaaacaggc ggcggaggat ccggcggagg cggatctcag 720gtgcagctgg
tggaaagcgg cgctgaagtg aagaaacctg gggccagcgt gaaggtgtcc
780tgcaaggcca gcggctacac ctttaccggc tactacatgc actgggtgcg
ccaggcccct 840ggccagtgtc tggaatggat gggctggatc aaccccaaca
gcggcggcac caactacgcc 900cagaaattcc agggcagagt gaccatgacc
cgggacacca gcatcagcac cgcctacatg 960gaactgagcc ggctgagaag
cgacgacacc gccgtgtact actgcgccag aagccccaac 1020ccctactact
acgacagcag cggctattac taccctgggg ccttcgacat ctggggacag
1080ggcacaatgg tcaccgtgtc tagcggaggg ggaggatctg ggggcggagg
ctctggcggg 1140ggaggaagtg ggggaggcgg aagccagcct ggactgacac
agcctccaag cgtgtcagtg 1200gcccctggac agaccgccag aatcacctgt
ggcggcaaca acatcggcag caagagcgtg 1260cactggtatc agcagaagcc
cggacaggcc ccagtgctgg tggtgtacga cgacagcgat 1320agacccagcg
gcatccccga gagattcagc ggcagcaact ccggcaatac cgccaccctg
1380accatcagca gagtggaagc cggcgacgag gccgactact actgccaagt
gtgggacagc 1440agcagcgacc actacgtgtt cggctgtggc accaaagtga
ccgtgctggg aggcggggga 1500tcagggggag gggggtcttg tcctccttgt
cctgctcccg aactgctggg cggaccttcc 1560gtgttcctgt tccccccaaa
gcccaaggac accctgatga tcagccggac ccccgaagtg 1620acctgcgtgg
tggtggatgt gtcccacgag gacccagaag tgaagttcaa ttggtacgtg
1680gacggcgtgg aagtgcacaa cgccaagacc aagcctagag aggaacagta
caacagcacc 1740taccgggtgg tgtccgtgct gacagtgctg caccaggact
ggctgaacgg caaagagtac 1800aagtgcaagg tgtccaacaa agccctgcct
gcccccatcg agaaaaccat ctccaaggcc 1860aagggccagc cccgcgagcc
tcaagtgtat accctgcccc ctagccggga agagatgacc 1920aagaaccagg
tgtccctgac ctgtctcgtg aaaggcttct acccctccga tatcgccgtg
1980gaatgggaga gcaacggcca gcccgagaac aactacaaga ccaccccccc
tgtgctggac 2040agcgacggct cattcttcct gtactccaag ctgaccgtgg
acaagagccg gtggcagcag 2100ggcaacgtgt tcagctgcag cgtgatgcac
gaggccctgc acaaccacta cacacagaag 2160tccctgagcc tgagccccgg caaa
218432728PRTartificialsynthetic construct 32Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu
Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu Arg Leu
Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Asn Tyr 20 25 30 Gly Met
Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45
Gly Trp Ile Asn Thr Tyr Thr Gly Glu Pro Thr Tyr Ala Ala Asp Phe 50
55 60 Lys Arg Arg Phe Thr Phe Ser Leu Asp Thr Ser Lys Ser Thr Ala
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 Tyr Pro His Tyr Tyr Gly Ser Ser His
Trp Tyr Phe Asp Val 100 105 110 Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val
Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly 115 120 125 Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala
Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly 130 135 140 Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly
Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro Val 145 150 155 160 Thr Val
Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His Thr Phe 165 170 175
Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser Val Val 180
185 190 Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr Tyr Ile Cys Asn
Val 195 200 205 Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys Arg Val
Glu Pro Lys 210 215 220 Ser Cys Gly Lys Thr Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gln 225 230 235 240 Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Ala
Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ala Ser 245 250 255 Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys
Ala Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Gly Tyr Tyr 260 265 270 Met His Trp Val
Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Cys Leu Glu Trp Met Gly 275 280 285 Trp Ile
Asn Pro Asn Ser Gly Gly Thr Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe Gln 290 295 300
Gly Arg Val Thr Met Thr Arg Asp Thr Ser Ile Ser Thr Ala Tyr Met 305
310 315 320 Glu Leu Ser Arg Leu Arg Ser Asp Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr
Cys Ala 325 330 335 Arg Ser Pro Asn Pro Tyr Tyr Tyr Asp Ser Ser Gly
Tyr Tyr Tyr Pro 340 345 350 Gly Ala Phe Asp Ile Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr
Met Val Thr Val Ser Ser 355 360 365 Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly
Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly 370 375 380 Gly Gly Gly Ser Gln Pro
Gly Leu Thr Gln Pro Pro Ser Val Ser Val 385 390 395 400 Ala Pro Gly
Gln Thr Ala Arg Ile Thr Cys Gly Gly Asn Asn Ile Gly 405 410 415 Ser
Lys Ser Val His Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ala Pro Val 420 425
430 Leu Val Val Tyr Asp Asp Ser Asp Arg Pro Ser Gly Ile Pro Glu Arg
435 440 445 Phe Ser Gly Ser Asn Ser Gly Asn Thr Ala Thr Leu Thr Ile
Ser Arg 450 455 460 Val Glu Ala Gly Asp Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr Cys Gln
Val Trp Asp Ser 465 470 475 480 Ser Ser Asp His Tyr Val Phe Gly Cys
Gly Thr Lys Val Thr Val Leu 485 490 495 Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly
Gly Gly Ser Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro Ala 500 505 510 Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly
Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro 515 520 525 Lys Asp Thr
Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val 530 535 540 Val
Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val 545 550
555 560 Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu
Gln 565 570 575 Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val
Leu His Gln 580 585 590 Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys
Val Ser Asn Lys Ala 595 600 605 Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile
Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly Gln Pro 610 615 620 Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr
Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu Met Thr 625 630 635 640 Lys Asn Gln Val
Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser 645 650 655 Asp Ile
Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr 660 665 670
Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr 675
680 685 Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val
Phe 690 695 700 Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr
Thr Gln Lys 705 710 715 720 Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 725
33123PRTartificialsynthetic construct 33Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser
Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser
Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Asn Tyr 20 25 30 Gly Met Asn
Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45 Gly
Trp Ile Asn Thr Tyr Thr Gly Glu Pro Thr Tyr Ala Ala Asp Phe 50 55
60 Lys Arg Arg Phe Thr Phe Ser Leu Asp Thr Ser Lys Ser Thr Ala 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 Tyr Pro His Tyr Tyr Gly Ser Ser His Trp
Tyr Phe Asp Val 100 105 110 Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser
Ser 115 120 34257PRTartificialsynthetic construct 34Gln Val Gln Leu
Val Glu Ser Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 Ser Val
Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Gly Tyr 20 25 30
Tyr Met His Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Cys Leu Glu Trp Met 35
40 45 Gly Trp Ile Asn Pro Asn Ser Gly Gly Thr Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys
Phe 50 55 60 Gln Gly Arg Val Thr Met Thr Arg Asp Thr Ser Ile Ser
Thr Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Arg Leu Arg Ser Asp Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Ser Pro Asn Pro Tyr Tyr Tyr
Asp Ser Ser Gly Tyr Tyr Tyr 100 105 110 Pro Gly Ala Phe Asp Ile Trp
Gly Gln Gly Thr Met Val Thr Val Ser 115 120 125 Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly
Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 130 135 140 Gly Gly Gly
Gly Ser Gln Pro Gly Leu Thr Gln Pro Pro Ser Val Ser 145 150 155
160 Val Ala Pro Gly Gln Thr Ala Arg Ile Thr Cys Gly Gly Asn Asn Ile
165 170 175 Gly Ser Lys Ser Val His Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln
Ala Pro 180 185 190 Val Leu Val Val Tyr Asp Asp Ser Asp Arg Pro Ser
Gly Ile Pro Glu 195 200 205 Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Asn Ser Gly Asn Thr
Ala Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser 210 215 220 Arg Val Glu Ala Gly Asp Glu Ala
Asp Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Val Trp Asp 225 230 235 240 Ser Ser Ser Asp His
Tyr Val Phe Gly Cys Gly Thr Lys Val Thr Val 245 250 255 Leu
35108PRTartificialsynthetic construct 35Gln Pro Gly Leu Thr Gln Pro
Pro Ser Val Ser Val Ala Pro Gly Gln 1 5 10 15 Thr Ala Arg Ile Thr
Cys Gly Gly Asn Asn Ile Gly Ser Lys Ser Val 20 25 30 His Trp Tyr
Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ala Pro Val Leu Val Val Tyr 35 40 45 Asp
Asp Ser Asp Arg Pro Ser Gly Ile Pro Glu Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser 50 55
60 Asn Ser Gly Asn Thr Ala Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Arg Val Glu Ala Gly
65 70 75 80 Asp Glu Ala Asp Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Val Trp Asp Ser Ser Ser
Asp His 85 90 95 Tyr Val Phe Gly Cys Gly Thr Lys Val Thr Val Leu
100 105 36129PRTartificialsynthetic construct 36Gln Val Gln Leu Val
Glu Ser Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys
Val Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Gly Tyr 20 25 30 Tyr
Met His Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Cys Leu Glu Trp Met 35 40
45 Gly Trp Ile Asn Pro Asn Ser Gly Gly Thr Asn Tyr Ala Gln Lys Phe
50 55 60 Gln Gly Arg Val Thr Met Thr Arg Asp Thr Ser Ile Ser Thr
Ala Tyr 65 70 75 80 Met Glu Leu Ser Arg Leu Arg Ser Asp Asp Thr Ala
Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Ser Pro Asn Pro Tyr Tyr Tyr Asp
Ser Ser Gly Tyr Tyr Tyr 100 105 110 Pro Gly Ala Phe Asp Ile Trp Gly
Gln Gly Thr Met Val Thr Val Ser 115 120 125 Ser
3715DNAArtificialsynthetic construct 37gagcccaaat cttgt
15385PRTArtificialsynthetic construct 38Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys 1 5
3930DNAArtificialsynthetic construct 39gacaaaactc acacatgccc
accgtgccca 304010PRTArtificialsynthetic construct 40Asp Lys Thr His
Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro 1 5 10 41642DNAartificialsynthetic
construct 41gccatccaga tgacccagtc tccatcctcc ctgtctgcat ctgtaggaga
cagagtcacc 60atcacttgcc gggcaagtca gggcattaga aatgatttag gctggtatca
acagaagcca 120gggaaagccc ctaaactcgt gatctattct gcatccactt
tacaaagtgg ggtcccatca 180aggttcagcg gcagtggatc tggcacagat
ttcactctct ccatcagcag cctgcagcct 240gacgattttg caacttatta
ctgtctacaa gattacaatt acccgtggac gttcggccaa 300gggaccaagg
ttgaaatcaa acgtacggtg gctgcaccat ctgtcttcat cttcccgcca
360tctgatgagc agttgaaatc tggaactgcc tctgttgtgt gcctgctgaa
taacttctat 420cccagagagg ccaaagtaca gtggaaggtg gataacgccc
tccaatcggg taactcccag 480gagagtgtca cagagcagga cagcaaggac
agcacctaca gcctcagcag caccctgacg 540ctgagcaaag cagactacga
gaaacacaaa gtctacgcct gcgaagtcac ccatcagggc 600ctgagctcgc
ccgtcacaaa gagcttcaac aggggagagt gt 64242214PRTartificialsynthetic
construct 42Ala 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 Asp 20 25 30 Leu Gly Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys
Ala Pro Lys Leu Val Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Ser 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 Ser Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80 Asp Asp Phe Ala
Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Leu Gln Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Trp 85 90 95 Thr Phe
Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala Ala 100 105 110
Pro Ser Val Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu Lys Ser Gly 115
120 125 Thr Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe Tyr Pro Arg Glu
Ala 130 135 140 Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln Ser Gly
Asn Ser Gln 145 150 155 160 Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp
Ser Thr Tyr Ser Leu Ser 165 170 175 Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala
Asp Tyr Glu Lys His Lys Val Tyr 180 185 190 Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His
Gln Gly Leu Ser Ser Pro Val Thr Lys Ser 195 200 205 Phe Asn Arg Gly
Glu Cys 210 43107PRTartificialsynthetic construct 43Ala 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 Asp 20 25 30
Leu Gly Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Val Ile 35
40 45 Tyr Ser 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 Ser Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80 Asp Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Leu Gln Asp
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Trp 85 90 95 Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu
Ile Lys 100 105 442160DNAartificialsynthetic construct 44gagatgcagc
tgttggagtc tgggggaggc ttggtacagc ctggggggtc cctgagactc 60tcctgtgcag
cctctggatt cacctttagc agctatgcca tgaactgggt ccgccaggct
120ccaggggagg ggctggagtg ggtctcagct attactatta gtggtattac
cgcatactac 180accgactccg tgaagggccg gttcaccatc tccagagaca
attccaagaa cacgctatat 240ctgcaaatga acagcctgag ggccggggac
acggccgtat attactgtgc gaaggaagaa 300tttttacctg gaacgcacta
ctactacggt atggacgtct ggggccaagg gaccacggtc 360accgtctcct
cagcgtcgac caagggccca tccgtcttcc ccctggcacc ctcctccaag
420agcacctctg ggggcacagc ggccctgggc tgcctggtca aggactactt
ccccgaaccg 480gtgacggtgt cctggaactc aggcgctctg accagcggcg
tgcacacctt cccggctgtc 540ctacagtcct caggactcta ctccctcagc
agcgtggtga ccgtgccctc cagcagcttg 600ggcacccaga cctacatctg
caacgtgaat cacaagccca gcaacaccaa ggtggacaag 660agagttgagc
ccaaatcttg tggcggaggg ggctctggcg gagggggatc cgaggtgcag
720ctgttggagt cgggcccagg actggtgaag ccttcggaga ccctgtccct
cacctgcaat 780gtcgctggtg gctccatcag tccttactac tggacctgga
tccggcagcc cccagggaag 840tgcctggagt tgattggtta tatccactcc
agtgggtaca ccgactacaa cccctccctc 900aagagtcgag tcaccatatc
aggagacacg tccaagaagc agttctccct gcacgtgagc 960tctgtgaccg
ctgcggacac ggccgtgtac ttctgtgcga gagccgattg ggacctgctt
1020catgctcttg atatctgggg ccaagggacc ctggtcaccg tctcgagtgg
cggagggggc 1080tctgggggag ggggcagcgg cggcggagga tctgggggag
ggggcagcga aattgtgttg 1140acacagtctc catcctccct gtctacatct
gtaggagaca gagtcaccat cacttgccgg 1200gcaagtcaga gcattaggag
ccatttaaat tggtatcagc agaaaccagg gaaagcccct 1260aaactcctga
tctatggtgc atccaatttg caaagtgggg tcccatcaag gttcagtggc
1320agtggatctg ggacagattt cactctcacc attagtagtc tgcaacctga
agattttgca 1380acttactact gtcaacagag ttacagtttc cccctcactt
tcggctgtgg gaccaagctg 1440gagatcaaag gcggaggtgg ctctggcgga
gggggatccg acaaaactca cacatgccca 1500ccgtgcccag cacctgaact
cctgggggga ccgtcagtct tcctcttccc cccaaaaccc 1560aaggacaccc
tcatgatctc ccggacccct gaggtcacat gcgtggtggt ggacgtgagc
1620cacgaagacc ctgaggtcaa gttcaactgg tacgtggacg gcgtggaggt
gcataatgcc 1680aagacaaagc cgcgggagga gcagtacaac agcacgtacc
gtgtggtcag cgtcctcacc 1740gtcctgcacc aggactggct gaatggcaag
gagtacaagt gcaaggtctc caacaaagcc 1800ctcccagccc ccatcgagaa
aaccatctcc aaagccaaag ggcagccccg agaaccacag 1860gtctacaccc
tgcccccatc ccgggaggag atgaccaaga accaggtcag cctgacctgc
1920ctggtcaaag gcttctatcc cagcgacatc gccgtggagt gggagagcaa
tgggcagccg 1980gagaacaact acaagaccac gcctcccgtg ctggactccg
acggctcctt cttcctctat 2040agcaagctca ccgtggacaa gagcaggtgg
cagcagggga acgtcttctc atgctccgtg 2100atgcatgagg ctctgcacaa
ccactacacg cagaagagct taagcctgtc tccgggtaaa
216045720PRTartificialsynthetic construct 45Glu Met Gln Leu Leu Glu
Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Ser Leu Arg Leu
Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30 Ala Met
Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Glu Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45
Ser Ala Ile Thr Ile Ser Gly Ile Thr Ala Tyr Tyr Thr 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 Gly Asp Thr Ala Val
Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Lys Glu Glu Phe Leu Pro Gly Thr His Tyr
Tyr Tyr Gly Met Asp 100 105 110 Val Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Thr Val Thr
Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys 115 120 125 Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu
Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly 130 135 140 Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu
Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro 145 150 155 160 Val Thr
Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His Thr 165 170 175
Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser Val 180
185 190 Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr Tyr Ile Cys
Asn 195 200 205 Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys Arg
Val Glu Pro 210 215 220 Lys Ser Cys Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly
Gly Ser Glu Val Gln 225 230 235 240 Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu
Val Lys Pro Ser Glu Thr Leu Ser 245 250 255 Leu Thr Cys Asn Val Ala
Gly Gly Ser Ile Ser Pro Tyr Tyr Trp Thr 260 265 270 Trp Ile Arg Gln
Pro Pro Gly Lys Cys Leu Glu Leu Ile Gly Tyr Ile 275 280 285 His Ser
Ser Gly Tyr Thr Asp Tyr Asn Pro Ser Leu Lys Ser Arg Val 290 295 300
Thr Ile Ser Gly Asp Thr Ser Lys Lys Gln Phe Ser Leu His Val Ser 305
310 315 320 Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Phe Cys Ala Arg
Ala Asp 325 330 335 Trp Asp Leu Leu His Ala Leu Asp Ile Trp Gly Gln
Gly Thr Leu Val 340 345 350 Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly 355 360 365 Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser
Glu Ile Val Leu Thr Gln Ser Pro 370 375 380 Ser Ser Leu Ser Thr Ser
Val Gly Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg 385 390 395 400 Ala Ser Gln
Ser Ile Arg Ser His Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro 405 410 415 Gly
Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Gly Ala Ser Asn Leu Gln Ser 420 425
430 Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr
435 440 445 Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr
Tyr Cys 450 455 460 Gln Gln Ser Tyr Ser Phe Pro Leu Thr Phe Gly Cys
Gly Thr Lys Leu 465 470 475 480 Glu Ile Lys Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Asp Lys Thr 485 490 495 His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro
Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser 500 505 510 Val Phe Leu Phe Pro
Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg 515 520 525 Thr Pro Glu
Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro 530 535 540 Glu
Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala 545 550
555 560 Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val
Val 565 570 575 Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly
Lys Glu Tyr 580 585 590 Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala
Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr 595 600 605 Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg
Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu 610 615 620 Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu Met
Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys 625 630 635 640 Leu Val Lys Gly
Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser 645 650 655 Asn Gly
Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp 660 665 670
Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser 675
680 685 Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu
Ala 690 695 700 Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser
Pro Gly Lys 705 710 715 720 46124PRTartificialsynthetic construct
46Glu Met Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1
5 10 15 Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser
Tyr 20 25 30 Ala Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Glu Gly Leu
Glu Trp Val 35 40 45 Ser Ala Ile Thr Ile Ser Gly Ile Thr Ala Tyr
Tyr Thr 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 Gly Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Lys Glu Glu Phe
Leu Pro Gly Thr His Tyr Tyr Tyr Gly Met Asp 100 105 110 Val Trp Gly
Gln Gly Thr Thr Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115 120
47246PRTartificialsynthetic construct 47Glu Val Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser
Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Ser Glu 1 5 10 15 Thr Leu Ser Leu Thr
Cys Asn Val Ala Gly Gly Ser Ile Ser Pro Tyr 20 25 30 Tyr Trp Thr
Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly Lys Cys Leu Glu Leu Ile 35 40 45 Gly
Tyr Ile His Ser Ser Gly Tyr Thr Asp Tyr Asn Pro Ser Leu Lys 50 55
60 Ser Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Gly Asp Thr Ser Lys Lys Gln Phe Ser Leu
65 70 75 80 His Val Ser Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Phe
Cys Ala 85 90 95 Arg Ala Asp Trp Asp Leu Leu His Ala Leu Asp Ile
Trp Gly Gln Gly 100 105 110 Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly
Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly 115 120 125 Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly
Gly Gly Ser Glu Ile Val Leu Thr 130 135 140 Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu
Ser Thr Ser Val Gly Asp Arg Val Thr Ile 145 150 155 160 Thr Cys Arg
Ala Ser Gln Ser Ile Arg Ser His Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln 165 170 175 Gln
Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Gly Ala Ser Asn 180 185
190 Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr
195 200 205 Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe
Ala Thr 210 215 220 Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Ser Tyr Ser Phe Pro Leu Thr
Phe Gly Cys Gly 225 230 235 240 Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 245
48107PRTartificialsynthetic construct 48Glu Ile Val Leu Thr Gln Ser
Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Thr Ser Val Gly 1
5 10 15 Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Ser Ile Arg Ser
His 20 25 30 Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys
Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Gly Ala Ser Asn 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 Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr
Cys Gln Gln Ser Tyr Ser Phe Pro Leu 85 90 95 Thr Phe Gly Cys Gly
Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 100 105 49119PRTartificialsynthetic
construct 49Glu Val Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro
Ser Glu 1 5 10 15 Thr Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys Asn Val Ala Gly Gly Ser
Ile Ser Pro Tyr 20 25 30 Tyr Trp Thr Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly
Lys Cys Leu Glu Leu Ile 35 40 45 Gly Tyr Ile His Ser Ser Gly Tyr
Thr Asp Tyr Asn Pro Ser Leu Lys 50 55 60 Ser Arg Val Thr Ile Ser
Gly Asp Thr Ser Lys Lys Gln Phe Ser Leu 65 70 75 80 His Val Ser Ser
Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Phe Cys Ala 85 90 95 Arg Ala
Asp Trp Asp Leu Leu His Ala Leu Asp Ile Trp Gly Gln Gly 100 105 110
Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115 50642DNAartificialsynthetic
construct 50gccatccaga tgacccagtc tccatcctcc ctgtctgcat ctgtaggaga
cagagtcacc 60atcacttgcc gggcaagtca gggcattaga aatgatttag gctggtatca
acagaagcca 120gggaaagccc ctaaactcgt gatctattct gcatccactt
tacaaagtgg ggtcccatca 180aggttcagcg gcagtggatc tggcacagat
ttcactctct ccatcagcag cctgcagcct 240gacgattttg caacttatta
ctgtctacaa gattacaatt acccgtggac gttcggccaa 300gggaccaagg
ttgaaatcaa acgtacggtg gctgcaccat ctgtcttcat cttcccgcca
360tctgatgagc agttgaaatc tggaactgcc tctgttgtgt gcctgctgaa
taacttctat 420cccagagagg ccaaagtaca gtggaaggtg gataacgccc
tccaatcggg taactcccag 480gagagtgtca cagagcagga cagcaaggac
agcacctaca gcctcagcag caccctgacg 540ctgagcaaag cagactacga
gaaacacaaa gtctacgcct gcgaagtcac ccatcagggc 600ctgagctcgc
ccgtcacaaa gagcttcaac aggggagagt gt 64251214PRTartificialsynthetic
construct 51Ala 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 Asp 20 25 30 Leu Gly Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys
Ala Pro Lys Leu Val Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Ser 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 Ser Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80 Asp Asp Phe Ala
Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Leu Gln Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Trp 85 90 95 Thr Phe
Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala Ala 100 105 110
Pro Ser Val Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu Lys Ser Gly 115
120 125 Thr Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe Tyr Pro Arg Glu
Ala 130 135 140 Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln Ser Gly
Asn Ser Gln 145 150 155 160 Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp
Ser Thr Tyr Ser Leu Ser 165 170 175 Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala
Asp Tyr Glu Lys His Lys Val Tyr 180 185 190 Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His
Gln Gly Leu Ser Ser Pro Val Thr Lys Ser 195 200 205 Phe Asn Arg Gly
Glu Cys 210 522130DNAartificialsynthetic construct 52gaggtgcagc
tgttggagtc gggcccagga ctggtgaagc cttcggagac cctgtccctc 60acctgcaatg
tcgctggtgg ctccatcagt ccttactact ggacctggat ccggcagccc
120ccagggaagt gcctggagtt gattggttat atccactcca gtgggtacac
cgactacaac 180ccctccctca agagtcgagt caccatatca ggagacacgt
ccaagaagca gttctccctg 240cacgtgagct ctgtgaccgc tgcggacacg
gccgtgtact tctgtgcgag agccgattgg 300gacctgcttc atgctcttga
tatctggggc caagggaccc tggtcaccgt ctcgagtggc 360ggagggggct
ctgggggagg gggcagcggc ggcggaggat ctgggggagg gggcagcgaa
420attgtgttga cacagtctcc atcctccctg tctacatctg taggagacag
agtcaccatc 480acttgccggg caagtcagag cattaggagc catttaaatt
ggtatcagca gaaaccaggg 540aaagccccta aactcctgat ctatggtgca
tccaatttgc aaagtggggt cccatcaagg 600ttcagtggca gtggatctgg
gacagatttc actctcacca ttagtagtct gcaacctgaa 660gattttgcaa
cttactactg tcaacagagt tacagtttcc ccctcacttt cggctgtggg
720accaagctgg agatcaaagg cggaggggga tccggcggag ggggctctga
gatgcagctg 780ttggagtctg ggggaggctt ggtacagcct ggggggtccc
tgagactctc ctgtgcagcc 840tctggattca cctttagcag ctatgccatg
aactgggtcc gccaggctcc aggggagggg 900ctggagtggg tctcagctat
tactattagt ggtattaccg catactacac cgactccgtg 960aagggccggt
tcaccatctc cagagacaat tccaagaaca cgctatatct gcaaatgaac
1020agcctgaggg ccggggacac ggccgtatat tactgtgcga aggaagaatt
tttacctgga 1080acgcactact actacggtat ggacgtctgg ggccaaggga
ccacggtcac cgtctcctca 1140gcgtcgacca agggcccatc cgtcttcccc
ctggcaccct cctccaagag cacctctggg 1200ggcacagcgg ccctgggctg
cctggtcaag gactacttcc ccgaaccggt gacggtgtcc 1260tggaactcag
gcgctctgac cagcggcgtg cacaccttcc cggctgtcct acagtcctca
1320ggactctact ccctcagcag cgtggtgacc gtgccctcca gcagcttggg
cacccagacc 1380tacatctgca acgtgaatca caagcccagc aacaccaagg
tggacaagag agttgagccc 1440aaatcttgtg acaaaactca cacatgccca
ccgtgcccag cacctgaact cctgggggga 1500ccgtcagtct tcctcttccc
cccaaaaccc aaggacaccc tcatgatctc ccggacccct 1560gaggtcacat
gcgtggtggt ggacgtgagc cacgaagacc ctgaggtcaa gttcaactgg
1620tacgtggacg gcgtggaggt gcataatgcc aagacaaagc cgcgggagga
gcagtacaac 1680agcacgtacc gtgtggtcag cgtcctcacc gtcctgcacc
aggactggct gaatggcaag 1740gagtacaagt gcaaggtctc caacaaagcc
ctcccagccc ccatcgagaa aaccatctcc 1800aaagccaaag ggcagccccg
agaaccacag gtctacaccc tgcccccatc ccgggaggag 1860atgaccaaga
accaggtcag cctgacctgc ctggtcaaag gcttctatcc cagcgacatc
1920gccgtggagt gggagagcaa tgggcagccg gagaacaact acaagaccac
gcctcccgtg 1980ctggactccg acggctcctt cttcctctat agcaagctca
ccgtggacaa gagcaggtgg 2040cagcagggga acgtcttctc atgctccgtg
atgcatgagg ctctgcacaa ccactacacg 2100cagaagagct taagcctgtc
tccgggtaaa 213053710PRTartificialsynthetic construct 53Glu Val Gln
Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Ser Glu 1 5 10 15 Thr
Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys Asn Val Ala Gly Gly Ser Ile Ser Pro Tyr 20 25
30 Tyr Trp Thr Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly Lys Cys Leu Glu Leu Ile
35 40 45 Gly Tyr Ile His Ser Ser Gly Tyr Thr Asp Tyr Asn Pro Ser
Leu Lys 50 55 60 Ser Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Gly Asp Thr Ser Lys Lys
Gln Phe Ser Leu 65 70 75 80 His Val Ser Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Phe Cys Ala 85 90 95 Arg Ala Asp Trp Asp Leu Leu His
Ala Leu Asp Ile Trp Gly Gln Gly 100 105 110 Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser
Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly 115 120 125 Ser Gly Gly Gly
Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Glu Ile Val Leu Thr 130 135 140 Gln Ser
Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Thr Ser Val Gly Asp Arg Val Thr Ile 145 150 155
160 Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Ser Ile Arg Ser His Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln
165 170 175 Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Gly Ala
Ser Asn 180 185 190 Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser
Gly Ser Gly Thr 195 200 205 Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln
Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr 210 215 220 Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Ser Tyr Ser
Phe Pro Leu Thr Phe Gly Cys Gly 225 230 235 240 Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile
Lys Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 245 250 255 Glu Met Gln
Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 260 265 270 Ser
Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 275 280
285 Ala Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Glu Gly Leu Glu Trp Val
290 295 300 Ser Ala Ile Thr Ile Ser Gly Ile Thr Ala Tyr Tyr Thr Asp
Ser Val 305 310 315 320 Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser
Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 325 330 335 Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Gly
Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 340 345 350 Ala Lys Glu Glu Phe Leu Pro
Gly Thr His Tyr Tyr Tyr Gly Met Asp 355 360 365 Val Trp Gly Gln Gly
Thr Thr Val Thr Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys 370 375 380 Gly Pro Ser
Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly 385 390 395 400
Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro 405
410 415 Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His
Thr 420 425 430 Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu
Ser Ser Val 435 440 445 Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln
Thr Tyr Ile Cys Asn 450 455 460 Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys
Val Asp Lys Arg Val Glu Pro 465 470 475 480 Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr
His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro Ala Pro Glu 485 490 495 Leu Leu Gly Gly
Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp 500 505 510 Thr Leu
Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp 515 520 525
Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly 530
535 540 Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr
Asn 545 550 555 560 Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu
His Gln Asp Trp 565 570 575 Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val
Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu Pro 580 585 590 Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser
Lys Ala Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg Glu 595 600 605 Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu
Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu Met Thr Lys Asn 610 615 620 Gln Val Ser Leu
Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile 625 630 635 640 Ala
Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr 645 650
655 Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys
660 665 670 Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe
Ser Cys 675 680 685 Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr
Gln Lys Ser Leu 690 695 700 Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 705 710
54642DNAartificialsynthetic construct 54gaaattgtgt tgacacagtc
tccatcctcc ctgtctacat ctgtaggaga cagagtcacc 60atcacttgcc gggcaagtca
gagcattagg agccatttaa attggtatca gcagaaacca 120gggaaagccc
ctaaactcct gatctatggt gcatccaatt tgcaaagtgg ggtcccatca
180aggttcagtg gcagtggatc tgggacagat ttcactctca ccattagtag
tctgcaacct 240gaagattttg caacttacta ctgtcaacag agttacagtt
tccccctcac tttcggcgga 300gggaccaagc tggagatcaa acgtacggtg
gctgcaccat ctgtcttcat cttcccgcca 360tctgatgagc agttgaaatc
tggaactgcc tctgttgtgt gcctgctgaa taacttctat 420cccagagagg
ccaaagtaca gtggaaggtg gataacgccc tccaatcggg taactcccag
480gagagtgtca cagagcagga cagcaaggac agcacctaca gcctcagcag
caccctgacg 540ctgagcaaag cagactacga gaaacacaaa gtctacgcct
gcgaagtcac ccatcagggc 600ctgagctcgc ccgtcacaaa gagcttcaac
aggggagagt gt 64255214PRTartificialsynthetic construct 55Glu Ile
Val Leu Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Thr Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15
Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Ser Ile Arg Ser His 20
25 30 Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu
Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Gly Ala Ser Asn 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 Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln
Gln Ser Tyr Ser Phe Pro Leu 85 90 95 Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys
Leu Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala Ala 100 105 110 Pro Ser Val Phe Ile
Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu Lys Ser Gly 115 120 125 Thr Ala Ser
Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe Tyr Pro Arg Glu Ala 130 135 140 Lys
Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln Ser Gly Asn Ser Gln 145 150
155 160 Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp Ser Thr Tyr Ser Leu
Ser 165 170 175 Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala Asp Tyr Glu Lys His
Lys Val Tyr 180 185 190 Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His Gln Gly Leu Ser Ser
Pro Val Thr Lys Ser 195 200 205 Phe Asn Arg Gly Glu Cys 210
562130DNAartificialsynthetic construct 56gccatccaga tgacccagtc
tccatcctcc ctgtctgcat ctgtaggaga cagagtcacc 60atcacttgcc gggcaagtca
gggcattaga aatgatttag gctggtatca acagaagcca 120gggaaagccc
ctaaactcgt gatctattct gcatccactt tacaaagtgg ggtcccatca
180aggttcagcg gcagtggatc tggcacagat ttcactctct ccatcagcag
cctgcagcct 240gacgattttg caacttatta ctgtctacaa gattacaatt
acccgtggac gttcggctgt 300gggaccaagg ttgaaatcaa aggcggagga
ggctccggcg gaggagggtc tggaggcggg 360ggaagtggag gaggaggctc
cgagatgcag ctgttggagt ctgggggagg cttggtacag 420cctggggggt
ccctgagact ctcctgtgca gcctctggat tcacctttag cagctatgcc
480atgaactggg tccgccaggc tccaggggag tgtctggagt gggtctcagc
tattactatt 540agtggtatta ccgcatacta caccgactcc gtgaagggcc
ggttcaccat ctccagagac 600aattccaaga acacgctata tctgcaaatg
aacagcctga gggccgggga cacggccgta 660tattactgtg cgaaggaaga
atttttacct ggaacgcact actactacgg tatggacgtc 720tggggccaag
ggaccacggt caccgtctcc tcaggcggag ggggatccgg cggcggcggc
780agcgaggtgc agctgttgga gtcgggccca ggactggtga agccttcgga
gaccctgtcc 840ctcacctgca atgtcgctgg tggctccatc agtccttact
actggacctg gatccggcag 900cccccaggga agggcctgga gttgattggt
tatatccact ccagtgggta caccgactac 960aacccctccc tcaagagtcg
agtcaccata tcaggagaca cgtccaagaa gcagttctcc 1020ctgcacgtga
gctctgtgac cgctgcggac acggccgtgt acttctgtgc gagagccgat
1080tgggacctgc ttcatgctct tgatatctgg ggccaaggga ccctggtcac
cgtctcgagt 1140gcgtcgacca agggcccatc cgtcttcccc ctggcaccct
cctccaagag cacctctggg 1200ggcacagcgg ccctgggctg cctggtcaag
gactacttcc ccgaaccggt gacggtgtcg 1260tggaactcag gcgccctgac
cagcggcgtg cacaccttcc cggctgtcct acagtcctca 1320ggactctact
ccctcagcag cgtggtgacc gtgccctcca gcagcttggg cacccagacc
1380tacatctgca acgtgaatca caagcccagc aacaccaagg tggacaagag
agttgagccc 1440aaatcttgtg acaaaactca cacatgccca ccgtgcccag
cacctgaact cctgggggga 1500ccgtcagtct tcctcttccc cccaaaaccc
aaggacaccc tcatgatctc ccggacccct 1560gaggtcacat gcgtggtggt
ggacgtgagc cacgaagacc ctgaggtcaa gttcaactgg 1620tacgtggacg
gcgtggaggt gcataatgcc aagacaaagc cgcgggagga gcagtacaac
1680agcacgtacc gtgtggtcag cgtcctcacc gtcctgcacc aggactggct
gaatggcaag 1740gagtacaagt gcaaggtctc caacaaagcc ctcccagccc
ccatcgagaa aaccatctcc 1800aaagccaaag ggcagccccg agaaccacag
gtctacaccc tgcccccatc ccgggaggag 1860atgaccaaga accaggtcag
cctgacctgc ctggtcaaag gcttctatcc cagcgacatc 1920gccgtggagt
gggagagcaa tgggcagccg gagaacaact acaagaccac gcctcccgtg
1980ctggactccg acggctcctt cttcctctat agcaagctca ccgtggacaa
gagcaggtgg 2040cagcagggga acgtcttctc atgctccgtg atgcatgagg
ctctgcacaa ccactacacg 2100cagaagagcc tctccctgtc tccgggtaaa
213057710PRTartificialsynthetic construct 57Ala 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 Asp 20 25 30 Leu Gly
Trp Tyr Gln
Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Val Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Ser 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 Ser Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70
75 80 Asp Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Leu Gln Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Pro
Trp 85 90 95 Thr Phe Gly Cys Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Gly Gly
Gly Gly Ser 100 105 110 Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Glu 115 120 125 Met Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly
Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly Ser 130 135 140 Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala
Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr Ala 145 150 155 160 Met Asn Trp Val
Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Glu Cys Leu Glu Trp Val Ser 165 170 175 Ala Ile
Thr Ile Ser Gly Ile Thr Ala Tyr Tyr Thr Asp Ser Val Lys 180 185 190
Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr Leu 195
200 205 Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Gly Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys
Ala 210 215 220 Lys Glu Glu Phe Leu Pro Gly Thr His Tyr Tyr Tyr Gly
Met Asp Val 225 230 235 240 Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Thr Val Thr Val Ser
Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 245 250 255 Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Glu Val Gln
Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu 260 265 270 Val Lys Pro Ser Glu Thr
Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys Asn Val Ala Gly Gly 275 280 285 Ser Ile Ser Pro
Tyr Tyr Trp Thr Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly Lys 290 295 300 Gly Leu
Glu Leu Ile Gly Tyr Ile His Ser Ser Gly Tyr Thr Asp Tyr 305 310 315
320 Asn Pro Ser Leu Lys Ser Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Gly Asp Thr Ser Lys
325 330 335 Lys Gln Phe Ser Leu His Val Ser Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp
Thr Ala 340 345 350 Val Tyr Phe Cys Ala Arg Ala Asp Trp Asp Leu Leu
His Ala Leu Asp 355 360 365 Ile Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val
Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys 370 375 380 Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala
Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly 385 390 395 400 Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu
Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro 405 410 415 Val Thr Val
Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His Thr 420 425 430 Phe
Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser Val 435 440
445 Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr Tyr Ile Cys Asn
450 455 460 Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys Arg Val
Glu Pro 465 470 475 480 Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro
Cys Pro Ala Pro Glu 485 490 495 Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu
Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp 500 505 510 Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr
Pro Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp 515 520 525 Val Ser His Glu Asp
Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly 530 535 540 Val Glu Val
His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn 545 550 555 560
Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp Trp 565
570 575 Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu
Pro 580 585 590 Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly Gln
Pro Arg Glu 595 600 605 Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu
Glu Met Thr Lys Asn 610 615 620 Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys
Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile 625 630 635 640 Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser
Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr 645 650 655 Thr Pro Pro Val
Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys 660 665 670 Leu Thr
Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys 675 680 685
Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu 690
695 700 Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 705 710 58642DNAartificialsynthetic
construct 58gccatccaga tgacccagtc tccatcctcc ctgtctgcat ctgtaggaga
cagagtcacc 60atcacttgcc gggcaagtca gggcattaga aatgatttag gctggtatca
acagaagcca 120gggaaagccc ctaaactcgt gatctattct gcatccactt
tacaaagtgg ggtcccatca 180aggttcagcg gcagtggatc tggcacagat
ttcactctct ccatcagcag cctgcagcct 240gacgattttg caacttatta
ctgtctacaa gattacaatt acccgtggac gttcggccaa 300gggaccaagg
ttgaaatcaa acgtacggtg gctgcaccat ctgtcttcat cttcccgcca
360tctgatgagc agttgaaatc tggaactgcc tctgttgtgt gcctgctgaa
taacttctat 420cccagagagg ccaaagtaca gtggaaggtg gataacgccc
tccaatcggg taactcccag 480gagagtgtca cagagcagga cagcaaggac
agcacctaca gcctcagcag caccctgacg 540ctgagcaaag cagactacga
gaaacacaaa gtctacgcct gcgaagtcac ccatcagggc 600ctgagctcgc
ccgtcacaaa gagcttcaac aggggagagt gt 64259214PRTartificialsynthetic
construct 59Ala 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 Asp 20 25 30 Leu Gly Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys
Ala Pro Lys Leu Val Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Ser 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 Ser Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro 65 70 75 80 Asp Asp Phe Ala
Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Leu Gln Asp Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Trp 85 90 95 Thr Phe
Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Arg Thr Val Ala Ala 100 105 110
Pro Ser Val Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu Gln Leu Lys Ser Gly 115
120 125 Thr Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe Tyr Pro Arg Glu
Ala 130 135 140 Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln Ser Gly
Asn Ser Gln 145 150 155 160 Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp
Ser Thr Tyr Ser Leu Ser 165 170 175 Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala
Asp Tyr Glu Lys His Lys Val Tyr 180 185 190 Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His
Gln Gly Leu Ser Ser Pro Val Thr Lys Ser 195 200 205 Phe Asn Arg Gly
Glu Cys 210 602130DNAartificialsynthetic construct 60gagatgcagc
tgttggagtc tgggggaggc ttggtacagc ctggggggtc cctgagactc 60tcctgtgcag
cctctggatt cacctttagc agctatgcca tgaactgggt ccgccaggct
120ccaggggagg ggctggagtg ggtctcagct attactatta gtggtattac
cgcatactac 180accgactccg tgaagggccg gttcaccatc tccagagaca
attccaagaa cacgctatat 240ctgcaaatga acagcctgag ggccggggac
acggccgtat attactgtgc gaaggaagaa 300tttttacctg gaacgcacta
ctactacggt atggacgtct ggggccaagg gaccacggtc 360accgtctcct
cagcgtcgac caagggccca tccgtcttcc ccctggcacc ctcctccaag
420agcacctctg ggggcacagc ggccctgggc tgcctggtca aggactactt
ccccgaaccg 480gtgacggtgt cctggaactc aggcgctctg accagcggcg
tgcacacctt cccggctgtc 540ctacagtcct caggactcta ctccctcagc
agcgtggtga ccgtgccctc cagcagcttg 600ggcacccaga cctacatctg
caacgtgaat cacaagccca gcaacaccaa ggtggacaag 660agagttgagc
ccaaatcttg tgacaaaact cacacatgcc caccgtgccc agcacctgaa
720ctcctggggg gaccgtcagt cttcctcttc cccccaaaac ccaaggacac
cctcatgatc 780tcccggaccc ctgaggtcac atgcgtggtg gtggacgtga
gccacgaaga ccctgaggtc 840aagttcaact ggtacgtgga cggcgtggag
gtgcataatg ccaagacaaa gccgcgggag 900gagcagtaca acagcacgta
ccgtgtggtc agcgtcctca ccgtcctgca ccaggactgg 960ctgaatggca
aggagtacaa gtgcaaggtc tccaacaaag ccctcccagc ccccatcgag
1020aaaaccatct ccaaagccaa agggcagccc cgagaaccac aggtctacac
cctgccccca 1080tcccgggagg agatgaccaa gaaccaggtc agcctgacct
gcctggtcaa aggcttctat 1140cccagcgaca tcgccgtgga gtgggagagc
aatgggcagc cggagaacaa ctacaagacc 1200acgcctcccg tgctggactc
cgacggctcc ttcttcctct atagcaagct caccgtggac 1260aagagcaggt
ggcagcaggg gaacgtcttc tcatgctccg tgatgcatga ggctctgcac
1320aaccactaca cgcagaagag cttaagcctg tctccgggta aaggcggagg
gggatccggc 1380ggagggggct ctgaggtgca gctgttggag tcgggcccag
gactggtgaa gccttcggag 1440accctgtccc tcacctgcaa tgtcgctggt
ggctccatca gtccttacta ctggacctgg 1500atccggcagc ccccagggaa
gtgcctggag ttgattggtt atatccactc cagtgggtac 1560accgactaca
acccctccct caagagtcga gtcaccatat caggagacac gtccaagaag
1620cagttctccc tgcacgtgag ctctgtgacc gctgcggaca cggccgtgta
cttctgtgcg 1680agagccgatt gggacctgct tcatgctctt gatatctggg
gccaagggac cctggtcacc 1740gtctcgagtg gcggaggggg ctctggggga
gggggcagcg gcggcggagg atctggggga 1800gggggcagcg aaattgtgtt
gacacagtct ccatcctccc tgtctacatc tgtaggagac 1860agagtcacca
tcacttgccg ggcaagtcag agcattagga gccatttaaa ttggtatcag
1920cagaaaccag ggaaagcccc taaactcctg atctatggtg catccaattt
gcaaagtggg 1980gtcccatcaa ggttcagtgg cagtggatct gggacagatt
tcactctcac cattagtagt 2040ctgcaacctg aagattttgc aacttactac
tgtcaacaga gttacagttt ccccctcact 2100ttcggctgtg ggaccaagct
ggagatcaaa 213061710PRTartificialsynthetic construct 61Glu Met Gln
Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Ser
Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25
30 Ala Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Glu Gly Leu Glu Trp Val
35 40 45 Ser Ala Ile Thr Ile Ser Gly Ile Thr Ala Tyr Tyr Thr 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 Gly Asp
Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Lys Glu Glu Phe Leu Pro Gly
Thr His Tyr Tyr Tyr Gly Met Asp 100 105 110 Val Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr
Thr Val Thr Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys 115 120 125 Gly Pro Ser Val
Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly 130 135 140 Gly Thr
Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr Phe Pro Glu Pro 145 150 155
160 Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser Gly Val His Thr
165 170 175 Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser Leu Ser
Ser Val 180 185 190 Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr
Tyr Ile Cys Asn 195 200 205 Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val
Asp Lys Arg Val Glu Pro 210 215 220 Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr
Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro Ala Pro Glu 225 230 235 240 Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro
Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp 245 250 255 Thr Leu Met
Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp 260 265 270 Val
Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly 275 280
285 Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn
290 295 300 Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln
Asp Trp 305 310 315 320 Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser
Asn Lys Ala Leu Pro 325 330 335 Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys
Ala Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg Glu 340 345 350 Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro
Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu Met Thr Lys Asn 355 360 365 Gln Val Ser Leu Thr
Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile 370 375 380 Ala Val Glu
Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr 385 390 395 400
Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys 405
410 415 Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser
Cys 420 425 430 Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr Gln
Lys Ser Leu 435 440 445 Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser
Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 450 455 460 Glu Val Gln Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Pro
Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Ser Glu 465 470 475 480 Thr Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys
Asn Val Ala Gly Gly Ser Ile Ser Pro Tyr 485 490 495 Tyr Trp Thr Trp
Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly Lys Cys Leu Glu Leu Ile 500 505 510 Gly Tyr
Ile His Ser Ser Gly Tyr Thr Asp Tyr Asn Pro Ser Leu Lys 515 520 525
Ser Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Gly Asp Thr Ser Lys Lys Gln Phe Ser Leu 530
535 540 His Val Ser Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Phe Cys
Ala 545 550 555 560 Arg Ala Asp Trp Asp Leu Leu His Ala Leu Asp Ile
Trp Gly Gln Gly 565 570 575 Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser Gly Gly Gly
Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly 580 585 590 Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly
Gly Gly Ser Glu Ile Val Leu Thr 595 600 605 Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu
Ser Thr Ser Val Gly Asp Arg Val Thr Ile 610 615 620 Thr Cys Arg Ala
Ser Gln Ser Ile Arg Ser His Leu Asn Trp Tyr Gln 625 630 635 640 Gln
Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Gly Ala Ser Asn 645 650
655 Leu Gln Ser Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr
660 665 670 Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe
Ala Thr 675 680 685 Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Ser Tyr Ser Phe Pro Leu Thr
Phe Gly Cys Gly 690 695 700 Thr Lys Leu Glu Ile Lys 705 710
6218PRTartificialsynthetic construct 62Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys
Thr Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Gly Ser
6318PRTartificialsynthetic construct 63Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Gly Lys
Thr Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly 1 5 10 15 Gly Ser
6415PRTartificialsynthetic construct 64Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Gly Gly
Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 1 5 10 15
6575DNAartificialsynthetic construct 65ggtggcggtg gctctggtgg
cggtggctct gagcccaaat ctgtagacaa aactcacaca 60tgcccaccgt gccca
756625PRTartificialsynthetic construct 66Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Glu Pro Lys Ser Val Asp 1 5 10 15 Lys Thr His Thr
Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro 20 25 6745DNAartificialsynthetic construct
67ggaggcggag gatctggcgg aggcggatct tgcccaccgt gccca
456815PRTartificialsynthetic construct 68Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Cys Pro Pro Cys Pro 1 5 10 15
6960DNAartificialsynthetic construct 69ggtggcggtg gctctggtgg
cggtggctct gacaaaactc acacatgccc accgtgccca
607020PRTartificialsynthetic construct 70Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly
Gly Gly Gly Ser Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys 1 5 10 15 Pro Pro Cys Pro
20
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