U.S. patent application number 15/289485 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-04 for immuno-pet imaging of antibodies and immunoconjugates and uses therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Genentech, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Genentech, Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark DENNIS, Jan MARIK, Paul POLAKIS, Bonnee RUBINFELD, Simon WILLIAMS.
Application Number | 20170121424 15/289485 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44629429 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170121424 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DENNIS; Mark ; et
al. |
May 4, 2017 |
IMMUNO-PET IMAGING OF ANTIBODIES AND IMMUNOCONJUGATES AND USES
THEREFOR
Abstract
Anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof are
provided. Methods of using anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and
immunoconjugates thereof are provided. Methods of detecting or
determining the presence of STEAP-1 proteins are provided.
Inventors: |
DENNIS; Mark; (San Carlos,
CA) ; MARIK; Jan; (Hillsborough, CA) ;
POLAKIS; Paul; (Mill Valley, CA) ; RUBINFELD;
Bonnee; (Danville, CA) ; WILLIAMS; Simon;
(Redwood City, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Genentech, Inc. |
South San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Genentech, Inc.
South San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
44629429 |
Appl. No.: |
15/289485 |
Filed: |
October 10, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14953763 |
Nov 30, 2015 |
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15289485 |
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14287826 |
May 27, 2014 |
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14953763 |
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13692888 |
Dec 3, 2012 |
8771966 |
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14287826 |
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PCT/US2011/038923 |
Jun 2, 2011 |
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13692888 |
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61351195 |
Jun 3, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07B 2200/05 20130101;
G01N 33/57492 20130101; A61K 51/1096 20130101; A61K 51/1072
20130101; A61K 51/1075 20130101; C07K 2317/24 20130101; C07K
2317/565 20130101; A61K 51/1093 20130101; C07K 16/40 20130101; G01N
33/534 20130101; G01N 33/60 20130101; C07K 2317/92 20130101; C07K
16/3069 20130101; C07B 59/008 20130101; A61K 2039/505 20130101;
A61K 47/6811 20170801; G01N 33/6893 20130101; A61K 47/6871
20170801 |
International
Class: |
C07K 16/40 20060101
C07K016/40; C07B 59/00 20060101 C07B059/00; G01N 33/574 20060101
G01N033/574; G01N 33/534 20060101 G01N033/534; G01N 33/60 20060101
G01N033/60; A61K 51/10 20060101 A61K051/10; C07K 16/30 20060101
C07K016/30 |
Claims
1-8. (canceled)
9. A composition comprising a cysteine engineered
.sup.89Zirconium-labeled anti-STEAP-1 antibody, wherein the
antibody binds to STEAP-1 and comprises (i) a heavy chain variable
domain comprising Kabat-CDRH1, Kabat-CDRH2, and Kabat-CDRH3 of SEQ
ID NO:9 and (ii) a light chain variable domain comprising
Kabat-CDRL1, Kabat-CDRL2, and Kabat-CDRL3 of SEQ ID NO:6.
10. A composition of claim 9, wherein the cysteine engineered
.sup.89Zirconium-labeled anti-STEAP-1 antibody comprises a cysteine
mutation at position A118 of the heavy chain or L205 of the light
chain according to EU numbering.
11. The composition of claim 9, wherein the cysteine engineered
antibody that binds to STEAP-1 comprises a heavy chain variable
domain having at least 95% sequence identity to the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:9 or 10 and a light chain variable domain
having at least 95% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NO:6.
12. The composition of claim 9, wherein the cysteine engineered
.sup.89Zirconium-labeled anti-STEAP-1 antibody is covalently bound
to .sup.89Zirconium.
13. A method of determining the presence of a Six Transmembrane
Epithelial Antigens of the Prostate-1 (STEAP-1) protein in a
biological sample suspected of containing the STEAP-1 protein, the
method comprising exposing said biological sample to the cysteine
engineered .sup.89Zirconium-labeled anti-STEAP-1 antibody of claim
9 and determining binding of the cysteine engineered
.sup.89Zirconium-labeled anti-STEAP-1 antibody to said protein in
the biological sample, wherein binding of the cysteine engineered
.sup.89Zirconium-labeled anti-STEAP-1 antibody to the protein is
indicative of the presence of said STEAP-1 protein in the
biological sample, wherein the method is conducted in a patient
suspected of having metastatic prostate cancer with metastasis to
the bones.
14. The method of claim 13, which is an immune-positron emission
tomography (immuno-PET) imaging method.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/953,763, filed on Nov. 30, 2015, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/287,826, filed
on May 27, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/692,888, filed on Dec. 3, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No.
8,771,966 on Jul. 8, 2014, which is a continuation of International
Application No. PCT/US2011/038923, filed on Jun. 2, 2011, claiming
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/351,195,
filed on Jun. 3, 2010, the contents of which are fully incorporated
herein by reference.
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0002] This application contains a Sequence Listing submitted via
EFS-Web and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said
ASCII copy, created on Oct. 10, 2016, is named
P04460US4_SeqList.txt, and is 66,121 bytes in size.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and
immunoconjugates thereof. The invention further relates to methods
of using anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and immunoconjugates thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0004] In humans, prostate cancer is one of the most commonly
diagnosed malignancies in males and is the second leading cause of
cancer related death in men. The American Cancer Society estimates
that for the year 2000, 180,400 new cases of prostate cancer will
be diagnosed with 31,900 deaths from the disease. In advanced
stages, prostate cancer metastasizes to the bone. While advances in
early diagnosis and treatment of locally confined tumors have been
achieved, prostate cancer is incurable once it has metastasized.
Patients with metastatic prostate cancer on hormonal therapy will
eventually develop an androgen-refractory (androgen independent)
state that will lead to disease progression and death. Currently,
prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the most widely used tumor
marker for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring prostate cancer.
However, widespread use of PSA as a tool for screening is
controversial since PSA fails to discriminate accurately between
benign and malignant prostate disease.
[0005] Depending on the stage of the cancer, prostate and bladder
cancer treatment involves one or a combination of the following
therapies: surgery to remove the cancerous tissue, radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, androgen deprivation (e.g., hormonal
therapy) in the case of prostate cancer. While surgical or
radiation therapy significantly improves survival in patients with
early stages of the disease, the therapeutic options are very
limited for advanced cases, particularly for tumor recurrences
following hormone ablation. The majority of patients who undergo
hormone therapy progress to develop androgen-independent disease.
Currently, there is no effective treatment for the 20-40% of
prostate cancer patients who develop recurrent disease after
surgery or radiation therapy, or for those in whom the cancer has
metastasized at the time of diagnosis. Chemotherapy has its toxic
side effects, especially in elderly patients. Development of new
forms of therapy especially for disease refractory to androgen
deprivation is an urgent need in the management of prostatic
carcinoma.
[0006] The identification of a novel cell surface antigen, STEAP-1
has been described (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,503). STEAP-1 is member
of cell surface serpentine transmembrane antigens. It is expressed
predominantly in the prostate cancer, and thus members of this
family have been termed "STEAP" (Six Transmembrane Epithelial
Antigens of the Prostate). Human STEAP proteins exhibit a high
degree of structural conservation within the family but show no
significant structural homology to any known human proteins.
STEAP-1 appears to be a type Ma membrane protein expressed
predominantly in prostate cells in normal human tissues.
Structurally, STEAP-1 is a 339 amino acid protein characterized by
a molecular topology of six transmembrane domains and intracellular
N- and C-termini, suggesting that it folds in a "serpentine" manner
into three extracellular and two intracellular loops. STEAP-1
protein expression is maintained at high levels across various
states of prostate cancer. STEAP-1 is highly over-expressed in
other human cancers such as lung and colon. Murine antibodies have
been raised to human STEAP-1 fragments and the antibodies were
shown to bind STEAP-1 on the cell surface (see US Patent
Application No. 20040253232A1).
[0007] Antibody-based therapy has proved very effective in the
treatment of various cancers. For example, HERCEPTIN.RTM. and
RITUXAN.RTM. (both from Genentech, S. San Francisco), have been
used successfully to treat breast cancer and non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma, respectively. HERCEPTIN.RTM. is a recombinant DNA-derived
humanized monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the
extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor
2 (HER2) proto-oncogene. HER2 protein overexpression is observed in
25-30% of primary breast cancers. RITUXAN.RTM. is a genetically
engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody directed
against the CD20 antigen found on the surface of normal and
malignant B lymphocytes. Both these antibodies are produced in CHO
cells.
[0008] The use of antibody-drug conjugates for the local delivery
of cytotoxic or cytostatic agents, i.e. drugs to kill or inhibit
tumor cells in the treatment of cancer (Syrigos and Epenetos (1999)
Anticancer Research 19:605-614; Niculescu-Duvaz and Springer (1997)
Adv. Drg Del. Rev. 26:151-172; U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,278) allows
targeted delivery of the drug moiety to tumors, and intracellular
accumulation therein, where systemic administration of these
unconjugated drug agents may result in unacceptable levels of
toxicity to normal cells as well as the tumor cells sought to be
eliminated (Baldwin et al., (1986) Lancet pp. (Mar. 15,
1986):603-05; Thorpe, (1985) "Antibody Carriers Of Cytotoxic Agents
In Cancer Therapy: A Review," in Monoclonal Antibodies '84:
Biological And Clinical Applications, A. Pinchera et al. (ed.$),
pp. 475-506). Maximal efficacy with minimal toxicity is sought
thereby. Both polyclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies have
been reported as useful in these strategies (Rowland et al., (1986)
Cancer Immunol. Immunother., 21:183-87). Drugs used in these
methods include daunomycin, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and
vindesine (Rowland et al., Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 21:183-87
(1986)). Toxins used in antibody-toxin conjugates include bacterial
toxins such as diphtheria toxin, plant toxins such as ricin, small
molecule toxins such as geldanamycin (Kerr et al (1997)
Bioconjugate Chem. 8(6):781-784; Mandler et al (2000) Journal of
the Nat. Cancer Inst. 92(19):1573-1581; Mandler et al (2000)
Bioorganic & Med. Chem. Letters 10:1025-1028; Mandler et al
(2002) Bioconjugate Chem. 13:786-791), maytansinoids (EP 1391213;
Liu et al., (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:8618-8623), and
calicheamicin (Lode et al (1998) Cancer Res. 58:2928; Hinman et al
(1993) Cancer Res. 53:3336-3342). The toxins may effect their
cytotoxic and cytostatic effects by mechanisms including tubulin
binding, DNA binding, or topoisomerase inhibition (Meyer, D. L. and
Senter, P. D. "Recent Advances in Antibody Drug Conjugates for
Cancer Therapy" in Annual Reports in Medicinal Chemistry, Vol 38
(2003) Chapter 23, 229-237). Some cytotoxic drugs tend to be
inactive or less active when conjugated to large antibodies or
protein receptor ligands.
[0009] ZEVALIN.RTM. (ibritumomab tiuxetan, Biogen/Idec) is an
antibody-radioisotope conjugate composed of a murine IgG1 kappa
monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen found on the
surface of normal and malignant B lymphocytes and .sup.111In or
.sup.90Y radioisotope bound by a thiourea linker-chelator (Wiseman
et al (2000) Eur. Jour. Nucl. Med. 27(7):766-77; Wiseman et al
(2002) Blood 99(12):4336-42; Witzig et al (2002) J. Clin. Oncol.
20(10):2453-63; Witzig et al (2002) J. Clin. Oncol.
20(15):3262-69). Although ZEVALIN has activity against B-cell
non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), administration results in severe and
prolonged cytopenias in most patients. MYLOTARG.TM. (gemtuzumab
ozogamicin, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals), an antibody drug conjugate
composed of a hu CD33 antibody linked to calicheamicin, was
approved in 2000 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia by
injection (Drugs of the Future (2000) 25(7):686; U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,970,198; 5,079,233; 5,585,089; 5,606,040; 5,693,762; 5,739,116;
5,767,285; 5,773,001). Cantuzumab mertansine (Immunogen, Inc.), an
antibody drug conjugate composed of the huC242 antibody linked via
the disulfide linker SPP to the maytansinoid drug moiety, DM1, is
being developed for the treatment of cancers that express CanAg
antigen, such as colon, pancreatic, gastric, and others. MLN-2704
(Millennium Pharm., BZL Biologics, Immunogen Inc.), an antibody
drug conjugate composed of the anti-prostate specific membrane
antigen (PSMA) monoclonal antibody linked to the maytansinoid drug
moiety, DM1, is under development for the potential treatment of
prostate tumors. The same maytansinoid drug moiety, DM1, was linked
through a non-disulfide linker, SMCC, to a mouse murine monoclonal
antibody, TA.1 (Chari et al. (1992) Cancer Research 52:127-131).
This conjugate was reported to be 200-fold less potent than the
corresponding disulfide linker conjugate. The SMCC linker was
considered therein to be "noncleavable."
[0010] Several short peptidic compounds have been isolated from the
marine mollusk, Dolabella auricularia, and found to have biological
activity (Pettit et al (1993) Tetrahedron 49:9151; Nakamura et al
(1995) Tetrahedron Letters 36:5059-5062; Sone et al (1995) Journal
Org Chem. 60:4474). Analogs of these compounds have also been
prepared, and some were found to have biological activity (for a
review, see Pettit et al (1998) Anti-Cancer Drug Design
13:243-277). For example, auristatin E (U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,483) is
a synthetic analogue of the marine natural product Dolastatin 10,
an agent that inhibits tubulin polymerization by binding to the
same site on tubulin as the anticancer drug vincristine (G. R.
Pettit, (1997) Prog. Chem. Org. Nat. Prod. 70:1-79). Dolastatin 10,
auristatin PE, and auristatin E are linear peptides having four
amino acids, three of which are unique to the dolastatin class of
compounds, and a C-terminal amide.
[0011] The auristatin peptides, auristain E (AE) and
monomethylauristatin (MMAE), synthetic analogs of dolastatin, were
conjugated to: (i) chimeric monoclonal antibodies cBR96 (specific
to Lewis Y on carcinomas); (ii) cAC10 which is specific to CD30 on
hematological malignancies (Klussman, et al (2004), Bioconjugate
Chemistry 15(4):765-773; Doronina et al (2003) Nature Biotechnology
21(7):778-784; "Monomethylvaline Compounds Capable of Conjugation
to Ligands"; Francisco et al (2003) Blood 102(4):1458-1465; US
2004/0018194; (iii) anti-CD20 antibodies such as Rituxan.RTM.
(rituximab) (WO 04/032828) for the treatment of CD20-expressing
cancers and immune disorders; (iv) anti-EphB2 antibodies 2H9 and
anti-IL-8 for treatment of colorectal cancer (Mao, et al (2004)
Cancer Research 64(3):781-788); (v) E-selectin antibody (Bhaskar et
al (2003) Cancer Res. 63:6387-6394); and (vi) other anti-CD30
antibodies (WO 03/043583). Monomethylauristatin (MMAE) has also
been conjugated to 2H9, an antibody against EphB2R which is a type
1 TM tyrosine kinase receptor with close homology between mouse and
human, and is over-expressed in colorectal cancer cells (Mao et al
(2004) Cancer Res. 64:781-788).
[0012] Monomethylauristatin MMAF, a variant of auristatin E (MMAE)
with a phenylalanine at the C-terminus (U.S. Pat. No. 5,767,237;
U.S. Pat. No. 6,124,431), has been reported to be less potent than
MMAE, but more potent when conjugated to monoclonal antibodies
(Senter et al, Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer
Research, Volume 45, Abstract Number 623, presented Mar. 28, 2004).
Auristatin F phenylene diamine (AFP); a phenylalanine variant of
MMAE was linked to an anti-CD70 mAb, 1F6, through the C-terminus of
1F6 via a phenylene diamine spacer (Law et al, Proceedings of the
American Association for Cancer Research, Volume 45, Abstract
Number 625, presented Mar. 28, 2004).
[0013] There exists a need in the art for additional drugs to treat
various cancers such as cancers and metastases of cancers in the
prostate, lung and colon. Particularly useful drugs for this
purpose include prostate, lung or colon cell targeted anti-STEAP-1
antibody-drug conjugates having a significantly lower toxicity, yet
useful therapeutic efficiency. These and other limitations and
problems of the past are addressed by the present invention.
[0014] Molecular imaging is an important tool in the development
and evaluation of novel pharmaceuticals. Immuno-positron emission
tomography (ImmunoPET) is a rapidly emerging method for tracking
and quantifying monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in vivo as it
efficiently combines the high sensitivity of PET with the high
specificity of mAbs. ImmunoPET aspires to be the clinical method of
choice for non-invasive diagnosis providing "comprehensive
immunohistochemical staining in vivo" (van Dongen G A, et al.
"Immuno-PET: a navigator in monoclonal antibody development and
applications" Oncologist 2007; 12:1379-89; Williams et al. (2001)
Cancer Biother Radiopharm 16:25-35; Holliger et al (2005) Nat
Biotechnol 23:1126-36)). The development of .sup.89Zr-based
ImmunoPET has enabled the measurement of target expression and
antibody biodistribution in mice and humans; clinical ImmunoPET
with .sup.89Zr-Trastuzumab shows heterogeneity in liver and bone
Mets (Dijkers et al., Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics,
87(5):586-92 (May 2010).
[0015] PET imaging systems create images based on the distribution
of positron-emitting isotopes in the tissue of a patient. The
isotopes are typically administered to a patient by injection of
probe molecules that comprise a positron-emitting isotope, such as
F-18, C-11, N-13, or O-15, covalently attached to a molecule that
is readily metabolized or localized in the body (e.g., glucose) or
that chemically binds to receptor sites within the body. In some
cases, the isotope is administered to the patient as an ionic
solution or by inhalation. Small immuno-PET imaging agents, such as
Fab antibody fragments (50 kDa) or diabodies, paired dimers of the
covalently associated VH-VL region of Mab, 55 kDa (Shively et al
(2007) J Nucl Med 48:170-2), may be particularly useful since they
exhibit a short circulation half-life, high tissue permeability,
and reach an optimal tumor to background ratio between two to four
hours after injection facilitating the use of short half-life
isotopes such as the widely available 18F (109.8 min).
[0016] The recitation of any reference in this application is not
an admission that the reference is prior art to this application.
All references cited herein, including patents, patent applications
and publications, are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
SUMMARY
[0017] The invention provides anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and methods
of using the same.
[0018] In one aspect, an antibody that binds to STEAP-1 is
provided, wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable
domain comprising the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2A (SEQ ID
NO:6) or a heavy chain variable domain comprising the amino acid
sequence shown in FIG. 2B (SEQ ID NO:9). In one aspect, an antibody
that binds to STEAP-1 is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a
light chain variable domain comprising the amino acid sequence
shown in FIG. 2A (SEQ ID NO:6) and a heavy chain variable domain
comprising the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 2B (SEQ ID
NO:9).
[0019] In one aspect, an antibody that binds to STEAP-1 is
provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain variable
domain having at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least
93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at
least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NOs:9 or 10. In one embodiment, the antibody
comprises a heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NOs:9 or 10. In
one embodiment, the antibody comprises a heavy chain variable
domain framework region 1 of SEQ ID NO:25 or a heavy chain variable
domain framework region 2 of SEQ ID NO:75 or 76 or 77 or a heavy
chain variable domain framework region 3 of SEQ ID NO:78 or 79.
[0020] In one aspect, the antibody comprises a light chain variable
domain having at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least
93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at
least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:6. In one embodiment, the antibody comprises
a light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO:6.
[0021] In one aspect, an antibody that binds to STEAP-1 is
provided, wherein the antibody comprises a heavy chain variable
domain having at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least
93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at
least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NOs:9 or 10. In one embodiment, the antibody
comprises a heavy chain variable domain of SEQ ID NOs:9 or 10. In
one embodiment, the antibody comprises a heavy chain variable
domain framework region 1 of SEQ ID NO:25 or a heavy chain variable
domain framework region 2 of SEQ ID NO:75 or 76 or 77 or a heavy
chain variable domain framework region 3 of SEQ ID NO:78 or 79. In
an embodiment, the antibody further comprises a light chain
variable domain having at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at
least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%,
at least 98%, or at least 99% sequence identity to an amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO:6. In one embodiment, the antibody comprises
a light chain variable domain of SEQ ID NO:6.
[0022] In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide encoding any of the
above antibodies is provided. In one embodiment, a vector
comprising the polynucleotide is provided. In one embodiment, a
host cell comprising the vector is provided. In one embodiment, the
host cell is eukaryotic. In one embodiment, the host cell is a
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell. In one embodiment, a method of
making an anti-STEAP-1 antibody is provided, wherein the method
comprises culturing the host cell under conditions suitable for
expression of the polynucleotide encoding the antibody, and
isolating the antibody.
[0023] In one aspect, an antibody that binds to STEAP-1 expressed
on the surface of a cell is provided. In one embodiment, the
antibody binds to an epitope within a region of human or mouse
STEAP-1. In one embodiment, the cell is mammalian cell. In one
embodiment, the cell is a human cell. In one embodiment, the cell
is a cancer cell. In one embodiment the cell is a prostate, lung or
colon cell. In one embodiment the cancer cell is a prostate cancer
cell. In another embodiment, the cell from a metastasis of a
primary prostate, lung or colon cancer.
[0024] In certain embodiments, any of the above antibodies is a
monoclonal antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody is an antibody
fragment selected from a Fab, Fab'-SH, Fv, scFv, or (Fab').sub.2
fragment. In one embodiment, the antibody is humanized. In one
embodiment, the antibody is human.
[0025] In one aspect, a method of detecting the presence of STEAP-1
in a biological sample is provided, the method comprising
contacting the biological sample with any of the above antibodies
under conditions permissive for binding of the antibody to STEAP-1,
and detecting whether a complex is formed between the antibody and
STEAP-1. In one embodiment, the biological sample comprises
prostate cells. In one embodiment, the biological sample is from a
mammal experiencing or suspected of experiencing a prostate cell
disorder and/or a cell proliferative disorder of cells or tissues
including, but not limited to, prostate, lung, colon, bladder, and
ovarian cancer and Ewing's sarcoma as well as metastases of primary
prostate, lung, colon, bladder, and ovarian cancers and Ewing's
sarcoma. See, for example, (see U.S. Pat. No. 6,329,503; and
Rodeberg, D. A. et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 11(12):4545-4552
(2005)).
[0026] In one aspect, a method of diagnosing a cell proliferative
disorder associated with increased expression of STEAP-1 is
provided, the method comprising contacting a test cell with any of
the above antibodies; determining the level of expression of
STEAP-1 by detecting binding of the antibody to STEAP-1; and
comparing the level of expression of STEAP-1 by the test cell with
the level of expression of STEAP-1 by a control cell, wherein a
higher level of expression of STEAP-1 by the test cell as compared
to the control cell indicates the presence of a cell proliferative
disorder associated with increased expression of STEAP-1. In one
embodiment, the test cell is a cell from a patient suspected of
having a cell proliferative disorder, such as a prostate
proliferative disorder. In one embodiment, the cell proliferative
disorder is selected from prostate cell disorders including but not
limited to prostate cancer. In one embodiment, the method comprises
determining the level of expression of STEAP-1 on the surface of
the test cell (such as, for example, a prostate cancer cell) and
comparing the level of expression of STEAP-1 on the surface of the
test cell with the level of expression of STEAP-1 on the surface of
the control cell (such, for example, as a normal prostate cell
other than an abnormally proliferating prostate cell).
[0027] In one aspect, a method of diagnosing a cell proliferative
disorder associated with an increase in cells, such as prostate
cells, expressing STEAP-1 is provided, the method comprising
contacting a test cells in a biological sample with any of the
above antibodies; determining the level of antibody bound to test
cells in the sample by detecting binding of the antibody to
STEAP-1; and comparing the level of antibody bound to cells in a
control sample, wherein the level of antibody bound is normalized
to the number of STEAP-1-expressing cells in the test and control
samples, and wherein a higher level of antibody bound in the test
sample as compared to the control sample indicates the presence of
a cell proliferative disorder associated with cells expressing
STEAP-1.
[0028] In one aspect, a method of detecting soluble STEAP-1 in
blood or serum, the method comprising contacting a test sample of
blood or serum from a mammal suspected of experiencing a prostate
cell proliferative disorder with an anti-STEAP-1 antibody of the
invention and detecting a increase in soluble STEAP-1 in the test
sample relative to a control sample of blood or serum from a normal
mammal. In an embodiment, the method of detecting is useful as a
method of diagnosing a prostate cell proliferative disorder
associated with an increase in soluble STEAP-1 in blood or serum of
a mammal.
[0029] In one aspect, the antibodies of the invention include
cysteine engineered antibodies where one or more amino acids of a
parent antibody are replaced with a free cysteine amino acid as
disclosed in WO2006/034488 (herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety). A cysteine engineered antibody comprises one or more
free cysteine amino acids having a thiol reactivity value in the
range of 0.6 to 1.0. A free cysteine amino acid is a cysteine
residue which has been engineered into the parent antibody and is
not part of a disulfide bridge. Cysteine engineered antibodies are
useful for attachment of cytotoxic and/or imaging compounds at the
site of the engineered cysteine through, for example, a maleimide
or haloacetyl. The nucleophilic reactivity of the thiol
functionality of a Cys residue to a maleimide group is about 1000
times higher compared to any other amino acid functionality in a
protein, such as amino group of lysine residues or the N-terminal
amino group. Thiol specific functionality in iodoacetyl and
maleimide reagents may react with amine groups, but higher pH
(>9.0) and longer reaction times are required (Garman, 1997,
Non-Radioactive Labelling: A Practical Approach, Academic Press,
London).
[0030] Cysteine engineered antibodies may be useful in the
treatment of cancer and include antibodies specific for cell
surface and transmembrane receptors, and tumor-associated antigens
(TAA). Such antibodies may be used as naked antibodies
(unconjugated to a drug or label moiety) or as antibody-drug
conjugates (ADC). Cysteine engineered antibodies of the invention
may be site-specifically and efficiently coupled with a
thiol-reactive reagent. The thiol-reactive reagent may be a
multifunctional linker reagent, a capture label reagent, a
fluorophore reagent, or a drug-linker intermediate. The cysteine
engineered antibody may be labeled with a detectable label,
immobilized on a solid phase support and/or conjugated with a drug
moiety. Thiol reactivity may be generalized to any antibody where
substitution of amino acids with reactive cysteine amino acids may
be made within the ranges in the light chain selected from amino
acid ranges: L-10 to L-20; L-38 to L-48; L-105 to L-115; L-139 to
L-149; L-163 to L-173; and within the ranges in the heavy chain
selected from amino acid ranges: H-35 to H-45; H-83 to H-93; H-114
to H-127; and H-170 to H-184, and in the Fc region within the
ranges selected from H-268 to H-291; H-319 to H-344; H-370 to
H-380; and H-395 to H-405, where the numbering of amino acid
positions begins at position 1 of the Kabat numbering system (Kabat
et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th
Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda,
Md.) and continues sequentially thereafter as disclosed in WO
2006/034488. Thiol reactivity may also be generalized to certain
domains of an antibody, such as the light chain constant domain
(CL) and heavy chain constant domains, CH1, CH2 and CH3. Cysteine
replacements resulting in thiol reactivity values of 0.6 and higher
may be made in the heavy chain constant domains .alpha., .delta.,
.epsilon., .gamma., and .mu. of intact antibodies: IgA, IgD, IgE,
IgG, and IgM, respectively, including the IgG subclasses: IgG1,
IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, and IgA2. Such antibodies and their uses are
disclosed in WO 2006/034488.
[0031] Cysteine engineered antibodies of the invention preferably
retain the antigen binding capability of their wild type, parent
antibody counterparts. Thus, cysteine engineered antibodies are
capable of binding, preferably specifically, to antigens. Such
antigens include, for example, tumor-associated antigens (TAA),
cell surface receptor proteins and other cell surface molecules,
transmembrane proteins, signalling proteins, cell survival
regulatory factors, cell proliferation regulatory factors,
molecules associated with (for e.g., known or suspected to
contribute functionally to) tissue development or differentiation,
lymphokines, cytokines, molecules involved in cell cycle
regulation, molecules involved in vasculogenesis and molecules
associated with (for e.g., known or suspected to contribute
functionally to) angiogenesis.
[0032] An antibody of the invention may be conjugated to other
thiol-reactive agents in which the reactive group is, for example,
a maleimide, an iodoacetamide, a pyridyl disulfide, or other
thiol-reactive conjugation partner (Haugland, 2003, Molecular
Probes Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals,
Molecular Probes, Inc.; Brinkley, 1992, Bioconjugate Chem. 3:2;
Garman, 1997, Non-Radioactive Labelling: A Practical Approach,
Academic Press, London; Means (1990) Bioconjugate Chem. 1:2;
Hermanson, G. in Bioconjugate Techniques (1996) Academic Press, San
Diego, pp. 40-55, 643-671). The partner may be a cytotoxic agent
(e.g. a toxin such as doxorubicin or pertussis toxin), a
fluorophore such as a fluorescent dye like fluorescein or
rhodamine, a chelating agent for an imaging or radiotherapeutic
metal, a peptidyl or non-peptidyl label or detection tag, or a
clearance-modifying agent such as various isomers of polyethylene
glycol, a peptide that binds to a third component, or another
carbohydrate or lipophilic agent.
[0033] In one aspect, antibodies of the invention may be conjugated
with any label moiety which can be covalently attached to the
antibody through a reactive moiety, an activated moiety, or a
reactive cysteine thiol group (Singh et al (2002) Anal. Biochem.
304:147-15; Harlow E. and Lane, D. (1999) Using Antibodies: A
Laboratory Manual, Cold Springs Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold
Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Lundblad R. L. (1991) Chemical Reagents for
Protein Modification, 2nd ed. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.). The
attached label may function to: (i) provide a detectable signal;
(ii) interact with a second label to modify the detectable signal
provided by the first or second label, e.g. to give FRET
(fluorescence resonance energy transfer); (iii) stabilize
interactions or increase affinity of binding, with antigen or
ligand; (iv) affect mobility, e.g. electrophoretic mobility or
cell-permeability, by charge, hydrophobicity, shape, or other
physical parameters, or (v) provide a capture moiety, to modulate
ligand affinity, antibody/antigen binding, or ionic
complexation.
[0034] Labelled cysteine engineered antibodies may be useful in
diagnostic assays, e.g., for detecting expression of an antigen of
interest in specific cells, tissues, or serum. For diagnostic
applications, the antibody will typically be labeled with a
detectable moiety. Numerous labels are available which can be
generally grouped into the following categories:
[0035] Radioisotopes (radionuclides), such as .sup.3H, .sup.11C,
.sup.14C, .sup.18F, .sup.32P, .sup.35S, .sup.64Cu, .sup.68Ga,
.sup.86Y, .sup.89zr, .sup.99Tc, .sup.111In, .sup.123I, .sup.124I,
.sup.125I, .sup.131I, .sup.133Xe, .sup.177Lu, .sup.211At, or
.sup.213Bi. Radioisotope labelled antibodies are useful in receptor
targeted imaging experiments. The antibody can be labeled with
ligand reagents that bind, chelate or otherwise complex a
radioisotope metal where the reagent is reactive with the
engineered cysteine thiol of the antibody, using the techniques
described in Current Protocols in Immunology, Volumes 1 and 2,
Coligen et al, Ed. Wiley-Interscience, New York, N.Y., Pubs.
(1991). Chelating ligands which may complex a metal ion include
DOTA, DOTP, DOTMA, DTPA and TETA (Macrocyclics, Dallas, Tex.).
Radionuclides can be targeted via complexation with the
antibody-drug conjugates of the invention (Wu et al (2005) Nature
Biotechnology 23(9):1137-1146).
[0036] Linker reagents such as DOTA-maleimide
(4-maleimidobutyramidobenzyl-DOTA) can be prepared by the reaction
of aminobenzyl-DOTA with 4-maleimidobutyric acid (Fluka) activated
with isopropylchloroformate (Aldrich), following the procedure of
Axworthy et al (2000) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97(4):1802-1807).
DOTA-maleimide reagents react with the free cysteine amino acids of
the cysteine engineered antibodies and provide a metal complexing
ligand on the antibody (Lewis et al (1998) Bioconj. Chem. 9:72-86).
Chelating linker labelling reagents such as DOTA-NHS
(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic acid mono
(N-hydroxysuccinimide ester) are commercially available
(Macrocyclics, Dallas, Tex.). Receptor target imaging with
radionuclide labelled antibodies can provide a marker of pathway
activation by detection and quantitation of progressive
accumulation of antibodies in tumor tissue (Albert et al (1998)
Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 8:1207-1210). The conjugated radio-metals
may remain intracellular following lysosomal degradation.
[0037] Metal-chelate complexes suitable as antibody labels for
imaging experiments are disclosed: U.S. Pat. No. 5,342,606; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,428,155; U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,757; U.S. Pat. No.
5,480,990; U.S. Pat. No. 5,462,725; U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,139; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,385,893; U.S. Pat. No. 5,739,294; U.S. Pat. No.
5,750,660; U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,456; Hnatowich et al (1983) J.
Immunol. Methods 65:147-157; Meares et al (1984) Anal. Biochem.
142:68-78; Mirzadeh et al (1990) Bioconjugate Chem. 1:59-65; Meares
et al (1990) J. Cancer 1990, Suppl. 10:21-26; Izard et al (1992)
Bioconjugate Chem. 3:346-350; Nikula et al (1995) Nucl. Med. Biol.
22:387-90; Camera et al (1993) Nucl. Med. Biol. 20:955-62; Kukis et
al (1998) J. Nucl. Med. 39:2105-2110; Verel et al (2003) J. Nucl.
Med. 44:1663-1670; Camera et al (1994) J. Nucl. Med. 21:640-646;
Ruegg et al (1990) Cancer Res. 50:4221-4226; Verel et al (2003) J.
Nucl. Med. 44:1663-1670; Lee et al (2001) Cancer Res. 61:4474-4482;
Mitchell, et al (2003) J. Nucl. Med. 44:1105-1112; Kobayashi et al
(1999) Bioconjugate Chem. 10:103-111; Miederer et al (2004) J.
Nucl. Med. 45:129-137; DeNardo et al (1998) Clinical Cancer
Research 4:2483-90; Blend et al (2003) Cancer Biotherapy &
Radiopharmaceuticals 18:355-363; Nikula et al (1999) J. Nucl. Med.
40:166-76; Kobayashi et al (1998) J. Nucl. Med. 39:829-36;
Mardirossian et al (1993) Nucl. Med. Biol. 20:65-74; Roselli et al
(1999) Cancer Biotherapy & Radiopharmaceuticals, 14:209-20.
[0038] (b) Fluorescent labels such as rare earth chelates (europium
chelates), fluorescein types including FITC, 5-carboxyfluorescein,
6-carboxy fluorescein; rhodamine types including TAMRA; dansyl;
Lissamine; cyanines; phycoerythrins; Texas Red; and analogs
thereof. The fluorescent labels can be conjugated to antibodies
using the techniques disclosed in Current Protocols in Immunology,
supra, for example. Fluorescent dyes and fluorescent label reagents
include those which are commercially available from
Invitrogen/Molecular Probes (Eugene, Oreg.) and Pierce
Biotechnology, Inc. (Rockford, Ill.).
[0039] (c) Various enzyme-substrate labels are available or
disclosed (U.S. Pat. No. 4,275,149). The enzyme generally catalyzes
a chemical alteration of a chromogenic substrate that can be
measured using various techniques. For example, the enzyme may
catalyze a color change in a substrate, which can be measured
spectrophotometrically. Alternatively, the enzyme may alter the
fluorescence or chemiluminescence of the substrate. Techniques for
quantifying a change in fluorescence are described above. The
chemiluminescent substrate becomes electronically excited by a
chemical reaction and may then emit light which can be measured
(using a chemiluminometer, for example) or donates energy to a
fluorescent acceptor. Examples of enzymatic labels include
luciferases (e.g., firefly luciferase and bacterial luciferase;
U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,456), luciferin, 2,3-dihydrophthalazinediones,
malate dehydrogenase, urease, peroxidase such as horseradish
peroxidase (HRP), alkaline phosphatase (AP), .beta.-galactosidase,
glucoamylase, lysozyme, saccharide oxidases (e.g., glucose oxidase,
galactose oxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase),
heterocyclic oxidases (such as uricase and xanthine oxidase),
lactoperoxidase, microperoxidase, and the like. Techniques for
conjugating enzymes to antibodies are described in O'Sullivan et al
(1981) "Methods for the Preparation of Enzyme-Antibody Conjugates
for use in Enzyme Immunoassay", in Methods in Enzym. (ed J. Langone
& H. Van Vunakis), Academic Press, New York, 73:147-166.
[0040] Examples of enzyme-substrate combinations include, for
example:
[0041] (i) Horseradish peroxidase (HRP) with hydrogen peroxidase as
a substrate, wherein the hydrogen peroxidase oxidizes a dye
precursor (e.g., orthophenylene diamine (OPD) or
3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine hydrochloride (TMB));
[0042] (ii) alkaline phosphatase (AP) with para-nitrophenyl
phosphate as chromogenic substrate; and
[0043] (iii) .beta.-D-galactosidase (.beta.-D-Gal) with a
chromogenic substrate (e.g., p-nitrophenyl-.beta.-D-galactosidase)
or fluorogenic substrate
4-methylumbelliferyl-.beta.-D-galactosidase.
[0044] Numerous other enzyme-substrate combinations are available
to those skilled in the art. For a general review, see U.S. Pat.
No. 4,275,149 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,318,980.
[0045] A label may be indirectly conjugated with an amino acid side
chain, an activated amino acid side chain, a cysteine engineered
antibody, and the like. For example, the antibody can be conjugated
with biotin and any of the three broad categories of labels
mentioned above can be conjugated with avidin or streptavidin, or
vice versa. Biotin binds selectively to streptavidin and thus, the
label can be conjugated with the antibody in this indirect manner.
Alternatively, to achieve indirect conjugation of the label with
the polypeptide variant, the polypeptide variant is conjugated with
a small hapten (e.g., digoxin) and one of the different types of
labels mentioned above is conjugated with an anti-hapten
polypeptide variant (e.g., anti-digoxin antibody). Thus, indirect
conjugation of the label with the polypeptide variant can be
achieved (Hermanson, G. (1996) in Bioconjugate Techniques Academic
Press, San Diego).
[0046] The antibody of the present invention may be employed in any
known assay method, such as ELISA, competitive binding assays,
direct and indirect sandwich assays, and immunoprecipitation assays
(Zola, (1987) Monoclonal Antibodies: A Manual of Techniques, pp.
147-158, CRC Press, Inc.).
[0047] A detection label may be useful for localizing, visualizing,
and quantitating a binding or recognition event. The labelled
antibodies of the invention can detect cell-surface receptors.
Another use for detectably labelled antibodies is a method of
bead-based immunocapture comprising conjugating a bead with a
fluorescent labelled antibody and detecting a fluorescence signal
upon binding of a ligand. Similar binding detection methodologies
utilize the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect to measure and
detect antibody-antigen interactions.
[0048] Detection labels such as fluorescent dyes and
chemiluminescent dyes (Briggs et al (1997) "Synthesis of
Functionalised Fluorescent Dyes and Their Coupling to Amines and
Amino Acids," J. Chem. Soc., Perkin-Trans. 1:1051-1058) provide a
detectable signal and are generally applicable for labelling
antibodies, preferably with the following properties: (i) the
labelled antibody should produce a very high signal with low
background so that small quantities of antibodies can be
sensitively detected in both cell-free and cell-based assays; and
(ii) the labelled antibody should be photostable so that the
fluorescent signal may be observed, monitored and recorded without
significant photo bleaching. For applications involving cell
surface binding of labelled antibody to membranes or cell surfaces,
especially live cells, the labels preferably (iii) have good
water-solubility to achieve effective conjugate concentration and
detection sensitivity and (iv) are nontoxic to living cells so as
not to disrupt the normal metabolic processes of the cells or cause
premature cell death.
[0049] Direct quantification of cellular fluorescence intensity and
enumeration of fluorescently labelled events, e.g. cell surface
binding of peptide-dye conjugates may be conducted on an system
(FMAT.RTM. 8100 HTS System, Applied Biosystems, Foster City,
Calif.) that automates mix-and-read, non-radioactive assays with
live cells or beads (Miraglia, "Homogeneous cell- and bead-based
assays for high throughput screening using fluorometric microvolume
assay technology", (1999) J. of Biomolecular Screening 4:193-204).
Uses of labelled antibodies also include cell surface receptor
binding assays, immunocapture assays, fluorescence linked
immunosorbent assays (FLISA), caspase-cleavage (Zheng, "Caspase-3
controls both cytoplasmic and nuclear events associated with
Fas-mediated apoptosis in vivo", (1998) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
95:13618-23; U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,907), apoptosis (Vermes, "A novel
assay for apoptosis. Flow cytometric detection of
phosphatidylserine expression on early apoptotic cells using
fluorescein labelled Annexin V" (1995) J. Immunol. Methods
184:39-51) and cytotoxicity assays. Fluorometric microvolume assay
technology can be used to identify the up or down regulation by a
molecule that is targeted to the cell surface (Swartzman, "A
homogeneous and multiplexed immunoassay for high-throughput
screening using fluorometric microvolume assay technology", (1999)
Anal. Biochem. 271:143-51).
[0050] Labelled antibodies of the invention are useful as imaging
biomarkers and probes by the various methods and techniques of
biomedical and molecular imaging such as: (i) MRI (magnetic
resonance imaging); (ii) MicroCT (computerized tomography); (iii)
SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography); (iv) positron
emission topography (PET) or Immuno-positron emission tomography
(Immuno-PET) (see van Dongen G A, et al "Immuno-PET: a navigator in
monoclonal antibody development and applications" Oncologist 2007;
12:1379-89. (v) bioluminescence; (vi) fluorescence; and (vii)
ultrasound. Immunoscintigraphy is an imaging procedure in which
antibodies labeled with radioactive substances are administered to
an animal or human patient and a picture is taken of sites in the
body where the antibody localizes (U.S. Pat. No. 6,528,624).
Imaging biomarkers may be objectively measured and evaluated as an
indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or
pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention. Biomarkers
may be of several types: Type 0 are natural history markers of a
disease and correlate longitudinally with known clinical indices,
e.g. MRI assessment of synovial inflammation in rheumatoid
arthritis; Type I markers capture the effect of an intervention in
accordance with a mechanism-of-action, even though the mechanism
may not be associated with clinical outcome; Type II markers
function as surrogate endpoints where the change in, or signal
from, the biomarker predicts a clinical benefit to "validate" the
targeted response, such as measured bone erosion in rheumatoid
arthritis by CT. Imaging biomarkers thus can provide
pharmacodynamic (PD) therapeutic information about: (i) expression
of a target protein, (ii) binding of a therapeutic to the target
protein, i.e. selectivity, and (iii) clearance and half-life
pharmacokinetic data. Advantages of in vivo imaging biomarkers
relative to lab-based biomarkers include: non-invasive treatment,
quantifiable, whole body assessment, repetitive dosing and
assessment, i.e. multiple time points, and potentially transferable
effects from preclinical (small animal) to clinical (human)
results. For some applications, bioimaging supplants or minimizes
the number of animal experiments in preclinical studies.
[0051] Peptide labelling methods are well known. See Haugland,
2003, Molecular Probes Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research
Chemicals, Molecular Probes, Inc.; Brinkley, 1992, Bioconjugate
Chem. 3:2; Garman, (1997) Non-Radioactive Labelling: A Practical
Approach, Academic Press, London; Means (1990) Bioconjugate Chem.
1:2; Glazer et al (1975) Chemical Modification of Proteins.
Laboratory Techniques in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (T. S.
Work and E. Work, Eds.) American Elsevier Publishing Co., New York;
Lundblad, R. L. and Noyes, C. M. (1984) Chemical Reagents for
Protein Modification, Vols. I and II, CRC Press, New York;
Pfleiderer, G. (1985) "Chemical Modification of Proteins", Modern
Methods in Protein Chemistry, H. Tschesche, Ed., Walter DeGryter,
Berlin and New York; and Wong (1991) Chemistry of Protein
Conjugation and Cross-linking, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla.); De
Leon-Rodriguez et al (2004) Chem. Eur. J. 10:1149-1155; Lewis et al
(2001) Bioconjugate Chem. 12:320-324; Li et al (2002) Bioconjugate
Chem. 13:110-115; Mier et al (2005) Bioconjugate Chem.
16:237-240.
[0052] Peptides and proteins labelled with two moieties, a
fluorescent reporter and quencher in sufficient proximity undergo
fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Reporter groups are
typically fluorescent dyes that are excited by light at a certain
wavelength and transfer energy to an acceptor, or quencher, group,
with the appropriate Stokes shift for emission at maximal
brightness. Fluorescent dyes include molecules with extended
aromaticity, such as fluorescein and rhodamine, and their
derivatives. The fluorescent reporter may be partially or
significantly quenched by the quencher moiety in an intact peptide.
Upon cleavage of the peptide by a peptidase or protease, a
detectable increase in fluorescence may be measured (Knight, C.
(1995) "Fluorimetric Assays of Proteolytic Enzymes", Methods in
Enzymology, Academic Press, 248:18-34).
[0053] The labelled antibodies of the invention may also be used as
an affinity purification agent. In this process, the labelled
antibody is immobilized on a solid phase such a Sephadex resin or
filter paper, using methods well known in the art. The immobilized
antibody is contacted with a sample containing the antigen to be
purified, and thereafter the support is washed with a suitable
solvent that will remove substantially all the material in the
sample except the antigen to be purified, which is bound to the
immobilized polypeptide variant. Finally, the support is washed
with another suitable solvent, such as glycine buffer, pH 5.0, that
will release the antigen from the polypeptide variant.
[0054] Labelling reagents typically bear reactive functionality
which may react (i) directly with a cysteine thiol of a cysteine
engineered antibody to form the labelled antibody, (ii) with a
linker reagent to form a linker-label intermediate, or (iii) with a
linker antibody to form the labelled antibody. Reactive
functionality of labelling reagents include: maleimide, haloacetyl,
iodoacetamide succinimidyl ester (e.g. NHS, N-hydroxysuccinimide),
isothiocyanate, sulfonyl chloride, 2,6-dichlorotriazinyl,
pentafluorophenyl ester, and phosphoramidite, although other
functional groups can also be used.
[0055] An exemplary reactive functional group is
N-hydroxysuccinimidyl ester (NHS) of a carboxyl group substituent
of a detectable label, e.g. biotin or a fluorescent dye. The NHS
ester of the label may be preformed, isolated, purified, and/or
characterized, or it may be formed in situ and reacted with a
nucleophilic group of an antibody. Typically, the carboxyl form of
the label is activated by reacting with some combination of a
carbodiimide reagent, e.g. dicyclohexylcarbodiimide,
diisopropylcarbodiimide, or a uronium reagent, e.g. TSTU
(O--(N-Succinimidyl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium
tetrafluoroborate, HBTU
(O-benzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium
hexafluorophosphate), or HATU
(O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium
hexafluorophosphate), an activator, such as 1-hydroxybenzotriazole
(HOBt), and N-hydroxysuccinimide to give the NHS ester of the
label. In some cases, the label and the antibody may be coupled by
in situ activation of the label and reaction with the antibody to
form the label-antibody conjugate in one step. Other activating and
coupling reagents include TBTU
(2-(1H-benzotriazo-1-yl)-1-1,3,3-tetramethyluronium
hexafluorophosphate), TFFH (N,N',N'',N'''-tetramethyluronium
2-fluoro-hexafluorophosphate), PyBOP
(benzotriazole-1-yl-oxy-tris-pyrrolidino-phosphonium
hexafluorophosphate, EEDQ
(2-ethoxy-1-ethoxycarbonyl-1,2-dihydro-quinoline), DCC
(dicyclohexylcarbodiimide); DIPCDI (diisopropylcarbodiimide), MSNT
(1-(mesitylene-2-sulfonyl)-3-nitro-1H-1,2,4-triazole, and aryl
sulfonyl halides, e.g. triisopropylbenzenesulfonyl chloride.
[0056] Albumin Binding Peptide Fab Compounds of the Invention:
[0057] In one aspect, the antibody of the invention is fused to an
albumin binding protein. Plasma-protein binding can be an effective
means of improving the pharmacokinetic properties of short lived
molecules. Albumin is the most abundant protein in plasma. Serum
albumin binding peptides (ABP) can alter the pharmacodynamics of
fused active domain proteins, including alteration of tissue
uptake, penetration, and diffusion. These pharmacodynamic
parameters can be modulated by specific selection of the
appropriate serum albumin binding peptide sequence (US
20040001827). A series of albumin binding peptides were identified
by phage display screening (Dennis et al. (2002) "Albumin Binding
As A General Strategy For Improving The Pharmacokinetics Of
Proteins" J Biol Chem. 277:35035-35043; WO 01/45746). Compounds of
the invention include ABP sequences taught by: (i) Dennis et al
(2002) J Biol Chem. 277:35035-35043 at Tables III and IV, page
35038; (ii) US 20040001827 at [0076] SEQ ID NOS: 9-22; and (iii) WO
01/45746 at pages 12-13, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference. Albumin Binding (ABP)-Fabs are engineered by fusing an
albumin binding peptide to, for example, the C-terminus of Fab
heavy chain in 1:1 stoichiometric ratio (1 ABP/1 Fab). It was shown
that association of these ABP-Fabs with albumin increased antibody
half life by more than 25 fold in rabbits and mice. The above
described reactive Cys residues can therefore be introduced in
these ABP-Fabs and used for site-specific conjugation with
cytotoxic drugs followed by in vivo animal studies.
[0058] Exemplary albumin binding peptide sequences include, but are
not limited to, the amino acid sequences listed in SEQ ID
NOS:80-84.
TABLE-US-00001 SEQ ID NO: 80 CDKTHTGGGSQRLMEDICLPRWGCLWEDDF SEQ ID
NO: 81 QRLMEDICLPRWGCLWEDDF SEQ ID NO: 82 QRLIEDICLPRWGCLWEDDF SEQ
ID NO: 83 RLIEDICLPRWGCLWEDD SEQ ID NO: 84 DICLPRWGCLW
[0059] Antibody Drug Conjugates
[0060] In another aspect, the invention provides immunoconjugates,
or antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), comprising an antibody
conjugated to a cytotoxic agent such as a chemotherapeutic agent, a
drug, a growth inhibitory agent, a toxin (e.g., an enzymatically
active toxin of bacterial, fungal, plant, or animal origin, or
fragments thereof), or a radioactive isotope (i.e., a
radioconjugate). In another aspect, the invention further provides
methods of using the immunoconjugates. In one aspect, an
immunoconjugate comprises any of the above anti-STEAP-1 antibodies
covalently attached to a cytotoxic agent or a detectable agent.
[0061] The use of antibody-drug conjugates for the local delivery
of cytotoxic or cytostatic agents, i.e. drugs to kill or inhibit
tumor cells in the treatment of cancer (Syrigos and Epenetos (1999)
Anticancer Research 19:605-614; Niculescu-Duvaz and Springer (1997)
Adv. Drg Del. Rev. 26:151-172; U.S. Pat. No. 4,975,278) allows
targeted delivery of the drug moiety to tumors, and intracellular
accumulation therein, where systemic administration of these
unconjugated drug agents may result in unacceptable levels of
toxicity to normal cells as well as the tumor cells sought to be
eliminated (Baldwin et al., (1986) Lancet pp. (Mar. 15,
1986):603-05; Thorpe, (1985) "Antibody Carriers Of Cytotoxic Agents
In Cancer Therapy: A Review," in Monoclonal Antibodies '84:
Biological And Clinical Applications, A. Pinchera et al. (ed.$),
pp. 475-506). Maximal efficacy with minimal toxicity is sought
thereby. Both polyclonal antibodies and monoclonal antibodies have
been reported as useful in these strategies (Rowland et al., (1986)
Cancer Immunol. Immunother., 21:183-87). Drugs used in these
methods include daunomycin, doxorubicin, methotrexate, and
vindesine (Rowland et al., (1986) supra). Toxins used in
antibody-toxin conjugates include bacterial toxins such as
diphtheria toxin, plant toxins such as ricin, small molecule toxins
such as geldanamycin (Mandler et al (2000) Jour. of the Nat. Cancer
Inst. 92(19):1573-1581; Mandler et al (2000) Bioorganic & Med.
Chem. Letters 10:1025-1028; Mandler et al (2002) Bioconjugate Chem.
13:786-791), maytansinoids (EP 1391213; Liu et al., (1996) Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:8618-8623), and calicheamicin (Lode et al
(1998) Cancer Res. 58:2928; Hinman et al (1993) Cancer Res.
53:3336-3342). The toxins may effect their cytotoxic and cytostatic
effects by mechanisms including tubulin binding, DNA binding, or
topoisomerase inhibition. Some cytotoxic drugs tend to be inactive
or less active when conjugated to large antibodies or protein
receptor ligands.
[0062] ZEVALIN.RTM. (ibritumomab tiuxetan, Biogen/Idec) is an
antibody-radioisotope conjugate composed of a murine IgG1 kappa
monoclonal antibody directed against the CD20 antigen found on the
surface of normal and malignant B lymphocytes and .sup.111In or
.sup.90Y radioisotope bound by a thiourea linker-chelator (Wiseman
et al (2000) Eur. Jour. Nucl. Med. 27(7):766-77; Wiseman et al
(2002) Blood 99(12):4336-42; Witzig et al (2002) J. Clin. Oncol.
20(10):2453-63; Witzig et al (2002) J. Clin. Oncol.
20(15):3262-69). Although ZEVALIN has activity against B-cell
non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), administration results in severe and
prolonged cytopenias in most patients. MYLOTARG.TM. (gemtuzumab
ozogamicin, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals), an antibody drug conjugate
composed of a hu CD33 antibody linked to calicheamicin, was
approved in 2000 for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia by
injection (Drugs of the Future (2000) 25(7):686; U.S. Pat. Nos.
4,970,198; 5,079,233; 5,585,089; 5,606,040; 5,693,762; 5,739,116;
5,767,285; 5,773,001). Cantuzumab mertansine (Immunogen, Inc.), an
antibody drug conjugate composed of the huC242 antibody linked via
the disulfide linker SPP to the maytansinoid drug moiety, DM1, is
advancing into Phase II trials for the treatment of cancers that
express CanAg, such as colon, pancreatic, gastric, and others.
MLN-2704 (Millennium Pharm., BZL Biologics, Immunogen Inc.), an
antibody drug conjugate composed of the anti-prostate specific
membrane antigen (PSMA) monoclonal antibody linked to the
maytansinoid drug moiety, DM1, is under development for the
potential treatment of prostate tumors. The auristatin peptides,
auristatin E (AE) and monomethylauristatin (MMAE), synthetic
analogs of dolastatin, were conjugated to chimeric monoclonal
antibodies cBR96 (specific to Lewis Y on carcinomas) and cAC10
(specific to CD30 on hematological malignancies) (Doronina et al
(2003) Nature Biotechnology 21(7):778-784) and are under
therapeutic development.
[0063] Chemotherapeutic agents useful in the generation of
immunoconjugates are described herein. Enzymatically active toxins
and fragments thereof that can be used include diphtheria A chain,
nonbinding active fragments of diphtheria toxin, exotoxin A chain
(from Pseudomonas aeruginosa), ricin A chain, abrin A chain,
modeccin A chain, alpha-sarcin, Aleurites fordii proteins, dianthin
proteins, Phytolaca americana proteins (PAPI, PAM, and PAP-S),
momordica charantia inhibitor, curcin, crotin, sapaonaria
officinalis inhibitor, gelonin, mitogellin, restrictocin,
phenomycin, enomycin, and the tricothecenes. See, e.g., WO 93/21232
published Oct. 28, 1993. A variety of radionuclides are available
for the production of radioconjugated antibodies. Examples include
.sup.212Bi, .sup.131I, .sup.131In, .sup.90Y, and .sup.186Re.
Conjugates of the antibody and cytotoxic agent are made using a
variety of bifunctional protein-coupling agents such as
N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithiol) propionate (SPDP),
iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters (such
as dimethyl adipimidate HCl), active esters (such as disuccinimidyl
suberate), aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde), bis-azido compounds
(such as bis (p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine), bis-diazonium
derivatives (such as bis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine),
diisocyanates (such as toluene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active
fluorine compounds (such as 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). For
example, a ricin immunotoxin can be prepared as described in
Vitetta et al (1987) Science, 238:1098. Carbon-14-labeled
1-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylene triaminepentaacetic acid
(MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent for conjugation of
radionucleotide to the antibody (WO94/11026).
[0064] Conjugates of an antibody and one or more small molecule
toxins, such as a calicheamicin, maytansinoids, dolastatins,
auristatins, a trichothecene, and CC1065, and the derivatives of
these toxins that have toxin activity, are also contemplated
herein.
[0065] Maytansine and Maytansinoids
[0066] In some embodiments, the immunoconjugate comprises an
antibody (full length or fragments) of the invention conjugated to
one or more maytansinoid molecules.
[0067] Maytansinoids are mitototic inhibitors which act by
inhibiting tubulin polymerization. Maytansine was first isolated
from the east African shrub Maytenus serrata (U.S. Pat. No.
3,896,111). Subsequently, it was discovered that certain microbes
also produce maytansinoids, such as maytansinol and C-3 maytansinol
esters (U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,042). Synthetic maytansinol and
derivatives and analogues thereof are disclosed, for example, in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,137,230; 4,248,870; 4,256,746; 4,260,608;
4,265,814; 4,294,757; 4,307,016; 4,308,268; 4,308,269; 4,309,428;
4,313,946; 4,315,929; 4,317,821; 4,322,348; 4,331,598; 4,361,650;
4,364,866; 4,424,219; 4,450,254; 4,362,663; and 4,371,533.
[0068] Maytansinoid drug moieties are attractive drug moieties in
antibody drug conjugates because they are: (i) relatively
accessible to prepare by fermentation or chemical modification,
derivatization of fermentation products, (ii) amenable to
derivatization with functional groups suitable for conjugation
through the non-disulfide linkers to antibodies, (iii) stable in
plasma, and (iv) effective against a variety of tumor cell
lines.
[0069] Maytansine compounds suitable for use as maytansinoid drug
moieties are well known in the art, and can be isolated from
natural sources according to known methods, produced using genetic
engineering techniques (see Yu et al (2002) PNAS 99:7968-7973), or
maytansinol and maytansinol analogues prepared synthetically
according to known methods.
[0070] Exemplary maytansinoid drug moieties include those having a
modified aromatic ring, such as: C-19-dechloro (U.S. Pat. No.
4,256,746) (prepared by lithium aluminum hydride reduction of
ansamytocin P2); C-20-hydroxy (or C-20-demethyl)+/-C-19-dechloro
(U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,361,650 and 4,307,016) (prepared by demethylation
using Streptomyces or Actinomyces or dechlorination using LAH); and
C-20-demethoxy, C-20-acyloxy (--OCOR), +/-dechloro (U.S. Pat. No.
4,294,757) (prepared by acylation using acyl chlorides). and those
having modifications at other positions
[0071] Exemplary maytansinoid drug moieties also include those
having modifications such as: C-9-SH (U.S. Pat. No. 4,424,219)
(prepared by the reaction of maytansinol with H.sub.2S or
P.sub.2S.sub.5); C-14-alkoxymethyl(demethoxy/CH.sub.2 OR)(U.S. Pat.
No. 4,331,598); C-14-hydroxymethyl or acyloxymethyl (CH.sub.2OH or
CH.sub.2OAc) (U.S. Pat. No. 4,450,254) (prepared from Nocardia);
C-15-hydroxy/acyloxy (U.S. Pat. No. 4,364,866) (prepared by the
conversion of maytansinol by Streptomyces); C-15-methoxy (U.S. Pat.
Nos. 4,313,946 and 4,315,929) (isolated from Trewia nudlflora);
C-18-N-demethyl (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,362,663 and 4,322,348) (prepared
by the demethylation of maytansinol by Streptomyces); and 4,5-deoxy
(U.S. Pat. No. 4,371,533) (prepared by the titanium trichloride/LAH
reduction of maytansinol).
[0072] Exemplary embodiments of maytansinoid drug moieties include:
DM1; DM3; and DM4, having the structures:
##STR00001##
[0073] wherein the wavy line indicates the covalent attachment of
the sulfur atom of the drug to a linker (L) of an antibody drug
conjugate. HERCEPTIN.RTM. (trastuzumab) linked by SMCC to DM1 has
been reported (WO 2005/037992, which is expressly incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety). An antibody drug conjugate of
the present invention may be prepared according to the procedures
disclosed therein.
[0074] Other exemplary maytansinoid antibody drug conjugates have
the following structures and abbreviations, (wherein Ab is antibody
and p is 1 to about 8):
##STR00002##
[0075] Exemplary antibody drug conjugates where DM1 is linked
through a BMPEO linker to a thiol group of the antibody have the
structure and abbreviation:
##STR00003##
[0076] where Ab is antibody; n is 0, 1, or 2; and p is 1, 2, 3, or
4.
[0077] Immunoconjugates containing maytansinoids, methods of making
same, and their therapeutic use are disclosed, for example, in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,208,020; 5,416,064; 6,441,163 and European Patent EP 0
425 235 B1, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference. Liu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
93:8618-8623 (1996) described immunoconjugates comprising a
maytansinoid designated DM1 linked to the monoclonal antibody C242
directed against human colorectal cancer. The conjugate was found
to be highly cytotoxic towards cultured colon cancer cells, and
showed antitumor activity in an in vivo tumor growth assay. Chari
et al., Cancer Research 52:127-131 (1992) describe immunoconjugates
in which a maytansinoid was conjugated via a disulfide linker to
the murine antibody A7 binding to an antigen on human colon cancer
cell lines, or to another murine monoclonal antibody TA.1 that
binds the HER-2/neu oncogene. The cytotoxicity of the
TA.1-maytansonoid conjugate was tested in vitro on the human breast
cancer cell line SK-BR-3, which expresses 3.times.10.sup.5 HER-2
surface antigens per cell. The drug conjugate achieved a degree of
cytotoxicity similar to the free maytansinoid drug, which could be
increased by increasing the number of maytansinoid molecules per
antibody molecule. The A7-maytansinoid conjugate showed low
systemic cytotoxicity in mice.
[0078] Anti-STEAP-1 antibody-maytansinoid conjugates are prepared
by chemically linking an antibody to a maytansinoid molecule
without significantly diminishing the biological activity of either
the antibody or the maytansinoid molecule. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No.
5,208,020 (the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated
by reference). An average of 3-4 maytansinoid molecules conjugated
per antibody molecule has shown efficacy in enhancing cytotoxicity
of target cells without negatively affecting the function or
solubility of the antibody, although even one molecule of
toxin/antibody would be expected to enhance cytotoxicity over the
use of naked antibody. Maytansinoids are well known in the art and
can be synthesized by known techniques or isolated from natural
sources. Suitable maytansinoids are disclosed, for example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,208,020 and in the other patents and nonpatent
publications referred to hereinabove. Preferred maytansinoids are
maytansinol and maytansinol analogues modified in the aromatic ring
or at other positions of the maytansinol molecule, such as various
maytansinol esters.
[0079] There are many linking groups known in the art for making
antibody-maytansinoid conjugates, including, for example, those
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,208,020, 6,441,163, or EP Patent 0
425 235 B1, Chari et al., Cancer Research 52:127-131 (1992), and US
2005/0169933 A1, the disclosures of which are hereby expressly
incorporated by reference. Antibody-maytansinoid conjugates
comprising the linker component SMCC may be prepared as disclosed
in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/141,344, filed 31 May 2005,
"Antibody Drug Conjugates and Methods". The linking groups include
disulfide groups, thioether groups, acid labile groups, photolabile
groups, peptidase labile groups, or esterase labile groups, as
disclosed in the above-identified patents. Additional linking
groups are described and exemplified herein.
[0080] Conjugates of the antibody and maytansinoid may be made
using a variety of bifunctional protein coupling agents such as
N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP),
succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate
(SMCC), iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters
(such as dimethyl adipimidate HCl), active esters (such as
disuccinimidyl suberate), aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde),
bis-azido compounds (such as bis (p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine),
bis-diazonium derivatives (such as
bis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such as
toluene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such
as 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). Particularly preferred
coupling agents include N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio)
propionate (SPDP) (Carlsson et al., Biochem. J. 173:723-737 (1978))
and N-succinimidyl-4-(2-pyridylthio)pentanoate (SPP) to provide for
a disulfide linkage.
[0081] The linker may be attached to the maytansinoid molecule at
various positions, depending on the type of the link. For example,
an ester linkage may be formed by reaction with a hydroxyl group
using conventional coupling techniques. The reaction may occur at
the C-3 position having a hydroxyl group, the C-14 position
modified with hydroxymethyl, the C-15 position modified with a
hydroxyl group, and the C-20 position having a hydroxyl group. In a
preferred embodiment, the linkage is formed at the C-3 position of
maytansinol or a maytansinol analogue.
[0082] In one embodiment, any of the antibodies of the invention
(full length or fragment) is conjugated to one or more maytansinoid
molecules. In one embodiment of the immunoconjugate, the cytotoxic
agent D, is a maytansinoid DM1. In one embodiment of the
immunoconjugate, the linker is selected from the group consisting
of SPDP, SMCC, IT, SPDP, and SPP.
[0083] Auristatins and Dolostatins
[0084] In some embodiments, the immunoconjugate comprises an
antibody of the invention conjugated to dolastatins or dolastatin
peptidic analogs and derivatives, the auristatins (U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,635,483; 5,780,588). Dolastatins and auristatins have been shown
to interfere with microtubule dynamics, GTP hydrolysis, and nuclear
and cellular division (Woyke et al (2001) Antimicrob. Agents and
Chemother. 45(12):3580-3584) and have anticancer (U.S. Pat. No.
5,663,149) and antifungal activity (Pettit et al (1998) Antimicrob.
Agents Chemother. 42:2961-2965). The dolastatin or auristatin drug
moiety may be attached to the antibody through the N (amino)
terminus or the C (carboxyl) terminus of the peptidic drug moiety
(WO 02/088172).
[0085] Exemplary auristatin embodiments include the N-terminus
linked monomethylauristatin drug moieties DE and DF, disclosed in
"Senter et al, Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer
Research, Volume 45, Abstract Number 623, presented Mar. 28, 2004,
the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0086] An exemplary auristatin embodiment is MMAE (wherein the wavy
line indicates the covalent attachment to a linker (L) of an
antibody drug conjugate).
##STR00004##
[0087] Another exemplary auristatin embodiment is MMAF, wherein the
wavy line indicates the covalent attachment to a linker (L) of an
antibody drug conjugate (US 2005/0238649):
##STR00005##
[0088] Additional exemplary embodiments comprising MMAE or MMAF and
various linker components (described further herein) have the
following structures and abbreviations (wherein Ab means antibody
and p is 1 to about 8):
##STR00006##
[0089] Typically, peptide-based drug moieties can be prepared by
forming a peptide bond between two or more amino acids and/or
peptide fragments. Such peptide bonds can be prepared, for example,
according to the liquid phase synthesis method (see E. Schroder and
K. Lubke, "The Peptides", volume 1, pp 76-136, 1965, Academic
Press) that is well known in the field of peptide chemistry. The
auristatin/dolastatin drug moieties may be prepared according to
the methods of: U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,483; U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,588;
Pettit et al (1989) J. Am. Chem. Soc. 111:5463-5465; Pettit et al
(1998) Anti-Cancer Drug Design 13:243-277; Pettit, G. R., et al.
Synthesis, 1996, 719-725; Pettit et al (1996) J. Chem. Soc. Perkin
Trans. 1 5:859-863; and Doronina (2003) Nat Biotechnol
21(7):778-784.
[0090] Calicheamicin
[0091] In other embodiments, the immunoconjugate comprises an
antibody of the invention conjugated to one or more calicheamicin
molecules. The calicheamicin family of antibiotics are capable of
producing double-stranded DNA breaks at sub-picomolar
concentrations. For the preparation of conjugates of the
calicheamicin family, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,712,374, 5,714,586,
5,739,116, 5,767,285, 5,770,701, 5,770,710, 5,773,001, 5,877,296
(all to American Cyanamid Company). Structural analogues of
calicheamicin which may be used include, but are not limited to,
.gamma..sub.1.sup.I, .alpha..sub.2.sup.I, .alpha..sub.3.sup.I,
N-acetyl-.gamma..sub.1.sup.I, PSAG and .theta..sup.I.sub.1 (Hinman
et al., Cancer Research 53:3336-3342 (1993), Lode et al., Cancer
Research 58:2925-2928 (1998) and the aforementioned U.S. patents to
American Cyanamid). Another anti-tumor drug that the antibody can
be conjugated is QFA which is an antifolate. Both calicheamicin and
QFA have intracellular sites of action and do not readily cross the
plasma membrane. Therefore, cellular uptake of these agents through
antibody mediated internalization greatly enhances their cytotoxic
effects.
[0092] Other Cytotoxic Agents
[0093] Other antitumor agents that can be conjugated to the
antibodies of the invention include BCNU, streptozoicin,
vincristine and 5-fluorouracil, the family of agents known
collectively LL-E33288 complex described in U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,053,394, 5,770,710, as well as esperamicins (U.S. Pat. No.
5,877,296).
[0094] Enzymatically active toxins and fragments thereof which can
be used include diphtheria A chain, nonbinding active fragments of
diphtheria toxin, exotoxin A chain (from Pseudomonas aeruginosa),
ricin A chain, abrin A chain, modeccin A chain, alpha-sarcin,
Aleurites fordii proteins, dianthin proteins, Phytolaca americana
proteins (PAPI, PAPII, and PAP-S), momordica charantia inhibitor,
curcin, crotin, sapaonaria officinalis inhibitor, gelonin,
mitogellin, restrictocin, phenomycin, enomycin and the
tricothecenes. See, for example, WO 93/21232 published Oct. 28,
1993.
[0095] The present invention further contemplates an
immunoconjugate formed between an antibody and a compound with
nucleolytic activity (e.g., a ribonuclease or a DNA endonuclease
such as a deoxyribonuclease; DNase).
[0096] For selective destruction of the tumor, the antibody may
comprise a highly radioactive atom. A variety of radioactive
isotopes are available for the production of radioconjugated
antibodies. Examples include At.sup.211, I.sup.131, I.sup.125,
Y.sup.90, Re.sup.186, Re.sup.188, Sm.sup.153, Bi.sup.212, P.sup.32,
Pb.sup.212 and radioactive isotopes of Lu. When the conjugate is
used for detection, it may comprise a radioactive atom for
scintigraphic studies, for example tc.sup.99m or I.sup.123, or a
spin label for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging (also known
as magnetic resonance imaging, mri), such as iodine-123 again,
iodine-131, indium-111, fluorine-19, carbon-13, nitrogen-15,
oxygen-17, gadolinium, manganese or iron.
[0097] The radio- or other labels may be incorporated in the
conjugate in known ways. For example, the peptide may be
biosynthesized or may be synthesized by chemical amino acid
synthesis using suitable amino acid precursors involving, for
example, fluorine-19 in place of hydrogen. Labels such as
tc.sup.99m or I.sup.123, Re.sup.186, Re.sup.188 and In.sup.111 can
be attached via a cysteine residue in the peptide. Yttrium-90 can
be attached via a lysine residue. The IODOGEN method (Fraker et al
(1978) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 80: 849-857 can be used to
incorporate iodine-123. "Monoclonal Antibodies in
Immunoscintigraphy" (Chatal, CRC Press 1989) describes other
methods in detail.
[0098] Conjugates of the antibody and cytotoxic agent may be made
using a variety of bifunctional protein coupling agents such as
N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP),
succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate
(SMCC), iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters
(such as dimethyl adipimidate HCl), active esters (such as
disuccinimidyl suberate), aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde),
bis-azido compounds (such as bis (p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine),
bis-diazonium derivatives (such as
bis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such as
toluene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such
as 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). For example, a ricin
immunotoxin can be prepared as described in Vitetta et al., Science
238:1098 (1987). Carbon-14-labeled
1-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylene triaminepentaacetic acid
(MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent for conjugation of
radionucleotide to the antibody. See WO94/11026. The linker may be
a "cleavable linker" facilitating release of the cytotoxic drug in
the cell. For example, an acid-labile linker, peptidase-sensitive
linker, photolabile linker, dimethyl linker or disulfide-containing
linker (Chari et al., Cancer Research 52:127-131 (1992); U.S. Pat.
No. 5,208,020) may be used.
[0099] The compounds of the invention expressly contemplate, but
are not limited to, ADC prepared with cross-linker reagents: BMPS,
EMCS, GMBS, HBVS, LC-SMCC, MBS, MPBH, SBAP, SIA, SIAB, SMCC, SMPB,
SMPH, sulfo-EMCS, sulfo-GMBS, sulfo-KMUS, sulfo-MBS, sulfo-SIAB,
sulfo-SMCC, and sulfo-SMPB, and SVSB
(succinimidyl-(4-vinylsulfone)benzoate) which are commercially
available (e.g., from Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, Ill.,
U.S.A). See pages 467-498, 2003-2004 Applications Handbook and
Catalog.
[0100] Preparation of Antibody Drug Conjugates:
[0101] In the antibody drug conjugates (ADC) of the invention, an
antibody (Ab) is conjugated to one or more drug moieties (D), e.g.
about 1 to about 20 drug moieties per antibody, through a linker
(L). In one embodiment, the number of drug moieties (D) per
antibody is from about 1 to about 5, alternatively, from about 2 to
about 6, alternatively, from about 2 to about 5, alternatively from
about 3 to about 4 drug moieties per antibody. Because the number
of drug moieties per antibody is typically an average number over
all conjugates in a population of an antibody drug conjugate, the
number of drug moieties per antibody may not be a whole number. The
ADC of Formula I may be prepared by several routes, employing
organic chemistry reactions, conditions, and reagents known to
those skilled in the art, including: (1) reaction of a nucleophilic
group of an antibody with a bivalent linker reagent, to form Ab-L,
via a covalent bond, followed by reaction with a drug moiety D; and
(2) reaction of a nucleophilic group of a drug moiety with a
bivalent linker reagent, to form D-L, via a covalent bond, followed
by reaction with the nucleophilic group of an antibody. Additional
methods for preparing ADC are described herein.
Ab-(L-D).sub.p Formula I
[0102] The linker may be composed of one or more linker components.
Exemplary linker components include 6-maleimidocaproyl ("MC"),
maleimidopropanoyl ("MP"), valine-citrulline ("val-cit"),
alanine-phenylalanine ("ala-phe"), p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl
("PAB"), N-Succinimidyl 4-(2-pyridylthio) pentanoate ("SPP"),
N-Succinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1 carboxylate
("SMCC"), and N-Succinimidyl (4-iodo-acetyl) aminobenzoate
("SIAB"). In on embodiment, the linker is
valine-citrullin-p-aminobenzyloxycaronyl ("vc-PAB"). Additional
linker components are known in the art and some are described
herein.
[0103] In some embodiments, the linker may comprise amino acid
residues. Exemplary amino acid linker components include a
dipeptide, a tripeptide, a tetrapeptide or a pentapeptide.
Exemplary dipeptides include: valine-citrulline (vc or val-cit),
alanine-phenylalanine (af or ala-phe). Exemplary tripeptides
include: glycine-valine-citrulline (gly-val-cit) and
glycine-glycine-glycine (gly-gly-gly). Amino acid residues which
comprise an amino acid linker component include those occurring
naturally, as well as minor amino acids and non-naturally occurring
amino acid analogs, such as citrulline. Amino acid linker
components can be designed and optimized in their selectivity for
enzymatic cleavage by a particular enzymes, for example, a
tumor-associated protease, cathepsin B, C and D, or a plasmin
protease.
[0104] Exemplary linker component structures are shown below
(wherein the wavy line indicates sites of covalent attachment to
other components of the ADC):
##STR00007##
[0105] Additional exemplary linker components and abbreviations
include (wherein the antibody (Ab) and linker are depicted, and p
is 1 to about 8):
##STR00008##
[0106] Nucleophilic groups on antibodies include, but are not
limited to: (i) N-terminal amine groups, (ii) side chain amine
groups, e.g. lysine, (iii) side chain thiol groups, e.g. cysteine,
and (iv) sugar hydroxyl or amino groups where the antibody is
glycosylated. Amine, thiol, and hydroxyl groups are nucleophilic
and capable of reacting to form covalent bonds with electrophilic
groups on linker moieties and linker reagents including: (i) active
esters such as NHS esters, HOBt esters, haloformates, and acid
halides; (ii) alkyl and benzyl halides such as haloacetamides;
(iii) aldehydes, ketones, carboxyl, and maleimide groups. Certain
antibodies have reducible interchain disulfides, i.e. cysteine
bridges. Antibodies may be made reactive for conjugation with
linker reagents by treatment with a reducing agent such as DTT
(dithiothreitol). Each cysteine bridge will thus form,
theoretically, two reactive thiol nucleophiles. Additional
nucleophilic groups can be introduced into antibodies through the
reaction of lysines with 2-iminothiolane (Traut's reagent)
resulting in conversion of an amine into a thiol. Reactive thiol
groups may be introduced into the antibody (or fragment thereof) by
introducing one, two, three, four, or more cysteine residues (e.g.,
preparing mutant antibodies comprising one or more non-native
cysteine amino acid residues).
[0107] Antibody drug conjugates of the invention may also be
produced by modification of the antibody to introduce electrophilic
moieties, which can react with nucleophilic substituents on the
linker reagent or drug. The sugars of glycosylated antibodies may
be oxidized, e.g. with periodate oxidizing reagents, to form
aldehyde or ketone groups which may react with the amine group of
linker reagents or drug moieties. The resulting imine Schiff base
groups may form a stable linkage, or may be reduced, e.g. by
borohydride reagents to form stable amine linkages. In one
embodiment, reaction of the carbohydrate portion of a glycosylated
antibody with either galactose oxidase or sodium meta-periodate may
yield carbonyl (aldehyde and ketone) groups in the protein that can
react with appropriate groups on the drug (Hermanson, Bioconjugate
Techniques). In another embodiment, proteins containing N-terminal
serine or threonine residues can react with sodium meta-periodate,
resulting in production of an aldehyde in place of the first amino
acid (Geoghegan & Stroh, (1992) Bioconjugate Chem. 3:138-146;
U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,852). Such aldehyde can be reacted with a drug
moiety or linker nucleophile.
[0108] Likewise, nucleophilic groups on a drug moiety include, but
are not limited to: amine, thiol, hydroxyl, hydrazide, oxime,
hydrazine, thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine carboxylate, and
arylhydrazide groups capable of reacting to form covalent bonds
with electrophilic groups on linker moieties and linker reagents
including: (i) active esters such as NHS esters, HOBt esters,
haloformates, and acid halides; (ii) alkyl and benzyl halides such
as haloacetamides; (iii) aldehydes, ketones, carboxyl, and
maleimide groups.
[0109] Methods for the conjugation of linker-drug moieties to
cell-targeted proteins such as antibodies, immunoglobulins or
fragments thereof are found, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.
5,208,020; U.S. Pat. No. 6,441,163; WO2005037992; WO2005081711; and
WO2006/034488, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
[0110] Alternatively, a fusion protein comprising the antibody and
cytotoxic agent may be made, e.g., by recombinant techniques or
peptide synthesis. The length of DNA may comprise respective
regions encoding the two portions of the conjugate either adjacent
one another or separated by a region encoding a linker peptide
which does not destroy the desired properties of the conjugate.
[0111] In yet another embodiment, the antibody may be conjugated to
a "receptor" (such streptavidin) for utilization in tumor
pre-targeting wherein the antibody-receptor conjugate is
administered to the patient, followed by removal of unbound
conjugate from the circulation using a clearing agent and then
administration of a "ligand" (e.g., avidin) which is conjugated to
a cytotoxic agent (e.g., a radionucleotide).
[0112] In one embodiment of the immunoconjugate, the cytotoxic
agent, D, is an auristatin of formula D.sub.E or D.sub.F
##STR00009##
[0113] and wherein R.sup.2 and R.sup.6 are each methyl, R.sup.3 and
R.sup.4 are each isopropyl, R.sup.7 is sec-butyl, each R.sup.8 is
independently selected from CH.sub.3, O--CH.sub.3, OH, and H;
R.sup.9 is H; R.sup.10 is aryl; Z is --O-- or --NH--; R.sup.11 is
H, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, or
--(CH.sub.2).sub.2--O--(CH.sub.2).sub.2--O--(CH.sub.2).sub.2--O-
--CH.sub.3; and R.sup.18 is --C(R.sup.8).sub.2--C(R.sup.8).sub.2-
aryl; and
[0114] (d) p ranges from about 1 to 8.
[0115] The following embodiments are further provided for any of
the above immunoconjugates. In one embodiment, an immunoconjugate
has in vitro or in vivo cell killing activity. In one embodiment,
the linker is attached to the antibody through a thiol group on the
antibody. In one embodiment, the linker is cleavable by a protease.
In one embodiment, the linker comprises a val-cit dipeptide. In one
embodiment, the linker comprises a p-aminobenzyl unit. In one
embodiment, the p-aminobenzyl unit is disposed between the drug and
a protease cleavage site in the linker. In one embodiment, the
p-aminobenzyl unit is p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl (PAB). In one
embodiment, the linker comprises 6-maleimidocaproyl. In one
embodiment, the 6-maleimidocaproyl is disposed between the antibody
and a protease cleavage site in the linker. The above embodiments
may occur singly or in any combination with one another.
[0116] In one embodiment, the drug is selected from MMAE and MMAF.
In one embodiment, the immunoconjugate has the formula
##STR00010##
[0117] wherein Ab is any of the above anti-STEAP-1 antibodies, S is
a sulfur atom, and p ranges from about 2 to about 5. In one
embodiment, the immunoconjugate has the formula
##STR00011##
[0118] wherein Ab is any of the above anti-STEAP-1 antibodies, S is
a sulfur atom, and p ranges from about 1 to about 6, from about 2
to about 5, from about 2 to about 6, from about 2 to about 4, from
about 2 to about 3, from about 3 to about 4, from about 3 to about
5, from about 3 to about 6, or from about 4 to about 6.
[0119] Labelled Antibody Imaging Methods:
[0120] In another embodiment of the invention, cysteine engineered
antibodies may be labelled through the cysteine thiol with
radionuclides, fluorescent dyes, bioluminescence-triggering
substrate moieties, chemiluminescence-triggering substrate
moieties, enzymes, and other detection labels for imaging
experiments with diagnostic, pharmacodynamic, and therapeutic
applications. Generally, the labelled cysteine engineered antibody,
i.e. "biomarker" or "probe", is administered by injection,
perfusion, or oral ingestion to a living organism, e.g. human,
rodent, or other small animal, a perfused organ, or tissue sample.
The distribution of the probe is detected over a time course and
represented by an image.
[0121] Zirconium-Labelling Reagents
[0122] In another embodiment of the invention, the development of
.sup.89Zr-based Immuno-PET has enabled the measurement of target
expression and antibody biodistribution in mice and humans:
(Dijkers et al., Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics,
87(5):586-92 (May 2010)). ImmunoPET as a measurement of target
expression and antibody biodistribution can have value in
determining the distribution of ADC targets on primary vs.
metastatic lesions, particularly in prostate and other cancers.
[0123] The radioisotope or other labels may be incorporated in the
conjugate in known ways (Fraker et al (1978) Biochem. Biophys. Res.
Commun. 80: 849-857; "Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunoscintigraphy"
Chatal, CRC Press 1989). Carbon-14-labeled
1-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylene triaminepentaacetic acid
(MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent for conjugation of a
radionuclide to the antibody (WO 94/11026).
[0124] Articles of Manufacture:
[0125] In another embodiment of the invention, an article of
manufacture, or "kit", containing materials useful for the
treatment of the disorders described above is provided. The article
of manufacture comprises a container and a label or package insert
on or associated with the container. Suitable containers include,
for example, bottles, vials, syringes, blister pack, etc. The
containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass
or plastic. The container holds an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)
composition which is effective for treating the condition and may
have a sterile access port (for example the container may be an
intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a
hypodermic injection needle). At least one active agent in the
composition is an ADC. The label or package insert indicates that
the composition is used for treating the condition of choice, such
as cancer. Alternatively, or additionally, the article of
manufacture may further comprise a second (or third) container
comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer, such as
bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), phosphate-buffered
saline, Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. It may further
include other materials desirable from a commercial and user
standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles,
and syringes.
[0126] Pharmaceutical Compositions:
[0127] In one aspect, a pharmaceutical composition is provided
comprising any of the above immunoconjugates and a pharmaceutically
acceptable carrier. In one aspect, a method of treating a prostate,
lung, colon, bladder, or ovarian cell proliferative disorder, or
Ewing's sarcoma is provided, wherein the method comprises
administering to an individual the pharmaceutical composition. In
one embodiment, the prostate, lung, colon, bladder, and ovarian
cancer and Ewing's sarcoma cell proliferative disorder is a
metastasis of a primary prostate, lung, colon, bladder, or ovarian
cancer or Ewing's sarcoma. In one embodiment, the cell
proliferative disorder is associated with increased expression of
STEAP-1 on the surface of a cell.
[0128] In one aspect, a method of inhibiting cell proliferation is
provided, wherein the method comprises exposing a cell to any of
the above immunoconjugates under conditions permissive for binding
of the immunoconjugate to STEAP-1. In one embodiment, the prostate,
lung, colon, bladder, or ovary cell or Ewing's sarcoma is a tumor
cell. In one embodiment, the tumor cell is a prostate, lung, colon,
bladder, or ovarian tumor cell or Ewing's sarcoma cell of a mammal
experiencing or suspected of experiencing prostate, lung, colon,
bladder cell or Ewing's sarcoma proliferative disorder including,
but not limited to, a metastasis of a primary prostate, lung,
colon, bladder cell cancer tumor or Ewing's sarcoma tumor. In one
embodiment, the prostate, lung, colon, bladder cell or Ewing's
sarcoma is a xenograft. In one embodiment, the exposing takes place
in vitro. In one embodiment, the exposing takes place in vivo.
[0129] In one aspect, a method of using the anti-STEAP-1 antibody
of the invention is provided to assay serum soluble STEAP-1 in a
mammal experiencing prostate lung or colon cell proliferative
disorder (or metastasis of a primary incidence of such disorder),
measuring clinical progression or regression of the diseases, or
assess tumor burden or relapse.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0130] FIG. 1 depicts the amino acid sequence of human STEAP-1 (SEQ
ID NO:1) aligned with STEAP-1 from mouse and cynomolgus monkey
(cyno) (SEQ ID NOs:2 and 3, respectively). Extracellular domains 1,
2, and 3 are labeled and marked by shaded boxes.
[0131] FIGS. 2A and 2B: FIG. 2A depicts the amino acid sequence of
the light chain variable region of murine 120.545 anti-STEAP-1
antibody aligned with the chimera antibody (120 chimera) and
humanized antibody (120 graft) and aligned with the human subgroup
III sequence. The CDRs are boxed (CDR-L1, CDR-L2, and CDR-L3). The
sequences bracketing the CDRs are the framework sequences (FR-L1 to
FR-L4). The sequences are numbered according to Kabat numbering.
The Kabat, Chothia, and contact CDRs are indicated about the boxed
CDRs. FIG. 2B depicts the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain
variable region of murine anti-STEAP-1 antibody (120.545) aligned
with the chimera antibody (120 chimera) and humanized antibody (120
graft) and aligned with the human kappa I sequence. Humanized
variants 24, 37, 48, 67, and 37/48, 67, 71, and 78 were prepared by
making the following amino acid changes: A24V, V37I, V48M, F67I,
and L78F in the heavy chain of the 120 graft antibody. The CDRs are
boxed. The FR-H1, FR-H2, FR-H3 and FR-H4 sequences bracket the CDRs
(CDR-H1, CDR-H2, and CDR-H3). The sequences are numbered according
to Kabat numbering. The Kabat, Chothia, and contact CDRs are
indicated about the boxed CDRs.
[0132] FIGS. 3A and 3B show exemplary acceptor human variable heavy
(VH) consensus framework sequences for use in practicing the
instant invention with sequence identifiers as follows, where the
FR SEQ ID NOs are listed in the order FR-H1, FR-H2, FR-H3,
FR-H4:
[0133] human VH subgroup I consensus framework "A" minus Kabat CDRs
(SEQ ID NOs:26, 27, 28, 29).
[0134] human VH subgroup I consensus frameworks "B," "C," and "D"
minus extended hypervariable regions (SEQ ID NOs:30, 31, 28, 29;
SEQ ID NOs:30, 31, 32, 29; and SEQ ID NOs:30, 31, 33, 29).
[0135] human VH subgroup II consensus framework "A" minus Kabat
CDRs (SEQ ID NOs:34, 35, 36, 29).
[0136] human VH subgroup II consensus frameworks "B," "C," and "D"
minus extended hypervariable regions (SEQ ID NOs:37, 38, 36, 29;
SEQ ID NOs:37, 38, 39, 29; and SEQ ID NOs:37, 38, 40, 29).
[0137] human VH subgroup III consensus framework "A" minus Kabat
CDRs (SEQ ID NOs:41, 42, 43, 29).
[0138] human VH subgroup III consensus frameworks "B," "C," and "D"
minus extended hypervariable regions (SEQ ID NOs:44, 45, 43, 29;
SEQ ID NOs:44, 45, 46, 29; and SEQ ID NOs:44, 45, 46, 29).
[0139] human VH acceptor 1 framework "A" minus Kabat CDRs (SEQ ID
NOs:48, 42, 49, 29).
[0140] human VH acceptor frameworks "B" and "C" minus extended
hypervariable regions (SEQ ID NOs:44, 45, 49, 29; and SEQ ID
NOs:44, 45, 50, 29).
[0141] human VH acceptor 2 framework "A" minus Kabat CDRs (SEQ ID
NOs:48, 42, 51, 29).
[0142] human VH acceptor 2 framework "B," "C," and "D" minus
extended hypervariable regions (SEQ ID NOs:44, 45, 51, 29; SEQ ID
NOs:44, 45, 52, 29; and SEQ ID NOs:44, 45, 53, 29).
[0143] FIGS. 4A and 4B show exemplary acceptor human variable light
(VL) consensus framework sequences for use in practicing the
instant invention with sequence identifiers as follows:
[0144] human VL kappa subgroup I-1 consensus framework
(.kappa.v1-1): SEQ ID NOs:54, 55, 56, 57
[0145] human VL kappa subgroup I consensus framework (.kappa.v1):
SEQ ID NOs:54, 58, 56, 57
[0146] human VL kappa subgroup II consensus framework (.kappa.v2):
SEQ ID NOs:69, 59, 60, 57
[0147] human VL kappa subgroup III consensus framework (.kappa.v3):
SEQ ID NOs:61, 62, 63, 57
[0148] human VL kappa subgroup IV consensus framework (.kappa.v4):
SEQ ID NOs:64, 65, 66, 57.
[0149] FIG. 5 depicts alignments of native sequence human IgG Fc
region sequences, humIgG1 (non-A allotype, SEQ ID NO:85; and A
allotype, where the amino acid sequence SREEM (SEQ ID NO:67) within
SEQ ID NO:85 is changed to SRDEL (SEQ ID NO:68), humIgG2 (SEQ ID
NO:86), humIgG3 (SEQ ID NO:87) and humIgG4 (SEQ ID NO:88) with
differences between the sequences marked with asterisks. Numbers
above the sequences represent the EU numbering system. An exemplary
kappa constant region is also shown.
[0150] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C and 6D depict a FACS analysis normalized
for the level of display of each antibody or variant on phage. FIG.
6A shows FACS shifts on STEAP-1 expressing cells (LB50) for four
exemplary antibodies. FIG. 6B shows FACS shifts on STEAP-1
non-expressing cells (S408) for several antibodies as indicated in
the figure and in Example 1. FIGS. 6C and 6D are FACS shift
alignments after normalization for phage display levels.
[0151] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E and 7F graphically depict FACS
analyses showing binding of anti-STEAP-1 murine, chimera and
humanized version 24 antibodies to human STEAP-1 expressed on the
cell surface. FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C indicate that anti-STEAP-1 murine
120, chimera 120 and humanized 120v.24 bind human and cynomolgus
monkey STEAP-1, but not mouse STEAP-1. FIGS. 7D, 7E and 7F are FACS
plots showing binding of murine 120, 120 chimera, and humanized
120v.24 (clone 67) to human STEAP-1 expressed on the cell surface.
Exogenous STEAP-1 was stably expressed in 293 cells (designated
LB50 cells) and PC3 cells (designated PS5.4 cells) (FIGS. 7D and
7E), and endogenously expressed in LNCaP BR cells (FIG. 7F).
[0152] FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIG. 8A is a graph showing that
administration of murine anti-STEAP-1 120-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE at 3 mg/kg
was efficacious in a prostate tumor (LNCaP-Ner cells) xenograft
model. See Example 4. FIG. 8B is a graph showing that single dose
administration of humanized anti-STEAP-1 antibody
120v.24-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3 mg/kg), 120v.24-MC-MMAF (6 mg/kg),
120v.24-MC-MMAF (12 mg/kg), and anti-STEAP-1 120
chimera-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3 mg/kg) was shown to be efficacious in a
LNCaP cell xenograft prostate tumor model. See Example 4.
[0153] FIG. 9 is a graph showing that administration of
anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120 chimera-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (abbreviated
anti-STEAP vcMMAE) at 3 mg/kg, or anti-STEAP-1 120 chimera-MC-MMAF
(abbreviated anti-STEAP mcMMAF) at 6 mg/kg, was shown to be
efficacious in a prostate cancer xenograft model of castrated
SCID-beige mice transplanted with LNCaP cells. See Example 4.
[0154] FIG. 10 is a graph showing that administration of
anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120 chimera-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (abbreviated
anti-STEAP vcMMAE (at 3 mg/kg) was shown to be efficacious in a
prostate cancer xenograft model of SCID beige male mice (androgen
dependent) transplanted with LuCap 77 cells. See Example 4.
[0155] FIG. 11 is a graph showing that administration of humanized
anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120v.24-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE at 3 mg/kg, humanized
anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120v.24-MC-MMAF at 6 mg/kg and 12 mg/kg to
castrated SCID-beige mice transplanted with LuCap35V prostate tumor
was shown to be efficacious relative to controls. See Example
4.
[0156] FIG. 12 is a diagram depicting STEAP-1 embedded in a cell
membrane. Anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120 binding is conformation
dependent and does not recognize a linear epitope of STEAP-1.
[0157] FIGS. 13A, 13B, 13C and 13D show STEAP-1 expressed on the
surface of cells as detected by immunohistochemistry. FIG. 13A
shows an immunohistochemical stain of 293 cells expressing
exogenous STEAP-1 on the cell surface. FIG. 13B shows an
immunohistochemical stain of PC3 cells expressing exogenous STEAP-1
on the cell surface. FIG. 13C shows an immunohistochemical stain of
LNCaP cells expressing endogenous STEAP-1 on the cell surface. FIG.
13D shows an immunohistochemical stain of LuCAP 77 cells expressing
endogenous STEAP-1 on the cell surface.
[0158] FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D and 14E are graphs showing the
relative effectiveness of anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120v.24-MCMMAF and
anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120v.24-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE to kill STEAP-1
expressing cells in vitro. PS5.4 cells (FIG. 14A) are PC3 cells
transformed with a vector encoding STEAP-1 such that STEAP-1 is
expressed on the cell surface. LB50 cells (FIG. 14B) are 293 cells
transformed with a vector encoding STEAP-1 such that STEAP-1 is
expressed on the cell surface. LNCaP cells (FIG. 14C) express
STEAP-1 endogenously. "PC3 vec" (FIG. 14D) and "293 vec" (FIG. 14E)
refer to 293 cells and PC3 cells, respectively, transformed with a
vector control.
[0159] FIG. 15 shows depictions of cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1
antibody drug conjugates (ADC) where a drug moiety is attached to
an engineered cysteine group in: the light chain (LC-ADC); the
heavy chain (HC-ADC); and the Fc region (Fc-ADC).
[0160] FIG. 16 shows the steps of: (i) reducing cysteine disulfide
adducts and interchain and intrachain disulfides in a cysteine
engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody (ThioMab) with reducing agent TCEP
(tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride); (ii) partially
oxidizing, i.e. reoxidation to reform interchain and intrachain
disulfides, with dhAA (dehydroascorbic acid); and (iii) conjugation
of the reoxidized antibody with a drug-linker intermediate to form
a cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody drug conjugate
(ADC).
[0161] FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C show the sites of amino acid
substitutions made to generate cysteine-engineered anti-STEAP-1
antibodies (thio-mAbs). FIG. 17A shows the thio-LC variant V205C
with corresponding sequential numbering and standardized numbering
according to the Kabat system. FIG. 17A discloses all sequences as
SEQ ID NO:70. FIG. 17B shows the thio-HC variant A118C with
corresponding sequential numbering and standardized numbering
according to the EU system. FIG. 17B discloses SEQ ID NOs 71-74 and
102-108, respectively, in order of appearance. FIG. 17C shows the
thio-Fc variant S400C with corresponding sequential numbering and
standardized numbering according to the EU system. FIG. 17C
discloses all sequences as SEQ ID NO:109.
[0162] FIGS. 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D, 18E and 18F depict FACS analyses
showing that the anti-STEAP-1 thio antibody drug conjugates (TDCs)
retain the ability to bind to STEAP-1 expressed on the cell
surface. FIGS. 18A, 18B and 18C are FACS plots showing binding of
the anti-STEAP-1 TDCs thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (LCV205C)
(abbreviated as huSteap1 TDC (L205C) vcE and
thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 TDC
(HCA118C) vcE) to human STEAP-1 expressed on the cell surface.
Exogenous STEAP-1 was stably expressed in 293 cells (designated
LB50 cells) and PC3 cells (designated PS5.4 cells) (FIGS. 18A and
18B), and endogenously expressed in LNCaP BR cells (FIG. 18C).
FIGS. 18D, 18E and 18F are alignments of the FACS shifts shown in
FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C, respectively.
[0163] FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C show the relative effectiveness of
the anti-STEAP-1 thio antibody drug conjugates (TDCs)
thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (LCV205C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 TDC
(L205C) vcE) and thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated
as huSteap1 TDC (HCA118C) vcE) to kill STEAP-1 expressing cells in
vitro. LB50 cells (FIG. 19A) are 293 cells transformed with a
vector encoding STEAP-1 such that STEAP-1 is expressed on the cell
surface. PS5.4 cells (FIG. 19B) are PC3 cells transformed with a
vector encoding STEAP-1 such that STEAP-1 is expressed on the cell
surface. LNCaP cells (FIG. 19C) express STEAP-1 endogenously.
[0164] FIG. 20 is a graph showing that administration of
anti-STEAP-1 TDC thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated
as hu Steap1 HC TDC vcE) at 3 mg/kg was shown to be efficacious
relative to controls in a prostate cancer xenograft model of male
SCID-beige mice (androgen-dependent) transplanted with LNCaP cells.
See Example 8.
[0165] FIG. 21 is a graph showing that administration of
anti-STEAP-1 TDC thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated
as hu Steap1 HC TDC vcE) at 3 mg/kg, or thio-human120-MC-MMAF
(HCA118C) (abbreviated as hu Steap1 HC TDC mcF) at 1, 3 or 6 mg/kg,
was shown to be efficacious relative to controls in a prostate
cancer xenograft model of male SCID-beige mice (androgen-dependent)
transplanted with LNCaP cells. See Example 8.
[0166] FIG. 22 is a graph showing that administration of
anti-STEAP-1 TDC thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated
as hu Steap1 HC TDC vcE) at 3 mg/kg, or thio-human120-MC-MMAF
(HCA125C) (abbreviated as hu Steap1 HC TDC mcF) at 3 or 6 mg/kg,
was shown to be efficacious relative to controls in a prostate
cancer xenograft model of castrated SCID-beige mice transplanted
with LuCaP 35V prostate tumor. See Example 8.
[0167] FIGS. 23A and 23B show the sites of amino acid substitutions
made to generate the cysteine-engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody
(thio-mAb) designated "Simmons IV" or simply "SGIV." The amino acid
sequence of the light chain of SGIV (SEQ ID NO:90) is shown in
alignment with the light chain of mu 120 antibody (SEQ ID NO:85)
and 120.v24 antibody (SEQ ID NO:91). The thio-LC variant SGIV with
corresponding sequential numbering and standardized numbering
according to the Kabat system is shown aligned with the parent
antibody mu 120 as well as the thio-LC variant 120.v24 with
corresponding sequential numbering and standardized numbering
according to the Kabat system. The CDRs are boxed (CDR-L1, CDR-L2,
and CDR-L3). The sequences bracketing the CDRs are the framework
sequences (FR-L1 to FR-L4). The sequences are numbered according to
Kabat numbering. The Kabat, Chothia, and contact CDRs are indicated
about the boxed CDRs. See Example 9.
[0168] FIGS. 24A and 24B show the sites of framework amino acid
substitutions made to generate various cysteine-engineered
anti-STEAP-1 antibody (thio-mAb) variants of the SGIV and 120v.24
antibodies as disclosed in FIG. 23A. The amino acid sequence of the
light chain of SGIV is shown with standardized numbering according
to the Kabat system, in alignment with variants LS.VLVH1 (SEQ ID
NO:92); LS.VLVH2 (SEQ ID NO:93); LS.Q (SEQ ID NO:94); and LS.CH1
(SEQ ID NO:95). The amino acid sequence of the light chain of
120.v24 with standardized numbering according to the Kabat system
is shown in alignment with variants ED.FW1 (SEQ ID NO:96); ED.FW2
(SEQ ID NO:97); ED.FW3 (SEQ ID NO:98); ED.all (SEQ ID NO:99);
ED.Pro (SEQ ID NO:100); and ED.pl (SEQ ID NO:101). The CDRs are
boxed. The sequences are numbered according to Kabat numbering. See
Example 9. FIG. 24A discloses the "Simmons IV" and "120v.24"
variant sequences as SEQ ID NOs 110-111, respectively.
[0169] FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C, 25D, 25E, 25F, 25G and 25H show
Scatchard plots of antibody binding to STEAP-1 expressed on the
surface of LNCaP.BR cells. Duplicate samples were measured using
the 120.v24 antibody (FIGS. 25A, 25B, 25C and 25D) and the SGIV
variant (FIGS. 25E, 25F, 25G and 25H). See Example 9.
[0170] FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C, 26D, 26E, 26F, 26G and 25H show
Scatchard plots of antibody binding to STEAP-1 expressed on the
surface of 293.LB50 cells. Duplicate samples were measured using
the 120.v24 antibody (FIGS. 26A, 26B, 26C and 26D) and the SGIV
variant (FIGS. 26E, 26F, 26G and 26H). See Example 9.
[0171] FIG. 27 is a table comparing the average binding affinities,
as measured by Scatchard analysis, for the mu 1789, mu 120, Fc
chimera, humanized 120.v24, thio-120.v24 and thio-SGIV antibodies
in PC-3-PS5.4, 293-LB50 and LNCaP-BR cells, as well as in 293 cells
transiently expressing STEAP-1. See Example 9.
[0172] FIGS. 28A, 28B, 28C and 28D depict a FACS analysis showing
FACS shifts on cells stably transfected with STEAP-1 (293 STEAP-1
LB48, 293 STEAP-1 LB50 and 293 STEAP-1 LB53, respectively) with
SGIV and 120.v24 antibody samples. See Example 9.
[0173] FIG. 29 shows the antibody titer observed in different
harvests from cells producing SGIV or 120.v24 antibody.
[0174] FIG. 30 shows zirconium-89 PET imaging in animals dosed with
100uCi ZR89-anti-STEAP-1 and imaged 4 days later wherein uptake of
Zr89-STEAP-1 is highest in Lucap35V and lowest in Lucap 96.1
similar to in vitro characterization.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0175] Isolated antibodies that bind to STEAP-1 are provided.
Immunoconjugates comprising anti-STEAP-1 antibodies are further
provided. Antibodies and immunoconjugates of the invention are
useful, e.g., for the diagnosis or treatment of disorders
associated with altered expression, e.g., increased expression, of
STEAP-1. In certain embodiments, antibodies or immunoconjugates of
the invention are useful for the diagnosis or treatment of a cell
proliferative disorder, such as a tumor or cancer. In certain
embodiments, STEAP-1 is expressed in tumor or cancer of prostate,
lung, or colon tissue. In certain embodiments, antibodies or
immunoconjugates of the invention are useful for the detection of
STEAP-1, e.g., STEAP-1 expressed on the cell surface. In certain
embodiments, antibodies or immunoconjugates of the invention are
useful for the detection of STEAP-1 expression on the surface of
normal and/or tumor or cancer cells of prostate, lung or colon
tissue.
[0176] Polynucleotides encoding anti-STEAP-1 antibodies are
provided. Vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding anti-STEAP-1
antibodies are provided, and host cells comprising such vectors are
provided. Compositions, including pharmaceutical formulations,
comprising any one or more of the polynucleotides, anti-STEAP-1
antibodies, or immunoconjugates of the invention are also
provided.
[0177] Methods of treating a cell proliferative disorder, including
but not limited to tumor or cancer, with an anti-STEAP-1 antibody,
antibody drug conjugate or immunoconjugate are provided. Such
methods include, but are not limited to, treatment of tumor or
cancer in prostate, lung or colon of a mammal. Methods of detecting
STEAP-1 expression on a tissue cell using an anti-STEAP-1 antibody,
antibody drug conjugate or immunoconjugate are provided. Such
methods include, but are not limited to, detection of STEAP-1
expression on, as a non-limiting example, a normal cell, tumor
cell, or cancer cell of prostate, lung, or colon cell.
[0178] General Techniques
[0179] The techniques and procedures described or referenced herein
are generally well understood and commonly employed using
conventional methodology by those skilled in the art, such as, for
example, the widely utilized methodologies described in Sambrook et
al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual 3rd. edition (2001)
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.;
Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (F. M. Ausubel, et al. eds.,
(2003)); the series Methods in Enzymology (Academic Press, Inc.):
Pcr 2: A Practical Approach (M. J. MacPherson, B. D. Hames and G.
R. Taylor eds. (1995)), Harlow and Lane, eds. (1988) Antibodies, A
Laboratory Manual, and Animal Cell Culture (R. I. Freshney, ed.
(1987)); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M. J. Gait, ed., 1984); Methods
in Molecular Biology, Humana Press; Cell Biology: A Laboratory
Notebook (J. E. Cellis, ed., 1998) Academic Press; Animal Cell
Culture (R. I. Freshney), ed., 1987); Introduction to Cell and
Tissue Culture (J. P. Mather and P. E. Roberts, 1998) Plenum Press;
Cell and Tissue Culture: Laboratory Procedures (A. Doyle, J. B.
Griffiths, and D. G. Newell, eds., 1993-8) J. Wiley and Sons;
Handbook of Experimental Immunology (D. M. Weir and C. C.
Blackwell, eds.); Gene Transfer Vectors for Mammalian Cells (J. M.
Miller and M. P. Calos, eds., 1987); PCR: The Polymerase Chain
Reaction, (Mullis et al., eds., 1994); Current Protocols in
Immunology (J. E. Coligan et al., eds., 1991); Short Protocols in
Molecular Biology (Wiley and Sons, 1999); Immunobiology (C. A.
Janeway and P. Travers, 1997); Antibodies (P. Finch, 1997);
Antibodies: A Practical Approach (D. Catty., ed., IRL Press,
1988-1989); Monoclonal Antibodies: A Practical Approach (P.
Shepherd and C. Dean, eds., Oxford University Press, 2000); Using
Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual (E. Harlow and D. Lane (Cold Spring
Harbor Laboratory Press, 1999); The Antibodies (M. Zanetti and J.
D. Capra, eds., Harwood Academic Publishers, 1995); and Cancer:
Principles and Practice of Oncology (V. T. DeVita et al., eds.,
J.B. Lippincott Company, 1993). .sup.89Zr Immuno-PET: Comprehensive
Procedures for the Production of .sup.89Zr-Labeled Monoclonal
Antibodies (Verel I., et al. J Nucl Med; 44:1271-1281, 2003).
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Definitions
[0180] An "isolated" antibody is one which has been identified and
separated and/or recovered from a component of its natural
environment. Contaminant components of its natural environment are
materials which would interfere with research, diagnostic or
therapeutic uses for the antibody, and may include enzymes,
hormones, and other proteinaceous or nonproteinaceous solutes. In
some embodiments, an antibody is purified (1) to greater than 95%
by weight of antibody as determined by, for example, the Lowry
method, and in some embodiments, to greater than 99% by weight; (2)
to a degree sufficient to obtain at least 15 residues of N-terminal
or internal amino acid sequence by use of, for example, a spinning
cup sequenator, or (3) to homogeneity by SDS-PAGE under reducing or
nonreducing conditions using, for example, Coomassie blue or silver
stain. Isolated antibody includes the antibody in situ within
recombinant cells since at least one component of the antibody's
natural environment will not be present. Ordinarily, however,
isolated antibody will be prepared by at least one purification
step.
[0181] An "isolated" nucleic acid molecule is a nucleic acid
molecule that is separated from at least one other nucleic acid
molecule with which it is ordinarily associated, for example, in
its natural environment. An isolated nucleic acid molecule further
includes a nucleic acid molecule contained in cells that ordinarily
express the nucleic acid molecule, but the nucleic acid molecule is
present extrachromosomally or at a chromosomal location that is
different from its natural chromosomal location.
[0182] "Purified" means that a molecule is present in a sample at a
concentration of at least 95% by weight, or at least 98% by weight
of the sample in which it is contained.
[0183] The term "substantially similar" or "substantially the
same," as used herein, denotes a sufficiently high degree of
similarity between two numeric values (for example, one associated
with an antibody of the invention and the other associated with a
reference/comparator antibody), such that one of skill in the art
would consider the difference between the two values to be of
little or no biological and/or statistical significance within the
context of the biological characteristic measured by said values
(e.g., Kd values). The difference between said two values is, for
example, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about
30%, less than about 20%, and/or less than about 10% as a function
of the reference/comparator value.
[0184] The phrase "substantially reduced," or "substantially
different," as used herein, denotes a sufficiently high degree of
difference between two numeric values (generally one associated
with a molecule and the other associated with a
reference/comparator molecule) such that one of skill in the art
would consider the difference between the two values to be of
statistical significance within the context of the biological
characteristic measured by said values (e.g., Kd values). The
difference between said two values is, for example, greater than
about 10%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 30%, greater
than about 40%, and/or greater than about 50% as a function of the
value for the reference/comparator molecule.
[0185] The term "vector," as used herein, is intended to refer to a
nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid
to which it has been linked. One type of vector is a "plasmid,"
which refers to a circular double stranded DNA into which
additional DNA segments may be ligated. Another type of vector is a
phage vector. Another type of vector is a viral vector, wherein
additional DNA segments may be ligated into the viral genome.
Certain vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host
cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors having
a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors).
Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) can be
integrated into the genome of a host cell upon introduction into
the host cell, and thereby are replicated along with the host
genome. Moreover, certain vectors are capable of directing the
expression of genes to which they are operatively linked. Such
vectors are referred to herein as "recombinant expression vectors,"
or simply, "expression vectors." In general, expression vectors of
utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of
plasmids. In the present specification, "plasmid" and "vector" may
be used interchangeably as the plasmid is the most commonly used
form of vector.
[0186] "Polynucleotide," or "nucleic acid," as used interchangeably
herein, refer to polymers of nucleotides of any length, and include
DNA and RNA. The nucleotides can be deoxyribonucleotides,
ribonucleotides, modified nucleotides or bases, and/or their
analogs, or any substrate that can be incorporated into a polymer
by DNA or RNA polymerase or by a synthetic reaction. A
polynucleotide may comprise modified nucleotides, such as
methylated nucleotides and their analogs. If present, modification
to the nucleotide structure may be imparted before or after
assembly of the polymer. The sequence of nucleotides may be
interrupted by non-nucleotide components. A polynucleotide may
comprise modification(s) made after synthesis, such as conjugation
to a label. Other types of modifications include, for example,
"caps," substitution of one or more of the naturally occurring
nucleotides with an analog, internucleotide modifications such as,
for example, those with uncharged linkages (e.g., methyl
phosphonates, phosphotriesters, phosphoamidates, carbamates, etc.)
and with charged linkages (e.g., phosphorothioates,
phosphorodithioates, etc.), those containing pendant moieties, such
as, for example, proteins (e.g., nucleases, toxins, antibodies,
signal peptides, ply-L-lysine, etc.), those with intercalators
(e.g., acridine, psoralen, etc.), those containing chelators (e.g.,
metals, radioactive metals, boron, oxidative metals, etc.), those
containing alkylators, those with modified linkages (e.g., alpha
anomeric nucleic acids, etc.), as well as unmodified forms of the
polynucleotides(s). Further, any of the hydroxyl groups ordinarily
present in the sugars may be replaced, for example, by phosphonate
groups, phosphate groups, protected by standard protecting groups,
or activated to prepare additional linkages to additional
nucleotides, or may be conjugated to solid or semi-solid supports.
The 5' and 3' terminal OH can be phosphorylated or substituted with
amines or organic capping group moieties of from 1 to 20 carbon
atoms. Other hydroxyls may also be derivatized to standard
protecting groups. Polynucleotides can also contain analogous forms
of ribose or deoxyribose sugars that are generally known in the
art, including, for example, 2'-O-methyl-, 2'-O-allyl-, 2'-fluoro-
or 2'-azido-ribose, carbocyclic sugar analogs, .alpha.-anomeric
sugars, epimeric sugars such as arabinose, xyloses or lyxoses,
pyranose sugars, furanose sugars, sedoheptuloses, acyclic analogs,
and basic nucleoside analogs such as methyl riboside. One or more
phosphodiester linkages may be replaced by alternative linking
groups. These alternative linking groups include, but are not
limited to, embodiments wherein phosphate is replaced by P(O)S
("thioate"), P(S)S ("dithioate"), (O)NR.sub.2 ("amidate"), P(O)R,
P(O)OR', CO, or CH2 ("formacetal"), in which each R or R' is
independently H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl (1-20 C)
optionally containing an ether (--O--) linkage, aryl, alkenyl,
cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or araldyl. Not all linkages in a
polynucleotide need be identical. The preceding description applies
to all polynucleotides referred to herein, including RNA and
DNA.
[0187] "Oligonucleotide," as used herein, generally refers to
short, generally single-stranded, generally synthetic
polynucleotides that are generally, but not necessarily, less than
about 200 nucleotides in length. The terms "oligonucleotide" and
"polynucleotide" are not mutually exclusive. The description above
for polynucleotides is equally and fully applicable to
oligonucleotides.
[0188] "Percent (%) amino acid sequence identity" with respect to a
reference polypeptide sequence is defined as the percentage of
amino acid residues in a candidate sequence that are identical with
the amino acid residues in the reference polypeptide sequence,
after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to
achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering
any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity.
Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence
identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill
in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer
software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN or Megalign (DNASTAR)
software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate
parameters for aligning sequences, including any algorithms needed
to achieve maximal alignment over the full length of the sequences
being compared. For purposes herein, however, % amino acid sequence
identity values are generated using the sequence comparison
computer program ALIGN-2. The ALIGN-2 sequence comparison computer
program was authored by Genentech, Inc., and the source code has
been filed with user documentation in the U.S. Copyright Office,
Washington D.C., 20559, where it is registered under U.S. Copyright
Registration No. TXU510087. The ALIGN-2 program is publicly
available from Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif., or may
be compiled from the source code. The ALIGN-2 program should be
compiled for use on a UNIX operating system, preferably digital
UNIX V4.0D. All sequence comparison parameters are set by the
ALIGN-2 program and do not vary.
[0189] In situations where ALIGN-2 is employed for amino acid
sequence comparisons, the % amino acid sequence identity of a given
amino acid sequence A to, with, or against a given amino acid
sequence B (which can alternatively be phrased as a given amino
acid sequence A that has or comprises a certain % amino acid
sequence identity to, with, or against a given amino acid sequence
B) is calculated as follows:
100 mes the fraction X/Y
[0190] where X is the number of amino acid residues scored as
identical matches by the sequence alignment program ALIGN-2 in that
program's alignment of A and B, and where Y is the total number of
amino acid residues in B. It will be appreciated that where the
length of amino acid sequence A is not equal to the length of amino
acid sequence B, the % amino acid sequence identity of A to B will
not equal the % amino acid sequence identity of B to A. Unless
specifically stated otherwise, all % amino acid sequence identity
values used herein are obtained as described in the immediately
preceding paragraph using the ALIGN-2 computer program.
[0191] The term "STEAP-1," as used herein, refers to any native
STEAP-1 from any vertebrate source, including mammals such as
primates (e.g. humans, cynomolgus monkey (cyno)) and rodents (e.g.,
mice and rats), unless otherwise indicated. The term encompasses
"full-length," unprocessed STEAP-1 as well as any form of STEAP-1
that results from processing in the cell. The term also encompasses
naturally occurring variants of STEAP-1, e.g., splice variants,
allelic variants, and isoforms. The amino acid sequence of human
STEAP-1 is depicted in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO:1). In one embodiment,
STEAP-1 is expressed on the cell surface, such as on the surface of
a normal prostate, lung or colon cell, and has increased expression
in prostate, lung or colon cancer cells or metastases of such
cancer cells. FIG. 1 also depicts the amino acid sequence of
STEAP-1 from mouse and cynomolgus monkey (SEQ ID NOs:2 and 3,
respectively).
[0192] "Antibodies" (Abs) and "immunoglobulins" (Igs) are
glycoproteins having similar structural characteristics. While
antibodies exhibit binding specificity to a specific antigen,
immunoglobulins include both antibodies and other antibody-like
molecules which generally lack antigen specificity. Polypeptides of
the latter kind are, for example, produced at low levels by the
lymph system and at increased levels by myelomas.
[0193] The terms "antibody" and "immunoglobulin" are used
interchangeably in the broadest sense and include monoclonal
antibodies (e.g., full length or intact monoclonal antibodies),
polyclonal antibodies, monovalent antibodies, multivalent
antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies
so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity) and may
also include certain antibody fragments (as described in greater
detail herein). An antibody can be chimeric, human, humanized
and/or affinity matured.
[0194] The term "anti-STEAP-1 antibody" or "an antibody that binds
to STEAP-1" refers to an antibody that is capable of binding
STEAP-1 with sufficient affinity such that the antibody is useful
as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent in targeting STEAP-1.
Preferably, the extent of binding of an anti-STEAP-1 antibody to an
unrelated, non-STEAP-1 protein is less than about 10% of the
binding of the antibody to STEAP-1 as measured, e.g., by a
radioimmunoassay (RIA). In certain embodiments, an antibody that
binds to STEAP-1 has a dissociation constant (Kd) of .ltoreq.1
.mu.M, .ltoreq.100 nM, .ltoreq.10 nM, .ltoreq.1 nM, or .ltoreq.0.1
nM. In certain embodiments, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody binds to an
epitope of STEAP-1 that is conserved among STEAP-1 from different
species.
[0195] The "variable region" or "variable domain" of an antibody
refers to the amino-terminal domains of the heavy or light chain of
the antibody. The variable domain of the heavy chain may be
referred to as "VH." The variable domain of the light chain may be
referred to as "VL." These domains are generally the most variable
parts of an antibody and contain the antigen-binding sites.
[0196] The term "variable" refers to the fact that certain portions
of the variable domains differ extensively in sequence among
antibodies and are used in the binding and specificity of each
particular antibody for its particular antigen. However, the
variability is not evenly distributed throughout the variable
domains of antibodies. It is concentrated in three segments called
complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) or hypervariable regions
(HVRs) both in the light-chain and the heavy-chain variable
domains. The more highly conserved portions of variable domains are
called the framework regions (FR). The variable domains of native
heavy and light chains each comprise four FR regions, largely
adopting a beta-sheet configuration, connected by three CDRs, which
form loops connecting, and in some cases forming part of, the
beta-sheet structure. The CDRs in each chain are held together in
close proximity by the FR regions and, with the CDRs from the other
chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen-binding site of
antibodies (see Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of
Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, National Institute of
Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991)). The constant domains are not
involved directly in the binding of an antibody to an antigen, but
exhibit various effector functions, such as participation of the
antibody in antibody-dependent cellular toxicity.
[0197] The "light chains" of antibodies (immunoglobulins) from any
vertebrate species can be assigned to one of two clearly distinct
types, called kappa (.kappa.) and lambda (.lamda.), based on the
amino acid sequences of their constant domains.
[0198] Depending on the amino acid sequences of the constant
domains of their heavy chains, antibodies (immunoglobulins) can be
assigned to different classes. There are five major classes of
immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM, and several of these
may be further divided into subclasses (isotypes), e.g., IgG.sub.1,
IgG.sub.2, IgG.sub.3, IgG.sub.4, IgA.sub.1, and IgA.sub.2. The
heavy chain constant domains that correspond to the different
classes of immunoglobulins are called .alpha., .delta., .epsilon.,
.gamma., and .mu., respectively. The subunit structures and
three-dimensional configurations of different classes of
immunoglobulins are well known and described generally in, for
example, Abbas et al. Cellular and Mol. Immunology, 4th ed. (2000).
An antibody may be part of a larger fusion molecule, formed by
covalent or non-covalent association of the antibody with one or
more other proteins or peptides.
[0199] The terms "full length antibody," "intact antibody" and
"whole antibody" are used herein interchangeably to refer to an
antibody in its substantially intact form, not antibody fragments
as defined below. The terms particularly refer to an antibody with
heavy chains that contain the Fc region.
[0200] "Antibody fragments" comprise only a portion of an intact
antibody, wherein the portion retains at least one, and as many as
most or all, of the functions normally associated with that portion
when present in an intact antibody. In one embodiment, an antibody
fragment comprises an antigen binding site of the intact antibody
and thus retains the ability to bind antigen. In another
embodiment, an antibody fragment, for example one that comprises
the Fc region, retains at least one of the biological functions
normally associated with the Fc region when present in an intact
antibody, such as FcRn binding, antibody half life modulation, ADCC
function and complement binding. In one embodiment, an antibody
fragment is a monovalent antibody that has an in vivo half life
substantially similar to an intact antibody. For example, such an
antibody fragment may comprise on antigen binding arm linked to an
Fc sequence capable of conferring in vivo stability to the
fragment.
[0201] Papain digestion of antibodies produces two identical
antigen-binding fragments, called "Fab" fragments, each with a
single antigen-binding site, and a residual "Fc" fragment, whose
name reflects its ability to crystallize readily. Pepsin treatment
yields an F(ab').sub.2 fragment that has two antigen-combining
sites and is still capable of cross-linking antigen.
[0202] "Fv" is the minimum antibody fragment which contains a
complete antigen-binding site. In one embodiment, a two-chain Fv
species consists of a dimer of one heavy- and one light-chain
variable domain in tight, non-covalent association. In a
single-chain Fv (scFv) species, one heavy- and one light-chain
variable domain can be covalently linked by a flexible peptide
linker such that the light and heavy chains can associate in a
"dimeric" structure analogous to that in a two-chain Fv species. It
is in this configuration that the three CDRs of each variable
domain interact to define an antigen-binding site on the surface of
the VH-VL dimer. Collectively, the six CDRs confer antigen-binding
specificity to the antibody. However, even a single variable domain
(or half of an Fv comprising only three CDRs specific for an
antigen) has the ability to recognize and bind antigen, although at
a lower affinity than the entire binding site.
[0203] The Fab fragment contains the heavy- and light-chain
variable domains and also contains the constant domain of the light
chain and the first constant domain (CH1) of the heavy chain. Fab'
fragments differ from Fab fragments by the addition of a few
residues at the carboxy terminus of the heavy chain CH1 domain
including one or more cysteines from the antibody hinge region.
Fab'-SH is the designation herein for Fab' in which the cysteine
residue(s) of the constant domains bear a free thiol group.
F(ab').sub.2 antibody fragments originally were produced as pairs
of Fab' fragments which have hinge cysteines between them. Other
chemical couplings of antibody fragments are also known.
[0204] "Single-chain Fv" or "scFv" antibody fragments comprise the
VH and VL domains of antibody, wherein these domains are present in
a single polypeptide chain. Generally, the scFv polypeptide further
comprises a polypeptide linker between the VH and VL domains which
enables the scFv to form the desired structure for antigen binding.
For a review of scFv see Pluckthun, in The Pharmacology of
Monoclonal Antibodies, vol. 113, Rosenburg and Moore eds.,
Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 269-315 (1994).
[0205] The term "diabodies" refers to small antibody fragments with
two antigen-binding sites, which fragments comprise a heavy-chain
variable domain (VH) connected to a light-chain variable domain
(VL) in the same polypeptide chain (VH-VL). By using a linker that
is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same
chain, the domains are forced to pair with the complementary
domains of another chain and create two antigen-binding sites.
Diabodies may be bivalent or bispecific. Diabodies are described
more fully in, for example, EP 404,097; WO93/1161; Hudson et al.
(2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134; and Holliger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 90: 6444-6448 (1993). Triabodies and tetrabodies are also
described in Hudson et al. (2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134.
[0206] The term "monoclonal antibody" as used herein refers to an
antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous
antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the
population are identical except for possible mutations, e.g.,
naturally occurring mutations, that may be present in minor
amounts. Thus, the modifier "monoclonal" indicates the character of
the antibody as not being a mixture of discrete antibodies. In
certain embodiments, such a monoclonal antibody typically includes
an antibody comprising a polypeptide sequence that binds a target,
wherein the target-binding polypeptide sequence was obtained by a
process that includes the selection of a single target binding
polypeptide sequence from a plurality of polypeptide sequences. For
example, the selection process can be the selection of a unique
clone from a plurality of clones, such as a pool of hybridoma
clones, phage clones, or recombinant DNA clones. It should be
understood that a selected target binding sequence can be further
altered, for example, to improve affinity for the target, to
humanize the target binding sequence, to improve its production in
cell culture, to reduce its immunogenicity in vivo, to create a
multispecific antibody, etc., and that an antibody comprising the
altered target binding sequence is also a monoclonal antibody of
this invention. In contrast to polyclonal antibody preparations
which typically include different antibodies directed against
different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonal antibody of a
monoclonal antibody preparation is directed against a single
determinant on an antigen. In addition to their specificity,
monoclonal antibody preparations are advantageous in that they are
typically uncontaminated by other immunoglobulins.
[0207] The modifier "monoclonal" indicates the character of the
antibody as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous
population of antibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring
production of the antibody by any particular method. For example,
the monoclonal antibodies to be used in accordance with the present
invention may be made by a variety of techniques, including, for
example, the hybridoma method (e.g., Kohler et al., Nature, 256:
495 (1975); Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, (Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 2.sup.nd ed. 1988); Hammerling et
al., in: Monoclonal Antibodies and T-Cell Hybridomas 563-681
(Elsevier, N.Y., 1981)), recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g., U.S.
Pat. No. 4,816,567), phage display technologies (see, e.g.,
Clackson et al., Nature, 352: 624-628 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol.
Biol. 222: 581-597 (1991); Sidhu et al., J. Mol. Biol. 338(2):
299-310 (2004); Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol. 340(5): 1073-1093 (2004);
Fellouse, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101(34): 12467-12472 (2004);
and Lee et al., J. Immunol. Methods 284(1-2): 119-132(2004), and
technologies for producing human or human-like antibodies in
animals that have parts or all of the human immunoglobulin loci or
genes encoding human immunoglobulin sequences (see, e.g.,
WO98/24893; WO96/34096; WO96/33735; WO91/10741; Jakobovits et al.,
Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90: 2551 (1993); Jakobovits et al.,
Nature 362: 255-258 (1993); Bruggemann et al., Year in Immunol.
7:33 (1993); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,807; 5,545,806; 5,569,825;
5,625,126; 5,633,425; 5,661,016; Marks et al., Bio. Technology 10:
779-783 (1992); Lonberg et al., Nature 368: 856-859 (1994);
Morrison, Nature 368: 812-813 (1994); Fishwild et al., Nature
Biotechnol. 14: 845-851 (1996); Neuberger, Nature Biotechnol. 14:
826 (1996) and Lonberg and Huszar, Intern. Rev. Immunol. 13: 65-93
(1995).
[0208] The monoclonal antibodies herein specifically include
"chimeric" antibodies in which a portion of the heavy and/or light
chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in
antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a
particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder of the
chain(s) is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences
in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another
antibody class or subclass, as well as fragments of such
antibodies, so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity
(U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; and Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad.
Sci. USA 81:6851-6855 (1984)).
[0209] "Humanized" forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are
chimeric antibodies that contain minimal sequence derived from
non-human immunoglobulin. In one embodiment, a humanized antibody
is a human immunoglobulin (recipient antibody) in which residues
from a hypervariable region of the recipient are replaced by
residues from a hypervariable region of a non-human species (donor
antibody) such as mouse, rat, rabbit, or nonhuman primate having
the desired specificity, affinity, and/or capacity. In some
instances, framework region (FR) residues of the human
immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues.
Furthermore, humanized antibodies may comprise residues that are
not found in the recipient antibody or in the donor antibody. These
modifications may be made to further refine antibody performance.
In general, a humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of
at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or
substantially all of the hypervariable loops correspond to those of
a non-human immunoglobulin, and all or substantially all the FRs
are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized
antibody optionally will also comprise at least a portion of an
immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human
immunoglobulin. For further details, see Jones et al., Nature
321:522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al., Nature 332:323-327 (1988);
and Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 2:593-596 (1992). See also the
following review articles and references cited therein: Vaswani and
Hamilton, Ann. Allergy, Asthma & Immunol. 1:105-115 (1998);
Harris, Biochem. Soc. Transactions 23:1035-1038 (1995); Hurle and
Gross, Curr. Op. Biotech. 5:428-433 (1994).
[0210] A "human antibody" is one which possesses an amino acid
sequence which corresponds to that of an antibody produced by a
human and/or has been made using any of the techniques for making
human antibodies as disclosed herein. This definition of a human
antibody specifically excludes a humanized antibody comprising
non-human antigen-binding residues.
[0211] The term "hypervariable region," "HVR," or "HV," when used
herein refers to the regions of an antibody variable domain which
are hypervariable in sequence and/or form structurally defined
loops. Generally, antibodies comprise six hypervariable regions;
three in the VH (H1, H2, H3), and three in the VL (L1, L2, L3). In
native antibodies, H3 and L3 display the most diversity of the six
hypervariable regions, and H3 in particular is believed to play a
unique role in conferring fine specificity to antibodies. Xu et al.
(2000) Immunity 13:37-45; Johnson and Wu (2003) in Methods in
Molecular Biology 248:11-25 (Lo, ed., Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.).
Indeed, naturally occurring camelid antibodies consisting of a
heavy chain only are functional and stable in the absence of light
chain. Hamers-Casterman et al. (1993) Nature 363:446-448; Sheriff
et al. (1996) Nature Struct. Biol. 3:733-736.
[0212] A number of hypervariable region delineations are in use and
are encompassed herein. The Kabat Complementarity Determining
Regions (CDRs) are based on sequence variability and are the most
commonly used (Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological
Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of
Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991)). Chothia refers instead to the
location of the structural loops (Chothia and Lesk J. Mol. Biol.
196:901-917 (1987)). The AbM hypervariable regions represent a
compromise between the Kabat CDRs and Chothia structural loops, and
are used by Oxford Molecular's AbM antibody modeling software. The
"contact" hypervariable regions are based on an analysis of the
available complex crystal structures. The residues from each of
these hypervariable regions are noted below.
TABLE-US-00002 Loop Kabat AbM Chothia Contact L1 L24-L34 L24-L34
L26-L32 L30-L36 L2 L50-L56 L50-L56 L50-L52 L46-L55 L3 L89-L97
L89-L97 L91-L96 L89-L96 H1 H31-H35B H26-H35B H26-H32 H30-H35B
(Kabat Numbering) H1 H31-H35 H26-H35 H26-H32 H30-H35 (Chothia
Numbering) H2 H50-H65 H50-H58 H53-H55 H47-H58 H3 H95-H102 H95-H102
H96-H101 H93-H101
[0213] Hypervariable regions may comprise "extended hypervariable
regions" as follows: 24-36 or 24-34 (L1), 46-56 or 50-56 (L2) and
89-97 or 89-96 (L3) in the VL and 26-35 or 26-35A (H1), 50-65 or
49-65 (H2) and 93-102, 94-102, or 95-102 (H3) in the VH. The
variable domain residues are numbered according to Kabat et al.,
supra, for each of these definitions. The HVR-H1, HVR-H2, and
HVR-H3 hypervariable regions of the humanized anti-STEAP-1 120v.24
antibodies of the invention are H26-H35A, H49-H6, and H95-H102
using Kabat numbering. The HVR-L1, HVR-L2, and HVR-L3 hypervariable
regions of the humanized anti-STEAP-1 120v.24 antibodies of the
invention are L24-34, L50-56, and L89-97 using Kabat numbering. As
used herein, the terms "HVR" and "CDR" are used
interchangeably.
[0214] "Framework" or "FR" residues are those variable domain
residues other than the hypervariable region residues as herein
defined.
[0215] The term "variable domain residue numbering as in Kabat" or
"amino acid position numbering as in Kabat," and variations
thereof, refers to the numbering system used for heavy chain
variable domains or light chain variable domains of the compilation
of antibodies in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of
Immunological Interest, 5.sup.th 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 HVR of the variable domain. For example,
a heavy chain variable domain may include a single amino acid
insert (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.
[0216] An "affinity matured" antibody is one with one or more
alterations in one or more HVRs thereof which result in an
improvement in the affinity of the antibody for antigen, compared
to a parent antibody which does not possess those alteration(s). In
one embodiment, an affinity matured antibody has nanomolar or even
picomolar affinities for the target antigen. Affinity matured
antibodies are produced by procedures known in the art. Marks et
al. Bio/Technology 10:779-783 (1992) describes affinity maturation
by VH and VL domain shuffling. Random mutagenesis of HVR and/or
framework residues is described by: Barbas et al. Proc Nat. Acad.
Sci. USA 91:3809-3813 (1994); Schier et al. Gene 169:147-155
(1996); Yelton et al. J. Immunol. 155:1994-2004 (1995); Jackson et
al., J. Immunol. 154(7):3310-9 (1995); and Hawkins et al, J. Mol.
Biol. 226:889-896 (1992).
[0217] A "blocking" antibody or an "antagonist" antibody is one
which inhibits or reduces biological activity of the antigen it
binds. Certain blocking antibodies or antagonist antibodies
substantially or completely inhibit the biological activity of the
antigen.
[0218] An "agonist antibody," as used herein, is an antibody which
mimics at least one of the functional activities of a polypeptide
of interest.
[0219] Antibody "effector functions" refer to those biological
activities attributable to the Fc region (a native sequence Fc
region or amino acid sequence variant Fc region) of an antibody,
and vary with the antibody isotype. Examples of antibody effector
functions include: C1q binding and complement dependent
cytotoxicity; Fc receptor binding; antibody-dependent cell-mediated
cytotoxicity (ADCC); phagocytosis; down regulation of cell surface
receptors (e.g. B cell receptor); and B cell activation.
[0220] "Fc receptor" or "FcR" describes a receptor that binds to
the Fc region of an antibody. In some embodiments, an FcR is a
native human FcR. In some embodiments, an FcR is one which binds an
IgG antibody (a gamma receptor) and includes receptors of the
Fc.gamma.RI, Fc.gamma.RII, and Fc.gamma.RIII subclasses, including
allelic variants and alternatively spliced forms of those
receptors. Fc.gamma.RII receptors include Fc.gamma.RIIA (an
"activating receptor") and Fc.gamma.RIIB (an "inhibiting
receptor"), which have similar amino acid sequences that differ
primarily in the cytoplasmic domains thereof. Activating receptor
Fc.gamma.RIIA contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation
motif (ITAM) in its cytoplasmic domain. Inhibiting receptor
Fc.gamma.RIIB contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition
motif (ITIM) in its cytoplasmic domain. (see Daeron, Annu. Rev.
Immunol. 15:203-234 (1997)). FcRs are reviewed in Ravetch and
Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol 9:457-92 (1991); Capel et al.,
Immunomethods 4:25-34 (1994); and de Haas et al., J. Lab. Clin.
Med. 126:330-41 (1995). Other FcRs, including those to be
identified in the future, are encompassed by the term "FcR"
herein.
[0221] The term "Fc receptor" or "FcR" also includes the neonatal
receptor, FcRn, which is responsible for the transfer of maternal
IgGs to the fetus (Guyer et al., J. Immunol. 117:587 (1976) and Kim
et al., J. Immunol. 24:249 (1994)) and regulation of homeostasis of
immunoglobulins. Methods of measuring binding to FcRn are known
(see, e.g., Ghetie 1997, Hinton 2004). Binding to human FcRn in
vivo and serum half life of human FcRn high affinity binding
polypeptides can be assayed, e.g., in transgenic mice or
transfected human cell lines expressing human FcRn, or in primates
administered with the Fc variant polypeptides.
[0222] WO00/42072 (Presta) describes antibody variants with
improved or diminished binding to FcRs. The content of that patent
publication is specifically incorporated herein by reference. See,
also, Shields et al. J. Biol. Chem. 9(2): 6591-6604 (2001).
[0223] "Human effector cells" are leukocytes which express one or
more FcRs and perform effector functions. In certain embodiments,
the cells express at least Fc.gamma.RIII and perform ADCC effector
function(s). Examples of human leukocytes which mediate ADCC
include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), natural killer
(NK) cells, monocytes, cytotoxic T cells and neutrophils. The
effector cells may be isolated from a native source, e.g., from
blood.
[0224] "Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity" or "ADCC"
refers to a form of cytotoxicity in which secreted Ig bound onto Fc
receptors (FcRs) present on certain cytotoxic cells (e.g. Natural
Killer (NK) cells, neutrophils, and macrophages) enable these
cytotoxic effector cells to bind specifically to an antigen-bearing
target cell and subsequently kill the target cell with cytotoxins.
The primary cells for mediating ADCC, NK cells, express
Fc.gamma.RIII only, whereas monocytes express Fc.gamma.RI,
Fc.gamma.RII and Fc.gamma.RIII. FcR expression on hematopoietic
cells is summarized in Table 3 on page 464 of Ravetch and Kinet,
Annu. Rev. Immunol 9:457-92 (1991). To assess ADCC activity of a
molecule of interest, an in vitro ADCC assay, such as that
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,362 or 5,821,337 or Presta U.S.
Pat. No. 6,737,056 may be performed. Useful effector cells for such
assays include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and
Natural Killer (NK) cells. Alternatively, or additionally, ADCC
activity of the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g.,
in a animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes et al. PNAS
(USA) 95:652-656 (1998).
[0225] "Complement dependent cytotoxicity" or "CDC" refers to the
lysis of a target cell in the presence of complement. Activation of
the classical complement pathway is initiated by the binding of the
first component of the complement system (C1q) to antibodies (of
the appropriate subclass) which are bound to their cognate antigen.
To assess complement activation, a CDC assay, e.g. as described in
Gazzano-Santoro et al., J. Immunol. Methods 202:163 (1996), may be
performed.
[0226] Polypeptide variants with altered Fc region amino acid
sequences and increased or decreased C1q binding capability are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,551B1 and WO99/51642. The contents
of those patent publications are specifically incorporated herein
by reference. See, also, Idusogie et al. J. Immunol. 164: 4178-4184
(2000).
[0227] The term "Fc region-comprising polypeptide" refers to a
polypeptide, such as an antibody or immunoadhesin, which comprises
an Fc region. The C-terminal lysine (residue 447 according to the
EU numbering system) of the Fc region may be removed, for example,
during purification of the polypeptide or by recombinant
engineering the nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide. Accordingly,
a composition comprising a polypeptide having an Fc region
according to this invention can comprise polypeptides with K447,
with all K447 removed, or a mixture of polypeptides with and
without the K447 residue.
[0228] An "acceptor human framework" for the purposes herein is a
framework comprising the amino acid sequence of a VL or VH
framework derived from a human immunoglobulin framework or a human
consensus framework. An acceptor human framework "derived from" a
human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework may
comprise the same amino acid sequence thereof, or it may contain
pre-existing amino acid sequence changes. In some embodiments, the
number of pre-existing amino acid changes are 10 or less, 9 or
less, 8 or less, 7 or less, 6 or less, 5 or less, 4 or less, 3 or
less, or 2 or less. Where pre-existing amino acid changes are
present in a VH, preferably those changes occur at only three, two,
or one of positions 71H, 73H and 78H; for instance, the amino acid
residues at those positions may be 71A, 73T and/or 78A. In one
embodiment, the VL acceptor human framework is identical in
sequence to the VL human immunoglobulin framework sequence or human
consensus framework sequence.
[0229] A "human consensus framework" is a framework which
represents the most commonly occurring amino acid residues in a
selection of human immunoglobulin VL or VH framework sequences.
Generally, the selection of human immunoglobulin VL or VH sequences
is from a subgroup of variable domain sequences. Generally, the
subgroup of sequences is a subgroup as in Kabat et al., Sequences
of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5.sup.th Ed. Public Health
Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991). In
one embodiment, for the VL, the subgroup is subgroup kappa I as in
Kabat et al., supra. In one embodiment, for the VH, the subgroup is
subgroup III as in Kabat et al., supra.
[0230] A "VH subgroup III consensus framework" comprises the
consensus sequence obtained from the amino acid sequences in
variable heavy subgroup III of Kabat et al., supra. In one
embodiment, the VH subgroup III consensus framework amino acid
sequence comprises at least a portion or all of each of the
following sequences: EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAAS (FR-H1, SEQ ID
NO:21)-HVR-H1-WVRQAPGKGLEWV (FR-H2, SEQ ID
NO:22)-HVR-H2-RFTISRDTSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR (FR-H3, SEQ ID
NO:23)-HVR-H3-WGQGTLVTVSS (FR-H4, SEQ ID NO:24).
[0231] A "VL subgroup I consensus framework" comprises the
consensus sequence obtained from the amino acid sequences in
variable light kappa subgroup I of Kabat et al., supra. In one
embodiment, the VH subgroup I consensus framework amino acid
sequence comprises at least a portion or all of each of the
following sequences: DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITC (FR-L1, SEQ ID
NO:17)-HVR-L1-WYQQKPGKAPKLLIY (FR-L2, SEQ ID
NO:18)-HVR-L2-GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYC (FR-L3, SEQ ID
NO:19)-HVR-L3-FGQGTKVEIKR (FR-L4, SEQ ID NO:20). "Secretion signal
sequence" or "signal sequence" refers to a nucleic acid sequence
encoding a short signal peptide that can be used to direct a newly
synthesized protein of interest through a cellular membrane,
usually the inner membrane or both inner and outer membranes of
prokaryotes. As such, the protein of interest such as the
immunoglobulin light or heavy chain polypeptide is secreted into
the periplasm of the prokaryotic host cells or into the culture
medium. The signal peptide encoded by the secretion signal sequence
may be endogenous to the host cells, or they may be exogenous,
including signal peptides native to the polypeptide to be
expressed. Secretion signal sequences are typically present at the
amino terminus of a polypeptide to be expressed, and are typically
removed enzymatically between biosynthesis and secretion of the
polypeptide from the cytoplasm. Thus, the signal peptide is usually
not present in a mature protein product.
[0232] A "free cysteine amino acid" refers to a cysteine amino acid
residue which has been engineered into a parent antibody, has a
thiol functional group (--SH), and is not paired as, or otherwise
part of, an intramolecular or intermolecular disulfide bridge.
[0233] The term "thiol reactivity value" is a quantitative
characterization of the reactivity of free cysteine amino acids.
The thiol reactivity value is the percentage of a free cysteine
amino acid in a cysteine engineered antibody which reacts with a
thiol-reactive reagent, and converted to a maximum value of 1. For
example, a free cysteine amino acid on a cysteine engineered
antibody which reacts in 100% yield with a thiol-reactive reagent,
such as a biotin-maleimide reagent, to form a biotin-labelled
antibody has a thiol reactivity value of 1.0. Another cysteine
amino acid engineered into the same or different parent antibody
which reacts in 80% yield with a thiol-reactive reagent has a thiol
reactivity value of 0.8. Another cysteine amino acid engineered
into the same or different parent antibody which fails totally to
react with a thiol-reactive reagent has a thiol reactivity value of
0. Determination of the thiol reactivity value of a particular
cysteine may be conducted by ELISA assay, mass spectroscopy, liquid
chromatography, autoradiography, or other quantitative analytical
tests. Thiol-reactive reagents which allow capture of the cysteine
engineered antibody and comparison and quantitation of the cysteine
reactivity include biotin-PEO-maleimide
((+)-biotinyl-3-maleimidopropionamidyl-3,6-dioxaoctainediamine, Oda
et al (2001) Nature Biotechnology 19:379-382, Pierce Biotechnology,
Inc.) Biotin-BMCC, PEO-Iodoacetyl Biotin, Iodoacetyl-LC-Biotin, and
Biotin-HPDP (Pierce Biotechnology, Inc.), and
Na-(3-maleimidylpropionyl)biocytin (MPB, Molecular Probes, Eugene,
Oreg.). Other commercial sources for biotinylation, bifunctional
and multifunctional linker reagents include Molecular Probes,
Eugene, Oreg., and Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.
[0234] A "parent antibody" is an antibody comprising an amino acid
sequence from which one or more amino acid residues are replaced by
one or more cysteine residues. The parent antibody may comprise a
native or wild type sequence. The parent antibody may have
pre-existing amino acid sequence modifications (such as additions,
deletions and/or substitutions) relative to other native, wild
type, or modified forms of an antibody. A parent antibody may be
directed against a target antigen of interest, e.g. a biologically
important polypeptide. Antibodies directed against nonpolypeptide
antigens (such as tumor-associated glycolipid antigens; see U.S.
Pat. No. 5,091,178) are also contemplated.
[0235] "Binding affinity" generally refers to the strength of the
sum total of noncovalent interactions between a single binding site
of a molecule (e.g., an antibody) and its binding partner (e.g., an
antigen). Unless indicated otherwise, as used herein, "binding
affinity" refers to intrinsic binding affinity which reflects a 1:1
interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., antibody and
antigen). The affinity of a molecule X for its partner Y can
generally be represented by the dissociation constant (Kd).
Affinity can be measured by common methods known in the art,
including those described herein. Low-affinity antibodies generally
bind antigen slowly and tend to dissociate readily, whereas
high-affinity antibodies generally bind antigen faster and tend to
remain bound longer. A variety of methods of measuring binding
affinity are known in the art, any of which can be used for
purposes of the present invention. Specific illustrative
embodiments are described in the following.
[0236] In one embodiment, the "Kd" or "Kd value" according to this
invention is measured by a radiolabeled antigen binding assay (RIA)
performed with the Fab version of an antibody of interest and its
antigen as described by the following assay. Solution binding
affinity of Fabs for antigen is measured by equilibrating Fab with
a minimal concentration of (125I)-labeled antigen in the presence
of a titration series of unlabeled antigen, then capturing bound
antigen with an anti-Fab antibody-coated plate (Chen, et al.,
(1999) J. Mol. Biol. 293:865-881). To establish conditions for the
assay, microtiter plates (Dynex) are coated overnight with 5
.mu.g/ml of a capturing anti-Fab antibody (Cappel Labs) in 50 mM
sodium carbonate (pH 9.6), and subsequently blocked with 2% (w/v)
bovine serum albumin in PBS for two to five hours at room
temperature (approximately 23.degree. C.). In a non-adsorbent plate
(Nunc #269620), 100 pM or 26 pM [.sup.125I]-antigen are mixed with
serial dilutions of a Fab of interest (e.g., consistent with
assessment of the anti-VEGF antibody, Fab-12, in Presta et al.,
(1997) Cancer Res. 57:4593-4599). The Fab of interest is then
incubated overnight; however, the incubation may continue for a
longer period (e.g., about 65 hours) to ensure that equilibrium is
reached. Thereafter, the mixtures are transferred to the capture
plate for incubation at room temperature (e.g., for one hour). The
solution is then removed and the plate washed eight times with 0.1%
Tween-20 in PBS. When the plates have dried, 150 .mu.l/well of
scintillant (MicroScint-20; Packard) is added, and the plates are
counted on a Topcount gamma counter (Packard) for ten minutes.
Concentrations of each Fab that give less than or equal to 20% of
maximal binding are chosen for use in competitive binding
assays.
[0237] According to another embodiment, the Kd or Kd value is
measured by using surface plasmon resonance assays using a
BIAcore.TM.-2000 or a BIAcore.TM.-3000 (BIAcore, Inc., Piscataway,
N.J.) at 25.degree. C. with immobilized antigen CM5 chips at
.about.10 response units (RU). Briefly, carboxymethylated dextran
biosensor chips (CM5, BIAcore.RTM. Inc.) are activated with
N-ethyl-N'-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC)
and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) according to the supplier's
instructions. Antigen is diluted with 10 mM sodium acetate, pH 4.8,
to 5 .mu.g/ml (.about.0.2 .mu.M) before injection at a flow rate of
5 .mu.l/minute to achieve approximately 10 response units (RU) of
coupled protein. Following the injection of antigen, 1 M
ethanolamine is injected to block unreacted groups. For kinetics
measurements, two-fold serial dilutions of Fab (0.78 nM to 500 nM)
are injected in PBS with 0.05% Tween 20 (PBST) at 25.degree. C. at
a flow rate of approximately 25 .mu.l/min. Association rates (kon)
and dissociation rates (koff) are calculated using a simple
one-to-one Langmuir binding model (BIAcore.RTM. Evaluation Software
version 3.2) by simultaneously fitting the association and
dissociation sensorgrams. The equilibrium dissociation constant
(Kd) is calculated as the ratio koff/kon. See, e.g., Chen, Y., et
al., (1999) J. Mol. Biol. 293:865-881. If the on-rate exceeds 106
M-1 s-1 by the surface plasmon resonance assay above, then the
on-rate can be determined by using a fluorescent quenching
technique that measures the increase or decrease in fluorescence
emission intensity (excitation=295 nm; emission=340 nm, 16 nm
band-pass) at 25.degree. C. of a 20 nM anti-antigen antibody (Fab
form) in PBS, pH 7.2, in the presence of increasing concentrations
of antigen as measured in a spectrometer, such as a stop-flow
equipped spectrophotometer (Aviv Instruments) or a 8000-series
SLM-Aminco spectrophotometer (ThermoSpectronic) with a stirred
cuvette.
[0238] An "on-rate," "rate of association," "association rate," or
"k.sub.on," according to this invention can also be determined as
described above using a BIAcore.TM.-2000 or a BIAcore.TM.-3000
system (BIAcore.RTM., Inc., Piscataway, N.J.).
[0239] A "disorder" is any condition or disease that would benefit
from treatment with an substance/molecule or method of the
invention. This includes chronic and acute disorders including
those pathological conditions which predispose the mammal to the
disorder in question. Non-limiting examples of disorders to be
treated herein include cancerous conditions such as cancers or
metastases of prostate, lung, and colon.
[0240] The terms "cell proliferative disorder" and "proliferative
disorder" refer to disorders that are associated with some degree
of abnormal cell proliferation. In one embodiment, the cell
proliferative disorder is cancer.
[0241] "Tumor," as used herein, refers to all neoplastic cell
growth and proliferation, whether malignant or benign, and all
pre-cancerous and cancerous cells and tissues. The terms "cancer,"
"cancerous," "cell proliferative disorder," "proliferative
disorder" and "tumor" are not mutually exclusive as referred to
herein.
[0242] The terms "cancer" and "cancerous" refer to or describe the
physiological condition in mammals that is typically characterized
by unregulated cell growth. Examples of cancer include, but are not
limited to, carcinoma, lymphoma, blastoma, sarcoma, and leukemia or
lymphoid malignancies. More particular examples of such cancers
include squamous cell cancer (e.g. epithelial squamous cell
cancer), lung cancer including small-cell lung cancer, non-small
cell lung cancer, adenocarcinoma of the lung and squamous carcinoma
of the lung, cancer of the peritoneum, hepatocellular cancer,
gastric or stomach cancer including gastrointestinal cancer,
pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer,
liver cancer, bladder cancer, cancer of the urinary tract,
hepatoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, colorectal
cancer, endometrial or uterine carcinoma, salivary gland carcinoma,
kidney or renal cancer, prostate cancer, vulval cancer, thyroid
cancer, hepatic carcinoma, anal carcinoma, penile carcinoma,
melanoma, multiple myeloma and B-cell lymphoma, brain, as well as
head and neck cancer, and associated metastases.
[0243] A "STEAP-1-expressing cell" is a cell which expresses
endogenous or transfected STEAP-1 on the cell surface. A
"STEAP-1-expressing cancer" is a cancer comprising cells that have
STEAP-1 protein present on the cell surface. A "STEAP-1-expressing
cancer" produces sufficient levels of STEAP-1 on the surface of
cells thereof, such that an anti-STEAP-1 antibody can bind thereto
and have a therapeutic effect with respect to the cancer. A cancer
which "overexpresses" STEAP-1 is one which has significantly higher
levels of STEAP-1 at the cell surface thereof, compared to a
noncancerous cell of the same tissue type. Such overexpression may
be caused by gene amplification or by increased transcription or
translation. STEAP-1 overexpression may be determined in a
diagnostic or prognostic assay by evaluating increased levels of
the STEAP-1 protein present on the surface of a cell (e.g. via an
immunohistochemistry assay; FACS analysis). Alternatively, or
additionally, one may measure levels of STEAP-1-encoding nucleic
acid or mRNA in the cell, e.g. via fluorescent in situ
hybridization; (FISH; see WO98/45479 published October, 1998),
Southern blotting, Northern blotting, or polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) techniques, such as real time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR). One
may also study STEAP-1 overexpression by measuring shed antigen in
a biological fluid such as serum, e.g, using antibody-based assays
(see also, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,294 issued Jun. 12, 1990;
WO91/05264 published Apr. 18, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,638 issued
Mar. 28, 1995; and Sias et al. J. Immunol. Methods 132: 73-80
(1990)). Aside from the above assays, various in vivo assays are
available to the skilled practitioner. For example, one may expose
cells within the body of the patient to an antibody which is
optionally labeled with a detectable label, e.g. a radioactive
isotope, and binding of the antibody to cells in the patient can be
evaluated, e.g. by external scanning for radioactivity or by
analyzing a biopsy taken from a patient previously exposed to the
antibody. A STEAP-1-expressing cancer includes prostate, lung, and
colon cancer.
[0244] As used herein, "treatment" (and variations such as "treat"
or "treating") refers to clinical intervention in an attempt to
alter the natural course of the individual or cell being treated,
and can be performed either for prophylaxis or during the course of
clinical pathology. Desirable effects of treatment include
preventing occurrence or recurrence of disease, alleviation of
symptoms, diminishment of any direct or indirect pathological
consequences of the disease, preventing metastasis, decreasing the
rate of disease progression, amelioration or palliation of the
disease state, and remission or improved prognosis. In some
embodiments, antibodies of the invention are used to delay
development of a disease or disorder or to slow the progression of
a disease or disorder.
[0245] The above parameters for assessing successful treatment and
improvement in the disease are readily measurable by routine
procedures familiar to a physician. For cancer therapy, efficacy
can be measured, for example, by assessing the time to disease
progression (TTP) and/or determining the response rate (RR). For
prostate cancer, the progress of therapy can be assessed by routine
methods, usually by measuring serum PSA (prostate specific antigen)
levels; the higher the level of PSA in the blood, the more
extensive the cancer. Commercial assays for detecting PSA are
available, e.g, Hybitech Tandem-E and Tandem-R PSA assay kits, the
Yang ProsCheck polyclonal assay (Yang Labs, Bellevue, Wash.),
Abbott Imx (Abbott Labs, Abbott Park, Ill.), etc. Metastasis can be
determined by staging tests and by bone scan and tests for calcium
level and other enzymes to determine spread to the bone. CT scans
can also be done to look for spread to the pelvis and lymph nodes
in the area. Chest X-rays and measurement of liver enzyme levels by
known methods are used to look for metastasis to the lungs and
liver, respectively. Other routine methods for monitoring the
disease include transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and transrectal
needle biopsy (TRNB).
[0246] An "individual" is a vertebrate. In certain embodiments, the
vertebrate is a mammal. Mammals include, but are not limited to,
farm animals (such as cows), sport animals, pets (such as cats,
dogs, and horses), primates, mice and rats. In certain embodiments,
a mammal is a human.
[0247] An "effective amount" refers to an amount effective, at
dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired
therapeutic or prophylactic result. A "therapeutically effective
amount" of a substance/molecule of the invention may vary according
to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the
individual, and the ability of the substance/molecule, to elicit a
desired response in the individual. A therapeutically effective
amount encompasses an amount in which any toxic or detrimental
effects of the substance/molecule are outweighed by the
therapeutically beneficial effects. A "prophylactically effective
amount" refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods
of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic result.
Typically, but not necessarily, since a prophylactic dose is used
in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, the
prophylactically effective amount would be less than the
therapeutically effective amount. In the case of cancer, the
therapeutically effective amount of the drug may reduce the number
of cancer cells; reduce the tumor size; inhibit (i.e., slow to some
extent and preferably stop) cancer cell infiltration into
peripheral organs; inhibit (i.e., slow to some extent and
preferably stop) tumor metastasis; inhibit, to some extent, tumor
growth; and/or relieve to some extent one or more of the symptoms
associated with the cancer. See preceding definition of "treating".
To the extent the drug may prevent growth and/or kill existing
cancer cells, it may be cytostatic and/or cytotoxic.
[0248] "Chronic" administration refers to administration of the
agent(s) in a continuous mode as opposed to an acute mode, so as to
maintain the initial therapeutic effect (activity) for an extended
period of time. "Intermittent" administration is treatment that is
not consecutively done without interruption, but rather is cyclic
in nature.
[0249] Administration "in combination with" one or more further
therapeutic agents includes simultaneous (concurrent) and
consecutive administration in any order.
[0250] "Carriers" as used herein include pharmaceutically
acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers which are nontoxic
to the cell or mammal being exposed thereto at the dosages and
concentrations employed. Often the physiologically acceptable
carrier is an aqueous pH buffered solution. Examples of
physiologically acceptable carriers include buffers such as
phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including
ascorbic acid; low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues)
polypeptide; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or
immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone;
amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine or
lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates
including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as
EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol; salt-forming
counterions such as sodium; and/or nonionic surfactants such as
TWEEN.TM., polyethylene glycol (PEG), and PLURONICS.TM..
[0251] "Label" as used herein refers to a detectable compound or
composition which is conjugated directly or indirectly to the
antibody so as to generate a "labeled" antibody. The label may be
detectable by itself (e.g. radioisotope labels or fluorescent
labels) or, in the case of an enzymatic label, may catalyze
chemical alteration of a substrate compound or composition which is
detectable.
[0252] The term "ImmunoPET" is a term used for positron emission
tomography (PET) of radiolabelled antibodies including antibody
drug conjugates such as anti-STEAP-1-vc-MMAE ADC or thioMAb drug
conjugates (TDC). The term ".sup.89Zr-STEAP-1 Immuno-PET" refers to
the zirconium radiolabeled PET imaging of STEAP-1.
[0253] The term "epitope tagged" used herein refers to a chimeric
polypeptide comprising an anti-PSCA antibody polypeptide fused to a
"tag polypeptide". The tag polypeptide has enough residues to
provide an epitope against which an antibody can be made, yet is
short enough such that it does not interfere with activity of the
Ig polypeptide to which it is fused. The tag polypeptide is also
preferably fairly unique so that the antibody does not
substantially cross-react with other epitopes. Suitable tag
polypeptides generally have at least six amino acid residues and
usually between about 8 and 50 amino acid residues (preferably,
between about 10 and 20 amino acid residues).
[0254] A "small molecule" is defined herein to have a molecular
weight below about 500 Daltons.
[0255] The term "package insert" is used to refer to instructions
customarily included in commercial packages of therapeutic
products, that contain information about the indications, usage,
dosage, administration, contraindications and/or warnings
concerning the use of such therapeutic products.
[0256] An "isolated nucleic acid" is a nucleic acid, e.g., an RNA,
DNA, or a mixed polymer, which is substantially separated from
other genome DNA sequences as well as proteins or complexes such as
ribosomes and polymerases, which naturally accompany a native
sequence. The term embraces a nucleic acid sequence which has been
removed from its naturally occurring environment, and includes
recombinant or cloned DNA isolates and chemically synthesized
analogues or analogues biologically synthesized by heterologous
systems. A substantially pure molecule includes isolated forms of
the molecule.
[0257] "Vector" includes shuttle and expression vectors. Typically,
the plasmid construct will also include an origin of replication
(e.g., the ColE1 origin of replication) and a selectable marker
(e.g., ampicillin or tetracycline resistance), for replication and
selection, respectively, of the plasmids in bacteria. An
"expression vector" refers to a vector that contains the necessary
control sequences or regulatory elements for expression of the
antibodies including antibody fragment of the invention, in
bacterial or eukaryotic cells. Suitable vectors are disclosed
below.
[0258] The cell that produces an anti-STEAP-1 antibody of the
invention will include the parent hybridoma cell e.g., the
hybridomas that are deposited with the ATCC, as well as bacterial
and eukaryotic host cells into which nucleic acid encoding the
antibodies have been introduced. Suitable host cells are disclosed
below.
[0259] A "growth inhibitory agent" when used herein refers to a
compound or composition which inhibits growth of a cell, especially
a PSCA expressing cancer cell, either in vitro or in vivo. Thus,
the growth inhibitory agent may be one which significantly reduces
the percentage of PSCA expressing cells in S phase. Examples of
growth inhibitory agents include agents that block cell cycle
progression (at a place other than S phase), such as agents that
induce G1 arrest and M-phase arrest. Classical M-phase blockers
include the vincas (vincristine and vinblastine), taxanes, and
topoisomerase II inhibitors such as doxorubicin, epirubicin,
daunorubicin, etoposide, and bleomycin. Those agents that arrest G1
also spill over into S-phase arrest, for example, DNA alkylating
agents such as tamoxifen, prednisone, dacarbazine, mechlorethamine,
cisplatin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and ara-C. Further
information can be found in The Molecular Basis of Cancer,
Mendelsohn and Israel, eds., Chapter 1, entitled "Cell cycle
regulation, oncogenes, and antineoplastic drugs" by Murakami et al.
(WB Saunders: Philadelphia, 1995), especially p. 13. The taxanes
(paclitaxel and docetaxel) are anticancer drugs both derived from
the yew tree. Docetaxel (TAXOTERE.RTM., Rhone-Poulenc Rorer),
derived from the European yew, is a semisynthetic analogue of
paclitaxel (TAXOL.RTM., Bristol-Myers Squibb). Paclitaxel and
docetaxel promote the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers
and stabilize microtubules by preventing depolymerization, which
results in the inhibition of mitosis in cells.
[0260] The term "cytotoxic agent" as used herein refers to a
substance that inhibits or prevents a cellular function and/or
causes cell death or destruction. The term is intended to include
radioactive isotopes (e.g., At.sup.211, I.sup.131, I.sup.125,
Y.sup.90, Re.sup.186, Re.sup.188, Sm.sup.153, Bi.sup.212, P.sup.32,
Pb.sup.212 and radioactive isotopes of Lu), chemotherapeutic agents
(e.g., methotrexate, adriamicin, vinca alkaloids (vincristine,
vinblastine, etoposide), doxorubicin, melphalan, mitomycin C,
chlorambucil, daunorubicin or other intercalating agents, enzymes
and fragments thereof such as nucleolytic enzymes, antibiotics, and
toxins such as small molecule toxins or enzymatically active toxins
of bacterial, fungal, plant or animal origin, including fragments
and/or variants thereof, toxins, growth inhibitory agents, drug
moieties, and the various antitumor or anticancer agents disclosed
below. Other cytotoxic agents are described below. A tumoricidal
agent causes destruction of tumor cells.
[0261] A "toxin" is any substance capable of having a detrimental
effect on the growth or proliferation of a cell.
[0262] A "chemotherapeutic agent" is a chemical compound useful in
the treatment of cancer. Examples of chemotherapeutic agents
include alkylating agents such as thiotepa and CYTOXAN.RTM.
cyclosphosphamide; alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan, improsulfan
and piposulfan; aziridines such as benzodopa, carboquone,
meturedopa, and uredopa; ethylenimines and methylamelamines
including altretamine, triethylenemelamine,
triethylenephosphoramide, triethylenethiophosphoramide and
trimethylolomelamine; acetogenins (especially bullatacin and
bullatacinone); delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (dronabinol,
MARINOL.RTM.); beta-lapachone; lapachol; colchicines; betulinic
acid; a camptothecin (including the synthetic analogue topotecan
(HYCAMTIN.RTM.), CPT-11 (irinotecan, CAMPTOSAR.RTM.),
acetylcamptothecin, scopolectin, and 9-aminocamptothecin);
bryostatin; callystatin; CC-1065 (including its adozelesin,
carzelesin and bizelesin synthetic analogues); podophyllotoxin;
podophyllinic acid; teniposide; cryptophycins (particularly
cryptophycin 1 and cryptophycin 8); dolastatin; duocarmycin
(including the synthetic analogues, KW-2189 and CB1-TM1);
eleutherobin; pancratistatin; a sarcodictyin; spongistatin;
nitrogen mustards such as chlorambucil, chlornaphazine,
cholophosphamide, estramustine, ifosfamide, mechlorethamine,
mechlorethamine oxide hydrochloride, melphalan, novembichin,
phenesterine, prednimustine, trofosfamide, uracil mustard;
nitrosoureas such as carmustine, chlorozotocin, fotemustine,
lomustine, nimustine, and ranimnustine; antibiotics such as the
enediyne antibiotics (e. g., calicheamicin, especially
calicheamicin gammall and calicheamicin omegall (see, e.g., Agnew,
Chem Intl. Ed. Engl., 33: 183-186 (1994)); dynemicin, including
dynemicin A; an esperamicin; as well as neocarzinostatin
chromophore and related chromoprotein enediyne antibiotic
chromophores), aclacinomysins, actinomycin, authramycin, azaserine,
bleomycins, cactinomycin, carabicin, carminomycin, carzinophilin,
chromomycins, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, detorubicin,
6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, ADRIAMYCIN.RTM. doxorubicin (including
morpholino-doxorubicin, cyanomorpholino-doxorubicin,
2-pyrrolino-doxorubicin and deoxydoxorubicin), epirubicin,
esorubicin, idarubicin, marcellomycin, mitomycins such as mitomycin
C, mycophenolic acid, nogalamycin, olivomycins, peplomycin,
porfiromycin, puromycin, quelamycin, rodorubicin, streptonigrin,
streptozocin, tubercidin, ubenimex, zinostatin, zorubicin;
anti-metabolites such as methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU);
folic acid analogues such as denopterin, methotrexate, pteropterin,
trimetrexate; purine analogs such as fludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine,
thiamiprine, thioguanine; pyrimidine analogs such as ancitabine,
azacitidine, 6-azauridine, carmofur, cytarabine, dideoxyuridine,
doxifluridine, enocitabine, floxuridine; androgens such as
calusterone, dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol, mepitiostane,
testolactone; anti-adrenals such as aminoglutethimide, mitotane,
trilostane; folic acid replenisher such as frolinic acid;
aceglatone; aldophosphamide glycoside; aminolevulinic acid;
eniluracil; amsacrine; bestrabucil; bisantrene; edatraxate;
defofamine; demecolcine; diaziquone; elfornithine; elliptinium
acetate; an epothilone; etoglucid; gallium nitrate; hydroxyurea;
lentinan; lonidainine; maytansinoids such as maytansine and
ansamitocins; mitoguazone; mitoxantrone; mopidanmol; nitraerine;
pentostatin; phenamet; pirarubicin; losoxantrone; 2-ethylhydrazide;
procarbazine; PSK.RTM. polysaccharide complex (JHS Natural
Products, Eugene, Oreg.); razoxane; rhizoxin; sizofiran;
spirogermanium; tenuazonic acid; triaziquone;
2,2',2''-trichlorotriethylamine; trichothecenes (especially T-2
toxin, verracurin A, roridin A and anguidine); urethan; vindesine
(ELDISINE.RTM., FILDESIN.RTM.); dacarbazine; mannomustine;
mitobronitol; mitolactol; pipobroman; gacytosine; arabinoside
("Ara-C"); thiotepa; taxoids, e.g., TAXOL.RTM. paclitaxel
(Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology, Princeton, N.J.), ABRAXANE.TM.
Cremophor-free, albumin-engineered nanoparticle formulation of
paclitaxel (American Pharmaceutical Partners, Schaumberg, Ill.),
and TAXOTERE.RTM. docetaxel (Rhone-Poulenc Rorer, Antony, France);
chloranbucil; gemcitabine (GEMZAR.RTM.); 6-thioguanine;
mercaptopurine; methotrexate; platinum analogs such as cisplatin
and carboplatin; vinblastine (VELBAN.RTM.); platinum; etoposide
(VP-16); ifosfamide; mitoxantrone; vincristine (ONCOVIN.RTM.);
oxaliplatin; leucovovin; vinorelbine (NAVELBINE.RTM.); novantrone;
edatrexate; daunomycin; aminopterin; ibandronate; topoisomerase
inhibitor RFS 2000; difluoromethylornithine (DMFO); retinoids such
as retinoic acid; capecitabine (XELODA.RTM.); pharmaceutically
acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above; as well
as combinations of two or more of the above such as CHOP, an
abbreviation for a combined therapy of cyclophosphamide,
doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone, and FOLFOX, an
abbreviation for a treatment regimen with oxaliplatin
(ELOXATIN.TM.) combined with 5-FU and leucovovin.
[0263] Also included in this definition are anti-hormonal agents
that act to regulate, reduce, block, or inhibit the effects of
hormones that can promote the growth of cancer, and are often in
the form of systemic, or whole-body treatment. They may be hormones
themselves. Examples include anti-estrogens and selective estrogen
receptor modulators (SERMs), including, for example, tamoxifen
(including NOLVADEX.RTM. tamoxifen), EVISTA.RTM. raloxifene,
droloxifene, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, trioxifene, keoxifene, LY117018,
onapristone, and FARESTON.RTM. toremifene; anti-progesterones;
estrogen receptor down-regulators (ERDs); agents that function to
suppress or shut down the ovaries, for example, leutinizing
hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists such as LUPRON.RTM. and
ELIGARD.RTM. leuprolide acetate, goserelin acetate, buserelin
acetate and tripterelin; other anti-androgens such as flutamide,
nilutamide and bicalutamide; and aromatase inhibitors that inhibit
the enzyme aromatase, which regulates estrogen production in the
adrenal glands, such as, for example, 4(5)-imidazoles,
aminoglutethimide, MEGASE.RTM. megestrol acetate, AROMASIN.RTM.
exemestane, formestanie, fadrozole, RIVISOR.RTM. vorozole,
FEMARA.RTM. letrozole, and ARIMIDEX.RTM. anastrozole. In addition,
such definition of chemotherapeutic agents includes bisphosphonates
such as clodronate (for example, BONEFOS.RTM. or OSTAC.RTM.),
DIDROCAL.RTM. etidronate, NE-58095, ZOMETA.RTM. zoledronic
acid/zoledronate, FOSAMAX.RTM. alendronate, AREDIA.RTM.
pamidronate, SKELID.RTM. tiludronate, or ACTONEL.RTM. risedronate;
as well as troxacitabine (a 1,3-dioxolane nucleoside cytosine
analog); antisense oligonucleotides, particularly those that
inhibit expression of genes in signaling pathways implicated in
abherant cell proliferation, such as, for example, PKC-alpha, Raf,
H-Ras, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R); vaccines such
as THERATOPE.RTM. vaccine and gene therapy vaccines, for example,
ALLOVECTIN.RTM. vaccine, LEUVECTIN.RTM. vaccine, and VAXID.RTM.
vaccine; LURTOTECAN.RTM. topoisomerase 1 inhibitor; ABARELIX.RTM.
rmRH; lapatinib ditosylate (an ErbB-2 and EGFR dual tyrosine kinase
small-molecule inhibitor also known as GW572016); and
pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of
the above.
[0264] A "growth inhibitory agent" when used herein refers to a
compound or composition which inhibits growth of a cell (such as a
cell expressing STEAP-1) either in vitro or in vivo. Thus, the
growth inhibitory agent may be one which significantly reduces the
percentage of cells (such as a cell expressing STEAP-1) in S phase.
Examples of growth inhibitory agents include agents that block cell
cycle progression (at a place other than S phase), such as agents
that induce G1 arrest and M-phase arrest. Classical M-phase
blockers include the vincas (vincristine and vinblastine), taxanes,
and topoisomerase II inhibitors such as doxorubicin, epirubicin,
daunorubicin, etoposide, and bleomycin. Those agents that arrest G1
also spill over into S-phase arrest, for example, DNA alkylating
agents such as tamoxifen, prednisone, dacarbazine, mechlorethamine,
cisplatin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, and ara-C. Further
information can be found in The Molecular Basis of Cancer,
Mendelsohn and Israel, eds., Chapter 1, entitled "Cell cycle
regulation, oncogenes, and antineoplastic drugs" by Murakami et al.
(WB Saunders: Philadelphia, 1995), especially p. 13. The taxanes
(paclitaxel and docetaxel) are anticancer drugs both derived from
the yew tree. Docetaxel (TAXOTERE.RTM., Rhone-Poulenc Rorer),
derived from the European yew, is a semisynthetic analogue of
paclitaxel (TAXOL.RTM., Bristol-Myers Squibb). Paclitaxel and
docetaxel promote the assembly of microtubules from tubulin dimers
and stabilize microtubules by preventing depolymerization, which
results in the inhibition of mitosis in cells.
[0265] The term "intracellular metabolite" refers to a compound
resulting from a metabolic process or reaction inside a cell on an
antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). The metabolic process or reaction
may be an enzymatic process, such as proteolytic cleavage of a
peptide linker of the ADC, or hydrolysis of a functional group such
as a hydrazone, ester, or amide. Intracellular metabolites include,
but are not limited to, antibodies and free drug which have
undergone intracellular cleavage after entry, diffusion, uptake or
transport into a cell.
[0266] The terms "intracellularly cleaved" and "intracellular
cleavage" refer to a metabolic process or reaction inside a cell on
an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) whereby the covalent attachment,
i.e. linker, between the drug moiety (D) and the antibody (Ab) is
broken, resulting in the free drug dissociated from the antibody
inside the cell. The cleaved moieties of the ADC are thus
intracellular metabolites.
[0267] The term "bioavailability" refers to the systemic
availability (i.e., blood/plasma levels) of a given amount of drug
administered to a patient. Bioavailability is an absolute term that
indicates measurement of both the time (rate) and total amount
(extent) of drug that reaches the general circulation from an
administered dosage form.
[0268] The term "cytotoxic activity" refers to a cell-killing,
cytostatic or growth inhibitory effect of an antibody-drug
conjugate or an intracellular metabolite of an antibody-drug
conjugate. Cytotoxic activity may be expressed as the IC.sub.50
value, which is the concentration (molar or mass) per unit volume
at which half the cells survive.
[0269] "Alkyl" is C1-C18 hydrocarbon containing normal, secondary,
tertiary or cyclic carbon atoms. Examples are methyl (Me, --CH3),
ethyl (Et, --CH2CH3), 1-propyl (n-Pr, n-propyl, --CH2CH2CH3),
2-propyl (i-Pr, i-propyl, --CH(CH3)2), 1-butyl (n-Bu, n-butyl,
--CH2CH2CH2CH3), 2-methyl-1-propyl (i-Bu, i-butyl, --CH2CH(CH3)2),
2-butyl (s-Bu, s-butyl, --CH(CH3)CH2CH3), 2-methyl-2-propyl (t-Bu,
t-butyl, --C(CH3)3), 1-pentyl (n-pentyl, --CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3),
2-pentyl (--CH(CH3)CH2CH2CH3), 3-pentyl (--CH(CH2CH3)2),
2-methyl-2-butyl (--C(CH3)2CH2CH3), 3-methyl-2-butyl
(--CH(CH3)CH(CH3)2), 3-methyl-1-butyl (--CH2CH2CH(CH3)2),
2-methyl-1-butyl (--CH2CH(CH3)CH2CH3), 1-hexyl
(--CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3), 2-hexyl (--CH(CH3)CH2CH2CH2CH3), 3-hexyl
(--CH(CH2CH3)(CH2CH2CH3)), 2-methyl-2-pentyl (--C(CH3)2CH2CH2CH3),
3-methyl-2-pentyl (--CH(CH3)CH(CH3)CH2CH3), 4-methyl-2-pentyl
(--CH(CH3)CH2CH(CH3)2), 3-methyl-3-pentyl (--C(CH3)(CH2CH3)2),
2-methyl-3-pentyl (--CH(CH2CH3)CH(CH3)2), 2,3-dimethyl-2-butyl
(--C(CH3)2CH(CH3)2), 3,3-dimethyl-2-butyl (--CH(CH3)C(CH3)3.
[0270] The term "C1-C8 alkyl," as used herein refers to a straight
chain or branched, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon having from
1 to 8 carbon atoms. Representative "C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl" groups
include, but are not limited to, -methyl, -ethyl, -n-propyl,
-n-butyl, -n-pentyl, -n-hexyl, -n-heptyl, -n-octyl, -n-nonyl and
-n-decyl; while branched C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyls include, but are
not limited to, -isopropyl, -sec-butyl, -isobutyl, -tert-butyl,
-isopentyl, 2-methylbutyl, unsaturated C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyls
include, but are not limited to, -vinyl, -allyl, -1-butenyl,
-2-butenyl, -isobutylenyl, -1-pentenyl, -2-pentenyl,
-3-methyl-1-butenyl, -2-methyl-2-butenyl, -2,3-dimethyl-2-butenyl,
1-hexyl, 2-hexyl, 3-hexyl, -acetylenyl, -propynyl, -1-butynyl,
-2-butynyl, -1-pentynyl, -2-pentynyl, -3-methyl-1 butynyl. methyl,
ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, tert-butyl,
n-pentyl, isopentyl, neopentyl, n-hexyl, isohexyl, 2-methylpentyl,
3-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 2,3-dimethylbutyl,
2,2-dimethylpentyl, 2,3-dimethylpentyl, 3,3-dimethylpentyl,
2,3,4-trimethylpentyl, 3-methylhexyl, 2,2-dimethylhexyl,
2,4-dimethylhexyl, 2,5-dimethylhexyl, 3,5-dimethylhexyl,
2,4-dimethylpentyl, 2-methylheptyl, 3-methylheptyl, n-heptyl,
isoheptyl, n-octyl, and isooctyl. A C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl group can
be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more groups including,
but not limited to, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, --O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8
alkyl), -aryl, --C(O)R', --OC(O)R', --C(O)OR', --C(O)NH.sub.2,
--C(O)NHR', --C(O)N(R').sub.2--NHC(O)R', --SO.sub.3R',
--S(O).sub.2R', --S(O)R', --OH, -halogen, --N.sub.3, --NH.sub.2,
--NH(R'), --N(R').sub.2 and --CN; where each R' is independently
selected from H, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl and aryl.
[0271] "Alkenyl" is C2-C18 hydrocarbon containing normal,
secondary, tertiary or cyclic carbon atoms with at least one site
of unsaturation, i.e. a carbon-carbon, sp.sup.2 double bond.
Examples include, but are not limited to: ethylene or vinyl
(--CH.dbd.CH.sub.2), allyl (--CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2),
cyclopentenyl (--C.sub.5H.sub.7), and 5-hexenyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.dbd.CH.sub.2)
[0272] "Alkynyl" is C2-C18 hydrocarbon containing normal,
secondary, tertiary or cyclic carbon atoms with at least one site
of unsaturation, i.e. a carbon-carbon, sp triple bond. Examples
include, but are not limited to: acetylenic (--C.ident.CH) and
propargyl (--CH.sub.2C.ident.CH),
[0273] "Alkylene" refers to a saturated, branched or straight chain
or cyclic hydrocarbon radical of 1-18 carbon atoms, and having two
monovalent radical centers derived by the removal of two hydrogen
atoms from the same or two different carbon atoms of a parent
alkane. Typical alkylene radicals include, but are not limited to:
methylene (--CH.sub.2--) 1,2-ethyl (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--),
1,3-propyl (--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), 1,4-butyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2--), and the like.
[0274] A "C.sub.1-C.sub.10 alkylene" is a straight chain, saturated
hydrocarbon group of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.1-10--. Examples
of a C.sub.1-C.sub.10 alkylene include methylene, ethylene,
propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene, ocytylene,
nonylene and decalene.
[0275] "Alkenylene" refers to an unsaturated, branched or straight
chain or cyclic hydrocarbon radical of 2-18 carbon atoms, and
having two monovalent radical centers derived by the removal of two
hydrogen atoms from the same or two different carbon atoms of a
parent alkene. Typical alkenylene radicals include, but are not
limited to: 1,2-ethylene (--CH.dbd.CH--).
[0276] "Alkynylene" refers to an unsaturated, branched or straight
chain or cyclic hydrocarbon radical of 2-18 carbon atoms, and
having two monovalent radical centers derived by the removal of two
hydrogen atoms from the same or two different carbon atoms of a
parent alkyne. Typical alkynylene radicals include, but are not
limited to: acetylene (--C.ident.C--), propargyl
(--CH.sub.2C.ident.C--), and 4-pentynyl
(--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH.sub.2C.ident.C--).
[0277] "Aryl" refers to a carbocyclic aromatic group. Examples of
aryl groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl and
anthracenyl. A carbocyclic aromatic group or a heterocyclic
aromatic group can be unsubstituted or substituted with one or more
groups including, but not limited to, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl,
--O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl), -aryl, --C(O)R', --OC(O)R',
--C(O)OR', --C(O)NH.sub.2, --C(O)NHR', --C(O)N(R').sub.2--NHC(O)R',
--S(O).sub.2R', --S(O)R', --OH, -halogen, --N.sub.3, --NH.sub.2,
--NH(R'), --N(R').sub.2 and --CN; wherein each R' is independently
selected from H, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl and aryl.
[0278] An "arylene" is an aryl group which has two covalent bonds
and can be in the ortho, meta, or para configurations as shown in
the following structures:
##STR00012##
[0279] in which the phenyl group can be unsubstituted or
substituted with up to four groups including, but not limited to,
--C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, --O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl), -aryl,
--C(O)R', --OC(O)R', --C(O)OR', --C(O)NH.sub.2, --C(O)NHR',
--C(O)N(R').sub.2--NHC(O)R', --S(O).sub.2R', --S(O)R', --OH,
-halogen, --N.sub.3, --NH.sub.2, --NH(R'), --N(R').sub.2 and --CN;
wherein each R' is independently selected from H, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8
alkyl and aryl.
[0280] "Arylalkyl" refers to an acyclic alkyl radical in which one
of the hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom, typically a terminal
or sp.sup.3 carbon atom, is replaced with an aryl radical. Typical
arylalkyl groups include, but are not limited to, benzyl,
2-phenylethan-1-yl, 2-phenylethen-1-yl, naphthylmethyl,
2-naphthylethan-1-yl, 2-naphthylethen-1-yl, naphthobenzyl,
2-naphthophenylethan-1-yl and the like. The arylalkyl group
comprises 6 to 20 carbon atoms, e.g. the alkyl moiety, including
alkanyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups, of the arylalkyl group is 1 to
6 carbon atoms and the aryl moiety is 5 to 14 carbon atoms.
[0281] "Heteroarylalkyl" refers to an acyclic alkyl radical in
which one of the hydrogen atoms bonded to a carbon atom, typically
a terminal or sp.sup.3 carbon atom, is replaced with a heteroaryl
radical. Typical heteroarylalkyl groups include, but are not
limited to, 2-benzimidazolylmethyl, 2-furylethyl, and the like. The
heteroarylalkyl group comprises 6 to 20 carbon atoms, e.g. the
alkyl moiety, including alkanyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups, of the
heteroarylalkyl group is 1 to 6 carbon atoms and the heteroaryl
moiety is 5 to 14 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from
N, O, P, and S. The heteroaryl moiety of the heteroarylalkyl group
may be a monocycle having 3 to 7 ring members (2 to 6 carbon atoms
or a bicycle having 7 to 10 ring members (4 to 9 carbon atoms and 1
to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, P, and S), for example: a
bicyclo [4,5], [5,5], [5,6], or [6,6] system.
[0282] "Substituted alkyl," "substituted aryl," and "substituted
arylalkyl" mean alkyl, aryl, and arylalkyl respectively, in which
one or more hydrogen atoms are each independently replaced with a
substituent. Typical substituents include, but are not limited to,
--X, --R, --O.sup.-, --OR, --SR, --S.sup.-, --NR.sub.2, --NR.sub.3,
.dbd.NR, --CX.sub.3, --CN, --OCN, --SCN, --N.dbd.C.dbd.O, --NCS,
--NO, --NO.sub.2, .dbd.N.sub.2, --N.sub.3, NC(.dbd.O)R,
--C(.dbd.O)R, --C(.dbd.O)NR.sub.2, --SO.sub.3.sup.-, --SO.sub.3H,
--S(.dbd.O).sub.2R, --OS(.dbd.O).sub.2OR, --S(.dbd.O).sub.2NR,
--S(.dbd.O)R, --OP(.dbd.O)(OR).sub.2, --P(.dbd.O)(OR).sub.2,
--PO.sup.-.sub.3, --PO.sub.3H.sub.2, --C(.dbd.O)R, --C(.dbd.O)X,
--C(.dbd.S)R, --CO.sub.2.sup.-, --C(.dbd.S)OR, --C(.dbd.O)SR,
--C(.dbd.S)SR, --C(.dbd.O)NR.sub.2, --C(.dbd.S)NR.sub.2,
--C(.dbd.NR)NR.sub.2, where each X is independently a halogen: F,
Cl, Br, or I; and each R is independently --H, C.sub.2-C.sub.18
alkyl, C.sub.6-C.sub.20 aryl, C.sub.3-C.sub.14 heterocycle,
protecting group or prodrug moiety. Alkylene, alkenylene, and
alkynylene groups as described above may also be similarly
substituted.
[0283] "Heteroaryl" and "heterocycle" refer to a ring system in
which one or more ring atoms is a heteroatom, e.g. nitrogen,
oxygen, and sulfur. The heterocycle radical comprises 1 to 20
carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, P, and S. A
heterocycle may be a monocycle having 3 to 7 ring members (2 to 6
carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, P, and S)
or a bicycle having 7 to 10 ring members (4 to 9 carbon atoms and 1
to 3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, P, and S), for example: a
bicyclo [4,5], [5,5], [5,6], or [6,6] system.
[0284] Heterocycles are described in Paquette, Leo A.; "Principles
of Modern Heterocyclic Chemistry" (W.A. Benjamin, New York, 1968),
particularly Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9; "The Chemistry of
Heterocyclic Compounds, A series of Monographs" (John Wiley &
Sons, New York, 1950 to present), in particular Volumes 13, 14, 16,
19, and 28; and J. Am. Chem. Soc. (1960) 82:5566.
[0285] Examples of heterocycles include by way of example and not
limitation pyridyl, dihydroypyridyl, tetrahydropyridyl (piperidyl),
thiazolyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, sulfur oxidized
tetrahydrothiophenyl, pyrimidinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl,
pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, tetrazolyl, benzofuranyl, thianaphthalenyl,
indolyl, indolenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl,
piperidinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl,
pyrrolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, bis-tetrahydrofuranyl,
tetrahydropyranyl, bis-tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl,
tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl,
octahydroisoquinolinyl, azocinyl, triazinyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl,
2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, thienyl, thianthrenyl, pyranyl,
isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxathinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl,
isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl,
isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, 1H-indazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl,
phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl,
cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, 4aH-carbazolyl, carbazolyl, O-carbolinyl,
phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl,
phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, isochromanyl,
chromanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl,
pyrazolinyl, piperazinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, quinuclidinyl,
morpholinyl, oxazolidinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,
oxindolyl, benzoxazolinyl, and isatinoyl.
[0286] By way of example and not limitation, carbon bonded
heterocycles are bonded at position 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 of a pyridine,
position 3, 4, 5, or 6 of a pyridazine, position 2, 4, 5, or 6 of a
pyrimidine, position 2, 3, 5, or 6 of a pyrazine, position 2, 3, 4,
or 5 of a furan, tetrahydrofuran, thiofuran, thiophene, pyrrole or
tetrahydropyrrole, position 2, 4, or 5 of an oxazole, imidazole or
thiazole, position 3, 4, or 5 of an isoxazole, pyrazole, or
isothiazole, position 2 or 3 of an aziridine, position 2, 3, or 4
of an azetidine, position 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 of a quinoline or
position 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 of an isoquinoline. Still more
typically, carbon bonded heterocycles include 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl,
4-pyridyl, 5-pyridyl, 6-pyridyl, 3-pyridazinyl, 4-pyridazinyl,
5-pyridazinyl, 6-pyridazinyl, 2-pyrimidinyl, 4-pyrimidinyl,
5-pyrimidinyl, 6-pyrimidinyl, 2-pyrazinyl, 3-pyrazinyl,
5-pyrazinyl, 6-pyrazinyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, or
5-thiazolyl.
[0287] By way of example and not limitation, nitrogen bonded
heterocycles are bonded at position 1 of an aziridine, azetidine,
pyrrole, pyrrolidine, 2-pyrroline, 3-pyrroline, imidazole,
imidazolidine, 2-imidazoline, pyrazole, pyrazoline, 2-pyrazoline,
3-pyrazoline, piperidine, piperazine, indole, indoline,
1H-indazole, position 2 of a isoindole, or isoindoline, position 4
of a morpholine, and position 9 of a carbazole, or
.beta.-carboline. Still more typically, nitrogen bonded
heterocycles include 1-aziridyl, 1-azetedyl, 1-pyrrolyl,
1-imidazolyl, 1-pyrazolyl, and 1-piperidinyl.
[0288] A "C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heterocycle" refers to an aromatic or
non-aromatic C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle in which one to four of the
ring carbon atoms are independently replaced with a heteroatom from
the group consisting of O, S and N. Representative examples of a
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heterocycle include, but are not limited to,
benzofuranyl, benzothiophene, indolyl, benzopyrazolyl, coumarinyl,
isoquinolinyl, pyrrolyl, thiophenyl, furanyl, thiazolyl,
imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, quinolinyl, pyrimidinyl,
pyridinyl, pyridonyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, isothiazolyl,
isoxazolyl and tetrazolyl. A C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heterocycle can be
unsubstituted or substituted with up to seven groups including, but
not limited to, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, --O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8
alkyl), -aryl, --C(O)R', --OC(O)R', --C(O)OR', --C(O)NH.sub.2,
--C(O)NHR', --C(O)N(R').sub.2--NHC(O)R', --S(O).sub.2R', --S(O)R',
--OH, -halogen, --N.sub.3, --NH.sub.2, --NH(R'), --N(R').sub.2 and
--CN; wherein each R' is independently selected from H,
--C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl and aryl.
[0289] "C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heterocyclo" refers to a C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle group defined above wherein one of the heterocycle
group's hydrogen atoms is replaced with a bond. A C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocyclo can be unsubstituted or substituted with up to six
groups including, but not limited to, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl,
--O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl), -aryl, --C(O)R', --OC(O)R',
--C(O)OR', --C(O)NH.sub.2, --C(O)NHR', --C(O)N(R').sub.2--NHC(O)R',
--S(O).sub.2R', --S(O)R', --OH, -halogen, --N.sub.3, --NH.sub.2,
--NH(R'), --N(R').sub.2 and --CN; wherein each R' is independently
selected from H, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl and aryl.
[0290] "Carbocycle" means a saturated or unsaturated ring having 3
to 7 carbon atoms as a monocycle or 7 to 12 carbon atoms as a
bicycle. Monocyclic carbocycles have 3 to 6 ring atoms, still more
typically 5 or 6 ring atoms. Bicyclic carbocycles have 7 to 12 ring
atoms, e.g. arranged as a bicyclo [4,5], [5,5], [5,6] or [6,6]
system, or 9 or 10 ring atoms arranged as a bicyclo [5,6] or [6,6]
system. Examples of monocyclic carbocycles include cyclopropyl,
cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, 1-cyclopent-1-enyl, 1-cyclopent-2-enyl,
1-cyclopent-3-enyl, cyclohexyl, 1-cyclohex-1-enyl,
1-cyclohex-2-enyl, 1-cyclohex-3-enyl, cycloheptyl, and
cyclooctyl.
[0291] A "C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle" is a 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7- or
8-membered saturated or unsaturated non-aromatic carbocyclic ring.
Representative C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycles include, but are not
limited to, -cyclopropyl, -cyclobutyl, -cyclopentyl,
-cyclopentadienyl, -cyclohexyl, -cyclohexenyl,
-1,3-cyclohexadienyl, -1,4-cyclohexadienyl, -cycloheptyl,
-1,3-cycloheptadienyl, -1,3,5-cycloheptatrienyl, -cyclooctyl, and
-cyclooctadienyl. A C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle group can be
unsubstituted or substituted with one or more groups including, but
not limited to, --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, --O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8
alkyl), -aryl, --C(O)R', --OC(O)R', --C(O)OR', --C(O)NH.sub.2,
--C(O)NHR', --C(O)N(R').sub.2--NHC(O)R', --S(O).sub.2R', --S(O)R',
--OH, -halogen, --N.sub.3, --NH.sub.2, --NH(R'), --N(R').sub.2 and
--CN; where each R' is independently selected from H,
--C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl and aryl.
[0292] A "C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocyclo" refers to a C.sub.3-C.sub.8
carbocycle group defined above wherein one of the carbocycle
groups' hydrogen atoms is replaced with a bond.
[0293] "Linker" refers to a chemical moiety comprising a covalent
bond or a chain of atoms that covalently attaches an antibody to a
drug moiety. In various embodiments, linkers include a divalent
radical such as an alkyldiyl, an aryldiyl, a heteroaryldiyl,
moieties such as: --(CR.sub.2).sub.nO(CR.sub.2).sub.n--, repeating
units of alkyloxy (e.g. polyethylenoxy, PEG, polymethyleneoxy) and
alkylamino (e.g. polyethyleneamino, Jeffamine.TM.); and diacid
ester and amides including succinate, succinamide, diglycolate,
malonate, and caproamide.
[0294] The term "chiral" refers to molecules which have the
property of non-superimposability of the mirror image partner,
while the term "achiral" refers to molecules which are
superimposable on their mirror image partner.
[0295] The term "stereoisomers" refers to compounds which have
identical chemical constitution, but differ with regard to the
arrangement of the atoms or groups in space.
[0296] "Diastereomer" refers to a stereoisomer with two or more
centers of chirality and whose molecules are not mirror images of
one another. Diastereomers have different physical properties, e.g.
melting points, boiling points, spectral properties, and
reactivities. Mixtures of diastereomers may separate under high
resolution analytical procedures such as electrophoresis and
chromatography.
[0297] "Enantiomers" refer to two stereoisomers of a compound which
are non-superimposable mirror images of one another.
[0298] Stereochemical definitions and conventions used herein
generally follow S. P. Parker, Ed., McGraw-Hill Dictionary of
Chemical Terms (1984) McGraw-Hill Book Company, New York; and
Eliel, E. and Wilen, S., Stereochemistry of Organic Compounds
(1994) John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York. Many organic
compounds exist in optically active forms, i.e., they have the
ability to rotate the plane of plane-polarized light. In describing
an optically active compound, the prefixes D and L, or R and S, are
used to denote the absolute configuration of the molecule about its
chiral center(s). The prefixes d and 1 or (+) and (-) are employed
to designate the sign of rotation of plane-polarized light by the
compound, with (-) or 1 meaning that the compound is levorotatory.
A compound prefixed with (+) or d is dextrorotatory. For a given
chemical structure, these stereoisomers are identical except that
they are mirror images of one another. A specific stereoisomer may
also be referred to as an enantiomer, and a mixture of such isomers
is often called an enantiomeric mixture. A 50:50 mixture of
enantiomers is referred to as a racemic mixture or a racemate,
which may occur where there has been no stereoselection or
stereospecificity in a chemical reaction or process. The terms
"racemic mixture" and "racemate" refer to an equimolar mixture of
two enantiomeric species, devoid of optical activity.
[0299] "Leaving group" refers to a functional group that can be
substituted by another functional group. Certain leaving groups are
well known in the art, and examples include, but are not limited
to, a halide (e.g., chloride, bromide, iodide), methanesulfonyl
(mesyl), p-toluenesulfonyl (tosyl), trifluoromethylsulfonyl
(triflate), and trifluoromethylsulfonate.
[0300] Abbreviations
[0301] Linker Components:
[0302] MC=6-maleimidocaproyl
[0303] Val-Cit or "vc"=valine-citrulline (an exemplary dipeptide in
a protease cleavable linker)
[0304] Citrulline=2-amino-5-ureido pentanoic acid
[0305] PAB=p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl (an example of a "self
immolative" linker component)
[0306] Me-Val-Cit=N-methyl-valine-citrulline (wherein the linker
peptide bond has been modified to prevent its cleavage by cathepsin
B)
[0307] MC(PEG)6-OH=maleimidocaproyl-polyethylene glycol (can be
attached to antibody cysteines).
[0308] SPP=N-succinimidyl-4-(2-pyridylthio)pentanoate
[0309] SPDP=N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate
[0310] SMCC=succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)
cyclohexane-1-carboxylate
[0311] IT=iminothiolane
[0312] Cytotoxic Drugs:
[0313] MMAE=mono-methyl auristatin E (MW 718)
[0314] MMAF=variant of auristatin E (MMAE) with a phenylalanine at
the C-terminus of the drug (MW 731.5)
[0315] MMAF-DMAEA=MMAF with DMAEA (dimethylaminoethylamine) in an
amide linkage to the C-terminal phenylalanine (MW 801.5)
[0316] MMAF-TEG=MMAF with tetraethylene glycol esterified to the
phenylalanine
[0317] MMAF-NtBu=N-t-butyl, attached as an amide to C-terminus of
MMAF
[0318]
DM1=N(2')-deacetyl-N(2')-(3-mercapto-1-oxopropyl)-maytansine
[0319]
DM3=N(2')-deacetyl-N2-(4-mercapto-1-oxopentyl)-maytansine
[0320]
DM4=N(2)-deacetyl-N2-(4-mercapto-4-methyl-1-oxopentyl)-maytansine
[0321] Further abbreviations are as follows: AE is auristatin E,
Boc is N-(t-butoxycarbonyl), cit is citrulline, dap is dolaproine,
DCC is 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide, DCM is dichloromethane, DEA is
diethylamine, DEAD is diethylazodicarboxylate, DEPC is
diethylphosphorylcyanidate, DIAD is diisopropylazodicarboxylate,
DIEA is N,N-diisopropylethylamine, dil is dolaisoleucine, DMA is
dimethylacetamide, DMAP is 4-dimethylaminopyridine, DME is
ethyleneglycol dimethyl ether (or 1,2-dimethoxyethane), DMF is
N,N-dimethylformamide, DMSO is dimethylsulfoxide, doe is
dolaphenine, dov is N,N-dimethylvaline, DTNB is
5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid), DTPA is
diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, DTT is dithiothreitol, EDCI is
1-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride, EEDQ
is 2-ethoxy-1-ethoxycarbonyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline, ES-MS is
electrospray mass spectrometry, EtOAc is ethyl acetate, Fmoc is
N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl), gly is glycine, HATU is
O-(7-azabenzotriazol-1-yl)-N,N,N',N'-tetramethyluronium
hexafluorophosphate, HOBt is 1-hydroxybenzotriazole, HPLC is high
pressure liquid chromatography, ile is isoleucine, lys is lysine,
MeCN (CH.sub.3CN) is acetonitrile, MeOH is methanol, Mtr is
4-anisyldiphenylmethyl (or 4-methoxytrityl),nor is
(1S,2R)-(+)-norephedrine, PBS is phosphate-buffered saline (pH
7.4), PEG is polyethylene glycol, Ph is phenyl, Pnp is
p-nitrophenyl, MC is 6-maleimidocaproyl, phe is L-phenylalanine,
PyBrop is bromo tris-pyrrolidino phosphonium hexafluorophosphate,
SEC is size-exclusion chromatography, Su is succinimide, TFA is
trifluoroacetic acid, TLC is thin layer chromatography, UV is
ultraviolet, and val is valine.
Compositions and Methods of Making the Same
[0322] Antibodies that bind to STEAP-1 are provided.
Immunoconjugates comprising anti-STEAP-1 antibodies are provided.
Antibodies and immunoconjugates of the invention are useful, e.g.,
for the diagnosis or treatment of disorders associated with altered
expression, e.g., increased expression, of STEAP-1. In certain
embodiments, antibodies or immunoconjugates of the invention are
useful for the diagnosis or treatment of a cell proliferative
disorder, such as cancer.
Anti-STEAP-1 Antibodies
[0323] In one aspect, the invention provides antibodies that bind
to STEAP-1. In some embodiments, antibodies are provided that bind
to a mature form of human and cynomolgus monkey (cyno) STEAP-1. In
one such embodiment, a mature form of human STEAP-1 has an amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 (FIG. 1). The cyno STEAP-1 has an
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments,
an antibody to STEAP-1 binds to a mature form of STEAP-1 expressed
on the cell surface. In some embodiments, an antibody that binds to
a mature form of STEAP-1 expressed on the cell surface inhibits the
growth of the cell. In some embodiments, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody
binds to a mature form of STEAP-1 expressed on the cell surface and
inhibits cell proliferation. In certain embodiments, an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody binds to a mature form of STEAP-1 expressed
on the cell surface and induces cell death. In some embodiments, an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody binds to a mature form of STEAP-1 expressed
on the surface of cancer cells. In some embodiments, an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody binds to a mature form of STEAP-1 that is
overexpressed on the surface of cancer cells relative to normal
cells of the same tissue origin. In some embodiments, an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody is conjugated to a cytotoxin or a detectable
label and binds to STEAP-1 on a cell surface. In some embodiments,
the antibody-toxin conjugate inhibits growth of the cell. In some
embodiments, the antibody-detectable label conjugate causes a cell
expressing STEAP-1 on its surface to be detectable in vitro or in
vivo.
[0324] In one aspect, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody is a monoclonal
antibody. In one aspect, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody is an antibody
fragment, e.g., a Fab, Fab'-SH, Fv, scFv, or (Fab').sub.2 fragment.
In one aspect, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody is a chimeric, humanized,
or human antibody. In one aspect, any of the anti-STEAP-1
antibodies described herein are purified.
[0325] Exemplary monoclonal antibodies derived from a phage library
are provided herein. The antigen used for screening the library was
a polypeptide having the sequence of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID
NO:28 or SEQ ID NO:30, corresponding to the extracellular domains
(ECDs) of STEAP-1 beta and alpha. The antibodies resulting from the
library screen are affinity matured.
[0326] In one aspect, monoclonal antibodies that compete with
murine 120.545, 120 graft, and humanized 120v.24 binding to STEAP-1
are provided. Monoclonal antibodies that bind to the same epitope
as murine 120.545, 120 graft, and humanized 120v.24 are also
provided.
[0327] In one aspect of the invention, polynucleotides encoding
anti-STEAP-1 antibodies are provided. In certain embodiments,
vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding anti-STEAP-1 antibodies
are provided. In certain embodiments, host cells comprising such
vectors are provided. In another aspect of the invention,
compositions comprising anti-STEAP-1 antibodies or polynucleotides
encoding anti-STEAP-1 antibodies are provided. In certain
embodiments, a composition of the invention is a pharmaceutical
formulation for the treatment of a cell proliferative disorder,
such as those enumerated herein.
[0328] A detailed description of exemplary anti-STEAP-1 antibodies
is as follows:
[0329] 1. Specific Embodiments of Anti-STEAD-1 Antibodies
[0330] In one aspect, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising a heavy chain variable domain comprising SEQ ID
NO:9 or 10 of FIG. 2B. In one aspect, the invention provides an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody comprising a light chain variable domain
comprising SEQ ID NO:6 of FIG. 2A.
[0331] In one aspect, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising a heavy chain comprising SEQ ID NO:9, having
one or more of the following amino changes at the indicated Kabat
position: A24V, V37I, V48M, F67I, and L78F. In one embodiment, the
heavy chain comprises a heavy chain framework region selected from
SEQ ID NOs:25, 75, 76, 77, 78, and 79. As used herein, heavy chain
framework regions are designated "FR-H1-H4" or "HC-FR1-FR4," and
light chain framework regions are designated "FR-L1-L4" or
"LC-FR1-FR4." In one aspect, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising a light chain comprising SEQ ID NO:6.
[0332] In one aspect, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 of the HVR sequences of the
antibody 120.v24 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
[0333] An anti-STEAP-1 antibody may comprise any suitable framework
variable domain sequence, provided that the antibody retains the
ability to bind STEAP-1. For example, in some embodiments,
anti-STEAP-1 antibodies of the invention comprise a human subgroup
III heavy chain framework consensus sequence. In one embodiment of
these antibodies, the heavy chain framework consensus sequence
comprises substitution(s) at position 24, 37, 48, 67, and/or 78. In
one embodiment of these antibodies, position 24 is A or V, position
37 is I or V, position 48 is M or V, position 67 is I or F, and/or
position 78 is F or L. In one embodiment, these antibodies comprise
a heavy chain variable domain framework sequence of huMAb4D5-8,
e.g., SEQ ID NO:21, 22, 23, and 24 (FR-H1, FR-H2, FR-H3, FR-H4,
respectively). huMAb4D5-8 is commercially known as HERCEPTIN.RTM.
anti-HER2 antibody, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif.,
USA; also referred to in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,407,213 & 5,821,337,
and Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol. (2004), 340(5):1073-93. In one such
embodiment, these antibodies further comprise a human id light
chain framework consensus sequence. In one such embodiment, these
antibodies comprise a light chain variable domain framework
sequence of huMAb4D5-8, e.g. SEQ ID NO:17, 18, 19, and 20 (FR-L1,
FR-L2, FR-L3, FR-L4, respectively).
[0334] In one embodiment, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody comprises a
heavy chain variable domain comprising a framework sequence and
hypervariable regions, wherein the framework sequence comprises the
FR-H1-FR-H4 sequences SEQ ID NO:21 or 25 (FR-H1), 22 (FR-H2), 23
(FR-H3), and 24 (FR-H4), respectively; the HVR H1 comprises the
amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:14; the HVR-H2 comprises the amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:15; and the HVR-H3 comprises an amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:16. In one embodiment, an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprises a light chain variable domain comprising a
framework sequence and hypervariable regions, wherein the framework
sequence comprises the FR-L1-FR-L4 sequences of SEQ ID NOs:17, 18,
19 and 20, respectively; the HVR-L1 comprises the amino acid
sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:11, 12, and 13. In one embodiment
of these antibodies, the heavy chain variable domain comprises SEQ
ID NOs:9 or 10 and the light chain variable domain comprises SEQ ID
NO:6.
[0335] In some embodiments, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising a heavy chain variable domain comprising an
amino acid sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,
96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence
SEQ ID NO:9 or 10. In some embodiments, an amino acid sequence
having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%
sequence identity contains substitutions, insertions, or deletions
relative to the reference sequence, but an antibody comprising that
amino acid sequence retains the ability to bind to STEAP-1. In some
embodiments, a total of 1 to 10 amino acids have been substituted,
inserted, or deleted in a sequence SEQ ID NOs:9, 10, 14, 15, 16,
21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 75, 76, 77, 78, and/or 79. In some embodiments,
the substitutions, insertions, or deletions occur in regions
outside the HVRs (i.e., in the FRs). In some embodiments, an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain
comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:9 or
10.
[0336] In some embodiments, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising a heavy chain variable domain as depicted in
FIG. 2B (SEQ ID NOs:9 or 10).
[0337] In some embodiments, the heavy chain HVR and FR sequences
comprise the following:
TABLE-US-00003 HVR-H1 (GYSITSDYAWN, SEQ ID NO: 14) HVR-H2
(GYISNSGSTSYNPSLKS, SEQ ID NO: 15) HVR-H3 (ERNYDYDDYYYAMDY, SEQ ID
NO: 16) FR-H1 (EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAAS, SEQ ID NO: 21) FR-H1
(EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAVS, SEQ ID NO: 25) FR-H2 (WVRQAPGKGLEWV,
SEQ ID NO: 22) FR-H2 (WIRQAPGKGLEWV, SEQ ID NO: 75) FR-H2
(WVRQAPGKGLEWM, SEQ ID NO: 76) FR-H2 (WIRQAPGKGLEWM, SEQ ID NO: 77)
FR-H3 (RFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR, SEQ ID NO: 23) FR-H3
(RITISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR, SEQ ID NO: 78) FR-H3
(RFTISRDNSKNTFYLQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCAR, SEQ ID NO: 79) FR-H4
(WGQGTLVTVSS, SEQ ID NO: 24)
[0338] In some embodiments, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising a light chain variable domain as depicted in
FIG. 2A (SEQ ID NO:6).
[0339] In some embodiments, the light chain HVR sequences comprise
the following:
TABLE-US-00004 HVR-L1 (KSSQSLLYRSNQKNYLA, SEQ ID NO: 11) HVR-L2
(WASTRES, SEQ ID NO: 12) HVR-L3 (QQYYNYPRT, SEQ ID NO: 13).
[0340] In some embodiments, the light chain FR sequences comprise
the following:
TABLE-US-00005 FR-L1 (DIQMTQSPSSLSASVGDRVTITC, SEQ ID NO: 17);
FR-L2 (WYQQKPGKAPKLLIY, SEQ ID NO: 18); FR-L3
(GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLQPEDFATYYC, SEQ ID NO: 19) FR-L4
(FGQGTKVEIKR, SEQ ID NO: 20).
[0341] In one aspect, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising a light chain variable domain comprising an
amino acid sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,
96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence
SEQ ID NO:6. In some embodiments, an amino acid sequence having at
least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence
identity contains substitutions, additions, or deletions relative
to the reference sequence, but an antibody comprising that amino
acid sequence retains the ability to bind to STEAP-1. In some
embodiments, a total of 1 to 10 amino acids have been substituted,
inserted, or deleted in a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:6, 11,
12, 13, 17, 18, 19, and 20. In some embodiments, the substitutions,
insertions, or deletions occur in regions outside the HVRs (i.e.,
in the FRs). In some embodiments, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody
comprises a light chain variable domain comprising the amino acid
sequence SEQ ID NO:6.
[0342] In one aspect, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising (a) a heavy chain variable domain comprising an
amino acid sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,
96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence
selected from SEQ ID NO:9 and 10; and (b) a light chain variable
domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 90%, 91%,
92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to an
amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO:6. In some embodiments, an amino acid
sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, or 99% sequence identity contains substitutions, additions, or
deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an antibody
comprising that amino acid sequence retains the ability to bind to
STEAP-1. In some embodiments, a total of 1 to 10 amino acids have
been substituted, inserted, or deleted in the reference sequence,
including but not limited to a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:9,
10, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79. In some
embodiments, the substitutions, insertions, or deletions occur in
regions outside the HVRs (i.e., in the FRs). In some embodiments,
an anti-STEAP-1 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain
comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:9 or 10 and a light
chain variable domain comprising an amino acid sequence selected
from SEQ ID NO:6.
[0343] In one aspect, the invention provides an anti-STEAP-1
antibody comprising (a) one, two, or three VH HVRs selected from
those shown in FIG. 2B and/or (b) one, two, or three VL HVRs
selected from those shown in FIG. 2A. In one aspect, the invention
provides an anti-STEAP-1 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable
domain selected from those shown in FIG. 2B and a light chain
variable domain selected from those shown in FIG. 2A.
[0344] 2. Antibody Fragments
[0345] The present invention encompasses antibody fragments.
Antibody fragments may be generated by traditional means, such as
enzymatic digestion, or by recombinant techniques. In certain
circumstances there are advantages of using antibody fragments,
rather than whole antibodies. The smaller size of the fragments
allows for rapid clearance, and may lead to improved access to
solid tumors. For a review of certain antibody fragments, see
Hudson et al. (2003) Nat. Med. 9:129-134.
[0346] Various techniques have been developed for the production of
antibody fragments. Traditionally, these fragments were derived via
proteolytic digestion of intact antibodies (see, e.g., Morimoto et
al., Journal of Biochemical and Biophysical Methods 24:107-117
(1992); and Brennan et al., Science, 229:81 (1985)). However, these
fragments can now be produced directly by recombinant host cells.
Fab, Fv and ScFv antibody fragments can all be expressed in and
secreted from E. coli, thus allowing the facile production of large
amounts of these fragments. Antibody fragments can be isolated from
the antibody phage libraries discussed above. Alternatively,
Fab'-SH fragments can be directly recovered from E. coli and
chemically coupled to form F(ab').sub.2 fragments (Carter et al.,
Bio/Technology 10:163-167 (1992)). According to another approach,
F(ab').sub.2 fragments can be isolated directly from recombinant
host cell culture. Fab and F(ab').sub.2 fragment with increased in
vivo half-life comprising salvage receptor binding epitope residues
are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,869,046. Other techniques for the
production of antibody fragments will be apparent to the skilled
practitioner. In certain embodiments, an antibody is a single chain
Fv fragment (scFv). See WO 93/16185; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,571,894; and
5,587,458. Fv and scFv are the only species with intact combining
sites that are devoid of constant regions; thus, they may be
suitable for reduced nonspecific binding during in vivo use. scFv
fusion proteins may be constructed to yield fusion of an effector
protein at either the amino or the carboxy terminus of an scFv. See
Antibody Engineering, ed. Borrebaeck, supra. The antibody fragment
may also be a "linear antibody", e.g., as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,641,870, for example. Such linear antibodies may be
monospecific or bispecific.
[0347] 3. Humanized Antibodies
[0348] The invention encompasses humanized antibodies. Various
methods for humanizing non-human antibodies are known in the art.
For example, a humanized antibody can have one or more amino acid
residues introduced into it from a source which is non-human. These
non-human amino acid residues are often referred to as "import"
residues, which are typically taken from an "import" variable
domain. Humanization can be essentially performed following the
method of Winter and co-workers (Jones et al (1986) Nature
321:522-525; Riechmann et al. (1988) Nature 332:323-327; Verhoeyen
et al. (1988) Science 239:1534-1536), by substituting hypervariable
region sequences for the corresponding sequences of a human
antibody. Accordingly, such "humanized" antibodies are chimeric
antibodies (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567) wherein substantially less
than an intact human variable domain has been substituted by the
corresponding sequence from a non-human species. In practice,
humanized antibodies are typically human antibodies in which some
hypervariable region residues and possibly some FR residues are
substituted by residues from analogous sites in rodent
antibodies.
[0349] The choice of human variable domains, both light and heavy,
to be used in making the humanized antibodies can be important to
reduce antigenicity. According to the so-called "best-fit" method,
the sequence of the variable domain of a rodent antibody is
screened against the entire library of known human variable-domain
sequences. The human sequence which is closest to that of the
rodent is then accepted as the human framework for the humanized
antibody (Sims et al. (1993) J. Immunol. 151:2296; Chothia et al.
(1987) J. Mol. Biol. 196:901. Another method uses a particular
framework derived from the consensus sequence of all human
antibodies of a particular subgroup of light or heavy chains. The
same framework may be used for several different humanized
antibodies (Carter et al (1992) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,
89:4285; Presta et al. (1993) J. Immunol., 151:2623.
[0350] It is further generally desirable that antibodies be
humanized with retention of high affinity for the antigen and other
favorable biological properties. To achieve this goal, according to
one method, humanized antibodies are prepared by a process of
analysis of the parental sequences and various conceptual humanized
products using three-dimensional models of the parental and
humanized sequences. Three-dimensional immunoglobulin models are
commonly available and are familiar to those skilled in the art.
Computer programs are available which illustrate and display
probable three-dimensional conformational structures of selected
candidate immunoglobulin sequences. Inspection of these displays
permits analysis of the likely role of the residues in the
functioning of the candidate immunoglobulin sequence, i.e., the
analysis of residues that influence the ability of the candidate
immunoglobulin to bind its antigen. In this way, FR residues can be
selected and combined from the recipient and import sequences so
that the desired antibody characteristic, such as increased
affinity for the target antigen(s), is achieved. In general, the
hypervariable region residues are directly and most substantially
involved in influencing antigen binding.
[0351] 4. Human Antibodies
[0352] Human anti-STEAP-1 antibodies of the invention can be
constructed by combining Fv clone variable domain sequence(s)
selected from human-derived phage display libraries with known
human constant domain sequences(s) as described above.
Alternatively, human monoclonal anti-STEAP-1 antibodies of the
invention can be made by the hybridoma method. Human myeloma and
mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines for the production of human
monoclonal antibodies have been described, for example, by Kozbor
J. Immunol., 133: 3001 (1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal Antibody
Production Techniques and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker,
Inc., New York, 1987); and Boerner et al., J. Immunol., 147: 86
(1991).
[0353] It is now possible to produce transgenic animals (e.g. mice)
that are capable, upon immunization, of producing a full repertoire
of human antibodies in the absence of endogenous immunoglobulin
production. For example, it has been described that the homozygous
deletion of the antibody heavy-chain joining region (JH) gene in
chimeric and germ-line mutant mice results in complete inhibition
of endogenous antibody production. Transfer of the human germ-line
immunoglobulin gene array in such germ-line mutant mice will result
in the production of human antibodies upon antigen challenge. See,
e.g., Jakobovits et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA, 90: 2551
(1993); Jakobovits et al., Nature, 362: 255 (1993); Bruggermann et
al., Year in Immunol., 7: 33 (1993).
[0354] Gene shuffling can also be used to derive human antibodies
from non-human, e.g. rodent, antibodies, where the human antibody
has similar affinities and specificities to the starting non-human
antibody. According to this method, which is also called "epitope
imprinting", either the heavy or light chain variable region of a
non-human antibody fragment obtained by phage display techniques as
described herein is replaced with a repertoire of human V domain
genes, creating a population of non-human chain/human chain scFv or
Fab chimeras. Selection with antigen results in isolation of a
non-human chain/human chain chimeric scFv or Fab wherein the human
chain restores the antigen binding site destroyed upon removal of
the corresponding non-human chain in the primary phage display
clone, i.e. the epitope governs (imprints) the choice of the human
chain partner. When the process is repeated in order to replace the
remaining non-human chain, a human antibody is obtained (see PCT WO
93/06213 published Apr. 1, 1993). Unlike traditional humanization
of non-human antibodies by CDR grafting, this technique provides
completely human antibodies, which have no FR or CDR residues of
non-human origin.
[0355] 5. Bispecific Antibodies
[0356] Bispecific antibodies are monoclonal antibodies that have
binding specificities for at least two different antigens. In
certain embodiments, bispecific antibodies are human or humanized
antibodies. In certain embodiments, one of the binding
specificities is for STEAP-1 and the other is for any other
antigen. In certain embodiments, bispecific antibodies may bind to
two different epitopes of STEAP-1. Bispecific antibodies may also
be used to localize cytotoxic agents to cells which express
STEAP-1. These antibodies possess a STEAP-1-binding arm and an arm
which binds a cytotoxic agent, such as, e.g., saporin,
anti-interferon-.alpha., vinca alkaloid, ricin A chain,
methotrexate or radioactive isotope hapten. Bispecific antibodies
can be prepared as full length antibodies or antibody fragments
(e.g. F(ab').sub.2 bispecific antibodies).
[0357] Methods for making bispecific antibodies are known in the
art. Traditionally, the recombinant production of bispecific
antibodies is based on the co-expression of two immunoglobulin
heavy chain-light chain pairs, where the two heavy chains have
different specificities (Milstein and Cuello, Nature, 305: 537
(1983)). Because of the random assortment of immunoglobulin heavy
and light chains, these hybridomas (quadromas) produce a potential
mixture of 10 different antibody molecules, of which only one has
the correct bispecific structure. The purification of the correct
molecule, which is usually done by affinity chromatography steps,
is rather cumbersome, and the product yields are low. Similar
procedures are disclosed in WO 93/08829 published May 13, 1993, and
in Traunecker et al., EMBO J., 10: 3655 (1991).
[0358] According to a different approach, antibody variable domains
with the desired binding specificities (antibody-antigen combining
sites) are fused to immunoglobulin constant domain sequences. The
fusion, for example, is with an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant
domain, comprising at least part of the hinge, CH2, and CH3
regions. In certain embodiments, the first heavy-chain constant
region (CH1), containing the site necessary for light chain
binding, is present in at least one of the fusions. DNAs encoding
the immunoglobulin heavy chain fusions and, if desired, the
immunoglobulin light chain, are inserted into separate expression
vectors, and are co-transfected into a suitable host organism. This
provides for great flexibility in adjusting the mutual proportions
of the three polypeptide fragments in embodiments when unequal
ratios of the three polypeptide chains used in the construction
provide the optimum yields. It is, however, possible to insert the
coding sequences for two or all three polypeptide chains in one
expression vector when the expression of at least two polypeptide
chains in equal ratios results in high yields or when the ratios
are of no particular significance.
[0359] In one embodiment of this approach, the bispecific
antibodies are composed of a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain with
a first binding specificity in one arm, and a hybrid immunoglobulin
heavy chain-light chain pair (providing a second binding
specificity) in the other arm. It was found that this asymmetric
structure facilitates the separation of the desired bispecific
compound from unwanted immunoglobulin chain combinations, as the
presence of an immunoglobulin light chain in only one half of the
bispecific molecule provides for a facile way of separation. This
approach is disclosed in WO 94/04690. For further details of
generating bispecific antibodies see, for example, Suresh et al.,
Methods in Enzymology, 121:210 (1986).
[0360] According to another approach, the interface between a pair
of antibody molecules can be engineered to maximize the percentage
of heterodimers which are recovered from recombinant cell culture.
The interface comprises at least a part of the C.sub.H3 domain of
an antibody constant domain. In this method, one or more small
amino acid side chains from the interface of the first antibody
molecule are replaced 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.
[0361] Bispecific antibodies include cross-linked or
"heteroconjugate" antibodies. For example, one of the antibodies in
the heteroconjugate can be coupled to avidin, the other to biotin.
Such antibodies have, for example, been proposed to target immune
system cells to unwanted cells (U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980), and for
treatment of HIV infection (WO 91/00360, WO 92/00373, and EP
03089). Heteroconjugate antibodies may be made using any convenient
cross-linking method. Suitable cross-linking agents are well known
in the art, and are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980, along
with a number of cross-linking techniques.
[0362] Techniques for generating bispecific antibodies from
antibody fragments have also been described in the literature. For
example, bispecific antibodies can be prepared using chemical
linkage. Brennan et al., Science, 229: 81 (1985) describe a
procedure wherein intact antibodies are proteolytically cleaved to
generate F(ab').sub.2 fragments. These fragments are reduced in the
presence of the dithiol complexing agent sodium arsenite to
stabilize vicinal dithiols and prevent intermolecular disulfide
formation. The Fab' fragments generated are then converted to
thionitrobenzoate (TNB) derivatives. One of the Fab'-TNB
derivatives is then reconverted to the Fab'-thiol by reduction with
mercaptoethylamine and is mixed with an equimolar amount of the
other Fab'-TNB derivative to form the bispecific antibody. The
bispecific antibodies produced can be used as agents for the
selective immobilization of enzymes.
[0363] Recent progress has facilitated the direct recovery of
Fab'-SH fragments from E. coli, which can be chemically coupled to
form bispecific antibodies. Shalaby et al., J. Exp. Med., 175:
217-225 (1992) describe the production of a fully humanized
bispecific antibody F(ab').sub.2 molecule. Each Fab' fragment was
separately secreted from E. coli and subjected to directed chemical
coupling in vitro to form the bispecific antibody. The bispecific
antibody thus formed was able to bind to cells overexpressing the
HER2 receptor and normal human T cells, as well as trigger the
lytic activity of human cytotoxic lymphocytes against human breast
tumor targets.
[0364] Various techniques for making and isolating bispecific
antibody fragments directly from recombinant cell culture have also
been described. For example, bispecific antibodies have been
produced using leucine zippers. Kostelny et al., J. Immunol.,
148(5):1547-1553 (1992). The leucine zipper peptides from the Fos
and Jun proteins were linked to the Fab' portions of two different
antibodies by gene fusion. The antibody homodimers were reduced at
the hinge region to form monomers and then re-oxidized to form the
antibody heterodimers. This method can also be utilized for the
production of antibody homodimers. The "diabody" technology
described by Holliger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,
90:6444-6448 (1993) has provided an alternative mechanism for
making bispecific antibody fragments. The fragments comprise a
heavy-chain variable domain (VH) connected to a light-chain
variable domain (VL) by a linker which is too short to allow
pairing between the two domains on the same chain. Accordingly, the
VH and VL domains of one fragment are forced to pair with the
complementary VL and VH domains of another fragment, thereby
forming two antigen-binding sites. Another strategy for making
bispecific antibody fragments by the use of single-chain Fv (sFv)
dimers has also been reported. See Gruber et al., J. Immunol.,
152:5368 (1994).
[0365] Antibodies with more than two valencies are contemplated.
For example, trispecific antibodies can be prepared. Tutt et al. J.
Immunol. 147: 60 (1991).
[0366] 6. Multivalent Antibodies
[0367] A multivalent antibody may be internalized (and/or
catabolized) faster than a bivalent antibody by a cell expressing
an antigen to which the antibodies bind. The antibodies of the
present invention can be multivalent antibodies (which are other
than of the IgM class) with three or more antigen binding sites
(e.g. tetravalent antibodies), which can be readily produced by
recombinant expression of nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide
chains of the antibody. The multivalent antibody can comprise a
dimerization domain and three or more antigen binding sites. In
certain embodiments, the dimerization domain comprises (or consists
of) an Fc region or a hinge region. In this scenario, the antibody
will comprise an Fc region and three or more antigen binding sites
amino-terminal to the Fc region. In certain embodiments, a
multivalent antibody comprises (or consists of) three to about
eight antigen binding sites. In one such embodiment, a multivalent
antibody comprises (or consists of) four antigen binding sites. The
multivalent antibody comprises at least one polypeptide chain (for
example, two polypeptide chains), wherein the polypeptide chain(s)
comprise two or more variable domains. For instance, the
polypeptide chain(s) may comprise VD1-(X1)n -VD2-(X2)n -Fc, wherein
VD1 is a first variable domain, VD2 is a second variable domain, Fc
is one polypeptide chain of an Fc region, X1 and X2 represent an
amino acid or polypeptide, and n is 0 or 1. For instance, the
polypeptide chain(s) may comprise: VH-CH1-flexible linker-VH-CH1-Fc
region chain; or VH-CH1-VH-CH1-Fc region chain. The multivalent
antibody herein may further comprise at least two (for example,
four) light chain variable domain polypeptides. The multivalent
antibody herein may, for instance, comprise from about two to about
eight light chain variable domain polypeptides. The light chain
variable domain polypeptides contemplated here comprise a light
chain variable domain and, optionally, further comprise a CL
domain.
[0368] 7. Single-Domain Antibodies
[0369] In some embodiments, an antibody of the invention is a
single-domain antibody. A single-domain antibody is a single
polypeptide chain comprising all or a portion of the heavy chain
variable domain or all or a portion of the light chain variable
domain of an antibody. In certain embodiments, a single-domain
antibody is a human single-domain antibody (Domantis, Inc.,
Waltham, Mass.; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,516 B1). In one
embodiment, a single-domain antibody consists of all or a portion
of the heavy chain variable domain of an antibody.
[0370] 8. Antibody Variants
[0371] In some embodiments, amino acid sequence modification(s) of
the antibodies described herein are contemplated. For example, it
may be desirable to improve the binding affinity and/or other
biological properties of the antibody. Amino acid sequence variants
of the antibody may be prepared by introducing appropriate changes
into the nucleotide sequence encoding the antibody, or by peptide
synthesis. Such modifications include, for example, deletions from,
and/or insertions into and/or substitutions of, residues within the
amino acid sequences of the antibody. Any combination of deletion,
insertion, and substitution can be made to arrive at the final
construct, provided that the final construct possesses the desired
characteristics. The amino acid alterations may be introduced in
the subject antibody amino acid sequence at the time that sequence
is made.
[0372] A useful method for identification of certain residues or
regions of the antibody that are preferred locations for
mutagenesis is called "alanine scanning mutagenesis" as described
by Cunningham and Wells (1989) Science, 244:1081-1085. Here, a
residue or group of target residues are identified (e.g., charged
residues such as arg, asp, his, lys, and glu) and replaced by a
neutral or negatively charged amino acid (e.g., alanine or
polyalanine) to affect the interaction of the amino acids with
antigen. Those amino acid locations demonstrating functional
sensitivity to the substitutions then are refined by introducing
further or other variants at, or for, the sites of substitution.
Thus, while the site for introducing an amino acid sequence
variation is predetermined, the nature of the mutation per se need
not be predetermined. For example, to analyze the performance of a
mutation at a given site, ala scanning or random mutagenesis is
conducted at the target codon or region and the expressed
immunoglobulins are screened for the desired activity.
[0373] Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or
carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to
polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as
intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues.
Examples of terminal insertions include an antibody with an
N-terminal methionyl residue. Other insertional variants of the
antibody molecule include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the
antibody to an enzyme (e.g. for ADEPT) or a polypeptide which
increases the serum half-life of the antibody.
[0374] In certain embodiments, an antibody of the invention is
altered to increase or decrease the extent to which the antibody is
glycosylated. Glycosylation of polypeptides is typically either
N-linked or .kappa.-linked. N-linked refers to the attachment of a
carbohydrate moiety to the side chain of an asparagine residue. The
tripeptide sequences asparagine-X-serine and
asparagine-X-threonine, where X is any amino acid except proline,
are the recognition sequences for enzymatic attachment of the
carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain. Thus, the
presence of either of these tripeptide sequences in a polypeptide
creates a potential glycosylation site. O-linked glycosylation
refers to the attachment of one of the sugars N-aceylgalactosamine,
galactose, or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid, most commonly serine
or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or 5-hydroxylysine may also
be used.
[0375] Addition or deletion of glycosylation sites to the antibody
is conveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence
such that one or more of the above-described tripeptide sequences
(for N-linked glycosylation sites) is created or removed. The
alteration may also be made by the addition, deletion, or
substitution of one or more serine or threonine residues to the
sequence of the original antibody (for O-linked glycosylation
sites).
[0376] Where the antibody comprises an Fc region, the carbohydrate
attached thereto may be altered. For example, antibodies with a
mature carbohydrate structure that lacks fucose attached to an Fc
region of the antibody are described in US Pat Appl No US
2003/0157108 (Presta, L.). See also US 2004/0093621 (Kyowa Hakko
Kogyo Co., Ltd). Antibodies with a bisecting N-acetylglucosamine
(GlcNAc) in the carbohydrate attached to an Fc region of the
antibody are referenced in WO 2003/011878, Jean-Mairet et al. and
U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,684, Umana et al. Antibodies with at least one
galactose residue in the oligosaccharide attached to an Fc region
of the antibody are reported in WO 1997/30087, Patel et al. See,
also, WO 1998/58964 (Raju, S.) and WO 1999/22764 (Raju, S.)
concerning antibodies with altered carbohydrate attached to the Fc
region thereof. See also US 2005/0123546 (Umana et al.) on
antigen-binding molecules with modified glycosylation.
[0377] In certain embodiments, a glycosylation variant comprises an
Fc region, wherein a carbohydrate structure attached to the Fc
region lacks fucose. Such variants have improved ADCC function.
Optionally, the Fc region further comprises one or more amino acid
substitutions therein which further improve ADCC, for example,
substitutions at positions 298, 333, and/or 334 of the Fc region
(Eu numbering of residues). Examples of publications related to
"defucosylated" or "fucose-deficient" antibodies include: US
2003/0157108; WO 2000/61739; WO 2001/29246; US 2003/0115614; US
2002/0164328; US 2004/0093621; US 2004/0132140; US 2004/0110704; US
2004/0110282; US 2004/0109865; WO 2003/085119; WO 2003/084570; WO
2005/035586; WO 2005/035778; WO2005/053742; Okazaki et al. J. Mol.
Biol. 336:1239-1249 (2004); Yamane-Ohnuki et al. Biotech. Bioeng.
87: 614 (2004). Examples of cell lines producing defucosylated
antibodies include Lec13 CHO cells deficient in protein
fucosylation (Ripka et al. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 249:533-545
(1986); US Pat Appl No US 2003/0157108 A1, Presta, L; and WO
2004/056312 A1, Adams et al., especially at Example 11), and
knockout cell lines, such as alpha-1,6-fucosyltransferase gene,
FUT8, knockout CHO cells (Yamane-Ohnuki et al. Biotech. Bioeng. 87:
614 (2004)).
[0378] In one embodiment, the antibody is altered to improve its
serum half-life. To increase the serum half life of the antibody,
one may incorporate a salvage receptor binding epitope into the
antibody (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 (US 2003/0190311, U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,505; U.S. Pat. No.
6,165,745; U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,821; U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,260; U.S.
Pat. No. 6,165,745; U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,597).
[0379] Another type of variant is an amino acid substitution
variant. These variants have at least one amino acid residue in the
antibody molecule replaced by a different residue. Sites of
interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the hypervariable
regions, but FR alterations are also contemplated. Conservative
substitutions are shown in Table 1 under the heading of "preferred
substitutions." If such substitutions result in a desirable change
in biological activity, then more substantial changes, denominated
"exemplary substitutions" in Table 1, or as further described below
in reference to amino acid classes, may be introduced and the
products screened.
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 1 Original Exemplary Preferred Residue
Substitutions Substitutions Ala (A) Val; Leu; Ile Val Arg (R) Lys;
Gln; Asn Lys Asn (N) Gln; His; Asp, Lys; Arg Gln Asp (D) Glu; Asn
Glu Cys (C) Ser; Ala Ser Gln (Q) Asn; Glu Asn Glu (E) Asp; Gln Asp
Gly (G) Ala Ala His (H) Asn; Gln; Lys; Arg Arg Ile (I) Leu; Val;
Met; Ala; Leu Phe; Norleucine Leu (L) Norleucine; Ile; Val; Ile
Met; Ala; Phe Lys (K) Arg; Gln; Asn Arg Met (M) Leu; Phe; Ile Leu
Phe (F) Trp; Leu; Val; Ile; Ala; Tyr Tyr Pro (P) Ala Ala Ser (S)
Thr Thr Thr (T) Val; Ser Ser Trp (W) Tyr; Phe Tyr Tyr (Y) Trp; Phe;
Thr; Ser Phe Val (V) Ile; Leu; Met; Phe; Leu Ala; Norleucine
[0380] Substantial modifications in the biological properties of
the antibody are accomplished by selecting substitutions that
differ significantly in their effect on maintaining (a) the
structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the
substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation, (b)
the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site, or
(c) the bulk of the side chain. Amino acids may be grouped
according to similarities in the properties of their side chains
(in A. L. Lehninger, in Biochemistry, second ed., pp. 73-75, Worth
Publishers, New York (1975)):
[0381] (1) non-polar: Ala (A), Val (V), Leu (L), Ile (I), Pro (P),
Phe (F), Trp (W), Met (M)
[0382] (2) uncharged polar: Gly (G), Ser (S), Thr (T), Cys (C), Tyr
(Y), Asn (N), Gln (Q)
[0383] (3) acidic: Asp (D), Glu (E)
[0384] (4) basic: Lys (K), Arg (R), His(H)
[0385] Alternatively, naturally occurring residues may be divided
into groups based on common side-chain properties:
[0386] (1) hydrophobic: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile;
[0387] (2) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln;
[0388] (3) acidic: Asp, Glu;
[0389] (4) basic: His, Lys, Arg;
[0390] (5) residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro;
[0391] (6) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe.
[0392] Non-conservative substitutions will entail exchanging a
member of one of these classes for another class. Such substituted
residues also may be introduced into the conservative substitution
sites or, into the remaining (non-conserved) sites.
[0393] One type of substitutional variant involves substituting one
or more hypervariable region residues of a parent antibody (e.g. a
humanized or human antibody). Generally, the resulting variant(s)
selected for further development will have modified (e.g.,
improved) biological properties relative to the parent antibody
from which they are generated. A convenient way for generating such
substitutional variants involves affinity maturation using phage
display. Briefly, several hypervariable region sites (e.g. 6-7
sites) are mutated to generate all possible amino acid
substitutions at each site. The antibodies thus generated are
displayed from filamentous phage particles as fusions to at least
part of a phage coat protein (e.g., the gene III product of M13)
packaged within each particle. The phage-displayed variants are
then screened for their biological activity (e.g. binding
affinity). In order to identify candidate hypervariable region
sites for modification, scanning mutagenesis (e.g., alanine
scanning) can be performed to identify hypervariable region
residues contributing significantly to antigen binding.
Alternatively, or additionally, it may be beneficial to analyze a
crystal structure of the antigen-antibody complex to identify
contact points between the antibody and antigen. Such contact
residues and neighboring residues are candidates for substitution
according to techniques known in the art, including those
elaborated herein. Once such variants are generated, the panel of
variants is subjected to screening using techniques known in the
art, including those described herein, and antibodies with superior
properties in one or more relevant assays may be selected for
further development.
[0394] Nucleic acid molecules encoding amino acid sequence variants
of the antibody are prepared by a variety of methods known in the
art. These methods include, but are not limited to, isolation from
a natural source (in the case of naturally occurring amino acid
sequence variants) or preparation by oligonucleotide-mediated (or
site-directed) mutagenesis, PCR mutagenesis, and cassette
mutagenesis of an earlier prepared variant or a non-variant version
of the antibody.
[0395] It may be desirable to introduce one or more amino acid
modifications in an Fc region of antibodies of the invention,
thereby generating an Fc region variant. The Fc region variant may
comprise a human Fc region sequence (e.g., a human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3
or IgG4 Fc region) comprising an amino acid modification (e.g. a
substitution) at one or more amino acid positions including that of
a hinge cysteine.
[0396] In accordance with this description and the teachings of the
art, it is contemplated that in some embodiments, an antibody of
the invention may comprise one or more alterations as compared to
the wild type counterpart antibody, e.g. in the Fc region. These
antibodies would nonetheless retain substantially the same
characteristics required for therapeutic utility as compared to
their wild type counterpart. For example, it is thought that
certain alterations can be made in the Fc region that would result
in altered (i.e., either improved or diminished) C1q binding and/or
Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC), e.g., as described in
WO99/51642. See also Duncan & Winter Nature 322:738-40 (1988);
U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,260; U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,821; and WO94/29351
concerning other examples of Fc region variants. WO00/42072
(Presta) and WO 2004/056312 (Lowman) describe antibody variants
with improved or diminished binding to FcRs. The content of these
patent publications are specifically incorporated herein by
reference. See, also, Shields et al. J. Biol. Chem. 9(2): 6591-6604
(2001). Antibodies with increased half lives and improved binding
to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), which is responsible for the
transfer of maternal IgGs to the fetus (Guyer et al., J. Immunol.
117:587 (1976) and Kim et al., J. Immunol. 24:249 (1994)), are
described in US2005/0014934A1 (Hinton et al.). These antibodies
comprise an Fc region with one or more substitutions therein which
improve binding of the Fc region to FcRn. Polypeptide variants with
altered Fc region amino acid sequences and increased or decreased
C1q binding capability are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,551B1,
WO99/51642. The contents of those patent publications are
specifically incorporated herein by reference. See, also, Idusogie
et al. J. Immunol. 164: 4178-4184 (2000).
[0397] In one aspect, the invention provides antibodies comprising
modifications in the interface of Fc polypeptides comprising the Fc
region, wherein the modifications facilitate and/or promote
heterodimerization. These modifications comprise introduction of a
protuberance into a first Fc polypeptide and a cavity into a second
Fc polypeptide, wherein the protuberance is positionable in the
cavity so as to promote complexing of the first and second Fc
polypeptides. Methods of generating antibodies with these
modifications are known in the art, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,731,168.
[0398] 9. Antibody Derivatives
[0399] The antibodies of the present invention can be further
modified to contain additional nonproteinaceous moieties that are
known in the art and readily available. Preferably, the moieties
suitable for derivatization of the antibody are water soluble
polymers. Non-limiting examples of water soluble polymers include,
but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), copolymers of
ethylene glycol/propylene glycol, carboxymethylcellulose, dextran,
polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly-1, 3-dioxolane,
poly-1,3,6-trioxane, ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer,
polyaminoacids (either homopolymers or random copolymers), and
dextran or poly(n-vinyl pyrrolidone)polyethylene glycol,
propropylene glycol homopolymers, polypropylene oxide/ethylene
oxide co-polymers, polyoxyethylated polyols (e.g., glycerol),
polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. Polyethylene glycol
propionaldehyde may have advantages in manufacturing due to its
stability in water. The polymer may be of any molecular weight, and
may be branched or unbranched. The number of polymers attached to
the antibody may vary, and if more than one polymer are attached,
they can be the same or different molecules. In general, the number
and/or type of polymers used for derivatization can be determined
based on considerations including, but not limited to, the
particular properties or functions of the antibody to be improved,
whether the antibody derivative will be used in a therapy under
defined conditions, etc.
[0400] In another embodiment, conjugates of an antibody and
nonproteinaceous moiety that may be selectively heated by exposure
to radiation are provided. In one embodiment, the nonproteinaceous
moiety is a carbon nanotube (Kam et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
102: 11600-11605 (2005)). The radiation may be of any wavelength,
and includes, but is not limited to, wavelengths that do not harm
ordinary cells, but which heat the nonproteinaceous moiety to a
temperature at which cells proximal to the
antibody-nonproteinaceous moiety are killed.
[0401] Certain Methods of Making Antibodies
[0402] 1. Certain Hybridoma-Based Methods
[0403] The anti-STEAP-1 monoclonal antibodies of the invention can
be made using the hybridoma method first described by Kohler et
al., Nature, 256:495 (1975), or may be made by recombinant DNA
methods (U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567).
[0404] In the hybridoma method, a mouse or other appropriate host
animal, such as a hamster, is immunized to elicit lymphocytes that
produce or are capable of producing antibodies that will
specifically bind to the protein used for immunization. Antibodies
to STEAP-1 generally are raised in animals by multiple subcutaneous
(sc) or intraperitoneal (ip) injections of STEAP-1 and an adjuvant.
STEAP-1 may be prepared using methods well-known in the art, some
of which are further described herein. For example, STEAP-1 may be
produced recombinantly. In one embodiment, animals are immunized
with a derivative of STEAP-1 that contains an extracellular portion
of STEAP-1 fused to the Fc portion of an immunoglobulin heavy
chain. In one embodiment, animals are immunized with an
STEAP-1-IgG1 fusion protein. In one embodiment, animals are
immunized with immunogenic derivatives of STEAP-1 in a solution
with monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL)/trehalose dicorynomycolate (TDM)
(Ribi Immunochem. Research, Inc., Hamilton, Mont.), and the
solution is injected intradermally at multiple sites. Two weeks
later the animals are boosted. Seven to fourteen days later the
animals are bled, and the serum is assayed for anti-STEAP-1 titer.
Animals are boosted until titer plateaus.
[0405] Alternatively, lymphocytes may be immunized in vitro.
Lymphocytes then are fused with myeloma cells using a suitable
fusing agent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell
(Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, pp. 59-103
(Academic Press, 1986)).
[0406] The hybridoma cells thus prepared are seeded and grown in a
suitable culture medium, e.g., a medium that contains one or more
substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the unfused,
parental myeloma cells. For example, if the parental myeloma cells
lack the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase
(HGPRT or HPRT), the culture medium for the hybridomas typically
will include hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine (HAT medium),
which substances prevent the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells.
[0407] In certain embodiments, myeloma cells are those that fuse
efficiently, support stable high-level production of antibody by
the selected antibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a
medium such as HAT medium. Exemplary myeloma cells include, but are
not limited to, murine myeloma lines, such as those derived from
MOPC-21 and MPC-11 mouse tumors available from the Salk Institute
Cell Distribution Center, San Diego, Calif. USA, and SP-2 or
X63-Ag8-653 cells available from the American Type Culture
Collection, Rockville, Md. USA. Human myeloma and mouse-human
heteromyeloma cell lines also have been described for the
production of human monoclonal antibodies (Kozbor, J. Immunol.,
133:3001 (1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal Antibody Production
Techniques and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New
York, 1987)).
[0408] Culture medium in which hybridoma cells are growing is
assayed for production of monoclonal antibodies that bind to
STEAP-1. Preferably, the binding specificity of monoclonal
antibodies produced by hybridoma cells is determined by
immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding assay, such as
radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay
(ELISA). The binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can, for
example, be determined by the Scatchard analysis of Munson et al.,
Anal. Biochem., 107:220 (1980).
[0409] After hybridoma cells are identified that produce antibodies
of the desired specificity, affinity, and/or activity, the clones
may be subcloned by limiting dilution procedures and grown by
standard methods (Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and
Practice, pp. 59-103 (Academic Press, 1986)). Suitable culture
media for this purpose include, for example, D-MEM or RPMI-1640
medium. In addition, the hybridoma cells may be grown in vivo as
ascites tumors in an animal. Monoclonal antibodies secreted by the
subclones are suitably separated from the culture medium, ascites
fluid, or serum by conventional immunoglobulin purification
procedures such as, for example, protein A-Sepharose,
hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, or
affinity chromatography.
[0410] 2. Certain Library Screening Methods
[0411] Anti-STEAP-1 antibodies of the invention can be made by
using combinatorial libraries to screen for antibodies with the
desired activity or activities. For example, a variety of methods
are known in the art for generating phage display libraries and
screening such libraries for antibodies possessing the desired
binding characteristics. Such methods are described generally in
Hoogenboom et al. (2001) in Methods in Molecular Biology 178:1-37
(O'Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, N.J.), and in certain
embodiments, in Lee et al. (2004) J. Mol. Biol. 340:1073-1093.
[0412] In principle, synthetic antibody clones are selected by
screening phage libraries containing phage that display various
fragments of antibody variable region (Fv) fused to phage coat
protein. Such phage libraries are panned by affinity chromatography
against the desired antigen. Clones expressing Fv fragments capable
of binding to the desired antigen are adsorbed to the antigen and
thus separated from the non-binding clones in the library. The
binding clones are then eluted from the antigen, and can be further
enriched by additional cycles of antigen adsorption/elution. Any of
the anti-STEAP-1 antibodies of the invention can be obtained by
designing a suitable antigen screening procedure to select for the
phage clone of interest followed by construction of a full length
anti-STEAP-1 antibody clone using the Fv sequences from the phage
clone of interest and suitable constant region (Fc) sequences
described in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological
Interest, Fifth Edition, NIH Publication 91-3242, Bethesda Md.
(1991), vols. 1-3.
[0413] In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain of an
antibody is formed from two variable (V) regions of about 110 amino
acids, one each from the light (VL) and heavy (VH) chains, that
both present three hypervariable loops (HVRs) or
complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Variable domains can be
displayed functionally on phage, either as single-chain Fv (scFv)
fragments, in which VH and VL are covalently linked through a
short, flexible peptide, or as Fab fragments, in which they are
each fused to a constant domain and interact non-covalently, as
described in Winter et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol., 12: 433-455 (1994).
As used herein, scFv encoding phage clones and Fab encoding phage
clones are collectively referred to as "Fv phage clones" or "Fv
clones."
[0414] Repertoires of VH and VL genes can be separately cloned by
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and recombined randomly in phage
libraries, which can then be searched for antigen-binding clones as
described in Winter et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol., 12: 433-455 (1994).
Libraries from immunized sources provide high-affinity antibodies
to the immunogen without the requirement of constructing
hybridomas. Alternatively, the naive repertoire can be cloned to
provide a single source of human antibodies to a wide range of
non-self and also self antigens without any immunization as
described by Griffiths et al., EMBO J, 12: 725-734 (1993). Finally,
naive libraries can also be made synthetically by cloning the
unrearranged V-gene segments from stem cells, and using PCR primers
containing random sequence to encode the highly variable CDR3
regions and to accomplish rearrangement in vitro as described by
Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227: 381-388 (1992).
[0415] In certain embodiments, filamentous phage is used to display
antibody fragments by fusion to the minor coat protein pill The
antibody fragments can be displayed as single chain Fv fragments,
in which VH and VL domains are connected on the same polypeptide
chain by a flexible polypeptide spacer, e.g. as described by Marks
et al., J. Mol. Biol., 222: 581-597 (1991), or as Fab fragments, in
which one chain is fused to pIII and the other is secreted into the
bacterial host cell periplasm where assembly of a Fab-coat protein
structure which becomes displayed on the phage surface by
displacing some of the wild type coat proteins, e.g. as described
in Hoogenboom et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 19: 4133-4137 (1991).
[0416] In general, nucleic acids encoding antibody gene fragments
are obtained from immune cells harvested from humans or animals. If
a library biased in favor of anti-STEAP-1 clones is desired, the
subject is immunized with STEAP-1 to generate an antibody response,
and spleen cells and/or circulating B cells other peripheral blood
lymphocytes (PBLs) are recovered for library construction. In a
preferred embodiment, a human antibody gene fragment library biased
in favor of anti-STEAP-1 clones is obtained by generating an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody response in transgenic mice carrying a
functional human immunoglobulin gene array (and lacking a
functional endogenous antibody production system) such that STEAP-1
immunization gives rise to B cells producing human antibodies
against STEAP-1. The generation of human antibody-producing
transgenic mice is described below.
[0417] Additional enrichment for anti-STEAP-1 reactive cell
populations can be obtained by using a suitable screening procedure
to isolate B cells expressing STEAP-1-specific membrane bound
antibody, e.g., by cell separation using STEAP-1 affinity
chromatography or adsorption of cells to fluorochrome-labeled
STEAP-1 followed by flow-activated cell sorting (FACS).
[0418] Alternatively, the use of spleen cells and/or .kappa. cells
or other PBLs from an unimmunized donor provides a better
representation of the possible antibody repertoire, and also
permits the construction of an antibody library using any animal
(human or non-human) species in which STEAP-1 is not antigenic. For
libraries incorporating in vitro antibody gene construction, stem
cells are harvested from the subject to provide nucleic acids
encoding unrearranged antibody gene segments. The immune cells of
interest can be obtained from a variety of animal species, such as
human, mouse, rat, lagomorpha, luprine, canine, feline, porcine,
bovine, equine, and avian species, etc.
[0419] Nucleic acid encoding antibody variable gene segments
(including VH and VL segments) are recovered from the cells of
interest and amplified. In the case of rearranged VH and VL gene
libraries, the desired DNA can be obtained by isolating genomic DNA
or mRNA from lymphocytes followed by polymerase chain reaction
(PCR) with primers matching the 5' and 3' ends of rearranged VH and
VL genes as described in Orlandi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
(USA), 86: 3833-3837 (1989), thereby making diverse V gene
repertoires for expression. The V genes can be amplified from cDNA
and genomic DNA, with back primers at the 5' end of the exon
encoding the mature V-domain and forward primers based within the
J-segment as described in Orlandi et al. (1989) and in Ward et al.,
Nature, 341: 544-546 (1989). However, for amplifying from cDNA,
back primers can also be based in the leader exon as described in
Jones et al., Biotechnol., 9: 88-89 (1991), and forward primers
within the constant region as described in Sastry et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. (USA), 86: 5728-5732 (1989). To maximize
complementarity, degeneracy can be incorporated in the primers as
described in Orlandi et al. (1989) or Sastry et al. (1989). In
certain embodiments, library diversity is maximized by using PCR
primers targeted to each V-gene family in order to amplify all
available VH and VL arrangements present in the immune cell nucleic
acid sample, e.g. as described in the method of Marks et al., J.
Mol. Biol., 222: 581-597 (1991) or as described in the method of
Orum et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 21: 4491-4498 (1993). For cloning
of the amplified DNA into expression vectors, rare restriction
sites can be introduced within the PCR primer as a tag at one end
as described in Orlandi et al. (1989), or by further PCR
amplification with a tagged primer as described in Clackson et al.,
Nature, 352: 624-628 (1991).
[0420] Repertoires of synthetically rearranged V genes can be
derived in vitro from V gene segments. Most of the human VH-gene
segments have been cloned and sequenced (reported in Tomlinson et
al., J. Mol. Biol., 227: 776-798 (1992)), and mapped (reported in
Matsuda et al., Nature Genet., 3: 88-94 (1993); these cloned
segments (including all the major conformations of the H1 and H2
loop) can be used to generate diverse VH gene repertoires with PCR
primers encoding H3 loops of diverse sequence and length as
described in Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227: 381-388
(1992). VH repertoires can also be made with all the sequence
diversity focused in a long H3 loop of a single length as described
in Barbas et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89: 4457-4461 (1992).
Human V.kappa. and V.lamda. segments have been cloned and sequenced
(reported in Williams and Winter, Eur. J. Immunol., 23: 1456-1461
(1993)) and can be used to make synthetic light chain repertoires.
Synthetic V gene repertoires, based on a range of VH and VL folds,
and L3 and H3 lengths, will encode antibodies of considerable
structural diversity. Following amplification of V-gene encoding
DNAs, germline V-gene segments can be rearranged in vitro according
to the methods of Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227:
381-388 (1992).
[0421] Repertoires of antibody fragments can be constructed by
combining VH and VL gene repertoires together in several ways. Each
repertoire can be created in different vectors, and the vectors
recombined in vitro, e.g., as described in Hogrefe et al., Gene,
128: 119-126 (1993), or in vivo by combinatorial infection, e.g.,
the loxP system described in Waterhouse et al., Nucl. Acids Res.,
21: 2265-2266 (1993). The in vivo recombination approach exploits
the two-chain nature of Fab fragments to overcome the limit on
library size imposed by E. coli transformation efficiency. Naive VH
and VL repertoires are cloned separately, one into a phagemid and
the other into a phage vector. The two libraries are then combined
by phage infection of phagemid-containing bacteria so that each
cell contains a different combination and the library size is
limited only by the number of cells present (about 10.sup.12
clones). Both vectors contain in vivo recombination signals so that
the VH and VL genes are recombined onto a single replicon and are
co-packaged into phage virions. These huge libraries provide large
numbers of diverse antibodies of good affinity (K.sub.d.sup.-1 of
about 10.sup.-8 M).
[0422] Alternatively, the repertoires may be cloned sequentially
into the same vector, e.g. as described in Barbas et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 88: 7978-7982 (1991), or assembled together
by PCR and then cloned, e.g. as described in Clackson et al.,
Nature, 352: 624-628 (1991). PCR assembly can also be used to join
VH and VL DNAs with DNA encoding a flexible peptide spacer to form
single chain Fv (scFv) repertoires. In yet another technique, "in
cell PCR assembly" is used to combine VH and VL genes within
lymphocytes by PCR and then clone repertoires of linked genes as
described in Embleton et al., Nucl. Acids Res., 20: 3831-3837
(1992).
[0423] The antibodies produced by naive libraries (either natural
or synthetic) can be of moderate affinity (K.sub.d.sup.-1 of about
10.sup.6 to 10.sup.7M.sup.-1), but affinity maturation can also be
mimicked in vitro by constructing and reselecting from secondary
libraries as described in Winter et al. (1994), supra. For example,
mutation can be introduced at random in vitro by using error-prone
polymerase (reported in Leung et al., Technique, 1: 11-15 (1989))
in the method of Hawkins et al., J. Mol. Biol., 226: 889-896 (1992)
or in the method of Gram et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA, 89:
3576-3580 (1992). Additionally, affinity maturation can be
performed by randomly mutating one or more CDRs, e.g. using PCR
with primers carrying random sequence spanning the CDR of interest,
in selected individual Fv clones and screening for higher affinity
clones. WO 9607754 (published 14 Mar. 1996) described a method for
inducing mutagenesis in a complementarity determining region of an
immunoglobulin light chain to create a library of light chain
genes. Another effective approach is to recombine the VH or VL
domains selected by phage display with repertoires of naturally
occurring V domain variants obtained from unimmunized donors and
screen for higher affinity in several rounds of chain reshuffling
as described in Marks et al., Biotechnol., 10: 779-783 (1992). This
technique allows the production of antibodies and antibody
fragments with affinities of about 10.sup.-9M or less.
[0424] Screening of the libraries can be accomplished by various
techniques known in the art. For example, STEAP-1 can be used to
coat the wells of adsorption plates, expressed on host cells
affixed to adsorption plates or used in cell sorting, or conjugated
to biotin for capture with streptavidin-coated beads, or used in
any other method for panning phage display libraries.
[0425] The phage library samples are contacted with immobilized
STEAP-1 under conditions suitable for binding at least a portion of
the phage particles with the adsorbent. Normally, the conditions,
including pH, ionic strength, temperature and the like are selected
to mimic physiological conditions. The phages bound to the solid
phase are washed and then eluted by acid, e.g. as described in
Barbas et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA, 88: 7978-7982 (1991), or
by alkali, e.g. as described in Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol., 222:
581-597 (1991), or by STEAP-1 antigen competition, e.g. in a
procedure similar to the antigen competition method of Clackson et
al., Nature, 352: 624-628 (1991). Phages can be enriched
20-1,000-fold in a single round of selection. Moreover, the
enriched phages can be grown in bacterial culture and subjected to
further rounds of selection.
[0426] The efficiency of selection depends on many factors,
including the kinetics of dissociation during washing, and whether
multiple antibody fragments on a single phage can simultaneously
engage with antigen. Antibodies with fast dissociation kinetics
(and weak binding affinities) can be retained by use of short
washes, multivalent phage display and high coating density of
antigen in solid phase. The high density not only stabilizes the
phage through multivalent interactions, but favors rebinding of
phage that has dissociated. The selection of antibodies with slow
dissociation kinetics (and good binding affinities) can be promoted
by use of long washes and monovalent phage display as described in
Bass et al., Proteins, 8: 309-314 (1990) and in WO 92/09690, and a
low coating density of antigen as described in Marks et al.,
Biotechnol., 10: 779-783 (1992).
[0427] It is possible to select between phage antibodies of
different affinities, even with affinities that differ slightly,
for STEAP-1. However, random mutation of a selected antibody (e.g.
as performed in some affinity maturation techniques) is likely to
give rise to many mutants, most binding to antigen, and a few with
higher affinity. With limiting STEAP-1, rare high affinity phage
could be competed out. To retain all higher affinity mutants,
phages can be incubated with excess biotinylated STEAP-1, but with
the biotinylated STEAP-1 at a concentration of lower molarity than
the target molar affinity constant for STEAP-1. The high
affinity-binding phages can then be captured by streptavidin-coated
paramagnetic beads. Such "equilibrium capture" allows the
antibodies to be selected according to their affinities of binding,
with sensitivity that permits isolation of mutant clones with as
little as two-fold higher affinity from a great excess of phages
with lower affinity. Conditions used in washing phages bound to a
solid phase can also be manipulated to discriminate on the basis of
dissociation kinetics.
[0428] Anti-STEAP-1 clones may be selected based on activity. In
certain embodiments, the invention provides anti-STEAP-1 antibodies
that bind to living cells that naturally express STEAP-1. In one
embodiment, the invention provides anti-STEAP-1 antibodies that
block the binding between a STEAP-1 ligand and STEAP-1, but do not
block the binding between a STEAP-1 ligand and a second protein. Fv
clones corresponding to such anti-STEAP-1 antibodies can be
selected by (1) isolating anti-STEAP-1 clones from a phage library
as described above, and optionally amplifying the isolated
population of phage clones by growing up the population in a
suitable bacterial host; (2) selecting STEAP-1 and a second protein
against which blocking and non-blocking activity, respectively, is
desired; (3) adsorbing the anti-STEAP-1 phage clones to immobilized
STEAP-1; (4) using an excess of the second protein to elute any
undesired clones that recognize STEAP-1-binding determinants which
overlap or are shared with the binding determinants of the second
protein; and (5) eluting the clones which remain adsorbed following
step (4). Optionally, clones with the desired blocking/non-blocking
properties can be further enriched by repeating the selection
procedures described herein one or more times.
[0429] DNA encoding hybridoma-derived monoclonal antibodies or
phage display Fv clones of the invention is readily isolated and
sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g. by using
oligonucleotide primers designed to specifically amplify the heavy
and light chain coding regions of interest from hybridoma or phage
DNA template). Once isolated, the DNA can be placed into expression
vectors, which are then transfected into host cells such as E. coli
cells, simian COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, or
myeloma cells that do not otherwise produce immunoglobulin protein,
to obtain the synthesis of the desired monoclonal antibodies in the
recombinant host cells. Review articles on recombinant expression
in bacteria of antibody-encoding DNA include Skerra et al., Curr.
Opinion in Immunol., 5: 256 (1993) and Pluckthun, Immunol. Revs,
130: 151 (1992).
[0430] DNA encoding the Fv clones of the invention can be combined
with known DNA sequences encoding heavy chain and/or light chain
constant regions (e.g. the appropriate DNA sequences can be
obtained from Kabat et al., supra) to form clones encoding full or
partial length heavy and/or light chains. It will be appreciated
that constant regions of any isotype can be used for this purpose,
including IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE constant regions, and that
such constant regions can be obtained from any human or animal
species. An Fv clone derived from the variable domain DNA of one
animal (such as human) species and then fused to constant region
DNA of another animal species to form coding sequence(s) for
"hybrid," full length heavy chain and/or light chain is included in
the definition of "chimeric" and "hybrid" antibody as used herein.
In certain embodiments, an Fv clone derived from human variable DNA
is fused to human constant region DNA to form coding sequence(s)
for full- or partial-length human heavy and/or light chains.
[0431] DNA encoding anti-STEAP-1 antibody derived from a hybridoma
of the invention can also be modified, for example, by substituting
the coding sequence for human heavy- and light-chain constant
domains in place of homologous murine sequences derived from the
hybridoma clone (e.g. as in the method of Morrison et al., Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81: 6851-6855 (1984)). DNA encoding a
hybridoma- or Fv clone-derived antibody or fragment can be further
modified by covalently joining to the immunoglobulin coding
sequence all or part of the coding sequence for a
non-immunoglobulin polypeptide. In this manner, "chimeric" or
"hybrid" antibodies are prepared that have the binding specificity
of the Fv clone or hybridoma clone-derived antibodies of the
invention.
[0432] 3. Vectors, Host Cells, and Recombinant Methods
[0433] For recombinant production of an antibody of the invention,
the nucleic acid encoding it is isolated and inserted into a
replicable vector for further cloning (amplification of the DNA) or
for expression. DNA encoding the antibody is readily isolated and
sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using
oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to
genes encoding the heavy and light chains of the antibody). Many
vectors are available. The choice of vector depends in part on the
host cell to be used. Generally, host cells are of either
prokaryotic or eukaryotic (generally mammalian) origin. It will be
appreciated that constant regions of any isotype can be used for
this purpose, including IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD, and IgE constant
regions, and that such constant regions can be obtained from any
human or animal species.
[0434] Generating Antibodies Using Prokaryotic Host Cells:
[0435] Vector Construction
[0436] Polynucleotide sequences encoding polypeptide components of
the antibody of the invention can be obtained using standard
recombinant techniques. Desired polynucleotide sequences may be
isolated and sequenced from antibody producing cells such as
hybridoma cells. Alternatively, polynucleotides can be synthesized
using nucleotide synthesizer or PCR techniques. Once obtained,
sequences encoding the polypeptides are inserted into a recombinant
vector capable of replicating and expressing heterologous
polynucleotides in prokaryotic hosts. Many vectors that are
available and known in the art can be used for the purpose of the
present invention. Selection of an appropriate vector will depend
mainly on the size of the nucleic acids to be inserted into the
vector and the particular host cell to be transformed with the
vector. Each vector contains various components, depending on its
function (amplification or expression of heterologous
polynucleotide, or both) and its compatibility with the particular
host cell in which it resides. The vector components generally
include, but are not limited to: an origin of replication, a
selection marker gene, a promoter, a ribosome binding site (RBS), a
signal sequence, the heterologous nucleic acid insert and a
transcription termination sequence.
[0437] In general, plasmid vectors containing replicon and control
sequences which are derived from species compatible with the host
cell are used in connection with these hosts. The vector ordinarily
carries a replication site, as well as marking sequences which are
capable of providing phenotypic selection in transformed cells. For
example, E. coli is typically transformed using pBR322, a plasmid
derived from an E. coli species. pBR322 contains genes encoding
ampicillin (Amp) and tetracycline (Tet) resistance and thus
provides easy means for identifying transformed cells. pBR322, its
derivatives, or other microbial plasmids or bacteriophage may also
contain, or be modified to contain, promoters which can be used by
the microbial organism for expression of endogenous proteins.
Examples of pBR322 derivatives used for expression of particular
antibodies are described in detail in Carter et al., U.S. Pat. No.
5,648,237.
[0438] In addition, phage vectors containing replicon and control
sequences that are compatible with the host microorganism can be
used as transforming vectors in connection with these hosts. For
example, bacteriophage such as .lamda.GEM.TM.-11 may be utilized in
making a recombinant vector which can be used to transform
susceptible host cells such as E. coli LE392.
[0439] The expression vector of the invention may comprise two or
more promoter-cistron pairs, encoding each of the polypeptide
components. A promoter is an untranslated regulatory sequence
located upstream (5') to a cistron that modulates its expression.
Prokaryotic promoters typically fall into two classes, inducible
and constitutive. Inducible promoter is a promoter that initiates
increased levels of transcription of the cistron under its control
in response to changes in the culture condition, e.g. the presence
or absence of a nutrient or a change in temperature.
[0440] A large number of promoters recognized by a variety of
potential host cells are well known. The selected promoter can be
operably linked to cistron DNA encoding the light or heavy chain by
removing the promoter from the source DNA via restriction enzyme
digestion and inserting the isolated promoter sequence into the
vector of the invention. Both the native promoter sequence and many
heterologous promoters may be used to direct amplification and/or
expression of the target genes. In some embodiments, heterologous
promoters are utilized, as they generally permit greater
transcription and higher yields of expressed target gene as
compared to the native target polypeptide promoter.
[0441] Promoters suitable for use with prokaryotic hosts include
the PhoA promoter, the .beta.-galactamase and lactose promoter
systems, a tryptophan (trp) promoter system and hybrid promoters
such as the tac or the trc promoter. However, other promoters that
are functional in bacteria (such as other known bacterial or phage
promoters) are suitable as well. Their nucleotide sequences have
been published, thereby enabling a skilled worker operably to
ligate them to cistrons encoding the target light and heavy chains
(Siebenlist et al. (1980) Cell 20: 269) using linkers or adaptors
to supply any required restriction sites.
[0442] In one aspect of the invention, each cistron within the
recombinant vector comprises a secretion signal sequence component
that directs translocation of the expressed polypeptides across a
membrane. In general, the signal sequence may be a component of the
vector, or it may be a part of the target polypeptide DNA that is
inserted into the vector. The signal sequence selected for the
purpose of this invention should be one that is recognized and
processed (i.e. cleaved by a signal peptidase) by the host cell.
For prokaryotic host cells that do not recognize and process the
signal sequences native to the heterologous polypeptides, the
signal sequence is substituted by a prokaryotic signal sequence
selected, for example, from the group consisting of the alkaline
phosphatase, penicillinase, Ipp, or heat-stable enterotoxin II
(STII) leaders, LamB, PhoE, PelB, OmpA and MBP. In one embodiment
of the invention, the signal sequences used in both cistrons of the
expression system are STII signal sequences or variants
thereof.
[0443] In another aspect, the production of the immunoglobulins
according to the invention can occur in the cytoplasm of the host
cell, and therefore does not require the presence of secretion
signal sequences within each cistron. In that regard,
immunoglobulin light and heavy chains are expressed, folded and
assembled to form functional immunoglobulins within the cytoplasm.
Certain host strains (e.g., the E. coli trxB-strains) provide
cytoplasm conditions that are favorable for disulfide bond
formation, thereby permitting proper folding and assembly of
expressed protein subunits. Proba and Pluckthun Gene, 159:203
(1995).
[0444] Antibodies of the invention can also be produced by using an
expression system in which the quantitative ratio of expressed
polypeptide components can be modulated in order to maximize the
yield of secreted and properly assembled antibodies of the
invention. Such modulation is accomplished at least in part by
simultaneously modulating translational strengths for the
polypeptide components.
[0445] One technique for modulating translational strength is
disclosed in Simmons et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,523. It utilizes
variants of the translational initiation region (TIR) within a
cistron. For a given TIR, a series of amino acid or nucleic acid
sequence variants can be created with a range of translational
strengths, thereby providing a convenient means by which to adjust
this factor for the desired expression level of the specific chain.
TIR variants can be generated by conventional mutagenesis
techniques that result in codon changes which can alter the amino
acid sequence. In certain embodiments, changes in the nucleotide
sequence are silent. Alterations in the TIR can include, for
example, alterations in the number or spacing of Shine-Dalgarno
sequences, along with alterations in the signal sequence. One
method for generating mutant signal sequences is the generation of
a "codon bank" at the beginning of a coding sequence that does not
change the amino acid sequence of the signal sequence (i.e., the
changes are silent). This can be accomplished by changing the third
nucleotide position of each codon; additionally, some amino acids,
such as leucine, serine, and arginine, have multiple first and
second positions that can add complexity in making the bank. This
method of mutagenesis is described in detail in Yansura et al.
(1992) METHODS: A Companion to Methods in Enzymol. 4:151-158.
[0446] In one embodiment, a set of vectors is generated with a
range of TIR strengths for each cistron therein. This limited set
provides a comparison of expression levels of each chain as well as
the yield of the desired antibody products under various TIR
strength combinations. TIR strengths can be determined by
quantifying the expression level of a reporter gene as described in
detail in Simmons et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,523. Based on the
translational strength comparison, the desired individual TIRs are
selected to be combined in the expression vector constructs of the
invention.
[0447] Prokaryotic host cells suitable for expressing antibodies of
the invention include Archaebacteria and Eubacteria, such as
Gram-negative or Gram-positive organisms. Examples of useful
bacteria include Escherichia (e.g., E. coli), Bacilli (e.g., B.
subtilis), Enterobacteria, Pseudomonas species (e.g., P.
aeruginosa), Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescans,
Klebsiella, Proteus, Shigella, Rhizobia, Vitreoscilla, or
Paracoccus. In one embodiment, gram-negative cells are used. In one
embodiment, E. coli cells are used as hosts for the invention.
Examples of E. coli strains include strain W3110 (Bachmann,
Cellular and Molecular Biology, vol. 2 (Washington, D.C.: American
Society for Microbiology, 1987), pp. 1190-1219; ATCC Deposit No.
27,325) and derivatives thereof, including strain 33D3 having
genotype W3110 .DELTA.fhuA (.DELTA.tonA) ptr3 lac Iq lacL8
.DELTA.ompT.DELTA.(nmpc-fepE) degP41 kanR (U.S. Pat. No.
5,639,635). Other strains and derivatives thereof, such as E. coli
294 (ATCC 31,446), E. coli B, E. coli.lamda. 1776 (ATCC 31,537) and
E. coli RV308(ATCC 31,608) are also suitable. These examples are
illustrative rather than limiting. Methods for constructing
derivatives of any of the above-mentioned bacteria having defined
genotypes are known in the art and described in, for example, Bass
et al., Proteins, 8:309-314 (1990). It is generally necessary to
select the appropriate bacteria taking into consideration
replicability of the replicon in the cells of a bacterium. For
example, E. coli, Serratia, or Salmonella species can be suitably
used as the host when well known plasmids such as pBR322, pBR325,
pACYC177, or pKN410 are used to supply the replicon. Typically the
host cell should secrete minimal amounts of proteolytic enzymes,
and additional protease inhibitors may desirably be incorporated in
the cell culture.
[0448] Antibody Production
[0449] Host cells are transformed with the above-described
expression vectors and cultured in conventional nutrient media
modified as appropriate for inducing promoters, selecting
transformants, or amplifying the genes encoding the desired
sequences.
[0450] Transformation means introducing DNA into the prokaryotic
host so that the DNA is replicable, either as an extrachromosomal
element or by chromosomal integrant. Depending on the host cell
used, transformation is done using standard techniques appropriate
to such cells. The calcium treatment employing calcium chloride is
generally used for bacterial cells that contain substantial
cell-wall barriers. Another method for transformation employs
polyethylene glycol/DMSO. Yet another technique used is
electroporation.
[0451] Prokaryotic cells used to produce the polypeptides of the
invention are grown in media known in the art and suitable for
culture of the selected host cells. Examples of suitable media
include luria broth (LB) plus necessary nutrient supplements. In
some embodiments, the media also contains a selection agent, chosen
based on the construction of the expression vector, to selectively
permit growth of prokaryotic cells containing the expression
vector. For example, ampicillin is added to media for growth of
cells expressing ampicillin resistant gene.
[0452] Any necessary supplements besides carbon, nitrogen, and
inorganic phosphate sources may also be included at appropriate
concentrations introduced alone or as a mixture with another
supplement or medium such as a complex nitrogen source. Optionally
the culture medium may contain one or more reducing agents selected
from the group consisting of glutathione, cysteine, cystamine,
thioglycollate, dithioerythritol and dithiothreitol.
[0453] The prokaryotic host cells are cultured at suitable
temperatures. In certain embodiments, for E. coli growth, growth
temperatures range from about 20.degree. C. to about 39.degree. C.;
from about 25.degree. C. to about 37.degree. C.; or about
30.degree. C. The pH of the medium may be any pH ranging from about
5 to about 9, depending mainly on the host organism. In certain
embodiments, for E. coli, the pH is from about 6.8 to about 7.4, or
about 7.0.
[0454] If an inducible promoter is used in the expression vector of
the invention, protein expression is induced under conditions
suitable for the activation of the promoter. In one aspect of the
invention, PhoA promoters are used for controlling transcription of
the polypeptides. Accordingly, the transformed host cells are
cultured in a phosphate-limiting medium for induction. In certain
embodiments, the phosphate-limiting medium is the C.R.A.P. medium
(see, e.g., Simmons et al., J. Immunol. Methods (2002),
263:133-147). A variety of other inducers may be used, according to
the vector construct employed, as is known in the art.
[0455] In one embodiment, the expressed polypeptides of the present
invention are secreted into and recovered from the periplasm of the
host cells. Protein recovery typically involves disrupting the
microorganism, generally by such means as osmotic shock, sonication
or lysis. Once cells are disrupted, cell debris or whole cells may
be removed by centrifugation or filtration. The proteins may be
further purified, for example, by affinity resin chromatography.
Alternatively, proteins can be transported into the culture media
and isolated therein. Cells may be removed from the culture and the
culture supernatant being filtered and concentrated for further
purification of the proteins produced. The expressed polypeptides
can be further isolated and identified using commonly known methods
such as polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and Western blot
assay.
[0456] In one aspect of the invention, antibody production is
conducted in large quantity by a fermentation process. Various
large-scale fed-batch fermentation procedures are available for
production of recombinant proteins. Large-scale fermentations have
at least 1000 liters of capacity, and in certain embodiments, about
1,000 to 100,000 liters of capacity. These fermentors use agitator
impellers to distribute oxygen and nutrients, especially glucose
(the preferred carbon/energy source). Small scale fermentation
refers generally to fermentation in a fermentor that is no more
than approximately 100 liters in volumetric capacity, and can range
from about 1 liter to about 100 liters.
[0457] In a fermentation process, induction of protein expression
is typically initiated after the cells have been grown under
suitable conditions to a desired density, e.g., an OD550 of about
180-220, at which stage the cells are in the early stationary
phase. A variety of inducers may be used, according to the vector
construct employed, as is known in the art and described above.
Cells may be grown for shorter periods prior to induction. Cells
are usually induced for about 12-50 hours, although longer or
shorter induction time may be used.
[0458] To improve the production yield and quality of the
polypeptides of the invention, various fermentation conditions can
be modified. For example, to improve the proper assembly and
folding of the secreted antibody polypeptides, additional vectors
overexpressing chaperone proteins, such as Dsb proteins (DsbA,
DsbB, DsbC, DsbD and or DsbG) or FkpA (a peptidylprolyl
cis,trans-isomerase with chaperone activity) can be used to
co-transform the host prokaryotic cells. The chaperone proteins
have been demonstrated to facilitate the proper folding and
solubility of heterologous proteins produced in bacterial host
cells. Chen et al. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274:19601-19605; Georgiou
et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,715; Georgiou et al., U.S. Pat. No.
6,027,888; Bothmann and Pluckthun (2000) J. Biol. Chem.
275:17100-17105; Ramm and Pluckthun (2000) J. Biol. Chem.
275:17106-17113; Arie et al. (2001) Mol. Microbiol. 39:199-210.
[0459] To minimize proteolysis of expressed heterologous proteins
(especially those that are proteolytically sensitive), certain host
strains deficient for proteolytic enzymes can be used for the
present invention. For example, host cell strains may be modified
to effect genetic mutation(s) in the genes encoding known bacterial
proteases such as Protease III, OmpT, DegP, Tsp, Protease I,
Protease Mi, Protease V, Protease VI and combinations thereof. Some
E. coli protease-deficient strains are available and described in,
for example, Joly et al. (1998), supra; Georgiou et al., U.S. Pat.
No. 5,264,365; Georgiou et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,508,192; Hara et
al., Microbial Drug Resistance, 2:63-72 (1996).
[0460] In one embodiment, E. coli strains deficient for proteolytic
enzymes and transformed with plasmids overexpressing one or more
chaperone proteins are used as host cells in the expression system
of the invention.
[0461] Antibody Purification
[0462] In one embodiment, the antibody protein produced herein is
further purified to obtain preparations that are substantially
homogeneous for further assays and uses. Standard protein
purification methods known in the art can be employed. The
following procedures are exemplary of suitable purification
procedures: fractionation on immunoaffinity or ion-exchange
columns, ethanol precipitation, reverse phase HPLC, chromatography
on silica or on a cation-exchange resin such as DEAE,
chromatofocusing, SDS-PAGE, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and gel
filtration using, for example, Sephadex G-75.
[0463] In one aspect, Protein A immobilized on a solid phase is
used for immunoaffinity purification of the antibody products of
the invention. Protein A is a 41 kD cell wall protein from
Staphylococcus aureas which binds with a high affinity to the Fc
region of antibodies. Lindmark et al (1983) J. Immunol. Meth.
62:1-13. The solid phase to which Protein A is immobilized can be a
column comprising a glass or silica surface, or a controlled pore
glass column or a silicic acid column. In some applications, the
column is coated with a reagent, such as glycerol, to possibly
prevent nonspecific adherence of contaminants.
[0464] As the first step of purification, a preparation derived
from the cell culture as described above can be applied onto a
Protein A immobilized solid phase to allow specific binding of the
antibody of interest to Protein A. The solid phase would then be
washed to remove contaminants non-specifically bound to the solid
phase. Finally the antibody of interest is recovered from the solid
phase by elution.
[0465] Generating Antibodies Using Eukaryotic Host Cells:
[0466] A vector for use in a eukaryotic host cell generally
includes one or more of the following non-limiting components: a
signal sequence, an origin of replication, one or more marker
genes, an enhancer element, a promoter, and a transcription
termination sequence.
[0467] Signal Sequence Component
[0468] A vector for use in a eukaryotic host cell may also contain
a signal sequence or other polypeptide having a specific cleavage
site at the N-terminus of the mature protein or polypeptide of
interest. The heterologous signal sequence selected may be one that
is recognized and processed (i.e., cleaved by a signal peptidase)
by the host cell. In mammalian cell expression, mammalian signal
sequences as well as viral secretory leaders, for example, the
herpes simplex gD signal, are available. The DNA for such a
precursor region is ligated in reading frame to DNA encoding the
antibody.
[0469] Origin of Replication
[0470] Generally, an origin of replication component is not needed
for mammalian expression vectors. For example, the SV40 origin may
typically be used only because it contains the early promoter.
[0471] Selection Gene Component
[0472] Expression and cloning vectors may contain a selection gene,
also termed a selectable marker. Typical selection genes encode
proteins that (a) confer resistance to antibiotics or other toxins,
e.g., ampicillin, neomycin, methotrexate, or tetracycline, (b)
complement auxotrophic deficiencies, where relevant, or (c) supply
critical nutrients not available from complex media.
[0473] One example of a selection scheme utilizes a drug to arrest
growth of a host cell. Those cells that are successfully
transformed with a heterologous gene produce a protein conferring
drug resistance and thus survive the selection regimen. Examples of
such dominant selection use the drugs neomycin, mycophenolic acid
and hygromycin.
[0474] Another example of suitable selectable markers for mammalian
cells are those that enable the identification of cells competent
to take up the antibody nucleic acid, such as DHFR, thymidine
kinase, metallothionein-I and -II, preferably primate
metallothionein genes, adenosine deaminase, ornithine
decarboxylase, etc.
[0475] For example, in some embodiments, cells transformed with the
DHFR selection gene are first identified by culturing all of the
transformants in a culture medium that contains methotrexate (Mtx),
a competitive antagonist of DHFR. In some embodiments, an
appropriate host cell when wild-type DHFR is employed is the
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line deficient in DHFR activity
(e.g., ATCC CRL-9096).
[0476] Alternatively, host cells (particularly wild-type hosts that
contain endogenous DHFR) transformed or co-transformed with DNA
sequences encoding an antibody, wild-type DHFR protein, and another
selectable marker such as aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferase
(APH) can be selected by cell growth in medium containing a
selection agent for the selectable marker such as an
aminoglycosidic antibiotic, e.g., kanamycin, neomycin, or G418. See
U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,199.
[0477] Promoter Component
[0478] Expression and cloning vectors usually contain a promoter
that is recognized by the host organism and is operably linked to
nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide of interest (e.g., an
antibody). Promoter sequences are known for eukaryotes. For
example, virtually all eukaryotic genes have an AT-rich region
located approximately 25 to 30 bases upstream from the site where
transcription is initiated. Another sequence found 70 to 80 bases
upstream from the start of transcription of many genes is a CNCAAT
region where N may be any nucleotide. At the 3' end of most
eukaryotic genes is an AATAAA sequence that may be the signal for
addition of the poly A tail to the 3' end of the coding sequence.
In certain embodiments, any or all of these sequences may be
suitably inserted into eukaryotic expression vectors.
[0479] Transcription from vectors in mammalian host cells is
controlled, for example, by promoters obtained from the genomes of
viruses such as polyoma virus, fowlpox virus, adenovirus (such as
Adenovirus 2), bovine papilloma virus, avian sarcoma virus,
cytomegalovirus, a retrovirus, hepatitis-B virus and Simian Virus
40 (SV40), from heterologous mammalian promoters, e.g., the actin
promoter or an immunoglobulin promoter, from heat-shock promoters,
provided such promoters are compatible with the host cell
systems.
[0480] The early and late promoters of the SV40 virus are
conveniently obtained as an SV40 restriction fragment that also
contains the SV40 viral origin of replication. The immediate early
promoter of the human cytomegalovirus is conveniently obtained as a
HindIII E restriction fragment. A system for expressing DNA in
mammalian hosts using the bovine papilloma virus as a vector is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,419,446. A modification of this system
is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,978. See also Reyes et al.,
Nature 297:598-601 (1982), describing expression of human
.beta.-interferon cDNA in mouse cells under the control of a
thymidine kinase promoter from herpes simplex virus. Alternatively,
the Rous Sarcoma Virus long terminal repeat can be used as the
promoter.
[0481] Enhancer Element Component
[0482] Transcription of DNA encoding an antibody of this invention
by higher eukaryotes is often increased by inserting an enhancer
sequence into the vector. Many enhancer sequences are now known
from mammalian genes (globin, elastase, albumin,
.alpha.-fetoprotein, and insulin). Typically, however, one will use
an enhancer from a eukaryotic cell virus. Examples include the SV40
enhancer on the late side of the replication origin (bp 100-270),
the cytomegalovirus early promoter enhancer, the polyoma enhancer
on the late side of the replication origin, and adenovirus
enhancers. See also Yaniv, Nature 297:17-18 (1982) describing
enhancer elements for activation of eukaryotic promoters. The
enhancer may be spliced into the vector at a position 5' or 3' to
the antibody polypeptide-encoding sequence, but is generally
located at a site 5' from the promoter.
[0483] Transcription Termination Component
[0484] Expression vectors used in eukaryotic host cells may also
contain sequences necessary for the termination of transcription
and for stabilizing the mRNA. Such sequences are commonly available
from the 5' and, occasionally 3', untranslated regions of
eukaryotic or viral DNAs or cDNAs. These regions contain nucleotide
segments transcribed as polyadenylated fragments in the
untranslated portion of the mRNA encoding an antibody. One useful
transcription termination component is the bovine growth hormone
polyadenylation region. See WO94/11026 and the expression vector
disclosed therein.
[0485] Selection and Transformation of Host Cells
[0486] Suitable host cells for cloning or expressing the DNA in the
vectors herein include higher eukaryote cells described herein,
including vertebrate host cells. Propagation of vertebrate cells in
culture (tissue culture) has become a routine procedure. Examples
of useful mammalian host cell lines are monkey kidney CV1 line
transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); human embryonic kidney
line (293 or 293 cells subcloned for growth in suspension culture,
Graham et al., J. Gen Virol. 36:59 (1977)); baby hamster kidney
cells (BHK, ATCC CCL 10); Chinese hamster ovary cells/-DHFR (CHO,
Urlaub et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216 (1980)); mouse
sertoli cells (TM4, Mather, Biol. Reprod. 23:243-251 (1980));
monkey kidney cells (CV1 ATCC CCL 70); African green monkey kidney
cells (VERO-76, ATCC CRL-1587); human cervical carcinoma cells
(HELA, ATCC CCL 2); canine kidney cells (MDCK, ATCC CCL 34);
buffalo rat liver cells (BRL 3A, ATCC CRL 1442); human lung cells
(W138, ATCC CCL 75); human liver cells (Hep G2, HB 8065); mouse
mammary tumor (MMT 060562, ATCC CCL51); TRI cells (Mather et al.,
Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci. 383:44-68 (1982)); MRC 5 cells; FS4 cells;
and a human hepatoma line (Hep G2).
[0487] Host cells are transformed with the above-described
expression or cloning vectors for antibody production and cultured
in conventional nutrient media modified as appropriate for inducing
promoters, selecting transformants, or amplifying the genes
encoding the desired sequences.
[0488] Culturing the Host Cells
[0489] The host cells used to produce an antibody of this invention
may be cultured in a variety of media. Commercially available media
such as Ham's F10 (Sigma), Minimal Essential Medium ((MEM),
(Sigma), RPMI-1640 (Sigma), and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium
((DMEM), Sigma) are suitable for culturing the host cells. In
addition, any of the media described in Ham et al., Meth. Enz.
58:44 (1979), Barnes et al., Anal. Biochem. 102:255 (1980), U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,767,704; 4,657,866; 4,927,762; 4,560,655; or 5,122,469;
WO 90/03430; WO 87/00195; or U.S. Pat. Re. 30,985 may be used as
culture media for the host cells. Any of these media may be
supplemented as necessary with hormones and/or other growth factors
(such as insulin, transferrin, or epidermal growth factor), salts
(such as sodium chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate),
buffers (such as HEPES), nucleotides (such as adenosine and
thymidine), antibiotics (such as GENTAMYCIN.TM. drug), trace
elements (defined as inorganic compounds usually present at final
concentrations in the micromolar range), and glucose or an
equivalent energy source. Any other supplements may also be
included at appropriate concentrations that would be known to those
skilled in the art. The culture conditions, such as temperature,
pH, and the like, are those previously used with the host cell
selected for expression, and will be apparent to the ordinarily
skilled artisan.
[0490] Purification of Antibody
[0491] When using recombinant techniques, the antibody can be
produced intracellularly, or directly secreted into the medium. If
the antibody is produced intracellularly, as a first step, the
particulate debris, either host cells or lysed fragments, may be
removed, for example, by centrifugation or ultrafiltration. Where
the antibody is secreted into the medium, supernatants from such
expression systems may be 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.
[0492] The antibody composition prepared from the cells can be
purified using, for example, hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel
electrophoresis, dialysis, and affinity chromatography, with
affinity chromatography being a convenient technique. The
suitability of protein A as an affinity ligand depends on the
species and isotype of any immunoglobulin Fc domain that is present
in the antibody. Protein A can be used to purify antibodies that
are based on human .gamma.1, .gamma.2, or .gamma.4 heavy chains
(Lindmark et al., J. Immunol. Methods 62:1-13 (1983)). Protein G is
recommended for all mouse isotypes and for human .gamma.3 (Guss et
al., EMBO J. 5:15671575 (1986)). The matrix to which the affinity
ligand is attached may be 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.
Where the antibody comprises a CH3 domain, the Bakerbond
ABX.TM.resin (J. T. Baker, Phillipsburg, N.J.) is useful for
purification. 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.TM. 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 antibody to be recovered.
[0493] Following any preliminary purification step(s), the mixture
comprising the antibody of interest and contaminants may be
subjected to further purification, for example, by low pH
hydrophobic interaction chromatography using an elution buffer at a
pH between about 2.5-4.5, preferably performed at low salt
concentrations (e.g., from about 0-0.25M salt).
[0494] In general, various methodologies for preparing antibodies
for use in research, testing, and clinical use are well-established
in the art, consistent with the above-described methodologies
and/or as deemed appropriate by one skilled in the art for a
particular antibody of interest.
[0495] Immunoconjugates
[0496] The invention also provides immunoconjugates
(interchangeably referred to as "antibody-drug conjugates," or
"ADCs") comprising any of the anti-STEAP-1 antibodies of the
invention conjugated to one or more cytotoxic agents, such as a
chemotherapeutic agent, a drug, a growth inhibitory agent, a toxin
(e.g., an enzymatically active toxin of bacterial, fungal, plant,
or animal origin, or fragments thereof), or a radioactive isotope
(i.e., a radioconjugate).
[0497] In certain embodiments, an immunoconjugate comprises an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody and a chemotherapeutic agent or other toxin.
Chemotherapeutic agents useful in the generation of
immunoconjugates are described herein (e.g., above). Enzymatically
active toxins and fragments thereof can also be used and are
described herein.
[0498] In certain embodiments, an immunoconjugate comprises an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody and one or more small molecule toxins,
including, but not limited to, small molecule drugs such as a
calicheamicin, maytansinoid, dolastatin, auristatin, trichothecene,
and CC1065, and the derivatives of these drugs that have cytotoxic
activity. Examples of such immunoconjugates are discussed in
further detail below.
[0499] 1. Exemplary Immunoconjugates
[0500] An immunoconjugate (or "antibody-drug conjugate" ("ADC")) of
the invention may be of Formula I, below, wherein an anti-STEAP-1
antibody is conjugated (i.e., covalently attached) to one or more
drug moieties (D) through an optional linker (L).
Ab-(L-D).sub.p Formula I
[0501] Accordingly, the anti-STEAP-1 antibody may be conjugated to
the drug either directly or via a linker. In Formula I, p is the
average number of drug moieties per antibody, which can range,
e.g., from about 1 to about 20 drug moieties per antibody, and in
certain embodiments, from 1 to about 8 drug moieties per
antibody.
[0502] Exemplary Linkers
[0503] Exemplary linkers and drug moieties are disclosed herein. A
linker may comprise one or more linker components. Exemplary linker
components include 6-maleimidocaproyl ("MC"), maleimidopropanoyl
("MP"), valine-citrulline ("val-cit" or "vc"),
alanine-phenylalanine ("ala-phe"), p-aminobenzyloxycarbonyl (a
"PAB"), N-Succinimidyl 4-(2-pyridylthio) pentanoate ("SPP"),
N-succinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1 carboxylate
("SMCC"), N-Succinimidyl (4-iodo-acetyl) aminobenzoate ("SIAB"),
and ethyleneoxy --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O-- as one or more repeating
units ("EO" or "PEO"). Various linker components are known in the
art, some of which are described below.
[0504] A linker may be a "cleavable linker," facilitating release
of a drug in the cell. For example, an acid-labile linker (e.g.,
hydrazone), protease-sensitive (e.g., peptidase-sensitive) linker,
photolabile linker, dimethyl linker or disulfide-containing linker
(Chari et al., Cancer Research 52:127-131 (1992); U.S. Pat. No.
5,208,020) may be used.
[0505] In one embodiment, linker L of an ADC has the formula:
-A.sub.a-W.sub.w-Y.sub.y-
wherein:
[0506] -A- is a Stretcher unit covalently attached to a cysteine
thiol of the antibody (Ab);
[0507] a is 0 or 1;
[0508] each -W- is independently an Amino Acid unit;
[0509] w is independently an integer ranging from 0 to 12;
[0510] -Y- is a Spacer unit covalently attached to the drug moiety;
and
[0511] y is 0, 1 or 2.
[0512] Stretcher Unit
[0513] The Stretcher unit (-A-), when present, is capable of
linking an antibody unit to an amino acid unit (-W-). In this
regard an antibody (Ab) has a free cysteine thiol group that can
form a bond with an electrophilic functional group of a Stretcher
Unit. Exemplary stretcher units in Formula I conjugates are
depicted by Formulas II and III, wherein Ab-, -W-, -Y-, -D, w and y
are as defined above, and R.sup.17 is a divalent radical selected
from (CH.sub.2).sub.r, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocyclyl,
O--(CH.sub.2).sub.r, arylene, (CH.sub.2).sub.r-arylene,
-arylene-(CH.sub.2).sub.r--, (CH.sub.2).sub.r--(C.sub.3-C.sub.8
carbocyclyl), (C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocyclyl)-(CH.sub.2).sub.r,
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heterocyclyl, (CH.sub.2).sub.r--(C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocyclyl), --(C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heterocyclyl)-(CH.sub.2).sub.r--,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.rC(O)NR.sup.b(CH.sub.2).sub.r--,
--(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.r--,
--(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.r--CH.sub.2--,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.rC(O)NR.sup.b(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.r--,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.rC(O)NR.sup.b(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.r--CH.sub.2--,
--(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.rC(O)NR.sup.b(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.r--,
--(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.rC(O)NR.sup.b(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.r--CH.sub.-
2--, and --(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.rC(O)NR.sup.b(CH.sub.2).sub.r--;
where R.sup.b is H, C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl, phenyl, or benzyl; and r
is independently an integer ranging from 1-10.
[0514] Arylene includes divalent aromatic hydrocarbon radicals of
6-20 carbon atoms derived by the removal of two hydrogen atoms from
the aromatic ring system. Typical arylene groups include, but are
not limited to, radicals derived from benzene, substituted benzene,
naphthalene, anthracene, biphenyl, and the like.
[0515] Heterocyclyl groups include a ring system in which one or
more ring atoms is a heteroatom, e.g. nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur.
The heterocycle radical comprises 1 to 20 carbon atoms and 1 to 3
heteroatoms selected from N, O, P, and S. A heterocycle may be a
monocycle having 3 to 7 ring members (2 to 6 carbon atoms and 1 to
3 heteroatoms selected from N, O, P, and S) or a bicycle having 7
to 10 ring members (4 to 9 carbon atoms and 1 to 3 heteroatoms
selected from N, O, P, and S), for example: a bicyclo [4,5], [5,5],
[5,6], or [6,6] system. Heterocycles are described in Paquette, Leo
A.; "Principles of Modern Heterocyclic Chemistry" (W.A. Benjamin,
New York, 1968), particularly Chapters 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9; "The
Chemistry of Heterocyclic Compounds, A series of Monographs" (John
Wiley & Sons, New York, 1950 to present), in particular Volumes
13, 14, 16, 19, and 28; and J. Am. Chem. Soc. (1960) 82:5566.
[0516] Examples of heterocycles include by way of example and not
limitation pyridyl, dihydroypyridyl, tetrahydropyridyl (piperidyl),
thiazolyl, tetrahydrothiophenyl, sulfur oxidized
tetrahydrothiophenyl, pyrimidinyl, furanyl, thienyl, pyrrolyl,
pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, tetrazolyl, benzofuranyl, thianaphthalenyl,
indolyl, indolenyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzimidazolyl,
piperidinyl, 4-piperidonyl, pyrrolidinyl, 2-pyrrolidonyl,
pyrrolinyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, bis-tetrahydrofuranyl,
tetrahydropyranyl, bis-tetrahydropyranyl, tetrahydroquinolinyl,
tetrahydroisoquinolinyl, decahydroquinolinyl,
octahydroisoquinolinyl, azocinyl, triazinyl, 6H-1,2,5-thiadiazinyl,
2H,6H-1,5,2-dithiazinyl, thienyl, thianthrenyl, pyranyl,
isobenzofuranyl, chromenyl, xanthenyl, phenoxathinyl, 2H-pyrrolyl,
isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridazinyl, indolizinyl,
isoindolyl, 3H-indolyl, 1H-indazolyl, purinyl, 4H-quinolizinyl,
phthalazinyl, naphthyridinyl, quinoxalinyl, quinazolinyl,
cinnolinyl, pteridinyl, 4Ah-carbazolyl, carbazolyl, O-carbolinyl,
phenanthridinyl, acridinyl, pyrimidinyl, phenanthrolinyl,
phenazinyl, phenothiazinyl, furazanyl, phenoxazinyl, isochromanyl,
chromanyl, imidazolidinyl, imidazolinyl, pyrazolidinyl,
pyrazolinyl, piperazinyl, indolinyl, isoindolinyl, quinuclidinyl,
morpholinyl, oxazolidinyl, benzotriazolyl, benzisoxazolyl,
oxindolyl, benzoxazolinyl, and isatinoyl.
[0517] Carbocyclyl groups include a saturated or unsaturated ring
having 3 to 7 carbon atoms as a monocycle or 7 to 12 carbon atoms
as a bicycle. Monocyclic carbocycles have 3 to 6 ring atoms, still
more typically 5 or 6 ring atoms. Bicyclic carbocycles have 7 to 12
ring atoms, e.g. arranged as a bicyclo [4,5], [5,5], [5,6] or [6,6]
system, or 9 or 10 ring atoms arranged as a bicyclo [5,6] or [6,6]
system. Examples of monocyclic carbocycles include cyclopropyl,
cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, 1-cyclopent-1-enyl, 1-cyclopent-2-enyl,
1-cyclopent-3-enyl, cyclohexyl, 1-cyclohex-1-enyl,
1-cyclohex-2-enyl, 1-cyclohex-3-enyl, cycloheptyl, and
cyclooctyl.
[0518] It is to be understood from all the exemplary embodiments of
Formula I ADC such as II-VI, that even where not denoted expressly,
from 1 to 4 drug moieties are linked to an antibody (p=1-4),
depending on the number of engineered cysteine residues.
##STR00013##
[0519] An illustrative Formula II Stretcher unit is derived from
maleimido-caproyl (MC) wherein R.sup.17 is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.5--:
##STR00014##
[0520] An illustrative Stretcher unit of Formula II, and is derived
from maleimidopropanoyl (MP) wherein R.sup.17 is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.2--:
##STR00015##
[0521] Another illustrative Stretcher unit of Formula II wherein
R.sup.17 is --(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.r--CH.sub.2-- and r is 2:
##STR00016##
[0522] Another illustrative Stretcher unit of Formula II wherein
R.sup.17 is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.rC(O)NR.sup.b(CH.sub.2CH.sub.2O).sub.r--CH.sub.2--
where R.sup.b is H and each r is 2:
##STR00017##
[0523] An illustrative Stretcher unit of Formula III wherein
R.sup.17 is --(CH.sub.2).sub.5--:
##STR00018##
[0524] In another embodiment, the Stretcher unit is linked to the
cysteine engineered anti-______ antibody via a disulfide bond
between the engineered cystein sulfur atom of the antibody and a
sulfur atom of the Stretcher unit. A representative Stretcher unit
of this embodiment is depicted by Formula IV, wherein R17, Ab-,
-W-, -Y-, -D, w and y are as defined above.
##STR00019##
[0525] In yet another embodiment, the reactive group of the
Stretcher contains a thiol-reactive functional group that can form
a bond with a free cysteine thiol of an antibody. Examples of
thiol-reaction functional groups include, but are not limited to,
maleimide, .alpha.-haloacetyl, activated esters such as succinimide
esters, 4-nitrophenyl esters, pentafluorophenyl esters,
tetrafluorophenyl esters, anhydrides, acid chlorides, sulfonyl
chlorides, isocyanates and isothiocyanates. Representative
Stretcher units of this embodiment are depicted by Formulas Va and
Vb, wherein --R.sup.17--, Ab-, -W-, -Y-, -D, w and y are as defined
above;
##STR00020##
[0526] In another embodiment, the linker may be a dendritic type
linker for covalent attachment of more than one drug moiety through
a branching, multifunctional linker moiety to an antibody (Sun et
al (2002) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters
12:2213-2215; Sun et al (2003) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
11:1761-1768; King (2002) Tetrahedron Letters 43:1987-1990).
Dendritic linkers can increase the molar ratio of drug to antibody,
i.e. loading, which is related to the potency of the ADC. Thus,
where a cysteine engineered antibody bears only one reactive
cysteine thiol group, a multitude of drug moieties may be attached
through a dendritic linker.
[0527] Amino Acid Unit
[0528] The linker may comprise amino acid residues. The Amino Acid
unit (-W.sub.w-), when present, links the antibody (Ab) to the drug
moiety (D) of the cysteine engineered antibody-drug conjugate (ADC)
of the invention.
[0529] -W.sub.w- is a dipeptide, tripeptide, tetrapeptide,
pentapeptide, hexapeptide, heptapeptide, octapeptide, nonapeptide,
decapeptide, undecapeptide or dodecapeptide unit. Amino acid
residues which comprise the Amino Acid unit include those occurring
naturally, as well as minor amino acids and non-naturally occurring
amino acid analogs, such as citrulline. Each -W- unit independently
has the formula denoted below in the square brackets, and w is an
integer ranging from 0 to 12:
##STR00021##
[0530] wherein R.sup.19 is hydrogen, methyl, isopropyl, isobutyl,
sec-butyl, benzyl, p-hydroxybenzyl, --CH.sub.2OH, --CH(OH)CH.sub.3,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2SCH.sub.3, --CH.sub.2CONH.sub.2, --CH.sub.2COOH,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CONH.sub.2, --CH.sub.2CH.sub.2COOH,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.3NHC(.dbd.NH)NH.sub.2, --(CH.sub.2).sub.3NH.sub.2,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.3NHCOCH.sub.3, --(CH.sub.2).sub.3NHCHO,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.4NHC(.dbd.NH)NH.sub.2, --(CH.sub.2).sub.4NH.sub.2,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.4NHCOCH.sub.3, --(CH.sub.2).sub.4NHCHO,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.3NHCONH.sub.2, --(CH.sub.2).sub.4NHCONH.sub.2,
--CH.sub.2CH.sub.2CH(OH)CH.sub.2NH.sub.2, 2-pyridylmethyl-,
3-pyridylmethyl-, 4-pyridylmethyl-, phenyl, cyclohexyl,
##STR00022##
[0531] When R.sup.19 is other than hydrogen, the carbon atom to
which R.sup.19 is attached is chiral. Each carbon atom to which
R.sup.19 is attached is independently in the (S) or (R)
configuration, or a racemic mixture. Amino acid units may thus be
enantiomerically pure, racemic, or diastereomeric.
[0532] Exemplary -W.sub.w-Amino Acid units include a dipeptide, a
tripeptide, a tetrapeptide or a pentapeptide. Exemplary dipeptides
include: valine-citrulline (vc or val-cit), alanine-phenylalanine
(af or ala-phe). Exemplary tripeptides include:
glycine-valine-citrulline (gly-val-cit) and glycine-glycine-glycine
(gly-gly-gly). Amino acid residues which comprise an amino acid
linker component include those occurring naturally, as well as
minor amino acids and non-naturally occurring amino acid analogs,
such as citrulline.
[0533] The Amino Acid unit can be enzymatically cleaved by one or
more enzymes, including a tumor-associated protease, to liberate
the Drug moiety (-D), which in one embodiment is protonated in vivo
upon release to provide a Drug (D). Amino acid linker components
can be designed and optimized in their selectivity for enzymatic
cleavage by a particular enzymes, for example, a tumor-associated
protease, cathepsin B, C and D, or a plasmin protease.
[0534] Spacer Unit
[0535] The Spacer unit (-Y.sub.r-), when present (y=1 or 2), links
an Amino Acid unit (-W.sub.w-) to the drug moiety (D) when an Amino
Acid unit is present (w=1-12). Alternately, the Spacer unit links
the Stretcher unit to the Drug moiety when the Amino Acid unit is
absent. The Spacer unit also links the drug moiety to the antibody
unit when both the Amino Acid unit and Stretcher unit are absent
(w, y=0). Spacer units are of two general types: self-immolative
and non self-immolative. A non self-immolative Spacer unit is one
in which part or all of the Spacer unit remains bound to the Drug
moiety after cleavage, particularly enzymatic, of an Amino Acid
unit from the antibody-drug conjugate or the Drug moiety-linker.
When an ADC containing a glycine-glycine Spacer unit or a glycine
Spacer unit undergoes enzymatic cleavage via a tumor-cell
associated-protease, a cancer-cell-associated protease or a
lymphocyte-associated protease, a glycine-glycine-Drug moiety or a
glycine-Drug moiety is cleaved from Ab-A.sub.a-Ww-. In one
embodiment, an independent hydrolysis reaction takes place within
the target cell, cleaving the glycine-Drug moiety bond and
liberating the Drug.
[0536] In another embodiment, -Y.sub.y- is a p-aminobenzylcarbamoyl
(PAB) unit whose phenylene portion is substituted with Q.sub.m
wherein Q is --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, --O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl),
-halogen, -nitro or -cyano; and m is an integer ranging from
0-4.
[0537] Exemplary embodiments of a non self-immolative Spacer unit
(-Y-) are: -Gly-Gly-; -Gly-; -Ala-Phe-; -Val-Cit-.
[0538] In one embodiment, a Drug moiety-linker or an ADC is
provided in which the Spacer unit is absent (y=0), or a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof.
[0539] Alternatively, an ADC containing a self-immolative Spacer
unit can release -D. In one embodiment, -Y- is a PAB group that is
linked to -W.sub.w- via the amino nitrogen atom of the PAB group,
and connected directly to -D via a carbonate, carbamate or ether
group, where the ADC has the exemplary structure:
##STR00023##
wherein Q is --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, --O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl),
-halogen, -nitro or -cyano; m is an integer ranging from 0-4; and p
ranges from 1 to 4.
[0540] Other examples of self-immolative spacers include, but are
not limited to, aromatic compounds that are electronically similar
to the PAB group such as 2-aminoimidazol-5-methanol derivatives
(Hay et al. (1999) Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 9:2237), heterocyclic
PAB analogs (US 2005/0256030), beta-glucuronide (WO 2007/011968),
and ortho or para-aminobenzylacetals. Spacers can be used that
undergo cyclization upon amide bond hydrolysis, such as substituted
and unsubstituted 4-aminobutyric acid amides (Rodrigues et al
(1995) Chemistry Biology 2:223), appropriately substituted
bicyclo[2.2.1] and bicyclo[2.2.2] ring systems (Storm et al (1972)
J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 94:5815) and 2-aminophenylpropionic acid amides
(Amsberry, et al (1990) J. Org. Chem. 55:5867). Elimination of
amine-containing drugs that are substituted at glycine (Kingsbury
et al (1984) J. Med. Chem. 27:1447) are also examples of
self-immolative spacer useful in ADCs.
[0541] Exemplary Spacer units (-Y.sub.r-) are represented by
Formulas X-XII:
##STR00024##
[0542] Dendritic Linkers
[0543] In another embodiment, linker L may be a dendritic type
linker for covalent attachment of more than one drug moiety through
a branching, multifunctional linker moiety to an antibody (Sun et
al (2002) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters
12:2213-2215; Sun et al (2003) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry
11:1761-1768). Dendritic linkers can increase the molar ratio of
drug to antibody, i.e. loading, which is related to the potency of
the ADC. Thus, where a cysteine engineered antibody bears only one
reactive cysteine thiol group, a multitude of drug moieties may be
attached through a dendritic linker. Exemplary embodiments of
branched, dendritic linkers include 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)-p-cresol
and 2,4,6-tris(hydroxymethyl)-phenol dendrimer units (WO
2004/01993; Szalai et al (2003) J. Amer. Chem. Soc.
125:15688-15689; Shamis et al (2004) J. Amer. Chem. Soc.
126:1726-1731; Amir et al (2003) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
42:4494-4499).
[0544] In one embodiment, the Spacer unit is a branched
bis(hydroxymethyl)styrene (BHMS), which can be used to incorporate
and release multiple drugs, having the structure:
##STR00025##
comprising a 2-(4-aminobenzylidene)propane-1,3-diol dendrimer unit
(WO 2004/043493; de Groot et al (2003) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.
42:4490-4494), wherein Q is --C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl,
--O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl), -halogen, -nitro or -cyano; m is an
integer ranging from 0-4; n is 0 or 1; and p ranges ranging from 1
to 4.
[0545] Exemplary embodiments of the Formula I antibody-drug
conjugate compounds include XIIIa (MC), XIIIb (val-cit), XIIIc
(MC-val-cit), and XIIId (MC-val-cit-PAB):
##STR00026##
[0546] Other exemplary embodiments of the Formula Ia antibody-drug
conjugate compounds include XIVa-e:
##STR00027##
where X is:
##STR00028##
and R is independently H or C.sub.1-C.sub.6 alkyl; and n is 1 to
12.
[0547] In another embodiment, a Linker has a reactive functional
group which has a nucleophilic group that is reactive to an
electrophilic group present on an antibody. Useful electrophilic
groups on an antibody include, but are not limited to, aldehyde and
ketone carbonyl groups. The heteroatom of a nucleophilic group of a
Linker can react with an electrophilic group on an antibody and
form a covalent bond to an antibody unit. Useful nucleophilic
groups on a Linker include, but are not limited to, hydrazide,
oxime, amino, hydrazine, thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine carboxylate,
and arylhydrazide. The electrophilic group on an antibody provides
a convenient site for attachment to a Linker.
[0548] Typically, peptide-type Linkers can be prepared by forming a
peptide bond between two or more amino acids and/or peptide
fragments. Such peptide bonds can be prepared, for example,
according to the liquid phase synthesis method (E. Schroder and K.
Lubke (1965) "The Peptides", volume 1, pp 76-136, Academic Press)
which is well known in the field of peptide chemistry. Linker
intermediates may be assembled with any combination or sequence of
reactions including Spacer, Stretcher, and Amino Acid units. The
Spacer, Stretcher, and Amino Acid units may employ reactive
functional groups which are electrophilic, nucleophilic, or free
radical in nature. Reactive functional groups include, but are not
limited to carboxyls, hydroxyls, para-nitrophenylcarbonate,
isothiocyanate, and leaving groups, such as O-mesyl, O-tosyl, --Cl,
--Br, --I; or maleimide.
[0549] In another embodiment, the Linker may be substituted with
groups which modulated solubility or reactivity. For example, a
charged substituent such as sulfonate (--SO.sub.3.sup.-) or
ammonium, may increase water solubility of the reagent and
facilitate the coupling reaction of the linker reagent with the
antibody or the drug moiety, or facilitate the coupling reaction of
Ab-L (antibody-linker intermediate) with D, or D-L (drug-linker
intermediate) with Ab, depending on the synthetic route employed to
prepare the ADC.
[0550] Exemplary Drug Moieties
[0551] Maytansine and Maytansinoids
[0552] In some embodiments, an immunoconjugate comprises an
antibody of the invention conjugated to one or more maytansinoid
molecules. Maytansinoids are mitototic inhibitors which act by
inhibiting tubulin polymerization. Maytansine was first isolated
from the east African shrub Maytenus serrata (U.S. Pat. No.
3,896,111). Subsequently, it was discovered that certain microbes
also produce maytansinoids, such as maytansinol and C-3 maytansinol
esters (U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,042). Synthetic maytansinol and
derivatives and analogues thereof are disclosed, for example, in
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,137,230; 4,248,870; 4,256,746; 4,260,608;
4,265,814; 4,294,757; 4,307,016; 4,308,268; 4,308,269; 4,309,428;
4,313,946; 4,315,929; 4,317,821; 4,322,348; 4,331,598; 4,361,650;
4,364,866; 4,424,219; 4,450,254; 4,362,663; and 4,371,533.
[0553] Maytansinoid drug moieties are attractive drug moieties in
antibody-drug conjugates because they are: (i) relatively
accessible to prepare by fermentation or chemical modification or
derivatization of fermentation products, (ii) amenable to
derivatization with functional groups suitable for conjugation
through non-disulfide linkers to antibodies, (iii) stable in
plasma, and (iv) effective against a variety of tumor cell
lines.
[0554] Maytansine compounds suitable for use as maytansinoid drug
moieties are well known in the art and can be isolated from natural
sources according to known methods or produced using genetic
engineering techniques (see Yu et al (2002) PNAS 99:7968-7973).
Maytansinol and maytansinol analogues may also be prepared
synthetically according to known methods.
[0555] Exemplary embodiments of maytansinoid drug moieties include:
DM1; DM3; and DM4, as disclosed herein.
[0556] Auristatins and Dolastatins
[0557] In some embodiments, an immunoconjugate comprises an
antibody of the invention conjugated to dolastatin or a dolastatin
peptidic analog or derivative, e.g., an auristatin (U.S. Pat. Nos.
5,635,483; 5,780,588). Dolastatins and auristatins have been shown
to interfere with microtubule dynamics, GTP hydrolysis, and nuclear
and cellular division (Woyke et al (2001) Antimicrob. Agents and
Chemother. 45(12):3580-3584) and have anticancer (U.S. Pat. No.
5,663,149) and antifungal activity (Pettit et al (1998) Antimicrob.
Agents Chemother. 42:2961-2965). The dolastatin or auristatin drug
moiety may be attached to the antibody through the N (amino)
terminus or the C (carboxyl) terminus of the peptidic drug moiety
(WO 02/088172).
[0558] Exemplary auristatin embodiments include the N-terminus
linked monomethylauristatin drug moieties DE and DF, disclosed in
Senter et al, Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer
Research, Volume 45, Abstract Number 623, presented Mar. 28, 2004,
the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in
its entirety.
[0559] A peptidic drug moiety may be selected from Formulas D.sub.E
and D.sub.F below:
##STR00029##
[0560] wherein the wavy line of D.sub.E and D.sub.F indicates the
covalent attachment site to an antibody or antibody-linker
component, and independently at each location:
[0561] R.sup.2 is selected from H and C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl;
[0562] R.sup.3 is selected from H, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl,
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle, aryl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-aryl,
C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-(C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle), C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle and C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-(C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle);
[0563] R.sup.4 is selected from H, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl,
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle, aryl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-aryl,
C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-(C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle), C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle and C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-(C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle);
[0564] R.sup.5 is selected from H and methyl;
[0565] or R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 jointly form a carbocyclic ring and
have the formula --(CR.sup.aR.sup.b).sub.n-- wherein R.sup.a and
R.sup.b are independently selected from H, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl
and C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle and n is selected from 2, 3, 4, 5
and 6;
[0566] R.sup.6 is selected from H and C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl;
[0567] R.sup.7 is selected from H, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl,
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle, aryl, C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-aryl,
C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-(C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle), C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle and C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl-(C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle);
[0568] each R.sup.8 is independently selected from H, OH,
C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle and
O--(C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl);
[0569] R.sup.9 is selected from H and C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl;
[0570] R.sup.10 is selected from aryl or C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle;
[0571] Z is O, S, NH, or NR.sup.12, wherein R.sup.12 is
C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl;
[0572] R.sup.11 is selected from H, C.sub.1-C.sub.20 alkyl, aryl,
C.sub.3-C.sub.8 heterocycle, --(R.sup.13O).sub.m--R.sup.14, or
--(R.sup.13O).sub.m--CH(R.sup.15).sub.2;
[0573] m is an integer ranging from 1-1000;
[0574] R.sup.13 is C.sub.2-C.sub.8 alkyl;
[0575] R.sup.14 is H or C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl;
[0576] each occurrence of R.sup.15 is independently H, COOH,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--N(R.sup.16).sub.2,
--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3H, or
--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3--C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl;
[0577] each occurrence of R.sup.16 is independently H,
C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl, or --(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COOH;
[0578] R.sup.18 is selected from
--C(R.sup.8).sub.2--C(R.sup.8).sub.2-aryl,
--C(R.sup.8).sub.2--C(R.sup.8).sub.2--(C.sub.3-C.sub.8
heterocycle), and
--C(R.sup.8).sub.2--C(R.sup.8).sub.2--(C.sub.3-C.sub.8 carbocycle);
and
[0579] n is an integer ranging from 0 to 6.
[0580] In one embodiment, R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.7 are
independently isopropyl or sec-butyl and R.sup.5 is --H or methyl.
In an exemplary embodiment, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each isopropyl,
R.sup.5 is --H, and R.sup.7 is sec-butyl.
[0581] In yet another embodiment, R.sup.2 and R.sup.6 are each
methyl, and R.sup.9 is --H.
[0582] In still another embodiment, each occurrence of R.sup.8 is
--OCH.sub.3.
[0583] In an exemplary embodiment, R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 are each
isopropyl, R.sup.2 and R.sup.6 are each methyl, R.sup.5 is --H,
R.sup.7 is sec-butyl, each occurrence of R.sup.8 is --OCH.sub.3,
and R.sup.9 is --H.
[0584] In one embodiment, Z is --O-- or --NH--.
[0585] In one embodiment, R.sup.10 is aryl.
[0586] In an exemplary embodiment, R.sup.10 is -phenyl.
[0587] In an exemplary embodiment, when Z is --O--, R.sup.11 is
--H, methyl or t-butyl.
[0588] In one embodiment, when Z is --NH, R.sup.11 is
--CH(R.sup.15).sub.2, wherein R.sup.15 is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--N(R.sup.16).sub.2, and R.sup.16 is
--C.sub.1-C.sub.8 alkyl or --(CH.sub.2).sub.n--COOH.
[0589] In another embodiment, when Z is --NH, R.sup.11 is
--CH(R.sup.15).sub.2, wherein R.sup.15 is
--(CH.sub.2).sub.n--SO.sub.3H.
[0590] An exemplary auristatin embodiment of formula D.sub.E is
MMAE, wherein the wavy line indicates the covalent attachment to a
linker (L) of an antibody-drug conjugate:
##STR00030##
[0591] An exemplary auristatin embodiment of formula D.sub.F is
MMAF, wherein the wavy line indicates the covalent attachment to a
linker (L) of an antibody-drug conjugate (see US 2005/0238649 and
Doronina et al. (2006) Bioconjugate Chem. 17:114-124):
##STR00031##
[0592] Other drug moieties include the following MMAF derivatives,
wherein the wavy line indicates the covalent attachment to a linker
(L) of an antibody-drug conjugate:
##STR00032## ##STR00033##
[0593] In one aspect, hydrophilic groups including but not limited
to, triethylene glycol esters (TEG), as shown above, can be
attached to the drug moiety at R.sup.11. Without being bound by any
particular theory, the hydrophilic groups assist in the
internalization and non-agglomeration of the drug moiety.
[0594] Exemplary embodiments of ADCs of Formula I comprising an
auristatin/dolastatin or derivative thereof are described in US
2005-0238649 A1 and Doronina et al. (2006) Bioconjugate Chem.
17:114-124, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.
Exemplary embodiments of ADCs of Formula I comprising MMAE or MMAF
and various linker components have the following structures and
abbreviations (wherein "Ab" is an antibody; p is 1 to about 8,
"Val-Cit" is a valine-citrulline dipeptide; and "S" is a sulfur
atom:
##STR00034##
[0595] Exemplary embodiments of ADCs of Formula I comprising MMAF
and various linker components further include Ab-MC-PAB-MMAF and
Ab-PAB-MMAF. Interestingly, immunoconjugates comprising MMAF
attached to an antibody by a linker that is not proteolytically
cleavable have been shown to possess activity comparable to
immunoconjugates comprising MMAF attached to an antibody by a
proteolytically cleavable linker. See, Doronina et al. (2006)
Bioconjugate Chem. 17:114-124. In such instances, drug release is
believed to be effected by antibody degradation in the cell.
Id.
[0596] Typically, peptide-based drug moieties can be prepared by
forming a peptide bond between two or more amino acids and/or
peptide fragments. Such peptide bonds can be prepared, for example,
according to the liquid phase synthesis method (see E. Schroder and
K. Lubke, "The Peptides", volume 1, pp 76-136, 1965, Academic
Press) that is well known in the field of peptide chemistry.
Auristatin/dolastatin drug moieties may be prepared according to
the methods of: US 2005-0238649 A1; U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,483; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,780,588; Pettit et al (1989) J. Am. Chem. Soc.
111:5463-5465; Pettit et al (1998) Anti-Cancer Drug Design
13:243-277; Pettit, G. R., et al. Synthesis, 1996, 719-725; Pettit
et al (1996) J. Chem. Soc. Perkin Trans. 1 5:859-863; and Doronina
(2003) Nat. Biotechnol. 21(7):778-784.
[0597] In particular, auristatin/dolastatin drug moieties of
formula D.sub.F, such as MMAF and derivatives thereof, may be
prepared using methods described in US 2005-0238649 A1 and Doronina
et al. (2006) Bioconjugate Chem. 17:114-124. Auristatin/dolastatin
drug moieties of formula D.sub.E, such as MMAE and derivatives
thereof, may be prepared using methods described in Doronina et al.
(2003) Nat. Biotech. 21:778-784. Drug-linker moieties MC-MMAF,
MC-MMAE, MC-vc-PAB-MMAF, and MC-vc-PAB-MMAE may be conveniently
synthesized by routine methods, e.g., as described in Doronina et
al. (2003) Nat. Biotech. 21:778-784, and Patent Application
Publication No. US 2005/0238649 A1, and then conjugated to an
antibody of interest.
[0598] Drug Loading
[0599] Drug loading is represented by p and is the average number
of drug moieties per antibody in a molecule of Formula I. Drug
loading may range from 1 to 20 drug moieties (D) per antibody. ADCs
of Formula I include collections of antibodies conjugated with a
range of drug moieties, from 1 to 20. The average number of drug
moieties per antibody in preparations of ADC from conjugation
reactions may be characterized by conventional means such as mass
spectroscopy, ELISA assay, and HPLC. The quantitative distribution
of ADC in terms of p may also be determined. In some instances,
separation, purification, and characterization of homogeneous ADC
where p is a certain value from ADC with other drug loadings may be
achieved by means such as reverse phase HPLC or
electrophoresis.
[0600] For some antibody-drug conjugates, p may be limited by the
number of attachment sites on the antibody. For example, where the
attachment is a cysteine thiol, as in the exemplary embodiments
above, an antibody may have only one or several cysteine thiol
groups, or may have only one or several sufficiently reactive thiol
groups through which a linker may be attached. In certain
embodiments, higher drug loading, e.g. p>5, may cause
aggregation, insolubility, toxicity, or loss of cellular
permeability of certain antibody-drug conjugates. In certain
embodiments, the drug loading for an ADC of the invention ranges
from 1 to about 8; from about 2 to about 6; from about 3 to about
5; from about 3 to about 4; from about 3.1 to about 3.9; from about
3.2 to about 3.8; from about 3.2 to about 3.7; from about 3.2 to
about 3.6; from about 3.3 to about 3.8; or from about 3.3 to about
3.7. Indeed, it has been shown that for certain ADCs, the optimal
ratio of drug moieties per antibody may be less than 8, and may be
about 2 to about 5. See US 2005-0238649 A1 (herein incorporated by
reference in its entirety).
[0601] In certain embodiments, fewer than the theoretical maximum
of drug moieties are conjugated to an antibody during a conjugation
reaction. An antibody may contain, for example, lysine residues
that do not react with the drug-linker intermediate or linker
reagent, as discussed below. Generally, antibodies do not contain
many free and reactive cysteine thiol groups which may be linked to
a drug moiety; indeed most cysteine thiol residues in antibodies
exist as disulfide bridges. In certain embodiments, an antibody may
be reduced with a reducing agent such as dithiothreitol (DTT) or
tricarbonylethylphosphine (TCEP), under partial or total reducing
conditions, to generate reactive cysteine thiol groups. In certain
embodiments, an antibody is subjected to denaturing conditions to
reveal reactive nucleophilic groups such as lysine or cysteine.
[0602] The loading (drug/antibody ratio) of an ADC may be
controlled in different ways, e.g., by: (i) limiting the molar
excess of drug-linker intermediate or linker reagent relative to
antibody, (ii) limiting the conjugation reaction time or
temperature, (iii) partial or limiting reductive conditions for
cysteine thiol modification, (iv) engineering by recombinant
techniques the amino acid sequence of the antibody such that the
number and position of cysteine residues is modified for control of
the number and/or position of linker-drug attachments (such as
thioMab or thioFab prepared as disclosed herein and in
WO2006/034488 (herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety)).
[0603] It is to be understood that where more than one nucleophilic
group reacts with a drug-linker intermediate or linker reagent
followed by drug moiety reagent, then the resulting product is a
mixture of ADC compounds with a distribution of one or more drug
moieties attached to an antibody. The average number of drugs per
antibody may be calculated from the mixture by a dual ELISA
antibody assay, which is specific for antibody and specific for the
drug. Individual ADC molecules may be identified in the mixture by
mass spectroscopy and separated by HPLC, e.g. hydrophobic
interaction chromatography (see, e.g., Hamblett, K. J., et al.
"Effect of drug loading on the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and
toxicity of an anti-CD30 antibody-drug conjugate," Abstract No.
624, American Association for Cancer Research, 2004 Annual Meeting,
Mar. 27-31, 2004, Proceedings of the AACR, Volume 45, March 2004;
Alley, S. C., et al. "Controlling the location of drug attachment
in antibody-drug conjugates," Abstract No. 627, American
Association for Cancer Research, 2004 Annual Meeting, Mar. 27-31,
2004, Proceedings of the AACR, Volume 45, March 2004). In certain
embodiments, a homogeneous ADC with a single loading value may be
isolated from the conjugation mixture by electrophoresis or
chromatography.
[0604] Certain Methods of Preparing Immunoconjugates
[0605] An ADC of Formula I may be prepared by several routes
employing organic chemistry reactions, conditions, and reagents
known to those skilled in the art, including: (1) reaction of a
nucleophilic group of an antibody with a bivalent linker reagent to
form Ab-L via a covalent bond, followed by reaction with a drug
moiety D; and (2) reaction of a nucleophilic group of a drug moiety
with a bivalent linker reagent, to form D-L, via a covalent bond,
followed by reaction with a nucleophilic group of an antibody.
Exemplary methods for preparing an ADC of Formula I via the latter
route are described in US 20050238649 A1, which is expressly
incorporated herein by reference.
[0606] Nucleophilic groups on antibodies include, but are not
limited to: (i) N-terminal amine groups, (ii) side chain amine
groups, e.g. lysine, (iii) side chain thiol groups, e.g. cysteine,
and (iv) sugar hydroxyl or amino groups where the antibody is
glycosylated. Amine, thiol, and hydroxyl groups are nucleophilic
and capable of reacting to form covalent bonds with electrophilic
groups on linker moieties and linker reagents including: (i) active
esters such as NHS esters, HOBt esters, haloformates, and acid
halides; (ii) alkyl and benzyl halides such as haloacetamides;
(iii) aldehydes, ketones, carboxyl, and maleimide groups. Certain
antibodies have reducible interchain disulfides, i.e. cysteine
bridges. Antibodies may be made reactive for conjugation with
linker reagents by treatment with a reducing agent such as DTT
(dithiothreitol) or tricarbonylethylphosphine (TCEP), such that the
antibody is fully or partially reduced. Each cysteine bridge will
thus form, theoretically, two reactive thiol nucleophiles.
Additional nucleophilic groups can be introduced into antibodies
through modification of lysine residues, e.g., by reacting lysine
residues with 2-iminothiolane (Traut's reagent), resulting in
conversion of an amine into a thiol. Reactive thiol groups may be
introduced into an antibody by introducing one, two, three, four,
or more cysteine residues (e.g., by preparing variant antibodies
comprising one or more non-native cysteine amino acid
residues).
[0607] Antibody-drug conjugates of the invention may also be
produced by reaction between an electrophilic group on an antibody,
such as an aldehyde or ketone carbonyl group, with a nucleophilic
group on a linker reagent or drug. Useful nucleophilic groups on a
linker reagent include, but are not limited to, hydrazide, oxime,
amino, hydrazine, thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine carboxylate, and
arylhydrazide. In one embodiment, an antibody is modified to
introduce electrophilic moieties that are capable of reacting with
nucleophilic substituents on the linker reagent or drug. In another
embodiment, the sugars of glycosylated antibodies may be oxidized,
e.g. with periodate oxidizing reagents, to form aldehyde or ketone
groups which may react with the amine group of linker reagents or
drug moieties. The resulting imine Schiff base groups may form a
stable linkage, or may be reduced, e.g. by borohydride reagents to
form stable amine linkages. In one embodiment, reaction of the
carbohydrate portion of a glycosylated antibody with either
galactose oxidase or sodium meta-periodate may yield carbonyl
(aldehyde and ketone) groups in the antibody that can react with
appropriate groups on the drug (Hermanson, Bioconjugate
Techniques). In another embodiment, antibodies containing
N-terminal serine or threonine residues can react with sodium
meta-periodate, resulting in production of an aldehyde in place of
the first amino acid (Geoghegan & Stroh, (1992) Bioconjugate
Chem. 3:138-146; U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,852). Such an aldehyde can be
reacted with a drug moiety or linker nucleophile.
[0608] Nucleophilic groups on a drug moiety include, but are not
limited to: amine, thiol, hydroxyl, hydrazide, oxime, hydrazine,
thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine carboxylate, and arylhydrazide groups
capable of reacting to form covalent bonds with electrophilic
groups on linker moieties and linker reagents including: (i) active
esters such as NHS esters, HOBt esters, haloformates, and acid
halides; (ii) alkyl and benzyl halides such as haloacetamides;
(iii) aldehydes, ketones, carboxyl, and maleimide groups.
[0609] The compounds of the invention expressly contemplate, but
are not limited to, ADC prepared with the following cross-linker
reagents: BMPS, EMCS, GMBS, HBVS, LC-SMCC, MBS, MPBH, SBAP, SIA,
SIAB, SMCC, SMPB, SMPH, sulfo-EMCS, sulfo-GMBS, sulfo-KMUS,
sulfo-MBS, sulfo-SIAB, sulfo-SMCC, and sulfo-SMPB, and SVSB
(succinimidyl-(4-vinylsulfone)benzoate) which are commercially
available (e.g., from Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, Ill.,
U.S.A; see pages 467-498, 2003-2004 Applications Handbook and
Catalog.
[0610] Immunoconjugates comprising an antibody and a cytotoxic
agent may also be made using a variety of bifunctional protein
coupling agents such as N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio)
propionate (SPDP), succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)
cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC), iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional
derivatives of imidoesters (such as dimethyl adipimidate HCl),
active esters (such as disuccinimidyl suberate), aldehydes (such as
glutaraldehyde), bis-azido compounds (such as bis (p-azidobenzoyl)
hexanediamine), bis-diazonium derivatives (such as
bis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such as
toluene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such
as 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). For example, a ricin
immunotoxin can be prepared as described in Vitetta et al., Science
238:1098 (1987). Carbon-14-labeled
1-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylene triaminepentaacetic acid
(MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent for conjugation of
radionucleotide to the antibody. See WO94/11026.
[0611] Alternatively, a fusion protein comprising an antibody and a
cytotoxic agent may be made, e.g., by recombinant techniques or
peptide synthesis. A recombinant DNA molecule may comprise regions
encoding the antibody and cytotoxic portions of the conjugate
either adjacent to one another or separated by a region encoding a
linker peptide which does not destroy the desired properties of the
conjugate.
[0612] In yet another embodiment, an antibody may be conjugated to
a "receptor" (such as streptavidin) for utilization in tumor
pre-targeting wherein the antibody-receptor conjugate is
administered to the patient, followed by removal of unbound
conjugate from the circulation using a clearing agent and then
administration of a "ligand" (e.g., avidin) which is conjugated to
a cytotoxic agent (e.g., a radionucleotide).
[0613] Preparation of Cysteine Engineered Anti-STEAP-1
Antibodies
[0614] The design, selection, and preparation methods of the
invention further enable cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1
antibodies which are reactive with electrophilic functionality.
These methods further enable antibody conjugate compounds such as
antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) compounds with drug molecules at
designated, designed, selective sites. Reactive cysteine residues
on an antibody surface allow specifically conjugating a drug moiety
through a thiol reactive group such as maleimide or haloacetyl. The
nucleophilic reactivity of the thiol functionality of a Cys residue
to a maleimide group is about 1000 times higher compared to any
other amino acid functionality in a protein, such as amino group of
lysine residues or the N-terminal amino group. Thiol specific
functionality in iodoacetyl and maleimide reagents may react with
amine groups, but higher pH (>9.0) and longer reaction times are
required (Garman, 1997, Non-Radioactive Labelling: A Practical
Approach, Academic Press, London). The amount of free thiol in a
protein may be estimated by the standard Ellman's assay.
Immunoglobulin M is an example of a disulfide-linked pentamer,
while immunoglobulin G is an example of a protein with internal
disulfide bridges bonding the subunits together. In proteins such
as this, reduction of the disulfide bonds with a reagent such as
dithiothreitol (DTT) or selenol (Singh et al (2002) Anal. Biochem.
304:147-156) is required to generate the reactive free thiol. This
approach may result in loss of antibody tertiary structure and
antigen binding specificity.
[0615] The Pheselector (Phage ELISA for Selection of Reactive
Thiols) Assay allows for detection of reactive cysteine groups in
antibodies in an ELISA phage format thereby assisting in the design
of cysteine engineered antibodies (WO 2006/034488). The cysteine
engineered antibody is coated on well surfaces, followed by
incubation with phage particles, addition of HRP labeled secondary
antibody, and absorbance detection. Mutant proteins displayed on
phage may be screened in a rapid, robust, and high-throughput
manner. Libraries of cysteine engineered antibodies can be produced
and subjected to binding selection using the same approach to
identify appropriately reactive sites of free Cys incorporation
from random protein-phage libraries of antibodies or other
proteins. This technique includes reacting cysteine mutant proteins
displayed on phage with an affinity reagent or reporter group which
is also thiol-reactive.
[0616] The PHESELECTOR assay allows screening of reactive thiol
groups in antibodies. Identification of the A121C variant by this
method is exemplary. The entire Fab molecule may be effectively
searched to identify more ThioFab variants with reactive thiol
groups. A parameter, fractional surface accessibility, was employed
to identify and quantitate the accessibility of solvent to the
amino acid residues in a polypeptide. The surface accessibility can
be expressed as the surface area (.ANG..sup.2) that can be
contacted by a solvent molecule, e.g. water. The occupied space of
water is approximated as a 1.4 .ANG. radius sphere. Software is
freely available or licensable (Secretary to CCP4, Daresbury
Laboratory, Warrington, WA4 4AD, United Kingdom, Fax: (+44) 1925
603825, or by internet: www.ccp4.ac.uk/dist/html/INDEX.html) as the
CCP4 Suite of crystallography programs which employ algorithms to
calculate the surface accessibility of each amino acid of a protein
with known x-ray crystallography derived coordinates ("The CCP4
Suite: Programs for Protein Crystallography" (1994) Acta. Cryst.
D50:760-763). Two exemplary software modules that perform surface
accessibility calculations are "AREAIMOL" and "SURFACE", based on
the algorithms of B. Lee and F. M. Richards (1971) J. Mol. Biol.
55:379-400. AREAIMOL defines the solvent accessible surface of a
protein as the locus of the centre of a probe sphere (representing
a solvent molecule) as it rolls over the Van der Waals surface of
the protein. AREAIMOL calculates the solvent accessible surface
area by generating surface points on an extended sphere about each
atom (at a distance from the atom centre equal to the sum of the
atom and probe radii), and eliminating those that lie within
equivalent spheres associated with neighboring atoms. AREAIMOL
finds the solvent accessible area of atoms in a PDB coordinate
file, and summarizes the accessible area by residue, by chain and
for the whole molecule. Accessible areas (or area differences) for
individual atoms can be written to a pseudo-PDB output file.
AREAIMOL assumes a single radius for each element, and only
recognizes a limited number of different elements.
[0617] AREAIMOL and SURFACE report absolute accessibilities, i.e.
the number of square Angstroms (.ANG.). Fractional surface
accessibility is calculated by reference to a standard state
relevant for an amino acid within a polypeptide. The reference
state is tripeptide Gly-X-Gly, where X is the amino acid of
interest, and the reference state should be an `extended`
conformation, i.e. like those in beta-strands. The extended
conformation maximizes the accessibility of X. A calculated
accessible area is divided by the accessible area in a Gly-X-Gly
tripeptide reference state and reports the quotient, which is the
fractional accessibility. Percent accessibility is fractional
accessibility multiplied by 100. Another exemplary algorithm for
calculating surface accessibility is based on the SOLV module of
the program xsae (Broger, C., F. Hoffman-LaRoche, Basel) which
calculates fractional accessibility of an amino acid residue to a
water sphere based on the X-ray coordinates of the polypeptide. The
fractional surface accessibility for every amino acid in an
antibody may be calculated using available crystal structure
information (Eigenbrot et al. (1993) J Mol Biol. 229:969-995).
[0618] DNA encoding the cysteine engineered antibodies is readily
isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by
using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding
specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of murine
antibodies). The hybridoma cells serve as a source of such DNA.
Once isolated, the DNA may be placed into expression vectors, which
are then transfected into host cells such as E. coli cells, simian
COS cells, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, or other mammalian
host cells, such as myeloma cells (U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,715; US
2005/0048572; US 2004/0229310) that do not otherwise produce the
antibody protein, to obtain the synthesis of monoclonal antibodies
in the recombinant host cells.
[0619] After design and selection, cysteine engineered antibodies,
e.g. ThioFabs, with the engineered, highly reactive unpaired Cys
residues, may be produced by: (i) expression in a bacterial, e.g.
E. coli, system (Skerra et al (1993) Curr. Opinion in Immunol.
5:256-262; Pluckthun (1992) Immunol. Revs. 130:151-188) or a
mammalian cell culture system (WO 01/00245), e.g. Chinese Hamster
Ovary cells (CHO); and (ii) purification using common protein
purification techniques (Lowman et al (1991) J. Biol. Chem.
266(17):10982-10988).
[0620] The engineered Cys thiol groups react with electrophilic
linker reagents and drug-linker intermediates to form cysteine
engineered antibody drug conjugates and other labelled cysteine
engineered antibodies. Cys residues of cysteine engineered
antibodies, and present in the parent antibodies, which are paired
and form interchain and intrachain disulfide bonds do not have any
reactive thiol groups (unless treated with a reducing agent) and do
not react with electrophilic linker reagents or drug-linker
intermediates. The newly engineered Cys residue, can remain
unpaired, and able to react with, i.e. conjugate to, an
electrophilic linker reagent or drug-linker intermediate, such as a
drug-maleimide. Exemplary drug-linker intermediates include:
MC-MMAE, MC-MMAF, MC-vc-PAB-MMAE, and MC-vc-PAB-MMAF. The structure
positions of the engineered Cys residues of the heavy and light
chains are numbered according to a sequential numbering system.
This sequential numbering system is correlated to the Kabat
numbering system (Kabat et al., (1991) Sequences of Proteins of
Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.) starting at the N-terminus,
differs from the Kabat numbering scheme (bottom row) by insertions
noted by a,b,c. Using the Kabat 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. The cysteine engineered heavy chain variant
sites are identified by the sequential numbering and Kabat
numbering schemes.
[0621] In one embodiment, the cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1
antibody is prepared by a process comprising: [0622] (a) replacing
one or more amino acid residues of a parent anti-STEAP-1 antibody
by cysteine; and [0623] (b) determining the thiol reactivity of the
cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody by reacting the cysteine
engineered antibody with a thiol-reactive reagent.
[0624] The cysteine engineered antibody may be more reactive than
the parent antibody with the thiol-reactive reagent.
[0625] The free cysteine amino acid residues may be located in the
heavy or light chains, or in the constant or variable domains.
Antibody fragments, e.g. Fab, may also be engineered with one or
more cysteine amino acids replacing amino acids of the antibody
fragment, to form cysteine engineered antibody fragments.
[0626] Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of
preparing (making) a cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody,
comprising: [0627] (a) introducing one or more cysteine amino acids
into a parent anti-STEAP-1 antibody in order to generate the
cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody; and [0628] (b)
determining the thiol reactivity of the cysteine engineered
antibody with a thiol-reactive reagent;
[0629] wherein the cysteine engineered antibody is more reactive
than the parent antibody with the thiol-reactive reagent.
[0630] Step (a) of the method of preparing a cysteine engineered
antibody may comprise:
[0631] (i) mutagenizing a nucleic acid sequence encoding the
cysteine engineered antibody;
[0632] (ii) expressing the cysteine engineered antibody; and
[0633] (iii) isolating and purifying the cysteine engineered
antibody.
[0634] Step (b) of the method of preparing a cysteine engineered
antibody may comprise expressing the cysteine engineered antibody
on a viral particle selected from a phage or a phagemid
particle.
[0635] Step (b) of the method of preparing a cysteine engineered
antibody may also comprise: [0636] (i) reacting the cysteine
engineered antibody with a thiol-reactive affinity reagent to
generate an affinity labelled, cysteine engineered antibody; and
[0637] (ii) measuring the binding of the affinity labelled,
cysteine engineered antibody to a capture media.
[0638] Another embodiment of the invention is a method of screening
cysteine engineered antibodies with highly reactive, unpaired
cysteine amino acids for thiol reactivity comprising: [0639] (a)
introducing one or more cysteine amino acids into a parent antibody
in order to generate a cysteine engineered antibody; [0640] (b)
reacting the cysteine engineered antibody with a thiol-reactive
affinity reagent to generate an affinity labelled, cysteine
engineered antibody; and [0641] (c) measuring the binding of the
affinity labelled, cysteine engineered antibody to a capture media;
and [0642] (d) determining the thiol reactivity of the cysteine
engineered antibody with the thiol-reactive reagent.
[0643] Step (a) of the method of screening cysteine engineered
antibodies may comprise:
[0644] (i) mutagenizing a nucleic acid sequence encoding the
cysteine engineered antibody;
[0645] (ii) expressing the cysteine engineered antibody; and
[0646] (iii) isolating and purifying the cysteine engineered
antibody.
[0647] Step (b) of the method of screening cysteine engineered
antibodies may comprise expressing the cysteine engineered antibody
on a viral particle selected from a phage or a phagemid
particle.
[0648] Step (b) of the method of screening cysteine engineered
antibodies may also comprise: [0649] (i) reacting the cysteine
engineered antibody with a thiol-reactive affinity reagent to
generate an affinity labelled, cysteine engineered antibody; and
[0650] (ii) measuring the binding of the affinity labelled,
cysteine engineered antibody to a capture media.
[0651] Labelled Cysteine Engineered Anti-STEAD-1 Antibodies
[0652] Cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibodies may be
site-specifically and efficiently coupled with a thiol-reactive
reagent. The thiol-reactive reagent may be a multifunctional linker
reagent, a capture, i.e. affinity, label reagent (e.g. a
biotin-linker reagent), a detection label (e.g. a fluorophore
reagent), a solid phase immobilization reagent (e.g. SEPHAROSE.TM.,
polystyrene, or glass), or a drug-linker intermediate. One example
of a thiol-reactive reagent is N-ethyl maleimide (NEM). In an
exemplary embodiment, reaction of a ThioFab with a biotin-linker
reagent provides a biotinylated ThioFab by which the presence and
reactivity of the engineered cysteine residue may be detected and
measured. Reaction of a ThioFab with a multifunctional linker
reagent provides a ThioFab with a functionalized linker which may
be further reacted with a drug moiety reagent or other label.
Reaction of a ThioFab with a drug-linker intermediate provides a
ThioFab drug conjugate.
[0653] The exemplary methods described here may be applied
generally to the identification and production of antibodies, and
more generally, to other proteins through application of the design
and screening steps described herein.
[0654] Such an approach may be applied to the conjugation of other
thiol-reactive reagents in which the reactive group is, for
example, a maleimide, an iodoacetamide, a pyridyl disulfide, or
other thiol-reactive conjugation partner (Haugland, 2003, Molecular
Probes Handbook of Fluorescent Probes and Research Chemicals,
Molecular Probes, Inc.; Brinkley, 1992, Bioconjugate Chem. 3:2;
Garman, 1997, Non-Radioactive Labelling: A Practical Approach,
Academic Press, London; Means (1990) Bioconjugate Chem. 1:2;
Hermanson, G. in Bioconjugate Techniques (1996) Academic Press, San
Diego, pp. 40-55, 643-671). The thiol-reactive reagent may be a
drug moiety, a fluorophore such as a fluorescent dye like
fluorescein or rhodamine, a chelating agent for an imaging or
radiotherapeutic metal, a peptidyl or non-peptidyl label or
detection tag, or a clearance-modifying agent such as various
isomers of polyethylene glycol, a peptide that binds to a third
component, or another carbohydrate or lipophilic agent.
Uses of Cysteine Engineered Anti-STEAD-1 Antibodies
[0655] Cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibodies, and conjugates
thereof may find use as therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents. The
present invention further provides methods of preventing, managing,
treating or ameliorating one or more symptoms associated with a
STEAP-1 related disorder. In particular, the present invention
provides methods of preventing, managing, treating, or ameliorating
one or more symptoms associated with a cell proliferative disorder,
such as cancer, e.g., prostate cancer, lung cancer. colon cancer,
bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, and Ewing's sarcoma. The present
invention still further provides methods for diagnosing a STEAP-1
related disorder or predisposition to developing such a disorder,
as well as methods for identifying antibodies, and antigen-binding
fragments of antibodies, that preferentially bind cell-associated
STEAP-1 polypeptides.
[0656] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to
the use of a cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody for the
preparation of a medicament useful in the treatment of a condition
which is responsive to a STEAP-1 related disorder.
Preparation of Cysteine Engineered Anti-STEAP-1 Antibody-Drug
Conjugates
[0657] The ADC of Formula I may be prepared by several routes,
employing organic chemistry reactions, conditions, and reagents
known to those skilled in the art, including: (1) reaction of a
cysteine group of a cysteine engineered antibody with a linker
reagent, to form antibody-linker intermediate Ab-L, via a covalent
bond, followed by reaction with an activated drug moiety D; and (2)
reaction of a nucleophilic group of a drug moiety with a linker
reagent, to form drug-linker intermediate D-L, via a covalent bond,
followed by reaction with a cysteine group of a cysteine engineered
antibody. Conjugation methods (1) and (2) may be employed with a
variety of cysteine engineered antibodies, drug moieties, and
linkers to prepare the antibody-drug conjugates of Formula I.
[0658] Antibody cysteine thiol groups are nucleophilic and capable
of reacting to form covalent bonds with electrophilic groups on
linker reagents and drug-linker intermediates including: (i) active
esters such as NHS esters, HOBt esters, haloformates, and acid
halides; (ii) alkyl and benzyl halides, such as haloacetamides;
(iii) aldehydes, ketones, carboxyl, and maleimide groups; and (iv)
disulfides, including pyridyl disulfides, via sulfide exchange.
Nucleophilic groups on a drug moiety include, but are not limited
to: amine, thiol, hydroxyl, hydrazide, oxime, hydrazine,
thiosemicarbazone, hydrazine carboxylate, and arylhydrazide groups
capable of reacting to form covalent bonds with electrophilic
groups on linker moieties and linker reagents.
[0659] Cysteine engineered antibodies may be made reactive for
conjugation with linker reagents by treatment with a reducing agent
such as DTT (Cleland's reagent, dithiothreitol) or TCEP
(tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride; Getz et al (1999)
Anal. Biochem. Vol 273:73-80; Soltec Ventures, Beverly, Mass.),
followed by reoxidation to reform interchain and intrachain
disulfide bonds (Example x). For example, full length, cysteine
engineered monoclonal antibodies (ThioMabs) expressed in CHO cells
are reduced with about a 50 fold excess of TCEP for 3 hrs at
37.degree. C. to reduce disulfide bonds in cysteine adducts which
may form between the newly introduced cysteine residues and the
cysteine present in the culture media. The reduced ThioMab is
diluted and loaded onto HiTrap S column in 10 mM sodium acetate, pH
5, and eluted with PBS containing 0.3M sodium chloride. Disulfide
bonds were reestablished between cysteine residues present in the
parent Mab with dilute (200 nM) aqueous copper sulfate (CuSO.sub.4)
at room temperature, overnight. Alternatively, dehydroascorbic acid
(DHAA) is an effective oxidant to reestablish the intrachain
disulfide groups of the cysteine engineered antibody after
reductive cleavage of the cysteine adducts. Other oxidants, i.e.
oxidizing agents, and oxidizing conditions, which are known in the
art may be used. Ambient air oxidation is also effective. This
mild, partial reoxidation step forms intrachain disulfides
efficiently with high fidelity and preserves the thiol groups of
the newly introduced cysteine residues. An approximate 10 fold
excess of drug-linker intermediate, e.g. MC-vc-PAB-MMAE, was added,
mixed, and let stand for about an hour at room temperature to
effect conjugation and form the antibody-drug conjugate. The
conjugation mixture was gel filtered and loaded and eluted through
a HiTrap S column to remove excess drug-linker intermediate and
other impurities.
[0660] FIG. 16 shows the general process to prepare a cysteine
engineered antibody expressed from cell culture for conjugation.
When the cell culture media contains cysteine, disulfide adducts
can form between the newly introduced cysteine amino acid and
cysteine from media. These cysteine adducts, depicted as a circle
in the exemplary ThioMab (left) in FIG. 12, must be reduced to
generate cysteine engineered antibodies reactive for conjugation.
Cysteine adducts, presumably along with various interchain
disulfide bonds, are reductively cleaved to give a reduced form of
the antibody with reducing agents such as TCEP. The interchain
disulfide bonds between paired cysteine residues are reformed under
partial oxidation conditions with copper sulfate, DHAA, or exposure
to ambient oxygen. The newly introduced, engineered, and unpaired
cysteine residues remain available for reaction with linker
reagents or drug-linker intermediates to form the antibody
conjugates of the invention. The ThioMabs expressed in mammalian
cell lines result in externally conjugated Cys adduct to an
engineered Cys through --S--S-- bond formation. Hence the purified
ThioMabs are treated with the reduction and reoxidation procedures
as described in Example x to produce reactive ThioMabs. These
ThioMabs are used to conjugate with maleimide containing cytotoxic
drugs, fluorophores, and other labels.
[0661] FIG. 15 shows embodiments of cysteine engineered
anti-STEAP-1 antibody drug conjugates (ADC) where an auristatin
drug moiety is attached to an engineered cysteine group in: the
light chain (LC-ADC); the heavy chain (HC-ADC); and the Fc region
(Fc-ADC).
[0662] Pharmaceutical Formulations
[0663] Administration of Antibody-Drug Conjugates
[0664] The antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) of the invention may be
administered by any route appropriate to the condition to be
treated. The ADC will typically be administered parenterally, i.e.,
infusion, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intradermal,
intrathecal and epidural.
[0665] For treating cancers of, for example, prostate, lung and/or
colon, in one embodiment, the antibody-drug conjugate is
administered via intravenous infusion. The dosage administered via
infusion is in the range of about 1 .mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 10,000
.mu.g/m.sup.2 per dose, generally one dose per week for a total of
one, two, three or four doses. Alternatively, the dosage range is
of about 1 .mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 1000 .mu.g/m.sup.2, about 1
.mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 800 .mu.g/m.sup.2, about 1 .mu.g/m.sup.2 to
about 600 .mu.g/m.sup.2, about 1 .mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 400
.mu.g/m.sup.2, about 10 .mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 500 .mu.g/m.sup.2,
about 10 .mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 300 .mu.g/m.sup.2, about 10
.mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 200 .mu.g/m.sup.2, and about 1 .mu.g/m.sup.2
to about 200 .mu.g/m.sup.2. The dose may be administered once per
day, once per week, multiple times per week, but less than once per
day, multiple times per month but less than once per day, multiple
times per month but less than once per week, once per month or
intermittently to relieve or alleviate symptoms of the disease.
Administration may continue at any of the disclosed intervals until
remission of the tumor or symptoms of the lymphoma, leukemia being
treated. Administration may continue after remission or relief of
symptoms is achieved where such remission or relief is prolonged by
such continued administration.
[0666] The invention also provides a method of treating a prostate,
lung, and/or colon cancer, and/or a metastasis of such cancer,
comprising administering to a patient suffering from a prostate,
lung or colon cancer, a therapeutically effective amount of a
humanized 120v.24 antibody of any one of the preceding embodiments,
which antibody is not conjugated to a cytotoxic molecule or a
detectable molecule. The antibody will typically be administered in
a dosage range of about 1 .mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 1000
mg/m.sup.2.
[0667] The invention also provides a method of treating a prostate,
lung, and/or colon cancer, and/or a metastasis of such cancer,
comprising administering to a patient suffering from a prostate,
lung or colon cancer, a therapeutically effective amount of a
humanized 120v.24 antibody of any one of the preceding embodiments,
which antibody is conjugated to a cytotoxic molecule or a
detectable molecule. The antibody will typically be administered in
a dosage range of about 1 .mu.g/m.sup.2 to about 1000
mg/m.sup.2.
[0668] In one aspect, the invention further provides pharmaceutical
formulations comprising at least one anti-STEAP-1 antibody of the
invention and/or at least one immunoconjugate thereof and/or at
least one anti-STEAP-1 antibody-drug conjugate of the invention. In
some embodiments, a pharmaceutical formulation comprises 1) an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody and/or an anti-STEAP-1 antibody-drug
conjugate and/or an immunoconjugate thereof, and 2) a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some embodiments, a
pharmaceutical formulation comprises 1) an anti-STEAP-1 antibody
and/or an immunoconjugate thereof, and optionally, 2) at least one
additional therapeutic agent.
[0669] Pharmaceutical formulations comprising an antibody or
immunoconjugate of the invention or the antibody-drug conjugate of
the invention are prepared for storage by mixing the antibody or
antibody-drug conjugate having the desired degree of purity with
optional physiologically acceptable carriers, excipients or
stabilizers (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition,
Osol, A. Ed. (1980)) in the form of aqueous solutions or
lyophilized or other dried formulations. Acceptable carriers,
excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the
dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as
phosphate, citrate, histidine and other organic acids; antioxidants
including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as
octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride;
benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride); phenol, butyl or
benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben;
catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low
molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides;
proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins;
hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such
as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine;
monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including
glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA;
sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol;
salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g.,
Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants such as
TWEEN.TM., PLURONICS.TM. or polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Pharmaceutical formulations to be used for in vivo administration
are generally sterile. This is readily accomplished by filtration
through sterile filtration membranes.
[0670] Active ingredients may also be entrapped in microcapsule
prepared, for example, by coacervation techniques or by interfacial
polymerization, for example, hydroxymethylcellulose or
gelatin-microcapsule and poly-(methylmethacylate) microcapsule,
respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example,
liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles and
nanocapsules) or in macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed
in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed.
(1980).
[0671] Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable
examples of sustained-release preparations include semipermeable
matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the antibody or
immunoconjugate of the invention, which matrices are in the form of
shaped articles, e.g., films, or microcapsule. Examples of
sustained-release matrices include polyesters, hydrogels (for
example, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), or poly(vinylalcohol)),
polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic
acid and .gamma. ethyl-L-glutamate, non-degradable ethylene-vinyl
acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as
the LUPRON DEPOT.TM. (injectable microspheres composed of lactic
acid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), and
poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid. While polymers such as
ethylene-vinyl acetate and lactic acid-glycolic acid enable release
of molecules for over 100 days, certain hydrogels release proteins
for shorter time periods. When encapsulated antibodies or
immunoconjugates remain in the body for a long time, they may
denature or aggregate as a result of exposure to moisture at
37.degree. C., resulting in a loss of biological activity and
possible changes in immunogenicity. Rational strategies can be
devised for stabilization depending on the mechanism involved. For
example, if the aggregation mechanism is discovered to be
intermolecular S--S bond formation through thio-disulfide
interchange, stabilization may be achieved by modifying sulfhydryl
residues, lyophilizing from acidic solutions, controlling moisture
content, using appropriate additives, and developing specific
polymer matrix compositions.
[0672] Antibody Drug Conjugate Treatments
[0673] It is contemplated that the antibody-drug conjugates (ADC)
of the present invention may be used to treat various diseases or
disorders, e.g. characterized by the overexpression of a tumor
antigen. Exemplary conditions or hyperproliferative disorders
include benign or malignant tumors; leukemia and lymphoid
malignancies. Others include neuronal, glial, astrocytal,
hypothalamic, glandular, macrophagal, epithelial, stromal,
blastocoelic, inflammatory, angiogenic and immunologic, including
autoimmune, disorders. Still others include prostate, lung and
colon cancers.
[0674] The ADC compounds which are identified in the animal models
and cell-based assays can be further tested in tumor-bearing higher
primates and human clinical trials. Human clinical trials can be
designed to test the efficacy of the anti-STEAP-1 monoclonal
antibody or immunoconjugate of the invention in patients
experiencing a prostate, lung or colon cell proliferative disorder
including without limitation prostate, lung and colon cancers and
metastases of such cancers. The clinical trial may be designed to
evaluate the efficacy of an ADC in combinations with known
therapeutic regimens, such as radiation and/or chemotherapy
involving known chemotherapeutic and/or cytotoxic agents.
[0675] The cancer may comprise STEAP-1-expressing cells, such that
an ADC of the present invention is able to bind to the cancer
cells. To determine STEAP-1 expression in the cancer, various
diagnostic/prognostic assays are available. In one embodiment,
STEAP-1 overexpression may be analyzed by IHC. Parrafin-embedded
tissue sections from a tumor biopsy may be subjected to the IHC
assay and accorded a STEAP-1 protein staining intensity criteria
with respect to the degree of staining and in what proportion of
tumor cells examined.
[0676] For the prevention or treatment of disease, the appropriate
dosage of an ADC will depend on the type of disease to be treated,
as defined above, the severity and course of the disease, whether
the molecule is administered for preventive or therapeutic
purposes, previous therapy, the patient's clinical history and
response to the antibody, and the discretion of the attending
physician. The molecule is suitably administered to the patient at
one time or over a series of treatments. Depending on the type and
severity of the disease, about 1 .mu.g/kg to 15 mg/kg (e.g. 0.1-20
mg/kg) of molecule is an initial candidate dosage for
administration to the patient, whether, for example, by one or more
separate administrations, or by continuous infusion. A typical
daily dosage might range from about 1 .mu.g/kg to 100 mg/kg or
more, depending on the factors mentioned above. An exemplary dosage
of ADC to be administered to a patient is in the range of about 0.1
to about 10 mg/kg of patient weight.
[0677] For repeated administrations over several days or longer,
depending on the condition, the treatment is sustained until a
desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs. An exemplary dosing
regimen comprises administering an initial loading dose of about 4
mg/kg, followed by a weekly maintenance dose of about 2 mg/kg of an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody. Other dosage regimens may be useful. The
progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional
techniques and assays.
[0678] Combination Therapy
[0679] An antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) of the invention may be
combined in a pharmaceutical combination formulation, or dosing
regimen as combination therapy, with at least one additional
compound having anti-cancer properties. The at least one additional
compound of the pharmaceutical combination formulation or dosing
regimen preferably has complementary activities to the ADC of the
combination such that they do not adversely affect each other.
[0680] The at least one additional compound may be a
chemotherapeutic agent, cytotoxic agent, cytokine, growth
inhibitory agent, anti-hormonal agent, and/or cardioprotectant.
Such molecules are suitably present in combination in amounts that
are effective for the purpose intended. A pharmaceutical
composition containing an ADC of the invention may also have a
therapeutically effective amount of a chemotherapeutic agent such
as a tubulin-forming inhibitor, a topoisomerase inhibitor, or a DNA
binder.
[0681] In one aspect, the first compound is an anti-STEAP-1 ADC of
the invention and the at least one additional compound is a
therapeutic antibody other than an anti-STEAP-1 (naked antibody or
an ADC). In one embodiment, the at least one additional compound is
an anti-PSCA antibody. In one embodiment the at least one
additional compound is an anti-HER2 antibody, trastuzumab (e.g.,
Herceptin.RTM., Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, Calif.). In
one embodiment the at least one additional compound is an anti-HER2
antibody, pertuzumab (Omnitarg.TM., Genentech, Inc., South San
Francisco, Calif., see U.S. Pat. No. 6,949,245). In one embodiment,
the at least one additional compound is an anti-VEGF antibody (e.g,
Avastin.RTM., Genentech, Inc.). In each case, the at least one
compound is either a naked antibody or an ADC). In an embodiment,
the at least one additional compound is an antibody (either a naked
antibody or an ADC), and the additional antibody is a second,
third, fourth, fifth, sixth antibody or more, such that a
combination of such second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, or more
antibodies (either naked or as an ADC) is efficacious in treating a
cell proliferative disease in a tissue expressing STEAP-1.
[0682] Other therapeutic regimens may be combined with the
administration of an anticancer agent identified in accordance with
this invention, including without limitation radiation therapy
and/or bone marrow and peripheral blood transplants, and/or a
cytotoxic agent, a chemotherapeutic agent, or a growth inhibitory
agent. In one of such embodiments, a chemotherapeutic agent is an
agent or a combination of agents such as, for example,
cyclophosphamide, hydroxydaunorubicin, adriamycin, doxorubicin,
vincristine (Oncovin.TM.) prednisolone, CHOP, CVP, or COP, or
immunotherapeutics such as anti-PSCA, anti-HER2 (e.g.,
Herceptin.RTM., Omnitarg.TM.) or anti-VEGF (e.g., Avastin.RTM.).
The combination therapy may be administered as a simultaneous or
sequential regimen. When administered sequentially, the combination
may be administered in two or more administrations. The combined
administration includes coadministration, using separate
formulations or a single pharmaceutical formulation, and
consecutive administration in either order, wherein preferably
there is a time period while both (or all) active agents
simultaneously exert their biological activities.
[0683] In one embodiment, treatment with an ADC involves the
combined administration of an anticancer agent identified herein,
and one or more chemotherapeutic agents or growth inhibitory
agents, including coadministration of cocktails of different
chemotherapeutic agents. Chemotherapeutic agents include taxanes
(such as paclitaxel and docetaxel) and/or anthracycline
antibiotics. Preparation and dosing schedules for such
chemotherapeutic agents may be used according to manufacturer's
instructions or as determined empirically by the skilled
practitioner. Preparation and dosing schedules for such
chemotherapy are also described in "Chemotherapy Service", (1992)
Ed., M.C. Perry, Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md.
[0684] Suitable dosages for any of the above coadministered agents
are those presently used and may be lowered due to the combined
action (synergy) of the newly identified agent and other
chemotherapeutic agents or treatments.
[0685] The combination therapy may provide "synergy" and prove
"synergistic", i.e. the effect achieved when the active ingredients
used together is greater than the sum of the effects that results
from using the compounds separately. A synergistic effect may be
attained when the active ingredients are: (1) co-formulated and
administered or delivered simultaneously in a combined, unit dosage
formulation; (2) delivered by alternation or in parallel as
separate formulations; or (3) by some other regimen. When delivered
in alternation therapy, a synergistic effect may be attained when
the compounds are administered or delivered sequentially, e.g. by
different injections in separate syringes. In general, during
alternation therapy, an effective dosage of each active ingredient
is administered sequentially, i.e. serially, whereas in combination
therapy, effective dosages of two or more active ingredients are
administered together.
[0686] Metabolites of the Antibody-Drug Conjugates
[0687] Also falling within the scope of this invention are the in
vivo metabolic products of the ADC compounds described herein, to
the extent such products are novel and unobvious over the prior
art. Such products may result for example from the oxidation,
reduction, hydrolysis, amidation, esterification, enzymatic
cleavage, and the like, of the administered compound. Accordingly,
the invention includes novel and unobvious compounds produced by a
process comprising contacting a compound of this invention with a
mammal for a period of time sufficient to yield a metabolic product
thereof.
[0688] Metabolite products typically are identified by preparing a
radiolabelled (e.g. 14C or 3H) ADC, administering it parenterally
in a detectable dose (e.g. greater than about 0.5 mg/kg) to an
animal such as rat, mouse, guinea pig, monkey, or to man, allowing
sufficient time for metabolism to occur (typically about 30 seconds
to 30 hours) and isolating its conversion products from the urine,
blood or other biological samples. These products are easily
isolated since they are labeled (others are isolated by the use of
antibodies capable of binding epitopes surviving in the
metabolite). The metabolite structures are determined in
conventional fashion, e.g. by MS, LC/MS or NMR analysis. In
general, analysis of metabolites is done in the same way as
conventional drug metabolism studies well-known to those skilled in
the art. The conversion products, so long as they are not otherwise
found in vivo, are useful in diagnostic assays for therapeutic
dosing of the ADC compounds of the invention.
[0689] Further Methods of Using Anti-STEAP-1 Antibodies and
Immunoconjugates
[0690] Diagnostic Methods and Methods of Detection
[0691] In one aspect, anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and immunoconjugates
of the invention are useful for detecting the presence of STEAP-1
in a biological sample. The term "detecting" as used herein
encompasses quantitative or qualitative detection. In certain
embodiments, a biological sample comprises a cell or tissue. In
certain embodiments, such tissues include normal and/or cancerous
tissues that express STEAP-1 at higher levels relative to other
tissues, for example, prostate, lung and colon.
[0692] In one aspect, the invention provides a method of detecting
the presence of STEAP-1 in a biological sample. In certain
embodiments, the method comprises contacting the biological sample
with an anti-STEAP-1 antibody under conditions permissive for
binding of the anti-STEAP-1 antibody to STEAP-1, and detecting
whether a complex is formed between the anti-STEAP-1 antibody and
STEAP-1.
[0693] In one aspect, the invention provides a method of diagnosing
a disorder associated with increased expression of STEAP-1. In
certain embodiments, the method comprises contacting a test cell
with an anti-STEAP-1 antibody; determining the level of expression
(either quantitatively or qualitatively) of STEAP-1 by the test
cell by detecting binding of the anti-STEAP-1 antibody to STEAP-1;
and comparing the level of expression of STEAP-1 by the test cell
with the level of expression of STEAP-1 by a control cell (e.g., a
normal cell of the same tissue origin as the test cell or a cell
that expresses STEAP-1 at levels comparable to such a normal cell),
wherein a higher level of expression of STEAP-1 by the test cell as
compared to the control cell indicates the presence of a disorder
associated with increased expression of STEAP-1. In certain
embodiments, the test cell is obtained from an individual suspected
of having a disorder associated with increased expression of
STEAP-1. In certain embodiments, the disorder is a cell
proliferative disorder, such as a cancer or a tumor.
[0694] Exemplary cell proliferative disorders that may be diagnosed
using an antibody of the invention include a prostate, lung and
colon cancers or metastases of such cancers.
[0695] In certain embodiments, a method of diagnosis or detection,
such as those described above, comprises detecting binding of an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody to STEAP-1 expressed on the surface of a cell
or in a membrane preparation obtained from a cell expressing
STEAP-1 on its surface. In certain embodiments, the method
comprises contacting a cell with an anti-STEAP-1 antibody under
conditions permissive for binding of the anti-STEAP-1 antibody to
STEAP-1, and detecting whether a complex is formed between the
anti-STEAP-1 antibody and STEAP-1 on the cell surface. An exemplary
assay for detecting binding of an anti-STEAP-1 antibody to STEAP-1
expressed STEAP-1 on the surface of a cell is a "FACS" assay.
[0696] Certain other methods can be used to detect binding of
anti-STEAP-1 antibodies to STEAP-1. Such methods include, but are
not limited to, antigen-binding assays that are well known in the
art, such as western blots, radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked
immunosorbent assay), "sandwich" immunoassays, immunoprecipitation
assays, fluorescent immunoassays, protein A immunoassays,
Immuno-PET, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
[0697] In certain embodiments, .sup.89Zr-anti-STEAP-1-Immuno-Pet in
vitro or in vivo analysis can be used for quantifying antibody
uptake and biodistribution in primary prostate tumor lesions and
can be useful in identifying changes in tumor antigen profiles when
primary tumors metastasize. iImmuno-PET requires a
positron-emitting radioisotope (such as Zirconium (.sup.89ZR);
Verel I., et al. J Nucl Med 2003: 44:1271-1281; ".sup.89Zr
Immuno-PET: Comprehensive Procedures for the Production of
.sup.89Zr-Labeled Monoclonal Antibodies"; The use of immuno-PET,
the combination of PET with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), is an
attractive option to improve tumor detection and mAb
quantification. The long-lived positron emitter .sup.89Zr has ideal
physical characteristics for immuno-PET, such as a half-life of
3.27 d, which is compatible with the time needed for intact mAbs to
achieve optimal tumor-to-nontumor ratios.
[0698] Exemplary bifunctional reagents based on desferrioxamine B
(Df) are employed for the complexation of .sup.89Zr to antibodies,
including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Desferrioxamine B
(N'-{5-[acetyl(hydroxy)amino]pentyl}-N-[5-({4-[(5-aminopentyl)(hydroxy)am-
ino]-4-oxobutanoyl}amino)pentyl]-N-hydroxysuccinamide (CAS Reg. No.
70-51-9); and also known as Deferoxamine, desferoxamine B, DFO-B,
DFOA, DFB or desferal) is a bacterial siderophore produced by the
actinobacter Streptomyces pilosus (FIG. 20 top). Desferrioxamine B
has medical applications as a chelating agent used to remove excess
iron from the body (Miller, Marvin J. "Syntheses and therapeutic
potential of hydroxamic acid based siderophores and analogs" (1989)
Chemical Reviews 89 (7):1563-1579). The mesylate salt of DFO-B is
commercially available. Initial experiments were conducted with
N-(S-acetyl)thioacetyl-Df (SATA-Df) and mAb decorated with
maleimide groups, 4-[N-maleimidomethyl]cyclohexane-1-carboxylate
(mAb-SMCC) attached to .quadrature.-amino group in lysine side
chain (Meijs W E et al. "Zirconium-labeled monoclonal antibodies
and their distribution in tumor-bearing nude mice" (1997) J. Nucl.
Med. 38:112-8; Meijs W E et al. "A facile method for the labeling
of proteins with zirconium isotopes" (1996) Nucl Med Biol.
23:439-48).
[0699] The antibody conjugates prepared using Df-Bz-NCS showed
comparable stability and imaging properties to the reference
conjugates prepared using TFP-N-Suc-Df. Since reliable methods for
coupling of 89Zr with antibodies through lysine .quadrature.-amino
groups were developed the number of reported pre-clinical and
clinical immunoPET studies with .sup.89Zr labeled antibodies has
been rapidly increasing (Verel I, et al. "Long-lived positron
emitters zirconium-89 and iodine-124 for scouting of therapeutic
radioimmunoconjugates with PET" (2003) Cancer Biother Radiopharm.
18:655-61; Nagengast W B et al. "In vivo VEGF imaging with
radiolabeled bevacizumab in a human ovarian tumor xenograft" (2007)
J Nucl Med. 48:1313-9; Perk L R, et al. "(89)Zr as a PET surrogate
radioisotope for scouting biodistribution of the therapeutic
radiometals (90)Y and (177)Lu in tumor-bearing nude mice after
coupling to the internalizing antibody cetuximab" (2005) J Nucl
Med. 46:1898-906; Perk L R et al. "Quantitative PET imaging of
Met-expressing human cancer xenografts with (89)Zr-labelled
monoclonal antibody DN30" (2008) European Journal Of Nuclear
Medicine And Molecular Imaging 35:1857-67; Perk L R et al.
"Preparation and evaluation of (89)Zr-Zevalin for monitoring of
(90)Y-Zevalin biodistribution with positron emission tomography"
(2006) European Journal Of Nuclear Medicine And Molecular Imaging
33:1337-45; Borjesson P K et al. "Performance of immuno-positron
emission tomography with zirconium-89-labeled chimeric monoclonal
antibody U36 in the detection of lymph node metastases in head and
neck cancer patients" (2006) Clin Cancer Res. 12:2133-40; Aerts H J
et al. "Disparity between in vivo EGFR expression and 89Zr-labeled
cetuximab uptake assessed with PET" (2009) J Nucl Med. 50:123-31;
Dijkers E C et al. "Development and Characterization of
Clinical-Grade 89Zr-Trastuzumab for HER2/neu ImmunoPET Imaging"
(2009) J Nucl Med 50(6):974-981).
[0700] Embodiments of zirconium complexes also include
zirconium-binding (chelating) ligands such as DTPA (CAS Reg. No.
67-43-6), DOPA(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7,10-tetraacetic
acid) (Liu, Shuang (2008) Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews 60(12):
1347-1370), cyclopentadienyl, and allyl groups (Erker, G. (1991)
Pure and Applied Chemistry 63(6):797-806; Erker, G. (1990) Jour. of
Organometallic Chem. 400(1-2):185-203), each of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
[0701] Zirconium complexes (Z) and other radionuclides may be
conjugated to antibodies (Ab), including monoclonal antibodies
(mAbs) through .quadrature.-amino group in lysine side chain or
through thiol group of cysteine. Since approximately 40 lysine side
chains (Wang L et al "Structural characterization of the
maytansinoid-monoclonal antibody immunoconjugate, huN901-DM1, by
mass spectrometry" (2005) Protein Sci. 14:2436-46) or 8 cysteines
(Hamblett K J et al. "Effects of drug loading on the antitumor
activity of a monoclonal antibody drug conjugate" (2004) Clin
Cancer Res. 10:7063-70) are available for conjugation in a mAb,
both approaches provide heterogeneity with respect to mAb conjugate
ratios and the site of conjugation. The modification of a lysine
residue within the binding site may decrease the biological
activity of the conjugate (Cai W et al. "PET imaging of colorectal
cancer in xenograft-bearing mice by use of an 18F-labeled T84.66
anti-carcinoembryonic antigen diabody" (2007) J Nucl Med.
48:304-10; Shively J E. "18F labeling for immuno-PET: where speed
and contrast meet" (2007) J Nucl Med. 48:170-2; Tait J F et al
"Improved detection of cell death in vivo with annexin V
radiolabeled by site-specific methods" (2006) J Nucl Med.
47:1546-53; Schellenberger E A et al "Optical imaging of apoptosis
as a biomarker of tumor response to chemotherapy" (2003) Neoplasia
(New York, N.Y) 5:187-92), while the modification of cysteines in
the hinge region provides a reduced plasma half-life (Hamblett K J
et al. "Effects of drug loading on the antitumor activity of a
monoclonal antibody drug conjugate" (2004) Clin Cancer Res.
10:7063-70). These limitations can be avoided by using mAbs
engineered to contain cysteine selectively positioned for the
purpose of site-specific conjugation with a biochemical assay,
PHESELECTOR (U.S. Pat. No. 7,521,541; Junutula J R et al. "Rapid
identification of reactive cysteine residues for site-specific
labeling of antibody-Fabs" J Immunol Methods 2008; 332:41-52) for
the rapid identification of preferred amino acids in an antibody
for mutation to cysteine. The resulting antibody (THIOMAB) is
subsequently chemoselectively and site-specifically conjugated to
cytotoxic drugs without any loss of binding affinity or detrimental
effect on the antibody scaffold stability (Junutula J R et al.
"Site-specific conjugation of a cytotoxic drug to an antibody
improves the therapeutic index" (2008) Nat Biotechnol.
26:925-32).
[0702] From an imaging point of view, a high target affinity and
minimal non-specific uptake are required for optimal image quality.
Accordingly, site-specifically radiolabeled cysteine-engineered
antibodies (THIOMABs) could provide tracers with unaltered binding
affinity and scaffold stability which may minimize the non-specific
uptake of metabolites outside the target tissue. One aspect of the
present invention is a method for site-specific radiolabeling of
THIOMABs using novel Df-based thiol reactive bifunctional reagents
maleimidocyclohexyl-desferrioxamine (Df-Chx-Mal),
bromoacetyl-desferrioxamine (Df-Bac) and iodoacetyl-desferrioxamine
(Df-Iac). Exemplary embodiments include where these reagents were
site-specifically conjugated to trastuzumab THIOMAB
(thio-trastuzumab), chelated with 89Zr, and evaluated in vitro and
in vivo.
[0703] In certain embodiments, anti-STEAP-1 antibodies are labeled.
Labels include, but are not limited to, labels or moieties that are
detected directly (such as fluorescent, chromophoric,
electron-dense, chemiluminescent, and radioactive labels), as well
as moieties, such as enzymes or ligands, that are detected
indirectly, e.g., through an enzymatic reaction or molecular
interaction. Exemplary labels include, but are not limited to, the
radioisotopes .sup.32P, .sup.14C, .sup.125I, .sup.3H, and
.sup.131I, fluorophores such as rare earth chelates or fluorescein
and its derivatives, rhodamine and its derivatives, dansyl,
umbelliferone, luceriferases, e.g., firefly luciferase and
bacterial luciferase (U.S. Pat. No. 4,737,456), luciferin,
2,3-dihydrophthalazinediones, horseradish peroxidase (HRP),
alkaline phosphatase, .beta.-galactosidase, glucoamylase, lysozyme,
saccharide oxidases, e.g., glucose oxidase, galactose oxidase, and
glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, heterocyclic oxidases such as
uricase and xanthine oxidase, coupled with an enzyme that employs
hydrogen peroxide to oxidize a dye precursor such as HRP,
lactoperoxidase, or microperoxidase, biotin/avidin, spin labels,
bacteriophage labels, stable free radicals, and the like.
[0704] In certain embodiments, anti-STEAP-1 antibodies are
immobilized on an insoluble matrix. Immobilization entails
separating the anti-STEAP-1 antibody from any STEAP-1 that remains
free in solution. This conventionally is accomplished by either
insolubilizing the anti-STEAP-1 antibody before the assay
procedure, as by adsorption to a water-insoluble matrix or surface
(Bennich et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,760), or by covalent coupling
(for example, using glutaraldehyde cross-linking), or by
insolubilizing the anti-STEAP-1 antibody after formation of a
complex between the anti-STEAP-1 antibody and STEAP-1, e.g., by
immunoprecipitation.
[0705] Any of the above embodiments of diagnosis or detection may
be carried out using an immunoconjugate of the invention in place
of or in addition to an anti-STEAP-1 antibody.
[0706] Therapeutic Methods
[0707] An antibody or immunoconjugate of the invention may be used
in, for example, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo therapeutic
methods. In one aspect, the invention provides methods for
inhibiting cell growth or proliferation, either in vivo or in
vitro, the method comprising exposing a cell to an anti-STEAP-1
antibody or immunoconjugate thereof under conditions permissive for
binding of the immunoconjugate to STEAP-1. "Inhibiting cell growth
or proliferation" means decreasing a cell's growth or proliferation
by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or
100%, and includes inducing cell death. In certain embodiments, the
cell is a tumor cell. In certain embodiments, the cell is a
prostate, lung, colon, bladder, or ovary cell, or Ewing's sarcoma
cell. In certain embodiments, the cell is a xenograft, e.g., as
exemplified herein.
[0708] In one aspect, an antibody or immunoconjugate of the
invention is used to treat or prevent a prostate, lung, colon,
bladder, or ovary cell or Ewing's sarcoma cell proliferative
disorder. In certain embodiments, the cell proliferative disorder
is associated with increased expression and/or activity of STEAP-1.
For example, in certain embodiments, the prostate, lung, colon,
bladder, or ovary cell or Ewing's sarcoma cell proliferative
disorder is associated with increased expression of STEAP-1 on the
surface of a prostate, lung, colon, bladder, or ovary cell or
Ewing's sarcoma cell. In certain embodiments, the prostate, lung,
colon, bladder, or ovary cell or Ewing's sarcoma cell proliferative
disorder is a tumor or a cancer or metastasis of such cancer.
[0709] In one aspect, the invention provides methods for treating a
prostate, lung or colon cell proliferative disorder comprising
administering to an individual an effective amount of an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody or immunoconjugate thereof. In certain
embodiments, a method for treating a prostate, lung or colon cell
proliferative disorder comprises administering to an individual an
effective amount of a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody or anti-STEAP-1 immunoconjugate and,
optionally, at least one additional therapeutic agent, such as
those provided herein.
[0710] In one aspect, at least some of the antibodies or
immunoconjugates of the invention can bind STEAP-1 from species
other than human. Accordingly, antibodies or immunoconjugates of
the invention can be used to bind STEAP-1, e.g., in a cell culture
containing STEAP-1, in humans, or in other mammals having a STEAP-1
with which an antibody or immunoconjugate of the invention
cross-reacts (e.g. chimpanzee, baboon, marmoset, cynomolgus and
rhesus monkeys, dog, pig, rat, or mouse). In one embodiment, an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody or immunoconjugate can be used for targeting
STEAP-1 on prostate, lung or colono cells by contacting the
antibody or immunoconjugate with STEAP-1 to form an antibody or
immunoconjugate-antigen complex such that a conjugated cytotoxin of
the immunoconjugate accesses the interior of the cell. In one
embodiment, the STEAP-1 to which the anti-STEAP-1 antibody binds is
human STEAP-1. In one embodiment, the STEAP-1 to which the
anti-STEAP-1 antibody binds is cynomolgus monkey STEAP-1. In one
embodiment, the humanized anti-STEAP-1 antibody binds to human
and/or cynomolgus monkey STEAP-1.
[0711] In one embodiment, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody or
immunoconjugate can be used in a method for binding STEAP-1 in an
individual suffering from a disorder associated with increased
STEAP-1 expression and/or activity, the method comprising
administering to the individual the antibody or immunoconjugate
such that STEAP-1 in the individual is bound. In one embodiment,
the bound antibody or immunoconjugate is internalized into the
prostate, lung, colon, bladder, or ovary cell or Ewing's sarcoma
cell expressing STEAP-1. In one embodiment, the STEAP-1 is human
STEAP-1, and the individual is a human individual. Alternatively,
the individual can be a mammal expressing STEAP-1 to which an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody binds. Still further the individual can be a
mammal into which STEAP-1 has been introduced (e.g., by
administration of STEAP-1 or by expression of a transgene encoding
STEAP-1).
[0712] An anti-STEAP-1 antibody or immunoconjugate can be
administered to a human for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody or immunoconjugate can be administered to a
non-human mammal expressing STEAP-1 with which the antibody
cross-reacts (e.g., a primate, dog, pig, rat, or mouse) for
veterinary purposes or as an animal model of human disease.
Regarding the latter, such animal models may be useful for
evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of antibodies or
immunoconjugates of the invention (e.g., testing of dosages and
time courses of administration).
[0713] Antibodies or immunoconjugates of the invention can be used
either alone or in combination with other compositions in a
therapy. For instance, an antibody or immunoconjugate of the
invention may be co-administered with at least one additional
therapeutic agent and/or adjuvant. In certain embodiments, an
additional therapeutic agent is a cytotoxic agent, a
chemotherapeutic agent, or a growth inhibitory agent. In one of
such embodiments, a chemotherapeutic agent is an agent or a
combination of agents such as, for example, cyclophosphamide,
hydroxydaunorubicin, adriamycin, doxorubicin, vincristine
(Oncovin.TM.), prednisolone, CHOP, CVP, or COP, or
immunotherapeutics such as anti-PSCA (see, for example, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,824,780), anti-VEGF (e.g., Avastin.RTM., Genentech, Inc.),
anti-HER2 (e.g., Herceptin.RTM., Omnitarg.TM. Genentech, Inc.), or
anti-HER2 in combination with Taxol.RTM. (see, for example,
BioWorld Today, Nov. 17, 1999, page 1), wherein the combination
therapy is useful in the treatment of cell proliferative disorders,
cancers, and/or metastases of cancers of prostate, lung and/or
colon.
[0714] Such combination therapies noted above encompass combined
administration (where two or more therapeutic agents are included
in the same or separate formulations), and separate administration,
in which case, administration of the antibody or immunoconjugate of
the invention can occur prior to, simultaneously, and/or following,
administration of the additional therapeutic agent and/or adjuvant.
Antibodies or immunoconjugates of the invention can also be used in
combination with radiation therapy.
[0715] An antibody or immunoconjugate of the invention (and any
additional therapeutic agent or adjuvant) can be administered by
any suitable means, including parenteral, subcutaneous,
intraperitoneal, intrapulmonary, and intranasal, and, if desired
for local treatment, intralesional administration. Parenteral
infusions include intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial,
intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration. In addition, the
antibody or immunoconjugate is suitably administered by pulse
infusion, particularly with declining doses of the antibody or
immunoconjugate. Dosing can be by any suitable route, e.g. by
injections, such as intravenous or subcutaneous injections,
depending in part on whether the administration is brief or
chronic.
[0716] Antibodies or immunoconjugates of the invention would be
formulated, dosed, and administered in a fashion consistent with
good medical practice. Factors for consideration in this context
include the particular disorder being treated, the particular
mammal being treated, the clinical condition of the individual
patient, the cause of the disorder, the site of delivery of the
agent, the method of administration, the scheduling of
administration, and other factors known to medical practitioners.
The antibody or immunoconjugate need not be, but is optionally
formulated with one or more agents currently used to prevent or
treat the disorder in question. The effective amount of such other
agents depends on the amount of antibody or immunoconjugate present
in the formulation, the type of disorder or treatment, and other
factors discussed above. These are generally used in the same
dosages and with administration routes as described herein, or
about from 1 to 99% of the dosages described herein, or in any
dosage and by any route that is empirically/clinically determined
to be appropriate.
[0717] For the prevention or treatment of disease, the appropriate
dosage of an antibody or immunoconjugate of the invention (when
used alone or in combination with one or more other additional
therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapeutic agents) will depend on
the type of disease to be treated, the type of antibody or
immunoconjugate, the severity and course of the disease, whether
the antibody or immunoconjugate is administered for preventive or
therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the patient's clinical
history and response to the antibody or immunoconjugate, and the
discretion of the attending physician. The antibody or
immunoconjugate is suitably administered to the patient at one time
or over a series of treatments. Depending on the type and severity
of the disease, about 1 .mu.g/kg to 100 mg/kg (e.g. 0.1 mg/kg-20
mg/kg) of antibody or immunoconjugate can be an initial candidate
dosage for administration to the patient, whether, for example, by
one or more separate administrations, or by continuous infusion.
One typical daily dosage might range from about 1 .mu.g/kg to 100
mg/kg or more, depending on the factors mentioned above. For
repeated administrations over several days or longer, depending on
the condition, the treatment would generally be sustained until a
desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs. One exemplary
dosage of the antibody or immunoconjugate would be in the range
from about 0.05 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg. Thus, one or more doses of
about 0.5 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 4.0 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg (or any
combination thereof) of antibody or immunoconjugate may be
administered to the patient. Such doses may be administered
intermittently, e.g. every week or every three weeks (e.g. such
that the patient receives from about two to about twenty, or e.g.
about six doses of the antibody or immunoconjugate). An initial
higher loading dose, followed by one or more lower doses may be
administered. An exemplary dosing regimen comprises administering
an initial loading dose of about 4 mg/kg, followed by a weekly
maintenance dose of about 2 mg/kg of the antibody. However, other
dosage regimens may be useful. The progress of this therapy is
easily monitored by conventional techniques and assays.
[0718] Assays
[0719] Anti-STEAP-1 antibodies and immunoconjugates of the
invention may be characterized for their physical/chemical
properties and/or biological activities by various assays known in
the art.
[0720] Activity Assays
[0721] In one aspect, assays are provided for identifying
anti-STEAP-1 antibodies or immunoconjugates thereof having
biological activity. Biological activity may include, e.g., the
ability to inhibit cell growth or proliferation (e.g., "cell
killing" activity), or the ability to induce cell death, including
programmed cell death (apoptosis). Antibodies or immunoconjugates
having such biological activity in vivo and/or in vitro are also
provided.
[0722] In certain embodiments, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody or
immunoconjugate thereof is tested for its ability to inhibit cell
growth or proliferation in vitro. Assays for inhibition of cell
growth or proliferation are well known in the art. Certain assays
for cell proliferation, exemplified by the "cell killing" assays
described herein, measure cell viability. One such assay is the
CellTiter-Glo.TM. Luminescent Cell Viability Assay, which is
commercially available from Promega (Madison, Wis.). That assay
determines the number of viable cells in culture based on
quantitation of ATP present, which is an indication of
metabolically active cells. See Crouch et al (1993) J. Immunol.
Meth. 160:81-88, U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,677. The assay may be
conducted in 96- or 384-well format, making it amenable to
automated high-throughput screening (HTS). See Cree et al (1995)
AntiCancer Drugs 6:398-404. The assay procedure involves adding a
single reagent (CellTiter-Glo.RTM. Reagent) directly to cultured
cells. This results in cell lysis and generation of a luminescent
signal produced by a luciferase reaction. The luminescent signal is
proportional to the amount of ATP present, which is directly
proportional to the number of viable cells present in culture. Data
can be recorded by luminometer or CCD camera imaging device. The
luminescence output is expressed as relative light units (RLU).
[0723] Another assay for cell proliferation is the "MTT" assay, a
colorimetric assay that measures the oxidation of
3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide to
formazan by mitochondrial reductase. Like the CellTiter-Glo.TM.
assay, this assay indicates the number of metabolically active
cells present in a cell culture. See, e.g., Mosmann (1983) J.
Immunol. Meth. 65:55-63, and Zhang et al. (2005) Cancer Res.
65:3877-3882.
[0724] In one aspect, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody is tested for its
ability to induce cell death in vitro. Assays for induction of cell
death are well known in the art. In some embodiments, such assays
measure, e.g., loss of membrane integrity as indicated by uptake of
propidium iodide (PI), trypan blue (see Moore et al. (1995)
Cytotechnology, 17:1-11), or 7AAD. In an exemplary PI uptake assay,
cells are cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium
(D-MEM):Ham's F-12 (50:50) supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated
FBS (Hyclone) and 2 mM L-glutamine. Thus, the assay is performed in
the absence of complement and immune effector cells. Cells are
seeded at a density of 3.times.10.sup.6 per dish in 100.times.20 mm
dishes and allowed to attach overnight. The medium is removed and
replaced with fresh medium alone or medium containing various
concentrations of the antibody or immunoconjugate. The cells are
incubated for a 3-day time period. Following treatment, monolayers
are washed with PBS and detached by trypsinization. Cells are then
centrifuged at 1200 rpm for 5 minutes at 4.degree. C., the pellet
resuspended in 3 ml cold Ca.sup.2+ binding buffer (10 mM Hepes, pH
7.4, 140 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM CaCl.sub.2) and aliquoted into 35 mm
strainer-capped 12.times.75 mm tubes (1 ml per tube, 3 tubes per
treatment group) for removal of cell clumps. Tubes then receive PI
(10 .mu.g/ml). Samples are analyzed using a FACSCAN.TM. flow
cytometer and FACSCONVERT.TM. CellQuest software (Becton
Dickinson). Antibodies or immunoconjugates which induce
statistically significant levels of cell death as determined by PI
uptake are thus identified.
[0725] In one aspect, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody or immunoconjugate
is tested for its ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell
death) in vitro. An exemplary assay for antibodies or
immunoconjugates that induce apoptosis is an annexin binding assay.
In an exemplary annexin binding assay, cells are cultured and
seeded in dishes as discussed in the preceding paragraph. The
medium is removed and replaced with fresh medium alone or medium
containing 0.001 to 10 .mu.g/ml of the antibody or immunoconjugate.
Following a three-day incubation period, monolayers are washed with
PBS and detached by trypsinization. Cells are then centrifuged,
resuspended in Ca.sup.2+ binding buffer, and aliquoted into tubes
as discussed in the preceding paragraph. Tubes then receive labeled
annexin (e.g. annexin V-FITC) (1 .mu.g/ml). Samples are analyzed
using a FACSCAN.TM. flow cytometer and FACSCONVERT.TM. CellQuest
software (BD Biosciences). Antibodies or immunoconjugates that
induce statistically significant levels of annexin binding relative
to control are thus identified. Another exemplary assay for
antibodies or immunoconjugates that induce apoptosis is a histone
DNA ELISA colorimetric assay for detecting internucleosomal
degradation of genomic DNA. Such an assay can be performed using,
e.g., the Cell Death Detection ELISA kit (Roche, Palo Alto,
Calif.).
[0726] Cells for use in any of the above in vitro assays include
cells or cell lines that naturally express STEAP-1 or that have
been engineered to express STEAP-1. Such cells include tumor cells
that overexpress STEAP-1 relative to normal cells of the same
tissue origin. Such cells also include cell lines (including tumor
cell lines) that express STEAP-1 and cell lines that do not
normally express STEAP-1 but have been transfected with nucleic
acid encoding STEAP-1.
[0727] In one aspect, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody or immunoconjugate
thereof is tested for its ability to inhibit cell growth or
proliferation in vivo. In certain embodiments, an anti-STEAP-1
antibody or immunoconjugate thereof is tested for its ability to
inhibit tumor growth in vivo. In vivo model systems, such as
xenograft models, can be used for such testing. In an exemplary
xenograft system, human tumor cells are introduced into a suitably
immunocompromised non-human animal, e.g., a SCID mouse. An antibody
or immunoconjugate of the invention is administered to the animal.
The ability of the antibody or immunoconjugate to inhibit or
decrease tumor growth is measured. In certain embodiments of the
above xenograft system, the human tumor cells are tumor cells from
a human patient. Such cells useful for preparing xenograft models
include human prostate, lung, or colon tumor cell lines, which
include without limitation PC3 cells expressing exogenous STEAP-1,
and cells naturally expressing STEAP-1 which include, without
limitation, LnCAP cells (Southern Research Institute, Birmingham,
Ala.), LuCAP 77 cells, and LuCAP35V cells (University of
Washington, Seattle, Wash.). In certain embodiments, the human
tumor cells are introduced into a suitably immunocompromised
non-human animal by subcutaneous injection or by transplantation
into a suitable site, such as a mammary fat pad.
[0728] Binding Assays and Other Assays
[0729] In one aspect, an anti-STEAP-1 antibody is tested for its
antigen binding activity. For example, in certain embodiments, an
anti-STEAP-1 antibody is tested for its ability to bind to
exogenous or endogenous STEAP-1 expressed on the surface of a cell.
A FACS assay may be used for such testing.
[0730] In one aspect, competition assays may be used to identify a
monoclonal antibody that competes with 120 graft or humanized
variants thereof, including without limitation, 120v.24 antibody
for binding to STEAP-1. In certain embodiments, such a competing
antibody binds to the same epitope (e.g., a linear epitope peptide
or a conformational epitope formed by expression of STEAP1 on a
cell surface) that is bound by 120 graft antibody, or humanized 120
graft antibody, including variant 120v.24 humanized anti-STEAP-1
antibody. Exemplary competition assays include, but are not limited
to, routine assays such as those provided in Harlow and Lane (1988)
Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual ch.14 (Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.). Detailed exemplary methods
for mapping an epitope to which an antibody binds are provided in
Morris (1996) "Epitope Mapping Protocols," in Methods in Molecular
Biology vol. 66 (Humana Press, Totowa, N.J.). Two antibodies are
said to bind to the same epitope if each blocks binding of the
other by 50% or more.
[0731] In an exemplary competition assay, immobilized STEAP-1 is
incubated in a solution comprising a first labeled antibody that
binds to STEAP-1 (e.g., murine 120.545 antibody, 120 graft
antibody, or humanized 120v.24 antibody) and a second unlabeled
antibody that is being tested for its ability to compete with the
first antibody for binding to STEAP-1. The second antibody may be
present in a hybridoma supernatant. As a control, immobilized
STEAP-1 is incubated in a solution comprising the first labeled
antibody but not the second unlabeled antibody. After incubation
under conditions permissive for binding of the first antibody to
STEAP-1, excess unbound antibody is removed, and the amount of
label associated with immobilized STEAP-1 is measured. If the
amount of label associated with immobilized STEAP-1 is
substantially reduced in the test sample relative to the control
sample, then that indicates that the second antibody is competing
with the first antibody for binding to STEAP-1. In certain
embodiments, immobilized STEAP-1 is present on the surface of a
cell or in a membrane preparation obtained from a cell expressing
STEAP-1 on its surface.
[0732] In one aspect, purified anti-STEAP-1 antibodies can be
further characterized by a series of assays including, but not
limited to, N-terminal sequencing, amino acid analysis,
non-denaturing size exclusion high pressure liquid chromatography
(HPLC), mass spectrometry, ion exchange chromatography and papain
digestion.
[0733] In one embodiment, the invention contemplates an altered
antibody that possesses some but not all effector functions, which
make it a desirable candidate for many applications in which the
half life of the antibody in vivo is important yet certain effector
functions (such as complement and ADCC) are unnecessary or
deleterious. In certain embodiments, the Fc activities of the
antibody are measured to ensure that only the desired properties
are maintained. In vitro and/or in vivo cytotoxicity assays can be
conducted to confirm the reduction/depletion of CDC and/or ADCC
activities. For example, Fc receptor (FcR) binding assays can be
conducted to ensure that the antibody lacks Fc.gamma.R binding
(hence likely lacking ADCC activity), but retains FcRn binding
ability. The primary cells for mediating ADCC, NK cells, express
Fc(RIII only, whereas monocytes express Fc(RI, Fc(RII and Fc(RIII.
FcR expression on hematopoietic cells is summarized in Table 3 on
page 464 of Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 9:457-92 (1991).
An example of an in vitro assay to assess ADCC activity of a
molecule of interest is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,362 or
5,821,337. Useful effector cells for such assays include peripheral
blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Natural Killer (NK) cells.
Alternatively, or additionally, ADCC activity of the molecule of
interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g., in a animal model such as
that disclosed in Clynes et al. PNAS (USA) 95:652-656 (1998). C1q
binding assays may also be carried out to confirm that the antibody
is unable to bind C1q and hence lacks CDC activity. To assess
complement activation, a CDC assay, e.g. as described in
Gazzano-Santoro et al., J. Immunol. Methods 202:163 (1996), may be
performed. FcRn binding and in vivo clearance/half life
determinations can also be performed using methods known in the
art.
EXAMPLES
[0734] The following are examples of methods and compositions of
the invention. It is understood that various other embodiments may
be practiced, given the general description provided above.
Example 1: Preparation of Humanized Anti-STEAD-1 Antibodies
[0735] Nucleic acid molecules encoding amino acid sequence variants
of the antibody, antibody fragment, VL domain or VH domain are
prepared by a variety of methods known in the art. These methods
include, but are not limited to, isolation from a natural source
(in the case of naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants)
or preparation by oligonucleotide-mediated (or site-directed)
mutagenesis, PCR mutagenesis, and cassette mutagenesis of an
earlier prepared variant or a non-variant version of the antibody,
antibody fragment, VL domain or VH domain. For example, libraries
can be created by targeting VL accessible amino acid positions in
VH, and optionally in one or more CDRs, for amino acid substitution
with variant amino acids using the Kunkel method. See, for e.g.,
Kunkel et al., Methods Enzymol. (1987), 154:367-382 and the
examples herein. Generation of randomized sequences is also
described below in the Examples.
[0736] The sequence of oligonucleotides includes one or more of the
designed codon sets for a particular position in a CDR (HVR) or FR
region of a polypeptide of the invention. A codon set is a set of
different nucleotide triplet sequences used to encode desired
variant amino acids. Codon sets can be represented using symbols to
designate particular nucleotides or equimolar mixtures of
nucleotides as shown in below according to the IUB code.
[0737] IUB Codes
[0738] G Guanine
[0739] A Adenine
[0740] T Thymine
[0741] C Cytosine
[0742] R (A or G)
[0743] Y (C or T)
[0744] M (A or C)
[0745] K (G or T)
[0746] S (C or G)
[0747] W (A or T)
[0748] H (A or C or T)
[0749] B (C or G or T)
[0750] (A or C or G)
[0751] D (A or G or T)
[0752] N (A or C or G or T)
[0753] For example, in the codon set DVK, D can be nucleotides A or
G or T; V can be A or G or C; and K can be G or T. This codon set
can present 18 different codons and can encode amino acids Ala,
Trp, Tyr, Lys, Thr, Asn, Lys, Ser, Arg, Asp, Glu, Gly, and Cys.
[0754] Oligonucleotide or primer sets can be synthesized using
standard methods. A set of oligonucleotides can be synthesized, for
example, by solid phase synthesis, containing sequences that
represent all possible combinations of nucleotide triplets provided
by the codon set and that will encode the desired group of amino
acids. Synthesis of oligonucleotides with selected nucleotide
"degeneracy" at certain positions is well known in that art. Such
sets of nucleotides having certain codon sets can be synthesized
using commercial nucleic acid synthesizers (available from, for
example, Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.), or can be
obtained commercially (for example, from Life Technologies,
Rockville, Md.). Therefore, a set of oligonucleotides synthesized
having a particular codon set will typically include a plurality of
oligonucleotides with different sequences, the differences
established by the codon set within the overall sequence.
Oligonucleotides, as used according to the invention, have
sequences that allow for hybridization to a variable domain nucleic
acid template and also can include restriction enzyme sites for
cloning purposes.
[0755] In one method, nucleic acid sequences encoding variant amino
acids can be created by oligonucleotide-mediated mutagenesis. This
technique is well known in the art as described by Zoller et al,
1987, Nucleic Acids Res. 10:6487-6504. Briefly, nucleic acid
sequences encoding variant amino acids are created by hybridizing
an oligonucleotide set encoding the desired codon sets to a DNA
template, where the template is the single-stranded form of the
plasmid containing a variable region nucleic acid template
sequence. After hybridization, DNA polymerase is used to synthesize
an entire second complementary strand of the template that will
thus incorporate the oligonucleotide primer, and will contain the
codon sets as provided by the oligonucleotide set.
[0756] Generally, oligonucleotides of at least 25 nucleotides in
length are used. An optimal oligonucleotide will have 12 to 15
nucleotides that are completely complementary to the template on
either side of the nucleotide(s) coding for the mutation(s). This
ensures that the oligonucleotide will hybridize properly to the
single-stranded DNA template molecule. The oligonucleotides are
readily synthesized using techniques known in the art such as that
described by Crea et al., Proc. Nat'l. Acad. Sci. USA, 75:5765
(1978).
[0757] The DNA template is generated by those vectors that are
either derived from bacteriophage M13 vectors (the commercially
available M13mp18 and M13mp19 vectors are suitable), or those
vectors that contain a single-stranded phage origin of replication
as described by Viera et al., Meth. Enzymol., 153:3 (1987). Thus,
the DNA that is to be mutated can be inserted into one of these
vectors in order to generate single-stranded template. Production
of the single-stranded template is described in sections 4.21-4.41
of Sambrook et al., above.
[0758] To alter the native DNA sequence, the oligonucleotide is
hybridized to the single stranded template under suitable
hybridization conditions. A DNA polymerizing enzyme, usually T7 DNA
polymerase or the Klenow fragment of DNA polymerase I, is then
added to synthesize the complementary strand of the template using
the oligonucleotide as a primer for synthesis. A heteroduplex
molecule is thus formed such that one strand of DNA encodes the
mutated form of gene 1, and the other strand (the original
template) encodes the native, unaltered sequence of gene 1. This
heteroduplex molecule is then transformed into a suitable host
cell, usually a prokaryote such as E. coli JM101. After growing the
cells, they are plated onto agarose plates and screened using the
oligonucleotide primer radiolabelled with a 32-Phosphate to
identify the bacterial colonies that contain the mutated DNA.
[0759] The method described immediately above may be modified such
that a homoduplex molecule is created wherein both strands of the
plasmid contain the mutation(s). The modifications are as follows:
The single stranded oligonucleotide is annealed to the
single-stranded template as described above. A mixture of three
deoxyribonucleotides, deoxyriboadenosine (dATP), deoxyriboguanosine
(dGTP), and deoxyribothymidine (dTT), is combined with a modified
thiodeoxyribocytosine called dCTP-(aS) (which can be obtained from
Amersham). This mixture is added to the template-oligonucleotide
complex. Upon addition of DNA polymerase to this mixture, a strand
of DNA identical to the template except for the mutated bases is
generated. In addition, this new strand of DNA will contain
dCTP-(aS) instead of dCTP, which serves to protect it from
restriction endonuclease digestion. After the template strand of
the double-stranded heteroduplex is nicked with an appropriate
restriction enzyme, the template strand can be digested with ExoIII
nuclease or another appropriate nuclease past the region that
contains the site(s) to be mutagenized. The reaction is then
stopped to leave a molecule that is only partially single-stranded.
A complete double-stranded DNA homoduplex is then formed using DNA
polymerase in the presence of all four deoxyribonucleotide
triphosphates, ATP, and DNA ligase. This homoduplex molecule can
then be transformed into a suitable host cell.
[0760] As indicated previously the sequence of the oligonucleotide
set is of sufficient length to hybridize to the template nucleic
acid and may also, but does not necessarily, contain restriction
sites. The DNA template can be generated by those vectors that are
either derived from bacteriophage M13 vectors or vectors that
contain a single-stranded phage origin of replication as described
by Viera et al. ((1987) Meth. Enzymol., 153:3). Thus, the DNA that
is to be mutated must be inserted into one of these vectors in
order to generate single-stranded template. Production of the
single-stranded template is described in sections 4.21-4.41 of
Sambrook et al., supra.
[0761] According to another method, a library can be generated by
providing upstream and downstream oligonucleotide sets, each set
having a plurality of oligonucleotides with different sequences,
the different sequences established by the codon sets provided
within the sequence of the oligonucleotides. The upstream and
downstream oligonucleotide sets, along with a variable domain
template nucleic acid sequence, can be used in a polymerase chain
reaction to generate a "library" of PCR products. The PCR products
can be referred to as "nucleic acid cassettes", as they can be
fused with other related or unrelated nucleic acid sequences, for
example, viral coat proteins and dimerization domains, using
established molecular biology techniques.
[0762] Oligonucleotide sets can be used in a polymerase chain
reaction using a variable domain nucleic acid template sequence as
the template to create nucleic acid cassettes. The variable domain
nucleic acid template sequence can be any portion of the heavy
immunoglobulin chains containing the target nucleic acid sequences
(ie., nucleic acid sequences encoding amino acids targeted for
substitution). The variable region nucleic acid template sequence
is a portion of a double stranded DNA molecule having a first
nucleic acid strand and complementary second nucleic acid strand.
The variable domain nucleic acid template sequence contains at
least a portion of a variable domain and has at least one CDR. In
some cases, the variable domain nucleic acid template sequence
contains more than one CDR. An upstream portion and a downstream
portion of the variable domain nucleic acid template sequence can
be targeted for hybridization with members of an upstream
oligonucleotide set and a downstream oligonucleotide set.
[0763] A first oligonucleotide of the upstream primer set can
hybridize to the first nucleic acid strand and a second
oligonucleotide of the downstream primer set can hybridize to the
second nucleic acid strand. The oligonucleotide primers can include
one or more codon sets and be designed to hybridize to a portion of
the variable region nucleic acid template sequence. Use of these
oligonucleotides can introduce two or more codon sets into the PCR
product (i.e., the nucleic acid cassette) following PCR. The
oligonucleotide primer that hybridizes to regions of the nucleic
acid sequence encoding the antibody variable domain includes
portions that encode CDR residues that are targeted for amino acid
substitution.
[0764] The upstream and downstream oligonucleotide sets can also be
synthesized to include restriction sites within the oligonucleotide
sequence. These restriction sites can facilitate the insertion of
the nucleic acid cassettes (i.e., PCR reaction products) into an
expression vector having additional antibody sequence. In one
embodiment, the restriction sites are designed to facilitate the
cloning of the nucleic acid cassettes without introducing
extraneous nucleic acid sequences or removing original CDR or
framework nucleic acid sequences.
[0765] Nucleic acid cassettes can be cloned into any suitable
vector for expression of a portion or the entire light or heavy
chain sequence containing the targeted amino acid substitutions
generated via the PCR reaction. According to methods detailed in
the invention, the nucleic acid cassette is cloned into a vector
allowing production of a portion or the entire light or heavy chain
sequence fused to all or a portion of a viral coat protein (i.e.,
creating a fusion protein) and displayed on the surface of a
particle or cell. While several types of vectors are available and
may be used to practice this invention, phagemid vectors are the
preferred vectors for use herein, as they may be constructed with
relative ease, and can be readily amplified. Phagemid vectors
generally contain a variety of components including promoters,
signal sequences, phenotypic selection genes, origin of replication
sites, and other necessary components as are known to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0766] When a particular variant amino acid combination is to be
expressed, the nucleic acid cassette contains a sequence that is
able to encode all or a portion of the heavy or light chain
variable domain, and is able to encode the variant amino acid
combinations. For production of antibodies containing these variant
amino acids or combinations of variant amino acids, as in a
library, the nucleic acid cassettes can be inserted into an
expression vector containing additional antibody sequence, for
example all or portions of the variable or constant domains of the
light and heavy chain variable regions. These additional antibody
sequences can also be fused to other nucleic acids sequences, such
as sequences that encode viral coat proteins and therefore allow
production of a fusion protein.
[0767] Humanization of murine anti-human STEAP-1 antibody is
described herein.
[0768] Materials and Methods
[0769] Residue numbers are according to Kabat (Kabat et al.,
Sequences of proteins of immunological interest, 5th Ed., Public
Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
(1991)). Single letter amino acid abbreviations are used. DNA
degeneracies are represented using the IUB code (N=A/C/G/T,
D=A/G/T, V=A/C/G, B=C/G/T, H=A/C/T, K=G/T, M=A/C, R=A/G, S=G/C,
W=A/T, Y=C/T).
[0770] Cloning of Murine 120 Variable Domains and Generation of a
Chimeric 120 Antibody--
[0771] Total RNA was extracted from hybridoma cells producing
M2-120.545 (designated as "murine 120" or "mu120" herein) using
standard methods. The variable light (VL) and variable heavy (VH)
domains were amplified using RT-PCR with degenerate primers to the
heavy and light chains. The forward primers were specific for the
N-terminal amino acid sequence of the VL and VH regions.
Respectively, the LC and HC reverse primers were designed to anneal
to a region in the constant light (CL) and constant heavy domain 1
(CH1), which are highly conserved across species. Amplified VL and
VH were cloned into mammalian expression vectors. The
polynucleotide sequence of the inserts was determined using routine
sequencing methods. The M2-120.545 ("mu 120") VL and VH amino acid
sequences are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, respectively.
[0772] Generation of Murine 120 Chimera--
[0773] A chimeric anti-STEAP-1 antibody was prepared by fusing the
murine 120 variable heavy (VH) and variable light (VL) regions to
the constant domains of a human IgG. The resultant antibody is
designated "120 chimera," "chimera 120," "chimeric 120 IgG," or "Fc
chimera" herein.
[0774] Direct Hypervariable Region Grafts onto the Acceptor Human
Consensus Framework--
[0775] Variants constructed during the humanization of murine 120
were assessed both as protein in the form of an IgG or as a Fab
displayed on phage.
[0776] The phagemid used for this work is a monovalent Fab-g3
display vector and consists of two open reading frames under
control of the phoA promoter. The first open reading frame consists
of the stII signal sequence fused to the VL and CH1 domains of the
acceptor light chain and the second consists of the stII signal
sequence fused to the VH and CH1 domains of the acceptor heavy
chain followed by the minor phage coat protein P3.
[0777] The VL and VH domains from murine 120 were aligned with the
human VL kappa I (huKI) and human VH subgroup III (huIII) consensus
sequences. To make the CDR grafts, hypervariable regions from the
murine 120 antibody were grafted into the huKI and huIII acceptor
frameworks.
[0778] Hypervariable regions from murine 120 antibody (mu120) were
engineered into the acceptor human consensus framework to generate
the direct CDR-graft (designated as "120 graft," or "graft 120"
herein). In the VL domain the following regions were grafted to the
human consensus acceptor: positions 24-34 (L1), 50-56 (L2) and
89-97 (L3). In the VH domain, positions 26-35a (H1), 49-65 (H2) and
95-102 (H3) were grafted. The sequences of the light and heavy
chain variable regions of the 120 graft are shown in FIGS. 2A-2B.
The CDRs (also designated here as HVRs) are shown in boxes (FIGS.
2A-2B). These CDR definitions include positions defined by their
sequence hypervariability (Kabat ref), their structural location
(Chothia ref) and their involvement in antigen-antibody contacts
(MacCallum et al. J. Mol. Biol. 262: 732-745 (1996)).
[0779] The direct-graft variants expressed as a Fab displayed on
phage or as an IgG were generated by Kunkel mutagenesis using a
separate oligonucleotide for each hypervariable region. Correct
clones were assessed by DNA sequencing.
[0780] Generation of Humanized 120 Phage Variants--
[0781] Humanized 120 variants were generated as Fab displayed on
phage by Kunkle mutagenesis. A phosphorylated oligonucleotide was
added to 300 ng Kunkel template in 50 mM Tris pH 7.5, 10 mM
MgCl.sub.2 in a final volume of 10 .mu.l. The mixture was annealed
at 90.degree. C. for 2 min, 50.degree. C. for 5 min and then cooled
on ice. The annealed template was then filled in by adding 0.5
.mu.l 10 mM ATP, 0.5 .mu.l 10 mM dNTPs (10 mM each of dATP, dCTP,
dGTP and dTTP), 1 .mu.l 100 mM DTT, 1 .mu.l 10.times.TM buffer (0.5
M Tris pH 7.5, 0.1 M MgCl.sub.2), 80 U T4 ligase, and 4 U T7
polymerase in a total volume of 20 .mu.l for 2 h at room
temperature. The filled in and ligated product was then transformed
into XL1-blue cells (Stratagene). Correct clones were identified by
DNA sequencing.
[0782] Correct phage clones were grown in 25 ml of 2YT containing
50 .mu.g/ml carbenicillin and M13/K07 helper phage (MOI 10)
overnight at 37.degree. C.
[0783] Assessment of Humanized 120 Variants--
[0784] Humanized variants expressed as IgG were assessed by FACS
analysis using Steap1 positive (293 Steap1 NT LB50) and negative
(293 vector S408) cell lines.
[0785] Humanized variants expressed as a Fab displayed on phage
were also assessed by FACS analysis. Phage expressing Fab variants
were first assessed for their Fab display level using an phage
ELISA used to detect a flag-tag fused to the light chain of the
Fab. MaxiSorp microtiter plates were coated with anti-gD 1766 at 10
.mu.g/ml in PBS over night and then blocked with Casein Blocker.
Phage from culture supernatants were serially diluted in PBST
containing 0.5% BSA in a tissue culture microtiter plate and
transferred to the coated wells for 1 h to capture the Fab
displaying phage. The plate was washed with PBST and HRP conjugated
anti-M13 (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) was added (1:5000 in PBST
containing 0.5% BSA) for 40 min. The plate was washed with PBST and
developed by adding Tetramethylbenzidine substrate (Kirkegaard and
Perry Laboratories, Gaithersburg, Md.). The absorbance at 405 nm
was used as an estimate of the Fab display level on the surface of
the phage. Phage preparations were normalized for display by
dilution. Low displaying phage (e.g. the chimera) were used neat
for FACS analysis.
[0786] For FACS analysis of phage binding, cells were removed from
the plate using 2 mM EDTA, collected in a 15 mL conical bottom tube
and pelleted by centrifugation. Cells (5.times.10.sup.5 cells per
sample) were re-suspended in 100 .mu.L of phage (normalized by
display level) in FACS buffer (1% FBS, PBS with 2 mM EDTA) and
incubated for 1-2 hours on ice. Samples were washed twice with FACS
buffer by centrifugation. Anti-M13 5G7 control antibody (Genentech,
Inc. South San Francisco, Calif.) was added at 2 .mu.g/mL and
incubated on ice for at least 45 minutes. Samples were washed twice
with FACS buffer by centrifugation. A 1:200 dilution of anti-mouse
PE (R-phycoerythrin goat anti-mouse IgG Fcy Fragment, Jackson
Immunoresearch) was added and incubated on ice for 30 minutes.
Samples were again washed twice with FACS buffer by centrifugation
and analyzed by FACS.
[0787] For analysis of IgG by FACS, cells were prepared as in the
phage FACS. Each IgG was added at 5 .mu.g/mL on ice for 1 hour.
Samples were washed twice with FACS buffer by centrifugation and a
1:200 dilution of anti-human PE conjugate (R-phycoerythrin goat
anti-human IgG Fcy Fragment, Jackson Immunoresearch) was added for
30 minutes. Samples were again washed twice with FACS buffer by
centrifugation and samples were analyzed by FACS.
[0788] IgG Production and Affinity Determination--
[0789] IgG was purified with Protein G affinity chromatography.
Affinity determinations were performed by Scatchard analysis on 293
STEAP-1 NT LB50 cells.
[0790] Results and Discussion
[0791] Murine 120 Variable Domain Sequences and CDR Assignment
Graft Design--
[0792] The human acceptor framework used for humanization of
M2-120.545 is based on the consensus human kappa I VL domain and
the human subgroup III consensus VH domain. The VL and VH domains
of murine M2-120.545 were each aligned with the human kappa I and
subgroup III domains; each complimentarily region (CDR) was
identified and grafted into the human acceptor framework to
generate a CDR graft that could be displayed as an Fab on phage and
expressed as an IgG. The sequences of humanized anti-STEAP-1
antibody version 24 variable regions are shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
The 120-graft Fab displayed on phage and 120-graft IgG were tested
for binding to exogenous STEAP-1 expressing cells (293 STEAP-1 NT
LB50) by FACS analysis. Although the 120-graft IgG bound
specifically to the STEAP-1 expressing cells, the FACS signal
observed for the 120-graft IgG was smaller than that observed for
the chimeric 120 IgG indicating a loss in binding affinity. Phage
displaying the 120-graft Fab also generated a FACS signal that was
only observed on STEAP-1 expressing cells. This shift was less than
that observed for the chimeric 120 IgG. Scatchard analysis of the
120-graft IgG also indicated a significant (approximately 50-fold)
loss in binding affinity (KD=36 nM for the 120v.78; KD=260 nM for
120 graft).
[0793] Humanization of M2-120.545--
[0794] Approximately 30 vernier positions that influence CDR
conformation and VL: VH domain packing have been identified and
changes at these positions between the donor and human frameworks
should be considered when humanizing antibodies (Foote, J. and
Winter, G., J. Mol. Biol. 224(2):487-499 (1992)). An assessment of
the alignment of murine M2-120.545 with the consensus human kappa I
VL domain and the human subgroup III consensus VH domain revealed
sequence differences at 6 key vernier positions in the VH domain:
24, 37, 48, 67, 73, 78 (see FIG. 2B). To assess the influence of
these positions, murine residues were individually introduced into
the human consensus subgroup III VH domain of the Fab on phage.
This involved making the following mutations to the 120-graft Fab
displayed on phage individually: A24V (120.v24), V37I (120.v37),
V48M (120.v48), F67I (120.v67), and L78F (120.v78). N73T was not
tested. Each phage variant was normalized by dilution to an
equivalent Fab display level determined by titration of an epitope
tag fused to the light chain displayed on the phage and then
assessed for binding to STEAP-1 by FACS analysis on
STEAP-1-expressing cells (293 STEAP-1 NT LB50) and non-expressing
(293 vector S408) cells. The term "2.degree." refers to the
secondary antibody in the FACS analysis. The term ".alpha.-120"
refers to the murine 120 anti-STEAP-1 antibody. The term
".alpha.-10H1" refers to a control antibody. The terms "24 Phage,"
"37 Phage," and the like refer to humanized anti-STEAP-1 variants
as disclosed herein displayed on phage. "Ch 120 Phage" refers to
the 120 Chimera displayed on phage, and "120.graft Phage" refers to
the 120 graft displayed on Phage. (FIG. 6). The importance of
normalizing phage clones by their Fab display level is illustrated
by a FACS analysis of the 120-graft at different phage titers:
7.times.10.sup.12 phage/ml in FIG. 6 and 2.times.10.sup.11 phage/ml
in FIG. 6. Once diluted to the lower phage concentration, the
120-graft phage no longer produced an observable FACS shift. Thus
normalization of the different phage clones for their display level
was important step for assessing their affinity differences for
Steap1.
[0795] Following normalization for Fab display levels, the variant
of the 120-graft containing the additional mutation A24V (120.v24)
produced a FACS shift superior to other variants (FIG. 6). When
expressed as an IgG, 120.v24 produced a similar FACS shift to the
chimeric 120 antibody at all concentrations tested. Subsequent
Scatchard analysis of 120.v24 indicated a Kd of 2.2 nM for binding
to 293 STEAP-1 NT LB50 cells, a two-fold improvement over the 120
chimera and the original murine M2-120.545 (Table 2).
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 2 Anti-STEAP-1 antibody binding affinity for
cell surface STEAP-1 (Kd (nM)) Murine anti-STEAP-1 Humanized
anti-STEAP-1 Cell line MAb 120.545 nM 120 Chimera 120v.24 PC3-PS5.4
17.5 nM 9.9 nM -- (exogenous STEAP- 187,256 sites per cell 103,204
sites per 1) cell 293.LB50 4.7 nM 4.9 nM 2.2 nM (exogenous STEAP-
301,100 sites per cell 252,892 sites per 264,172 sites per cell 1)
cell LNCaP-BR 1.5 nM 0.9 nM -- (endogenous STEAP- 37,207 sites per
cell 22,021 sites per 1) cell
[0796] Binding activity of anti-STEAP-1 naked antibodies, murine
120 and chimera 120 was also tested using FACS analysis. Binding
was compared for exogenous STEAP-1 in 293 stable STEAP-1 NT LB50,
PC3 stable STEAP-1 PS5.4, and endogenous STEAP-1 in LNCaP cells.
The results are also shown in FIGS. 7D-7F. NT LB50 cells expressing
exogenous human STEAP-1 on the cell surface were prepared by stably
transforming 293 cells (ATCC CRL-1573) with human STEAP-1 DNA.
PS5.4 cells expressing exogenous human STEAP-1 on the cell surface
were prepared by stably transforming PC3 (ATCC CLL-1435) with human
STEAP-1 DNA. LNCaP cells (ATCC CRL-1740) express STEAP-1
endogenously.
Example 2: Characterization of Anti-STEAP-1 Antibodies
[0797] Anti-STEAP-1 antibodies (naked antibodies and antibody drug
conjugates disclosed herein) were characterized or may be
characterized according to standard methods.
[0798] ELISA-Based Assays:
[0799] Anti-STEAP-1 antibody screening by ELISA is performed as
follows, with all incubations done at room temperature. Test plates
(Nunc Immunoplate) were coated for 2 hours with purified STEAP-1 in
50 mM sodium carbonate buffer, pH 9.6, then blocked with 0.5%
bovine serum albumin in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 30
minutes, then washed four times with PBS containing 0.05% Tween 20
(PBST). Test antibody supernatants are added and incubated two
hours with shaking, then washed four times with PBST. The plates
are developed by adding 100 .mu.l/well of a solution containing 10
mg of o-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (Sigma, #P8287) and 10
.mu.l of a 30% hydrogen peroxide solution in 25 ml phosphate
citrate buffer, pH 5.0, and incubating for 15 minutes. The reaction
is stopped by adding 100 .mu.l/well of 2.5 M sulfuric acid. Data is
obtained by reading the plates in an automated ELISA plate reader
at an absorbance of 490 nm.
[0800] Characterization of Anti-STEAP-1 Binding by Scatchard
Analysis:
[0801] The binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can, for
example, be determined by the Scatchard analysis described in
Munson et al., Anal. Biochem., 107:220 (1980) using standard
techniques well know in the relevant art. See also Scatchard, G.,
Ann. N.Y. Acad. Sci. 51:660 (1947).
Example 3: Production of Anti-STEAP-1 Antibody Drug Conjugates
[0802] Production of Anti-STEAP-1 Auristatin ADCs--
[0803] Anti-STEAP-1 ADCs were produced by conjugating anti-STEAP-1
antibodies murine 120.545, 120 chimera, 120 graft, and humanized
120 framework variants to the following drug-linker moieties:
spp-DM1, smcc-DM1, MC-vc-PAB-MMAE; MC-vc-PAB-MMAF; MC-MMAE,
MC-MMAF, vc-MMAE, and vc-MMAF, which drug and linker moieties and
methods of attachment are disclosed herein as well as in WO
2004/010957, published Feb. 5, 2004, WO2006/034488, published Sep.
9, 2005, and in Doronina, S. O. et al., Nature Biotechnol.
21:778-784 (2003), (each of which references is herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety). Prior to conjugation, the antibodies
were partially reduced with TCEP using standard methods in
accordance with the methodology described in WO 2004/010957. The
partially reduced antibodies were conjugated to the above
drug-linker moieties using standard methods in accordance with the
methodology described in Doronina et al. (2003) Nat. Biotechnol.
21:778-784 and US 2005/0238649 A1. Briefly, the partially reduced
antibodies were combined with the drug linker moieties to allow
conjugation of the moieties to cysteine residues. The conjugation
reactions were quenched, and the ADCs were purified. The drug load
(average number of drug moieties per antibody) for each ADC was
determined by HPLC. As used herein, the linker-drug component of an
ADC, "-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE" or "-MC-vc-PAB-MMAF" is sometimes
abbreviated as "-vcMMAE" or "-vcMMAF," and the component "-MC-MMAF"
is sometimes abbreviated as "MCMMAF" or "mcMMAF."
[0804] Production of Anti-STEAP-1 Maytansinoid ADCs--
[0805] Anti-STEAP-1 ADCs were produced by conjugating anti-STEAP-1
antibodies, murine 120, 120 chimera, 120 graft, and humanized 120
framework variants to the linker drug moiety -smcc-DM1. Such
conjugation may be performed according to the method disclosed in
WO 2005/037992 for conjugation of Herceptin.RTM. anti-HER2
antibody.
Example 4: In Vivo Tumor Volume Reduction Assay
[0806] To test the efficacy of toxin-conjugated or unconjugated
anti-STEAP-1 monoclonal antibodies for the ability to reduce tumor
volume in vivo and in vitro, the following protocol was
employed.
[0807] Mammalian cell lines and human tumor xenografts: 293 is a
human immortalized embryonic kidney cell line (ATCC reference
CRL1573), PC-3 is a human prostate adenocarcinoma cell line (ATCC
reference CRL1435) and LNCaP is a prostate carcinoma cell line
(ATCC CRL1740). All cells were grown in 50/50 Dulbecco modified
Eagle high glucose medium, Ham's F12 supplemented with 10% fetal
bovine serum (FBS), 2 mM glutamine, 1% penicillin-streptomycin and
cultured at 37.degree. C. in 5% CO2. 293 and PC-3 stable cell lines
were generated by transfection (Fugene, Roche) with a
cytomegalovirus-driven vector encoding either full length STEAP1
(LB50 and PS5.4 respectively) or an empty vector and selected in
400 .mu.g/ml G418 (Geneticin, Life Technologies). Human prostate
explant models, LuCAP 77 and LuCAP 35V, were obtained from the
University of Seattle.
[0808] Expression of exogenous and endogenous STEAP-1 on the cell
surface was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and FACS
analysis as follows. Sheep and mouse anti-STEAP-1 antibodies
(Agensys, Inc., Santa Monica, Calif.) were generated against an
intracellular amino-terminal peptide of STEAP-1 (see Hubert, R. S.,
Vivanco, I. et al., PNAS 25:14523-14528 (1999)). Monoclonal
antibodies against the extracellular domains of STEAP-1 (Agensys,
Inc.) were generated by immunization of mice with 293T cells
transiently transfected with STEAP-1. For IHC analysis, the primary
sheep anti-STEAP-1 antibody was used for detection. For FACS
analysis, cells were grown to 90% confluence and removed from
plates using 2 mM EDTA in PBS. Cells were washed and resuspended in
FACS buffer (PBS with 1% BSA) and incubated for 60 minutes with
anti-STEAP1 antibodies at room temperature followed by 60 minutes
with the appropriate secondary antibody conjugated to
phycoerythrin. Analysis was performed on FACSscan (BD Biosciences).
For immunofluorescence, cells were grown in chamber slides
overnight and then incubated with primary antibody at 37.degree. C.
for 60 minutes. Cells were fixed in paraformaldehyde, blocked in 1%
BSA and incubated with the appropriate secondary antibody
conjugated to fluorescin.
[0809] In vivo prostate cancer xenograft models were used to test
the efficacy of anti-STEAP-1 ADCs. These models included human cell
line LNCaP (ATCC CRL-1740 or Southern Research Institute,
Birmingham, Ala.). Prostate explant models included LuCaP 77 and
LuCaP35V (University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.). Each prostate
explant model was maintained by serial transplanting in castrated
(androgen independent model, LuCAP 35V) or uncastrated (androgen
dependent model, LuCAP 77), male SCID-beige mice from Charles River
Lab. The uncastrated mice received a testosterone pellet prior to
implantation, while castration was done at least two weeks prior to
tumor implantation to allow testosterone levels to nadir. When
donor mice had tumors of between 800-1000 mm.sup.3, tumor tissue
were aseptically removed and dissected into small implantable sized
pieces (approximately 20 mm.sup.3) for study animals. The tumor is
placed into a pocket at the implantation site and the skin is
closed using wound clips. For the LNCaP cell line model, in vitro
grown LNCaP cells were injected subcutaneously at 8-10 million
cells per mouse in 50% matrigel into male SCID-beige mice which had
received a testosterone pellet. When mean tumor size reached
100-200 mm.sup.3, animals were randomly grouped in ten groups of
ten mice each and given a single IV administration of test antibody
ADC or control antibody (naked or control). In some experiments,
multiple doses of test or control antibody were administered (see
FIGS. 8A, 9, and 10). In some experiments, a single dose of test
and control antibody were administered as seen in FIGS. 8B and 11.
Where the prostate explant model was LuCap 77, a testosterone
pellet was implanted in the mice approximately 3-7 days before
transplantation of exogenous tumor. Tumors were measured twice per
week for 4 weeks, then once or twice per week for the remainder of
the study or once per week throughout the study. A significantly
lower tumor volume in test animals over time was considered to an
indication of efficacy. In some cases, tumor volume decreased
significantly from the initial volume and remained low throughout
the study. Results are plotted in FIGS. 8-11.
[0810] Anti-STEAP-1 Auristatin Drug Conjugates Reduce Prostate
Tumor Volume In Vivo
[0811] Administration of murine anti-STEAP-1 120-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE at
3 mg/kg was efficacious in a prostate tumor (LNCaP-Ner cells)
xenograft model. PBS and anti-gp120-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3 mg/kg) were
used as controls. Doses were administered on days 0, 7, and 14. See
FIG. 8A.
[0812] Administration of humanized anti-STEAP-1 antibody
120v.24-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3 mg/kg), 120v.24-MC-MMAF (6 mg/kg),
120v.24-MC-MMAF (12 mg/kg), and anti-STEAP-1 120
chimera-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3 mg/kg) to SCID beige mice transplanted
with LNCap-Ner tumor (treated with a testosterone pellet as
described herein) was shown to be efficacious. Vehicle,
anti-ragweed-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3 mg/kg) and anti-ragweed-MC-MMAF (12
mg/kg) were used as controls. Doses were administered on the days
indicated in FIG. 8. The results are plotted in FIG. 8B.
[0813] Administration of anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120
chimera-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3 mg/kg) and anti-STEAP-1 120
chimera-MC-MMAF (6 mg/kg) was shown to be efficacious in a prostate
cancer xenograft model of SCID-beige mice transplanted with LNCaP
cells. Three doses at approximately days 15, 25, and 30 at 3 mg/kg
(anti-STEAP-vcMMAE) or 6 mg/kg (anti-STEAP-mcMMAF) were
administered to the mice. Control anti-ragweed-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3
mg/kg) and anti-ragweed-MC-MMAF (6 mg/kg) were used. See FIG.
9.
[0814] Administration of humanized anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120
chimera-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (3 mg/kg) was shown to be efficacious in a
prostate cancer xenograft model of SCID beige male mice (androgen
dependent) transplanted with LuCap 77 cells. Controls were vehicle
and anti-ragweed-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE. Three doses at 3 mg/kg of test and
control antibodies were administered. See FIG. 10.
[0815] Administration of humanized anti-STEAP-1 antibody
120v.24-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE at 3 mg/kg, anti-STEAP-1 antibody
120v.24-MC-MMAF at 6 mg/kg and 12 mg/kg to castrated SCID-beige
mice transplanted with LuCap35V prostate tumor was shown to be
efficacious relative to controls. Drug load was 3.1 per antibody.
Control antibodies were anti-ragweed-MC-MMAF administered at 12
mg/kg, and anti-gp120-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE administered at 6 mg/kg. See
FIG. 11.
[0816] Anti-STEAP-1 Auristatin Drug Conjugates Reduce Prostate
Tumor Volume In Vitro
[0817] In vitro cell killing assays were performed to assess the
effectiveness of anti-STEAP-1 drug conjugates to inhibit growth
and/or kill cells expressing STEAP-1. Briefly, cells expressing
STEAP-1 were plated at approximately 2,000 cells/well in a 96-well
plate and treated 24 hours later in duplicate with antibody drug
conjugate. Plates were incubated for 5-7 days at 37.degree. C. and
developed with CellTiter-Glo.RTM. luminescent cell viability assay
kit (Promega, Madison, Wis., USA). Test cells included PS5.4 (PC3
cells expressing exogenous STEAP-1), LB50 (293 cells expressing
exogenous STEAP-1), PC3 cells transfected with vector alone, 293
cells transfected with vector alone, and LNCaP cells expressing
endogenous STEAP-1. Tested antibody drug conjugates included
control antibody-MC-MMAF, control antibody-vc-MMAE, anti-STEAP-1
antibody 120 chimera-vc-MMAE, anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120
chimera-MC-MMAF (two different lots of material), and anti-STEAP-1
antibody chimera-vc-MMAF. The results are shown in FIG. 14A-E.
Example 5: Preparation of Cysteine Engineered Anti-STEAP-1
Antibodies for Conjugation by Reduction and Reoxidation
[0818] Full length, cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 monoclonal
antibodies (ThioMabs) expressed in CHO cells are dissolved in 500
mM sodium borate and 500 mM sodium chloride at about pH 8.0 and
reduced with about a 50-100 fold excess of 1 mM TCEP
(tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine hydrochloride (Getz et al (1999)
Anal. Biochem. Vol 273:73-80; Soltec Ventures, Beverly, Mass.) for
about 1-2 hrs at 37.degree. C. The reduced ThioMab is diluted and
loaded onto a HiTrap S column in 10 mM sodium acetate, pH 5, and
eluted with PBS containing 0.3M sodium chloride. The eluted reduced
ThioMab is treated with 2 mM dehydroascorbic acid (dhAA) at pH 7
for 3 hours, or 2 mM aqueous copper sulfate (CuSO.sub.4) at room
temperature overnight. Ambient air oxidation may also be effective.
The buffer is exchanged by elution over Sephadex G25 resin and
eluted with PBS with 1 mM DTPA. The thiol/Ab value is checked by
determining the reduced antibody concentration from the absorbance
at 280 nm of the solution and the thiol concentration by reaction
with DTNB (Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.) and determination of the
absorbance at 412 nm.
Example 6: Preparation of Cysteine Engineered Anti-STEAP-1 Antibody
Drug Conjugates by Conjugation of Cysteine Engineered Anti-STEAP-1
Antibodies and Drug-Linker Intermediates
[0819] After the reduction and reoxidation procedures of Example 5,
the cysteine engineered anti-STEAP antibody is dissolved in PBS
(phosphate buffered saline) buffer and chilled on ice. About 1.5
molar equivalents relative to engineered cysteines per antibody of
an auristatin drug linker intermediate, such as MC-MMAE
(maleimidocaproyl-monomethyl auristatin E), MC-MMAF,
MC-val-cit-PAB-MMAE, or MC-val-cit-PAB-MMAF, with a thiol-reactive
functional group such as maleimido, is dissolved in DMSO, diluted
in acetonitrile and water, and added to the chilled reduced,
reoxidized antibody in PBS. After about one hour, an excess of
maleimide is added to quench the reaction and cap any unreacted
antibody thiol groups. The reaction mixture is concentrated by
centrifugal ultrafiltration and the cysteine engineered
anti-STEAP-1 antibody drug conjugate is purified and desalted by
elution through G25 resin in PBS, filtered through 0.2 .mu.m
filters under sterile conditions, and frozen for storage.
[0820] By the procedure above, the following cysteine engineered
anti-STEAP-1 antibody drug conjugates were prepared (where
numbering for the variants is standardized (Kabat numbering for the
light chain and EU numbering for the heavy chain), as provided
herein and in FIG. 17):
[0821] thio human120-MC-MMAF by conjugation of light chainV205C
thio hu 120 and MC-MMAF;
[0822] thio human120-MC-MMAF by conjugation of heavy chainA118C
thio hu 120 and MC-MMAF;
[0823] thio human120-MC-val-cit-PAB-MMAE by conjugation of light
chain V205C thio hu 120 and MC-val-cit-PAB-MMAE; and
[0824] thio human120-MC-val-cit-PAB-MMAE by conjugation of heavy
chainA118C thio hu 120 and MC-val-cit-PAB-MMAE.
Example 7: Characterization of Cysteine Engineered Anti-STEAP-1
Antibodies
[0825] The cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody drug
conjugates (TDCs) prepared as described above were assayed to
confirm that they retained the activity of the parent antibody in
vitro. The anti-STEAP-1 TDCs thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (LCV205C)
(abbreviated as huSteap1 TDC (L205C) vcE and
thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 TDC
(HCA118C) vcE) were assessed for binding to STEAP-1 by FACS
analysis on STEAP-1-expressing cells (293 STEAP-1 NT LB50) and
non-expressing (293 vector S408) cells. The term "2.sup.nd only"
refers to the secondary antibody in the FACS analysis. The TDC
control (vcE) and ADC std control (vcE) are control antibody thio
and non-thio vc-PAB-MMAE drug conjugates, respectively. The
huSteap1 ADC (std) is a vc-PAB-MMAE drug conjugate derived from the
parent human anti-STEAP-1 antibody. As shown, the TDCs produced
FACS shifts similar to that of the parent huSteap1 ADC.
[0826] In vitro cell killing assays were also performed, to assess
the effectiveness of the cysteine engineered anti-STEAP-1 antibody
drug conjugates to inhibit growth and/or kill cells expressing
STEAP-1. Briefly, cells expressing STEAP-1 were plated at
approximately 2,000 cells/well in a 96-well plate and treated 24
hours later in duplicate with antibody drug conjugate. Plates were
incubated for 5-7 days at 37.degree. C. and developed with
CellTiter-Glo.RTM. luminescent cell viability assay kit (Promega,
Madison, Wis., USA). Test cells included PS5.4 (PC3 cells
expressing exogenous STEAP-1), LB50 (293 cells expressing exogenous
STEAP-1), and LNCaP cells expressing endogenous STEAP-1. Tested
antibody drug conjugates included control antibody-vc-MMAE (ADC std
control (vcE)), control thio antibody-vc-MMAE (TDC control (vcE)),
the anti-STEAP-1 TDCs thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (LCV205C)
(abbreviated as huSteap1 TDC (L205C) vcE and
thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 TDC
(HCA118C) vcE), and huSteap1 ADC (std), a vc-PAB-MMAE drug
conjugate derived from the parent human anti-STEAP-1 antibody. As
shown in FIGS. 19A-C, the anti-STEAP-1 TCDs retain the activity of
the parent ADC in vitro.
Example 8: In Vivo Tumor Volume Reduction Assays for Cysteine
Engineered Anti-STEAP-1 Antibody Drug Conjugates
[0827] In vivo prostate cancer xenograft models were used to test
the efficacy of cysteine-engineered anti-STEAP-1 ADCs. These models
and the test protocols employed correspond to those described in
Example 4.
[0828] Administration of the anti-STEAP-1 TDC
thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 HC TDC
vcE) (3 mg/kg) to SCID beige mice transplanted with LNCap-Ner tumor
(treated with a testosterone pellet as described herein) was shown
to be efficacious. Vehicle (PBS), control antibody-vc-MMAE (ADC std
ctrl vcE) and control thio antibody-vc-MMAE (TDC HC ctrl vcE) were
used as controls. The effect of the anti-STEAP-1 TDC was also
compared to human anti-STEAP-1 antibody 120-MC-vc-PAB-MMAE (hu
Steap1 std ADC vcE) as a positive control. A single dose was
administered at day 0. All antibodies were administered at 3 mg/kg.
The results are plotted in FIG. 20.
[0829] FIG. 21 shows that administration of anti-STEAP-1 TDC
thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 HC TDC
vcE) at 3 mg/kg and anti-STEAP-1 TDC thio-human120-MC-MMAF
(HCA118C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 HC TDC mcF) at 1, 3 or 6 mg/kg
was shown to be efficacious in a prostate cancer xenograft model of
SCID-beige mice transplanted with LNCaP cells. Single doses at day
0 at 0.3, 1 or 3 mg/kg (huSteap1 HC TDC vcE) or 1, 3 or 6 mg/kg
(huSteap1 HC TDC mcF) were administered to the mice. Vehicle (PBS),
control antibody-vc-MMAE (ADC std ctrl vcE) and control thio
antibody-vc-MMAE (TDC HC ctrl vcE) were used as controls.
[0830] FIG. 22 shows that administration of anti-STEAP-1 TDC
thio-human120-vc-PAB-MMAE (HCA118C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 HC TDC
vcE) at 3 mg/kg and anti-STEAP-1 TDC thio-human120-MC-MMAF
(HCA118C) (abbreviated as huSteap1 HC TDC mcF) at 3 or 6 mg/kg was
shown to be efficacious in a prostate cancer xenograft model of
SCID beige male mice (androgen dependent) transplanted with LuCap
35V cells. Single doses at day 0 at 0.3, 1 or 3 mg/kg (huSteap1 HC
TDC vcE) or 1, 3 or 6 mg/kg (huSteap1 HC TDC mcF) were administered
to the mice. Vehicle (PBS), control antibody-vc-MMAE (ADC std ctrl
vcE) and control thio antibody-vc-MMAE (TDC HC ctrl vcE) were used
as controls.
Example 9: Preparation and Characterization of the Anti-STEAP-1
Antibody SGIV from Antibody 120 Variant 24
[0831] Another LC anti-STEAP-1 antibody variant was prepared
wherein the light chain and framework regions were further modified
to obtain improved antibody expression levels.
[0832] Materials and Methods
[0833] Residue numbers are according to Kabat (Kabat et al.,
Sequences of proteins of immunological interest, 5th Ed., Public
Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md.
(1991)). Single letter amino acid abbreviations are used. DNA
degeneracies are represented using the IUB code (N=A/C/G/T,
D=A/G/T, V=A/C/G, B=C/G/T, H=A/C/T, K=G/T, M=A/C, R=A/G, S=G/C,
W=A/T, Y=C/T).
[0834] Preparation of a Revised Light Chain Variant: A variant of
the 120.v24 antibody, designated "Simmons IV" or simply "SGIV," was
generated and characterized. The amino acid sequence of the SGIV
light chain is provided in SEQ ID NO:90. This sequence, aligned
with the corresponding regions of the mu 120 antibody (SEQ ID
NO:89) and the 120.v24 antibody (SEQ ID NO:91) is shown in FIG.
23.
[0835] Assessment of Variant SGIV Compared to Variant 120.v24--
[0836] SGIV and 120.v24 antibodies, expressed as IgG, were assessed
by FACS analysis using the stably transformed Steap1 positive cell
lines 293 Steap1 NT LB48, 293 Steap1 NT LB50, and 293 Steap1 NT
LB53 as well as in LNCaP cells, which express endogenous STEAP-1
(FIG. 28). Cells were prepared as described in Example 1. Each IgG
was added at 5 .mu.g/mL on ice for 1 hour. Samples were washed
twice with FACS buffer by centrifugation and a 1:200 dilution of
anti-human PE conjugate (R-phycoerythrin goat anti-human IgG Fcy
Fragment, Jackson Immunoresearch) was added for 30 minutes. Samples
were again washed twice with FACS buffer by centrifugation and
samples were analyzed by FACS.
[0837] Scatchard-Based Affinity Determination of SGIV and 120. v24
Binding to STEAP-1--
[0838] The binding affinities of 120.v24 and the Simmons IV
("SGIV") antibodies to STEAP-1 were determined using Scatchard
analysis according to standard methods. IgG was purified with
Protein G affinity chromatography. Affinity determinations were
performed by Scatchard analysis in PC-3-PS5.4, 293-LB50 and
LNCaP-BR cells in duplicate. Scatchard plots of 120.v24 and SGIV in
LNCaP BR cells and 293.LB50 cells are shown in FIGS. 25 and 26
respectively. A table comparing the average binding affinities for
the mu 1789, mu 120, Fc chimera, humanized 120.v24, thio-120.v24
and thio-SGIV in PC-3-PS5.4, 293-LB50 and LNCaP-BR cells, as well
as in 293 cells transiently expressing STEAP-1, is shown in FIG.
27
[0839] Site Directed Mutagenesis of SGIV and 120.v24:
[0840] Variants of the SGIV and 120.v24 antibodies were prepared
using standard mutagenesis protocols as described above. The first
class of variants resulted from site-directed mutagenesis whereby
particular residues of Simmons IV ("SGIV") were replaced with the
corresponding residue of 120.v24 to further improve binding
affinity. The specific variants produced, as shown in FIG. 24, were
as follows: [0841] (1) LS.VLVH1, wherein residues 42 ("Q") and 43
("P") were modified to "K" and "A" respectively (SEQ ID NO:92)
[0842] (2) LS.VLVH2, wherein residue 3 ("V") were modified to "Q,"
residues 42 ("Q") and 43 ("P") were modified to "K" and "A"
respectively, and residue 85 ("V") was modified to "T" (SEQ ID
NO:93) [0843] (3) LS.Q, wherein residue 3 ("V") was modified to "Q"
(SEQ ID NO:94) [0844] (4) LS.CH1, wherein residue 15 ("L") was
modified to "V" and residue 83 ("V") was modified to "F" (SEQ ID
NO:95)
[0845] A second class of variants was generated through
site-directed mutagenesis wherein particular residues of 120.v24
were replaced with the corresponding residue of Simmons IV (SGIV)
in an attempt to improve antibody expression levels. The specific
variants, as shown in FIG. 24, were as follows: [0846] (1) ED.FW1,
wherein residue 3 ("Q") was modified to "V"; residue 9 ("S") was
modified to "D"; residue 12 ("S") was modified to "A"; residue 13
("A") was modified to "V"; residue 15 ("V") was modified to "L";
residue 17 ("D") was modified to "E"; residue 19 ("V") was modified
to "A"; and residue 22 ("T") was modified to "N" (SEQ ID NO:96)
[0847] (2) ED.FW2, wherein residues 42 ("K") and 43 ("A") of
120.v24 were modified to "Q" and "P" respectively (SEQ ID NO:97)
[0848] (3) ED.FW3, wherein residue 60 ("S") was modified to "D";
residue 80 ("P") was modified to "A"; residue 83 ("F") was modified
to "V"; and residue 85 ("T") was modified to "V" (SEQ ID NO:98)
[0849] (4) ED.all, wherein residue 3 ("Q") was modified to "V";
residue 9 ("S") was modified to "D"; residue 12 ("S") was modified
to "A"; residue 13 ("A") was modified to "V"; residue 15 ("V") was
modified to "L"; residue 17 ("D") was modified to "E"; residue 19
("V") was modified to "A"; residue 22 ("T") was modified to "N";
residues 42 ("K") and 43 ("A") of 120.v24 were modified to "Q" and
"P"; residue 60 ("S") was modified to "D"; residue 80 ("P") was
modified to "A"; residue 83 ("F") was modified to "V"; and residue
85 ("T") was modified to "V" (SEQ ID NO:99) [0850] (5) ED.Pro,
wherein residue 43 ("A") was modified to "P" and residue 80 ("P")
was modified to "A" (SEQ ID NO:100) [0851] (6) ED.pl, wherein
residue 9 ("S") was modified to "D"; residue 42 ("K") was modified
to "Q" and residue 60 ("S") was modified to "D" (SEQ ID NO:101)
[0852] Results and Discussion
[0853] Preparation of SGIV Antibody--
[0854] The sequences of anti-STEAP-1 antibody version 24 (120.v24)
variable region is shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 (SEQ ID NO:91). Using
site-directed mutagenesis, another variant termed "Simmons IV" or
simply "SGIV" was prepared using standard mutagenesis protocols as
described above. FIGS. 23 and 24 show the sequence of SGIV light
chain in alignment with that of mu 120 antibody and 120.v24. The
titers of various harvests of SGIV antibody are shown in FIG.
29.
[0855] Comparison of Binding of SGIV and 120.v24 to STEAP-1 Using
FACs--
[0856] The ability of both antibodies, 120.v24 and SGIV, to bind to
STEAP-1 expressed on the cell surface was measured using FACs.
Antibody binding to cell lines expressing either exogenous STEAP-1
(293 STEAP-1 LB48, 293 STEAP-1 LB50 and 293 STEAP-1 LB53) or
endogenous STEAP-1 (LNCaP.Br) was measured in duplicate; the
results are summarized in FIG. 28. As shown in FIG. 28, both
antibodies were able to bind STEAP-1 in all four cell lines.
[0857] Binding Affinity of the SGIV Antibody to STEAP-1 and
Comparison to 120.v24--
[0858] The binding affinities of the SGIV and 120.v24 to STEAP-1
were examined using Scatchard analysis. Scatchard plots of 120.v24
and SGIV in LNCaP BR cells and 293.LB 50 cells are shown in FIGS.
25 and 26 respectively. A table comparing the average binding
affinities for the mu 1789, mu 120, Fc chimera, humanized 120.v24,
thio-120.v24 and thio-SGIV antibodies in PC-3-PS5.4, 293-LB50 and
LNCaP-BR cells, as well as in 293 cells transiently expressing
STEAP-1, is shown in FIG. 27. The results indicate that the binding
affinity of the 120.v24 antibody in 293-LB50 and LNCaP.BR cells is
roughly 1.5-fold that of the SGIV variant.
Example 10: .sup.89Zr-Anti-STEAP-1-Vc-MMAE ImmunoPET
[0859] Zirconium-89-anti-STEAP-1 vc-MMAE Immuno-PET imaging was
performed to measure STEAP-1-vc-MMAE expression levels in several
mouse primary prostate tumors to assess antibody internalization
and tumor uptake in mouse models as compared to other established
in vitro characterization and measurements of receptor expression.
In vivo prostate cancer xenograft models were used to test the
efficacy of anti-STEAP-1 ADCs. These models included human cell
line LNCaP (ATCC CRL-1740 or Southern Research Institute,
Birmingham, Ala.). Prostate explant models included LuCaP 77 and
LuCaP35V (University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.). Each prostate
explant model was maintained by serial transplanting in castrated
(androgen independent model, LuCAP 35V) or uncastrated (androgen
dependent model, LuCAP 77) Animals were dosed with 100 .mu.Ci
.sup.89Zr-anti-STEAP-1-vc-MMAE and imaged four (4) days later.
Lucap 96.1; Lucap 70; Lucap 77 and Lucap 35V primary tumors were
evaluated resulting in similar in vitro characterization [see
Example 4; FIGS. 0.8-11]. As shown in FIG. 30, the uptake of
.sup.89Zr-STEAP-1-vc-MMAE was highest in Lucap35V and lowest in
Lucap 96.1 [Lucap 96.1>Lucap 70>Lucap 77>Lucap 35V].
Multi-week efficacy studies were run in parallel with 3-day tumor
uptake studies [Lucap 35V: showed high STEAP-1--vc-MMAE uptake
corresponding with strong efficacy; Lucap 70: showed moderate
uptake and efficacy--Thus .sup.89Zr Immuno-PET offers a
non-invasive method to monitor tissue-level biodistribution of
antibodies and can be used across species from mouse to humans (as
shown with Herceptin2-positive lesions in patients with metastatic
breast cancer as described in Dijkers et al., Clinical Pharmacology
& Therapeutics, 87(5):586-92 (May 2010). .sup.89Zr-Immuno-PET
can be used to determine a tumor saturation point, facilitating
designs of dosing regimen for future drug therapies.
[0860] Although the foregoing invention has been described in some
detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity
of understanding, the descriptions and examples should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The disclosures
of all patent and scientific literatures cited herein are expressly
incorporated in their entirety by reference.
Sequence CWU 1
1
1111340PRTHomo sapiens 1Met Glu Ser Arg Lys Asp Ile Thr Asn Gln Glu
Glu Leu Trp Lys Met 1 5 10 15 Lys Pro Arg Arg Asn Leu Glu Glu Asp
Asp Tyr Leu His Lys Asp Thr 20 25 30 Gly Glu Thr Ser Met Leu Lys
Arg Pro Val Leu Leu His Leu His Gln 35 40 45 Thr Ala His Ala Asp
Glu Phe Asp Cys Pro Ser Glu Leu Gln His Thr 50 55 60 Gln Glu Leu
Phe Pro Gln Trp His Leu Pro Ile Lys Ile Ala Ala Ile 65 70 75 80 Ile
Ala Ser Leu Thr Phe Leu Tyr Thr Leu Leu Arg Glu Val Ile His 85 90
95 Pro Leu Ala Thr Ser His Gln Gln Tyr Phe Tyr Lys Ile Pro Ile Leu
100 105 110 Val Ile Asn Lys Val Leu Pro Met Val Ser Ile Thr Leu Leu
Ala Leu 115 120 125 Val Tyr Leu Pro Gly Val Ile Ala Ala Ile Val Gln
Leu His Asn Gly 130 135 140 Thr Lys Tyr Lys Lys Phe Pro His Trp Leu
Asp Lys Trp Met Leu Thr 145 150 155 160 Arg Lys Gln Phe Gly Leu Leu
Ser Phe Phe Phe Ala Val Leu His Ala 165 170 175 Ile Tyr Ser Leu Ser
Tyr Pro Met Arg Arg Ser Tyr Arg Tyr Lys Leu 180 185 190 Leu Asn Trp
Ala Tyr Gln Gln Val Gln Gln Asn Lys Glu Asp Ala Trp 195 200 205 Ile
Glu His Asp Val Trp Arg Met Glu Ile Tyr Val Ser Leu Gly Ile 210 215
220 Val Gly Leu Ala Ile Leu Ala Leu Leu Ala Val Thr Ser Ile Pro Ser
225 230 235 240 Val Ser Asp Ser Leu Thr Trp Arg Glu Phe His Tyr Ile
Gln Ser Lys 245 250 255 Leu Gly Ile Val Ser Leu Leu Leu Gly Thr Ile
His Ala Leu Ile Phe 260 265 270 Ala Trp Asn Lys Trp Ile Asp Ile Lys
Gln Phe Val Trp Tyr Thr Pro 275 280 285 Pro Thr Phe Met Ile Ala Val
Phe Leu Pro Ile Val Val Leu Ile Phe 290 295 300 Lys Ser Ile Leu Phe
Leu Pro Cys Leu Arg Lys Lys Ile Leu Lys Ile 305 310 315 320 Arg His
Gly Trp Glu Asp Val Thr Lys Ile Asn Lys Thr Glu Ile Cys 325 330 335
Ser Gln Leu Asn 340 2 340PRTMus musculus 2Met Glu Ile Ser Asp Asp
Val Thr Asn Pro Glu Gln Leu Trp Lys Met 1 5 10 15 Lys Pro Lys Gly
Asn Leu Glu Asp Asp Ser Tyr Ser Thr Lys Asp Ser 20 25 30 Gly Glu
Thr Ser Met Leu Lys Arg Pro Gly Leu Ser His Leu Gln His 35 40 45
Ala Val His Val Asp Ala Phe Asp Cys Pro Ser Glu Leu Gln His Thr 50
55 60 Gln Glu Phe Phe Pro Asn Trp Arg Leu Pro Val Lys Val Ala Ala
Ile 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser Leu Thr Phe Leu Tyr Thr Leu Leu Arg Glu
Ile Ile Tyr 85 90 95 Pro Leu Val Thr Ser Arg Glu Gln Tyr Phe Tyr
Lys Ile Pro Ile Leu 100 105 110 Val Ile Asn Lys Val Leu Pro Met Val
Ala Ile Thr Leu Leu Ala Leu 115 120 125 Val Tyr Leu Pro Gly Glu Leu
Ala Ala Val Val Gln Leu Arg Asn Gly 130 135 140 Thr Lys Tyr Lys Lys
Phe Pro Pro Trp Leu Asp Arg Trp Met Leu Ala 145 150 155 160 Lys Lys
Gln Phe Gly Leu Leu Ser Phe Phe Phe Ala Val Leu His Ala 165 170 175
Val Tyr Ser Leu Ser Tyr Pro Met Arg Arg Ser Tyr Arg Tyr Lys Leu 180
185 190 Leu Asn Trp Ala Tyr Lys Gln Val Gln Gln Asn Lys Glu Asp Ala
Trp 195 200 205 Val Glu His Asp Val Trp Arg Met Glu Ile Tyr Val Ser
Leu Gly Ile 210 215 220 Val Gly Leu Ala Ile Leu Ala Leu Leu Ala Val
Thr Ser Ile Pro Ser 225 230 235 240 Val Ser Asp Ser Leu Thr Trp Arg
Glu Phe His Tyr Ile Gln Ser Lys 245 250 255 Leu Gly Ile Val Ser Leu
Leu Leu Gly Thr Val His Ala Leu Val Phe 260 265 270 Ala Trp Asn Lys
Trp Val Asp Val Ser Gln Phe Val Trp Tyr Met Pro 275 280 285 Pro Thr
Phe Met Ile Ala Val Phe Leu Pro Thr Leu Val Leu Ile Cys 290 295 300
Lys Ile Ala Leu Cys Leu Pro Cys Leu Arg Lys Lys Ile Leu Lys Ile 305
310 315 320 Arg Cys Gly Trp Glu Asp Val Ser Lys Ile Asn Arg Thr Glu
Met Ala 325 330 335 Ser Arg Leu Asn 340 3340PRTMacaca fascicularis
3Met Glu Ser Arg Lys Asp Ile Thr Asn Glu Glu Glu Leu Trp Lys Met 1
5 10 15 Lys Pro Arg Arg Asn Leu Glu Glu Asp Asp Tyr Leu His Lys Asp
Thr 20 25 30 Gly Glu Thr Ser Met Leu Lys Arg Pro Val Leu Leu His
Leu His Gln 35 40 45 Thr Ala His Ala Asp Glu Phe Asp Cys Pro Ser
Glu Leu Gln His Thr 50 55 60 Gln Glu Leu Phe Pro Gln Trp His Leu
Pro Ile Lys Ile Ala Ala Ile 65 70 75 80 Ile Ala Ser Leu Thr Phe Leu
Tyr Thr Leu Leu Arg Glu Val Ile His 85 90 95 Pro Leu Ala Thr Ser
His Gln Gln Tyr Phe Tyr Lys Ile Pro Ile Leu 100 105 110 Val Ile Asn
Lys Val Leu Pro Met Val Ser Ile Thr Leu Leu Ala Leu 115 120 125 Val
Tyr Leu Pro Gly Val Ile Ala Ala Ile Val Gln Leu His Asn Gly 130 135
140 Thr Lys Tyr Lys Lys Phe Pro His Trp Leu Asp Lys Trp Met Leu Thr
145 150 155 160 Arg Lys Gln Phe Gly Leu Leu Ser Phe Phe Phe Ala Val
Leu His Ala 165 170 175 Ile Tyr Ser Leu Ser Tyr Pro Met Arg Arg Ser
Tyr Arg Tyr Lys Leu 180 185 190 Leu Asn Trp Ala Tyr Gln Gln Val Gln
Gln Asn Lys Glu Asp Ala Trp 195 200 205 Ile Glu His Asp Val Trp Arg
Met Glu Ile Tyr Val Ser Leu Gly Ile 210 215 220 Val Gly Leu Ala Ile
Leu Ala Leu Leu Ala Val Thr Ser Ile Pro Ser 225 230 235 240 Val Ser
Asp Ser Leu Thr Trp Arg Glu Phe His Tyr Ile Gln Ser Lys 245 250 255
Leu Gly Ile Val Ser Leu Leu Leu Gly Thr Ile His Ala Leu Ile Phe 260
265 270 Ala Trp Asn Lys Trp Ile Asp Ile Lys Gln Phe Val Trp Tyr Thr
Pro 275 280 285 Pro Thr Phe Met Ile Ala Val Phe Leu Pro Val Val Val
Leu Ile Phe 290 295 300 Lys Ser Ile Leu Phe Leu Pro Cys Leu Arg Lys
Lys Ile Leu Lys Ile 305 310 315 320 Arg His Gly Trp Glu Asp Ile Thr
Lys Ile Asn Lys Met Glu Ile Ser 325 330 335 Ser Gln Leu Asn 340
4108PRTHomo sapiens 4Asp 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 Ser Ile Ser Asn Tyr 20 25 30 Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys
Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45 Tyr Ala Ala Ser Ser
Leu Glu 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 Asn Ser Leu Pro Trp 85 90
95 Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Arg 100 105
5114PRTMus musculus 5Asp Ile Val Met Ser Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu
Ala Val Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Lys Val Thr Met Ser Cys Lys Ser
Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu
Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln 35 40 45 Ser Pro Lys Leu Leu
Ile Tyr Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg
Phe Thr Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile
Ser Ser Val Lys Ala Glu Asp Leu Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90
95 Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile
100 105 110 Lys Arg 6114PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 6Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Ser Ser Leu Ser Ala
Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15 Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys 35 40 45 Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr
Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105
110 Lys Arg 7113PRTHomo sapiens 7Glu 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 Phe Thr Phe Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30 Ala Met Ser Trp
Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45 Ser Val
Ile Ser Gly Asp Gly Gly Ser Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60
Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65
70 75 80 Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Gly Phe Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu
Val Thr Val Ser 100 105 110 Ser 8124PRTMus musculus 8Asp Val Gln
Val Gln Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Ser Gln 1 5 10 15 Ser
Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys Thr Val Thr Gly Tyr Ser Ile Thr Ser Asp 20 25
30 Tyr Ala Trp Asn Trp Ile Arg Gln Phe Pro Gly Asn Lys Leu Glu Trp
35 40 45 Met Gly Tyr Ile Ser Asn Ser Gly Ser Thr Ser Tyr Asn Pro
Ser Leu 50 55 60 Lys Ser Arg Ile Ser Ile Thr Arg Asp Thr Ser Lys
Asn Gln Phe Phe 65 70 75 80 Leu Gln Leu Ile Ser Val Thr Thr Glu Asp
Thr Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Glu Arg Asn Tyr Asp Tyr
Asp Asp Tyr Tyr Tyr Ala Met Asp 100 105 110 Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr
Thr Leu Thr Val Ser Ala 115 120 9124PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 9Glu 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
Ser Ile Thr Ser Asp 20 25 30 Tyr Ala Trp Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala
Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp 35 40 45 Val Gly Tyr Ile Ser Asn Ser
Gly Ser Thr Ser Tyr Asn Pro Ser Leu 50 55 60 Lys Ser Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65 70 75 80 Leu Gln Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala
Arg Glu Arg Asn Tyr Asp Tyr Asp Asp Tyr Tyr Tyr Ala Met Asp 100 105
110 Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115 120
10124PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 10Glu 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 Val Ser Gly Tyr Ser Ile Thr Ser Asp 20 25 30 Tyr Ala Trp Asn
Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp 35 40 45 Val Gly
Tyr Ile Ser Asn Ser Gly Ser Thr Ser Tyr Asn Pro Ser Leu 50 55 60
Lys Ser Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr 65
70 75 80 Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys 85 90 95 Ala Arg Glu Arg Asn Tyr Asp Tyr Asp Asp Tyr Tyr
Tyr Ala Met Asp 100 105 110 Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val
Ser Ser 115 120 1117PRTHomo sapiens 11Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu
Tyr Arg Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu 1 5 10 15 Ala 127PRTHomo
sapiens 12Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser 1 5 139PRTHomo sapiens 13Gln
Gln Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr 1 5 1411PRTHomo sapiens 14Gly Tyr
Ser Ile Thr Ser Asp Tyr Ala Trp Asn 1 5 10 1517PRTHomo sapiens
15Gly Tyr Ile Ser Asn Ser Gly Ser Thr Ser Tyr Asn Pro Ser Leu Lys 1
5 10 15 Ser 1615PRTHomo sapiens 16Glu Arg Asn Tyr Asp Tyr Asp Asp
Tyr Tyr Tyr Ala Met Asp Tyr 1 5 10 15 1723PRTHomo sapiens 17Asp 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 20 1815PRTHomo sapiens 18Trp Tyr Gln
Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr 1 5 10 15
1932PRTHomo sapiens 19Gly Val Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser
Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr 1 5 10 15 Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu
Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys 20 25 30 2011PRTHomo sapiens 20Phe Gly
Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys Arg 1 5 10 2125PRTHomo sapiens
21Glu 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 20 25 2213PRTHomo
sapiens 22Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 1 5
10 2332PRTHomo sapiens 23Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Thr Ser Lys
Asn Thr Leu Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp
Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg 20 25 30 2411PRTHomo sapiens 24Trp
Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser 1 5 10 2525PRTHomo sapiens
25Glu 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 Val Ser 20 25 2630PRTHomo
sapiens 26Gln Val Gln Leu Val Gln 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 20 25 30 2714PRTHomo sapiens 27Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly
Gln Gly Leu Glu Trp Met Gly 1 5 10 2832PRTHomo sapiens 28Arg Val
Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Thr Ser Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr Met Glu 1 5 10 15
Ile Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg 20
25 30 2911PRTHomo sapiens 29Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser
Ser 1 5
10 3025PRTHomo sapiens 30Gln Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu
Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ala 1 5 10 15 Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Ala
Ser 20 25 3113PRTHomo sapiens 31Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly
Leu Glu Trp Met 1 5 10 3231PRTHomo sapiens 32Arg Val Thr Ile Thr
Ala Asp Thr Ser Thr Ser Thr Ala Tyr Met Glu 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ser
Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala 20 25 30
3330PRTHomo sapiens 33Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Ala Asp Thr Ser Thr Ser
Thr Ala Tyr Met Glu 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ser Leu Arg Ser Glu Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 20 25 30 3430PRTHomo sapiens 34Gln Val Gln Leu
Gln Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Ser Gln 1 5 10 15 Thr Leu
Ser Leu Thr Cys Thr Val Ser Gly Gly Ser Val Ser 20 25 30
3514PRTHomo sapiens 35Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu
Trp Ile Gly 1 5 10 3632PRTHomo sapiens 36Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Val
Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn Gln Phe Ser Leu Lys 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ser Val
Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg 20 25 30
3725PRTHomo sapiens 37Gln Val Gln Leu Gln Glu Ser Gly Pro Gly Leu
Val Lys Pro Ser Gln 1 5 10 15 Thr Leu Ser Leu Thr Cys Thr Val Ser
20 25 3813PRTHomo sapiens 38Trp Ile Arg Gln Pro Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu
Glu Trp Ile 1 5 10 3931PRTHomo sapiens 39Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Val
Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn Gln Phe Ser Leu Lys 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ser Val
Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala 20 25 30 4030PRTHomo
sapiens 40Arg Val Thr Ile Ser Val Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn Gln Phe Ser
Leu Lys 1 5 10 15 Leu Ser Ser Val Thr Ala Ala Asp Thr Ala Val Val
Tyr Cys 20 25 30 4130PRTHomo sapiens 41Glu 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 Phe Thr Phe Ser 20 25 30 4214PRTHomo sapiens
42Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val Ser 1 5 10
4332PRTHomo sapiens 43Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn
Thr Leu Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg 20 25 30 4425PRTHomo sapiens 44Glu 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 20 25 4513PRTHomo sapiens 45Trp
Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 1 5 10 4631PRTHomo
sapiens 46Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr
Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys Ala 20 25 30 4730PRTHomo sapiens 47Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg
Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Leu Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu
Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 20 25 30 4830PRTHomo
sapiens 48Glu 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 Phe Asn
Ile Lys 20 25 30 4932PRTHomo sapiens 49Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Ala Asp
Thr Ser Lys Asn Thr Ala Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu Arg
Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ser Arg 20 25 30 5031PRTHomo
sapiens 50Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Ala Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn Thr Ala Tyr
Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys Ser 20 25 30 5132PRTHomo sapiens 51Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Ala
Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn Thr Ala Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu
Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg 20 25 30
5231PRTHomo sapiens 52Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Ala Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn
Thr Ala Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala 20 25 30 5330PRTHomo sapiens 53Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Ala Asp Thr Ser Lys Asn Thr Ala Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met
Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 20 25 30
5423PRTHomo sapiens 54Asp 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 20
5515PRTHomo sapiens 55Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro Lys
Leu Leu Ile Tyr 1 5 10 15 5632PRTHomo sapiens 56Gly Val Pro Ser Arg
Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr 1 5 10 15 Leu Thr Ile
Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys 20 25 30
5710PRTHomo sapiens 57Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys 1 5
10 5814PRTHomo sapiens 58Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys Ala Pro
Lys Leu Leu Ile 1 5 10 5915PRTHomo sapiens 59Trp Tyr Leu Gln Lys
Pro Gly Gln Ser Pro Gln Leu Leu Ile Tyr 1 5 10 15 6032PRTHomo
sapiens 60Gly Val Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp
Phe Thr 1 5 10 15 Leu Lys Ile Ser Arg Val Glu Ala Glu Asp Val Gly
Val Tyr Tyr Cys 20 25 30 6123PRTHomo sapiens 61Glu Ile Val Leu Thr
Gln Ser Pro Gly Thr Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala
Thr Leu Ser Cys 20 6215PRTHomo sapiens 62Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro
Gly Gln Ala Pro Arg Leu Leu Ile Tyr 1 5 10 15 6332PRTHomo sapiens
63Gly Ile Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr 1
5 10 15 Leu Thr Ile Ser Arg Leu Glu Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Val Tyr Tyr
Cys 20 25 30 6423PRTHomo sapiens 64Asp Ile Val Met Thr Gln Ser Pro
Asp Ser Leu Ala Val Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala Thr Ile Asn
Cys 20 6515PRTHomo sapiens 65Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Pro
Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr 1 5 10 15 6632PRTHomo sapiens 66Gly Val Pro
Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr 1 5 10 15 Leu
Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Val Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 20 25
30 675PRTHomo sapiens 67Ser Arg Glu Glu Met 1 5 685PRTHomo sapiens
68Ser Arg Asp Glu Leu 1 5 6923PRTHomo sapiens 69Asp 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 20 7020PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
peptide" 70Glu Val Thr His Gln Gly Leu Ser Ser Pro Val Thr Lys Ser
Phe Asn 1 5 10 15 Arg Gly Glu Cys 20 7139PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
peptide" 71Leu Tyr Leu Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser
Ala Ser 1 5 10 15 Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser
Ser Lys Ser Thr 20 25 30 Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu 35
7244PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 72Asn Ser Tyr Trp Tyr Phe Asp Val
Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr 1 5 10 15 Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr
Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro 20 25 30 Ser Ser Lys Ser
Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu 35 40 7344PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 73Ile Pro Arg His Ala Asn Val Phe Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr
Leu Val Thr 1 5 10 15 Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val
Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro 20 25 30 Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr
Ala Ala Leu 35 40 7443PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 74Trp Thr Ser Gly Leu Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu
Val Thr Val 1 5 10 15 Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe
Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser 20 25 30 Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala
Ala Leu 35 40 7513PRTHomo sapiens 75Trp Ile Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys
Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 1 5 10 7613PRTHomo sapiens 76Trp Val Arg Gln
Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 1 5 10 7713PRTHomo sapiens
77Trp Ile Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Met 1 5 10
7832PRTHomo sapiens 78Arg Ile Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn
Thr Leu Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15 Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg 20 25 30 7932PRTHomo sapiens 79Arg Phe
Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ser Lys Asn Thr Phe Tyr Leu Gln 1 5 10 15
Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg 20
25 30 8030PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic peptide" 80Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr
Gly Gly Gly Ser Gln Arg Leu Met Glu Asp 1 5 10 15 Ile Cys Leu Pro
Arg Trp Gly Cys Leu Trp Glu Asp Asp Phe 20 25 30 8120PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
peptide" 81Gln Arg Leu Met Glu Asp Ile Cys Leu Pro Arg Trp Gly Cys
Leu Trp 1 5 10 15 Glu Asp Asp Phe 20 8220PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
peptide" 82Gln Arg Leu Ile Glu Asp Ile Cys Leu Pro Arg Trp Gly Cys
Leu Trp 1 5 10 15 Glu Asp Asp Phe 20 8318PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
peptide" 83Arg Leu Ile Glu Asp Ile Cys Leu Pro Arg Trp Gly Cys Leu
Trp Glu 1 5 10 15 Asp Asp 8411PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
peptide" 84Asp Ile Cys Leu Pro Arg Trp Gly Cys Leu Trp 1 5 10
85218PRTHomo sapiens 85Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val
Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro 1 5 10 15 Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser
Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys 20 25 30 Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His
Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp 35 40 45 Tyr Val Asp Gly Val
Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu 50 55 60 Glu Gln Tyr
Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu 65 70 75 80 His
Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn 85 90
95 Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly
100 105 110 Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg
Glu Glu 115 120 125 Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val
Lys Gly Phe Tyr 130 135 140 Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser
Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn 145 150 155 160 Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro
Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe 165 170 175 Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu
Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn 180 185 190 Val Phe Ser
Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr 195 200 205 Gln
Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 210 215 86217PRTHomo sapiens
86Pro Ala Pro Pro Val Ala 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 Gln 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 Phe Asn Ser Thr Phe Arg Val Val
Ser Val Leu Thr Val Val His 65 70 75 80 Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys
Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn Lys 85 90 95 Gly Leu Pro Ala Pro
Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Thr Lys Gly Gln 100 105 110 Pro Arg Glu
Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu Met 115 120 125 Thr
Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr Pro 130 135
140 Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn
145 150 155 160 Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Met Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser
Phe Phe Leu 165 170 175 Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp
Gln Gln Gly Asn Val 180 185 190 Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala
Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr Gln 195 200 205 Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro
Gly Lys 210 215 87168PRTHomo sapiens 87Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly
Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro 1 5 10 15 Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr
Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys 20 25 30 Val Val Val
Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Gln Phe Lys Trp 35 40 45 Tyr
Val Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Thr Lys Gly Gln Pro 50 55
60 Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu Met Thr
65 70 75 80 Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr
Pro Ser 85 90 95 Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Ser Gly Gln Pro
Glu Asn Asn Tyr 100 105 110 Asn Thr Thr Pro Pro Met Leu Asp Ser Asp
Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr 115 120 125 Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser
Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Ile Phe 130 135 140 Ser Cys Ser Val Met His
Glu Ala Leu His Asn Arg Phe Thr Gln Lys 145 150 155 160 Ser Leu Ser
Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 165 88218PRTHomo sapiens 88Pro Ala Pro Glu Phe
Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro 1 5 10 15 Lys Pro Lys
Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys 20 25 30 Val
Val Val Asp Val Ser Gln Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Gln Phe Asn Trp 35 40
45 Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu
50
55 60 Glu Gln Phe Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val
Leu 65 70 75 80 His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys
Val Ser Asn 85 90 95 Lys Gly Leu Pro Ser Ser Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile
Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly 100 105 110 Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr
Leu Pro Pro Ser Gln Glu Glu 115 120 125 Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser
Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr 130 135 140 Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala
Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn 145 150 155 160 Asn Tyr
Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe 165 170 175
Leu Tyr Ser Arg Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Glu Gly Asn 180
185 190 Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr
Thr 195 200 205 Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Leu Gly Lys 210 215
89107PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic consensus polypeptide" 89Arg Thr Val Ala Ala Pro
Ser Val Phe Ile Phe Pro Pro Ser Asp Glu 1 5 10 15 Gln Leu Lys Ser
Gly Thr Ala Ser Val Val Cys Leu Leu Asn Asn Phe 20 25 30 Tyr Pro
Arg Glu Ala Lys Val Gln Trp Lys Val Asp Asn Ala Leu Gln 35 40 45
Ser Gly Asn Ser Gln Glu Ser Val Thr Glu Gln Asp Ser Lys Asp Ser 50
55 60 Thr Tyr Ser Leu Ser Ser Thr Leu Thr Leu Ser Lys Ala Asp Tyr
Glu 65 70 75 80 Lys His Lys Val Tyr Ala Cys Glu Val Thr His Gln Gly
Leu Ser Ser 85 90 95 Pro Val Thr Lys Ser Phe Asn Arg Gly Glu Cys
100 105 90114PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 90Asp Ile Val Met Thr
Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ala Val Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala
Thr Ile Asn Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser
Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln 35 40
45 Ser Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val
50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr
Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Val Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln
Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105 110 Lys Arg 91114PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 91Asp 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 Lys Ser Ser Gln
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys 35 40 45 Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr
Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105
110 Lys Arg 92114PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 92Asp Ile Val Met Thr
Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ala Val Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala
Thr Ile Asn Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser
Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Lys Ala 35 40
45 Ser Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val
50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr
Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Val Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln
Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105 110 Lys Arg 93114PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 93Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ala Val
Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala Thr Ile Asn Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Lys Ala 35 40 45 Ser Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr
Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Val Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105
110 Lys Arg 94114PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 94Asp Ile Gln Met Thr
Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ala Val Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala
Thr Ile Asn Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser
Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln 35 40
45 Ser Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val
50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr
Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Val Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln
Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105 110 Lys Arg 95114PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 95Asp Ile Val Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ala Val
Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala Thr Ile Asn Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln 35 40 45 Ser Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr
Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Phe Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105
110 Lys Arg 96114PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 96Asp Ile Val Met Thr
Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ala Val Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala
Thr Ile Asn Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser
Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys 35 40
45 Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val
50 55 60 Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr
Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr
Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln
Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105 110 Lys Arg 97114PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 97Asp 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 Lys Ser Ser Gln
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln 35 40 45 Pro Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr
Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105
110 Lys Arg 98114PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 98Asp 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 Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser
Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys 35 40
45 Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val
50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr
Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Val Ala Val Tyr
Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln
Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105 110 Lys Arg 99114PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 99Asp Ile Val Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ala Val
Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala Thr Ile Asn Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln 35 40 45 Pro Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr
Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Val Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105
110 Lys Arg 100114PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 100Asp 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 Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser
Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys 35 40
45 Pro Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val
50 55 60 Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr
Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr
Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln
Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105 110 Lys Arg 101114PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 101Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ser Ala
Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15 Asp Arg Val Thr Ile Thr Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln 35 40 45 Ala Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr
Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile 100 105
110 Lys Arg 10244PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 102Asp Gly Phe Tyr Ala
Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr 1 5 10 15 Val Ser Ser
Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro 20 25 30 Ser
Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu 35 40
10344PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 103Ile Ser Ile Ala Gly Met Asp Tyr
Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr 1 5 10 15 Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr
Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro 20 25 30 Ser Ser Lys Ser
Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu 35 40 10444PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 104Ser Trp Asp Trp Tyr Phe Asp Val Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr
Leu Val Thr 1 5 10 15 Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val
Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro 20 25 30 Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr
Ala Ala Leu 35 40 10545PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 105Arg Ser His Val Gly Tyr Phe Asp Val Trp Gly Gln Gly
Thr Leu Val 1 5 10 15 Thr Val Ser Ser Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser
Val Phe Pro Leu Ala 20 25 30 Pro Ser Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly
Thr Ala Ala Leu 35 40 45 10641PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 106Ile Arg Leu Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr
Val Ser Ser 1 5 10 15 Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu
Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys 20 25 30 Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu 35
40 10744PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of
Artificial Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 107Arg Gly Asp Tyr Ser
Met Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr 1 5 10 15 Val Ser Ser
Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro 20 25 30 Ser
Ser Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu 35 40
10846PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 108Tyr Asp Asp Tyr Tyr Tyr Ala Met
Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu 1 5 10 15 Val Thr Val Ser Ser Ala
Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu 20 25 30 Ala Pro Ser Ser
Lys Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu 35 40 45 10946PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 109Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys
Leu Thr Val 1 5 10 15 Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe
Ser Cys Ser Val Met 20 25 30 His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr
Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser 35 40 45 110109PRTArtificial
Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial Sequence Synthetic
polypeptide" 110Asp Ile Val Met Thr Gln Ser Pro Asp Ser Leu Ala Val
Ser Leu Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala Thr Ile Asn Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln
Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp
Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln 35 40 45 Pro Pro Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr
Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60 Pro Asp Arg Phe Ser
Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65 70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser
Leu Gln Ala Glu Asp Val Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr
Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys 100 105
111109PRTArtificial Sequencesource/note="Description of Artificial
Sequence Synthetic polypeptide" 111Asp Ile Gln Met Thr Gln Ser Pro
Asp Ser Leu Val Ala Ser Val Gly 1 5 10 15 Glu Arg Ala Thr Ile Asn
Cys Lys Ser Ser Gln Ser Leu Leu Tyr Arg 20 25 30 Ser Asn Gln Lys
Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro Gly Lys 35 40 45 Ala Pro
Lys Leu Leu Ile Tyr Trp Ala Ser Thr Arg Glu Ser Gly Val 50 55 60
Pro Ser Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr 65
70 75 80 Ile Ser Ser Leu Gln Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Cys
Gln Gln 85 90 95 Tyr Tyr Asn Tyr Pro Arg Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr
Lys 100 105
* * * * *
References