U.S. patent application number 14/949834 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-15 for non-human animals expressing humanized cd3 complex.
This patent application is currently assigned to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Invention is credited to Dayong Guo, Ka-Man Venus Lai, Andrew J. Murphy, Kara L. Olson, Eric Smith, Gavin Thurston.
Application Number | 20170164588 14/949834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54849703 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170164588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Olson; Kara L. ; et
al. |
June 15, 2017 |
NON-HUMAN ANIMALS EXPRESSING HUMANIZED CD3 COMPLEX
Abstract
Non-human animals, expressing humanized CD3 proteins are
provided. Non-human animals, e.g., rodents, genetically modified to
comprise in their genome humanized CD3 proteins are also provided.
Additionally, provided are methods and compositions of making such
non-human animals, as well as methods of using said non-human
animals.
Inventors: |
Olson; Kara L.; (White
Plains, NY) ; Smith; Eric; (New York, NY) ;
Lai; Ka-Man Venus; (Tarrytown, NY) ; Murphy; Andrew
J.; (Croton-on-Hudson, NY) ; Thurston; Gavin;
(Briarcliff Manor, NY) ; Guo; Dayong; (Overland
Park, KS) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. |
Tarrytown |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals,
Inc.
Tarrytown
NY
|
Family ID: |
54849703 |
Appl. No.: |
14/949834 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62083653 |
Nov 24, 2014 |
|
|
|
62106999 |
Jan 23, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 2267/01 20130101;
A01K 2227/105 20130101; A01K 2267/0337 20130101; Y02A 50/30
20180101; A01K 2207/12 20130101; A01K 2217/075 20130101; A01K
67/0276 20130101; A01K 67/0278 20130101; A01K 2217/072 20130101;
G01N 33/5088 20130101; A01K 2217/15 20130101; A01K 2207/15
20130101; A01K 2267/03 20130101; C07K 14/7051 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 67/027 20060101
A01K067/027; C07K 14/725 20060101 C07K014/725 |
Claims
1. A genetically modified non-human animal comprising an endogenous
non-human CD3 locus genetically modified to encode an extracellular
domain of a human CD3 protein, wherein the human CD3 protein is
CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma., CD3.zeta., or any combination
thereof.
2. The animal of claim 1, wherein the endogenous non-human CD3
locus is genetically modified to encode an extracellular domain of
human CD3.epsilon., an extracellular domain of human CD3.delta.,
and an extracellular domain of human CD3.gamma..
3. The animal of claim 1, wherein the endogenous non-human CD3
locus is genetically modified not to express functional
extracellular domain(s) of non-human CD3 protein(s) corresponding
to the human CD3 protein(s).
4. The animal of claim 1, wherein the endogenous locus further
encodes transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of a CD3 protein of
the endogenous non-human animal, wherein the animal expresses a
chimeric CD3 protein on the surface of its T-cells comprising the
extracellular domain of the human CD3 protein and the transmembrane
and cytoplasmic domains of the endogenous non-human animal CD3
protein.
5. The animal of claim 2, wherein the animal comprises: at an
endogenous CD3.epsilon. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of CD3.epsilon. of the endogenous non-human animal, at an
endogenous CD3.delta. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.delta. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of CD3.delta. protein of the endogenous non-human animal,
and at an endogenous CD3.gamma. locus a nucleic acid sequence
encoding an extracellular domain of a human CD3.gamma. operably
linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains of an CD3.gamma. protein of an endogenous
non-human animal CD3.gamma.; wherein the non-human animal expresses
chimeric CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. proteins on the
surface of its T cells.
6. The animal of claim 1 wherein the animal comprises extracellular
domains of human CD3 proteins which comprise the sequences of SEQ
ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:34 and SEQ ID NO:35.
7. The animal of claim 1, wherein the animal is a mammal.
8. The animal of claim 1, wherein the animal is a rodent.
9. The animal of claim 8, wherein the animal is a mouse.
10. The mouse of claim 9, wherein the mouse comprises: at an
endogenous mouse CD3.epsilon. locus a nucleic acid sequence
encoding an extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon. operably
linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains of an endogenous mouse CD3.epsilon., at an
endogenous mouse CD3.delta. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding
an extracellular domain of a human CD3.delta. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous mouse CD3.delta., and at an endogenous
mouse CD3.gamma. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.gamma. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous mouse CD3.gamma., and wherein the mouse
expresses chimeric CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma.
proteins on the surface of its T cells.
11. The mouse of claim 10, wherein the amino acid sequence of the
chimeric CD3.epsilon. protein is set forth in SEQ ID NO:24, the
amino acid sequence of the chimeric CD3.delta. protein is set forth
in SEQ ID NO:25, and the amino acid sequence of the chimeric
CD3.gamma. protein is set forth in SEQ ID NO:26.
12. The animal of claim 1, which is heterozygous for the modified
endogenous non-human CD3 locus.
13. The animal of claim 1, which is homozygous for the modified
endogenous non-human CD3 locus.
14. A method of making a genetically modified non-human animal as
defined in claim 1, comprising: introducing a nucleic acid sequence
encoding an extracellular domain of human CD3 protein, wherein the
human CD3 protein is CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma.,
CD3.zeta., or any combination thereof into the genome of a cell of
non-human animal at an endogenous CD3 locus; and propagating the
genetically modified non-human animal from the cell.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the cell is a single ES cell,
and the single ES cell is introduced into a mouse embryo to
propagate a mouse.
16. A mouse model for testing a CD3-based bispecific
antigen-binding protein, wherein the antigen-binding protein is
capable of binding both CD3 and a non-mouse antigen of interest,
comprising: a genetically modified mouse as defined by claim 9
further comprising a cell expressing or comprising the non-mouse
antigen of interest.
17. (canceled)
18. A method of screening drug candidates that target an antigen of
interest comprising: a. introducing into a genetically modified
mouse as defined by claim 9 the antigen of interest, b. contacting
said mouse with a drug candidate of interest, wherein the drug
candidate is directed against the human CD3 and the antigen of
interest, and c. determining if the drug candidate is efficacious
in preventing, reducing or eliminating cells characterized by the
presence or expression of the antigen of interest.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of introducing
comprises expressing in the mouse the antigen of interest.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of introducing
comprises infecting the mouse with the antigen of interest.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of expressing in the
mouse the antigen of interest comprises genetically modifying the
mouse to express the antigen of interest.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of introducing
comprises introducing into said mouse a cell expressing the antigen
of interest.
23. The method of claim 16, wherein the cell is a tumor cell.
24. The method of claim 22, wherein the cell is a bacterial
cell.
25. The method of claim 20, wherein the infecting comprising
performing viral or bacterial infection.
26. The method of claim 18, wherein the mouse is an immunocompetent
mouse.
27. The method of claim 18, wherein the antigen of interest is a
tumor associated antigen.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the tumor associated antigen is
selected from the group consisting of ALK, BAGE proteins, BIRC5
(survivin), BIRC7, CA9, CALR, CCR5, CD19, CD20 (MS4A1), CD22, CD27,
CD30, CD33, CD38, CD40, CD44, CD52, CD56, CD79, CDK4, CEACAM3,
CEACAM5, CLEC12A, EGFR, EGFR variant III, ERBB2 (HER2), ERBB3,
ERBB4, EPCAM, EPHA2, EPHA3, FCRL5, FLT3, FOLR1, GAGE proteins, GD2,
GD3, GPNMB, GM3, GPR112, IL3RA, KIT, KRAS, LGR5, EBV-derived LMP2,
L1CAM, MAGE proteins, MLANA, MSLN, MUC1, MUC2, MUC3, MUC4, MUC5,
MUC16, MUM1, ANKRD30A, NY-ESO1 (CTAG1B), OX40, PAP, PAX3, PAX5,
PLAC1, PRLR, PMEL, PRAME, PSMA (FOLH1), RAGE proteins, RET, RGS5,
ROR1, SART1, SART3, SLAMF7, SLC39A6 (LIV1), STEAP1, STEAP2, TERT,
TMPRSS2, Thompson-nouvelle antigen, TNFRSF17, TYR, UPK3A, VTCN1,
and WT1.
29-30. (canceled)
31. The method of claim 18, wherein the antigen is a viral antigen
selected from the group consisting of HIV; hepatitis A; hepatitis
B; hepatitis C; herpes virus such as HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, HAV-6, VZV,
and Epstein Barr virus; adenovirus; influenza virus; flavivirus;
echovirus; rhinovirus; coxsackie virus; coronavirus; respiratory
syncytial virus; mumps virus; rotavirus; measles virus; rubella
virus; parvovirus; vaccinia virus; HTLV; dengue virus;
papillomavirus; molluscum virus; poliovirus; rabies virus; JC
virus; ebola virus; and arboviral encephalitis virus antigen.
32. (canceled)
33. The method of claim 18, wherein the antigen is a bacterial
antigen selected from the group consisting of chlamydia,
rickettsia, mycobacteria, staphylococci, streptococci,
pneumonococci, meningococci, gonococci, klebsiella, proteus,
serratia, pseudomonas, legionella, diphtheria, salmonella, bacilli,
cholera, tetanus, botulism, anthrax, plague, leptospira, and Lyme
disease bacterial antigen.
34. The method of claim 18, wherein the drug candidate is an
antibody or an antigen-binding protein.
35-36. (canceled)
37. The method of claim 34, wherein the antibody or the
antigen-binding protein is a bispecific antibody or a bispecific
antigen-binding protein, respectively, which is capable of binding
both human CD3 protein and the antigen of interest.
38. The method of claim 18, wherein the drug candidate is capable
of recognizing a monkey CD3 protein.
39-44. (canceled)
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] A genetically modified non-human animal (e.g., a rodent,
e.g., a mouse or a rat) is provided that comprises in its genome a
nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized CD3 protein, e.g., a
humanized CD3.epsilon., a humanized CD3.delta., and/or humanized
CD3.gamma.. Thus, genetically modified non-human animals that
express humanized CD3 complex are provided. Also provided herein is
a model for preclinical testing of CD3-based therapeutics, e.g.,
CD3-based antibodies, e.g., CD3-based bispecific antibodies.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In addition to the T cell receptor subunits, e.g., highly
variable TCR.alpha. and TCR.beta., the T cell receptor complex on
the surface of a T cell comprises invariant CD3.epsilon.,
CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. chains, which form heterodimers
consisting of CD3.epsilon..delta. and CD3.epsilon..gamma.. Also
associated with the TCR/CD3 complex is the .zeta. chain, which is
present as a disulfide-linked homodimer.
[0003] CD3 chains play a crucial role in T cell receptor assembly,
transport to the cell surface, endocytosis of surface receptors, T
cell development, and T cell signaling. For example, it has been
demonstrated through studies of deficiencies of various CD3
subunits, that CD3 chains are important for double negative
(CD4-CD8- or DN) to double positive (CD4+CD8+ or DP) to single
positive (CD4+ or CD8+ or SP) T cell transition. In addition, each
of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. chains contains one
immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) while the
.zeta. chain dimer contains 6 total ITAMs. These motifs serve as
signaling modules, and are phosphorylated by associated kinases
upon TCR engagement.
[0004] Antibodies against CD3 have been shown to cluster CD3 on T
cells, thereby causing T cell activation in a manner similar to the
engagement of the TCR by peptide-loaded MHC molecules. Thus,
anti-CD3 antibodies have been proposed as therapeutic candidates
aimed at activation of T cells. In addition, bispecific antibodies
that are capable of binding CD3 and a target antigen have been
proposed for therapeutic uses involving targeting T cell immune
responses to tissues and cells expressing the target antigen.
[0005] A convenient animal model for preclinical testing of mono-
and bispecific CD3-based therapeutic antibodies is particularly
desired.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Provided herein is a genetically modified non-human animal
comprising at an endogenous non-human CD3 locus a nucleic acid
sequence encoding an extracellular domain of human CD3 protein,
wherein the human CD3 protein is selected from the group consisting
of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma., CD3.zeta., and a
combination thereof. In one embodiment, the non-human animal
comprises at the endogenous non-human CD3 locus a nucleic acid
sequence encoding an extracellular domain of human CD3.epsilon., an
extracellular domain of human CD3.delta., and an extracellular
domain of human CD3.gamma.. In one embodiment, the animal does not
comprise a functional extracellular domain(s) of the corresponding
non-human protein(s). In one embodiment, the animal further
comprises a nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains of corresponding endogenous non-human animal
CD3 protein(s). In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence(s)
encoding the extracellular domain of the human CD3 in the non-human
animal is operably linked to the nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding
transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the corresponding
endogenous non-human animal CD3 protein(s). In a particular
embodiment, the non-human animal comprises (a) at an endogenous
CD3.epsilon. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous non-human animal CD3.epsilon., (b) at an
endogenous CD3.delta. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.delta. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous non-human animal CD3.delta., and (c) at an
endogenous CD3.gamma. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.gamma. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous non-human animal CD3.gamma.. In some
embodiments, the extracellular domain of the human CD3 protein in
the non-human animal comprises the sequence selected from the group
consisting of SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:34, and SEQ ID NO:35. In some
embodiments, the animal comprises extracellular domains of human
CD3 proteins which comprise the sequences of SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID
NO:34 and SEQ ID NO:35.
[0007] In a particular embodiment, the non-human animal provided is
a mammal. In one embodiment, the animal is a rodent. In one
embodiment, the animal is a rat or a mouse. In one embodiment, the
animal is a mouse. Thus, in one embodiment, provided herein is a
genetically modified mouse, wherein the mouse comprises (a) at an
endogenous mouse CD3.epsilon. locus a nucleic acid sequence
encoding an extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon. operably
linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains of an endogenous mouse CD3.epsilon., (b) at an
endogenous mouse CD3.delta. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding
an extracellular domain of a human CD3.delta. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous mouse CD3.delta., and (c) at an endogenous
mouse CD3.gamma. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.gamma. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous mouse CD3.gamma., and the mouse expresses
humanized CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. proteins on the
surface of its T cells. In one embodiment, the amino acid sequence
of the humanized CD3.epsilon. protein in said mouse is set forth in
SEQ ID NO:24, the amino acid sequence of the humanized CD3.delta.
protein is set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, and the amino acid sequence
of the humanized CD3.gamma. protein is set forth in SEQ ID NO:26.
In one embodiment, the mouse displays similar CD4+ to CD8+ cell
ratio in the thymus as compared to a mouse that is not genetically
modified to express humanized CD3 proteins. In one embodiment, the
mouse CD4+ to CD8+ T cell ratio in the thymus that is within 30%,
within 25%, within 20%, within 15%, within 12%, within 10%, within
5%, or within 2% of the CD4+ to CD8+ cell ratio of a mouse that is
not genetically modified to express humanized CD3 proteins. In one
embodiment, the mouse displays similar T and B cell percentages in
spleen, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood as a mouse that is not
genetically modified to express humanized CD3 proteins. In one
embodiment, the mouse displays similar numbers of circulating white
blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and
basophils as a mouse that is not genetically modified to express
humanized CD3 proteins.
[0008] Thus, in one aspect provided herein is a genetically
modified mouse comprising at an endogenous mouse CD3 locus a
nucleic acid sequence encoding an extracellular domain of human CD3
protein, wherein the human CD3 protein is selected from the group
consisting of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma., CD3.zeta., and
a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the mouse comprises
extracellular domains of human CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and
CD3.gamma.. In one embodiment of the mouse, the extracellular
domain of human CD3.epsilon. is set forth in SEQ ID NO:33, the
extracellular domain of human CD3.delta. is set forth in SEQ ID
NO:34, and the extracellular domain of human CD3.gamma. is set
forth in SEQ ID NO:35. In one embodiment, the mouse expresses a
humanized CD3.epsilon., a humanized CD3.delta., and a humanized
CD3.gamma.. In one embodiment of the mouse, the humanized
CD3.epsilon. is set forth in SEQ ID NO:24, the humanized CD3.delta.
is set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, and the humanized CD3.gamma. is set
forth in SEQ ID NO:26. In one embodiment, the mouse further
comprises mouse CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma.
transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. In one embodiment, the mouse
further comprises endogenous mouse CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and
CD3.gamma. transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains.
[0009] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of making a
genetically modified non-human animal expressing a humanized CD3
protein, comprising placing at an endogenous non-human animal CD3
locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an extracellular domain of
human CD3 protein, wherein the human CD3 protein is selected from
the group consisting of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma.,
CD3.zeta., and a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the
method, the animal does not comprise a functional extracellular
domain(s) of the corresponding non-human protein(s). In one
embodiment of the method, the animal comprises at the endogenous
CD3 locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an extracellular domain
of human CD3.epsilon., an extracellular domain of human CD3.delta.,
and an extracellular domain of human CD3.gamma.. In one embodiment
of the method, the extracellular domain of human CD3.epsilon. is
set forth in SEQ ID NO:33, the extracellular domain of human
CD3.delta. is set forth in SEQ ID NO:34, and the extracellular
domain of human CD3.gamma. is set forth in SEQ ID NO:35. In one
embodiment of the method, the animal does not comprise functional
extracellular domain(s) of the corresponding non-human protein(s).
In one particular embodiment, the method comprises replacing at the
endogenous CD3 locus an extracellular domain of a non-human CD3
protein(s) with a corresponding extracellular domain of a human CD3
protein(s). In one embodiment of the method, the animal further
comprises a nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains of corresponding endogenous non-human animal
CD3 protein(s). In one embodiment of the method, the non-human
animal is a mouse and a replacement is at the endogenous mouse CD3
locus. In one embodiment of the method wherein the animal is a
mouse, the mouse expresses a humanized CD3 protein selected from
the group consisting of a humanized CD3.epsilon. set forth in SEQ
ID NO: 24, a humanized CD3.delta. set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, a
humanized CD3.gamma. set forth in SEQ ID NO:26, and a combination
thereof. In one embodiment of the method, the replacement is made
in a single ES cell, and the single ES cell is introduced into the
mouse embryo to make a mouse.
[0010] In yet another aspect, provided herein is a mouse model for
testing a CD3-based bispecific antigen-binding protein, wherein the
antigen-binding protein is capable of binding both CD3 and an
antigen of interest, the mouse model comprising (a) a nucleic acid
sequence encoding a humanized CD3 protein, wherein the humanized
CD3 protein is selected from the group consisting of CD3.epsilon.,
CD3.delta., CD3.gamma., CD3.zeta., and a combination thereof, and
wherein the mouse comprises a T cell expressing said humanized CD3
protein, and (b) a cell expressing or comprising the antigen of
interest. In one embodiment of the mouse model, the nucleic acid
sequence(s) of the humanized CD3 protein(s) is located at the
endogenous CD3 locus. In one embodiment of the mouse model, the
antigen-binding protein has been introduced into said mouse. In one
embodiment of the mouse model, the mouse expresses human
CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. extracellular domains. In
one embodiment of the mouse model, the mouse further expresses
mouse CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains.
[0011] In one embodiment of the mouse model, the mouse comprises a
xenograft of a tumor expressing the antigen of interest. In one
embodiment of the mouse model, the cell expressing or comprising
the antigen of interest is a tumor cell. In one embodiment of the
mouse model, the bispecific antigen-binding protein selected binds
to both the humanized CD3 protein and the antigen of interest. In
one embodiment of the mouse model, the antigen of interest is a
human antigen. In one embodiment of the mouse model, the antigen
binding protein is capable of binding a monkey CD3 protein. In one
embodiment of the mouse model, the antigen of interest is a tumor
associated antigen. In such an embodiment, the tumor associated
antigen may be selected from the group consisting of AFP, ALK, BAGE
proteins, .beta.-catenin, brc-abl, BRCA1, BORIS, CA9, carbonic
anhydrase IX, caspase-8, CCR5, CD19, CD20, CD30, CD40, CDK4, CEA,
CTLA4, cyclin-B1, CYP1B1, EGFR, EGFRvIII, ErbB2/Her2, ErbB3, ErbB4,
ETV6-AML, EpCAM, EphA2, Fra-1, FOLR1, GAGE protein, GD2, GD3,
GloboH, glypican-3, GM3, gp100, Her2, HLA/B-raf, HLA/k-ras,
HLA/MAGE-A3, hTERT, LMP2, MAGE protein, MART-1, mesothelin, ML-IAP,
Muc1, Muc2, Muc3, Muc4, Muc5, Muc16 (CA-125), MUM1, NA17, NY-BR1,
NY-BR62, NY-BR85, NY-ESO1, OX40, p15, p53, PAP, PAX3, PAX5, PCTA-1,
PLAC1, PRLR, PRAME, PSMA (FOLH1), RAGE proteins, Ras, RGS5, Rho,
SART-1, SART-3, Steap-1, Steap-2, survivin, TAG-72, TGF-.beta.,
TMPRSS2, Tn, TRP-1, TRP-2, tyrosinase, and uroplakin-3.
[0012] In another embodiment, the antigen of interest is an
infectious disease associated antigen. In such an embodiment, the
mouse may be infected with an infectious agent. In one such
embodiment, the infectious disease associated antigen may be a
viral antigen and the viral antigen is selected from the group
consisting of HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes
virus (e.g., HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, HAV-6, VZV, Epstein Barr virus),
adenovirus, influenza virus, flavivirus, echovirus, rhinovirus,
coxsackie virus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, mumps
virus, rotavirus, measles virus, rubella virus, parvovirus,
vaccinia virus, HTLV, dengue virus, papillomavirus, molluscum
virus, poliovirus, rabies virus, JC virus, ebola virus, and
arboviral encephalitis virus antigen. In another such embodiment,
the infectious disease associated antigen may be a bacterial
antigen and the bacterial antigen is selected from the group
consisting of chlamydia, rickettsia, mycobacteria, staphylococci,
streptococci, pneumonococci, meningococci, gonococci, klebsiella,
proteus, serratia, pseudomonas, legionella, diphtheria, salmonella,
bacilli, cholera, tetanus, botulism, anthrax, plague, leptospira,
and Lyme disease bacterial antigen.
[0013] In one embodiment of the provided mouse model, the CD3-based
antigen-binding protein is an antibody. In one embodiment, the
CD3-based antigen-binding protein is a human or humanized
antigen-binding protein. Such mouse model may allow testing for
efficacy and/or toxicity of the antigen-binding protein in the
mouse.
[0014] Also provided herein is a method of screening drug
candidates that target an antigen of interest comprising (a)
providing or receiving a genetically modified mouse comprising at
its endogenous mouse CD3 locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3 protein selected from the group
consisting of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma., CD3.zeta., and
a combination thereof, wherein the mouse expresses a functional
humanized CD3 protein on the surface of its T cells, (b)
introducing into the said genetically modified mouse the antigen of
interest, (c) contacting said mouse with a drug candidate of
interest, wherein the drug candidate is directed against the human
CD3 and the antigen of interest, and (d) determining if the drug
candidate is efficacious in preventing, reducing or eliminating
cells characterized by the presence or expression of the antigen of
interest. In one embodiment of the method, the genetically modified
mouse comprises at the endogenous mouse CD3 locus a nucleic acid
sequence encoding an extracellular domain of human CD3.epsilon., an
extracellular domain of human CD3.delta., and an extracellular
domain of human CD3.gamma.. In one embodiment of the method, the
mouse does not comprise a functional extracellular domain of the
corresponding mouse protein(s). In one embodiment of the method,
the mouse comprises a nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding
transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of corresponding endogenous
mouse CD3 protein(s). In one embodiment of the method, the nucleic
acid sequence(s) encoding the extracellular domain of the human CD3
is operably linked to the nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding
transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the corresponding
endogenous mouse CD3 protein(s). In one embodiment of the method,
the extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon. is set forth in
SEQ ID NO:33, the extracellular domain of a human CD3.delta. is set
forth in SEQ ID NO:34, and the extracellular domain of a human
CD3.gamma. is set forth in SEQ ID NO:35. Thus, in one particular
embodiment of the method, the mouse expresses a humanized
CD3.epsilon. protein comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:24, a humanized CD3.delta. protein comprising an amino
acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, and a humanized CD3.gamma.
protein comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:26.
[0015] In a particular embodiment of the method of screening drug
candidates described herein, the step of introducing the antigen of
interest into the mouse described herein comprises expressing in
the mouse the antigen of interest. In one embodiment, the step of
expressing in the mouse the antigen of interest comprises
genetically modifying the mouse to express the antigen of interest.
In one embodiment, the step of introducing the antigen of interest
comprises infecting the mouse with the antigen of interest. In one
embodiment of the method, the step of introducing comprises
introducing into said mouse a cell expressing the antigen of
interest. In various embodiments of the method, the cell can be a
tumor cell, a bacterial cell, or a cell infected with a virus.
Thus, in some embodiments of the method, the mouse comprises and
infection which is either a viral or bacterial infection. Thus, the
antigen of interest can be an infectious disease associated
antigen. In one embodiment, the antigen of interest is a viral
antigen, and the viral antigen is selected from the group
consisting of HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, herpes
virus (e.g., HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, HAV-6, VZV, Epstein Barr virus),
adenovirus, influenza virus, flavivirus, echovirus, rhinovirus,
coxsackie virus, coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, mumps
virus, rotavirus, measles virus, rubella virus, parvovirus,
vaccinia virus, HTLV, dengue virus, papillomavirus, molluscum
virus, poliovirus, rabies virus, JC virus, ebola virus, and
arboviral encephalitis virus antigen. In another embodiment, the
antigen of interest is an infectious disease associated antigen,
which is a bacterial antigen selected from the group consisting of
chlamydia, rickettsia, mycobacteria, staphylococci, streptococci,
pneumonococci, meningococci, gonococci, klebsiella, proteus,
serratia, pseudomonas, legionella, diphtheria, salmonella, bacilli,
cholera, tetanus, botulism, anthrax, plague, leptospira, and Lyme
disease bacterial antigen.
[0016] In another embodiment of the method of screening drug
candidates, the antigen of interest is a tumor associated antigen.
In one embodiment of the method, the tumor associated antigen is
selected from the group consisting of AFP, ALK, BAGE proteins,
.beta.-catenin, brc-abl, BRCA1, BORIS, CA9, carbonic anhydrase IX,
caspase-8, CCR5, CD19, CD20, CD30, CD40, CDK4, CEA, CTLA4,
cyclin-B1, CYP1B1, EGFR, EGFRvIII, ErbB2/Her2, ErbB3, ErbB4,
ETV6-AML, EpCAM, EphA2, Fra-1, FOLR1, GAGE protein, GD2, GD3,
GloboH, glypican-3, GM3, gp100, Her2, HLA/B-raf, HLA/k-ras,
HLA/MAGE-A3, hTERT, LMP2, MAGE protein, MART-1, mesothelin, ML-IAP,
Muc1, Muc2, Muc3, Muc4, Muc5, Muc16 (CA-125), MUM1, NA17, NY-BR1,
NY-BR62, NY-BR85, NY-ESO1, OX40, p15, p53, PAP, PAX3, PAX5, PCTA-1,
PLAC1, PRLR, PRAME, PSMA (FOLH1), RAGE proteins, Ras, RGS5, Rho,
SART-1, SART-3, Steap-1, Steap-2, survivin, TAG-72, TGF-.beta.,
TMPRSS2, Tn, TRP-1, TRP-2, tyrosinase, and uroplakin-3.
[0017] In some embodiments of the method of screening drug
candidates, the mouse is an immunocompetent mouse. In some
embodiments of the method described herein, the antigen of interest
is a human antigen of interest.
[0018] In some embodiments of the method, the drug candidate is an
antibody. In some embodiments, the drug candidate is an
antigen-binding protein. In some embodiments, wherein the drug
candidate is an antibody, the antibody is a bispecific antibody or
a bispecific antigen binding protein. In some embodiments, the
bispecific antigen binding protein is capable of binding both human
CD3 protein and the antigen of interest. In one embodiment, the
drug candidate is capable of recognizing a monkey CD3 protein.
[0019] In some embodiments of the method of screening drug
candidates, the drug candidate is capable of reducing, eliminating,
or preventing tumor growth as compared to an agent that does not
target the antigen of interest. In some embodiments of such method
the step of determining if the drug candidate is efficacious in
preventing, reducing or eliminating cells characterized by the
presence or expression of the antigen of interest comprises a tumor
volume assay or a T cell mediated tumor cell killing assay.
[0020] In other embodiments, the drug candidate is capable of
reducing, eliminating, or preventing bacterial or viral infection
as compared to an agent that does not target the antigen of
interest. In some such embodiments, the step of determining if the
drug candidate is efficacious in preventing, reducing or
eliminating cells characterized by the presence or expression of
the antigen of interest comprises the measurement of viral or
bacterial titers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts the structure of T cell receptor complex. The
complex comprises two CD3.epsilon. subunits, one CD3.delta.
subunit, one CD3.gamma. subunit, and two CD3.zeta. subunits,
complexed with the TCR.alpha..beta. heterodimer on a T cell
surface. Asterisks indicate the locations of the ITAM motifs.
[0022] FIG. 2 is the schematic representation (not to scale) of the
humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. large targeting vector. FIG.
2A depicts the large targeting vector before the selection cassette
(Neo) deletion, with human CD3E, CD3D, and CD3G sequence knock-in
locations indicated. A, B, C, D, E, F, and G indicate location of
the junction nucleic acid sequences represented in Table 1. FIG. 2B
depicts the large targeting vector after deletion of the selection
cassette (Neo); similarly to FIG. 2A, locations of the human CD3E,
CD3D, and CD3G are indicated. A-B, C, D, E, F, and G are locations
of the junction nucleic acid sequences represented in Tables 1 and
3.
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts the amino acid sequences of the humanized CD3
proteins in the humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice. The CD3
protein sequences of human origin are underlined.
[0024] FIG. 4 depicts alignments between mouse and human CD3e,
CD3d, and CD3g sequences. The 5' and 3' ends of the human sequences
that were introduced into mouse CD3 loci are marked with * and **,
respectively.
[0025] FIG. 5, top row, is a FACs analysis plot demonstrating
normal distribution of CD4+ and CD8+ thymocytes in wild type (WT),
heterozygous humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. (HET), or
homozygous humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. (H0) mice. The
middle row is data depicting percentages as well as numbers of B
and T cells in peripheral blood of indicated animals. Bottom row is
data depicting percentages of T and B cells in the spleen of
indicated animals.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a demonstration of viral LCMV titers in the
spleens of either wild type control or humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice in mice infected with LCMV Clone 13
(FIG. 6A), or LCMV clone 13 following prior LCMV Armstrong clone
infection (FIG. 6B).
[0027] FIG. 7 is data from the FACS analysis of splenocytes from
wild type (WT), heterozygous humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon.
(hCD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. Het), or homozygous humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. (hCD3.gamma..delta..epsilon.Ho) mice
sorted with two anti-human CD3 antibodies that also cross-react
with monkey CD3 (ah/mfCD3-2 and ah/mfCD3-1), two anti-human CD3
antibodies that are human CD3 specific (ahCD3-1 and ahCD3-2),
control anti-mouse CD3 (amCD3-2C11), unrelated control human IgG
(control hIgG) and secondary only antibody control (2.sup.nd only).
MFI values are listed in the tables below each graph.
[0028] FIGS. 8A-B demonstrate response to anti-CD3 antibodies in
humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice. FIG. 8A demonstrates
transient T and B cell depletion in blood of mice treated with
anti-CD3 antibodies; either T cell depletion on day 1 for each
antibody indicated (left figure), or T and B cell depletion and
recovery over 14 days for each antibody tested (middle and right
figures). FIG. 8B depicts an increase in concentration of cytokines
released (IFN.gamma., KC, TNF.alpha., IL-6, and IL-10) 2 hours
after treatment with indicated antibodies.
[0029] FIG. 9 demonstrates splenocytes proliferation (measured as
fold activation over cells only) upon treatment with increasing
amounts of indicated antibodies in wild type (WT) and humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. homozygous (hCD3.gamma..delta..epsilon.
Ho) mice.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a table summarizing various properties of the
humanized CD3 mouse model.
[0031] FIG. 11A demonstrates the effect of anti-CD3 antibody (Ab-1;
bispecific antibody recognizing CD3 and CD20, tested at two
different concentrations) on tumor volume of B16F10.9/CD20 tumors
when treatment is initiated at the same time as tumor implantation
(prophylactic model). FIG. 11B demonstrates the effect of anti-CD3
antibody (Ab-1; bispecific antibody recognizing CD3 and CD20,
tested at two different concentrations) on tumor volume of already
established B16F10.9/CD20 tumors (therapeutic model).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Definitions
[0032] The present invention provides genetically modified
non-human animals, e.g., rodents, e.g., mice or rats, that express
humanized CD3 proteins, e.g., humanized CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta.,
CD3.gamma., and/or CD3.zeta. proteins. The present invention also
relates to genetically modified non-human animals that comprise in
their genome, e.g., in their germline, genetically modified CD3
loci encoding humanized CD3 proteins, e.g., chimeric human/mouse
CD3 proteins. Also provided are embryos, cells, and tissues
comprising the same, methods of making the same, as well as methods
of using the same. Unless defined otherwise, all terms and phrases
used herein include the meanings that the terms and phrases have
attained in the art, unless the contrary is clearly indicated or
clearly apparent from the context in which the term or phrase is
used.
[0033] "CD3," as used herein, includes an antigen which is
expressed on T cells as part of the multimolecular T cell receptor
(TCR) complex and which exists as a homodimer or heterodimer formed
from the association of two of four receptor chains: CD3-epsilon
(.epsilon.), CD3-delta (.delta.), CD3-zeta (.zeta.), and CD3-gamma
(.gamma.). Sequences and GenBank Accession Numbers of human and
mouse CD3-delta, CD3-zeta, and CD3-gamma are presented in Table 4
below. Throughout the application, .epsilon. or epsilon can also be
written as E, .delta. or delta can also be written as D, .zeta. or
zeta can also be written as Z, and .gamma. or gamma can also be
written as G.
[0034] As used herein, "an antibody that binds CD3" or an "anti-CD3
antibody" includes antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof
that specifically recognize a single CD3 subunit (e.g., epsilon,
delta, gamma or zeta), as well as antibodies and antigen-binding
fragments thereof that specifically recognize a dimeric complex of
two CD3 subunits (e.g., gamma/epsilon, delta/epsilon, and zeta/zeta
CD3 dimers). The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the
present invention may bind soluble CD3 and/or cell surface
expressed CD3. Soluble CD3 includes natural CD3 proteins as well as
recombinant CD3 protein variants such as, e.g., monomeric and
dimeric CD3 constructs, that lack a transmembrane domain or are
otherwise unassociated with a cell membrane.
[0035] The term "conservative," when used to describe a
conservative amino acid substitution, includes substitution of an
amino acid residue by another amino acid residue having a side
chain R group with similar chemical properties (e.g., charge or
hydrophobicity). Conservative amino acid substitutions may be
achieved by modifying a nucleotide sequence so as to introduce a
nucleotide change that will encode the conservative substitution.
In general, a conservative amino acid substitution will not
substantially change the functional properties of interest of a
protein, for example, the ability of CD3 proteins to play a role in
T cell receptor assembly and signaling. Examples of groups of amino
acids that have side chains with similar chemical properties
include aliphatic side chains such as glycine, alanine, valine,
leucine, and isoleucine; aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains such as
serine and threonine; amide-containing side chains such as
asparagine and glutamine; aromatic side chains such as
phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; basic side chains such as
lysine, arginine, and histidine; acidic side chains such as
aspartic acid and glutamic acid; and, sulfur-containing side chains
such as cysteine and methionine. Conservative amino acids
substitution groups include, for example,
valine/leucine/isoleucine, phenylalanine/tyrosine, lysine/arginine,
alanine/valine, glutamate/aspartate, and asparagine/glutamine. In
some embodiments, a conservative amino acid substitution can be a
substitution of any native residue in a protein with alanine, as
used in, for example, alanine scanning mutagenesis. In some
embodiments, a conservative substitution is made that has a
positive value in the PAM250 log-likelihood matrix disclosed in
Gonnet et al. ((1992) Exhaustive Matching of the Entire Protein
Sequence Database, Science 256:1443-45), hereby incorporated by
reference. In some embodiments, the substitution is a moderately
conservative substitution wherein the substitution has a
nonnegative value in the PAM250 log-likelihood matrix.
[0036] Thus, encompassed by the invention is a genetically modified
non-human animal, e.g., rodent, e.g., mouse or rat, expressing a
humanized CD3 protein(s) comprising conservative amino acid
substitutions in the amino acid sequence described herein.
[0037] One skilled in the art would understand that in addition to
the nucleic acid residues encoding humanized CD3 proteins described
herein, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, other nucleic
acids may encode the polypeptides of the invention. Therefore, in
addition to a genetically modified non-human animal that comprises
in its genome nucleotide sequences encoding humanized CD3 proteins
described herein, a non-human animal that comprises in its genome
nucleotide sequences that differ from those described herein due to
the degeneracy of the genetic code are also provided.
[0038] The term "identity" when used in connection with sequence
includes identity as determined by a number of different algorithms
known in the art that can be used to measure nucleotide and/or
amino acid sequence identity. In some embodiments described herein,
identities are determined using a ClustalW v. 1.83 (slow) alignment
employing an open gap penalty of 10.0, an extend gap penalty of
0.1, and using a Gonnet similarity matrix (MacVector.TM. 10.0.2,
MacVector Inc., 2008). The length of the sequences compared with
respect to identity of sequences will depend upon the particular
sequences. In various embodiments, identity is determined by
comparing the sequence of a mature protein from its N-terminal to
its C-terminal. In various embodiments, when comparing a humanized
sequence to a human sequence, the human portion of the humanized
sequence (but not the non-human portion) is used in making a
comparison for the purpose of ascertaining a level of identity
between a human sequence and a humanized sequence.
[0039] The term "operably linked" includes a juxtaposition wherein
the components so described are in a relationship permitting them
to function in their intended manner. As such, a nucleic acid
sequence encoding a protein may be operably linked to regulatory
sequences (e.g., promoter, enhancer, silencer sequence, etc.) so as
to retain proper transcriptional regulation. In addition, various
portions of the humanized protein of the invention may be operably
linked to retain proper folding, processing, targeting, expression,
and other functional properties of the protein in the cell. Unless
stated otherwise, various domains of the humanized protein of the
invention are operably linked to each other.
[0040] The term "replacement" in reference to gene replacement
includes placing exogenous genetic material at an endogenous
genetic locus, thereby replacing all or a portion of the endogenous
gene with an orthologous or homologous nucleic acid sequence. In
one instance, an endogenous non-human gene or fragment thereof is
replaced with a corresponding human gene or fragment thereof. A
corresponding human gene or fragment thereof is a human gene or
fragment that is an ortholog of, a homolog of, or is substantially
identical or the same in structure and/or function, as the
endogenous non-human gene or fragment thereof that is replaced. As
demonstrated in the Examples below, nucleotide sequences encoding
endogenous non-human CD3 extracellular domains were replaced by
nucleotide sequences corresponding to human CD3 extracellular
domains.
[0041] "Functional" as used herein, e.g., in reference to a
functional protein, includes a protein that retains at least one
biological activity normally associated with the native protein.
For example, in some embodiments of the invention, a replacement at
an endogenous locus (e.g., replacement at endogenous non-human CD3
loci) results in a locus that fails to express a functional
endogenous protein.
[0042] The term "locus" as in CD3 locus includes the genomic DNA
comprising the CD3 coding region. Other sequences may be included
in the CD3 locus that have been introduced for the purposes of
genetic manipulation, e.g., selection cassettes, restriction sites,
etc.
[0043] The term "germline" in reference to an immunoglobulin
nucleic acid sequence includes a nucleic acid sequence that can be
passed to progeny.
[0044] The phrase "immunoglobulin molecule" includes two
immunoglobulin heavy chains and two immunoglobulin light chains.
The heavy chains may be identical or different, and the light
chains may be identical or different.
[0045] The term "antibody", as used herein, includes immunoglobulin
molecules comprising four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains
and two light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds. Each
heavy chain comprises a heavy chain variable domain and a heavy
chain constant region (C.sub.H). The heavy chain constant region
comprises three domains, C.sub.H1, C.sub.H2 and C.sub.H3. Each
light chain comprises a light chain variable domain and a light
chain constant region (C.sub.L). The heavy chain and light chain
variable domains can be further subdivided into regions of
hypervariability, termed complementarity determining regions (CDR),
interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework
regions (FR). Each heavy and light chain variable domain comprises
three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to
carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3,
CDR3, FR4 (heavy chain CDRs may be abbreviated as HCDR1, HCDR2 and
HCDR3; light chain CDRs may be abbreviated as LCDR1, LCDR2 and
LCDR3).
[0046] The term "high affinity" antibody refers to an antibody that
has a K.sub.D with respect to its target epitope about of 10.sup.-9
M or lower (e.g., about 1.times.10.sup.-9 M, 1.times.10.sup.-10 M,
1.times.10.sup.-11 M, or about 1.times.10.sup.-12 M).
[0047] The phrase "bispecific antibody" includes an antibody
capable of selectively binding two epitopes. Bispecific antibodies
generally comprise two arms, each binding a different epitope
(e.g., two heavy chains with different specificies)--either on two
different molecules (e.g., different epitopes on two different
immunogens) or on the same molecule (e.g., different epitopes on
the same immunogen). If a bispecific antibody is capable of
selectively binding two different epitopes (a first epitope and a
second epitope), the affinity of the first antibody arm for the
first epitope will generally be at least one to two or three or
four or more orders of magnitude lower than the affinity of the
first antibody arm for the second epitope, and vice versa. Epitopes
specifically bound by the bispecific antibody can be on the same or
a different target (e.g., on the same or a different protein).
Exemplary bispecific antibodies include those with a first antibody
arm specific for a tumor antigen and a second antibody arm specific
for a cytotoxic marker, e.g., an Fc receptor (e.g., Fc.gamma.RI,
Fc.gamma.RII, Fc.gamma.RIII, etc.) or a T cell marker (e.g., CD3,
CD28, etc.). In one embodiment of the present invention, one arm of
the bispecific antibody is specific for CD3. Further, a bispecific
antibody with a first arm specific for a tumor antigen and a second
arm specific for a toxin can be paired so as to deliver a toxin
(e.g., saporin, vinca alkaloid, etc.) to a tumor cell. Other
exemplary bispecific antibodies include those with a first arm
specific for an activating receptor (e.g., B cell receptor,
Fc.gamma.RI, Fc.gamma.RIIA, Fc.gamma.RIIIA, Fc.gamma.RI, T cell
receptor, etc.) and a second arm specific for an inhibitory
receptor (e.g., Fc.gamma.RIIB, CD5, CD22, CD72, CD300a, etc.). Such
bispecific antibodies can be constructed for therapeutic conditions
associated with cell activation (e.g., allergy and asthma).
Bispecific antibodies can be made, for example, by combining heavy
chains that recognize different epitopes of the same immunogen. For
example, nucleic acid sequences encoding heavy chain variable
sequences that recognize different epitopes of the same immunogen
can be fused to nucleic acid sequences encoding the same or
different heavy chain constant regions, and such sequences can be
expressed in a cell that expresses an immunoglobulin light chain. A
typical bispecific antibody has two heavy chains each having three
heavy chain CDRs, followed by (N-terminal to C-terminal) a C.sub.H1
domain, a hinge, a C.sub.H2 domain, and a C.sub.H3 domain, and an
immunoglobulin light chain that either does not confer
epitope-binding specificity but that can associate with each heavy
chain, or that can associate with each heavy chain and that can
bind one or more of the epitopes bound by the heavy chain
epitope-binding regions, or that can associate with each heavy
chain and enable binding of one or both of the heavy chains to one
or both epitopes. Similarly, the phrase "multispecific antibody"
includes an antibody capable of selectively binding multiple
epitopes (e.g., two, three, four epitopes).
[0048] The phrase "complementarity determining region," or the term
"CDR," includes an amino acid sequence encoded by a nucleic acid
sequence of an organism's immunoglobulin genes that normally (i.e.,
in a wild-type animal) appears between two framework regions in a
variable region of a light or a heavy chain of an immunoglobulin
molecule. A CDR can be encoded by, for example, a germline sequence
or a rearranged or unrearranged sequence, and, for example, by a
naive or a mature B cell. A CDR can be somatically mutated (e.g.,
vary from a sequence encoded in an animal's germline), humanized,
and/or modified with amino acid substitutions, additions, or
deletions. In some circumstances (e.g., for a CDR3), CDRs can be
encoded by two or more sequences (e.g., germline sequences) that
are not contiguous (e.g., in an unrearranged nucleic acid sequence)
but are contiguous in a B cell nucleic acid sequence, e.g., as the
result of splicing or connecting the sequences (e.g., V-D-J
recombination to form a heavy chain CDR3).
[0049] The phrase "functional fragment" includes fragments of
antigen-binding proteins such as antibodies that can be expressed,
secreted, and specifically bind to an epitope with a K.sub.D in the
micromolar, nanomolar, or picomolar range. Specific recognition
includes having a K.sub.D that is at least in the micromolar range,
the nanomolar range, or the picomolar range.
[0050] The phrase "heavy chain," or "immunoglobulin heavy chain"
includes an immunoglobulin heavy chain sequence, including
immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region sequence, from any
organism. Heavy chain variable domains include three heavy chain
CDRs and four FR regions, unless otherwise specified. Fragments of
heavy chains include CDRs, CDRs and FRs, and combinations thereof.
A typical heavy chain has, following the variable domain (from
N-terminal to C-terminal), a C.sub.H1 domain, a hinge, a C.sub.H2
domain, and a C.sub.H3 domain. A functional fragment of a heavy
chain includes a fragment that is capable of specifically
recognizing an epitope (e.g., recognizing the epitope with a
K.sub.D in the micromolar, nanomolar, or picomolar range), that is
capable of expressing and secreting from a cell, and that comprises
at least one CDR. A heavy chain variable domain is encoded by a
variable region gene sequence, which generally comprises V.sub.H,
D.sub.H, and J.sub.H segments derived from a repertoire of V.sub.H,
D.sub.H, and J.sub.H segments present in the germline. Sequences,
locations and nomenclature for V, D, and J heavy chain segments for
various organisms can be found on the website for the International
Immunogenetics Information System (IMGT database).
[0051] The phrase "light chain" includes an immunoglobulin light
chain sequence from any organism, and unless otherwise specified
includes human kappa and lambda light chains and a VpreB, as well
as surrogate light chains. Light chain variable domains typically
include three light chain CDRs and four framework (FR) regions,
unless otherwise specified. Generally, a full-length light chain
includes, from amino terminus to carboxyl terminus, a variable
domain that includes FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4, and a light
chain constant region. A light chain variable domain is encoded by
a light chain variable region gene sequence, which generally
comprises V.sub.L and J.sub.L segments, derived from a repertoire
of V and J segments present in the germline. Sequences, locations
and nomenclature for V and J light chain segments for various
organisms can be found on the website for the International
Immunogenetics Information System (IMGT database). Light chains
include those, e.g., that do not selectively bind any epitopes
recognized by antigen-binding protein (e.g., antibody) in which
they appear. Light chains also include those that bind and
recognize, or assist the heavy chain with binding and recognizing,
one or more epitopes selectively bound by the antigen-binding
protein (e.g., an antibody) in which they appear.
[0052] The term "antigen-binding protein" as used herein includes
antibodies and various naturally produced and engineered molecules
capable of binding the antigen of interest. Such include, e.g.,
domain-specific antibodies, single domain antibodies (e.g., derived
from camelids and fish, etc.), domain-deleted antibodies, chimeric
antibodies, CDR-grafted antibodies, diabodies, triabodies,
tetrabodies, minibodies, nanabodies (e.g., monovalent nanobodies,
bivalent nanobodies, etc.), small modular immunopharmaceuticals
(SMIPs), shark variable IgNAR domains, etc. Antigen-binding protein
may also include antigen-binding fragments such as, e.g., (i) Fab
fragments; (ii) F(ab')2 fragments; (iii) Fd fragments; (iv) Fv
fragments; (v) single-chain Fv (scFv) molecules; (vi) dAb
fragments; and (vii) minimal recognition units consisting of the
amino acid residues that mimic the hypervariable region of an
antibody (e.g., an isolated complementarity determining region
(CDR) such as a CDR3 peptide), etc.
[0053] The term "cell" includes any cell that is suitable for
expressing a recombinant nucleic acid sequence. Cells include those
of prokaryotes and eukaryotes (single-cell or multiple-cell),
bacterial cells (e.g., strains of E. coli, Bacillus spp.,
Streptomyces spp., etc.), mycobacteria cells, fungal cells, yeast
cells (e.g., S. cerevisiae, S. pombe, P. pastoris, P. methanolica,
etc.), plant cells, insect cells (e.g., SF-9, SF-21,
baculovirus-infected insect cells, Trichoplusia ni, etc.),
non-human animal cells, human cells, or cell fusions such as, for
example, hybridomas or quadromas. In some embodiments, the cell is
a human, monkey, ape, hamster, rat, or mouse cell. In some
embodiments, the cell is eukaryotic and is selected from the
following cells: CHO (e.g., CHO K1, DXB-11 CHO, Veggie-CHO), COS
(e.g., COS-7), retinal cell, Vero, CV1, kidney (e.g., HEK293, 293
EBNA, MSR 293, MDCK, HaK, BHK), HeLa, HepG2, WI38, MRC 5, Colo205,
HB 8065, HL-60, (e.g., BHK21), Jurkat, Daudi, A431 (epidermal),
CV-1, U937, 3T3, L cell, C127 cell, SP2/0, NS-0, MMT 060562,
Sertoli cell, BRL 3A cell, HT1080 cell, myeloma cell, tumor cell,
and a cell line derived from an aforementioned cell. In some
embodiments, the cell comprises one or more viral genes, e.g. a
retinal cell that expresses a viral gene (e.g., a PER.C6.TM. cell).
In some embodiments, the cell is an ES cell.
Genetically Modified Humanized CD3 Animals
[0054] In various embodiments, the present invention provides
genetically modified non-human animals (e.g., rodents, e.g., mice
or rats) that comprise in their genome (e.g., in their germline
genome) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized CD3 protein
(e.g., a humanized CD3.epsilon., CD3.gamma., CD3.delta., or
combination thereof). In one embodiment, the present invention
provides genetically modified non-human animals (e.g., rodents,
e.g., mice or rats) that comprise in their genome nucleotide
sequences encoding humanized CD3.delta., humanized CD3.gamma., and
humanized CD3.epsilon. proteins. Thus, in some embodiments of the
invention, the mouse expresses a humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. complex on the surface of its T cells
such that the humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. forms a complex
with the T cell receptor expressed on the same T cell.
[0055] CD3 molecule is commonly a target of agents that are aimed
at modulating T cell immunity, and several anti-CD3 antibodies have
been developed for that purpose (e.g., muromonab-CD3 or OKT3).
Anti-CD3 antibodies such as OKT3 are used as immunosuppressive
agents (e.g., in transplant rejection) but are also studied for
their therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases (e.g., Crohn's
disease, type I diabetes, ulcerative colitis, etc.).
[0056] Additionally, CD3 molecules are also being studied as
targets for bispecific agents, e.g., bispecific antibodies, because
of the ability of anti-CD3 bispecific antibodies to recruit T cells
to a target cell, e.g., a cell that expresses a particular antigen
of interest. Exemplary anti-CD3 bispecific antibodies are described
in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0088295, and US.
Patent Application No. 62/033,460 (filed Aug. 5, 2014), both
incorporated herein by reference.
[0057] During preclinical drug development stage, candidate agents
are typically studied based on their efficacy, toxicity, and other
pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties. Candidate agents,
such as antibodies, typically target a human antigen--as the end
goal of investigation is to develop a human therapy. Many
preclinical studies are conducted in large animals such as primates
as their physiology and drug metabolism are most similar to humans.
Several antibodies developed to CD3 (e.g., OKT3) are known not to
cross-react to non-human CD3, particularly to primate CD3. To
conduct effective preclinical investigations relating to efficacy,
toxicity, and other parameters of a drug candidate, first, the drug
candidate must be determined to recognize primate CD3 molecule.
[0058] However, a separate factor complicating development of
anti-CD3 therapy is that large primates such as chimpanzees are
endangered and in many countries studies in chimpanzees are
prohibited; while studies in other primates, e.g., cynomolgus
monkeys (Macaca fascicularis), may raise ethical concerns. Thus,
any preliminary data on a specific therapeutic candidate that can
be obtained in a smaller animal model, such as a rodent, e.g., a
mouse, can be helpful in determining further progress of
preclinical investigations in large primates.
[0059] The most useful small animal model to conduct preliminary
studies is a non-human animal, e.g., a rodent, that expresses a
human or humanized CD3 protein, and allows the testing of anti-CD3
drug candidates that also cross-react with cynomolgus monkey CD3,
allowing for subsequent primate preclinical studies. The present
invention provides such an intricate animal model.
[0060] Thus, provided herein is a genetically modified non-human
animal comprising in its genome a nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding
an extracellular domain of a human CD3 protein. In some embodiments
of the invention, the CD3 protein is selected from the group
consisting of CD3.gamma., CD3.delta., CD3.epsilon., CD3.zeta., and
a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the CD3 protein is
selected from the group consisting of CD3.gamma., CD3.delta.,
CD3.epsilon., and a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the
CD3 protein comprises CD3.gamma., CD3.delta., and CD3.epsilon.
polypeptide chains. Thus, in some embodiments, the genetically
modified non-human animal comprises in its genome a nucleic acid
sequence(s) encoding an extracellular domain of a human a
CD3.gamma., an extracellular domain of a human CD3.delta., and an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon.. In some such
embodiments, the extracellular domains of human CD3.gamma.,
CD3.delta., and CD3.epsilon. may be encoded by a single nucleic
acid. In some embodiments, the extracellular domains of human
CD3.gamma., CD3.delta., and CD3.epsilon. are encoded by separate
nucleic acids.
[0061] Exemplary CD3 proteins are presented in the alignment in
FIG. 4. A mouse CD3.epsilon. protein sequence can be found in
GenBank Accession Number NP_031674 and SEQ ID NO:27, while a human
CD3.epsilon. protein sequence can be found in GenBank Accession
Number NP_000724 and SEQ ID NO:28. A mouse CD3.delta. protein
sequence can be found in GenBank Accession Number NP_038515 and SEQ
ID NO:29, while a human CD.delta. protein sequence can be found in
GenBank Accession Number NP_000723 and SEQ ID NO:30. A mouse
CD3.gamma. protein sequence can be found in GenBank Accession
Number NP_033980 and SEQ ID NO:31, while a human CD3.gamma. protein
sequence can be found in GenBank Accession Number NP_000064 and SEQ
ID NO:32.
[0062] In some embodiments of the invention, the nucleic acid
sequence(s) encoding an extracellular domain of a human CD3, e.g.,
an extracellular domain of a human a CD3.gamma., human CD3.delta.,
and human CD3.epsilon., are located at an endogenous non-human CD3
locus. In some embodiments of the invention, the non-human animal
does not comprise a functional extracellular domain of the
corresponding non-human CD3 protein. In some embodiments of the
invention, the nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding an extracellular
domain of a human CD3 replaces corresponding nucleic acid
sequence(s) encoding endogenous non-human CD3. Thus, in some
embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular
domain of a human CD3.gamma. replaces the nucleic acid sequence
encoding the extracellular domain of endogenous non-human
CD3.gamma., the nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular
domain of a human CD3.delta. replaces the nucleic acid sequence
encoding the extracellular domain of endogenous non-human
CD3.delta., and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the
extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon. replaces the nucleic
acid sequence encoding the extracellular domain of endogenous
non-human CD3.epsilon.. In some embodiments, the replacement does
not comprise the replacement of a nucleic acid sequence encoding
endogenous signal sequence. In another embodiment, the replacement
comprises the replacement of the nucleic acid sequence encoding
endogenous signal sequence with the nucleic acid sequence encoding
a human signal sequence.
[0063] In some aspects of the invention, the extracellular domain
comprises the region of the protein(s) that is not a transmembrane
or a cytoplasmic domain, e.g., the region of the protein that
appears on the surface of the cell and that, in part, when
assembled in a complex interacts with the extracellular domains of
other components of TCR signaling complex, e.g., TCR alpha and beta
extracellular domains. In various embodiments described herein,
extracellular domain refers to the domain of the protein expressed
on the cell surface and, unless indicated otherwise, does not
include the signal sequence which is typically proteolytically
cleaved prior to sell surface expression. In some embodiments of
the invention, the extracellular domain of CD3.epsilon. comprises
amino acids 17-130 of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:24 (set forth separately as SEQ ID NO:33). In some such
embodiments, the animal comprises the nucleic acid sequence
encoding an endogenous CD3.epsilon. signal sequence, e.g., signal
sequence at amino acids 1-16 of SEQ ID NO:24. In other embodiments
of the invention, the animal comprises the nucleic acid sequence
encoding a human CD3.epsilon. signal sequence. In some embodiments
of the invention, the extracellular domain of CD3.delta. comprises
amino acids 19-105 of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID
NO:25 (set forth separately as SEQ ID NO:34). In some such
embodiments, the animal comprises the nucleic acid sequence
encoding an endogenous CD3.delta. signal sequence, e.g., signal
sequence at amino acids 1-18 of SEQ ID NO:25. In other embodiments
of the invention, the animal comprises the nucleic acid sequence
encoding a human CD3.delta. signal sequence. In some embodiments,
the extracellular domain of CD3.gamma. comprises amino acids 20-116
of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26 (set forth
separately as SEQ ID NO:35). In some such embodiments, the animal
comprises the nucleic acid sequence encoding endogenous CD3.gamma.
signal sequence, e.g., signal sequence at amino acids 1-19 of SEQ
ID NO:26. In other embodiments of the invention, the animal
comprises the nucleic acid sequence encoding a human CD3.gamma.
signal sequence.
[0064] In some aspects of the invention, the non-human animal
comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains of endogenous CD3 protein, e.g., corresponding
endogenous CD3 protein. Thus, in one embodiment, the non-human
animal comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the extracellular
domain of the human CD3 protein operably linked to the nucleic acid
sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the
corresponding endogenous non-human CD3 protein. Thus, in one
aspect, the animal comprises at an endogenous CD3 locus a nucleic
acid sequence(s) encoding an extracellular domain of a human CD3
protein operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence(s) encoding
transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of an endogenous non-human
CD3. In one embodiment, the animal comprises at an endogenous
CD3.epsilon. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous non-human animal CD3.epsilon., at an
endogenous CD3.delta. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.delta. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous non-human animal CD3.delta., and at an
endogenous CD3.gamma. locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of a human CD3.gamma. operably linked to a
nucleic acid sequence encoding transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domains of an endogenous non-human animal CD3.gamma..
[0065] In some aspects of the invention, the non-human animal
expresses extracellular domains of human CD3 protein. In some
aspects, the non-human animal expresses an extracellular domain of
human CD3.epsilon. set forth in SEQ ID NO:33. In some aspects, the
non-human animal expresses an extracellular domain of human
CD3.delta. set forth in SEQ ID N0:34. In some aspects, the
non-human animal expresses an extracellular domain of human
CD3.gamma. set forth in SEQ ID NO:35.
[0066] In some embodiments of the invention, the non-human animal
is a mammal. In one aspect, the non-human animal is a small mammal,
e.g., of the superfamily Dipodoidea or Muroidea. In one embodiment,
the genetically modified animal is a rodent. In one embodiment, the
rodent is selected from a mouse, a rat, and a hamster. In one
embodiment, the rodent is selected from the superfamily Muroidea.
In one embodiment, the genetically modified animal is from a family
selected from Calomyscidae (e.g., mouse-like hamsters), Cricetidae
(e.g., hamster, New World rats and mice, voles), Muridae (true mice
and rats, gerbils, spiny mice, crested rats), Nesomyidae (climbing
mice, rock mice, white-tailed rats, Malagasy rats and mice),
Platacanthomyidae (e.g., spiny dormice), and Spalacidae (e.g., mole
rats, bamboo rats, and zokors). In a specific embodiment, the
genetically modified rodent is selected from a true mouse or rat
(family Muridae), a gerbil, a spiny mouse, and a crested rat. In
one embodiment, the genetically modified mouse is from a member of
the family Muridae. In one embodiment, the animal is a rodent. In a
specific embodiment, the rodent is selected from a mouse and a rat.
In one embodiment, the non-human animal is a mouse.
[0067] In one embodiment, the non-human animal is a rodent that is
a mouse of a C57BL strain selected from C57BL/A, C57BL/An,
C57BL/GrFa, C57BL/KaLwN, C57BL/6, C57BL/6J, C57BL/6ByJ, C57BL/6NJ,
C57BL/10, C57BL/10ScSn, C57BL/10Cr, and C57BL/Ola. In another
embodiment, the mouse is a 129 strain selected from the group
consisting of a strain that is 129P1, 129P2, 129P3, 129X1, 129S1
(e.g., 12951/SV, 129S1/SvIm), 129S2, 129S4, 129S5, 129S9/SvEvH,
129S6 (129/SvEvTac), 129S7, 129S8, 129T1, 129T2 (see, e.g., Festing
et al. (1999) Revised nomenclature for strain 129 mice, Mammalian
Genome 10:836, see also, Auerbach et al (2000) Establishment and
Chimera Analysis of 129/SvEv- and C57BL/6-Derived Mouse Embryonic
Stem Cell Lines). In a specific embodiment, the genetically
modified mouse is a mix of an aforementioned 129 strain and an
aforementioned C57BL/6 strain. In another specific embodiment, the
mouse is a mix of aforementioned 129 strains, or a mix of
aforementioned BL/6 strains. In a specific embodiment, the 129
strain of the mix is a 129S6 (129/SvEvTac) strain. In another
embodiment, the mouse is a BALB strain, e.g., BALB/c strain. In yet
another embodiment, the mouse is a mix of a BALB strain and another
aforementioned strain.
[0068] In one embodiment, the non-human animal is a rat. In one
embodiment, the rat is selected from a Wistar rat, an LEA strain, a
Sprague Dawley strain, a Fischer strain, F344, F6, and Dark Agouti.
In one embodiment, the rat strain is a mix of two or more strains
selected from the group consisting of Wistar, LEA, Sprague Dawley,
Fischer, F344, F6, and Dark Agouti.
[0069] Thus, in one embodiment, the genetically modified non-human
animal is a rodent. In one embodiment, the genetically modified
non-human animal is a rat or a mouse. In one embodiment, the animal
is a mouse. Thus, in one embodiment, the genetically modified
animal is a mouse and the mouse comprises at an endogenous mouse
CD3 locus a nucleotide sequence encoding an extracellular domain of
a human CD3 protein. In one embodiment, the mouse comprises a
nucleic acid sequence encoding an extracellular domain of a human
CD3.epsilon., a nucleic acid sequence encoding an extracellular
domain of a human CD3.delta., and a nucleic acid sequence encoding
an extracellular domain of a human CD3.gamma.. In some embodiments
of the invention, the extracellular domain of the human
CD3.epsilon. comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:33, the
extracellular domain of the human CD3.delta. comprises the sequence
set forth in SEQ ID NO:34, and the extracellular domain of the
human CD3.gamma. comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:35.
In some embodiments, the mouse comprises the sequence(s) encoding
endogenous mouse CD3 signal sequence(s). In other embodiments, the
mouse comprises the sequence(s) encoding human CD3 signal
sequence(s).
[0070] In some embodiments of the invention, the mouse of the
invention expresses humanized CD3 protein(s). In one embodiment,
the mouse expresses humanized CD3.epsilon., humanized CD3.delta.,
and humanized CD3.gamma. proteins. In some embodiments of the
invention, the mouse expresses a human CD3.epsilon. extracellular
domain and endogenous mouse CD3.epsilon. transmembrane and
cytoplasmic domains, a human CD3.delta. extracellular domain and
endogenous mouse CD3.delta. transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains,
and a human CD3.gamma. extracellular domain and endogenous mouse
CD3.gamma. transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. In some such
embodiments, the mouse expresses humanized CD3 proteins wherein the
humanized CD3 proteins are humanized CD3.epsilon. set forth in SEQ
ID NO:24, humanized CD3.delta. set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, and
humanized CD3.gamma. set forth in SEQ ID NO:26.
[0071] In some aspects of the invention, the genetically engineered
mouse is an immunocompetent mouse. In some embodiments of the
invention, the introduction of humanized CD3 protein(s) does not
affect the mouse's immune system function. In some embodiments of
the invention, the mouse comprises normal T and B cell ratio. In
some embodiments of the invention, the mouse is capable of mounting
a normal response to mouse infection. In some aspects, the mouse
displays similar CD4+ to CD8+ cell ratio in the thymus as compared
to a wild type mouse, e.g., a mouse that has not been genetically
modified to express humanized CD3 protein(s). In some embodiments
of the invention, the CD4+ to CD8+ cell ratio in the thymus of the
mouse is within 30%, e.g., within 20%, e.g., within 15%, e.g.,
within 12%, e.g., within 10%, e.g., within 5%, e.g., within 2%, of
the CD4+ to CD8+ cell ratio of a mouse that is not genetically
modified to express humanized CD3 protein(s). In some aspects, the
mouse displays similar T and B cell percentages in the spleen,
lymph nodes, and peripheral blood as a wild type mouse, e.g., a
mouse that is not genetically modified to express humanized CD3
protein(s). In some aspects, the mouse displays similar numbers of
circulating white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils,
eosinophils, and basophils as a wild type mouse, e.g., a mouse that
is not genetically modified to express humanized CD3
protein(s).
[0072] Also provided herein are methods of making the genetically
modified non-human animal described herein. In some embodiments,
the method of making a genetically modified non-human animal
wherein the animal expresses a humanized CD3 protein comprises
placing at an endogenous non-human animal CD3 locus a nucleic acid
sequence encoding an extracellular domain of a human CD3 protein,
wherein the human CD3 protein is selected from the group consisting
of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma., CD3.zeta., and a
combination thereof. In one embodiment the animal does not comprise
a functional extracellular domain of the corresponding non-human
CD3 protein(s). In one aspect, the animal comprises at an
endogenous non-human CD3 locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding an
extracellular domain of human CD3.epsilon., an extracellular domain
of human CD3.delta., and an extracellular domain of human
CD3.gamma.. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of a
human CD3.epsilon. is set forth in SEQ ID NO:33, the extracellular
domain of a human CD3.delta. is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 34, and the
extracellular domain of a human CD3.gamma. is set forth in SEQ ID
NO:35. In one embodiment, the animal does not comprise a functional
extracellular domain of the corresponding non-human CD3
protein(s).
[0073] In some embodiments, the method of making a genetically
modified non-human animal of the invention comprises replacing at
the endogenous CD3 locus a nucleotide sequence encoding the
extracellular domain of a non-human CD3 protein(s) with a
nucleotide sequence encoding an extracellular domain of a
corresponding human CD3 protein(s). In one embodiment, the animal
retains transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of the non-human CD3
protein(s). In some embodiments, the replacement results in a
chimeric protein(s) comprising an extracellular domain of a human
CD3 protein(s) and transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains of
corresponding endogenous non-human CD3 protein(s).
[0074] In some embodiments, the replacement method utilizes a
targeting construct made using VELOCIGENE.RTM. technology,
introducing the construct into ES cells, and introducing targeted
ES cell clones into a mouse embryo using VELOCIMOUSE.RTM.
technology, as described in the Examples.
[0075] In one embodiment, wherein the method comprises the
replacement of the nucleotide sequence encoding the extracellular
domain of endogenous non-human CD3.epsilon. with the nucleotide
sequence encoding the extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon.
protein, the method comprises a replacement of partial sequence of
endogenous mouse coding exons 2 to 4 of mouse CD3.epsilon. gene
with partial sequence of human coding exons 2 to 5 of human
CD3.epsilon. gene. In one embodiment, wherein the method comprises
the replacement of the nucleotide sequence encoding the
extracellular domain of endogenous non-human CD3.delta. with the
nucleotide sequence encoding the extracellular domain of a human
CD3.delta., the method comprises a replacement of partial sequence
of endogenous mouse coding exons 2 to 3 of mouse CD3.delta. with
the partial sequence of human coding exons 2 to 3 of human
CD3.delta. gene. In one embodiment, wherein the method comprises a
replacement of the nucleotide sequence encoding the extracellular
domain of endogenous non-human CD3.gamma. with the nucleotide
sequence encoding the extracellular domain of human CD3.gamma., the
method comprises replacement of partial sequence of mouse coding
exons 2 to 4 of mouse CD3.gamma. with the partial sequence of human
coding exons 2 to 4 of human CD3.gamma. gene. In one embodiment of
the invention, the replacement comprises the replacement of
sequence of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma.. In such an
embodiment, the replacement may be accomplished by creating a large
targeting vector that incorporates the sequential genetic
modification in all three loci and then introducing the large
targeting vector into mouse ES cells to make a mouse, e.g., as
described in Example 1.
[0076] Thus, in one embodiment, provided herein is a large
targeting vector for making a genetically modified animal of the
invention. In one embodiment, the large targeting vector comprises
5' and 3' mouse homology arms; a DNA fragment comprising the
CD3.epsilon. gene which comprises a replacement of partial sequence
of mouse CD3.epsilon. coding exons 2 to 4 with partial sequence of
human CD3.epsilon. coding exons 2 to 5; a DNA fragment comprising
the CD3.delta. gene which comprises a replacement of partial
sequence of mouse CD3.delta. coding exons 2 to 3 with partial
sequence of human CD3.delta. coding exons 2 to 3; a DNA fragment
comprising the CD3.gamma. gene which comprises a replacement of
partial sequence of mouse CD3.gamma. coding exons 2 to 4 with
partial sequence of human CD3.gamma. coding exons 2 to 4; and a
selection cassette.
[0077] A selection cassette is a nucleotide sequence inserted into
a targeting construct to facilitate selection of cells (e.g.,
bacterial cells, ES cells) that have integrated the construct of
interest. A number of suitable selection cassettes are known in the
art (Neo, Hyg, Pur, CM, SPEC, etc.). In addition, a selection
cassette may be flanked by recombination sites, which allow
deletion of the selection cassette upon treatment with recombinase
enzymes. Commonly used recombination sites are loxP and Frt,
recognized by Cre and Flp enzymes, respectively, but others are
known in the art. A selection cassette may be located anywhere in
the construct outside the coding region. In one embodiment, the
selection cassette is inserted upstream of human CD3.epsilon.
inserted sequence.
[0078] Upon completion of gene targeting, ES cells or genetically
modified non-human animals are screened to confirm successful
incorporation of exogenous nucleotide sequence of interest or
expression of exogenous polypeptide. Numerous techniques are known
to those skilled in the art, and include (but are not limited to)
Southern blotting, long PCR, quantitative PCR (e.g., real-time PCR
using TAQMAN.RTM.), fluorescence in situ hybridization, Northern
blotting, flow cytometry, Western analysis, immunocytochemistry,
immunohistochemistry, etc. In one example, non-human animals (e.g.,
mice) bearing the genetic modification of interest can be
identified by screening for loss of mouse allele and/or gain of
human allele using a modification of allele assay described in
Valenzuela et al. (2003) High-throughput engineering of the mouse
genome coupled with high-resolution expression analysis, Nature
Biotech. 21(6):652-659. Other assays that identify a specific
nucleotide or amino acid sequence in the genetically modified
animals are known to those skilled in the art.
[0079] In one aspect, a method for making a chimeric
human/non-human CD3 molecule is provided, comprising expressing in
a single cell a chimeric CD3 protein from a nucleotide construct as
described herein. In one embodiment, the nucleotide construct is a
viral vector; in a specific embodiment, the viral vector is a
lentiviral vector. In one embodiment, the cell is selected from a
CHO, COS, 293, HeLa, and a retinal cell expressing a viral nucleic
acid sequence (e.g., a PERC.6.TM. cell).
[0080] In one aspect, a cell that expresses a chimeric
human/non-human CD3 protein is provided. In one embodiment, the
cell comprises an expression vector comprising a chimeric CD3
sequence as described herein. In one embodiment, the cell is
selected from CHO, COS, 293, HeLa, and a retinal cell expressing a
viral nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a PERC.6.TM. cell).
[0081] A chimeric CD3 molecule made by a non-human animal as
described herein is also provided, wherein, in one embodiment, the
chimeric CD3 molecule comprises an amino acid sequence of all or
substantially all of an extracellular domain of a human CD3
protein, and at least transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains from a
non-human CD3 protein, e.g., mouse CD3 protein.
[0082] In addition to a genetically engineered non-human animal, a
non-human embryo (e.g., a rodent, e.g., a mouse or a rat embryo) is
also provided, wherein the embryo comprises a donor ES cell that is
derived from a non-human animal (e.g., a rodent, e.g., a mouse or a
rat) as described herein. In one aspect, the embryo comprises an ES
donor cell that comprises the chimeric CD3 gene, and host embryo
cells.
[0083] Also provided is a tissue, wherein the tissue is derived
from a non-human animal (e.g., a rodent, e.g., a mouse or a rat) as
described herein, and expresses the chimeric CD3 protein.
[0084] In addition, a non-human cell isolated from a non-human
animal as described herein is provided. In one embodiment, the cell
is an ES cell. In one embodiment, the cell is a T cell. In one
embodiment, the cell is a CD8+ T cell. In another embodiment, the
cell is a CD4+ T cell.
[0085] In some embodiments, also provided herein are genetic loci
comprising the nucleic acid sequences that encoding the humanized
CD3 protein(s) described herein.
Mouse Model for Testing Human Therapies
[0086] In some aspects, provided herein is a mouse model for
testing CD3-targeted ("anti-CD3") therapeutic agents. In some
embodiments, provided herein is a mouse model for testing anti-CD3
antigen-binding proteins. In some embodiments, provided herein is a
mouse model for testing anti-CD3 antibodies. In some such
embodiments, provided is a mouse model for testing anti-CD3
multispecific, e.g. bispecific antigen-binding proteins or anti-CD3
bispecific antibodies. As such, an anti-CD3 multispecific
antigen-binding protein, e.g. an anti-CD3 bispecific
antigen-binding protein, targets or specifically binds said
humanized CD3 protein and at least one other antigen of interest.
In various aspects, the mouse model for testing anti-CD3 bispecific
antigen-binding proteins wherein the antigen-binding protein is
capable of binding both CD3 and the antigen of interest comprises a
nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized CD3 protein, wherein the
humanized CD3 protein is selected from the group consisting of
CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma., CD3.zeta., and a combination
thereof, and a cell expressing or comprising the antigen of
interest. In one embodiment, the mouse comprises a T cell
expressing said humanized CD3 protein(s).
[0087] In an embodiment, the testing of the monospecific or
bispecific antigen-binding protein involves performing an assay or
a study that allows determination of the effect of the
antigen-binding protein on the T cell expressing said humanized CD3
protein. In another embodiment, the testing of the bispecific
antigen-binding protein involves performing an assay or a study
that allows determination of the effect of the antigen-binding
protein on both the T cell expressing said humanized CD3 protein
and the cell expressing or comprising the antigen of interest, or
the interaction between said CD3-expressing T cell and the cell
expressing or comprising the antigen of interest. In one
embodiment, the testing of the monospecific or bispecific
antigen-binding protein involves performing an assay or a study
that allows determination of the effect of the T cell expressing
said humanized CD3 protein on the cell expressing or comprising
said antigen of interest. In one embodiment, such assay measures,
e.g., the number of cells expressing the antigen of interest,
immune response, cellular interactions, cellular cytotoxicity,
cytokine release, cellular activation, cell proliferation, tumor
growth or regression, changes in pathology, or the like. Various
assays include but are not limited to measurements of
complement-directed cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent
cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis
(ADCP), PBMC proliferation, CD69 activation, histological tissue
analysis, analysis of tissue and cellular biomarkers (e.g., cells
or tissue may be extracted from the mouse for the purpose of the
assays, or analyzed by radiography, MRI, PET, SPECT, BLI, and
fluorescence-based imaging modalities).
[0088] In some embodiments of the invention, in such a mouse model,
the antigen of interest has been introduced into said mouse. The
antigen of interest may be introduced by several methods known to
those skilled in the art. Some nonlimiting methods include
transgenesis, injection, infection, tissue or cell transplantation.
The antigen of interest or a fragment thereof (e.g., a fragment
that is recognized by the antigen-binding protein being tested) can
be targeted to, or expressed by, particular cell types. In some
embodiments, the antigen of interest is a humanized antigen of
interest encoded by the mouse genome.
[0089] The antigen of interest may be a membrane-bound protein such
that it is expressed only on cell surface. Alternatively, the
antigen of interest or a fragment thereof (e.g., a fragment that is
recognized by the antigen-binding protein being tested) may be
displayed on the cell surface complexed with another protein or
moiety. Some cell-surface antigens may associate with other
proteins as co-receptor complexes, or bind or have affinity to
extracellular molecules. Thus, the mouse model may be utilized to
test bispecific antigen-binding molecules that interact with T
cells in various cell systems.
[0090] In one embodiment, the mouse model expresses human
CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., CD3.gamma. extracellular domains. In one
embodiment, the mouse expresses mouse transmembrane and cytoplasmic
domain of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma.; an in one
embodiment, the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains are
endogenous mouse domains. In one embodiment, the mouse model
expresses CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma., each comprising
a human extracellular domain and mouse, e.g., endogenous mouse,
transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains.
[0091] In various embodiment of the invention, the antigen-binding
protein binds both CD3 and the antigen of interest in the mouse
model. In one embodiment, the antigen of interest is a human
antigen. In one embodiment, the antigen of interest is a primate
antigen, e.g., a cynomolgus monkey antigen. In one embodiment, the
antigen-binding protein is capable of binding the same antigen of
interest of both human and monkey origin. In one embodiment, the
antigen-binding protein is capable of binding both human and monkey
CD3.
[0092] In one embodiment, the mouse model comprises a xenograft of
a tumor expressing the antigen of interest. In one embodiment, the
cell expressing or comprising the antigen of interest in said mouse
is an immortalized cell, such as a tumor cell. Thus, the mouse
model is utilized to test the activity of anti-CD3 bispecific
antigen-binding proteins in blocking or affecting the tumor cell
expressing the antigen of interest.
[0093] Thus, in the embodiment of the invention, wherein the cell
expressing or comprising the antigen of interest is a tumor cell,
the antigen of interest may be a tumor-associated antigen (TAA).
Various tumor antigens are listed in the database of T cell defined
tumor antigens (van der Bruggen P, Stroobant V, Vigneron N, Van den
Eynde B. Peptide database: T cell-defined tumor antigens. Cancer
Immun 2013). Exemplary tumor associated antigens include but are
not limited to AFP, ALK, BAGE proteins, .beta.-catenin, brc-abl,
BRCA1, BORIS, CA9, carbonic anhydrase IX, caspase-8, CCR5, CD19,
CD20, CD30, CD40, CDK4, CEA, CTLA4, cyclin-B1, CYP1B1, EGFR,
EGFRvIII, ErbB2/Her2, ErbB3, ErbB4, ETV6-AML, EpCAM, EphA2, Fra-1,
FOLR1, GAGE protein, GD2, GD3, GloboH, glypican-3, GM3, gp100,
Her2, HLA/B-raf, HLA/k-ras, HLA/MAGE-A3, hTERT, LMP2, MAGE protein,
MART-1, mesothelin, ML-IAP, Muc1, Muc2, Muc3, Muc4, Muc5, Muc16
(CA-125), MUM1, NA17, NY-BR1, NY-BR62, NY-BR85, NY-ESO1, OX40, p15,
p53, PAP, PAX3, PAX5, PCTA-1, PLAC1, PRLR, PRAME, PSMA (FOLH1),
RAGE proteins, Ras, RGS5, Rho, SART-1, SART-3, Steap-1, Steap-2,
survivin, TAG-72, TGF-.beta., TMPRSS2, Tn, TRP-1, TRP-2,
tyrosinase, and uroplakin-3.
[0094] In another embodiment of the invention, the mouse model is
used to determine if a candidate bispecific antigen-binding protein
is capable of blocking or affecting an antigen of interest which is
an infectious disease associated antigen. In one embodiment of the
invention, the mouse is infected with an infectious agent. In one
embodiment of the invention, the infectious disease associated
antigen is a viral antigen. In one aspect, the viral antigen is
selected from the group consisting of HIV, hepatitis A, hepatitis
B, hepatitis C, herpes virus (e.g., HSV-1, HSV-2, CMV, HAV-6, VZV,
Epstein Barr virus), adenovirus, influenza virus, flavivirus,
echovirus, rhinovirus, coxsackie virus, coronavirus, respiratory
syncytial virus, mumps virus, rotavirus, measles virus, rubella
virus, parvovirus, vaccinia virus, HTLV, dengue virus,
papillomavirus, molluscum virus, poliovirus, rabies virus, JC
virus, ebola virus, and arboviral encephalitis virus antigen.
[0095] In another embodiment of the invention, wherein the antigen
of interest is an infectious disease associated antigen, the
antigen of interest is a bacterial antigen. In some aspects of the
invention, the bacterial antigen is selected from the group
consisting of chlamydia, rickettsia, mycobacteria, staphylococci,
streptococci, pneumonococci, meningococci, gonococci, klebsiella,
proteus, serratia, pseudomonas, legionella, diphtheria, salmonella,
bacilli, cholera, tetanus, botulism, anthrax, plague, leptospira,
and Lyme disease bacterial antigen.
[0096] In some aspects of the invention, the CD3-based bispecific
antigen binding protein is a human CD3 based antigen binding
protein. In one embodiment, the antigen binding protein is an
antibody, e.g., a human antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment
thereof.
[0097] In some embodiments of the invention, the mouse model is an
immunocompetent mouse model. In some embodiments of the invention,
the mouse model allows for testing of efficacy and/or toxicity of
an antigen-binding protein of interest. The measures of efficacy
will depend on the antigen of interest being targeted by the
bispecific agent. In some embodiments, the measure of efficacy is T
cell killing of the cell expressing the antigen. In other
embodiments, the measure of efficacy is neutralization of the
virus. In other embodiment, the measure of efficacy may be
viability of the animal. In yet another embodiment, the measure of
efficacy may be elimination of cells expressing the antigen of
interest, proliferation of T cells, production of cytokines (e.g.,
IFNg, TNFa, IL-1, IL-2, IL-10, IL4, IL-6, granzyme, perforin,
etc.)
[0098] In some embodiments of the invention, the toxicity in the
animal may be measured as an adverse event in the animal, e.g.,
change in body weight, appetite, digestive changes, changes in
blood cell counts, splenomegaly, histological changes of the
organs, change in liver enzyme function, changes in urinalysis,
organ toxicity, hemorrhage, dehydration, loss of fur and
scruffiness, or other signs of morbidity. One measure may be
determination of antigen-binding protein cross-reactivity with
irrelevant antigens, which, in one embodiment, can be detected by
organ histology, specifically detection of antigen-binding protein
in tissues or cell types that are not known to express the antigen
of interest.
Use of Genetically Modified Non-Human Animals
[0099] The invention also provides various methods of using the
genetically modified non-human animals described herein.
[0100] In one embodiment, provided herein is a method of screening
therapeutic drug candidates that target an antigen of interest
comprising (a) providing or receiving a genetically modified mouse
comprising at its endogenous mouse CD3 locus a nucleic acid
sequence encoding an extracellular domain of a human CD3 protein
selected from the group consisting of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta.,
CD3.gamma., CD3.zeta., and a combination thereof, (b) introducing
into said genetically modified mouse an antigen of interest, (c)
contacting said mouse with a drug candidate of interest, wherein
the drug candidate is directed against the human CD3 and the
antigen of interest, and (d) determining if the drug candidate is
efficacious in preventing, reducing or eliminating cells
characterized by the presence or expression of the antigen of
interest. In various embodiments, the mouse expresses a functional
humanized CD3 protein on the surface of its T cells. In one
embodiment of the method, the genetically modified mouse comprises
at the endogenous mouse CD3 locus a nucleic acid sequence encoding
an extracellular domain of human CD3.epsilon., an extracellular
domain of human CD3.delta., and an extracellular domain of human
CD3.gamma.. In one embodiment of the method described herein, the
mouse does not comprise the nucleic acid sequence encoding a
functional extracellular domain of the corresponding mouse protein.
In some embodiments of the method, the extracellular domain(s) of
the human CD3 protein(s) is operably linked to the transmembrane
and cytoplasmic domain(s) of the corresponding endogenous mouse CD3
protein(s). In various such embodiments of the methods, the
extracellular domain of a human CD3.epsilon. is set forth in SEQ ID
NO:33, the extracellular domain of a human CD3.delta. is set forth
in SEQ ID NO:34, and the extracellular domain of a human CD3.gamma.
is set forth as SEQ ID NO:35. In various embodiment of the methods
described here, the mouse may express a humanized CD3.epsilon.
protein set forth in SEQ ID NO:24, a humanized CD3.delta. protein
set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, and a humanized CD3.gamma. set forth in
SEQ ID N0:26.
[0101] In various embodiments of the method described herein,
introduction of the antigen of interest into the genetically
modified mouse described herein may be accomplished by any methods
known to those skilled in the art, which may include, without
limitation, transgenesis, injection, infection, tissue or cell
transplantation. As such, introduction may be achieved by
expressing in the mouse the antigen of interest, which can comprise
genetically modifying said mouse to express the antigen of
interest. Alternatively, introduction may comprise introduction
into said mouse a cell expressing the antigen of interest, e.g., as
in cell or tissue transplantation. Introduction may also comprise
infecting said mouse with the antigen of interest, e.g., as in
bacterial or viral infection. In one embodiment, the antigen of
interest may be a human antigen of interest. In another embodiment,
it may be a bacterial or a viral antigen of interest.
[0102] The antigen of interest may be a tumor-associated antigen,
as described in detail above. The antigen may also be an infectious
disease associated antigen, e.g., a bacterial or a viral antigen,
as described in detail above.
[0103] In various embodiments of the methods of screening a
therapeutic drug candidate, the drug candidate may be an
antigen-binding protein, e.g., an antibody, e.g., a bispecific
antibody. In various aspects, such drug candidate is capable of
binding both human CD3 and the antigen of interest. The antigen of
interest may be a human antigen. The antigen of interest may also
be a primate, e.g., a monkey, antigen. Thus, the drug candidate
used for screening may be capable of binding both a human antigen
and a corresponding primate antigen, in addition to binding human
CD3. The drug candidate may also be capable of binding primate,
e.g., monkey, CD3. Thus, the drug candidate may be capable of
binding both human and primate, e.g., monkey, CD3; and also, in one
embodiment, be capable of binding a human antigen of interest. In
another embodiment, the antigen of interest may be a bacterial or a
viral antigen, and the drug candidate may be capable of binding
both the human and primate, e.g., monkey, CD3 and the bacterial or
viral antigen of interest.
[0104] In some aspects, the therapeutic candidate is an antibody,
which is a human antibody. In other aspects, it may be a humanized
antibody. For example, the therapeutic candidate may be an antibody
generated in VELOCIMMUNE.RTM. mice (U.S. Pat. No. 8,502,018,
incorporated herein by reference); thus, the initial antibody
candidate may comprise a human variable region and a mouse constant
region. The mouse constant region of the antibody candidate may be
reengineered to be of human origin by expressing the human variable
region selected in VELOCIMMUNE.RTM. mice in operable linkage with a
human constant region.
[0105] In various embodiments of the methods described herein, the
therapeutic candidate is capable of reducing, eliminating, or
preventing a disease. In one embodiment, the disease is a tumor,
and the therapeutic candidate is capable of reducing, eliminating,
or preventing tumor growth as compared to an agent that does not
target the antigen of interest. In such an embodiment of the
method, determination whether the drug candidate is efficacious in
preventing, reducing or eliminating cells characterized by the
presence or expression of the antigen of interest can be performed
using a tumor volume assay, a tumor cell killing assay, induction
of apoptotic markers in tumors, reduction in blood vessel growth in
tumors, infiltration of immune cells into tumors, etc. In another
embodiment, the disease is an infectious disease, and a therapeutic
candidate is capable reducing, eliminating, or preventing a
bacterial or a viral infection as compared to an agent that does
not target the antigen of interest. In such an embodiment of the
method, determination whether the drug candidate is efficacious in
preventing, reducing or eliminating cells characterized by the
presence or expression of the antigen of interest can be performed
using a measure of bacterial or viral titers, induction of
apoptotic markers in infected cells, etc.
[0106] Other methods of use of the humanized CD3 mice of the
present invention are also provided. In various embodiments of the
invention, the humanized CD3 mouse is an immunocompetent mouse. For
example, the humanized CD3 mouse of the invention, which comprises
a healthy normal immune system with intact development and complete
complement of all immune cell types and intact immune signaling
pathways, can be used to study the effects of various therapeutic
candidates on specific cell types, cytokines, chemokines, etc. The
mouse can then be used to answer mechanistic questions relating to
drug candidate function.
[0107] In addition, the humanized CD3 mice can be used in methods
that involve testing the effect of bispecific anti-CD3 drug
candidates on tumor grafts. Previously developed mouse models were
immunocompromised mouse models to allow for proper human tumor
engraftment. Humanized CD3 mouse is fully immunocompetent and
allows introduction and growth of tumor cells expressing the
antigen of interest, so full affect on the immune response can be
studied, included but not limited to answering mechanistic
questions, early toxicity questions, early efficacy questions,
etc.
EXAMPLES
[0108] The following examples are provided so as to describe to
those of ordinary skill in the art how to make and use methods and
compositions of the invention, and are not intended to limit the
scope of what the inventors regard as their invention. Efforts have
been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g.,
amounts, temperature, etc.) but some experimental errors and
deviations should be accounted for. The Examples do not include
detailed descriptions of conventional methods that would be well
known to those of ordinary skill in the art (molecular cloning
techniques, etc.). Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by
weight, molecular weight is average molecular weight, temperature
is indicated in Celsius, and pressure is at or near
atmospheric.
Example 1. Construction of Humanized CD3 Locus
Example 1.1. Construction of Humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon.
[0109] The mouse CD3 locus was humanized by construction of unique
targeting vectors from human and mouse bacterial artificial
chromosomes (BAC) DNA using VELOCIGENE.RTM. technology (see, e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,586,251 and Valenzuela et al. (2003)
High-throughput engineering of the mouse genome couple with
high-resolution expression analysis. Nat. Biotech. 21(6): 652-659,
both incorporated herein by reference). DNA from mouse BAC
bMQ-425K11 was modified by homologous recombination to replace the
genomic DNA encoding portions of mouse CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta.,
and CD3.gamma. genes (mouse CD3 genes located within close
proximity to one another on chromosome 9) with corresponding
portions of CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. genes derived
from human BAC RP11-414G21 (human CD3 genes are located within
close proximity to one another on chromosome 11), respectively.
[0110] Specifically, to generate humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice, the mouse BAC was first modified
by replacing 714 bp of mouse Cd3d sequence (corresponding to
partial sequence of mouse coding exons 2-3 of Cd3d gene) with 939
bp of human CD3D sequence (corresponding to partial sequence of
human coding exons 2-3 of CD3D gene) in a single targeting event
using a targeting vector comprising a Spec cassette using mouse
homology arms.
[0111] Mouse BAC comprising a replacement of partial sequence of
mouse coding exons 2-3 of CD3d gene with corresponding human
sequence was subsequently modified by replacement of 1,738 bp of
mouse Cd3g sequence (corresponding to partial sequence of mouse
coding exons 2-4 of Cd3g gene) with 1,639 bp of human CD3G sequence
(corresponding to partial sequence of human coding exons 2-4 of
CD3G gene) also in a single targeting event using another Spec
cassette-containing vector and mouse homology arms.
[0112] Finally, the BAC comprising the replacement of mouse CD3d
and CD3g genes with corresponding human genes was further modified
by replacing 6,213 bp mouse CD3e sequence with 6,817 bp of human
sequence (corresponding to replacement of partial sequence of mouse
coding exons 2 to 4 of mouse CD3e gene with partial sequence of
human coding exons 2 to 5 of human CD3E gene). A 4,996 bp floxed
neomycin cassette was inserted upstream of human CD3E sequence
knock-in.
[0113] The resulting humanized large targeting vector for insertion
into ES cells is depicted in FIG. 2A, with A, B, C, D, E, F, and G
indicating various mouse/human or mouse/NEO cassette or human/NEO
cassette junctions. The sequences at the junctions are depicted in
Table 1 below.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Junctional Sequences of the Large Targeting
Vector Sequence designa- tion SEQ in FIG. ID 1 Junction Sequence
NO: A 5' mouse CGACTTTCTTGACTTCTATTTGTTA 1 Cd3e/
AACACTGTGCATTCACATCGAATGC XhoI/ TAGAAGTTTCCTCGTCCCGCTTCCT (loxP)
CCTGAATTGCCTGGGATCCTCTGCT cassette TGATGCCCTGTAGGAAACGTCCTTT
CCTGTGGTATAGAAATGACTG/CTC GAG/ATAACTTCGTATAATGTATGC
TATACGAAGTTATATGCATGGCCTC CGCGCCGGGTTTTGGCGCCTCCCGC B 3'
TGTATCTTATCATGTCTGGAATAAC 2 cassette TTCGTATAATGTATGCTATACGAAG
(loxP) TTATGCTAGTAACTATAACGGTCCT IceUI// AAGGTAGCGAGCTAGC//CTTCCAC
human AGACACCAATGTTCAAAATGGAGGC CD3E TTGGGGGCAAAATTCTTTTGCTATG
TCTCTAGTCGTCCAAAAAATGGTCC TAACTTTTTCTGACTCCTGCTTGTC
AAAAATTGTGGGCTCATAGTTAATGC C 3' human AGGGGAGAATGGCCTTCATGCACTCC 3
CD3E/ CTCCTCACCTCCAGCGCCTTGTGTTT mouse TCCTTGCTTAGTGATTTCCCCTCTCC
Cd3e CCACCCCACCCCCCACAGTGTGTGAG AACTGCATGGAGATGGATGTGATGTC
GGTG/GCCATAATCATCATTGTTGAC ATCTGTATCACTCTGGGCTTGCTGAT
GGTCATTTATTACTGGAGCAAGAATA GGAAGGCCAAGGCCAAGCCT D 3' mouse
GAAAGAGAGAGTCTTTCTGCTAACTA 4 Cd3d/ ACCCCCAGAAGGCCTTCCGGTCTCAT human
GTCCTGCAAAGCAGTAGACGCCCAAA CD3D GCCAGGAGCAGAGTTGCGATGAGGTC
AATGAAGATGACACC/AGCCACGGTG GCTGGATCCAGCTCCACACAGCTCTG
GCACACTGTGGGGGAAGGGAGGAGAG AGGAGAGGTTGAGAGCCTTTAAGATC AGGGAACCATCCT
E 5' human CAAGAGAGACAGAAGTCACAAGAAAA 5 CD3D/
AGCCTTCAGAAAGTTCCCCACCAACT SgrDI/ GCAGGGGTCAAGGGGGACATGAGGAT mouse
GCCATTCAAG/CGTCGACG/AGCGTA Cd3d GGCAGCTTATTGCTCTGCATACTTAC
AGACCATTTGTGTAGTAAGGGACATG ATGCCGAGTGAAAGGGGCAGGAGCAA
CCAGAGGGAGATTTCAGGAAGTTCTC CAGGGACTCGAGGTTCGTGA F 5' mouse
GAAGCCCCACCCAGAAAGGTAGGACAA 6 Cd3g/ AGATCATAGTCATATTTACTTCATCCA
AsisI/ GGAGAGAAACACAGACACAGCCATTGC human
CTTGGCCATCATCTCTCTCCATCTTGA CD3G CCTCACGTGATCATG/GCGATCGC/GA
GTGATTTAGTCTACAATCCGGAAAACT AAGTATAGATACTACCATTTTCATGGA
TTTGGATCTTTCTTCATCTTGGCCTCA AATAACCATG G 3' human
GCATTATTGCAGACAGGCAGGAGAAAA 7 CD3G/ CGAACCAGGAAAAACAACTTTCGCAAC
mmuse CTGAAGGTTTGTCTCTCCTTTTCCCTA Cd3g CAGTGTGTCAGAACTGCATTGAACTAA
ATGCAGCCACCATATCT/GGCTTTATC TTCGCTGAGGTCATCAGCATCTTCTTC
CTTGCTCTTGGTGTATATCTCATTGCG GGACAGGATGGACAATACCCTGTCTTA A
[0114] The targeted BAC DNA was used to electroporate mouse ES
cells comprising a deletion in mouse CD3 locus to create modified
ES cells for generating mice that express humanized CD3.epsilon.,
CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. on the surface of their T cells. ES
cells containing insertions of human CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and
CD3.gamma. sequences were identified by a quantitative TAQMAN.TM.
assay (see, e.g., Lie and Petropoulos, 1998. Curr. Opin.
Biotechnology 9:43-48, incorporated herein by reference). Specific
primer sets and probes were designed for detecting insertion of
human sequences (gain-of-allele, GOA) and deletion of mouse
sequences (loss-of-allele, LOA). Table 2 identifies the names and
locations of each of primers/probe sets used in the quantitative
PCR assays.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Primers/Probe Pairs Used for Genotyping
Sequence Gene Name Assay Fwd Primer Probe (BHQ) Rev Primer Mouse
968 mTU LOA CCTCTGCCATG TGCCGTGATGT GTTCTGAG Cd3e TAGGTTTGTG
TTGTTCAATGA AAAGGCGT TAC CCAAA TCTTAAGTG (SEQ ID NO: 9) (SEQ ID NO:
10) (SEQ ID NO: 11) Mouse 7164 LOA CCAGGCGTACT TGGGCTTACCAT
GCTACTCTTC Cd3g mTD TGCTGTTCTG CCAGGACGA CCACAAACTG (SEQ ID NO: 12)
(SEQ ID NO: 13) CTTAG (SEQ ID NO: 14) Human 7170 GOA CCAGCAGTAAG
TGTAGAAATGG GGGCTGTGTT CD3E hTU TTCCACTGTTC CTGTGACCCAGCA
GCAGTATGAC TAG (SEQ ID NO: 16) (SEQ ID NO: 17) (SEQ ID NO: 15)
Human 928 hTU GOA ACCGTGCAAGT ACGTGCTTCCTG TCTCACATCCA CD3D
TCATTATCGAAG AACCCTTTGGGT GAAGCCCTATC (SEQ ID NO: 18) (SEQ ID NO:
19) (SEQ ID NO: 20) Human 7164 GOA CGAGGGATGTA CACAGAACAAGT
GCTCACCAGAA CD3G hTD TCAGTGTAAAG CAAAACCACTCC CAGCAAATACTG GA AAGTG
(SEQ ID NO: 23) (SEQ ID NO: 21) (SEQ ID NO: 22)
[0115] Targeted ES cells described above were used as donor ES
cells and introduced into an 8-cell stage mouse embryo by the
VELOCIMOUSE.RTM. method (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,294,754 and
Poueymirou et al. (2007) F0 generation mice that are essentially
fully derived from the donor gene-targeted ES cells allowing
immediate phenotypic analyses Nature Biotech. 25(1):91-99).
VELOCIMICE.RTM. (F0 mice fully derived from the donor ES cell)
independently bearing a humanized CD3 genes were identified by
genotyping using a modification of allele assay (see above) that
detects the presence of the unique human CD3 gene sequences.
[0116] The selection cassette may be removed by methods known by
the skilled artisan. For example, ES cells bearing the humanized
CD3 locus may be transfected with a construct that expresses Cre in
order to remove floxed cassette. The selection cassette may
optionally be removed by breeding to mice that express Cre
recombinase. Optionally, the selection cassette is retained in the
mice. The mouse/human junction of the humanized CD3.epsilon. allele
after selection cassette removal (depicted as A-B in FIG. 2B), is
presented in Table 3 below. The remaining junction sequences are
the same as in the targeting vector and are presented in Table 1
above.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Junctional Sequences of the Humanized Allele
Sequence SEQ designation ID in FIG. 1B Junction Sequence NO: A-B
5'mouse CGACTTTCTTGACTTCTATTTGTTAAA 8 Cd3e/
CACTGTGCATTCACATCGAATGCTAGA XhoI/ AGTTTCCTCGTCCCGCTTCCTCCTGAA Lox/
TTGCCTGGGATCCTCTGCTTGATGCCC IceUI// TGTAGGAAACGTCCTTTCCTGTGGTAT
human AGAAATGACTG/CTCGAG/ATAACTTC CD3E GTATAATGTATGCTATACGAAGTTAT/
GCTAGTAACTATAACGGTCCTAAGGTA GCGAGCTAGC//CTTCCACAGACACCA
ATGTTCAAAATGGAGGCTTGGGGGCAA AATTCTITTGCTATGICTCTAGTCGTC
CAAAAAATGGTCCTAACTITTTCTGAC TCCTGCTTGTCAAAAATTGTGGGCTCA
TAGTTAATGC
[0117] The sequence of the resulting humanized CD3.epsilon.,
CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. proteins is depicted in FIG. 3 and
included in the sequence listing. Additionally, alignment of
mouse-human sequences and junctions at the 5' and 3' of inserted
human sequence are shown in FIG. 4 as * and **, respectively.
GenBank Protein Accession Numbers for CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and
CD3.gamma. proteins are summarized below in Table 4.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 GenBank Protein Accession Numbers Mouse
Accession # Human Accession # Protein Name (SEQ ID NO) (SEQ ID NO)
CD3.epsilon. NP_031674 NP_000724 (SEQ ID NO: 27) (SEQ ID NO: 28)
CD3.delta. NP_038515 NP_000723 (isoform A) (SEQ ID NO: 29) (SEQ ID
NO: 30) CD3.gamma. NP_033980 NP_000064 (SEQ ID NO: 31) (SEQ ID NO:
32)
Example 2. Characterization of Humanized CD3 Mice
Example 2.1. Immune Cell Development in Humanized CD3 Mice
[0118] Immune cell development in the thymus and periphery of human
CD3.epsilon..delta..gamma. mice was assessed using
fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis and
differential cell counting. Thymus, spleen and lymph nodes were
harvested from cohorts of wildtype (WT, no human
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon.), heterozygous (Het, one
hCD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. allele) and homozygous (Ho, two
hCD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. alleles) mice. Peripheral blood was
obtained by cardiac puncture or retro-orbital bleed into EDTA
coated Microtainer tubes (BD). Single cell suspensions were
prepared from the spleen, LN and thymus using mechanical
disruption, and red blood cells were removed from the spleen,
thymus and whole blood by lysis with AKC Lysis buffer. Cells were
incubated for 10 minutes at room temperature with purified
antibodies to CD16/CD32 (FcBlock) to block non-specific binding via
Fc receptors, and then incubated for 30 minutes at 4.degree. C.
with a cocktail of directly conjugated antibodies to T and B cell
markers. Cells were washed twice with cold PBS containing 1% BSA,
resuspended in buffer and analyzed by flow cytometry on a FACSCanto
II.TM. flow cytometer (BD Biosciences). Thymocytes were identified
first by forward and side scatter gating, and then by gating on the
B220- population. In the periphery, T cells were identified as
CD45+/TCRb+/B220-, and B cells were identified as
CD45+/TCRb-/B220+. Absolute counts were obtained on a Hemavet 950FS
Hematology Analyzer.
[0119] As demonstrated in FIG. 5, humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice appeared to have normal thymocyte
development and normal T cell and B cell ratios in thymus,
peripheral blood, and spleen. Additionally, T and B cell
percentages appeared normal in lymph nodes, and absolute cell
counts for spleen and lymph nodes (data not shown) were within
normal range. CD4 and CD8 cell numbers in the blood were similar
between the WT, Het, and Ho mice. Circulating white blood cells,
lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils all
appeared within normal range (data not shown). Thus, normal immune
cell development is observed in the humanized
CD3.epsilon..delta..gamma. mice.
Example 2.2. T Cell Response to Infection in Humanized CD3 Mice
[0120] To determine whether the humanized CD3 mice (humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice) exhibited normal response to
infection, the ability of humanized mice to clear lymphocytic
choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) was tested. LCMV is a mouse tropic
virus, where the fate of infection depends on the viral strain.
Infection with Armstrong strain results in an acute infection,
where mice can quickly mount a T cell response against the virus
and clear the infection in about a week. On the other hand, Clone
13 virus cannot be cleared, and T cells become "exhausted" and
chronic infection is established. As both chronic and acute
infections depend on T cell activity, LCMV is an ideal model to
test for T cell function.
[0121] 6-8 week old humanized CD3 or strain matched control mice
were infected with 2.times.10.sup.5 ffu of Armstrong i.p. and/or
2.times.10.sup.6 ffu of Clone 13 i.v. for Clone 13 infection, two
weeks after infection spleens were harvested and virus titers were
measured by plaque assay. Viral titers were similar in both control
and huCD3 mice (FIG. 6A), indicating that CD3 humanization did not
have an effect on the T-cell exhaustion phenotype, as T-cells can
control the virus to similar levels in both strains of mice. For
the Armstrong strain infection, two weeks after initial Amstrong
strain infection, mice were challenged with Clone 13 and two weeks
after Clone 13 challenge viral titers were measured in spleens. No
virus was detected in either control or humanized CD3 mice (FIG.
6B). The data suggests that the acute Armstrong infection was
cleared. In addition, this demonstrates that T-cell memory that was
elicited from the Armstrong infection was sufficient to protect
mice from the subsequent Clone 13 infection in both strains of
mice.
Example 3. Humanized CD3 Mice as a Model for Testing Anti-CD3-Based
Therapeutic Candidates
Example 3.1. Humanized CD3 Mouse for Testing Cynomolgus Monkey
Cross-Reactive Anti-Human CD3 Antibodies
[0122] The ability of different human restricted or cynomolgus
cross-reactive anti-CD3 antibodies to bind splenocytes from wild
type (WT) or humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. (Ho=homozygous,
Het=heterozygous) mice was tested using fluorescence-activated cell
sorting (FACS) analysis.
[0123] Freshly isolated splenocytes (2.times.10.sup.5 per well)
were incubated with anti-CD3 antibodies (15 ug/ml) for 30 minutes
at 4.degree. C. Post incubation, cells were washed twice and
appropriate secondary antibodies (e.g. fluorescent-tagged PE
anti-human IgG and directly conjugated antibodies to T cell
markers) were added and incubated for an additional 30 minutes at
4.degree. C., then washed twice. The following antibodies were
used: ah/mfCD3-2 and ah/mfCD3-1 are two antibodies that recognize
both human and monkey CD3; ahCD3-2 and ahCD3-1 are two antibodies
that only recognize human CD3, amCD3-2C11 is an antibody that
recognizes mouse CD3 only, control human IgG is an unrelated
control antibody, and 2.sup.nd only is a secondary antibody only
control. Cells were washed twice with cold PBS containing 1% BSA,
resuspended in buffer and analyzed by flow cytometry on a FACSCanto
II.TM. flow cytometer (BD Biosciences). T cells were identified as
CD45+/TCRb+/B220-. Anti-mCD3-2C11 engineered to contain hIgG1 was
used to identify T cells on WT mouse splenocytes.
[0124] As demonstrated in FIG. 7, anti-CD3 antibodies that
recognized only human CD3 were able to bind CD3 on the surface of
splenocytes from humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice;
similarly anti-CD3 antibodies that recognized human and monkey CD3
were able to bind CD3 on the surface of humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice. Thus, mice humanized for all three
CD3.epsilon., CD3.delta., and CD3.gamma. are relevant for early
pre-clinical studies of CD3-based drug candidates which can be
followed up by efficacy and toxicity studies in cynomolgus
monkeys.
Example 3.2. T Cell Activation in Humanized CD3 Mice
[0125] The ability of anti-human CD3 antibodies to elicit immune
response in humanized CD3 mice was tested. Mice humanized for
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. (n of 2/group), were injected
intraperitoneally with 10 ug of different human restricted or
cynomolgus cross-reactive anti-CD3 antibodies (all hIgG1). To
obtain cellular composition and plasma cytokine levels, blood was
drawn into EDTA coated Microtainer tubes (BD) from the
retro-orbital sinus starting 2 hours post injection. The number of
peripheral T and B cells was assessed by FACS. Briefly, 50 ul whole
blood was incubated for 30 minutes at 4.degree. C. with a cocktail
of directly conjugated antibodies to T and B cell markers. Red
blood cells were removed by lysis with AKC Lysis buffer, and the
labeled cells were washed one time with cold PBS containing 1% BSA.
After washing, the cells were re-suspended in cold buffer and
analyzed by flow cytometry on a FACSCANTO II.TM. flow cytometer (BD
Biosciences). T cells were identified as live CD45-F/TCRb+/B220-,
and B cells were identified as live CD45+/TCRb-/B220+. Absolute
cell counts were determined by adding a known quantity of
CountBright TM Absolute Counting Beads. Plasma cytokine levels were
assessed using a Mouse ProInflammatory 7-Plex Ultra-Sensitive Kit
(Meso-Scale Discovery) from blood obtained 2 hours post
injection.
[0126] As demonstrated in FIG. 8A, injection of 10 ug of anti-CD3
antibodies induced a transient T and B cell depletion, which was
largely restored by day 4 after initial antibody treatment.
Additionally, injection of anti-CD3 antibodies (both anti-CD3
antibodies recognizing only human CD3 (ahCD3-1 and ahCD3-3) and
anti-CD3 antibodies recognizing both human and monkey CD3
(ah/mfCD3-1 and ah/mfCD3-2)) induced cytokine production in
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. humanized mice (FIG. 8B).
[0127] In addition, the ability of anti-human CD3,
anti-human/cynomolgus CD3, or anti-mouse antibodies to induce
proliferation of splenocytes obtained from wild type or humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice was assessed using ATP catalyzed
quantification (CellTiter Glo.RTM.). The activation of mouse
splenocytes results in the release of cytokines, which drive
cellular proliferation. Proliferation data was acquired using the
following protocol: splenocytes (5.times.10.sup.5/well) derived
from wild type (WT) or humanized homozygous
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. (hCD3.gamma..delta..epsilon.Ho) were
added to 96 well plates which had been coated overnight at
4.degree. C. with decreasing amounts of human restricted,
cynomolgus cross-reactive, or murine specific anti-CD3 antibodies.
500 ng/ml anti-mouse CD28 was added to the cultures, and the plates
were incubated for 72 h at 37.degree. C. Following incubation,
CellTiter Glo.RTM. was added and luminescence was measured using a
VICTOR X5 multi-label plate reader (PerkinElmer). The EC50 of cell
viability (ATP catalyzed quantification) was determined using Prism
(GraphPad Software, San Diego, Calif.). Values were calculated
using a 4-parameter non-linear regression analysis.
[0128] As demonstrated in FIG. 9, splenocytes from humanized
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice were induced to proliferate by
cynomolgus monkey-crossing CD3 antibodies.
[0129] A summary of various properties of WT and
CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice are presented in FIG. 10. As can be
seen, CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon. mice are able to bind human CD3
and respond to anti-human CD3 antibodies, particularly those that
are known to cross-react with monkey CD3, which is an important
aspect for therapeutic agents as preclinical studies on drug
candidates are often conducted in large animals such as cynomolgus
monkeys.
Example 3.3. Tumor Depletion Studies in Humanized CD3 Mouse
[0130] Mice humanized for CD3 (humanized CD3.gamma..delta..epsilon.
mice described above) were humanized at the CD20 locus such that
the mice expressed both humanized proteins. Humanized CD3/CD20 mice
were implanted subcutaneously with 2.times.10.sup.5 B16F10.9
melanoma tumor cells transduced with human CD20. Starting at Day 0
(day of tumor transplantation), mice were treated intraperitoneally
2 times per week with either vehicle (PBS; n=5), 0.4 mg/kg control
Ab 2 (control antibody that does not display cross-reactivity to
CD20 antigen; n=5), 0.4 mg/kg of Ab 1 (anti-CD3/CD20 bispecific
antibody, see WO2014121087A1, published Aug. 7, 2014, N=5), or
0.004 mg/kg Ab 1 (n=5). Tumor volumes were measured as indicated in
FIG. 11A. Mice were sacrificed when tumors reached volume of
greater than 1500 mm.sup.3. As demonstrated in FIG. 11A, treatment
with Ab 1 delayed tumor growth when treatment was initiated
simultaneously with tumor transplantation.
[0131] In a separate experiment, ability of Ab 1 to inhibit tumor
growth in an already established tumor was also tested (FIG. 11B).
Humanized CD3/CD20 mice were implanted subcutaneously with
2.times.10.sup.5 B16F10.9 melanoma tumor cells expressing human
CD20. On day 10 post tumor implantation, mice were randomized based
on tumor size and organized into the following treatment groups, 5
mice in each group: vehicle (PBS), 4 mg/kg control Ab 2 (control
antibody that does not display cross-reactivity to CD20 antigen), 4
mg/kg of Ab 1, or 0.04 mg/kg Ab 1. All mice were treated i.p. 2
times a week. Mice were sacrificed when tumors reached volume of
greater than 1500 mm.sup.3. As demonstrated in FIG. 11B, treatment
with Ab 1 delayed tumor growth of already established tumors,
demonstrating that the humanized CD3 mice are advantageous for
early drug candidate studies.
EQUIVALENTS
[0132] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents of the specific embodiments of the invention described
herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the
following claims.
[0133] Entire contents of all non-patent documents, patent
applications and patents cited throughout this application are
incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.
Sequence CWU 1
1
351223DNAArtificialsynthetic 1cgactttctt gacttctatt tgttaaacac
tgtgcattca catcgaatgc tagaagtttc 60ctcgtcccgc ttcctcctga attgcctggg
atcctctgct tgatgccctg taggaaacgt 120cctttcctgt ggtatagaaa
tgactgctcg agataacttc gtataatgta tgctatacga 180agttatatgc
atggcctccg cgccgggttt tggcgcctcc cgc 2232224DNAArtificialsynthetic
2tgtatcttat catgtctgga ataacttcgt ataatgtatg ctatacgaag ttatgctagt
60aactataacg gtcctaaggt agcgagctag ccttccacag acaccaatgt tcaaaatgga
120ggcttggggg caaaattctt ttgctatgtc tctagtcgtc caaaaaatgg
tcctaacttt 180ttctgactcc tgcttgtcaa aaattgtggg ctcatagtta atgc
2243227DNAArtificialSynthetic 3aggggagaat ggccttcatg cactccctcc
tcacctccag cgccttgtgt tttccttgct 60tagtgatttc ccctctcccc accccacccc
ccacagtgtg tgagaactgc atggagatgg 120atgtgatgtc ggtggccata
atcatcattg ttgacatctg tatcactctg ggcttgctga 180tggtcattta
ttactggagc aagaatagga aggccaaggc caagcct
2274220DNAArtificialSynthetic 4gaaagagaga gtctttctgc taactaaccc
ccagaaggcc ttccggtctc atgtcctgca 60aagcagtaga cgcccaaagc caggagcaga
gttgcgatga ggtcaatgaa gatgacacca 120gccacggtgg ctggatccag
ctccacacag ctctggcaca ctgtggggga agggaggaga 180gaggagaggt
tgagagcctt taagatcagg gaaccatcct 2205226DNAArtificialsynthetic
5caagagagac agaagtcaca agaaaaagcc ttcagaaagt tccccaccaa ctgcaggggt
60caagggggac atgaggatgc cattcaagcg tcgacgagcg taggcagctt attgctctgc
120atacttacag accatttgtg tagtaaggga catgatgccg agtgaaaggg
gcaggagcaa 180ccagagggag atttcaggaa gttctccagg gactcgaggt tcgtga
2266224DNAArtificialsynthetic 6gaagccccac ccagaaaggt aggacaaaga
tcatagtcat atttacttca tccaggagag 60aaacacagac acagccattg ccttggccat
catctctctc catcttgacc tcacgtgatc 120atggcgatcg cgagtgattt
agtctacaat ccggaaaact aagtatagat actaccattt 180tcatggattt
ggatctttct tcatcttggc ctcaaataac catg 2247216DNAArtificialsynthetic
7gcattattgc agacaggcag gagaaaacga accaggaaaa acaactttcg caacctgaag
60gtttgtctct ccttttccct acagtgtgtc agaactgcat tgaactaaat gcagccacca
120tatctggctt tatcttcgct gaggtcatca gcatcttctt ccttgctctt
ggtgtatatc 180tcattgcggg acaggatgga caataccctg tcttaa
2168356DNAArtificialsynthetic 8cgactttctt gacttctatt tgttaaacac
tgtgcattca catcgaatgc tagaagtttc 60ctcgtcccgc ttcctcctga attgcctggg
atcctctgct tgatgccctg taggaaacgt 120cctttcctgt ggtatagaaa
tgactgctcg agataacttc gtataatgta tgctatacga 180agttatgcta
gtaactataa cggtcctaag gtagcgagct agccttccac agacaccaat
240gttcaaaatg gaggcttggg ggcaaaattc ttttgctatg tctctagtcg
tccaaaaaat 300ggtcctaact ttttctgact cctgcttgtc aaaaattgtg
ggctcatagt taatgc 356924DNAArtificialsynthetic 9cctctgccat
gtaggtttgt gtac 241027DNAArtificialsynthetic 10tgccgtgatg
tttgttcaat gaccaaa 271125DNAArtificialsynthetic 11gttctgagaa
aggcgttctt aagtg 251221DNAArtificialsynthetic 12ccaggcgtac
ttgctgttct g 211321DNAArtificialsynthetic 13tgggcttacc atccaggacg a
211425DNAArtificialsynthetic 14gctactcttc ccacaaactg cttag
251525DNAArtificialsynthetic 15ccagcagtaa gttccactgt tctag
251624DNAArtificialsynthetic 16tgtagaaatg gctgtgaccc agca
241720DNAArtificialsynthetic 17gggctgtgtt gcagtatgac
201823DNAArtificialsynthetic 18accgtgcaag ttcattatcg aag
231924DNAArtificialsynthetic 19acgtgcttcc tgaacccttt gggt
242022DNAArtificialsynthetic 20tctcacatcc agaagcccta tc
222124DNAArtificialsynthetic 21cgagggatgt atcagtgtaa agga
242229DNAArtificialsynthetic 22cacagaacaa gtcaaaacca ctccaagtg
292323DNAArtificialsynthetic 23gctcaccaga acagcaaata ctg
2324207PRTArtificialchimeric protein 24Met Arg Trp Asn Thr Phe Trp
Gly Ile Leu Cys Leu Ser Leu Leu Ala 1 5 10 15 Val Gly Val Trp Gly
Gln Asp Gly Asn Glu Glu Met Gly Gly Ile Thr 20 25 30 Gln Thr Pro
Tyr Lys Val Ser Ile Ser Gly Thr Thr Val Ile Leu Thr 35 40 45 Cys
Pro Gln Tyr Pro Gly Ser Glu Ile Leu Trp Gln His Asn Asp Lys 50 55
60 Asn Ile Gly Gly Asp Glu Asp Asp Lys Asn Ile Gly Ser Asp Glu Asp
65 70 75 80 His Leu Ser Leu Lys Glu Phe Ser Glu Leu Glu Gln Ser Gly
Tyr Tyr 85 90 95 Val Cys Tyr Pro Arg Gly Ser Lys Pro Glu Asp Ala
Asn Phe Tyr Leu 100 105 110 Tyr Leu Arg Ala Arg Val Cys Glu Asn Cys
Met Glu Met Asp Val Met 115 120 125 Ser Val Ala Ile Ile Ile Ile Val
Asp Ile Cys Ile Thr Leu Gly Leu 130 135 140 Leu Met Val Ile Tyr Tyr
Trp Ser Lys Asn Arg Lys Ala Lys Ala Lys 145 150 155 160 Pro Val Thr
Arg Gly Thr Gly Ala Gly Ser Arg Pro Arg Gly Gln Asn 165 170 175 Lys
Glu Arg Pro Pro Pro Val Pro Asn Pro Asp Tyr Glu Pro Ile Arg 180 185
190 Lys Gly Gln Arg Asp Leu Tyr Ser Gly Leu Asn Gln Arg Ala Val 195
200 205 25173PRTArtificialchimeric protein 25Met Glu His Ser Gly
Ile Leu Ala Ser Leu Ile Leu Ile Ala Val Leu 1 5 10 15 Pro Gln Val
Ser Pro Phe Lys Ile Pro Ile Glu Glu Leu Glu Asp Arg 20 25 30 Val
Phe Val Asn Cys Asn Thr Ser Ile Thr Trp Val Glu Gly Thr Val 35 40
45 Gly Thr Leu Leu Ser Asp Ile Thr Arg Leu Asp Leu Gly Lys Arg Ile
50 55 60 Leu Asp Pro Arg Gly Ile Tyr Arg Cys Asn Gly Thr Asp Ile
Tyr Lys 65 70 75 80 Asp Lys Glu Ser Thr Val Gln Val His Tyr Arg Met
Cys Gln Ser Cys 85 90 95 Val Glu Leu Asp Pro Ala Thr Val Ala Gly
Val Ile Phe Ile Asp Leu 100 105 110 Ile Ala Thr Leu Leu Leu Ala Leu
Gly Val Tyr Cys Phe Ala Gly His 115 120 125 Glu Thr Gly Arg Pro Ser
Gly Ala Ala Glu Val Gln Ala Leu Leu Lys 130 135 140 Asn Glu Gln Leu
Tyr Gln Pro Leu Arg Asp Arg Glu Asp Thr Gln Tyr 145 150 155 160 Ser
Arg Leu Gly Gly Asn Trp Pro Arg Asn Lys Lys Ser 165 170
26182PRTArtificialchimeric protein 26Met Glu Gln Arg Lys Gly Leu
Ala Gly Leu Phe Leu Val Ile Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 Leu Gln Gly Thr Leu
Ala Gln Ser Ile Lys Gly Asn His Leu Val Lys 20 25 30 Val Tyr Asp
Tyr Gln Glu Asp Gly Ser Val Leu Leu Thr Cys Asp Ala 35 40 45 Glu
Ala Lys Asn Ile Thr Trp Phe Lys Asp Gly Lys Met Ile Gly Phe 50 55
60 Leu Thr Glu Asp Lys Lys Lys Trp Asn Leu Gly Ser Asn Ala Lys Asp
65 70 75 80 Pro Arg Gly Met Tyr Gln Cys Lys Gly Ser Gln Asn Lys Ser
Lys Pro 85 90 95 Leu Gln Val Tyr Tyr Arg Met Cys Gln Asn Cys Ile
Glu Leu Asn Ala 100 105 110 Ala Thr Ile Ser Gly Phe Ile Phe Ala Glu
Val Ile Ser Ile Phe Phe 115 120 125 Leu Ala Leu Gly Val Tyr Leu Ile
Ala Gly Gln Asp Gly Val Arg Gln 130 135 140 Ser Arg Ala Ser Asp Lys
Gln Thr Leu Leu Gln Asn Glu Gln Leu Tyr 145 150 155 160 Gln Pro Leu
Lys Asp Arg Glu Tyr Asp Gln Tyr Ser His Leu Gln Gly 165 170 175 Asn
Gln Leu Arg Lys Lys 180 27189PRTMus musculus 27Met Arg Trp Asn Thr
Phe Trp Gly Ile Leu Cys Leu Ser Leu Leu Ala 1 5 10 15 Val Gly Thr
Cys Gln Asp Asp Ala Glu Asn Ile Glu Tyr Lys Val Ser 20 25 30 Ile
Ser Gly Thr Ser Val Glu Leu Thr Cys Pro Leu Asp Ser Asp Glu 35 40
45 Asn Leu Lys Trp Glu Lys Asn Gly Gln Glu Leu Pro Gln Lys His Asp
50 55 60 Lys His Leu Val Leu Gln Asp Phe Ser Glu Val Glu Asp Ser
Gly Tyr 65 70 75 80 Tyr Val Cys Tyr Thr Pro Ala Ser Asn Lys Asn Thr
Tyr Leu Tyr Leu 85 90 95 Lys Ala Arg Val Cys Glu Tyr Cys Val Glu
Val Asp Leu Thr Ala Val 100 105 110 Ala Ile Ile Ile Ile Val Asp Ile
Cys Ile Thr Leu Gly Leu Leu Met 115 120 125 Val Ile Tyr Tyr Trp Ser
Lys Asn Arg Lys Ala Lys Ala Lys Pro Val 130 135 140 Thr Arg Gly Thr
Gly Ala Gly Ser Arg Pro Arg Gly Gln Asn Lys Glu 145 150 155 160 Arg
Pro Pro Pro Val Pro Asn Pro Asp Tyr Glu Pro Ile Arg Lys Gly 165 170
175 Gln Arg Asp Leu Tyr Ser Gly Leu Asn Gln Arg Ala Val 180 185
28207PRThomo sapiens 28Met Gln Ser Gly Thr His Trp Arg Val Leu Gly
Leu Cys Leu Leu Ser 1 5 10 15 Val Gly Val Trp Gly Gln Asp Gly Asn
Glu Glu Met Gly Gly Ile Thr 20 25 30 Gln Thr Pro Tyr Lys Val Ser
Ile Ser Gly Thr Thr Val Ile Leu Thr 35 40 45 Cys Pro Gln Tyr Pro
Gly Ser Glu Ile Leu Trp Gln His Asn Asp Lys 50 55 60 Asn Ile Gly
Gly Asp Glu Asp Asp Lys Asn Ile Gly Ser Asp Glu Asp 65 70 75 80 His
Leu Ser Leu Lys Glu Phe Ser Glu Leu Glu Gln Ser Gly Tyr Tyr 85 90
95 Val Cys Tyr Pro Arg Gly Ser Lys Pro Glu Asp Ala Asn Phe Tyr Leu
100 105 110 Tyr Leu Arg Ala Arg Val Cys Glu Asn Cys Met Glu Met Asp
Val Met 115 120 125 Ser Val Ala Thr Ile Val Ile Val Asp Ile Cys Ile
Thr Gly Gly Leu 130 135 140 Leu Leu Leu Val Tyr Tyr Trp Ser Lys Asn
Arg Lys Ala Lys Ala Lys 145 150 155 160 Pro Val Thr Arg Gly Ala Gly
Ala Gly Gly Arg Gln Arg Gly Gln Asn 165 170 175 Lys Glu Arg Pro Pro
Pro Val Pro Asn Pro Asp Tyr Glu Pro Ile Arg 180 185 190 Lys Gly Gln
Arg Asp Leu Tyr Ser Gly Leu Asn Gln Arg Arg Ile 195 200 205
29173PRTmus musculus 29Met Glu His Ser Gly Ile Leu Ala Ser Leu Ile
Leu Ile Ala Val Leu 1 5 10 15 Pro Gln Gly Ser Pro Phe Lys Ile Gln
Val Thr Glu Tyr Glu Asp Lys 20 25 30 Val Phe Val Thr Cys Asn Thr
Ser Val Met His Leu Asp Gly Thr Val 35 40 45 Glu Gly Trp Phe Ala
Lys Asn Lys Thr Leu Asn Leu Gly Lys Gly Val 50 55 60 Leu Asp Pro
Arg Gly Ile Tyr Leu Cys Asn Gly Thr Glu Gln Leu Ala 65 70 75 80 Lys
Val Val Ser Ser Val Gln Val His Tyr Arg Met Cys Gln Asn Cys 85 90
95 Val Glu Leu Asp Ser Gly Thr Met Ala Gly Val Ile Phe Ile Asp Leu
100 105 110 Ile Ala Thr Leu Leu Leu Ala Leu Gly Val Tyr Cys Phe Ala
Gly His 115 120 125 Glu Thr Gly Arg Pro Ser Gly Ala Ala Glu Val Gln
Ala Leu Leu Lys 130 135 140 Asn Glu Gln Leu Tyr Gln Pro Leu Arg Asp
Arg Glu Asp Thr Gln Tyr 145 150 155 160 Ser Arg Leu Gly Gly Asn Trp
Pro Arg Asn Lys Lys Ser 165 170 30171PRThomo sapiens 30Met Glu His
Ser Thr Phe Leu Ser Gly Leu Val Leu Ala Thr Leu Leu 1 5 10 15 Ser
Gln Val Ser Pro Phe Lys Ile Pro Ile Glu Glu Leu Glu Asp Arg 20 25
30 Val Phe Val Asn Cys Asn Thr Ser Ile Thr Trp Val Glu Gly Thr Val
35 40 45 Gly Thr Leu Leu Ser Asp Ile Thr Arg Leu Asp Leu Gly Lys
Arg Ile 50 55 60 Leu Asp Pro Arg Gly Ile Tyr Arg Cys Asn Gly Thr
Asp Ile Tyr Lys 65 70 75 80 Asp Lys Glu Ser Thr Val Gln Val His Tyr
Arg Met Cys Gln Ser Cys 85 90 95 Val Glu Leu Asp Pro Ala Thr Val
Ala Gly Ile Ile Val Thr Asp Val 100 105 110 Ile Ala Thr Leu Leu Leu
Ala Leu Gly Val Phe Cys Phe Ala Gly His 115 120 125 Glu Thr Gly Arg
Leu Ser Gly Ala Ala Asp Thr Gln Ala Leu Leu Arg 130 135 140 Asn Asp
Gln Val Tyr Gln Pro Leu Arg Asp Arg Asp Asp Ala Gln Tyr 145 150 155
160 Ser His Leu Gly Gly Asn Trp Ala Arg Asn Lys 165 170 31182PRTmus
musculus 31Met Glu Gln Arg Lys Gly Leu Ala Gly Leu Phe Leu Val Ile
Ser Leu 1 5 10 15 Leu Gln Gly Thr Val Ala Gln Thr Asn Lys Ala Lys
Asn Leu Val Gln 20 25 30 Val Asp Gly Ser Arg Gly Asp Gly Ser Val
Leu Leu Thr Cys Gly Leu 35 40 45 Thr Asp Lys Thr Ile Lys Trp Leu
Lys Asp Gly Ser Ile Ile Ser Pro 50 55 60 Leu Asn Ala Thr Lys Asn
Thr Trp Asn Leu Gly Asn Asn Ala Lys Asp 65 70 75 80 Pro Arg Gly Thr
Tyr Gln Cys Gln Gly Ala Lys Glu Thr Ser Asn Pro 85 90 95 Leu Gln
Val Tyr Tyr Arg Met Cys Glu Asn Cys Ile Glu Leu Asn Ile 100 105 110
Gly Thr Ile Ser Gly Phe Ile Phe Ala Glu Val Ile Ser Ile Phe Phe 115
120 125 Leu Ala Leu Gly Val Tyr Leu Ile Ala Gly Gln Asp Gly Val Arg
Gln 130 135 140 Ser Arg Ala Ser Asp Lys Gln Thr Leu Leu Gln Asn Glu
Gln Leu Tyr 145 150 155 160 Gln Pro Leu Lys Asp Arg Glu Tyr Asp Gln
Tyr Ser His Leu Gln Gly 165 170 175 Asn Gln Leu Arg Lys Lys 180
32182PRThomo sapiens 32Met Glu Gln Gly Lys Gly Leu Ala Val Leu Ile
Leu Ala Ile Ile Leu 1 5 10 15 Leu Gln Gly Thr Leu Ala Gln Ser Ile
Lys Gly Asn His Leu Val Lys 20 25 30 Val Tyr Asp Tyr Gln Glu Asp
Gly Ser Val Leu Leu Thr Cys Asp Ala 35 40 45 Glu Ala Lys Asn Ile
Thr Trp Phe Lys Asp Gly Lys Met Ile Gly Phe 50 55 60 Leu Thr Glu
Asp Lys Lys Lys Trp Asn Leu Gly Ser Asn Ala Lys Asp 65 70 75 80 Pro
Arg Gly Met Tyr Gln Cys Lys Gly Ser Gln Asn Lys Ser Lys Pro 85 90
95 Leu Gln Val Tyr Tyr Arg Met Cys Gln Asn Cys Ile Glu Leu Asn Ala
100 105 110 Ala Thr Ile Ser Gly Phe Leu Phe Ala Glu Ile Val Ser Ile
Phe Val 115 120 125 Leu Ala Val Gly Val Tyr Phe Ile Ala Gly Gln Asp
Gly Val Arg Gln 130 135 140 Ser Arg Ala Ser Asp Lys Gln Thr Leu Leu
Pro Asn Asp Gln Leu Tyr 145 150 155 160 Gln Pro Leu Lys Asp Arg Glu
Asp Asp Gln Tyr Ser His Leu Gln Gly 165 170 175 Asn Gln Leu Arg Arg
Asn 180 33113PRThomo sapiens 33Gly Val Trp Gly Gln Asp Gly Asn Glu
Glu Met Gly Gly Ile Thr Gln 1 5 10 15 Thr Pro Tyr Lys Val Ser Ile
Ser Gly Thr Thr Val Ile Leu Thr Cys 20 25 30 Pro Gln Tyr Pro Gly
Ser Glu Ile Leu Trp Gln His Asn Asp Lys Asn 35
40 45 Ile Gly Gly Asp Glu Asp Asp Lys Asn Ile Gly Ser Asp Glu Asp
His 50 55 60 Leu Ser Leu Lys Glu Phe Ser Glu Leu Glu Gln Ser Gly
Tyr Tyr Val 65 70 75 80 Cys Tyr Pro Arg Gly Ser Lys Pro Glu Asp Ala
Asn Phe Tyr Leu Tyr 85 90 95 Leu Arg Ala Arg Val Cys Glu Asn Cys
Met Glu Met Asp Val Met Ser 100 105 110 Val 3487PRThomo sapiens
34Val Ser Pro Phe Lys Ile Pro Ile Glu Glu Leu Glu Asp Arg Val Phe 1
5 10 15 Val Asn Cys Asn Thr Ser Ile Thr Trp Val Glu Gly Thr Val Gly
Thr 20 25 30 Leu Leu Ser Asp Ile Thr Arg Leu Asp Leu Gly Lys Arg
Ile Leu Asp 35 40 45 Pro Arg Gly Ile Tyr Arg Cys Asn Gly Thr Asp
Ile Tyr Lys Asp Lys 50 55 60 Glu Ser Thr Val Gln Val His Tyr Arg
Met Cys Gln Ser Cys Val Glu 65 70 75 80 Leu Asp Pro Ala Thr Val Ala
85 3597PRThomo sapiens 35Thr Leu Ala Gln Ser Ile Lys Gly Asn His
Leu Val Lys Val Tyr Asp 1 5 10 15 Tyr Gln Glu Asp Gly Ser Val Leu
Leu Thr Cys Asp Ala Glu Ala Lys 20 25 30 Asn Ile Thr Trp Phe Lys
Asp Gly Lys Met Ile Gly Phe Leu Thr Glu 35 40 45 Asp Lys Lys Lys
Trp Asn Leu Gly Ser Asn Ala Lys Asp Pro Arg Gly 50 55 60 Met Tyr
Gln Cys Lys Gly Ser Gln Asn Lys Ser Lys Pro Leu Gln Val 65 70 75 80
Tyr Tyr Arg Met Cys Gln Asn Cys Ile Glu Leu Asn Ala Ala Thr Ile 85
90 95 Ser
* * * * *