U.S. patent application number 16/126892 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-03 for methods of treating autoimmune and/or glomerulonephritis-associated diseases using shp2 inhibitors.
The applicant listed for this patent is Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc., Indiana University Research and Technlogy Corporation. Invention is credited to Maria KONTARIDIS, Jianxun WANG, Li-Fan ZENG, Zhong-Yin ZHANG.
Application Number | 20190000801 16/126892 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52144287 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190000801 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZHANG; Zhong-Yin ; et
al. |
January 3, 2019 |
METHODS OF TREATING AUTOIMMUNE AND/OR GLOMERULONEPHRITIS-ASSOCIATED
DISEASES USING SHP2 INHIBITORS
Abstract
Methods are disclosed herein for administering a oncogenic Src
homology-2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2)
inhibitor for treating autoimmune and/or
glomerulonephritis-associated diseases, and in particular, Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Inventors: |
ZHANG; Zhong-Yin; (Carmel,
IN) ; KONTARIDIS; Maria; (Auburndale, MA) ;
ZENG; Li-Fan; (Indianapolis, IN) ; WANG; Jianxun;
(Cambridge, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Indiana University Research and Technlogy Corporation
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Inc. |
Indiana polis
Boston |
IN
MA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52144287 |
Appl. No.: |
16/126892 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15813729 |
Nov 15, 2017 |
10092543 |
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16126892 |
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14902485 |
Dec 31, 2015 |
9844535 |
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PCT/US2014/045318 |
Jul 2, 2014 |
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15813729 |
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61842813 |
Jul 3, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 31/428 20130101;
A61P 37/00 20180101; A61K 31/404 20130101; A61K 31/4184 20130101;
A61K 31/4025 20130101; A61K 31/427 20130101; A61P 35/00 20180101;
A61K 31/4178 20130101; A61K 31/433 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 31/404 20060101
A61K031/404; A61K 31/433 20060101 A61K031/433; A61K 31/428 20060101
A61K031/428; A61K 31/4184 20060101 A61K031/4184; A61K 31/4178
20060101 A61K031/4178; A61K 31/427 20060101 A61K031/427; A61K
31/4025 20060101 A61K031/4025 |
Goverment Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT
[0002] This invention was made with government support under
HL102368, HL114775, and CA152194 awarded by the National Institutes
of Health. The Government has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A method for inhibiting specific oncogenic Src homology-2 domain
containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) phosphatase
activity, the method comprising administering to a subject in need
thereof a specific oncogenic Src homology-2 domain containing
protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) inhibitor having the formula
(I): ##STR00033## wherein R.sub.1=NRaRb, wherein Ra or Rb can each
independently be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,
unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted
cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl,
unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted
heteroaryl, and unsubstituted or substituted fused 5-12 member
aromatic or aliphatic ring system, wherein the substitution on the
fused 5-12 member aromatic or aliphatic ring system is selected
from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor has the formula
selected from the group consisting of ##STR00034## ##STR00035##
##STR00036## ##STR00037##
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor is administered
using an administration route selected from the group consisting
of: oral (po), intravenous (iv), intramuscular (im), subcutaneous
(sc), parenteral, transdermal, inhalation, buccal, ocular,
sublingual, vaginal, rectal, and combinations thereof.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor is administered
in an amount ranging from about 1 mg/Kg body weight/day to about 25
mg/Kg body weight/day.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor is administered
in an amount ranging from about 5 mg/Kg body weight/day to about 10
mg/Kg body weight/day.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor is administered
in an amount of about 7.5 mg/Kg body weight/day.
7. A method for treating glomerulonephritis-associated diseases in
a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to
the subject a specific oncogenic Src homology-2 domain containing
protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) inhibitor.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor has the formula
(I): ##STR00038## wherein R.sub.1=NRaRb, wherein Ra or Rb can each
independently be selected from the group consisting of hydrogen,
unsubstituted or substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted
cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl,
unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted
heteroaryl, and unsubstituted or substituted fused 5-12 member
aromatic or aliphatic ring system, wherein the substitution on the
fused 5-12 member aromatic or aliphatic ring system is selected
from the group consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur.
9. The method of claim 8 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor has the formula
selected from the group consisting of ##STR00039## ##STR00040##
##STR00041## ##STR00042##
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor has an
IC.sub.50 value of less than 1 .mu.M.
11. The method of claim 7 wherein the glomerulonephritis-associated
disease is selected from the group consisting of postinfectious
rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), idiopathic rapidly
progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE), Goodpasture's syndrome, vasculitis, Wegener's
granulomatosis, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, essential
cryoglobulinemia, acute proliferative glomerulonephritis,
microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Stauss Syndrome, and IgA
neuropathy.
12. The method of claim 7 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor is
administered in an amount ranging from about 1 mg/Kg body
weight/day to about 25 mg/Kg body weight/day.
13. The method of claim 7 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor is
administered in an amount ranging from about 5 mg/Kg body
weight/day to about 10 mg/Kg body weight/day.
14. The method of claim 7 wherein the SHP2 inhibitor is
administered in an amount of about 7.5 mg/Kg body weight/day.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/902,485, filed on Dec. 31, 2015, which
claims priority to International Publication Number WO 2015/003094,
filed on Jul. 2, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/842,813, filed on Jul. 3, 2013, the
disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] The field of the disclosure relates generally to a potent
and specific oncogenic Src homology-2 domain containing protein
tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) inhibitor and to methods of
administering the inhibitor for treating autoimmune diseases, and
in particular, to treating glomerulonephritis-associated diseases
such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
[0004] Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a multi-systemic
autoimmune disease with a prevalence in about 40-200/100,000
persons, is thought to be caused by multiple pathogenic responses,
including genetic, environmental, hormonal, epigenetic, and
immunoregulatory factors, that either sequentially or
simultaneously affect the immune system. Action of these pathogenic
factors results in generation of autoantibodies, immune complexes,
autoreactive or inflammatory T cells, and inflammatory cytokines
that, together, lead to amplification of inflammatory signaling
pathways and damage to vital organs (e.g., skin, kidneys, spleen,
heart, thymus, lymph nodes, joints, and nervous system).
[0005] Cytokines such as IL-6, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 are
overproduced in lupus patients. Aberrant regulation of cytokines,
such as IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, type I interferon (IFN) and tumor
necrosis factor-.alpha. (TNF-.alpha.), are closely linked to
pathogenesis of SLE, playing key roles in the regulation of
systemic inflammation, local tissue damage, and immunomodulation.
However, the specific signaling mechanisms that cause SLE remain
elusive and current therapeutic strategies primarily target the
symptoms and not the disease itself.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a continuing need for new therapeutic
compounds and methods of treating glomerulonephritis-associated
diseases such as SLE.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] The present disclosure is generally directed to methods of
administering potent and specific oncogenic Src homology-2 domain
containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) (also known as
protein tyrosine phosphatase, non-receptor type 11 (PTPN11))
inhibitors. More particularly, the disclosure is directed to
administering the SHP2 inhibitors to treat
glomerulonephritis-associated diseases, and in particular, Systemic
Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
[0008] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present disclosure is
directed to a method for inhibiting specific oncogenic Src
homology-2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2)
phosphatase activity in a subject in need thereof. The method
comprises administering to the subject a specific oncogenic Src
homology-2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2)
inhibitor having the formula (I):
##STR00001##
wherein R.sub.1=NRaRb, wherein Ra or Rb can each independently be
selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, unsubstituted or
substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl,
unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or
substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl, and
unsubstituted or substituted fused 5-12 member aromatic or
aliphatic ring system, wherein the substitution on the fused 5-12
member aromatic or aliphatic ring system is selected from the group
consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur.
[0009] In another embodiment, the present disclosure is directed to
a method for treating glomerulonephritis-associated diseases in a
subject in need thereof. The method comprises administering to the
subject a specific oncogenic Src homology-2 domain containing
protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) inhibitor.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure is
directed to a method for treating systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE) in a subject in need thereof. The method comprises
administering to the subject a specific oncogenic Src homology-2
domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2)
inhibitor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts the general role of SHP2 in cytokine
signaling.
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts the increase in SHP2 phosphatase activity in
SLE-prone mouse tissue lysates, as compared to control lysates, as
analyzed in Example 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts the increase in SHP2 phosphatase activity in
peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from either normal or
SLE disease active human subjects, as analyzed in Example 2.
[0014] FIG. 4A depicts the effect of SHP2 differential binding to a
specific phospho-tyrosyl complex, whereby increased SHP2 activity
and association with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) leads to its
dephosphorylation and also to increased p85 phosphorylation (see
also FIG. 8) in SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in Example 3.
[0015] FIG. 4B depicts the effect of preferential SHP2 binding to
focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in
Example 3. Arrow at 85 kDa indicates hyperphosphorylated p85.
[0016] FIG. 5A depicts the protein domain structure of focal
adhesion kinase (FAK).
[0017] FIG. 5B is a schematic illustrating activation of FAK upon
phosphorylation and interaction with src leading to downstream ERK
signaling.
[0018] FIG. 6 depicts the decrease in focal adhesion kinase (FAK)
phosphorylation in SLE-prone tissue lysates, as compared to control
lysates, as analyzed in Example 4.
[0019] FIG. 7 depicts the decrease in extracellular
signal-regulated kinases (ERK) signaling in SLE-prone tissue
lysates, as compared to control lysates, as analyzed in Example
5.
[0020] FIG. 8A depicts the effect of FAK differentially binding to
a specific phospho-tyrosyl complex, which includes p85 and SHP2,
whereby there is decreased FAK phosphorylation, but an increased
association with phosphorylated SHP2 and p85 proteins in SLE-prone
mice, as analyzed in Example 6.
[0021] FIG. 8B depicts the preferential binding of FAK to the p85
subunit of PI3K in SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in Example 6.
[0022] FIG. 8C depict the quantified decrease in FAK
phosphorylation in SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in Example 6.
[0023] FIG. 9 depicts the increase in AKT activation, as well as
its downstream effectors, p70S6K and ribosomal S6 kinase
activities, in SLE-prone tissue lysates, as compared to control, as
analyzed in Example 7.
[0024] FIGS. 10A & 10B depict the ability of the SHP2 inhibitor
to normalize SHP2 activity at the 7.5 mg/kg/day dose in SLE-prone
tissue lysates, and the effects of SHP2 inhibition on reversing
p-ERK, p-AKT, and p-ribosomal protein S6 kinase signaling defects,
as analyzed in Example 8.
[0025] FIG. 11A depicts the effect of SHP2 inhibition on protecting
subjects against skin lesions, as analyzed in Example 9.
[0026] FIGS. 11B & 11C depict 1) no/minimal cytotoxic effects
of SHP2 inhibition on mice as assessed by no change in body weight
during treatment period and 2) an increased longevity/survival
effect on SLE mice with treatment of SHP2 inhibitor, as assessed by
Kaplan-Meier survival curve, as analyzed in Example 9.
[0027] FIGS. 12A & 12B depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on
reducing spleen size and weight in SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in
Example 9.
[0028] FIGS. 13A & 13B depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on
reducing kidney size and weight in SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in
Example 9.
[0029] FIG. 13C depicts the effect of SHP2 inhibition on
proteinuria, as analyzed in Example 9.
[0030] FIGS. 14A-14F depict by histology (as assessed by H&E
staining) the effect of SHP2 inhibition on kidney disease and its
ability to reduce the crescentic glomerulonephritis in SLE-prone
mice, as analyzed in Example 9.
[0031] FIG. 14G depicts the unbiased histopathological scoring of
SHP2 inhibition in SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in Example 9.
[0032] FIGS. 15A-15F depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on
fibrosis (as assessed by Masson's trichrome staining) in SLE-prone
mice, as analyzed in Example 9.
[0033] FIGS. 16A-16F depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on immune
cell infiltration and severity of glomerulonephritis/kidney disease
(as assessed by Periodic acid-Schiff staining) in SLE-prone mice,
as analyzed in Example 9.
[0034] FIGS. 17A-17D depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on
infiltration of cells to the kidney in SLE-prone mice as depicted
by decreased numbers of CD45+ and CD3+ cells in SLE treated mice,
and show that the effects of the inhibitor decreases the number of
CD4+, CD8+, and double-negative T cells, as well as the numbers of
neutrophils and macrophages that infiltrate into the kidney in SLE,
as analyzed in Example 10.
[0035] FIGS. 18A-18D depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on the
size of germinal center in the spleen of SLE-prone mice, as
analyzed in Example 11.
[0036] FIGS. 19A-19C depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on total
immune cell numbers in the spleen of SLE-prone mice and show that
the effects of the inhibitor decreases the number T cells
specifically; in addition, effects of the inhibitor on of reducing
the numbers of cytotoxic CD4+, CD8+, and double-negative T cells,
but not the number of regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+), is also
shown, as analyzed in Example 11.
[0037] FIG. 20A depicts that SHP2 inhibition decreases
proliferation of cultured T cells isolated from the spleen of
SLE-prone mice, as shown through a reduction in total T cell
number, both in the absence or presence of T-cell activation (CD3
antibody), as analyzed in Example 11.
[0038] FIG. 20B depicts that SHP2 inhibitor decreases proliferation
of tissue-cultured double-negative T cells isolated from spleen of
SLE-prone mice, as shown through a reduction in total
double-negative T cell number, both in the absence or presence of
CD3 activation (CD3 ab), as analyzed in Example 11.
[0039] FIG. 21A depicts that SHP2 inhibition has no effect on total
T cell viability in cultured T cells isolated from the spleen of
SLE-prone mice, both in the absence or presence of T-cell
activation (CD3 antibody), as analyzed in Example 11.
[0040] FIG. 21B depicts that SHP2 inhibitor does not affect
viability of tissue-cultured double-negative T cells, both in the
absence or presence of CD3 activation (CD3 ab), as analyzed in
Example 11.
[0041] FIGS. 22A-22D depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on levels
of circulating cytokines in serum isolated from in SLE-prone mice,
as analyzed in Example 12.
[0042] FIG. 23 depicts the effect of SHP2 inhibition on thymus size
in SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in Example 13.
[0043] FIG. 24A depicts the effect of SHP2 inhibition on cardiac
function as assessed by echocardiography, as analyzed in Example
14.
[0044] FIG. 24B depicts the quantified effects of SHP2 inhibition
on cardiac function of control vs. SLE-prone hearts, as assessed by
left ventricular chamber dimension, posterior wall thickness, and
fractional shortening, as analyzed in Example 14.
[0045] FIGS. 25A-25C depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on
circulating cell numbers in serum isolated from control or
SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in Example 15.
[0046] FIGS. 26A-26E depict the effect of SHP2 inhibition on
circulating levels of the subsets of white blood cells in serum
isolated from control or SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in Example
15.
[0047] FIG. 27 depicts the effect of SHP2 inhibition on T cell
numbers in circulating leukocytes isolated from control or
SLE-prone mice, as analyzed in Example 15.
[0048] FIG. 28 depicts the effect of SHP2 inhibition on IFN.gamma.
levels in serum from normal and SLE-disease active human patients,
as analyzed in Example 15.
[0049] FIG. 29 depicts the effect of SHP2 inhibition on IFN.gamma.
activity in response to T cell activation (with CD3 ab) in serum
from normal and SLE-disease active human patients, as analyzed in
Example 15.
[0050] FIGS. 30A & 30B depict that SHP2 inhibition prevents
proliferation and clonal expansion of cultured T cells isolated
from peripheral blood mononuclear cells derived from normal or
SLE-disease active human patients, as analyzed in Example 15.
[0051] FIG. 31 depicts that SHP2 inhibition does not exert its
effects by reducing T cell viability in human SLE cultures, as
analyzed in Example 15.
[0052] FIGS. 32A & 32B depicts the effect of SHP2 inhibition on
serum IgG and anti dsDNA IgG levels, as analyzed in Example 16.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0053] The present disclosure is generally directed to methods of
administering SHP2 inhibitors for treating
glomerulonephritis-associated diseases. More particularly,
hydroxyindole carboxylic acids of the general formula:
##STR00002##
wherein R.sub.1=NRaRb, wherein Ra or Rb can each independently be
selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, unsubstituted or
substituted alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted cycloalkyl,
unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclyl, unsubstituted or
substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted heteroaryl, and
unsubstituted or substituted fused 5-12 member aromatic or
aliphatic ring system, wherein the substitution on the fused 5-12
member aromatic or aliphatic ring system is selected from the group
consisting of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur, have been synthesized
and shown to inhibit SHP2. As further discussed in the Examples
below, by inhibiting SHP2 activity, which has now been found to
play a key role in the molecular pathogenesis of
glomerulonephritis-associated diseases such as SLE, a novel
therapeutic approach to treating patients for
glomerulonephritis-associated disease pathogenesis has been
found.
[0054] Exemplary hydroxyindole carboxylic acids of formula (I)
selectively inhibit protein tyrosine phosphatases such as SHP2 with
IC.sub.50 values as shown in Tables 1 and 2.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 IC.sub.50 values (.mu.M) of a hydroxyindole
carboxylic acid formula (I) library (11a (L97)) series for SHP2.
##STR00003## IC.sub.50 ID R.sub.1 (.mu.M) 10a OH 14.4 .+-. (Core
97) 1.8 11a-1 (L97M74) ##STR00004## 0.20 .+-. 0.02 11a-2 (L97N08)
##STR00005## 0.62 .+-. 0.05 11a-3 (L97M50) ##STR00006## 0.66 .+-.
0.03 11a-4 (L97M61) ##STR00007## 0.76 .+-. 0.11 11a-5 (L97M48)
##STR00008## 0.77 .+-. 0.15 11a-6 (L97M52) ##STR00009## 0.86 .+-.
0.14 11a-7 (L97M93) ##STR00010## 1.05 .+-. 0.09 11a-8 (L97M24)
##STR00011## 1.2 .+-. 0.21 11a-9 (L97M77) ##STR00012## 1.25 .+-.
0.06 11a-10 (L97N15) ##STR00013## 1.35 .+-. 0.31 11a-11 (L97M21)
##STR00014## 1.46 .+-. 0.45 11a-12 (L97M63) ##STR00015## 1.49 .+-.
0.15 11a-13 (L97M30) ##STR00016## 1.76 .+-. 0.08 11a-14 (L97M73)
##STR00017## 1.79 .+-. 0.15 11a-15 (L97N95) ##STR00018## 1.84 .+-.
0.09 11a-16 (L97N13) ##STR00019## 2.31 .+-. 0.28 11a-17 (L97M32)
##STR00020## 2.39 .+-. 0.15 11a-18 (L97M18) ##STR00021## 2.73 .+-.
0.55 11a-19 (L97N07) ##STR00022## 4.66 .+-. 0.5 11a-20 (L97M23)
##STR00023## 5.42 .+-. 1.01
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 IC.sub.50 values (.mu.M) of 11a-21 to 11a-26
(L97L02-08) series for SHP2. ##STR00024## ID R IC.sub.50 (.mu.M)
11a-1 L97M74 ##STR00025## 0.20 .+-. 0.02 11a-21 L97L08 ##STR00026##
0.22 .+-. 0.01 11a-22 L97L07 ##STR00027## 0.31 .+-. 0.02 11a-23
L97L03 ##STR00028## 0.37 .+-. 0.01 11a-24 L97L05 ##STR00029## 0.38
.+-. 0.01 11a-25 L97L06 ##STR00030## 0.42 .+-. 0.02 11a-26 L97L02
##STR00031## 0.63 .+-. 0.04
[0055] In one particularly suitable embodiment, the hydroxyindole
carboxylic acid for use in the methods of the present disclosure is
L97M74, having the formula (II):
##STR00032##
[0056] The hydroxyindole carboxylic acids used in the methods of
the present disclosure have been found to specifically inhibit
protein tyrosine phosphatases, and particularly, SHP2, with an
IC.sub.50 of from about 0.2 .mu.M to about 100 .mu.M, including
from about 2 .mu.M to about 56 .mu.M, including from about 4.5
.mu.M to about 20 .mu.M, and also including from about 0.2 .mu.M to
about 16 .mu.M, and from about 2 .mu.M to about 10 .mu.M. In
particularly suitable embodiments, the hydroxyindole carboxylic
acids have been found to specifically inhibit protein tyrosine
phosphatases with an IC.sub.50 of less than 1 .mu.M, including from
about 0.2 .mu.M to less than 1 .mu.M, including from about 0.2
.mu.M to about 0.7 .mu.M, including from about 0.2 .mu.M to about
0.5 .mu.M, and including about 0.25 .mu.M. The hydroxyindole
carboxylic acid of formula (II) (L97M74) has an IC.sub.50 value for
SHP2 of 0.20 .mu.M+0.02.
[0057] The general synthesis methods for preparing the
hydroxyindole carboxylic acids of formulas (I) and (II) are
described in PCT/US2014/035435, entitled Hydroxyindole Carboxylic
Acid Based Inhibitors for Oncogenic SRC Homology-2 Domain
Containing Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-2 (SHP2), filed Apr. 25,
2014, which is herein incorporated by reference to the extent it is
consistent herewith.
[0058] The SHP2 inhibitor can be administered to a subject in need
thereof to inhibit SHP2 activation, thereby increasing FAK
phosphorylation, increasing ERK signaling, and decreasing AKT
signaling (see FIG. 1 for cytokine signaling overview). It has been
found that such regulation of these pathways can provide a
treatment for the progression of glomerulonephritis-associated
diseases, and in particular, the progression of pathogenesis of
postinfectious rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN),
idiopathic RPGN, SLE, Goodpasture's syndrome, vasculitis (e.g.,
polyuarteritis nodosa), Wegener's granulomatosis, Henoch-Schonlein
purpura, essential cryoglobulinemia, acute proliferative
glomerulonephritis, microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Stauss
Syndrome, IgA neuropathy, and the like, and further, can
reduce/prevent/eliminate the conditions resulting from these
diseases. In one particularly suitable embodiment, it has been
found that inhibition of SHP2 activation can
reduce/prevent/eliminate the conditions resulting from SLE. As used
herein, "subject in need thereof" refers to a subset of subjects in
need of treatment/protection from SLE. Some subjects that are in
specific need of treatment may include subjects who are susceptible
to, or at elevated risk of, experiencing SLE and symptoms of SLE.
Subjects may be susceptible to, or at elevated risk of,
experiencing symptoms of SLE due to family history, age,
environment, and/or lifestyle. Based on the foregoing, because some
of the method embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to
specific subsets or subclasses of identified subjects (that is, the
subset or subclass of subjects "in need" of assistance in
addressing one or more specific conditions noted herein), not all
subjects will fall within the subset or subclass of subjects as
described herein for certain diseases, disorders or conditions.
[0059] Typically, the SHP2 inhibitor is administered in an amount
such to provide a therapeutically effective amount of the inhibitor
to the subject. The term "therapeutically effective amount" as used
herein, refers to that amount of active compound (i.e., SHP2
inhibitor) or pharmaceutical agent that elicits the biological or
medicinal response in a tissue system, animal or human that is
being sought by a researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other
clinician, which includes alleviation of the symptoms of the
condition, disease or disorder being treated. In one aspect, the
therapeutically effective amount is that which may treat or
alleviate the disease or symptoms of the disease at a reasonable
benefit/risk ratio applicable to any medical treatment. However, it
is to be understood that the total daily usage of the inhibitor
described herein may be decided by the attending physician within
the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific
therapeutically-effective dose level for any particular subject
will depend upon a variety of factors, including the condition,
disease or disorder being treated and the severity of the
condition, disease or disorder; activity of the specific inhibitor
employed; the specific system employed; the age, body weight,
general health, gender and diet of the subject: the time of
administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of
the specific inhibitor employed; the duration of the treatment;
drugs used in combination or coincidentally with the specific
inhibitor employed; and like factors well known to the researcher,
veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician of ordinary
skill.
[0060] It is also appreciated that the therapeutically effective
amount, whether referring to monotherapy or combination therapy, is
advantageously selected with reference to any toxicity, or other
undesirable side effect, that might occur during administration of
the inhibitor described herein. Further, it is appreciated that the
co-therapies described herein may allow for the administration of
lower doses of inhibitor that show such toxicity, or other
undesirable side effect, where those lower doses are below
thresholds of toxicity or lower in the therapeutic window than
would otherwise be administered in the absence of a co-therapy.
[0061] In particularly suitable embodiments, the SHP2 inhibitor is
administered to the subject in amounts ranging from about 1 mg/Kg
body weight/day to about 25 mg/Kg body weight/day, including from
about 2.5 mg/Kg body weight/day to about 15 mg/Kg body weight/day,
including from about 5.0 mg/Kg body weight/day to about 10 mg/Kg
body weight/day, and including about 7.5 mg/Kg body weight/day.
[0062] The term "administering" as used herein includes all means
of introducing the SHP2 inhibitor described herein to the subject,
including, but are not limited to, oral (po), intravenous (iv),
intramuscular (im), subcutaneous (sc), parenteral, transdermal,
inhalation, buccal, ocular, sublingual, vaginal, rectal, and the
like. The inhibitor described herein may be administered in unit
dosage forms and/or formulations containing conventional nontoxic
pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers, adjuvants, and vehicles.
[0063] Illustrative formats for oral administration include
tablets, capsules, elixirs, syrups, and the like.
[0064] Illustrative routes for parenteral administration include
intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, epidurial,
intraurethral, intrasternal, intramuscular and subcutaneous, as
well as any other art recognized route of parenteral
administration.
[0065] Illustratively, administering includes local use, such as
when administered locally to the site of disease, injury, or
defect, or to a particular organ or tissue system. Illustrative
local administration may be performed during open surgery, or other
procedures when the site of disease, injury, or defect is
accessible. Alternatively, local administration may be performed
using parenteral delivery where the inhibitor described herein is
deposited locally to the site without general distribution to
multiple other non-target sites in the subject being treated. It is
further appreciated that local administration may be directly in
the injury site, or locally in the surrounding tissue. Similar
variations regarding local delivery to particular tissue types,
such as organs, and the like, are also described herein.
[0066] In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of
SHP2 inhibitor in any of the various forms described herein may be
mixed with one or more excipients, diluted by one or more
excipients, or enclosed within such a carrier which can be in the
form of a capsule, sachet, paper, or other container. Excipients
may serve as a diluent, and can be solid, semi-solid, or liquid
materials, which act as a vehicle, carrier or medium for the active
ingredient. Thus, the inhibitor can be administered in the form of
tablets, pills, powders, lozenges, sachets, cachets, elixirs,
suspensions, emulsions, solutions, syrups, aerosols (as a solid or
in a liquid medium), ointments, soft and hard gelatin capsules,
suppositories, sterile injectable solutions, and sterile packaged
powders. The SHP2 inhibitor-containing formulations may contain
anywhere from about 0.1% to about 99.9% active ingredients,
depending upon the selected dose and dosage form.
[0067] The following examples further illustrate specific
embodiments of the present disclosure; however, the following
illustrative examples should not be interpreted in any way to limit
the disclosure.
EXAMPLES
Materials and Methods
[0068] Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Isolation
[0069] All SLE human cells in the following Examples were isolated
from SLE patients diagnosed according to the American College of
Rheumatology classification criteria and recruited from the
Division of Rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center,
Boston, Mass., under IRB protocol 2006-P-0298. Healthy gender- and
age-matched control cells were also used for the Examples herein.
Briefly, peripheral venous blood was collected in heparin-lithium
tubes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were prepared with
ficoll-Paque centrifugation, as previously described in Grammatikos
et al., Clin Immunol. 2014; 150: 192-200.
[0070] Mice
[0071] All mice utilized herein were maintained in a specific
pathogen free (SPF) animal facility at Beth Israel Deaconess
Medical Center (BIDMC). All procedures were performed in accordance
with the NIH Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals and
approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)
at BIDMC.
[0072] Briefly, female MRL/MpJ-fas lpr (MRL/lpr), MRL/Mpj and
C57BL/6J mice were purchased from the Jackson Laboratory (Bar
Harbor, Me.). For experiments, mice within each group were ip
injected with either vehicle (DMSO) or the SHP2 inhibitor (7.5
mg/kg/per day). Testing continued for a period of 6 weeks, starting
at 11 weeks of age to 17 weeks. Body weight was measured daily and
treatment dosage was adjusted accordingly. At the end of the
treatment period, mice were sacrificed with CO.sub.2 exsanguination
and SLE targeted organs were removed. For each mouse, spleen,
kidney, and heart weight were calculated. In addition, total animal
body weight and tibia length were measured. Peripheral blood/serum
was also collected for use in the cytokine assays described
below.
[0073] Longevity Study
[0074] Female MRL/lpr mice were used for a survival/longevity curve
analysis. Mice either ip injected with vehicle (DMSO) or SHP2
inhibitor (7.5 mg/kg/each day) were followed beginning at 11 weeks
of age to assess tolerance to the inhibitor and longevity/survival
curve. The testing was terminated when the last mouse in the
control group died, at 26 weeks.
[0075] Histology
[0076] Harvested organs (kidney, spleen, and heart) to be used to
assess morphometry and histochemistry were flushed with PBS,
perfusion fixed in Bouin's reagent, and paraffin embedded. Sections
(5 .mu.m) were stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E),
Periodic acid-Schiff stain (PAS), Masson-Trichrome, or reticulin
staining at the Harvard Medical School Rodent Histopathology Core
and scored using an unbiased approach, in which histology scores of
1 (normal) to 5 (most severe pathology) were designated to tissue
sections which were only numerically labeled and in no particular
order (by Dr. Roderick Bronson, director of the Rodent
Histopathology Core, Harvard Medical School). Numerical sections
were later decoded, marked for their designated score, and
statistically analyzed. Images of the tissue sections were obtained
and quantified on a Keyence BZ-9000 Microscope (Keyence
Corporation, Itasca, Ill.).
[0077] Urinalysis
[0078] To determine kidney function, urine was collected before
mice were sacrificed. Albumin and creatinine in the urine were
measured using colorimetric assays according to the manufacturer's
instructions (Albuwell M; The creatinine companion, Exocell), as
described below. The kidney function was calculated as ratio of
albumin to creatinine levels.
[0079] Blood Cell Counts
[0080] 50 .mu.l of peripheral blood was collected from mice upon
sacrifice and was mixed with 5 mM EDTA anticoagulant to be used for
blood cell counts (Hemavet 850FS), to determine numbers of white
blood cells (neutrophil, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophil and
basophil), red blood cells and platelets. In addition, peripheral
blood isolated from MRL/lpr mice either treated with vehicle (DMSO)
or SHP2 inhibitor was used to count the percentage of lymphocyte
subsets, including B cells, CD4+, CD8+ and double negative (DN) T
cells through flow cytometry (see below).
[0081] Total Cell Isolation from Various SLE-Prone Tissues (Kidney,
Lung, Spleen and Axillary Lymph Nodes)
[0082] Kidney, spleen, lung, and axillary lymph nodes were excised
from either vehicle or drug-treated mice, and single cell
suspensions were obtained by teasing the organs through a nylon
mesh. Briefly, kidneys were cut into small pieces and homogenized
on a 70 .mu.m nylon mesh in 5 ml of Hank's Balanced Salt Solution
(HBSS) buffer. All of the homogenized tissues and cells were
transferred to new 50 ml tubes and digested with collagenase type 4
(100 ug/ml) (Worthington Biochemical Corp., Freehold, N.J.) in HBSS
for 30 minutes to 2 hours (37.degree. C.) on a rotating shaker.
After digestion, the cells were centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10
minutes, and the kidney cell isolates were generated, which
included infiltrated immune cell subsets.
[0083] Isolation of cells from lung was similar to isolation of
cells from kidney, with the exception of the need for digestion of
the tissue with collagenase.
[0084] Spleens were cut into 2 to 3 pieces each and homogenized on
a 70 .mu.m nylon mesh in 5 ml of HBSS buffer. The cells were
filtered through a 70 .mu.m nylon mesh to a new 50 ml tube and
centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 5 minutes at room temperature. The
pellets were dissolved in 1-2 ml of red blood cell (RBC) lysis
buffer (Sigma R7757) for 2-5 minutes to lyse the RBCs. 30 ml of
1.times.HBSS buffer was added and the homogenate was centrifuged at
2000 rpm for 10 minutes. The pellet, containing immune cell subsets
and remaining tissue aggregates, was further dissolved in 5 ml of
HBSS and additionally filtered through a new 70 .mu.m nylon mesh to
remove these aggregates. Finally the remaining cell suspension was
centrifuged at 2000 rpm at 4.degree. C. for 5 minutes to collect
the splenocytes, which included the immune cell subsets.
[0085] Isolation of cells from axillary lymph nodes (double
negative cells) was similar to isolation of cells from spleen, with
the exception of the step that included lysis of RBCs.
[0086] All the isolated cell pellets were dissolved in 1 ml of 2%
FBS/PBS buffer and in preparation for the flow cytometry assay (see
below).
[0087] Flow Cytometry
[0088] To identify immune cell subsets, isolated cells from tissues
were immunostained with mouse antibodies targeted against
CD3.sub..epsilon. (145-2C11, BioLegend, San Diego, Calif.), CD4
(GK1.5, BioLegend), CD8 (53-6.7, eBioscience, San Diego, Calif.),
CD45 (30-F11, eBioscience), CD 19 (6125, BioLegend), CD11b (M1170,
BioLegend), TCR.alpha..beta. (H57-597, BioLegend), CD44 (IM7,
BioLegend), B220 (RA3-6B2, B.D. PHARMINGEN, BD Biosciences, San
Jose Calif.), CD138 (281-2, BioLegend), CD38 (CD28.2, BioLegend),
Gr-1 (RB6.805, eBioscience), CD62L (DREG-56, BioLegend), and CD25
(PC61, BioLegend) for 30 minutes at 4.degree. C. Samples were
acquired on a LSR II flow cytometer (BD Biosciences) and the
percentage of each sub-population of cells (B, T, monocytes,
macrophage and neutrophils) was assessed by FlowJo [version 7.2.2
(Tree Star)]. Total cell numbers were counted using a
hemocytometer. Absolute cell numbers for each sub-population were
calculated based on the percentage of each population.
[0089] ELISA
[0090] ELISA assays were used to detect for the presence of various
cytokines in mouse serum isolated from vehicle or drug-treated
animals or from medium supernatant isolated from tissue cell
cultures as described above. In addition, ELISA was also used to
detect total IgG and dsDNA IgG from mouse serum and for the assay
to detect urine albumin and creatinine levels. ELISA detection kits
for mouse cytokines IL-6 and TNF.alpha. were purchased from
eBioscience, mouse cytokines IL-17A, IFN.gamma., and human
IFN.gamma. were purchased from Biolegend, kits for the albumin and
creatinine were purchased from Exocell, and kits for the serum IgG
and anti-dsDNA IgG were purchased from Alpha Diagnostic (San
Antonio, Tex.). ELISAs were all performed according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
[0091] Cytokine analyses: In brief, capture antibodies for each
cytokine were precoated on 96-well plates overnight at 4.degree.
C., then 100 .mu.l of 5.times. diluted serum or 300.times. diluted
supernatant medium was loaded on the precoated wells in duplicate
and left overnight at 4.degree. C. (with the exception of the human
IFN.gamma. assay isolated from supernatant medium, where the
dilution used was 1:30). As per the protocol instructions,
enzyme-antibody conjugate, TMB substrate and stopping buffer were
added sequentially. The colorimetric analysis, as measured by
optical density (OD) within each well, was determined using a
microplate reader set at a wavelength of 450 nm. The cytokine
concentrations were calculated and measured against a standard
curve for each cytokine.
[0092] Serum IgG and anti-dsDNA IgG: 100 .mu.l of 1:50000.times.
diluted serum for IgG and 100 .mu.l of 1:20000.times. diluted serum
for dsDNA IgG were used and loaded onto a precoated 96-well plate
in duplicate for 1 hour at room temperature. As per the protocol
instructions, enzyme-antibody conjugate, TMB substrate and stopping
buffer were added sequentially. The OD of the wells was determined
using a microplate reader set at a wavelength of 450 nm.
[0093] Albumin and creatinine levels: For the albumin assay,
collected mouse urine was diluted at 1:5200.times. and 50 .mu.l was
loaded onto an albumin precoated 96-well plate, followed by primary
incubation, secondary incubation and colorimetric determination.
For the creatinine assay, the urine was diluted 20.times. and
loaded onto a 96-well plate, and picrate working solution and acid
reagent were added sequentially according to protocol. Absorbance
was assayed using a plate reader set at a wavelength of 495 nm.
[0094] Purification and Culture of Mouse and Human T cells
[0095] Whole tissue cell cultures prepared from mouse spleen and
axillary lymph nodes were generated as described above. From within
this total cell preparation, total T cells from spleen and the
double negative T cells from axillary lymph nodes were further
purified through negative selection using a pan T cell isolation
kit from Milenyi Biotec (San Diego, Calif.). In brief, 10 .mu.l of
pan T cell biotin-antibody cocktail, which includes monoclonal
antibodies against CD11b, Cd11c, CD19, CD45R (B220), CD49b, CD105,
anti MHC class II and ter-19, was added per 1.times.10.sup.7 total
cells, incubated on ice for 30 minutes, and then mixed with 30
.mu.l of D-PBS/0.5% FBS (pH 7.2) per 1.times.10.sup.7 cells. Next,
20 .mu.l of anti-biotin beads were added per 1.times.10.sup.7 cells
and the reaction was kept on ice for another 30 minutes. After
centrifuging at 2000 rpm for 5 minutes at 4.degree. C., the pellet
was resuspended in 2 ml of T cell isolation buffer (D-PBS, pH7.2,
0.5% FBS and 2mM EDTA) and the T cells were purified through a
magnetic sorting column (MACS).
[0096] Human T cells were purified from frozen peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMC) isolated from SLE or normal donor
patients. Briefly, frozen PBMCs were thawed in a 37.degree. C.
water bath for 1 to 2 minutes, and then gently added to pre-warmed
RPMI1640 medium with 10% FBS (total 10 ml). The cells were
centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 5 minutes at room temperature. The cell
pellet was washed with 5 ml of pre-warmed RPMI 1640 medium with 10%
FBS three times, followed by a final D-PBS (no calcium, no
magnesium buffer) wash. Human T cells were then purified by a Pan T
Cell Isolation Kit (human) from Miltenyi Biotec, as described
above.
[0097] The purity of isolated T cells routinely exceeded 94%. After
purification, T cells were resuspended in RPMI1640 medium with 10%
FBS and 1.times.10.sup.5 cells/well in 100 ul total volume was
loaded onto a 96-well plate, either left uncoated or precoated with
anti-CD3 antibody (1 ug/ml) (OKT3; Biolegend). All cells loaded
onto wells precoated with anti-CD3 antibody were also mixed with
anti-CD28 antibody (0.5 .mu.g/ml) (CD28.2; BioLegend) to help
potentiate the T cell signaling response. Plated cells were
cultured for 48 hours in either the presence of vehicle (DMSO) or
Shp2 inhibitor (10 .mu.g/ml). Following the incubation, 15 .mu.l of
medium was collected for various cytokine activity analyses.
[0098] T Cell Proliferation and Viability Assays
[0099] For cell viability, an MTT (thiazolyl Blue tetrazolium
Bromide, M2128, Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) assay was employed. Briefly,
10 .mu.l of the MTT labeling reagent (final concentration 0.5mg/ml)
was loaded into each cell culture well (96-well plate) and then
incubated for 4 hours in a humidified chamber. Following
incubation, 100 .mu.l of solublization solution (0.04N in absolute
isopropanol) was added to each well, resuspended, and then
incubated at 37.degree. C. for an additional hour.
Spectrophotometric absorbance of the samples was assessed using a
microplate reader at a wavelength of 595 nm. T cell
numbers/proliferation was assessed by cell count using a
hemocytometer. In brief, 1.times.10.sup.5 cells were plated in
wells and cultured for 48 hours. 10 .mu.l of cell suspension was
then removed and mixed together with 10 .mu.l of trypan blue
solution (0.4%, T8154, Sigma). After mixing, 10 .mu.l of the
mixture was loaded onto the hemocytometer and the total average
number of cells/well was calculated.
[0100] Echocardiography
[0101] Transthoracic echocardiography was conducted on
non-anesthetized animals as described previously in Marin et al., J
Clin Invest. 2011; 121:1026-1043, with a 13-MHz probe (Vivid 7, GE
Medical Systems, Boston, Mass.) or VisualSonics Vevo 770
high-frequency ultrasound rodent imaging system (VisualSonics,
Toronto, Ontario). GE Medical Systems or VisualSonics Vevo 770
software was used for data acquisition and subsequent analysis.
Hearts were imaged in the 2-dimensional parasternal short-axis
view, and an M-mode echocardiogram of the midventricular region was
recorded at the level of the papillary muscles. Calculations of
cardiac anatomic and functional parameters were carried out as
described in Marin et al., J Clin Invest. 2011; 121:1026-1043.
[0102] Biochemical Analyses
[0103] Tissues (spleen, kidney, heart) isolated from either vehicle
(DMSO) treated or SHP2 inhibitor treated WT C57/B16, MRL/MpJ, or
MRL/lpr female mice were dissected, perfused in PBS, and
immediately frozen in liquid N.sub.2. Whole-cell lysates were
prepared by homogenizing the tissue in radioimmunoprecipitation
(RIPA) buffer (25 mmol/1 Tris-HCl [pH 7.4], 150 mmol/1 NaCl, 0.1%
SDS, 1% NP-40, 0.5% sodium deoxycholate, 5 mmol/1 EDTA, 1 mmol/1
NaF, 1 mmol/1 sodium orthovanadate, and a protease cocktail) at
4.degree. C., followed by clarification at 14,000 g. Proteins were
resolved by SDS-PAGE and transferred to PVDF membranes
Immunoprecipitations were performed with anti-FAK (sc-558) or
anti-SHP2 (sc-280) antibodies (Cell Signaling Technology)
Immunoblots were performed on immunoprecipitated lysates or whole
cell lysates, following the manufacturer's directions, with
anti-Akt (sc-8312), anti-SHP2 (sc-280), anti-phospho 576-FAK
(sc-16563-R), anti-FAK (sc-558) (Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.,
Dallas, Tex.); or anti-phospho-Akt (4060S), anti-phospho-Erk1/2
(9101L), anti-Erk1/2 (9102L), anti-p85 (4257S), anti-phospho-p70S6K
(9234S), anti-p70S6K (9292L), anti-phospho-S6rp (2211S), and
anti-S6rp (2217S) antibodies (Cell Signaling Technology, Danvers,
Mass.); or anti-phospho-tyrosine (4G10) (Millipore, Billerica,
Mass.). Bands were visualized with enhanced chemiluminescence and
quantified by densitometry (developed by Wayne Rasband; ImageJ 1.41
software, http://rsbweb.nih.gov/ij/).
[0104] Immune Complex PTP Assays
[0105] PTP assays were conducted as previously described in
Kontaridis et al., J Biol Chem. 2006; 281:6785-6792, using
para-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP, obtained from Sigma) as
substrate. Briefly, WT C57/B16, MRL/MpJ, or MRL/lpr tissue (spleen,
kidney, heart) lysates were homogenized and lysed in RIPA buffer
(but without sodium orthovanadate), and SHP2 was immunoprecipitated
by using anti-SHP2 polyclonal antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnology
Inc.) coupled to protein A-Sepharose Immune complexes were washed 3
times in RIPA buffer without sodium orthovanadate and once in wash
buffer [30 mM HEPES (pH 7.4), 120 mM NaCl without pNPP]. For each
sample, PTP assays were performed in triplicate at 37.degree. C. in
50 .mu.l of assay buffer [30 mM Hepes (pH 7.4), 120 mM NaCl, 5 mM
dithiothreitol, 10 mM pNPP] containing 50 .mu.l of the SHP2 beads.
Reactions were terminated with 0.2 N NaOH and phosphate release was
determined by measuring A410. Following the assays, immune
complexes were recovered by centrifugation, boiled in 2.times.
SDS-PAGE sample buffer, resolved by SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotted
with polyclonal SHP2 antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.) to
ensure that equal amounts of SHP2 had been tested for phosphatase
activity.
[0106] Statistics
[0107] All data are expressed as mean.+-.SEM. Statistical
significance was determined using 2-tailed Student's t test and
1-way ANOVA or 2-way repeated measure ANOVA, as appropriate. If
ANOVA was significant, individual differences were evaluated using
the Bonferroni post-test. For all studies, values of p<0.05 were
considered statistically significant.
Example 1
[0108] In this Example, the potential for a mechanistic role for
SHP2 in the pathogenesis of SLE was evaluated.
[0109] Particularly, tissue lysates from kidney, spleen, and heart
from 5 female mice each of 8- and 16-week old WT, MRL/MpJ (lupus
strain-control) and MLR/lpr mice were obtained Immune-complex
phosphatase assays were performed to assess activity of SHP2 in SLE
lysates.
Results
[0110] SHP2 Phosphatase Activity is Increased in SLE-Prone MRL/lpr
Mice.
[0111] Unexpectedly, it was found that phosphatase activity was
significantly increased (8-fold) in both 8-week (FIGS. 2) and
16-week (data not shown) old MLR/lpr mice, as compared to both WT
and MRL/MpJ control mice, showing SHP2 activity is upregulated in
SLE.
Example 2
[0112] In this Example, SHP2 activity in peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from human SLE patients was evaluated and
compared to activity in healthy human patients.
[0113] To determine whether elevated SHP2 activity was clinically
relevant, SHP2 activity was measured in human PBMCs isolated from
either normal female donors or SLE-disease active female patients
(n=5 each).
Results
[0114] SHP2 Activity is Significantly Increased in PBMC from SLE
Patients.
[0115] As shown in FIG. 3, SHP2 activity was significantly
increased in PBMCs from SLE patients, as compared to normal,
further suggesting SHP2 activity is important in SLE disease. These
results are consistent with the data from Example 1, and further
demonstrate that SHP2 activity is upregulated in human patients
with SLE.
Example 3
[0116] In this Example, the role of SHP2 in the signaling mechanism
involved in SLE was evaluated.
[0117] SHP2 was immunoprecipitated from tissue lysates (kidney,
spleen, and heart) obtained from 8-week old female WT and MLR/lpr
mice and immunoblotted with phospho-tyrosyl antibodies.
Results
[0118] Distinct Tyrosyl-Phosphorylated Proteins Form a Complex with
SHP2 in Tissue Lysates Isolated from SLE-Prone Mice.
[0119] Two tyrosyl-phosphorylated proteins were co-immunoprecitated
with SHP2 in each of the tissues, as compared to WT controls (FIGS.
4A & 4B). A proteomics screen was further conducted to identify
these proteins by mass spectrometry.
[0120] The p120 kDa dephosphorylated protein in SLE lysates was
identified as Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK), a likely substrate
target for SHP2 in SLE, and a p85 kDa hyper-tyrosyl phosphorylated
protein was identified as the p85 subunit of PI3K, a critical
upstream regulator of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway (FIG. 4B).
Example 4
[0121] In this Example, the interaction of SHP2 and FAK was
evaluated. FAK is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that plays a major
role in cytokine signaling, although its role in SLE has, before
now, remained unclear. Significantly, SHP2 is a regulator of FAK,
and both ERK and AKT signaling can be directly regulated by
FAK.
[0122] To assess whether SHP2 plays a role in FAK regulation, the
association of SHP2 with FAK at its critical regulatory site, Y397,
was assessed. SHP2 was immunoprecipitated from tissue lysates
obtained from the MRL/lpr mice.
Results
[0123] SHP2 Directly Binds to FAK at its Critical Y397 Regulatory
Site in SLE and Mediates Direct Dephosphorylation of the Downstream
Erk Activation Sites on FAK (FIG. 4B).
[0124] SHP2 was shown to preferentially form a complex with FAK in
SLE-prone tissue lysates (FIG. 4B), suggesting that FAK is a
specifically-targeted SHP2 substrate and is dephosphorylated in
SLE-prone mice. FIGS. 5A and 5B depict schematics illustrating the
activation of FAK upon phosphorylation and interaction with src
leading to downstream ERK signaling. As shown in FIG. 6, increased
activation and association with SHP2 led to dephosphorylation of
FAK on downstream ERK activation sites.
Example 5
[0125] In this Example, the effects of increased SHP2 activity on
ERK activation in SLE were evaluated.
[0126] ERK1/2 phosphorylation in tissue (kidney, spleen, and heart)
lysates isolated from 8- and 16-week old WT and MLR/lpr mice was
analyzed.
Results
[0127] ERK Phosphorylation is Decreased in MRL/lpr Lysates.
[0128] As shown in FIG. 7, ERK activity was decreased in MRL/lpr
lysates, as compared to WT. FAK dephosphorylation by SHP2 on its
ERK activation sites likely leads to the decreased ERK activity
observed in these SLE tissue lysates. Moreover, decreased ERK
activity in SLE may mediate DNA hypo-methylation, which can lead to
hyper-activation of autoreactive and inflammatory T and B
cells.
Example 6
[0129] In this Example, the interaction of SHP2 complexed with FAK
and the p85 subunit of PI3K was evaluated.
[0130] In addition to its actions on ERK signaling, FAK can also
recruit and bind the p85 subunit of PI3K to positively drive
downstream AKT signaling. Tissue (kidney, spleen, and heart)
lysates were isolated from 8- and 16-week old WT and MLR/lpr mice
and assessed.
Results
[0131] SHP2 Binding to FAK Recruits Tyrosyl-Phosphorylated p85
Subunit of PI3K.
[0132] In SLE tissue lysates, p85 was preferentially recruited to
FAK. Particularly, hyperphosphorylated p85 was recruited to FAK
through increased association with SHP2 in SLE (FIGS. 8A & 8B).
FAK specifically binds to SHP2 and to the p85 subunit of PI3K in
SLE. As seen in FIG. 8A, the SHP2 dephosphorylated band at 125 kDa
is FAK and the band at 85 kDa is p85. The band at .about.70 kDa is
SHP2. Quantification for the decrease in FAK phosphorylation in SLE
is shown in FIG. 8C.
Example 7
[0133] In this Example, the effects of increased SHP2 activity on
AKT signaling in SLE were evaluated.
[0134] Tissue (kidney, spleen, and heart) lysates were isolated
from 8- and 16-week old WT and MLR/lpr mice.
Results
[0135] AKT Pathway is Elevated in SLE Lysates.
[0136] As shown in FIG. 9, consistent with inflammatory responses
which activate AKT, MRL/lpr tissue lysates showed increased AKT
signaling, and downstream S6K activity, in both 8- and 16-week-old
MRL/lpr mice. Increased AKT signaling may contribute to the
increased accumulation of immune complexes observed in SLE.
[0137] Taken with the results from Examples 5 and 6, these data
suggest a mechanism by which SHP2, through regulation of FAK
phosphorylation, is required to suppress ERK activation and
activate AKT signaling in SLE, a possible integral mechanism in SLE
pathogenesis.
Example 8
[0138] In this Example, the effect of an inhibitor of SHP2 activity
on inhibiting SLE disease progression was evaluated.
[0139] To determine whether normalization of SHP2 activity could
inhibit SLE disease progression, WT B6, MRL/MpJ, MRL/lpr and
MRL/lpr mice were treated with either vehicle or the SHP2
inhibitor, L97M74, (7.5 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks beginning at 12
weeks of age. Tissue (kidney, spleen, heart, and thymus) was
collected from the mice at the end of the study, at 16 weeks of
age.
Results
[0140] SHP2 Inhibitor Normalizes SHP2 Activity and Reverses
Aberrant ERK and AKT Signaling.
[0141] Remarkably, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, the lysates isolated
from SHP2 inhibitor-treated MRL/lpr mice not only normalized SHP2
activity back to levels of WT, but also reversed aberrant
downstream ERK and AKT signaling.
Example 9
[0142] In this Example, the effect of L97M74 on SHP2 activity on
inhibiting SLE disease progression in mice was evaluated.
[0143] To determine whether inhibition of SHP2 activity affected
SLE disease progression, each of the SLE target tissues (i.e.,
skin, kidney, spleen) was tested in both treated and untreated
SLE-prone mice. Particularly, tissues were tested as: WT treated
with inhibitor, WT treated with DMSO (vehicle), MRL/mpJ treated
with inhibitor, MRL/mpJ treated with DMSO (vehicle), MRL/lpr
treated with inhibitor, and MRL/lpr treated with DMSO
(vehicle).
[0144] At a dose of 7.5 mg/kg/day, the SHP2 inhibitor reduced the
skin lesions/inflammation (FIG. 11A), had no obvious cytotoxic
effects during the treatment period (FIG. 11B) and significantly
increased lifespan of SLE-prone mice (FIG. 11C).
[0145] Physiologically, treatment with the SHP2 inhibitor for 6
weeks reduced splenomegaly (FIGS. 12A & 12B) and normalized the
kidney to a size (FIGS. 13A & 13B) similar to that in WT and
MRL/MpJ controls.
[0146] Functionally, the inhibitor-treated mice had a significant
reduction in proteinuria (FIG. 13C), with levels similar to those
in WT mice, as compared to vehicle-treated SLE mice.
[0147] When histologically examining the tissues (FIGS. 14-16), it
was observed that the kidneys from MRL/lpr mice treated with
vehicle developed severe progressive crescentic glomerulonephritis
(FIG. 14C), had significant fibrosis (FIG. 15C), and were
infiltrated with immune cells (FIG. 16C). In contrast, treatment of
MRL/lpr mice with the SHP2 inhibitor prevented the development of
this SLE-related disease phenotype in the kidney of these mice
(FIGS. 14F, 15F and 16F). Unbiased histopathological scoring
indicated that treatment of MRL/lpr mice with the SHP2 inhibitor
quantifiably prevented the development of SLE-related disease
phenotype in the kidney of these mice (FIG. 14G). As shown in FIGS.
16E-16F, PAS staining of tissue showed decreased inflammatory
infiltration in the tissue, smaller glomeruli, decreased fibrosis,
and decreased numbers of mesangial cells surrounding the glomerulus
in SLE kidneys treated with SHP2 inhibitor.
Example 10
[0148] In this Example, the effect of L97M74 on SHP2 activity on
cellular immune response in kidney was evaluated.
[0149] B cells, T cells, macrophage and neutrophils from the
MRL/lpr inhibitor-treated and vehicle-treated mouse kidneys of
Example 9 were isolated.
[0150] As shown in FIGS. 17A-17D, it was found that the SHP2
inhibitor specifically targeted the total number of infiltrating T
cells in the SLE kidney, significantly reducing the overall number
of CD4, CD8, and double-negative T cells in inhibitor-treated SLE
mice as compared to vehicle-treated mice. Unexpectedly, no
discernable differences in B cells were observed. In addition, a
significant reduction in numbers of infiltrating neutorophils and
macrophages in inhibitor-treated SLE kidneys were also
observed.
Example 11
[0151] In this Example, the effect of L97M74 on SHP2 activity on
cellular immune response in spleen was evaluated.
[0152] B cells, T cells, macrophage and neutrophils from spleens
obtained from the MRL/lpr inhibitor-treated and vehicle-treated
mice of Example 9 were isolated.
[0153] Similar to the results in Example 10, germinal center
formation in the spleen was greatly reduced in the SHP2
inhibitor-treated MRL/lpr mice, as compared to MRL/lpr
vehicle-treated, and resembled splenic histology similar to that
observed in the WT and MRL/MpJ controls (FIGS. 18A-18D). Like the
kidney in mice treated with the inhibitor in Example 10, overall
splenic T cell counts were reduced in the MRL/lpr inhibitor-treated
mice, with significant reduction in CD4, CD8, and double-negative T
cells, but not CD25 helper T cell populations (FIGS. 19A-19C).
[0154] Additionally, to determine specifically whether the
inhibitor affects active or inactive T cells, the T cell population
from the spleen of MRL/lpr inhibitor-treated or vehicle-treated
mice were isolated and cultured and either left unstimulated or
stimulated with CD3 to active the T cells for 48 hours.
Unexpectedly, both inactive and CD3 activated T cell proliferation
was significantly inhibited by the SHP2 inhibitor in the SLE mice.
Moreover, the proliferative effects observed were specific to the
double-negative T cell population (FIG. 20A). SHP2 inhibitor
decreased the total number of double-negative T cells upon CD3
activation in MRL/lpr spleens (FIG. 20B). No effects were observed
in WT or MRL/MpJ control cells either in the presence or absence of
stimulation or in response to the inhibitor. SHP2 inhibition had no
effect on total T cell viability in cultured T cells isolated from
the spleen of SLE-prone mice, both in the absence or presence of
T-cell activation (CD3 antibody) (FIG. 21A). SHP2 inhibitor also
did not affect viability of tissue-cultured double-negative T
cells, both in the absence or presence of CD3 activation (CD3 ab)
(FIG. 21B).
[0155] In summary, SHP2 inhibition reduces the number of splenic
lymphocytes, particularly CD4+, CD8+ and DN T cells, and reduces
infiltration of CD4 and double-negative T cells to kidney,
suggesting that normalization of SHP2 activity in T cells
specifically may significantly inhibit organ damage associated with
SLE.
Example 12
[0156] In this Example, the effect of the SHP2 inhibitor (L97M74)
on specific cytokines to drive downstream activation of pathways
that lead to SLE pathogenesis was evaluated.
[0157] An ELISA was conducted to detect concentrations of
IFN.gamma., TNF.alpha., IL17, and IL6 in T cells derived from
spleen.
[0158] Interestingly, as shown in FIGS. 22A-22D, only significant
decreases in IFN.gamma. were observed in response to the SHP2
inhibitor. No effects on TNF.alpha., IL17 or IL6 were observed in
response to the SHP2 inhibitor, despite the fact that these
cytokines were significantly increased in SLE, suggesting that the
SHP2 inhibitor specifically ameliorates the pathogenic effects of
SLE through specific inhibition of double-negative T cells and
production of IFN.gamma..
Example 13
[0159] In this Example, the effect of the SHP2 inhibitor on thymus
size was evaluated.
[0160] As shown in FIG. 23, inhibition of SHP2 decreased thymus
size in SLE-prone mice.
Example 14
[0161] In this Example, the effect of the SHP2 inhibitor (L97M74)
on cardiac function was evaluated.
[0162] Hearts from SHP2 inhibitor-treated mice showed significantly
improved functional parameters as compared to vehicle-treated SLE
mice (FIG. 24A), with decreased chamber and increased posterior
wall measurements (FIG. 24B), and similar to MRL/MpJ control
hearts.
Example 15
[0163] In this Example, the effect of the SHP2 inhibitor (L97M74)
in mediating the immune response to elicit the SLE pathogenic
response was evaluated
[0164] The serological immune response in SLE inhibitor-treated
versus SLE vehicle-treated mice were assessed and found that the
SHP2 inhibitor specifically targets the white blood cell (WBC)
population, with no effects observed in red blood cells or
platelets (FIGS. 25A-25C). Of these WBCs, only leukocytes, but not
neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, or basophils, were
significantly reduced by the SHP2 inhibitor (FIGS. 26A-26E).
[0165] As shown in FIG. 27, it was further determined that only the
T cell, and not the B cell, leukocyte population was significantly
altered in SLE and inhibited by the SHP2 inhibitor. Moreover, of
the T cell population, only the double negative cells, and not the
CD4 and CD8 positive T cell populations, were targeted by the SHP2
inhibitor in circulating lymphocytes, suggesting specificity in
regulating SLE pathogenesis through this specific immune cell
subset.
[0166] Additionally, to assess if cytokine effects are similarly
affected in human SLE, IFN.gamma. in serum of normal SLE-disease
active patients was measured. Like in mice, a significant increase
in IFN.gamma. levels in SLE patient serum was observed (FIG.
28).
[0167] Because of these results, if/how SHP2 was similarly involved
in mediating the immune response in human SLE pathogenesis was next
evaluated. To determine specifically whether the inhibitor affects
human T cells, the T cell population from serum from either normal
or SLE-disease active patients was isolated and cultured. Purified
T cells were plated and either left unstimulated or stimulated with
CD3 to active the T cells for 48 hours.
[0168] Cultured human T cells isolated from SLE patients secreted
more IFN.gamma. upon activation by CD3 antibody; however, the SHP2
inhibitor significantly decreased the secretion of IFN.gamma.
activity in response to T cell activation (FIG. 29). Moreover,
inhibition of SHP2 reduced T cell proliferation in response to CD3
in culture (FIG. 30A), as shown by a decrease in T cell clonal
expansion in SHP2 inhibitor-treated human SLE T cells compared to
vehicle-treated human SLE T cells (FIG. 30B). Like in the isolated
mouse T cell cultures, the SHP2 inhibitor prevented T cell
proliferation in response to CD3 activation directly, as no
differences in viability (i.e. apoptosis) were observed (FIG. 31).
Thus, SHP2 inhibitor does not inhibit T cell viability and reduce
the number of T cells in SLLE through increased cell death.
Example 16
[0169] In this Example, the effect of the SHP2 inhibitor, L97M74,
on the onset of SLE disease progression was evaluated by measuring
the levels of auto antibodies in SLE inhibitor-treated versus
vehicle-treated mice through detection anti-histone antibodies and
anti-IgG by ELISA.
[0170] Despite the positive effects of the SHP2 inhibitor in
ameliorating the SLE-associated organ damage, levels of IgG and
double-stranded DNA were not reduced in SHP2-treated SLE mice,
suggesting that the target of the inhibitor is specific to the
downstream consequences of SLE disease (FIGS. 32A & 32B).
[0171] In summary, these data suggest that increased SHP2 activity,
and the aberrant effects this has on downstream cytokine signaling,
plays a key role in the molecular pathogenesis of SLE and that use
of an SHP2 inhibitor may be a novel therapeutic approach to
treating patients for SLE-associated disease pathogenesis.
[0172] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any systems and performing any incorporated methods. The
patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *
References