U.S. patent application number 16/582428 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-23 for humanized or chimeric cd3 antibodies.
The applicant listed for this patent is GENMAB A/S. Invention is credited to Aran Frank LABRIJN, Joyce MEESTERS, Joost J. NEIJSSEN, Paul PARREN, Janine SCHUURMAN, Edward VAN DEN BRINK.
Application Number | 20200123255 16/582428 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52143134 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-23 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200123255 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VAN DEN BRINK; Edward ; et
al. |
April 23, 2020 |
HUMANIZED OR CHIMERIC CD3 ANTIBODIES
Abstract
The present invention relates to humanized or chimeric
antibodies binding CD3. It furthermore relates to bispecific
antibodies, compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, use of said
antibodies in the treatment of a disease, and method of
treatment.
Inventors: |
VAN DEN BRINK; Edward;
(Halfweg, NL) ; NEIJSSEN; Joost J.; (Werkhoven,
NL) ; LABRIJN; Aran Frank; (Utrecht, NL) ;
MEESTERS; Joyce; (Utrecht, NL) ; SCHUURMAN;
Janine; (Utrecht, NL) ; PARREN; Paul; (Odijk,
NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GENMAB A/S |
Copenhagen V |
|
DK |
|
|
Family ID: |
52143134 |
Appl. No.: |
16/582428 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14902757 |
Jan 4, 2016 |
10465006 |
|
|
PCT/EP2014/064326 |
Jul 4, 2014 |
|
|
|
16582428 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 2317/51 20130101;
C07K 2317/52 20130101; C07K 16/1063 20130101; C07K 2317/567
20130101; C07K 2317/56 20130101; C07K 2317/75 20130101; A61P 35/00
20180101; C07K 16/2887 20130101; C07K 2317/53 20130101; A61K
2039/505 20130101; C07K 2317/565 20130101; C07K 2317/732 20130101;
C07K 16/32 20130101; C07K 2317/33 20130101; C07K 16/2896 20130101;
C07K 2317/41 20130101; C07K 2317/71 20130101; C07K 16/4241
20130101; C07K 2317/734 20130101; C07K 2317/74 20130101; C07K
2317/524 20130101; G01N 33/6872 20130101; C07K 2317/515 20130101;
A61P 31/00 20180101; C07K 2317/31 20130101; C07K 2317/90 20130101;
C07K 16/2809 20130101; C07K 2317/526 20130101; A61P 37/06 20180101;
C07K 2317/92 20130101; C07K 16/2863 20130101; C07K 2317/24
20130101; G01N 2333/7051 20130101 |
International
Class: |
C07K 16/28 20060101
C07K016/28; G01N 33/68 20060101 G01N033/68; C07K 16/42 20060101
C07K016/42; C07K 16/32 20060101 C07K016/32; C07K 16/10 20060101
C07K016/10 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 5, 2013 |
EP |
PCT/EP2013/064330 |
Jan 9, 2014 |
DK |
PA 2014 00009 |
Jan 9, 2014 |
EP |
PCT/EP2014/050340 |
Claims
1-49. (canceled)
50. A nucleic acid construct encoding the heavy and/or light chain
variable region of a humanized or chimeric antibody which binds to
human CD3, wherein said antibody comprises heavy chain variable
(VH) region CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 domains comprising the amino acid
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and
light chain variable (VL) region CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 domains
comprising the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, GTN,
and SEQ ID NO: 5, respectively.
51. An expression vector comprising the nucleic acid of claim
50.
52. A host cell comprising the expression vector of claim 51.
53. A method for producing an anti-CD3 antibody comprising: (a)
culturing the host cell of claim 52, and (b) purifying the antibody
from the culture media.
54. A method of diagnosing a disease characterized by involvement
or accumulation of CD3-expressing cells, comprising administering a
humanized or chimeric antibody which binds to human CD3, wherein
said antibody comprises heavy chain variable (VH) region CDR1,
CDR2, and CDR3 domains comprising the amino acid sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and light chain
variable (VL) region CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 domains comprising the
amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, GTN, and SEQ ID NO:
5, respectively, optionally wherein the antibody is labeled with a
detectable agent.
55. A method for detecting the presence of CD3 antigen, or a cell
expressing CD3, in a sample comprising the steps of; a) contacting
the sample with a humanized or chimeric antibody which binds to
human CD3, wherein said antibody comprises heavy chain variable
(VH) region CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 domains comprising the amino acid
sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and
light chain variable (VL) region CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 domains
comprising the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, GTN,
and SEQ ID NO: 5, respectively, under conditions that allow for
formation of a complex between said antibody or bispecific antibody
and CD3; and b) analyzing whether a complex has been formed.
56. A method of treating cancer, an infectious disease, or an
autoimmune disease comprising administering to a subject in need
thereof a humanized or chimeric antibody which binds to human CD3,
wherein said antibody comprises heavy chain variable (VH) region
CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 domains comprising the amino acid sequences
set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and light chain
variable (VL) region CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 domains comprising the
amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, GTN, and SEQ ID NO:
5, respectively.
57. The method of claim 56, wherein the antibody comprises VH and
VL regions comprising the amino acid sequences selected from the
group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 6 and 10, respectively; b) SEQ
ID NOs: 8 and 10, respectively; c) SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10,
respectively; d) SEQ ID NOs: 6 and 11, respectively; e) SEQ ID NOs:
6 and 12, respectively; f) SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 10, respectively; g)
SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 11, respectively; h) SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 12,
respectively; i) SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 11, respectively; j) SEQ ID NOs:
8 and 12, respectively; k) SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 11, respectively; and
l) SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 12, respectively.
58. The method of claim 56, wherein the antibody is a full-length
antibody.
59. The method of claim 56, wherein the antibody comprises an Fc
region comprising a first and a second immunoglobulin heavy
chain.
60. The method of claim 56, wherein the first and the second heavy
chains are of an isotype selected from the group consisting of
IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.
61. The method of claim 56, wherein the antibody comprises an Fc
region which has been modified so that: (a) binding of C1q to the
antibody is reduced compared to a wild-type antibody by at least
70%, wherein C1q binding is determined by ELISA; (b) the antibody
mediates reduced Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation compared to a
wild-type antibody by at least 50%, wherein said T-cell
proliferation is measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell
(PBMC)-based functional assay; or (c) the antibody reduces
Fc-mediated CD69 expression by at least 50%, when compared to a
wild-type antibody wherein said Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay.
62. The method of claim 56, wherein the antibody comprises a first
and a second immunoglobulin heavy chain, wherein in at least one of
the first and second immunoglobulin heavy chains one or more amino
acids in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, D265,
N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L, L, D, N, and
P, respectively.
63. The method of claim 62, wherein in (a) at least one of the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain, are F and E; or A and A, respectively; (b) at least one of
the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A; or A, A, and A, respectively; or (c)
at least one of said first and second heavy chains the amino acids
in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in
a human IgG1 heavy chain, are A, A, and A, respectively; and (d) at
least one of said first and second heavy chains the amino acids in
the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, D265, N297,
and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, A, Q, and S,
respectively.
64. The method of claim 63, wherein in at least one of the first
and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/902,757, filed Jan. 4, 2016, which is a 35 U.S.C. 371
national stage filing of International Application No.
PCT/EP2014/064326, filed Jul. 4, 2014, which claims priority to
International Application No. PCT/EP2014/050340, filed Jan. 9,
2014, International Application No. PCT/EP2013/064330, filed Jul.
5, 2013, and Danish Patent Application No. PA 2014 00009, filed
Jan. 9, 2014. The contents of the aforementioned applications are
hereby incorporated by reference.
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0002] The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which
has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created
on Sep. 25, 2019, is named GMI_147USCDV_Sequence_Listing.txt and is
40,615 bytes in size.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates to a humanized or chimeric
antibody binding to human CD3, compositions comprising said
humanized or chimeric antibody, and use of said humanized or
chimeric antibodies in treatment of a disease.
BACKGROUND
[0004] The Cluster of Differentiation 3 (CD3) has been known for
many years and therefore has been subject of interest in many
aspects. Specifically antibodies raised against CD3 or the T-cell
Receptor Complex, which CD3 is part of, are known. An in vitro
characterization of five humanized OKT3 effector function variant
antibodies has been described [1].
[0005] Treatment with the anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody
hOKT3gamma1(Ala-Ala) results in improved C-peptide responses and
clinical parameters for at least 2 years after onset of type 1
diabetes in absence of continued immunosuppressive medications
[2].
[0006] A promising approach to improve targeted antibody therapy is
by delivering cytotoxic cells specifically to the
antigen-expressing cancer cells. This concept of using T-cells for
efficient killing of tumor cells has been described [3]. However,
initial clinical studies were rather disappointing mainly due to
low efficacy, severe adverse effects (cytokine storm) and
immunogenicity of the bispecific antibodies [4]. Advances in the
design and application of bispecific antibodies have partially
overcome the initial barrier of cytokine storm and improved
clinical effectiveness without dose-limiting toxicities [5].
[0007] For example, certain bispecific antibodies targeting with
one arm the antigen on the tumor cell and with the other arm for
instance CD3 on T cells, provide Fc receptor binding by the Fc
region. Upon binding, a complex of T cells, tumor cells and
effector cells that bind the antibody Fc region is formed, leading
to killing of the tumor cells [4]. Catumaxomab consists of a
mouseIgG2a/ratIgG2b heterodimer and has been found successful for
the treatment of cancer-associated ascites after intraperitoneal
application [6]. However, the mouse/rat hybrid is immunogenic [7]
and cannot be applied for long-term intravenous treatment in
humans. Frequent treatment-related adverse events attributed to
catumaxomab included cytokine-release-related symptoms (i.e.
pyrexia, nausea, vomiting, chills, tachycardia and hypotension)
[8]-[9], which relate to the effector functions of the Fc region of
catumaxomab. Another antibody is ertumaxomab (HER2.times.CD3),
which induces cytotoxicity in cell lines with low HER2 expression.
Ertumaxomab has been in Phase II clinical development for
metastatic breast cancer [10]-[11].
[0008] CD3 antibodies cross-reactive to cynomolgus and/or rhesus
monkey CD3 have been described [12]-[13], however, further
improvements for such cross-reactive antibodies are needed.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide
humanized or chimeric CD3 antibodies. Thus, in one aspect, the
present invention relates to a humanized or chimeric antibody
binding to human CD3, wherein said antibody comprises a binding
region comprising heavy chain variable (VH) region CDR1, CDR2, and
CDR3 having the sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3,
respectively, and light chain variable (VL) region CDR1, CDR2, and
CDR3 having the sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, the
sequence GTN, and the sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5,
respectively.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
bispecific antibody comprising a first binding region of an
antibody according to the invention, and a second binding region
which binds a different target than said first antigen binding
region.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
nucleic acid construct encoding one or more amino acid sequences
according to the invention.
[0012] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an
expression vector comprising (i) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a
heavy chain sequence of a humanized or chimeric antibody according
to the invention, (ii) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a light
chain sequence of a humanized or chimeric antibody according to the
invention, or (iii) both (i) and (ii).
[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a host
cell comprising an expression vector according to the
invention.
[0014] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
composition comprising the antibody or bispecific antibody
according to the invention.
[0015] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody or bispecific
antibody according to the invention and a pharmaceutical acceptable
carrier
[0016] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the
antibody or bispecific antibody, the composition, or the
pharmaceutical composition according to the invention for use as a
medicament.
[0017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the
antibody or bispecific antibody, the composition, or the
pharmaceutical composition according to the invention for use in
the treatment of a disease.
[0018] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
of treatment of a disease comprising administering the antibody or
bispecific antibody, the composition, or the pharmaceutical
composition according to the invention, to a subject in need
thereof.
[0019] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of
diagnosing a disease characterized by involvement or accumulation
of CD3-expression cells, comprising administering the humanized or
chimeric antibody, the composition or the pharmaceutical
composition according to the invention to a subject, optionally
wherein said humanized or chimeric antibody is labeled with a
detectable agent.
[0020] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
for producing an antibody or a bispecific antibody according to the
invention, comprising the steps of a) culturing a host cell
according to the invention, and b) purifying the antibody from the
culture media.
[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
diagnostic composition comprising an antibody or bispecific
antibody according to the invention.
[0022] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method
for detecting the presence of CD3 antigen, or a cell expressing
CD3, in a sample comprising the steps of a) contacting the sample
with an antibody or bispecific antibody according to the invention,
under conditions that allow for formation of a complex between the
antibody or bispecific antibody and CD3, and b) analyzing whether a
complex has been formed.
[0023] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a kit
for detecting the presence of CD3 antigen, or a cell expressing
CD3, in a sample comprising i) an antibody or bispecific antibody
according to the invention, and ii) instructions for use of the
kit.
[0024] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an
anti-idiotypic antibody which binds to an antibody according to the
invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0025] FIGS. 1A and 1B: Shows binding curves of (FIG. 1A)
monospecific antibody variants of IgG1-huCD3 and (FIG. 1B)
bispecific antibody variants bsIgG1 huCD3.times.HER2 to the human
T-cell line Jurkat. Data shown are mean fluorescence intensities
(MFI) of one representative experiment, as described in Example 2.
The tables show the antibody concentrations (.mu.g/mL) that result
in half-maximal binding (EC50).
[0026] FIGS. 2A and 2B: Shows binding curves of (FIG. 2A)
monospecific antibody variants of IgG1-huCD3 and (FIG. 2B)
bispecific antibody variants bsIgG1 huCD3.times.HER2 to the
cynomolgus T-cell line HSC-F. Data shown are mean fluorescence
intensities (MFI) of one representative experiment, as described in
Example 2.
[0027] FIGS. 3A and 3B: T-cell activation by IgG1-huCD3 antibody
variants. Expression of CD69 on T-cells from human (FIG. 3A) and
cynomolgus (FIG. 3B) origin in PBMC culture was measured by FACS
analysis, as described in Example 3. These experiments were
performed twice and representative results from one experiment are
shown.
[0028] FIGS. 4A and 4B: T-cell proliferation induced by IgG1-huCD3
antibody variants. Human (FIG. 4A) or cynomolgus (FIG. 4B) PBMCs
were incubated with IgG1-huCD3 antibody variants for 3 days, after
which proliferation was measured by a cell proliferation ELISA, as
described in Example 4. Representative results from two independent
experiments are shown.
[0029] FIGS. 5A and 5B: Induction of human (FIG. 5A) and cynomolgus
(FIG. 5B) T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity by huCD3 antibody variants
with non-activating LFLEDA mutations were determined as explained
in Example 5. Representative results from two independent
experiments performed in duplo are shown.
[0030] FIGS. 6A and 6B: Shows binding curves of non-activating,
monospecific antibody variants of IgG1-huCD3 (FIG. 6A) and
non-activating, bispecific antibody variants
bsIgG1-huCD3.times.HER2 (FIG. 6B) to the human T-cell line Jurkat.
Data shown are mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) of one
representative experiment, as described in Example 2. The tables
show the antibody concentrations (.mu.g/mL) that result in
half-maximal binding (EC50).
[0031] FIGS. 7A and 7B: Shows binding curves of non-activating,
monospecific antibody variants of IgG1-huCD3 (FIG. 7A) and
non-activating, bispecific antibody variants
bsIgG1-huCD3.times.HER2 (FIG. 7B) to the cynomolgus T-cell line
HSC-F. Data shown are mean fluorescence intensities (MFI) of one
representative experiment, as described in Example 2. The tables
show the antibody concentrations (.mu.g/mL) that result in
half-maximal binding (EC50).
[0032] FIGS. 8A-8D: T-cell activation by non-activating
monospecific IgG1-huCD3 (FIGS. 8A and 8B) or non-activating
bispecific bsIgG1-huCD3.times.HER2 antibody variants (FIGS. 8C and
8D). Expression of CD69 on T-cells from human (FIGS. 8A and 8C) and
cynomolgus (FIGS. 8B and 8D) origin in PBMC culture was measured by
FACS analysis, as described in Example 3. These experiments were
performed twice and representative results from one experiment are
shown.
[0033] FIGS. 9A-9D: T-cell proliferation induced by non-activating
monospecific IgG1-huCD3 (FIGS. 9A and 9B) or non-activating
bispecific bsIgG1-huCD3.times.HER2 antibody variants (FIGS. 9C and
9D). T-cell proliferation was measured in human (FIGS. 9A and 9C)
or cynomolgus (FIGS. 9B and 9D) PBMCs that were incubated with
various antibody variants for 3 days, after which proliferation was
measured by a cell proliferation ELISA, as described in Example 4.
Representative results from two independent experiments are
shown.
[0034] FIGS. 10A and 10B: Induction of human (FIG. 10A) and
cynomolgus (FIG. 10B) T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity by huCD3
antibody variants with non-activating LFLEDA mutations were
determined as explained in Example 5. Representative results from
two independent experiments performed in duplo are shown.
[0035] FIG. 11: Rhesus T-cell activation by IgG1-huCD3 antibody
variants. Expression of CD69 on T-cells from rhesus origin in PBMC
culture was measured by FACS analysis, as described in Example
6.
[0036] FIGS. 12A and 12B: T-cell activation by non-activating
variants of huCLB-T3/4 antibody. IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 variants were
titrated on PBMCs. Expression of CD69 on T-cells in PBMC culture
was measured by FACS analysis, as described in Example 7.
Representative examples of 3 experiments are shown.
[0037] FIGS. 13A and 13B: T-cell proliferation by non-activating
variants of huCLB-T3/4 antibody. PBMCs were incubated with
antibodies for three days, after which proliferation was measured
by a cell proliferation ELISA, as described in Example 8.
Representative results from two independent experiments are
shown.
[0038] FIGS. 14A-14G: In vitro T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity induced
by non-activating antibody variants of a CD3 antibody. Induction of
T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity by antibody variants (N297Q, LFLE,
LFLENQ, LFLEDA, DANQ, LFLEDANQPS [FIGS. 14A-14G]) was determined as
explained in Example 9. The averages from two experiments performed
in duplo are shown.
[0039] FIGS. 15A-15C: In vitro T-cell mediated cytotoxicity induced
by non-activating huCLB-T3/4 variants. Induction of T-cell mediated
cytotoxicity by antibody variants (LFLEDA LAL [FIGS. 15A-15C] was
determined as described in Example 9. The averages from one
experiment performed in duplet are shown.
[0040] FIGS. 16A-16D: Evaluation of binding of C1q to
non-activating huCLB-T3/4 antibody variants. Binding of C1q to
monospecific IgG1 huCLB-T3/4 (FIGS. 16A-16C) and
bsIgG1-huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2 (FIGS. 16B-16D) and non-activating
antibody variants thereof was evaluated by ELISA as described in
Example 10. The results in the graphs are representative for n=2
experiments.
[0041] FIGS. 17A and 17B: Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of
non-activating huCLB-T3/4 antibody variants were compared to that
of wild-type IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 antibody as described in Example 11.
Plasma concentration of human IgG1 was plotted against time (FIG.
17A). Plasma clearance rate calculated as described in Example 11
(FIG. 17B). The horizontal dotted line represents the average
clearance rate of human IgG1 antibodies in SCID mice (10
mL/day/kg).
[0042] FIG. 18: The frequency of positive T-cell responses among
healthy HLA-typed donors. SI indexes of .gtoreq.1.9 in both
proliferation and IL-2 secretion assays were considered positive
responses. Humanized A33 was used as clinical benchmark control
antibody that shows high level of immunogenicity in the clinic and
routinely induces 20-30% T-cell responses in the EpiScreen Assay.
KLH responses were included to check PBMC quality (after
thawing).
[0043] FIG. 19: Sequence alignment of heavy chain (VH) and light
chain (VL) variable regions of humanized CD3 antibodies according
to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0044] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a humanized
or chimeric antibody binding to human CD3, wherein said antibody
comprises a binding region comprising heavy chain variable (VH)
region CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 having the sequences as set forth in
SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and light chain variable
(VL) region CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 having the sequences as set forth
in SEQ ID NO: 4, the sequence GTN, and the sequence as set forth in
SEQ ID NO: 5, respectively.
[0045] The term "antibody" as used herein is intended to refer to
an immunoglobulin molecule, a fragment of an immunoglobulin
molecule, or a derivative of either thereof, which has the ability
to specifically bind to an antigen under typical physiological
conditions with a half-life of significant periods of time, such as
at least about 30 minutes, at least about 45 minutes, at least
about one hour, at least about two hours, at least about four
hours, at least about 8 hours, at least about 12 hours, about 24
hours or more, about 48 hours or more, about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or more
days, etc., or any other relevant functionally-defined period (such
as a time sufficient to induce, promote, enhance, and/or modulate a
physiological response associated with antibody binding to the
antigen and/or time sufficient for the antibody to recruit an
effector activity). The binding region (or binding domain which may
also be used herein, both terms having the same meaning) which
interacts with an antigen, comprises variable regions of both the
heavy and light chains of the immunoglobulin molecule. The constant
regions of the antibodies (Abs) may mediate the binding of the
immunoglobulin to host tissues or factors, including various cells
of the immune system (such as effector cells and T-cells) and
components of the complement system such as C1q, the first
component in the classical pathway of complement activation. As
indicated above, the term antibody as used herein, unless otherwise
stated or clearly contradicted by context, includes fragments of an
antibody that retain the ability to specifically interact, such as
bind, to the antigen. It has been shown that the antigen-binding
function of an antibody may be performed by fragments of a
full-length antibody. Examples of binding fragments encompassed
within the term "antibody" include (i) a Fab' or Fab fragment, a
monovalent fragment consisting of the V.sub.L, V.sub.H, C.sub.L and
C.sub.H1 domains, or a monovalent antibody as described in
WO2007059782 (Genmab A/S); (ii) F(ab').sub.2 fragments, bivalent
fragments comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge
at the hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragment consisting essentially of
the V.sub.H and C.sub.H1 domains; and (iv) a Fv fragment consisting
essentially of the V.sub.L and V.sub.H domains of a single arm of
an antibody. Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv
fragment, V.sub.L and V.sub.H, are coded for by separate genes,
they may be joined, using recombinant methods, by a synthetic
linker that enables them to be made as a single protein chain in
which the V.sub.L and V.sub.H regions pair to form monovalent
molecules (known as single chain antibodies or single chain Fv
(scFv), see for instance Bird et al., Science 242, 423-426 (1988)
and Huston et al., PNAS USA 85, 5879-5883 (1988)). Such single
chain antibodies are encompassed within the term antibody unless
otherwise noted or clearly indicated by context. Although such
fragments are generally included within the meaning of antibody,
they collectively and each independently are unique features of the
present invention, exhibiting different biological properties and
utility. These and other useful antibody fragments in the context
of the present invention are discussed further herein. It also
should be understood that the term antibody, unless specified
otherwise, also includes polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal
antibodies (mAbs), chimeric antibodies and humanized antibodies,
and antibody fragments retaining the ability to specifically bind
to the antigen (antigen-binding fragments) provided by any known
technique, such as enzymatic cleavage, peptide synthesis, and
recombinant techniques. An antibody as generated can possess any
isotype.
[0046] The term "immunoglobulin heavy chain", "heavy chain of an
immunoglobulin" or "heavy chain" as used herein is intended to
refer to one of the chains of an immunoglobulin. A heavy chain is
typically comprised of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated
herein as VH) and a heavy chain constant region (abbreviated herein
as CH) which defines the isotype of the immunoglobulin. The heavy
chain constant region typically is comprised of three domains, CH1,
CH2, and CH3. The heavy chain constant region may further comprise
a hinge region. The term "immunoglobulin" as used herein is
intended to refer to a class of structurally related glycoproteins
consisting of two pairs of polypeptide chains, one pair of light
(L) low molecular weight chains and one pair of heavy (H) chains,
all four potentially inter-connected by disulfide bonds. The
structure of immunoglobulins has been well characterized (see for
instance [14]). Within the structure of the immunoglobulin, the two
heavy chains are inter-connected via disulfide bonds in the
so-called "hinge region". Equally to the heavy chains each light
chain is typically comprised of several regions; a light chain
variable region (abbreviated herein as VL) and a light chain
constant region (abbreviated herein as CL). The light chain
constant region typically is comprised of one domain, CL.
Furthermore, the VH and VL regions may be further subdivided into
regions of hypervariability (or hypervariable regions which may be
hypervariable in sequence and/or form of structurally defined
loops), also termed complementarity determining regions (CDRs),
interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework
regions (FRs). Each VH and VL is typically composed of three CDRs
and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in
the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4 (see
[15]). CDR sequences may be determined by use of the method
provided by IMGT [16]-[17].
[0047] The term "isotype" as used herein, refers to the
immunoglobulin class (for instance IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgD,
IgA, IgE, or IgM) or any allotype thereof, such as IgG1m(za) and
IgG1m(f) [SEQ ID NO:15]) that is encoded by heavy chain constant
region genes. Thus, in one embodiment, the antibody comprises a
heavy chain of an immunoglobulin of the IgG1 class or any allotype
thereof. Further, each heavy chain isotype can be combined with
either a kappa (.kappa.) or lambda (A) light chain.
[0048] The term "chimeric antibody" as used herein, refers to an
antibody wherein the variable region is derived from a non-human
species (e.g. derived from rodents) and the constant region is
derived from a different species, such as human. Chimeric
antibodies may be generated by antibody engineering. "Antibody
engineering" is a term used generic for different kinds of
modifications of antibodies, and which is a well-known process for
the skilled person. In particular, a chimeric antibody may be
generated by using standard DNA techniques as described in [18].
Thus, the chimeric may be a genetically or an enzymatically
engineered recombinant antibody. It is within the knowledge of the
skilled person to generate a chimeric antibody, and thus,
generation of the chimeric antibody according to the present
invention may be performed by other methods than described herein.
Chimeric monoclonal antibodies for therapeutic applications are
developed to reduce antibody immunogenicity. They may for typically
contain non-human (e.g. murine) variable regions, which are
specific for the antigen of interest, and human constant antibody
heavy and light chain domains. The terms "variable region" or
"variable domains" as used in the context of chimeric antibodies,
refers to a region which comprises the CDRs and framework regions
of both the heavy and light chains of the immunoglobulin.
[0049] The term "humanized antibody" as used herein, refers to a
genetically engineered non-human antibody, which contains human
antibody constant domains and non-human variable domains modified
to contain a high level of sequence homology to human variable
domains. This can be achieved by grafting of the six non-human
antibody complementarity-determining regions (CDRs), which together
form the antigen binding site, onto a homologous human acceptor
framework region (FR) (see [19]-[20]). In order to fully
reconstitute the binding affinity and specificity of the parental
antibody, the substitution of framework residues from the parental
antibody (i.e. the non-human antibody) into the human framework
regions (back-mutations) may be required. Structural homology
modeling may help to identify the amino acid residues in the
framework regions that are important for the binding properties of
the antibody. Thus, a humanized antibody may comprise non-human CDR
sequences, primarily human framework regions optionally comprising
one or more amino acid back-mutations to the non-human amino acid
sequence, and fully human constant regions. Optionally, additional
amino acid modifications, which are not necessarily back-mutations,
may be applied to obtain a humanized antibody with preferred
characteristics, such as affinity and biochemical properties.
[0050] The humanized or chimeric antibody according to any aspect
or embodiment of the present invention may be termed "humanized or
chimeric CD3 antibody", "humanized or chimeric antibody of the
invention", "CD3 antibody", or "CD3 antibody of the invention",
which all have the same meaning and purpose unless otherwise
contradicted by context.
[0051] The amino acid sequence of an antibody of non-human origin
is distinct from antibodies of human origin, and therefore a
non-human antibody is potentially immunogenic when administered to
human patients. However, despite the non-human origin of the
antibody, its CDR segments are responsible for the ability of the
antibody to bind to its target antigen and humanization aims to
maintain the specificity and binding affinity of the antibody.
Thus, humanization of non-human therapeutic antibodies is performed
to minimize its immunogenicity in man while such humanized
antibodies at the same time maintain the specificity and binding
affinity of the antibody of non-human origin.
[0052] The term "binding region" as used herein, refers to a region
of an antibody which is capable of binding to any molecule, such as
a polypeptide, e.g. present on a cell, bacterium, or virion.
[0053] The term "binding" as used herein, refers to the binding of
an antibody to a predetermined antigen or target to which binding
typically is with an affinity corresponding to a K.sub.D of about
10.sup.-6 M or less, e.g. 10.sup.-7 M or less, such as about
10.sup.-8 M or less, such as about 10.sup.-9 M or less, about
10.sup.-10 M or less, or about 10.sup.-11 M or even less when
determined by for instance surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
technology in a BIAcore 3000 instrument using the antigen as the
ligand and the antibody as the analyte, and binds to the
predetermined antigen with an affinity corresponding to a K.sub.D
that is at least ten-fold lower, such as at least 100 fold lower,
for instance at least 1,000 fold lower, such as at least 10,000
fold lower, for instance at least 100,000 fold lower than its
affinity for binding to a non-specific antigen (e.g., BSA, casein)
other than the predetermined antigen or a closely-related antigen.
The degree with which the affinity is lower is dependent on the
K.sub.D of the antibody, so that when the K.sub.D of the antibody
is very low (that is, the antibody is highly specific), then the
degree with which the affinity for the antigen is lower than the
affinity for a non-specific antigen may be at least 10,000 fold.
The term "K.sub.D" (M), as used herein, refers to the dissociation
equilibrium constant of a particular antibody-antigen
interaction.
[0054] The term "human CD3" as used herein, refers to the human
Cluster of Differentiation 3 protein which is part of the T-cell
co-receptor protein complex and is composed of four distinct
chains. CD3 is also found in other species, and thus, the term
"CD3" may be used herein and is not limited to human CD3 unless
contradicted by context. In mammals, the complex contains a
CD3.gamma. (gamma) chain (human CD3.gamma. chain Swissprot P09693,
or cynomolgus monkey CD3.gamma. Swissprot Q95LI7), a CD35 (delta)
chain (human CD35 Swissprot P04234, or cynomolgus monkey CD35
Swissprot Q95LI8), two CD3.epsilon. (epsilon) chains (human
CD3.epsilon. Swissprot P07766; or cynomolgus CD3.epsilon. Swissprot
Q95LI5), rhesus CD3.epsilon. (Swissprot G7NCB9), and a
CD3.zeta.-chain (zeta) chain (human CD3.zeta. Swissprot P20963,
cynomolgus monkey CD3.zeta. Swissprot Q09TKO). These chains
associate with a molecule known as the T-cell receptor (TCR) and
generate an activation signal in T lymphocytes. The TCR and CD3
molecules together comprise the TCR complex.
[0055] It is within the knowledge of the skilled person that amino
acid sequences referred to as Swissprot numbers include a signal
peptide which is removed after translation of the protein. Thus,
proteins, such as CD3, present on cell surfaces do not include the
signal peptide. In particular, the amino acid sequences listed in
Table 1 do not contain such signal peptide. Such proteins as listed
in Table 1 may be termed "mature proteins". Thus, SEQ ID NO:14
shows the amino acid sequence of mature human CD35 (delta), SEQ ID
NO:13 shows the amino acid sequence of mature human CD3.epsilon.
(epsilon), SEQ ID NO:21 shows the amino acid sequence of mature
cynomolgus CD3.epsilon., and SEQ ID NO:23 shows the amino acid
sequence of mature rhesus CD3.epsilon.. Thus, the term "mature" as
used herein, refers to a protein which does not comprise any signal
or leader sequence.
[0056] It is well-known that signal peptide sequence homology,
length, and the cleavage site position, varies significantly
between different proteins. Signal peptides may be determined by
different methods, e.g. SEQ ID NO: 13 of the present invention has
been determined according to the SignalP application (available on
http://www.cbs.dtu.dk/services/SignalP/).
[0057] In a particular embodiment, the humanized or chimeric
antibody of the present invention binds the epsilon chain of CD3,
such as the epsilon chain of human CD3 (SEQ ID NO:13). In yet
another particular embodiment, the humanized or chimeric antibody
binds an epitope within amino acids 1-27 of the N-terminal part of
human CD3.epsilon. (epsilon) (SEQ ID NO:13). In such a particular
embodiment, the antibody may even further cross-react with other
non-human primate species, such as cynomolgus monkeys (cynomolgus
CD3 epsilon SEQ ID NO:21) and/or rhesus monkeys (rhesus CD3 epsilon
SEQ ID NO:23).
[0058] The term "cross-react" as used herein, refers to the ability
of an antibody, such as a humanized or chimeric antibody according
to the invention, to bind its target on different species. In
particular, the humanized CD3 antibody exemplified in the examples
described herein, has the ability to both bind human (Example 2),
cynomolgus (Example 2) and rhesus monkey CD3.
[0059] An antibody according to the present invention comprising
the CDR sequences as defined herein, further comprising framework
regions may differ in sequence outside the CDR sequences but still
retains the full binding ability as compared the original antibody.
Thus, the present invention also relates to antibodies comprising
an amino acid sequence of the variable region having a certain
sequence identity to any sequence herein described.
[0060] The term "sequence identity" as used in the context of the
present invention, refers to the percent identity between two
sequences as a function of the number of identical positions shared
by the sequences (i.e., % homology=# of identical positions/total #
of positions.times.100), taking into account the number of gaps,
and the length of each gap, which need to be introduced for optimal
alignment of the two sequences. The percent identity between two
nucleotide or amino acid sequences may e.g. be determined using the
algorithm of E. Meyers and W. Miller [21]. In addition, the percent
identity between two amino acid sequences may be determined using
the Needleman and Wunsch algorithm [22]. Multiple alignments are
preferably performed using the Clustal W algorithm [23] (as used
e.g., in Vector NTI Advance.RTM. software version 11.5; Invitrogen
Inc.).
[0061] Thus, in one embodiment, the VH region has at least 90%, at
least 95%, at least 97%, or at least 99% amino acid sequence
identity to at least one amino acid sequence as set forth in the VH
sequences selected from the group consisting of: [0062] a) a VH
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; [0063] b) a VH sequence as
set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; [0064] c) a VH sequence as set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7; and [0065] d) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:9.
[0066] In one particular embodiment, the VH region has at least 96%
amino acid sequence identity to at least one amino acid sequence as
set forth in the VH sequences selected from the group consisting
of: [0067] a) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6; [0068] b)
a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; [0069] c) a VH sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and [0070] d) a VH sequence as set
forth in SEQ ID NO:9.
[0071] In one embodiment, the VL region has at least 90%, at least
95%, at least 97%, or at least 99% amino acid sequence identity to
at least one amino acid sequence as set forth in the VL sequences
selected from the group consisting of: [0072] a) a VL sequence as
set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; [0073] b) a VL sequence as set forth in
SEQ ID NO:11; and [0074] c) a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:12.
[0075] In one particular embodiment, the VL region has at least 95%
amino acid sequence identity to at least one amino acid sequence as
set forth in the VL sequences selected from the group consisting
of: [0076] a) a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; [0077]
b) a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:11; and [0078] c) a VL
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:12.
[0079] In one embodiment, the VH region is selected from the group
consisting of: [0080] a) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6;
[0081] b) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; [0082] c) a VH
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; and [0083] d) a VH sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9.
[0084] In one embodiment, the VL region is selected from the group
consisting of: [0085] a) a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:
10; [0086] b) a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:11; and
[0087] c) a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:12.
[0088] In one embodiment, only one of either the VH or VL sequence
is 100% identical to one of the sequences disclosed herein whereas
the other may have a sequence identity of at least 90%, at least
95%, at least 97%, or at least 99% amino acid sequence identity
with one of the sequences herein disclosed.
[0089] In one particular embodiment, the VH sequence has at least
97% amino acid sequence identity to at least one amino acid
sequence as set forth in the VH sequences selected from the group
consisting of: [0090] a) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6;
[0091] b) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7; [0092] c) a VH
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; and [0093] d) a VH sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9; and the VL sequence has at least 95%
amino acid sequence identity to at least one amino acid sequence as
set forth in the VL sequences selected from the group consisting
of: [0094] i. a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; [0095]
ii. a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:11; and [0096] iii. a
VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12.
[0097] In one embodiment, the VH and VL sequences are selected from
the group consisting of; [0098] a) a VH and a VL sequence having at
least 90% identity to the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:6 and
10, respectively; 7 and 10, respectively; 8 and 10, respectively; 9
and 10, respectively; 6 and 11, respectively; 7 and 11,
respectively; 8 and 11, respectively; 9 and 11, respectively; 6 and
12, respectively; 7 and 12, respectively; 8 and 12, respectively;
and 9 and 12, respectively; [0099] b) a VH and a VL sequence having
at least 95% identity to the sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:6
and 10, respectively; 7 and 10, respectively; 8 and 10,
respectively; 9 and 10, respectively; 6 and 11, respectively; 7 and
11, respectively; 8 and 11, respectively; 9 and 11, respectively; 6
and 12, respectively; 7 and 12, respectively; 8 and 12,
respectively; and 9 and 12, respectively; [0100] c) a VH and a VL
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequences set forth in
SEQ ID NOs:6 and 10, respectively; 7 and 10, respectively; 8 and
10, respectively; 9 and 10, respectively; 6 and 11, respectively; 7
and 11, respectively; 8 and 11, respectively; 9 and 11,
respectively; 6 and 12, respectively; 7 and 12, respectively; 8 and
12, respectively; and 9 and 12, respectively; [0101] d) a VH and a
VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequences set forth
in SEQ ID NOs:6 and 10, respectively; 7 and 10, respectively; 8 and
10, respectively; 9 and 10, respectively; 6 and 11, respectively; 7
and 11, respectively; 8 and 11, respectively; 9 and 11,
respectively; 6 and 12, respectively; 7 and 12, respectively; 8 and
12, respectively; and 9 and 12, respectively; [0102] e) a VH and a
VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequences set
forth in SEQ ID NOs:6 and 10, respectively; 7 and 10, respectively;
8 and 10, respectively; 9 and 10, respectively; 6 and 11,
respectively; 7 and 11, respectively; 8 and 11, respectively; 9 and
11, respectively; 6 and 12, respectively; 7 and 12, respectively; 8
and 12, respectively; and 9 and 12, respectively; [0103] f) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0104] g) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0105] h) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0106] i) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0107] j) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0108] k) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0109] l) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0110] m) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0111] n) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0112] o) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0113] p) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0114] q) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0115] r) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0116] s) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0117] t) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0118] u) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0119] v) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0120] x) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0121] y) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0122] z) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:6 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0123] aa) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0124] ab a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0125] ac) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0126] ad) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0127] ae) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0128] af) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0129] ag) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0130] ah) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0131] ai) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0132] aj) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0133] ak) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0134] al) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0135] am) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0136] an) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0137] ao) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0138] ap) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0139] aq) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0140] ar) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0141] as) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0142] at) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:7 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0143] ba) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0144] bb a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0145] bc) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0146] bd) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0147] be) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0148] bf) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0149] bg) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0150] bh) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0151] bi) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0152] bj) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO: and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0153] bk) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0154] bl) a VH
sequence having at least 97% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0155] bm) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0156] bn) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0157] bo) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0158] bp) a VH
sequence having at least 99% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0159] bq) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0160] br) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0161] bs) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0162] bt) a VH
sequence having at least 100% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0163] ca) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0164] cb a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0165] cc) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0166] cd) a VH
sequence having at least 90% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0167] ce) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least 90% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12; [0168] cf) a VH
sequence having at least 95% identity to the sequence set forth in
SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0169] cg) a VH sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
99% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0170] ch) a VH sequence having at least 95% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
100% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0171] ci) a VH sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0172] cj) a VH sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
95% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0173] ck) a VH sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
99% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0174] cl) a VH sequence having at least 97% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
100% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0175] cm) a VH sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0176] cn) a VH sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
95% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0177] co) a VH sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
97% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0178] cp) a VH sequence having at least 99% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
100% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0179] cq) a VH sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
90% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0180] cr) a VH sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
95% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
[0181] cs) a VH sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
97% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or 12;
and [0182] ct) a VH sequence having at least 100% identity to the
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and a VL sequence having at least
99% identity to the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, 11, or
12.
[0183] In one embodiment, the binding region comprises a VH and a
VL selected from the group consisting of; [0184] a) a VH sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, and a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ
ID NO:10; [0185] b) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, and
a VL as set forth in SEQ ID NO:10; [0186] c) a VH sequence as set
forth in SEQ ID NO:9, and a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:10; [0187] d) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, and a
VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:11; [0188] e) a VH sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, and a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ
ID NO:12; [0189] f) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and
a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:10; [0190] g) a VH sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ
ID NO:11; [0191] h) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and
a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:12; [0192] i) a VH sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, and a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ
ID NO:11; [0193] j) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, and
a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:12; [0194] k) a VH sequence
as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9, and a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ
ID NO:11; and [0195] l) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9,
and a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:12.
[0196] In a particular embodiment, the binding region comprises a
VH sequence and a VL sequence selected from the group consisting
of; [0197] a) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, and a VL
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:10; [0198] b) a VH sequence as
set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, and a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID
NO:10; and [0199] c) a VH sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9, and
a VL sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:10.
[0200] The humanized antibody according to the present invention
may be generated by comparison of the heavy and light chain
variable region amino acid sequences against a database of human
germline variable region sequences in order to identify the heavy
and light chain human sequence with the appropriate degree of
homology for use as human variable framework regions. A series of
humanized heavy and light chain variable regions may be designed by
grafting, e.g. the murine, CDRs onto the frameworks regions
(identified as described above) and, if necessary, by back-mutation
(mutation of one or more of the human amino acid residues in the
framework regions back to the non-human amino acid at the specific
position(s)) to the specific murine sequence of residues identified
which may be critical to the restoration of the antibody binding
efficiency. Variant sequences with the lowest incidence of
potential T-cell epitopes may then be selected as determined by
application of in silico technologies; iTope.TM. and TCED.TM.
([24], [25], and [26]).
[0201] Furthermore, the humanized antibodies according to the
present invention may also be "deimmunized". Deimmmunization may be
desired, as within a protein sequence, such as a humanized antibody
according to the present invention, the presence of human T-cell
epitopes may increase the immunogenicity risk profile as they have
the potential to activate helper T-cells. Such activation of helper
T-cells may be avoided by deimmunization. Deimmunization may be
performed by introducing a mutation in the amino acid sequence of
the humanized antibody in order to remove the T-cell epitopes
without significantly reducing the binding affinity of the
antibody.
[0202] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the
humanized antibody may be produced by a method comprising the steps
of (i) comparing the non-human full variable heavy chain sequence
and/or the full variable light chain sequence to a database of
human germline sequences, (ii) selecting the human germline
sequence having the highest homology to the non-human sequence to
obtain a humanized sequence, (iii) optimizing the humanized
sequence by back-mutation(s) if required, and (iv) expressing the
sequence in a suitable expression system.
[0203] Thus, a full-length antibody according to the present
invention may be produced by a method comprising the steps of (i)
comparing the non-human variable heavy chain sequence and the
variable light chain sequences to a database of human germline
sequences, (ii) selecting the human germline sequence having the
highest homology to the non-human sequence, (iii) grafting of the
non-human CDRs in to the selected human germ-line to obtain a
humanized sequences, (iv) optimizing the humanized sequences by
back-mutation(s) if required, (v) identifying constant heavy and
light chain sequences, and (vi) expressing the complete heavy chain
sequences and complete light chain sequences in suitable expression
systems. A full-length antibody according to the present invention
may, thus, be produced as described in Example 1. It is within the
knowledge of the skilled person to produce a full-length antibody
when starting out from either CDR sequences or full variable region
sequences. Thus, the skilled person would know how to generate a
full-length antibody according to the present invention.
[0204] The term "complete heavy chain sequences" as used herein,
refers to a sequence consisting of variable heavy chain and
constant heavy chain sequences.
[0205] The term "complete light chain sequences" as used herein,
refers to a sequence consisting of variable light chain and
constant light chain sequences.
[0206] Back-mutation(s) may be introduced by standard DNA
mutagenesis. Such standard techniques for DNA mutagenesis are
described in [18]. Alternatively, use of commercially available
kits such as Quickchange.TM. Site-Directed Mutagenesis Kit
(Stratagene), or the desired back-mutations may be introduced by de
novo DNA synthesis.
[0207] Thus, in one embodiment, the antibody is a humanized
antibody.
[0208] Chimeric antibodies may be generated by substituting all
constant region sequences of a non-human (such as murine) antibody
with constant region sequences of human origin. Thus, fully
non-human variable region sequences are maintained in the chimeric
antibody. Thus, a chimeric antibody according to the present
invention may be produced by a method comprising the step of
expressing the non-human variable heavy chain (SEQ ID NO:27),
non-human variable light chain sequences (SEQ ID NO:28), human
constant heavy chain and human constant light chain sequences in
suitable expression systems, and thereby generating a full-length
chimeric antibody. Alternative methods may be used. Such methods of
producing a chimeric antibody is within the knowledge of the
skilled person, and thus, the skilled person would know how to
produce a chimeric antibody according to the present invention.
[0209] Thus, in one embodiment, the antibody is a chimeric
antibody.
[0210] In one embodiment, the antibody is a full-length antibody.
The term "full-length antibody" as used herein, refers to an
antibody (e.g., a parent or variant antibody) which contains all
heavy and light chain constant and variable domains correspond to
those that are normally found in a wild-type antibody of that
isotype.
[0211] In one embodiment, the antibody comprises an Fc region
comprising a first and a second immunoglobulin heavy chain.
[0212] The term "Fc region" as used herein, refers to a region
comprising, in the direction from the N- to C-terminal, at least a
hinge region, a CH2 region and a CH3 region. An Fc region may
further comprise a CH1 region at the N-terminal end of the hinge
region.
[0213] The term "hinge region" as used herein refers to the hinge
region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain. Thus, for example the
hinge region of a human IgG1 antibody corresponds to amino acids
216-230 according to the Eu numbering as set forth in Kabat.
[0214] Unless otherwise stated or contradicted by context, the
amino acids of the constant region sequences are herein numbered
according to the Eu-index of numbering (described in [27]) and may
be termed "according to the Eu numbering as set forth in Kabat",
"Eu numbering according to Kabat", or "according to the Eu
numbering system".
[0215] The term "CH1 region" or "CH1 domain" as used herein, refers
to the CH1 region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain. Thus, for
example the CH1 region of a human IgG1 antibody corresponds to
amino acids 118-215 according to the Eu numbering system. However,
the CH1 region may also be any of the other subtypes as described
herein.
[0216] The term "CH2 region" or "CH2 domain" as used herein, refers
to the CH2 region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain. Thus, for
example the CH2 region of a human IgG1 antibody corresponds to
amino acids 231-340 according to the Eu numbering system. However,
the CH2 region may also be any of the other subtypes as described
herein.
[0217] The term "CH3 region" or "CH3 domain" as used herein, refers
to the CH3 region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain. Thus, for
example the CH3 region of a human IgG1 antibody corresponds to
amino acids 341-447 according to the Eu numbering system. However,
the CH3 region may also be any of the other subtypes as described
herein.
[0218] In one embodiment, the isotype of the immunoglobulin heavy
chain is selected from the group consisting of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3,
and IgG4. The immunoglobulin heavy chain may be any allotype within
each of the immunoglobulin classes, such as IgG1m(f) (SEQ ID
NO:15). Thus, in one particular embodiment, the isotype of the
immunoglobulin heavy chains is an IgG1, or any allotype thereof,
such as IgG1m(f) (SEQ ID NO:15).
[0219] When targeting the antigen CD3 which is part of the T-cell
Receptor (TCR), the T-cell specific mechanisms of cell killing is
desirable. Other effector functions, e.g. complement activation,
may not be wanted, and therefore, reduction of effector functions
is desirable. C1q binding is the first step in the complement
cascade, and therefore serves as an indicator for
complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) capacity of antibodies. If
binding of C1q to the antibody can be avoided, activation of the
complement cascade can be avoided as well.
[0220] Thus, in one embodiment, the antibody comprises an Fc region
which has been modified so that binding of C1q to said antibody is
reduced compared to a wild-type antibody by at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, at least 99%, or
100%, wherein C1q binding is determined by ELISA.
[0221] The term "modified" as used herein, refers to the amino acid
sequence of an Fc region which is not identical to the amino acid
sequence of a wild-type Fc region. I.e. amino acid residues in
specific positions of the wild-type Fc region have been
substituted, deleted or inserted in order to alter, for example,
the binding site for C1q, binding site for other effector molecules
or binding to Fc Receptors (FcRs). Such modification(s) of the
amino acid sequence may be prepared by substituting one or more
amino acids with a conservative amino acid or may be prepared by
substituting one or more amino acids with an alternative amino acid
which is physically and/or functionally similar to the amino acid
present in the wild-type. Substitutions may also be prepared by
substituting with a non-conservative amino acid.
[0222] In the context of the present invention, amino acids may be
described as conservative or non-conservative amino acids, and may
therefore be classified accordingly. Amino acid residues may also
be divided into classes defined by alternative physical and
functional properties. Thus, classes of amino acids may be
reflected in one or both of the following tables:
TABLE-US-00001 Amino acid residue of conservative class Acidic
Residues D and E Basic Residues K, R, and H Hydrophilic Uncharged
Residues S, T, N, and Q Aliphatic Uncharged Residues G, A, V, L,
and I Non-polar Uncharged Residues C, M, and P Aromatic Residues F,
Y, and W
TABLE-US-00002 Alternative Physical and Functional Classifications
of Amino Acid Residues Alcohol group-containing residues S and T
Aliphatic residues I, L, V, and M Cycloalkenyl-associated residues
F, H, W, and Y Hydrophobic residues A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T,
V, W, and Y Negatively charged residues D and E Polar residues C,
D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T Positively charged residues H, K, and
R Small residues A, C, D, G, N, P, S, T, and V Very small residues
A, G, and S Residues involved in turn formation A, C, D, E, G, H,
K, N, Q, R, S, P, and T Flexible residues Q, T, K, S, G, P, D, E,
and R
[0223] In the context of the present invention, a substitution in
an antibody, such as a humanized or chimeric antibody, is indicated
as: [0224] Original amino acid--position--substituted amino
acid;
[0225] Referring to the well-recognized nomenclature for amino
acids, the three letter code, or one letter code, is used,
including the codes Xaa and X to indicate any amino acid residue.
Accordingly, the notation "L234F" or "Leu234Phe" means, that the
antibody comprises a substitution of Leucine with Phenylalanine in
amino acid position 234.
[0226] Substitution of an amino acid at a given position to any
other amino acid is referred to as: [0227] Original amino
acid--position; or e.g. "L234".
[0228] For a modification where the original amino acid(s) and/or
substituted amino acid(s) may comprise more than one, but not all
amino acid(s), the more than one amino acid may be separated by ","
or "/". E.g. the substitution of Leucine for Phenylalanine,
Arginine, Lysine or Tryptophan in position 234 is:
[0229] "Leu234Phe, Arg, Lys, Trp" or "Leu234Phe/Arg/Lys/Trp" or
"L234F, R, K, W" or "L234F/R/K/W" or "L234 to F, R, K or W"
[0230] Such designation may be used interchangeably in the context
of the invention but have the same meaning and purpose.
[0231] Furthermore, the term "a substitution" embraces a
substitution into any one of the other nineteen natural amino
acids, or into other amino acids, such as non-natural amino acids.
For example, a substitution of amino acid L in position 234
includes each of the following substitutions: 234A, 234C, 234D,
234E, 234F, 234G, 234H, 234I, 234K, 234M, 234N, 234Q, 234R, 234S,
234T, 234V, 234W, 234P, and 234Y. This is, by the way, equivalent
to the designation 234X, wherein the X designates any amino acid
other than the original amino acid. These substitutions can also be
designated L234A, L234C, etc., or L234A, C, etc., or L234A/C/etc.
The same applies by analogy to each and every position mentioned
herein, to specifically include herein any one of such
substitutions.
[0232] The antibody according to the invention may also comprise a
deletion of an amino acid residue. Such deletion may be denoted
"del", and includes, e.g., writing as L234del. Thus, in such
embodiments, the Leucine in position 234 has been deleted from the
amino acid sequence.
[0233] The terms "amino acid" and "amino acid residue" may herein
be used interchangeably.
[0234] The term "C1q binding" as used herein, refers to the binding
of C1q to an antibody, when said antibody is bound to its antigen.
The term "bound to its antigen" as used herein, refers to binding
of an antibody to its antigen both in vivo and in vitro.
[0235] The term "reduce" as used herein when referring to C1q
binding, refers to the ability of the antibody according to the
invention to reduce, minimize or even completely inhibit the
binding of C1q to the antibody when compared to the C1q binding to
a wild-type antibody.
[0236] The term "wild-type antibody" as used herein, in relation to
use in comparison assays of an antibody according to the present
invention, refers to an antibody which is identical to the antibody
to be tested except for not being inert. In this context, the term
"inert" refers to a modified Fc region having reduced or no binding
of C1q as determined in Example 10, i.e. where C1q binding is
determined by ELISA; reduced or no Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation
as determined in Example 4, i.e. T-cell proliferation is measured
in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based functional
assay; and/or reduced or no Fc-mediated CD69 expression as
determined in Example 3, i.e. Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay. Thus, the wild-type
antibody comprises the naturally occurring amino acids in the
immunoglobulin heavy chains, i.e. an antibody which does not
comprise any amino acid modifications which may alter or reduce the
ability of the antibody to interact with e.g. C1q, Fc Receptors or
the like. Thus, such a wild-type antibody will remain an activating
antibody which is able to bind e.g. C1q. A wild-type antibody and
an antibody of the present invention may comprise other amino acid
modifications than those affecting the antibody's ability of
inducing effector functions, in order to make the antibody a
bispecific antibody or the like.
[0237] The term "ELISA" as used herein refers to enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay which is a test that uses antibodies and color
change to identify a substance. A first specific antibody is
attached to the plate surface. Thereby the protein from a sample is
added wherein binding to said first specific antibody is tested. A
second antibody binding the antibody from the sample is added. The
second antibody is linked to an enzyme, and, in the final step, a
substance containing the enzyme's substrate is added. The
subsequent reaction produces a detectable signal, most commonly a
color change in the substrate. The concept of the ELISA method is
well-known within the art and various ways of performing an ELISA
are contemplated to be part of a method to evaluate the antibody
according to the invention. Thus, this interpretation is not to be
understood as limiting as various forms of ELISAs may be performed
such as described in Example 4.
[0238] Specifically, the ability of an antibody according to the
present invention to bind C1q may be determined by ELISA comprising
the steps of (i) coating said antibody on a 96-well plate, (ii)
adding 3% serum, (iii) adding an anti-human C1q antibody, (iv)
developing the plate, and (v) measuring OD.sub.405 nm. Thus, in one
embodiment, the antibody comprises an Fc region which has been
modified so that binding of C1q to said antibody is reduced
compared to a wild-type antibody by at least 70%, at least 80%, at
least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or 100%, wherein C1q binding
is determined by ELISA comprising the steps of (i) coating said
antibodies on a 96-well plate, (ii) adding 3% serum, (iii) adding
an anti-human C1q, (iv) developing the plate, and (v) measuring
OD.sub.405 nm. Thus, in particular embodiment, binding of C1q is
evaluated as described in Example 10.
[0239] The terms "Fc Receptor" or "FcR" as used herein, refers to a
protein found on the surface of certain cells. FcRs bind to the Fc
region of antibodies. There are several different types of FcRs
which are classified based on the type of antibody they recognize.
E.g. Fc.gamma. (gamma) Receptors bind to antibodies of the IgG
class.
[0240] The terms "Fc.gamma. Receptor", "Fc gamma Receptor" or
"Fc.gamma.R" as used herein, refers to a group of Fc Receptors
belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily and is the most
important Fc receptors for inducing phagocytosis of opsonized
(coated) microbes. This family includes several members,
Fc.gamma.RI (CD64), Fc.gamma.RIIa (CD32a), Fc.gamma.RIIb (CD32b),
Fc.gamma.RIIIa (CD16a), Fc.gamma.RIIIb (CD16b), which differ in
their antibody affinities due to their different molecular
structure.
[0241] Fc-mediated effector functions form part of the biological
activity of human immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules. Examples of
such effector functions include e.g. antibody-dependent
cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent
cytotoxicity (CDC) which are triggered by the binding of various
effector molecules to the Fc region. In the context of the present
invention, "Fc binding", "Fc Receptor binding", "FcR binding", and
"binding of an antibody Fc region to FcR" refers to the binding of
the Fc region to an Fc Receptor (FcR) or an effector molecule. The
terms "Fc.gamma.R binding" and "Fc.gamma.RI binding" refer to
binding to or with an Fc region to the Fc gamma Receptor and Fc
gamma Receptor I, respectively. When a CD3 antibody binds T-cells,
the wild-type Fc region of the CD3 antibody binds to FcRs present
on other cells, e.g. monocytes, which leads to non-specific,
Fc-mediated activation of the T-cell. Such non-specific,
Fc-mediated activation of T-cells may be undesired. T-cells may
also be activated by targeted, or target-specific, T-cell
activation. Such targeted T-cell activation may be highly desirable
for the treatment of a range of indications, such as cancer. The
term "targeted T-cell activation" as used herein, refers to
directing the T-cells to specific cells, such as tumor cells by use
of a bispecific antibody comprising a first binding region binding
a specific target, such as a tumor target on a tumor cell, and a
second binding region binding a T-cell specific target, such as
CD3. Thus, targeting of T-cells to specific cells, e.g. tumor
cells, may be facilitated by use of a bispecific antibody, wherein
one of the binding regions binds CD3 present on the T-cell and the
other binding region binds a target specific antigen, e.g. on a
tumor cell. Although, non-specific, Fc-mediated T-cells activation
may still be possible and therefore such undesired non-specific,
Fc-mediated T-cell activation via Fc-mediated cross-linking should
be avoided and may be disabled by making the Fc region inert for
such activity. Thereby, interaction between said inert Fc region
with Fc Receptors present is prevented. A humanized antibody of the
present invention has been proven to be inert when tested in
several different assays, i.e. see Examples 3 to 5. Another tested
CD3 antibody, huCLB-T3/4, comprising amino acid modifications in
the Fc region also proved to be inert when tested in different
assays, i.e. see Examples 7 to 10. The humanized CD3 antibody
according to the present invention comprising the amino acid
substitutions L234F, L235E, and D265A, as described in the
Examples, showed low levels of CD69 expression on T-cells (Example
3), abrogation of Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation (Example 4), and
no non-specific target killing when in the form of a bispecific
antibody (Example 5). Thus, a humanized antibody of the present
invention shows superior results in several assays when compared to
a wild-type antibody.
[0242] An antibody according to the present invention may comprise
modifications in the Fc region. When an antibody comprises such
modifications it may become an inert, or non-activating, antibody.
The term "inertness", "inert" or "non-activating" as used herein,
refers to an Fc region which is at least not able to bind any
Fc.gamma. Receptors, induce Fc-mediated cross-linking of FcRs, or
induce FcR-mediated cross-linking of target antigens via two Fc
regions of individual antibodies, or is not able to bind C1q. The
inertness of an Fc region of a humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody
is advantageously tested using the antibody in a monospecific
format although an inert Fc region so identified can be used in
bispecific or other humanized or chimeric multispecific CD3
antibodies.
[0243] Several variants can be constructed to make the Fc region of
an antibody inactive for interactions with Fc gamma Receptors and
C1q for therapeutic antibody development. Examples of such variants
are described herein.
[0244] Thus, in one embodiment, the antibody comprises an Fc region
which has been modified so that said antibody mediates reduced
Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation compared to a wild-type antibody
by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least
90%, at least 99% or 100%, wherein said T-cell proliferation is
measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay.
[0245] The term "reduce" as used herein, refers to a reduction of
activity or expression when compared to a control protein, such as
an antibody. In particular, the term "reduce" when referring to
T-cell proliferation, refers to the ability of the antibody
according to the invention to reduce, minimize or even completely
inhibit the proliferation of T-cells when compared to the
proliferation of T-cells bound by a wild-type antibody. The ability
of an antibody to reduce T-cell proliferation may be evaluated by a
PBMC-based functional assay, as described in Example 4 and Example
8. In one embodiment the assay is performed with human PBMCs. In
another embodiment the assay is performed with cynomolgus PBMCs. In
yet another embodiment, the assay is performed with rhesus PBMCs.
Since the antibodies according to the present invention are
cross-reactive, a PBMC-based assay as herein described may be
performed with any species PBMCs to show reduction of T-cell
proliferation as long as the species PBMC used are within the
cross-reactivity spectra of the antibodies, e.g. human, cynomolgus
or rhesus monkeys.
[0246] The term "peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay" as used herein refers to an assay used for
evaluating a functional feature of the antibody of the present
invention, such as the ability of said antibody to affect T-cell
proliferation or CD69 expression, wherein the only cells present
are peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Thus, in one embodiment,
T-cell proliferation is measured by a method comprising the steps
of incubating PBMCs with antibody in the range of 1-1000 ng/mL at
37.degree. C. in a 5% (vol/vol) CO.sub.2 humidified incubator for
three days, adding a chemical compound, such as BrdU, which is
incorporated into the DNA of proliferating cells, incubating for
five hrs., pelleting cells, drying cells, optionally storing the
cells at 4.degree. C., coating cells to ELISA plates, incubating
with anti-BrdU-peroxidase for 90 min at room temperature,
developing for about 30 min with 1 mg/mL 2,2'-azino-bis
(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), adding 100 .mu.L 2%
oxalic acid to stop the reaction, and measuring absorbance at 405
nm in a suitable microplate reader.
[0247] The term "proliferation" as used herein, refers to cell
growth in the context of cell division.
[0248] The term "BrdU" as used herein, refers to
5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine, which is a homologue to thymidine. When
BrdU is added to cell culture for a limited period of time (e.g. 4
hours) it will be incorporated into the DNA of proliferating cells.
After fixing the cells, detection of incorporated BrdU may be
performed in an ELISA using anti-BrdU-peroxidase. BrdU
incorporation is therefore a measure for proliferation.
[0249] In one embodiment, the antibody comprises an Fc region which
has been modified so that said antibody reduces Fc-mediated CD69
expression by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, at least 99% or 100% when compared to a
wild-type antibody wherein said Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay.
[0250] The term "reduce" as used herein, refers to a reduction of
activity or expression when compared to a control protein, such as
an antibody. In particular, the term "reduce" when referring to
expression level of the T-cell activation marker CD69, refers to a
reduction in expression level of CD69 when compared to expression
level of CD69 when the T-cell is bound by a wild-type antibody
provided that both the binding regions of the antibody binds CD3.
An antibody's ability to reduce expression of CD69 may be evaluated
by a PBMC-based functional assay, as described in Example 3 and
Example 7. Thus, in one embodiment, expression of CD69 is measured
by a method comprising the steps of incubating PBMCs with an
antibody in the range of 1-1000 ng/mL at 37.degree. C. in a 5%
(vol/vol) CO.sub.2 humidified incubator for 16-24 hrs, washing the
cells, staining the cells at 4.degree. C. with a mouse anti-human
CD28-PE and mouse-anti-human CD69-APC antibody, and determining
CD69-expression on CD28 positive cells by flow cytometry.
[0251] The term "CD69" as used herein, refers to Cluster of
Differentiation 69 which is a human transmembrane C-Type lectin
protein encoded by the CD69 gene. Activation of T lymphocytes and
natural killer (NK) cells, both in vivo and in vitro, induces
expression of CD69. CD69 function as a signal transmitting receptor
involved in cellular activation events including proliferation,
functions as a signal-transmitting receptor in lymphocytes,
including natural killer cells and platelets, and the induction of
specific genes.
[0252] The term "peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay" as used herein refers to an assay used for
evaluating a functional feature of the antibody of the present
invention, such as the ability of said antibody to affect T-cell
proliferation or CD69 expression, wherein the only cells present
are peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A PBMC-based functional
assay as described in Example 3, 4, 5, and 7 comprises the steps of
(i) incubating PBMCs with an antibody at 37.degree. C. in a 5%
(vol/vol) CO.sub.2 humidified incubator for about 16-24 hrs, (ii)
washing the cells, (iii) staining the cells at 4.degree. C. with a
mouse anti-human CD28-PE and mouse-anti-human CD69-APC antibody,
and (iv) determining the CD69 expression on CD28 positive cells by
flow cytometry, when CD69 expression is evaluated. Thus, in one
embodiment, CD69 expression may be determined as described in
Example 3, 4, 5, or 7.
[0253] Thus, amino acids in the Fc region that play a dominant role
in the interactions with C1q and the Fc Gamma Receptors may be
modified. Examples of amino acid positions that may be modified
include positions L234, L235 and P331. Combinations thereof, such
as L234F/L235E/P331S, can cause a profound decrease in binding to
human CD64, CD32A, CD16 and C1q.
[0254] Hence, in one embodiment, the amino acid in at least one
position corresponding to L234, L235 and P331, may be A, A and S,
respectively ([1], [28]). Also, L234F and L235E amino acid
substitutions can result in Fc regions with abrogated interactions
with Fc Gamma Receptors and C1q ([29]-[30]). Hence, in one
embodiment, the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234
and L235, may be F and E, respectively. A D265A amino acid
substitution can decrease binding to all Fc gamma Receptors and
prevent ADCC ([31]). Hence, in one embodiment, the amino acid in
the position corresponding to D265 may be A. Binding to C1q can be
abrogated by mutating positions D270, K322, P329, and P331.
Mutating these positions to either D270A or K322A or P329A or P331A
can make the antibody deficient in CDC activity ([32]). Hence, in
one embodiment, the amino acids in at least one position
corresponding to D270, K322, P329 and P331, may be A, A, A, and A,
respectively.
[0255] An alternative approach to minimize the interaction of the
Fc region with Fc gamma Receptors and C1q is by removal of the
glycosylation site of an antibody. Mutating position N297 to e.g.
Q, A, and E removes a glycosylation site which is critical for
IgG-Fc gamma Receptor interactions. Hence, in one embodiment, the
amino acid in a position corresponding to N297, may be G, Q, A or E
([33]). Another alternative approach to minimize interaction of the
Fc region with Fc gamma Receptors may be obtained by the following
mutations; P238A, A327Q, P329A or E233P/L234V/L235A/G236del
([31]).
[0256] Alternatively, human IgG2 and IgG4 subclasses are considered
naturally compromised in their interactions with C1q and Fc gamma
Receptors although, interactions with Fc.gamma. Receptors (Fc gamma
Receptors) were reported ([34]-[35]). Mutations abrogating these
residual interactions can be made in both isotypes, resulting in
reduction of unwanted side-effects associated with FcR binding. For
IgG2, these include L234A and G237A, and for IgG4, L235E. Hence, in
one embodiment, the amino acid in a position corresponding to L234
and G237 in a human IgG2 heavy chain, may be A and A, respectively.
In one embodiment, the amino acid in a position corresponding to
L235 in a human IgG4 heavy chain, may be E.
[0257] Other approaches to further minimize the interaction with Fc
gamma Receptors and C1q in IgG2 antibodies include those described
in [36] and [37].
[0258] The hinge region of the antibody can also be of importance
with respect to interactions with Fc gamma Receptors and complement
([38]-[39]). Accordingly, mutations in or deletion of the hinge
region can influence effector functions of an antibody.
[0259] The term "cross-linking" as used herein, refers to the
indirect bridging of antibody Fab arm(s) (monovalently or
bivalently) bound to the target antigen by FcR-bearing cell through
binding to the antibody Fc region. Thus, an antibody which binds
its target antigen on target antigen-bearing cells may cross-link
with another cell expressing FcRs.
[0260] The term "unspecific killing" as used herein, refers to the
killing of cells by the cytotoxic function of T-cells or other
effector cells, through tumor target antigen-independent activation
of said cells. Thus, by unspecific killing is meant that the
tumor-target bearing cells may be killed by e.g. cytotoxic T-cells
and not by the antibody binding the tumor target by e.g. induction
of CDC.
[0261] The present inventors have shown (see Examples 3 to 5, 7 to
10) that a non-activating Fc region may be obtained by modifying
one or more of at least five specific amino acid positions in the
Fc region.
[0262] Thus, in one embodiment, the antibody comprises a first and
a second immunoglobulin heavy chain, wherein in at least one of
said first and second immunoglobulin heavy chains one or more amino
acids in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, D265,
N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L, L, D, N, and
P, respectively.
[0263] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
one or more amino acids in the position corresponding to positions
L234, L235, D265, N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are
not L, L, D, N, and P, respectively.
[0264] In another embodiment, in at least one of the first and
second heavy chains one or more amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235 and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are not L, L and D, respectively, and the amino acids
in the positions corresponding to N297 and P331 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are N and P, respectively.
[0265] The term "amino acid corresponding to positions" as used
herein refers to an amino acid position number in a human IgG1
heavy chain. Unless otherwise stated or contradicted by context,
the amino acids of the constant region sequences are herein
numbered according to the Eu-index of numbering (described in
[27]). Thus, an amino acid or segment in one sequence that
"corresponds to" an amino acid or segment in another sequence is
one that aligns with the other amino acid or segment using a
standard sequence alignment program such as ALIGN, ClustalW or
similar, typically at default settings and has at least 50%, at
least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% identity to a human IgG1
heavy chain. It is considered well-known in the art how to align a
sequence or segment in a sequence and thereby determine the
corresponding position in a sequence to an amino acid position
according to the present invention.
[0266] In the context of the present invention, the amino acid may
be defined as described above.
[0267] The term "the amino acid is not" or similar wording when
referring to amino acids in a heavy chain is to be understood to
mean that the amino acid is any other amino acid than the specific
amino acid mentioned. For example, the amino acid in the position
corresponding to L234 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is not L, means
that the amino acid may be any of the other naturally or
non-naturally occurring amino acids than L.
[0268] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is not D.
[0269] In one embodiment, in at least one of the first and second
heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to D265
in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is not D, and the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions N297 and P331 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are N and P, respectively.
[0270] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is hydrophobic or polar
amino acids.
[0271] The term "hydrophobic" as used herein in relation to an
amino acid residue, refers to an amino acid residue selected from
the group consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T, V, W, and Y.
Thus, in one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the
group of amino acids consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T,
V, W and Y.
[0272] The term "polar" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from the group
consisting of; C, D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T. Thus, in one
embodiment, in at least one of said first and second heavy chains
the amino acid in the position corresponding to position D265 in a
human heavy chain is selected from the group consisting of; C, E,
H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T.
[0273] In another embodiment, in at least one of said first and
second heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is an aliphatic
uncharged, aromatic or acidic amino acid.
[0274] The term "aliphatic uncharged" as used herein in relation to
amino acid residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from
the group consisting of: A, G, I, L, and V. Thus, in one
embodiment, in at least one of said first and second heavy chains
the amino acid in the position corresponding to position D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the group consisting of; A,
G, I, L, and V.
[0275] The term "aromatic" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from the group
consisting of: F, T, and W. Thus, in one embodiment, in at least
one of said first and second heavy chains the amino acid in the
position corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain
is selected from the group consisting of; F, T, and W.
[0276] The term "acidic" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue chosen from the group
consisting of: D and E. Thus, in one embodiment, in at least one of
said first and second heavy chains the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is
selected from the group consisting of; D and E.
[0277] In a particular embodiment, in at least one of said first
and second heavy chains the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is
selected from the group consisting of; A, E, F, G, I, L, T, V, and
W.
[0278] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to position
D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is not D.
[0279] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
the amino acid in the position corresponding to D265 in a human
IgG1 heavy chain, is not D, and the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions N297 and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain, are N and P, respectively.
[0280] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to position
D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is hydrophobic or polar amino
acid.
[0281] The term "hydrophobic" as used herein in relation to an
amino acid residue, refers to an amino acid residue selected from
the group consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T, V, W, and Y.
Thus, in one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy chains
the amino acid in the position corresponding to position D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the group of amino acids
consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T, V, W and Y.
[0282] The term "polar" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from the group
consisting of; C, D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T. Thus, in one
embodiment, in both said first and second heavy chains the amino
acid in the position corresponding to position D265 in a human
heavy chain is selected from the group consisting of; C, E, H, K,
N, Q, R, S, and T. In one embodiment, in both said first and second
heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the
group of amino acids consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T,
V, W and Y.
[0283] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to position
D265 in a human heavy chain is selected from the group consisting
of; C, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T.
[0284] In another embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to position
D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is aliphatic uncharged, aromatic
or acidic amino acids.
[0285] The term "aliphatic uncharged" as used herein in relation to
amino acid residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from
the group consisting of: A, G, I, L, and V. Thus, in one
embodiment, in both said first and second heavy chains the amino
acid in the position corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain is selected from the group consisting of; A, G, I, L,
and V.
[0286] The term "aromatic" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from the group
consisting of: F, T, and W. Thus, in one embodiment, in both said
first and second heavy chains the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is
selected from the group consisting of; F, T, and W.
[0287] The term "acidic" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue chosen from the group
consisting of: D and E. Thus, in one embodiment, in both said first
and second heavy chains the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are
selected from the group consisting of; D and E.
[0288] In a particular embodiment, in both said first and second
heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the
group consisting of; A, E, F, G, I, L, T, V, and W.
[0289] In further embodiment, in at least one of said first and
second heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position N297 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is not N.
[0290] In one embodiment, in at least one of the first and second
heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to N297
in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is not N, and the amino acid in the
position corresponding to position P331 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain, is P.
[0291] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to positions
N297 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is not N.
[0292] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
the amino acid in the position corresponding to N297 in a human
IgG1 heavy chain, is not N, and the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
P.
[0293] In further embodiment, in at least one of said first and
second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding
to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L
and L, respectively.
[0294] In one embodiment, in at least one of the first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234
and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L and L,
respectively, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions N297 and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are N and P,
respectively.
[0295] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids corresponding to positions L234 and
L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are selected from the group
consisting of; A, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, Y,
V.
[0296] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are hydrophobic
or polar amino acids.
[0297] The term "hydrophobic" as used herein in relation to an
amino acid residue, refers to an amino acid residue selected from
the group consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T, V, W, and Y.
Thus, in one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each
selected from the group consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, M, R, T,
V, W, and Y.
[0298] The term "polar" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from the group
consisting of; C, D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T. Thus, in one
embodiment, in at least one of said first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions L234
and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each selected from the
group of amino acids consisting of; C, D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and
T.
[0299] In a particular embodiment, in at least one of said first
and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain are each selected from the group consisting of; A, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, K, M, N, Q, R, S, T, V, W, and Y.
[0300] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L and L,
respectively.
[0301] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234 and L235 in
a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L and L, respectively, and the
amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions N297 and
P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are N and P, respectively.
[0302] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234 and
L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are hydrophobic or polar amino
acids.
[0303] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each selected from
the group consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, M, R, T, V, W, and
Y.
[0304] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each selected from
the group of amino acids consisting of; C, D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S,
and T.
[0305] In a particular embodiment, in both said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each
selected from the group consisting of; A, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K,
M, N, Q, R, S, T, V, W, and Y.
[0306] In another embodiment, in at least one of said first and
second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding
to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are
aliphatic uncharged, aromatic or acidic amino acids.
[0307] The term "aliphatic uncharged" as used herein in relation to
amino acid residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from
the group consisting of: A, G, I, L, and V. Thus, in one
embodiment, in at least one of said first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions L234
and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each selected from the
group consisting of; A, G, I, and V.
[0308] The term "aromatic" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from the group
consisting of: F, T, and W. Thus, in one embodiment, in at least
one of said first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1
heavy chain are each selected from the group consisting of; F, T,
and W.
[0309] The term "acidic" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue chosen from the group
consisting of: D and E. Thus, in one embodiment, in at least one of
said first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain are each selected from the group consisting of; D and E.
[0310] In a particular embodiment, in at least one of said first
and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to L234 and L235 are each selected from the group
consisting of; A, D, E, F, G, I, T, V, and W.
[0311] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F and E;
or A and A, respectively.
[0312] In one embodiment, in at least one of the first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234
and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F and E; or A and A,
respectively, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions N297 and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are N and P,
respectively.
[0313] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F and E; or A and A,
respectively.
[0314] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234 and L235 in
a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F and E; or A and A, respectively,
and the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
N297 and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are N and P,
respectively.
[0315] In a particular embodiment, in at least one of said first
and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain, are F and E, respectively.
[0316] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F and E,
respectively.
[0317] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains at least the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain, are A and A, respectively.
[0318] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains at least the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are A and A,
respectively.
[0319] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not
L, L, and D, respectively.
[0320] In one embodiment, in at least one of the first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L, L and
D, respectively, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding
to positions N297 and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are N and
P, respectively.
[0321] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids corresponding to positions L234 and
L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are selected from the group
consisting of; A, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, Y,
V, and W, and the amino acid corresponding to position D265 is
selected from the group consisting of; A, C, E, F, G, H, I, K, L,
M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, Y, V, and W.
[0322] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235 and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are
hydrophobic or polar amino acids.
[0323] The term "hydrophobic" as used herein in relation to an
amino acid residue, refers to an amino acid residue selected from
the group consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T, V, W, and Y.
Thus, in one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the
group of amino acids consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T,
V, W and Y, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each
selected from the group consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, M, R, T,
V, W, and Y.
[0324] The term "polar" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from the group
consisting of; C, D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T. Thus, in one
embodiment, in at least one of said first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions L234
and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each selected from the
group of amino acids consisting of; C, D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and
T, the amino acid in the position corresponding to position D265 in
a human heavy chain is selected from the group consisting of; C, E,
H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T.
[0325] In a particular embodiment, in at least one of said first
and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain are each selected from the group consisting of; A, C, D, E,
F, G, H, I, K, M, N, Q, R, S, T, V, W, and Y, and the amino acid in
the position corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain is selected from the group consisting of; A, C, E, F, G, H,
I, K, L, M, N, Q, R, S, T, V, W, and Y.
[0326] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234,
L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are hydrophobic or polar
amino acids.
[0327] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to position
D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the group of
amino acids consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, L, M, R, T, V, W and
Y, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each selected from
the group consisting of; A, C, F, G, H, I, M, R, T, V, W, and
Y.
[0328] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each selected from
the group of amino acids consisting of; C, D, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S,
and T, the amino acid in the position corresponding to position
D265 in a human heavy chain is selected from the group consisting
of; C, E, H, K, N, Q, R, S, and T.
[0329] In a particular embodiment, in both said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each
selected from the group consisting of; A, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K,
M, N, Q, R, S, T, V, W, and Y, and the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is
selected from the group consisting of; A, C, E, F, G, H, I, K, L,
M, N, Q, R, S, T, V, W, and Y.
[0330] In another embodiment, in at least one of said first and
second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding
to positions L234, L235 and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are
aliphatic uncharged, aromatic or acidic amino acids.
[0331] The term "aliphatic uncharged" as used herein in relation to
amino acid residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from
the group consisting of: A, G, I, L, and V. Thus, in one
embodiment, in at least one of said first and second heavy chains
the amino acid in the position corresponding to position D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the group consisting of; A,
G, I, L, and V, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding
to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each
selected from the group consisting of; A, G, I, and V.
[0332] The term "aromatic" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue selected from the group
consisting of: F, T, and W. Thus, in one embodiment, in at least
one of said first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235 and D265 in a human
IgG1 heavy chain are each selected from the group consisting of; F,
T, and W.
[0333] The term "acidic" as used herein in relation to amino acid
residues, refers to any amino acid residue chosen from the group
consisting of: D and E. Thus, in one embodiment, in at least one of
said first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain are each selected from the group consisting of; D and
E.
[0334] In a particular embodiment, in at least one of said first
and second heavy chains the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is
selected from the group consisting of; A, E, F, G, I, L, T, V, and
W, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234 and
L235 are each selected from the group consisting of; A, D, E, F, G,
I, T, V, and W.
[0335] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234, L235 and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L, L, and
D, respectively.
[0336] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234, L235, and
D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are not L, L, and D,
respectively, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions N297 and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are N and P,
respectively.
[0337] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234,
L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are aliphatic uncharged,
aromatic or acidic amino acids.
[0338] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to position
D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the group
consisting of; A, G, I, L, and V, and the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234 and L235 in a human IgG1
heavy chain are each selected from the group consisting of; A, G,
I, and V.
[0339] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are each selected
from the group consisting of; D and E.
[0340] In a particular embodiment, in both said first and second
heavy chains the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is selected from the
group consisting of; A, E, F, G, I, L, T, V, and W, and the amino
acids in the positions corresponding to L234 and L235 are each
selected from the group consisting of; A, D, E, F, G, I, T, V, and
W.
[0341] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F,
E, and A; or A, A, and A, respectively.
[0342] In one embodiment, in at least one of the first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A;
or A, A, and A, respectively, and the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions N297 and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain, are N and P, respectively.
[0343] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A;
or A, A, and A, respectively.
[0344] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234, L235, and
D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A; or A, A, and A,
respectively, and the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions N297 and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are N and P,
respectively.
[0345] In a particular embodiment, in at least one of said first
and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
[0346] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A,
respectively.
[0347] In one embodiment, in at least one of said first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are A,
A, and A, respectively.
[0348] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are A, A, and A,
respectively.
[0349] In another embodiment, in at least one of said first and
second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding
to positions L234, L235, D265, N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain, are F, E, A, Q, and S, respectively.
[0350] In one embodiment, in both said first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234, L235, D265, N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are
F, E, A, Q, and S, respectively.
[0351] In a particular embodiment, the antibody according to the
invention, comprises a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:8, a VL
sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO: 10, and in at least one of the
heavy chains the amino acids in positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F,
E, and A, respectively.
[0352] In another embodiment, the antibody according to the
invention, comprises a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:8, a VL
sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12, and in at least one of the
heavy chains the amino acids in positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F,
E, and A, respectively.
[0353] In another embodiment, the antibody according to the
invention, comprises a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:6, a VL
sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10, and in at least one of the
heavy chains the amino acids in positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F,
E, and A, respectively.
[0354] In another embodiment, the antibody according to the
invention, comprises a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:6, a VL
sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12, and in at least one of the
heavy chains the amino acids in positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F,
E, and A, respectively. In another embodiment, the antibody
according to the invention, comprises a VH sequence as set out in
SEQ ID NO:9, a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10, and in at
least one of the heavy chains the amino acids in positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
[0355] In another embodiment, the antibody according to the
invention, comprises a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:9, a VL
sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12, and in at least one of the
heavy chains the amino acids in positions corresponding to
positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F,
E, and A, respectively.
[0356] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a
multispecific antibody comprising at least a first binding region
of an antibody according to any aspect or embodiment herein
described, and one or more binding regions which binds one or more
different targets than the first binding region. Such a
multispecific antibody may be a bispecific antibody.
[0357] Thus, in one aspect, the present invention relates to a
bispecific antibody comprising a first binding region of an
antibody according to any aspect or embodiment herein described,
and a second binding region which binds a different target than the
first binding region.
[0358] The term "multispecific antibody" refers to an antibody
having specificities for at least two different, such as at least
three, typically non-overlapping, epitopes. Such epitopes may be on
the same or different targets. If the epitopes are on different
targets, such targets may be on the same cell or different cells or
cell types.
[0359] The term "bispecific antibody" refers to an antibody having
specificities for at least two different, typically
non-overlapping, epitopes. Such epitopes may be on the same or
different targets. If the epitopes are on different targets, such
targets may be on the same cell or different cells or cell
types.
[0360] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
and a second heavy chain.
[0361] The embodiments relating to modification of the Fc region
and embodiments relating to specific amino acid substitutions are
contemplated to be part of any bispecific antibody according to the
invention. Thus, in one embodiment, at least one of the first and
second heavy chains comprise one or more amino acids modified as
defined in any embodiment herein described, such as those described
to in relation to providing an inert Fc region. In one embodiment,
both said first and second heavy chains comprise one or more amino
acids modified as defined in any embodiment herein described, such
as those described to in relation to providing an inert Fc region.
Accordingly, the bispecific antibody comprises an Fc region
modified according to any aspect or embodiment herein described; or
at least one of said first and second heavy chains comprise one or
more amino acids modified as defined in any aspect or embodiment
herein described.
[0362] Thus, in one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the
Fc region has been modified so that binding of C1q to said antibody
is reduced compared to a wild-type antibody by at least 70%, at
least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or 100%,
wherein C1q binding is determined by ELISA.
[0363] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:8
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that binding of C1q to said antibody is
reduced compared to a wild-type antibody by at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or 100%, wherein C1q
binding is determined by ELISA.
[0364] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:6
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that binding of C1q to said antibody is
reduced compared to a wild-type antibody by at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or 100%, wherein C1q
binding is determined by ELISA.
[0365] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:6
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that binding of C1q to said antibody is
reduced compared to a wild-type antibody by at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or 100%, wherein C1q
binding is determined by ELISA.
[0366] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:9
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that binding of C1q to said antibody is
reduced compared to a wild-type antibody by at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or 100%, wherein C1q
binding is determined by ELISA.
[0367] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:9
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that binding of C1q to said antibody is
reduced compared to a wild-type antibody by at least 70%, at least
80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97%, or 100%, wherein C1q
binding is determined by ELISA.
[0368] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the
Fc region has been modified so that said antibody mediates reduced
Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation compared to a wild-type antibody
by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least
90%, at least 99% or 100%, wherein said T-cell proliferation is
measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay.
[0369] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:8
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody mediates reduced
Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation compared to a wild-type antibody
by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least
90%, at least 99% or 100%, wherein said T-cell proliferation is
measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay.
[0370] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:6
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody mediates reduced
Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation compared to a wild-type antibody
by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least
90%, at least 99% or 100%, wherein said T-cell proliferation is
measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay.
[0371] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:6
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody mediates reduced
Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation compared to a wild-type antibody
by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least
90%, at least 99% or 100%, wherein said T-cell proliferation is
measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay.
[0372] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:9
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody mediates reduced
Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation compared to a wild-type antibody
by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least
90%, at least 99% or 100%, wherein said T-cell proliferation is
measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay.
[0373] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:9
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody mediates reduced
Fc-mediated T-cell proliferation compared to a wild-type antibody
by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least
90%, at least 99% or 100%, wherein said T-cell proliferation is
measured in a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-based
functional assay.
[0374] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the
Fc region has been modified so that said antibody reduces
Fc-mediated CD69 expression by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least
70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 99% or 100% when compared
to a wild-type antibody wherein said Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay.
[0375] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:8
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody reduces Fc-mediated
CD69 expression by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at
least 80%, at least 90%, at least 99% or 100% when compared to a
wild-type antibody wherein said Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay.
[0376] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:6
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody reduces Fc-mediated
CD69 expression by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at
least 80%, at least 90%, at least 99% or 100% when compared to a
wild-type antibody wherein said Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay.
[0377] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:6
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody reduces Fc-mediated
CD69 expression by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at
least 80%, at least 90%, at least 99% or 100% when compared to a
wild-type antibody wherein said Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay.
[0378] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:9
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody reduces Fc-mediated
CD69 expression by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at
least 80%, at least 90%, at least 99% or 100% when compared to a
wild-type antibody wherein said Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay.
[0379] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:9
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein the Fc
region has been modified so that said antibody reduces Fc-mediated
CD69 expression by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at
least 80%, at least 90%, at least 99% or 100% when compared to a
wild-type antibody wherein said Fc-mediated CD69 expression is
determined in a PBMC-based functional assay.
[0380] In a particular embodiment, the bispecific antibody
comprises a first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set
out in SEQ ID NO:8 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10;
and wherein in at least one of the first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions L234,
L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A,
respectively.
[0381] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein in
at least one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids
in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in
a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
[0382] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein in
at least one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids
in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in
a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
[0383] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein in
at least one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids
in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in
a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
[0384] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; and wherein in
at least one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids
in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in
a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
[0385] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9 and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; and wherein in
at least one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids
in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in
a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
[0386] Examples of bispecific antibody molecules which may be used
in the present invention comprise (i) a single antibody that has
two arms comprising different antigen-binding regions, (ii) a
single chain antibody that has specificity to two different
epitopes, e.g., via two scFvs linked in tandem by an extra peptide
linker; (iii) a dual-variable-domain antibody (DVD-Ig.TM.), where
each light chain and heavy chain contains two variable domains in
tandem through a short peptide linkage ([40]); (iv) a
chemically-linked bispecific (Fab')2 fragment; (v) a TandAb.RTM.,
which is a fusion of two single chain diabodies resulting in a
tetravalent bispecific antibody that has two binding sites for each
of the target antigens; (vi) a flexibody, which is a combination of
scFvs with a diabody resulting in a multivalent molecule; (vii) a
so called "dock and lock" molecule (Dock-and-Lock.RTM.), based on
the "dimerization and docking domain" in Protein Kinase A, which,
when applied to Fabs, can yield a trivalent bispecific binding
protein consisting of two identical Fab fragments linked to a
different Fab fragment; (viii) a so-called Scorpion molecule,
comprising, e.g., two scFvs fused to both termini of a human
Fab-arm; and (ix) a diabody.
[0387] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody of the present
invention is a diabody, a cross-body, or a bispecific antibody
obtained via a controlled Fab arm exchange, e.g. DuoBody.RTM. (such
as described in [41]) as those described in the present
invention.
[0388] Examples of different classes of bispecific antibodies
include but are not limited to (i) IgG-like molecules with
complementary CH3 domains to force heterodimerization; (ii)
recombinant IgG-like dual targeting molecules, wherein the two
sides of the molecule each contain the Fab fragment or part of the
Fab fragment of at least two different antibodies; (iii) IgG fusion
molecules, wherein full length IgG antibodies are fused to extra
Fab fragment or parts of Fab fragment; (iv) Fc fusion molecules,
wherein single chain Fv molecules or stabilized diabodies are fused
to heavy-chain constant-domains, Fc-regions or parts thereof; (v)
Fab fusion molecules, wherein different Fab-fragments are fused
together, fused to heavy-chain constant-domains, Fc-regions or
parts thereof; and (vi) ScFv- and diabody-based and heavy chain
antibodies (e.g., domain antibodies, Nanobodies.RTM.) wherein
different single chain Fv molecules or different diabodies or
different heavy-chain antibodies (e.g. domain antibodies,
Nanobodies.RTM.) are fused to each other or to another protein or
carrier molecule fused to heavy-chain constant-domains, Fc-regions
or parts thereof.
[0389] Examples of IgG-like molecules with complementary CH3
domains molecules include but are not limited to the Triomab.RTM.
(Trion Pharma/Fresenius Biotech, [42]), the Knobs-into-Holes
(Genentech, [43]), CrossMAbs (Roche, [44]) and the
electrostatically-matched (Amgen, [45]-[46]; Chugai, [47]; Oncomed,
[48]), the LUZ-Y (Genentech), DIG-body and PIG-body (Pharmabcine),
the Strand Exchange Engineered Domain body (SEEDbody)(EMD Serono,
[49]), the Biclonics (Merus), FcAAdp (Regeneron, [50]), bispecific
IgG1 and IgG2 (Pfizer/Rinat, [51]), Azymetric scaffold
(Zymeworks/Merck, [52]), mAb-Fv (Xencor, [53]), bivalent bispecific
antibodies (Roche) and DuoBody.RTM. molecules (Genmab A/S,
[41]).
[0390] Examples of recombinant IgG-like dual targeting molecules
include but are not limited to Dual Targeting (DT)-Ig
(GSK/Domantis), Two-in-one Antibody (Genentech), Cross-linked Mabs
(Karmanos Cancer Center), mAb2 (F-Star, [54]), Zybodies.TM.
(Zyngenia), approaches with common light chain (Crucell/Merus,
[55]), KABodies (NovImmune) and CovX-Body.RTM. (CovX/Pfizer).
[0391] Examples of IgG fusion molecules include but are not limited
to Dual Variable Domain (DVD)-Ig.TM. (Abbott, [56]), Dual domain
double head antibodies (Unilever; Sanofi Aventis, [57]), IgG-like
Bispecific (ImClone/Eli Lilly), Ts2Ab (MedImmune/AZ) and BsAb
(Zymogenetics), HERCULES (Biogen Idec, [58]), scFv fusion
(Novartis), scFv fusion (Changzhou Adam Biotech Inc, [59]) and TvAb
(Roche, [59], [60]).
[0392] Examples of Fc fusion molecules include but are not limited
to ScFv/Fc Fusions (Academic Institution), SCORPION (Emergent
BioSolutions/Trubion, Zymogenetics/BMS), Dual Affinity Retargeting
Technology (Fc-DART.TM.) (MacroGenics, [62], [63]) and
Dual(ScFv)2-Fab (National Research Center for Antibody
Medicine--China).
[0393] Examples of Fab fusion bispecific antibodies include but are
not limited to F(ab)2 (Medarex/AMGEN), Dual-Action or Bis-Fab
(Genentech), Dock-and-Lock.RTM. (DNL) (ImmunoMedics), Bivalent
Bispecific (Biotecnol) and Fab-Fv (UCB-Celltech).
[0394] Examples of ScFv-, diabody-based and domain antibodies
include but are not limited to Bispecific T Cell Engager
(BITE.RTM.) (Micromet, Tandem Diabody (Tandab) (Affimed), Dual
Affinity Retargeting Technology (DART.TM.) (MacroGenics),
Single-chain Diabody (Academic), TCR-like Antibodies (AIT,
ReceptorLogics), Human Serum Albumin ScFv Fusion (Merrimack) and
COMBODY (Epigen Biotech), dual targeting Nanobodies.RTM. (Ablynx),
dual targeting heavy chain only domain antibodies.
[0395] It is further contemplated that any monospecific antibody
fulfilling the assay conditions herein described may form the basis
of a bispecific antibody. I.e. a bispecific antibody wherein one of
the binding regions binds CD3 may originate from any monospecific
CD3 antibody tested in the functional assays and fulfilling the
requirements stated herein. Such a bispecific antibody may be
provided by the methods described in [41], which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0396] Thus, in a particular embodiment, each of said first and
second heavy chain comprises at least a hinge region, a CH2 and CH3
region, wherein in said first heavy chain at least one of the amino
acids in the positions corresponding to a position selected from
the group consisting of T366, L368, K370, D399, F405, Y407, and
K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain has been substituted, and in said
second heavy chain at least one of the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to a position selected from the group consisting of
T366, L368, K370, D399, F405, Y407, and K409 in a human IgG1 heavy
chain has been substituted, and wherein said first and said second
heavy chains are not substituted in the same positions. In this
context the term "substituted", refers to that the amino acid in a
specific amino acid position has been substituted with another
naturally or non-naturally occurring amino acid. Thus, a
"substituted" amino acid in a position corresponding to the
position in a human IgG1 heavy chain means the amino acid at the
particular position is different from the naturally occurring amino
acid in an IgG1 heavy chain.
[0397] In one embodiment, in said first heavy chain the amino acid
in the position corresponding to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain
is not K, L or M, and optionally the amino acid in the position
corresponding to F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is F, and in said
second heavy chain at least one of the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to a position selected from the group consisting of;
T366, L368, K370, D399, F405, and Y407 in a human IgG1 heavy chain
has been substituted.
[0398] In one embodiment, in said first heavy chain the amino acid
in the position corresponding to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain
is not K, L or M, and in said second heavy chain the amino acid in
the position corresponding to F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is
not F and optionally the amino acid in the position corresponding
to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is K.
[0399] In one embodiment, in said first heavy chain, the amino acid
in the position corresponding to F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain
is not F, R, and G, and in said second heavy chain the amino acids
in the positions corresponding to a position selected form the
group consisting of; T366, L368, K370, D399, Y407, and K409 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain has been substituted.
[0400] In one embodiment, the amino acid in position corresponding
to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is not K, L or M in said first
heavy chain, and the amino acid in position corresponding to F405
in a human IgG1 heavy chain is not F.
[0401] In a further embodiment, the amino acid in the position
corresponding to F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is L in said
first heavy chain, and the amino acid in the position corresponding
to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is R in said second heavy
chain, or vice versa.
[0402] Thus, in one embodiment, the amino acid in the position
corresponding to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is R in the first
heavy chain, and the amino acid in the position corresponding to
F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is L in the second heavy
chain.
[0403] In a further embodiment, the humanized or chimeric CD3
antibody of the invention contains in at least one of the first and
second heavy chain one or more of the inactivating substitutions as
disclosed in any one of the above embodiments, such as L234F,
L235E, and D265A; and that the amino acid in the position
corresponding to F405 is not F. In one embodiment the humanized or
chimeric CD3 antibody of the invention contains in at least one of
the first and second heavy chain one or more of the inactivating
substitutions as disclosed in any one of the above embodiments,
such as L234F, L235E, and D265A; and a further substitution in the
K409 position, such as K409R. In particular, in one embodiment, the
humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody of the invention contains in
both the first and second heavy chain one or more of the
inactivating substitutions as disclosed in any one of the above
embodiments, such as L234F, L235E, and D265A; and a substitution in
the F405 position, such as F405L. In one embodiment the humanized
or chimeric CD3 antibody of the invention contains in both the
first and second heavy chain one or more of the inactivating
substitutions as disclosed in any one of the above embodiments,
such as L234F, L235E, and D265A; and a further substitution in the
K409 position, such as K409R. Such antibodies are useful for
generating a bispecific antibody.
[0404] Accordingly, in a further embodiment, in at least one of the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to position L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain are F, E, and A, respectively, the amino acid in the
position corresponding to F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is L in
the first heavy chain, and the amino acid in the position
corresponding to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is R in the
second heavy chain.
[0405] In one embodiment, in at least one of the first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
L234, L235, D265, N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are F,
E, A, N, and P respectively, the amino acid in the position
corresponding to F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is L in the first
heavy chain, and the amino acid in the position corresponding to
K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is R in the second heavy
chain.
[0406] In an alternative embodiment, in at least one of the first
and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to position L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain are F, E, and A, respectively, the amino acid in the
position corresponding to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is R in
the first heavy chain, and the amino acid in the position
corresponding to F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is L in the
second heavy chain.
[0407] In one embodiment, in at least one of the first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
L234, L235, D265, N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are F,
E, A, N, and P respectively, the amino acid in the position
corresponding to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is R in the first
heavy chain, and the amino acid in the position corresponding to
F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is L in the second heavy
chain.
[0408] In another embodiment, in both the first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to position
L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are F, E, and A,
respectively, the amino acid in the position corresponding to F405
in a human IgG1 heavy chain is L in the first heavy chain, and the
amino acid in the position corresponding to K409 in a human IgG1
heavy chain is R in the second heavy chain.
[0409] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234, L235, D265,
N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are F, E, A, N, and P
respectively, the amino acid in the position corresponding to F405
in a human IgG1 heavy chain is L in the first heavy chain, and the
amino acid in the position corresponding to K409 in a human IgG1
heavy chain is R in the second heavy chain.
[0410] In an alternative embodiment, in both the first and second
heavy chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to
position L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are F, E,
and A, respectively, the amino acid in the position corresponding
to K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain is R in the first heavy chain,
and the amino acid in the position corresponding to F405 in a human
IgG1 heavy chain is L in the second heavy chain.
[0411] In one embodiment, in both the first and second heavy chains
the amino acids in the positions corresponding to L234, L235, D265,
N297, and P331 in a human IgG1 heavy chain are F, E, A, N, and P
respectively, the amino acid in the position corresponding to K409
in a human IgG1 heavy chain is R in the first heavy chain, and the
amino acid in the position corresponding to F405 in a human IgG1
heavy chain is L in the second heavy chain.
[0412] As described herein, T-cell recruitment to specific target
cells, such as cancer or tumor cells, provides a way of killing the
target cells. The present inventors have shown that a bispecific
CD3.times.HER2 antibody comprising the specific amino acid
substitutions L234F, L235E, and D265A in both of the heavy chains,
was able to induce killing of AU565 cells as described in Example
5. T-cell mediated killing may be obtained by a bispecific antibody
targeting CD3 with the first binding region and another target with
the second binding region. Thus, in one embodiment, the first
binding region is according to any embodiments described herein for
the humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody, and the second binding
region binds a different target than the first binding region. It
is to be understood that when the antibody is a bispecific
antibody, at least one half of the antibody, i.e. one of the pair
of heavy and light chains of the antibody, is a humanized or
chimeric antibody as herein described. Thus, one half of the
bispecific antibody is a humanized or chimeric antibody binding CD3
according to the present invention and the other half may be
humanized, chimeric, fully non-human or fully human binding a
second target. Thus, in one embodiment, the antibody comprises a
first and a second heavy chain, a first and second light chain,
wherein said first heavy and said first light chains are humanized
or chimeric and are connected via disulfide bridges forming a first
binding region; and said second heavy and light chains are fully
human and are connected via disulfide bridges forming a second
binding region, wherein said first binding region is according to
any aspect or embodiment herein described, and said second binding
region binds a different target. In one embodiment, the antibody
comprises a first and a second heavy chain, a first and second
light chain, wherein said first heavy and said first light chains
are humanized or chimeric and are connected via disulfide bridges
forming a first binding region; and said second heavy and light
chains are humanized or chimeric and are connected via disulfide
bridges forming a second binding region, wherein said first binding
region is according to any aspect or embodiment herein described,
and said second binding region binds a different epitope of CD3
than said first binding region.
[0413] Thus, in one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0414] In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:8,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second binding
region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29, and a
VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in at least one of
the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0415] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0416] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0417] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0418] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0419] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0420] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:8, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0421] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0422] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0423] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0424] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0425] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0426] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0427] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0428] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:6, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0429] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0430] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0431] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0432] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:10; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0433] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0434] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in at least
one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the
positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein
in the first heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L,
and in the second heavy chain the amino acid in the position
corresponding to position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is
R.
[0435] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:19,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:20; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0436] In another embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a
first binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID
NO:9, and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:12; a second
binding region comprising a VH sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:29,
and a VL sequence as set out in SEQ ID NO:30; wherein in both the
first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively; and wherein in the
first heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position F405 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is L, and in the second
heavy chain the amino acid in the position corresponding to
position K409 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, is R.
[0437] The term "disulfide bridges" as used herein refers to the
covalent bond between two Cysteine residues, i.e. said interaction
may also be designated a Cys-Cys interaction.
[0438] The term "target" as used herein, refers to a molecule to
which the binding region of the antibody according to the invention
binds. When used in the context of the binding of an antibody the
term includes any antigen towards which the raised antibody is
directed.
[0439] In one particular embodiment, the first heavy and the first
light chains are humanized or chimeric and are connected via
disulfide bridges forming a first binding region; and the second
heavy and light chains are fully human and are connected via
disulfide bridges forming a second binding region, wherein the
first binding region is according to any aspect or embodiment
herein described, and the second binding region binds a different
target; and wherein in at least one of the first and second heavy
chains the amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions
L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A,
respectively.
[0440] In one particular embodiment, the first heavy and the first
light chains are humanized or chimeric and are connected via
disulfide bridges forming a first binding region; and the second
heavy and light chains are fully human and are connected via
disulfide bridges forming a second binding region, wherein the
first binding region is according to any aspect or embodiment
herein described, and the second binding region binds a different
epitope of CD3 than the first binding region; and wherein in at
least one of the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in
the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a
human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
[0441] In one particular embodiment, the first heavy and the first
light chains are humanized or chimeric and are connected via
disulfide bridges forming a first binding region; and the second
heavy and light chains are fully human and are connected via
disulfide bridges forming a second binding region, wherein the
first binding region is according to any aspect or embodiment
herein described, and the second binding region binds a different
target; and wherein in both the first and second heavy chains the
amino acids in the positions corresponding to positions L234, L235,
and D265 in a human IgG1 heavy chain, are F, E, and A,
respectively.
[0442] In one particular embodiment, the first heavy and the first
light chains are humanized or chimeric and are connected via
disulfide bridges forming a first binding region; and the second
heavy and light chains are fully human and are connected via
disulfide bridges forming a second binding region, wherein the
first binding region is according to any aspect or embodiment
herein described, and the second binding region binds a different
epitope of CD3 than the first binding region; and wherein in both
the first and second heavy chains the amino acids in the positions
corresponding to positions L234, L235, and D265 in a human IgG1
heavy chain, are F, E, and A, respectively.
Nucleic Acid Constructs, Expression Vectors, and Host Cells
[0443] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a nucleic
acid construct encoding one or more sequences set out in Table 1.
Thus, the present invention relates to a nucleic acid construct
encoding any one of the sequences set out in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 24, 25, and 26.
[0444] In a further aspect, the invention relates to nucleic acid
construct encoding a sequence of a humanized or chimeric CD3
antibody according to the present invention, to expression vectors
comprising a nucleic acid construct according to the present
invention, to host cells comprising such expression vectors, and to
methods of producing such an antibody by culturing such host cells
under appropriate conditions whereby the antibody is produced and,
optionally, retrieved. Humanized CD3 antibodies may also be denoted
as "huCD3".
[0445] In one embodiment, the invention provides an expression
vector comprising (i) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a heavy
chain sequence of a humanized or chimeric antibody according to the
invention, (ii) a nucleic acid sequence encoding a light chain
sequence of a humanized or chimeric antibody according to the
invention, or (iii) both (i) and (ii). Thus, the expression vector
comprises one or more nucleic acid constructs or nucleic acid
sequences according to any aspect or embodiment herein
described.
[0446] In one embodiment, the expression vector of the invention
comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more of the heavy
chain and light chain CDR sequences selected from the group
consisting of: SEQ ID NOs.:1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; and the sequence
GTN.
[0447] In one embodiment, the invention provides an expression
vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding one or more
amino acid sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID
NOs: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19, 20, 27, 28, 29, and 30, or any
combination thereof. In another embodiment, the expression vector
comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the VH CDR3 amino acid
sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3. In another embodiment, the
expression vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a VH
amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 6, 7, 8, 9, 19, 27,
and 29. In another embodiment, the expression vector comprises a
nucleic acid sequence encoding a VL amino acid sequence selected
from SEQ ID NOs: 10, 11, 12, 20, 28, and 30. In another embodiment,
the expression vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding
the constant region of a human antibody light chain, of a human
antibody heavy chain, or both. In another embodiment, the invention
provides an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence
encoding the amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NOs: 15, 16,
23, 24, 25, and 26.
[0448] In a particular embodiment, the expression vector comprises
a nucleic acid sequence encoding a variant of one or more of the
above amino acid sequences, said variant having at most 25 amino
acid modifications, such as at most 20, such as at most 15, 14, 13,
12, or 11 amino acid modifications, such as 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4,
3, 2, or 1 amino acid modifications, such as deletions or
insertions, preferably substitutions, such as conservative or
non-conservative substitutions, or at least 80% identity to any of
said sequences, such as at least 85% identity or 90% identity or
95% identity, such as 96% identity or 97% identity or 98% identity
or 99% identity to any of the afore-mentioned amino acid sequences.
The present invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences
different from the above mentioned nucleic acid sequences but which
due to the variance of the genetic code encode the same amino acid
sequence as an antibody of the present invention. E.g. the nucleic
acid sequence may vary but result in an identical amino acid
sequences as any amino acid sequence herein described. It is
well-known for the skilled person how to identify such further
nucleic acid sequences based on the genetic code.
[0449] In a further embodiment, the expression vector further
comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding the constant region of a
light chain, a heavy chain or both light and heavy chains of an
antibody, e.g. a human antibody.
[0450] Such expression vectors as described above may be used for
recombinant production of antibodies of the invention.
[0451] An expression vector in the context of the present invention
may be any suitable vector, including chromosomal, non-chromosomal,
and synthetic nucleic acid vectors (a nucleic acid sequence
comprising a suitable set of expression control elements). Examples
of such vectors include derivatives of SV40, bacterial plasmids,
phage DNA, baculovirus, yeast plasmids, vectors derived from
combinations of plasmids and phage DNA, and viral nucleic acid (RNA
or DNA) vectors. In one embodiment, a humanized or chimeric CD3
antibody-encoding nucleic acid is comprised in a naked DNA or RNA
vector, including, for example, a linear expression element (as
described in for instance [64]), a compacted nucleic acid vector
(as described in for instance [65] and/or [66]), a plasmid vector
such as pBR322, pUC 19/18, or pUC 118/119, a "midge"
minimally-sized nucleic acid vector (as described in for instance
[67]), or as a precipitated nucleic acid vector construct, such as
a CaPO.sub.4.sup.--precipitated construct (as described in for
instance [68], [69], [70], and [71]). Such nucleic acid vectors and
the usage thereof are well known in the art (see for instance [72]
and [73]).
[0452] In one embodiment, the vector is suitable for expression of
the humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody in a bacterial cell.
Examples of such vectors include expression vectors such as
BlueScript (Stratagene), pIN vectors ([74]), pET vectors (Novagen,
Madison Wis.) and the like.
[0453] An expression vector may also or alternatively be a vector
suitable for expression in a yeast system. Any vector suitable for
expression in a yeast system may be employed. Suitable vectors
include, for example, vectors comprising constitutive or inducible
promoters such as alpha factor, alcohol oxidase and PGH (reviewed
in: [75] and [76]).
[0454] A nucleic acid construct and/or vector may also comprise a
nucleic acid sequence encoding a secretion/localization sequence,
which can target a polypeptide, such as a nascent polypeptide
chain, to the periplasmic space or into cell culture media. Such
sequences are known in the art, and include secretion leader or
signal peptides, organelle-targeting sequences (e.g., nuclear
localization sequences, ER retention signals, mitochondrial transit
sequences, chloroplast transit sequences), membrane
localization/anchor sequences (e.g., stop transfer sequences, GPI
anchor sequences), and the like which are well-known in the
art.
[0455] In an expression vector of the invention, humanized or
chimeric CD3 antibody-encoding nucleic acids may comprise or be
associated with any suitable promoter, enhancer, and other
expression-facilitating elements. Examples of such elements include
strong expression promoters (e.g., human CMV IE promoter/enhancer
as well as RSV, SV40, SL3-3, MMTV, and HIV LTR promoters),
effective poly (A) termination sequences, an origin of replication
for plasmid product in E. coli, an antibiotic resistance gene as
selectable marker, and/or a convenient cloning site (e.g., a
polylinker). Nucleic acid constructs and/or vectors may also
comprise an inducible promoter as opposed to a constitutive
promoter such as CMV IE (the skilled person will recognize that
such terms are actually descriptors of a degree of gene expression
under certain conditions).
[0456] In one embodiment, the humanized or chimeric CD3
antibody-encoding expression vector is positioned in and/or
delivered to the host cell or host animal via a viral vector.
[0457] Such expression vectors may be used for recombinant
production of humanized or chimeric CD3 antibodies.
[0458] In one aspect, the invention provides a host cell comprising
an expression vector according to the invention.
[0459] In one aspect, the humanized or chimeric CD3 antibodies of
any aspect or embodiment described herein are provided by use of
recombinant eukaryotic, recombinant prokaryotic, or recombinant
microbial host cell which produces the antibody. Accordingly, the
invention provides a recombinant eukaryotic, recombinant
prokaryotic, or recombinant microbial host cell, which produces a
humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody or immunoglobulin as defined
herein. Examples of host cells include yeast, bacterial and
mammalian cells, such as CHO or HEK-293 cells. For example, in one
embodiment, the host cell comprises a nucleic acid sequence stably
integrated into the cellular genome that comprises a sequence
coding for expression of a humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody
described herein. In another embodiment, the host cell comprises a
non-integrated nucleic acid sequence, such as a plasmid, cosmid,
phagemid, or linear expression element, which comprises a sequence
coding for expression of a humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody
described herein.
[0460] The term "recombinant host cell" (or simply "host cell"), as
used herein, is intended to refer to a cell into which an
expression vector or nucleic acid construct or sequence has been
introduced. It should be understood that such terms are intended to
refer not only to the particular subject cell, but also to the
progeny of such a cell. Because certain modifications may occur in
succeeding generations due to either mutation or environmental
influences, such progeny may not, in fact, be identical to the
parent cell, but are still included within the scope of the term
"host cell" as used herein. Recombinant host cells include, for
example, eukaryotic host cells, such as CHO cells, HEK-293 cells,
PER.C6, NS0 cells, and lymphocytic cells, and prokaryotic cells
such as E. coli and other eukaryotic hosts such as plant cells and
fungi.
[0461] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for
producing a humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody of the invention,
said method comprising the steps of [0462] a) culturing a host cell
of the invention as described herein above, and [0463] b)
retrieving and/or purifying the antibody of the invention from the
culture media.
[0464] In a further aspect, the nucleotide sequence encoding a
sequence of a humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody further encodes a
second moiety, such as a therapeutic polypeptide. Exemplary
therapeutic polypeptides are described elsewhere herein. In one
embodiment, the invention relates to a method for producing a
humanized or chimeric CD3 antibody fusion protein, said method
comprising the steps of [0465] a) culturing a host cell comprising
an expression vector comprising such a nucleotide sequence, and
[0466] b) retrieving and/or purifying the humanized or chimeric CD3
antibody fusion protein from the culture media.
Compositions
[0467] In one aspect, the invention provides a composition
comprising the antibody or bispecific antibody according to any
aspect and embodiment herein described.
[0468] In one aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical
composition comprising the antibody or bispecific antibody as
defined in any one of the aspects and embodiments herein described,
and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0469] The pharmaceutical compositions may be formulated with
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as well as any
other known adjuvants and excipients in accordance with
conventional techniques such as those disclosed in [77].
[0470] The pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or diluents as well
as any other known adjuvants and excipients should be suitable for
the humanized or chimeric antibody of the present invention and the
chosen mode of administration. Suitability for carriers and other
components of pharmaceutical compositions is determined based on
the lack of significant negative impact on the desired biological
properties of the chosen compound or pharmaceutical composition of
the present invention (e.g., less than a substantial impact (10% or
less relative inhibition, 5% or less relative inhibition, etc.)) on
antigen binding.
[0471] A pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may
also include diluents, fillers, salts, buffers, detergents (e.g., a
nonionic detergent, such as Tween-20 or Tween-80), stabilizers
(e.g., sugars or protein-free amino acids), preservatives, tissue
fixatives, solubilizers, and/or other materials suitable for
inclusion in a pharmaceutical composition.
[0472] The actual dosage levels of the active ingredients in the
pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be varied
so as to obtain an amount of the active ingredient which is
effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a
particular patient, composition, and mode of administration,
without being toxic to the patient. The selected dosage level will
depend upon a variety of pharmacokinetic factors including the
activity of the particular compositions of the present invention
employed, or the amide thereof, the route of administration, the
time of administration, the rate of excretion of the particular
compound being employed, the duration of the treatment, other
drugs, compounds and/or materials used in combination with the
particular compositions employed, the age, sex, weight, condition,
general health and prior medical history of the patient being
treated, and like factors well known in the medical arts.
[0473] The pharmaceutical composition may be administered by any
suitable route and mode. Suitable routes of administering a
humanized or chimeric antibody of the present invention in vivo and
in vitro are well known in the art and may be selected by those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0474] In one embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition of the
present invention is administered parenterally.
[0475] The phrases "parenteral administration" and "administered
parenterally" as used herein means modes of administration other
than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and
include epidermal, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-arterial,
intrathecal, intracapsular, intra-orbital, intracardiac,
intradermal, intraperitoneal, intratendinous, transtracheal,
subcutaneous, subcuticular, intra-articular, subcapsular,
subarachnoid, intraspinal, intracranial, intrathoracic, epidural
and intrasternal injection and infusion.
[0476] In one embodiment that pharmaceutical composition is
administered by intravenous or subcutaneous injection or
infusion.
[0477] Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include any and all
suitable solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and
antifungal agents, isotonicity agents, antioxidants and
absorption-delaying agents, and the like that are physiologically
compatible with a humanized or chimeric antibody of the present
invention.
[0478] Examples of suitable aqueous and nonaqueous carriers which
may be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions of the present
invention include water, saline, phosphate buffered saline,
ethanol, dextrose, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol,
polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof,
vegetable oils, such as olive oil, corn oil, peanut oil, cottonseed
oil, and sesame oil, carboxymethyl cellulose colloidal solutions,
tragacanth gum and injectable organic esters, such as ethyl oleate,
and/or various buffers. Other carriers are well known in the
pharmaceutical arts.
[0479] Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include sterile aqueous
solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous
preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion. The use
of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is
known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent
is incompatible with the active compound, use thereof in the
pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention is
contemplated. When referring to the "active compound" it is
contemplated to also refer to the humanized or chimeric antibody
according to the present invention.
[0480] Proper fluidity may be maintained, for example, by the use
of coating materials, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the
required particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use
of surfactants.
[0481] Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may
also comprise pharmaceutically acceptable antioxidants for instance
(1) water-soluble antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid, cysteine
hydrochloride, sodium bisulfate, sodium metabisulfite, sodium
sulfite and the like; (2) oil-soluble antioxidants, such as
ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated
hydroxytoluene (BHT), lecithin, propyl gallate, alpha-tocopherol,
and the like; and (3) metal-chelating agents, such as citric acid,
ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sorbitol, tartaric acid,
phosphoric acid, and the like.
[0482] Pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may
also comprise isotonicity agents, such as sugars, polyalcohols,
such as mannitol, sorbitol, glycerol or sodium chloride in the
compositions.
[0483] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may
also contain one or more adjuvants appropriate for the chosen route
of administration such as preservatives, wetting agents,
emulsifying agents, dispersing agents, preservatives or buffers,
which may enhance the shelf life or effectiveness of the
pharmaceutical composition. The humanized or chimeric antibody of
the present invention may be prepared with carriers that will
protect the compound against rapid release, such as a controlled
release formulation, including implants, transdermal patches, and
micro-encapsulated delivery systems. Such carriers may include
gelatin, glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl distearate, biodegradable,
biocompatible polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate,
polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, poly-orthoesters, and
polylactic acid alone or with a wax, or other materials well known
in the art. Methods for the preparation of such formulations are
generally known to those skilled in the art (see e.g., [78]).
[0484] In one embodiment, the humanized or chimeric antibody of the
present invention may be formulated to ensure proper distribution
in vivo. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for parenteral
administration include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and
sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile
injectable solutions or dispersion. The use of such media and
agents for pharmaceutically active substances is known in the art.
Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible
with the active compound, use thereof in the pharmaceutical
compositions of the present invention is contemplated. Other active
or therapeutic compounds may also be incorporated into the
compositions.
[0485] Pharmaceutical compositions for injection must typically be
sterile and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage.
The composition may be formulated as a solution, micro-emulsion,
liposome, or other ordered structure suitable to high drug
concentration. The carrier may be an aqueous or a non-aqueous
solvent or dispersion medium containing for instance water,
ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene
glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable
oils, such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters, such as
ethyl oleate. The proper fluidity may be maintained, for example,
by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the
required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of
surfactants. In many cases, it will be preferable to include
isotonic agents, for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as
glycerol, mannitol, sorbitol, or sodium chloride in the
composition. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions
may be brought about by including in the composition an agent that
delays absorption, for example, monostearate salts and gelatin.
Sterile injectable solutions may be prepared by incorporating the
active compound in the required amount in an appropriate solvent
with one or a combination of ingredients e.g. as enumerated above,
as required, followed by sterilization microfiltration. Generally,
dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into
a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the
required other ingredients e.g. from those enumerated above. In the
case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable
solutions, examples of methods of preparation are vacuum drying and
freeze-drying (lyophilization) that yield a powder of the active
ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously
sterile-filtered solution thereof.
[0486] Sterile injectable solutions may be prepared by
incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an
appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients
enumerated above, as required, followed by sterilization
microfiltration. Generally, dispersions are prepared by
incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle that
contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other
ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile
powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions,
examples of methods of preparation are vacuum-drying and
freeze-drying (lyophilization) that yield a powder of the active
ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously
sterile-filtered solution thereof.
Therapeutic Applications
[0487] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
humanized or chimeric antibody, or pharmaceutical composition of
the invention as defined in any aspect or embodiment herein
described, for use as a medicament.
[0488] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a
humanized or chimeric antibody, or pharmaceutical composition of
the invention as defined in any aspect or embodiment herein
described, for use in the treatment of a disease.
[0489] The humanized or chimeric antibody or pharmaceutical
composition of the invention can be used as in the treatment of any
cancer wherein the effector mechanisms of cytotoxic T-cells are
desired. For example, the humanized or chimeric antibody may be
administered to cells in culture, e.g., in vitro or ex vivo, or to
human subjects, e.g. in vivo, to treat or prevent disorders such as
cancer, inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. As used herein, the
term "subject" is typically a human which respond to the humanized
or chimeric antibody, or pharmaceutical composition. Subjects may
for instance include human patients having disorders that may be
corrected or ameliorated by modulating a target function or by
leading to killing of the cell, directly or indirectly.
[0490] In another aspect, the present invention provides methods
for treating or preventing a disorder, such as cancer, wherein
recruitment of T-cells would contribute to the treatment or
prevention, which method comprises administration of a
therapeutically effective amount of a humanized or chimeric
antibody, or pharmaceutical composition of the present invention to
a subject in need thereof. The method typically involves
administering to a subject a humanized or chimeric antibody in an
amount effective to treat or prevent the disorder.
[0491] In one particular aspect, the present invention relates to a
method of treatment of cancer comprising administering the
humanized or chimeric antibody or pharmaceutical composition of the
invention as defined in any aspect and embodiments herein
described, to a subject in need thereof.
[0492] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use
or the method as defined in any aspect or embodiments herein
described wherein the humanized or chimeric antibody is a
bispecific antibody specifically binding to both CD3 and a
cancer-specific target, or a target that is overexpressed in cancer
or associated with cancer, such as HER2, CD19, EpCAM, EGFR, CD66e
(or CEA, CEACAM5), CD33, EphA2 or MCSP (or HMW-MAA) and wherein the
disease is cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer,
non-small cell lung cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, gastric
cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and squamous cell
carcinoma of the head & neck, cervical cancer, pancreatic
cancer, testis cancer, malignant melanoma, a soft-tissue cancer
(e.g., synovial sarcoma), an indolent or aggressive form of B-cell
lymphoma, chronic lymphatic leukemia or acute lymphatic
leukemia.
[0493] The efficient dosages and dosage regimens for the humanized
or chimeric antibody depend on the disease or condition to be
treated and may be determined by the persons skilled in the
art.
[0494] A physician having ordinary skill in the art may readily
determine and prescribe the effective amount of the pharmaceutical
composition required. For example, the physician could start doses
of the humanized or chimeric antibody employed in the
pharmaceutical composition at levels lower than that required in
order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and gradually
increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved. In
general, a suitable dose of a composition of the present invention
will be that amount of the humanized or chimeric antibody which is
the lowest dose effective to produce a therapeutic effect according
to a particular dosage regimen. Such an effective dose will
generally depend upon the factors described above.
[0495] For example, an "effective amount" for therapeutic use may
be measured by its ability to stabilize the progression of disease.
The ability of a compound to inhibit cancer may, for example, be
evaluated in an animal model system predictive of efficacy in human
tumors. Alternatively, this property of a composition may be
evaluated by examining the ability of the humanized or chimeric
antibody to inhibit cell growth or to induce cytotoxicity by in
vitro assays known to the skilled practitioner. A therapeutically
effective amount of a therapeutic compound, i.e. a therapeutic
humanized or chimeric antibody, or pharmaceutical composition
according to the invention, may decrease tumor size, or otherwise
ameliorate symptoms in a subject. One of ordinary skill in the art
would be able to determine such amounts based on such factors as
the subject's size, the severity of the subject's symptoms, and the
particular composition or route of administration selected.
[0496] An exemplary, non-limiting range for a therapeutically
effective amount of a humanized or chimeric antibody of the
invention is about 0.001-30 mg/kg, such as about 0.001-20 mg/kg,
such as about 0.001-10 mg/kg, such as about 0.001-5 mg/kg, for
example about 0.001-2 mg/kg, such as about 0.001-1 mg/kg, for
instance about 0.001, about 0.01, about 0.1, about 1, about 5,
about 8, about 10, about 12, about 15, about 18 mg/kg.
[0497] Administration may e.g. be intravenous, intramuscular,
intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous, and for instance administered
proximal to the site of the target.
[0498] Dosage regimens in the above methods of treatment and uses
are adjusted to provide the optimum desired response (e.g., a
therapeutic response). For example, a single bolus may be
administered, several divided doses may be administered over time
or the dose may be proportionally reduced or increased as indicated
by the exigencies of the therapeutic situation.
[0499] In one embodiment, the efficacy of the treatment is
monitored during the therapy, e.g. at predefined points in
time.
[0500] If desired, an effective daily dose of a pharmaceutical
composition may be administered as two, three, four, five, six or
more sub-doses administered separately at appropriate intervals
throughout the day, optionally, in unit dosage forms. In another
embodiment, the humanized or chimeric antibody, or pharmaceutical
composition is administered by slow continuous infusion over a long
period, such as more than 24 hours, in order to minimize any
unwanted side effects.
[0501] While it is possible for a humanized or chimeric antibody of
the present invention to be administered alone, it is preferable to
administer the humanized or chimeric antibody as a pharmaceutical
composition as described above.
[0502] An effective dose of a humanized or chimeric antibody of the
invention may also be administered using a weekly, biweekly or
triweekly dosing period. The dosing period may be restricted to,
e.g., 8 weeks, 12 weeks or until clinical progression has been
established. Alternatively, an effective dose of a humanized or
chimeric antibody of the invention may be administered every
second, third or fourth week.
[0503] In one embodiment, the humanized or chimeric antibody may be
administered by infusion in a weekly dosage of calculated by
mg/m.sup.2. Such dosages can, for example, be based on the mg/kg
dosages provided above according to the following: dose
(mg/kg).times.70: 1.8. Such administration may be repeated, e.g., 1
to 8 times, such as 3 to 5 times. The administration may be
performed by continuous infusion over a period of from 2 to 24
hours, such as of from 2 to 12 hours. In one embodiment, the
humanized or chimeric antibody may be administered by slow
continuous infusion over a long period, such as more than 24 hours,
in order to reduce toxic side effects.
[0504] In one embodiment, the humanized or chimeric antibody may be
administered in a weekly dosage of calculated as a fixed dose for
up to 8 times, such as from 4 to 6 times when given once a week.
Such regimen may be repeated one or more times as necessary, for
example, after 6 months or 12 months. Such fixed dosages can, for
example, be based on the mg/kg dosages provided above, with a body
weight estimate of 70 kg. The dosage may be determined or adjusted
by measuring the amount of humanized or chimeric antibody of the
present invention in the blood upon administration by for instance
taking out a biological sample and using anti-idiotypic antibodies
which target the binding region of the humanized or chimeric
antibodies of the present invention.
[0505] In one embodiment, the humanized or chimeric antibody may be
administered by maintenance therapy, such as, e.g., once a week for
a period of 6 months or more.
[0506] A humanized or chimeric antibody may also be administered
prophylactically in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer,
delay the onset of the occurrence of an event in cancer
progression, and/or reduce the risk of recurrence when a cancer is
in remission.
[0507] Parenteral compositions may be formulated in dosage unit
form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage
unit form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suited
as unitary dosages for the subjects to be treated; each unit
contains a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to
produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the
required pharmaceutical carrier. The specification for the dosage
unit forms of the present invention are dictated by and directly
dependent on (a) the unique characteristics of the active compound
and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and (b) the
limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active
compound for the treatment of sensitivity in individuals.
[0508] A humanized or chimeric antibody may also be administered
prophylactically in order to reduce the risk of developing cancer,
delay the onset of the occurrence of an event in cancer
progression, and/or reduce the risk of recurrence when a cancer is
in remission. This may be especially useful in patients wherein it
is difficult to locate a tumor that is known to be present due to
other biological factors.
Diagnostic Applications
[0509] The humanized or chimeric antibody of the invention may also
be used for diagnostic purposes, using a composition comprising a
humanized or chimeric antibody as described herein. Accordingly,
the invention provides diagnostic methods and compositions using
the humanized or chimeric antibodies described herein. Such methods
and compositions can be used for purely diagnostic purposes, such
as detecting or identifying a disease, as well as for monitoring of
the progress of therapeutic treatments, monitoring disease
progression, assessing status after treatment, monitoring for
recurrence of disease, evaluating risk of developing a disease, and
the like.
[0510] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of
diagnosing a disease characterized by involvement or accumulation
of CD3-expression cells, comprising administering the humanized or
chimeric antibody according to the invention, the composition
according to the invention, or the pharmaceutically composition
according to the invention to a subject, optionally wherein said
humanized or chimeric antibody is labeled with a detectable
agent.
[0511] In one aspect, the humanized or chimeric antibody of the
present invention is used ex vivo, such as in diagnosing a disease
in which cells expressing a specific target of interest and to
which the humanized or chimeric antibody binds, are indicative of
disease or involved in the pathogenesis, by detecting levels of the
target or levels of cells which express the target of interest on
their cell surface in a sample taken from a patient. This may be
achieved, for example, by contacting the sample to be tested,
optionally along with a control sample, with the humanized or
chimeric antibody according to the invention under conditions that
allow for binding of the antibody to the target. Complex formation
can then be detected (e.g., using an ELISA). When using a control
sample along with the test sample, the level of humanized or
chimeric antibody or antibody-target complex is analyzed in both
samples and a statistically significant higher level of humanized
or chimeric antibody or antibody-target complex in the test sample
indicates a higher level of the target in the test sample compared
with the control sample.
[0512] Examples of conventional immunoassays in which humanized or
chimeric antibodies of the present invention can be used include,
without limitation, ELISA, RIA, FACS assays, plasmon resonance
assays, chromatographic assays, tissue immunohistochemistry,
Western blot, and/or immunoprecipitation.
[0513] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention
relates to a method of diagnosing a disease characterized by
involvement or accumulation of CD3-expressing cells, comprising
administering an antibody, bispecific antibody, composition or
pharmaceutical composition according to any aspect or embodiment
herein described, to a subject, optionally wherein the antibody is
labeled with a detectable label.
[0514] In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for
detecting the presence of a target, or a cell expressing the
target, in a sample comprising: [0515] contacting the sample with a
humanized or chimeric antibody of the invention under conditions
that allow for binding of the humanized or chimeric antibody to the
target in the sample; and [0516] analyzing whether a complex has
been formed. Typically, the sample is a biological sample.
[0517] In one embodiment, the sample is a tissue sample known or
suspected of containing a specific target and/or cells expressing
the target. For example, in situ detection of the target expression
may be accomplished by removing a histological specimen from a
patient, and providing the humanized or chimeric antibody of the
present invention to such a specimen. The humanized or chimeric
antibody may be provided by applying or by overlaying the humanized
or chimeric antibody to the specimen, which is then detected using
suitable means. It is then possible to determine not only the
presence of the target or target-expressing cells, but also the
distribution of the target or target-expressing cells in the
examined tissue (e.g., in the context of assessing the spread of
cancer cells). Using the present invention, those of ordinary skill
will readily perceive that any of a wide variety of histological
methods (such as staining procedures) may be modified in order to
achieve such in situ detection.
[0518] In the above assays, the humanized or chimeric antibody can
be labeled with a detectable substance to allow bound antibody to
be detected. Alternatively, bound (primary) specific humanized or
chimeric antibody may be detected by an antibody which is labeled
with a detectable substance and which binds to the primary specific
humanized or chimeric antibody. Furthermore, in the above assays, a
diagnostic composition comprising an antibody or bispecific
antibody according to any aspect or embodiments herein described
may be used. Thus, in one aspect, the present invention relates to
a diagnostic composition comprising an antibody or bispecific
antibody according to any aspect or embodiment herein
described.
[0519] The level of target in a sample can also be estimated by a
competition immunoassay utilizing target standards labeled with a
detectable substance and an unlabeled target-specific humanized or
chimeric antibody. In this type of assay, the biological sample,
the labeled target standard(s) and the target-specific humanized or
chimeric antibody are combined, and the amount of labeled target
standard bound to the unlabeled target-specific humanized or
chimeric antibody is determined. The amount of target in the
biological sample is inversely proportional to the amount of
labeled target standard bound to the target-specific humanized or
chimeric antibody.
[0520] Suitable labels for the target-specific humanized or
chimeric antibody, secondary antibody and/or target standard used
in in vitro diagnostic techniques include, without limitation,
various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials,
luminescent materials, and radioactive materials. Examples of
suitable enzymes include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline
phosphatase, 3-galactosidase, and acetylcholinesterase; examples of
suitable prosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin and
avidin/biotin; examples of suitable fluorescent materials include
umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,
dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride and
phycoerythrin; an example of a luminescent material includes
luminol; and examples of suitable radioactive material include
.sup.125I, .sup.131I, .sup.35S, and .sup.3H.
[0521] In one aspect, the target-specific humanized or chimeric
antibody of the invention is used in the in vivo imaging of
target-expressing tissues such as tumors. For in vivo methods,
antibody fragments such as, e.g., (Fab').sub.2, Fab and Fab'
fragments, are particularly advantageous because of their rapid
distribution kinetics.
[0522] In vivo imaging can be performed by any suitable technique.
For example, a target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody
(e.g., an antibody or a fragment) labeled with .sup.99Tc,
.sup.131I, .sup.111In or other gamma-ray emitting isotope may be
used to image target-specific antibody accumulation or distribution
in target-expressing tissues such as tumors with a gamma
scintillation camera (e.g., an Elscint Apex 409ECT device),
typically using low-energy, high resolution collimator or a
low-energy all-purpose collimator. Alternatively, labeling with
.sup.89Zr, .sup.76Br, .sup.18F or other positron-emitting
radionuclide may be used to image target-specific humanized or
chimeric antibody, or antibody fragment distribution in tumors
using positron emission tomography (PET). The images obtained by
the use of such techniques may be used to assess biodistribution of
target in a patient, mammal, or tissue, for example in the context
of using target as a biomarker for the presence of cancer/tumor
cells. Variations on this technique may include the use of magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) to improve imaging over gamma camera
techniques. Conventional immunoscintigraphy methods and principles
are described in, e.g., [79], [80], and [81]. Moreover, such images
may also, or alternatively, serve as the basis for surgical
techniques to remove tumors. Furthermore, such in vivo imaging
techniques may allow for the identification and localization of a
tumor in a situation where a patient is identified as having a
tumor (due to the presence of other biomarkers, metastases, etc.),
but the tumor cannot be identified by traditional analytical
techniques. All of these methods are features of the present
invention.
[0523] The in vivo imaging and other diagnostic methods provided by
the present invention are particularly useful in the detection of
micrometastases in a human patient (e.g., a patient not previously
diagnosed with cancer or a patient in a period of
recovery/remission from a cancer).
[0524] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an in vivo
imaging method wherein a target-specific humanized or chimeric
antibody of the present invention is conjugated to a
detection-promoting radio-opaque agent, the conjugated humanized or
chimeric antibody is administered to a host, such as by injection
into the bloodstream, and the presence and location of the labeled
humanized or chimeric antibody in the host is assayed. Through this
technique and any other diagnostic method provided herein, the
present invention provides a method for screening for the presence
of disease-related cells in a human patient or a biological sample
taken from a human patient and/or for assessing the distribution of
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody prior to
target-specific ADC therapy.
[0525] For diagnostic imaging, radioisotopes may be bound to a
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody either directly or
indirectly by using an intermediary functional group. Useful
intermediary functional groups include chelators, such as
ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic
acid (see for instance [82]).
[0526] In addition to radioisotopes and radio-opaque agents,
diagnostic methods may be performed using target-specific
antibodies that are conjugated to dyes (such as with the
biotin-streptavidin complex), contrast agents, fluorescent
compounds or molecules and enhancing agents (e.g. paramagnetic
ions) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (see, e.g., [83], which
describes MRI techniques and the preparation of antibodies
conjugated to a MRI enhancing agent). Such diagnostic/detection
agents may be selected from agents for use in MRI, and fluorescent
compounds. In order to load a target-specific humanized or chimeric
antibody with radioactive metals or paramagnetic ions, it may be
necessary to react it with a reagent having a long tail to which a
multiplicity of chelating groups are attached for binding the ions.
Such a tail may be a polymer such as a polylysine, polysaccharide,
or another derivatized or derivatizable chain having pendant groups
to which may be bound chelating groups such as, e.g., porphyrins,
polyamines, crown ethers, bisthiosemicarbazones, polyoximes, and
like groups known to be useful for this purpose. Chelates may be
coupled to target-specific humanized or chimeric antibodies using
standard chemistries.
[0527] Thus, the present invention provides a diagnostic
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody, wherein the
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody is conjugated to a
contrast agent (such as for magnetic resonance imaging, computed
tomography, or ultrasound contrast-enhancing agent) or a
radionuclide that may be, for example, a gamma-, beta-, alpha-,
Auger electron-, or positron-emitting isotope.
[0528] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a diagnostic
composition comprising an antibody or bispecific antibody according
to the invention.
[0529] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a kit for
detecting the presence of target antigen or a cell expressing the
target, in a sample, comprising: [0530] a target-specific humanized
or chimeric antibody of the invention; and [0531] instructions for
use of the kit.
[0532] Thus, in one aspect, the present invention provides a kit
for detecting the presence of a CD3 antigen, or a cell expressing
CD3, in a sample comprising the steps of;
a) contacting the sample with an antibody or bispecific antibody
according to the invention, under conditions that allow for
formation of a complex between the antibody or bispecific antibody
and CD3; and b) analyzing whether a complex has been formed.
[0533] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a kit for
diagnosis of cancer comprising a container comprising a
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody, and one or more
reagents for detecting binding of the target-specific humanized or
chimeric antibody to the target. Reagents may include, for example,
fluorescent tags, enzymatic tags, or other detectable tags. The
reagents may also include secondary or tertiary antibodies or
reagents for enzymatic reactions, wherein the enzymatic reactions
produce a product that may be visualized. In one embodiment, the
present invention provides a diagnostic kit comprising one or more
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibodies of the present
invention in labeled or unlabeled form in suitable container(s),
reagents for the incubations for an indirect assay, and substrates
or derivatizing agents for detection in such an assay, depending on
the nature of the label. Control reagent(s) and instructions for
use also may be included.
[0534] Diagnostic kits may also be supplied for use with a
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody, such as a labeled
target-specific antibody, for the detection of the presence of the
target in a tissue sample or host. In such diagnostic kits, as well
as in kits for therapeutic uses described elsewhere herein, a
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody typically may be
provided in a lyophilized form in a container, either alone or in
conjunction with additional antibodies specific for a target cell
or peptide. Typically, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier (e.g.,
an inert diluent) and/or components thereof, such as a Tris,
phosphate, or carbonate buffer, stabilizers, preservatives,
biocides, inert proteins, e.g., serum albumin, or the like, also
are included (typically in a separate container for mixing) and
additional reagents (also typically in separate container(s)). In
certain kits, a secondary antibody capable of binding to the
target-specific humanized or chimeric antibody, which typically is
present in a separate container, is also included. The second
antibody is typically conjugated to a label and formulated in a
manner similar to the target-specific humanized or chimeric
antibody of the present invention. Using the methods described
above and elsewhere herein, target-specific humanized or chimeric
antibodies may be used to define subsets of cancer/tumor cells and
characterize such cells and related tumor tissues.
Anti-Idiotypic Antibodies
[0535] In a further aspect, the invention relates to an
anti-idiotypic antibody which binds to a humanized or chimeric
antibody of the invention as described herein.
[0536] An anti-idiotypic (Id) antibody is an antibody which
recognizes unique determinants generally associated with the
antigen-binding site of an antibody. An anti-Id antibody may be
prepared by immunizing an animal of the same species and genetic
type as the source of a CD3 monoclonal antibody with the monoclonal
antibody to which an anti-Id is being prepared. The immunized
animal typically can recognize and respond to the idiotypic
determinants of the immunizing antibody by producing an antibody to
these idiotypic determinants (the anti-Id antibody). Such
antibodies are described in for instance U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,880.
Such antibodies are further features of the present invention.
[0537] An anti-Id antibody may also be used as an "immunogen" to
induce an immune response in yet another animal, producing a
so-called anti-anti-Id antibody. An anti-anti-Id antibody may be
epitopically identical to the original monoclonal antibody, which
induced the anti-Id antibody. Thus, by using antibodies to the
idiotypic determinants of a monoclonal antibody, it is possible to
identify other clones expressing antibodies of identical
specificity. Anti-Id antibodies may be varied (thereby producing
anti-Id antibody variants) and/or derivatized by any suitable
technique, such as those described elsewhere herein with respect to
CD3-specific antibodies of the present invention. For example, a
monoclonal anti-Id antibody may be coupled to a carrier such as
keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and used to immunize BALB/c mice.
Sera from these mice typically will contain anti-anti-Id antibodies
that have the binding properties similar, if not identical, to an
original/parent CD3 antibody.
Sequences
TABLE-US-00003 [0538] TABLE 1 SEQ ID NO: Clone name Sequence SEQ ID
NO: 1 huCD3 VH CDR1 GFTFNTYA SEQ ID NO: 2 huCD3 VH CDR2 IRSKYNNYAT
SEQ ID NO: 3 huCD3 VH CDR3 VRHGNFGNSYVSWFAY SEQ ID NO: 4 huCD3 VL
CDR1 TGAVTTSNY huCD3 VL CDR2 GTN SEQ ID NO: 5 huCD3 VL CDR3
ALWYSNLWV SEQ ID NO: 6 huCD3 VH1
EVKLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFNTYAMNWVRQA
PGKGLEWVARIRSKYNNYATYYADSVKDRFTISRDDSKSSL
YLQMNNLKTEDTAMYYCVRHGNFGNSYVSWFAYWGQGTL VTVSS SEQ ID NO: 7 huCD3
VH2 EVKLVESGGGLVKPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFNTYAMNWVRQA
PGKGLEWVARIRSKYNNYATYYADSVKDRFTISRDDSKSIL
YLQMNNLKTEDTAMYYCVRHGNFGNSYVSWFAYWGQGTL VTVSS SEQ ID NO: 8 huCD3
VH3 EVKLVESGGGLVKPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFNTYAMNWVRQA
PGKGLEWVARIRSKYNNYATYYADSVKDRFTISRDDSKSIL
YLQMNSLKTEDTAMYYCVRHGNFGNSYVSWFAYWGQGTL VTVSS SEQ ID NO: 9 huCD3
VH4 EVKLVESGGGLVKPGRSLRLSCAASGFTFNTYAMNWVRQA
PGKGLEWVARIRSKYNNYATYYADSVKDRFTISRDDSKSIL
YLQMNSLKTEDTAMYYCVRHGNFGNSYVSWFAYWGQGTM VTVSS SEQ ID NO: 10 huCD3
VL1 QAVVTQEPSFSVSPGGTVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQQ
TPGQAFRGLIGGTNKRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQA
DDESIYFCALWYSNLWVFGGGTKLTVL SEQ ID NO: 11 huCD3 VL2
QAVVTQEPSFSVSPGGTVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQQ
TPGQAFRGLIGGTNKRAPGVPARFSGSILGNKAALTITGAQA
DDESIYFCALWYSNLWVFGGGTKLTVL SEQ ID NO: 12 huCD3 VL3
QAVVTQEPSFSVSPGGTVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQQ
TPGQAFRGLIGGTNKRAPGVPARFSGSILGNKAALTITGAQA
DDESDYYCALWYSNLWVFGGGTKLTVL SEQ ID NO: 13 Mature human
QDGNEEMGGITQTPYKVSISGTTVILTCPQYPGSEILWQHN CD3.epsilon. (epsilon)
DKNIGGDEDDKNIGSDEDHLSLKEFSELEQSGYYVCYPRGS
KPEDANFYLYLRARVCENCMEMDVMSVATIVIVDICITGGLL
LLVYYWSKNRKAKAKPVTRGAGAGGRQRGQNKERPPPVPN PDYEPIRKGQRDLYSGLNQRRI SEQ
ID NO: 14 Human CD3.delta.
FKIPIEELEDRVFVNCNTSITWVEGTVGTLLSDITRLDLGKRI (delta)
LDPRGIYRCNGTDIYKDKESTVQVHYRMCQSCVELDPATVA
GIIVTDVIATLLLALGVFCFAGHETGRLSGAADTQALLRNDQ VYQPLRDRDDAQYSHLGGNWARNK
SEQ ID NO: 15 IgG1m(f) heavy
ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGAL chain constant
TSGVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNT region
KVDKRVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRT
PEVTCVVVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYR
VVSVLTVLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQ
VYTLPPSREEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKT
TPPVLDSDGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQ KSLSLSPGK SEQ ID NO:
16 IgG1m(f)-LFLEDA ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTS
heavy chain GVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDK
constant region RVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPEFEGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC
VVVAVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLT
VLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPS
REEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDS
DGSFFLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG K SEQ ID NO: 17 VH
huCLB-T3/4 EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYGMFWVRQAPGKGLE
WVATISRYSRYIYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY
YCARRPLYGSSPDYWGQGTLVTVSS SEQ ID NO: 18 VL huCLB-T3/4
EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCSASSSVTYVHWYQQKPGQAPRLLIYD
TSKLASGIPARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCFQGSGYPLTFGS GTKLEMR SEQ ID
NO: 19 VH HER2 169 QVQLVQSGAEVKKPGASVKVSCKASGYTFTNYGISWVRQAPGQGLE
WMGWLSAYSGNTIYAQKLQGRVTMTTDTSTTTAYMELRSLRSDDT
AVYYCARDRIVVRPDYFDYWGQGTLVTVSS SEQ ID NO: 20 VL HER2 169
EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSYLAWYQQKPGQAPRLLIY
DASNRATGIPARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFAVYYCQQRSNWPRT FGQGTKVEIK SEQ ID
NO: 21 Mature cyno CD3.epsilon.
QDGNEEMGSITQTPYQVSISGTTVILTCSQHLGSEAQWQHNGKNKE (epsilon)
DSGDRLFLPEFSEMEQSGYYVCYPRGSNPEDASHHLYLKARVCENC
MEMDVMAVATIVIVDICITLGLLLLVYYWSKNRKAKAKPVTRGAGA
GGRQRGQNKERPPPVPNPDYEPIRKGQQDLYSGLNQRRI SEQ ID NO: 22 Mature rhesus
QDGNEEMGSITQTPYHVSISGTTVILTCSQHLGSEVQWQHNGKNKE CD3.epsilon.
(epsilon) DSGDRLFLPEFSEMEQSGYYVCYPRGSNPEDASHHLYLKARVCENC
MEMDVMAVATIVIVDICITLGLLLLVYYWSKNRKAKAKPVTRGAGA
GGRQRGQNKERPPPVPNPDYEPIRKGQQDLYSGLNQRRI SEQ ID NO: 23
IgG1m(f)-F405L ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTS
GVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDK
RVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCV
VVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTV
LHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRE
EMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDG
SFLLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK SEQ ID NO: 24
IgG1m(f)-K409R ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTS
GVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDK
RVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPELLGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTCV
VVDVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLTV
LHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPSRE
EMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDSDG
SFFLYSRLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPGK SEQ ID NO: 25
IgG1m(f)-LFLEDA- ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTS
F405L GVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDK
RVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPEFEGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC
VVVAVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLT
VLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPS
REEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDS
DGSFLLYSKLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG K SEQ ID NO: 26
IgG1m(f)-LFLEDA- ASTKGPSVFPLAPSSKSTSGGTAALGCLVKDYFPEPVTVSWNSGALTS
K409R GVHTFPAVLQSSGLYSLSSVVTVPSSSLGTQTYICNVNHKPSNTKVDK
RVEPKSCDKTHTCPPCPAPEFEGGPSVFLFPPKPKDTLMISRTPEVTC
VVVAVSHEDPEVKFNWYVDGVEVHNAKTKPREEQYNSTYRVVSVLT
VLHQDWLNGKEYKCKVSNKALPAPIEKTISKAKGQPREPQVYTLPPS
REEMTKNQVSLTCLVKGFYPSDIAVEWESNGQPENNYKTTPPVLDS
DGSFFLYSRLTVDKSRWQQGNVFSCSVMHEALHNHYTQKSLSLSPG K SEQ ID NO: 27
Parent murine VH EVKLLESGGGLVQPKGSLKLSCAASGFTFNTYAMNWVRQAPGKG
LEWVARIRSKYNNYATYYADSV KDRFTISRDDSQSILYLQMNNL
KTEDTAMYYCVRHGNFGNSYVS WFAYWGQGTLVTVSA SEQ ID NO: 28 Parent murine
VL QAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDH
LFTGLIGGTNKRAPGVPARFSG SLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIY FCALWYSNLWVFGGGTKLTVL
SEQ ID NO: 29 VH CD20 - 7D8
EVQLVESGGGLVQPDRSLRLSCAASGFTFHDYAMHWVRQA
PGKGLEWVSTISWNSGTIGYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNSLYL
QMNSLRAEDTALYYCAKDIQYGNYYYGMD VWGQGTTVTVSS SEQ ID NO: 30 VL CD20 -
7D8 EIVLTQSPATLSLSPGERATLSCRASQSVSSYLAWYQQKPG
QAPRLLIYDASNRATGIPARFSGSGSGTDFTLTISSLEPEDFA
VYYCQQRSNWPITFGQGTRLEIK
EXAMPLES
Example 1--Generation of Humanized CD3 Antibodies and
Non-Activating Antibody Variants
Humanization of CD3 Antibodies
[0539] Humanization of a murine CD3 antibody (U.S. Pat. No.
8,236,308, described herein as IgG1-CD3) was performed by Antitope
(Cambridge, UK) using their improved version of the germline
humanization (CDR-grafting) technology (EP 0 629 240). Using this
technology, 4 different VH chains (SEQ ID NOs:6, 7, 8, and 9) and 3
different VL chains (SEQ ID NOs:10, 11, and 12) were designed. By
combining these 4 VH with the 3 VL chains, 12 different antibodies
were generated. The humanized variants are described herein as
huCD3. Thus, humanized variants comprising a VH and a VL according
to the invention, are described as, e.g., IgG1-huCD3-H1L1 meaning
that said specific variant is of the IgG1 isotype, is a humanized
CD3 and comprises the VH amino acid sequence termed "H1" and is
defined according to SEQ ID NO:6, and the VL amino acid sequence
termed "L1" and is defined according to SEQ ID NO: 10. Thus, H1
refers to the variable heavy chain region VH1, L1 refers to the
variable light chain region VL1, and so forth.
[0540] In particular, the variants IgG1-huCD3-H1L1 (humanized CD3
comprising the VH1 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 and the VL1
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10), IgG1-huCD3-H1L2 (humanized CD3
comprising the VH1 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 and the VL2
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11), IgG1-huCD3-H1L3 (humanized CD3
comprising the VH1 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 and the VL3
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12), IgG1-huCD3-H3L3 (humanized CD3
comprising the VH3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 and the VL3
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12), IgG1-huCD3-H4L1 (humanized CD3
comprising the VH4 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the VL1
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10), IgG1-huCD3-H3L1 (humanized CD3
comprising the VH3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 and the VL1
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10), IgG1-huCD3-H3L3 (humanized CD3
comprising the VH3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 and the VL3
sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12), and IgG1-huCD3-H4L3 (humanized
CD3 comprising the VH4 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the
VL3 sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12) have been generated and
tested in the herein described examples.
[0541] In some examples an antibody comprising the heavy and light
chain variable region sequences of huCLB-T3/4 (SEQ ID NOs:17 and
18, respectively) were used as a control antibody (Labrijn et al.,
PNAS 2013, 110: 5145-50) and to verify different non-activating
mutation combinations in the Fc region (see Examples 8 to 10). The
huCBL-T3/4 is a humanized version of the murine CD3 antibody
CLB-T3/4 (Parren et al., Res Immunol. 1991, 142(9): 749-63). Both
sequences (SEQ ID NOs:17 and 18) were cloned into the relevant
pcDNA3.3 (Invitrogen) expression vectors and expressed by
cotransfection in HEK293F cells. The resulting control antibody is
described as IgG1-huCLB-T3/4.
[0542] In some examples an antibody comprising the heavy and light
chain variable region sequences of the CD20 antibody 7D8 (SEQ ID
NO: 29 corresponding to the VH sequence and SEQ ID NO:30
corresponding to the VL sequence) was used as a positive control.
When used in the context of a positive control it is termed
"IgG1-CD20".
[0543] These IgG1-CD3 (i.e. the chimeric, parental CD3 antibody),
IgG1-huCD3 and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 antibodies were used in monospecific
and bispecific format, where the bispecific antibodies were
generated as described below.
HER2 Antibody
[0544] In some of the examples an antibody against HER2 was used.
The VH and VL sequences for this HER2-specific antibody (antibody
169, SEQ ID NOs:19 and 20, respectively) were described before
(WO2012/143524 [Genmab]; Labrijn et al., PNAS 2013, 110: 5145-50).
The antibody was used in both monospecific and bispecific formats,
and is termed "IgG1-HER2".
b12 Antibody
[0545] In some of the examples the antibody b12, a gp120 specific
antibody (Barbas, CF. J Mol Biol. 1993 Apr. 5; 230(3): 812-23) was
used as a negative control, and is termed "IgG1-b12".
Expression
[0546] Antibodies were expressed as IgG1,.kappa. or IgG1,.lamda.
with or without the non-activating mutations described below and
with a mutation in the CH3 domain enabling the generation of
bispecific antibodies by the method described below:
IgG1-HER2-K409R, IgG1-b12-K409R, IgG1-CD3-F405L. Plasmid DNA
mixtures encoding both heavy and light chain of antibodies were
transiently transfected to Freestyle HEK293F cells (Invitrogen, US)
using 293fectin (Invitrogen, US) essentially as described by the
manufacturer.
Purification of Antibodies
[0547] Culture supernatant was filtered over 0.2 .mu.m dead-end
filters, loaded on 5 mL MabSelect SuRe columns (GE Health Care) and
eluted with 0.1 M sodium citrate-NaOH, pH 3. The eluate was
immediately neutralized with 2M Tris-HCl, pH 9 and dialyzed
overnight to 12.6 mM NaH2PO4, 140 mM NaCl, pH 7.4 (B.Braun).
Alternatively, subsequent to purification, the eluate was loaded on
a HiPrep Desalting column and the antibody was exchanged into 12.6
mM NaH2PO4, 140 mM NaCl, pH 7.4 (B.Braun) buffer. After dialysis or
exchange of buffer, samples were sterile filtered over 0.2 .mu.m
dead-end filters. Purity was determined by SDS-PAGE and
concentration was measured by absorbance at 280 nm. Purified
antibodies were stored at 2-8.degree. C.
Generation of Bispecific Antibodies
[0548] Bispecific antibodies were generated in vitro using the
DuoBody.RTM. platform technology, i.e. 2-MEA-induced Fab-arm
exchange as described in WO 2011/147986 and Labrijn et al. (Labrijn
et al., PNAS 2013, 110: 5145-50; Gramer et al., MAbs 2013, 5:
962-973). To enable the production of bispecific antibodies by this
method, IgG1 molecules carrying a single mutation in the CH3 domain
were generated: in one parental IgG1 antibody the F405L mutation
(i.e. the IgG1-CD3 antibody), in the other parental IgG1 antibody
the K409R mutation (i.e. the HER2 or b12 antibodies). To generate
bispecific antibodies, these two parental antibodies, each antibody
at a final concentration of 0.5 mg/mL, were incubated with 25 or 75
mM 2-mercaptoethylamine-HCl (2-MEA) in a total volume of 500 .mu.L
TE at 31.degree. C. for 5 hours. The reduction reaction was stopped
when the reducing agent 2-MEA is removed by using PD-10 columns
(GE-healthcare, product #17-0851-01), equilibrated with 25 mL PBS.
Prior to desalting, 2 mL PBS (B.Braun, product #3623140) was added
to the samples to adjust the volume to 2.5 mL. Elution was done in
3.5 mL PBS. Samples were collected in Amicon Ultra centrifugal
units (30 kD MWCO, Millipore, product # UFC803096) and concentrated
by centrifuging 8 min at 3000.times.g. Volumes were adjusted to 500
.mu.L (when needed) with PBS and samples were sterile-filtered over
a 0.2 .mu.m filter (Millex-GV, product # SLGV004SL). The bispecific
products were stored at 2-8.degree. C.
[0549] In an alternative way, yielding the same bispecific
antibody, to generate bispecific antibodies 100 .mu.g of the two
parental antibodies were mixed and incubated with 75 mM
2-mercaptoethylamine-HCl (2-MEA) in a total volume of 400 .mu.L PBS
(B.Braun, product #3623140) at 31.degree. C. for 5 hours. The
reduction reaction was stopped when the reducing agent 2-MEA is
removed by using Amicon Ultra 0.5 ml centrifugal units (10 kD MWCO,
Millipore, product # UFC501096) and washing 4.times. with 400 .mu.l
PBS by centrifuging 10 min at 13000.times.g. Samples were collected
in a new tube by inverting the filter and centrifuging 2 min at
1000 g. Volumes were adjusted to 200 .mu.L (when needed) with PBS.
The absorbance of 280 nm (A280) of bispecific products was measured
to determine the final concentration. HPLC cation exchange
chromatography (HPLC-CEX) (as described in WO 2013/060867) was
performed to determine the amount of bispecific product. Samples
were stored at 2-8.degree. C.
[0550] The generated bispecific antibodies are described as "K409R
IgG1 backbone" and "F405L IgG1 backbone" in the following.
Non-Activating Mutations
[0551] Several antibody variants were generated with one or more
amino acid substitutions in the Fc region. A non-activating Fc
region prevents the antibody from interacting with Fc-receptors
present on blood cells, such as monocytes, or with C1q to activate
the classical complement pathway. Reduction of the Fc activity was
tested in antibody variants that contain different combinations of
amino acid substitutions in the Fc region. Maximally five amino
acid substitutions were introduced, which include the mutations
N297Q, L234A, L235A, L234F, L235E, D265A, and P331S. Substitutions
in one or more of these five amino acid positions were introduced
in the K409R and/or F405L IgG1 backbone. The following Fc region
variants of the huCLB-T3/4 antibody were generated: N297Q (refers
to the N297Q substitution, termed IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-N297Q), LFLE
(refers to the L234F/L235E substitutions, termed
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLE), LALA (refers to the L234A/L235A
substitutions, termed IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LALA), LFLENQ (refers to the
L234F/L235E/N297Q substitutions, termed IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLENQ),
LFLEDA (refers to the L234F/L235E/D265A substitutions, termed
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEDA), DA (refers to the D265A substitution,
termed IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DA), DAPS (refers to the D265A/P331S
substitutions, termed IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DAPS), DANQ (refers to the
D265A/N297Q substitutions, termed IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DANQ), LFLEPS
(refers to the L234F/L235E/P331S substitutions, termed
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEPS), and LFLEDANQPS (refers to the
L234F/L235E/D265A/N297Q/P331S substitutions, termed
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEDANQPS).
[0552] In particular, in the IgG1-huCD3 antibody variants a
combination of three amino acid substitutions, which include the
mutations L234F, L235E and D265A and is referred to as LFLEDA, were
introduced in the K409R and F405L IgG1 backbones to generate
antibodies with a non-activating Fc region. The resulting
non-activating antibody variant is termed with the suffix
"-LFLEDA".
Example 2--Binding of Humanized CD3 Antibodies and Non-Activating
Variants Thereof to Human and Cynomolgous T-Cell Lines Expressing
CD3
[0553] Binding of purified variants of humanized CD3 (huCD3)
antibodies and bispecific (bs)IgG1-huCD3.times.HER2 molecules with
or without LFLEDA mutations in the Fc region (see Example 1) to the
human T-cell line Jurkat (Clone E6-1, ATCC.RTM. TIB-152.TM., LGC
Standards GmbH, Wesel, Germany) or the cynomolgous T-cell line
HSC-F (cat. no. JCRB1164; Health Science Research Resources Bank,
Osaka, Japan) was analyzed by FACS analysis. In addition to the
non-activating mutations, LFLEDA, the antibody variants contained
F405L or K409R mutations as described in Example 1.
[0554] Cells (1.times.10.sup.5 cells/well) were incubated in
polystyrene 96-well round-bottom plates (Greiner bio-one 650101)
with serial dilutions of antibody preparations (range 5 to 10,000
ng/mL in 3-fold dilutions) in 100 .mu.L PBS/0.1% BSA/0.02% azide at
4.degree. C. for 30 min.
[0555] After washing twice in PBS/0.1% BSA/0.02% azide, cells were
incubated in 100 .mu.L with secondary antibody at 4.degree. C. for
30 min. As a secondary antibody, R-Phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated
goat-anti-human IgG F(ab')2 (109-116-098, Jackson ImmunoResearch
Laboratories, Inc., West Grove, Pa.) diluted 1/100 in PBS/0.1%
BSA/0.02% azide, was used for all experiments. Next, cells were
washed twice in PBS/0.1% BSA/0.02% azide, re-suspended in 150 .mu.L
PBS/0.1% BSA/0.02% azide and analyzed on a FACS Cantoll (BD
Biosciences). Binding curves were analyzed using non-linear
regression (sigmoidal dose-response with variable slope) using
GraphPad Prism V5.04 software (GraphPad Software, San Diego,
Calif., USA).
[0556] FIG. 1A shows that binding to Jurkat cells of the
IgG1A-huCD3 variants IgG1-huCD3-H1L1 (SEQ ID NOs:6 and 10,
respectively), IgG1-huCD3-H1L2 (SEQ ID NOs:6 and 11, respectively),
IgG1-huCD3-H1L3 (SEQ ID NOs:6 and 12, respectively),
IgG1-huCD3-H3L3 (SEQ ID NOs:8 and 12, respectively), and
IgG1-huCD3-H4L1 (SEQ ID NOs:9 and 10, respectively) with wild-type
Fc region was observed for all variants, and that binding ability
of IgG1-CD3-LFLEDA (parental CD3 antibody as described in Example 1
with non-activating LFLEDA mutations) and IgG1-huCD3-H3L1-LFLEDA
with non-activating LFLEDA mutations were similar to huCD3 variants
with wild-type Fc regions. Binding of IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, included as
positive control, was strong to Jurkat cells in comparison with the
IgG1-huCD3 variants. No binding was observed for the negative
control antibody IgG1-b12.
[0557] FIG. 6A shows that binding to Jurkat cells of the
IgG1-CD3-LFLEDA (parental CD3 antibody as described in Example 1
with non-activating LFLEDA mutations), IgG1-huCD3-H3L1-LFLEDA,
IgG1-huCD3-H3L3-LFLEDA, IgG1-3huCD3-H1L1-LFLEDA,
IgG1-huCD3-H1L3-LFLEDA, IgG1-huCD3-H4L1-LFLEDA, and
IgG1-huCD3-H4L3-LFLEDA with the non-activating LFLEDA mutations
were similar to binding ability to huCD3 variants with wild-type Fc
regions. Binding of IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, included as positive control,
was stronger to Jurkat cells in comparison with the IgG1-huCD3
variants in low antibody concentrations but similar at higher
antibody concentrations. Overall, the humanized CD3 variants have
maintained the binding ability to CD3 as the IgG1-CD3 antibody. No
binding was observed for the negative control antibody
IgG1-b12.
[0558] FIG. 1B shows that bispecific antibody variants bsIgG1
CD3.times.HER2, bsIgG1 CD3.times.b12-LFLEDA, and bsIgG1
huCD3-H3L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA also bind to Jurkat cells. The maximal
binding values for these bispecific antibodies are higher than the
maximal binding values of the monospecific antibodies. The EC50
concentrations of the bispecific antibodies were 6 to 10-fold
higher. Again, no binding was observed for the negative control
antibody IgG1-b12.
[0559] FIG. 6B shows that bispecific non-activating Fc antibody
variants bsIgG1 huCD3-H3L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H3L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA, and
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA also bind to Jurkat cells. The
maximal binding values for these bispecific antibodies are higher
than the maximal binding values of the monospecific antibodies. The
EC50 concentrations of the bispecific antibodies were 4 to 10-fold
higher. Monovalent binding allows more antibodies to accumulate on
the cell surface, thus, the higher binding values for the
bispecific antibodies. Again, no binding were observed for the
negative control antibody IgG1-b12.
[0560] FIG. 2A shows that binding of the IgG1-huCD3 variants
IgG1-huCD3-H1L1, IgG1-huCD3-H1L2, IgG1-huCD3-H1L3, IgG1-huCD3-H3L3,
and IgG1-huCD3-H4L1 with wild-type Fc region and IgG1-CD3-LFLEDA,
IgG1-huCD3-H3L1-LFLEDA to the cynomolgus T-cell line HSC-F was
similar. No binding was observed for the control antibody
huCLB-T3/4, which does not cross-react with cynomolgus CD3, and the
negative control antibody IgG1-b12.
[0561] FIG. 7A shows that binding of the IgG1-huCD3 variants
IgG1-CD3-LFLEDA, IgG1-huCD3-H3L1-LFLEDA, IgG1-huCD3-H3L3-LFLEDA,
IgG1-huCD3-H1L1-LFLEDA, IgG1-huCD3-H1L3-LFLEDA,
IgG1-huCD3-H4L1-LFLEDA, and IgG1-huCD3-H4L3-LFLEDA to the
cynomolgus T-cell line HSC-F was similar. No binding was observed
for the negative control antibody IgG1-b12.
[0562] FIG. 2B shows that bispecific antibody variants bsIgG1
CD3.times.HER2 and bsIgG1 huCD3-H3L1-LFLEDA also bind to HSC-F
cells. The maximal binding values for these bispecific antibodies
are higher than the maximal binding values of the monospecific
anti-CD3 variants. The EC50 concentrations of the bispecific
antibodies were 10 to 12-fold higher than that of the monospecific
anti-CD3 antibodies. Again, no binding was observed for the
negative control antibody IgG1-b12.
[0563] FIG. 7B shows that bispecific non-activating Fc antibodies
variants bsIgG1 huCD3-H3L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H3L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA, and
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA also bind to HSC-F cells. The
maximal binding values for these bispecific antibodies are higher
than the maximal binding values of the monospecific anti-CD3
variants. The EC50 concentrations of the bispecific antibodies were
3 to 6-fold higher than that of the monospecific anti-huCD3
antibodies. Again, no binding was observed for the negative control
antibody IgG1-b12.
Example 3--T-Cell Activation by Humanized CD3 Antibody Variants
[0564] CD69 expression is an early marker of T-cell activation. CD3
antibodies could mediate cross-linking of T-cells and immune cells
through binding of CD3 expressed by T-cells and Fc receptors
expressed by immune cells by the Fc region of the antibody, such as
the IgG1 Fc region. This could lead to T-cell activation and
induction of CD69. Antibody variants containing a non-activating Fc
region (LFLEDA mutations) do not bind Fc receptors. Therefore, it
was anticipated that non-activating CD3 antibodies do not induce
T-cell activation and CD69 expression as the non-activating Fc
region does not bind to Fc receptor expressing immune cells and
thus cannot cross-link T-cells and immune cells.
[0565] CD69 expression on T-cells was evaluated by FACS analysis to
determine early activation of T-cells after incubation with
humanized CD3 (huCD3) variants with and without LFLEDA mutations in
the Fc region. In addition to the non-activating mutations, LFLEDA
variants contain F405L or K409R mutations as described in Example
1.
[0566] PBMCs were isolated from whole blood or buffy coat by
density gradient separation using Leucosep tubes (#227290; Greiner
Bio-one, Alphen a/d Rijn, The Netherlands), washed with PBS and
re-suspended in culture medium.
[0567] A dose response series of huCD3 antibody variants, a
negative control (IgG1-b12) and positive controls (IgE-huCD3 and
parental IgG1-CD3) were prepared in culture medium (ranging from
0.1 to 1,000 ng/mL in 10-fold dilutions) and added to the wells of
a 96-well round bottom plate containing human or cynomolgus PBMCs.
After 16-24 hours incubation, cells were pelleted by centrifugation
and supernatant (containing cytokines) was collected and stored at
-20.degree. C. Cells were then washed with PBS/0.1% BSA/0.02% azide
and stained for 30 minutes at 4.degree. C. with a mouse-anti-human
CD28-PE (854.222.010; Sanquin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; T-cell
marker) and mouse-anti-human CD69-APC antibody (340560; BD
Biosciences, Franklin Lakes, N.J.), which are cross-reactive with
cynomolgus CD28 and CD69, respectively. Unbound antibodies were
removed by washing twice with PBS/0.1% BSA/0.02% azide. Cells were
re-suspended in 150 .mu.L/well and CD69-expression on CD28 positive
cells was measured on FACS Canto II (BD Biosciences).
[0568] FIG. 3 shows that IgG1-CD3 (as described in Example 1) and
humanized IgG1-huCD3 variants with wild-type IgG1 Fc region induced
similar levels of CD69 expression on T-cells from human (FIG. 3A)
and cynomolgus (FIG. 3B) origin. Non-activating (LFLEDA)
IgG1-CD3-LFLEDA and IgG1-huCD3-H3L1 variants induced low levels of
CD69 expression in human T-cells. No expression of CD69 was induced
by the non-activating IgG1-huCD3 variants in cynomolgus T-cells.
The control antibody IgG1-b12 also did not induce expression of
CD69 in human or cynomolgus T-cells.
[0569] FIG. 8 shows that non-activating (LFLEDA)
IgG1-huCD3-H3L1-LFLEDA, IgG1-huCD3-H3L3-LFLEDA,
IgG1-3huCD3-H1L1-LFLEDA, IgG1-huCD3-H1L3-LFLEDA,
IgG1-huCD3-H4L1-LFLEDA, and IgG1-huCD3-H4L3-LFLEDA variants induced
low levels of CD69 expression in human T-cells. FIGS. 8A and 8B
show induction of CD69 expression on T-cells from cynomolgus
monkey. The minor activation by non-activating variants observed
may be due to cross-linking of CD3 molecules through bivalent
binding of CD3 antibodies. Such explanation is supported by the
observation that the activation is reduced at the highest
concentration where antibody binding is monovalent. The control
antibody IgG1-b12 also did not induce expression of CD69 in human
or cynomolgus T-cells.
[0570] FIGS. 8C and 8D show that non-activating bispecific antibody
variants bsIgG1-huCD3-H3L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H3L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA, and
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA do not induce expression of
CD69 in T-cells from humans (FIG. 8C) or cynomolgus monkeys (FIG.
8D). However, at the higher antibody concentrations some induction
of CD69 expression was observed.
Example 4--T-Cell Proliferation Induced by Humanized CD3 Antibody
Variants
[0571] The effect of humanized CD3 (huCD3) antibody variants
(described in Example 1) on the proliferation of human and
cynomolgus T-cells was evaluated by the Cell proliferation ELISA
kit from Roche Applied Science (Cell Proliferation ELISA, BrdU kit,
#11647229001; Roche Applied Science, Mannheim, Germany), which was
performed according to the manufacturer's instructions.
[0572] Human or cynomolgus PBMCs, isolated from whole blood or
buffy coat, were incubated in 96-well culture plates with dilution
series (ranging from 0.1 to 1,000 ng/mL in 10-fold dilutions) of
IgG1 huCD3 antibody variants. IgE-CD3 and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 were
included as positive controls and IgG1-b12 as negative control.
After 3 days of incubation with the antibodies, BrdU (Roche Applied
Science, Mannheim, Germany) was added to the medium and plates were
incubated for 5 hours. Cells were then pelleted by centrifugation
and supernatant collected and stored at -20.degree. C. Plates were
dried and stored at 4.degree. C. until ELISA was performed.
[0573] BrdU incorporation in the DNA was determined by ELISA
according to the manufacturer's instructions (Roche Applied
Science). Cells were fixed to the plates, where after the plates
were incubated for 90 minutes at RT with an anti-BrdU antibody
conjugated with peroxidase. Plates were washed with PBST and
binding was detected using ABTS buffer (instead of the TMB solution
provided with the kit). Color development was stopped after 30 min
by adding 2% oxalic acid to the wells. OD405 nm was then measured
on an EL808 ELISA-reader.
[0574] FIG. 4 shows that incubation of PBMCs with parental IgG1-CD3
and humanized IgG1-huCD3 variants with wild-type IgG1 Fc region
induced strong proliferation of human (FIG. 4A) and cynomolgus
(FIG. 4B) T-cells, even at very low concentrations of antibody.
Incubation with non-activating LFLEDA variants of the IgG1-huCD3
antibodies did not induce proliferation of human T-cells (FIGS. 4A
and 9A) or cynomolgus T-cells (FIGS. 4B and 9B). Thus, although the
non-activating variants of the IgG1-huCD3 antibodies induced low
levels of CD69 expression in human T-cells (as shown in Example 3),
no proliferation of human T-cells was induced by these
non-activating IgG1-huCD3 variants.
[0575] FIGS. 9C and 9D show that non-activating bispecific antibody
variants bsIgG1-huCD3-H3L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H3L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA, and
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA do not induce proliferation of
T-cells isolated from humans (FIG. 9C) or cynomolgus monkeys (FIG.
9D).
Example 5--In Vitro T-Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Induced by
Humanized CD3 Antibody Variants
[0576] Tumor-specific T-cell cytotoxicity can be mediated by
bispecific antibodies that bind with one arm to CD3 and the other
arm to a tumor-specific target, such as HER2. Simultaneous binding
of bispecific antibodies to both T-cells and tumor cells will lead
to T-cell activation and tumor cell specific cytotoxicity. In this
Example, T-cell mediated cytotoxicity against HER2-positive tumor
cells was evaluated using bispecific antibodies against CD3
(humanized variants) and HER2.
[0577] Therefore, AU565 (human breast carcinoma) cells were
cultured in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% (vol/vol) heat
inactivated CCS, 1.5 g/L sodium bicarbonate (Lonza), 1 mM sodium
pyruvate, 4.5 g/L glucose (Sigma), 50 IU/mL penicillin, and 50
.mu.g/mL streptomycin. The cell line was maintained at 37.degree.
C. in a 5% (vol/vol) CO.sub.2 humidified incubator. AU565 cells
were cultured to near confluency, after which cells were
trypsinized, re-suspended in culture medium and passed through a
cell strainer to obtain a single cell suspension. 5.times.10.sup.4
cells were seeded in each well of a 96-well culture plate, and
cells were incubated at least 3 hrs at 37.degree. C., 5% CO.sub.2
to allow adherence to the plate.
[0578] Human or cynomolgus PBMCs were isolated from whole blood or
buffy coat. Isolated PBMCs were washed with PBS, re-suspended in
culture medium and added in a 1:1 ratio to the AU565 tumor cells in
the 96-well plates. The percentage of T-cells present in PBMCs was
measured by FACS-analysis, using a mouse anti-human CD3-PerCP (BD,
#345766) antibody (for staining T-cells), which is cross-reactive
with cynomolgus CD3. The T-cell content in the population of used
PBMCs was typically 50 to 60%.
[0579] Dilution series (final concentrations ranging from 0.001 up
to 10,000 ng/mL) of bispecific antibody variants bsIgG1
CD3.times.HER2-LFLEDA, bsIgG1 CD3.times.b12-LFLEDA, bsIgG1
huCD3-H3L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA, bsIgG1-huCD3-H3L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA, and
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA were prepared in culture medium
and added to the plates. IgG1-HER2-LFLEDA and IgG1-b12 were
included as controls. In addition to the non-activating mutations,
LFLEDA antibody variants contain F405L or K409R mutations for
preparation in bispecific format (see Example 1). Plates were
incubated for 3 days at 37.degree. C., 5% CO.sub.2. Incubation of
cells with 1 .mu.M staurosporin (#56942-200, Sigma) was used as
reference for 100% tumor cell kill. Plates were washed twice with
PBS, and 150 .mu.L culture medium containing 10% Alamar blue was
added to each well. Plates were incubated for 4 hours at 37.degree.
C., 5% CO.sub.2. Absorbance at 590 nm was measured (Envision,
Perkin Elmer, Waltham, Mass.).
[0580] Bispecific CD3.times.HER2-LFLEDA antibody variants
(bsIgG1-huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2-LFLEDA and
bsIgG1-CD3.times.HER2-LFLEDA) induced killing of AU565 cells at low
concentrations using human effector cells (FIG. 5A) or cynomolgus
effector cells (FIG. 5B). The CD3 bispecific control antibody
huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2-LFLEDA, which shows no cross-reactivity with
cynomolgus CD3, only induced killing of AU565 cells when human
PBMCs were used (FIG. 5A). Thus, no killing of target cells was
observed when cynomolgus effector cells were used in the assay
(FIG. 5B). Incubation with monospecific IGG1-b12 or
IgG1-HER2-LFLEDA or bsIgG1-CD3.times.b12-LFLEDA antibodies did not
induce unspecific killing of target cells.
[0581] Bispecific antibody variants bsIgG1
huCD3-H3L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA, bsIgG1-huCD3-H3L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H1L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA,
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L1.times.HER2-LFLEDA, and
bsIgG1-huCD3-H4L3.times.HER2-LFLEDA induced killing of AU565 cells
at low concentrations using human effector cells (FIG. 10A) or
cynomolgus effector cells (FIG. 10B). Incubation with monospecific
IgG1-b12 or IgG1-HER2-LFLEDA antibodies did not induce unspecific
target cell killing (FIGS. 10A and B). Thus, the humanized CD3
variants comprising the non-activating Fc region do not induce
unspecific target cell killing, which indicates that the variants
comprising a non-activating Fc region can be used to ensure
targeted T-cell activation and thus avoid non-targeted T-cell
activation.
Example 6--Rhesus T-Cell Activation by Humanized CD3 Antibody
Variants
[0582] CD69 expression on rhesus T-cells was evaluated to determine
early activation of T-cells after incubation with humanized CD3
(huCD3) antibody variants with wild-type IgG1 Fc region. Isolation
of rhesus PBMCs and evaluation of CD69 expression by flow cytometry
was performed as described in Example 3.
[0583] FIG. 11 shows that humanized CD3 antibody variants
IgG1-huCD3-H1L1, IgG1-huCD3-H1L2, IgG1-huCD3-H1L3, IgG1-huCD3-H3L3,
and IgG1-huCD3-H4L1 induced CD69 expression on T-cells from rhesus
origin to similar levels as IgG1-CD3 (as described in Example 1).
The negative control antibody IgG1-b12 did not induce expression of
CD69 in rhesus T-cells. Thus, the huCD3 variants according to the
present invention may be used in experiments involving rhesus
monkey CD3. The huCD3 variants are cross-reactive with rhesus
monkey CD3.
Example 7--T-Cell Activation by Non-Activating Variants of
huCLB-T3/4
[0584] CD69 expression on T-cells was evaluated by FACS analysis to
determine early activation of T-cells after incubation with
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 variants with mutations in the Fc region (see
Example 1).
[0585] PBMCs were isolated from whole blood or buffy coat by
density gradient separation using Leucosep tubes (#227290; Greiner
Bio-one, Alphen a/d Rijn, The Netherlands), washed with PBS and
resuspended in culture medium.
[0586] A dose response series of IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 variants, a
negative control (IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-Fab) and positive control
(IgE-huCLB-T3/4) were prepared in culture medium (ranging from 1 to
1000 ng/mL in 3-fold dilutions) and added to the wells of a 96-well
round bottom plate containing the PBMCs. After 16-24 hours
incubation, cells were pelleted by centrifugation and supernatant
(containing cytokines) collected and stored at -20.degree. C. Cells
were then washed with PBS/0.1% BSA/0.02% azide and stained for 30
minutes at 4.degree. C. with a mouse-anti-human CD28-PE
(854.222.010; Sanquin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; T-cell marker)
and mouse-anti-human CD69-APC antibody (340560; BD Biosciences,
Franklin Lakes, N.J.). Unbound antibodies were removed by washing
twice with PBS/0.1% BSA/0.02% azide. Cells were resuspended in 150
.mu.L/well and CD69-expression on CD28 positive cells was measured
on FACS Canto II (BD Biosciences).
[0587] FIG. 12A shows that CD69 expression was high on cells which
were incubated with IgE-huCLB-T3/4, IgG1-huCLB-T3/4,
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DA and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DAPS. Incubation with
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-N297Q induced somewhat lower expression levels of
CD69 compared to wild-type IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, and incubation with
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLE and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEPS induced CD69 to a
lesser extent. Incubation of PBMCs with IgG1-CD3 Fab,
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEDA, IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLENQ,
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DANQ and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEDANQPS antibodies did
not induce any expression of CD69 on T-cells.
[0588] FIG. 12B shows that CD69 expression was high on cells which
were incubated with IgE-huCLB-T3/4 and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4. Incubation
with IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LALA induced somewhat lower expression levels
of CD69 compared to wild-type IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, and incubation with
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEDA and IgG1-b12 (negative control) did not
induce any expression of CD69 on T-cells.
Example 8--T-Cell Proliferation by Non-Activating Variants of
huCLB-T3/4
[0589] The effect of huCLB-T3/4 variants (described in Example 1)
on the proliferation of T-cells was evaluated by the Cell
proliferation ELISA kit from Roche Applied Science (Cell
Proliferation ELISA, BrdU kit, #11647229001; Roche Applied Science,
Mannheim, Germany), which was performed according to the
manufacturer's instructions.
[0590] PBMCs, isolated from whole blood or buffy coat, were
incubated in 96-well culture plates with dilution series (ranging
from 0.1 to 1000 ng/mL) of IgG1-CD3 variants. IgE-CD3 and IgG1-CD3
were included as positive controls and IgG1-b12 (with K409R
mutation for generation of bispecific antibodies) as a negative
control. After 3 days of incubation with the antibodies, BrdU
(Roche Applied Science, Mannheim, Germany) was added to the medium
and plates were incubated for 5 hours. Cells were then pelleted by
centrifugation and supernatant collected and stored at -20.degree.
C. Plates were dried and stored at 4.degree. C. until ELISA was
performed.
[0591] BrdU incorporation in the DNA was determined by ELISA
according to the manufacturer's instructions (Cell Proliferation
ELISA, BrdU kit, #11647229001; Roche Applied Science). Cells were
fixed to the plates, where after the plates were incubated for 90
minutes at room temperature (RT) with an anti-BrdU antibody
conjugated with peroxidase. Plates were washed with PBST and
binding was detected using ABTS buffer (instead of the TMB solution
provided with the kit). Color development was stopped after 30 min
by adding 2% oxalic acid to the wells. OD405 nm was then measured
on an EL808 ELISA-reader.
[0592] FIG. 13A shows that incubation of PBMCs with
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DA and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DAPS
induced strong proliferation of T-cells, even at very low
concentrations of antibody. Incubation with IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-N297Q
induced dose-dependent proliferation, which was comparable to the
IgE-huCLB-T3/4 positive control. Incubation of PBMCs with
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-Fab, IgG1-b12-N297Q, IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLE,
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEDA, IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLENQ,
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEPS, IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-DANQ and
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEDANQPS antibodies did not induce proliferation
of T-cells.
[0593] FIG. 13B shows that incubation of PBMCs with IgG1-huCLB-T3/4
induced strong proliferation of T-cells, even at very low
concentrations of antibody. Incubation with IgE-huCLB-T3/4
(positive control) and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LALA induced dose-dependent
proliferation. Incubation of PBMCs with IgG1-huCLB-T3/4-LFLEDA did
not induce proliferation of T-cells.
[0594] Based on the results from Example 7 and 8, a subset of
mutants that were considered least activating, was subjected to
further analysis.
Example 9--In Vitro T-Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity Induced by
Non-Activating Antibody Variants huCLB-T3/4
[0595] AU565 (human breast carcinoma) cells were cultured in RPMI
1640 supplemented with 10% (vol/vol) heat inactivated CCS, 1.5 g/L
sodium bicarbonate (Lonza), 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 4.5 g/L glucose
(Sigma), 50 IU/mL penicillin, and 50 .mu.g/mL streptomycin. The
cell line was maintained at 37.degree. C. in a 5% (vol/vol)
CO.sub.2 humidified incubator. AU565 cells were cultured to near
confluency. Cells were trypsinized, re-suspended in culture medium
and passed through a cell strainer to obtain a single cell
suspension. 5.times.10.sup.4 cells were seeded in each well of a
96-well culture plate, and cells were incubated at least 3 hrs. at
370C, 5% CO.sub.2 to allow adherence to the plate.
[0596] Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from
blood from healthy volunteers using Leucosep 30 mL tubes, according
to the manufacturer's protocol (Greiner Bio-one). Isolated PBMCs
were washed with PBS, re-suspended in culture medium and added in a
1:1 ratio to the AU565 tumor cells in the 96-well plates. The
percentage of T-cells present in PBMCs was measured by
FACS-analysis, using a mouse anti-human CD3-PerCP (BD, #345766)
antibody (for staining T-cells). The T-cell content in the
population of used PBMCs was typically 50 to 60%.
[0597] Dilution series (final concentrations ranging from 0.004 to
1000 ng/mL) of IgG1-b12, IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, IgG1-HER2, and bispecific
huCLB-T3/4.times.b12 and huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2 antibodies expressed
as different Fc-variants, wild type, N297Q, LFLE, LALA, LFLENQ,
LFLEDA, DANQ, and LFLEDENQPS, were prepared in culture medium and
added to the plates. Plates were incubated for 3 days at 370C, 5%
CO.sub.2. Incubation of cells with 1 .mu.M staurosporin
(#56942-200, Sigma) was used as reference for 100% tumor cell kill.
After incubation, supernatants were removed and stored at
-20.degree. C. Plates were washed twice with PBS, and 150 .mu.L
culture medium containing 10% Alamar blue was added to each well.
Plates were incubated for 4 hours at 370C, 5% CO.sub.2. Absorbance
at 590 nm was measured (Envision, Perkin Elmer, Waltham,
Mass.).
[0598] Two experiments were performed using PBMCs from different
donors. In the first experiment Fc-variants N297Q, LFLE, LFLENQ,
LFLEDA, DANQ, and LFLEDANQPS were tested (FIG. 14A-G). In the
second experiment Fc-variants LFLEDA and LALA were tested (FIG.
15A-C). Antibodies with wild-type Fc-domains were included in both
experiments as reference. Incubation with wild-type monospecific
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 or bispecific huCLB-T3/4.times.b12 antibodies
induced unspecific killing of target cells (FIGS. 14A-G and 15A-C).
The monospecific IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 and bsIgG1-huCLB-T3/4.times.b12
variants N297Q (FIG. 14A-G) and LALA (FIG. 15A-C) still induced
some unspecific target cell killing, albeit to a lesser extent than
the wild-type antibody tested in the same experiment. Unspecific
target cell killing was not induced by any of the other tested
IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 or bsIgG1-huCLB-T3/4.times.b12 antibodies with
non-activating mutations (FIGS. 14A-G and 15A-C).
[0599] All bispecific huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2 antibodies induced
dose-dependent killing of AU565 cells with at least comparable
efficacy compared to the wild type bispecific huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2
antibody without non-activating mutations (FIGS. 14A-G and 15A-C).
Maximum killing occurred at very low concentrations.
[0600] No cytotoxicity was induced by wild-type or non-activating
variants of the monospecific b12 or HER2 antibodies (FIGS. 14A-G
and 15A-C), which was as expected.
Example 10--Evaluation of Binding of C1q to Non-Activating Antibody
Variants of huCLB-T3/4
[0601] Interaction of C1q with antibodies bound to a target cell is
the first step in the classical pathway of complement activation.
Since wild-type IgG1 harbors the interaction site for C1q, the
interaction of C1q to these non-activating IgG1 variants by an
ELISA was evaluated.
[0602] Dilution series (range 7-30,000 ng/mL in 4-fold dilutions)
of IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, bsIgG1-huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2 and IgG1-CD20
(positive control) and non-activating antibody variants as
described above in Example 1 thereof were coated on 96-well
Microlon ELISA plates (Greiner, Germany) overnight at 4.degree. C.
Plates were washed and blocked with PBS supplemented with 0.025%
Tween 20 and 0.1% gelatine. With washings in between incubations,
plates were sequentially incubated with 3% pooled human serum
(Sanquin, product # M0008) for 1 h at 37.degree. C., with 100
.mu.L/well rabbit anti-human C1q (DAKO, product # A0136, 1/4,000)
for 1 h at RT, and with 100 .mu.L/well swine anti-rabbit IgG-HRP
(DAKO, P0399, 1:10,000) as detecting antibody for 1 h at RT.
Detection was performed by addition of 1 mg/mL 2,2'-azino-bis
(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS; Roche, Mannheim,
Germany) for about 30 min. The reaction was stopped by the addition
of 100 .mu.L 2% oxalic acid. Absorbance was measured at 405 nm in a
microplate reader (Biotek, Winooski, Vt.). Log transformed data
were analyzed by fitting sigmoidal dose-response curves with
variable slope using GraphPad Prism software.
[0603] FIG. 16A shows that the antibodies with wild-type IgG1 Fc
regions, IgG1-CD20 and IgG1-huCLB-T3/4 showed C1q binding. No
binding of C1q was detected on all evaluated antibody variants with
non-activating mutations (N297Q, LFLE, LFLENQ, LFLEDA, DA, DAPS,
DANQ, LFLEPS, LFLEDANQPS, LALA).
[0604] FIG. 16B shows that the antibody with wild-type IgG1 Fc
region bsIgG1-huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2 showed C1q binding. No binding
of C1q was detected on all evaluated antibody variants with
non-activating mutations (N297Q, LFLE, LFLENQ, LFLEDA, DA, DAPS,
DANQ, LFLEPS, LFLEDANQPS, LALA).
[0605] FIG. 16C and FIG. 16D show that the antibodies with
wild-type IgG1 Fc regions, IgG1-CD20, IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, and
bsIgG1-huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2 showed C1q binding. No binding of C1q
was detected on the antibody variants with non-activating mutations
(LFLEDA and LALA).
Example 11--Pharmacokinetic (PK) Analysis of Non-Activating
Antibody Variants
[0606] The mice in this study were housed in a barrier unit of the
Central Laboratory Animal Facility (Utrecht, The Netherlands) and
kept in filter-top cages with water and food provided ad libitum.
All experiments were approved by the Utrecht University animal
ethics committee. 7-10 Weeks old C.B-17 SCID mice
(C.B-17/Icr-Prkdc<Scid>/IcrIcoCrl, Charles-River) were
injected intravenously with 100 .mu.g wild-type antibody
(IgG1-huCLB-T3/4, IgG1-HER2, or bsIgG-huCLB-T3/4.times.HER2) or
non-activating variants thereof (LALA, LFLEDA, LFLENQ, DANQ or
LFLEDANQPS) using 3 mice per group. 50 .mu.L blood samples were
collected from the saphenous vein at 10 minutes, 4 hours, 1 day, 2
days, 7 days, 14 days and 21 days after antibody administration.
Blood was collected into heparin containing vials and centrifuged
for 5 minutes at 10,000.times.g. Plasma was stored at -20.degree.
C. until determination of antibody concentrations.
[0607] Human IgG concentrations were determined using a total hIgG
sandwich ELISA. For this assay, mouse mAb anti-human IgG-kappa
clone MH16 (# M1268, CLB Sanquin, The Netherlands), coated to
96-well Microlon ELISA plates (Greiner, Germany) at a concentration
of 2 .mu.g/mL was used as capturing antibody. After blocking plates
with PBS supplemented with 0.2% bovine serum albumin, samples were
added, serially diluted with ELISA buffer (PBS supplemented with
0.05% Tween 20 and 0.2% bovine serum albumin), and incubated on a
plate shaker for 1 h at room temperature (RT). Plates were
subsequently incubated with goat anti-human IgG immunoglobulin
(#109-035-098, Jackson, West Grace, Pa.) and developed with
2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS;
Roche, Mannheim, Germany). The reaction was stopped after 30 min by
adding 2% oxalic acid to the wells. Absorbance was measured in a
microplate reader (Biotek, Winooski, Vt.) at 405 nm.
[0608] Plasma clearance rates (mL/day/kg) were calculated based on
the area under the curve (AUC), according to the following
equation:
Plasma clearance = Dose ( g / kg ) AUC ( g / mL / day )
##EQU00001##
[0609] Data analysis was performed using Graphpad prism
software.
[0610] FIG. 17A shows that the plasma human IgG concentrations were
lower for antibody variants N297Q, DANQ, LFLENQ, and LFLEDANQPS
when compared to wild-type antibodies, suggesting a faster
clearance. The human IgG concentrations in plasma for antibody
variants LFLEDA and LALA were similar to those of wild-type
antibodies.
[0611] FIG. 17B shows that the plasma clearance rates of antibody
variants N297Q, DANQ and LFLENQ were 2 to 3-fold higher than that
of wild-type antibody. The clearance rate of antibody variant
LFLEDANQPS was 3-5 times higher than that of wild-type antibody.
Plasma clearance rates of antibody variants LFLEDA and LALA were
similar to that of wild-type antibody.
Example 12--In Vitro Immunogenicity Assessment of the IgG1-LFLEDA
Backbone
[0612] In order to determine the potential for clinical
immunogenicity of the IgG1-LFLEDA-K409R backbone, Antitope's
EpiScreen.TM. platform was applied to IgG1-HER2-LFLEDA. In short,
PBMCs were isolated from a cohort of 50 HLA-typed healthy donors
representing the European and North American population. After CD8+
T-cell depletion the PBMC preparations were individually frozen and
stored. Thawed PBMCs were subsequently cultured and incubated with
IgG1-HER2-LFLEDA-K409R or one of the control samples (IgG1-HER2 or
IgG1-HER2-LFLE-K409R) for 5 to 8 days. The ability of the samples
to induce CD4+ T-cells responses was assessed by measuring cell
proliferation ([.sub.3H]-Thymidine incorporation) and IL-2
production (ELISpot assay). Donors showing responses with a
stimulation index (SI; signal/baseline signal) 21.9 in both assays
were considered positive.
[0613] EpiScreen.TM. analysis showed that for IgG1-HER2-LFLEDA, 4
donors (8%) showed positive CD4+ T-cell responses, which was
comparable to 4 (8%) and 3 (6%) positive responses for IgG1-HER2
and IgG1-HER2-LFLE, respectively (FIG. 18). Thus,
IgG1-HER2-LFLEDA-K409R (as well as IgG1-HER2 and
IgG1-HER2-LFLE-K409R) showed low potential for immunogenicity with
frequencies of responses below 10%. The positive control humanized
A33 (e.g. [84]) was used as clinical benchmark control antibody
that shows high levels of immunogenicity in the clinic and
routinely induces 20-30% T-cell responses in the EpiScreen
Assay.
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Sequence CWU 1
1
3018PRThomo sapiens 1Gly Phe Thr Phe Asn Thr Tyr Ala1 5210PRThomo
sapiens 2Ile Arg Ser Lys Tyr Asn Asn Tyr Ala Thr1 5 10316PRThomo
sapiens 3Val Arg His Gly Asn Phe Gly Asn Ser Tyr Val Ser Trp Phe
Ala Tyr1 5 10 1549PRThomo sapiens 4Thr Gly Ala Val Thr Thr Ser Asn
Tyr1 559PRThomo sapiens 5Ala Leu Trp Tyr Ser Asn Leu Trp Val1
56125PRThomo sapiens 6Glu Val Lys Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu
Val Gln Pro Gly Gly1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly
Phe Thr Phe Asn Thr Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro
Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ala Arg Ile Arg Ser Lys Tyr Asn
Asn Tyr Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp 50 55 60Ser Val Lys Asp Arg Phe Thr
Ile Ser Arg Asp Asp Ser Lys Ser Ser65 70 75 80Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met
Asn Asn Leu Lys Thr Glu Asp Thr Ala Met Tyr 85 90 95Tyr Cys Val Arg
His Gly Asn Phe Gly Asn Ser Tyr Val Ser Trp Phe 100 105 110Ala Tyr
Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115 120 1257125PRThomo
sapiens 7Glu Val Lys Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Lys Pro
Gly Arg1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe
Asn Thr Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly
Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ala Arg Ile Arg Ser Lys Tyr Asn Asn Tyr Ala
Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp 50 55 60Ser Val Lys Asp Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg
Asp Asp Ser Lys Ser Ile65 70 75 80Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn Asn Leu
Lys Thr Glu Asp Thr Ala Met Tyr 85 90 95Tyr Cys Val Arg His Gly Asn
Phe Gly Asn Ser Tyr Val Ser Trp Phe 100 105 110Ala Tyr Trp Gly Gln
Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115 120 1258125PRThomo sapiens 8Glu
Val Lys Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Arg1 5 10
15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Asn Thr Tyr
20 25 30Ala Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp
Val 35 40 45Ala Arg Ile Arg Ser Lys Tyr Asn Asn Tyr Ala Thr Tyr Tyr
Ala Asp 50 55 60Ser Val Lys Asp Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asp Ser
Lys Ser Ile65 70 75 80Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Lys Thr Glu
Asp Thr Ala Met Tyr 85 90 95Tyr Cys Val Arg His Gly Asn Phe Gly Asn
Ser Tyr Val Ser Trp Phe 100 105 110Ala Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Leu
Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115 120 1259125PRThomo sapiens 9Glu Val Lys Leu
Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Lys Pro Gly Arg1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg
Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe Asn Thr Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met
Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ala
Arg Ile Arg Ser Lys Tyr Asn Asn Tyr Ala Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp 50 55
60Ser Val Lys Asp Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asp Ser Lys Ser Ile65
70 75 80Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Lys Thr Glu Asp Thr Ala Met
Tyr 85 90 95Tyr Cys Val Arg His Gly Asn Phe Gly Asn Ser Tyr Val Ser
Trp Phe 100 105 110Ala Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly Thr Met Val Thr Val Ser
Ser 115 120 12510109PRThomo sapiens 10Gln Ala Val Val Thr Gln Glu
Pro Ser Phe Ser Val Ser Pro Gly Gly1 5 10 15Thr Val Thr Leu Thr Cys
Arg Ser Ser Thr Gly Ala Val Thr Thr Ser 20 25 30Asn Tyr Ala Asn Trp
Val Gln Gln Thr Pro Gly Gln Ala Phe Arg Gly 35 40 45Leu Ile Gly Gly
Thr Asn Lys Arg Ala Pro Gly Val Pro Ala Arg Phe 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser
Leu Ile Gly Asp Lys Ala Ala Leu Thr Ile Thr Gly Ala65 70 75 80Gln
Ala Asp Asp Glu Ser Ile Tyr Phe Cys Ala Leu Trp Tyr Ser Asn 85 90
95Leu Trp Val Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Thr Val Leu 100
10511109PRThomo sapiens 11Gln Ala Val Val Thr Gln Glu Pro Ser Phe
Ser Val Ser Pro Gly Gly1 5 10 15Thr Val Thr Leu Thr Cys Arg Ser Ser
Thr Gly Ala Val Thr Thr Ser 20 25 30Asn Tyr Ala Asn Trp Val Gln Gln
Thr Pro Gly Gln Ala Phe Arg Gly 35 40 45Leu Ile Gly Gly Thr Asn Lys
Arg Ala Pro Gly Val Pro Ala Arg Phe 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Ile Leu Gly
Asn Lys Ala Ala Leu Thr Ile Thr Gly Ala65 70 75 80Gln Ala Asp Asp
Glu Ser Ile Tyr Phe Cys Ala Leu Trp Tyr Ser Asn 85 90 95Leu Trp Val
Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys Leu Thr Val Leu 100 10512109PRThomo sapiens
12Gln Ala Val Val Thr Gln Glu Pro Ser Phe Ser Val Ser Pro Gly Gly1
5 10 15Thr Val Thr Leu Thr Cys Arg Ser Ser Thr Gly Ala Val Thr Thr
Ser 20 25 30Asn Tyr Ala Asn Trp Val Gln Gln Thr Pro Gly Gln Ala Phe
Arg Gly 35 40 45Leu Ile Gly Gly Thr Asn Lys Arg Ala Pro Gly Val Pro
Ala Arg Phe 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Ile Leu Gly Asn Lys Ala Ala Leu Thr
Ile Thr Gly Ala65 70 75 80Gln Ala Asp Asp Glu Ser Asp Tyr Tyr Cys
Ala Leu Trp Tyr Ser Asn 85 90 95Leu Trp Val Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys
Leu Thr Val Leu 100 10513186PRThomo sapiens 13Gln Asp Gly Asn Glu
Glu Met Gly Gly Ile Thr Gln Thr Pro Tyr Lys1 5 10 15Val Ser Ile Ser
Gly Thr Thr Val Ile Leu Thr Cys Pro Gln Tyr Pro 20 25 30Gly Ser Glu
Ile Leu Trp Gln His Asn Asp Lys Asn Ile Gly Gly Asp 35 40 45Glu Asp
Asp Lys Asn Ile Gly Ser Asp Glu Asp His Leu Ser Leu Lys 50 55 60Glu
Phe Ser Glu Leu Glu Gln Ser Gly Tyr Tyr Val Cys Tyr Pro Arg65 70 75
80Gly Ser Lys Pro Glu Asp Ala Asn Phe Tyr Leu Tyr Leu Arg Ala Arg
85 90 95Val Cys Glu Asn Cys Met Glu Met Asp Val Met Ser Val Ala Thr
Ile 100 105 110Val Ile Val Asp Ile Cys Ile Thr Gly Gly Leu Leu Leu
Leu Val Tyr 115 120 125Tyr Trp Ser Lys Asn Arg Lys Ala Lys Ala Lys
Pro Val Thr Arg Gly 130 135 140Ala Gly Ala Gly Gly Arg Gln Arg Gly
Gln Asn Lys Glu Arg Pro Pro145 150 155 160Pro Val Pro Asn Pro Asp
Tyr Glu Pro Ile Arg Lys Gly Gln Arg Asp 165 170 175Leu Tyr Ser Gly
Leu Asn Gln Arg Arg Ile 180 18514150PRThomo sapiens 14Phe Lys Ile
Pro Ile Glu Glu Leu Glu Asp Arg Val Phe Val Asn Cys1 5 10 15Asn Thr
Ser Ile Thr Trp Val Glu Gly Thr Val Gly Thr Leu Leu Ser 20 25 30Asp
Ile Thr Arg Leu Asp Leu Gly Lys Arg Ile Leu Asp Pro Arg Gly 35 40
45Ile Tyr Arg Cys Asn Gly Thr Asp Ile Tyr Lys Asp Lys Glu Ser Thr
50 55 60Val Gln Val His Tyr Arg Met Cys Gln Ser Cys Val Glu Leu Asp
Pro65 70 75 80Ala Thr Val Ala Gly Ile Ile Val Thr Asp Val Ile Ala
Thr Leu Leu 85 90 95Leu Ala Leu Gly Val Phe Cys Phe Ala Gly His Glu
Thr Gly Arg Leu 100 105 110Ser Gly Ala Ala Asp Thr Gln Ala Leu Leu
Arg Asn Asp Gln Val Tyr 115 120 125Gln Pro Leu Arg Asp Arg Asp Asp
Ala Gln Tyr Ser His Leu Gly Gly 130 135 140Asn Trp Ala Arg Asn
Lys145 15015330PRThomo sapiens 15Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val
Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys1 5 10 15Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala
Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr 20 25 30Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr
Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser 35 40 45Gly Val His Thr Phe
Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser 50 55 60Leu Ser Ser Val
Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr65 70 75 80Tyr Ile
Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys 85 90 95Arg
Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys 100 105
110Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro
115 120 125Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val
Thr Cys 130 135 140Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val
Lys Phe Asn Trp145 150 155 160Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn
Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu 165 170 175Glu Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr
Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu 180 185 190His Gln Asp Trp Leu
Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn 195 200 205Lys Ala Leu
Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly 210 215 220Gln
Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu225 230
235 240Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe
Tyr 245 250 255Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln
Pro Glu Asn 260 265 270Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser
Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe 275 280 285Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys
Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn 290 295 300Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met
His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr305 310 315 320Gln Lys Ser Leu
Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 325 33016330PRThomo sapiens 16Ala Ser Thr
Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys1 5 10 15Ser Thr
Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr 20 25 30Phe
Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser 35 40
45Gly Val His Thr Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser
50 55 60Leu Ser Ser Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln
Thr65 70 75 80Tyr Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys
Val Asp Lys 85 90 95Arg Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr
Cys Pro Pro Cys 100 105 110Pro Ala Pro Glu Phe Glu Gly Gly Pro Ser
Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro 115 120 125Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile
Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys 130 135 140Val Val Val Ala Val Ser
His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp145 150 155 160Tyr Val Asp
Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu 165 170 175Glu
Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu 180 185
190His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn
195 200 205Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala
Lys Gly 210 215 220Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro
Ser Arg Glu Glu225 230 235 240Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr
Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr 245 250 255Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu
Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn 260 265 270Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr
Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe 275 280 285Leu Tyr Ser
Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn 290 295 300Val
Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr305 310
315 320Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 325 33017119PRThomo
sapiens 17Glu Val Gln Leu Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Lys Pro
Gly Gly1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe
Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Gly Met Phe Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly
Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ala Thr Ile Ser Arg Tyr Ser Arg Tyr Ile Tyr
Tyr Pro Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn
Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr65 70 75 80Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala
Glu Asp Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala Arg Arg Pro Leu Tyr Gly
Ser Ser Pro Asp Tyr Trp Gly Gln Gly 100 105 110Thr Leu Val Thr Val
Ser Ser 11518106PRThomo sapiens 18Glu Ile Val Leu Thr Gln Ser Pro
Ala Thr Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly1 5 10 15Glu Arg Ala Thr Leu Ser Cys
Ser Ala Ser Ser Ser Val Thr Tyr Val 20 25 30His Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys
Pro Gly Gln Ala Pro Arg Leu Leu Ile Tyr 35 40 45Asp Thr Ser Lys Leu
Ala Ser Gly Ile Pro Ala Arg Phe Ser Gly Ser 50 55 60Gly Ser Gly Thr
Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Glu Pro Glu65 70 75 80Asp Phe
Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Phe Gln Gly Ser Gly Tyr Pro Leu Thr 85 90 95Phe
Gly Ser Gly Thr Lys Leu Glu Met Arg 100 10519121PRThomo sapiens
19Gln Val Gln Leu Val Gln Ser Gly Ala Glu Val Lys Lys Pro Gly Ala1
5 10 15Ser Val Lys Val Ser Cys Lys Ala Ser Gly Tyr Thr Phe Thr Asn
Tyr 20 25 30Gly Ile Ser Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Gln Gly Leu Glu
Trp Met 35 40 45Gly Trp Leu Ser Ala Tyr Ser Gly Asn Thr Ile Tyr Ala
Gln Lys Leu 50 55 60Gln Gly Arg Val Thr Met Thr Thr Asp Thr Ser Thr
Thr Thr Ala Tyr65 70 75 80Met Glu Leu Arg Ser Leu Arg Ser Asp Asp
Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys 85 90 95Ala Arg Asp Arg Ile Val Val Arg Pro
Asp Tyr Phe Asp Tyr Trp Gly 100 105 110Gln Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val
Ser Ser 115 12020107PRThomo sapiens 20Glu Ile Val Leu Thr Gln Ser
Pro Ala Thr Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly1 5 10 15Glu Arg Ala Thr Leu Ser
Cys Arg Ala Ser Gln Ser Val Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln
Gln Lys Pro Gly Gln Ala Pro Arg Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Asp Ala Ser
Asn Arg Ala Thr Gly Ile Pro Ala Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser
Gly Thr Asp Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Glu Pro65 70 75 80Glu
Asp Phe Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Arg Ser Asn Trp Pro Arg 85 90
95Thr Phe Gly Gln Gly Thr Lys Val Glu Ile Lys 100 10521177PRThomo
sapiens 21Gln Asp Gly Asn Glu Glu Met Gly Ser Ile Thr Gln Thr Pro
Tyr Gln1 5 10 15Val Ser Ile Ser Gly Thr Thr Val Ile Leu Thr Cys Ser
Gln His Leu 20 25 30Gly Ser Glu Ala Gln Trp Gln His Asn Gly Lys Asn
Lys Glu Asp Ser 35 40 45Gly Asp Arg Leu Phe Leu Pro Glu Phe Ser Glu
Met Glu Gln Ser Gly 50 55 60Tyr Tyr Val Cys Tyr Pro Arg Gly Ser Asn
Pro Glu Asp Ala Ser His65 70 75 80His Leu Tyr Leu Lys Ala Arg Val
Cys Glu Asn Cys Met Glu Met Asp 85 90
95Val Met Ala Val Ala Thr Ile Val Ile Val Asp Ile Cys Ile Thr Leu
100 105 110Gly Leu Leu Leu Leu Val Tyr Tyr Trp Ser Lys Asn Arg Lys
Ala Lys 115 120 125Ala Lys Pro Val Thr Arg Gly Ala Gly Ala Gly Gly
Arg Gln Arg Gly 130 135 140Gln Asn Lys Glu Arg Pro Pro Pro Val Pro
Asn Pro Asp Tyr Glu Pro145 150 155 160Ile Arg Lys Gly Gln Gln Asp
Leu Tyr Ser Gly Leu Asn Gln Arg Arg 165 170 175Ile22177PRThomo
sapiens 22Gln Asp Gly Asn Glu Glu Met Gly Ser Ile Thr Gln Thr Pro
Tyr His1 5 10 15Val Ser Ile Ser Gly Thr Thr Val Ile Leu Thr Cys Ser
Gln His Leu 20 25 30Gly Ser Glu Val Gln Trp Gln His Asn Gly Lys Asn
Lys Glu Asp Ser 35 40 45Gly Asp Arg Leu Phe Leu Pro Glu Phe Ser Glu
Met Glu Gln Ser Gly 50 55 60Tyr Tyr Val Cys Tyr Pro Arg Gly Ser Asn
Pro Glu Asp Ala Ser His65 70 75 80His Leu Tyr Leu Lys Ala Arg Val
Cys Glu Asn Cys Met Glu Met Asp 85 90 95Val Met Ala Val Ala Thr Ile
Val Ile Val Asp Ile Cys Ile Thr Leu 100 105 110Gly Leu Leu Leu Leu
Val Tyr Tyr Trp Ser Lys Asn Arg Lys Ala Lys 115 120 125Ala Lys Pro
Val Thr Arg Gly Ala Gly Ala Gly Gly Arg Gln Arg Gly 130 135 140Gln
Asn Lys Glu Arg Pro Pro Pro Val Pro Asn Pro Asp Tyr Glu Pro145 150
155 160Ile Arg Lys Gly Gln Gln Asp Leu Tyr Ser Gly Leu Asn Gln Arg
Arg 165 170 175Ile23330PRThomo sapiens 23Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro
Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys1 5 10 15Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly
Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr 20 25 30Phe Pro Glu Pro
Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser 35 40 45Gly Val His
Thr Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser 50 55 60Leu Ser
Ser Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr65 70 75
80Tyr Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys
85 90 95Arg Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro
Cys 100 105 110Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu
Phe Pro Pro 115 120 125Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr
Pro Glu Val Thr Cys 130 135 140Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp
Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp145 150 155 160Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu
Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu 165 170 175Glu Gln Tyr Asn
Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu 180 185 190His Gln
Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn 195 200
205Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly
210 215 220Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg
Glu Glu225 230 235 240Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu
Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr 245 250 255Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu
Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn 260 265 270Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro
Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Leu 275 280 285Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu
Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn 290 295 300Val Phe Ser
Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr305 310 315
320Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 325 33024330PRThomo
sapiens 24Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser
Ser Lys1 5 10 15Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val
Lys Asp Tyr 20 25 30Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly
Ala Leu Thr Ser 35 40 45Gly Val His Thr Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser
Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser 50 55 60Leu Ser Ser Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser
Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr65 70 75 80Tyr Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys
Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys 85 90 95Arg Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys
Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys 100 105 110Pro Ala Pro Glu Leu
Leu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro 115 120 125Lys Pro Lys
Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys 130 135 140Val
Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp145 150
155 160Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg
Glu 165 170 175Glu Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu
Thr Val Leu 180 185 190His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys
Cys Lys Val Ser Asn 195 200 205Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys
Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly 210 215 220Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val
Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu225 230 235 240Met Thr Lys Asn
Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr 245 250 255Pro Ser
Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn 260 265
270Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe
275 280 285Leu Tyr Ser Arg Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln
Gly Asn 290 295 300Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His
Asn His Tyr Thr305 310 315 320Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly
Lys 325 33025330PRThomo sapiens 25Ala Ser Thr Lys Gly Pro Ser Val
Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys1 5 10 15Ser Thr Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala
Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr 20 25 30Phe Pro Glu Pro Val Thr
Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser 35 40 45Gly Val His Thr Phe
Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser 50 55 60Leu Ser Ser Val
Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln Thr65 70 75 80Tyr Ile
Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys Val Asp Lys 85 90 95Arg
Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys 100 105
110Pro Ala Pro Glu Phe Glu Gly Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro
115 120 125Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val
Thr Cys 130 135 140Val Val Val Ala Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val
Lys Phe Asn Trp145 150 155 160Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn
Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu 165 170 175Glu Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr
Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu 180 185 190His Gln Asp Trp Leu
Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn 195 200 205Lys Ala Leu
Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly 210 215 220Gln
Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu Glu225 230
235 240Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe
Tyr 245 250 255Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln
Pro Glu Asn 260 265 270Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser
Asp Gly Ser Phe Leu 275 280 285Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys
Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn 290 295 300Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met
His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr305 310 315 320Gln Lys Ser Leu
Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 325 33026330PRThomo sapiens 26Ala Ser Thr
Lys Gly Pro Ser Val Phe Pro Leu Ala Pro Ser Ser Lys1 5 10 15Ser Thr
Ser Gly Gly Thr Ala Ala Leu Gly Cys Leu Val Lys Asp Tyr 20 25 30Phe
Pro Glu Pro Val Thr Val Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Ala Leu Thr Ser 35 40
45Gly Val His Thr Phe Pro Ala Val Leu Gln Ser Ser Gly Leu Tyr Ser
50 55 60Leu Ser Ser Val Val Thr Val Pro Ser Ser Ser Leu Gly Thr Gln
Thr65 70 75 80Tyr Ile Cys Asn Val Asn His Lys Pro Ser Asn Thr Lys
Val Asp Lys 85 90 95Arg Val Glu Pro Lys Ser Cys Asp Lys Thr His Thr
Cys Pro Pro Cys 100 105 110Pro Ala Pro Glu Phe Glu Gly Gly Pro Ser
Val Phe Leu Phe Pro Pro 115 120 125Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile
Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val Thr Cys 130 135 140Val Val Val Ala Val Ser
His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp145 150 155 160Tyr Val Asp
Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu 165 170 175Glu
Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu 180 185
190His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn
195 200 205Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala
Lys Gly 210 215 220Gln Pro Arg Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro
Ser Arg Glu Glu225 230 235 240Met Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr
Cys Leu Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr 245 250 255Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu
Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn 260 265 270Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr
Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe 275 280 285Leu Tyr Ser
Arg Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn 290 295 300Val
Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr305 310
315 320Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 325 33027125PRThomo
sapiens 27Glu Val Lys Leu Leu Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro
Lys Gly1 5 10 15Ser Leu Lys Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe
Asn Thr Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly
Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ala Arg Ile Arg Ser Lys Tyr Asn Asn Tyr Ala
Thr Tyr Tyr Ala Asp 50 55 60Ser Val Lys Asp Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg
Asp Asp Ser Gln Ser Ile65 70 75 80Leu Tyr Leu Gln Met Asn Asn Leu
Lys Thr Glu Asp Thr Ala Met Tyr 85 90 95Tyr Cys Val Arg His Gly Asn
Phe Gly Asn Ser Tyr Val Ser Trp Phe 100 105 110Ala Tyr Trp Gly Gln
Gly Thr Leu Val Thr Val Ser Ala 115 120 12528109PRThomo sapiens
28Gln Ala Val Val Thr Gln Glu Ser Ala Leu Thr Thr Ser Pro Gly Glu1
5 10 15Thr Val Thr Leu Thr Cys Arg Ser Ser Thr Gly Ala Val Thr Thr
Ser 20 25 30Asn Tyr Ala Asn Trp Val Gln Glu Lys Pro Asp His Leu Phe
Thr Gly 35 40 45Leu Ile Gly Gly Thr Asn Lys Arg Ala Pro Gly Val Pro
Ala Arg Phe 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Leu Ile Gly Asp Lys Ala Ala Leu Thr
Ile Thr Gly Ala65 70 75 80Gln Thr Glu Asp Glu Ala Ile Tyr Phe Cys
Ala Leu Trp Tyr Ser Asn 85 90 95Leu Trp Val Phe Gly Gly Gly Thr Lys
Leu Thr Val Leu 100 10529122PRThomo sapiens 29Glu Val Gln Leu Val
Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Leu Val Gln Pro Asp Arg1 5 10 15Ser Leu Arg Leu
Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Thr Phe His Asp Tyr 20 25 30Ala Met His
Trp Val Arg Gln Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu Glu Trp Val 35 40 45Ser Thr
Ile Ser Trp Asn Ser Gly Thr Ile Gly Tyr Ala Asp Ser Val 50 55 60Lys
Gly Arg Phe Thr Ile Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala Lys Asn Ser Leu Tyr65 70 75
80Leu Gln Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp Thr Ala Leu Tyr Tyr Cys
85 90 95Ala Lys Asp Ile Gln Tyr Gly Asn Tyr Tyr Tyr Gly Met Asp Val
Trp 100 105 110Gly Gln Gly Thr Thr Val Thr Val Ser Ser 115
12030107PRThomo sapiens 30Glu Ile Val Leu Thr Gln Ser Pro Ala Thr
Leu Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly1 5 10 15Glu Arg Ala Thr Leu Ser Cys Arg Ala
Ser Gln Ser Val Ser Ser Tyr 20 25 30Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gln Gln Lys Pro
Gly Gln Ala Pro Arg Leu Leu Ile 35 40 45Tyr Asp Ala Ser Asn Arg Ala
Thr Gly Ile Pro Ala Arg Phe Ser Gly 50 55 60Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp
Phe Thr Leu Thr Ile Ser Ser Leu Glu Pro65 70 75 80Glu Asp Phe Ala
Val Tyr Tyr Cys Gln Gln Arg Ser Asn Trp Pro Ile 85 90 95Thr Phe Gly
Gln Gly Thr Arg Leu Glu Ile Lys 100 105
* * * * *
References