U.S. patent application number 16/660420 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-14 for dosage of a gluten peptide composition.
This patent application is currently assigned to Immusan T, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Immusan T, Inc. Invention is credited to Robert P. Anderson.
Application Number | 20200147168 16/660420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51582541 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-14 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200147168 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Anderson; Robert P. |
May 14, 2020 |
DOSAGE OF A GLUTEN PEPTIDE COMPOSITION
Abstract
Provided herein are methods and compositions for treating
subjects with Celiac disease.
Inventors: |
Anderson; Robert P.;
(Shrewsbury, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Immusan T, Inc |
Cambridge |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Immusan T, Inc.
Cambridge
MA
|
Family ID: |
51582541 |
Appl. No.: |
16/660420 |
Filed: |
October 22, 2019 |
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15021059 |
Mar 10, 2016 |
10449228 |
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PCT/US2014/054959 |
Sep 10, 2014 |
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16660420 |
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62014666 |
Jun 19, 2014 |
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61876172 |
Sep 10, 2013 |
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61983989 |
Apr 24, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2333/57 20130101;
G01N 2333/55 20130101; A61K 9/08 20130101; G01N 33/6866 20130101;
A61K 38/10 20130101; A61K 9/0021 20130101; A61P 1/00 20180101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 38/10 20060101
A61K038/10; G01N 33/68 20060101 G01N033/68; A61K 9/00 20060101
A61K009/00; A61K 9/08 20060101 A61K009/08 |
Claims
1. A method for treating Celiac disease in a subject, the method
comprising: administering to the subject: (a) a first peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 1),
wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the
C-terminal glutamine is amidated; (b) a second peptide comprising
the amino acid sequence EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal proline
is amidated; and (c) a third peptide comprising the amino acid
sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein the N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal glutamine is
amidated; wherein 50 micrograms of the first peptide and an
equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides are
administered once or twice per week to the subject.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein 50 micrograms of the first
peptide and the equimolar amount of each of the second and third
peptides are administered twice per week to the subject.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein 50 micrograms of the first
peptide and the equimolar amount of each of the second and third
peptides are administered once per week to the subject.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third
peptides are in equimolar amounts in a composition, and the
composition is administered to the subject.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first, second and third
peptides are each in an amount of 50 micrograms in the
composition.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third
peptides or the composition are/is administered intradermally.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first, second and third
peptides or the composition are/is administered as a bolus by
intradermal injection.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third
peptides or the composition are/is formulated as a sterile,
injectable solution.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the sterile, injectable solution
is sodium chloride.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the sodium chloride is sterile
sodium chloride 0.9% USP.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein, when the administration is
twice a week, the first, second and third peptides or the
composition are/is administered for four weeks.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third
peptides or the composition are/is administered for three
weeks.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the first, second and third
peptides or the composition are/is administered for eight
weeks.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is HLA-DQ2.5
positive.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the subject is on a gluten-free
diet.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises
assessing immune tolerance after administration of the first,
second and third peptides.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein assessing immune tolerance
comprises measuring a T cell response to gluten and/or to the
first, second and third peptides in a sample comprising T cells
from the subject.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein measuring the T cell response
comprises contacting the sample with gluten and/or the first,
second and third peptides and measuring the T cell response in the
sample after the contacting.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the T cell response is measured
by measuring a level of IFN-.gamma..
20-21. (canceled)
22. A composition, comprising: a. a first peptide comprising the
amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal
glutamine is amidated; b. a second peptide comprising the amino
acid sequence EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal proline
is amidated; and c. a third peptide comprising the amino acid
sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein the N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal glutamine is
amidated; wherein 50 micrograms of the first peptide and an
equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides are
present in the composition.
23-32. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Celiac disease, also known as coeliac disease or Celiac
sprue (Coeliac sprue), affects approximately 1% of people in Europe
and North America. In many of those affected, Celiac disease is
unrecognised, but this clinical oversight is now being rectified
with greater clinical awareness. A gluten free diet is the only
currently approved treatment for Celiac disease, and because
regular ingestion of as little as 50 mg of gluten (equivalent to
1/100.sup.th of a standard slice of bread) can damage the small
intestine; chronic inflammation of the small bowel is commonplace
in subjects on a gluten free diet. Persistent inflammation of the
small intestine has been shown to increase the risk of cancer,
osteoporosis and death. As gluten is so widely used, for example,
in commercial soups, sauces, ice-creams, etc., maintaining a
gluten-free diet is difficult.
[0002] Celiac disease occurs in genetically susceptible individuals
who possess either HLA-DQ2.5 (encoded by the genes HLA-DQA1*05 and
HLA-DQB1*02) accounting for about 90% of individuals, HLA-DQ2.2
(encoded by the genes HLA-DQA1*02 and HLA-DQB1*02), or HLA-DQ8
(encoded by the genes HLA-DQA1*03 and HLA-DQB1*0302). Without
wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that such individuals
mount an inappropriate HLA-DQ2- and/or DQ8-restricted CD4.sup.+ T
cell-mediated immune response to peptides derived from the
aqueous-insoluble proteins of wheat flour, gluten, and related
proteins in rye and barley.
SUMMARY
[0003] Described herein are specific dosages and dosage schedules
of a composition for use in treating subjects with Celiac disease.
In some aspects, any one of the compositions provided can include a
first peptide comprising the amino acid sequence PFPQPELPY (SEQ ID
NO: 4) and the amino acid sequence PQPELPYPQ (SEQ ID NO: 5), a
second peptide comprising the amino acid sequence PFPQPEQPF (SEQ ID
NO: 6) and the amino acid sequence PQPEQPFPW (SEQ ID NO: 7), and a
third peptide comprising the amino acid sequence EQPIPEQPQ (SEQ ID
NO: 8) and the amino acid sequence PIPEQPQPY (SEQ ID NO: 9),
optionally wherein the N-terminus of one or more of the peptides
(e.g., the N-terminus of each of the peptides) comprises a
pyroglutamate and the C-terminus of one or more of the peptides
(e.g., the C-terminus of each of the peptides) comprises an amino
acid having an amidated carboxyl group. Without wishing to be bound
by theory as above-mentioned SEQ ID NOs: 4-9 are thought to be
T-cell epitopes. In some embodiments, the composition includes a
first peptide comprising the amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ
(SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate
and the carboxyl group of the C-terminal glutamine is amidated: a
second peptide comprising the amino acid sequence EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP
(SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate
and the carboxyl group of the C-terminal proline is amidated; and a
third peptide comprising the amino acid sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ
(SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate
and the carboxyl group of the C-terminal glutamine is amidated. It
is believed that administration of the compositions provided herein
in the dosages and dosage schedules described herein to a subject
with Celiac disease will induce immune tolerance in the subject
such that the subject may consume or come into contact with at
least wheat, rye, barley and optionally oats without a significant
T cell response which would normally lead to symptoms of Celiac
disease.
[0004] Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure relate to
compositions and methods for treating a subject with Celiac
disease.
[0005] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a method for
treating Celiac disease in a subject, the method comprising
administering any one of the compositions provided herein to the
subject. In some embodiments, the (a) first peptide comprising the
amino acid sequence PFPQPELPY (SEQ ID NO: 4) and the amino acid
sequence PQPELPYPQ (SEQ ID NO: 5), optionally wherein the
N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal glutamine is amidated); (b) a second peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence PFPQPEQPF (SEQ ID NO: 6) and the
amino acid sequence PQPEQPFPW (SEQ ID NO: 7), optionally wherein
the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal proline is amidated); and (c) a third peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence EQPIPEQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 8) and the
amino acid sequence PIPEQPQPY (SEQ ID NO: 9), optionally wherein
the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal glutamine is amidated); and wherein 50 micrograms of
the first peptide and an equimolar amount of each of the second and
third peptides are administered once or twice per week to the
subject. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a method for
treating Celiac disease in a subject, the method comprising
administering to the subject: (a) first peptide comprising the
amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal
glutamine is amidated; (b) a second peptide comprising the amino
acid sequence EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal proline
is amidated; and (c) a third peptide comprising the amino acid
sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein the N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal glutamine is
amidated; wherein 50 micrograms of the first peptide and an
equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides are
administered once or twice per week to the subject. In some
embodiments, the 50 micrograms of the first peptide and the
equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides are
administered twice per week to the subject. In some embodiments,
the 50 micrograms of the first peptide and the equimolar amount of
each of the second and third peptides are administered once per
week to the subject.
[0006] In some embodiments of any one of the methods provided, the
first, second and third peptides are in equimolar amounts in a
composition, and the composition is administered to the subject. In
some embodiments of any one of the methods provided, the first,
second and third peptides are each in an amount of 50 micrograms in
the composition. In some embodiments of any one of the methods
provided, the first, second and third peptides or the composition
are/is administered intradermally. In some embodiments of any one
of the methods provided, the first, second and third peptides or
the composition are/is administered as a bolus by intradermal
injection. In some embodiments of any one of the methods provided,
the first, second and third peptides or the composition are/is
formulated as a sterile, injectable solution. In some embodiments
of any one of the methods provided, the sterile, injectable
solution is sodium chloride. In some embodiments of any one of the
methods provided, the sodium chloride is sterile sodium chloride
0.9% USP. In some embodiments of any one of the methods provided,
the first, second and third peptides or the composition are/is
administered for eight weeks. In some embodiments of any one of the
methods provided, the first, second and third peptides or the
composition are/is administered for four weeks. In some of these
embodiments of any one of the methods provided, when administration
is for four weeks, the first, second and third peptides are
administered biweekly for the four weeks. In some embodiments of
any one of the methods provided, the first, second and third
peptides or the composition are/is administered for three weeks. In
some of these embodiments of any one of the methods provided, when
administration is for three weeks, the first, second and third
peptides are administered weekly for the three weeks. In some
embodiments of any one of the methods provided, the subject is
HLA-DQ2.5 positive. In some embodiments of any one of the methods
provided, the subject is on a gluten-free diet.
[0007] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a method for
treating Celiac disease in a subject, the method comprising
administering to the subject: (a) first peptide comprising the
amino acid sequence PFPQPELPY (SEQ ID NO: 4) and the amino acid
sequence PQPELPYPQ (SEQ ID NO: 5), optionally wherein the
N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal glutamine is amidated); (b) a second peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence PFPQPEQPF (SEQ ID NO: 6) and the
amino acid sequence PQPEQPFPW (SEQ ID NO: 7), optionally wherein
the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal proline is amidated); and (c) a third peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence EQPIPEQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 8) and the
amino acid sequence PIPEQPQPY (SEQ ID NO: 9), optionally wherein
the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal glutamine is amidated); and wherein 100 micrograms
of the first peptide and an equimolar amount of each of the second
and third peptides are administered once or twice per week to the
subject. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a method for
treating Celiac disease in a subject, the method comprising
administering to the subject: (a) first peptide comprising the
amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal
glutamine is amidated; (b) a second peptide comprising the amino
acid sequence EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal proline
is amidated; and (c) a third peptide comprising the amino acid
sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein the N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal glutamine is
amidated; wherein 100 micrograms of the first peptide and an
equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides are
administered once or twice per week to the subject. In some
embodiments, the 100 micrograms of the first peptide and the
equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides are
administered twice per week to the subject. In some embodiments,
the 100 micrograms of the first peptide and the equimolar amount of
each of the second and third peptides are administered once per
week to the subject.
[0008] In some embodiments of any one of the methods provided, the
first, second and third peptides are in equimolar amounts in a
composition, and the composition is administered to the subject. In
some embodiments of any one of the methods provided, the first,
second and third peptides are each in art amount of 100 micrograms
in the composition. In some embodiments of any one of the methods
provided, the first, second and third peptides or the composition
are/is administered intradermally. In some embodiments of any one
of the methods provided, the first, second and third peptides or
the composition are/is administered as a bolus by intradermal
injection. In some embodiments of any one of the methods provided,
the first, second and third peptides or the composition are/is
formulated as a sterile, injectable solution. In some embodiments
of any one of the methods provided, the sterile, injectable
solution is sodium chloride. In some embodiments, the sodium
chloride is sterile sodium chloride 0.9% USP. In some embodiments
of any one of the methods provided, the first, second and third
peptides or the composition are/is administered for eight weeks. In
some embodiments of any one of the methods provided, the first,
second and third peptides or the composition are/is administered
for four weeks. In some of these embodiments of any one of the
methods provided, when administration is for four weeks, the first,
second and third peptides are administered biweekly for the four
weeks. In some embodiments of any one of the methods provided, the
subject is HLA-DQ2.5 positive. In some embodiments of any one of
the methods provided, the subject is on a gluten-free diet.
[0009] In some embodiments of any one of the methods above, the
method further comprises assessing immune tolerance after
administration of the first, second and third peptides. In some
embodiments of any one of the methods provided, assessing immune
tolerance comprises measuring a T cell response to gluten and/or to
any one of the compositions provided herein, such as one that
comprises the first, second and third peptides provided herein, in
a sample comprising T cells from the subject. In some embodiments
of any one of the methods provided, measuring the T cell response
comprises contacting the sample with gluten and/or any one of the
compositions provided, such as one that comprises the first, second
and third peptides provided herein, and measuring the T cell
response in the sample after the contacting. In some embodiments of
any one of the methods provided, the T cell response is measured by
measuring a level of IFN-.gamma.. In some embodiments of any one of
the methods provided, a subject is identified as tolerized if
IFN-.gamma. levels <7.2 pg/mL or as otherwise provided in the
Examples. In some embodiments, measuring the level of IFN-.gamma.
comprises an immuno-based assay. In some embodiments, the
immuno-based assay comprises an ELISA.
[0010] In other aspects, the disclosure relates to a composition,
comprising: (a) first peptide comprising the amino acid sequence
PFPQPELPY (SEQ ID NO: 4) and the amino acid sequence PQPELPYPQ (SEQ
ID NO: 5), optionally wherein the N-terminus comprises a
pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate)
and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g., any C-terminal glutamine is
amidated); (b) a second peptide comprising the amino acid sequence
PFPQPEQPF (SEQ ID NO: 6) and the amino acid sequence PQPEQPFPW (SEQ
ID NO: 7), optionally wherein the N-terminus comprises a
pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate)
and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g., any C-terminal proline is
amidated); and (c) a third peptide comprising the amino acid
sequence EQPIPEQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 8) and the amino acid sequence
PIPEQPQPY (SEQ ID NO: 9), optionally wherein the N-terminus
comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal glutamate is a
pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g., any C-terminal
glutamine is amidated); wherein 50 micrograms of the first peptide
and an equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides
are present in the composition. In other aspects, the disclosure
relates to a composition, comprising: (a) a first peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 1),
wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the
C-terminal glutamine is amidated; (b) a second peptide comprising
the amino acid sequence EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal proline
is amidated: and (c) a third peptide comprising the amino acid
sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein the N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal glutamine is
amidated; wherein 50 micrograms of the first peptide and an
equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides are
present in the composition. In yet other aspects, the disclosure
relates to a composition, comprising: (a) first peptide comprising
the amino acid sequence PFPQPELPY (SEQ ID NO: 4) and the amino acid
sequence PQPELPYPQ (SEQ ID NO: 5), optionally wherein the
N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal glutamine is amidated); (b) a second peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence PFPQPEQPF (SEQ ID NO: 6) and the
amino acid sequence PQPEQPFPW (SEQ ID NO: 7), optionally wherein
the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal proline is amidated); and (c) a third peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence EQPIPEQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 8) and the
amino acid sequence PIPEQPQPY (SEQ ID NO: 9), optionally wherein
the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g.,
any C-terminal glutamine is amidated); wherein 100 micrograms of
the first peptide and an equimolar amount of each of the second and
third peptides are present in the composition. In other aspects of
the disclosure, the composition, comprises: (a) a first peptide
comprising the amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 1),
wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the
C-terminal glutamine is amidated; (b) a second peptide comprising
the amino acid sequence EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal proline
is amidated; and (c) a third peptide comprising the amino acid
sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein the N-terminal
glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal glutamine is
amidated; wherein 100 micrograms of the first peptide and an
equimolar amount of each of the second and third peptides are
present in the composition.
[0011] In some embodiments of any one of the compositions provided,
the first, second and third peptides are in equimolar amounts in
the composition. In some embodiments of any one of the compositions
provided, the first, second and third peptides are each in an
amount of 50 micrograms in the composition. In some embodiments of
any one of the compositions provided, the first, second and third
peptides are each in an amount of 100 micrograms in the
composition. In some embodiments of any one of the compositions
provided, the composition is formulated for intradermal
administration to a subject. In some embodiments of any one of the
compositions provided, the composition is formulated as a bolus for
intradermal injection to a subject. In some embodiments of any one
of the compositions provided, the composition is formulated as a
sterile, injectable solution. In some embodiments of any one of the
compositions provided, the sterile, injectable solution is sodium
chloride. In some embodiments of any one of the compositions
provided, the sodium chloride is sterile sodium chloride 0.9% USP.
In some embodiments of any one of the compositions provided, the
composition is comprised in a kit. In some embodiments, the first,
second and third peptides are contained in the same container in
the kit. In some embodiments, the first, second and third peptides
are contained in separate containers in the kit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The following drawings form part of the present
specification and are included to further demonstrate certain
aspects of the present disclosure, which can be better understood
by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with
the detailed description of specific embodiments presented
herein.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the study format in Example 3.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a graph showing the pharmacokinetics of peptide 1
(SEQ ID NO: 1, with an N-terminal pyroglutamate and a C-terminal
amide group). The x-axis is time in hours after the dose. The
y-axis is log(plasma concentration).
[0015] FIG. 3 is a graph showing the pharmacokinetics of peptide 2
(SEQ ID NO: 2, with an N-terminal pyroglutamate and a C-terminal
amide group). The x-axis is time in hours after the dose. The
y-axis is log(plasma concentration).
[0016] FIG. 4 is a graph showing the pharmacokinetics of peptide 3
(SEQ ID NO: 3, with an N-terminal pyroglutamate and a C-terminal
amide group). The x-axis is time in hours after the dose. The
y-axis is log(plasma concentration).
[0017] FIG. 5 is a table showing responsiveness and tolerance by ex
vivo whole blood cytokine release stimulated by immuno-dominant
gluten-derived T cell epitopes before and after celiac disease
patients are treated with the peptide composition.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a table showing the symptom scores during
dosing.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a table showing the symptom scores during dosing
as changed from baseline.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a table showing the symptom scores during gluten
challenge.
[0021] FIG. 9 is a series of graphs showing the mean villous height
to crypt depth (VH:CrD) ratio at different sites in the
duodenum.
[0022] FIG. 10 is a series of graphs showing VH:CrD before and
after treatment with peptide composition or placebo.
[0023] FIG. 11 is a series of graphs showing intraepithelial
lymphocyte (IEL) count before and after treatment with peptide
composition or placebo.
[0024] FIG. 12 is a series of graphs showing the modified marsh
score before and after treatment with peptide composition or
placebo.
[0025] FIG. 13 is a table showing ELISA and MAGPIX data from whole
blood contacted with peptide composition or controls in samples
collected from cohort 1 (150 micrograms peptide composition) after
gluten oral challenge.
[0026] FIG. 14 is a table showing ELISA and MAGPIX data from whole
blood contacted with peptide composition or controls in samples
collected from cohort 2 (300 micrograms peptide composition) after
gluten oral challenge.
[0027] FIG. 15 is a table showing ELISA and MAGPIX data from whole
blood contacted with peptide composition or controls in samples
collected from placebo cohort (cohorts 1 and 2 placebo) after
gluten oral challenge.
[0028] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an exemplary time course for
cohorts 1 and 2 (150 and 300 micrograms peptide composition,
respectively).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
General Techniques and Definitions
[0029] Unless specifically defined otherwise, all technical and
scientific terms used herein shall be taken to have the same
meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art
(e.g., in cell culture, molecular genetics, immunology,
immunohistochemistry, protein chemistry, and biochemistry).
[0030] Unless otherwise indicated, the recombinant protein, cell
culture, and immunological techniques utilized in the present
disclosure are standard procedures, well known to those skilled in
the art. Such techniques are described and explained throughout the
literature in sources such as, J. Perbal, A Practical Guide to
Molecular Cloning, John Wiley and Sons (1984); J. Sambrook et. al.,
Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbour
Laboratory Press (1989); T. A. Brown (editor), Essential Molecular
Biology: A Practical Approach, Volumes 1 and 2, IRL Press (1991);
D. M. Glover and B. D. Hames (editors), DNA Cloning: A Practical
Approach, Volumes 1-4, IRL Press (1995 and 1996); F. M. Ausubel et
al. (editors), Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Pub.
Associates and Wiley-Interscience (1988, including all updates
until present); Ed Harlow and David Lane (editors) Antibodies: A
Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbour Laboratory, (1988); and J.
E. Coligan et al. (editors), Current Protocols in Immunology, John
Wiley & Sons (including all updates until present).
[0031] The term "Celiac disease" refers to an immune-mediated
systemic disorder elicited by gluten and related prolamines in
genetically susceptible individuals, characterized by the presence
of a variable combination of gluten-dependent clinical
manifestations, celiac disease-specific antibodies, human leukocyte
antigen (HLA)-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 haplotypes, and enteropathy. The
disease encompasses a spectrum of conditions characterised by an
inappropriate CD4.sup.+ T cell response to gluten, or a peptide
thereof. The severe form of celiac disease is characterised by a
flat small intestinal mucosa (hyperplastic villous atrophy) and
other forms are characterised by milder histological abnormalities
in the small intestine, such as intra-epithelial lymphocytosis
without villous atrophy. Serological abnormalities associated with
celiac disease include the presence of autoantibodies specific for
tissue transglutaminase-2, and antibodies specific for deamidated
gluten-derived peptides. The clinical manifestations associated
with celiac disease can include fatigue, chronic diarrhoea,
malabsorption of nutrients, weight loss, abdominal distension,
anaemia as well as a substantially enhanced risk for the
development of osteoporosis and intestinal malignancies (lymphoma
and carcinoma). A central feature in the current definitive
diagnosis of celiac disease is that intestinal histology, celiac
disease-specific serology and clinical abnormalities resolve or
improve with exclusion of dietary gluten.
[0032] The terms "human leukocyte antigen" and "HLA" are here
defined as a genetic fingerprint expressed on human white blood
cells, composed of proteins that play a critical role in activating
the body's immune system to respond to foreign organisms. In humans
and other animals, the HLA is also collectively referred to as the
"major histocompatibility complex" (MHC).
[0033] The term "subject" includes inter alia an individual,
patient, target, host or recipient regardless of whether the
subject is a human or non-human animal including mammalian species
and also avian species. The term "subject", therefore, includes a
human, non-human primate (for example, gorilla, marmoset, African
Green Monkey), livestock animal (for example, sheep, cow, pig,
horse, donkey, goat), laboratory test animal (for example, rat,
mouse, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster), companion animal (for example,
dog, cat), captive wild animal (for example, fox, deer, game
animals) and avian species including poultry birds (for example,
chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys). The preferred subject, however,
is a human. In some embodiments, the subject is a human on a
gluten-free diet. In some embodiments, the subject is a human who
is HLA-DQ2.5 positive. In some embodiments, the subject is a human
who is HLA-DQ2.5 positive and HLA-DQ8 negative. In some
embodiments, the subject is human who is HLA-DQ2.5 positive and
HLA-DQ8 positive.
Peptides
[0034] The terms "peptide", "polypeptide", and "protein" can
generally be used interchangeably and also encompass pharmaceutical
salts thereof. However, the term "peptide" is typically used to
refer to relatively short molecules comprising less than 50, more
preferably less than 25, amino acids.
[0035] The overall length of each peptide defined herein may be,
for example, 7 to 50 amino acids, such as 7, 8, 9 10, 11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or
50 amino acids, or any integer in between. It is contemplated that
shorter peptides may prove useful, particularly those that are 20
or fewer amino acids in length, in therapeutics to reduce the
likelihood of anaphylaxis but longer peptides with multiple
epitopes are likely to be as effective as multiple short peptides,
for example, in functional T cell-based diagnostics in vitro.
[0036] It is believed that the peptides of the disclosure, such as
those that comprise SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3, are capable of
generating a T cell response in a subject having Celiac disease.
Without wishing to be bound by theory, T cell responses in a
subject with Celiac disease are thought to be caused by T-cell
receptor ligation of the minimal T cell epitopes present in SEQ ID
NOs: 1, 2, and 3 that are presented by HLA-DQ2.5 on the surface of
antigen presenting cells.
[0037] In some embodiments, a peptide is modified during or after
translation or synthesis (for example, by farnesylation,
prenylation, myristoylation, glycosylation, palmitoylation,
acetylation, phosphorylation [such as phosphotyrosine,
phosphoserine or phosphothreonine], amidation, derivatisation by
known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, linkage to
an antibody molecule or other cellular ligand, and the like). Any
of the numerous chemical modification methods known within the art
may be utilised including, but not limited to, specific chemical
cleavage by cyanogen bromide, trypsin, chymotrypsin, papain, V8
protease, NaBH.sub.4, acetylation, formylation, oxidation,
reduction, metabolic synthesis in the presence of tunicamycin,
etc.
[0038] The phrases "protecting group" and "blocking group" as used
herein, refers to modifications to the peptide, which protect it
from undesirable chemical reactions, particularly in vivo. Examples
of such protecting groups include esters of carboxylic acids and
boronic acids, ethers of alcohols and acetals, and ketals of
aldehydes and ketones. Examples of suitable groups include acyl
protecting groups such as, for example, furoyl, formyl, adipyl,
azelayl, suberyl, dansyl, acetyl, theyl, benzoyl, trifluoroacetyl,
succinyl and methoxysuccinyl; aromatic urethane protecting groups
such as, for example, benzyloxycarbonyl (Cbz); aliphatic urethane
protecting groups such as, for example, t-butoxycarbonyl (Boc) or
9-fluorenylmethoxy-carbonyl (FMOC); pyroglutamate and amidation.
Many other modifications providing increased potency, prolonged
activity, ease of purification, and/or increased half-life will be
known to the person skilled in the art.
[0039] The peptides may comprise one or more modifications, which
may be natural post-translation modifications or artificial
modifications. The modification may provide a chemical moiety
(typically by substitution of a hydrogen, for example, of a C--H
bond), such as an amino, acetyl, acyl, amide, carboxy, hydroxy or
halogen (for example, fluorine) group, or a carbohydrate group.
Typically, the modification may be present on the N- and/or
C-terminus. Furthermore, one or more of the peptides may be
PEGylated, where the PEG (polyethyleneoxy group) provides for
enhanced lifetime in the blood stream. One or more of the peptides
may also be combined as a fusion or chimeric protein with other
proteins, or with specific binding agents that allow targeting to
specific moieties on a target cell. The peptide may also be
chemically modified at the level of amino acid side chains, of
amino acid chirality, and/or of the peptide backbone.
[0040] Particular changes may be made to the peptides to improve
resistance to degradation or optimise solubility properties or
otherwise improve bioavailability compared to the parent peptide,
thereby providing peptides having similar or improved therapeutic,
diagnostic and/or pharmacokinetic properties. A preferred such
modification includes the use of an N-terminal pyroglutamate and/or
a C-terminal amide (such as the respective N-terminal pyroglutamate
and C-terminal glutamine of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3). Such
modifications significantly increase the half-life and
bioavailability of the peptides compared to the parent peptides
having a free N- and C-terminus.
[0041] In a particular embodiment, a composition comprising a first
peptide comprising the amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ (SEQ ID
NO: 1), wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the
C-terminal glutamine is amidated (i.e., the free C-terminal COO is
amidated); a second peptide comprising the amino acid sequence
EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP (SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the N-terminal glutamate is
a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal proline is amidated (i.e., the
free C-terminal COO is amidated); and a third peptide comprising
the amino acid sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ (SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein
the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate and the C-terminal
glutamine is amidated (i.e., the free C-terminal COO is amidated)
is contemplated. In some embodiments, the first, second and/or
third peptides consist essentially of or consist of the amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, or 3, respectively. Compositions are
further described herein.
[0042] In another embodiment, a composition comprising first
peptide comprising the amino acid sequence PFPQPELPY (SEQ ID NO: 4)
and the amino acid sequence PQPELPYPQ (SEQ ID NO: 5), optionally
wherein the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is
amidated (e.g., any C-terminal glutamine is amidated); a second
peptide comprising the amino acid sequence PFPQPEQPF (SEQ ID NO: 6)
and the amino acid sequence PQPEQPFPW (SEQ ID NO: 7), optionally
wherein the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is
amidated (e.g., any C-terminal proline is amidated); and a third
peptide comprising the amino acid sequence EQPIPEQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 8)
and the amino acid sequence PIPEQPQPY (SEQ ID NO: 9), optionally
wherein the N-terminus comprises a pyroglutamate (e.g., any
N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate) and the C-terminus is
amidated (e.g., any C-terminal proline is amidated) is
contemplated.
[0043] Certain peptides described herein may exist in particular
geometric or stereoisomeric forms. The present disclosure
contemplates all such forms, including cis-(Z) and trans-(E)
isomers, R- and S-enantiomers, diastereomers, (D)-isomers,
(L)-isomers, the racemic mixtures thereof, and other mixtures
thereof, as, falling within the scope of the disclosure. Additional
asymmetric carbon atoms may be present in a substituent, such as an
alkyl group. All such isomers, as well as mixtures thereof, are
intended to be included in this disclosure. In another example, to
prevent cleavage by peptidases, any one or more of the peptides may
include a non-cleavable peptide bond in place of a particularly
sensitive peptide bond to provide a more stable peptide. Such
non-cleavable peptide bonds may include beta amino acids.
[0044] In certain embodiments, any one or more of the peptides may
include a functional group, for example, in place of the scissile
peptide bond, which facilitates inhibition of a serine-, cysteine-
or aspartate-type protease, as appropriate. For example, the
disclosure includes a peptidyl diketone or a peptidyl keto ester, a
peptide haloalkylketone, a peptide sulfonyl fluoride, a peptidyl
boronate, a peptide epoxide, a peptidyl diazomethane, a peptidyl
phosphonate, isocoumarins, benzoxazin-4-ones, carbamates,
isocyantes, isatoic anhydrides or the like. Such functional groups
have been provided in other peptide molecules, and general routes
for their synthesis are known.
[0045] The peptides may be in a salt form, preferably, a
pharmaceutically acceptable salt form. "A pharmaceutically
acceptable salt form" includes the conventional non-toxic salts or
quaternary ammonium salts of a peptide, for example, from non-toxic
organic or inorganic acids. Conventional non-toxic salts include,
for example, those derived from inorganic acids such as
hydrochloride, hydrobromic, sulphuric, sulfonic, phosphoric,
nitric, and the like; and the salts prepared from organic acids
such as acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, stearic, lactic,
malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, palmitic, maleic, hydroxymaleic,
phenylacetic, glutamic, benzoic, salicyclic, sulfanilic,
2-acetoxybenzoic, fumaric, toluenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, ethane
disulfonic, oxalic, isothionic, and the like.
Peptide Production
[0046] The peptides can be prepared in any suitable manner. For
example, the peptides can be recombinantly and/or synthetically
produced.
[0047] The peptides may be synthesised by standard chemistry
techniques, including synthesis by an automated procedure using a
commercially available peptide synthesiser. In general, peptides
may be prepared by solid-phase peptide synthesis methodologies
which may involve coupling each protected amino acid residue to a
resin support, preferably a 4-methylbenzhydrylamine resin, by
activation with dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to yield a peptide with a
C-terminal amide. Alternatively, a chloromethyl resin (Merrifield
resin) may be used to yield a peptide with a free carboxylic acid
at the C-terminal. After the last residue has been attached, the
protected peptide-resin is treated with hydrogen fluoride to cleave
the peptide from the resin, as well as deprotect the side chain
functional groups. Crude product can be further purified by gel
filtration, high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), partition
chromatography, or ion-exchange chromatography.
[0048] If desired, and as outlined above, various groups may be
introduced into the peptide of the composition during synthesis or
during expression, which allow for linking to other molecules or to
a surface. For example, cysteines can be used to make thioethers,
histidines for linking to a metal ion complex, carboxyl groups for
forming amides or esters, amino groups for forming amides, and the
like.
[0049] The peptides may also be produced using cell-free
translation systems. Standard translation systems, such as
reticulocyte lysates and wheat germ extracts, use RNA as a
template; whereas "coupled" and "linked" systems start with DNA
templates, which are transcribed into RNA then translated.
[0050] Alternatively, the peptides may be produced by transfecting
host cells with expression vectors that comprise a
polynucleotide(s) that encodes one or more peptides. For
recombinant production, a recombinant construct comprising a
sequence which encodes one or more of the peptides is introduced
into host cells by conventional methods such as calcium phosphate
transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, microinjection,
cationic lipid-mediated transfection, electroporation,
transduction, scrape lading, ballistic introduction or
infection.
[0051] One or more of the peptides may be expressed in suitable
host cells, such as, for example, mammalian cells (for example,
COS, CHO, BHK, 293 HEK, VERO, HeLa, HepG2, MDCK, W138, or NIH 3T3
cells), yeast (for example, Saccharomyces or Pichia), bacteria (for
example, E. coli, P. pastoris, or B. subtilis), insect cells (for
example, baculovirus in Sf9 cells) or other cells under the control
of appropriate promoters using conventional techniques. Following
transformation of the suitable host strain and growth of the host
strain to an appropriate cell density, the cells are harvested by
centrifugation, disrupted by physical or chemical means, and the
resulting crude extract retained for further purification of the
peptide or variant thereof.
[0052] Suitable expression vectors include, for example,
chromosomal, non-chromosomal and synthetic polynucleotides, for
example, derivatives of SV40, bacterial plasmids, phage DNAs, yeast
plasmids, vectors derived from combinations of plasmids and phage
DNAs, viral DNA such as vaccinia viruses, adenovirus,
adeno-associated virus, lentivirus, canary pox virus, fowl pox
virus, pseudorabies, baculovirus, herpes virus and retrovirus. The
polynucleotide may be introduced into the expression vector by
conventional procedures known in the art.
[0053] The polynucleotide which encodes one or more peptides may be
operatively linked to an expression control sequence, i.e., a
promoter, which directs mRNA synthesis. Representative examples of
such promoters include the LTR or SV40 promoter, the E. coli lac or
trp, the phage lambda PL promoter and other promoters known to
control expression of genes in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells or
in viruses. The expression vector may also contain a ribosome
binding site for translation initiation and a transcription
terminator. The expression vectors may also include an origin of
replication and a selectable marker, such as the ampicillin
resistance gene of E. coli to permit selection of transformed
cells, i.e., cells that are expressing the heterologous
polynucleotide. The nucleic acid molecule encoding one or more of
the peptides may be incorporated into the vector in frame with
translation initiation and termination sequences.
[0054] One or more of the peptides can be recovered and purified
from recombinant cell cultures (i.e., from the cells or culture
medium) by well-known methods including ammonium sulphate or
ethanol precipitation, acid extraction, anion or cation exchange
chromatography, phosphocellulose chromatography, hydrophobic
interaction chromatography, affinity chromatography, hydroxyapatite
chromatography, lectin chromatography, and HPLC. Well known
techniques for refolding proteins may be employed to regenerate
active conformation when the peptide is denatured during isolation
and or purification.
[0055] To produce a glycosylated peptide, it is preferred in some
embodiments that recombinant techniques be used. To produce a
glycosylated peptide, it is preferred in some embodiments that
mammalian cells such as, COS-7 and Hep-G2 cells be employed in the
recombinant techniques.
[0056] The peptides can also be prepared by cleavage of longer
peptides, especially from food extracts.
[0057] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the peptides can be
synthesised from the peptides which contain a basic or acid moiety
by conventional chemical methods. Generally, the salts are prepared
by reacting the free base or acid with stoichiometric amounts or
with an excess of the desired salt-forming inorganic or organic
acid or base in a suitable solvent.
Compositions, Vaccine Compositions, and Administration
Compositions and Vaccine Compositions
[0058] The disclosure also provides a composition comprising a
first peptide comprising the amino acid sequence ELQPFPQPELPYPQPQ
(SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate
and the carboxyl group of the C-terminal glutamine is amidated; a
second peptide comprising the amino acid sequence EQPFPQPEQPFPWQP
(SEQ ID NO: 2), wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate
and the carboxyl group of the C-terminal proline is amidated; and a
third peptide comprising the amino acid sequence EPEQPIPEQPQPYPQQ
(SEQ ID NO: 3), wherein the N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate
and the carboxyl group of the C-terminal glutamine is amidated. In
some embodiments, the composition is a vaccine composition.
[0059] The disclosure additionally provides a composition
comprising a first peptide comprising the amino acid sequence
PFPQPELPY (SEQ ID NO: 4) and the amino acid sequence PQPELPYPQ (SEQ
ID NO: 5), optionally wherein the N-terminus comprises a
pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate)
and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g., any C-terminal glutamine is
amidated); a second peptide comprising the amino acid sequence
PFPQPEQPF (SEQ ID NO: 6) and the amino acid sequence PQPEQPFPW (SEQ
ID NO: 7), optionally wherein the N-terminus comprises a
pyroglutamate (e.g., any N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate)
and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g., any C-terminal proline is
amidated); and a third peptide comprising the amino acid sequence
EQPIPEQPQ (SEQ ID NO: 8) and the amino acid sequence PIPEQPQPY (SEQ
ID NO: 9), optionally wherein the N-terminus comprises a
pyroglutamate (e.g, any N-terminal glutamate is a pyroglutamate)
and the C-terminus is amidated (e.g., any C-terminal proline is
amidated). In some embodiments, the composition is a vaccine
composition.
[0060] As used herein, the term "vaccine" refers to a composition
comprising peptide(s) that can be administered to a subject having
Celiac disease to modulate the subject's response to gluten. The
vaccine may reduce the immunological reactivity of a subject
towards gluten. Preferably, the vaccine induces tolerance to
gluten.
[0061] Without being bound by any theory, administration of the
vaccine composition to a subject may induce tolerance by clonal
deletion of gluten-specific effector T cell populations, for
example, gluten-specific CD4.sup.+ T cells, or by inactivation
(anergy) of said T cells such that they become less responsive,
preferably, unresponsive to subsequent exposure to gluten (or
peptides thereof). Deletion or inactivation of said T cells can be
measured, for example, by contacting ex vivo a sample comprising
said T cells with gluten or a peptide thereof and measuring the
response of said T cells to the gluten or peptide thereof. An
exemplary T cell response measurement is measurement of the level
of interferon-gamma (IFN-.gamma., see, e.g., NCBI Gene ID 3458 and
Protein ID NP_000610.2) in the sample after contact with the gluten
or peptide thereof. A decreased level of IFN-.gamma.may indicate
deletion or inactivation of said T cells. The level of IFN-.gamma.
can be measured using any method known to those of skill in the
art, e.g., using immuno-based detection methods such as Western
blot or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
[0062] Alternatively, or in addition, administration of the vaccine
composition may modify the cytokine secretion profile of the
subject (for example, result in decreased IL-4, IL-2, TNF-.alpha.
and/or IFN-.gamma., and/or increased IL-10). The vaccine
composition may induce suppressor T cell subpopulations, for
example Treg cells, to produce IL-10 and/or TGF-.beta. and thereby
suppress gluten-specific effector T cells. The cytokine secretion
profile of the subject can be measured using any method known to
those of skill in the art, e.g., using immuno-based detection
methods such as Western blot or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA).
[0063] The vaccine composition of the disclosure can be used for
prophylactic treatment of a subject capable of developing Celiac
disease and/or used in ongoing treatment of a subject who has
Celiac disease. In some embodiments, the composition is for use in
treating Celiac disease in a subject. In some embodiments, the
subject is HLA-DQ2.5 positive. In some embodiments, the subject is
HLA-DQ2.5 positive and HLA-DQ8 negative.
Effective Amount
[0064] The amount of a composition to be administered is referred
to as the "effective amount". The term "effective amount" means the
amount sufficient to provide the desired therapeutic or
physiological effect when administered under appropriate or
sufficient conditions. In some embodiments, the effective amount is
150 micrograms of the peptides provided herein (i.e., 50 micrograms
of the first peptide and an equimolar amount of each of the second
and third peptides). In some embodiments, the effective amount is
26.5 nmol of each of the first, second, and third peptides. Methods
for producing equimolar peptide compositions are known in the art
and provided herein (see, e.g., Example 1 and Muller et al.
Successful immunotherapy with T-cell epitope peptides of bee venom
phospholipase A2 induces specific T-cell anergy in patient allergic
to bee venom. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. Vol. 101, Number 6, Part 1:
747-754 (1998)). In some embodiments, the effective amount is 300
micrograms of the peptides provided herein (i.e., 100 micrograms of
the first peptide and an equimolar amount of each of the second and
third peptides). In some embodiments, this effective amount of the
peptides is administered in sterile sodium chloride 0.9% USP as a
bolus intradermal injection.
[0065] The effective amounts provided herein are believed to modify
the T cell response, e.g., by inducing immune tolerance, to wheat,
barley and rye in the subject, and preferably wheat, barley, rye
and oats. Thus, a subject treated according to the disclosure
preferably is able to eat at least wheat, rye, barley and
optionally oats without a significant T cell response which would
normally lead to clinical manifestations of active Celiac
disease.
Pharmaceutically Acceptable Carriers
[0066] The composition may include a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier. The term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" refers to
molecular entities and compositions that do not produce an
allergic, toxic or otherwise adverse reaction when administered to
a subject, particularly a mammal, and more particularly a human.
The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier may be solid or liquid.
Useful examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include,
but are not limited to, diluents, excipients, solvents,
surfactants, suspending agents, buffering agents, lubricating
agents, adjuvants, vehicles, emulsifiers, absorbants, dispersion
media, coatings, stabilizers, protective colloids, adhesives,
thickeners, thixotropic agents, penetration agents, sequestering
agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents that do not affect
the activity of the active agents of the disclosure. In sortie
embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is a sodium
chloride solution (e.g., sodium chloride 0.9% USP).
[0067] The carrier can be any of those conventionally used and is
limited only by chemico-physical considerations, such as solubility
and lack of reactivity with the active agent, and by the route of
administration. Suitable carriers for this disclosure include those
conventionally used, for example, water, saline, aqueous dextrose,
lactose, Ringer's solution, a buffered solution, hyaluronan,
glycols, starch, cellulose, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin,
malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, magnesium stearate, sodium
stearate, glycerol monostearate, sodium chloride, glycerol,
propylene glycol, water, ethanol, and the like. Liposomes may also
be used as carriers.
[0068] Techniques for preparing pharmaceutical compositions are
generally known in the art as exemplified by Remington's
Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th Ed. Mack Publishing Company,
1980.
[0069] Administration preferably is intradermal administration.
Thus, the composition of the disclosure may be in a form suitable
for intradermal injection. In some embodiments, the composition of
the disclosure is in the form of a bolus for intradermal
injection.
Injectables
[0070] The pharmaceutical composition(s) may be in the form of a
sterile injectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. In some
embodiments, the composition is formulated as a sterile, injectable
solution. This suspension or solution may be formulated according
to known methods using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents
and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The sterile
injectable preparation may be a suspension in a non-toxic
parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a
solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable carriers that may
be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium
chloride solution. In some embodiments, the composition is
formulated as a sterile, injectable solution, wherein the solution
is a sodium chloride solution (e.g., sodium chloride 0.9% USP). In
some embodiments, the composition is formulated as a bolus for
intradermal injection.
[0071] Examples of appropriate delivery mechanisms for intradermal
administration include, but are not limited to, implants, depots,
needles, capsules, and osmotic pumps,
Dosage
[0072] It is especially advantageous to formulate the active in a
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 subject to be
treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active
agent calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in
association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The
specification for the dosage unit forms are dictated by and
directly dependent on the unique characteristics of the active
agent and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and the
limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active agent
for the treatment of subjects. Examples of dosage units include
sealed ampoules and vials and may be stored in a freeze-dried
condition requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid carrier
immediately prior to use.
[0073] The composition may also be included in a container, pack,
or dispenser together with instructions for administration.
[0074] The actual amount administered (or dose or dosage) and the
rate and time-course of administration are as provided herein.
[0075] The administration may occur at least once, e.g., once or
twice a week. In some embodiments, a composition described herein
is administered once or twice a week. In some embodiments, a
composition described herein is administered for 3, 4 or 8 weeks.
In some embodiments, a composition described herein is administered
once a week for 8 weeks. In some embodiments, a composition
described herein is administered once a week for 3 weeks. In some
embodiments, a composition described herein is administered twice a
week for 4 weeks. In some embodiments, a composition described
herein is administered twice a week for 8 weeks. In some
embodiments, the administration occurs 3, 8 or 16 times.
Kits
[0076] Another aspect of the disclosure relates to kits. In some
embodiments, the kit comprises a composition comprising the
peptides as described herein. The peptides can be contained within
the same container or separate containers. In some embodiments, the
kit can further comprise a placebo. In some embodiments, the
peptide or peptides may be contained within the container(s) (e.g.,
dried onto the wall of the container(s)). In some embodiments, the
peptides are contained within a solution separate from the
container, such that the peptides may be added to the container at
a subsequent time. In some embodiments, the peptides are in
lyophilized form in a separate container, such that the peptides
may be reconstituted and added to the container at a subsequent
time.
[0077] In some embodiments, the kit further comprises instructions
for reconstitution, mixing, administration, etc. In some
embodiments, the instructions include the methods described herein.
Instructions can be in any suitable form, e.g., as a printed insert
or a label.
Methods of Treatment
[0078] Aspects of the disclosure relate to use of the compositions
described herein for treating a subject having, suspected of having
or at risk of having Celiac disease.
[0079] As used herein, the terms "treat", "treating", and
"treatment" include abrogating, inhibiting, slowing, or reversing
the progression of a disease or condition, or ameliorating or
preventing a clinical symptom of the disease (for example, Celiac
disease). Treatment may include induction of immune tolerance (for
example, to gluten or peptide(s) thereof), modification of the
cytokine secretion profile of the subject and/or induction of
suppressor T cell subpopulations to secrete cytokines. Thus, a
subject treated according to the disclosure preferably is able to
eat at least wheat, rye, barley and optionally oats without a
significant T cell response which would normally lead to symptoms
of Celiac disease.
Identifying Subjects for Treatment
[0080] In some embodiments, methods described herein comprise
treating a subject who has Celiac disease. Thus, it may be
desirable to identify subjects, such as subjects with Celiac
disease, who are likely to benefit from administration of a
composition described herein. In any one of the methods provided,
the method may comprise a step of identifying a subject likely to
benefit from such administration. Any diagnostic method or
combinations thereof for Celiac disease is contemplated for
identifying such a subject. Exemplary methods include, but is not
limited to, intestinal biopsy, serology (measuring the levels of
one or more antibodies present in the serum), and genotyping (see,
e.g., Husby S, Koletzko S. Korponay-Szabo I R, Mearin M L, Phillips
A, Shamir R, Troncone R, Giersiepen K, Branski D, Catassi C et al:
European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and
Nutrition guidelines for the diagnosis of coeliac disease. J
Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2012, 54(1):136-160. AND/OR Rubio-Tapia
A, Hill I D, Kelly C P, Calderwood A H, Murray J A. ACG clinical
guidelines: diagnosis and management of celiac disease. Am J
Gastroenterol 2013; 108:656-76. AND/OR Ludvigsson J F, Leffler D A,
Bai J C, Biagi F, Fasano A, Green P H, Hadjivassiliou M, Kaukinen
K, Kelly C P, Leonard J N, Lundin K E, Murray J A, Sanders D S,
Walker M M, Zingone F, Ciacci C. The Oslo definitions for coeliac
disease and related terms. Gut 2012; 62:43-52.).
[0081] The presence of serum antibodies can be detected using
methods known to those of skill in the art, e.g., by ELISA,
histology, cytology, immunofluorescence or western blotting. Such
antibodies include, but are not limited to: IgA anti-endomysial
antibody (IgA EMA), IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase 2 antibody
(IgA tTG), IgA anti-deamidated gliadin peptide antibody (IgA DGP),
and IgG anti-deamidated gliadin peptide antibody (IgG DGP).
Deamidated gliadin peptide-IgA (DGP-IgA) and deamidated gliadin
peptide-IgG (DGP-IgG) can be evaluated with commercial kits (e.g.
INV 708760, 704525, and 704520, INOVA Diagnostics, San Diego,
Calif.).
[0082] Subjects can be tested for the presence of the HLA-DQA and
HLA-DQB susceptibility alleles encoding HLA-DQ2.5 (DQA1*05 and
DQB1*02), DQ2.2 (DQA1*02 and DQB1*02) or DQ8 (DQA1*03 and
DQB1*0302). Exemplary sequences that encode the DQA and DQB to
susceptibility alleles include HLA-DQA1*0501 (Genbank accession
number: AF515813.1) HLA-DQA1*0505 (AH013295.2), HLA-DQB1*0201
(AY375842.1) or HLA-DQB1*0202 (AY375844.1). Methods of genetic
testing are well known in the art (see, e.g., Bunce M, et al.
Phototyping: comprehensive DNA typing for HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DRB3,
DRB4, DRB5 & DQB1 by PCR with 144 primer mixes utilizing
sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP). Tissue Antigens 46, 355-367
(1995); Olerup O, Aldener A, Fogdell A. HLA-DQB1 and DQA1 typing by
PCR amplification with sequence-specific primers in 2 hours. Tissue
antigens 41, 119-134 (1993); Mullighan C G, Bunce M, Welsh K I.
High-resolution HLA-DQB1 typing using the polymerase chain reaction
and sequence-specific primers. Tissue-Antigens. 50, 688-92 (1997);
Koskinen L, Romanos J, Kaukinen K, Mustalahti K, Korponay-Szabo I,
et al. (2009) Cost-effective HLA typing with tagging SNPs predicts
celiac disease risk haplotypes in the Finnish, Hungarian, and
Italian populations. Immunogenetics 61: 247-256.; and Monsuur A J,
de Bakker P I, Zhernakova A, Pinto D, Verduijn W, et al. (2008)
Effective detection of human leukocyte antigen risk alleles in
celiac disease using tag single nucleotide polymorphisms. PLoS ONE
3: e2270). Subjects that have one or more copies of a
susceptibility allele are considered to be positive for that
allele. Detection of the presence of susceptibility alleles can be
accomplished by any nucleic acid assay known in the art, e.g., by
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA extracted from
the patient followed by hybridization with sequence-specific
oligonucleotide probes or using leukocyte-derived DNA (Koskinen L,
Romanos J, Kaukinen K, Mustalahti K, Korponay-Szabo I, Barisani D,
Bardella M T, Ziberna F, Vatta S, Szeles G et al: Cost-effective
HLA typing with tagging SNPs predicts Celiac disease risk
haplotypes in the Finnish, Hungarian, and Italian populations.
Immunogenetics 2009, 61(4):247-256; Monsuur A J, de Bakker P I,
Zhernakova A, Pinto D, Verduijn W, Romanos J, Auricchio R, Lopez A,
van Heel D A, Crusius J B et al: Effective detection of human
leukocyte antigen risk alleles in Celiac disease using tag single
nucleotide polymorphisms. PLoS ONE 2008, 3(5):e2270).
EXAMPLES
Example 1: Preparation of a 150 Microgram Dosage Composition of the
First, Second, and Third Peptide
[0083] A dose of 150 .mu.g the peptide composition was defined by
there being 50 .mu.g (26.5 nmol) of pure peptide 1, and an
equimolar amount of peptide 2 and peptide 3. The molar equivalent
of 50 .mu.g peptide 1 was given by 50 .mu.g/1889.3 g/mol=26.5 nmol.
When preparing a solution containing 150 .mu.g of the peptide
composition, for the constituent peptides, the weight of each
peptide was adjusted according to peptide purity and peptide
content of the lyophilized stock material. For example, if the
peptide 1 stock material had peptide purity of 98% and its peptide
content was 90%, the weight of stock material yielding 50 .mu.g,
peptide 1 was 50 .mu.g/(peptide purity.times.peptide content)=50
ug/(0.98.times.0.90)=56.7 ug.
[0084] The molar amount of peptide 1 in 150 .mu.g of the peptide
composition was 26.5 nmol, and the weight of lyophilized peptide 2
stock material was therefore given by 26.5 nmol.times.1833.2
g/mol/(peptide purity.times.peptide content). For example, if
peptide 2 peptide purity was 99%, and peptide content of 95%, the
mass of stock required was 51.7 ug.
[0085] The molar amount of peptide 3 in 150 ug of the peptide
composition was 26.5 nmol, and the weight of lyophilized peptide 3
stock material was therefore given by 26.5 nmol.times.1833.2
g/mol/(peptide purity.times.peptide content). For example, if
peptide 3 peptide purity was 98%, and peptide content of 92%, the
mass of stock required was 55.4 ug.
Example 2: A Phase I Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled,
Multiple Ascending Dose Study in Patients with Celiac disease
Primary Objective
[0086] To determine the safety and tolerability of an equimolar
composition of peptides comprising SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3 (each
peptide comprising an N-terminal pyroglutamate and C-terminal
amidated amino acid) when administered intradermally to human
leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2.5+ patients with Celiac disease on a
gluten-free diet (GFD) (patient has HLA-DQ2.5 genotype (both
HLA-DQA1*05 and HLA-DQB1*02, homozygous or heterozygous) but does
not possesses the genes encoding HLA DQ8 (either HLA-DQA1*03 or
HLA-DQB1*0302))
Secondary Objectives
[0086] [0087] To assess the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the equimolar
composition when administered intradermally to patients with Celiac
disease on a gluten-free diet (GFD) [0088] To assess the effect of
the equimolar composition on the immunological response and on
clinical tolerance to gluten when administered intradermally to
patients with Celiac disease on a GFD
Exploratory Objective
[0088] [0089] To assess the effect of the equimolar composition on
small bowel mucosal histology in patients with Celiac disease on a
GFD
Study Design
[0090] The study included a dose treatment cohort (150 .mu.g per
dose, i.e., 50 micrograms of the first peptide and an equimolar
amount of each of the second and third peptides) that received the
composition provided herein or placebo given intradermally on a
twice weekly schedule for eight weeks in a 2:1 ratio.
Drug Dosage, and Route of Administration
[0091] The composition was an equimolar mixture of three peptides.
The composition dose: 150 .mu.g Placebo: Sodium chloride 0.9% USP
(same as vehicle/diluent for the composition) Dose frequency: twice
weekly Route of administration: intradermal injection All study
injections were prepared by an unblinded pharmacist at the study
center while remaining double-blind to the patient and
investigator.
Safety Assessments
[0092] A medical history, physical examination, vital sign
measurements, ECG, and laboratory assessment (including hematology,
biochemistry, and urinalysis) occurred at certain time points.
Adverse events (AE) and concomitant medications were assessed at
each visit. A daily gastrointestinal (GI) symptom diary and weekly
gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) were used to record
gastrointestinal symptoms throughout the trial. Cytokine,
chemokine, and T-cell measurements were assessed. Presence of
antitherapeutic antibodies were assessed. An independent data
safety monitoring board (DSMB), whose charter was documented prior
to randomization of the first patient, assessed the progress of the
clinical trial, including the safety data, and recommended whether
to continue, modify, or stop the trial at any time.
Pharmacokinetic Assessments
[0093] For each cohort, serial blood samples were collected for
assessment of pharmacokinetics.
Pharmacodynamic Assessments
Specific immune responses were assessed throughout the trial.
Exploratory Assessment
[0094] An upper endoscopy and small bowel biopsy for histological
assessment was performed on patients in the biopsy cohort at
screening and following the last dose of the composition.
Statistical Methods
[0095] No formal hypothesis testing was performed. Data were
summarized appropriately and all data were listed. Adverse events
(AE) were summarized, presenting the numbers and percent of
patients having any AE and having AEs in each system organ class
and preferred term.
Example 3: Results of the Phase I Randomized, Double-Blind,
Placebo-Controlled, Multiple Ascending Dose Study in Patients with
Celiac disease
[0096] 3 cohorts of subjects with HLA-DQ2.5+ biopsy-proven Celiac
disease on a gluten-free diet for at least 1 year were included in
the study. The first cohort (Cohort 1) contained 12 subjects who
were dosed with 150 mcg of a peptide composition (an equimolar
composition in sodium chloride 0.9% USP of 3 peptides, peptide 1,
peptide 2, and peptide 3, comprising SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, and 3,
respectively, each peptide comprising an N-terminal pyroglutamate
and C-terminal amidated amino acid) or a placebo (sodium chloride
0.9% USP) intradermally, twice a week for 8 weeks total. The second
cohort (Cohort 2) contained 12 subjects who were dosed with 300 mcg
of the peptide composition or the placebo intradermally, twice a
week for 8 weeks total. The peptide composition to placebo ratio
for each of Cohorts 1 and 2 were 2:1. Both Cohorts 1 and 2 received
an oral gluten challenge and were assessed for gamma-interferron
(gIFN) release and then returned to baseline prior to starting the
treatment regimen. The third cohort (Cohort 7) contained 14
subjects who were dosed with 150 mcg of the peptide composition or
the placebo intradermally, twice a week for 8 weeks total. The
peptide composition to placebo ratio for Cohort 7 was 1:1. The
subjects in Cohort 7 did not undergo an oral gluten challenge or a
gIFN release assay before starting the dosage regimen.
[0097] The progress of each subject before, during and after the
trial was assessed using multiple tests including serology
(tTG-IgA, DGP-IgG, DGP-IgA, and EMA-IgA), histology, and IFNg whole
blood release assay, and cytokine/chemokines in plasma (measured by
MAGPIX.RTM. multiplex platform).
[0098] Subject disposition is summarized in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Subject disposition. Placebo (from Placebo
All All Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 7 Cohorts 1 (from Subjects
Subjects Completion (150 mg) (300 mg) (150 mg) and 2) Cohort 7)
Dosed Screened Status (N = 8) (N = 8) (N = 7) (N = 7) (N = 7) (N =
39) (N = 67) Screened 67 (100%) Enrolled 8 (100%) 10 (100%) 7
(100%) 7 (100%) 7 (100%) 39 (100%) 39 (58%) Completed the 8 (100%)
6 (60%) 7 (100%) 6 (86%) 7 (100%) 34 (87%) study as required
Completed 8 (100%) 2 (20%) 7 (100%) 5 (71%) 7 (100%) 29 (74%) study
treatment per protocol (received at least 15 of 16 doses) Received
all 7 (88%) 2 (20%) 5 (71%) 4 (57%) 6 (86%) 24 (62%) 16 doses of
study treatment Discontinued 8 (80%) 2 (29%) 10 (26%) the study
prior to completion
[0099] Subject demographics are summarized in Table 2. The extent
of exposure for each subject is summarized in Table 3.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Subject Demographics All Cohort 1 Cohort 2
Cohort 7 Placebo subjects (150 mg) (300 mg) (150 mg) (pooled) dosed
Parameter Statistic (N = 8) (N = 10) (N = 7) (N = 14) (N = 39) Age
(years) N 8 10 7 14 39 Mean 52.0 50.0 42.6 39.1 45.2 SD 11.9 10.1
5.4 15.5 13.0 Median 52.5 52.0 45.0 34.0 47.0 Min 31 28 33 18 18
Max 66 64 47 64 66 Race White n (%) 8 10 7 14 39 (100%) Sex Female
n (%) 7 7 5 10 29 (74%) Male n (%) 1 3 2 4 10 (26%) Height (cm) N 8
10 7 14 39 Mean 167.7 170.1 168.4 170.6 169.5 SD 10.0 9.8 8.3 10.0
9.4 Median 168.7 167.0 173.0 170.5 169.0 Min 154 158 156 156 154
Max 186 186 179 186 186 Weight (kg) N 8 10 7 14 39 Mean 70.66 85.34
74.40 66.55 73.62 SD 11.17 13.02 11.58 12.91 14.07 Median 69.20
85.05 73.00 64.10 70.50 Min 60.2 66.0 58.5 48.5 48.5 Max 95.1 105.5
92.5 92.3 105.5 BMI (kg/m{circumflex over ( )}2) N 8 10 7 14 39
Mean 25.24 29.55 26.13 22.81 25.63 SD 4.28 4.54 2.63 3.72 4.60
Median 23.91 28.91 25.23 22.64 25.23 Min 20.7 25.2 23.3 17.2 17.2
Max 33.2 40.2 30.9 32.3 40.2
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Summary of subject exposure Number of Number
of Cohort Treatment Dose level Doses Total Dose Subjects 1 peptide
150 16 2400 7 composition 1 peptide 150 15 2250 1 composition 1
Placebo 0 16 0 4 2 peptide 300 16 4800 2 composition 2 peptide 300
5 1500 1 composition 2 peptide 300 4 1200 2 composition 2 peptide
300 3 900 1 composition 2 peptide 300 2 600 1 composition 2 peptide
300 1 300 3 composition 2 Placebo 0 15 0 1 2 Placebo 0 10 0 1 2
Placebo 0 5 0 1 7 peptide 150 16 2400 5 composition 7 peptide 150
15 2250 2 composition 7 Placebo 0 16 0 6 7 Placebo 0 15 0 1
Immune Tolerance
[0100] Immune tolerance induced by the peptide composition was
measured using two types of assays: gIFN release to gluten and
cytokine/chemokine plasma assays.
[0101] An ex vivo whole blood cytokine release assay was performed
pre-and post-treatment with the peptide composition. Blood was
collected 6 days after commencing 3-day oral challenge with gluten
(approximately 9 g/day). The MAGPIX.RTM. assay was used to confirm
elevated IFN-.gamma. plasma levels in blood incubated with the
three constituent peptides present in the peptide composition (0.05
mg/mL/peptide), and also to show that levels of interleukin-2 and
IFN-.gamma.-inducible protein (IP-10) correlated with elevated
concentrations of IFN-.gamma.. Pretreatment gluten challenge was
4-5 weeks prior to commencing dosing with the peptide composition.
Post-treatment 3-day gluten challenge was commenced the day after
last dose of the peptide composition.
[0102] Subjects were determined to be responsive to gluten if the
subject had detectable gIFN released after gluten challenge before
the first dose of the peptide composition. By this criteria, 7 of 8
subjects at 150 mcg and 3 of 4 subjects at 300 mcg were responsive
to gluten. Subjects were then determined to be tolerant to gluten
after the last dose of the peptide composition if the subject had
significantly less gIFN released after the second gluten challenge
after the last dose of the peptide composition. By this criteria 5
of 7 subjects at 150 mcg and 1 of 1 at 300 mcg originally
responsive to gluten were tolerant to gluten after treatment (2 of
the 300 mcg subjects did not finish the treatment and were not
included in the tolerance analysis).
[0103] This assessment was also performed using a level of 7.2
pg/mL of IFN-.gamma. in the cytokine release assay as a cut-off
level for reactivity v. non-reactivity to the peptide composition.
As shown in FIG. 5, most subjects that were reactive to the
peptides before treatment (see pre-treatment column in FIG. 5)
became non-reactive to the peptides after treatment (see
post-treatment column in FIG. 5), indicating that treatment induced
immune tolerance to the peptides.
[0104] The second measure of immune tolerance was a plasma
cytokine/chemokine assay. Plasma cytokines and chemokines were
measured at several timepoints pre and post first and last dose
(visits 6 and 21). For a subject to be responsive they needed to
have a greater than 2 fold increase after the first dose for IL-8
and MCP-1. For a subject to be tolerant they had to have less than
2 fold increase after the last dose for IL-8 and MCP-1. By this
criteria, 8 of 8 subjects in Cohort 1 (150 micrograms), and 3 of 4
subjects in Cohort 2 (300 micrograms) and 6 of 7 in Cohort 7 (150
micrograms) were responsive to the first dose. Of the responsive
subjects, 8 of 8, 1 of 1 and 6 of 6 were tolerant in the three
cohorts, respectively. These results indicate that immune tolerance
to gluten and to the peptide composition was induced in several
subjects treated with the peptide composition. The assay results
for an exemplary subject from Cohort 1 (150 micrograms the peptide
composition) who was both responsive and tolerant to gluten and the
peptide composition are shown in Table 4.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Tolerance Assay results for representative
subject from Cohort 1 (tolerant to both gluten and the peptide
composition) Assay Measurement Visit 6 (First dose) Visit 21 (last
dose) GI symptoms 18 6 gIFN release, fold increase 345 0.31 gIFN,
pg/mL 3,461 -4.6 IL-2, fold increase 10 1 IL-8, fold increase 20
0.9 IL-10, fold increase 8.4 0.75 MCP-1, fold increase 18 1.06
Peptide 1, pharmacokinetics 1.67 1.48
Other Parameters of the Study
[0105] Lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed to identify whether
there was systemic changes during treatment with the peptide
composition. FACS analysis showed that there was no change in CD4+,
CD8+, NK or B-cell compartments as expected for antigen-specific
immunotherapy. There were some fluctuations noted in CD19, CD56
cells. Anti-Therapeutic Antibodies (ATA, also called anti-drug
antibodies, ADA) were not detected in any subjects. There was no
difference between the pharmacokinetics of the peptides at the
first and last dose (FIGS. 2-4). The lack of activation of peptide
composition-specific B-cells was consistent with the PK showing no
change between the first and last dose. No subjects converted from
baseline negative to positive after therapy as measured using
standard serology (tissue-transglutaminase-IgA (tTG-IgA),
anti-deamidated gliadin peptide-IgG or IgA (DGP-IgG, DGP-IgA), and
anti-endomysial-IgA (EMA-IgA)). The biopsy Modified Marsh Scores
for the treatment vs. placebo group are shown in Tables 5 and
6.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Biopsy Modified Marsh Scores - treated
Pre-treatment scores Post-treatment scores Bulb + Bulb + Bulb +
Part 2 + Parts (Parts 2, 3) - Bulb + Part 2 + Parts (Parts 2, 3) -
Part 1 Part 3 1, 2, 3 (Bulb + Part1) Part 1 Part 3 1, 2, 3 (Bulb +
Part1) Subject Number 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 13 18 8 10 13 23 3 6 1 2 3 1 4 4 8 0
7 6 3 9 -3 4 2 6 -2 Parameters N 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 Mean 1.7 2.6 4.3
0.9 2.6 2.7 5.3 0.1 Std Dev 2.6 4.8 6.9 3.4 3.8 4.8 8.5 1.5 Median
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Min 0 0 0 -3 0 0 0 -2 Max 6 13 18 8 10 13 23 3
p-value 0.750 1.000
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Biopsy Modified Marsh Scores - Placebo
Pre-treatment scores Post-treatment scores Bulb + Bulb + Bulb +
Part 2 + Parts (Parts 2, 3) - Bulb + Part 2 + Parts (Parts 2, 3) -
Part 1 Part 3 1, 2, 3 (Bulb + Part1) Part 1 Part 3 1, 2, 3 (Bulb +
Part1) Subject Number 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 3 -1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0
0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 -4 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7
2 1 3 -1 7 11 18 4 Parameters N 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 Mean 0.3 0.1 0.4
-0.1 1.9 1.7 3.6 -0.1 Std Dev 0.8 0.4 1.1 0.4 2.7 4.1 6.6 2.3
Median 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Min 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 -4 Max 2 1 3 0 7 11 18 4
p-value 1.000 1.000
Adverse Events
[0106] Treatment emergent adverse events are summarized in Tables
7-9. The adverse events were mainly gastrointestinal symptoms and
headaches, and were worse early on in the study. The GI adverse
events recapitulated oral gluten exposure symptoms. Generally,
adverse events occurred about 2 hours post dosing and resolved
within 24 hours. Adverse events were primarily noted in week 1 of
dosing. Adverse events were more severe in Cohort 1 (150 mg with
oral challenge) than in Cohort 7 (150 mg without oral challenge).
Interestingly, the gastrointestinal symptoms were worse on active
drug vs. placebo early in the study but not late in study. The
adverse events that occurred after the last dose (dose 16) were
similar to placebo. Three subjects from Cohort 2 (300 micrograms
were withdrawn from the study due to gastrointestinal-related
adverse events.
TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs)
Placebo (from All Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 7 Cohorts 1 Placebo
Subjects (150 mg) (300 mg) (150 mg) and 2) (Cohort 7) Dosed (N = 8)
(N = 10) (N = 7) (N = 7) (N = 7) (N = 39) Number of Subjects 7
(88%) 10 (100%) 6 (86%) 5 (71%) 7 (100%) 35 (90%) with TEAEs Number
of Subjects 6 (75%) 9 (90%) 4 (57%) 3 (43%) 3 (43%) 25 (64%) with
Study Drug Related TEAEs Number of Subjects 6 (75%) 8 (80%) 3 (43%)
2 (29%) 19 (49%) with Moderate or Severe TEAEs Number of Subjects 5
(63%) 8 (80%) 1 (14%) 14 (36%) with Study Drug Related, Moderate or
Severe TEAEs Number of Subjects 1 (10%) 1 (3%) with SAE Number of
Treatment- 26 26 22 14 27 115 Emergent Adverse Events Number of
Study Drug 17 16 7 5 5 50 Related TEAEs Number of Moderate 11 12 4
2 29 or Severe TEAEs Number of Study Drug 7 8 2 17 Related,
Moderate or Severe TEAEs Number of SAEs 1 1
TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 AEs by Severity and System Organ Class
Placebo (from All Cohort 1 Cohort 2 Cohort 7 Cohorts 1 Placebo
Subjects System Organ Class, (150 mg) (300 mg) (150 mg) and 2)
(Cohort 7) Dosed Preferred term Severity (N = 8) (N = 10) (N = 7)
(N = 7) (N = 7) (N = 39) Nervous system Moderate 2 (25%) 3 (30%) 1
(14%) 6 (15%) disorders [2] [3] [1] [6] Mild 2 (25%) 3 (30%) 4
(57%) 5 (71%) 4 (57%) 18 (46%) [8] [6] [4] [7] [8] [33] Dizziness
Mild 2 (29%) 2 (29%) 4 (10%) [4] [2] [6] Headache Moderate 1 (13%)
2 (20%) 1 (14%) 4 (10%) [1] [2] [1] [4] Mild 2 (25%) 3 (30%) 2
(29%) 3 (43%) 3 (43%) 13 (33%) [8] [6] [2] [3] [4] [23] Lethargy
Mild 1 (14%) 1 (14%) 2 (5%) [1] [1] [2] Migraine Moderate 1 (13%) 1
(10%) 2 (5%) [1] [1] [2] Mild 1 (14%) 1 (3%) [1] [1] Presyncope
Mild 1 (14%) 1 (3%) [1] [1] Gastrointestinal Severe 1 (13%) 1 (10%)
2 (5%) disorders [1] [2] [3] Moderate 4 (50%) 6 (60%) 10 (26%) [5]
[6] [11] Mild 2 (25%) 2 (20%) 3 (43%) 1 (14%) 3 (43%) 11 (28%) [2]
[2] [4] [1] [5] [14] Abdominal pain Severe 1 (10%) 1 (3%) [2] [2]
Mild 1 (14%) 1 (3%) [1] [1] Aphthous Mild 1 (14%) 1 (3%) stomatitis
[1] [1] Change of bowel Mild 1 (10%) 1 (3%) habit [1] [1] Diarrhoea
Mild 1 (14%) 1 (14%) 2 (5%) [1] [1] [2] Dry mouth Mild 1 (14%) 1
(14%) 2 (5%) [1] [1] [2] Gastrointestinal Moderate 2 (20%) 2 (5%)
disorder [2] [2] Gastrointestinal Mild 1 (14%) 1 (3%) sounds
abnormal [1] [1] Gastrooesophageal Mild 1 (14%) 1 (3%) reflux
disease [1] [1] Lip dry Mild 1 (14%) 1 (3%) [1] [1] Vomiting Severe
1 (13%) 1 (3%) [1] [1]
TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Time course of gastrointestinal/headache
adverse events Count of TEAE_YN Week Week Week Week Week Week Grand
SI_type Treatment 1 2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9 Total Gastro System peptide 4 0
1 0 3 0 8 Organ Class composition (Cohort 1) peptide 8 0 0 2 0 0 10
composition (Cohort 2) peptide 2 1 0 0 0 1 4 composition (Cohort 7)
Placebo 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 (Cohort 1 and 2) Placebo 1 0 2 0 2 0 5
(Cohort 7) Gastro System 15 1 3 3 5 1 28 Organ Class Total Headache
peptide 1 3 3 1 1 0 9 composition (Cohort 1) peptide 5 2 0 1 0 0 8
composition (Cohort 2) peptide 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 composition (Cohort 7)
Placebo 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 (Cohort 1 and 2) Placebo 2 2 0 0 0 0 4
(Cohort 7) Headache Total 10 9 3 3 1 1 27 Grand Total 25 10 6 6 6 2
55
CONCLUSIONS
[0107] The maximum tolerated dose in this study was 150 micrograms.
Tolerance to the peptide composition was induced in 14 of 14
responsive subjects. Tolerance to gluten was induced in 6 of 8
responsive subjects. There was no conversion of negative to
positive tTG serology and biopsy was not worsened by exposure to
the peptide composition.
[0108] A summary of the study as well as the assessments and
further assessments performed during the study in Example 3 are
shown in Table 10 below (which is split up into multiple tables).
An exemplary time course for cohorts 1 and 2 is shown in FIG.
16.
TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Study parameters and assessments Visit 1-5
Double Blind Oral Challenge Visit V1 V2 V3 Day (S = screening, T =
treatment) Parameter Notes Sample S-35 S-34 S-33 S-30 S-28
Treatment: Peptide composition/ Placebo Oral challenge: x x x x
Gluten/Placebo cookies IFN-.gamma. Whole Peptide composition-
IFN-.gamma. WBRA x x x Blood Release NIL pg/mL Plasma-heparin Assay
FACS In PBMC PBMC x ADA Peptide composition Serum x IgG & IgA
titer, reflex peptide 1-3 IgG & IgA CD-serology tTG-IgA (4
kits), DGP Serum x IgG & IgA (2 kits), & EmA PK 10 time
points 0-6 Plasma-EDTA hours. Only trough levels at V17
Histology-Score Bulb, D1, D2 & D3 Biopsy (Biopsy cohort)
duplicate biopsies: Mod-Marsh Score Histology- Bulb, D1, D2 &
D3 Biopsy Quantitative duplicate biopsies: (Biopsy cohort) IEL
density/100 Histology- Bulb, D1, D2 & D3 Biopsy Quantitative
duplicate biopsies: (Biopsy cohort) VH:CrD MAGPIX: In 38 cytokines
and Plasma-EDTA x plasma chemokines MAGPIX: In 38 cytokines and PK
Plasma-EDTA each of 10 PK chemokines x10 time course plasmas
MAGPIX: 38 cytokines and IFN-.gamma. WBRA x x Peptide chemokines
Plasma-heparin composition-NIL response (150 mcg cohort only)
Induction Phase Visit 1-5 Double Blind Oral Challenge (8 weeks of
dosing) V4 V5 V5.1 V5.2 Endoscopy V6 V7 Parameter S-27 S-26 S-23
S-07 S-07 S-07 Screening T + 01 T + 04 Treatment: x x Peptide
composition/ Placebo Oral challenge: x x Gluten/Placebo cookies
IFN-.gamma. Whole x x x x x Blood Release Assay FACS x x ADA x
CD-serology x PK x Histology-Score x (Biopsy cohort) Histology- x
Quantitative (Biopsy cohort) Histology- x Quantitative (Biopsy
cohort) MAGPIX: In x x plasma MAGPIX: In x each of 10 PK time
course plasmas MAGPIX: x Peptide composition-NIL response (150 mcg
cohort only) Induction Phase (8 weeks of dosing) V8 V9 V10 V11 V12
V13 V14 V15 Parameter T + 8 T + 11 T + 15 T + 18 T + 22 T + 25 T +
29 T + 32 Treatment: x x x x x x x x Peptide composition/ Placebo
Oral challenge: Gluten/Placebo cookies IFN-.gamma. Whole x x Blood
Release Assay FACS x x ADA x x CD-serology PK Histology-Score
(Biopsy cohort) Histology- Quantitative (Biopsy cohort) Histology-
Quantitative (Biopsy cohort) MAGPIX: In x x plasma MAGPIX: In each
of 10 PK time course plasmas MAGPIX: Peptide composition-NIL
response (150 mcg cohort only) Induction Phase (8 weeks of dosing)
V21 V16 V17 V18 V19 V20 (EOT) Endoscopy Parameter T + 36 T + 39 T +
43 T + 46 T + 50 T + 53 Follow-up Treatment: x x x x x x Peptide
composition/ Placebo Oral challenge: Gluten/Placebo cookies
IFN-.gamma. Whole x x Blood Release Assay FACS x x ADA x
CD-serology PK x x Histology-Score x (Biopsy cohort) Histology- x
Quantitative (Biopsy cohort) Histology- x Quantitative (Biopsy
cohort) MAGPIX: In x x plasma MAGPIX: In x each of 10 PK time
course plasmas MAGPIX: Peptide composition-NIL response (150 mcg
cohort only) Post-treatment Double Blind Oral Challenge V26 V22 V23
V24 V25 (EOS) Parameter T + 54 T + 55 T + 56 T + 59 T + 61 T + 62 T
+ 63 T + 66 T + 88 Treatment: Peptide composition/ Placebo Oral
challenge: X X X X X X Gluten/Placebo cookies IFN-.gamma. Whole X X
X X X Blood Release Assay FACS X X ADA X X CD-serology X X PK
Histology-Score (Biopsy cohort) Histology- Quantitative (Biopsy
cohort) Histology- Quantitative (Biopsy cohort) MAGPIX: In X X
plasma MAGPIX: In each of 10 PK time course plasmas MAGPIX: X X
Peptide composition-NIL response (150 mcg cohort only)
Example 4: Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Seale (GSRS) Data
[0109] The GSRS is a validated diary tool used in Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease (GERD) studies. The GSRS scale is as follows:
[0110] 1=no discomfort at all
[0111] 2=minor discomfort
[0112] 3=mild discomfort
[0113] 4=moderate discomfort
[0114] 5=moderately severe discomfort
[0115] 6=severe discomfort
[0116] 7=very severe discomfort
[0117] The GSRS was used for all subjects described in Example 3 to
keep track of symptoms. There were 6 questions on: bloating,
diarrhea, hunger pain, nausea, pain, and rumbling. The GSRS was
conducted daily (looking at past 24 hours) throughout the trial
described in Example 3. The daily values were averaged for 6 days
and the following were calculated: cohort means for gluten
challenges, dosing period, and change from baseline is dosing
period.
[0118] The symptom scores during dosing are shown in FIG. 6. The
symptom scores during dosing as changed from baseline are shown in
FIG. 7. The symptom scores during gluten challenge are shown in
FIG. 8.
[0119] Generally, during dosing, symptoms increased from week -1 to
week 1 with Cohorts 1 and 2 (150 micrograms and 300 micrograms with
oral challenge, respectively) increasing more than Cohort 7 (150
microgram biopsy). During the course of dosing, the symptoms in all
peptide composition cohorts (Cohorts 1, 2, and 7) decreased to
where at week 8 there was no change from the week -1 baseline. For
the gluten challenge, the symptom scores were higher for active
gluten than placebo gluten both pre-dosing and post-dosing with the
peptide composition or placebo. However, the mean scores were
between 1 ("No symptoms at all") and 2 ("Minor symptoms").
Example 5: Biopsy Data
[0120] Biopsy data from the study in Example 3 is summarized
below.
[0121] Small bowel biopsies were conducted at duodenal bulb and
parts 1, 2, and 3 of jejunum. 2 biopsies were taken per area=8
pre-dose samples and 8 post-dose samples. Screening biopsies were
all required to be Marsh-Oberhuber 0 or 1 for enrollment into the
study. After collection of the post-treatment biopsy, H+E stained
sections were re-assessed for Marsh-Oberhuber score. Villous height
to crypt depth (VH/CrD) ratios were determined in well oriented
sections. Intra-epithelial lymphocytes (IEL) per 100 epithelial
cells were assessed in anti-CD3-stained slides.
[0122] The Marsh-Oberhuber classification (Oberhuber 1999) is shown
in Table 11 below.
TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Marsh-Oberhuber classification Type 0 Type
1 Type 2 Type 3a Type 3b Type 3c Score 0 1 2 3 4 5 IEL* <40
>40 >40 >40 >40 >40 Crypts Normal Normal
Hypertrophic Hypertrophic Hypertrophic Hypertrophic Villi Normal
Normal Normal Mild atrophy Marked atrophy Absent *Numbers are given
as IEL per 100 epithelial cells (counted from H + E stained biopsy
sections
[0123] The mean villous height to crypt depth (VH:CrD) is shown in
FIG. 9. Two of the 16 screenees excluded as initial read of
histology was scored as modified marsh 3 (villous atrophy and
increased IEL count) indicating "active disease". At the end of the
study, modified marsh score, VH:CrD (N>3) and IEL count per 100
epithelial cells was evaluated by observers blind to the subject
number and timing of biopsy collection.
[0124] It was found that there was no change in VH:CrD before and
after treatment with peptide composition or placebo (FIG. 10,
normal mucosal morphology shows VH:CrD as greater than 3). It was
also found that there was no change in IEL count before and after
treatment with peptide composition or placebo (FIG. 11, normal IEL
count shows fewer than 20 per 100 epithelial cells). It was also
found that there was no change in modified marsh score before and
after treatment with peptide composition or placebo (FIG. 12,
normal mucosa is scored 0, raised IELs 1, crypt hyperplasia 2,
villous atrophy 3-5). The quantitative histology is summarized in
Table 12 below.
TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 VH:CrD Marsh VH:CrD VH:CrD AVG IEL/100
IEL/100 IEL/100 Marsh Marsh AVG AVG AVG DB/D1/ AVG AVG DB/D1/ AVG
AVG DB/D1/ D2/D3 DB/D1 D2/D3 D2/D3 DB/D1 D2/D3 D2/D3 DB/D1 D2/D3
Peptide 1.74 1.34 1.57 47.39 33.89 40.64 0.64 0.43 0.54 composition
screen mean Placebo 2.07 1.46 1.79 34.89 27.21 31.05 0.04 0.07 0.05
screen mean Peptide 1.65 1.63 1.68 46.50 36.71 41.61 0.68 0.64 0.66
composition follow-up mean Placebo 1.92 1.76 1.84 36.82 30.68 33.75
0.43 0.46 0.45 Followup Mean Peptide -0.09 0.29 0.11 -0.89 2.82
0.96 0.04 0.21 0.13 composition Followup Screen Placebo -0.15 0.30
0.05 1.93 3.46 2.70 0.39 0.39 0.39 Followup Screen
[0125] The purpose of assessing biopsies was because tissue damage
defines reactivation and results in complications. It was
hypothesized that biopsies from part 2 and 3 of duodenum were
probably cleanest since they do not contain Brunners glands as do
bulb and part 1. In summary, the peptide composition cohort had a
mean VH:CrD of 1.74 before treatment and 1.65 after treatment, an
IEL of 47 before treatment and 47 after treatment, and a Marsh
score of 0.64 before treatment and 0.68 after treatment. The
placebo cohort had a mean VH:CrD of 2.07 before treatment and 1.92
after treatment, an IEL of 35 before treatment and 37 after
treatment, and a Marsh score of 0.04 before treatment and 0.43
after treatment. It was determined that exposure to the peptide
composition did not worsen the modified marsh score.
Example 6: Further Tolerance Assessments
[0126] The cohorts from Example 3 were analyzed using different ex
vivo whole blood cytokine release assays to assess reactivity and
tolerance to the peptide composition after treatment with the
peptide composition or placebo. The subjects underwent a
double-blind placebo-controlled gluten challenge pre- and
post-treatment. To be reactive to the peptide composition, the
subjects had to have an IFN-.gamma. ELISA after contact with the
peptide composition of >7.2 pg/mL above negative control (not
contacted with the peptide composition) and a stimulation index of
>1.25 or a MAGPIX ratio of peptide composition to negative
control of >2. To be tolerant to the peptide composition, the
subjects had to have net IFN-.gamma. levels <7.2 pg/mL or
stimulation index of <1.25 by ELISA and <2-fold elevation of
IFN-.gamma., IL-2 or IP-10 by MAGPIX at visit 23. According to
these criteria, it was found that 5 of 7 responsive subjects in
Cohort 1 (150 micrograms) became non-reactive to the peptide
composition (FIG. 13). It was found that 3 of 3 responsive subjects
in Cohort 2 (300 micrograms) became non-reactive to the peptide
composition (FIG. 14). It was found that 1 of 7 responsive subjects
in Placebo Cohort (Cohorts 1 and 2 placebo) became non-reactive to
the peptide composition (FIG. 15).
[0127] The cohorts were also analyzed using plasma cytokine levels.
The plasma cytokine levels were measured at 37 time points pre- and
post-first and last dose of peptide composition. For a subject to
be tolerant to the peptide composition, they had to have less than
a 2-fold increase after the last of peptide composition of IL-8 and
MCP-1. It was found that 16 of 16 Cytokine Reactive Patients were
tolerized to intradermal peptide composition, and peptide
composition reactivity was abolished in 8 of 10 Patients treated
with the peptide composition after oral gluten challenge. A summary
of the change in tolerance/reactivity to the peptide composition is
shown in Table 13.
TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Tolerance/reactivity to the peptide
composition Peptide composition Peptide composition reactive first
dose reactive last dose Cytokines cohort 1, 2, 7 cohort 1, 2, 7
IL-8 & MCP-1 16/17 0/16 (plasma) (vs. 0/7 in placebo arms) (vs.
0/7 in placebo arms) Gluten Reactive Gluten Reactive Pre-treatment
(V2/4) Post-treatment (V23) Cytokines Cohort 1, 2 Cohort 1, 2
IFN-.gamma./IL-2/IP-10 10/12 2/10 ex vivo release (vs. 7/7 in
placebo arms) (vs. 6/7 in placebo arms) (6 days after oral
challenge) Peptide composition reactive T-cells in vivo =>2 fold
plasma cytokine increase Peptide composition reactive T-cells ex
vivo =>7.2 pg/ml IFN-.gamma. & SI >1.25 OR >2-fold
increase in IFN-.gamma., IP-10 or IL-2
EQUIVALENTS
[0128] While several inventive embodiments have been described and
illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily
envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing
the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the
advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or
modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive
embodiments described herein. More generally, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the inventive teachings is/are used. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no
more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific
inventive embodiments described herein. It is, therefore, to be
understood that the foregoing embodiments are presented by way of
example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and
equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive
embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each
individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method
described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such
features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if
such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods
are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive
scope of the present disclosure.
[0129] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be
understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in
documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of
the defined terms.
[0130] All references, patents and patent applications disclosed
herein are incorporated by reference with respect to the subject
matter for which each is cited, which in some cases may encompass
the entirety of the document.
[0131] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0132] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Multiple elements listed with "and/or" should be construed in the
same fashion, i.e., "one or more" of the elements so conjoined.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, a reference to "A and/or B", when used in
conjunction with open-ended language such as "comprising" can
refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements
other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally
including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to
both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.
[0133] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0134] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A and:
or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally
including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally
including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at
least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present
(and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another
embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A,
and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and
optionally including other elements); etc.
[0135] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated
to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more
than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method
is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts
of the method are recited.
[0136] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," "composed of," and
the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean
including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases
"consisting of" and "consisting essentially of" shall be closed or
semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the
United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures,
Section 2111.03.
Sequence CWU 1
1
9116PRTArtificial SequenceSynthetic polypeptide 1Glu Leu Gln Pro
Phe Pro Gln Pro Glu Leu Pro Tyr Pro Gln Pro Gln1 5 10
15215PRTArtificial SequenceSynthetic polypeptide 2Glu Gln Pro Phe
Pro Gln Pro Glu Gln Pro Phe Pro Trp Gln Pro1 5 10
15316PRTArtificial SequenceSynthetic polypeptide 3Glu Pro Glu Gln
Pro Ile Pro Glu Gln Pro Gln Pro Tyr Pro Gln Gln1 5 10
1549PRTArtificial SequenceSynthetic polypeptide 4Pro Phe Pro Gln
Pro Glu Leu Pro Tyr1 559PRTArtificial SequenceSynthetic polypeptide
5Pro Gln Pro Glu Leu Pro Tyr Pro Gln1 569PRTArtificial
SequenceSynthetic polypeptide 6Pro Phe Pro Gln Pro Glu Gln Pro Phe1
579PRTArtificial SequenceSynthetic polypeptide 7Pro Gln Pro Glu Gln
Pro Phe Pro Trp1 589PRTArtificial SequenceSynthetic polypeptide
8Glu Gln Pro Ile Pro Glu Gln Pro Gln1 599PRTArtificial
SequenceSynthetic polypeptide 9Pro Ile Pro Glu Gln Pro Gln Pro Tyr1
5
* * * * *