U.S. patent application number 17/203362 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-06 for ceacam1 based cancer therapy and diagnosis.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gal Markel. Invention is credited to Gal Markel.
Application Number | 20220001041 17/203362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005843632 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220001041 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Markel; Gal |
January 6, 2022 |
CEACAM1 BASED CANCER THERAPY AND DIAGNOSIS
Abstract
The invention relates to methods and compositions for the
treatment and diagnosis of cancers. At least one aspect of the
present invention relates to methods and compositions for enhancing
the efficacy of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in the
treatment of cancer by negatively modulating the activity of the
CEACAM1 protein.
Inventors: |
Markel; Gal; (Haifa,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Markel; Gal |
Haifa |
|
IL |
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|
Family ID: |
1000005843632 |
Appl. No.: |
17/203362 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15792185 |
Oct 24, 2017 |
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17203362 |
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11423386 |
Jun 9, 2006 |
9795696 |
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15792185 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61K 38/1774 20130101;
C07K 14/70503 20130101; G01N 2333/70596 20130101; C07K 16/3007
20130101; G01N 33/56972 20130101; A61K 51/04 20130101; A61K 35/17
20130101; A61K 49/0052 20130101; C07K 2317/732 20130101; A61K
49/0004 20130101; A61K 51/088 20130101; A61K 49/0056 20130101; C12N
5/0635 20130101; G01N 33/57492 20130101; A61K 2035/122 20130101;
C07K 2317/54 20130101; G01N 33/574 20130101; C12N 5/0636 20130101;
A61K 49/0058 20130101; A61K 51/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61K 51/10 20060101
A61K051/10; A61K 38/17 20060101 A61K038/17; A61K 49/00 20060101
A61K049/00; C07K 16/30 20060101 C07K016/30; G01N 33/569 20060101
G01N033/569; G01N 33/574 20060101 G01N033/574; A61K 35/17 20060101
A61K035/17; C07K 14/705 20060101 C07K014/705; C12N 5/0781 20060101
C12N005/0781; C12N 5/0783 20060101 C12N005/0783; A61K 51/04
20060101 A61K051/04; A61K 51/08 20060101 A61K051/08 |
Claims
1. A method for enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cancer therapy comprising the modulation of CEACAM1
protein function.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said modulation of CEACAM1
protein function comprises the disruption of a target CEACAM1
homotypic or heterotypic protein-protein interaction.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the disruption of said target
CEACAM1 homotypic or heterotypic protein-protein interaction
comprises contacting at least one protein involved in said
protein-protein interaction with an inhibitory agent that partially
or completely inhibit or disrupt said protein-protein interaction,
said inhibitory agent comprising an amino acid sequence, nucleic
acid sequence, small molecule compound, or combinations
thereof.
4. The method of claim 2, wherein the disruption of said target
CEACAM1 homotypic or heterotypic protein-protein interaction
comprises contacting at least one protein involved in said
protein-protein interaction with an inhibitory agent that partially
or completely inhibits or disrupts said protein-protein
interaction, said inhibitory agent comprising an amino acid
sequence derived from a CEACAM family protein sequence.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the disruption of said target
CEACAM1 homotypic or heterotypic protein-protein interaction
comprises contacting at least one protein involved in said
protein-protein interaction with an inhibitory agent that partially
or completely inhibits or disrupts said protein-protein
interaction, said inhibitory agent comprising an immunoglobulin or
fragment thereof.
6. The method of claim 2, wherein the disruption of said target
CEACAM1 homotypic or heterotypic protein-protein interaction
comprises contacting at least one protein involved in said
protein-protein interaction with an inhibitory agent that partially
or completely inhibits or disrupts said protein-protein
interaction, said inhibitory agent comprising an amino acid
sequence derived from a CEACAM family protein sequence.
7. The method of claim 2, wherein the disruption of said target
CEACAM1 homotypic or heterotypic protein-protein interaction
comprises contacting at least one protein involved in said
protein-protein interaction with an inhibitory agent that partially
or completely inhibits or disrupts said protein-protein
interaction, said inhibitory agent conjugated with a
protein-crosslinking moiety.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is performed in situ,
in vivo, or in vitro.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is performed in a
cell culture comprising a population of Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocytes.
10. A method for enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cancer therapy comprising decreasing the effective
concentration of CEACAM1 functional protein.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein said method comprises the
inhibition of CEACAM1 gene expression, protein synthesis, protein
stability, or combinations thereof.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein said method is performed in a
cell culture comprising a population of Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocytes.
13. A method for enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cancer therapy comprising the enrichment of a Tumor
Infiltrating Lymphocyte cell population for cells lacking
CEACAM1.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said method comprising
contacting said Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte cell population with
a CEACAM1 binding element, said binding element labeled with a
detectable moiety, an affinity-tag moiety, or both.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said CEACAM1 binding element is
an anti-CEACAM1 immunoglobulin or fragment thereof.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein said Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cell population is subjected to affinity purification,
cell sorting, or both.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein said Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cell population is contacted with an anti-CEACAM1
immunoglobulin and complement.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein said Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cell population is contacted with a CEACAM1 binding
element conjugated to a cell toxin.
19. A method for treating cancer in a human patient, said method
comprising the step of administering to the patient a
therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a
CEACAM1 binding agent conjugated to a chemotherapeutic.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises an amino acid sequence derived from a member of the
CEACAM protein family.
21. The method of claim 19, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises an anti-CEACAM1 immunoglobulin or fragment thereof.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises a peptidomimetic or small molecule compound.
23. The method of claim 19, wherein said chemotherapeutic comprises
a cytotoxin, a chemokine, a pro-apoptotic, interferon, a
radioactive moiety, or combinations thereof.
24. The method of claim 19, wherein said chemotherapeutic moderates
cellular metabolism.
25. The method of claim 19, wherein said chemotherapeutic moderates
nucleic acid metabolism, protein metabolism, cell division, DNA
replication, purine biosynthesis, pyrimidine biosynthesis, amino
acid biosynthesis, gene expression, mRNA processing, protein
synthesis, apoptosis, or combinations thereof.
26. A method for diagnosing a cancer in a human patient, said
method comprising the step of contacting a biological sample
derived from said patient with a CEACAM1 binding agent conjugated
to a detectable moiety.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises an amino acid sequence derived from a member of the
CEACAM protein family.
28. The method of claim 26, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises an anti-CEACAM1 immunoglobulin or fragment thereof.
29. The method of claim 26, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises a peptidomimetic or small molecule compound.
30. The method of claim 26, wherein said detectable moiety
comprises a fluorescent molecule, or a radioactive molecule, or a
magnetic particle, or some combination thereof.
31. A method for diagnosing a cancer in a human patient, wherein
said method comprises the step of injecting into said patient a
CEACAM1 binding agent conjugated to a detectable moiety.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises an amino acid sequence derived from a member of the
CEACAM protein family.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises an anti-CEACAM1 immunoglobulin or fragment thereof.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the CEACAM1 binding agent
comprises a peptidomimetic or small molecule compound.
35. The method of claim 31, wherein said detectable moiety
comprises a radioactive molecule.
36. The method of claim 31, wherein said CEACAM1 binding agent
conjugated to a detectable moiety is ingested by said human
patient.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY
REFERENCE
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S.
Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/792,185 filed Oct. 24,
2017, which is a continuation of and related to the claims and
priority from U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 11/423,386,
with docket number 17669US01, filed Jun. 9, 2006, and titled
"CEACAM1 BASED CANCER THERAPY AND DIAGNOSIS," the contents of which
hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Additionally, all cited references in the present applications are
incorporated by reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to methods and compositions for the
treatment and diagnosis of cancers expressing CEACAM1. At least one
object of the present invention tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)
therapy in the treatment of cancer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Immune system cells found deep inside tumor tissue have been
named tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). These cells can be
removed from tumor samples taken from a patient and forced to
reproduce by treating them with IL-2. When injected back into the
patient, these cells often become active cancer fighters.
(Rosenberg S A, Speiss P, Lafreniere R. A new approach to the
adoptive immuno-therapy of cancer with tumor-infiltrating
lymphocytes. Science. 1986; 233:1318-1321.) (Rosenberg S A., et
al., Use of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and interleukin-2 in the
immunotherapy of patients with metastatic melanoma. A preliminary
report. N Engl J Med. 1988 Dec. 22; 319(25):1676-80. (Rosenberg S
A, Packard B S, Aebersold P M, et al. Use of tumor-infiltrating
lymphocytes and interleukin-2 in the immunotherapy of patients with
metastatic melanoma. A preliminary report. N Engl J Med 1988;
319:1676. (Robert Dillman et al., Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes
and Interleukin-2: Dose and Schedules of Administration in the
Treatment of Metastatic Cancer; Cancer Biotherapy &
Radiopharmaceuticals. December 2004, Vol. 19, No. 6: 730-737.
(Rosenberg S A, Speiss P, Lafreniere R. A new approach to the
adoptive immuno-therapy of cancer with tumor-infiltrating
lymphocytes. Science. 1986; 233:1318-1321.) The majority of the
clinical data regarding TIL therapy comes from melanoma studies
(Rosenberg S A, Packard B S, Arebersold P M, et al. Use of tumor
infiltrating lymphocytes and interleukin-2 in the immunotherapy of
patients with metastatic melanoma: a preliminary report. N Engl J.
Med. 1988; 319:1676-1680.) These studies show that TILs can
circulate in patients for extended periods of time and that they
selectively migrate to the tumor and sites of metastases.
[0004] Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the innate immune system
and efficiently kill virus-infected and tumor cells. NK killing is
restricted mainly to cells that have lost class I MHC expression, a
phenomenon known as the missing self. NK cell cytotoxicity is
tightly regulated by various inhibitory, class I MHC-recognizing
receptors. The inhibitory signal is delivered via the
immuno-receptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) sequences
found within the cytosolic tail of these receptors. Families of
class I MHC binding inhibitory receptors include members of the Ig
superfamily, namely killer Ig-related two-domain long-tail (p58)
and three-domain long-tail (p70) receptors, the C-type lectin
complex CD94/NKG2A, and the leukocyte Ig-like receptor (Ig-like
transcript) family.
[0005] There are also other NK-specific receptors, termed natural
cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), which are directly involved in
triggering NK cell cytotoxicity. The NCR group consists of several
proteins, including NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, and CD16. The
cellular lysis ligands for all the NCRs have yet to be identified.
A viral ligand (hemagglutinin) was shown to interact with the NKp46
receptor, and this interaction resulted in the enhancement of lysis
of certain virus-infected cells. Indeed, the killing activity of
target cells by human natural killer (NK) cells is mediated via a
panel of lysis receptors of which is included CD16, NKp30, NKp44,
NKp46, and NKG2D. These receptors recognize viral ligands such as
hemagglutinin, stress-induced ligands such as MHC class I
chain-related antigen A (MICA) and MICB, or other as-yet-undefined,
cellular ligands. As mentioned, cells are protected from lysis by
NK cells mainly owing to the interactions between class I MHC
proteins and the appropriate inhibitory NK receptors.
[0006] A novel class I MHC-independent inhibitory mechanism of
human NK cytotoxicity, mediated via the carcinoembryonic
antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) homotypic
interactions has been identified. Furthermore, it has been
demonstrated that the CEACAM1 protein plays a pivotal role in the
inhibition of killing, proliferation, and cytokine secretion of
interleukin 2 (IL-2)-activated decidual NK, T, and NKT cells,
respectively.
[0007] Once class I MHC proteins are removed from the cell surface,
these cells become susceptible to NK cell attack. It was surprising
to learn that patients with transporter associated with antigen
processing (TAP2) deficiency do not frequently suffer from
autoimmune manifestations at early stages of their life. Activated
NK cells derived from such patients may either be expressing an
unknown inhibitory mechanism or are missing an unidentified lysis
receptor. NK tolerance toward self-cells might be controlled by
similar mechanisms.
[0008] The present inventors have demonstrated that the expression
of the NKp46 receptor is severely impaired in a newly identified
TAP2-deficient family and that the vast majority of activated NK
cells derived from these patients use the CEACAM1 protein
interactions to avoid tumor and autologous cell killing.
[0009] The present inventors have also shown that many of the
CD16-negative NK clones inefficiently kill 1106mel cells because of
the CD66a homotypic interactions The inhibition of NK cell
cytotoxicity by CD66a was dependent on the level of CD66a
expression on both effector and target cells. 721.221 cells
expressing CD66a protein were protected from lysis by
CD66a-expressing NK and YTS cells. Redirected lysis experiments
performed by the present inventors showed that the strength of the
inhibition is dependent on the level of CD66a expression on NK
cells. A dramatic increase in CD66a expression was observed among
NK cells isolated from melanoma patients. As stated above, a novel
class I MHC-independent inhibitory mechanism of human NK cell
cytotoxicity has been demonstrated by the present inventors. Some
melanoma tumors may use this mechanism to avoid attack by NK
cells.
[0010] Human natural killer (NK) cells are able to eliminate a
broad spectrum of tumors and virus-infected cells by using several
receptors, such as CD16, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 and NKG2D. These
receptors recognize either viral ligands, such as hemagglutinin,
stress induced ligands, such as MICA and MICB, or other
yet-undefined cellular ligands. Other NK receptors mediate
inhibition of the killing activity following interaction with MHC
class I proteins present on normal cells. Removal of MHC class I
proteins from the cell surface renders it susceptible to NK cell
attack through the phenomenon known as the "missing self".
[0011] Additional receptors are also able to manipulate NK cell
cytotoxicity and the present inventors have shown a novel MHC class
I independent inhibitory mechanism of human NK cytotoxicity that is
mediated by the CEACAM1 homophilic interactions. This
CEACAM1-mediated inhibition might play an important role in the in
vivo development of melanoma in human patients. A 10-year follow-up
study correlated the presence of CEACAM1 on primary melanoma
lesions with poor survival. In addition, the present inventors have
demonstrated the pivotal role of the CEACAM1 in the inhibition of
killing, cytokine secretion and proliferation of activated decidual
NK, NKT and T cells, respectively. The present inventors have also
provided substantial evidence for a major role of the inhibitory
CEACAM1 interactions in controlling NK cell autoreactivity in
TAP2-deficient patients.
[0012] The presence of human soluble CEACAM1 protein can be
observed in the serum of healthy donors. Furthermore, variations in
serum levels of the soluble CEACAM1 protein are observed in various
pathologies. For example, increased CEACAM1 levels were observed in
the sera of patients with various hepatic diseases such as
obstructive jaundice, primary billiary cirrhosis, autoimmune
hepatitis and cholangiocarcinoma. A decrease in the soluble CEACAM1
level has not been reported.
[0013] It has also been demonstrated that the soluble CEACAM1
protein blocks the CEACAM1-mediated inhibition of NK cell killing
activity in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the present
inventors have demonstrated that serum CEACAM1 levels among the
TAP2-deficient patients are decreased when compared to normal
individuals. These findings concur with the dominant role of the
CEACAM1-mediated inhibition in controlling NK autoreactivity in
TAP2-deficient patients. Thus, the maximal compensatory effect of
CEACAM1-mediated inhibition is attained.
[0014] The human carcinoembryonic Ag (CEA)3 protein family
encompasses several forms of proteins with different biochemical
features. These proteins are encoded by 29 genes tandemly arranged
on chromosome 19q13.2. CEA family genes have been classified into
two major subfamilies, the CEA cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM) and
the pregnancy-specific glycoprotein subgroups. The CEACAM proteins,
which are part of the larger Ig superfamily, include CEACAM1, -3,
-4, -5, -6, -7, and -8. They share a common basic structure of
sequentially ordered different Ig-like domain(s) and are able to
interact with each other. For example, it was reported that various
CEACAM proteins, such as CEACAM1 or CEACAM5, exhibit both
homophilic and heterophilic interactions.
[0015] CEACAM1 (CD66a), a transmembrane protein and member of the
carcinoembryonic Ags family, contains two ITIM sequences located
within its cytosolic tail, and interacts in a homotypic/heterotypic
manner with other known CD66 proteins, including CD66a, CD66c, and
CD66e proteins. It is expressed on a wide spectrum of cells,
ranging from epithelial to hemopoietic origin. Among CD66 proteins
tested, the CD66a protein only is expressed on the surface of
activated, CD 16-negative NK cells.
[0016] The various CEACAM proteins have different biochemical
features, such as anchorage to cell surface (GPI-linked,
transmembrane or secreted forms), length of cytoplasmic tail (long
or short), and the presence or absence of various signal
transduction motifs. These proteins are actively involved in
numerous physiological and pathological processes.
[0017] CEACAM1 is a transmembrane protein that can be detected on
some immune cells as well as on epithelial cells. Many different
functions have been attributed to the CEACAM1 protein. It was shown
that the CEACAM1 protein exhibits antiproliferative properties in
carcinomas of colon, prostate, as well as other types of cancer.
Additional data support the central involvement of CEACAM1 in
angiogenesis and metastasis. CEACAM1 also has a role in the
modulation of innate and adaptive immune responses. The present
inventors have shown that CEACAM1 homophilic interactions inhibit
NK-mediated killing activity independently of MHC class I
recognition. This novel mechanism plays a pivotal role in the
inhibition of activated decidual lymphocytes in vitro and most
likely also in vivo after infection, including for example CMV
infections. The CEACAM1 homophilic interactions are probably
important in some cases of metastatic melanoma, as increased
CEACAM1 expression was observed on NK cells derived from some
patients compared with healthy donors. There is a clear association
of CEACAM1 expression on primary cutaneous melanoma lesions with
the development of metastatic disease and poor survival. The
present inventors have demonstrated the role of CEACAM1-mediated
inhibition in maintaining NK self-tolerance in TAP2-deficient
patients. Additional reports have indicated that CEACAM1 engagement
either by TCR cross-linking with mAb or by Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Opa proteins inhibits T cell activation and proliferation.
[0018] As stated above, the CEACAM1 protein interacts with other
CEACAM protein family members, such as CEACAM1 itself and CEACAM5.
At least part or the entire binding site of human CEACAM1 is
located at the N-terminal Ig-V-type domain of the CEACAM1 protein.
In particular, amino acids 39V and 40D and the salt bridge between
64R and 82D may play an important role in this binding. Most amino
acid sequences of the N-terminal domain of CEACAM1, -3, -5, and -6
are identical, and predicted binding residues are conserved among
the four proteins. These proteins might interact with each other.
This is of particular importance, because in certain tumors the
CEACAM1 protein is down-regulated, followed by upregulation of
CEACAM6 protein expression.
[0019] The present inventors have demonstrated the inability of
CEACAM1 to bind CEACAM6. The present inventors have also directly
shown that the presence of both residues 43R and 44Q in the CEACAM1
is crucial for the homophilic CEACAM1 interaction and that
substitution of these residues with the 43S and 44L residues that
are present in CEACAM6 abolishes the inhibitory effect. The
reciprocal substitution of 43S and 44L of CEACAM6 to the 43R and
44Q residues, respectively, results in the gain of inhibitory
heterophilic interactions with the CEACAM1 protein. Thus, the
dichotomy of CEACAM family members by recognition of CEACAM1 is
determined by the presence of R and Q at positions 43 and 44.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] One object of the present invention is to provide methods
and compositions for the regulation of the immune system and
specific immune responses. Another object of the present invention
is to provide methods and compositions for the regulation of
lymphocyte activity. A still further object of the present
invention is to provide methods and compositions for enhancing the
efficacy of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in the
treatment of cancer.
[0021] One or more of the preceding objects, or one or more other
objects which will become plain upon consideration of the present
specification, are satisfied by the invention described herein.
[0022] One aspect of the invention, which satisfies one or more of
the above objects, is the functional modulation of at least one
protein from the CEACAM protein family. Another aspect of the
invention, which satisfies one or more of the above objects, is the
negative functional modulation of the CEACAM1 (cd66a) protein.
[0023] Another aspect of the present invention provides methods for
enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte cancer
therapy that comprise the modulation of CEACAM1 protein
function.
[0024] Another aspect of the present invention provides methods for
enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte cancer
therapy that comprises decreasing the effective concentration of
CEACAM1 functional protein.
[0025] A still further aspect of the present invention provides
methods for enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte
cancer therapy comprising the enrichment of a Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cell population for cells lacking CEACAM1.
[0026] Another aspect of the present invention provides methods for
treating cancer in a human patient comprising the step of
administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of
a composition comprising a CEACAM1 binding agent conjugated to a
chemotherapeutic.
[0027] A still further aspect of the present invention provides
methods for diagnosing a cancer in a human patient, wherein the
method comprises the step of contacting a biological sample,
derived from a patient suspected of having cancer, with a CEACAM1
binding agent conjugated to a detectable moiety and/or an affinity
moiety.
[0028] A still further aspect of the present invention provides
methods for diagnosing a cancer in a human patient, wherein the
method comprises the step of injecting into the patient a CEACAM1
binding agent conjugated to a detectable moiety.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] While the invention will be described in connection with one
or more embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is
not limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention
includes all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0030] The presently described technology relates to methods and
compositions for the regulation of the immune system and specific
immune responses, and in particular to methods and compositions for
the regulation of lymphocyte activity. One object of the presently
described technology provides methods and compositions for
enhancing the efficacy of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)
therapy in the treatment of cancer.
[0031] One aspect of the present invention is the functional
modulation of at least one member of the CEACAM protein family. The
CEACAM protein family, which are part of the larger Ig superfamily,
include without limitation CEACAM1, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7, and -8. The
CEACAM protein family share a common basic structure of
sequentially ordered different Ig-like domain(s) and are able to
interact with each other.
[0032] In one embodiment of the presently described invention,
regulation of the immune system and/or one or more specific immune
responses is achieved by the negative modulation of CEACAM1 (cd66a)
function. The negative modulation of CEACAM1 function can include
the disruption of a CEACAM1 homotypic or heterotypic
protein-protein interaction. The negative modulation of CEACAM1
function can include for example contacting CEACAM1 with a CEACAM1
specific binding element. The modulation of CEACAM1 function can
also include for example contacting a protein interacting with the
CEACAM1 protein with specific binding element or agent to inhibit
or disrupt formation of a target CEACAM1 protein-protein
interaction.
[0033] These elements or agents include but are not limited to
linear or cyclic nucleic acids, full-length proteins, protein
structural or functional domains, smaller peptides, and
peptidomimetic derivatives. The terms "amino acid sequence,"
nucleic acid sequence," "protein," "polypeptide," "peptide" and
"nucleic acid" include compositions of the invention that also
include "analogs," or "conservative variants" and "mimetics" such
as "peptidomimetics" with structures and activity that
substantially correspond to the compound from which the variant was
derived. These agents can be derived from any protein that
participates in any CEACAM family homotypic and/or heterotypic
protein-protein interaction, or any other protein including but not
limited to immunoglobins having binding specificity to a CEACAM
family protein.
[0034] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the
elements or agents employed to disrupt a CEACAM family
protein-protein interaction to effect control over a particular
immune response can include but are not limited to a full length
CEACAM family protein, or a fragment derived therefrom. CEACAM
family proteins that can be used as include but are not limited to
the CEACAM1 protein represented by SEQ ID No. 1; the CEACAM3
protein represented by SEQ ID No. 2; the CEACAM5 protein
represented by SEQ ID No. 3; the CEACAM6 protein represented by SEQ
ID No. 4; and the CEACAM8 protein represented by SEQ ID No. 5. In
another embodiment of the present invention, the agent employed to
disrupt a CEACAM family protein-protein interaction to effect
control over a particular immune response can comprise any
immunoglobulin, or fragment thereof, specific for the CEACAM family
protein or protein interacting with the CEACAM family protein.
[0035] In still other embodiments of the present invention, the
elements or agents employed to disrupt a CEACAM family
protein-protein interaction to effect control over a particular
immune response comprises a small molecule compound. The term
"small molecule" means any synthetic small molecule, such as an
organic molecule, inorganic molecule, or synthetic molecule, such
as those generated by combinatorial chemistry methodologies. These
small molecules can be synthesized using a variety of procedures
and methodologies, which are well described in the scientific and
patent literature, e.g., Organic Syntheses Collective Volumes,
Gilman et al. (Eds) John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY; Venuti (1989)
Pharm Res. 6:867-873. Synthesis of small molecules, as with all
other procedures associated with this invention, can be practiced
in conjunction with any method or protocol known in the art. For
example, preparation and screening of combinatorial chemical
libraries are well known, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,096,496;
6,075,166; 6,054,047; 6,004,617; 5,985,356; 5,980,839; 5,917,185;
5,767,238.
[0036] In still other embodiments of the present invention, the
elements or agents employed to disrupt a CEACAM family
protein-protein interaction to effect control over a particular
immune response comprises a multimer agent comprising at least two
or more agents according to the present invention, linked together.
The agents, linked together to form the multimer agent, can be
identical or different, and can include but are not limited to any
combination protein, nucleic acid, small molecules, or derivatives
thereof.
[0037] In another embodiment of the presently described invention,
regulation of the immune system and/or one or more specific immune
responses includes the negative or positive modulation of CEACAM1
gene expression or translation of CEACAM1 mRNA. The modulation of
CEACAM1 gene expression or CEACAM1 mRNA translation can involve
contacting a population of cells with a protein, nucleic acid,
small molecule, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment
of the presently described invention, regulation of the immune
system and/or one or more specific immune responses comprises the
negative or positive modulation of CEACAM1 gene expression or
translation of CEACAM1 mRNA. The modulation of CEACAM1 gene
expression or CEACAM1 mRNA translation can comprise any number of
techniques know to those skilled in the art for the modulation of
gene expression, and can involve contacting any environment with a
protein, peptide, peptidomimetic, nucleic acid, nucleic acid
analog, small molecule, or some combination thereof.
[0038] In a further aspect of the presently described invention,
there are provided methods and/or compositions for modulating the
immune system and/or one or more specific immune responses in the
course of treating a disease. Exemplar diseases include cancers,
autoimmune conditions, and those diseases requiring tissue
transplantation.
[0039] One aspect of the present invention provides methods and/or
compositions for enhancing the efficacy of tumor-infiltrating
lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in the treatment of cancer. In one
embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the efficacy of
TIL therapy for the treatment of cancer is enhanced by the negative
modulation of the functional activity of at least one member of the
CEACAM protein family. In one preferred embodiment of this aspect
of the present invention, the efficacy of TIL, therapy for the
treatment of cancer is enhanced by the negative modulation of
CEACAM1 protein functional activity. The negative modulation of the
at least one member from the CEACAM protein family, including but
not limited to the CEACAM1 protein, can be accomplished by any
number of techniques know to those skilled in the art for the
negative modulation of protein function, including but not limited
to the allosteric or non allosteric disruption of a homotypic or
heterotypic protein-protein interaction.
[0040] Certain aspects of the present invention can be performed in
situ, in vivo, or in vitro. For example, the methods and/or
compositions of the present invention can be employed in a cell
culture, including for example a population of Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocytes. The methods and/or compositions of the present
invention may also be employed in the living body of an animal,
such as a human.
[0041] In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the
efficacy of TIL therapy for the treatment of cancer is enhanced by
the negative modulation of CEACAM1 (cd66a) protein function in a
population of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. In one embodiment of
this aspect of the present invention, the efficacy of TIL therapy
for the treatment of cancer is enhanced by the disruption of a
homotypic and/or heterotypic CEACAM1 protein-protein interaction by
contacting a population of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes with
CEACAM1 selective binding elements.
[0042] One object of the present invention includes methods and/or
materials for controlling immunity and/or an immune response that
involves the modulation of CEACAM1 function. The CEACAM1 protein
may or may not be membrane bound. The modulation of CEACAM1
function can include, for example, the addition of a protein,
peptide, peptidomimetic, nucleic acid, nucleic acid analog, small
molecule, or any combination thereof. The CEACAM1 protein itself,
in addition to any peptide or peptidomimetic derived from the
CEACAM1 protein, or any immunoglobulin specific for CEACAM1, or any
combination thereof, can be used to modulate CEACAM1 function.
Also, a CEACAM1 binding partner can itself, in addition to any
peptide or peptidomimetic derived from a CEACAM1 binding partner,
or any immunoglobulin specific for a CEACAM1 binding partner, or
any combination thereof, can be used to modulate CEACAM1
function.
[0043] Another aspect of the present invention provides methods for
enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte cancer
therapy that comprise the modulation of CEACAM1 protein function.
The method of this aspect of the present invention can be performed
in situ, in vivo, or in vitro. For example the method of this
aspect of the present invention can be performed in a cell culture
comprising a population of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes. One
embodiment of this aspect of the present invention comprises the
disruption of a target CEACAM1 homotypic or heterotypic
protein-protein interaction. The disruption of the target CEACAM1
homotypic or heterotypic protein-protein interaction comprises
contacting at least one protein involved in the protein-protein
interaction with an inhibitory agent that partially or completely
inhibits or disrupts the protein-protein interaction. The
inhibitory agent can comprise any an amino acid sequence, nucleic
acid sequence, small molecule compound, or combinations thereof.
The inhibitory agent can include but is not limited to any amino
acid sequence derived from a CEACAM family protein sequence,
including but not limited to sequences derived from the CEACAM1
protein. The inhibitory agent can also comprise an immunoglobulin
or fragment thereof having specificity to at least one of the
proteins involved in the CEACAM1 homotypic or heterotypic
protein-protein interaction. The inhibitory agent that partially or
completely inhibits or disrupts said protein-protein interaction
can also be conjugated with a protein-crosslinking moiety.
[0044] Another aspect of the present invention provides methods for
enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte cancer
therapy that comprises decreasing the effective concentration of
CEACAM1 functional protein. One embodiment of this aspect of the
present invention comprises the inhibition of CEACAM1 gene
expression, protein synthesis, protein stability, or combinations
thereof. The method of this aspect of the present invention can be
performed in situ, in vivo, or in vitro. For example the method of
this aspect of the present invention can be performed in a cell
culture comprising a population of Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocytes.
[0045] A still further aspect of the present invention provides
methods for enhancing the efficacy of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte
cancer therapy comprising the enrichment of a Tumor
[0046] Infiltrating Lymphocyte cell population for cells lacking
CEACAM1. One embodiment of this aspect of the present invention
comprises contacting the Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte cell
population with a CEACAM1 binding element. The CEACAM1 binding
element can include but is not limited to an anti-CEACAM1
immunoglobulin or fragment thereof. The CEACAM1 binding element can
also include but is not limited to any amino acid sequence derived
from a CEACAM family protein sequence, including but not limited to
sequences derived from the CEACAM1 protein. The CEACAM1 binding
element of this aspect of the present invention can be labeled with
a detectable moiety, an affinity-tag moiety, or both. In certain
embodiments of this aspect of the present invention the Tumor
Infiltrating Lymphocyte cell population is subjected to affinity
purification, cell sorting, or both. In still other embodiments of
this aspect of the present invention the Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cell population is contacted with an anti-CEACAM1
immunoglobulin and complement. In a still further embodiment of
this aspect of the present invention the Tumor Infiltrating
Lymphocyte cell population is contacted with a CEACAM1 binding
element conjugated to a cell toxin.
[0047] Another aspect of the present invention provides methods for
treating cancer in a human patient comprising the step of
administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of
a composition comprising a CEACAM1 binding agent conjugated to a
chemotherapeutic. The CEACAM1 binding agent includes but is not
limited to any amino acid sequence derived from a member of the
CEACAM protein family, including but not limited to the CEACAM1
protein. The CEACAM1 binding agent can also comprise an
anti-CEACAM1 immunoglobulin or fragment thereof. The CEACAM1
binding agent can also comprise a peptidomimetic or small molecule
compound. The chemotherapeutic can include but is not limited to a
cytotoxin, a chemokine, a pro-apoptotic, interferon, a radioactive
moiety, or combinations thereof. In preferred embodiments of this
aspect of the present invention, the chemotherapeutic moderates
cellular metabolism. For example, the chemotherapeutic can moderate
or alter nucleic acid metabolism, protein metabolism, cell
division, DNA replication, purine biosynthesis, pyrimidine
biosynthesis, amino acid biosynthesis, gene expression, mRNA
processing, protein synthesis, apoptosis, or combinations
thereof.
[0048] A still further aspect of the present invention provides
methods for diagnosing a cancer in a human patient, wherein the
method comprises the step of contacting a biological sample,
derived from a patient suspected of having cancer, with a CEACAM1
binding agent conjugated to a detectable moiety and/or an affinity
moiety. The CEACAM1 binding agent can comprise any amino acid
sequence derived from a member of the CEACAM protein family,
including but not limited to amino acid sequences derived from
CEACAM1. The CEACAM1 binding agent can also comprise an
anti-CEACAM1 immunoglobulin or fragment thereof. The CEACAM1
binding agent can also comprise a peptidomimetic or small molecule
compound. The detectable moiety of this aspect of the present
invention can comprise a fluorescent molecule, a radioactive
molecule, or some combination thereof. The affinity moiety of this
aspect of the present invention includes but is not limited to a
magnetic particle.
[0049] A still further aspect of the present invention provides
methods for diagnosing a cancer in a human patient, wherein the
method comprises the step of injecting into the patient a CEACAM1
binding agent conjugated to a detectable moiety. The CEACAM1
binding agent can comprise any amino acid sequence derived from a
member of the CEACAM protein family, including but not limited to
amino acid sequences derived from CEACAM1. The CEACAM1 binding
agent can also comprise an anti-CEACAM1 immunoglobulin or fragment
thereof. The CEACAM1 binding agent can also comprise a
peptidomimetic or small molecule compound. The detectable moiety of
this aspect of the present invention can comprise a fluorescent
molecule, a radioactive molecule, or some combination thereof. In
certain other embodiments of this aspect of the present invention,
the CEACAM1 binding agent conjugated to a detectable moiety is
ingested by the human patient.
Sequence CWU 1
1
41108PRTHomo SapiensMISC_FEATURECEACAMI N-terminal domain 1Gln Leu
Thr Thr Glu Ser Met Pro Phe Asn Val Ala Glu Gly Lys Glu1 5 10 15Val
Leu Leu Leu Val His Asn Leu Pro Gln Gln Leu Phe Gly Tyr Ser 20 25
30Trp Tyr Lys Gly Glu Arg Val Asp Gly Asn Arg Gln Ile Val Gly Tyr
35 40 45Ala Ile Gly Thr Gln Gln Ala Thr Pro Gly Pro Ala Asn Ser Gly
Arg 50 55 60Glu Thr Ile Tyr Pro Asn Ala Ser Leu Leu Ile Gln Asn Val
Thr Gln65 70 75 80Asn Asp Thr Gly Phe Tyr Thr Leu Gln Val Ile Lys
Ser Asp Leu Val 85 90 95Asn Glu Glu Ala Thr Gly Gln Phe His Val Tyr
Pro 100 1052108PRTHomo SapiensMISC_FEATURECEACAM3 N-terminal domain
2Lys Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser Met Pro Leu Ser Val Ala Glu Gly Lys Glu1 5
10 15Val Leu Leu Leu Val His Asn Leu Pro Gln His Leu Phe Gly Tyr
Ser 20 25 30Trp Tyr Lys Gly Glu Arg Val Asp Gly Asn Ser Leu Ile Val
Gly Tyr 35 40 45Val Ile Gly Thr Gln Gln Ala Thr Pro Gly Ala Ala Tyr
Ser Gly Arg 50 55 60Glu Thr Ile Tyr Thr Asn Ala Ser Leu Leu Ile Gln
Asn Val Thr Gln65 70 75 80Asn Asp Ile Gly Phe Tyr Thr Leu Gln Val
Ile Lys Ser Asp Leu Val 85 90 95Asn Glu Glu Ala Thr Gly Gln Phe His
Val Tyr Gln 100 1053108PRTHomo SapiensMISC_FEATURECEACAM5
N-terminal domain 3Lys Leu Thr Ile Glu Ser Thr Pro Phe Asn Val Ala
Glu Gly Lys Glu1 5 10 15Val Leu Leu Leu Val His Asn Leu Pro Gln His
Leu Phe Gly Tyr Ser 20 25 30Trp Tyr Lys Gly Glu Arg Val Asp Gly Asn
Arg Gln Ile Ile Gly Tyr 35 40 45Val Ile Gly Thr Gln Gln Ala Thr Pro
Gly Pro Ala Tyr Ser Gly Arg 50 55 60Glu Ile Ile Tyr Pro Asn Ala Ser
Leu Leu Ile Gln Asn Ile Ile Gln65 70 75 80Asn Asp Thr Gly Phe Tyr
Thr Leu His Val Ile Lys Ser Asp Leu Val 85 90 95Asn Glu Glu Ala Thr
Gly Gln Phe Arg Val Tyr Pro 100 1054108PRTHomo
SapiensMISC_FEATURECEACAM6 N-terminal domain 4Lys Leu Thr Ile Glu
Ser Thr Pro Phe Asn Val Ala Glu Gly Lys Glu1 5 10 15Val Leu Leu Leu
Ala His Asn Leu Pro Gln Asn Arg Ile Gly Tyr Ser 20 25 30Trp Tyr Lys
Gly Glu Arg Val Asp Gly Asn Ser Leu Ile Val Gly Tyr 35 40 45Val Ile
Gly Thr Gln Gln Ala Thr Pro Gly Pro Ala Tyr Ser Gly Arg 50 55 60Glu
Thr Ile Tyr Pro Asn Ala Ser Leu Leu Ile Gln Asn Val Thr Gln65 70 75
80Asn Asp Thr Gly Phe Tyr Thr Leu Gln Val Ile Lys Ser Asp Leu Val
85 90 95Asn Glu Glu Ala Thr Gly Gln Phe His Val Tyr Pro 100 105
* * * * *