U.S. patent application number 17/522320 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-05 for administration of a selective il-6-trans-signalling inhibitor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Ferring B.V.. Invention is credited to Ian Cottingham, Niclas Axel Petri.
Application Number | 20220135652 17/522320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220135652 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cottingham; Ian ; et
al. |
May 5, 2022 |
ADMINISTRATION OF A SELECTIVE IL-6-TRANS-SIGNALLING INHIBITOR
Abstract
A selective IL-6-trans-signalling inhibitor can be used to treat
a variety of IL-6-mediated conditions, including inflammatory
diseases and cancer. The inhibitor can safely be administered to
humans at a variety of doses. Moreover, the inhibitor lessens
deleterious effects associated with other IL-6 inhibitors such as
lowering neutrophil counts, platelet counts and levels of
C-reactive protein.
Inventors: |
Cottingham; Ian; (St-Prex,
CH) ; Petri; Niclas Axel; (Copenhagen, DK) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ferring B.V. |
Hoofddorp |
|
NL |
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|
Appl. No.: |
17/522320 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15532092 |
May 31, 2017 |
11198721 |
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PCT/IB2015/002459 |
Dec 1, 2015 |
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17522320 |
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62086054 |
Dec 1, 2014 |
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International
Class: |
C07K 14/715 20060101
C07K014/715; C07K 14/54 20060101 C07K014/54 |
Claims
1.-23. (canceled)
24. A method for the treatment of an inflammatory disease or an
IL-6-mediated condition in a human, said method comprising
administering to a human in need thereof an effective amount of a
polypeptide dimer that inhibits IL-6 trans-signaling, wherein the
polypeptide dimer comprises two monomers, each monomer comprises an
amino acid sequence having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID
NO: 1, wherein the effective amount is 0.5 mg to 5 g of the
polypeptide dimer.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein each monomer comprises an amino
acid sequence having at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:
1.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the monomers have SEQ ID NO:
1.
27. The method of claim 24, wherein the effective amount is 7.5 mg
to 1 g of the polypeptide dimer.
28. The method of claim 24, wherein the effective amount is 60 mg
to 1 g of the polypeptide dimer.
29. The method of claim 24, wherein the polypeptide dimer is
administered daily or twice- or thrice-weekly.
30. The method of claim 24, wherein the polypeptide dimer is
administered every 7-60 days.
31. The method of claim 24, wherein the polypeptide dimer is
administered every 7-30 days.
32. The method of claim 24, wherein the polypeptide dimer is
administered every 7-20 days.
33. The method of claim 24, wherein the polypeptide dimer is
administered every 7 days.
34. The method of claim 31, wherein the polypeptide dimer is
administered every 14 days.
35. The method of claim 24, wherein the polypeptide dimer is
administered parenterally, intravenously or subcutaneously.
36. The method of claim 24, wherein the inflammatory disease or
IL-6-mediated condition is inflammatory bowel disease.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the inflammatory bowel disease
is Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
38. The method of claim 36, wherein the treatment induces or
maintains the remission of inflammatory bowel disease.
39. The method of claim 24, wherein the inflammatory disease or
IL-6-mediated condition is rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, uveitis
or atherosclerosis.
40. The method of claim 24, wherein the inflammatory disease or
IL-6-mediated condition is colitis not associated with inflammatory
bowel disease.
41. The method of claim 40, wherein the colitis is radiation
colitis, diverticular colitis, ischemic colitis, infectious
colitis, celiac disease, autoimmune colitis, or colitis resulting
from allergies affecting the colon.
42. The method of claim 24, wherein neutrophil counts, platelet
counts and/or levels of C-reactive protein are maintained within a
physiologically normal range after administration of the
polypeptide dimer.
43. The method of claim 24, wherein each monomer comprises the
gp130 D6 domain corresponding to the amino acids at positions
585-595 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and an Fc domain hinge region comprising
the amino acids at positions 609-612 of SEQ ID NO: 1, and each
monomer does not comprise a linker between the gp130 D6 domain and
the Fc domain hinge region.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/532,092, filed May 31, 2017, which is the National Stage of
International Application No. PCT/M2015/002459, filed Dec. 1, 2015,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/086,054, filed Dec. 1, 2014, the contents of each of which are
hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0002] In accordance with 37 CFR .sctn. 1.52(e)(5), a Sequence
Listing in the form of a text file (entitled
"P110641PC00_Sequence_listing.txt", created on May 31, 2017, and
having a size of 39,640 bytes) is hereby incorporated by reference
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0003] IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by hematopoietic and
non-hematopoietic cells, e.g. in response to infection and tissue
damage. IL-6 exerts its multiple biological activities through two
main signalling pathways, a so-called classic ligand-receptor
pathway via membrane-bound IL-6R present mainly on hepatocytes and
certain leukocytes, and a trans-signalling pathway via circulating
sIL-6R originating from proteolytic cleavage of the membrane-bound
IL-6R or from alternative splicing.
[0004] In the classic pathway, IL-6 directly binds to
membrane-bound IL-6R on the surface of a limited range of cell
types. The IL-6/IL-6R complex associates with a pre-formed dimer of
the signal-transducing gp130 receptor protein, causing steric
changes in the gp130 homodimer and thereby initiating an
intracellular signalling cascade. Classic signalling is responsible
for acute inflammatory defense mechanisms and crucial physiological
IL-6 functions, such as growth and regenerative signals for
intestinal epithelial cells.
[0005] The extracellular domains of IL-6R and gp130 can be
generated without the membrane-anchoring domains by translation of
alternatively-spliced mRNAs resulting in sIL-6R and sgp130
variants. Additionally, the extracellular domain of IL-6R can be
shed by membrane-bound proteases of the A disintegrin and
metalloprotease (ADAM) family (in humans, ADAM17) to generate
sIL-6R. In the trans-signalling process, sIL-6R binds to IL-6,
forming an agonistic complex which binds to trans-membrane gp130
dimers present on a multitude of cell types that do not express
membrane-bound IL-6R; IL-6 signalling by signal transducers and
activators of transcription (STATs) is then induced in cells which
do not normally respond to IL-6. The activity of the IL-6/sIL-6R
complex is normally controlled by levels of sgp130 present in the
circulation which effectively compete with membrane-bound gp130.
Trans-signalling is mainly involved in chronic inflammation and has
been shown to prevent disease-promoting mucosal T-cell populations
from going into apoptosis.
[0006] It would be desirable to have a molecule that mimics the
natural trans-signalling inhibitor sgp130, but with a higher
binding affinity and, consequently, a stronger inhibitory activity.
Moreover, it would be desirable to have a molecule that can be
administered to humans with minimal toxicity and immunogenic
potential.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It has now been found that a selective IL-6-trans-signalling
inhibitor can be administered to humans without any significant
deleterious effects over a large dosage range. Moreover, it has
been surprisingly found that the terminal half-life of the
inhibitor allows dosing on a weekly, biweekly (i.e., every other
week), monthly or even lesser frequency.
[0008] In certain embodiments, the invention includes an inhibitor
(e.g., a polypeptide dimer as disclosed herein) for the treatment
of an inflammatory disease or IL-6-mediated condition, wherein the
polypeptide is administered at a dose of 0.5 mg to 5 g. The
invention also includes a method of treating inflammatory disease
by administering the inhibitor (e.g., a polypeptide dimer as
disclosed herein), where the inhibitor dose is from 0.5 mg to 5 g.
The invention further includes use of such an inhibitor in the
manufacture of a medicament for treating an inflammatory disease at
the indicated dose. Preferably, a human is treated.
[0009] In other embodiments, the invention includes a polypeptide
dimer as disclosed herein for treating an IL-6-mediated condition
without significantly lowering neutrophil counts, platelet counts
and/or levels of C-reactive protein or without lowering neutrophil
counts, platelet counts and/or levels of C-reactive protein below a
normal range in healthy subjects or patients suffering from an
IL-6-mediated condition. The invention also includes a method of
treating an IL-6-mediated condition by administering a polypeptide
dimer as disclosed herein, wherein the method does not
significantly lower neutrophil counts, platelet counts and/or
levels of C-reactive protein. The invention further includes use of
such a polypeptide dimer in the manufacture of a medicament for
treating an IL-6-mediated condition without significantly lowering
neutrophil counts, platelet counts and/or levels of C-reactive
protein. Preferably, a human is treated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 shows the trans-signalling pathway of IL-6. sIL-6R
generated from alternatively spliced mRNA or proteolytic cleavage
is able to bind to IL-6 to form a IL-6/sIL-6 complex that binds to
gp130 present on the vast majority of body cell types and induce a
intracellular signalling cascade.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows that a polypeptide dimer comprising two
monomers of SEQ ID NO: 1 does not interfere with IL-6 binding to
membrane-bound IL-6R (classic signalling), but selectively binds to
the IL-6/sIL-6R complex and prevents trans-signalling.
[0012] FIG. 3 shows profiles after i.v. infusion of Peptide 1 (left
panel) at 0.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg and 750 mg
and s.c. injection (right panel) at 60 mg (2.times.2 mL).
[0013] FIG. 4 shows profiles after intravenous administration at 75
mg, 300 mg and 750 mg in healthy subjects (left panel) and CD
patients in clinical remission (right panel).
[0014] FIG. 5 shows profiles after intravenous administration at 75
mg, 300 mg and 750 mg once a week for 4 weeks in healthy
subjects.
[0015] FIG. 6 shows model predictions using a 2-compartment
structural PK model (solid line) and observed data (circles) in
trial 000115.
[0016] FIGS. 7A-7C show the nucleotide (SEQ ID NO: 8) and amino
acid (SEQ ID NO: 9) sequence of the single gp130-Fc subunit.
[0017] FIGS. 8A-8F show nucleotide sequence elements of the
expression plasmid pFER02. FIG. 8A depicts CMV IE Promoter (SEQ ID
NO: 10). FIG. 8B depicts Human IgH PolyA (SEQ ID NO: 11). FIG. 8C
depicts Amp (bla) gene (SEQ ID NO: 12). FIG. 8D depicts SV40
Promoter (SEQ ID NO: 13). FIG. 8E depicts Dihydrofolate Reductase
Coding Sequence (SEQ ID NO: 14). FIG. 8F depicts SV40 Poly (SEQ ID
NO: 15).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] Preferred inhibitors of the invention include a dimer of two
gp130-Fc fusion monomers (e.g., two monomers of SEQ ID NO:1). In
its active form, the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 exists as a dimer
linked by two disulfide linkages at Cys623 and Cys626 (FIG. 2). SEQ
ID NO: 2 corresponds to the amino acid sequence of a gp130-Fc
fusion monomer having the endogenous signal peptide. The signal
peptide is removed during protein synthesis, resulting in the
production of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1.
[0019] The polypeptide dimers described herein selectively inhibit
excessive trans-signalling (FIG. 1) and induces apoptosis of the
detrimental T-cells involved in multiple inflammatory diseases. The
polypeptide dimer targets and neutralises IL-6/sIL-6R complexes and
is therefore expected to only inhibit IL-6 trans-signalling in the
desired therapeutic concentrations, leaving classic signalling and
its many physiological functions, as well as its acute inflammatory
defence mechanisms, intact (FIG. 2). The polypeptide dimer is
believed to be unable to interfere with classic IL-6 signalling due
to steric hindrance; the Fc portion is unable to insert into a cell
membrane, making the gp130 portion unavailable for binding to
membrane-bound IL-6/sIL-6R complex. Thus, the polypeptide dimer is
expected to have efficacy similar to global IL-6 blockade (e.g.,
tocilizumab, sirukumab) but with fewer side effects.
[0020] Polypeptide dimers described herein preferably comprise
gp130-Fc monomers having the sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO:1.
In certain embodiments, the monomers have the sequence
corresponding to SEQ ID NO:2. In certain embodiments, polypeptide
dimers described herein comprise polypeptides having at least 90%,
95%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 99.5% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 or
SEQ ID NO:2. Preferably, the polypeptide comprises the gp130 D6
domain (in particular amino acids TFTTPKFAQGE: amino acid positions
585-595 of SEQ ID NO:1), AEGA in the Fc domain hinge region (amino
acid positions 609-612 of SEQ ID NO:1) and does not comprise a
linker between the gp130 portion and the Fc domain. In a preferred
embodiment, the disclosure provides a polypeptide dimer comprising
two monomers having an amino acid sequence at least 90% sequence
identify to SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the amino acid sequence comprises
the gp130 D6 domain, AEGA in the Fc domain hinge region, and there
is no linker present between the gp130 portion and the Fc domain.
In a preferred embodiment, the disclosure provides a polypeptide
dimer comprising two monomers having an amino acid sequence at
least 90% sequence identify to SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the amino acid
sequence comprises the gp130 D6 domain, AEGA in the Fc domain hinge
region, and there is no linker present between the gp130 portion
and the Fc domain.
[0021] It is desirable for polypeptides to be substantially free of
galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose moieties, as these are associated
with an immunogenic response. It was surprisingly found that dimers
of the invention have low levels of such moieties. In preferred
embodiments, the polypeptide dimer contains no greater than 6% of
galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose per mole polypeptide. Preferably, the
polypeptide dimer contains no greater than 4 mole %, 3 mole %, 2
mole %, 1 mole %, 0.5 mole %, 0.2 mole %, 0.1 mole % or even an
undetectable level of galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (e.g., as
measured by WAX-HPLC, NP-HPLC or WAX, preferably as determined by
WAX-HPLC). In other embodiments, the polypeptide dimer contains
less than 6%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, or even 0.1% of
galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, relative to the total amount of
glycans, either by mass or on a molar basis.
[0022] It is also desirable for a polypeptide of the invention to
be sialylated. This has the advantage of increasing the half-life
of polypeptides of the invention. Each chain of the polypeptide
dimer contains 10 N-glycosylation sites; nine N-glycosylation sites
are located in the gp130 portion and one N-glycosylation site is
located in the Fc portion. The polypeptide therefore contains a
total of 20 glycosylation sites. In certain embodiments, a mean of
at least 52% or at least 54% of glycans on the polypeptide include
a sialic acid residue, such as a mean from 52-65% (e.g., as
measured by WAX-HPLC, NP-HPLC or WAX, preferably as determined by
WAX-HPLC). Preferably, the polypeptide of the invention has an
approximate molecular weight of 220 kDa; each 93 kDA having an
additional .about.20 kDa molecular weight derived from 10
N-glycosylation chains.
[0023] It is further desirable to minimize the extent to which
polypeptides aggregate, which is herein referred to as
oligomerization which results in oligomeric aggregates. "Oligomeric
aggregates" as used herein, does not refer to the active dimerized
peptide. Instead, the term refers to at least a dimer of active
dimers. In was surprisingly found that the peptide dimers of the
invention display low levels of aggregation. In certain
embodiments, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than
2%, less than 1.5%, or even less than 1.0% of the polypeptide is
present as an oligomer. The oligomer content can be measured, for
example, by size exclusion chromatography-multi angle light
scatting (SEC-MALS) or SEC-UV.
[0024] Preferably, the polypeptide dimer is present in its
full-length form (e.g., includes two full length monomers, e.g., of
SEQ ID NO:1). However, cell culture can produce a truncated variant
referred to herein as the single gp130 form (SGF). SGF is a
covalently-bound two-chain molecule, one chain comprising a
full-length gp130-Fc monomer (e.g., of SEQ ID NO:1) and a second
chain comprising a truncated gp130-Fc monomer (e.g., a truncation
of SEQ ID NO:1), which second chain includes the Fc domain and
lacks most or all of the gp130 domain (e.g., terminated before the
linker sequence to the Fc region). Studies to date demonstrate that
SGF does not have a heterogeneous amino-terminus. SGF can be formed
at consistent levels in a bioreactor and once formed, SGF levels
are not readily changed during purification, processing or
accelerated storage conditions. SGF levels can be difficult to
remove during purification due to similar physical-chemical
properties to the full-length form of the polypeptide dimer; thus
efforts to remove SGF can result in a significant reduction in
yield. It was surprisingly found that polypeptide dimers of the
invention are nearly always full-length. In certain embodiments,
the composition of the invention comprises polypeptide dimers
comprising no greater than 4.0% by weight, 3.0% by weight, 2.0% by
weight or even 1.5% by weight of polypeptides that are a truncated
variation of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 with respect to
polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 1. In certain embodiments, the
composition of the invention comprises no greater than 4.0% by
weight, 3.0% by weight, 2.0% by weight or even 1.5% by weight of
polypeptides that are a truncated variation of the polypeptide of
SEQ ID NO: 2 with respect to polypeptides of SEQ ID NO: 2.
Dosing
[0025] The doses described herein represent a dose range that are
believed to be safe and tolerable, based upon Phase I data. Other
compounds targeting IL-6R or IL-6 have often displayed, in early
clinical trials, decreased neutrophil and platelet counts and lower
levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) both in healthy subjects and
patients with RA. However, the observed levels in neutrophil and
platelet counts in healthy subjects dosed with the polypeptide of
the invention were still within the normal range. It appears, from
the results from the Phase I program, that the polypeptide of the
invention does not display the same effects on biomarkers as
compounds targeting IL-6R or IL-6.
[0026] In the two trials with the polypeptide dimers comprising
monomers of SEQ ID NO: 1, an ex vivo assay measuring the level of
activation of STAT 3 by stimulating whole blood samples from the
subjects with hyper IL-6 was employed as an assessment of the
activity of the drug. Concentration levels of the polypeptide
comprising monomers of SEQ ID NO: 1 above 1 .mu.g/mL are believed
to be related to suppressed signal to baseline in the secondary
messenger (STAT3) assay. The concentration level of the polypeptide
dimers comprising monomers of SEQ ID NO: 1 would correspond to the
peak levels of the 7.5 mg dose. A dose of 75 mg administered as an
i.v. infusion has been shown to have a concentration above 1
.mu.g/mL at steady state for a dosing interval of one week. The
corresponding dose administered every two weeks is 300 mg. It is
believed that 60 mg administered as a subcutaneous injection is
believed to result in the same steady state for dosing every
week.
[0027] In certain embodiments, the dose is from 0.5 mg to 5 g
polypeptide dimer. For example, the dose can be from 5 mg to 3 g,
10 mg to 2 g, 60 mg to 1 g or preferably from 60 mg to 750 mg.
[0028] The polypeptide dimers can be administered at a frequency
appropriate for the intended condition. In certain embodiments, the
polypeptide dimer is dosed once every 7-60 days. For example, the
polypeptide dimers can be dosed once every 7-30 days or 7-20 days.
In preferred embodiments, the dose occurs weekly (once every 7
days) or biweekly (once every 14 days). Doses can also occur on a
daily basis or twice- or thrice-weekly. A dose refers to a single
dosing episode, whether the dose is a unit dosage form or multiple
unit dosage forms taken together (e.g., ingestion of two or more
pills, receiving two or more injections). As discussed below, this
dose frequency could not be predicted from animal studies. Human
clinical trials found a mean half-life of 4.6 days to 5.5 days. In
contrast, cynomolgus monkeys had a half-life of only 0.7 days when
administered the polypeptide dimers intravenously and 1.4-1.5 days
subcutaneously.
[0029] The polypeptide dimer of the invention is typically
administered parenterally, such as intravenously or subcutaneously.
Administration can occur according to one of the dosing frequencies
disclosed herein.
[0030] In certain embodiments, the polypeptide dimer is
administered intravenously, dosed once every 7-60 days with a dose
from 60 mg to 1 g.
[0031] In certain such embodiments, the polypeptide dimer is
administered intravenously, dosed once every 7-30 days with a dose
from 60 mg to 1 g.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the polypeptide dimer is
administered intravenously, dosed weekly with a dose from 60 mg to
1 g.
[0033] In another exemplary embodiment, the polypeptide dimer is
administered intravenously, dosed biweekly with a dose from 60 mg
to 1 g.
[0034] In certain embodiments, the polypeptide dimer is
administered subcutaneously, dosed once every 7-60 days with a dose
from 60 mg to 600 g.
[0035] In certain embodiments, the polypeptide dimer is
administered subcutaneously, dosed once every 7-30 days with a dose
from 60 mg to 600 g.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the polypeptide dimer is
administered subcutaneously, dosed once weekly with a dose from 60
mg to 600 g.
[0037] In another exemplary embodiment, the polypeptide dimer is
administered subcutaneously, dosed once biweekly with a dose from
60 mg to 600 g.
Safety
[0038] The polypeptide dimer comprising monomers of SEQ ID NO: 1
has been administered up to 750 mg as a single dose and 600 mg once
weekly for 4 weeks. The safety profile of the polypeptide was
favourable with few adverse events occurring in all treatment
groups, including the placebo group, all being mild or moderate. No
apparent dose-related trends in incidence or frequency of adverse
events were observed. There were no apparent dose-related trends or
treatment related changes in vital signs, ECG, or clinical
chemistry parameters. Three events of infusion reactions occurred,
all were mild/moderate with cutaneous symptoms like urticaria and
swelling, and rapidly resolved without any sequelae.
[0039] Overall, the polypeptide dimer comprising monomers of SEQ ID
NO: 1 was safe and well tolerated when administered i.v. up to 600
mg once weekly for 4 weeks and up to 750 mg as a single dose.
[0040] The potential risk of the polypeptide comprising monomers of
SEQ ID NO: 1 in humans can also be addressed indirectly by
analysing the clinical studies investigating similar compounds
targeting IL-6R or IL-6. To date, there is no approved compound
which blocks the same signalling pathway as this polypeptide dimer,
i.e. targeting and neutralising IL-6/sIL-6R-complex to inhibit the
trans-signalling pathway, without any interaction with either IL-6
or IL-6R individually. However, there are experiences with
compounds targeting IL-6 receptors. One of these compound is
tocilizumab, which has been approved in Europe and United States.
Tocilizumab binds specifically to both soluble and membrane-bound
IL-6 receptors and has been shown to inhibit sIL-6R and mIL-6R
mediated signalling.
[0041] The most common reported adverse drug reactions in RA
patients treated with tocilizumab (occurring in .gtoreq.5%) were
upper respiratory tract infections, nasopharyngitis, headache,
hypertension and increased ALT. The most serious adverse drug
reactions were serious infections, complications of diverticulits
and hypersensitivity reactions. Decreases in neutrophil and
platelet counts have occurred following treatment with tocilizumab.
Decreases in neutrophil counts below 10.sup.9/L occurred in 3.4% of
patients on tocilizumab 8 mg/kg plus disease-modifying
anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Approximately half of the patients
who developed an ANC <10.sup.9/L did so within 8 weeks after
starting therapy. Decreases below 5.times.10.sup.8/L were reported
in 0.3% patients receiving tocilizumab 8 mg/kg and DMARDs. Severe
neutropenia may be associated with an increased risk of serious
infections, although there has been no clear association between
decreases in neutrophils and the occurrence of serious infections
in clinical trials with tocilizumab to date. Events reported during
the infusion were primarily episodes of hypertension; events
reported within 24 hours of finishing an infusion were headache and
skin reactions (rash, urticaria). These events were not treatment
limiting. Clinically significant hypersensitivity reactions
associated with tocilizumab and requiring treatment discontinuation
were reported in a total of 13 out of 3,778 patients (0.3%) treated
with tocilizumab during the controlled and open-label clinical
studies. These reactions were generally observed during the second
to fifth infusions of tocilizumab. Gastrointestinal perforations,
primarily in patients with a history of diverticulitis, have been
reported as rare events, both in tocilizumab clinical trials and
post-marketing. The etiology is unclear but RA patients have a
generally increased risk for perforations of both the upper and
lower GI tract (regardless of DMARD therapy); the risk is highest
in RA patients on glucocorticoid therapy, NSAIDs, or with a history
of diverticulitis. Fatal anaphylaxis has been reported after
marketing authorisation during treatment with tocilizumab. It
should be noted that RA patients may have other background diseases
as confounding factors.
[0042] Because the polypeptide dimer comprising monomers of SEQ ID
NO: 1 is a first-in-class fusion protein, comparisons with the
different monoclonal antibody products with different mechanisms of
action is of limited value. In contrast to other products which
completely block IL-6 activity, this polypeptide dimer is believed
to only interfere with the IL-6/sIL-6R complex, leaving the
membrane bound IL-6 pathway accessible.
[0043] IL-6 has a broad involvement in the immune and inflammatory
responses in the body. When both soluble and membrane-bound IL-6R
is blocked, there is potentially an increased risk of infections
and other immuno-dependent diseases as well as a less prominent
inflammatory response. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it
is believed that treatment with the polypeptide dimer comprising
monomers of SEQ ID NO: 1, which only targets the IL-6/sIL-6R
complex, would prevent the perpetuation of chronic intestinal
inflammation in IBD and preserve the acute phase inflammatory
response activated by classical IL-6 signalling, thereby lowering
the risk of opportunistic infections. However, it could not be
predicted whether there is a concentration of polypeptide dimer of
the invention above which classical IL-6 signalling would be
impacted. Thus, the data herein surprisingly demonstrate that there
is less impact on classical IL-6 signalling relative to other
treatments targeting IL-6 activity.
[0044] Based on the data presented herein, an advantage of the
polypeptide dimer of the invention is that it may have a lesser
effect on neutrophil counts, platelet counts and/or levels of
C-reactive protein than other compounds that inhibit IL-6. In
certain embodiments, the polypeptide dimer of the invention does
not significantly lower neutrophil counts, platelet counts and/or
levels of C-reactive protein or without lowering neutrophil counts,
platelet counts and/or levels of C-reactive protein below a normal
range in healthy subjects or patients suffering from an
IL-6-mediated condition. For example, the administration of the
polypeptide dimer at a dose amount described herein maintains
neutrophil counts, platelet counts and/or levels of C-reactive
protein within a normal physiological range. In certain
embodiments, neutrophil counts, platelet counts and/or levels of
C-reactive protein are no more than 50%, 40%, 30%, 20%, 15%, 10% or
5% less than the lower limit of the normal physiological range. The
measurement of neutrophil counts, platelet counts and/or levels of
C-reactive protein can occur immediately after treatment, one day
after days, three days after treatment, one week after treatment,
two weeks after treatment, one month after treatment, three months
after treatment, six months after treatment or a year after
treatment.
[0045] The determination of neutrophil counts, platelet counts, and
levels of C-reactive protein can be performed by any number of
assays well-known in the art. Neutrophil count, also referred to as
absolute neutrophil count (ANC) is a measure of the number of
neutrophil granulocytes present in blood (see, e.g., Al-Gwaiz LA,
Babay HH (2007). "The diagnostic value of absolute neutrophil
count, band count and morphologic changes of neutrophils in
predicting bacterial infections". Med Princ Pract 16 (5): 344-7).
Normal physiological values for C-reactive protein in adult males
and females are 0-5.00 mg/L (e.g., via turbidimetry). Normal
physiological values for neutrophils in adult females are
1.61-6.45.times.10.sup.9 per L (absolute value, e.g., via laser
flow cytometry) or 37.9-70.5% (calculated); in adult males, the
corresponding values are 1.46-5.85.times.10.sup.9 per L and
38.2-71.5%. Normal physiological values for platelets in adult
females are 173-369.times.10.sup.9 per L (e.g., via high frequency
impedance measurement); in adult males, the corresponding values
are 155-342.times.10.sup.9 per L.
[0046] The polypeptide dimer of the invention preferably does not
significantly induce the formation of antibodies (e.g., antibodies
to the polypeptide dimer) in humans. Even more preferably, the
antibodies are not neutralizing antibodies. In certain embodiments,
antibodies against the polypeptide dimer of the invention are
detectable in fewer than 5%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.2%, 0.1% or 0.01% of
treated subjects or patients. Typically, the limit of detection is
approximately 9 ng/mL serum.
Indications
[0047] In acute inflammation, IL-6 has been shown to induce the
acute phase response in the liver leading to release of the cascade
of acute phase proteins, in particular CRP. By forming a complex
with sIL-6R shed by apoptotic neutrophils at the site of
inflammation and binding of the resulting IL-6/sIL-6R
trans-signalling complex to the signal transducer gp130 on
endothelial cells, IL-6 induces expression of chemokines such as
monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1 and attracts mononuclear
cells. This leads to the resolution of acute inflammation and to
the initiation of an adaptive immune response. Thus, in acute
inflammation, IL-6 with sIL-6R complex supports the transition
between the early predominantly neutrophilic stage of inflammation
and the more sustained mononuclear cell influx ultimately also
leading to the resolution of inflammation.
[0048] Chronic inflammation, such as in Crohn's disease (CD),
ulcerative colitis (UC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or psoriasis, is
histologically associated with the presence of mononuclear cells,
such as macrophages and lymphocytes, persisting in the tissue after
having been acquired for the resolution of the acute inflammatory
phase. In models of chronic inflammatory diseases, IL-6 seems to
have a detrimental role favouring mononuclear-cell accumulation at
the site of injury, through induction of continuous MCP-1
secretion, angio-proliferation and anti-apoptotic functions on
T-cells.
[0049] Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), namely CD or UC, is a
chronic inflammation occurring in the gut of susceptible
individuals that is believed to be independent of a specific
pathogen. Alterations in the epithelial mucosal barrier with
increased intestinal permeability lead to an enhanced exposure of
the mucosal immune system to luminal antigens, which causes an
inappropriate activation of the intestinal immune system in
patients. The uncontrolled activation of mucosal CD4+ T-lymphocytes
with the consecutive excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines
induces pathogenic gastrointestinal inflammation and tissue damage.
There is a consensus that the main activated immune cells involved
in the pathogenesis of IBD are intestinal T-cells and
macrophages.
[0050] IL-6 is shown to be a central cytokine in IBD in humans.
Patients with CD and UC have been found to produce increased levels
of IL-6 when compared with controls, the IL-6 levels being
correlated to clinical activity. CD patients have also been found
to have increased levels of sIL-6R and consequently, IL-6/sIL-6R
complex in serum. Lamina propria mononuclear cells obtained from
surgical colon specimens from patients with CD and UC showed that
both CD4+ T-cells and macrophages produced increased amounts of
IL-6 compared to controls. sIL-6R was found to be released via
shedding from the surface of macrophages and mononuclear cells with
increased production associated with elevated levels of IL-6. In
patients with CD, mucosal T-cells showed strong evidence for IL-6
trans-signalling with activation of STAT3, bcl-2 and bcl-xl. The
blockade of IL-6 trans-signalling caused T-cell apoptosis,
indicating that the IL-6/sIL-6R system mediates the resistance of
T-cells to apoptosis in CD.
[0051] Thus, in IBD patients, acquired accumulation of
disease-promoting CD4+ T-cells in the lamina propria leading to
perpetuation of inflammation is critically dependent on
anti-apoptotic IL-6/sIL-6R trans-signalling. It is believed that by
acting on the IL-6/sIL-6R complex, the polypeptide dimer disclosed
herein is useful in treating CD and other inflammatory
diseases.
[0052] Thus, the polypeptide dimer of the invention can treat
IL-6-mediated conditions. IL-6-mediated conditions include
inflammatory disease or a cancer. In this regard, the polypeptides
and compositions described herein may be administered to a subject
having an inflammatory disease, such as juvenile idiopathic
arthritis, Crohn's disease, colitis (e.g., colitis not associated
with IBD, including radiation colitis, diverticular colitis,
ischemic colitis, infectious colitis, celiac disease, autoimmune
colitis, or colitis resulting from allergies affecting the colon),
dermatitis, psoriasis, uveitis, diverticulitis, hepatitis,
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), lupus erythematous, nephritis,
Parkinson's disease, ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis (MS),
Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and
various cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and
vasculitis. In certain embodiments, the inflammatory disease is
selected from the group consisting of, diabetes, gout,
cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disorder.
[0053] Preferably, the inflammatory disease or IL-6-mediated
condition is inflammatory bowel disease, preferably wherein the
treatment induces the remission of inflammatory bowel disease.
Preferably, the inflammatory bowel disease is Crohn's disease or
ulcerative colitis, preferably wherein the treatment maintains the
remission of inflammatory bowel disease. Preferably, the
inflammatory disease or IL-6-mediated condition is rheumatoid
arthritis, psoriasis, uveitis or atherosclerosis. Preferably, the
inflammatory disease or IL-6-mediated condition is colitis not
associated with inflammatory bowel disease, preferably wherein the
colitis is radiation colitis, diverticular colitis, ischemic
colitis, infectious colitis, celiac disease, autoimmune colitis, or
colitis resulting from allergies affecting the colon.
[0054] For inflammatory disease such as inflammatory bowel disease,
treatment can include remission of the condition, maintenance of
remission of the condition, or both.
[0055] Other embodiments provide a method of treating, reducing the
severity of or preventing a cancer, including, but not limited to
multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, renal cell carcinoma,
Kaposi's sarcoma, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, melanoma,
leukemia, lymphoma, glioma, glioblastoma multiforme, lung cancer
(including but not limited to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC;
both adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma)), non-Hodgkin's
lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, plasmocytoma, sarcoma, thymoma, breast
cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, bladder cancer,
uterine cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal cancer, brain cancer,
head and neck cancers, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, testicular
cancer, stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, hepatoma, acute
lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), T-ALL, acute myelogenous leukemia
(AML), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CIVIL), and chronic
lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), salivary carcinomas, or other
cancers.
[0056] Further embodiments of the present disclosure provide a
method of treating, reducing the severity of or preventing a
disease selected from the group consisting of sepsis, bone
resorption (osteoporosis), cachexia, cancer-related fatigue,
psoriasis, systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE), mesangial proliferative
glomerulonephritis, hyper gammaglobulinemia, Castleman's disease,
IgM gammopathy, cardiac myxoma and autoimmune insulin-dependent
diabetes.
[0057] As used herein, the terms "treatment," "treat," and
"treating" refer to reversing, alleviating, delaying the onset of,
or inhibiting the progress of a disease or disorder, or one or more
symptoms thereof, as described herein. In some embodiments,
treatment may be administered after one or more symptoms have
developed. In other embodiments, treatment may be administered in
the absence of symptoms. For example, treatment may be administered
to a susceptible individual prior to the onset of symptoms (e.g.,
in light of a history of symptoms and/or in light of genetic or
other susceptibility factors). Treatment may also be continued
after symptoms have resolved, for example to prevent or delay their
recurrence.
[0058] The polypeptide dimer of the invention can be administered
in conjunction with a second active agent. The second active agent
can be one or more of 5-aminosalicylic acid, azathioprine,
5-mercaptopurine and a corticosteroid. Dosage regimes for the
administration of 5-aminosalicylic acid, azathioprine,
5-mercaptopurine and corticosteroids are well-known to a skilled
person.
[0059] The polypeptide dimers may be produced, for example, by
expressing the monomers, e.g. monomers comprising SEQ ID NO: 1, in
cells. In an exemplary embodiment, a vector comprising a nucleic
acid encoding SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO:2 is transfected into
cells. The design of the expression vector, including the selection
of regulatory sequences, may depend on such factors as the choice
of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of
protein desired, and so forth. Regulatory sequences for mammalian
host cell expression include viral elements that direct high levels
of protein expression in mammalian cells, such as promoters and/or
enhancers derived from retroviral LTRs, cytomegalovirus (CMV) (such
as the CMV promoter/enhancer), Simian Virus 40 (SV40) (such as the
SV40 promoter/enhancer), adenovirus, (e.g., the adenovirus major
late promoter (AdMLP)), polyoma and strong mammalian promoters such
as native immunoglobulin and actin promoters. The host cell may be
a mammalian, insect, plant, bacterial, or yeast cell, preferably
the cell is a mammalian cell such as a CHO cell.
[0060] The transfected cells are cultured to allow the cells to
express the desired protein. The cells and culture media are then
collected and polypeptide dimers are purified, e.g., by
chromatography column steps (e.g., MAbSelect Sure, SP Sepharose,
Capto Q). The dimer can also be concentrated and/or treated with
viral reduction/inactivation steps. The resulting dimers can then
be used to prepare compositions, preferably pharmaceutical
compositions useful for therapy.
EXEMPLIFICATION
Example 1
Animal Studies
Example 1a
Mouse Pharmacokinetics
[0061] Four groups with 54 mice (27 male and 27 female) weighing
25-38 g received a single dose of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1
in its active dimerized form ("Peptide 1") by either i.v. (3
mg/animal) or s.c. (0.3, 3 and 30 mg/animal) injection.
[0062] Bioavailability was approximately 60%, and apparent dose
linearity was observed for AUC, AUC.sub.t and C.sub.max. The
t.sub.max of 8-24 hours was as expected for a protein. Peptide 1
was cleared slowly from the systemic circulation with a clearance
of 142 mL/day/kg. Distribution volumes estimated by the elimination
phase (Vz) and first moment curve (Vss) were 397 mL/kg and 284
mL/kg, respectively, indicating that Peptide 1 was distributed
outside the vascular bed. The terminal half-life ranged from
1.3-2.3 days.
Example 1b
Rat Pharmacokinetics
Single-Dose Administration
[0063] The single-dose PK of Peptide 1 was investigated after i.v.
and s.c. administration in two different strains of rats, Sprague
Dawley (8 rats/group) and Wistar (24 rats/group), showing somewhat
different results. The clearance (57 and 93 mL/kg/day,
respectively) and distribution volume appeared to be lower in the
Sprague Dawley rat, with a 2-fold higher bioavailability, 60%, as
compared to approximately 30% for the Wistar rat. T.sub.max was
observed 0.5-1.5 days after s.c. administration, and the terminal
half-life was approximately 2 days, ranging from 1.7-2.7 days, with
only small differences between the two administration routes.
Repeat-Dose Administration
[0064] Intravenous Administration
[0065] Rats (n=18) received i.v. bolus doses 10, 30 and 100
mg/kg/occasion twice a week for 2 weeks. The increase in C.sub.max
and AUC after the first administration seemed to be approximately
dose linear. However, exposure appeared to be consistently higher
in males than in females at all dose levels. The 100 mg/kg/occasion
group reached C.sub.max levels of 2100 .mu.g/mL for male rats and
1740 .mu.g/mL for female rats. The AUC.sub.t values were 942 and
642 day.times..mu.g/mL.
[0066] After two weeks, the systemic exposure to Peptide 1 in rats
decreased for the 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg dose groups. As anti-drug
antibody (ADA) responses were confirmed in all animals by Week 8 of
the study, decreases in expected exposure over time may be
attributed to ADA-mediated clearance of Peptide 1.
[0067] Subcutaneous Administration
[0068] In 2- and 4-week repeat dose s.c. studies, the C.sub.max and
AUC after the first administration seemed to increase approximately
dose linearly. However, at the last dose, a notably lower drug
exposure was seen, possibly due to antibody formation; all animals
tested showed antibodies towards Peptide 1.
Example 1c
Cynomolgus Monkey Pharmacokinetics
Single-Dose Administration
[0069] The PK of single administration of Peptide 1 was
investigated in male and female cynomolgus monkeys at doses of
0.1-100 mg/kg s.c. (n=4) and 1.0 mg/kg i.v (n=4). The
bioavailability was approximately 60% following s.c. administration
with a t.sub.max of 6-24 hours. The clearance was 98 mL/day/kg, and
the distribution volume approximately 70-90 mL/kg. The half-life
determined after i.v. administration was 0.68 days, and
approximately 1.5 days after s.c. administration.
Repeat-Dose Administration
[0070] Cynomolgus monkeys were dosed s.c. with 2 (n=4), 10 (n=4),
50 (n=2), or 100 (n=2) mg/kg Peptide 1 twice weekly for 2 weeks,
and with 10 (n=4), 30 (n=4), or 100 (n=4) mg/kg Peptide 1 twice
weekly for 4 weeks. The exposure by means of C.sub.max and AUC
increased approximately dose linearly, and similar exposure and
maximal concentration between the first and last dose at the higher
doses were observed after 2 weeks. However, after 4 weeks, the last
administered dose showed a lower drug exposure compared to the
first administration, possibly due to antibody formation. The mean
half-life of Peptide 1 ranged from 1.0-1.8 days for the first
administration in the different treatment groups with a shorter
half-life after the last administration.
Example 2
Clinical Trial 000067 (Single Dose)
Design
[0071] This was a single-dose, placebo controlled, single blinded,
randomised within dose, parallel group dose-escalating trial. The
trial was conducted in two parts, where Part 1 included healthy
subjects and Part 2 included patients with CD in clinical
remission. The objective was to examine the safety and
tolerability, and if possible, to obtain signs of pharmacological
effects, after single doses of Peptide 1.
[0072] In Part 1, 64 subjects were included, of whom 48 (44 men, 4
women) received active treatment and 16 (all men) received placebo.
Seven doses were investigated and administered as an i.v. infusion
over 30 minutes (0.75 mg, 7.5 mg, 75 mg), or 1 hour (150 mg, 300
mg, 600 mg, and 750 mg). In addition, 6 subjects received a s.c.
dose of 60 mg Peptide 1 and 2 subjects received a s.c. dose of
placebo. Peptide 1 was administered at 15 mg/mL in 25 mM histidine,
200 mM sucrose and 0.1 mg/mL polysorbate 20.
[0073] In Part 2, 24 patients were included, of whom 18 (11 men, 7
women), received active treatment (75 mg, 300 mg, and 750 mg) and 6
(4 men, 2 women) received placebo, all administered by i.v.
Results
[0074] The PK evaluation after i.v. administrations of Peptide 1
showed dose proportionality for both AUC and Cmax in the range 0.75
mg to 750 mg, the Cmax concentrations in plasma ranging from 0.2 to
170 .mu.g/mL (FIG. 3). The clearance was approx. 0.13 L/h, the mean
terminal half-life approx. 4.5 days, and the distribution volume
approx. 20 L, the latter indicating some extravascular
distribution. The s.c. administration of 60 mg Peptide 1 showed a
Cmax of 1.1 .mu.g/mL at 2.3 days, and a half-life of 5.0 days. The
bioavailability after s.c. administration of Peptide 1 was
calculated to be approx. 50%. There was no indication of
target-mediated drug disposition.
[0075] The i.v. administration of 75, 300, and 750 mg to CD
patients in remission showed very similar results as for the
healthy subjects (FIG. 4). The AUC and Cmax were dose proportional
with Cmax concentrations of 16, 76, and 186 .mu.g/mL (16, 77, and
161 .mu.g/mL for healthy subjects). The clearance was approx. 0.13
L/h, the mean terminal half-life approx. 4.6 days, and the
distribution volume approx. 22 L.
[0076] The safety profile of Peptide 1 was favourable with few
adverse events occurring in all treatment groups, including the
placebo group, all being mild or moderate. No apparent dose-related
trends in incidence or frequency of adverse events were observed.
The infusions were discontinued in two subjects, one due to mild
(Part 1, 300 mg group) and one due to moderate (Part 2, 75 mg
group) infusion reactions.
[0077] There were no apparent dose-related trends or
treatment-related changes in vital signs, ECG, or clinical
chemistry parameters (including neutrophil counts, platelet counts,
or C-reactive protein levels).
[0078] One healthy subject in the 300 mg group showed
non-neutralising treatment emergent anti-Peptide 1 antibodies at
the follow-up visit 5-6 weeks after administration.
[0079] Overall, Peptide 1 was safe and well tolerated when
administered intravenously up to 750 mg as a single i.v. dose, and
at 60 mg as a single s.c. dose.
Example 3
Clinical Trial 000115 (Multiple Ascending Dose)
Design
[0080] This was a placebo controlled, double-blind, within
dose-group randomised, parallel group trial with the objective to
investigate the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of
multiple ascending doses of Peptide 1. The doses investigated were
75, 300 and 600 mg Peptide 1 administered once a week, for 4 weeks,
by i.v. infusion over 30 minutes (75 mg) or 1 hour (300 mg and 600
mg).
[0081] Twenty-four (24) healthy subjects were included, of whom 18
(11 men and 7 women) received active treatment and 6 (2 men and 4
women) received placebo.
Results
[0082] The PK evaluation showed very close characteristics on the
first and last treatment days, and similar to the results in the
single-dose study. The AUC and Cmax were dose proportional after
first and fourth dosing with Cmax concentrations of 19, 78, and 148
.mu.g/mL after the first dose, and 19, 79, and 142 .mu.g/mL after
the fourth dose (16, 77, and 161 .mu.g/mL for single dose in
healthy subjects; FIG. 5). The corresponding trough values were
0.66, 2.68, 4.56 .mu.g/mL and 0.98, 3.95 and 7.67 .mu.g/mL for the
three dose levels. The mean terminal half-life as calculated after
the last dose was approx. 5.5 days.
[0083] The safety profile of Peptide 1 was favourable with few
adverse events occurring in all treatment groups, including the
placebo group, all being mild or moderate. No apparent dose-related
trends in incidence or frequency of adverse events were observed.
One subject (600 mg group) was withdrawn due to mild infusion
reactions.
[0084] There were no apparent dose-related trends or treatment
related changes in vital signs, ECG, or clinical chemistry
parameters (including neutrophil counts, platelet counts, or
C-reactive protein levels).
[0085] No anti-Peptide 1 antibodies were detected in any of the
subjects.
[0086] Overall, Peptide 1 was safe and well tolerated when
administered i.v. up to 600 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
Example 4
Modeling of Pharmacokinetic Data
[0087] The PK data from the 000115 trial can be adequately
described using a 2-compartment structural model. Predicted
profiles of 75, 300 and 600 mg of Peptide 1 and observed data are
depicted in FIG. 6 and the estimated mean PK parameters are listed
in Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Model Estimates for Peptide 1 Using
2-compartment Structural Pharmacokinetic Model Parameter Estimate
SE CV % V 1.7 L 0.08 4.8 V2 8.8 L 0.32 3.6 CL 3.2 L/day 0.06 1.8
CL2 16.4 L/day 0.24 14.4
[0088] Peptide 1 has a binding affinity in humans of 130 pM to the
IL-6/sIL-6R complex. At doses of 75-600 mg, the occupancy level are
more than 90% at estimated steady state levels of Peptide 1 using
the binding affinity (KD; 130 pM) and the IL-6/sIL-6R levels
(C.sub.target; 2.0 nM based on sIL-6R).
Example 5
Preparation of Peptide 1
Cloning and Expression of Peptide 1 in CHO/dhfr--Cells
[0089] CHO/dhfr.sup.- cells were obtained from the European
collection of cell cultures (ECACC, No. 9406067). The adherent
CHO/dhfr.sup.- cells are deficient in dihydrofolate reductase
(DHFR), an enzyme that catalyses the reduction of folate to
dihydrofolate and then to tetrahydrofolate. CHO/dhfr.sup.- cells
thus display sensitivity to the antifolate drug, methotrexate
(MTX).
[0090] The CHO/dhfr.sup.- cell line is well characterised and
tested. The safety of the CHO/dhfr.sup.- parental cell line as a
cell substrate for the production of biopharmaceuticals for human
use was confirmed by ECACC (Porton Down, UK) for microbial
sterility, mycoplasma, and adventitious viruses according to 21
CFR.
Selection and Construction of the cDNA Sequence
[0091] The cDNA sequence of a monomer of Peptide 1 (the polypeptide
sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1) was synthesised as a single DNA fragment
by GeneArt AG (Regensburg, Germany) using the sequence for the
extracellular domain of gp130 (IL6ST, NCBI Gene ID 3572, transcript
variant 1 (NP 002175), amino acids 23-617) and Fc domain of human
IgG1 (IGHG1, NCBI Gene ID 3500, amino acids 221-447 according to
Kabat EU numbering). The sequence was optimised for optimal codon
usage in CHO cells. Three well-characterised point mutations were
introduced into the lower hinge region of the Fc part.
[0092] The cDNA sequence was further modified by replacing the
original gp130 signal peptide with a mouse IgG heavy chain signal
peptide of known efficacy in CHO cell expression systems. The
signal peptide is cleaved off during protein synthesis. The
presence of the IgG1 Cys-Pro-Pro-Cys sequence in the Fc region
results in the dimerisation of two identical gp130-Fc subunits via
the sulfhydryl residues on the Fc region, which together form
Peptide 1.
[0093] FIG. 7 presents the nucleotide and amino acid sequence of
the gp130-Fc subunit used for the formation of Peptide 1.
Construction of the Expression Plasmid for Selection of the Master
Cell Bank (MCB)
[0094] The monomer cDNA was cloned into a pANTVhG1 expression
vector (Antitope) containing the dhfr gene for transfectant
selection with MTX as follows: First, the expression vector was
digested with MluI and EagI restriction enzymes to permit the
insertion of Peptide 1 cDNA. Second, the monomer coding region was
PCR amplified using the OL1425 and OL1426 primers (Table 2) and
digested with MluI and EagI restriction enzymes. Third, the
digested fragments were gel purified and ligated together to
generate the pFER02 expression vector. The monomer cDNA was
inserted under the control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV)
promoter.
[0095] Table 3 presents the function of the pFER02 expression
elements. FIG. 8 presents the nucleotide sequences of the pFER02
expression elements.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Oligonucleotide Sequences Used to Amplify
the Monomer Coding Region for Cloning into pANTVhG1 Primer Sequence
(5'-3')* OL1425 ctgttgctacgcgtgtccactccGAGCTGCTGGATCCTTGCGGC (SEQ
ID NO: 6) OL1426 gcgggggcttgccggccgtggcactcaCTTGCCAGGAGACAGAGACAG
(SEQ ID NO: 7) *Monomer 1-specific sequences are shown in upper
case, vector-specific sequences are shown in lower case and
restriction sites are underlined
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 pFER02Expression Elements Feature Function
CMV promoter Immediate-early promoter/enhancer. Permits efficient,
high-level expression of the recombinant protein hIgG1 polyA Human
IgG polyadenylation sequence Ampicillin resistance Selection of
vector in E. coli gene (.beta.-lactamase) SV40 early promoter
Allows efficient, high-level expression and origin of the neomycin
resistance gene and episomal replication in cells expressing SV40
large T antigen DHFR Selection of stable transfectants in CHO dhfr-
cells SV40 polyadenylation Efficient transcription termination and
signal polyadenylation of mRNA
Cell Line Selection Process Leading to the Final Peptide 1
Producing Clone
[0096] The pFER02 vector was linearised with the blunt-end
restriction enzyme SspI, which has a single recognition site
located in the beta-lactamase gene. The linearised plasmid was
transfected into 5.times.10.sup.6CHO/dhfr.sup.- cells using
lipid-mediated transfection. Twenty-four hours after transfection,
transfected cells were selected in medium supplemented with 5%
dialysed foetal calf serum (FCS) and 100 nM methotrexate (MTX).
Transfected cells were diluted into this medium at various
densities and dispensed into 96-well, flat bottom tissue culture
plates. Cells were then incubated in a humidified atmosphere at 5%
CO.sub.2 and 37.degree. C. Fresh MTX selection medium was added at
regular intervals during the incubation time to ensure that MTX
levels and nutrient levels remained constant.
Initial Cell Line Selection with MTX selection
[0097] For several weeks post transfection, tissue culture plates
were examined using a Genetix CloneSelect.RTM. Imager, and
>2,000 wells were observed to have actively growing colonies.
Supernatants from these wells were sampled and assayed for Peptide
1 titre by ELISA. Based on the results of this assay, a total of
105 of the best expressing wells were expanded into 48-well plates.
A total of 83 cell lines were selected for expansion into 6-well
plates or T-25 flasks; supernatant from each of the cell lines was
sampled and assayed for Peptide 1 titre (ELISA). Based on these
results, 54 of the best expressing cell lines with optimal growth
characteristics were selected for expansion into T-75 or T-175
flasks; supernatants from the confluent flasks were sampled and
Peptide 1 titres quantified (ELISA). Comparison of the expression
levels between the cell lines allowed for the identification of the
38 best cell lines which were selected for productivity analysis.
Productivity was assessed as follows:
Productivity (pg/cell/day)=((Th-Ti)/((Vh+Vi)/2))/time
[0098] Where: [0099] Th is the harvest titre [.mu.g/mL] [0100] Ti
is the initial titre [.mu.g/mL] [0101] Vh is the viable cell count
at harvest [.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL] [0102] Vi is the initial
viable cell count [.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL] [0103] Time is the
elapsed time (days) between Ti and Th Based on productivity results
(pg/cell/day), 13 cell lines were selected for gene
amplification.
MTX-Driven Gene Amplification for Peptide 1 Cell Line Selection
[0104] The 13 selected cell lines were chosen for the first round
of gene amplification by selective pressure under increasing
concentrations of MTX (0.1-50 M). After 7-10 days, supernatant from
each well from each of the 13 cell lines were sampled and assayed
for Peptide 1 titre (ELISA). Wells from each cell line with high
Peptide 1 expression levels were assessed for productivity
(pg/cell/day). A second round of gene amplification was initiated
with a total of 16 wells from cell lines that showed significant
increases in productivity.
[0105] The second round of gene amplification was conducted in the
presence of increased MTX concentrations; supernatants from each
culture were assayed for Peptide 1 titre (ELISA). Selected wells
from each cell line were expanded and productivity was assessed
(pg/cell/day); five cell lines with increased productivity in
response to increased MTX selection pressure were identified. These
five cell lines were progressed to a third round of gene
amplification using selection pressure under increased MTX
concentration; supernatants from each well were assayed for Peptide
1 titre (ELISA). Selected wells for each cell line were expanded
and productivity (pg/cell/day) was assessed; five cell lines
demonstrating high Peptide 1 expression were selected.
Limiting Dilution of Clones
[0106] Limiting dilution cloning was performed on the five cell
lines demonstrating Peptide 1 expression. After one week of
incubation, plates were examined using a Genetix CloneSelect.RTM.
Imager and single colonies were identified. The growth rates of two
cell lines during dilution cloning were noted as being particularly
slow and so these cell lines were discontinued. In total, from the
three remaining cell lines, 58 clonal colonies were selected for
expansion, first into 48-well plates and then successively expanded
through 12-well plates, T-25 flasks and T-75 flasks in the absence
of MTX. Each of the 58 selected clones was then assessed for
productivity (pg/cell/day); 16 clones were selected for suspension
adaptation and adaptation to growth in a chemically-defined
medium.
Adaptation of Cell Lines to Suspension Culture in Chemically
Defined Medium
[0107] The 16 cell lines were adapted to suspension culture in a
chemically-defined medium as follows: selected cell lines in
adherent culture were first adapted to suspension both in CHO
suspension growth medium (DMEM high glucose, including L-glutamine
and sodium pyruvate, 5% dialysed FCS, 20 mg/L L-proline, 1.times.
penicillin/streptomycin, 1% pluronic F68) and then in chemically
defined suspension growth medium (CD Opti-CHO.RTM. from Life
Technologies Ltd. (Paisley, UK), 2.5% dialysed FCS, 0.1.times.
penicillin/streptomycin, 8 mM Glutamax.RTM.).
[0108] Once adapted to suspension culture, the cell lines were
weaned, in stages, into a serum-free chemically-defined suspension
growth medium (CD Opti-CHO.RTM., 0.1.times.
penicillin/streptomycin, 8 mM Glutamax.RTM.). MTX was omitted from
all suspension cultures. The adapted lines were expanded and seed
cell banks were prepared. Briefly, cells were expanded to 300 mL
total volume and harvested when cell density exceeded
0.85.times.10.sup.6 cells/mL and viability was >90%. A further
3.times.10.sup.7 cells were seeded into a fresh flask containing 70
mL suspension growth medium for growth and productivity analysis.
The remaining cells were harvested by centrifugation and
resuspended in an appropriate volume of freezing medium to yield a
cell suspension at 1.times.10.sup.7 cells/mL. Vials were frozen
down to -80.degree. C. The cell bank was then transferred to liquid
nitrogen for long-term storage.
[0109] The 16 cell lines were further refined down to 5 clones
after serum-free adaptation. The 5 clones were assessed for growth
(cell density and cell doubling time) and productivity
(pg/cell/day), after which 3 clones were selected. One clone was
selected to make a master cell bank.
[0110] Preparation of the master cell bank (MCB) and working cell
bank (WCB) was carried out. One vial from the pre-seed stock was
used for the preparation of a 200 vial MCB, and one vial of MCB was
used to prepare a 200 vial WCB. In each case, a vial was thawed and
the cryopreservation medium removed by centrifugation. The cells
were resuspended and propagated in volume in growth medium (CD
OptiCHO.RTM./4 mM L-glutamine). Four passages were performed during
the creation of MCB and six passages were performed during the
creation of WCB.
[0111] When sufficient cells were obtained, cells were aliquoted in
cryopreservation medium (92.5% CD OptiCHO.RTM./7.5% DMSO) into
polypropylene vials (each containing approximately
1.5.times.10.sup.7 viable cells) and cryopreserved by reducing the
temperature to -100.degree. C. over a period of at least 60 minutes
in a gradual freezing process. Vials are stored in a vapour phase
liquid nitrogen autofill container in a GMP controlled area.
Description of the Drug Substance (DS) Manufacturing Process
[0112] A brief description of the Peptide 1 DS manufacturing
process is as follows. Cells from a WCB vial are revived and
progressively expanded using protein-free medium prior to
inoculation into a production bioreactor. Upon completion of the
cell culture, cells and cell debris are removed by filtration of
the culture.
[0113] Purification consists of three chromatography column steps
(MAbSelect Sure, SP Sepharose, Capto Q or Sartobind Phenyl), a
concentration and diafiltration step and includes two specific
viral reduction/inactivation steps; Triton X-100 (inactivation of
enveloped viruses) treatment and a nanofiltration step (removal of
enveloped and non-enveloped viruses).
[0114] Following concentration and diafiltration, excipients are
added for the formulation of the DS. The formulated Peptide 1 is
0.22 .mu.m filtered into containers.
Description and Composition of the Drug Product (DP)
[0115] The DP is a sterile solution to be administered by i.v.
infusion. The DP consists of Peptide 1 at a concentration of 15
mg/mL in an isotonic solution containing 25 mM L-histidine, 200 mM
sucrose and 0.1 mg polysorbate 20/mL at pH 7.6. The vials are
overlaid with nitrogen for protection against oxidation. The
product is intended for single use and storage at -20.degree. C.
until thawing for clinical administration.
Composition and Batch Formula
[0116] The batch formula for the drug product is presented in Table
4.
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 DP Batch Composition Component Amount
Quality standard Peptide 1 720 g Ferring specification L-Histidine
186.18 g Ph. Eur./USP* Sucrose 3286.08 g Ph. Eur./USP* Polysorbate
20 4.8 g Ph. Eur./USP* WFI ad 49536 g Ph. Eur./USP* Sodium
hydroxide quantum satis Ph. Eur./USP* Nitrogen quantum satis Ph.
Eur./USP* *curr. Ed.
Sequence CWU 1
1
151822PRTArtificial Sequencegp130-Fc fusion monomer 1Glu Leu Leu
Asp Pro Cys Gly Tyr Ile Ser Pro Glu Ser Pro Val Val1 5 10 15Gln Leu
His Ser Asn Phe Thr Ala Val Cys Val Leu Lys Glu Lys Cys 20 25 30Met
Asp Tyr Phe His Val Asn Ala Asn Tyr Ile Val Trp Lys Thr Asn 35 40
45His Phe Thr Ile Pro Lys Glu Gln Tyr Thr Ile Ile Asn Arg Thr Ala
50 55 60Ser Ser Val Thr Phe Thr Asp Ile Ala Ser Leu Asn Ile Gln Leu
Thr65 70 75 80Cys Asn Ile Leu Thr Phe Gly Gln Leu Glu Gln Asn Val
Tyr Gly Ile 85 90 95Thr Ile Ile Ser Gly Leu Pro Pro Glu Lys Pro Lys
Asn Leu Ser Cys 100 105 110Ile Val Asn Glu Gly Lys Lys Met Arg Cys
Glu Trp Asp Gly Gly Arg 115 120 125Glu Thr His Leu Glu Thr Asn Phe
Thr Leu Lys Ser Glu Trp Ala Thr 130 135 140His Lys Phe Ala Asp Cys
Lys Ala Lys Arg Asp Thr Pro Thr Ser Cys145 150 155 160Thr Val Asp
Tyr Ser Thr Val Tyr Phe Val Asn Ile Glu Val Trp Val 165 170 175Glu
Ala Glu Asn Ala Leu Gly Lys Val Thr Ser Asp His Ile Asn Phe 180 185
190Asp Pro Val Tyr Lys Val Lys Pro Asn Pro Pro His Asn Leu Ser Val
195 200 205Ile Asn Ser Glu Glu Leu Ser Ser Ile Leu Lys Leu Thr Trp
Thr Asn 210 215 220Pro Ser Ile Lys Ser Val Ile Ile Leu Lys Tyr Asn
Ile Gln Tyr Arg225 230 235 240Thr Lys Asp Ala Ser Thr Trp Ser Gln
Ile Pro Pro Glu Asp Thr Ala 245 250 255Ser Thr Arg Ser Ser Phe Thr
Val Gln Asp Leu Lys Pro Phe Thr Glu 260 265 270Tyr Val Phe Arg Ile
Arg Cys Met Lys Glu Asp Gly Lys Gly Tyr Trp 275 280 285Ser Asp Trp
Ser Glu Glu Ala Ser Gly Ile Thr Tyr Glu Asp Arg Pro 290 295 300Ser
Lys Ala Pro Ser Phe Trp Tyr Lys Ile Asp Pro Ser His Thr Gln305 310
315 320Gly Tyr Arg Thr Val Gln Leu Val Trp Lys Thr Leu Pro Pro Phe
Glu 325 330 335Ala Asn Gly Lys Ile Leu Asp Tyr Glu Val Thr Leu Thr
Arg Trp Lys 340 345 350Ser His Leu Gln Asn Tyr Thr Val Asn Ala Thr
Lys Leu Thr Val Asn 355 360 365Leu Thr Asn Asp Arg Tyr Leu Ala Thr
Leu Thr Val Arg Asn Leu Val 370 375 380Gly Lys Ser Asp Ala Ala Val
Leu Thr Ile Pro Ala Cys Asp Phe Gln385 390 395 400Ala Thr His Pro
Val Met Asp Leu Lys Ala Phe Pro Lys Asp Asn Met 405 410 415Leu Trp
Val Glu Trp Thr Thr Pro Arg Glu Ser Val Lys Lys Tyr Ile 420 425
430Leu Glu Trp Cys Val Leu Ser Asp Lys Ala Pro Cys Ile Thr Asp Trp
435 440 445Gln Gln Glu Asp Gly Thr Val His Arg Thr Tyr Leu Arg Gly
Asn Leu 450 455 460Ala Glu Ser Lys Cys Tyr Leu Ile Thr Val Thr Pro
Val Tyr Ala Asp465 470 475 480Gly Pro Gly Ser Pro Glu Ser Ile Lys
Ala Tyr Leu Lys Gln Ala Pro 485 490 495Pro Ser Lys Gly Pro Thr Val
Arg Thr Lys Lys Val Gly Lys Asn Glu 500 505 510Ala Val Leu Glu Trp
Asp Gln Leu Pro Val Asp Val Gln Asn Gly Phe 515 520 525Ile Arg Asn
Tyr Thr Ile Phe Tyr Arg Thr Ile Ile Gly Asn Glu Thr 530 535 540Ala
Val Asn Val Asp Ser Ser His Thr Glu Tyr Thr Leu Ser Ser Leu545 550
555 560Thr Ser Asp Thr Leu Tyr Met Val Arg Met Ala Ala Tyr Thr Asp
Glu 565 570 575Gly Gly Lys Asp Gly Pro Glu Phe Thr Phe Thr Thr Pro
Lys Phe Ala 580 585 590Gln Gly Glu Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro
Cys Pro Ala Pro Glu 595 600 605Ala Glu Gly Ala Pro Ser Val Phe Leu
Phe Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp 610 615 620Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr
Pro Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp625 630 635 640Val Ser His Glu
Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly 645 650 655Val Glu
Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn 660 665
670Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp Trp
675 680 685Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn Lys Ala
Leu Pro 690 695 700Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly
Gln Pro Arg Glu705 710 715 720Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser
Arg Glu Glu Met Thr Lys Asn 725 730 735Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu
Val Lys Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile 740 745 750Ala Val Glu Trp Glu
Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr 755 760 765Thr Pro Pro
Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys 770 775 780Leu
Thr Val Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys785 790
795 800Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser
Leu 805 810 815Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 8202844PRTArtificial
Sequencegp130-Fc fusion monomer with endogenous signal peptide 2Met
Leu Thr Leu Gln Thr Trp Leu Val Gln Ala Leu Phe Ile Phe Leu1 5 10
15Thr Thr Glu Ser Thr Gly Glu Leu Leu Asp Pro Cys Gly Tyr Ile Ser
20 25 30Pro Glu Ser Pro Val Val Gln Leu His Ser Asn Phe Thr Ala Val
Cys 35 40 45Val Leu Lys Glu Lys Cys Met Asp Tyr Phe His Val Asn Ala
Asn Tyr 50 55 60Ile Val Trp Lys Thr Asn His Phe Thr Ile Pro Lys Glu
Gln Tyr Thr65 70 75 80Ile Ile Asn Arg Thr Ala Ser Ser Val Thr Phe
Thr Asp Ile Ala Ser 85 90 95Leu Asn Ile Gln Leu Thr Cys Asn Ile Leu
Thr Phe Gly Gln Leu Glu 100 105 110Gln Asn Val Tyr Gly Ile Thr Ile
Ile Ser Gly Leu Pro Pro Glu Lys 115 120 125Pro Lys Asn Leu Ser Cys
Ile Val Asn Glu Gly Lys Lys Met Arg Cys 130 135 140Glu Trp Asp Gly
Gly Arg Glu Thr His Leu Glu Thr Asn Phe Thr Leu145 150 155 160Lys
Ser Glu Trp Ala Thr His Lys Phe Ala Asp Cys Lys Ala Lys Arg 165 170
175Asp Thr Pro Thr Ser Cys Thr Val Asp Tyr Ser Thr Val Tyr Phe Val
180 185 190Asn Ile Glu Val Trp Val Glu Ala Glu Asn Ala Leu Gly Lys
Val Thr 195 200 205Ser Asp His Ile Asn Phe Asp Pro Val Tyr Lys Val
Lys Pro Asn Pro 210 215 220Pro His Asn Leu Ser Val Ile Asn Ser Glu
Glu Leu Ser Ser Ile Leu225 230 235 240Lys Leu Thr Trp Thr Asn Pro
Ser Ile Lys Ser Val Ile Ile Leu Lys 245 250 255Tyr Asn Ile Gln Tyr
Arg Thr Lys Asp Ala Ser Thr Trp Ser Gln Ile 260 265 270Pro Pro Glu
Asp Thr Ala Ser Thr Arg Ser Ser Phe Thr Val Gln Asp 275 280 285Leu
Lys Pro Phe Thr Glu Tyr Val Phe Arg Ile Arg Cys Met Lys Glu 290 295
300Asp Gly Lys Gly Tyr Trp Ser Asp Trp Ser Glu Glu Ala Ser Gly
Ile305 310 315 320Thr Tyr Glu Asp Arg Pro Ser Lys Ala Pro Ser Phe
Trp Tyr Lys Ile 325 330 335Asp Pro Ser His Thr Gln Gly Tyr Arg Thr
Val Gln Leu Val Trp Lys 340 345 350Thr Leu Pro Pro Phe Glu Ala Asn
Gly Lys Ile Leu Asp Tyr Glu Val 355 360 365Thr Leu Thr Arg Trp Lys
Ser His Leu Gln Asn Tyr Thr Val Asn Ala 370 375 380Thr Lys Leu Thr
Val Asn Leu Thr Asn Asp Arg Tyr Leu Ala Thr Leu385 390 395 400Thr
Val Arg Asn Leu Val Gly Lys Ser Asp Ala Ala Val Leu Thr Ile 405 410
415Pro Ala Cys Asp Phe Gln Ala Thr His Pro Val Met Asp Leu Lys Ala
420 425 430Phe Pro Lys Asp Asn Met Leu Trp Val Glu Trp Thr Thr Pro
Arg Glu 435 440 445Ser Val Lys Lys Tyr Ile Leu Glu Trp Cys Val Leu
Ser Asp Lys Ala 450 455 460Pro Cys Ile Thr Asp Trp Gln Gln Glu Asp
Gly Thr Val His Arg Thr465 470 475 480Tyr Leu Arg Gly Asn Leu Ala
Glu Ser Lys Cys Tyr Leu Ile Thr Val 485 490 495Thr Pro Val Tyr Ala
Asp Gly Pro Gly Ser Pro Glu Ser Ile Lys Ala 500 505 510Tyr Leu Lys
Gln Ala Pro Pro Ser Lys Gly Pro Thr Val Arg Thr Lys 515 520 525Lys
Val Gly Lys Asn Glu Ala Val Leu Glu Trp Asp Gln Leu Pro Val 530 535
540Asp Val Gln Asn Gly Phe Ile Arg Asn Tyr Thr Ile Phe Tyr Arg
Thr545 550 555 560Ile Ile Gly Asn Glu Thr Ala Val Asn Val Asp Ser
Ser His Thr Glu 565 570 575Tyr Thr Leu Ser Ser Leu Thr Ser Asp Thr
Leu Tyr Met Val Arg Met 580 585 590Ala Ala Tyr Thr Asp Glu Gly Gly
Lys Asp Gly Pro Glu Phe Thr Phe 595 600 605Thr Thr Pro Lys Phe Ala
Gln Gly Glu Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro 610 615 620Pro Cys Pro Ala
Pro Glu Ala Glu Gly Ala Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe625 630 635 640Pro
Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro Glu Val 645 650
655Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp Val Ser His Glu Asp Pro Glu Val Lys Phe
660 665 670Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly Val Glu Val His Asn Ala Lys Thr
Lys Pro 675 680 685Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn Ser Thr Tyr Arg Val Val
Ser Val Leu Thr 690 695 700Val Leu His Gln Asp Trp Leu Asn Gly Lys
Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val705 710 715 720Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu Pro Ala
Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala 725 730 735Lys Gly Gln Pro Arg
Glu Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg 740 745 750Glu Glu Met
Thr Lys Asn Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys Gly 755 760 765Phe
Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn Gly Gln Pro 770 775
780Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr Thr Pro Pro Val Leu Asp Ser Asp Gly
Ser785 790 795 800Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys Leu Thr Val Asp Lys Ser
Arg Trp Gln Gln 805 810 815Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys Ser Val Met His
Glu Ala Leu His Asn His 820 825 830Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu Ser Leu
Ser Pro Gly Lys 835 840311PRTArtificial Sequencegp130 D6 domain
3Thr Phe Thr Thr Pro Lys Phe Ala Gln Gly Glu1 5 1044PRTArtificial
Sequencegp130 D6 domain 4Ala Glu Gly Ala154PRTArtificial
SequenceIgG1 sequence 5Cys Pro Pro Cys1644DNAArtificial
Sequenceprimer OL1425 6ctgttgctac gcgtgtccac tccgagctgc tggatccttg
cggc 44748DNAArtificial Sequenceprimer OL1426 7gcgggggctt
gccggccgtg gcactcactt gccaggagac agagacag 4882466DNAArtificial
Sequencesingle gp130-Fc subunitCDS(1)..(2466) 8gag ctg ctg gat cct
tgc ggc tat atc tcc cct gag tct cct gtg gtg 48Glu Leu Leu Asp Pro
Cys Gly Tyr Ile Ser Pro Glu Ser Pro Val Val1 5 10 15cag ctg cat tct
aac ttc acc gcc gtg tgt gtg ctg aag gaa aag tgc 96Gln Leu His Ser
Asn Phe Thr Ala Val Cys Val Leu Lys Glu Lys Cys 20 25 30atg gac tac
ttc cac gtg aac gcc aac tac atc gtg tgg aaa acc aac 144Met Asp Tyr
Phe His Val Asn Ala Asn Tyr Ile Val Trp Lys Thr Asn 35 40 45cac ttc
acc atc ccc aag gag cag tac acc atc atc aac cgg acc gct 192His Phe
Thr Ile Pro Lys Glu Gln Tyr Thr Ile Ile Asn Arg Thr Ala 50 55 60tct
tct gtg acc ttc acc gat atc gcc tcc ctg aat atc cag ctg acc 240Ser
Ser Val Thr Phe Thr Asp Ile Ala Ser Leu Asn Ile Gln Leu Thr65 70 75
80tgc aac atc ctg acc ttt gga cag ctg gag cag aat gtg tac ggc atc
288Cys Asn Ile Leu Thr Phe Gly Gln Leu Glu Gln Asn Val Tyr Gly Ile
85 90 95acc atc atc tct ggc ctg cct cca gag aag cct aag aac ctg tcc
tgc 336Thr Ile Ile Ser Gly Leu Pro Pro Glu Lys Pro Lys Asn Leu Ser
Cys 100 105 110atc gtg aat gag ggc aag aag atg agg tgt gag tgg gat
ggc ggc aga 384Ile Val Asn Glu Gly Lys Lys Met Arg Cys Glu Trp Asp
Gly Gly Arg 115 120 125gag aca cat ctg gag acc aac ttc acc ctg aag
tct gag tgg gcc acc 432Glu Thr His Leu Glu Thr Asn Phe Thr Leu Lys
Ser Glu Trp Ala Thr 130 135 140cac aag ttt gcc gac tgc aag gcc aag
aga gat acc cct acc tct tgc 480His Lys Phe Ala Asp Cys Lys Ala Lys
Arg Asp Thr Pro Thr Ser Cys145 150 155 160acc gtg gac tac tcc acc
gtg tac ttc gtg aac atc gag gtg tgg gtg 528Thr Val Asp Tyr Ser Thr
Val Tyr Phe Val Asn Ile Glu Val Trp Val 165 170 175gag gct gag aat
gct ctg ggc aag gtg acc tct gac cac atc aac ttc 576Glu Ala Glu Asn
Ala Leu Gly Lys Val Thr Ser Asp His Ile Asn Phe 180 185 190gac ccc
gtg tac aag gtg aag cct aac cct cct cac aac ctg tcc gtg 624Asp Pro
Val Tyr Lys Val Lys Pro Asn Pro Pro His Asn Leu Ser Val 195 200
205atc aac tct gag gag ctg tcc tct atc ctg aag ctg acc tgg acc aac
672Ile Asn Ser Glu Glu Leu Ser Ser Ile Leu Lys Leu Thr Trp Thr Asn
210 215 220cct tcc atc aag tcc gtg atc atc ctg aag tac aac atc cag
tac agg 720Pro Ser Ile Lys Ser Val Ile Ile Leu Lys Tyr Asn Ile Gln
Tyr Arg225 230 235 240acc aag gat gct tct acc tgg tct cag atc cct
cct gag gat acc gct 768Thr Lys Asp Ala Ser Thr Trp Ser Gln Ile Pro
Pro Glu Asp Thr Ala 245 250 255tcc acc aga tcc agc ttc aca gtg cag
gac ctg aag cct ttt acc gag 816Ser Thr Arg Ser Ser Phe Thr Val Gln
Asp Leu Lys Pro Phe Thr Glu 260 265 270tac gtg ttc agg atc cgg tgc
atg aag gag gat ggc aag ggc tat tgg 864Tyr Val Phe Arg Ile Arg Cys
Met Lys Glu Asp Gly Lys Gly Tyr Trp 275 280 285tct gac tgg tct gag
gag gct tct ggc atc acc tac gag gac aga cct 912Ser Asp Trp Ser Glu
Glu Ala Ser Gly Ile Thr Tyr Glu Asp Arg Pro 290 295 300tct aag gcc
cct agc ttc tgg tac aag atc gac cct tct cac acc cag 960Ser Lys Ala
Pro Ser Phe Trp Tyr Lys Ile Asp Pro Ser His Thr Gln305 310 315
320ggc tat aga aca gtg cag ctg gtg tgg aaa acc ctg cct cca ttc gag
1008Gly Tyr Arg Thr Val Gln Leu Val Trp Lys Thr Leu Pro Pro Phe Glu
325 330 335gct aat ggc aag atc ctg gac tat gag gtg acc ctg acc aga
tgg aag 1056Ala Asn Gly Lys Ile Leu Asp Tyr Glu Val Thr Leu Thr Arg
Trp Lys 340 345 350tct cac ctg cag aac tac acc gtg aac gct acc aag
ctg acc gtg aac 1104Ser His Leu Gln Asn Tyr Thr Val Asn Ala Thr Lys
Leu Thr Val Asn 355 360 365ctg acc aac gat aga tac ctg gct acc ctg
acc gtg aga aat ctg gtg 1152Leu Thr Asn Asp Arg Tyr Leu Ala Thr Leu
Thr Val Arg Asn Leu Val 370 375 380ggc aag tct gat gct gct gtg ctg
acc atc cct gcc tgt gat ttt cag 1200Gly Lys Ser Asp Ala Ala Val Leu
Thr Ile Pro Ala Cys Asp Phe Gln385 390 395 400gct acc cac cct gtg
atg gat ctg aag gcc ttc ccc aag gat aac atg 1248Ala Thr His Pro Val
Met Asp Leu Lys Ala Phe Pro Lys Asp Asn Met 405 410 415ctg tgg gtg
gag tgg aca aca cct aga gag tcc gtg aag aag tac atc 1296Leu Trp Val
Glu Trp Thr Thr Pro Arg Glu Ser Val Lys Lys Tyr Ile 420 425 430ctg
gag tgg tgc gtg ctg tct gat aag gcc cct tgc atc aca gat tgg 1344Leu
Glu Trp Cys Val Leu Ser Asp Lys Ala Pro Cys Ile Thr Asp Trp 435
440
445cag cag gag gat ggc acc gtg cat aga acc tac ctg aga ggc aat ctg
1392Gln Gln Glu Asp Gly Thr Val His Arg Thr Tyr Leu Arg Gly Asn Leu
450 455 460gcc gag tct aag tgc tat ctg atc acc gtg acc cct gtg tat
gct gat 1440Ala Glu Ser Lys Cys Tyr Leu Ile Thr Val Thr Pro Val Tyr
Ala Asp465 470 475 480gga cct ggc tct cct gag tct atc aag gcc tac
ctg aag cag gct cct 1488Gly Pro Gly Ser Pro Glu Ser Ile Lys Ala Tyr
Leu Lys Gln Ala Pro 485 490 495cca tct aag gga cct acc gtg agg aca
aag aag gtg ggc aag aac gag 1536Pro Ser Lys Gly Pro Thr Val Arg Thr
Lys Lys Val Gly Lys Asn Glu 500 505 510gct gtg ctg gag tgg gat cag
ctg cct gtg gat gtg cag aac ggc ttc 1584Ala Val Leu Glu Trp Asp Gln
Leu Pro Val Asp Val Gln Asn Gly Phe 515 520 525atc cgg aac tac acc
atc ttc tac cgg acc atc atc ggc aat gag acc 1632Ile Arg Asn Tyr Thr
Ile Phe Tyr Arg Thr Ile Ile Gly Asn Glu Thr 530 535 540gcc gtg aac
gtg gat tct tcc cac acc gag tac aca ctg tcc tct ctg 1680Ala Val Asn
Val Asp Ser Ser His Thr Glu Tyr Thr Leu Ser Ser Leu545 550 555
560acc tct gac acc ctg tac atg gtg aga atg gcc gct tat acc gat gag
1728Thr Ser Asp Thr Leu Tyr Met Val Arg Met Ala Ala Tyr Thr Asp Glu
565 570 575ggc ggc aag gat gga cct gag ttc acc ttc acc acc cct aag
ttc gcc 1776Gly Gly Lys Asp Gly Pro Glu Phe Thr Phe Thr Thr Pro Lys
Phe Ala 580 585 590cag ggc gag gac aag acc cac acc tgt cct cct tgt
cct gct cct gag 1824Gln Gly Glu Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys
Pro Ala Pro Glu 595 600 605gct gag ggc gct cct tct gtg ttt ctg ttc
ccc cca aag cct aag gat 1872Ala Glu Gly Ala Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe
Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp 610 615 620acc ctg atg atc tcc aga acc cct
gag gtg aca tgt gtg gtg gtg gat 1920Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro
Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp625 630 635 640gtg tct cat gag gac
ccc gag gtg aag ttc aac tgg tac gtg gat ggc 1968Val Ser His Glu Asp
Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly 645 650 655gtg gag gtg
cac aat gct aag acc aag cct agg gag gag cag tac aac 2016Val Glu Val
His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn 660 665 670tcc
acc tac aga gtg gtg tct gtg ctg aca gtg ctg cat cag gat tgg 2064Ser
Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp Trp 675 680
685ctg aac ggc aag gag tac aag tgc aag gtg tcc aac aag gct ctg cct
2112Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu Pro
690 695 700gct cct atc gaa aag acc atc tcc aag gct aag gga cag cct
aga gag 2160Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly Gln Pro
Arg Glu705 710 715 720cct cag gtg tac aca ctg cct cca tct agg gag
gag atg acc aag aat 2208Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu
Glu Met Thr Lys Asn 725 730 735cag gtg tcc ctg acc tgt ctg gtg aag
ggc ttc tac cct tct gat atc 2256Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys
Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile 740 745 750gct gtg gag tgg gag tct aat
ggc cag ccc gag aac aat tac aag acc 2304Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn
Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr 755 760 765acc cct cct gtg ctg
gat tct gac ggc tcc ttc ttc ctg tac tcc aaa 2352Thr Pro Pro Val Leu
Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys 770 775 780ctg acc gtg
gac aag tct aga tgg cag cag ggc aac gtg ttc tct tgt 2400Leu Thr Val
Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys785 790 795
800tcc gtg atg cac gag gct ctg cac aat cac tat acc cag aag tcc ctg
2448Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu
805 810 815tct ctg tct cct ggc aag 2466Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys
8209822PRTArtificial SequenceSynthetic Construct 9Glu Leu Leu Asp
Pro Cys Gly Tyr Ile Ser Pro Glu Ser Pro Val Val1 5 10 15Gln Leu His
Ser Asn Phe Thr Ala Val Cys Val Leu Lys Glu Lys Cys 20 25 30Met Asp
Tyr Phe His Val Asn Ala Asn Tyr Ile Val Trp Lys Thr Asn 35 40 45His
Phe Thr Ile Pro Lys Glu Gln Tyr Thr Ile Ile Asn Arg Thr Ala 50 55
60Ser Ser Val Thr Phe Thr Asp Ile Ala Ser Leu Asn Ile Gln Leu Thr65
70 75 80Cys Asn Ile Leu Thr Phe Gly Gln Leu Glu Gln Asn Val Tyr Gly
Ile 85 90 95Thr Ile Ile Ser Gly Leu Pro Pro Glu Lys Pro Lys Asn Leu
Ser Cys 100 105 110Ile Val Asn Glu Gly Lys Lys Met Arg Cys Glu Trp
Asp Gly Gly Arg 115 120 125Glu Thr His Leu Glu Thr Asn Phe Thr Leu
Lys Ser Glu Trp Ala Thr 130 135 140His Lys Phe Ala Asp Cys Lys Ala
Lys Arg Asp Thr Pro Thr Ser Cys145 150 155 160Thr Val Asp Tyr Ser
Thr Val Tyr Phe Val Asn Ile Glu Val Trp Val 165 170 175Glu Ala Glu
Asn Ala Leu Gly Lys Val Thr Ser Asp His Ile Asn Phe 180 185 190Asp
Pro Val Tyr Lys Val Lys Pro Asn Pro Pro His Asn Leu Ser Val 195 200
205Ile Asn Ser Glu Glu Leu Ser Ser Ile Leu Lys Leu Thr Trp Thr Asn
210 215 220Pro Ser Ile Lys Ser Val Ile Ile Leu Lys Tyr Asn Ile Gln
Tyr Arg225 230 235 240Thr Lys Asp Ala Ser Thr Trp Ser Gln Ile Pro
Pro Glu Asp Thr Ala 245 250 255Ser Thr Arg Ser Ser Phe Thr Val Gln
Asp Leu Lys Pro Phe Thr Glu 260 265 270Tyr Val Phe Arg Ile Arg Cys
Met Lys Glu Asp Gly Lys Gly Tyr Trp 275 280 285Ser Asp Trp Ser Glu
Glu Ala Ser Gly Ile Thr Tyr Glu Asp Arg Pro 290 295 300Ser Lys Ala
Pro Ser Phe Trp Tyr Lys Ile Asp Pro Ser His Thr Gln305 310 315
320Gly Tyr Arg Thr Val Gln Leu Val Trp Lys Thr Leu Pro Pro Phe Glu
325 330 335Ala Asn Gly Lys Ile Leu Asp Tyr Glu Val Thr Leu Thr Arg
Trp Lys 340 345 350Ser His Leu Gln Asn Tyr Thr Val Asn Ala Thr Lys
Leu Thr Val Asn 355 360 365Leu Thr Asn Asp Arg Tyr Leu Ala Thr Leu
Thr Val Arg Asn Leu Val 370 375 380Gly Lys Ser Asp Ala Ala Val Leu
Thr Ile Pro Ala Cys Asp Phe Gln385 390 395 400Ala Thr His Pro Val
Met Asp Leu Lys Ala Phe Pro Lys Asp Asn Met 405 410 415Leu Trp Val
Glu Trp Thr Thr Pro Arg Glu Ser Val Lys Lys Tyr Ile 420 425 430Leu
Glu Trp Cys Val Leu Ser Asp Lys Ala Pro Cys Ile Thr Asp Trp 435 440
445Gln Gln Glu Asp Gly Thr Val His Arg Thr Tyr Leu Arg Gly Asn Leu
450 455 460Ala Glu Ser Lys Cys Tyr Leu Ile Thr Val Thr Pro Val Tyr
Ala Asp465 470 475 480Gly Pro Gly Ser Pro Glu Ser Ile Lys Ala Tyr
Leu Lys Gln Ala Pro 485 490 495Pro Ser Lys Gly Pro Thr Val Arg Thr
Lys Lys Val Gly Lys Asn Glu 500 505 510Ala Val Leu Glu Trp Asp Gln
Leu Pro Val Asp Val Gln Asn Gly Phe 515 520 525Ile Arg Asn Tyr Thr
Ile Phe Tyr Arg Thr Ile Ile Gly Asn Glu Thr 530 535 540Ala Val Asn
Val Asp Ser Ser His Thr Glu Tyr Thr Leu Ser Ser Leu545 550 555
560Thr Ser Asp Thr Leu Tyr Met Val Arg Met Ala Ala Tyr Thr Asp Glu
565 570 575Gly Gly Lys Asp Gly Pro Glu Phe Thr Phe Thr Thr Pro Lys
Phe Ala 580 585 590Gln Gly Glu Asp Lys Thr His Thr Cys Pro Pro Cys
Pro Ala Pro Glu 595 600 605Ala Glu Gly Ala Pro Ser Val Phe Leu Phe
Pro Pro Lys Pro Lys Asp 610 615 620Thr Leu Met Ile Ser Arg Thr Pro
Glu Val Thr Cys Val Val Val Asp625 630 635 640Val Ser His Glu Asp
Pro Glu Val Lys Phe Asn Trp Tyr Val Asp Gly 645 650 655Val Glu Val
His Asn Ala Lys Thr Lys Pro Arg Glu Glu Gln Tyr Asn 660 665 670Ser
Thr Tyr Arg Val Val Ser Val Leu Thr Val Leu His Gln Asp Trp 675 680
685Leu Asn Gly Lys Glu Tyr Lys Cys Lys Val Ser Asn Lys Ala Leu Pro
690 695 700Ala Pro Ile Glu Lys Thr Ile Ser Lys Ala Lys Gly Gln Pro
Arg Glu705 710 715 720Pro Gln Val Tyr Thr Leu Pro Pro Ser Arg Glu
Glu Met Thr Lys Asn 725 730 735Gln Val Ser Leu Thr Cys Leu Val Lys
Gly Phe Tyr Pro Ser Asp Ile 740 745 750Ala Val Glu Trp Glu Ser Asn
Gly Gln Pro Glu Asn Asn Tyr Lys Thr 755 760 765Thr Pro Pro Val Leu
Asp Ser Asp Gly Ser Phe Phe Leu Tyr Ser Lys 770 775 780Leu Thr Val
Asp Lys Ser Arg Trp Gln Gln Gly Asn Val Phe Ser Cys785 790 795
800Ser Val Met His Glu Ala Leu His Asn His Tyr Thr Gln Lys Ser Leu
805 810 815Ser Leu Ser Pro Gly Lys 82010584DNAArtificial
SequenceCMV IE Promoter 10attaatagta atcaattacg gggtcattag
ttcatagccc atatatggag ttccgcgtta 60cataacttac ggtaaatggc ccgcctggct
gaccgcccaa cgacccccgc ccattgacgt 120caataatgac gtatgttccc
atagtaacgc caatagggac tttccattga cgtcaatggg 180tggagtattt
acggtaaact gcccacttgg cagtacatca agtgtatcat atgccaagta
240cgccccctat tgacgtcaat gacggtaaat ggcccgcctg gcattatgcc
cagtacatga 300ccttatggga ctttcctact tggcagtaca tctacgtatt
agtcatcgct attaccatgg 360tgatgcggtt ttggcagtac atcaatgggc
gtggatagcg gtttgactca cggggatttc 420caagtctcca ccccattgac
gtcaatggga gtttgttttg gcaccaaaat caacgggact 480ttccaaaatg
tcgtaacaac tccgccccat tgacgcaaat gggcggtagg cgtgtacggt
540gggaggtcta tataagcaga gctcgtttag tgaaccgtca gatc
58411327DNAArtificial SequenceHuman IgH Poly A 11gtgccacggc
cggcaagccc ccgctccccg ggctctcgcg gtcgcacgag gatgcttggc 60acgtaccccg
tctacatact tcccaggcac ccagcatgga aataaagcac ccaccactgc
120cctgggcccc tgcgagactg tgatggttct ttccacgggt caggccgagt
ctgaggcctg 180agtggcatga gggaggcaga gtgggtccca ctgtccccac
actggcccag gctgtgcagg 240tgtgcctggg ccgcctaggg tggggctcag
ccaggggctg ccctcggcag ggtgggggat 300ttgccagcgt ggccctccct ccagcag
32712861DNAArtificial SequenceAmp (bla) gene 12ttaccaatgc
ttaatcagtg aggcacctat ctcagcgatc tgtctatttc gttcatccat 60agttgcctga
ctccccgtcg tgtagataac tacgatacgg gagggcttac catctggccc
120cagtgctgca atgataccgc gagacccacg ctcaccggct ccagatttat
cagcaataaa 180ccagccagcc ggaagggccg agcgcagaag tggtcctgca
actttatccg cctccatcca 240gtctattaat tgttgccggg aagctagagt
aagtagttcg ccagttaata gtttgcgcaa 300cgttgttgcc attgctacag
gcatcgtggt gtcacgctcg tcgtttggta tggcttcatt 360cagctccggt
tcccaacgat caaggcgagt tacatgatcc cccatgttgt gcaaaaaagc
420ggttagctcc ttcggtcctc cgatcgttgt cagaagtaag ttggccgcag
tgttatcact 480catggttatg gcagcactgc ataattctct tactgtcatg
ccatccgtaa gatgcttttc 540tgtgactggt gagtactcaa ccaagtcatt
ctgagaatag tgtatgcggc gaccgagttg 600ctcttgcccg gcgtcaatac
gggataatac cgcgccacat agcagaactt taaaagtgct 660catcattgga
aaacgttctt cggggcgaaa actctcaagg atcttaccgc tgttgagatc
720cagttcgatg taacccactc gtgcacccaa ctgatcttca gcatctttta
ctttcaccag 780cgtttctggg tgagcaaaaa caggaaggca aaatgccgca
aaaaagggaa taagggcgac 840acggaaatgt tgaatactca t
86113356DNAArtificial SequenceSV40 Promoter 13cacgaggccc tattgattat
tgactagcta gtgtggaatg tgtgtcagtt agggtgtgga 60aagtccccag gctccccagc
aggcagaagt atgcaaagca tgcatctcaa ttagtcagca 120accaggtgtg
gaaagtcccc aggctcccca gcaggcagaa gtatgcaaag catgcatctc
180aattagtcag caaccatagt cccgccccta actccgccca tcccgcccct
aactccgccc 240agttccgccc attctccgcc ccatggctga ctaatttttt
ttatttatgc agaggccgag 300gccgcctcgg cctctgagct attccagaag
tagtgaggag gcttttttgg aggcct 35614564DNAArtificial
SequenceDihydrofolate Reductase Coding Sequence 14atggttcgac
cattgaactg catcgtcgcc gtgtcccaaa atatggggat tggcaagaac 60ggagaccgac
cctggcctcc gctcaggaac gagttcaagt acttccaaag aatgaccaca
120acctcttcag tggaaggtaa acagaatctg gtgattatgg gtaggaaaac
ctggttctcc 180attcctgaga agaatcgacc tttaaaggac agaattaata
tagttctcag tagagaactc 240aaagaaccac cacgaggagc tcattttctt
gccaaaagtt tggatgatgc cttaagactt 300attgaacaac cggaattggc
aagtaaagta gacatggttt ggatagtcgg aggcagttct 360gtttaccagg
aagccatgaa tcaaccaggc cacctcagac tctttgtgac aaggatcatg
420caggaatttg aaagtgacac gtttttccca gaaattgatt tggggaaata
taaacttctc 480ccagaatacc caggcgtcct ctctgaggtc caggaggaaa
aaggcatcaa gtataagttt 540gaagtctacg agaagaaaga ctaa
56415323DNAArtificial SequenceSV40 Poly 15caggaagatg ctttcaagtt
ctctgctccc ctcctaaagc tatgcatttt tataagacca 60tgggactttt gctggcttta
gatcataatc agccatacca catttgtaga ggttttactt 120gctttaaaaa
acctcccaca cctccccctg aacctgaaac ataaaatgaa tgcaattgtt
180gttgttaact tgtttattgc agcttctaat ggttacaaat aaagcaatag
catcacaaat 240ttcacaaata aagcattttt ttcactgcat tctagttgtg
gtttgtccaa actcatcaat 300gtatcttatc atgtctggat cgg 323
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