U.S. patent application number 17/349482 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-09 for potency assays for antibody drug substance binding to an fc receptor.
The applicant listed for this patent is GENMAB A/S. Invention is credited to Catharina Emanuele GERARDA HAVENITH, Paul PARREN, Patrick VAN BERKEL, Tom VINK.
Application Number | 20220177585 17/349482 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006167920 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220177585 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GERARDA HAVENITH; Catharina
Emanuele ; et al. |
June 9, 2022 |
POTENCY ASSAYS FOR ANTIBODY DRUG SUBSTANCE BINDING TO AN FC
RECEPTOR
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of characterizing an antibody,
which method is suitable as a potency assay for batch release of a
pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody, specifically for
use when applying for marketing authorization for said
pharmaceutical composition. The assay provided is a method for
determining the potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding
peptide, wherein at least one mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide of the drug product is mediated through the binding
of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product to a Fc receptor,
wherein said method comprises determining the binding of the FcR
binding peptide of the drug product to an Fc receptor.
Inventors: |
GERARDA HAVENITH; Catharina
Emanuele; (Bodegraven, NL) ; VINK; Tom;
(Alphen aan den Rijn, NL) ; VAN BERKEL; Patrick;
(Utrecht, NL) ; PARREN; Paul; (Odijk, NL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GENMAB A/S |
Copenhagen V |
|
DK |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006167920 |
Appl. No.: |
17/349482 |
Filed: |
June 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15414254 |
Jan 24, 2017 |
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17349482 |
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11989064 |
Sep 25, 2009 |
9580506 |
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PCT/DK2006/000426 |
Jul 21, 2006 |
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15414254 |
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60752923 |
Dec 21, 2005 |
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60701656 |
Jul 21, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C07K 2317/41 20130101;
C07K 2317/732 20130101; C07K 2317/34 20130101; C07K 16/2863
20130101; C07K 2317/76 20130101; G01N 33/566 20130101; G01N
2333/70535 20130101; C07K 16/2812 20130101; C07K 2317/21
20130101 |
International
Class: |
C07K 16/28 20060101
C07K016/28; G01N 33/566 20060101 G01N033/566 |
Claims
1-161. (canceled)
162. A method for determining the potency of a drug product
comprising an FcR binding peptide, wherein at least one mechanism
of action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product is
mediated through the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug
product to a Fc receptor, wherein said method comprises determining
the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product to an Fc
receptor, wherein said method is part of an application for
marketing authorization for selling said drug product as a
pharmaceutical composition.
163. A method for applying for marketing authorization for a drug
product comprising an FcR binding peptide, which method comprises
describing a method for determining the potency of a drug product
comprising an FcR binding peptide, wherein at least one mechanism
of action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product is
mediated through the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug
product to a Fc receptor, wherein said method comprises determining
the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product to an Fc
receptor.
164. The method of claim 162, wherein the method for determining
the potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide is
used as a potency assay for batch release.
165. The method of claim 162, wherein the binding of the FcR
binding peptide to the Fc receptor is determined by use of a method
comprising (i) bringing a sample of the drug product into contact
with an Fc receptor for a time period sufficient for allowing the
FcR binding peptide to bind to the Fc receptor, and (ii) detecting
the amount of FcR binding peptide bound to the Fc receptor.
166. The method of claim 165, wherein the detection is performed by
use of a detecting antibody directed at the FcR binding
peptide.
167. The method of claim 166, wherein the detecting antibody is a
labeled antibody.
168. The method of claim 162, wherein the binding of the FcR
binding peptide to the Fc receptor is determined by use of an
ELISA.
169. The method of claim 162, wherein the binding of the FcR
binding peptide to the Fc receptor is determined by use of an
AlphaScreen.TM. assay.
170. The method of claim 162, wherein the binding of the FcR
binding peptide to the Fc receptor is determined by use of a
radioimmunoassay.
171. The method of claim 162, wherein the binding of the FcR
binding peptide to the Fc receptor is determined by use of a
Biacore assay.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 15/414,254, filed Jan. 24, 2017 (now abandoned), which is
a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/989,064, filed
Sep. 25, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,580,506), which is a 35 U.S.C.
371 national stage filing of International Application No.
PCT/DK2006/000426, filed Jul. 21, 2006, which claims the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/752,923, filed Dec. 21, 2005
and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/701,656, filed Jul. 21,
2005. The contents of the aforementioned applications are hereby
incorporated by reference.
SEQUENCE LISTING
[0002] The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which
has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created
on Jun. 16, 2021, is named GMI_086 USDV2_Sequence_Listing.txt and
is 8,403 bytes in size.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention relates to a method of characterizing an
antibody, which method is suitable as a potency assay for batch
release of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody,
specifically for use when applying for marketing authorization for
said pharmaceutical composition.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] When producing a pharmaceutical composition, it is not
enough to formulate the drug substance into the drug product, it is
also vital that the resulting drug product is approved by the
regulatory body in the country in which the pharmaceutical
composition is to be used. In the United States, the appropriate
regulatory body is the United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) (http://www.fda.gov/), and in Europe, it is for instance the
European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA)
(http://www.emea.eu.int/).
[0005] The approval process is intensely regulated and the drug
developers will be required to submit a substantial amount of
information regarding the drug product to the regulatory
authorities in order to obtain approval. This may include
information regarding the potency of the drug product and assays to
determine this potency.
[0006] Such a potency assay serves to characterize the product, to
monitor lot-to-lot consistency and to assure stability of the
product, and should therefore be sufficiently sensitive to detect
differences which may impact mechanism of action and function of
the product and are thereby of potential clinical importance. In
addition, it is desirable that the potency assay bears the closest
possible relationship to the putative physiological/pharmacological
activity of the product.
[0007] A suitable potency assay should meet the following primary
criteria: [0008] ability to measure potency value within the
product specifications. [0009] high sensitivity for detection of
differences of potential clinical importance. [0010] close
relationship with the mechanism of action and putative
physiological/pharmacological activity of the product.
[0011] A potency assay selected on basis of the primary criteria
should also meet the following secondary criteria: [0012]
sufficiently low intra- and inter-assay variation (to obtain
precision needed to support product specifications). [0013]
sufficient robustness [0014] amendable to high-throughput
analysis.
[0015] The development of techniques to produce recombinant
monoclonal antibodies has prompted a significant amount of research
into the therapeutic use of monoclonal antibodies directed against
disease targets. Several pharmaceutical compositions comprising
monoclonal antibodies have subsequently been approved for marketing
or are in clinical development all over the world. The therapeutic
utility of an antibody as a drug depends on the ability of the
antibody to bind the antigen, but often antibody Fc-mediated
activities also play a critical role in the mechanism of action.
Indeed, whereas the effect of some antibody drug products are
achieved by simply binding of the antibody to the antigen resulting
in for instance blocking the access of ligands to the antigen, the
performance of certain antibody drug products may in addition
depend on effector functions, such as for instance binding of Fc
receptors and/or induction of complement activation.
[0016] Zanolimumab (also referred to as HuMax-CD4) is a fully human
monoclonal antibody with an IgG1 heavy chain and a light chain of
the kappa-type (IgG1,.kappa.) directed against human CD4
(EP0854917). Zanolimumab is manufactured in a mammalian cell (CHO)
culture and purified by affinity, ion exchange and size exclusion
chromatography. The zanolimumab drug substance is formulated at 20
mg/ml in a phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4 to become the
zanolimumab drug product. One mechanism of zanolimumab is to
deplete and/or inactivate CD4.sup.+ T cells. This may occur via for
instance antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC),
down-modulation of CD4 expression on the T cell surface, and/or
interference with CD4 signal transduction, T cell activation, and T
cell proliferation. All these categories of mechanisms of action
depend on binding of CD4 antigen by the antigen-binding moiety of
zanolimumab located in the Fab fragment. In addition, ADCC and
CD4-downregulation require binding of the Fc region of zanolimumab
to an Fc receptor. The induction of ADCC has been identified as an
important mechanism of action for Zanolimumab.
[0017] Zalutumumab (also referred to as HuMax-EGFr) is a human
antibody directed against human EGFr with a heavy chain of the IgG1
isotype and a light chain of the kappa type (IgG1,.kappa.)
(WO02/100348). Zalutumumab is currently manufactured in a mammalian
cell (CHO) suspension culture, expressing Zalutumumab using the GS
vector system, and purified by affinity and ion exchange
procedures, including specific viral inactivation and removal
procedures. The drug product Zalutumumab (20 mg/mL) is formulated
by diluting the Zalutumumab drug substance (25 mg/mL) in a buffer
containing 50 mM sodium phosphate, 50 mM sodium chloride, 3% (w/v)
mannitol, 0.02% (w/v) polysorbate 80 and 0.01% (w/v) EDTA and
adjustment to pH 6.0.
[0018] Anti-tumor effect in mice was also observed at low
HuMax-EGFr-receptor occupancy, which is likely based on the
engagement of immune effector mechanisms, in particular ADCC. So,
one mechanism of action of HuMax-EGFr, ADCC, is through Fc-FcR
interactions.
[0019] The potency of antibodies for which Fc binding to Fc
receptor plays a critical role for the mechanism of action are
traditionally measured by use of biological assays in which the
effect assessed is dependent on Fc-Fc receptor binding. Such assays
may include ADCC, induction or inhibition of T cell activation
requiring antibody cross-linking or the induction or inhibition of
cytokine production such as production of interleukin 2 (IL-2).
However, such assays are relatively cumbersome, are highly variable
because of expected variations due to cell culture or because
primary cells are often required. The latter in particular
introduces variability because of variations in donor immune
status, polymorphisms in expressed genes and variations in
cell-type purity. Such biological assays therefore may be less
optimal for batch release purposes. There is thus a need for fast,
efficient and sensitive potency assays showing a close relationship
to the mechanism of action and putative
physiological/pharmacological activity of the antibody drug product
for use in the production of pharmaceutical compositions
particularly comprising antibodies in which mechanism of action is
dependent on binding to Fc receptors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention provides a method for determining the
potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide,
wherein at least one mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide
of the drug product is mediated through the binding of the FcR
binding peptide of the drug product to a Fc receptor, wherein said
method comprises determining the binding of the FcR binding peptide
of the drug product to an Fc receptor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0021] FIG. 1: Non-reduced SDS-PAGE of zanolimumab batches. MEV001,
MEV005, MRS-CD4-001, BN078 and B0118 are zanolimumab batches with
differences in heavy chain glycosylation. UNG-MRS-CD4 is a
de-glycosylated zanolimumab batch (lacking the carbohydrate usually
attached to Asn 297 in the antibody Fc), MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a
sham-deglycosylated batch, and M90-MRS-CD4 and M50-MRS-CD4 are
mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and fully glycosylated
reference batch) with 90% of heavy chains glycosylated and 50% of
heavy chains glycosylated, respectively.
[0022] FIG. 2: Reduced SDS-PAGE of zanolimumab batches. MEV001,
MEV004, MEV005, MRS-CD4-001, BN078 and B0118 are zanolimumab
batches with differences in heavy chain glycosylation. UNG-MRS-CD4
is de-glycosylated zanolimumab batch, MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a
sham-deglycosylated batch, and M90-MRS-CD4 and M50-MRS-CD4 are
mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and fully glycosylated
reference batch) with 90% of heavy chains glycosylated and 50% of
heavy chains glycosylated, respectively.
[0023] FIG. 3: Ability of zanolimumab batches to induce ADCC. The
relative activity (derived from EC.sub.50 values of bottom-fixed
curves) of the batches relative to reference batch MRS-CD4-001 and
geometric means with 95% confidence intervals are shown.
[0024] FIGS. 4A and 4B: Ability of de-glycosylated mix batches to
induce ADCC. Reference batch MRS-CD4-001, MOCK-MRS-CD4, a
sham-de-glycosylated batch, and mixed batches (mix of
de-glycosylated and glycosylated GMP #3 batch) M50-GMP #3-CD4 (50%
deglycosylated GMP #3), M70-GMP #3-CD4 (30% deglycosylated GMP #3),
and M90-GMP #3 (10% deglycosylated GMP #3). The results of one
representative of 3 experiments (see also data Table 2) are shown
as the specific lysis of CD4+ T cells in the presence of a
concentration range of the (partly) de-glycosylated batches (single
data points). FIG. 4A: The curve fitting was performed using 4
parameter logistic fitting, with the bottom fixed to a common
value. FIG. 4B: The curve fitting was performed using 4 parameter
logistic fitting with constraints on bottom level, top level, and
hill slope. GMP #3 is the patent batch.
[0025] FIG. 5: Binding of zanolimumab batches to plate-bound
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis. The relative potencies relative to
reference batch MRS-CD4-001 and geometric means with 95% confidence
intervals are shown. MEV001, MEV005, BN078 and B0118 are
zanolimumab batches with differences in heavy chain glycosylation.
MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a sham-deglycosylated batch, and M90-MRS-CD4 and
M50-MRS-CD4 are mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and fully
glycosylated reference batch) with 90% of heavy chains glycosylated
and 50% of heavy chains glycosylated, respectively.
[0026] FIG. 6: Binding of de-glycosylated mix batches of
zanolimumab to plate-bound Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis. Reference
batch MRS-CD4-001, MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a sham-de-glycosylated batch,
M50-GMP #3-CD4, M70-GMP #3-CD4, and M90-GMP #3 are mixed batches
(mix of de-glycosylated and glycosylated GMP #3 batch). The results
of one representative of 2 experiments (see also data Table 3) are
shown as the binding to Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V in the presence of a
concentration range of the (partly) de-glycosylated batches
(triplicate data points). The curve fitting was performed using 4
parameter logistic fitting with constraints on bottom level, top
level, and hill slope. GMP #3 is the patent batch.
[0027] FIG. 7: Relation between heavy chain glycosylation of
Zanolimumab batches and ability to bind to
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis. Batches described in FIG. 6 and Table 3
were ranked (left to right) according to their content of
glycosylated heavy chains. Results are shown as the relative
potency to bind to Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis relative to parent
batch GMP #3 (mean.+-.SD of n=2 experiments).
[0028] FIG. 8: Correlation between ability of zanolimumab batches
to induce ADCC and to bind Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis. The relative
potency of the zanolimumab batches to induce ADCC described in
Table 2, and the relative potency of zanolimumab batches to bind
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis described in FIG. 6 and Table 3 were
plotted on the x-axis and y-axis (potency relative to parent batch
GMP #3). The correlation coefficient is indicated in the plot.
[0029] FIG. 9: Binding of zanolimumab batches to plate-bound CD4.
The relative potency relative to reference batch MRS-CD4-001 and
geometric means with 95% confidence intervals are shown. MEV001,
MEV005, BN078 and B0118 are zanolimumab batches with differences in
heavy chain glycosylation. UNG-MRS-CD4 is unglycosylated
zanolimumab batch, MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a sham-deglycosylated batch, and
M90-MRS-CD4 and M50-MRS-CD4 are mixed batches (mix of
de-glycosylated and fully glycosylated reference batch) with 90% of
heavy chains glycosylated and 50% of heavy chains glycosylated,
respectively.
[0030] FIG. 10: Binding of de-glycosylated mix batches of
zanolimumab to plate-bound CD4. Reference batch MRS-CD4-001,
MOCK-MRS-CD4, a sham-de-glycosylated batch, and mixed batches (mix
of de-glycosylated and glycosylated GMP #3 batch) M50-GMP #3-CD4
(50% deglycosylated GMP #3), M70-GMP #3-CD4 (30% deglycosylated GMP
#3), and M90-GMP #3 (10% deglycosylated GMP #3). The results of one
representative of 2 experiments (see also data Table 4) are shown
as the binding to CD4 in the presence of a concentration range of
the (partly) de-glycosylated batches (triplicate data points). The
curve fitting was performed using 4 parameter logistic fitting with
constraints on bottom level, top level, and hill slope. GMP #3 is
the patent batch.
[0031] FIGS. 11A-11D: Ability of zanolimumab to inhibit IL-2
production. MEV001, MEV005, MRS-CD4-001, BN078 and B0118 are
zanolimumab batches with differences in heavy chain glycosylation.
MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a sham-deglycosylated batch, and M90-MRS-CD4 and
M50-MRS-CD4 are mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and fully
glycosylated reference batch) with 90% of heavy chains glycosylated
and 50% of heavy chains glycosylated, respectively.
[0032] FIG. 12: Screening for Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis binding and
CD4 binding of several zanolimumab batches by an
AlphaScreen.TM.-based assay. The relative potency relative to
reference batch MRS-CD4-001 and geometric means with 95% confidence
intervals are shown. MEV005, BN078 and B0118 are zanolimumab
batches with differences in heavy chain glycosylation. UNG-MRS-CD4
is de-glycosylated Zanolimumab batch, MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a
sham-de-glycosylated batch, and M90-MRS-CD4 and M50-MRS-CD4 are
mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and fully glycosylated
reference batch) with 90% of heavy chains glycosylated and 50% of
heavy chains glycosylated, respectively.
[0033] FIG. 13: Ability of zanolimumab to bind cell-bound
Fc.gamma.RI. The relative potency relative to reference batch
MRS-CD4-001 and geometric means with 95% confidence intervals are
shown. MEV005, BN078 and B0118 are zanolimumab batches with
differences in heavy chain glycosylation. UNG-MRS-CD4 is
de-glycosylated Zanolimumab batch, MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a
sham-de-glycosylated batch, and M90-MRS-CD4 and M50-MRS-CD4 are
mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and fully glycosylated
reference batch) with 90% of heavy chains glycosylated and 50% of
heavy chains glycosylated, respectively.
[0034] FIG. 14: Ability of zanolimumab to bind plate-bound
Fc.gamma.RI. The relative potency relative to reference batch
MRS-CD4-001 and geometric means with 95% confidence intervals are
shown. MEV001, MEV005, BN078 and B0118 are zanolimumab batches with
differences in heavy chain glycosylation. UNG-MRS-CD4 is
de-glycosylated Zanolimumab batch, MOCK-MRS-CD4 is a
sham-de-glycosylated batch, and M90-MRS-CD4 and M50-MRS-CD4 are
mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and fully glycosylated
reference batch) with 90% of heavy chains glycosylated and 50% of
heavy chains glycosylated, respectively.
[0035] FIGS. 15A-15E: Correlation of ability to induce ADCC by
zanolimumab batches with relative potencies in several assays. The
zanolimumab batches were ranked according to the level of
glycosylated heavy chains present and the potential correlation
with the results of the several indicated assays are presented.
FIG. 15A: ADCC assay (FIG. 3). FIG. 15B CD4 binding assays (FIG.
9). FIG. 15C: Fc.gamma.RI binding assays (FIGS. 13 and 14). FIG.
15D: Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis binding (FIG. 5). FIG. 15E. sCD4 and
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis binding (FIG. 12).
[0036] FIG. 16: Comparison of two CHO-K1SV derived
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batches in a plate bound
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis binding ELISA. Two different
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batches (646-005-EP and 655-015-EP) were
coated to the plate and binding of HuMax-CD4 to these batches was
compared.
[0037] FIG. 17: Native electrophoresis of Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis
batch 646-005-EP and 655-015-EP as described in Example 18.
[0038] FIG. 18: Reduced 4-10% Nupage Bis-Tris analysis of untreated
and deglycosylated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V. Lane 1: untreated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batch 646-005-EP; Lane 2: deglycosylated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batch 646-005-EP; Lane 3: untreated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batch 655-015-EP; Lane 4: deglycosylated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batch 655-015-EP. The migration of the
markers (kDa) is indicated on the left.
[0039] FIG. 19: Reduced 4-10% Nupage Bis-Tris analysis of untreated
and desialylated Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis. Lane 1: untreated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batch 655-015-EP; Lane 2: desialylated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batch 403-041-EP. The migration of the
markers (kDa) is indicated on the left.
[0040] FIG. 20: Native electrophoresis of untreated and
desialylated Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis. Lane 1: desialylated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batch 655-015-EP; Lane 2: untreated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis batch 403-041-EP. The migration of the
markers (kDa) is indicated on the left.
[0041] FIG. 21: Comparison of desialylated and untreated
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis in a plate bound Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis
binding ELISA. Desialylated Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis (batch
403-041-EP) and untreated Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis (655-015-EP)
were coated to the plate at the same concentration and binding of
zanolimumab to these batches was compared.
[0042] FIG. 22: Comparison of coating efficiency of desialylated
and untreated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V. Serial dilutions of desialylated
and untreated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V were coated to the plate and bound
receptor was detected with a mouse-anti-CD16.
[0043] FIGS. 23A and 23B, binding curves of two batches of antibody
HuMax-EGFr to Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis, coated either directly
(FIG. 23A) (upper panel) or via his-capturing (anti-polyhistidine)
antibody (FIG. 23B) (lower panel), are given (data are mean.+-.SD,
n=3).
[0044] FIGS. 24A and 24B, Zanolimumab down-modulates CD4 expression
on CD4+ T cells. FIG. 24A--Dose-response plots of CD4 expression
carried out using purified blood CD4+ T cells incubated with
soluble zanolimumab in the presence or absence of monocytes
incubated with or without IFN.gamma. for 18 hours. FIG.
24B--Dose-response plots of CD4 expression carried out using CD4+
CEM-NKr cells incubated with soluble zanolimumab, F(ab')2 fragments
of zanolimumab or the control antibody HuMab-KLH in the presence or
absence of THP-1 cells for 18 h. The CD4 expression was measured
using a non-competing anti-CD4 antibody MT-477.
[0045] FIG. 25, Sequence list:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEQUENCE LISTING
[0046] SEQ ID No:1--Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis
[0047] SEQ ID No:2--Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis
[0048] SEQ ID No:3--Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis
[0049] SEQ ID No:4--Primer P1
[0050] SEQ ID No:5--Primer P2
[0051] SEQ ID No:6--Primer P3
[0052] SEQ ID No:7--Primer P4
[0053] SEQ ID No:8--Primer P5
[0054] SEQ ID No:9--Primer P6
[0055] SEQ ID No:10--Primer P7
[0056] SEQ ID No:11--Primer P8
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
[0057] ADCC antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity [0058] CHO
Chinese hamster ovary [0059] ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay [0060] F(ab).sub.2 dimer of variable domain of an antibody
[0061] Fc constant domain of antibody [0062] FcR Fc receptor [0063]
Fc.gamma.RIa Immunoglobulin gamma Fc receptor I-A [0064]
Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis The extracellular domain of Fc.gamma.RIa with a
C-terminal His6 tag [0065] Fc.gamma.RIIIa Immunoglobulin gamma Fc
region receptor III-A [0066] Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V Fc.gamma.RIIIa
having a Val in position 176, also termed Fc.gamma.RIII158V, when
numbered from the expected start of the matured, processed protein
[0067] Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis The extracellular domain of
Fc.gamma.RIIIa with a C-terminal His6 tag and the 176F polymorphism
[0068] Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis The extracellular domain of
Fc.gamma.RIIIa with a c-terminal His6 tag and the 176V polymorphism
[0069] Fc.gamma.RIII158V See above under Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V [0070]
Fv variable (antigen-specific) domain of an antibody [0071]
IgG1,.kappa. immunoglobulin G with kappa light chain [0072] IL
interleukin [0073] NK natural killer [0074] PBMC peripheral blood
mononuclear cell(s) [0075] PBS phosphate-buffered saline [0076]
PBSC PBS containing 2% (v/v) chicken serum [0077] PBST PBS
containing 0.05% (v/v) Tween-20 [0078] PBSTC PBS containing 0.05%
(v/v) Tween-20 and 2% (v/v) chicken serum [0079] PMN
polymorphonuclear leukocytes [0080] RT room temperature [0081] RZPD
Deutsches Resourcenzentrum fur Genomforschung [0082] SDS-PAGE SDS
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis [0083] TNF tumor necrosis
factor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0084] The present invention provides a method which is suitable as
a potency assay for batch release of a pharmaceutical composition
comprising a peptide capable of binding to the Fc binding region of
an Fc receptor. In the context of this application, such a peptide
may be termed an "Fc receptor binding peptide" or "FcR binding
peptide".
[0085] The present invention provides a method for determining the
potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide,
wherein at least one mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide
of the drug product is mediated through the binding of the FcR
binding peptide of the drug product to a Fc receptor, wherein said
method comprises determining the binding of the FcR binding peptide
of the drug product to an Fc receptor.
[0086] The term peptide in this context includes any suitable
peptide and can be used synonymously with the terms polypeptide and
protein, unless otherwise stated or contradicted by context;
provided that the reader recognize that each type of respective
amino acid polymer-containing molecule can be associated with
significant differences and thereby form individual embodiments of
the present invention (for example, a peptide such as an antibody,
which is composed of multiple polypeptide chains, is significantly
different from, for example, a single chain antibody, a peptide
immunoadhesin, or single chain immunogenic peptide). Therefore, the
term peptide herein should generally be understood as referring to
any suitable peptide of any suitable size and composition (with
respect to the number of amino acids and number of associated
chains in a protein molecule), which are capable of binding an Fc
receptor. Moreover, peptides in the context of the inventive
methods described herein may comprise non-naturally occurring
and/or non-L amino acid residues, unless otherwise stated or
contradicted by context.
[0087] Unless otherwise stated or contradicted by context, the term
peptide (and if discussed as individual embodiments of the term(s)
polypeptide and/or protein) also encompasses derivatized peptide
molecules. Briefly, in the context of the present invention, a
derivative is a peptide in which one or more of the amino acid
residues of the peptide have been chemically modified (for instance
by alkylation, acylation, ester formation, or amide formation) or
associated with one or more non-amino acid organic and/or inorganic
atomic or molecular substituents (for instance a polyethylene
glycol (PEG) group, a lipophilic substituent (which optionally may
be linked to the amino acid sequence of the peptide by a spacer
residue or group such as .beta.-alanine, .gamma.-aminobutyric acid
(GABA), L/D-glutamic acid, succinic acid, and the like), a
fluorophore, biotin, a radionuclide, etc.), see for instance U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,766,106, 4,179,337, 4,495,285 and 4,609,546. An FcR
binding peptide may also or alternatively comprise non-essential,
non-naturally occurring, and/or non-L amino acid residues, unless
otherwise stated or contradicted by context. Non-limiting examples
of such amino acid residues include for instance 2-aminoadipic
acid, 3-aminoadipic acid, .beta.-alanine, .beta.-aminopropionic
acid, 2-aminobutyric acid, 4-aminobutyric acid, 6-aminocaproic
acid, 2-aminoheptanoic acid, 2-aminoisobutyric acid,
3-aminoisobutyric acid, 2-aminopimelic acid, 2,4-diaminobutyric
acid, desmosine, 2,2'-diaminopimelic acid, 2,3-diaminopropionic
acid, N-ethylglycine, N-ethylasparagine, hydroxylysine,
allohydroxylysine, 3-hydroxyproline, 4-hydroxyproline,
isodesmosine, alloisoleucine, N-methylglycine, N-methylisoleucine,
6-N-methyllysine, N-methylvaline, norvaline, norleucine, ornithine,
and statine halogenated amino acids.
[0088] The term FcR binding peptide in this context thus also
includes fusion proteins, which may comprise any suitable amino
acid sequence or combination of sequences, which confers binding to
the Fc binding region of Fc receptors and at least one
nonhomologous and typically substantially nonsimilar amino acid
sequence that imparts a detectable biological function and/or
characteristic to the fusion protein that cannot solely be
attributed to the Fc receptor specific sequence (which may for
instance be an antibody as described herein), such as for instance
increased in vivo half-life, fluorescence, addition of an epitope
tag, increased targeting to a particular type of cell, etc.
Functional sequences of such fusion proteins may be separated by
flexible linker(s). Secondary sequence(s) may also be derived from
cytotoxic or apoptotic peptides. Secondary sequences may also
confer diagnostic properties. Examples of such sequences include
those derived from easily visualized enzymes such as horseradish
peroxidase.
[0089] An FcR binding peptide also covers a peptide capable of
binding to the Fc binding part of an Fc receptor, which peptide is
conjugated to a therapeutic moiety. For instance, such a
therapeutic moiety could be a cytotoxin, a chemotherapeutic drug,
an immunosuppressant, or a radioisotope. The therapeutic moiety
need not be construed as limited to classical chemical therapeutic
agents, but may also include a protein or polypeptide possessing a
desired biological activity. Such proteins may include, for
example, an enzymatically active toxin, or active fragment thereof,
such as abrin, ricin A, pseudomonas exotoxin, or diphtheria toxin;
a protein such as tumor necrosis factor or interferon-.gamma.; or,
biological response modifiers such as, for example, lymphokines,
interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6),
granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF),
granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), or other growth
factors and apoptotic inducing protein isolated from mitochondria.
It could also be an agent active at the cell surface, such as
phospholipase enzymes, e.g. phospholipase C.
[0090] An FcR binding peptide also covers an FcR binding peptide
conjugated to for instance a radioisotope, a radionuclide, an
enzyme (such as for instance an enzyme useful for detection, such
as horseradish peroxidase, .beta.-galactosidase, luciferase,
alkaline phosphatase, glucose oxidase, and the like), an enzyme
substrate, a cofactor, a fluorescent marker (such as for instance
fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine,
5-dimethylamine-1-napthalenesulfonyl chloride, lanthanide
phosphors, and the like as well as a .sup.125Eu label, an
isothiocyanate label, a phycoerythrin label, a phycocyanin label,
an allophycocyanin label, an o-phthaldehyde label, or a
fluorescamine label or the like), a chemiluminescent marker (such
as for instance luminal labels, isoluminal labels, aromatic
acridinium ester labels, imidazole labels, acridinium salt labels,
oxalate ester labels, a luciferin labels, luciferase labels,
aequorin labels, and the like), a peptide tag (such as for instance
a predetermined polypeptide epitopes recognized by a secondary
reporter, such as leucine zipper pair sequences, binding sites for
secondary antibodies, metal binding domains, epitope tags, etc.), a
magnetic particle, nucleic acids or nucleic acid-associated
molecule (such as a cytotoxic ribonuclease, an antisense nucleic
acid, an inhibitory RNA molecule (e.g., a siRNA molecule), an
aptamer, a ribozyme, a triplex forming molecule, an external guide
sequence, an immunostimulatory nucleic acid, an expression cassette
coding for expression of for instance a tumor suppressor gene,
anti-cancer vaccine, anti-cancer cytokine, apoptotic agent or one
or more cytotoxic proteins), nucleases, hormones, immunomodulators,
chelators, boron compounds, photoactive agents, dyes, and the
like.
[0091] An FcR binding peptide also covers an FcR binding peptide
comprising one or more radiolabeled amino acids or spin-labeled
molecules are provided. Nonlimiting examples of radio-labels for
polypeptides include, but are not limited to .sup.3H, .sup.14C,
.sup.15N, .sup.35S, .sup.99Y, .sup.99Tc, .sup.125I, .sup.131I, and
.sup.186Re.
[0092] An FcR binding peptide also covers cross-linked FcR binding
peptide derivatives. For example, such a cross-linked derivative
may be produced by crosslinking two or more antibodies, at least
one of which is capable of binding to the Fc binding region of an
Fc receptor (of the same type or of different types, e.g., to
create bispecific antibodies).
[0093] The methods of the present invention can also be used to
determine the potency if peptide mimetics capable of binding the Fc
binding region of Fc receptors. These are thus also included in the
term FcR binding peptides.
[0094] A drug product is a composition comprising the
therapeutically interesting drug, which composition is to be
administered to patients in need of treatment with the drug. In one
embodiment, the drug product is a drug product comprising an
antibody, such as a recombinantly produced antibody drug. In the
case of a recombinant antibody drug, the antibody drug product is
produced by first producing the antibody in a host cell either
generated by cell fusion of recombinant DNA techniques, followed by
harvesting, purification and formulation of the antibody resulting
in the drug product. The selection of the cell type for antibody
production, co-transfection of modifying enzymes such as
carbohydrate transferases and differences in culture and/or process
conditions may affect the potency of the resulting antibody as it
is well known in the art. Likewise for the production of a
recombinantly produced peptide. Methods for harvesting,
purification and formulation of recombinant antibodies are known in
the art and may include one or more steps of for instance
clarification, concentration, filtration, and chromatography (such
as for instance size exclusion and ion-exchange chromatography).
The drug product may, in addition to the drug, contain any number
of components, which may be added for instance during the process
of purification, which components should be acceptable for
pharmaceutical use, such as carriers, diluents, adjuvants and
excipients. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or
diluents as well as any other known adjuvants and excipients are
well known in the art and may be such as those disclosed in
Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19th Edition,
Gennaro, Ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1995.
[0095] The term antibody in the context of the present invention
refers to an immunoglobulin molecule, a fragment of an
immunoglobulin molecule, or a derivative of either thereof, which
has the ability to specifically bind to an antigen under typical
physiological conditions for significant periods of time such as
with a half-life of at least about 30 minutes, at least about 45
minutes, at least about one hour, at least about two hours, at
least about four hours, at least about 8 hours, at least about 12
hours, about 24 hours or more, about 48 hours or more, about 3, 4,
5, 6, 7 or more days, etc., or any other relevant
functionally-defined period (such as a time sufficient to induce,
promote, enhance, and/or modulate a physiological response
associated with antibody binding to the antigen) and the ability to
bind Fc receptors.
[0096] The term immunoglobulin refers to a class of structurally
related glycoproteins consisting of two pairs of polypeptide
chains, one pair of light (L) low molecular weight chains and one
pair of heavy (H) chains, typically all four are inter-connected by
disulfide bonds. The structure of immunoglobulins has been well
characterized. See for instance Fundamental Immunology Ch. 7 (Paul,
W., ed., 2nd ed. Raven Press, N.Y. (1989)). Briefly, each heavy
chain typically is comprised of a heavy chain variable region
(abbreviated herein as V.sub.H) and a heavy chain constant region.
The heavy chain constant region typically is comprised of three
domains, C.sub.H1, C.sub.H2, and C.sub.H3. Each light chain
typically is comprised of a light chain variable region
(abbreviated herein as V.sub.L) and a light chain constant region.
The light chain constant region typically is comprised of one
domain, C.sub.L. The V.sub.H and V.sub.L regions can be further
subdivided into regions of hypervariability (or hypervariable
regions which can be hypervariable in sequence and/or form of
structurally defined loops), also termed complementarity
determining regions (CDRs), interspersed with regions that are more
conserved, termed framework regions (FRs).
[0097] Each V.sub.H and V.sub.L is typically composed of three CDRs
and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in
the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4 (see also
Chothia and Lesk J. Mol. Biol. 196, 901-917 (1987)). Typically, the
numbering of amino acid residues in this region is performed by the
method described in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of
Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991) (phrases such as
variable domain residue numbering as in Kabat or according to Kabat
herein refer to this numbering system for heavy chain variable
domains or light chain variable domains). Using this numbering
system, the actual linear amino acid sequence of a peptide may
contain fewer or additional amino acids corresponding to a
shortening of, or insertion into, a FR or CDR of the variable
domain. For example, a heavy chain variable domain may include a
single amino acid insert (residue 52a according to Kabat) after
residue 52 of V.sub.H CDR2 and inserted residues (for instance
residues 82a, 82b, and 82c, etc. according to Kabat) after heavy
chain FR residue 82. The Kabat numbering of residues may be
determined for a given antibody by alignment at regions of homology
of the sequence of the antibody with a "standard" Kabat numbered
sequence.
[0098] In an antibody, the variable regions of the heavy and light
chains of the immunoglobulin molecule contain a binding domain that
interacts with an antigen (the Fv fragment). The constant regions
of the antibodies (Abs) may mediate the binding of the
immunoglobulin to host tissues or factors, including various cells
of the immune system (such as effector cells) via Fc receptors and
the first component (Clq) of the classical complement system.
[0099] An antibody for use in the present invention may be a
bispecific antibody or similar molecule. Indeed, bispecific
antibodies and the like may bind any suitable target in addition to
a portion of the original antigen as long as they retain a part
capable of binding to an Fc receptor.
[0100] As indicated above, the term antibody herein, unless
otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context, includes
fragments, derivatives, variants (incl. deletion variants) of an
antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to an antigen
and to an Fc receptor. Furthermore, although the two domains of the
Fv fragment, V.sub.L and V.sub.H, are coded for by separate genes,
they can be joined, using recombinant methods, by a synthetic
linker that enables them to be made as a single protein chain in
which the V.sub.L and V.sub.H regions pair to form monovalent
molecules (known as single chain antibodies or single chain Fv
(scFv), see for instance Bird et al., Science 242, 423-426 (1988)
and Huston et al., PNAS USA 85, 5879-5883 (1988)). Such single
chain antibodies are encompassed within the term antibody unless
otherwise noted or clearly indicated by context. Other forms of
single chain antibodies, such as molecules described in
WO2005037989, are included within the term antibody. Although such
fragments are generally included within the meaning of antibody,
they collectively and each independently are unique features of the
present invention, exhibiting different biological properties and
utility.
[0101] It also should be understood that the term antibody also
generally includes polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies,
such as chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies and human
antibodies as well as antibody-like polypeptides, An antibody can
be of a specific isotype referring to the immunoglobulin class that
is encoded by heavy chain constant region genes, for instance IgG1,
IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgD, IgA, IgE, or IgM. Each isotype has a unique
amino acid sequence and possesses a unique set of isotype epitopes
distinguishing them from each other.
[0102] A therapeutic effect of an antibody is achieved through the
binding of the hypervariable region of the antibody to the antigen
and the binding of the Fc region of the antibody to an Fc receptor.
A therapeutic peptide may also provide its therapeutic effect
through the binding to an Fc receptor.
[0103] Fc receptors belong to a family of receptors specific for
certain amino acids in the constant region of immunoglobulins.
Their expression on individual cells depends on the type of
receptor. Receptors for almost all immunoglobulin classes have been
described. They are referred to as Fc.gamma.R (for the IgG class),
Fc.alpha.R (for IgA class) and Fc.epsilon.R (for IgE class).
Multiple Fc.gamma.Rs have been identified which differ in their
affinity to bind IgG and relative affinity to bind IgG isotypes;
for more information on the Fc.gamma.R receptors, please see van
Sorge N M et al., Tissue Antigens. 61(3), 189-202 (2003). Fc
receptors for use in the present invention may be full-length Fc
receptors or fragments thereof which fragment retains the ability
to bind an Fc region, for instance the extracellular domain. An Fc
receptor for use in the present invention may also be a wildtype Fc
receptor of any allotype or a mutant variant thereof, the function
of which correlates with the function of an Fc receptor, to which
the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo. An Fc receptor for use in
the present invention may also be a peptide, which are not a
naturally occurring Fc receptor (or a fragment or derivate
thereof), which peptide is capable of binding the FcR binding
region of the Fc part of an antibody and wherein the binding of the
FcR binding peptide to the Fc binding peptide correlates with the
function of a Fc receptor, to which the FcR binding peptide binds
in vivo.
[0104] Fc receptors for use in the present invention may for
instance be produced by transient expression in host cells as
described, in the examples section, or may be produced in stably
transfected cell lines or in any other way known in the art. They
may also be present on the surface of a cell, such as a eukaryotic
cell, for instance a yeast cell or a mammalian cell, transfected
with nucleic acid enabling expression of an Fc receptor comprising
a transmembrane domain. The term "host cell" (or recombinant "host
cell"), as used herein, is intended to refer to a cell into which a
recombinant expression vector has been introduced. It should be
understood that such terms are intended to refer not only to the
particular subject cell but to the progeny of such a cell. Because
certain modifications may occur in succeeding generations due to
either mutation or environmental influences, such progeny may not,
in fact, be identical to the parent cell, but are still included
within the scope of the term "host cell" as used herein.
Recombinant host cells include, for example, transfectomas, such as
CHO cells, NS/0 cells, and lymphocytic cells.
[0105] As shown herein, there is a strong correlation between the
ability of a drug product containing a peptide, which is dependent
for its mechanism of action on the recruitment of cells expressing
the Fc receptor, to bind an Fc receptor, and the therapeutic effect
of the peptide drug product when administered to a patient in need
thereof.
[0106] The potency of a drug product is a measure of the activity
in a specific assay relative to the activity of a reference
standard of the drug product for which therapeutic efficacy may
have been assessed. For peptides, such as antibodies, inter alia
acting by binding an Fc receptor, a method according to the present
invention is suitable for use in determining the potency of the
peptide drug product as the binding of the peptide to the Fc
receptor is a direct indication of a mechanism of action of the
peptide. Use of a method according to the invention thus enables
determining the potency of an FcR binding peptide without the use
of cumbersome bioassays, such as determination of the production of
IL-2 or the induction of ADCC, where the determination of the
potency depends on measurements of the effects of the binding of
the FcR binding peptide to the Fc receptor in a cell-based assay,
whereas the use of a method according to the present invention
enables determination of the potency by simply measuring the
binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc receptor.
[0107] The present invention also provides a method for determining
the potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide,
which method comprises [0108] i) determining the binding of a
reference standard FcR binding peptide to an Fc receptor; [0109]
ii) determining the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug
product to said Fc receptor; and [0110] iii) comparing the FcR
binding in step ii) to the FcR binding in step i) and using the
information obtained by the comparison to assess the potency of the
drug substance, wherein [0111] a) the binding to the Fc receptor in
step ii) is determined in the same manner as the binding to the Fc
receptor in step i), [0112] b) at least one mechanism of action of
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product is mediated through the
binding of the FcR binding peptide to a Fc receptor, and [0113] c)
wherein the reference standard FcR binding peptide and the FcR
binding peptide of the drug product are two different preparations
of the same FcR binding molecule.
[0114] This method is useful for analyzing different batches from
for instance the production of a given FcR binding peptide. The
binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product to the Fc
receptor is compared to the binding of reference standard FcR
binding peptide to the Fc receptor, and the therapeutic efficacy of
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product is assessed from its
ability to bind the Fc receptor to the same or substantially the
same degree as the reference standard FcR binding peptide. The
potency of the reference standard FcR binding peptide may for
instance also be established through the use of other methods such
as cell-based methods or inhibition of IL-2 production to establish
that the reference standard FcR binding peptide does indeed have
the desired therapeutic activity. According to the present
invention, the FcR binding profile of the reference standard FcR
binding peptide is a suitable indicator for the potency of the
reference standard FcR binding peptide and any FcR binding peptide
showing the same or substantially the same FcR binding profile as
the reference standard FcR binding peptide is deemed to have the
same or substantially the same therapeutic activity as the
reference standard FcR binding peptide. The degree to which the FcR
binding profile of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product and
the FcR binding profile of the reference standard FcR binding
peptide may differ may be established on a case-to-case basis and
may for instance be determined in cooperation with the appropriate
regulatory body.
[0115] To be able to determine FcR binding in a reliable and
consistent manner, the FcR binding of the FcR binding peptide of
the drug product and the reference standard FcR binding peptide
should be performed using the same assay, for instance assays as
described elsewhere herein. The determination of the binding of the
reference standard FcR binding peptide will typically be performed
first to establish a standard that any following batches of the FcR
binding peptide can be compared with. However, the determination of
the binding of the reference standard FcR binding peptide may also
be performed at the same time or after the determination of the FcR
binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product.
[0116] The present invention also provides a method of producing a
pharmaceutical composition comprising an FcR binding peptide, which
method comprises [0117] a) the production of a drug product
comprising said FcR binding peptide; [0118] b) subjecting said drug
product to a method as described above for determining the potency
of a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide; and [0119] c)
using the information obtained in step b) as part of an assessment
of whether the drug product may be used as a pharmaceutical
composition.
[0120] The production of the drug product may be performed in any
manner as desired and/or suitable for the drug product and/or
peptide in question. The drug product should then be subjected to a
method for assaying the binding of the peptide of the drug product
to an Fc receptor. The result of said method should then be taken
as an indication of whether the drug product may be used as a
pharmaceutical composition, i.e. whether the drug product lives up
the criteria to be injected into a patient as agreed with the
regulatory authorities in a country, where an injection of the drug
product may take place.
[0121] The present invention also provides a method as described
above, wherein said method is part of an application for marketing
authorization for selling said drug product as a pharmaceutical
composition.
[0122] The present invention also provides a method for applying
for marketing authorization for a drug product comprising an FcR
binding peptide, which method comprises describing a method as
described above for determining the potency of the FcR binding
peptide of the drug product.
[0123] In one embodiment, the method according to the present
invention for determining the potency of a drug product comprising
an FcR binding peptide is used as a potency assay for batch
release.
[0124] Any continuing production of drug products will result in
the production of different batches of product to be released as
pharmaceuticals. A key feature in the production is to ensure that
the different batches live up to the same standard. This standard
is typically set in cooperation with the regulatory bodies.
Typically, each batch will be tested and examined by a number of
different assays to ensure that the batch is of sufficient quality
to be approved for the market. One of such assays may be, and often
is, a potency assay to determine that the drug product has the
required potency. In the case of drug products comprising
recombinant peptides, such as recombinant antibodies, such potency
is often dependent of the quality of the recombinantly produced
peptide. In the case of antibodies mediating their effect through
binding of an Fc receptor, the quality of the antibody in this
respect is often dependent on the glycosylation of the Fc part of
the antibody. However, determining the glycosylation of the Fc part
of the antibody, and other known methods of determining the
potency, such as methods measuring the ability of the drug product
to initiate ADCC or measuring the inhibition of T cell signal
transduction (for instance measuring the up-regulation of
activation markers and/or proliferation and production of autocrine
factors) directly or indirectly are often to cumbersome or variable
for efficient and reliable use in a production process. However, as
described elsewhere herein, a method according to the present
invention is suitable for use in determining the potency of the
antibody drug product and is therefore a suitable assay for use as
potency assay for batch release.
[0125] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide to
the Fc receptor is determined by use of a method comprising [0126]
(i) bringing a sample of the drug product into contact with an Fc
receptor for a time period sufficient for allowing the FcR binding
peptide to bind to the Fc receptor, and [0127] (ii) detecting the
amount of FcR binding peptide bound to the Fc receptor.
[0128] In a further embodiment, the detection is performed by use
of a detecting antibody directed at the FcR binding peptide. In a
further embodiment, the detecting antibody is a labeled
antibody.
[0129] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide,
such as an antibody, to the Fc receptor is determined by use of an
ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay); see for instance
Margulies D. H. 199. Induction of immune responses. In Current
Protocols in Immunology (Coligan, J. E., Kruisbeek, A. M.,
Margulies, D. H., Shevach, E. M., Strober, W., eds. pp 2.1.2-2.1.20
John Wiley & Sons, New York).
[0130] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide,
such as an antibody, to the Fc receptor is determined by use of an
AlphaScreen.TM. assay. Briefly, acceptor beads are used to
immobilize the FcR protein, the donor beads will be coated with the
antigen of interest (for instance sCD4). Different coating systems
may be used and the acceptor and donor beads may be interchanged.
The acceptor and donor beads will come into proximity
(approximately <200 nm) as a result of biological binding of the
test antibody to an Fc receptor and to antigen. Upon excitation at
680 nm, a photosensitizer in the donor bead will convert ambient
oxygen to a singlet state. Singlet oxygen molecules diffuse across
to react with a thioxene derivate in the acceptor bead resulting in
chemiluminescence. This chemiluminesence will activate fluorophores
in the acceptor bead which causes light emission at 520-620 nm
(http://www.perkinelmer.co.jp/tech/tech_ls/protocol_collection/asc-001-
.pdf).
[0131] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide,
such as an antibody, to the Fc receptor is determined by use of a
radioimmunoassay (Cooper, H. M., and Paterson, Y. Determination of
the specific antibody titer. In Current Protocols in Molecular
Biology (Ausubel, F. M., Brent, R., Kingston, R. E., Moore, D. D.,
Seidman, J. G., Smith, J. A, and Struhl, K, eds.) pp
11.17.1-11.17.13 John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1993)
[0132] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide,
such as an antibody, to the Fc receptor is determined by use of a
BIAcore assay. The BIAcore works by the principle of surface
plasmon resonance (SPR), which allows for measurements of changes
in refractive index at a surface. Briefly, one interactant (the
ligand eg an Fc receptor) is immobilized to the surface of a sensor
chip. A solution containing potential binding partner(s) (the
antibody of the drug product) is passed over the immobilized
surface, and binding is visualized as a change in refractive index
at the surface (response units (RU)) over time (D. G. Myszka and R.
L. Rich, Implementing surface plasmon resonance biosensors in drug
discovery, Pharm. Sci. Technol. Today 3, 310-317 (2000). In one
embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide such as an
antibody, to the Fc receptor is determined by an acoustic biosensor
such as the Akubio (for information: www.akubio.com/).
[0133] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide,
such as an antibody, to the Fc receptor is determined by use of an
FMAT, e.g. FLISA (fluorescent-linked immunosorbent assay). Briefly,
beads are used to immobilize the FcR protein (e.g. streptavidin
beads with biotinylated-FcR), the antibody is added, and detected
with Cy5-conjugated anti-IgG, which will be read in by the FMAT.
Different coating and detection systems may be used (Miraglia, S.
et al, J Biomol Screen. 4, 193-204 (1999).
[0134] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide,
such as an antibody, to the Fc receptor is determined by use of a
DELFIA. Briefly in the DELFIA assay, also known as time-resolved
fluorescence immunoassay, the antibody is captured (for instance
using anti-human IgG) to a microtiter plate, and binding of FcR is
measured by adding biotinylated FcR, which is detected with for
instance Eu-(europium) labeled streptavidin. An enhancement step
with enhancement solution is employed before counting on Delfia
Fluorometer, eg a VICTOR apparatus. The VICTOR apparatus operates
with a broad array of technologies including fluorescence,
luminescence, time-resolved fluorescence, fluorescence polarization
and UV absorbance necessary for direct quantification of proteins.
Many options and combinations may be used. VICTOR3 multilabel
microplate reader for quantitative detection of light emitting or
light absorbing markers for cell and microbiology assays, binding
studies and DELFIA assays (http://www.gmi-inc.com/BioTechLab/Wallac
%20Delfia %201234%20Fluorometer.htm).
[0135] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce antibody dependent cell-mediated
cytotoxicity (ADCC). ADCC is an immune response in which FcR
binding peptides, such as antibodies, by coating target cells,
makes them vulnerable to induction of lysis by immune cells,
including but not limited to NK cells, PMN or
monocyte/macrophages.
[0136] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce down modulation of the target receptors via
i.e. internalization, stripping, capping or other forms of changing
receptors rearrangements on the cell surface that influences FcR
crosslinking.
[0137] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the recruitment of natural killer
cells. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are cells which can react
against and destroy another cell without prior sensitization to it
and may under certain circumstances not need to recognize a
specific antigen. However, NK cells may also be activated to induce
ADCC by an antibody Fc region of which the antigen binding domain
is bound to an antigen on the target cell.
[0138] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the induction of ADCC through NK
cells.
[0139] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of
the Fc receptors to which the FcR binding peptide of the drug
product, such as an antibody, binds in vivo is expressed on NK
cells.
[0140] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the recruitment of polymorphonuclear
leukocytes (PMN).
[0141] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the induction of ADCC through
PMNs.
[0142] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the induction of PMN
degranulation.
[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the induction of phagocytosis through
PMN.
[0144] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of
the Fc receptors to which the FcR binding peptide of the drug
product, such as an antibody, binds in vivo is expressed on
PMNs.
[0145] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce platelet aggregation.
[0146] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide is mediated through the
recruitment of platelets.
[0147] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of
the Fc receptors to which the FcR binding peptide of the drug
product, such as an antibody, binds in vivo is expressed on
platelets.
[0148] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce cytokine production.
[0149] In one embodiment, a therapeutic activity of the FcR binding
peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody, is mediated
through the recruitment of natural killer cells and/or T cells.
[0150] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on natural killer cells and/or T
cells.
[0151] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce clearance of immune complexes.
[0152] In one embodiment, a mechanism action of the FcR binding
peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody, is mediated
through the recruitment of monocytes or macrophages.
[0153] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on monocytes or macrophages.
[0154] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce down-regulation of antibody responses.
[0155] In one embodiment, a mechanism of action of the FcR binding
peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody, is mediated
through the recruitment of B cells.
[0156] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on B cells. In one embodiment of the
present invention, a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide
of the drug product, such as an antibody, is to induce monocyte and
macrophage effector function inhibition.
[0157] In one embodiment, a mechanism of action of the FcR binding
peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody, FcR binding
peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody, is mediated
through the recruitment of monocytes and/or macrophages.
[0158] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on monocytes and/or macrophages.
[0159] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the induction of ADCC by monocytes or
macrophages.
[0160] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is expressed on monocytes
and/or macrophages.
[0161] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce phagocytosis.
[0162] In one embodiment, a mechanism of action of the FcR binding
peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody, is mediated
through the recruitment of polymorphonuclear leukocytes,
macrophages and/or dendritic cells.
[0163] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on polymorphonuclear leukocytes,
macrophages and/or dendritic cells.
[0164] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the induction of phagocytosis by
monocytes or macrophages.
[0165] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on monocytes or macrophages.
[0166] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce crosslinking.
[0167] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through cross-linking of cells and/or
antibodies.
[0168] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce positive signaling via an immunoreceptor
tyrosine-based activation motif.
[0169] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the recruitment of myeloid cells, T
cells and/or platelets.
[0170] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on myeloid cells, T cells and/or
platelets.
[0171] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce positive signaling via common .gamma.,
.beta., .zeta. chains.
[0172] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the recruitment of myeloid cells,
polymorphonuclear leukocytes, natural killer cells or T cells.
[0173] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on myeloid cells, polymorphonuclear
leukocytes, natural killer cells or T cells.
[0174] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is to induce negative signaling through an immunoreceptor
tyrosine-based inhibition motif.
[0175] In one embodiment of the present invention, a mechanism of
action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an
antibody, is mediated through the recruitment of B cells,
macrophages and/or monocytes.
[0176] In one embodiment, at least one of the Fc receptors to which
the FcR binding peptide of the drug product, such as an antibody,
binds in vivo is expressed on B cells, macrophages and/or
monocytes.
[0177] In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIa
receptor or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability
to bind an Fc region, for instance the extracellular domain. The
Fc.gamma.RIa receptor is constitutively expressed on cells of the
reticuloendothelium system and on mononuclear phagocytes, including
monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells and can be induced on
polymorphic neutrophils.
[0178] In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIa
receptor or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability
to bind an Fc region, for instance the extracellular domain. The
Fc.gamma.RIIa receptor is one of the several known isoforms of the
Fc.gamma.RII receptor. Fc.gamma.RIIa is the most widely distributed
isotypes and is expressed on virtually all myeloid cells, including
platelets.
[0179] In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIb
receptor or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability
to bind an Fc region, for instance the extracellular domain. The
expression of the Fc.gamma.RIIb receptor is restricted to
phagocytes and B cells.
[0180] In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIc
receptor or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability
to bind an Fc region, for instance the extracellular domain. The
Fc.gamma.RIIc receptor is expressed on NK cells.
[0181] In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIIa
receptor or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability
to bind an Fc region, for instance the extracellular domain. In a
further embodiment, the Fc.gamma.RIII receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V receptor or a fragment thereof which fragment
retains the ability to bind an Fc region, for instance the
extracellular domain. The Fc.gamma.RIIIa receptor is one of the two
known isoforms of the Fc.gamma.RIII receptor. Fc.gamma.RIIIa is
present on monocytes, macrophages, NK cells and .gamma./.delta. T
cells. A genetic polymorphism of Fc.gamma.RIIIa is present in
position 176 (Phe or Val). This variant, Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V (also
termed Fc.gamma.RIII158V, when numbered from the expected start of
the matured, processed protein), is described in Koene H R et al.,
Blood 90, 1109-1114 (1997) and in Wu J, et al., J Clin Invest. 100,
1059-1070 (1997).
[0182] In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIIb NA1
receptor or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability
to bind an Fc region, for instance the extracellular domain. In one
embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIIb NA2 receptor or a
fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability to bind an Fc
region, for instance the extracellular domain. The Fc.gamma.RIIIb
receptor is constitutively expressed on neutrophils and can be
induced on eosinophils.
[0183] In one embodiment, the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.Rn
receptor or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability
to bind an Fc region, for instance the extracellular domain. The
Fc.gamma.Rn receptor is widely distributed and is expressed on
endothelial cells.
[0184] In one embodiment of the present invention, the Fc receptor
for use in a method according to the invention has been prepared by
a preparation method, which preparation method comprises a step,
which step results in the Fc receptor having a reduced amount of
sialic acid on the N-linked glycosylation as compared to a similar
Fc receptor prepared by a preparation method not including such a
step.
[0185] Such desilylation may be achieved in a number of ways. The
Fc receptor may for instance be prepared by recombinant expression
in a host cell defective in the mechanisms responsible for
sialylation. Expression of polypeptides, which polypeptides would
normally possess a certain degree of sialic acid glycosylation, in
such sialylation-defective cell cells will result in polypeptide
product which have less sialic acid on the N-linked glycosylation
than a polypeptide expressed in a non-sialylation defective cell (a
cell with non-defective sialylation mechanisms) of otherwise the
same type. Examples of sialylation-defective cells include for
instance cells defective in expression of sialyltransferases
(examples are CHO Lec 2 cells), cells defective in expression of
the acceptor monosaccharide for sialylation such as galactose (for
example CHO Lec1 and CHO Lec19 cells), or cells defective in the
expression of enzymes involved in the synthesis of sialic acid such
as UDP-GlcNAc-2 epimerase (for example CHO Lec3 cells). Other
interference techniques such as RNAi can also be used to generate
cells defective in the expression of enzymes involved in the
synthesis of sialic acid (for example UDP-GlcNAc-2 epimerase), the
sialylation itself (for example .alpha.2,3-sialyltransferase or
.alpha.2,6-sialyltransferase) or in the synthesis of complex type
N-linked glycans containing the sialic acid acceptor galactose (for
example N-acetylglucosamine transferase I). Such techniques have
been applied to a variety of cells, including SP2/0, CHO, BHK,
HEK-293, NS0, JURKAT and the like. Alternatively, the protein can
be expressed in bacterial, yeast or fungal cells, which cells do
not add N-linked glycans (bacteria) or sialic acids to the N-linked
glycans, such is the case with fungal or yeast expression.
[0186] An Fc receptor with sialic acid on its N-linked
glycosylation, for instance resulting from recombinant expression
in a non-sialylation defective cell, may also be desialylated by
use of methods, which reduce the amount of sialic acid, such as for
instance by treatment with a sialidase prior to use in said method.
Examples of such sialidases are for instance neuraminidases from
Arthrobacter ureafaciens, Salmonella typhimurium, Vibrio Cholera,
Newcastle disease virus, Hitchner B1 Strain, Streptococcus
pneumoniae or Clostridium perfringens. Such enzymes may be obtained
from their endogenous source or after recombinant expression in
other hosts such as E. coli. The desilylation step may be performed
straight after expression of the receptor in the non-desilylation
defective cells, i. e. before purification. Alternatively,
desilylation may be done when the receptor is bound to the resin
used for purification or after purification of the receptor.
Alternatively, an expression plasmid containing the DNA sequence of
the sialidase may be cotransfected with the expression plasmid
encoding the receptor, in which case the transfected cells will
secrete both high levels of neuraminidase and of receptor, yielding
desilylation of the receptor in situ by the recombinantly produced
sialidase.
[0187] An Fc receptor resulting from recombinant expression in a
non-sialylation defective cell may also be separated during
purification into a fraction containing sialic acid and into a
fraction lacking sialic acid. Such separations may be performed
using lectins specific for sialic acid, such as MAA (Maackia
amurensis agglutinin) and SNA (Sambucus nigra I agglutinin)
Separation might also be based on anionic exchange chromatography
using for example DAEA sepharose, Sepharose Q or Resource Q.
[0188] An Fc receptor may also be desialylated by culturing the
cell expressing the receptor and adding an alkanoic acid, such as
sodium butyrate to the cell culture as described in WO 9639488.
[0189] In one embodiment of the present invention, the FcR binding
peptide is an antibody.
[0190] In one embodiment of the present invention, the FcR binding
peptide is a monoclonal antibody.
[0191] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody is
a bi-specific antibody.
[0192] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody is
an IgG-like molecule which at least contains an Fc-binding
moiety.
[0193] A monoclonal antibody as used herein refers to a preparation
of antibody molecules of single molecular composition. A monoclonal
antibody composition displays a single binding specificity and
affinity for a particular epitope. Accordingly, the term "human
monoclonal antibody" refers to antibodies displaying a single
binding specificity which have variable and constant regions
derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. The human
monoclonal antibodies may be generated by a hybridoma which
includes a B cell obtained from a transgenic or transchromosomal
nonhuman animal, such as a transgenic mouse, having a genome
comprising a human heavy chain transgene and a light chain
transgene, fused to an immortalized cell.
[0194] In one embodiment, the antibody of the drug product is a
human antibody.
[0195] A human antibody, as used herein, is intended to include
antibodies having variable and constant regions derived from human
germ line immunoglobulin sequences. The human antibodies of the
present invention may include amino acid residues not encoded by
human germ line immunoglobulin sequences (for instance mutations
introduced by random or site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by
somatic mutation in vivo). However, the term "human antibody", as
used herein, is not intended to include antibodies in which CDR
sequences derived from the germ line of another mammalian species,
such as a mouse, have been grafted onto human framework
sequences.
[0196] As used herein, a human antibody is "derived from" a
particular germ line sequence if the antibody is obtained from a
system using human immunoglobulin sequences, for instance by
immunizing a transgenic mouse carrying human immunoglobulin genes
or by screening a human immunoglobulin gene library, and wherein
the selected human antibody is at least 90%, such as at least 95%,
for instance at least 96%, such as at least 97%, for instance at
least 98%, or such as at least 99% identical in amino acid sequence
to the amino acid sequence encoded by the germ line V.sub.H of
V.sub.L variable region gene segment. Typically, a human antibody
derived from a particular human germ line V.sub.H or V.sub.L
variable region gene segment sequence will display no more than 10
amino acid differences, such as no more than 5, for instance no
more than 4, 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference from the amino acid
sequence encoded by the germ line immunoglobulin gene.
[0197] In one embodiment, the antibody of the drug product is a
humanized antibody.
[0198] A humanized antibody is an antibody that is derived from a
non-human species, in which certain amino acids in the framework
and constant domains of the heavy and light chains have been
mutated so as to avoid or abrogate an immune response in humans.
Humanized forms of non-human (for instance murine) antibodies
contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. For
the most part, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins
(recipient antibody) in which residues from a hypervariable region
of the recipient are replaced by residues from a hypervariable
region of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat,
rabbit or nonhuman primate having the desired antigen-binding
characteristics such as specificity, and affinity. In some
instances, Fv framework region (FR) residues of the human
immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues.
Furthermore, humanized antibodies may comprise residues which are
not found in the recipient antibody or in the donor antibody. These
modifications are made to further optimize antigen binding. In
general, a humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at
least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or
substantially all of the hypervariable loops correspond to those of
a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR
regions are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. A humanized
antibody optionally also will comprise at least a portion of an
immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human
immunoglobulin. For further details, see Jones et al., Nature 321,
522-525 (1986), Riechmann et al., Nature 332, 323-329 (1988) and
Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 2, 593-596 (1992).
[0199] Humanized antibodies also comprise such antibodies in which
CDR grafting of non-human-derived CDRs into a human FR has been
performed using CDR repair (Mark Dennis, Genentech, presented at
the Twelfth International conference on Human Antibodies and
Hybridomas, 10-12 May 2006, San Diego, USA).
[0200] In one embodiment, the antibody of the drug product is a
chimeric antibody.
[0201] Typically, a chimeric antibody refers to an antibody in
which a portion of the heavy and/or light chain is identical with
or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from
a particular species or belonging to a particular antibody class or
subclass, while the remainder of the chain(s) is identical with or
homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from
another species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass,
as well as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit
the desired biological activity (see for instance U.S. Pat. No.
4,816,567 and Morrison et al., PNAS USA 81, 6851-6855 (1984)).
Chimeric antibodies are produced by recombinant processes well
known in the art (see for instance Cabilly et al., PNAS USA 81,
3273-3277 (1984), Morrison et al., PNAS USA 81, 6851-6855 (1984),
Boulianne et al., Nature 312, 643-646 (1984), EP125023, Neuberger
et al., Nature 314, 268-270 (1985), EP171496, EP173494, WO86/01533,
EP184187, Sahagan et al., J. Immunol. 137, 1066-1074 (1986),
WO87/02671, Liu et al., PNAS USA 84, 3439-3443 (1987), Sun et al.,
PNAS USA 84, 214-218 (1987), Better et al., Science 240, 1041-1043
(1988) and Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold
Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.,
(1988)).
[0202] In one embodiment, the antibody comprises a monovalent or
polyvalent antibody format. This antibody format can be monomeric
meaning is a dimer (HL) formed by an H chain associated through
disulfide bridges with an L chain. A regular antibody is bivalent
and is tetramer (H.sub.2L.sub.2) formed by two HL dimers associated
through at least one disulfide bridge. A polyvalent antibody may
also be produced, for example, by employing a CH region that
aggregates (for instance from an IgM H chain, or .mu. chain). Such
antibody could be chimeric or derived from one species.
[0203] In one embodiment, the antibody comprises framework
alterations in the Fc region, which alterations may be associated
with advantageous properties, such as changing the functional or
pharmacokinetic properties of the antibodies. For example, a
substitution or other modification (insertion, deletion, terminal
sequence additions or combination of any thereof) in a framework
region or constant domain may be associated with an increase in the
half-life of the variant antibody with respect to the parent
antibody, or may be made to alter the immunogenicity of the variant
antibody with respect to the parent antibody, to provide a site for
covalent or non-covalent binding to another molecule, or to alter
such properties as complement fixation, for instance resulting in a
decrease or increase of Clq binding and CDC or of Fc.gamma.R
binding and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).
Substitutions may for example be made in one or more of the amino
acid residues 234, 235, 236, 237, 297, 318, 320, and 322 of the
heavy chain constant region, thereby causing an alteration in an
effector function while retaining binding to antigen as compared
with the unmodified antibody, cf. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,624,821 and
5,648,260. Further reference may be had to WO 94/29351, WO
99/54342, WO 00/42072, WO 03/011878, WO 03/085119, WO 04/29207, WO
04/063351, WO 04/065540, WO 04/99249, WO 05/018669, WO 05/044859,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,121,022, and to U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,056.
Furthermore, Shields et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276, 6591-6604 (2001)
teaches combination variants, that improve Fc.gamma.RIII binding,
for instance T256A/S298A, S298A/E333A, and S298A/E333A/K334A.
[0204] In one embodiment, the antibody comprises a mutated Fc
region which has been optimized for binding to Fc receptor to
enhance certain effector function.
[0205] In one embodiment, the antibody comprises an Fc carbohydrate
which has been produced in a cell line modified to lack or to have
reduced activity of certain carbohydrate transferases (such as
FUT-8) or to contain additional or overexpress certain carbohydrate
transferases.
[0206] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an IgG1 antibody. In one embodiment, the
antibody is an IgG1,.kappa. antibody. In one embodiment, the
antibody is an IgG1,.lamda. antibody.
[0207] In one embodiment of the present invention, the peptide is
an antibody and the determination of the binding of the antibody of
the drug product to an Fc receptor is combined with a method
determining the binding of the antibody of the drug product to its
antigen.
[0208] In one embodiment, said binding of the antibody of the drug
product to the antigen is determined by use of a method comprising
[0209] (i) bringing a sample of the drug product into contact with
the antigen for a time period sufficient for allowing the antibody
to bind to the antigen, and [0210] (ii) detecting the amount of
antibody bound to the antigen.
[0211] In a further embodiment, said detection is performed by use
of a detecting antibody directed at antibody of the drug product.
In a further embodiment, said detecting antibody is a labeled
antibody.
[0212] In one embodiment, the binding of the antibody to its
antigen is determined by use of an ELISA. In one embodiment, the
ELISA used for determining the binding of the antibody to an Fc
receptor is also used for determining the binding of the antibody
to its antigen.
[0213] In one embodiment, the binding of the antibody to its
antigen is determined by use of an AlphaScreen.TM. assay. In one
embodiment, the AlphaScreen.TM. assay used for determining the
binding of the antibody to an Fc receptor is also used for
determining the binding of the antibody to its antigen.
[0214] In one embodiment, the binding of the antibody to its
antigen is determined by use of a radioimmunoassay. In one
embodiment, the radioimmunoassay used for determining the binding
of the antibody to an Fc receptor is also used for determining the
binding of the antibody to its antigen. In a further embodiment,
the radioimmunoassay uses beads conjugated with Fc receptor and
soluble radioiodonated antigen.
[0215] As stated earlier, the antigen specificity of an antibody
for use in a method according to the present invention does not
influence the ability of the antibody to bind an Fc receptor. The
methods of the present invention is thus useful for all antibodies
(and other FcR binding peptides), wherein at least one mechanism of
action of the antibody is mediated through the binding of the
antibody to an Fc receptor, regardless of the antigen specificity
of the antibody. However, some embodiments are directed at
antibodies having specific antigen specificity.
[0216] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human CD4. In one
embodiment, the antibody is an antibody binding to human CD4 as
described in WO9713852. In one embodiment, the antibody is an
antibody binding to human CD4 as described in U.S. Pat. No.
5,871,732. In one embodiment, the antibody is an antibody binding
to human CD4 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,880 or WO9012868.
In one embodiment, the antibody is an antibody binding to human CD4
as described in WO02102853. In one embodiment, the antibody is an
antibody binding to human CD4 as described in US2001051709 or
WO9110722. In one embodiment, the antibody is an antibody binding
to human CD4 as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,056,956 or 5,670,150.
In one embodiment, the antibody is zanolimumab. In one embodiment,
the antibody is keliximab (IDEC-CE9.1, Biogen IDEC). In one
embodiment, the antibody is clenoliximab (IDEC-151, Biogen IDEC).
In one embodiment, the antibody is TNX-355 (Hu-5A8, Tanox/Biogen
IDEC). In one embodiment, the antibody is TRX-1 (TolerRx/Genentech.
In one embodiment, the antibody is 10T4a (13B8.2, Immunotech),
priliximab (cM-T412, Centocor). In one embodiment, the antibody is
4162W94 (Glaxo Wellcome).
[0217] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human EGFR. In one
embodiment, the antibody is an antibody binding to human EGFR as
described in WO9640210. In one embodiment, the antibody is an
antibody binding to human EGFR as described in WO04056847 or
WO02100348. In one embodiment, the antibody is cetuximab
(Erbitux.RTM.). In one embodiment, the antibody is Zalutumumab
(HuMax-EGFR) (Genmab A/S).
[0218] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human CD20. In one
embodiment, the antibody is an antibody binding to human CD20 as
described in WO 94/11026. In one embodiment, the antibody is an
antibody binding to human CD20 as described in WO 04/035607 or in
WO application PCT/DK2005/00270. In a further embodiment, the
antibody is rituximab (Rituxan.RTM., MabThera.RTM.). In one
embodiment, the antibody is ibritumomab tiuxetan (Zevalin.RTM.). In
one embodiment, the antibody is tositumomab (Bexxar.RTM.). In one
embodiment, the antibody is HuMax-CD20 (ofatumumab) (Genmab
A/S)
[0219] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human TAC (CD25). In one
embodiment, the antibody is an antibody binding to human TAC as
described in WO 04/045512. In one embodiment, the antibody is
HuMax-TAC (AB12).
[0220] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human CD3. In one
embodiment, the antibody is muromonab (Orthoclone OKT.RTM.3)
[0221] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human GPIIb/IIIa.
[0222] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human CD25 (IL-2R). In
one embodiment, the antibody is daclizumab (Zenapax.RTM.). In one
embodiment, the antibody is basiliximab (Simulect.RTM.).
[0223] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human TNF-.alpha.. In
one embodiment, the antibody is infliximab (Remicade.RTM.). In one
embodiment, the antibody is adalimumab (Humira.RTM.).
[0224] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human RSV. In one
embodiment, the antibody is palivizumab (Synagis.RTM.).
[0225] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human HER-2/neu. In one
embodiment, the antibody is trastuzumab (Herceptin.RTM.). In one
embodiment, the antibody is pertuzumab (Omnitarg.TM.).
[0226] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human CD33.
[0227] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human CD52. In one
embodiment, the antibody is alemtuzumab (Campath-1H.RTM.).
[0228] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human VEGF. In one
embodiment, the antibody is bevacizumab (Avastin.RTM.).
[0229] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody of
the drug product is an antibody binding to human CTLA4. In one
embodiment, the antibody is MDX-010 (Medarex, Inc.).
[0230] The present invention also provides a method for preparation
of an Fc receptor for use in a method for determining the binding
of an FcR binding peptide to said Fc receptor, wherein said Fc
receptor has been prepared by a method including a step, which step
results in the Fc receptor having a reduced amount of sialic acid
on the N-linked glycosylation as compared to a similar Fc receptor
prepared by a method not including said step.
[0231] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide to
the Fc receptor is determined by use of a method comprising [0232]
(i) bringing the FcR binding peptide into contact with an Fc
receptor for a time period sufficient for allowing the FcR binding
peptide to bind to the Fc receptor, and [0233] (ii) detecting the
amount of FcR binding peptide bound to the Fc receptor.
[0234] In one embodiment, the detection is performed by use of a
detecting antibody directed at the FcR binding peptide. In a
further embodiment, the detecting antibody is a labeled
antibody.
[0235] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide to
the Fc receptor is determined by use of an ELISA.
[0236] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide to
the Fc receptor is determined by use of an AlphaScreen.TM.
assay.
[0237] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide to
the Fc receptor is determined by use of a radioimmunoassay.
[0238] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide to
the Fc receptor is determined by use of a Biacore assay.
[0239] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide to
the Fc receptor is determined by use of an FMAT.
[0240] In one embodiment, the binding of the FcR binding peptide to
the Fc receptor is determined by use of a DELFIA.
[0241] The present invention also provides a plastic member
suitable for coating with polypeptide molecules, wherein the
adhesion of the polypeptide molecules to the surface of the plastic
member at least in part depends on electrostatic interactions
between the polypeptide molecules and the surface of the plastic
member, wherein the surface of the plastic member has been coated
with a desialylated polypeptide.
[0242] In one embodiment, the polypeptide molecule is an Fc
receptor. Examples of Fc receptors are described elsewhere
herein.
[0243] In one embodiment, the plastic member is a microtiter plate,
such as a 96 well microtiter plate or similar plates, which are
well known in the art, such as for instance a Greiner plate.
[0244] In one embodiment, the coated plastic member is suitable for
use in a method according to the present invention for determining
the potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding
peptide.
[0245] In one embodiment, the coated plastic member is to be used
in a method according to the present invention for determining the
potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide.
[0246] The following is a list of selected embodiments of the
present invention.
[0247] Embodiment 1. A method for determining the potency of a drug
product comprising an FcR binding peptide, wherein at least one
mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide of the drug product
is mediated through the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the
drug product to a Fc receptor, wherein said method comprises
determining the binding of the FcR binding peptide of the drug
product to an Fc receptor.
[0248] Embodiment 2. A method according embodiment 1 for
determining the potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding
peptide, which method comprises [0249] i) determining the binding
of a reference standard FcR binding peptide to an Fc receptor;
[0250] ii) determining the binding of the FcR binding peptide of
the drug product to said Fc receptor; and [0251] iii) comparing the
FcR binding in step ii) to the FcR binding in step i) and using the
information obtained by the comparison to assess the potency of the
drug substance,
[0252] wherein [0253] a) the binding to the Fc receptor in step ii)
is determined in the same manner as the binding to the Fc receptor
in step i), [0254] b) at least one mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide of the drug product is mediated through the binding
of the FcR binding peptide to a Fc receptor, and [0255] c) wherein
the reference standard FcR binding peptide and the FcR binding
peptide of the drug product are two different preparations of the
same FcR binding molecule.
[0256] Embodiment 3. A method of producing a pharmaceutical
composition comprising an FcR binding peptide, which method
comprises [0257] a) the production of a drug product comprising
said FcR binding peptide; [0258] b) subjecting said drug product to
a method according to embodiment 1 or embodiment 2 for determining
the potency of a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide;
and [0259] c) using the information obtained in step b) as part of
an assessment of whether the drug product may be used as a
pharmaceutical composition.
[0260] Embodiment 4. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
3, wherein said method is part of an application for marketing
authorization for selling said drug product as a pharmaceutical
composition.
[0261] Embodiment 5. A method for applying for marketing
authorization for a drug product comprising an FcR binding peptide,
which method comprises describing a method according to any of
embodiments 1 to 4 for determining the potency of the FcR binding
peptide of the drug product.
[0262] Embodiment 6. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
5, where the method for determining the potency of a drug product
comprising an FcR binding peptide is used as a potency assay for
batch release.
[0263] Embodiment 7. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
6, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of a method comprising [0264] (i)
bringing a sample of the drug product into contact with an Fc
receptor for a time period sufficient for allowing the FcR binding
peptide to bind to the Fc receptor, and [0265] (ii) detecting the
amount of FcR binding peptide bound to the Fc receptor.
[0266] Embodiment 8. A method according to embodiment 7, wherein
the detection is performed by use of a detecting antibody directed
at the FcR binding peptide.
[0267] Embodiment 9. A method according to embodiment 8, wherein
the detecting antibody is a labeled antibody.
[0268] Embodiment 10. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
9, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of an ELISA.
[0269] Embodiment 11. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
6, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of an AlphaScreen.TM. assay.
[0270] Embodiment 12. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
6, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of a radioimmunoassay.
[0271] Embodiment 13. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
6, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of a Biacore assay.
[0272] Embodiment 14. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
6, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of an FMAT.
[0273] Embodiment 15. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
6, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of a DELFIA.
[0274] Embodiment 16. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
15, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), or by
downmodulation of target receptors.
[0275] Embodiment 17. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
15, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is
mediated through the induction of ADCC.
[0276] Embodiment 18. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is
mediated through the recruitment of natural killer cells.
[0277] Embodiment 19. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
18, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is
mediated through the induction of ADCC by natural killer cells.
[0278] Embodiment 20. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
19, wherein at least one of the Fc receptors to which the FcR
binding peptide binds in vivo is expressed on natural killer
cells.
[0279] Embodiment 21. A method according to any of embodiments 17
to 20, wherein the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIIa receptor or a
fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability to bind an Fc
region.
[0280] Embodiment 22. A method according to embodiment 21, wherein
the Fc.gamma.RIII receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V receptor or a
fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability to bind an Fc
region, for instance the extracellular domain.
[0281] Embodiment 23. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is
mediated through the recruitment of polymorphonuclear
leukocytes.
[0282] Embodiment 24. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
23, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is
mediated through the induction of ADCC by polymorphonuclear
leukocytes.
[0283] Embodiment 25. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
24, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is
mediated through the induction of PMN degranulation.
[0284] Embodiment 26. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
25, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is
mediated through the induction of phagocytosis by polymorphonuclear
leukocytes.
[0285] Embodiment 27. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 23 to 26, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
[0286] Embodiment 28. A method according to any of embodiments 23
to 27, wherein the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.RIIa receptor or a
fragment thereof which fragment retains the ability to bind an Fc
region.
[0287] Embodiment 29. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is
mediated through the induction of ADCC by monocytes or
macrophages.
[0288] Embodiment 30. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, or embodiment 29, wherein at least one of the Fc receptors to
which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is expressed on
monocytes and/or macrophages.
[0289] Embodiment 31. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 29 or embodiment 30, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIb or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0290] Embodiment 32. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce platelet aggregation.
[0291] Embodiment 33. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 32, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of
platelets.
[0292] Embodiment 34. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 32 or embodiment 33, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on platelets.
[0293] Embodiment 35. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiments 32 to 34, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0294] Embodiment 36. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce cytokine production.
[0295] Embodiment 37. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 36, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of natural
killer cells and/or T cells.
[0296] Embodiment 38. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 36 or embodiment 37, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on natural killer cells and/or T cells.
[0297] Embodiment 39. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 36 to 38, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0298] Embodiment 40. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 36 to 38, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0299] Embodiment 41. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce clearance of immune complexes.
[0300] Embodiment 42. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 41, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of monocytes or
macrophages.
[0301] Embodiment 43. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 41 or embodiment 42, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on monocytes or macrophages.
[0302] Embodiment 44. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIII or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0303] Embodiment 45. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0304] Embodiment 46. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 41 to 43, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIIb or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0305] Embodiment 47. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce down-regulation of antibody responses.
[0306] Embodiment 48. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 47, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of B cells.
[0307] Embodiment 49. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 47 or embodiment 48, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on B cells.
[0308] Embodiment 50. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 47 to 49, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIb or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0309] Embodiment 51. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce monocyte and macrophage effector function inhibition.
[0310] Embodiment 52. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 51, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of monocytes
and/or macrophages.
[0311] Embodiment 53. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 51 or embodiment 52, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on monocytes and/or macrophages.
[0312] Embodiment 54. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce phagocytosis.
[0313] Embodiment 55. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 54, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of
polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages and/or dendritic
cells.
[0314] Embodiment 56. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 54 or embodiment 55, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages and/or
dendritic cells.
[0315] Embodiment 57. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 54 to 56, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIIb or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0316] Embodiment 58. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 54 to 56, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0317] Embodiment 59. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 54, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the induction of phagocytosis
by monocytes or macrophages.
[0318] Embodiment 60. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, or embodiment 59, wherein at least one of the Fc receptors to
which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is expressed on
monocytes or macrophages.
[0319] Embodiment 61. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 59 or embodiment 60, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIb or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0320] Embodiment 62. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce crosslinking.
[0321] Embodiment 63. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 62, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through cross-linking of cells and/or
antibodies.
[0322] Embodiment 64. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 54 or embodiment 63, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0323] Embodiment 65. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 54 or embodiment 63, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RII or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0324] Embodiment 66. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 54 or embodiment 63, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIII or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0325] Embodiment 67. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce positive signaling via a immunoreceptor tyrosine-based
activation motif.
[0326] Embodiment 68. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 67, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of myeloid
cells, T cells and/or platelets.
[0327] Embodiment 69. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 67 or embodiment 68, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on myeloid cells, T cells and/or platelets.
[0328] Embodiment 70. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 67 to 69, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0329] Embodiment 71. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 67 to 69, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIc or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0330] Embodiment 72. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce positive signaling via common .gamma., .beta., .zeta.
chains.
[0331] Embodiment 73. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 72, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of myeloid
cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, natural killer cells or T
cells.
[0332] Embodiment 74. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 72 or embodiment 73, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on myeloid cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, natural
killer cells or T cells.
[0333] Embodiment 75. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 72 to 74, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0334] Embodiment 76. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 72 to 74, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0335] Embodiment 77. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 72 to 74, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIIa or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0336] Embodiment 78. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR binding peptide is to
induce negative signaling through an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based
inhibition motif.
[0337] Embodiment 79. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or embodiment 78, wherein a mechanism of action of the FcR
binding peptide is mediated through the recruitment of B cells,
macrophages and/or monocytes.
[0338] Embodiment 80. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, embodiment 78 or embodiment 79, wherein at least one of the Fc
receptors to which the FcR binding peptide binds in vivo is
expressed on B cells, macrophages and/or monocytes.
[0339] Embodiment 81. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17 or any of embodiments 78 to 80, wherein the Fc receptor is an
Fc.gamma.RIIb or a fragment thereof which fragment retains the
ability to bind an Fc region.
[0340] Embodiment 82. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
17, wherein the Fc receptor is an Fc.gamma.Rn or a fragment thereof
which fragment retains the ability to bind an Fc region.
[0341] Embodiment 83. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
82, wherein the Fc receptor for use in said method has been
prepared by a preparation method including a step, which step
results in the Fc receptor having a reduced amount of sialic acid
on the N-linked glycosylation as compared to a similar Fc receptor
prepared by a preparation method not including such a step.
[0342] Embodiment 84. A method according to embodiment 83, wherein
the Fc receptor has been expressed in a host cell defective in the
mechanisms responsible for sialylation.
[0343] Embodiment 85. A method according to embodiment 83, wherein
the Fc receptor has been treated with sialidase prior to use in
said method.
[0344] Embodiment 86. A method according to any of embodiments 1 to
85, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody.
[0345] Embodiment 87. A method according to embodiment 86, wherein
the FcR binding peptide is a monoclonal antibody.
[0346] Embodiment 88. A method according to embodiment 86 or
embodiment 87, wherein the FcR binding peptide is a human
antibody.
[0347] Embodiment 89. A method according to embodiment 86 or
embodiment 87, wherein the FcR binding peptide is a humanized
antibody.
[0348] Embodiment 90. A method according to embodiment 86 or
embodiment 87, wherein the FcR binding peptide is a chimeric
antibody.
[0349] Embodiment 91. A method according to any of embodiments 86
to 90, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody fragment
containing an Fc-binding moiety.
[0350] Embodiment 92. A method according to any of embodiments 86
to 91, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an IgG1 antibody.
[0351] Embodiment 93. A method according to embodiment 92, wherein
the FcR binding peptide is an IgG1,) antibody.
[0352] Embodiment 94. A method according to embodiment 92, wherein
the FcR binding peptide is an IgG1,.kappa. antibody.
[0353] Embodiment 95. A method as described in any of embodiments
86 to 94, wherein the determination of the binding of the antibody
to an Fc receptor is combined with a method determining the binding
of the antibody to its antigen.
[0354] Embodiment 96. A method according to embodiment 95, wherein
the binding of the antibody to its antigen is determined by use of
a method comprising [0355] (i) bringing a sample of the antibody
into contact with the antigen for a time period sufficient for
allowing the antibody to bind to the antigen, and [0356] (ii)
detecting the amount of antibody bound to the antigen.
[0357] Embodiment 97. A method according to embodiment 96, wherein
the detection is performed by use of a detecting antibody directed
at antibody of the drug product.
[0358] Embodiment 98. A method according to embodiment 97, wherein
the detecting antibody is a labeled antibody.
[0359] Embodiment 99. A method according to any of embodiments 95
to 98, wherein the binding of the antibody to its antigen is
determined by use of an ELISA.
[0360] Embodiment 100. A method according to embodiment 99, wherein
the same ELISA is also used to determine the binding of the
antibody to the Fc receptor.
[0361] Embodiment 101. A method according to embodiment 95, wherein
the binding of the antibody to its antigen is determined by use of
an AlphaScreen.TM. assay.
[0362] Embodiment 102. A method according to embodiment 101,
wherein the AlphaScreen.TM. assay is also used to determine the
binding of the antibody to the Fc receptor.
[0363] Embodiment 103. A method according to embodiment 95, wherein
the binding of the antibody to its antigen is determined by use of
a radioimmunoassay.
[0364] Embodiment 104. A method according to embodiment 103,
wherein the radioimmunoassay is also used to determine the binding
of the antibody to the Fc receptor.
[0365] Embodiment 105. A method according to embodiment 104,
wherein the radioimmunoassay uses beads conjugated with Fc receptor
and radioiodonated antigen.
[0366] Embodiment 106. A method according to any of embodiments 86
to 105, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human CD4.
[0367] Embodiment 107. A method according to embodiment 106,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is zanolimumab.
[0368] Embodiment 108. A method according to embodiment 106,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is keliximab.
[0369] Embodiment 109. A method according to embodiment 106,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is clenoliximab.
[0370] Embodiment 110. A method according to embodiment 106,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is TNX 355.
[0371] Embodiment 111. A method according to embodiment 106,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is TRX-1.
[0372] Embodiment 112. A method according to embodiment 106,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is IOT4a.
[0373] Embodiment 113. A method according to embodiment 106,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is 4162W94.
[0374] Embodiment 114. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human EGFR.
[0375] Embodiment 115. A method according to embodiment 114,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is cetuximab.
[0376] Embodiment 116. A method according to embodiment 114,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is HuMax-EGFR, zalutumumab.
[0377] Embodiment 117. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human CD20.
[0378] Embodiment 118. A method according to embodiment 117,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is rituximab.
[0379] Embodiment 119. A method according to embodiment 117,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is ibritumomab tiuxetan.
[0380] Embodiment 120. A method according to embodiment 117,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is tositumomab.
[0381] Embodiment 121. A method according to embodiment 117,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is HuMax-CD20, ofatumumab.
[0382] Embodiment 122. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human TAC.
[0383] Embodiment 123. A method according to embodiment 122,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is HuMax-TAC.
[0384] Embodiment 124. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human CD3.
[0385] Embodiment 125. A method according to embodiment 124,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is muromonab.
[0386] Embodiment 126. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human GPIIb/IIIa.
[0387] Embodiment 127. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human CD25.
[0388] Embodiment 128. A method according to embodiment 127,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is daclizumab.
[0389] Embodiment 129. A method according to embodiment 127,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is basiliximab.
[0390] Embodiment 130. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human TNF-.alpha..
[0391] Embodiment 131. A method according to embodiment 130,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is infliximab.
[0392] Embodiment 132. A method according to embodiment 130,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is adalimumab.
[0393] Embodiment 133. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human RSV.
[0394] Embodiment 134. A method according to embodiment 133,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is palivizumab.
[0395] Embodiment 135. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human HER-2/neu.
[0396] Embodiment 136. A method according to embodiment 135,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is trastuzumab.
[0397] Embodiment 137. A method according to embodiment 135,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is pertuzumab.
[0398] Embodiment 138. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human CD33.
[0399] Embodiment 139. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human CD52.
[0400] Embodiment 140. A method according to embodiment 139,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is alemtuzumab.
[0401] Embodiment 141. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human VEGF.
[0402] Embodiment 142. A method according to embodiment 141,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is bevacizumab.
[0403] Embodiment 143. A method according to any of embodiments 1
to 94, wherein the FcR binding peptide is an antibody binding to
human CTLA4.
[0404] Embodiment 144. A method according to embodiment 143,
wherein the FcR binding peptide is MDX-010.
[0405] Embodiment 145. An drug product comprising an FcR binding
peptide, which drug product is approved for use as a pharmaceutical
composition, and wherein a method according to any of embodiments 1
to 144 forms part of the application for marketing
authorization.
[0406] Embodiment 146. A method for preparation of an Fc receptor
for use in a method for determining the binding of an FcR binding
peptide to said Fc receptor, wherein said Fc receptor has been
prepared by a method including a step, which step results in the Fc
receptor having a reduced amount of sialic acid on the N-linked
glycosylation as compared to a similar Fc receptor prepared by a
method not including said step.
[0407] Embodiment 147. A method according to embodiment 146,
wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc receptor
is determined by use of a method comprising [0408] (i) bringing the
FcR binding peptide into contact with an Fc receptor for a time
period sufficient for allowing the FcR binding peptide to bind to
the Fc receptor, and [0409] (ii) detecting the amount of FcR
binding peptide bound to the Fc receptor.
[0410] Embodiment 148. A method according to embodiment 147,
wherein the detection is performed by use of a detecting antibody
directed at the FcR binding peptide.
[0411] Embodiment 149. A method according to embodiment 148,
wherein the detecting antibody is a labeled antibody.
[0412] Embodiment 150. A method according to any of embodiments 146
to 149, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of an ELISA.
[0413] Embodiment 151. A method according to any of embodiments 146
to 149, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of an AlphaScreen.TM. assay.
[0414] Embodiment 152. A method according to any of embodiments 146
to 149, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of a radioimmunoassay.
[0415] Embodiment 153. A method according to any of embodiments 146
to 149, wherein the binding of the FcR binding peptide to the Fc
receptor is determined by use of a Biacore assay.
[0416] Embodiment 154. A method according to any of embodiments any
of embodiments 146 to 149, wherein the binding of the FcR binding
peptide to the Fc receptor is determined by use of an FMAT.
[0417] Embodiment 155. A method according to any of embodiments any
of embodiments 146 to 149, wherein the binding of the FcR binding
peptide to the Fc receptor is determined by use of a DELFIA.
[0418] Embodiment 156. A method according to the invention or any
one of embodiments 1-155, wherein a his-capturing antibody coated
on the ELISA plate is used to capture his-tagged FcR or FcR
fragment.
[0419] Embodiment 157. A plastic member suitable for coating with
polypeptide molecules, wherein the adhesion of the polypeptide
molecules to the surface of the plastic member at least in part
depends on electrostatic interactions between the polypeptide
molecules and the surface of the plastic member, wherein the
surface of the plastic member has been coated with a desialylated
polypeptide.
[0420] Embodiment 158. A plastic member according to embodiment
157, wherein the polypeptide molecule is an Fc receptor.
[0421] Embodiment 159. A plastic member according to embodiment 157
or embodiment 158, wherein the plastic member is a microtiter
plate.
[0422] Embodiment 160. A plastic member according to any of
embodiments 157 to 159, wherein the plastic member is suitable for
use in a method according to any of embodiments 1 to 144.
[0423] Embodiment 161. A plastic member according to any of
embodiments 157 to 159, wherein the plastic member is to be used in
a method according to any of embodiments 1 to 144.
[0424] The present invention is further illustrated by the
following examples which should not be construed as further
limiting.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0425] Oligonucleotide primers and PCR amplification
[0426] The indicated primers were dissolved in H.sub.2O to 100
pmol/.mu.l and stored at -20.degree. C. For PCR, PfuTurbo.RTM.
Hotstart DNA polymerase (Stratagene, Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
product #600322) was used according to the manufacturer's
instructions. Each reaction mix contained 200 .mu.M mixed dNTPs
(Roche Diagnostics, Almere, The Netherlands; product #1814362), 6.7
pmol of both the forward and reverse primer, approximately 1 ng
template DNA and 1 unit of PfuTurbo.RTM. Hotstart DNA polymerase in
PCR reaction buffer (supplied with polymerase) in a total volume of
20 .mu.l. PCR reactions were carried out with a TGradient
Thermocycler 96 (Whatman Biometra, Goettingen, Germany; product
#050-801) using a 30-cycle program: denaturing at 95.degree. C. for
2 min; 30 cycles of 95.degree. C. for 30 sec, a 45-65.degree. C.
gradient (or another specific annealing temperature) for 30 sec,
and 72.degree. C. for 2 min; final extension at 72.degree. C. for
10 min. If appropriate, the PCR mixtures were stored at 4.degree.
C. until further analysis or processing.
Example 2
[0427] Screening of bacterial colonies by PCR
[0428] Bacterial colonies were screened for the presence of vectors
containing the desired sequences via colony PCR using the
HotStarTaq Master Mix Kit (Qiagen; product #203445) and the
indicated forward and reverse primers. Selected colonies were
lightly touched with a 20 .mu.l pipette tip and touched briefly in
2 ml LB (Luria broth) for small scale culture, and then resuspended
in the PCR mix. PCR was performed with a TGradient Thermocycler 96
using a 35-cycle program: denaturation at 95.degree. C. for 15 min;
35 cycles of 94.degree. C. for 30 sec, 55.degree. C. for 30 sec and
72.degree. C. for 2 min; followed by a final extension step of 10
min at 72.degree. C. If appropriate, the PCR mixtures were stored
at 4.degree. C. until analysis by agarose gel electrophoresis.
Example 3
Production of Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis
[0429] Construction of pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis
[0430] Plasmid DNA from RZPD clone IRATp970F1154D6 (Deutsche
Ressourcen-zentrum fur Genomforschung (RZPD, Berlin, Germany)) was
isolated and used as a template in a PCR with primers P1 (SEQ ID
No:4) and P2 (SEQ ID No:5) according to the procedure described in
example 1 amplifying the extracellular coding domain (aa 1-292) of
human Fc.gamma.RIa and introducing suitable restriction sites for
cloning into pEE13.4 (Lonza Biologics, Slough, UK), an ideal Kozak
sequence (GCCGCCACC) and a C-terminal Hiss-tag. The PCR fragment
was gel purified and cloned into pEE13.4. For this, the PCR product
was digested with Pfl23II and XmaI and purified. The pEE13.4 vector
was digested with Pfl23II and XmaI and the vector fragment was
purified. The Fc.gamma.RIa fragment and the pEE13.4Pfl23II-XmaI
vector were ligated and transformed into competent DH5a-T1.sup.R
cells (Invitrogen). Eight colonies were checked by colony PCR
(using primers P3 (SEQ ID No:6) and P4 (SEQ ID No:7) according to
the procedure described in example 2, and two colonies contained an
insert of the correct size. From the two positive colonies, 2 ml
cultures were grown. Plasmid DNA was isolated and one of the
constructs was checked by sequence analysis of the insert and found
to be correct. The final vector was named
pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis.
[0431] Transient expression of Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis in Hek-293F
cells
[0432] Freestyle.TM. 293-F (a HEK-293 subclone adapted to
suspension growth and chemically defined Freestyle medium, e. g.
HEK-293F) cells were obtained from Invitrogen and transfected with
pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis according to the manufacturer's protocol
using 293fectin (Invitrogen). The transfectants were cultured
according to the manufacturer's protocol, and 1 liter of cell
supernatant was used for purification as described below.
[0433] Purification of Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis on BD TALONspin (0.5 ml)
Talon column
[0434] BD TALONspin columns were obtained from Clontech (Mountain
View, Calif., USA). The beads were removed from the column and, the
beads were equilibrated with 1.times. Equilibration/Wash buffer pH
7.0 (50 mM Sodium Phosphate and 300 mM NaCl). The beads were
incubated with the 1 liter cell culture supernatant overnight at
4.degree. C. After the elution of Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis (with 1.times.
elution buffer (50 mM Sodium Phosphate, 300 mM NaCl and 150 mM
Imidazole) at pH 5.0), the resin was re-equilibrated and added to
the flow through of the earlier purification. After another
overnight incubation, Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis was again eluted. The
eluted fractions of run 1 and run 2 were pooled and the pooled
Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis was desalted on a PD-10 column exchanging the
buffer to PBS. The volume of the end product was 3.7 ml. The
concentration was measured by determining the absorbance at 280 nm
and was found to be 117 .mu.g/ml yielding 433 .mu.g
Fc.gamma.RIaECDHis (SEQ ID No:1). The end product was about 95%
pure as judged by SDS-PAGE.
Example 4
Production of Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis
[0435] Construction of pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis
[0436] Plasmid DNA from RZPD clone IRAKp961H1749Q2 (Deutsche
Ressourcenzentrum fur Genomforschung (RZPD, Berlin, Germany)) was
isolated and used as a template in a PCR with primers P5 (SEQ ID
No:8) and P6 (SEQ ID No:9) according to the procedure described in
example 1 amplifying the extracellular coding domain (aa 1-200) of
human Fc.gamma.RIIIa and introducing suitable restriction sites for
cloning into pEE13.4, an ideal Kozak sequence (GCCGCCACC) and a
C-terminal Hiss-tag. The PCR fragment was gel purified and cloned
into pEE13.4. For this, the PCR product was digested with EcoRI and
XmaI and purified. The pEE13.4 vector was digested with EcoRI and
XmaI and the vector fragment was purified. The Fc.gamma.RIIIa
fragment and the pEE13.4 EcoRI-XmaI vector were ligated and
transformed into competent DH5a-T1R cells. Four colonies were
checked by colony PCR (using primers P3 and P4) according to the
procedure described in example 2, and two colonies contained an
insert of the correct size. From the two positive colonies, 2 ml
cultures were grown. Plasmid DNA was isolated and one of the
constructs was checked by sequence analysis of the insert and found
to be correct. The insert was the 176V allotype of Fc.gamma.RIIIa.
The final vector was named pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis.
[0437] Transient expression of Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis in Hek-293F
cells
[0438] Freestyle.TM. 293-F (a HEK-293 subclone adapted to
suspension growth and chemically defined Freestyle medium, e. g.
HEK-293F) cells were obtained from Invitrogen and transfected with
pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis according to the manufacturer's
protocol using 293fectin (Invitrogen). The transfectants were
cultured according to the manufacturer's protocol, and 200 ml of
cell supernatant was used for purification as described below.
[0439] Purification of Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis on BD TALONspin
(0.5 ml) Talon column
[0440] BD TALONspin columns were obtained from Clontech. The beads
were removed from the column and equilibrated with 1.times.
Equilibration/Wash buffer pH 7.0 (50 mM sodium phosphate and 300 mM
NaCl), and incubated with 200 ml cell culture supernatant. The
beads were washed with 1.times. Equilibration/Wash buffer to remove
a specific bound proteins, and the His-tagged protein was eluted
with 1.times. elution buffer (50 mM sodium phosphate, 300 mM NaCl
and 150 mM Imidazole) at pH 5.0. After the elution of
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis (with 1.times. elution buffer (50 mM
Sodium Phosphate, 300 mM NaCl and 150 mM Imidazole) at pH 5.0), the
resin was re-equilibrated and added to the flow through of the
earlier purification. The eluted fractions of run 1 and run 2 were
pooled. The pooled fractions were desalted on a PD-10 column to
PBS. The yield of purified protein was determined by measuring the
absorbance at 280 nm using the theoretic absorbance coefficient as
calculated from the amino acid sequence of Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis
(SEQ ID No:2). Yield after purification was 2.5 mg per 200 ml in a
concentration of 771 .mu.g/ml. On SDS-PAGE, the protein migrated as
one broad band (this indicates a heavily heterogeneously
glycosylated protein) and two smaller bands of a higher MW. Purity
was estimated to be about 90%.
Example 5
Production of Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis
[0441] Mutagenesis of pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis to
construct
[0442] pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis
[0443] Site directed mutagenesis was used to change the codon for
Va1176 of Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V in the pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis
vector into Phe. A site-directed mutagenesis reaction was performed
using the QuickChange 11 XL Site-Directed Mutagenesis Kit
(Stratagene, Amsterdam, The Netherlands) according to the
manufacturer's instructions. This method included the introduction
of a silent extra Hpy188III site to screen for successful
mutagenesis. Briefly, 5 .mu.l 10.times. reaction buffer, 1.25 .mu.l
oligonucleotide P7 (100 ng/.mu.l) (SEQ ID No:10), 1.25 .mu.l
oligonucleotide P8 (125 ng/.mu.l) (SEQ ID No:11), 1 .mu.l dNTP mix,
3 .mu.l Quicksolution, 1 .mu.l plasmid
pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis (50 ng/.mu.l) and 1 .mu.l PfuUltra
HF DNA polymerase were mixed in a total volume of 50 .mu.l and
amplified with a TGradient Thermocycler 96 (Whatman Biometra,
Goettingen, Germany; product #050-801) using an 18-cycle program:
denaturing at 95.degree. C. for 1 min; 18 cycles of 95.degree. C.
for 50 sec, 60.degree. C. for 50 sec, and 68.degree. C. for 10 min.
PCR mixtures were stored at 4.degree. C. until further processing.
Next, PCR mixtures were incubated with 1 .mu.l Dpnl for 60 min at
37.degree. C. to digest the vector and were stored at 4.degree. C.
until further processing. 2 .mu.l of the reaction mixture was
transformed into One Shot DH5a-T1.sup.R competent E. coli cells
according to the manufacturer's instructions (Invitrogen).
[0444] Sixteen colonies were screened by colony PCR and Hpy188III
digestion (a silent extra Hpy188III site was introduced during
mutagenesis) and 15 out of 16 colonies appeared to contain the
correct nucleotide changes. Two positive colonies were grown
overnight, plasmid DNA was isolated and sequenced to confirm that
the correct mutation was introduced. Both did contain the correct
sequence and one was chosen for further propagation and named
pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis. To exclude introduction of
additional mutations during the mutagenesis process, the whole
Fc.gamma.RIIIa coding region of pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis was
resequenced and no additional mutations were found. The final
vector was named pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis.
[0445] Transient expression of Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis in Hek-293F
cells
[0446] Freestyle.TM. 293-F (a HEK-293 subclone adapted to
suspension growth and chemically defined Freestyle medium, e. g.
HEK-293F) cells were obtained from Invitrogen and transfected with
pEE13.4Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis according to the manufacturer's
protocol using 293fectin (Invitrogen). The transfectants were
cultured according to the manufacturer's protocol, and 200 ml of
cell culture supernatant was used for purification as described
below.
[0447] Purification of Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis on BD TALONspin
(0.5 ml) Talon column
[0448] BD TALONspin columns were obtained from Clontech. The beads
were removed from the column and equilibrated with 1.times.
Equilibration/Wash buffer pH7.0 (50 mM sodium phosphate and 300 mM
NaCl) and incubated with the 200 ml cell culture supernatant. The
beads were washed with 1.times. Equilibration/Wash buffer to remove
a specific bound proteins and the His-tagged protein was eluted
with 1.times. elution buffer (50 mM sodium phosphate, 300 mM NaCl
and 150 mM Imidazole) at pH 5.0. After the elution of
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis (with 1.times. elution buffer), the resin
was re-equilibrated and added to the flow through of the earlier
purification. The pooled fractions were desalted on a PD-10 column
to PBS. The yield of purified protein was determined by measuring
the absorbance at 280 nm using the theoretic absorbance coefficient
as calculated from the amino acid sequence of
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176FHis (SEQ ID No:3). Yield after purification
was 1.5 mg per 200 ml, resulting in a concentration of 613
.mu.g/ml. On SDS-PAGE, one broad band was seen, indicating a
single, pure, glycosylated protein.
Example 6
Glycosylation Levels of Different Zanolimumab Batches
[0449] Level of Heavy Chain Glycosylation
[0450] To study the presence of N-linked glycosylation groups in
the CH.sub.2 domain of the heavy chain, several batches of
zanolimumab (MEV001, MEV004, MEV005, MRS-CD4-001, BN078, B0118)
with potential differences in heavy chain glycosylation were
analyzed by SDS-PAGE and High pH Anion Exchange-Pulsed Amperometric
Detection (HPAEC-PAD;). For comparison, control batches were
prepared: de-glycosylated zanolimumab batch UNG-MRS-CD4,
sham-deglycosylated batch MOCK-MRS-CD4 (directly derived from
MRS-CD4-001), and mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and fully
glycosylated reference batch) M90-MRS-CD4 [90% of heavy chains
glycosylated] and M50-MRS-CD4 [50% of heavy chains
glycosylated]).
[0451] All batches, including UNG-MRS-CD4 appeared intact as
determined by non-reduced SDS-PAGE (FIG. 1). Batch UNG-MRS-CD4 was
confirmed to be completely deglycosylated, as determined by reduced
SDS-PAGE (FIG. 2).
[0452] Batches MRS-CD4-001 and BN078 contained low amounts of
unglycosylated heavy chain (<10%), batch B0118 contained about
10% unglycosylated heavy chain. MEV001 also contained a low amount
of unglycosylated heavy chains. Batches MEV004 and MEV005 contained
unglycosylated heavy chains with MEV004 containing the highest
amount (about 30%), followed by MEV005 (about 15%).
[0453] Type of Heavy Chain Glycosylation
[0454] To study the type of heavy chain glycosylation, the
zanolimumab batches were analyzed by HPAEC-PAD (Table 1). None of
the batches contained significant amounts of charged glycans.
Complex type glycans with two galactoses (G2 or G2F) were almost
undetectable.
[0455] MRS-CD4-001 (which was set as reference batch) and batch
MEV005 contained a similar amount of oligomannose-5 type glycans
(M5), but MEV005 contained less non core-fucosylated glycans
compared to MRS-CD4-001. Batch MEV005 also contained the highest
percentage of core-fucosylated glycans without galactose (GOF) of
all batches, approximately 20% more than reference batch
MRS-CD4-001.
[0456] Batch BN078 was comparable to reference batch MRS-CD4-001,
with similar amounts of GOF, core-fucosylated glycans with one
galactose (G1F) and non core-fucosylated glycans, although batch
BN078 contained more M5. Batch B0118 was characterized by an
increased amount of GOF and a decreased amount of non
core-fucosylated glycans compared to MRS-CD4-001.
[0457] MRS-CD4-001 and MOCK-MRS-CD4 were highly comparable, as
expected (MOCK-MRS-CD4 is directly derived from the reference batch
MRS-CD4-001). Batch UNG-MRS-CD4 was confirmed to contain no glycans
(data not shown).
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Overview of glycan profiles of zanolimumab
batches determined by HPAEC-PAD. Zanolimumab batch A B C D E
MRS-CD4-001 >99% 46.3 22.2 5.7 14.0 MEV001 Nt Nt Nt Nt Nt MEV005
>99% 65.0 16.3 5.8 8.7 BN078 >99% 43.7 20.2 8.1 16.6 BO118
>99% 56.0 18.9 4.8 11.0 UNG-MRS-CD4 Ns Ns Ns Ns Ns MOCK-MRS-CD4
>99% 44.5 21.2 5.8 15.4 M50-MRS-CD4 Nt Nt Nt Nt Nt M90-MRS-CD4
Nt Nt Nt Nt Nt A: Percentage neutral glycans B: Percentage
core-fucosylated glycans without galactose (GOF; percentage of
total peak area) C: Percentage core-fucosylated glycans with one
galactose (G1F; percentage of total peak area) D: Percentage
oligo-mannose type 5 structure (M5, percentage of total peak area)
E: Percentage non core-fucosylated glycans (percentage of total
peak area). Non core-fucosylated glycans were calculated according
to formula: G0/[G0 + G0F'])*100 in which G0 is the percentage of
non core-fucosylated glycans, and G0F' is the percentage of
core-fucosylated glycans after .beta.-galactosidase treatment (G0F
+ G1F) Ns not shown Nt not tested
Example 7
[0458] Correlation of glycosylation differences with ADCC activity
I
[0459] The ability of the several zanolimumab batches (see example
6) to induce NK-cell-mediated ADCC of primary CD4+ T cells was
studied by flow cytometry (FIG. 3).
[0460] Peripheral human blood was collected from healthy volunteers
(after informed consent) by vena puncture and provided in the form
of a buffy coat (Sanquin, Utrecht, The Netherlands). Sterile PBS
was added to the human blood, and peripheral blood mononuclear
cells (PBMC) separated by lymphoprep density centrifugation
(Lymphocyte Separation Medium; BioWhittaker, via Cambrex Verviers,
Belgium; product #17-829E) at 800.times.g for 20 min (brake 0) for
20 minutes. PBMC at the gradient interface were removed and washed
3 times in PBS (400.times.g for 7 min, brake 3) before resuspension
in RPMI. CD4+ T cells were isolated by negative selection using
Dynal.RTM. CD4+ T-Cell Negative Isolation Kit (Dynal Biotech GmbH,
Hamburg, Germany; product #113.11) according to the manufacturer's
protocol. NK-cells were isolated by negative selection using
Dynal.RTM. CD4.sup.+ T-Cell Negative Isolation Kit (Dynal Biotech
GmbH, Hamburg, Germany; product #113.15) according to the
manufacturer's protocol. The isolated CD4.sup.+ T-cells were
labeled with the fluorescent cell membrane label PKH26 (PKH26
labeling kit, Sigma-Aldrich Chemie, Zwijndrecht, The Netherlands;
product #PKH26-GL) according to manufacturer's protocol.
PKH26-labeled CD4.sup.+ T-cells were then transferred to 96-well
round-bottom plates at 2.5-5*104 cells/well in 50 .mu.l (depending
on the NK-cell yield after isolation, the amount of T cells per
well was adjusted to obtain a 10:1 effector cell:target cell
ratio). Next, the diluted zanolimumab batches (dilution ranges in
graphs indicated) were added in 50 .mu.l and incubated at 4.degree.
C. for 10 min. Subsequently, 100 .mu.l NK cells was added at
2.5-5*105 cells/well, and cells were spun down, after which the
pelleted cells were incubated at 37.degree. C. for 4 hr. For
spontaneous lysis, target cells were incubated with culture medium
in the absence of NK cells. Next, cells were stained with
TO-PRO.RTM.-3 (stains permeable cells; Molecular Probes, Leiden,
The Netherlands; product #T3605; 1:100,000 final dilution) just
before analysis. Cell-associated fluorescence was assessed by flow
cytometry using a FACSCalibur.TM. and Cell Quest Pro software
(Becton Dickinson) with appropriate compensation settings. The
percentage lysis of cells was calculated by dividing the number of
TO-PRO.RTM.-3+ cells within the PKH26+ cell population by the total
number of PKH26+ cells.
[0461] As four parameter logistic analysis allowing variable top
levels showed that not all curves reached a similar top level,
activity and relative activity of batches was calculated (instead
of potency) using the EC.sub.50 values of bottom-fixed curves.
[0462] Batches BN078, B0118, MOCK-MRS-CD4 and M90-MRS-CD4 appeared
comparable to MRS-CD4-001 (which was used as the reference batch)
regarding their ADCC-inducing activity. Batches MEV005, M50-MRS-CD4
appeared to induce NK cell-mediated ADCC with a lesser efficiency
than reference batch MRS-CD4-001.
[0463] When studying the results with the reference and control
batches, a clear correlation appeared to exist between the level of
glycosylated heavy chains and the ability to induce ADCC. The fully
glycosylated reference batch showed maximum ADCC activity, whereas
batch M50-MRS-CD4 (containing 50% non-glycosylated zanolimumab)
showed a much reduced activity in ADCC induction. Batch M90-MRS-CD4
(containing 10% non-glycosylated zanolimumab) had a similar ability
to induce ADCC as the reference.
[0464] The results with test batches fit into this, in that batches
MEV005 and B0118 that contain a certain amount of unglycosylated
heavy chains showed a reduced ability to induce ADCC.
[0465] The analysis of batches MEV005 and B0118 showed that these
batches possess also an increased level of fucosylation, which may
suggest that fucosylation contributes to the reduced ability of
these batches to induce ADCC (Shields, R. L. et al., J Biol Chem
277, 26733 (2002), and Okazaki, A. et al., J Mol Biol 336, 1239
(2004)).
Example 8
[0466] Correlation of glycosylation differences with ADCC activity
II
[0467] The ability of several de-glycosylated mix batches to induce
NK-mediated ADCC of primary CD4.sup.+ T cells was studied by flow
cytometry (see example 7). The results of one representative of 3
experiments (see data FIG. 4) are shown as the specific lysis of
CD4.sup.+ T cells in the presence of a concentration range of the
(partly) de-glycosylated batches (single data points). The curve
fitting was performed using 4 parameter logistic fitting, with the
bottom fixed to a common value (FIG. 4A). Furthermore, the curve
fitting was performed using 4 parameter logistic fitting with
constraints on bottom level, top level, and hill slope (FIG. 4B).
Using the EC.sub.50 values of top, bottom, and hill slope-fixed
curves, the relative potencies to MRS-CD4-001 were calculated.
Furthermore, the relative potencies relative to the parent GMP #3
batch (batch used for preparing de-glycosylated batches and mix
batches) were calculated (Table 2). Compared to the MRS-CD4-001
batch, the GMP #3 batch and MOCK-GMP #3-CD4, a sham-de-glycosylated
GMP #3 batch has a slightly increased ADCC activity. The M50-GMP
#3-CD4, M70-GMP #3-CD4, and M90-GMP #3 mixed batches (mix of
de-glycosylated and glycosylated GMP #3 batch), containing 50%,
30%, and 10% de-glycosylated GMP #3 respectively, have relative
potencies to GMP #3 of 0.31, 0.59, and 0.87, showing a decreased
ADCC activity with decreasing amounts of glycosylated heavy chains.
In conclusion, a clear correlation appeared to exist between the
level of glycosylated heavy chains and the ability to induce
ADCC.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Ability of de-glycosylated mix batches to
induce ADCC Relative potency (ADCC) Zanolimumab batch Exp 1 Exp 2
Exp Mean .+-. SD MRS-CD4-001/GMP#1 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 GMP#3 0.98
1.30 1.45 1.24 .+-. 0.24 (1.00)* MOCK-GMP#3-CD4 1.38 1.55 1.42 1.45
.+-. 0.09 (1.17)* M50-GMP#3-CD4 0.14 0.64 0.39 0.39 .+-. 0.25
(0.31)* M70-GMP#3-CD4 0.37 1.03 0.79 0.73 .+-. 0.33 (0.59)*
M90-GMP#3-CD4 0.74 1.18 1.33 1.08 .+-. 0.31 (0.87)* *potency
relative to batch GMP#3, from which these test batches were derived
The relative potencies (derived from EC.sub.50 values of curves
with constraints set on bottom level, top level, and hill slope)
relative to reference batch MRS-CD4-001 and means with SD (stand
deviation) are shown. Within brackets the relative potencies
related to the parent batch GMP#3 is given.
Example 9
[0468] Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding ELISA and correlation with ADCC
I
[0469] Several batches of zanolimumab (see example 6) were tested
for binding to Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V.
[0470] A Greiner plate was coated with 100 .mu.l of 2.5 .mu.g/ml
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V (prepared as described in example 4) and
incubated overnight at 4.degree. C. Plates were washed 3 times with
200 .mu.l PBST (PBS containing 0.05% Tween-20 (Sigma-Aldrich Chemie
B.V., Zwijndrecht, NL; cat 63158)) and 100 .mu.l of serial diluted
zanolimumab samples (concentrations of zanolimumab of 300, 75,
18.75, 4.69, 0.29, 1.17, 0.07, and 0.02 .mu.g/ml). The plates were
incubated 60 min at RT, under shaking conditions and were then
washed 3 times with 200 .mu.l PBST followed by addition of
conjugate 1:4000 diluted peroxidase-conjugated affinipure
F(ab').sub.2 Fragment G-a-Hu-IgG, F(ab').sub.2 Fragment specific
((Jackson ImmunoResearch, Brunschwig Chemie B.V., Amsterdam, The
Netherlands). The plates were again incubated 60 min at RT under
shaking conditions and then washed 3 times with 200 .mu.l PBST. 100
.mu.l ABTS (Roche, cat nr 1112597) was added and the plates were
incubated 30 min under shaking conditions. The reaction was stopped
with addition of 100 .mu.l 2% oxalic acid and the absorbance at 405
nm was measured. The results are shown in FIG. 5.
[0471] As four parameter logistic analysis allowing variable top
levels showed that all curves reached a similar top level, potency
and relative potency of batches was calculated using the EC.sub.50
values of curves with fixed bottom levels, top levels and hill
slopes.
[0472] Batches BN078 and MOCK-MRS-CD4 bound similarly to
plate-bound Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V as reference batch MRS-CD4-001.
Batches MEV001, MEV005, B0118, M50-MRS-CD4 and M90-MRS-CD4 appeared
to have a lower potency to bind to plate-bound Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V.
Batches MEV001, MEV005, B0118 and M50-MRS-CD4 were comparable
regarding binding to plate-bound Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V, with relative
potencies of 0.4-0.5. M90-MRS-CD4 behaved differently than
expected, and binds with relative potency of about 0.7 (expected
was 0.9).
[0473] A clear correlation appeared to exist between the level of
glycosylated heavy chains and the ability to bind
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V from studies with the reference and control
batches. The fully glycosylated reference batch showed maximum
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding, whereas batch M50-MRS-CD4 showed a much
reduced binding and batch M90-MRS-CD4 showed intermediate
binding.
[0474] The results with test batches fit into this, in that batches
MEV005 and B0118, containing 30% and 10% of unglycosylated heavy
chains, showed a much reduced Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding.
Unexpected was the finding that batch MEV001 also showed a much
reduced Fc.gamma.IIIa176V binding, although this batch did not
appear to contain unglycosylated heavy chains as detected by
SDS-PAGE.
[0475] Overall can be concluded that a correlation exists between
the induction of ADCC (FIG. 3) and the binding to purified
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V (FIG. 5).
Example 10
[0476] Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V Binding ELISA and Correlation with ADCC
II
[0477] The ability of several de-glycosylated mix batches of
zanolimumab (see example 8) to bind to Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V was
tested.
[0478] A Greiner plate was coated with 100 .mu.l of 2.5 .mu.g/ml
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V (prepared as described in example 4) and
incubated overnight at 4.degree. C. Plates were washed 3 times with
200 .mu.l PBST and 100 .mu.l of serial diluted zanolimumab samples
(concentrations of zanolimumab of 300, 75, 18.75, 4.69, 0.29, 1.17,
0.07, and 0.02 .mu.g/ml). The plates were incubated 60 min at RT,
under shaking conditions and were then washed 3 times with 200
.mu.l PBST followed by addition of conjugate 1:4000 diluted
peroxidase-conjugated affinipure F(ab').sub.2 Fragment G-a-Hu-IgG,
F(ab').sub.2 Fragment specific (Jackson ImmunoResearch, Brunschwig
Chemie B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands). The plates were again
incubated 60 min at RT under shaking conditions and then washed 3
times with 200 .mu.l PBST. 100 .mu.l ABTS (Roche, cat nr 1112597)
was added and the plates were incubated 30 min under shaking
conditions. The reaction was stopped with addition of 100 .mu.l 2%
oxalic acid and the absorbance at 405 nm was measured. The results
are shown in FIG. 6.
[0479] The curve fitting was performed using 4 parameter logistic
fitting, with constraints on bottom level, top level, and hill
slope (FIG. 6). Using the EC.sub.50 values of top, bottom, and hill
slope-fixed curves, the relative potencies to MRS-CD4-001 were
calculated. Furthermore, the relative potencies relative to the
parent GMP #3 batch (batch used for preparing de-glycosylated
batches and mix batches) were calculated (Table 3).
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Binding of zanolimumab batches to
plate-bound Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V Relative potency (Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V
binding) Zanolimumab batch Exp 1 Exp 2 Mean .+-. SD
MRS-CD4-001/GMP#1 1.00 1.00 1.00 GMP#3 1.12 1.12 1.12 .+-. 0.00
(1.00)* UNG-GMP#3-CD4 Nd Nd -- MOCK-GMP#3-CD4 1.23 1.23 1.23 .+-.
0.00 (1.09)* M50-GMP#3-CD4 0.50 0.60 0.55 .+-. 0.07 (0.49)*
M70-GMP#3-CD4 0.71 0.88 0.80 .+-. 0.12 (0.71)* M90-GMP#3-CD4 0.91
1.16 1.04 .+-. 0.18 (0.93)* The relative potencies (derived from
EC.sub.50 values of curves with constraints set on bottom level,
top level, and hill slope) relative to reference batch MRS-CD4-001
and means with SD are shown. Within brackets the relative potencies
related to the parent batch GMP#3 is given.
[0480] Compared to the MRS-CD4-001 batch, the GMP #3 batch and
MOCK-GMP #3-CD4, a sham-de-glycosylated GMP #3 batch has a slightly
increased Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding. The M50-GMP #3-CD4, M70-GMP
#3-CD4, and M90-GMP #3 mixed batches (mix of de-glycosylated and
glycosylated GMP #3 batch), containing 50%, 30%, and 10%
de-glycosylated GMP #3 respectively, have relative potencies to GMP
#3 of 0.49, 0.71, and 0.93, showing a decreased Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V
binding with decreasing amounts of glycosylated heavy chains. In
conclusion, a clear correlation appeared to exist between the level
of glycosylated heavy chains and the ability to bind to
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V (FIG. 7).
[0481] Again, a clear correlation between the ADCC and the
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding does exist (FIG. 8).
Example 11
Binding to Antigen I
[0482] The binding of zanolimumab batches to purified CD4 protein
was studied by ELISA (FIG. 9). sCD4 (Immuno Diagnostics, Woburn,
Mass., USA, cat nr 7001-10) was coated to flat-bottom 96-well
plates (Greiner, Alphen a/d Rijn, NL, cat nr 655092) at 0.5
.mu.g/ml (100 .mu.l/well) in PBS by incubation at 4.degree. C.
overnight. Plates were emptied and residual non-specific binding
sites were blocked with 200 .mu.l/well PBSC (PBS containing 2%
(v/v) chicken serum (Invitrogen, Breda, NL, cat nr 16110-082)) for
at RT 1 hour on a shaker. Dilutions of the zanolimumab batches were
prepared, ranging from 2000 ng/ml to 0.49 ng/ml, by serial 4-fold
dilution in PBSTC (PBS containing 0.05% (v/v) Tween-20
(Sigma-Aldrich Chemie B.V., Zwijndrecht, NL; cat 63158) and 2%
(v/v) chicken serum). After emptying the plates, 100 .mu.l of the
dilutions were added to the coated plates, and incubate at RT for 2
hours on a shaker. Plates were emptied and washed 3 times with PBST
1.times. (200 .mu.l/well). The conjugate, goat-anti-HuIgG
F(ab').sub.2 spec-HRP (Jackson ImmunoResearch), was diluted
1:10.000 in PBSTC 1.times. and added at 100 .mu.l per well. The
plates were incubated at RT for 1 hour on a shaker. Plates were
emptied and washed 3 times with PBST 1.times. (200 .mu.l/well).
Plates were tapped over absorbent paper to remove all residual
fluid. One tablet of ABTS substrate (50 mg Roche Diagnostics NL,
Almere, NL, cat nr 1122422) was dissolved in 50 ml ABTS buffer
(Roche, cat nr 1112597) and 100 .mu.l was added per well. Plates
were wrapped in aluminum foil and incubated at RT for 30 minutes on
a shaker. The reaction was stopped with 100 .mu.l/well 2% oxalic
acid (Sigma-Aldrich Chemie B.V.). The absorbance was read at 405 nm
on a spectrophotometer (ELISA-EL808, Beun de Ronde, Abcoude,
NL).
[0483] As four parameter logistic analysis allowing variable top
levels showed that all curves reached a similar top level, potency
and relative potency of batches was calculated using the EC.sub.50
values of curves with fixed bottom levels, top levels and hill
slopes.
[0484] Compared to reference batch MRS-CD4-001, all other batches
bound similarly to plate-bound sCD4, despite clear differences in
glycosylation of the batches. It should be noted that the variation
in this assay was relatively high.
Example 12
[0485] Binding to antigen II
[0486] The binding of zanolimumab mixed batches (see example 8) to
purified CD4 protein was studied by ELISA (FIG. 10).
[0487] A Greiner plate was coated with 100 .mu.l of 2.0 .mu.g/ml
sCD4 (Immuno Diagnostics, Woburn, Mass., USA, product #7001-10) and
incubated overnight at 4.degree. C. Plates were washed 3 times with
200 .mu.l PBST and 100 .mu.l of serial diluted zanolimumab samples
(concentrations of zanolimumab of 1000, 250, 62.5, 15.62, 3.9,
0.98, 0.24, and 0.06 ng/ml). The plates were incubated 60 min at
RT, under shaking conditions and were then washed 3 times with 200
.mu.l PBST followed by addition of conjugate 1:20000 diluted
peroxidase-conjugated affinipure G-a-Hu-IgG, F(ab').sub.2 Fragment
specific (Jackson ImmunoResearch, Brunschwig Chemie B.V.,
Amsterdam, The Netherlands). The plates were again incubated 60 min
at RT under shaking conditions and then washed 3 times with 200
.mu.l PBST. 100 .mu.l ABTS (Roche, cat nr 1112597) was added and
the plates were incubated 30 min under shaking conditions. The
reaction was stopped with addition of 100 .mu.l 2% oxalic acid and
the absorbance at 405 nm was measured.
[0488] As four parameter logistic analysis allowing variable top
levels showed that all curves reached a similar top level, potency
and relative potency of batches was calculated using the EC50
values of curves with fixed bottom levels, top levels and hill
slopes (Table 4).
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Binding of de-glycosylated mix batches of
zanolimumab to plate-bound CD4 Relative potency (sCD4 binding)
Zanolimumab batch Exp 1 Exp 2 Mean .+-. SD MRS-CD4-001/GMP#1 1.00
1.00 1.00 GMP#3 0.91 0.92 0.92 .+-. 0.01 UNG-GMP#3-CD4 0.96 1.01
0.99 .+-. 0.04 MOCK-GMP#3-CD4 0.98 0.85 0.92 .+-. 0.09
M50-GMP#3-CD4 1.03 0.90 0.97 .+-. 0.09 M70-GMP#3-CD4 0.84 0.91 0.88
.+-. 0.05 M90-GMP#3-CD4 0.94 0.94 0.94 .+-. 0.00 The relative
potencies (derived from EC.sub.50 values of curves with constraints
set on bottom level, top level, and hill slope) relative to
reference batch MRS-CD4-001 and means with SD are shown. GMP#3 is
the patent batch
[0489] Compared to reference batch MRS-CD4-001, all other batches
bound similarly to plate-bound sCD4, despite clear differences in
glycosylation of the batches.
Example 13
Inhibition of IL-2 Production
[0490] The ability of zanolimumab batches (see example 6) to
inhibit the production of IL-2 by activated PBMC was studied by a
nested assay (T-cell activation assay followed by IL-2 ELISA) using
the Human IL-2 cytokine ELISA kit obtained from U-CyTech (Utrecht,
The Netherlands; product #CT202) or from BD Biosciences (Alphen aan
de Rijn, The Netherlands; product #550611) and following the
manufacturer's instructions.
[0491] PBMC (105 cells per well) were stimulated in 96-well
flat-bottom plates with plate-bound anti-CD3 (100 ng/ml) and
soluble anti-CD28 (100 ng/ml) in the presence of a serial dilution
(or selected series) of the antibody reference or test sample.
Thirty-eight to forty-two hours later, cell-free supernatants were
harvested, diluted in dilution buffer and transferred to 96-well
ELISA plates. The IL-2 concentration was determined in pg/ml via
ELISA using a human IL-2 ELISA kit including an IL-2 standard.
[0492] As four parameter logistic analysis allowing variable top
levels showed that all curves reached a similar top level, potency
and relative potency of batches was calculated using the EC.sub.50
values of curves with fixed bottom levels, top levels and hill
slopes; as the UNG-MRS-CD4 did not reach the same bottom level,
this batch was excluded from this analysis. Relative potencies were
calculated using the mean EC.sub.50 of two MRS-CD4-001 curves.
Calculations were performed for each individual plate.
[0493] The ability of zanolimumab batches to inhibit IL-2
production was tested as described above. Results are shown as the
level of IL-2 in supernatant of duplicate samples. The whole panel
of zanolimumab batches was tested using four plates and was tested
twice per experiment. One of two experiments is shown (FIG.
11).
[0494] The ability of zanolimumab batches to inhibit IL-2
production was tested as described above. The relative activity
(derived from EC.sub.50 values of bottom-fixed curves) relative to
reference batch MRS-CD4-001 (mean EC.sub.50 of 2 MRS-CD4-001
curves) are shown of the two experiments (Table 5)
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Ability of zanolimumab to inhibit of IL-2
production. Relative activity to MRS-CD4-001 Plate MRS- UNG-MRS-
MOCK-MRS- M90-MRS- M50-MRS- MRS- Experiment # CD4-001 MEV005 BN708
BO118 CD4 CD4 CD4 CD4 MEV001 CD4-001 EX2005- plate 1 0.74 0.92 1.83
1.17 nt nt nt nt nt 1.54 0634- plate 2 1.68 1.07 1.01 0.90 nt nt nt
nt nt 0.71 013-AOB plate 3 1.45 nt nt nt nt 1.07 1.04 0.74 0.79
0.76 plate 4 0.87 nt nt nt nt 1.42* 0.76 0.77 0.51 1.18 EX2005-
plate 1 1.57 nt nt 1.82 nt nt 3.17 1.47* nt 0.73 0634- plate 2 1.03
nt nt 1.69 nt nt 1.10 0.55 nt 0.98 014-AOB plate 3 1.10 0.84 0.69
nt nt 0.94 nt nt 0.35 0.92 plate 4 1.10 0.58 1.10 nt nt 1.32 nt nt
0.69 0.92 Geometric 1.15 0.83 1.09 1.34 1.10 1.29 0.68 0.56 0.94
mean relative activity
[0495] All tested zanolimumab batches, except control batch
UNG-MRS-CD4, inhibited IL-2 production. Batches MOCK-MRS-CD4,
M90-MRS-CD4, BN078 and MEV005 inhibited in a similar manner as
reference batch MRS-CD4-001. Batch B0118 inhibited to a higher
extent, and batches M50-MRS-CD4 and MEV001 to a lesser extent. A
high variability existed between and within experiments. When
studying the results with the reference and control batches, the
level of glycosylated heavy chains appeared to correlate to some
extent to the ability to inhibit IL-2 production by activated T
cells. The fully glycosylated reference batch showed maximum
activity, whereas batch M50-MRS-CD4 showed a much reduced ability
to inhibit IL-2 production. Batch M90-MRS-CD4 had a similar ability
to inhibit IL-2 production as the reference.
[0496] Test batch MEV005, containing 30% of unglycosylated heavy
chains, showed a reduced ability to inhibit IL-2 production.
However, batch MEV001 that did not appear to contain unglycosylated
heavy chains, also showed a reduced ability to inhibit IL-2
production, while batch B0118, containing 10% of unglycosylated
heavy chains was very well able to inhibit IL-2 production, even to
a slightly higher extent than the reference.
Example 14
[0497] Screening for FcR binding and CD4 binding of several
zanolimumab batches by an AlphaScreen.TM.-based assay
[0498] Several batches of zanolimumab (see example 8) were tested
for binding to Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V and to CD4 using a single
AlphaScreen.TM.-based assay.
[0499] His-tagged-Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V was coupled to Ni-acceptor
beads. Beads were washed to remove unbound
His-tagged-Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V. sCD4-biotine was coupled to SA-donor
beads. Beads were washed to remove unbound sCD4-biotine. Dilution
ranges of reference batch MRS-CD4-001 and H-IgG were prepared
(range: 90, 30, 3, 1, 0.3, 0.03, and 0 .mu.g/ml). A variable volume
of His-tagged-Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V-Ni-acceptor beads was brought into
the wells of an 384-well optiplate, followed by addition of a fixed
volume zanolimumab or H-IgG and a fixed volume of
sCD4-biotine-SA-donor beads. After incubation at room temperature
in the dark for 1 hour, the bead/antibody mixes were analyzed using
the EnVision.TM. apparatus with the `alphascreen label`.
[0500] FIG. 12 confirms that the trend in relative binding capacity
is similar for both experiments. The M50-MRS-CD4 batch showed a
mean capacity of 53% of the reference batch, according to the
expectation. The M90-MRS-CD4 batch showed a capacity of around 75%,
which is somewhat lower than expected. Batches B0118 and BN078
showed a similar binding capacity (88% and 89%). Batches MEV005 and
MOCK-MRS-CD4 had a slightly lower binding capacity (84% and
81%).
Example 15
[0501] Binding to cell-bound Fc.gamma.RI
[0502] Several batches of zanolimumab (see example 8) were tested
for binding to cell-bound Fc.gamma.RI.
[0503] IIA1.6 and IIA1.6-Fc.gamma.RI cells (kindly provided by Ms.
L. Bevaart, (Dept. of Immunotherapy, University Medical Centre
Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands)) were harvested and counted by
Trypan blue exclusion. Cells were spun down at RT at 500 g for 5
min, supernatant was discarded, and cells were resuspended in
staining buffer (PBS containing 1% v/v BSA (Roche, Almere, NL) and
0.01% v/v azide (Sigma-Aldrich Chemie B.V.)) at 1.times.10.sup.6
cells per ml and transferred to 96-well V-bottom plates at 100
.mu.l/well (Greiner, Frickenhausen, Germany, cat #651101).
Dilutions of the zanolimumab batches were prepared, ranging from
10000 ng/ml to 9.8 ng/ml, by serial 2-fold dilution in staining
buffer. 100 .mu.l of sample, a negative control IgG2 (Binding site,
Birmingham, UK, cat #BP080), or staining buffer was added to the
cells and incubated at 4.degree. C. for 30 min. Cells were washed 3
times with 150 .mu.l staining buffer per well, and spun down at RT
at 500 g for 5 min. 100 .mu.l per well of
F(ab).sub.2-Gt-anti-Hu-IgG-F(ab').sub.2-FITC (Jackson, Pa., USA,
cat #109-096-097; diluted 1:100 in staining buffer) was added to
cell pellets, and incubated at 4.degree. C. for 30 min. Cells were
washed 3 times with 150 .mu.l staining buffer, and spun down at RT
at 500 g for 5 min. Cells were resuspended in 150 .mu.l staining
buffer and transferred to 1.3 ml tubes. Cells were analyzed using
the FACSCalibur.TM. (BD) or FACScan.TM. (BD).
[0504] Compared to reference batch MRS-CD4-001, most batches bound
to a slightly lower amount to cell-bound Fc.gamma.RI, despite
differences in glycosylation of the batches. It should be noted
that the variation in this assay was relatively high. Still, batch
M50-MRS-CD4, containing only 50% glycosylated heavy chains had a
lower binding capacity. The batch UNG-MRS-CD4 did hardly bind to
plate-bound Fc.gamma.RI (FIG. 13).
Example 16
[0505] Binding to plate-bound Fc.gamma.RI
[0506] Several batches of zanolimumab (see example 8) were tested
for binding to plate-bound Fc.gamma.RI.
[0507] His-tagged recombinant Fc.gamma.RI (Genmab B.V., Utrecht,
NL, batch #EX2005-0403-016-TVE) was coated to flat-bottom 96-well
plates (Greiner, Alphen a/d Rijn, NL, cat nr 655092) at 1.5
.mu.g/ml (100 .mu.l) in PBS by incubation at 4.degree. C.
overnight. Plates were washed 3 times with PBS, emptied and
residual non-specific binding sites were blocked with 200
.mu.l/well PBSC at RT for 1 hour. Dilutions of zanolimumab batches
were prepared, ranging from 4000 ng/ml to 31.25 ng/ml, by serially
2-fold dilutions in PBSTC. 100 .mu.l diluted sample was added, and
incubated at RT for 2 hours. Plates were emptied, and washed 3
times with PBST 1.times. (200 .mu.l/well). The conjugate, goat
[F(ab').sub.2 fragments]-anti-HuIgG F(ab').sub.2 spec-HRP (Jackson,
cat nr 109-096-097) (in EX2005-0505-008-MVO the conjugate
goat-anti-HuIgG F(ab').sub.2 spec-HRP Jackson cat nr 109-035-097
was used), was diluted 1:10.000 in PBSTC 1.times., and 100 .mu.l of
conjugate was added per well. Plates were incubated at RT for 1
hour. Plates were emptied, and washed 3 times with PBST 1.times.
(200 .mu.l/well). Plates were tapped over absorbent paper to remove
all residual fluid. A tablet of ABTS substrate (50 mg (Roche
Diagnostics NL, Almere, NL, cat nr 1122422)) was dissolved in 50 ml
ABTS buffer (Roche, cat nr 1112597) and 100 .mu.l was added per
well. Plates were wrapped in aluminum foil and incubated at RT for
30 minutes. The reaction was stopped with 100 .mu.l/well 2% oxalic
acid [Sigma-Aldrich Chemie B.V.]. The absorbance was read on a
spectrophotometer [ELISA-EL808, Beun de Ronde, Abcoude, NL] at 405
nm.
[0508] Compared to reference batch MRS-CD4-001, most batches bound
slightly lower to cell-bound Fc.gamma.RI, despite differences in
glycosylation of the batches. It should be noted that the variation
in this assay was relatively high. Still, batch M50-MRS-CD4,
containing only 50% glycosylated heavy chains has a significant
lower binding capacity. The batch UNG-MRS-CD4 doesn't show much
binding to plate-bound Fc.gamma.RI (FIG. 14).
Example 17
[0509] Correlation of the ability to induce ADCC of zanolimumab
batches with relative potencies measured in binding to CD4, to
Fc.gamma.RI, to Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V, or the combination of CD4 and
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding
[0510] Several batches of zanolimumab (see example 8) were tested
for binding to plate-bound Fc.gamma.RI.
[0511] The reference and zanolimumab mix batches (different in
glycosylation of heavy chains) were ranked according to the level
of glycosylated heavy chains present and the potential correlation
with the several assays.
[0512] Compared to reference batch MRS-CD4-001 the batches
UNG-MRS-CD4, M50-MRS-CD4, and M90-MRS-CD4 all do bind comparable to
CD4 (FIG. 15B; also FIG. 9), however differ in binding to
Fc.gamma.RI (FIG. 15C; also FIGS. 13 and 14) and Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V
(FIG. 15D; also FIG. 5), which is correlated to the level of heavy
chain glycosylation. Also in the AlphaScreen.TM. assay (FIG. 15E;
FIG. 12) and the functional ADCC (FIG. 15A; also FIG. 3) this
correlation does exist.
[0513] These data indicate that binding to the Fc.gamma.R does
correlate with antibody Fc-mediated activities which play a
critical role in the mechanism of action.
Example 18
[0514] Desilylation of Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V improves the performance
of the Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding ELISA
[0515] Two batches of Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V derived from CHO-K1SV
cells were tested for their suitability in a plate bound
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding ELISA (as described above). A Greiner
plate was coated with 100 .mu.l of 2.5 .mu.g/ml Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V
batch 646-005-EP or 655-015-EP and incubated overnight at 4.degree.
C. Plates were washed 3 times with 200 .mu.l PBST (PBS containing
0.05% Tween-20) and 100 .mu.l of serial diluted zanolimumab samples
(concentrations of zanolimumab of 300, 75, 18.75, 4.69, 0.29, 1.17,
0.07, and 0.02 .mu.g/ml). The plates were incubated 60 min at RT,
under shaking conditions and were then washed 3 times with 200
.mu.l PBST followed by addition of conjugate 1:4000 diluted
peroxidase-conjugated affinipure F(ab').sub.2 Fragment
G-anti-Hu-IgG, F(ab').sub.2 fragment specific ((Jackson
ImmunoResearch, Brunschwig Chemie B.V., Amsterdam, The
Netherlands). The plates were again incubated 60 min at RT under
shaking conditions and then washed 3 times with 200 .mu.l PBST. 100
.mu.l ABTS (Roche, cat nr 1112597) was added and the plates were
incubated 30 min under shaking conditions. The reaction was stopped
with addition of 100 .mu.l 2% oxalic acid and the absorbance at 405
nm was measured. The results are shown in FIG. 16.
[0516] Batch 646-005-EP gave a nice dose-response curve with high
top values, whereas the batch 655-015-EP showed a much more
shallower curve with lower top values. Previously, it was noted
that these batches also differed in their negative charge as was
visualized by native gel-electrophoresis, i. e. batch 655-015-EP
appeared to contain more negative charge than batch 646-005-EP
(FIG. 17). In addition, the two batches migrated differently on
reduced SDS-PAGE, whereas they migrated at the same position after
enzymatic deglycosylation (FIG. 18). This indicate that the
difference in molecular weight was caused by differences in
N-linked glycosylation. Sialic acid was removed from batch
655-015-EP and the desialylated receptor was compared to the
untreated receptor in the Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding ELISA.
[0517] To remove the sialic acids, batch 655-015-EP (in phosphate
buffered saline) was incubated with Arthrobacter ureafaciens
sialidase (Roche, catalogue number 10269611001; about 1 mg
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V with 80 mU sialidase) for 72 hours at 37.degree.
C. After incubation, the desialylated receptor was purified using
TALON.TM. beads and buffer-exchanged to phosphate buffered saline
using PD-10 columns as described in Example 5, yielding 1.2 ml
purified desialylated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V with a concentration of
0.45 mg/ml (batch 403-041-EP).
[0518] Next, untreated batch 655-015-EP and desialylated batch
403-041-EP were analyzed by SDS-PAGE (FIG. 19) and native
gel-electrophoresis (FIG. 20). The negative charge of the
desialylated batch was much less compared to the untreated
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V, and also the molecular weight seemed to be
slightly smaller compared to untreated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V. This
suggested that desilylation of the receptor had been
successful.
[0519] Desialylated and untreated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V were compared
in the plate bound Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V binding ELISA. Both
preparations were coated to the plate at a concentration of 2.5
.mu.g/ml and binding with zanolimumab was performed as described
above. FIG. 21 clearly shows that desilylation of the receptor
improved the performance of the plate bound binding assay
significantly.
[0520] To determine whether this is explained by improved binding
of desialylated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V to the plate, two-fold serial
dilutions of desialylated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V (batch 403-041-EP) and
untreated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V (655-015-EP) were coated to the plate.
Starting concentration was 10 .mu.g/ml. Plates were washed with
PBTS and bound Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V was detected with
mouse-anti-CD16-FITC (BD Biosciences, catalogue number 555406),
followed by Sheep-anti-FITC-HRP (Roche, catalogue number
11426356910). Plates were developed with ABTS. FIG. 22 shows that
indeed desialylated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V showed improved binding to
the plate, when compared to untreated Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V.
Example 19
[0521] Capture of his-tagged Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V via his-capturing
antibody coated on the ELISA plate increases the sensitivity of the
ELISA.
[0522] Capturing of his-tagged Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis via a
his-capturing antibody was compared to direct coating of his-tagged
Fc.gamma.RIIIaECD176VHis to the ELISA plate.
[0523] Greiner plates were coated with 100 .mu.l of 1 .mu.g/ml
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V batch #0646-005-EP or with anti-polyhistidine
mAb (mouse-anti-polyhistidine, IgG1 mAb clone AD1.1.10, R&D,
product #MAB050, 0.5 mg/ml in PBS/5% trehalose, lot #AEJ 175031)
and incubated overnight at 4.degree. C. Plates were washed 3 times
with 200 .mu.l PBST (PBS containing 0.05% Tween-20), and blocked
for 60 min with 1% BSA in PBS. The anti-polyhistidine mAb coated
plates were further incubated with 100 .mu.l of 1 .mu.g/ml
Fc.gamma.RIIIa158V batch for 60 min at RT, under shaking
conditions, and subsequently washed 3 times with 200 .mu.l PBST.
Both types of coated plates were incubated with 100 .mu.l of
serially diluted HuMax-EGFr samples (concentrations of HuMax-EGFr
of 300, 75, 18.75, 4.69, 0.29, 1.17, 0.07, and 0.02 .mu.g/ml;
batch1 #095-03-01F and batch 2 #P247740) for 60 min at RT, under
shaking conditions, and subsequently 3 times with 200 .mu.l PBST
followed by addition of conjugate, 1:10,000 diluted
peroxidase-conjugated affinipure F(ab').sub.2 Fragment
G-anti-Hu-IgG, F(ab').sub.2 fragment specific (Jackson
ImmunoResearch, Brunschwig Chemie B.V., Amsterdam, The
Netherlands). The plates were incubated 60 min at RT under shaking
conditions, and washed 3 times with 200 .mu.l PBST. 100 .mu.l ABTS
was added and the plates were incubated approximately 20 min under
shaking conditions. The reaction was stopped with addition of 100
.mu.l 2% oxalic acid, and the absorbance at 405 nm was
measured.
[0524] In FIG. 23, binding curves of the two batches of antibody
HuMax-EGFr to Fc.gamma.RIIIa 176V, coated either directly (upper
panel) or via his-capturing mAb (lower panel), are given (data are
mean.+-.SD, n=3). Coating via his-capture results in a higher
affinity for the HuMax-EGFr-Fc.gamma.RIIIa 176V interaction, about
a 4 times higher affinity compared to directly coated
Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V. Higher affinity is also favorable because of
slower dissociation. Thus, capture of his-tagged Fc.gamma.RIIIa176V
via his-capturing antibody increases the sensitivity of the binding
ELISA. Notably, the EC50 ratios of the two tested HuMax-EGFr
batches were the same for both ELISA formats (on average about 2),
which indicates that the assay formats are comparable for
determining relative potency.
Example 20
[0525] Fc-dependent down-modulation of CD4 receptor of CD4+ Tcells
by zanolimumab.
[0526] The capacity of zanolimumab to down-regulate CD4 in the
presence of effector cells was studied with PBMC-derived CD4+
T-cells (isolation see example 7), or SUP-T1 cells and with or
without the addition of PBMC-derived monocytes (isolation according
to protocol of Dynal.RTM. monocyte Negative Isolation Kit) or TPH-1
cells. PBMC or SUP-T1 cells were incubated with a concentration
range of zanolimumab, zanolimumab-F(ab')2 fragments (SUP-T1),
zanolimumab-Fab (SUP-T1) or the negative control HuMab-KLH. When
appropriate, effector cells were added to an effector cell: target
cell ratio of 10:1, 5:1 or 4:1. IFN-.gamma. (concentration ranging
from 125 to 1000 .mu.g/ml) was added and cells were incubated
overnight. Thereafter, cells were stained for CD4 with
fluorochrome-labeled M-T477 (non-competitive Ab from BD) and for a
target cell selection marker (to distinguish target cells from
other cells). Cell-associated fluorescence was assessed by flow
cytometry.
[0527] In FIG. 24, The capacity of zanolimumab to induce CD4
down-regulation is shown by flow cytometry with a non-competing CD4
monoclonal antibody using freshly isolated CD4+ T cells or SUP-T1 T
cells. Zanolimumab dose-dependently down-regulated CD4 from
purified primary CD4+ T-cells (FIG. 4A) or SUP-T1 T cells (FIG.
4B), requiring the presence of monocytes, or a monocytic cell line,
respectively. The results showed that after 18-24 h the level of
CD4 expression was reduced by 50-80%. Down-modulation appeared to
be Fc-dependent as incubation with F(ab')2 fragments did not result
in a reduction in CD4 expression either in the presence or absence
of accessory cells (FIG. 4B). At high mAb concentrations, soluble
zanolimumab failed to down-regulate CD4, possible due to monomeric
binding, resulting in a reduction of cross-linking. Cross-linking
via immobilized zanolimumab or plate-bound IgG-cross-linking Ab in
combination with soluble zanolimumab pre-incubation also
down-regulated CD4 (data not shown).
[0528] All references, including publications, patent applications,
and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to
the same extent as if each reference were individually and
specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set
forth in its entirety herein.
[0529] All headings and sub-headings are used herein for
convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the
present invention in any way.
[0530] Any combination of the above-described elements in all
possible variations thereof is encompassed by the present invention
unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted
by context.
[0531] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the present invention are to
be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless
otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.
[0532] Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to
serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each
separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated
herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the
specification as if it were individually recited herein. Unless
otherwise stated, all exact values provided herein are
representative of corresponding approximate values (e.g., all exact
exemplary values provided with respect to a particular factor or
measurement can be considered to also provide a corresponding
approximate measurement, modified by "about," where
appropriate).
[0533] All methods described herein can be performed in any
suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise
clearly contradicted by context.
[0534] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language
(e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better
illuminate the present invention and does not pose a limitation on
the scope of the present invention unless otherwise indicated. No
language in the specification should be construed as indicating any
element is essential to the practice of the present invention
unless as much is explicitly stated.
[0535] The citation and incorporation of patent documents herein is
done for convenience only and does not reflect any view of the
validity, patentability, and/or enforceability of such patent
documents.
[0536] The description herein of any embodiment of the present
invention using terms such as "comprising", "having," "including,"
or "containing" with reference to an element or elements is
intended to provide support for a similar embodiment of the present
invention that "consists of", "consists essentially of", or
"substantially comprises" that particular element or elements,
unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by context (e.g., a
composition described herein as comprising a particular element
should be understood as also describing a composition consisting of
that element, unless otherwise stated or clearly contradicted by
context).
[0537] The present invention includes all modifications and
equivalents of the subject matter recited in the embodiments
presented herein to the maximum extent permitted by applicable
law.
[0538] All patents, pending patent applications and other
publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
Sequence CWU 1
1
111298PRTHomo SapiensMISC_FEATUREFcyRIaECDHis 1Met Trp Phe Leu Thr
Thr Leu Leu Leu Trp Val Pro Val Asp Gly Gln1 5 10 15Val Asp Thr Thr
Lys Ala Val Ile Thr Leu Gln Pro Pro Trp Val Ser 20 25 30Val Phe Gln
Glu Glu Thr Val Thr Leu His Cys Glu Val Leu His Leu 35 40 45Pro Gly
Ser Ser Ser Thr Gln Trp Phe Leu Asn Gly Thr Ala Thr Gln 50 55 60Thr
Ser Thr Pro Ser Tyr Arg Ile Thr Ser Ala Ser Val Asn Asp Ser65 70 75
80Gly Glu Tyr Arg Cys Gln Arg Gly Leu Ser Gly Arg Ser Asp Pro Ile
85 90 95Gln Leu Glu Ile His Arg Gly Trp Leu Leu Leu Gln Val Ser Ser
Arg 100 105 110Val Phe Thr Glu Gly Glu Pro Leu Ala Leu Arg Cys His
Ala Trp Lys 115 120 125Asp Lys Leu Val Tyr Asn Val Leu Tyr Tyr Arg
Asn Gly Lys Ala Phe 130 135 140Lys Phe Phe His Trp Asn Ser Asn Leu
Thr Ile Leu Lys Thr Asn Ile145 150 155 160Ser His Asn Gly Thr Tyr
His Cys Ser Gly Met Gly Lys His Arg Tyr 165 170 175Thr Ser Ala Gly
Ile Ser Val Thr Val Lys Glu Leu Phe Pro Ala Pro 180 185 190Val Leu
Asn Ala Ser Val Thr Ser Pro Leu Leu Glu Gly Asn Leu Val 195 200
205Thr Leu Ser Cys Glu Thr Lys Leu Leu Leu Gln Arg Pro Gly Leu Gln
210 215 220Leu Tyr Phe Ser Phe Tyr Met Gly Ser Lys Thr Leu Arg Gly
Arg Asn225 230 235 240Thr Ser Ser Glu Tyr Gln Ile Leu Thr Ala Arg
Arg Glu Asp Ser Gly 245 250 255Leu Tyr Trp Cys Glu Ala Ala Thr Glu
Asp Gly Asn Val Leu Lys Arg 260 265 270Ser Pro Glu Leu Glu Leu Gln
Val Leu Gly Leu Gln Leu Pro Thr Pro 275 280 285Val Trp Phe His His
His His His His His 290 2952206PRTHomo
SapiensMISC_FEATUREFcyRIIMISC_FEATUREFcyRIIIaECD176VHis 2Met Trp
Gln Leu Leu Leu Pro Thr Ala Leu Leu Leu Leu Val Ser Ala1 5 10 15Gly
Met Arg Thr Glu Asp Leu Pro Lys Ala Val Val Phe Leu Glu Pro 20 25
30Gln Trp Tyr Arg Val Leu Glu Lys Asp Ser Val Thr Leu Lys Cys Gln
35 40 45Gly Ala Tyr Ser Pro Glu Asp Asn Ser Thr Gln Trp Phe His Asn
Glu 50 55 60Ser Leu Ile Ser Ser Gln Ala Ser Ser Tyr Phe Ile Asp Ala
Ala Thr65 70 75 80Val Asp Asp Ser Gly Glu Tyr Arg Cys Gln Thr Asn
Leu Ser Thr Leu 85 90 95Ser Asp Pro Val Gln Leu Glu Val His Ile Gly
Trp Leu Leu Leu Gln 100 105 110Ala Pro Arg Trp Val Phe Lys Glu Glu
Asp Pro Ile His Leu Arg Cys 115 120 125His Ser Trp Lys Asn Thr Ala
Leu His Lys Val Thr Tyr Leu Gln Asn 130 135 140Gly Lys Gly Arg Lys
Tyr Phe His His Asn Ser Asp Phe Tyr Ile Pro145 150 155 160Lys Ala
Thr Leu Lys Asp Ser Gly Ser Tyr Phe Cys Arg Gly Leu Val 165 170
175Gly Ser Lys Asn Val Ser Ser Glu Thr Val Asn Ile Thr Ile Thr Gln
180 185 190Gly Leu Ala Val Ser Thr Ile Ser His His His His His His
195 200 2053206PRTHomo SapiensMISC_FEATUREFcyRIIIaECD176FHis 3Met
Trp Gln Leu Leu Leu Pro Thr Ala Leu Leu Leu Leu Val Ser Ala1 5 10
15Gly Met Arg Thr Glu Asp Leu Pro Lys Ala Val Val Phe Leu Glu Pro
20 25 30Gln Trp Tyr Arg Val Leu Glu Lys Asp Ser Val Thr Leu Lys Cys
Gln 35 40 45Gly Ala Tyr Ser Pro Glu Asp Asn Ser Thr Gln Trp Phe His
Asn Glu 50 55 60Ser Leu Ile Ser Ser Gln Ala Ser Ser Tyr Phe Ile Asp
Ala Ala Thr65 70 75 80Val Asp Asp Ser Gly Glu Tyr Arg Cys Gln Thr
Asn Leu Ser Thr Leu 85 90 95Ser Asp Pro Val Gln Leu Glu Val His Ile
Gly Trp Leu Leu Leu Gln 100 105 110Ala Pro Arg Trp Val Phe Lys Glu
Glu Asp Pro Ile His Leu Arg Cys 115 120 125His Ser Trp Lys Asn Thr
Ala Leu His Lys Val Thr Tyr Leu Gln Asn 130 135 140Gly Lys Gly Arg
Lys Tyr Phe His His Asn Ser Asp Phe Tyr Ile Pro145 150 155 160Lys
Ala Thr Leu Lys Asp Ser Gly Ser Tyr Phe Cys Arg Gly Leu Phe 165 170
175Gly Ser Lys Asn Val Ser Ser Glu Thr Val Asn Ile Thr Ile Thr Gln
180 185 190Gly Leu Ala Val Ser Thr Ile Ser His His His His His His
195 200 205440DNAArtificialPCR primer sequence 4gatcccgggg
ccgccaccat gtggttcttg acaactctgc 40549DNAArtificialPCR primer
sequence 5ccgtacgtta gtgatggtga tggtgatgat gaaaccagac aggagttgg
49623DNAArtificialPCR primer sequence 6gaagacttaa ggcagcggca gaa
23723DNAArtificialPCR primer sequence 7tcggacatct catgactttc ttt
23840DNAArtificialPCR primer sequence 8gatcccgggg ccgccaccat
gtggcagctg ctcctcccaa 40949DNAArtificialPCR primer sequence
9cgaattctta gtgatggtga tggtgatgtg agatggttga cactgccaa
491039DNAArtificialPCR primer sequence 10tacttctgca gggggctttt
cgggagtaaa aatgtgtct 391139DNAArtificialPCR primer sequence
11agacacattt ttactcccga aaagccccct gcagaagta 39
* * * * *
References