The present invention relates to optimized synthetic antibodies, optimized recombinant nucleic acid molecules for generating one or more synthetic antibodies, functional fragments thereof, and compositions comprising the optimized synthetic antibodies, and optimized recombinant nucleic acid molecules, as well as methods of treating SARS-COV-2 viral infection, and methods of treating or preventing a disease or disorder associated with SARS-COV-2 viral infection in a subject by administering said composition.
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a family of viruses that are common worldwide and cause a range of illnesses in humans from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Coronaviruses can also cause a number of diseases in animals. Human coronaviruses 229E, OC43, NL63, and HKU1 are endemic in the human population.
The sudden rise and spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has resulted in a global pandemic with >230 million infections and claimed >4.7 million lives to date (Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. No Title. COVID-19 Map; coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html). Development of countermeasures, both prophylactic and therapeutic, are needed to combat the emergence of viral variants that threaten the efficacy of current approaches (Kuzmina et al., 2021, Cell Host Microbe, 29:522-528.e2; Wang et al., 2021, Nature, 592:616-622; Chen et al., 2021, Nat Med, 27:717-26). Antibody-based therapy is an important strategy for both prevention and treatment that could play a valuable role in protecting numerous populations.
Neutralizing Abs (nAbs) targeting the SARS-COV-2 Spike(S) protein block viral attachment and invasion with the human ACE-2 receptor. Efforts to identify, characterize and develop SARS-COV-2 nAbs for clinical translation resulted in the identification of many highly potent monoclonal candidates (Robbiani et al., 2020, Nature, 584:437-442; Barnes et al., 2020, Cell, 182:828-842.e16; Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9; Cao et al., 2020, Cell, 182:73-84.e16; Liu et al., 2020, Nature, 584:450-6; Pinto et al., 2020, Nature, 583:290-5; Kreye et al., 2020, Cell, 183 (4): 1058-1069.e19; Hansen et al., 2020, Science, 369:1010-4; Brouwer et al., 2020, Science, 369:643-50; Baum et al., 2020, Science, 369:1014-8; Zost et al., 2020, Nat Med, 26:1422-7). Several of these advanced through the clinic and have been granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate disease, including dual cocktails REGN-COV2 (Weinreich et al., 2021, Engl J Med, 384:238-51) (Regeneron), LY3832479 (Gottlieb et al., 2021, JAMA, 325:632-44) (Eli Lilly/AbCellera) and monotherapy Sotrovimab/VIR-7831 (Cathcart et al., 2021, bioRxiv, 434607) (Vir Biotechnology/GlaxoSmithKline). Additional candidates are showing promising Phase III trials, including cocktails AZD7442 (Dong et al., 2021, Nat Microbiol 6, 1233-1244) (AstraZeneca) and C144-LS/C135-LS (Rompay et al., 2021, PLOS Pathog, 17:e1009688) (Bristol-Myers Squibb/Rockefeller). These important biologics thus far appear to remain largely effective against emerging SARS-COV-2 variants of concern, especially multi-component formulations containing non-redundant mAbs that simultaneously bind RBD at separate epitopes (Gottlieb et al., 2021, JAMA, 325:632-44; Copin et al., 2021, Cell, 184 (15): 3949-3961.e11; Chen et al., 2021, NatureCom, 27:717-26; Chen et al., 2021, Nature, 596:103-8; Starr et al., 2021, Cell Reports Med, Volume 2, Issue 4, 20 Apr. 2021, 100255; Wang et al., 2021, Nature, 593:130-135). Despite the documented benefit of mAb therapy, there are significant economic and logistical delivery challenges that limit the widespread administration required for both local and global control of a pandemic such as SARS-COV-2. Logically, these become even more pronounced with combination therapeutics composed of multiple individual products. The development of alternative technologies that allow for the rapid delivery of antibody-based biologics with are of great interest.
Thus, there is need in the art for therapeutics that prevent and/or treat COVID-19, thereby providing protection against COVID-19 and promoting survival of SARS-COV-2 infection. The current invention satisfies this need.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one of: SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98 or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a fragment comprising at least 60% of the full length of at least one of: SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98.
In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:74, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:58. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:66.
In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:4 and SEQ ID NO:6, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID NO:96, and SEQ ID NO:98, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 16 and SEQ ID NO: 18, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26 and SEQ ID NO:28, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:20. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:30. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:36, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:34. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:40, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:38. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:44, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:42. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:48, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:46. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:52, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:50. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:56, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:54. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64 and SEQ ID NO: 74, and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:58. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO:72 and SEQ ID NO:76; and a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:66. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof comprises an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 78 and SEQ ID NO:80.
In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody, a fully human antibody, an antibody mimetic.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98 or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises at least one nucleotide sequence of: SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO:89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO: 95 or SEQ ID NO:97, or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises fragment comprising at least 60% of the full length of: SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO: 37, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO:49, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO: 57, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO: 77, SEQ ID NO: 79, SEQ ID NO: 87, SEQ ID NO:89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO: 93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a cleavage domain.
In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encodes a leader sequence.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises an expression vector.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a composition comprising at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a composition comprising at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a heavy chain of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen synthetic antibody; and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a light chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 spike antigen synthetic antibody.
In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:73, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:57, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:75, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:65, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:99, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 100, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO:5, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO: 11, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 15 and SEQ ID NO:17, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO:25 and SEQ ID NO:27, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:31, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:29, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:35, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:33, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:39, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:43, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:47, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:45, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:51, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:55, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:53, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63 and SEQ ID NO: 74, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:57, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO:71 and SEQ ID NO:75, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of preventing or treating a disease in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14. SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof, or a composition comprising at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14. SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof, or a composition comprising at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16. SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the disease is COVID-19.
In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering at least one additional SARS-COV-2 vaccine or therapeutic agent for the treatment of COVID-19 to the subject.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method of of inducing an immune response against SARS-COV-2 in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO:12. SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof, or a nucleic acid molecule encoding at least one anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6. SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof, or a composition comprising at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO:12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof, or a composition comprising at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding at least one anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:2. SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to an antibody cocktail composition comprising at least two anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies or fragments thereof, wherein the antibody cocktail comprises at least four of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, and SEQ ID NO:98, or fragments or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the antibody cocktail comprises the combination of SEQ ID NO: 58, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:66; and SEQ ID NO:76.
In one embodiment, the antibody cocktail comprises a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody, a fully human antibody, or an antibody mimetic.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding an antibody cocktail composition comprising at least two anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies or fragments thereof, wherein the antibody cocktail comprises at least four of: SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO: 80, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96, and SEQ ID NO:98.
In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules encodes the combination of SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:66; and SEQ ID NO: 76. In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules comprises the combination of SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:65; and SEQ ID NO:75. In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:99, SEQ ID NO: 100, SEQ ID NO: 101 and SEQ ID NO: 102.
In one embodiment the invention relates to a method of preventing or treating a disease in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an antibody cocktail or combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding an antibody cocktail. In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules encodes the combination of SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO:66; and SEQ ID NO:76. In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules comprises the combination of SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO:65; and SEQ ID NO:75. In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:99, SEQ ID NO: 100, SEQ ID NO: 101 and SEQ ID NO:102.
In one embodiment, the disease is COVID-19. In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering at least one additional SARS-COV-2 vaccine or therapeutic agent for the treatment of COVID-19 to the subject. In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering methylprednisolone.
In one embodiment the invention relates to a method of inducing an immune response against a disease in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an antibody cocktail or combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding an antibody cocktail. In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules encodes the combination of SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO:66; and SEQ ID NO: 76. In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules comprises the combination of SEQ ID NO:57, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:65; and SEQ ID NO:75. In one embodiment, the combination of nucleic acid molecules comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:99, SEQ ID NO: 100, SEQ ID NO: 101 and SEQ ID NO:102.
In one embodiment, the disease is COVID-19. In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering at least one additional SARS-COV-2 vaccine or therapeutic agent for the treatment of COVID-19 to the subject. In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering methylprednisolone.
The present invention relates to compositions comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding an antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The composition can be administered to a subject in need thereof to facilitate in vivo expression and formation of a synthetic antibody.
In particular, the heavy chain and light chain polypeptides expressed from the recombinant nucleic acid sequences can assemble into the synthetic antibody. The heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide can interact with one another such that assembly results in the synthetic antibody being capable of binding the antigen, being more immunogenic as compared to an antibody not assembled as described herein, and being capable of eliciting or inducing an immune response against the antigen.
Additionally, these synthetic antibodies are generated more rapidly in the subject than antibodies that are produced in response to antigen induced immune response. The synthetic antibodies are able to effectively bind and neutralize a range of antigens. The synthetic antibodies are also able to effectively protect against and/or promote survival of disease.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In case of conflict, the present document, including definitions, will control. Preferred methods and materials are described below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in practice or testing of the present invention. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.
The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional acts or structures. The singular forms “a,” “and” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The present disclosure also contemplates other embodiments “comprising,” “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” the embodiments or elements presented herein, whether explicitly set forth or not.
“Antibody” may mean an antibody of classes IgG, IgM, IgA, IgD or IgE, or fragments, fragments or derivatives thereof, including Fab, F (ab′) 2, Fd, and single chain antibodies, and derivatives thereof. The antibody may be an antibody isolated from the serum sample of mammal, a polyclonal antibody, affinity purified antibody, or mixtures thereof which exhibits sufficient binding specificity to a desired epitope or a sequence derived therefrom.
“Antibody fragment” or “fragment of an antibody” as used interchangeably herein refers to a portion of an intact antibody comprising the antigen-binding site or variable region. The portion does not include the constant heavy chain domains (i.e. CH2, CH3, or CH4, depending on the antibody isotype) of the Fc region of the intact antibody. Examples of antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab fragments, Fab′ fragments, Fab′-SH fragments, F (ab′) 2 fragments, Fd fragments, Fv fragments, diabodies, single-chain Fv (scFv) molecules, single-chain polypeptides containing only one light chain variable domain, single-chain polypeptides containing the three CDRs of the light-chain variable domain, single-chain polypeptides containing only one heavy chain variable region, and single-chain polypeptides containing the three CDRs of the heavy chain variable region.
“Antigen” refers to proteins that have the ability to generate an immune response in a host. An antigen may be recognized and bound by an antibody. An antigen may originate from within the body or from the external environment.
“Coding sequence” or “encoding nucleic acid” as used herein may mean refers to the nucleic acid (RNA or DNA molecule) that comprise a nucleotide sequence which encodes an antibody as set forth herein. The coding sequence may also comprise a DNA sequence which encodes an RNA sequence. The coding sequence may further include initiation and termination signals operably linked to regulatory elements including a promoter and polyadenylation signal capable of directing expression in the cells of an individual or mammal to whom the nucleic acid is administered. The coding sequence may further include sequences that encode signal peptides.
“Complement” or “complementary” as used herein may mean a nucleic acid may mean Watson-Crick (e.g., A-T/U and C-G) or Hoogsteen base pairing between nucleotides or nucleotide analogs of nucleic acid molecules.
“Constant current” as used herein to define a current that is received or experienced by a tissue, or cells defining said tissue, over the duration of an electrical pulse delivered to same tissue. The electrical pulse is delivered from the electroporation devices described herein. This current remains at a constant amperage in said tissue over the life of an electrical pulse because the electroporation device provided herein has a feedback element, preferably having instantaneous feedback. The feedback element can measure the resistance of the tissue (or cells) throughout the duration of the pulse and cause the electroporation device to alter its electrical energy output (e.g., increase voltage) so current in same tissue remains constant throughout the electrical pulse (on the order of microseconds), and from pulse to pulse. In some embodiments, the feedback element comprises a controller.
“Current feedback” or “feedback” as used herein may be used interchangeably and may mean the active response of the provided electroporation devices, which comprises measuring the current in tissue between electrodes and altering the energy output delivered by the EP device accordingly in order to maintain the current at a constant level. This constant level is preset by a user prior to initiation of a pulse sequence or electrical treatment. The feedback may be accomplished by the electroporation component, e.g., controller, of the electroporation device, as the electrical circuit therein is able to continuously monitor the current in tissue between electrodes and compare that monitored current (or current within tissue) to a preset current and continuously make energy-output adjustments to maintain the monitored current at preset levels. The feedback loop may be instantaneous as it is an analog closed-loop feedback.
“Decentralized current” as used herein may mean the pattern of electrical currents delivered from the various needle electrode arrays of the electroporation devices described herein, wherein the patterns minimize, or preferably eliminate, the occurrence of electroporation related heat stress on any area of tissue being electroporated.
“Electroporation,” “electro-permeabilization,” or “electro-kinetic enhancement” (“EP”) as used interchangeably herein may refer to the use of a transmembrane electric field pulse to induce microscopic pathways (pores) in a bio-membrane; their presence allows biomolecules such as plasmids, oligonucleotides, siRNA, drugs, ions, and water to pass from one side of the cellular membrane to the other.
“Endogenous antibody” as used herein may refer to an antibody that is generated in a subject that is administered an effective dose of an antigen for induction of a humoral immune response.
“Feedback mechanism” as used herein may refer to a process performed by either software or hardware (or firmware), which process receives and compares the impedance of the desired tissue (before, during, and/or after the delivery of pulse of energy) with a present value, preferably current, and adjusts the pulse of energy delivered to achieve the preset value. A feedback mechanism may be performed by an analog closed loop circuit.
“Fragment” may mean a polypeptide fragment of an antibody that is function, i.e., can bind to desired target and have the same intended effect as a full length antibody. A fragment of an antibody may be 100% identical to the full length except missing at least one amino acid from the N and/or C terminal, in each case with or without signal peptides and/or a methionine at position 1. Fragments may comprise 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more percent of the length of the particular full length antibody, excluding any heterologous signal peptide added. The fragment may comprise a fragment of a polypeptide that is 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more or 99% or more identical to the antibody and additionally comprise an N terminal methionine or heterologous signal peptide which is not included when calculating percent identity. Fragments may further comprise an N terminal methionine and/or a signal peptide such as an immunoglobulin signal peptide, for example an IgE or IgG signal peptide. The N terminal methionine and/or signal peptide may be linked to a fragment of an antibody.
A fragment of a nucleic acid sequence that encodes an antibody may be 100% identical to the full length except missing at least one nucleotide from the 5′ and/or 3′ end, in each case with or without sequences encoding signal peptides and/or a methionine at position 1. Fragments may comprise 20% or more, 25% or more, 30% or more, 35% or more, 40% or more, 45% or more, 50% or more, 55% or more, 60% or more, 65% or more, 70% or more, 75% or more, 80% or more, 85% or more, 90% or more, 91% or more, 92% or more, 93% or more, 94% or more, 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more, 99% or more percent of the length of the particular full length coding sequence, excluding any heterologous signal peptide added. The fragment may comprise a fragment that encode a polypeptide that is 95% or more, 96% or more, 97% or more, 98% or more or 99% or more identical to the antibody and additionally optionally comprise sequence encoding an N terminal methionine or heterologous signal peptide which is not included when calculating percent identity. Fragments may further comprise coding sequences for an N terminal methionine and/or a signal peptide such as an immunoglobulin signal peptide, for example an IgE or IgG signal peptide. The coding sequence encoding the N terminal methionine and/or signal peptide may be linked to a fragment of coding sequence.
“Genetic construct” as used herein refers to the DNA or RNA molecules that comprise a nucleotide sequence which encodes a protein, such as an antibody. The genetic construct may also refer to a DNA molecule which transcribes an RNA. The coding sequence includes initiation and termination signals operably linked to regulatory elements including a promoter and polyadenylation signal capable of directing expression in the cells of the individual to whom the nucleic acid molecule is administered. As used herein, the term “expressible form” refers to gene constructs that contain the necessary regulatory elements operable linked to a coding sequence that encodes a protein such that when present in the cell of the individual, the coding sequence will be expressed.
“Identical” or “identity” as used herein in the context of two or more nucleic acids or polypeptide sequences, may mean that the sequences have a specified percentage of residues that are the same over a specified region. The percentage may be calculated by optimally aligning the two sequences, comparing the two sequences over the specified region, determining the number of positions at which the identical residue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the specified region, and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. In cases where the two sequences are of different lengths or the alignment produces one or more staggered ends and the specified region of comparison includes only a single sequence, the residues of single sequence are included in the denominator but not the numerator of the calculation. When comparing DNA and RNA, thymine (T) and uracil (U) may be considered equivalent. Identity may be performed manually or by using a computer sequence algorithm such as BLAST or BLAST 2.0.
“Impedance” as used herein may be used when discussing the feedback mechanism and can be converted to a current value according to Ohm's law, thus enabling comparisons with the preset current.
“Immune response” as used herein may mean the activation of a host's immune system, e.g., that of a mammal, in response to the introduction of one or more nucleic acids and/or peptides. The immune response can be in the form of a cellular or humoral response, or both.
“Nucleic acid” or “oligonucleotide” or “polynucleotide” as used herein may mean at least two nucleotides covalently linked together. The depiction of a single strand also defines the sequence of the complementary strand. Thus, a nucleic acid also encompasses the complementary strand of a depicted single strand. Many variants of a nucleic acid may be used for the same purpose as a given nucleic acid. Thus, a nucleic acid also encompasses substantially identical nucleic acids and complements thereof. A single strand provides a probe that may hybridize to a target sequence under stringent hybridization conditions. Thus, a nucleic acid also encompasses a probe that hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions.
Nucleic acids may be single stranded or double stranded, or may contain portions of both double stranded and single stranded sequence. The nucleic acid may be DNA, both genomic and cDNA, RNA, or a hybrid, where the nucleic acid may contain combinations of deoxyribo- and ribo-nucleotides, and combinations of bases including uracil, adenine, thymine, cytosine, guanine, inosine, xanthine hypoxanthine, isocytosine and isoguanine. Nucleic acids may be obtained by chemical synthesis methods or by recombinant methods.
“Operably linked” as used herein may mean that expression of a gene is under the control of a promoter with which it is spatially connected. A promoter may be positioned 5′ (upstream) or 3′ (downstream) of a gene under its control. The distance between the promoter and a gene may be approximately the same as the distance between that promoter and the gene it controls in the gene from which the promoter is derived. As is known in the art, variation in this distance may be accommodated without loss of promoter function.
A “peptide,” “protein,” or “polypeptide” as used herein can mean a linked sequence of amino acids and can be natural, synthetic, or a modification or combination of natural and synthetic.
“Promoter” as used herein may mean a synthetic or naturally-derived molecule which is capable of conferring, activating or enhancing expression of a nucleic acid in a cell. A promoter may comprise one or more specific transcriptional regulatory sequences to further enhance expression and/or to alter the spatial expression and/or temporal expression of same. A promoter may also comprise distal enhancer or repressor elements, which can be located as much as several thousand base pairs from the start site of transcription. A promoter may be derived from sources including viral, bacterial, fungal, plants, insects, and animals. A promoter may regulate the expression of a gene component constitutively, or differentially with respect to cell, the tissue or organ in which expression occurs or, with respect to the developmental stage at which expression occurs, or in response to external stimuli such as physiological stresses, pathogens, metal ions, or inducing agents. Representative examples of promoters include the bacteriophage T7 promoter, bacteriophage T3 promoter, SP6 promoter, lac operator-promoter, RSV-LTR promoter, tac promoter, SV40 early promoter or SV40 late promoter and the CMV IE promoter.
“Sample” or “biological sample” as used herein means a biological material isolated from an individual. The biological sample may contain any biological material suitable for detecting the desired biomarkers, and may comprise cellular and/or non-cellular material obtained from the individual.
“Signal peptide” and “leader sequence” are used interchangeably herein and refer to an amino acid sequence that can be linked at the amino terminus of a protein set forth herein. Signal peptides/leader sequences typically direct localization of a protein. Signal peptides/leader sequences used herein preferably facilitate secretion of the protein from the cell in which it is produced. Signal peptides/leader sequences are often cleaved from the remainder of the protein, often referred to as the mature protein, upon secretion from the cell. Signal peptides/leader sequences are linked at the N terminus of the protein.
“Stringent hybridization conditions” as used herein may mean conditions under which a first nucleic acid sequence (e.g., probe) will hybridize to a second nucleic acid sequence (e.g., target), such as in a complex mixture of nucleic acids. Stringent conditions are sequence dependent and will be different in different circumstances. Stringent conditions may be selected to be about 5-10° C. lower than the thermal melting point (Tm) for the specific sequence at a defined ionic strength pH. The Tm may be the temperature (under defined ionic strength, pH, and nucleic concentration) at which 50% of the probes complementary to the target hybridize to the target sequence at equilibrium (as the target sequences are present in excess, at Tm, 50% of the probes are occupied at equilibrium). Stringent conditions may be those in which the salt concentration is less than about 1.0 M sodium ion, such as about 0.01-1.0 M sodium ion concentration (or other salts) at pH 7.0 to 8.3 and the temperature is at least about 30° C. for short probes (e.g., about 10-50 nucleotides) and at least about 60° C. for long probes (e.g., greater than about 50 nucleotides). Stringent conditions may also be achieved with the addition of destabilizing agents such as formamide. For selective or specific hybridization, a positive signal may be at least 2 to 10 times background hybridization. Exemplary stringent hybridization conditions include the following: 50% formamide, 5×SSC, and 1% SDS, incubating at 42° C., or, 5×SSC, 1% SDS, incubating at 65° C., with wash in 0.2×SSC, and 0.1% SDS at 65° C.
“Subject” and “patient” as used herein interchangeably refers to any vertebrate, including, but not limited to, a mammal (e.g., cow, pig, camel, llama, horse, goat, rabbit, sheep, hamsters, guinea pig, cat, dog, rat, and mouse, a non-human primate (for example, a monkey, such as a cynomolgous or rhesus monkey, chimpanzee, etc) and a human). In some embodiments, the subject may be a human or a non-human. The subject or patient may be undergoing other forms of treatment.
“Substantially complementary” as used herein may mean that a first sequence is at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to the complement of a second sequence over a region of 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or more nucleotides or amino acids, or that the two sequences hybridize under stringent hybridization conditions.
“Substantially identical” as used herein may mean that a first and second sequence are at least 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% over a region of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100 or more nucleotides or amino acids, or with respect to nucleic acids, if the first sequence is substantially complementary to the complement of the second sequence.
“Synthetic antibody” as used herein refers to an antibody that is encoded by the recombinant nucleic acid sequence described herein and is generated in a subject.
“Treatment” or “treating,” as used herein can mean protecting of a subject from a disease through means of preventing, suppressing, repressing, or completely eliminating the disease. Preventing the disease involves administering a vaccine of the present invention to a subject prior to onset of the disease. Suppressing the disease involves administering a vaccine of the present invention to a subject after induction of the disease but before its clinical appearance. Repressing the disease involves administering a vaccine of the present invention to a subject after clinical appearance of the disease.
“Variant” used herein with respect to a nucleic acid may mean (i) a portion or fragment of a referenced nucleotide sequence; (ii) the complement of a referenced nucleotide sequence or portion thereof; (iii) a nucleic acid that is substantially identical to a referenced nucleic acid or the complement thereof; or (iv) a nucleic acid that hybridizes under stringent conditions to the referenced nucleic acid, complement thereof, or sequences substantially identical thereto.
“Variant” with respect to a peptide or polypeptide that differs in amino acid sequence by the insertion, deletion, or conservative substitution of amino acids, but retain at least one biological activity. Variant may also mean a protein with an amino acid sequence that is substantially identical to a referenced protein with an amino acid sequence that retains at least one biological activity. A conservative substitution of an amino acid, i.e., replacing an amino acid with a different amino acid of similar properties (e.g., hydrophilicity, degree and distribution of charged regions) is recognized in the art as typically involving a minor change. These minor changes can be identified, in part, by considering the hydropathic index of amino acids, as understood in the art. Kyte et al., J. Mol. Biol. 157:105-132 (1982). The hydropathic index of an amino acid is based on a consideration of its hydrophobicity and charge. It is known in the art that amino acids of similar hydropathic indexes can be substituted and still retain protein function. In one aspect, amino acids having hydropathic indexes of +2 are substituted. The hydrophilicity of amino acids can also be used to reveal substitutions that would result in proteins retaining biological function. A consideration of the hydrophilicity of amino acids in the context of a peptide permits calculation of the greatest local average hydrophilicity of that peptide, a useful measure that has been reported to correlate well with antigenicity and immunogenicity. U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,101, incorporated fully herein by reference. Substitution of amino acids having similar hydrophilicity values can result in peptides retaining biological activity, for example immunogenicity, as is understood in the art. Substitutions may be performed with amino acids having hydrophilicity values within +2 of each other. Both the hydrophobicity index and the hydrophilicity value of amino acids are influenced by the particular side chain of that amino acid. Consistent with that observation, amino acid substitutions that are compatible with biological function are understood to depend on the relative similarity of the amino acids, and particularly the side chains of those amino acids, as revealed by the hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, charge, size, and other properties.
A variant may be a nucleic acid sequence that is substantially identical over the full length of the full gene sequence or a fragment thereof. The nucleic acid sequence may be 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical over the full length of the gene sequence or a fragment thereof. A variant may be an amino acid sequence that is substantially identical over the full length of the amino acid sequence or fragment thereof. The amino acid sequence may be 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical over the full length of the amino acid sequence or a fragment thereof.
“Vector” as used herein may mean a nucleic acid sequence containing an origin of replication. A vector may be a plasmid, bacteriophage, bacterial artificial chromosome or yeast artificial chromosome. A vector may be a DNA or RNA vector. A vector may be either a self-replicating extrachromosomal vector or a vector which integrates into a host genome.
For the recitation of numeric ranges herein, each intervening number there between with the same degree of precision is explicitly contemplated. For example, for the range of 6-9, the numbers 7 and 8 are contemplated in addition to 6 and 9, and for the range 6.0-7.0, the number 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, and 7.0 are explicitly contemplated.
In some embodiments, the invention provides compositions that bind to SARS-COV-2 antigen, including, but not limited to, a SARS-COV-2 spike protein. In some embodiments, the composition that binds to SARS-COV-2 spike protein is an antibody.
The instant invention relates to the design and development of a synthetic DNA plasmid-encoding human anti-SARS-COV-2 monoclonal antibody sequences as a novel approach to immunotherapy of SARS-COV-2 infection, or COVID-19. A single inoculation with this anti-SARS-COV-2-DMAb generates functional anti-SARS-COV-2 activity for several weeks in the serum of inoculated animals. Anti-SARS-COV-2 DMAbs can function as an immune-prophylaxis strategy for SARS-COV-2 infection, or COVID-19.
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a recombinant nucleic acid sequence encoding an antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The composition, when administered to a subject in need thereof, can result in the generation of a synthetic antibody in the subject. The synthetic antibody can bind a target molecule (i.e., an antigen) present in the subject. Such binding can neutralize the antigen, block recognition of the antigen by another molecule, for example, a protein or nucleic acid, and elicit or induce an immune response to the antigen.
In one embodiment, the composition comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a synthetic antibody. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a nucleic acid molecule comprising a first nucleotide sequence encoding a first synthetic antibody and a second nucleotide sequence encoding a second synthetic antibody. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a cleavage domain.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding an antibody to the receptor binding domain (RBD) or the Spike protein of the SARS-COV-2 virus (anti-SARS-COV-2).
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable heavy chain region and a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable light chain region of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable heavy chain region of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a variable light chain region of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody.
Antibodies, including SARS-COV-2 spike protein fragments, of the present invention include, in certain embodiments, antibody amino acid sequences disclosed herein encoded by any suitable polynucleotide, or any isolated or formulated antibody. Further, antibodies of the present disclosure comprise antibodies having the structural and/or functional features of anti-SARS-COV-2 spike protein antibodies described herein. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 spike protein antibody binds SARS-COV-2 spike protein and, thereby partially or substantially alters at least one biological activity of SARS-COV-2 spike protein (e.g., receptor binding activity).
In one embodiment, anti-SARS-COV-2 spike protein antibodies of the invention immunospecifically bind at least one specified epitope specific to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and do not specifically bind to other polypeptides. The at least one epitope can comprise at least one antibody binding region that comprises at least one portion of the SARS-COV-2 spike protein. The term “epitope” as used herein refers to a protein determinant capable of binding to an antibody. Epitopes usually consist of chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as amino acids or sugar side chains and usually have specific three-dimensional structural characteristics, as well as specific charge characteristics. Conformational and non-conformational epitopes are distinguished in that the binding to the former but not the latter is lost in the presence of denaturing solvents.
In some embodiments, the invention includes compositions comprising an antibody that specifically binds to SARS-COV-2 spike protein (e.g., binding portion of an antibody). In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 spike protein antibody is a polyclonal antibody. In another embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 spike protein antibody is a monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-SARS-COV-2 spike protein antibody is a chimeric antibody. In further embodiments, the anti-SARS-COV-2 spike protein antibody is a humanized antibody.
The binding portion of an antibody comprises one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to binding partner molecule (e.g., SARS-COV-2 spike protein). It has been shown that the binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a full-length antibody. Examples of binding fragments encompassed within the term “binding portion” of an antibody include (i) a Fab fragment, a monovalent fragment consisting of the VL, VH, CL and CH1 domains; (ii) a F (ab′) 2 fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragment consisting of the VH and CH1 domains; (iv) a Fv fragment consisting of the VL and VH domains of a single arm of an antibody. (v) a dAb fragment (Ward et al., (1989) Nature 341:544-546), which consists of a VH domain; and (vi) an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR). Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv fragment, VL and VH, 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 VL and VH regions pair to form monovalent molecules (known as single chain Fv (scFv); see e.g., Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426; and Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883). Such single chain antibodies are also intended to be encompassed within the term “binding portion” of an antibody. These antibody fragments are obtained using conventional techniques known to those with skill in the art, and the fragments are screened for utility in the same manner as are intact antibodies. Binding portions can be produced by recombinant DNA techniques, or by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of intact immunoglobulins.
An antibody that binds to SARS-COV-2 spike protein of the invention is an antibody that inhibits, blocks, or interferes with at least one SARS-COV-2 spike protein activity (e.g., receptor binding activity), in vitro, in situ and/or in vivo. In one embodiment, the SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98. In one embodiment, the SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO: 34, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO:58, or SEQ ID NO:66.
Given that certain of the monoclonal antibodies can bind to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein, the VH and VL sequences can be “mixed and matched” to create other anti-SARS-COV-2 spike protein binding molecules of this disclosure. Binding of such “mixed and matched” antibodies can be tested using standard binding assays known in the art (e.g., immunoblot etc.). In some embodiments, when VH and VL chains are mixed and matched, a VH sequence from a particular VH/VL pairing is replaced with a structurally similar VH sequence. Likewise, preferably a VL sequence from a particular VH/VL pairing is replaced with a structurally similar VL sequence.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, or SEQ ID NO:6; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96 or SEQ ID NO:98; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:16 or SEQ ID NO:18; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ ID NO:28; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:20.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:32; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:30.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:36; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:34.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:40; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:38.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:44; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:42.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:48; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:46.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:52; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:50.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:56; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:54.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64 or SEQ ID NO: 74; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:58.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising: (a) a heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72 or SEQ ID NO:76; and (b) a light chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:66.
In one embodiment, this disclosure provides an isolated monoclonal antibody, or binding portion thereof comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78 or SEQ ID NO:80.
In one embodiment, anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a heavy chain amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98. In one embodiment, anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a light chain amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:58, or SEQ ID NO:66.
In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a DMAb encoded by a single plasmid which comprises sequences encoding both the heavy and light chains of the antibody. In one embodiment, the DMAb comprises an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:78 or SEQ ID NO:80, an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:78 or SEQ ID NO:80, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO: 78 or SEQ ID NO:80.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a codon optimized nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98, wherein the sequence encodes each of the CDRs of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleotide sequence encoding a heavy chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprising a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO:75, SEQ ID NO: 87, SEQ ID NO:89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID 25 NO: 97. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a codon optimized nucleic acid sequence comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11. SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO:89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO: 95 or SEQ ID NO:97, wherein the sequence encodes each of the CDRs of SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18. SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a light chain amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 58, or SEQ ID NO:66. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a codon optimized nucleic acid sequence encoding a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 58, or SEQ ID NO:66, wherein the sequence encodes each of the CDRs of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34. SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 58, or SEQ ID NO:66.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding a light chain amino acid sequence has at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:57, or SEQ ID NO: 65. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises a codon optimized nucleic acid sequence comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:57, or SEQ ID NO:65, wherein the sequence encodes each of the CDRs of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:58, or SEQ ID NO:66.
In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18. SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO:74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98.
In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17. SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a heavy chain comprising a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3. SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97.
In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a light chain amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%. 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34. SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 58, or SEQ ID NO:66, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a light chain amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:58, or SEQ ID NO:66. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34. SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 58, or SEQ ID NO:66.
In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO:17. SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a heavy chain comprising a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:3. SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97.
In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence encoding a heavy chain, a light chain or a combination thereof of an antibody of the invention. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes SEQ ID NO:78 or SEQ ID NO:80, an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 78 or SEQ ID NO:80, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO: 78 or SEQ ID NO:80. In one embodiment, the nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises an RNA sequence transcribed from a DNA sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 77 or SEQ ID NO:79, a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to a DNA sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:77 or SEQ ID NO:79, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO: 77 or SEQ ID NO: 79.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule encoding a heavy chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody, and a second nucleic acid molecule encoding a light chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody. In one embodiment, the first nucleic acid molecule is a first plasmid comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a heavy chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody and the second nucleic acid molecule is a second plasmid encoding a light chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody.
In one embodiment, the first nucleic acid molecule encoding a heavy chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody encodes SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:16, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98, or an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO: 44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO: 94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO: 90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO: 96 or SEQ ID NO:98.
In one embodiment, the first nucleic acid molecule encoding a heavy chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO: 9, SEQ ID NO:11, SEQ ID NO:15, SEQ ID NO:17, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO: 39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO: 59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 67, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO:89, SEQ ID NO: 91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97, or a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17. SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO: 35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO:71, SEQ ID NO:73, SEQ ID NO:75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 or SEQ ID NO:97, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:39, SEQ ID NO:43, SEQ ID NO: 47, SEQ ID NO:51, SEQ ID NO:55, SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:69, SEQ ID NO: 71, SEQ ID NO: 73, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO:89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO: 95 or SEQ ID NO:97.
In one embodiment, the second nucleic acid molecule encoding a light chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody encodes SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:58, or SEQ ID NO: 66, an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 38, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 58, or SEQ ID NO:66 or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO: 42, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:58, or SEQ ID NO: 66.
In one embodiment, the second nucleic acid molecule encoding a light chain of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody comprises SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO: 41, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:57, or SEQ ID NO: 65, or a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO:13, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:57, or SEQ ID NO:65, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:7, SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO:19, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:37, SEQ ID NO:41, SEQ ID NO:45, SEQ ID NO: 49, SEQ ID NO:53, SEQ ID NO:57, or SEQ ID NO:65.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:5, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:9, SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO: 89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO: 95 or SEQ ID NO:97, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:7, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:15 and SEQ ID NO: 17, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:21, SEQ ID NO:23, SEQ ID NO:25 and SEQ ID NO:27, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:19, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:31, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:29, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:35, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:33, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:39, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:37, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:43, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:41, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:47, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:45, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:51, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:49, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:55, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:53, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:59, SEQ ID NO:61, SEQ ID NO:63 and SEQ ID NO: 74, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:57, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO: 69, SEQ ID NO: 71 and SEQ ID NO: 75, encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:65, encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising SEQ ID NO:99, comprising a sequence encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 100, comprising a sequence encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of a first nucleic acid molecule comprising SEQ ID NO: 101, comprising a sequence encoding a heavy chain amino acid sequence, and a second nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:102, comprising a sequence encoding a light chain amino acid sequence.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is a single plasmid encoding a heavy and light chain of a DMAb. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes SEQ ID NO:78 or SEQ ID NO:80, an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 78 or SEQ ID NO:80, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO: 78 or SEQ ID NO:80. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is a single plasmid comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:77 or SEQ ID NO:79, a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:77 or SEQ ID NO:79, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO: 77 or SEQ ID NO: 79.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes SEQ ID NO:81, SEQ ID NO:83, or SEQ ID NO:85, an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:81, SEQ ID NO:83, or SEQ ID NO:85, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO: 81, SEQ ID NO: 83, or SEQ ID NO:85. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is a single plasmid comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO: 84 or SEQ ID NO:86, a nucleotide sequence having at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO:84 or SEQ ID NO: 86, or a fragment comprising at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the full length of SEQ ID NO:82, SEQ ID NO:84 or SEQ ID NO:86.
The composition of the invention can treat, prevent and/or protect against any disease, disorder, or condition associated with SARS-COV-2 infection. In certain embodiments, the composition can treat, prevent, and or/protect against viral infection. In certain embodiments, the composition can treat, prevent, and or/protect against condition associated with SARS-COV-2 infection. In certain embodiments, the composition can treat, prevent, and or/protect against COVID-19.
The composition can result in the generation of the synthetic antibody in the subject within at least about 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 13 hours, 14 hours, 15 hours, 20 hours, 25 hours, 30 hours, 35 hours, 40 hours, 45 hours, 50 hours, or 60 hours of administration of the composition to the subject. The composition can result in generation of the synthetic antibody in the subject within at least about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, or 10 days of administration of the composition to the subject. The composition can result in generation of the synthetic antibody in the subject within about 1 hour to about 6 days, about 1 hour to about 5 days, about 1 hour to about 4 days, about 1 hour to about 3 days, about 1 hour to about 2 days, about 1 hour to about 1 day, about 1 hour to about 72 hours, about 1 hour to about 60 hours, about 1 hour to about 48 hours, about 1 hour to about 36 hours, about 1 hour to about 24 hours, about 1 hour to about 12 hours, or about 1 hour to about 6 hours of administration of the composition to the subject.
The composition, when administered to the subject in need thereof, can result in the generation of the synthetic antibody in the subject more quickly than the generation of an endogenous antibody in a subject who is administered an antigen to induce a humoral immune response. The composition can result in the generation of the synthetic antibody at least about 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, or 10 days before the generation of the endogenous antibody in the subject who was administered an antigen to induce a humoral immune response.
The composition of the present invention can have features required of effective compositions such as being safe so that the composition does not cause illness or death; being protective against illness; and providing ease of administration, few side effects, biological stability and low cost per dose.
In some embodiments, the SARS-COV-2 spike protein binding molecules (e.g., antibodies, etc.) of the present invention, exhibit a high capacity to detect and bind SARS-COV-2 spike protein in a complex mixture of salts, compounds and other polypeptides, e.g., as assessed by any one of several in vitro and in vivo assays known in the art. The skilled artisan will understand that the SARS-COV-2 spike protein binding molecules (e.g., antibodies, etc.) described herein as useful in the methods of diagnosis and treatment and prevention of disease, are also useful in procedures and methods of the invention that include, but are not limited to, an immunochromatography assay, an immunodot assay, a Luminex assay, an ELISA assay, an ELISPOT assay, a protein microarray assay, a Western blot assay, a mass spectrophotometry assay, a radioimmunoassay (RIA), a radioimmunodiffusion assay, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay, an ouchterlony immunodiffusion assay, reverse phase protein microarray, a rocket immunoelectrophoresis assay, an immunohistostaining assay, an immunoprecipitation assay, a complement fixation assay, FACS, a protein chip assay, separation and purification processes, and affinity chromatography (see also, 2007, Van Emon, Immunoassay and Other Bioanalytical Techniques, CRC Press; 2005, Wild, Immunoassay Handbook, Gulf Professional Publishing: 1996, Diamandis and Christopoulos, Immunoassay, Academic Press; 2005, Joos, Microarrays in Clinical Diagnosis, Humana Press; 2005, Hamdan and Righetti, Proteomics Today, John Wiley and Sons; 2007).
In some embodiments, the SARS-COV-2 spike protein binding molecules (e.g., antibodies, etc.) of the present invention, exhibit a high capacity to reduce or to neutralize SARS-COV-2 spike protein activity (e.g., receptor binding activity, etc.) as assessed by any one of several in vitro and in vivo assays known in the art. For example, these SARS-COV-2 spike protein binding molecules (e.g., antibodies, etc.) neutralize SARS-COV-2-associated or SARS-COV-2-mediated disease or disorder.
As used herein, a SARS-COV-2 antigen binding molecule (e.g., antibody, etc.) that “specifically binds to a SARS-COV-2 antigen” binds to a SARS-COV-2 spike protein with a KD of 1×10−6 M or less, more preferably 1×10−7 M or less, more preferably 1×10−8 M or less, more preferably 5×10−9 M or less, more preferably 1×10−9 M or less or even more preferably 3×10−10 M or less. The term “does not substantially bind” to a protein or cells, as used herein, means does not bind or does not bind with a high affinity to the protein or cells, i.e., binds to the protein or cells with a KD of greater than 1×106 M or more, more preferably 1×105 M or more, more preferably 1×104 M or more, more preferably 1×103 M or more, even more preferably 1×102 M or more. The term “KD”, as used herein, is intended to refer to the dissociation constant, which is obtained from the ratio of Kd to Ka (i.e., Kd/Ka) and is expressed as a molar concentration (M). KD values for a SARS-COV-2 spike protein binding molecule (e.g., antibody, etc.) can be determined using methods well established in the art. A preferred method for determining the KD of a binding molecule (e.g., antibody, etc.) is by using surface plasmon resonance, preferably using a biosensor system such as a Biacore® system.
As used herein, the term “high affinity” for an IgG antibody refers to an antibody having a KD of 1×10−7 M or less, more preferably 5×10−8 M or less, even more preferably 1×10−8 M or less, even more preferably 5×10−9M or less and even more preferably 1×10−9 M or less for a target binding partner molecule. However, “high affinity” binding can vary for other antibody isotypes. For example, “high affinity” binding for an IgM isotype refers to an antibody having a KD of 10-6 M or less, more preferably 10-7 M or less, even more preferably 10-8 M or less.
In certain embodiments, the antibody comprises a heavy chain constant region, such as an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, IgE, IgM or IgD constant region. Preferably, the heavy chain constant region is an IgG1 heavy chain constant region or an IgG4 heavy chain constant region. Furthermore, the antibody can comprise a light chain constant region, either a kappa light chain constant region or a lambda light chain constant region. Preferably, the antibody comprises a kappa light chain constant region. Alternatively, the antibody portion can be, for example, a Fab fragment or a single chain Fv fragment.
As described above, the composition can comprise a recombinant nucleic acid sequence. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence can encode the antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The antibody is described in more detail below.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence can be a heterologous nucleic acid sequence. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence can include one or more heterologous nucleic acid sequences.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence can be an optimized nucleic acid sequence. Such optimization can increase or alter the immunogenicity of the antibody. Optimization can also improve transcription and/or translation. Optimization can include one or more of the following: low GC content leader sequence to increase transcription; mRNA stability and codon optimization; addition of a kozak sequence for increased translation; addition of an immunoglobulin (Ig) leader sequence encoding a signal peptide; addition of an internal IRES sequence and eliminating to the extent possible cis-acting sequence motifs (i.e., internal TATA boxes).
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence can include one or more recombinant nucleic acid sequence constructs. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more components, which are described in more detail below.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include a heterologous nucleic acid sequence that encodes a heavy chain polypeptide, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include a heterologous nucleic acid sequence that encodes a light chain polypeptide, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can also include a heterologous nucleic acid sequence that encodes a protease or peptidase cleavage site. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can also include a heterologous nucleic acid sequence that encodes an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). An IRES may be either a viral IRES or an eukaryotic IRES. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more leader sequences, in which each leader sequence encodes a signal peptide. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more promoters, one or more introns, one or more transcription termination regions, one or more initiation codons, one or more termination or stop codons, and/or one or more polyadenylation signals. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can also include one or more linker or tag sequences. The tag sequence can encode a hemagglutinin (HA) tag.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include the heterologous nucleic acid encoding the heavy chain polypeptide, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The heavy chain polypeptide can include a variable heavy chain (VH) region and/or at least one constant heavy chain (CH) region. The at least one constant heavy chain region can include a constant heavy chain region 1 (CH1), a constant heavy chain region 2 (CH2), and a constant heavy chain region 3 (CH3), and/or a hinge region.
In some embodiments, the heavy chain polypeptide can include a VH region and a CH1 region. In other embodiments, the heavy chain polypeptide can include a VH region, a CH1 region, a hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. The heavy chain polypeptide can include a complementarity determining region (“CDR”) set. The CDR set can contain three hypervariable regions of the VH region. Proceeding from N-terminus of the heavy chain polypeptide, these CDRs are denoted “CDR1,” “CDR2,” and “CDR3,” respectively. CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of the heavy chain polypeptide can contribute to binding or recognition of the antigen.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The light chain polypeptide can include a variable light chain (VL) region and/or a constant light chain (CL) region.
The light chain polypeptide can include a complementarity determining region (“CDR”) set. The CDR set can contain three hypervariable regions of the VL region. Proceeding from N-terminus of the light chain polypeptide, these CDRs are denoted “CDR1,” “CDR2,” and “CDR3,” respectively. CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 of the light chain polypeptide can contribute to binding or recognition of the antigen.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a protease cleavage site. The protease cleavage site can be recognized by a protease or peptidase. The protease can be an endopeptidase or endoprotease, for example, but not limited to, furin, elastase, HtrA, calpain, trypsin, chymotrypsin, trypsin, and pepsin. The protease can be furin. In other embodiments, the protease can be a serine protease, a threonine protease, cysteine protease, aspartate protease, metalloprotease, glutamic acid protease, or any protease that cleaves an internal peptide bond (i.e., does not cleave the N-terminal or C-terminal peptide bond).
The protease cleavage site can include one or more amino acid sequences that promote or increase the efficiency of cleavage. The one or more amino acid sequences can promote or increase the efficiency of forming or generating discrete polypeptides. The one or more amino acids sequences can include a 2A peptide sequence.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more linker sequences. The linker sequence can spatially separate or link the one or more components described herein. In other embodiments, the linker sequence can encode an amino acid sequence that spatially separates or links two or more polypeptides.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more promoters. The one or more promoters may be any promoter that is capable of driving gene expression and regulating gene expression. Such a promoter is a cis-acting sequence element required for transcription via a DNA dependent RNA polymerase. Selection of the promoter used to direct gene expression depends on the particular application. The promoter may be positioned about the same distance from the transcription start in the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct as it is from the transcription start site in its natural setting. However, variation in this distance may be accommodated without loss of promoter function.
The promoter may be operably linked to the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and/or light chain polypeptide. The promoter may be a promoter shown effective for expression in eukaryotic cells. The promoter operably linked to the coding sequence may be a CMV promoter, a promoter from simian virus 40 (SV40), such as SV40 early promoter and SV40 later promoter, a mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) promoter such as the bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter, a Moloney virus promoter, an avian leukosis virus (ALV) promoter, a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter such as the CMV immediate early promoter, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) promoter, or a Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) promoter. The promoter may also be a promoter from a human gene such as human actin, human myosin, human hemoglobin, human muscle creatine, human polyhedrin, or human metalothionein.
The promoter can be a constitutive promoter or an inducible promoter, which initiates transcription only when the host cell is exposed to some particular external stimulus. In the case of a multicellular organism, the promoter can also be specific to a particular tissue or organ or stage of development. The promoter may also be a tissue specific promoter, such as a muscle or skin specific promoter, natural or synthetic. Examples of such promoters are described in US patent application publication no. US20040175727, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.
The promoter can be associated with an enhancer. The enhancer can be located upstream of the coding sequence. The enhancer may be human actin, human myosin, human hemoglobin, human muscle creatine or a viral enhancer such as one from CMV, FMDV, RSV or EBV. Polynucleotide function enhances are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,972, 5,962,428, and WO94/016737, the contents of each are fully incorporated by reference.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more introns. Each intron can include functional splice donor and acceptor sites. The intron can include an enhancer of splicing. The intron can include one or more signals required for efficient splicing.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more transcription termination regions. The transcription termination region can be downstream of the coding sequence to provide for efficient termination. The transcription termination region can be obtained from the same gene as the promoter described above or can be obtained from one or more different genes.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more initiation codons. The initiation codon can be located upstream of the coding sequence. The initiation codon can be in frame with the coding sequence. The initiation codon can be associated with one or more signals required for efficient translation initiation, for example, but not limited to, a ribosome binding site.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more termination or stop codons. The termination codon can be downstream of the coding sequence. The termination codon can be in frame with the coding sequence. The termination codon can be associated with one or more signals required for efficient translation termination.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more polyadenylation signals. The polyadenylation signal can include one or more signals required for efficient polyadenylation of the transcript. The polyadenylation signal can be positioned downstream of the coding sequence. The polyadenylation signal may be a SV40 polyadenylation signal, LTR polyadenylation signal, bovine growth hormone (bGH) polyadenylation signal, human growth hormone (hGH) polyadenylation signal, or human β-globin polyadenylation signal. The SV40 polyadenylation signal may be a polyadenylation signal from a pCEP4 plasmid (Invitrogen, San Diego, CA).
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more leader sequences. The leader sequence can encode a signal peptide. The signal peptide can be an immunoglobulin (Ig) signal peptide, for example, but not limited to, an IgG signal peptide and a IgE signal peptide.
As described above, the recombinant nucleic acid sequence can include one or more recombinant nucleic acid sequence constructs, in which each recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more components. The one or more components are described in detail above. The one or more components, when included in the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct, can be arranged in any order relative to one another. In some embodiments, the one or more components can be arranged in the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct as described below.
In one arrangement, a first recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and a second recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide. The first recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can be placed in a vector. The second recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can be placed in a second or separate vector. Placement of the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct into the vector is described in more detail below.
The first recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can also include the promoter, intron, transcription termination region, initiation codon, termination codon, and/or polyadenylation signal. The first recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can further include the leader sequence, in which the leader sequence is located upstream (or 5′) of the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide. Accordingly, the signal peptide encoded by the leader sequence can be linked by a peptide bond to the heavy chain polypeptide.
The second recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can also include the promoter, initiation codon, termination codon, and polyadenylation signal. The second recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can further include the leader sequence, in which the leader sequence is located upstream (or 5′) of the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide. Accordingly, the signal peptide encoded by the leader sequence can be linked by a peptide bond to the light chain polypeptide.
Accordingly, one example of arrangement 1 can include the first vector (and thus first recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct) encoding the heavy chain polypeptide that includes VH and CH1, and the second vector (and thus second recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct) encoding the light chain polypeptide that includes VL and CL. A second example of arrangement 1 can include the first vector (and thus first recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct) encoding the heavy chain polypeptide that includes VH, CH1, hinge region, CH2, and CH3, and the second vector (and thus second recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct) encoding the light chain polypeptide that includes VL and CL.
In a second arrangement, the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide. The heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide can be positioned upstream (or 5′) of the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide. Alternatively, the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide can be positioned upstream (or 5′) of the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can be placed in the vector as described in more detail below.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the protease cleavage site and/or the linker sequence. If included in the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct, the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the protease cleavage site can be positioned between the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide. Accordingly, the protease cleavage site allows for separation of the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide into distinct polypeptides upon expression. In other embodiments, if the linker sequence is included in the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct, then the linker sequence can be positioned between the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can also include the promoter, intron, transcription termination region, initiation codon, termination codon, and/or polyadenylation signal. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one or more promoters. The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include two promoters such that one promoter can be associated with the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the second promoter can be associated with the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide. In still other embodiments, the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include one promoter that is associated with the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can further include two leader sequences, in which a first leader sequence is located upstream (or 5′) of the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and a second leader sequence is located upstream (or 5′) of the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide. Accordingly, a first signal peptide encoded by the first leader sequence can be linked by a peptide bond to the heavy chain polypeptide and a second signal peptide encoded by the second leader sequence can be linked by a peptide bond to the light chain polypeptide.
Accordingly, one example of arrangement 2 can include the vector (and thus recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct) encoding the heavy chain polypeptide that includes VH and CH1, and the light chain polypeptide that includes VL and CL, in which the linker sequence is positioned between the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide.
A second example of arrangement of 2 can include the vector (and thus recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct) encoding the heavy chain polypeptide that includes VH and CH1, and the light chain polypeptide that includes VL and CL, in which the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the protease cleavage site is positioned between the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide.
A third example of arrangement 2 can include the vector (and thus recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct) encoding the heavy chain polypeptide that includes VH, CH1, hinge region, CH2, and CH3, and the light chain polypeptide that includes VL and CL, in which the linker sequence is positioned between the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide.
A forth example of arrangement of 2 can include the vector (and thus recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct) encoding the heavy chain polypeptide that includes VH, CH1, hinge region, CH2, and CH3, and the light chain polypeptide that includes VL and CL, in which the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the protease cleavage site is positioned between the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide.
Expression from the Recombinant Nucleic Acid Sequence Construct
As described above, the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can include, amongst the one or more components, the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the heavy chain polypeptide and/or the heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding the light chain polypeptide. Accordingly, the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can facilitate expression of the heavy chain polypeptide and/or the light chain polypeptide.
When arrangement 1 as described above is utilized, the first recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can facilitate the expression of the heavy chain polypeptide and the second recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can facilitate expression of the light chain polypeptide. When arrangement 2 as described above is utilized, the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct can facilitate the expression of the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide.
Upon expression, for example, but not limited to, in a cell, organism, or mammal, the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide can assemble into the synthetic antibody. In particular, the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide can interact with one another such that assembly results in the synthetic antibody being capable of binding the antigen. In other embodiments, the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide can interact with one another such that assembly results in the synthetic antibody being more immunogenic as compared to an antibody not assembled as described herein. In still other embodiments, the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide can interact with one another such that assembly results in the synthetic antibody being capable of eliciting or inducing an immune response against the antigen.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct described above can be placed in one or more vectors. The one or more vectors can contain an origin of replication. The one or more vectors can be a plasmid, bacteriophage, bacterial artificial chromosome or yeast artificial chromosome. The one or more vectors can be either a self-replication extra chromosomal vector, or a vector which integrates into a host genome.
Vectors include, but are not limited to, plasmids, expression vectors, recombinant viruses, any form of recombinant “naked DNA” vector, and the like. A “vector” comprises a nucleic acid which can infect, transfect, transiently or permanently transduce a cell. It will be recognized that a vector can be a naked nucleic acid, or a nucleic acid complexed with protein or lipid. The vector optionally comprises viral or bacterial nucleic acids and/or proteins, and/or membranes (e.g., a cell membrane, a viral lipid envelope, etc.). Vectors include, but are not limited to replicons (e.g., RNA replicons, bacteriophages) to which fragments of DNA may be attached and become replicated. Vectors thus include, but are not limited to RNA, autonomous self-replicating circular or linear DNA or RNA (e.g., plasmids, viruses, and the like, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,217,879), and include both the expression and non-expression plasmids. In some embodiments, the vector includes linear DNA, enzymatic DNA or synthetic DNA. Where a recombinant microorganism or cell culture is described as hosting an “expression vector” this includes both extra-chromosomal circular and linear DNA and DNA that has been incorporated into the host chromosome(s). Where a vector is being maintained by a host cell, the vector may either be stably replicated by the cells during mitosis as an autonomous structure, or is incorporated within the host's genome.
The one or more vectors can be a heterologous expression construct, which is generally a plasmid that is used to introduce a specific gene into a target cell. Once the expression vector is inside the cell, the heavy chain polypeptide and/or light chain polypeptide that are encoded by the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct is produced by the cellular-transcription and translation machinery ribosomal complexes. The one or more vectors can express large amounts of stable messenger RNA, and therefore proteins.
The one or more vectors can be a circular plasmid or a linear nucleic acid. The circular plasmid and linear nucleic acid are capable of directing expression of a particular nucleotide sequence in an appropriate subject cell. The one or more vectors comprising the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct may be chimeric, meaning that at least one of its components is heterologous with respect to at least one of its other components.
The one or more vectors can be a plasmid. The plasmid may be useful for transfecting cells with the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct. The plasmid may be useful for introducing the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct into the subject. The plasmid may also comprise a regulatory sequence, which may be well suited for gene expression in a cell into which the plasmid is administered.
The plasmid may also comprise a mammalian origin of replication in order to maintain the plasmid extra-chromosomally and produce multiple copies of the plasmid in a cell. The plasmid may be pVAX1, pCEP4 or pREP4 from Invitrogen (San Diego, CA), which may comprise the Epstein Barr virus origin of replication and nuclear antigen EBNA-1 coding region, which may produce high copy episomal replication without integration. The backbone of the plasmid may be pAV0242. The plasmid may be a replication defective adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) plasmid.
The plasmid may be pSE420 (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.), which may be used for protein production in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The plasmid may also be pYES2 (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.), which may be used for protein production in Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains of yeast. The plasmid may also be of the MAXBAC™ complete baculovirus expression system (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.), which may be used for protein production in insect cells. The plasmid may also be pcDNAI or pcDNA3 (Invitrogen, San Diego, Calif.), which may be used for protein production in mammalian cells such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is an RNA molecule. In one embodiment, the RNA molecule is transcribed from a DNA sequence described herein. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the invention provides an RNA molecule encoding one or more of the DMAbs. The RNA may be plus-stranded. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the RNA molecule can be translated by cells without needing any intervening replication steps such as reverse transcription. A RNA molecule useful with the invention may have a 5′ cap (e.g. a 7-methylguanosine). This cap can enhance in vivo translation of the RNA. The 5′ nucleotide of a RNA molecule useful with the invention may have a 5′ triphosphate group. In a capped RNA this may be linked to a 7-methylguanosine via a 5′-to-5′ bridge. A RNA molecule may have a 3′ poly-A tail. It may also include a poly-A polymerase recognition sequence (e.g. AAUAAA) near its 3′ end. A RNA molecule useful with the invention may be single-stranded. A RNA molecule useful with the invention may comprise synthetic RNA. In some embodiments, the RNA molecule is a naked RNA molecule. In one embodiment, the RNA molecule is comprised within a vector.
In one embodiment, the RNA has 5′ and 3′ UTRs. In one embodiment, the 5′ UTR is between zero and 3000 nucleotides in length. The length of 5′ and 3′ UTR sequences to be added to the coding region can be altered by different methods, including, but not limited to, designing primers for PCR that anneal to different regions of the UTRs. Using this approach, one of ordinary skill in the art can modify the 5′ and 3′ UTR lengths required to achieve optimal translation efficiency following transfection of the transcribed RNA.
The 5′ and 3′ UTRs can be the naturally occurring, endogenous 5′ and 3′ UTRs for the gene of interest. Alternatively, UTR sequences that are not endogenous to the gene of interest can be added by incorporating the UTR sequences into the forward and reverse primers or by any other modifications of the template. The use of UTR sequences that are not endogenous to the gene of interest can be useful for modifying the stability and/or translation efficiency of the RNA. For example, it is known that AU-rich elements in 3′ UTR sequences can decrease the stability of RNA. Therefore, 3′ UTRs can be selected or designed to increase the stability of the transcribed RNA based on properties of UTRs that are well known in the art.
In one embodiment, the 5′ UTR can contain the Kozak sequence of the endogenous gene. Alternatively, when a 5′ UTR that is not endogenous to the gene of interest is being added by PCR as described above, a consensus Kozak sequence can be redesigned by adding the 5′ UTR sequence. Kozak sequences can increase the efficiency of translation of some RNA transcripts, but does not appear to be required for all RNAs to enable efficient translation. The requirement for Kozak sequences for many RNAs is known in the art. In other embodiments, the 5′ UTR can be derived from an RNA virus whose RNA genome is stable in cells. In other embodiments, various nucleotide analogues can be used in the 3′ or 5′ UTR to impede exonuclease degradation of the RNA.
In one embodiment, the RNA has both a cap on the 5′ end and a 3′ poly (A) tail which determine ribosome binding, initiation of translation and stability of RNA in the cell.
In one embodiment, the RNA is a nucleoside-modified RNA. Nucleoside-modified RNA have particular advantages over non-modified RNA, including for example, increased stability, low or absent innate immunogenicity, and enhanced translation.
The one or more vectors may be circular plasmid, which may transform a target cell by integration into the cellular genome or exist extra-chromosomally (e.g., autonomous replicating plasmid with an origin of replication). The vector can be pVAX, pcDNA3.0, or provax, or any other expression vector capable of expressing the heavy chain polypeptide and/or light chain polypeptide encoded by the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct.
Also provided herein is a linear nucleic acid, or linear expression cassette (“LEC”), that is capable of being efficiently delivered to a subject via electroporation and expressing the heavy chain polypeptide and/or light chain polypeptide encoded by the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct. The LEC may be any linear DNA devoid of any phosphate backbone. The LEC may not contain any antibiotic resistance genes and/or a phosphate backbone. The LEC may not contain other nucleic acid sequences unrelated to the desired gene expression.
The LEC may be derived from any plasmid capable of being linearized. The plasmid may be capable of expressing the heavy chain polypeptide and/or light chain polypeptide encoded by the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct. The plasmid can be pNP (Puerto Rico/34) or pM2 (New Caledonia/99). The plasmid may be WLV009, pVAX, pcDNA3.0, or provax, or any other expression vector capable of expressing the heavy chain polypeptide and/or light chain polypeptide encoded by the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct.
The LEC can be pcrM2. The LEC can be pcrNP. pcrNP and pcrMR can be derived from pNP (Puerto Rico/34) and pM2 (New Caledonia/99), respectively.
In one embodiment, viral vectors are provided herein which are capable of delivering a nucleic acid of the invention to a cell. The expression vector may be provided to a cell in the form of a viral vector. Viral vector technology is well known in the art and is described, for example, in Sambrook et al. (2001), and in Ausubel et al. (1997), and in other virology and molecular biology manuals. Viruses, which are useful as vectors include, but are not limited to, retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses, and lentiviruses. In general, a suitable vector contains an origin of replication functional in at least one organism, a promoter sequence, convenient restriction endonuclease sites, and one or more selectable markers. (See, e.g., WO 01/96584: WO 01/29058; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,193. Viral vectors, and especially retroviral vectors, have become the most widely used method for inserting genes into mammalian, e.g., human cells. Other viral vectors can be derived from lentivirus, poxviruses, herpes simplex virus I, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses, and the like. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,350,674 and 5,585,362.
Provided herein is a method for preparing the one or more vectors in which the recombinant nucleic acid sequence construct has been placed. After the final subcloning step, the vector can be used to inoculate a cell culture in a large scale fermentation tank, using known methods in the art.
In other embodiments, after the final subcloning step, the vector can be used with one or more electroporation (EP) devices. The EP devices are described below in more detail.
The one or more vectors can be formulated or manufactured using a combination of known devices and techniques, but preferably they are manufactured using a plasmid manufacturing technique that is described in a licensed, co-pending U.S. provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 60/939,792, which was filed on May 23, 2007. In some examples, the DNA plasmids described herein can be formulated at concentrations greater than or equal to 10 mg/mL. The manufacturing techniques also include or incorporate various devices and protocols that are commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art, in addition to those described in U.S. Ser. No. 60/939,792, including those described in a licensed patent, U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,522, which issued on Jul. 3, 2007. The above-referenced application and patent, U.S. Ser. No. 60/939,792 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,238,522, respectively, are hereby incorporated in their entirety.
As described above, the recombinant nucleic acid sequence can encode the antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The antibody can bind or react with the antigen, which is described in more detail below.
The antibody may comprise a heavy chain and a light chain complementarity determining region (“CDR”) set, respectively interposed between a heavy chain and a light chain framework (“FR”) set which provide support to the CDRs and define the spatial relationship of the CDRs relative to each other. The CDR set may contain three hypervariable regions of a heavy or light chain V region. Proceeding from the N-terminus of a heavy or light chain, these regions are denoted as “CDR1,” “CDR2,” and “CDR3,” respectively. An antigen-binding site, therefore, may include six CDRs, comprising the CDR set from each of a heavy and a light chain V region.
The proteolytic enzyme papain preferentially cleaves IgG molecules to yield several fragments, two of which (the F (ab) fragments) each comprise a covalent heterodimer that includes an intact antigen-binding site. The enzyme pepsin is able to cleave IgG molecules to provide several fragments, including the F (ab′) 2 fragment, which comprises both antigen-binding sites. Accordingly, the antibody can be the Fab or F (ab′) 2. The Fab can include the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide. The heavy chain polypeptide of the Fab can include the VH region and the CH1 region. The light chain of the Fab can include the VL region and CL region.
The antibody can be an immunoglobulin (Ig). The Ig can be, for example, IgA, IgM, IgD, IgE, and IgG. The immunoglobulin can include the heavy chain polypeptide and the light chain polypeptide. The heavy chain polypeptide of the immunoglobulin can include a VH region, a CH1 region, a hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. The light chain polypeptide of the immunoglobulin can include a VL region and CL region.
The antibody can be a polyclonal or monoclonal antibody. The antibody can be a chimeric antibody, a single chain antibody, an affinity matured antibody, a human antibody, a humanized antibody, or a fully human antibody. The humanized antibody can be an antibody from a non-human species that binds the desired antigen having one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) from the non-human species and framework regions from a human immunoglobulin molecule.
The antibody can be a bispecific antibody as described below in more detail. The antibody can be a bifunctional antibody as also described below in more detail.
As described above, the antibody can be generated in the subject upon administration of the composition to the subject. The antibody may have a half-life within the subject. In some embodiments, the antibody may be modified to extend or shorten its half-life within the subject. Such modifications are described below in more detail.
The antibody can be defucosylated as described in more detail below.
In one embodiment, the antibody binds a SARS-COV-2 antigen. In one embodiment, the antibody binds at least one epitope of a SARS-COV-2 Spike protein. In one embodiment, the antibody binds a SARS-COV-2 RBD.
The antibody may be modified to reduce or prevent antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of disease associated with the antigen as described in more detail below.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence can encode a bispecific antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The bispecific antibody can bind or react with two antigens, for example, two of the antigens described below in more detail. The bispecific antibody can be comprised of fragments of two of the antibodies described herein, thereby allowing the bispecific antibody to bind or react with two desired target molecules, which may include the antigen, which is described below in more detail, a ligand, including a ligand for a receptor, a receptor, including a ligand-binding site on the receptor, a ligand-receptor complex, and a marker.
The invention provides novel bispecific antibodies comprising a first antigen-binding site that specifically binds to a first target and a second antigen-binding site that specifically binds to a second target, with particularly advantageous properties such as producibility, stability, binding affinity, biological activity, specific targeting of certain T cells, targeting efficiency and reduced toxicity. In some instances, there are bispecific antibodies, wherein the bispecific antibody binds to the first target with high affinity and to the second target with low affinity. In other instances, there are bispecific antibodies, wherein the bispecific antibody binds to the first target with low affinity and to the second target with high affinity. In other instances, there are bispecific antibodies, wherein the bispecific antibody binds to the first target with a desired affinity and to the second target with a desired affinity.
In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody is a bivalent antibody comprising a) a first light chain and a first heavy chain of an antibody specifically binding to a first antigen, and b) a second light chain and a second heavy chain of an antibody specifically binding to a second antigen.
A bispecific antibody molecule according to the invention may have two binding sites of any desired specificity. In some embodiments one of the binding sites is capable of binding a tumor associated antigen. In some embodiments, the binding site included in the Fab fragment is a binding site specific for a SARS-COV-2 antigen. In some embodiments, the binding site included in the single chain Fv fragment is a binding site specific for a SARS-COV-2 antigen such as a SARS-COV-2 spike antigen.
In some embodiments, one of the binding sites of a bispecific antibody according to the invention is able to bind a T-cell specific receptor molecule and/or a natural killer cell (NK cell) specific receptor molecule. A T-cell specific receptor is the so called “T-cell receptor” (TCRs), which allows a T cell to bind to and, if additional signals are present, to be activated by and respond to an epitope/antigen presented by another cell called the antigen-presenting cell or APC. The T cell receptor is known to resemble a Fab fragment of a naturally occurring immunoglobulin. It is generally monovalent, encompassing α- and β-chains, in some embodiments it encompasses γ-chains and 8-chains. Accordingly, in some embodiments the TCR is TCR (alpha/beta) and in some embodiments it is TCR (gamma/delta). The T cell receptor forms a complex with the CD3 T-Cell co-receptor. CD3 is a protein complex and is composed of four distinct chains. In mammals, the complex contains a CD3γ chain, a CD36 chain, and two CD3E chains. These chains associate with a molecule known as the T cell receptor (TCR) and the ζ-chain to generate an activation signal in T lymphocytes. Hence, in some embodiments a T-cell specific receptor is the CD3 T-Cell co-receptor. In some embodiments, a T-cell specific receptor is CD28, a protein that is also expressed on T cells. CD28 can provide co-stimulatory signals, which are required for T cell activation. CD28 plays important roles in T-cell proliferation and survival, cytokine production, and T-helper type-2 development. Yet a further example of a T-cell specific receptor is CD134, also termed Ox40. CD134/OX40 is being expressed after 24 to 72 hours following activation and can be taken to define a secondary costimulatory molecule. Another example of a T-cell receptor is 4-1 BB capable of binding to 4-1 BB-Ligand on antigen presenting cells (APCs), whereby a costimulatory signal for the T cell is generated. Another example of a receptor predominantly found on T-cells is CD5, which is also found on B cells at low levels. A further example of a receptor modifying T cell functions is CD95, also known as the Fas receptor, which mediates apoptotic signaling by Fas-ligand expressed on the surface of other cells. CD95 has been reported to modulate TCR/CD3-driven signaling pathways in resting T lymphocytes.
An example of a NK cell specific receptor molecule is CD16, a low affinity Fc receptor and NKG2D. An example of a receptor molecule that is present on the surface of both T cells and natural killer (NK) cells is CD2 and further members of the CD2-superfamily. CD2 is able to act as a co-stimulatory molecule on T and NK cells.
In some embodiments, the first binding site of the bispecific antibody molecule binds a SARS-COV-2 antigen and the second binding site binds a T cell specific receptor molecule and/or a natural killer (NK) cell specific receptor molecule.
In some embodiments, the first binding site of the antibody molecule binds the SARS-COV-2 spike antigen, and the second binding site binds a T cell specific receptor molecule and/or a natural killer (NK) cell specific receptor molecule. In some embodiments, the first binding site of the antibody molecule binds a SARS-COV-2 spike antigen and the second binding site binds one of CD3, the T cell receptor (TCR), CD28, CD16, NKG2D, Ox40, 4-1BB, CD2, CD5 and CD95.
In some embodiments, the first binding site of the antibody molecule binds a T cell specific receptor molecule and/or a natural killer (NK) cell specific receptor molecule and the second binding site binds a SARS-COV-2 antigen. In some embodiments, the first binding site of the antibody binds a T cell specific receptor molecule and/or a natural killer (NK) cell specific receptor molecule and the second binding site binds the SARS-COV-2 spike antigen. In some embodiments, the first binding site of the antibody binds one of CD3, the T cell receptor (TCR), CD28, CD16, NKG2D, Ox40, 4-1BB, CD2, CD5 and CD95, and the second binding site binds the SARS-COV-2 spike antigen.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising a binding domain comprising a SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain. In one embodiment, the antigen binding domain is a targeting domain, wherein the targeting domain directs the T cell expressing the CAR to a SARS-COV-2 viral particle. For example, in one embodiment, the targeting domain comprises an antibody, antibody fragment, or peptide that specifically binds to a SARS-COV-2 antigen.
In various embodiments, the CAR can be a “first generation,” “second generation,” “third generation,” “fourth generation” or “fifth generation” CAR (see, for example, Sadelain et al., Cancer Discov. 3 (4): 388-398 (2013); Jensen et al., Immunol. Rev. 257:127-133 (2014); Sharpe et al., Dis. Model Mech. 8 (4): 337-350 (2015); Brentjens et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 13:5426-5435 (2007); Gade et al., Cancer Res. 65:9080-9088 (2005); Maher et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 20:70-75 (2002); Kershaw et al., J. Immunol. 173:2143-2150 (2004); Sadelain et al., Curr. Opin. Immunol. (2009); Hollyman et al., J. Immunother. 32:169-180 (2009)).
“First generation” CARs for use in the invention comprise an antigen binding domain, for example, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), fused to a transmembrane domain, which is fused to a cytoplasmic/intracellular domain of the T cell receptor chain. “First generation” CARs typically have the intracellular domain from the CD35-chain, which is the primary transmitter of signals from endogenous T cell receptors (TCRs). “First generation” CARs can provide de novo antigen recognition and cause activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells through their CD3ζ chain signaling domain in a single fusion molecule, independent of HLA-mediated antigen presentation.
“Second-generation” CARs for use in the invention comprise an antigen binding domain, for example, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), fused to an intracellular signaling domain capable of activating T cells and a co-stimulatory domain designed to augment T cell potency and persistence (Sadelain et al., Cancer Discov. 3:388-398 (2013)). CAR design can therefore combine antigen recognition with signal transduction, two functions that are physiologically borne by two separate complexes, the TCR heterodimer and the CD3 complex. “Second generation” CARs include an intracellular domain from various co-stimulatory molecules, for example, CD28, 4-1BB, ICOS, OX40, and the like, in the cytoplasmic tail of the CAR to provide additional signals to the cell.
“Second generation” CARs provide both co-stimulation, for example, by CD28 or 4-1BB domains, and activation, for example, by a CD3ζ signaling domain. Preclinical studies have indicated that “Second Generation” CARs can improve the anti-tumor activity of T cells. For example, robust efficacy of “Second Generation” CAR modified T cells was demonstrated in clinical trials targeting the CD19 molecule in patients with chronic lymphoblastic leukemia (CLL) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) (Davila et al., Oncoimmunol. 1 (9): 1577-1583 (2012)).
“Third generation” CARs provide multiple co-stimulation, for example, by comprising both CD28 and 4-1BB domains, and activation, for example, by comprising a CD33 activation domain.
“Fourth generation” CARs provide co-stimulation, for example, by CD28 or 4-1BB domains, and activation, for example, by a CD3ζ signaling domain in addition to a constitutive or inducible chemokine component.
“Fifth generation” CARs provide co-stimulation, for example, by CD28 or 4-1BB domains, and activation, for example, by a CD3ζ signaling domain, a constitutive or inducible chemokine component, and an intracellular domain of a cytokine receptor, for example, IL-2RB.
In various embodiments, the CAR can be included in a multivalent CAR system, for example, a DualCAR or “TandemCAR” system. Multivalent CAR systems include systems or cells comprising multiple CARs and systems or cells comprising bivalent/bispecific CARs targeting more than one antigen.
In the embodiments disclosed herein, the CARs generally comprise an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain, as described above. In a particular non-limiting embodiment, the antigen-binding domain is a SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention or a variant thereof, such as an scFV fragment of a SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention specific for binding to a surface antigen of SARS-COV-2.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence can encode a bifunctional antibody, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The bifunctional antibody can bind or react with the antigen described below. The bifunctional antibody can also be modified to impart an additional functionality to the antibody beyond recognition of and binding to the antigen. Such a modification can include, but is not limited to, coupling to factor H or a fragment thereof. Factor His a soluble regulator of complement activation and thus, may contribute to an immune response via complement-mediated lysis (CML).
In various embodiments, the invention relates to a composition comprising an immune cell engineered for expression or endogenous secretion of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention. In one embodiment, the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody is a bi-specific T cell engaging antibody comprising a domain for binding to a SARS-COV-2 antigen and a domain for activating an immune cell. Examples of immune cells that can be engineered for expression or secretion of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention include, but are not limited to, T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, or macrophages. In some embodiments, the immune cell further comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Therefore, in some embodiments, the invention relates to the use of CAR T-cells for expression or delivery of an anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention.
In various embodiments, the invention relates to compositions for endogenous secretion of a T cell-redirecting bispecific antibody (T-bsAb) by engineered T cells (STAb-T cells), which have been engineered to express the anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention. In various embodiments, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a composition comprising a STAb-T cell, wherein the STAb-T cell has been engineered to express a bispecific immune cell engaging anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody of the invention. In some embodiments, the STAb-T cell further comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Therefore, in some embodiments, the invention relates to the use of CAR T-cells for expression or delivery of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody of the invention.
As described above, the antibody may be modified to extend or shorten the half-life of the antibody in the subject. The modification may extend or shorten the half-life of the antibody in the serum of the subject.
The modification may be present in a constant region of the antibody. The modification may be one or more amino acid substitutions in a constant region of the antibody that extend the half-life of the antibody as compared to a half-life of an antibody not containing the one or more amino acid substitutions. The modification may be one or more amino acid substitutions in the CH2 domain of the antibody that extend the half-life of the antibody as compared to a half-life of an antibody not containing the one or more amino acid substitutions.
In some embodiments, the one or more amino acid substitutions in the constant region may include replacing a methionine residue in the constant region with a tyrosine residue, a serine residue in the constant region with a threonine residue, a threonine residue in the constant region with a glutamate residue, or any combination thereof, thereby extending the half-life of the antibody.
In other embodiments, the one or more amino acid substitutions in the constant region may include replacing a methionine residue in the CH2 domain with a tyrosine residue, a serine residue in the CH2 domain with a threonine residue, a threonine residue in the CH2 domain with a glutamate residue, or any combination thereof, thereby extending the half-life of the antibody.
The recombinant nucleic acid sequence can encode an antibody that is not fucosylated (i.e., a defucosylated antibody or a non-fucosylated antibody), a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. Fucosylation includes the addition of the sugar fucose to a molecule, for example, the attachment of fucose to N-glycans, O-glycans and glycolipids. Accordingly, in a defucosylated antibody, fucose is not attached to the carbohydrate chains of the constant region. In turn, this lack of fucosylation may improve FcγRIIIa binding and antibody directed cellular cytotoxic (ADCC) activity by the antibody as compared to the fucosylated antibody. Therefore, in some embodiments, the non-fucosylated antibody may exhibit increased ADCC activity as compared to the fucosylated antibody.
The antibody may be modified so as to prevent or inhibit fucosylation of the antibody. In some embodiments, such a modified antibody may exhibit increased ADCC activity as compared to the unmodified antibody. The modification may be in the heavy chain, light chain, or a combination thereof. The modification may be one or more amino acid substitutions in the heavy chain, one or more amino acid substitutions in the light chain, or a combination thereof.
The antibody may be modified to reduce or prevent antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of disease associated with the antigen, but still neutralize the antigen.
In some embodiments, the antibody may be modified to include one or more amino acid substitutions that reduce or prevent binding of the antibody to FcγR1a. The one or more amino acid substitutions may be in the constant region of the antibody. The one or more amino acid substitutions may include replacing a leucine residue with an alanine residue in the constant region of the antibody, i.e., also known herein as LA, LA mutation or LA substitution. The one or more amino acid substitutions may include replacing two leucine residues, each with an alanine residue, in the constant region of the antibody and also known herein as LALA, LALA mutation, or LALA substitution. The presence of the LALA substitutions may prevent or block the antibody from binding to FcγR1a, and thus, the modified antibody does not enhance or cause ADE of disease associated with the antigen, but still neutralizes the antigen.
The synthetic antibody is directed to the antigen or fragment or variant thereof. The antigen can be a nucleic acid sequence, an amino acid sequence, a polysaccharide or a combination thereof. The nucleic acid sequence can be DNA, RNA, cDNA, a variant thereof, a fragment thereof, or a combination thereof. The amino acid sequence can be a protein, a peptide, a variant thereof, a fragment thereof, or a combination thereof. The polysaccharide can be a nucleic acid encoded polysaccharide.
The antigen can be from a virus. The antigen can be associated with viral infection. In one embodiment, the antigen can be associated with SARS-COV-2 infection, or COVID-19. In one embodiment, the antigen can be a SARS-COV-2 spike antigen.
In one embodiment, the antigen can be a fragment of a SARS-COV-2 antigen. For example, in one embodiment, the antigen is a fragment of a SARS-COV-2 spike protein. In one embodiment, the antigen is the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-COV-2 spike protein.
In one embodiment, a synthetic antibody of the invention targets two or more antigens. In one embodiment, at least one antigen of a bispecific antibody is selected from the antigens described herein. In one embodiment, the two or more antigens are selected from the antigens described herein.
The viral antigen can be a viral antigen or fragment or variant thereof. The virus can be a disease causing virus. The virus can be a coronavirus. The virus can be SARS or the SARS-COV-2 virus.
The antigen may be a SARS-COV-2 viral antigen, or fragment thereof, or variant thereof. The SARS-COV-2 antigen can be from a factor that allows the virus to replicate, infect or survive. Factors that allow a SARS-COV-2 virus to replicate or survive include, but are not limited to, structural proteins and non-structural proteins. Such a protein can be a spike protein.
The composition may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. The pharmaceutically acceptable excipient can be functional molecules such as vehicles, carriers, or diluents. The pharmaceutically acceptable excipient can be a transfection facilitating agent, which can include surface active agents, such as immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMS), Freunds incomplete adjuvant, LPS analog including monophosphoryl lipid A, muramyl peptides, quinone analogs, vesicles such as squalene and squalene, hyaluronic acid, lipids, liposomes, calcium ions, viral proteins, polyanions, polycations, or nanoparticles, or other known transfection facilitating agents.
The transfection facilitating agent is a polyanion, polycation, including poly-L-glutamate (LGS), or lipid. The transfection facilitating agent is poly-L-glutamate, and the poly-L-glutamate may be present in the composition at a concentration less than 6 mg/ml. The transfection facilitating agent may also include surface active agents such as immune-stimulating complexes (ISCOMS), Freunds incomplete adjuvant, LPS analog including monophosphoryl lipid A, muramyl peptides, quinone analogs and vesicles such as squalene and squalene, and hyaluronic acid may also be used administered in conjunction with the composition. The composition may also include a transfection facilitating agent such as lipids, liposomes, including lecithin liposomes or other liposomes known in the art, as a DNA-liposome mixture (see for example WO9324640), calcium ions, viral proteins, polyanions, polycations, or nanoparticles, or other known transfection facilitating agents. The transfection facilitating agent is a polyanion, polycation, including poly-L-glutamate (LGS), or lipid. Concentration of the transfection agent in the vaccine is less than 4 mg/ml, less than 2 mg/ml, less than 1 mg/ml, less than 0.750 mg/ml, less than 0.500 mg/ml, less than 0.250 mg/ml, less than 0.100 mg/ml, less than 0.050 mg/ml, or less than 0.010 mg/ml.
The composition may further comprise a genetic facilitator agent as described in U.S. Ser. No. 021,579 filed Apr. 1, 1994, which is fully incorporated by reference.
In some embodiments, the composition comprises hyaluronidase. In some embodiments, the composition comprises recombinant human hyaluronidase.
The composition may comprise DNA at quantities of from about 1 nanogram to 100 milligrams; about 1 microgram to about 10 milligrams; or preferably about 0.1 microgram to about 10 milligrams; or more preferably about 1 milligram to about 2 milligrams. In some preferred embodiments, composition according to the present invention comprises about 5 nanograms to about 1000 micrograms of DNA. In some preferred embodiments, composition can contain about 10 nanograms to about 800 micrograms of DNA. In some preferred embodiments, the composition can contain about 0.1 to about 500 micrograms of DNA. In some preferred embodiments, the composition can contain about 1 to about 350 micrograms of DNA. In some preferred embodiments, the composition can contain about 25 to about 250 micrograms, from about 100 to about 200 microgram, from about 1 nanogram to 100 milligrams; from about 1 microgram to about 10 milligrams; from about 0.1 microgram to about 10 milligrams; from about 1 milligram to about 2 milligrams, from about 5 nanograms to about 1000 micrograms, from about 10 nanograms to about 800 micrograms, from about 0.1 to about 500 micrograms, from about 1 to about 350 micrograms, from about 25 to about 250 micrograms, from about 100 to about 200 microgram of DNA.
The composition can be formulated according to the mode of administration to be used. An injectable pharmaceutical composition can be sterile, pyrogen free and particulate free. An isotonic formulation or solution can be used. Additives for isotonicity can include sodium chloride, dextrose, mannitol, sorbitol, and lactose. The composition can comprise a vasoconstriction agent. The isotonic solutions can include phosphate buffered saline. The composition can further comprise stabilizers including gelatin and albumin. The stabilizers can allow the formulation to be stable at room or ambient temperature for extended periods of time, including LGS or polycations or polyanions.
In some embodiments, the composition can be formulated for administration of a dosage of 0.5 mg of DNA. In some embodiments, the composition can be formulated for administration of a dosage of 1.0 mg of DNA.
In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition of the invention may comprise a nanoparticle, including but not limited to a lipid nanoparticle (LNP), comprising a SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention, or a LNP comprising a nucleic acid encoding a SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention. In some embodiments, the composition comprises or encodes all or part of a SARS-COV-2 antigen binding molecule of the invention, or an immunogenically functional equivalent thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprises an mRNA molecule that encodes all or part of a SARS-COV-2 antigen binding molecule of the invention.
In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition of the invention may comprise a composition comprising a combination of SARS-COV-2 antibodies of the invention, or a LNP comprising one or more nucleic acid molecules encoding a combination of SARS-COV-2 antibodies of the invention. In one embodiment, the immunogenic composition of the invention may comprise a composition comprising a combination of LNP, wherein the combination of LNP comprises one or more nucleic acid molecules encoding a combination of SARS-COV-2 antibodies of the invention.
In one embodiment, the LNP comprises or encapsulates an RNA molecule encoding at least one amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98 or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the LNP comprises or encapsulates an RNA molecule encoding at least one amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO:14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO:18, SEQ ID NO:20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO: 36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO:40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO: 46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO: 66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78, SEQ ID NO:80, SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO: 92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96, or SEQ ID NO:98 or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding at least four of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8, SEQ ID NO: 10, SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO:22, SEQ ID NO:24, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38, SEQ ID NO: 40, SEQ ID NO:42, SEQ ID NO:44, SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO:52, SEQ ID NO:54, SEQ ID NO:56, SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 60, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO: 70, SEQ ID NO: 72, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO: 78 or SEQ ID NO: 80, or a fragment or variant thereof.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding the combination of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:8, and SEQ ID NO: 10 or fragments or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding the combination of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 12 or fragments or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding the combination of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO:10 or fragments or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding the combination of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO: 8 and SEQ ID NO: 12 or fragments or variants thereof.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding the combination of a light chain of SEQ ID NO:2, and a heavy chain of SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:6, and a light chain of SEQ ID NO:8 and a heavy chain of SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96 or SEQ ID NO:98 or fragments or variants thereof.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding the combination of SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:66; and SEQ ID NO:72 or fragments or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding the combination of SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:66; and SEQ ID NO: 70 or fragments or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a combination of LNPs comprising or encapsulating a combination of at least four RNA molecules encoding the combination of SEQ ID NO:58, SEQ ID NO: 74, SEQ ID NO: 66; and SEQ ID NO:76 or fragments or variants thereof.
In one embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more additional immunostimulatory agents. Immunostimulatory agents include, but are not limited to, an additional antigen or antigen binding molecule, an immunomodulator, or an adjuvant.
The present invention also relates a method of generating the synthetic antibody. The method can include administering the composition to the subject in need thereof by using the method of delivery described in more detail below. Accordingly, the synthetic antibody is generated in the subject or in vivo upon administration of the composition to the subject.
The method can also include introducing the composition into one or more cells, and therefore, the synthetic antibody can be generated or produced in the one or more cells. The method can further include introducing the composition into one or more tissues, for example, but not limited to, skin and muscle, and therefore, the synthetic antibody can be generated or produced in the one or more tissues.
The present invention further relates to a method of identifying or screening for the antibody described above, which is reactive to or binds the antigen described above. The method of identifying or screening for the antibody can use the antigen in methodologies known in those skilled in art to identify or screen for the antibody. Such methodologies can include, but are not limited to, selection of the antibody from a library (e.g., phage display) and immunization of an animal followed by isolation and/or purification of the antibody.
The present invention further relates to a method of diagnosing a subject as having a disease or disorder using an antibody, fragment thereof, or nucleic acid molecule encoding the same as described herein. In some embodiments, the present invention features methods for identifying subjects who are at risk of spreading SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19, including those subjects who are asymptomatic or only exhibit non-specific indicators of SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19. In some embodiments, the present invention is also useful for monitoring subjects undergoing treatments and therapies for SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19, and for selecting or modifying therapies and treatments that would be efficacious in subjects having SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19, wherein selection and use of such treatments and therapies promote immunity to SARS-COV-2, or prevent infection by SARS-COV-2.
In one embodiment, the antibody, fragment thereof, or nucleic acid molecule encoding the same can be used in an immunoassay for diagnosing a subject as having an active SARS-COV-2 infection, having COVID-19, or having immunity to SARS-COV-2 infection, or for monitoring subjects undergoing treatments and therapies for SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19. Non-limiting exemplary immunoassay's include, for example, immunohistochemistry assays, immunocytochemistry assays, ELISA, capture ELISA, sandwich assays, enzyme immunoassay, radioimmunoassay, fluorescent immunoassay, and the like, all of which are known to those of skill in the art. See e.g. Harlow et al., 1988, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Harlow et al., 1999, Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY.
In some embodiments the methods include obtaining a sample from a subject and contacting the sample with an antibody of the invention or a cell expressing an antibody of the invention and detecting binding of the antibody to an antigen present in the sample.
In some embodiments, samples can be provided from a subject undergoing treatment regimens or therapeutic interventions, e.g., drug treatments, vaccination, etc. for SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19. Samples can be obtained from the subject at various time points before, during, or after treatment.
The SARS-COV-2 antibodies of the present invention, or nucleic acid molecules encoding the same, can thus be used to generate a risk profile or signature of subjects: (i) who are expected to have immunity to SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19 and/or (ii) who are at risk of developing SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19. The antibody profile of a subject can be compared to a predetermined or reference antibody profile to diagnose or identify subjects at risk for developing SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19, to monitor the progression of disease, as well as the rate of progression of disease, and to monitor the effectiveness of SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19 treatments. Data concerning the antibodies of the present invention can also be combined or correlated with other data or test results for SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19, including but not limited to age, weight, BMI, imaging data, medical history, smoking status and any relevant family history.
The present invention also provides methods for identifying agents for treating SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19 that are appropriate or otherwise customized for a specific subject. In this regard, a test sample from a subject, exposed to a therapeutic agent, drug, or other treatment regimen, can be taken and the level of one or more SARS-COV-2 antibody can be determined. The level of one or more SARS-CoV-2 antibody can be compared to a sample derived from the subject before and after treatment, or can be compared to samples derived from one or more subjects who have shown improvements in risk factors as a result of such treatment or exposure.
In one embodiment, the invention is a method of diagnosing SARS-COV-2 infection or COVID-19. In one embodiment, the method includes determining immunity to infection or reinfection by SARS-COV-2. In some embodiments, these methods may utilize at least one biological sample (such as urine, saliva, blood, serum, plasma, amniotic fluid, or tears), for the detection of one or more SARS-COV-2 antibody of the invention in the sample. Frequently the sample is a “clinical sample” which is a sample derived from a patient. In one embodiment, the biological sample is a blood sample.
In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting one or more SARS-CoV-2 antigen in at least one biological sample of the subject. In various embodiments, the level of one or more SARS-COV-2 antigen of the invention in the biological sample of the subject is compared to a comparator. Non-limiting examples of comparators include, but are not limited to, a negative control, a positive control, an expected normal background value of the subject, a historical normal background value of the subject, an expected normal background value of a population that the subject is a member of, or a historical normal background value of a population that the subject is a member of.
The present invention also relates to a method of delivering the composition to the subject in need thereof. The method of delivery can include, administering the composition to the subject. Administration can include, but is not limited to, DNA injection with and without in vivo electroporation, liposome mediated delivery, and nanoparticle facilitated delivery.
The mammal receiving delivery of the composition may be human, primate, non-human primate, cow, cattle, sheep, goat, antelope, bison, water buffalo, bison, bovids, deer, hedgehogs, elephants, llama, alpaca, mice, rats, and chicken.
The composition may be administered by different routes including orally, parenterally, sublingually, transdermally, rectally, transmucosally, topically, via inhalation, via buccal administration, intrapleurally, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intranasal intrathecal, and intraarticular or combinations thereof. For veterinary use, the composition may be administered as a suitably acceptable formulation in accordance with normal veterinary practice. The veterinarian can readily determine the dosing regimen and route of administration that is most appropriate for a particular animal. The composition may be administered by traditional syringes, needleless injection devices, “microprojectile bombardment gone guns”, or other physical methods such as electroporation (“EP”), “hydrodynamic method”, or ultrasound.
Administration of the composition via electroporation may be accomplished using electroporation devices that can be configured to deliver to a desired tissue of a mammal, a pulse of energy effective to cause reversible pores to form in cell membranes, and preferable the pulse of energy is a constant current similar to a preset current input by a user. The electroporation device may comprise an electroporation component and an electrode assembly or handle assembly. The electroporation component may include and incorporate one or more of the various elements of the electroporation devices, including: controller, current waveform generator, impedance tester, waveform logger, input element, status reporting element, communication port, memory component, power source, and power switch. The electroporation may be accomplished using an in vivo electroporation device, for example CELLECTRA EP system (Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA) or Elgen electroporator (Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA) to facilitate transfection of cells by the plasmid.
The electroporation component may function as one element of the electroporation devices, and the other elements are separate elements (or components) in communication with the electroporation component. The electroporation component may function as more than one element of the electroporation devices, which may be in communication with still other elements of the electroporation devices separate from the electroporation component. The elements of the electroporation devices existing as parts of one electromechanical or mechanical device may not be limited as the elements can function as one device or as separate elements in communication with one another. The electroporation component may be capable of delivering the pulse of energy that produces the constant current in the desired tissue, and includes a feedback mechanism. The electrode assembly may include an electrode array having a plurality of electrodes in a spatial arrangement, wherein the electrode assembly receives the pulse of energy from the electroporation component and delivers same to the desired tissue through the electrodes. At least one of the plurality of electrodes is neutral during delivery of the pulse of energy and measures impedance in the desired tissue and communicates the impedance to the electroporation component. The feedback mechanism may receive the measured impedance and can adjust the pulse of energy delivered by the electroporation component to maintain the constant current.
A plurality of electrodes may deliver the pulse of energy in a decentralized pattern. The plurality of electrodes may deliver the pulse of energy in the decentralized pattern through the control of the electrodes under a programmed sequence, and the programmed sequence is input by a user to the electroporation component. The programmed sequence may comprise a plurality of pulses delivered in sequence, wherein each pulse of the plurality of pulses is delivered by at least two active electrodes with one neutral electrode that measures impedance, and wherein a subsequent pulse of the plurality of pulses is delivered by a different one of at least two active electrodes with one neutral electrode that measures impedance.
The feedback mechanism may be performed by either hardware or software. The feedback mechanism may be performed by an analog closed-loop circuit. The feedback occurs every 50 μs, 20 μs, 10 μs or 1 μs, but is preferably a real-time feedback or instantaneous (i.e., substantially instantaneous as determined by available techniques for determining response time). The neutral electrode may measure the impedance in the desired tissue and communicates the impedance to the feedback mechanism, and the feedback mechanism responds to the impedance and adjusts the pulse of energy to maintain the constant current at a value similar to the preset current. The feedback mechanism may maintain the constant current continuously and instantaneously during the delivery of the pulse of energy.
Examples of electroporation devices and electroporation methods that may facilitate delivery of the composition of the present invention, include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,963 by Draghia-Akli, et al., U.S. Patent Pub. 2005/0052630 submitted by Smith, et al., the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Other electroporation devices and electroporation methods that may be used for facilitating delivery of the composition include those provided in co-pending and co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/874,072, filed Oct. 17, 2007, which claims the benefit under 35 USC 119 (e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/852,149, filed Oct. 17, 2006, and 60/978,982, filed Oct. 10, 2007, all of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,963 by Draghia-Akli, et al. describes modular electrode systems and their use for facilitating the introduction of a biomolecule into cells of a selected tissue in a body or plant. The modular electrode systems may comprise a plurality of needle electrodes; a hypodermic needle; an electrical connector that provides a conductive link from a programmable constant-current pulse controller to the plurality of needle electrodes; and a power source. An operator can grasp the plurality of needle electrodes that are mounted on a support structure and firmly insert them into the selected tissue in a body or plant. The biomolecules are then delivered via the hypodermic needle into the selected tissue. The programmable constant-current pulse controller is activated and constant-current electrical pulse is applied to the plurality of needle electrodes. The applied constant-current electrical pulse facilitates the introduction of the biomolecule into the cell between the plurality of electrodes. The entire content of U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,963 is hereby incorporated by reference.
U.S. Patent Pub. 2005/0052630 submitted by Smith, et al. describes an electroporation device which may be used to effectively facilitate the introduction of a biomolecule into cells of a selected tissue in a body or plant. The electroporation device comprises an electro-kinetic device (“EKD device”) whose operation is specified by software or firmware. The EKD device produces a series of programmable constant-current pulse patterns between electrodes in an array based on user control and input of the pulse parameters, and allows the storage and acquisition of current waveform data. The electroporation device also comprises a replaceable electrode disk having an array of needle electrodes, a central injection channel for an injection needle, and a removable guide disk. The entire content of U.S. Patent Pub. 2005/0052630 is hereby incorporated by reference.
The electrode arrays and methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,963 and U.S. Patent Pub. 2005/0052630 may be adapted for deep penetration into not only tissues such as muscle, but also other tissues or organs. Because of the configuration of the electrode array, the injection needle (to deliver the biomolecule of choice) is also inserted completely into the target organ, and the injection is administered perpendicular to the target issue, in the area that is pre-delineated by the electrodes The electrodes described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,245,963 and U.S. Patent Pub. 2005/005263 are preferably 20 mm long and 21 gauge.
Additionally, contemplated in some embodiments that incorporate electroporation devices and uses thereof, there are electroporation devices that are those described in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,273,525 issued Dec. 28, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,161 issued Aug. 29, 2000, U.S. Pat. No. 6,261,281 issued Jul. 17, 2001, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,958,060 issued Oct. 25, 2005, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,939,862 issued Sep. 6, 2005. Furthermore, patents covering subject matter provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,697,669 issued Feb. 24, 2004, which concerns delivery of DNA using any of a variety of devices, and U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,064 issued Feb. 5, 2008, drawn to method of injecting DNA are contemplated herein. The above-patents are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Also provided herein is a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease in a subject in need thereof by generating the synthetic antibody in the subject. The method can include administering the composition to the subject. Administration of the composition to the subject can be done using the method of delivery described above.
The method can include administering a combination of antibodies or nucleic acid molecules encoding the same to the subject. In one embodiment, the method of the invention provides for administration of an antibody cocktail to the subject. In one embodiment, the cocktail is administered as a single formulation comprising multiple antibodies or nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. In one embodiment, the cocktail is administered as multiple formulations, either sequentially or concurrently. Administration of the composition to the subject can be done using the method of delivery described above. In one embodiment, the method of administration is intramuscular administration.
In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating protecting against, and/or preventing a SARS-COV-2 virus infection. In one embodiment, the method treats, protects against, and/or prevents a disease or disorder associated with SARS-COV-2 virus infection. In one embodiment, the method treats, protects against, and/or prevents COVID-19.
In one embodiment the subject has, or is at risk of, SARS-COV-2 virus infection.
Upon generation of one or more synthetic antibody in the subject, the one or more synthetic antibody can bind to or react with the antigen. Such binding can neutralize the antigen, block recognition of the antigen by another molecule, for example, a protein or nucleic acid, and elicit or induce an immune response to the antigen, thereby treating, protecting against, and/or preventing the disease associated with the antigen in the subject.
The one or more synthetic antibody can treat, prevent, and/or protect against disease in the subject administered the composition. The one or more synthetic antibody by binding the antigen can treat, prevent, and/or protect against disease in the subject administered the composition. The synthetic antibody can promote survival of the disease in the subject administered the composition. In one embodiment, the synthetic antibody can provide increased survival of the disease in the subject over the expected survival of a subject having the disease who has not been administered the synthetic antibody. In various embodiments, the synthetic antibody can provide at least about a 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or a 100% increase in survival of the disease in subjects administered the composition over the expected survival in the absence of the composition. In one embodiment, the synthetic antibody can provide increased protection against the disease in the subject over the expected protection of a subject who has not been administered the synthetic antibody. In various embodiments, the synthetic antibody can protect against disease in at least about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of subjects administered the composition over the expected protection in the absence of the composition.
The composition dose can be between 1 μg to 10 mg active component/kg body weight/time, and can be 20 μg to 10 mg component/kg body weight/time. The composition can be administered every 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or 31 days. The number of composition doses for effective treatment can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.
In one embodiment, immunotherapy with the anti-SARS-COV-2 DMAb of the invention will have a direct therapeutic effect. In one embodiment, immunotherapy with the anti-SARS-COV-2 DMAb of the invention can be used as immune “adjuvant” treatment to reduce viral protein load, in order to provide host immunity and optimize the effect of antiviral drugs.
In one embodiment, the invention relates to the administration of a SARS-COV-2 antibody or a nucleic acid encoded SARS-COV-2 antibody in combination with a nucleic acid molecule encoding a SARS-COV-2 antigen. In some embodiments therefore, the invention relates to immunogenic compositions, such as vaccines, comprising a SARS-COV-2 antibody or a nucleic acid encoded SARS-COV-2 antibody in combination with a SARS-COV-2 antigen, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof. The vaccine can be used to protect against any number of strains of SARS-COV-2, thereby treating, preventing, and/or protecting against SARS-COV-2 infection or associated pathologies, including COVID-19. The vaccine can significantly induce an immune response of a subject administered the vaccine, thereby protecting against and treating SARS-COV-2 infection or associated pathologies, including COVID-19.
The vaccine can be a DNA vaccine, a peptide vaccine, or a combination DNA and peptide vaccine. The DNA vaccine can include a nucleic acid sequence encoding the SARS-COV-2 antigen. The nucleic acid sequence can be DNA, RNA, cDNA, a variant thereof, a fragment thereof, or a combination thereof. The nucleic acid sequence can also include additional sequences that encode linker, leader, or tag sequences that are linked to the SARS-COV-2 antigen by a peptide bond. The peptide vaccine can include a SARS-COV-2 antigenic peptide, a SARS-COV-2 antigenic protein, a variant thereof, a fragment thereof, or a combination thereof. The combination DNA and peptide vaccine can include the above described nucleic acid sequence encoding the SARS-COV-2 antigen and the SARS-COV-2 antigenic peptide or protein, in which the SARS-COV-2 antigenic peptide or protein and the encoded SARS-COV-2 antigen have the same amino acid sequence.
In some embodiments, the vaccine can induce a humoral immune response in the subject administered the vaccine. The induced humoral immune response can be specific for the SARS-COV-2 antigen. The induced humoral immune response can be reactive with the SARS-COV-2 antigen. The humoral immune response can be induced in the subject administered the vaccine by about 1.5-fold to about 16-fold, about 2-fold to about 12-fold, or about 3-fold to about 10-fold. The humoral immune response can be induced in the subject administered the vaccine by at least about 1.5-fold, at least about 2.0-fold, at least about 2.5-fold, at least about 3.0-fold, at least about 3.5-fold, at least about 4.0-fold, at least about 4.5-fold, at least about 5.0-fold, at least about 5.5-fold, at least about 6.0-fold, at least about 6.5-fold, at least about 7.0-fold, at least about 7.5-fold, at least about 8.0-fold, at least about 8.5-fold, at least about 9.0-fold, at least about 9.5-fold, at least about 10.0-fold, at least about 10.5-fold, at least about 11.0-fold, at least about 11.5-fold, at least about 12.0-fold, at least about 12.5-fold, at least about 13.0-fold, at least about 13.5-fold, at least about 14.0-fold, at least about 14.5-fold, at least about 15.0-fold, at least about 15.5-fold, or at least about 16.0-fold.
The humoral immune response induced by the vaccine can include an increased level of neutralizing antibodies associated with the subject administered the vaccine as compared to a subject not administered the vaccine. The neutralizing antibodies can be specific for the SARS-COV-2 antigen. The neutralizing antibodies can be reactive with the SARS-COV-2 antigen. The neutralizing antibodies can provide protection against and/or treatment of COVID-19 infection and its associated pathologies in the subject administered the vaccine.
The humoral immune response induced by the vaccine can include an increased level of IgG antibodies associated with the subject administered the vaccine as compared to a subject not administered the vaccine. These IgG antibodies can be specific for the SARS-COV-2 antigen. These IgG antibodies can be reactive with the SARS-COV-2 antigen. Preferably, the humoral response is cross-reactive against two or more strains of the COVID-19. The level of IgG antibody associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by about 1.5-fold to about 16-fold, about 2-fold to about 12-fold, or about 3-fold to about 10-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine. The level of IgG antibody associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 1.5-fold, at least about 2.0-fold, at least about 2.5-fold, at least about 3.0-fold, at least about 3.5-fold, at least about 4.0-fold, at least about 4.5-fold, at least about 5.0-fold, at least about 5.5-fold, at least about 6.0-fold, at least about 6.5-fold, at least about 7.0-fold, at least about 7.5-fold, at least about 8.0-fold, at least about 8.5-fold, at least about 9.0-fold, at least about 9.5-fold, at least about 10.0-fold, at least about 10.5-fold, at least about 11.0-fold, at least about 11.5-fold, at least about 12.0-fold, at least about 12.5-fold, at least about 13.0-fold, at least about 13.5-fold, at least about 14.0-fold, at least about 14.5-fold, at least about 15.0-fold, at least about 15.5-fold, or at least about 16.0-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The vaccine can induce a cellular immune response in the subject administered the vaccine. The induced cellular immune response can be specific for the SARS-COV-2 antigen. The induced cellular immune response can be reactive to the SARS-COV-2 antigen. Preferably, the cellular response is cross-reactive against two or more strains of the COVID-19. The induced cellular immune response can include eliciting a CD8+ T cell response. The elicited CD8+ T cell response can be reactive with the SARS-COV-2 antigen. The elicited CD8+ T cell response can be polyfunctional. The induced cellular immune response can include eliciting a CD8+ T cell response, in which the CD8+ T cells produce interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-2 (IL-2), or a combination of IFN-γ and TNF-α.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased CD8+ T cell response associated with the subject administered the vaccine as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine. The CD8+ T cell response associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by about 2-fold to about 30-fold, about 3-fold to about 25-fold, or about 4-fold to about 20-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine. The CD8+ T cell response associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 1.5-fold, at least about 2.0-fold, at least about 3.0-fold, at least about 4.0-fold, at least about 5.0-fold, at least about 6.0-fold, at least about 6.5-fold, at least about 7.0-fold, at least about 7.5-fold, at least about 8.0-fold, at least about 8.5-fold, at least about 9.0-fold, at least about 9.5-fold, at least about 10.0-fold, at least about 10.5-fold, at least about 11.0-fold, at least about 11.5-fold, at least about 12.0-fold, at least about 12.5-fold, at least about 13.0-fold, at least about 13.5-fold, at least about 14.0-fold, at least about 14.5-fold, at least about 15.0-fold, at least about 16.0-fold, at least about 17.0-fold, at least about 18.0-fold, at least about 19.0-fold, at least about 20.0-fold, at least about 21.0-fold, at least about 22.0-fold, at least about 23.0-fold, at least about 24.0-fold, at least about 25.0-fold, at least about 26.0-fold, at least about 27.0-fold, at least about 28.0-fold, at least about 29.0-fold, or at least about 30.0-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased frequency of CD3+CD8+ T cells that produce IFN-γ. The frequency of CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+ T cells associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, 16-fold, 17-fold, 18-fold, 19-fold, or 20-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased frequency of CD3+CD8+ T cells that produce TNF-α. The frequency of CD3+CD8+ TNF-α+ T cells associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, or 14-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased frequency of CD3+CD8+ T cells that produce IL-2. The frequency of CD3+CD8+IL-2+ T cells associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 0.5-fold, 1.0-fold, 1.5-fold, 2.0-fold, 2.5-fold, 3.0-fold, 3.5-fold, 4.0-fold, 4.5-fold, or 5.0-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased frequency of CD3+CD8+ T cells that produce both IFN-γ and TNF-α. The frequency of CD3+CD8+IFN-γ+TNF-α+ T cells associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 25-fold, 30-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, 50-fold, 55-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, 70-fold, 75-fold, 80-fold, 85-fold, 90-fold, 95-fold, 100-fold, 110-fold, 120-fold, 130-fold, 140-fold, 150-fold, 160-fold, 170-fold, or 180-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The cellular immune response induced by the vaccine can include eliciting a CD4+ T cell response. The elicited CD4+ T cell response can be reactive with the SARS-COV-2 antigen. The elicited CD4+ T cell response can be polyfunctional. The induced cellular immune response can include eliciting a CD4+ T cell response, in which the CD4+ T cells produce IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, or a combination of IFN-γ and TNF-α.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased frequency of CD3+CD4+ T cells that produce IFN-γ. The frequency of CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+ T cells associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, 16-fold, 17-fold, 18-fold, 19-fold, or 20-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased frequency of CD3+CD4+ T cells that produce TNF-α. The frequency of CD3+CD4+ TNF-α+ T cells associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, 16-fold, 17-fold, 18-fold, 19-fold, 20-fold, 21-fold, or 22-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased frequency of CD3+CD4+ T cells that produce IL-2. The frequency of CD3+CD4+IL-2+ T cells associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, 10-fold, 11-fold, 12-fold, 13-fold, 14-fold, 15-fold, 16-fold, 17-fold, 18-fold, 19-fold, 20-fold, 21-fold, 22-fold, 23-fold, 24-fold, 25-fold, 26-fold, 27-fold, 28-fold, 29-fold, 30-fold, 31-fold, 32-fold, 33-fold, 34-fold, 35-fold, 36-fold, 37-fold, 38-fold, 39-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, 50-fold, 55-fold, or 60-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The induced cellular immune response can include an increased frequency of CD3+CD4+ T cells that produce both IFN-γ and TNF-α. The frequency of CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+TNF-α+ associated with the subject administered the vaccine can be increased by at least about 2-fold, 2.5-fold, 3.0-fold, 3.5-fold, 4.0-fold, 4.5-fold, 5.0-fold, 5.5-fold, 6.0-fold, 6.5-fold, 7.0-fold, 7.5-fold, 8.0-fold, 8.5-fold, 9.0-fold, 9.5-fold, 10.0-fold, 10.5-fold, 11.0-fold, 11.5-fold, 12.0-fold, 12.5-fold, 13.0-fold, 13.5-fold, 14.0-fold, 14.5-fold, 15.0-fold, 15.5-fold, 16.0-fold, 16.5-fold, 17.0-fold, 17.5-fold, 18.0-fold, 18.5-fold, 19.0-fold, 19.5-fold, 20.0-fold, 21-fold, 22-fold, 23-fold 24-fold, 25-fold, 26-fold, 27-fold, 28-fold, 29-fold, 30-fold, 31-fold, 32-fold, 33-fold, 34-fold, or 35-fold as compared to the subject not administered the vaccine.
The vaccine of the present invention can have features required of effective vaccines such as being safe so the vaccine itself does not cause illness or death; is protective against illness resulting from exposure to live pathogens such as viruses or bacteria; induces neutralizing antibody to prevent invention of cells; induces protective T cells against intracellular pathogens; and provides ease of administration, few side effects, biological stability, and low cost per dose.
The vaccine can further induce an immune response when administered to different tissues such as the muscle or skin. The vaccine can further induce an immune response when administered via electroporation, or injection, or subcutaneously, or intramuscularly.
As described above, the vaccine comprises a SARS-COV-2 antigen, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, a nucleic acid molecule encoding the same, or a combination thereof. Coronaviruses, including SARS-COV-2, are encapsulated by a membrane and have a type 1 membrane glycoprotein known as spike(S) protein, which forms protruding spikes on the surface of the coronavirus. The spike protein facilitates binding of the coronavirus to proteins located on the surface of a cell, for example, the metalloprotease amino peptidase N, and mediates cell-viral membrane fusion. In particular, the spike protein contains an S1 subunit that facilitates binding of the coronavirus to cell surface proteins. Accordingly, the S1 subunit of the spike protein controls which cells are infected by the coronavirus. The spike protein also contains a S2 subunit, which is a transmembrane subunit that facilitates viral and cellular membrane fusion. Accordingly, the SARS-COV-2 antigen can comprise a SARS-COV-2 spike protein, a S1 subunit of a SARS-COV-2 spike protein, or a S2 subunit of a SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
Upon binding cell surface proteins and membrane fusion, the coronavirus enters the cell and its singled-stranded RNA genome is released into the cytoplasm of the infected cell. The singled-stranded RNA genome is a positive strand and thus, can be translated into a RNA polymerase, which produces additional viral RNAs that are minus strands. Accordingly, the SARS-COV-2 antigen can also be a SARS-COV-2 RNA polymerase.
The viral minus RNA strands are transcribed into smaller, subgenomic positive RNA strands, which are used to translate other viral proteins, for example, nucleocapsid (N) protein, envelope (E) protein, and matrix (M) protein. Accordingly, the SARS-COV-2 antigen can comprise a SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid protein, a SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein, or a SARS-COV-2 matrix protein.
The viral minus RNA strands can also be used to replicate the viral genome, which is bound by nucleocapsid protein. Matrix protein, along with spike protein, is integrated into the endoplasmic reticulum of the infected cell. Together, the nucleocapsid protein bound to the viral genome and the membrane-embedded matrix and spike proteins are budded into the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, thereby encasing the viral genome in a membrane. The viral progeny are then transported by golgi vesicles to the cell membrane of the infected cell and released into the extracellular space by endocytosis.
In some embodiments, the SARS-COV-2 antigen can be a SARS-COV-2 spike protein, a SARS-COV-2 RNA polymerase, a SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid protein, a SARS-COV-2 envelope protein, a SARS-COV-2 matrix protein, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The SARS-COV-2 antigen can be a consensus antigen derived from two or more SARS-COV-2 spike antigens, two or more SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerases, two or more SARS-COV-2 nucleocapsid proteins, two or more envelope proteins, two or more matrix proteins, or a combination thereof. The SARS-COV-2 consensus antigen can be modified for improved expression. Modification can include codon optimization, RNA optimization, addition of a kozak sequence for increased translation initiation, and/or the addition of an immunoglobulin leader sequence to increase the immunogenicity of the SARS-COV-2 antigen. In some embodiments the SARS-COV-2 antigen includes an IgE leader.
In some embodiments, the invention provides a cocktail of antibodies comprising at least two, at least three, at least four or more than four antibodies of the invention or fragments thereof. In one embodiment, an exemplary cocktail of the invention comprises at least one class I synthetic antibody, including but not limited to, 2196, 2381 and REGN10933 synthetic antibodies, and at least one class II synthetic antibody, including but not limited to, 2130, C121 and C144 synthetic antibodies.
In some embodiments, the antibody cocktail of the invention comprises a combination of 2196 and 2130 synthetic mAbs. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of dMAb AZD5396 and dMAb AZD8076. In one embodiment, the combination of of dMAb AZD5396 and dMAb AZD8076 comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO:74. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO: 58 and SEQ ID NO:74. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:57 and SEQ ID NO:73. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO: 99, SEQ ID NO: 100, SEQ ID NO: 101 and SEQ ID NO: 102.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:9.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 10. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:9.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:3, SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO: 11.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO:6, SEQ ID NO:8 and SEQ ID NO: 12. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO:5, SEQ ID NO:7 and SEQ ID NO:11.
In some embodiments, the combination of 2196 and 2130 synthetic mAbs comprises a combination of a light chain of SEQ ID NO:2, and a heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 4 or SEQ ID NO:6, and a light chain of SEQ ID NO:8 and a heavy chain selected from SEQ ID NO:88, SEQ ID NO:90, SEQ ID NO:92, SEQ ID NO:94, SEQ ID NO:96 and SEQ ID NO:98. In some embodiments, the combination of 2196 and 2130 synthetic mAbs comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO: 1 encoding a light chain, and SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO:5 encoding heavy chain, and SEQ ID NO:7 encoding a light chain and SEQ ID NO:87, SEQ ID NO:89, SEQ ID NO:91, SEQ ID NO:93, SEQ ID NO:95 and SEQ ID NO:97 encoding a heavy chain.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO: 74. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO: 74. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:57 and SEQ ID NO: 73.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:76, SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO: 74. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO: 76, SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO: 74. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO: 75, SEQ ID NO:57 and SEQ ID NO: 73.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO:60. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:66, SEQ ID NO:68, SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO:60. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO:67, SEQ ID NO:57 and SEQ ID NO: 69.
In one embodiment, an exemplary cocktail of the invention comprises at least one class I synthetic antibody, including but not limited to, 2196, 2381 and REGN10933 synthetic antibodies, and at least one class III synthetic antibody, including but not limited to, REGN10987 and C135 synthetic antibodies. In some embodiments, the antibody cocktail of the invention comprises a combination of REGN10933 and REGN10987 synthetic mAbs, or nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38 and SEQ ID NO:40. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:34, SEQ ID NO:36, SEQ ID NO:38 and SEQ ID NO:40. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO:33, SEQ ID NO:35, SEQ ID NO:37 and SEQ ID NO: 39.
In one embodiment, an exemplary cocktail of the invention comprises at least one class II synthetic antibody, including but not limited to, 2130, C121 and C144 synthetic antibodies, and at least one class III synthetic antibody, including but not limited to, REGN10987 and C135 synthetic antibodies. In some embodiments, the antibody cocktail of the invention comprises a combination of C135 and C144 synthetic mAbs, or nucleic acid molecules encoding the same. For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:50 and SEQ ID NO:52. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding SEQ ID NO:46, SEQ ID NO: 48, SEQ ID NO:50 and SEQ ID NO:52. In one non-limiting embodiment, the invention comprises a combination of nucleic acid molecules comprising SEQ ID NO: 45, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:49 and SEQ ID NO:51.
The present invention also provides a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease in a subject in need thereof by administering a combination of the synthetic antibody and one or more additional agent. In one embodiment, the additional agent is an additional therapeutic agent. In one embodiment the additional therapeutic agent is an additional therapeutic antibody. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is an antiviral agent. In one embodiment, the therapeutic is an antibiotic agent. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a small-molecule drug or biologic.
The present invention also provides a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease in a subject in need thereof by administering a combination of the synthetic antibody and at least one additional therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the additional therapeutic agent is an additional SARS-COV-2 synthetic antibody or nucleic acid molecule encoding the same. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is an antiviral agent. In one embodiment, the therapeutic is an antibiotic agent. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a SARS-COV-2 vaccine. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a small-molecule drug or biologic. In one embodiment, the therapeutic agent is methylprednisolone. In some embodiments, the method comprises administering a single dosage of 120 mg of methylprednisolone following the final administration of the combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding dMAb AZD5396 and dMAb AZD8076.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease in a subject in need thereof by administering a combination of a) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding a first SARS-COV-2 synthetic antibody; and b) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding a second SARS-COV-2 synthetic antibody. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered concurrently, simultaneously, essentially simultaneously or within the same treatment protocol. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered consecutively.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease in a subject in need thereof by administering a combination of a) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding a SARS-CoV-2 synthetic antibody; and b) methylprednisolone. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered concurrently. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered consecutively. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered at least once as part of a treatment protocol.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease in a subject in need thereof by administering a combination of a) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding dMAb AZD5396; and b) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding dMAb AZD8076. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered concurrently, simultaneously, essentially simultaneously or within the same treatment protocol. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered consecutively. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered on day 0 of a treatment regimen. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered on day 0 and again on day 3 of a treatment protocol.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease in a subject in need thereof by administering a combination of a) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding a first SARS-COV-2 synthetic antibody; b) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding a second SARS-COV-2 synthetic antibody and c) methylprednisolone. In some embodiments, a), b) and c) are administered concurrently, simultaneously, essentially simultaneously or within the same treatment protocol. In some embodiments, a), b), and c) are administered consecutively. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered at least once as part of a treatment protocol.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating, protecting against, and/or preventing disease in a subject in need thereof by administering a combination of a) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding a first SARS-COV-2 synthetic antibody; b) one or more nucleic acid molecule encoding a second SARS-COV-2 synthetic antibody on day 0 and again on day 3 of a treatment protocol and c) methylprednisolone. In some embodiments, a), b) and c) are administered concurrently. In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered concurrently and c) is administered after the final administration of a) and b). In some embodiments, a) and b) are administered concurrently on day 0 and again on day 3 of a treatment protocol, and c) is administered following the administration of a) and b) on day 3.
One or more synthetic antibody and one or more additional therapeutic agent, or the synthetic antibody cocktail, may be administered using any suitable method such that a combination of one or more synthetic antibody and therapeutic agent are both present in the subject. In one embodiment, the method may comprise administration of a first composition comprising a synthetic antibody or cocktail of the invention by any of the methods described in detail above and administration of a second composition comprising a therapeutic agent less than 1, less than 2, less than 3, less than 4, less than 5, less than 6, less than 7, less than 8, less than 9 or less than 10 days following administration of the synthetic antibody or cocktail. In one embodiment, the method may comprise administration of a first composition comprising a synthetic antibody or cocktail of the invention by any of the methods described in detail above and administration of a second composition comprising a therapeutic agent more than 1, more than 2, more than 3, more than 4, more than 5, more than 6, more than 7, more than 8, more than 9 or more than 10 days following administration of the synthetic antibody or cocktail. In one embodiment, the method may comprise administration of a first composition comprising a therapeutic agent and administration of a second composition comprising a synthetic antibody or cocktail of the invention by any of the methods described in detail above less than 1, less than 2, less than 3, less than 4, less than 5, less than 6, less than 7, less than 8, less than 9 or less than 10 days following administration of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the method may comprise administration of a first composition comprising a therapeutic agent and administration of a second composition comprising a synthetic antibody or cocktail of the invention by any of the methods described in detail above more than 1, more than 2, more than 3, more than 4, more than 5, more than 6, more than 7, more than 8, more than 9 or more than 10 days following administration of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the method may comprise administration of a first composition comprising a synthetic antibody or cocktail of the invention by any of the methods described in detail above and a second composition comprising a therapeutic agent concurrently. In one embodiment, the method may comprise administration of a first composition comprising a synthetic antibody or cocktail of the invention by any of the methods described in detail above and a second composition comprising a synthetic antibody or cocktail of the invention by any of the methods described in detail above and a third composition comprising a therapeutic agent concurrently. In one embodiment, the method may comprise administration of a single composition comprising a synthetic antibody or cocktail of the invention and a therapeutic agent.
In some embodiments, the invention provides a method of treating or preventing a disease or disorder associated with SARS-COV-2 infection, the method comprising administering a combination of a first composition comprising a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding a first anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody and a second composition comprising a combination of nucleic acid molecules encoding a second anti-SARS-COV-2 antibody, wherein
In some embodiments, each of the first and second composition are administered concurrently at two different injection sites on day 0 of a treatment regimen.
In some embodiments, the method comprises a total administration of 0.5 mg nucleic acid from the first composition and 0.5 mg nucleic acid from the second composition, for a total administration of 1.0 mg nucleic acid.
In some embodiments, the method comprises a total administration of 1.0 mg nucleic acid from the first composition and 1.0 mg nucleic acid from the second composition, for a total administration of 2.0 mg nucleic acid.
In some embodiments, each of the first and second composition are administered concurrently at two different injection sites on day 0 and again on day 3 of a treatment regimen.
In some embodiments, the method comprises a total administration of 0.5 mg nucleic acid from the first composition and 0.5 mg nucleic acid from the second composition, for a total administration of 1.0 mg nucleic acid on each of days 0 and 3.
In some embodiments, the method comprises a total administration of 1.0 mg nucleic acid from the first composition and 1.0 mg nucleic acid from the second composition, for a total administration of 2.0 mg nucleic acid on each of days 0 and 3.
In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering a single dose of 120 mg methylprednisolone following the final administration of the combination of the first composition and the second composition.
In some embodiments, a synthetic antibody or antibody cocktail of the invention can be administered in combination with one or more additional antibiotic agent. Non-limiting examples of antibiotics that can be used in combination with the synthetic antibody of the invention include aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, amikacin, tobramycin), quinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin), cephalosporins (e.g., ceftazidime, cefepime, cefoperazone, cefpirome, ceftobiprole), antipseudomonal penicillins: carboxypenicillins (e.g., carbenicillin and ticarcillin) and ureidopenicillins (e.g., mezlocillin, azlocillin, and piperacillin), carbapenems (e.g., meropenem, imipenem, doripenem), polymyxins (e.g., polymyxin B and colistin) and monobactams (e.g., aztreonam).
In one embodiment, one or more synthetic antibody is generated in vitro or ex vivo. For example, in one embodiment, a nucleic acid encoding a synthetic antibody can be introduced and expressed in an in vitro or ex vivo cell. Methods of introducing and expressing genes into a cell are known in the art. In the context of an expression vector, the vector can be readily introduced into a host cell, e.g., mammalian, bacterial, yeast, or insect cell by any method in the art. For example, the expression vector can be transferred into a host cell by physical, chemical, or biological means.
Physical methods for introducing a polynucleotide into a host cell include calcium phosphate precipitation, lipofection, particle bombardment, microinjection, electroporation, and the like. Methods for producing cells comprising vectors and/or exogenous nucleic acids are well-known in the art. See, for example, Sambrook et al. (2012, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York). A preferred method for the introduction of a polynucleotide into a host cell is calcium phosphate transfection.
Biological methods for introducing a polynucleotide of interest into a host cell include the use of DNA and RNA vectors. Viral vectors, and especially retroviral vectors, have become the most widely used method for inserting genes into mammalian, e.g., human cells. Other viral vectors can be derived from lentivirus, poxviruses, herpes simplex virus I, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses, and the like. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,350,674 and 5,585,362.
Chemical means for introducing a polynucleotide into a host cell include colloidal dispersion systems, such as macromolecule complexes, nanocapsules, microspheres, beads, and lipid-based systems including oil-in-water emulsions, micelles, mixed micelles, and liposomes. An exemplary colloidal system for use as a delivery vehicle in vitro and in vivo is a liposome (e.g., an artificial membrane vesicle).
In the case where a non-viral delivery system is utilized, an exemplary delivery vehicle is a liposome or lipid nanoparticle. The use of lipid formulations is contemplated for the introduction of the nucleic acids into a host cell (in vitro, ex vivo or in vivo). In another aspect, the nucleic acid may be associated with a lipid. The nucleic acid associated with a lipid may be encapsulated in the aqueous interior of a liposome, interspersed within the lipid bilayer of a liposome, attached to a liposome via a linking molecule that is associated with both the liposome and the oligonucleotide, entrapped in a liposome, complexed with a liposome, dispersed in a solution containing a lipid, mixed with a lipid, combined with a lipid, contained as a suspension in a lipid, contained or complexed with a micelle, or otherwise associated with a lipid. Lipid, lipid/DNA or lipid/expression vector associated compositions are not limited to any particular structure in solution. For example, they may be present in a bilayer structure, as micelles, or with a “collapsed” structure. They may also simply be interspersed in a solution, possibly forming aggregates that are not uniform in size or shape. Lipids are fatty substances which may be naturally occurring or synthetic lipids. For example, lipids include the fatty droplets that naturally occur in the cytoplasm as well as the class of compounds which contain long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons and their derivatives, such as fatty acids, alcohols, amines, amino alcohols, and aldehydes.
The present invention has multiple aspects, illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.
The present invention is further illustrated in the following Examples. It should be understood that these Examples, while demonstrating some embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Thus, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.
The synthetic DNA-encoded monoclonal antibody (DMAb) platform has shown preclinical promise as a strategy for the in vivo delivery of functional antibodies against infectious diseases, offering numerous potential advantages in terms of production, distribution and in vivo durability compared to traditional mAb therapy. This is achieved through the facilitated delivery of optimized, synthetic plasmids that drive the in vivo expression, assembly and systemic distribution of encoded immunoglobulin (Patel et al., 2020, BioDrugs, 34 (3): 273-293). While initial studies documented the ability to deliver modest levels of DMAbs against several pathogens (Muthumani et al., 2016, J Infect Dis, 214:369-78; Flingai et al., 2015, Sci Rep, 5:12616; Elliott et al., 2017, NPJ Vaccines, 2:18; Esquivel et al., 2019, Mol Ther, 27:974-85), recent studies aimed to improve in vivo expression and potency using a number of approaches (Patel et al., 2017, Nat Commun, 8:637; Patel et al., 2018, Cell Rep. 25:1982-1993 e4; Wise et al., 2020, J Clin Invest, 130:827-37; Parzych et al., 2021, MBio, 12:1-13). In vivo-launched DMAbs demonstrate functional activity and potency equivalent to their recombinant counterparts, conferring protection against challenge in both small and large animal models (Esquivel et al., 2019, Mol Ther, 27:974-85; Wise et al., 2020, J Clin Invest, 130:827-37; McNee et al., 2020, J Immunol, 205:648-60). Due to continuous in vivo production, serum DMAb can often be detected at or above protective levels for a prolonged period of time in small animal models compared to recombinant (protein) IgG (Patel et al., 2018, Cell Rep, 25:1982-1993 e4; Wise et al., 2020, J Clin Invest, 130:827-37). Importantly, the ability to concurrently deliver and express multiple functional DMAbs in vivo has also been established (Wise et al., 2020, J Clin Invest, 130:827-37). DMAbs targeting SARS-COV-2 could serve as a potentially important strategy to bypass the hurdles associated with bioprocessing, distribution and delivery of traditional mAb therapy, providing an additional tool for impacting COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the ability of nucleic-based approaches to rapidly develop and deliver clinically effective interventions against infectious pathogens. These hold potential as novel avenues to administer a diverse set of biologically functional molecules to vulnerable and at-risk populations. Validated mAb clones 2196, 2130 and 2381 were focused on due to their striking cross-strain potency, and a series of plasmids was generated which were designed to optimize in vivo expression levels. A series pK studies conducted in both BALB/c and K-18 mice demonstrated the successful expression of functional antibodies using single plasmid constructs, the titers of which were further improved with dual plasmid approaches and additional Fc-engineering without detectible loss in potency. Continued in vivo mAb production is a unique advantage of the DNA platform relative to traditional recombinant wildtype IgG that has a serum half-life of approximately 21 days. Peak in vivo titers of Fc variants ranged from 13-50 ug/mL which were maintained at significant levels for at least 80 days. With continued platform development and engineering modifications to improve half-life, this could potentially lower the need for repeated drug delivery.
Here, it is demonstrated that plasmid-launched DMAbs possess molecular and functional profiles comparable to their recombinant counterparts both in vitro and in vivo. Antiviral activity of serum-derived 2130 and 2196-based DMAbs against pseudotyped and authentic SARS-COV-2 (WA1/2020) was extremely high, with IC50 values in the low ng/ml range. Moreover, in vivo efficacy of was evaluated using two established murine models of SARS-COV-2. In an AAV6.2FF-hACE-2 model, DMAbs 2196, 2130 and 2381 (FcWT variants) reduced lung viral burden by 1-2 logs, a similar degree of reduction as achieved with a 200 μg dose of the recombinant mAbs using a similar Ad5-hACE2 model (Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9). Infection of transgenic K-18 mice results in a more stringent, lethal challenge. When administered as prophylactic monotherapies, 2196- and 2130-based DMAbs (FcTM variants) significantly reduced viral burden at mucosal sites, preventing major weight-loss, pathology and providing 100% protection compared to the naïve group in which all animals succumbed to infection. Additionally, co-administration and expression of 2196 and 2130-based DMAbs facilitated complete viral control in all cocktail-treated mice following lethal challenge. This not only conferred 100% survival, but also protected the lungs from all evidence of SARS-COV-2-mediated pathology and clinical disease. Recent studies reported similar protection against lethal challenge with SARS-COV-2 (WA1/2020) as well as numerous variant strains in K-18 mice using a 40 ug dose of recombinant 2196/2130 mAb cocktail (Chen et al., 2021, Nature, 596:103-8). Given the above data, it is likely that comparable protection against variant strains would be achieved by the DMAb cocktail following plasmid delivery. Interestingly, similar protection from disease and pathology was mediated by both FcWT and FcTM variants, indicating that Fc-mediated effector mechanisms are not detrimental to their function or safety profiles. This is consistent with preclinical (Winkler et al., 2021, Cell, 184:1804-1820.e16; Suryadevara et al., 2021, Cell, 184:2316-2331.e15; Schäfer et al., 2020, J Exp Med, 218; Ullah et al., 2021, Immunity, 54:2143-2158.e15) and clinical studies which have reported no indication of ADE in SARS-COV-2 (Gottlieb et al., 2021, JAMA, 325:632-44; Dougan et al., 2021, N Engl J Med, 385 (15): 1382-1392; Wu et al., 2021, Antimicrob Agents Chemother, 65 (8): e0035021). Effector function antibodies may provide potential benefits in immune clearance especially in the therapeutic setting. The data supports that such modifications do not have negative impact in this animal model supporting their further study in this context.
As SARS-COV-2 continues to evolve, it is imperative that interventions remain effective against viral variants. Similar to recent reports of recombinant 2196 and 2130 mAbs, in vivo-launched DMAbs largely maintain activity against the current major variants of interest; 2130-based DMAbs demonstrate comparable neutralizing capacity (<3-fold reduction) against all SARS-COV-2 variant pseudotyped viruses while DMAbs 2196 and 2381. Class I mAbs, show a modest reduction in the binding to and neutralization (<3 to 9-fold reduction) of spike variants containing mutations at position 486, a key residue commonly found within the Class I binding epitopes. Despite this reduction, the serum functionality following plasmid delivery of 2196-based DMAbs remained high (ID50>103) against all viral strains due to its exceptional molecular potency and significant expression profile. When administered in combination, the 2196 and 2130 DMAb pair achieves optimal activity against the parental WA1/2020 strain that is maintained (<3-fold reduction) against all strains tested, including the highly transmissible and rampant Delta (B.1.617.2) variant currently responsible for the vast majority of global cases. When compared to additional DMAb clones, 2196 and 2130 demonstrated superior cross-strain potency which supports their continued development. Together, these studies demonstrate the flexibility and promise of DNA-based approaches for the rapid design, evaluation and delivery of effective immunotherapeutics. Nucleic acid approaches, including DNA-encoded alternatives, may broaden the applications of traditional bioprocessed products, potentially expanding their indications and improving accessibility to life-saving therapeutics.
The mature variable heavy (VH) and light (VL) domains of the selected mAb clones were optimized at the DNA and RNA levels. Synthetic inserts encoding the heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) genes for each clone were designed, containing a leader sequence(s) and the optimized VH or VL sequences followed by the corresponding constant domains (CH and CL, respectively) of wildtype human IgG1 (hFcWT). These were and inserted into a modified mammalian expression vector (pVax) under the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) promoter between an IgG leader sequence and a bovine grown hormone (BGH) poly A signal using single or dual plasmid approaches. In single plasmid constructs (pHC/LC), matching genes were encoded in cis and separated by a porcine teschovirus-1 2A peptide/furin cleavage site. For dual plasmid systems, separate light chain plasmids (pLC) and heavy chain plasmids (pHC_hFcWT) were generated for each clone. An additional HC variant, pHC_hFcTM, was generated for selected clones containing a triple mutation (L234F/L235E/P331S) known to nullify effector functions of hIgG1.
In vitro expression of DNA plasmids was performed in Expi293F™ suspension cells (A14527: Thermo). Cells suspension was maintained in Expi293™ Expression Medium (A1435101) at 37° C./8% CO2 conditions and transfected using the Expi293F™ Expression System Kit (A14635: Thermo). All transfection parameters (cell concentrations, culture volumes, DNA dilutions, incubation times, reagent preparations, etc.) were determined according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Briefly, cells were seeded 6-well culture plates at 1×106 cells/mL. DMAb plasmid(s) were diluted in OPTI-MEM media (1 μg/mL) and mixed with EpiFectamine. DNA:lipid mixtures were incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature (RT) to allow for complex formation and then added, dropwise, to cells. All constructs were tested in duplicate. Enhancers were added 18-22 hrs later, as instructed. Clarified culture supernatants were harvested 4-5 days post-transfection and stored at −20° C. prior to analysis.
These studies were performed in five-to-eight-week-old BALB/C (pK studies, AAV-hACE2 challenge/Exp1) and K-18 (pK studies, lethal challenges/Exp 2+3) mouse strains. Transgenic K-18 mice (B6.Cg-Tg (K18-ACE2) 2Prlmn/J; 034860) express the gene for human angiotensin 1 converting enzyme (hACE2) in the airway epithelia under a human keratin 18 (KRT18) mice. These were purchased from The Jackson Laboratory and housed in The Wistar Institute animal facility. All procedures were performed in accordance with the guidelines from the Wistar Institute Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) under approved protocols 201399 and 201464. For all DMAb administrations, 50-200 μg of total plasmid DNA was formulated in water supplemented with hyaluronidase (12 U/injection; Sigma) and injected into the tibialis anterior(s) and/or quadricep muscle(s). Injections were followed by the delivery of two 0.1 Amp electric constant current square-wave pulses by the CELLECTRA-3P electroporation device (Inovio Pharmaceuticals) to facilitate plasmid uptake. To prevent xenogenic responses against human DMAbs, T cell depletion (Anti-CD4+/CD8+ mAbs, 200 μg/mouse, given intraperitoneally) was performed at the time of plasmid injection. For pK studies, sera were periodically collected via submandibular bleed to determine expression levels, durability and functionality. For bronchoalveolar lavage isolation (BAL), animals were euthanized and lungs were flushed by with 900 ul of PBS supplemented with 0.05% NaN3, 0.05% Tween-20, 2% 0.5M EDTA and protease inhibitor using a 20G blunt ended needle. BAL fluid was heat-inactivated for 20 m at 56° C. and stored at −20° C. prior to analysis. For efficacy studies, DMAb-treated mice were shipped to collaborators at Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) or transferred to BioQual, Inc. for challenge with SARS-COV-2 (see SARS COV-2 Challenge methods below). Further experimental details for individual in vivo pk and efficacy studies are indicated in the appropriate figure(s).
For quantification of DMAb in supernatant or mouse serum, NUNC 96-well MaxiSorp plates (Sigma M9410-ICS) were coated with 5 ug/ml goat anti-human IgG-Fc (Bethyl Cat #A80-104A) diluted in 1×PBS overnight at 4° C. The following day, plates were washed 4 times with 0.05% PBS-T and were blocked with 5% non-fat dry milk in PBS for 1 hr at room temperature (RT). Plates were washed and incubated with duplicate samples, diluted in 1% newborn calf serum (NCS) in 0.2% PBS-T for 1 hr at RT. Plates were washed and incubated with 1:10000 HRP-conjugated goat anti-human IgG-Fc (Bethyl Cat #A80-104P) diluted in 1% NCS in 0.2% PBS-T for 1 hr at RT. Finally, washed plates were developed with 1-Step™ Ultra TMB-ELISA Substrate Solution (Thermo Scientific Cat #34028) for 2 min followed by quenching with 2N H2SO4. Plates were read at 450 nm on the BioTek Synergy 2 (Biotek) plate reader. Blank wells were included on each plate and subtracted as background. Purified human IgG/Lambda (Bethyl Cat #P80-112) was used to create a standard curve for quantification (ug/mL). Positive control sample was included on each plate and used to standardize values across assays. Data were subsequently exported to Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Graphpad Prism version 8.
Binding ELISAs were used to confirm the epitope specificities of DMAbs 2130, 2196 and 2381 and evaluate their relative reactivity to recombinant RBDs containing common mutations found within arising variants of concern. For epitope specificity, NUNC 96-well MaxiSorp plates were coated with recombinant RBD proteins (3 μg/mL in 1×PBS) containing mutations at residues F444A (RBD-F444A) or F486 (RBD-F486A) (kindly provided by AstraZeneca), which are key residues required for the binding of clones 2130 and 2196/2381, respectively. To evaluate the relative binding to RBDs from VoC, the following coating antigens were used (3 μg/mL in 1×PBS): SARS-COV-2 Spike RBD-His Recombinant Protein (Sino Biologicals Cat #40592-V08B), Spike S1 (D614G)-His Recombinant Protein (40591-V08H3), RBD-His K417N (Sino Biologicals 40592-V08H59), RBD-His E484K (Sino Biologicals 40592-V08H84), RBD-His N501Y (Sino Biologicals 40592-V08H82), Spike S1 K417N E484K N501Y D614G (Sino Biologicals 40591-V08H10). ELISA procedure was completed as described above (see IgG Quantification section).
96-well Flat-Bottom Half-Area plates (Corning) were coated at room temperature for 8 hours with 1 μg/mL 6×-His tag polyclonal antibody (PA1-983B, ThermoFisher), followed by overnight blocking with blocking buffer containing 5% milk/1×PBS/0.01% Tween-20 at 4° C. The plates were then incubated with RBD at 1 μg/mL at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Sera harvested from DMAb-treated mice either were serially diluted 3-fold starting at 1:20 with dilution buffer (5% milk/1×PBS/0.01% Tween-20), added to the plate and incubated at RT for 1-2 hrs. Human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2-IgHu) antibody was biotinylated using Novus Biologicals Lightning-Link rapid type A Biotin antibody labeling kit (NovusBio, 370-0010) according to protocol. The biotinylated ACE2-IgHu was added to wells at a constant concentration of 0.5 μg/ml diluted with the dilution buffer and incubated at RT for 1 hour. The plates were further incubated at room temperature for 1 hour with native streptavidin-HRP (Abcam, ab7403) at 1:15,000 dilution followed by addition of TMB substrates (ThermoFisher), and then quenched with IM H2SO4. Absorbances at 450 nm and 570 nm were recorded with a BioTek plate reader. Four washes were performed between every incubation step using PBS and 0.05% Tween-20. The assay was performed in triplicates and the average of the absorbance value was determined. The average absorbance of the lowest dilutions with saturating ACE2 signals was calculated to get a maximum ACE2 binding and no blocking. Each average absorbance value was subtracted from the maximum to get an ACE2 blocking curve. The blocking titer is defined as the reciprocal of the highest dilution where two consecutive dilutions have readings below zero. The maximum area under the curve is determined by calculating the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of full ACE2 binding without the competitor. The AUC of the competitor is then subtracted from the maximum AUC to get the area between the curves (blocking Area) and is the measure of ACE2 blocking. The fraction ACE2 blocking is defined as the fraction of the blocking area to the maximum AUC.
HEK293T (Vendor?) were maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin streptomycin (P/S) antibiotic in 37° C./5% CO2 conditions. To create SARS-COV-2 pseudoviruses, Gene jammer (Agilent) was used to transfect cells with 1:1 ratio of pNL4-3. Luc. R-E-plasmid (NIH AIDS reagent) along with various of synthetic plasmids (Genscript) expressing the wildtype spike protein (derived from isolate USA-WA1/2020) or mutated spikes derived from variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.617.2 (Delta) or B.1.526 (Iota); see
Live SARS-Related Coronavirus 2, Isolate USA-WA1/2020, was obtained through BEI Resources (NIAID, NIH; NR-52281) and contained within the BSL-3 facility at the Wistar Institute. Vero cells (ATCC CCL-81) were maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Viral propagation and titration were achieved as previously described. Briefly, the USA-WA1/2020 virus stock was serially diluted in DMEM with 1% FBS and transferred in replicates of 8 to previously seeded Vero cells and incubated for five days under 37° C./5% CO2 conditions. Individual wells were then scored positive or negative for the presence of cytopathic effect (CPE) by examination under a light microscope. The virus titer (TCID50/mL) was calculated using the Reed-Munch method and the published Microsoft Excel-based calculator. For neutralization assays, Vero cells were seeded in DMEM with 1% FBS at 20,000 cells/well in 96 well flat bottom plates and incubated overnight. Samples were heat-inactivated at 56° C. for 30 minutes and then serially diluted in triplicates. These were incubated for 1 hr at RT with 300 TCID50/mL of virus before the mixture was transferred to previously seeded Vero cells and incubated for 5 days. Viral titer (TCID50) was determined as described above.
SARS-COV-2 Challenges: hACE2-AAV Model
Female BALB/C mice (n=10/group) were treated with the indicated DMAb plasmid formulations (200 μg/mouse; see Animals and in vivo DMAb delivery methods) and shipped to PHAC for evaluation using the previously validated hACE2-AAV model (Gary et al., 2021, IScience, 24:102699). Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane 14 days post-plasmid delivery and administered 1×1011 viral copies of AAV6.2FF-hACE2 intranasally (50 uL) to facilitate expression of hACE2 in the lungs of recipient mice. One week later (D21 post-plasmid delivery), pre-challenge blood samples were collected by prior to intranasal challenge with 1×105 PFU (50 uL) of SARS-COV-2 virus (hCoV-19/Canada/ON-VIDO-01/2020; GISAID #EPI_ISL_425177). Controls include a group of non-AAV transduced animals (insusceptible; negative control) and a group of AAV-transduced/non-DMAb treated animals (susceptible; positive control). Following challenge, animals were monitored daily for signs of clinical disease and euthanized 4 days post-infection, at which time lung tissue was collected for viral quantification. Levels of viral RNA (copies/g lung tissue) for each animal were determined via qPCR.
Male or female K-18 mice (n=12/group) were treated with the indicated DMAb plasmid formulations (200 μg/mouse; see Animals and in vivo DMAb delivery methods) and transferred to BioQual Inc. for evaluation in a lethal SARS-COV-2 challenge model. Baseline sera samples and body weights were collected prior to challenge. Mice were anesthetized and intranasally (50 uL) infected with 2.8×103 PFU (SARS-COV-2/human/USA/WA-CDC-WA1/2020USA_WA1/2020; GenBank Acc: MN985325). Animals were monitored daily following challenge for clinical signs of disease (visual scoring, weight-loss, etc.); euthanasia criteria included moribund scoring and/or weight-loss of >20% (vs. pre-challenge starting weight). At D4 post-challenge, a subset of each group (n=4) were sacrificed to assess viral titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates of challenged mice via TCID50 assay. Lung tissue was also collected and processed for histopathology (H&E staining). Gross and microscopic scoring of lung sections was conducted, using the following scale that reflects the intensity and pervasiveness of observed histopathological change: Grade 1 (1+): minimal, <10%; Grade 2 (2+): mild, 10-25%; Grade 3 (3+): moderate, 25-75%; Grade 4 (4+): marked, 75-95%; Grade 5 (5+): severe >95%. Additional experimental details individual K-18 challenges are provided in the appropriate figure(s).
Statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism 9 software. Nonparametric tests were performed due to small group sizes. Mann-Whitney U tests were used when comparing means of two groups and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric rank-sum tests followed by Dunn's post hoc analysis were conducted to compare three or more groups. Survival curves were analyzed using Mantel-Cox log-rank test tests. In all cases, P values <0.05 were considered significant and denoted as *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, and ****P<0.0001.
Anti-SARS-COV-2 clones 2130, 2196 and 2381 are three highly potent nAbs originally described at Vanderbilt Medical Center prior to licensure by AstraZeneca (Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9). Derived from different SARS-COV-2 mAb classes, clones 2196 and 2130 target non-redundant and complementary epitopes within the receptor binding domain of SARS-COV-2 spike protein (S-RBD) that overlap with the ACE-2 binding site to meditate neutralization (
To determine the in vivo expression levels of initial DMAb constructs, plasmids were delivered intramuscularly to wildtype mice (BALB/c) followed by electroporation (CELLECTRA-EP) at the site of injection to facilitate uptake (Broderick et al., 2014, Expert Rev Vaccines, 14:195-204). Serum DMAb levels were detected over time following administration. Levels consistently increased, peaking at 6-10 ug/mL by D21 (
Various engineering approaches have been studied to enhance in vivo DMAb expression, focusing on strategic plasmid modifications that promote translation, processing and assembly of IgG in vivo (Elliott et al., 2017, PJ Vaccines, 2:18; Patel et al., 2018, Cell Rep, 25:1982-1993 e4). It was sought to further improve SARS-COV-2 DMAb titers and optimize in vivo efficacy through construct reconfiguration using a dual plasmid system wherein each Ig chain is encoded separately (
In addition to constructs bearing wildtype IgG (FcWT), which is capable of Fc-mediated effector engagement, an additional variant of each DMAb was generated containing triple-residue modifications (“TM”; L234F/L235E/P331S) in the Fc domain that abrogate these immune effector functions (Oganesyan et al., 2008, Acta Crystallogr Sect D Biol Crystallogr, 64:700-4) (
Prophylactic delivery of optimized 2196 and 2130-based DMAbs protects mice against SARS-COV-2 lethal challenge
The in vivo efficacy of optimized DMAbs was next evaluated using a more stringent, lethal challenge model of transgenic mice (K-18 strain) that express human ACE2 under the cytokeratin 18 (K18) promotor, allowing the development of clinical symptoms, progressive disease, lung pathology and mortality following challenge (McCray et al., 2007, J Virol, 81:813-21; Winkler et al., 2020, Nat Immunol, 21 (11): 1327-35) (
In Vivo-Launched DMAb Cocktails Mediate Superior Viral Control and Protection from Lethal SARS-COV-2 Infection
Previous reports demonstrated the complimentary and synergistic nature of mAbs 2130 and 2196 (Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9; Dong et al., 2021, Nat Microbiol 6, 1233-1244). The protection afforded by co-delivery of DMAbs 2196_FcTM and 2130_FcTM (TM/TM cocktail) was evaluated, similar to the AZD7442 clinical candidate. Further, an alternate cocktail containing DMAbs 2196_FcTM and 2130_FcWT (TM/WT cocktail) was tested to assess the effect of Fc-mediated effector function engagement on in vivo efficacy against lethal challenge (
A number of dominant SARS-COV-2 variants bearing mutations in the spike protein have been identified, including B.1.1.7 (Rambaut et al., 2020, VirologicalOrg, 2020:1-9), B.1.351 (Tegally et al., 2021, Nature, 592:438-43), P.1 (Naveca et al., VirologicalOrg, 2021), B.1.526 (Annavajhala et al., 2021, Nature, 597:703-708), B.1.617.2 (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Threat assessment brief: emergence of SARS-COV-2 B.1.617 variants in India and situation in the EU/EEA. 2021) among others. Substitutions that confer increased resistance to therapeutics are largely clustered in the RBD where they are more likely to interrupt epitope recognition by neutralizing mAbs (Starr et al., 2021, Cell Reports Med, Volume 2, Issue 4, 20 Apr. 2021, 100255; Greaney et al., 2021, Cell Host Microbe, 29:44-57.e9; Starr et al., 2021, Science, 371:850-4) (
Finally, it was sought to engineer additional DMAbs in order to broaden and diversify the SARS-COV-2 DMAb portfolio (
Optimized DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies (dMABs) were developed against SARS-COV-2 virus for prevention, treatment and/or diagnostic use, including treatment or prevention of a SARS-COV-2-mediated disease (e.g., COVID-19). Novel engineering approaches were used to develop dMABs for in vivo delivery with enhanced production including enhanced expression, processing, assembly, secretion and half-life (
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the value of nucleic acid approaches for the timely development and large-scale deployment of life-saving vaccines. However, the versatility of such platforms extends beyond antigen delivery, potentially allowing the administration of biologically functional therapeutics. Here, DMAb technology was utilized to induce in vivo expression of validated anti-SARS-CoV-2 clones COV2-2196 and COV2-2130 and compared them to the biologic forms (Dong et al., 2021, Nat. Microbiol. 6, 1233-1244; Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9; Zost et al., 2020, Nat Med, 26:1422-7). Pharmacokinetic studies conducted in both BALB/c and K-18 mice demonstrated that optimized expression was achieved with the dual plasmid system, resulting in higher peak DMAb serum titers and long-term expression exceeding 6 months. In a side-by-side evaluation, DMAbs exhibited prolonged kinetics relative to protein IgG which is a unique advantage of the DNA platform. Incorporation of the YTE modification, which improved the PK of clinical candidate AZD7442 in humans, also contributed to DMAb durability in hFcRn mice.
The molecular and functional profiles were characterized and it was found that the DMAbs were comparable to their protein counterparts both in vitro and in vivo (Dong et al., 2021, Nat. Microbiol. 6, 1233-1244; Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9; Zost et al., 2020, Nat Med, 26:1422-7). The potency of in vivo-launched DMAbs against pseudotyped and infectious SARS-COV-2 (USA-WA1/2020) was extremely high, with IC50 values in the low ng/ml range as previously described (Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9). In an AAV6.2FF-hACE-2 model, DMAbs administration reduced lung viral burden by 1-2 logs, a similar degree of control as achieved with a 200 μg dose of the recombinant mAbs in a similar Ad5-hACE2 model (Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9). Moreover, prophylactic delivery of DMAbs 2196(TM) and 2196(TM), individually or in combination, conferred complete protection in a lethal mouse model and reduced viral burden in a hamster challenge model by >4 logs. Similar protection from disease and pathology was mediated by both WT (m3) and TM(m3) DMAb cocktails, indicating that Fc-mediated effector mechanisms are not detrimental to their function or safety profiles in these models. Rather, effector functionalities of antibodies may provide potential benefits in immune clearance, particularly at lower levels (Winkler et al., 2021, Cell, 184:1804-1820.e16; Suryadevara et al., 2021, Cell, 184:2316-2331.e15; Schäfer et al., 2020, J Exp Med, 218; Ullah et al., 2021, Immunity, 54:2143-2158.e15). Importantly, efficacy of the WT (m3) cocktail against lethal challenge was remarkably similar following protein or DNA-delivery, demonstrating equivalency of DMAbs in vivo. These combined strategies of sequence optimization, plasmid engineering and Fc modifications to enhance durability and potency could potentially lower the need for repeated drug delivery.
In addition to kinetic and functional evaluation, the first-ever structures of nucleic acid-delivered, in vivo-produced antibodies were produced. Overall, in vivo analysis supports many of the in vitro structural studies for their protein counterparts. Consistent with initial electron microscopy studies (Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-9), these complexes confirmed that DMAb 2130 can recognize its epitope regardless of RBD positioning (‘in’ or ‘out’) while DMAb 2196 is restricted to the “out” confirmation. Epitope chemistry of each DMAb in the 2130/2196 cocktail was characterized, recapitulating essential structural features/interactions previously defined in crystal structures of 2130/2196/RBD complexes (Dong et al., 2021, Nat. Microbiol. 6, 1233-1244). These include the formation of a hydrophobic cage around RBD residue F486 by DMAb 2196 involving both heavy and light chain contacts. DMAb 2130 demonstrated extensive interactions with key RBD residue K444 with additional interactions noted. Fab-to-Fab h-bonding was also observed between 2196 and 2130 light chains that supported potential interactions previously described (Dong et al., 2021, Nat. Microbiol. 6, 1233-1244).
Moreover, additional evidence was found that the two antibodies interact in vivo in a potentially cooperative fashion. High-resolution cryo-EM of the full trimeric 2130/2196/S complex revealed not only simultaneous binding of 2130 and 2196 to a single spike protein in vivo, but their concurrent binding to multiple spikes within a trimer. This allowed for the visualization and measurement of the proximity of bound DMAbs at nearly full trimer occupancy (5/6 binding sites). Measurements of physical distances support a basis for IgG-to-IgG interactions within and between spikes of the same trimer. These data revealed that the cocktail greatly benefits from cooperative binding effect via Fab-to-Fab and IgG-to-IgG interactions, helping to visualize mechanisms that explain their striking potency. This, combined with their potential to form compensatory interactions with highly mutated SARS-COV-2 spike variants B.1.617.2 and B.1.1.529/BA.1, could explain their retained activity against all SARS-CoV-2 variants to date. Thus, a comprehensive understanding of the in vivo-produced 2196 and 2130 DMAb cocktail is provided that reveals broader insight into the properties of this valuable clinical mAb pair. Collectively, this rigorous interrogation of the DMAb approach supports its further development as a prophylactic/immunotherapeutic tool for SARS-COV-2 and future pandemic preparedness.
The mature variable heavy (VH) and light (VL) domains of the selected mAb clones were optimized at the DNA and RNA levels. Synthetic inserts encoding the heavy chain (HC) and light chain (LC) genes for each clone were designed, containing a leader sequence(s) and the optimized VH or VL sequences followed by the corresponding constant domains (CH and CL, respectively) of wildtype human IgG1 (WT). These were inserted into a modified mammalian expression vector (pVax) under the human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) promoter between an IgG leader sequence and a bovine grown hormone (BGH) polyA signal using single or dual plasmid approaches. In single plasmid constructs (pHC/LC), matching genes were encoded in cis and separated by a porcine teschovirus-1 2A peptide/furin cleavage site. For dual plasmid systems, separate light chain plasmids (pLC) and heavy chain plasmids (pHC_WT) were generated for each clone. An additional HC variant, pHC_TM, was generated for selected clones containing a triple mutation (L234F/L235E/P331S) known to nullify effector functions of hIgG1.
In vitro expression of DNA plasmids was performed in Expi293F™ suspension cells (Thermo Fisher Scientific; A14527). Cells suspension was maintained in Expi293™ Expression Medium (Thermo; A1435101) at 37° C./8% CO2 conditions and transfected using the Expi293F™ Expression System Kit (Thermo; A14635). All transfection parameters (cell concentrations, culture volumes, DNA dilutions, incubation times, reagent preparations, etc.) were determined according to the manufacturer's guidelines. For in vitro transfection, cells were seeded in 6-well culture plates at 1×106 cells/mL. HC/LC plasmid(s) encoding the indicated DMAbs were diluted in OPTI-MEM media (1 μg/mL; 1:1 ratio) and mixed with EpiFectamine transfection reagent. All constructs were tested in duplicate. DNA:lipid mixtures were incubated for 20 minutes at room temperature (RT) to allow for complex formation and then added, dropwise, to plated cells. Enhancers were added 18-22 hrs later, as instructed. Clarified culture supernatants were harvested via centrifugation 4-5 days post-transfection and stored at −20° C. prior to analysis.
Animal studies were performed in five-to-eight-week-old BALB/c, K-18 or hFcRn mice. Transgenic K-18 mice (B6.Cg-Tg (K18-ACE2) 2Prlmn/J; 034860; The Jackson Laboratory) express the gene for human angiotensin 1 converting enzyme (hACE2) in the airway epithelia under a human keratin 18 (KRT18) promotor and are susceptible to SARS-COV-2 infection, hFcRn mice (B6.Cg-Fcgrttm 1DerTg (FCGRT) 32Dcr/DcrJ; 014565; The Jackson Laboratory) carry a knock-out mutation for mouse Fcgrt and express the gene for human FCGRT under its native hTg32 promotor. This allows a more accurate evaluation of the in vivo kinetics of human IgG. All mice were purchased from certified vendors and housed in The Wistar Institute animal facility. All procedures were performed in accordance with the guidelines from the Wistar Institute Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) under approved protocols 201399 or 201464. For all DMAb administrations, 50-200 μg of total plasmid DNA was formulated in water supplemented with hyaluronidase (12 U/injection; Sigma) and injected into the tibialis anterior(s) and/or quadricep muscle(s). Injections were followed by the delivery of two 0.1 Amp electric constant current square-wave pulses by the CELLECTRA-3P electroporation device (Inovio Pharmaceuticals) to facilitate plasmid uptake. Recombinant 2196 and 2130 mAbs (100-200 μg/dose) were administered intraperitoneally. To prevent xenogenic responses against human DMAbs, T cell depletion (Anti-CD4+/CD8+ mAbs, 200 μg/mouse, given intraperitoneally) was performed at the time of plasmid/rIgG injection. For PK studies, sera were periodically collected via submandibular bleed to determine expression levels, durability and functionality. For bronchoalveolar lavage isolation (BAL), animals were euthanized and lungs were flushed with 900 μl of PBS supplemented with 0.05% NaN3, 0.05% Tween-20, 2% 0.5M EDTA and protease inhibitor using a 20G blunt ended needle. BAL fluid was heat-inactivated for 20 min at 56° C. and stored at −20° C. prior to analysis. For efficacy studies, DMAb-treated mice were shipped to collaborators at Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) or transferred to BioQual, Inc. for challenge with SARS-COV-2 (see SARS COV-2 Challenge methods below). Further experimental details for individual in vivo PK and efficacy studies are indicated in the appropriate Figure(s).
Culture supernatants were probed by Western blot for human IgG expression and presence of the YTE Fc modification. Sample lanes on two identical NuPAGE™ 4-12% Bris-Tris gels (Thermo) were loaded with supernatants containing the indicated DMAbs (200 ng/lane based on ELISA quantification). All samples were reduced with NuPAGE™ Sample Reducing Agent (10×) (Thermo) for 10 minutes at 70° C. prior to loading. After gel electrophoresis, samples were transferred to PVDF membrane Immobilon-FL (EMD Millipore; IPFL07810) using iBlot™ 2 system (Thermo). Membranes were blocked in OBB (Odyssey® Blocking Buffer; LI-COR) for 1 hour and washed with PBS-T (1% Tween-20) and probed with the indicated antibodies. The first gel was probed with mouse anti-beta actin IgG (Sigma: A5316-1000UL: diluted 1:5000 in OBB) as a loading control for 1 hour at RT and washed. hIgG DMAbs were visualized using Goat Anti-hIgG-IRDye-800CW secondary antibody (LI-COR; diluted 1:10,000 in OBB) and bound mouse anti-beta actin was detected with anti-mouse IgG-IRDye-680RD (LI-COR; diluted 1:10,000 in OBB). The second gel was also probed with mouse anti-beta actin IgG as a loading control as well as a rabbit anti-YTE IgG monoclonal antibody (AstraZeneca; diluted 1:5000 in OBB) to detect HCs containing the YTE modification for 1 hour at RT and washed. YTE-containing HCs and beta actin were visualized with Goat anti-rabbit IgG-IRDye-RD680 (LI-COR; diluted 1:10,000 in OBB) and Goat anti-mouse IgG-IRDye-RD680 (LI-COR; diluted 1:10,000 in OBB), respectively, for 1 hour at RT. Finally, membranes were washed three times and scanned using Odyssey® CLx Imager (LI-COR).
For quantification of DMAb in culture supernatants, NUNC 96-well MaxiSorp plates (Sigma; M9410-ICS) were coated with 5 μg/ml goat anti-human IgG-Fc (Bethyl; A80-104A) diluted in 1×PBS overnight at 4° C. The following day, plates were washed 4 times with 0.05% PBS-T and were blocked with 5% non-fat dry milk in PBS for 1 hr at room temperature (RT). Plates were washed and incubated with duplicate samples, diluted in 1% new born calf serum (NCS) in 0.2% PBS-T for 1 hr at RT. Plates were washed and incubated with 1:10000 HRP-conjugated goat anti-human IgG-Fc (Bethyl; A80-104P) diluted in 1% NCS in 0.2% PBS-T for 1 hr at RT. Finally, washed plates were developed with 1-Step™ Ultra TMB-ELISA Substrate Solution (Thermo; 34028) and quenched with 2N H2SO4. Plates were read at 450 nm on the BioTek Synergy 2 (Biotek) plate reader. Blank wells were included on each plate and subtracted as background. Purified human IgG (Bethyl; P80-112) was used to create a standard curve for quantification (ug/mL). Positive control sample was included on each plate and used to standardize values across assays. Data were subsequently exported to Microsoft Excel and analyzed using GraphPad Prism 9. Negative OD values (following background correction) were represented by zero for graphing purposes.
Binding ELISAs were used to confirm the epitope specificities of DMAbs 2130, 2196 and 2381. NUNC 96-well MaxiSorp plates were coated with recombinant RBD proteins (3 μg/mL in 1×PBS) containing mutations at residues F444A (RBD-F444A) or F486 (RBD-F486A) (AstraZeneca), which are key residues required for the binding of clones 2130 and 2196/2381, respectively. To evaluate the relative binding of each construct to different VoC, the following coating antigens were used (0.5-1 μg/mL in 1×PBS); SARS-COV-2 Spike RBD-His Recombinant Protein (Sino Biologicals; 40592-V08B), Spike S1 (D614G)-His Recombinant Protein (Sino Biologicals; 40591-V08H3), RBD-His K417N Recombinant Protein (Sino Biologicals; 40592-V08H59), RBD-His E484K Recombinant Protein (Sino Biologicals; 40592-V08H84), RBD-His N501Y (Sino Biologicals; 40592-V08H82), Spike S1-K417N/E484K/N501Y/D614G Recombinant Protein (Sino Biologicals; 40591-V08H10), B.1.1.529 (BA.1) S1+S2 Trimer-His Recombinant Protein (Sino Biologicals; 40589-V08H26). ELISA procedure was completed as described above (see IgG Quantification section).
ACE-2 Inhibition Assays
An established ACE-2 inhibition assay was performed (Walker et al., 2020, J. Clin. Microbiol, 58, e01533-20). Briefly, the ability of biotinylated, recombinant ACE2-IgHu to bind plate-bound SARS-COV-2 RBD protein in the presence of the indicated DMAb(s) was determined. 96-well Flat-Bottom Half-Area plates (Corning) were coated at room temperature for 8 hours with 1 μg/mL 6×-His tag polyclonal antibody (Thermo; PA1-983B) followed by overnight blocking with blocking buffer containing 5% milk/1×PBS/0.01% Tween-20 at 4° C. The plates were then incubated with RBD at 1 μg/mL at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Sera harvested from DMAb-treated mice either were serially diluted 3-fold starting at 1:20 with dilution buffer (5% milk/1×PBS/0.01% Tween-20), added to the plate and incubated at RT for 1-2 hrs. Human Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2-IgHu) antibody was biotinylated using Novus Biologicals Lightning-Link rapid type A Biotin antibody labeling kit (NovusBio; 370-0010) according to protocol. The biotinylated ACE2-IgHu was added to wells at a constant concentration of 0.5 μg/ml diluted with the dilution buffer and incubated at RT for 1 hour. The plates were further incubated at room temperature for 1 hour with native streptavidin-HRP (Abcam; ab7403) at 1:15,000 dilution followed by addition of TMB substrates (Thermo), and then quenched with IM H2SO4. Absorbances at 450 nm and 570 nm were recorded with a BioTek plate reader. Four washes were performed between every incubation step using PBS and 0.05% Tween-20. The assay was performed in triplicates and the average of the absorbance value was determined. The average absorbance of the lowest dilutions with saturating ACE2 signals was calculated to get a maximum ACE2 binding and no blocking. Each average absorbance value was subtracted from the maximum to get an ACE2 blocking curve. The blocking titer is defined as the reciprocal of the highest dilution where two consecutive dilutions have readings below zero. The maximum area under the curve is determined by calculating the Area Under the Curve (AUC) of full ACE2 binding without the competitor. The AUC of the competitor is then subtracted from the maximum AUC to get the area between the curves (blocking Area) and is the measure of ACE2 blocking. The fraction ACE2 blocking is defined as the fraction of the blocking area to the maximum AUC.
HEK293T were maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin streptomycin (P/S) antibiotic in 37° C./5% CO2 conditions. To create SARS-COV-2 pseudoviruses, Gene jammer (Agilent) was used to transfect cells with 1:1 ratio of pNL4-3. Luc. R-E-plasmid (NIH AIDS reagent) along with various of synthetic plasmids (Genscript) expressing the wildtype spike protein (derived from isolate USA-WA1/2020) or mutated spikes derived from variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.I (Gamma), B.1.617.2 (Delta) or B.1.526 (Iota), B.1.1.529/BA.1 (Omicron sublineage BA.1), B.1.1.529/BA.2 (Omicron sublineage BA.2). Forty-eight hours post-transfection, culture supernatants were collected, enriched with FBS to 12% final volume, and stored at −80° C. SARS-COV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assays were established using huCHOAce2 cells (Creative Biolabs; VCeL-Wyb019) plated in a 96-well plate format. Cells were resuspended in D10 media (DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS and 1× Penicillin-Streptomycin), plated (10,000 cells/well) and rested overnight in 37° C./5% CO2 conditions. The following day, transfection supernatant or sera from DMAb-treated animals were heat-inactivated and serially diluted in duplicate as desired. Supernatant from non-transfected cells or sera from naïve animals served as controls, respectively. Diluted samples were incubated with the indicated SARS-COV-2 pseudovirus for 90 minutes at RT and then transferred to rested huCHOAce2 cells. Plates were incubated in 37° C./5% CO2 conditions for 72 hrs and then lysed using the britelite plus luminescence reporter gene assay system (Perkin Elmer; 6066769). RLUs were measured using the Biotek plate reader. Using GraphPad Prism 9, nonlinear regressions were applied to duplicate RLU values for each sample to determine the best fit line. Neutralization titers (ID50) were then calculated, defined as the reciprocal dilution that yielded a 50% reduction in RLU compared to sample control wells; RLUs from cell-only control wells on each plate were subtracted as background prior to analysis. To assess the relative activity against mutant pseudoviruses, the same dilution series was tested in parallel against the indicated variants. The calculated ID50s were used to calculate a fold change relative to WA1/2020 (ID50WA1/2020/ID50variant). ID50s for each sample were also used along with the corresponding DMAb titer (ng/mL) to calculate inhibitory concentrations (IC50s=DMAb titer/ID50) that reflect the individual molecular potency of a test sample while controlling for expression levels.
Live SARS-Related Coronavirus 2, Isolate USA-WA1/2020, was obtained through BEI Resources (NIAID, NIH; NR-52281) and contained within the BSL-3 facility at the Wistar Institute. Vero cells (ATCC; CCL-81) were maintained in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS). Viral propagation and titration were achieved as previously described. Briefly, the USA-WA1/2020 virus stock was serially diluted in DMEM with 1% FBS and transferred in replicates of 8 to previously seeded Vero cells and incubated for five days under 37° C./5% CO2 conditions. Individual wells were then scored positive or negative for the presence of cytopathic effect (CPE) by examination under a light microscope. The virus titer (TCID50/mL) was calculated using the Reed-Munch method and the published Microsoft Excel-based calculator. For neutralization assays, Vero cells were seeded in DMEM with 1% FBS at 20,000 cells/well in 96 well flat bottom plates and incubated overnight. Samples were heat-inactivated at 56° C. for 30 minutes and then serially diluted in triplicates. These were incubated for 1 hr at RT with 300 TCID50/mL of virus before the mixture was transferred to previously seeded Vero cells and incubated for 5 days. Neutralizing titers and inhibitory concentration (ID50 and IC50) were determined as described above.
SARS-COV-2 Challenge: hACE2-AAV Model (Murine)
Female BALB/C mice (n=10/group) were treated with the indicated DMAb plasmid formulations (200 μg/mouse; see Animals and in vivo DMAb delivery methods) and shipped to PHAC for evaluation using the previously validated hACE2-AAV model (Gary et al., 2021, IScience, 24:102699). All procedures were performed in accordance with PHAC-approved protocols. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane 14 day's post-plasmid delivery and administered 1×1011 viral copies of AAV6.2FF-hACE2 intranasally (50 uL) to facilitate expression of hACE2 in the lungs of recipient mice. Two weeks later (D21 post-plasmid delivery), mice were given an intranasal challenge with 1×105 TCID50 (50 uL) of SARS-COV-2 virus (hCoV-19/Canada/ON-VIDO-01/2020; GISAID #EPI_ISL_425177). Controls include a group of non-AAV transduced animals (insusceptible; negative control) and a group of AAV-transduced/non-DMAb treated animals (susceptible; positive control). Following challenge, animals were monitored daily for signs of clinical disease and euthanized 4 days post-infection, at which time lung tissue was collected for viral quantification and blood was collected for evaluation of DMAb levels. Levels of viral RNA (copies/g lung tissue) for each animal were determined were determined via qPCR (Gary et al., 2021, IScience, 24:102699).
Male or female K-18 mice (n=12/group) were treated with the indicated DMAb plasmid formulations (200 μg/mouse; see Animals and in vivo DMAb delivery methods) and transferred to BioQual Inc. for evaluation in a lethal SARS-COV-2 challenge model. Baseline sera samples and body weights were collected prior to challenge. Mice were anesthetized and intranasally (50 L) infected with 2.8×103 PFU (SARS-COV-2/human/USA/WA-CDC-WA1/2020USA_WA1/2020; GenBank Acc: MN985325) (BioQual, Inc.). Animals were monitored daily following challenge for clinical signs of disease (visual scoring, weight-loss, etc.); euthanasia criteria included moribund scoring and/or weight-loss of >20% (vs. pre-challenge starting weight). At D4 post-challenge, a subset of each group (n=4) was sacrificed to assess viral titers in the lungs and nasal turbinates of challenged mice via a validated TCID50 assay (BioQual, Inc.). Left lung was collected and placed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for histopathologic analysis. Tissues were processed to hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides and examined by a board-certified pathologist. Gross and microscopic scoring was conducted, using the following scale that reflects the intensity and pervasiveness of observed histopathological change; Grade 1 (1+): minimal, <10%; Grade 2 (2+): mild, 10-25%; Grade 3 (3+): moderate, 25-75%; Grade 4 (4+): marked, 75-95%; Grade 5 (5+): severe >95%. Additional experimental details individual K-18 challenges are provided in the appropriate figure legend(s).
SARS-COV-2 Challenge: Hamster model
Syrian golden hamsters (n=6/group) were administered the WT (m3) DMAb cocktail (1:1 ratio of DMAb 2130_FcWT (m3)+DMAb 2130_FcWT (m3): 1.6 ug total) or TM(m3) DMAb cocktail (1:1 ratio of DMAb 2130_FcTM(m3)+DMAb 2130_FcTM(m3): 1.6 μg total) intramuscularly followed by CELLECTRA-EP. To prevent xenogenic responses against human DMAbs, T cell depletion (500 uL of 0.7 mg/mL anti-CD4+/CD8+ mAbs per hamster, given intraperitoneally) was performed 3 days prior to plasmid injection. 18 days post-DMAb delivery, sera were collected and animals were challenged intranasally with SARS-COV-2 (USA-WA1/2020; 6000 PFU) (BioQual, Inc.). Hamsters were weighed over time and sacrificed 4 days post-challenge (D22) for analysis of viral load in the lung and nasal turbinate tissues via a validated TCID50 assay (BioQual, Inc.).
Serum IgG was recovered from mice that had been administered constructs for in vivo production of either 2196 DMAb or a cocktail of 2130 and 2196 DMAbs. Serum IgG was digested with papain (Sigma; P3125) and Fab was recovered. SARS-COV-2 6P spike ectodomain peplomers (SARS-COV-2/human/USA/WA-CDC-WA1/2020USA_WA1/2020; GenBank Acc: MN985325) were expressed in expi293 culture (Gibco) and affinity purified via a double strep tag followed by gel filtration using a 10/300 S6I column (Cytiva). Fab and spike peplomer were incubated on ice and complexes purified by S6I gel filtration. Complexes were concentrated in centrifugal filters (Amicon) and vitrified on 1.2/1.3 gold cryo-electron microscopy grids (Protochips) by use of a Vitrobot Mark IV (Thermo). EFTEM data was collected using a Titan Krios G4 instrument (Thermo) equipped with a Bioquantum K3 detector (Gatan) in electron counting mode. A subset of TEM data was collected on a Talos Arctica equipped with a Falcon 3 detector (Thermo) (
Statistical analyses were conducted using GraphPad Prism 9 software. Nonparametric tests were performed due to small group sizes. Mann-Whitney U test was used when comparing means of two groups and Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric rank-sum test followed by Dunn's post hoc analysis were conducted to compare three or more groups. Survival curves were analyzed using Mantel-Cox log-rank test tests. In all cases, P values <0.05 were considered significant and denoted as *P<0.05, **P<0.01, ***P<0.001, and ****P<0.0001 where applicable.
Plasmid optimization combined with Fc-engineering induces the in vivo production of functionally potent 2130- and 2196-based DMAbs
Anti-SARS-COV-2 mAb pair COV2-2196 (class I) and COV2-2130 (class III) are human neutralizing Abs (nAbs) that target non-redundant, complementary epitopes within the receptor binding domain of SARS-COV-2 spike protein (S-RBD). Both epitopes overlap with the ACE-2 binding site to mediate viral neutralization (
Studies were conducted to determine the relative expression profiles of single vs dual plasmid constructs following facilitated in vivo delivery to wildtype mice via intramuscular injection and electroporation (CELLECTRA-EP) (Broderick et al., 2014, Expert Review of Vaccines, 14:195-204) (
In addition to WT constructs, variants of each DMAb were generated that contain triple-residue modifications (“TM”; L234F/L235E/P331S) in the Fc domain that ablate FcR and C1q binding as found in AZD7442 (
Numerous SARS-COV-2 lineages bearing mutations in the spike protein have emerged, including B.1.1.7/alpha (Rambaut, A. et al., 2020, Virological.org 1-9), B.1.351/beta (Tegally, H. et al. 2021, Nature 592:438-443), P.1/gamma (Naveca et al., 2021, Virological.org 28:1-6), B.1.526/iota (Annavajhala et al., 2021, Nature 597:703-708), B.1.617.2/delta (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. 2021, Threat assessment brief: emergence of SARS-COV-2 B.1.617 variants in India and situation in the EU/EEA) (
The in vivo efficacy of optimized DMAbs was evaluated using the validated SARS-COV-2 lethal challenge model (
Previous reports demonstrated the complimentary and synergistic nature of mAbs 2130 and 2196 (Dong, J. et al. 2021, Nat. Microbiol., 6:1233-1244; Zost et al., 2020, Nature, 584:443-449). The protective efficacy following co-delivery of DMAbs 2196(TM) and 2130(TM) (TM DMAb cocktail), as found in AZD7442 (
Numerous approaches to improve antibody-based therapeutics in patients have been described, including hIgG allotype selection. To facilitate clinical translation, the 2130 and 2196 DMAb plasmids (WT and TM) were modified from the human Glm1 to the Glm3 allotype framework (WT (m3) and TM(m3) constructs) utilized in AZD7442 and validated in vitro (
The relative in vivo efficacy of effector-engaging and effector-null DMAb cocktails was further validated in a hamster challenge model of SARS-COV-2 (
To further improve in vivo DMAb half-life, additional variants of WT (m3) and TM(m3) were generated that contain a triple Fc modification (M252Y/S254T/T256E; “YTE”) known to promote FcRn-mediated recycling of IgG into circulation (WT-YTE (m3) and TM-YTE (m3)) (
Sera from hFcRn mice containing DMAb or rIgG cocktails (+/−YTE) retained neutralizing activity against USA-WA1/2020 and earlier variants B.1.351 and B.1.617.2 VoC (
To better visualize the structural profile of in vivo-launched 2196 and 2130-based DMAbs and their interaction with SARS-COV-2 spike, cryo-EM analysis was performed on serum-derived DMAbs. Mice were administered DMAbs 2196 TM(m3) and 2130 TM(m3) in combination or 2196 TM(m3) alone. Total IgG was purified from sera pools, digested and isolated Fabs were complexed with stabilized spike trimer from SARS-COV-2 (USA-WA1/2020; 6P stabilization) (
Two structures outline the overall interaction of 2196 DMAb alone (
As these clones are known to be functionally synergistic, the relative spatial distance between bound DMAbs was measured as an indication of their potential to interact with one another. Distance between the center of two 2196 Fabs complexed with spike (
Subsequent detailed analysis focused on the DMAb 2196/2130/spike structure (
Supporting the notion of DMAb cooperative binding effects (
In addition to h-bonding, both DMAbs displayed numerous hydrophobic/van der Waal's interactions with RBD; DMAb 2130 CDRL2 W50 packs against RBD G446, G447 and Y449 (
DMAb 2130/2196/S structure was used as a framework to model the impact of recent emerging variants (
DNA-encoded antibodies have been engineered to encode recombinant IgG mAbs. Engineered DMAbs show comparable protection in mouse models as well as comparable neutralizing activity to standard mAbs. A YTE half-life extension modified DMAb has been designed that shows expression in mice (see Example 6) and NHPs (
Modified antibodies were developed to further improve the in vivo potency of antibodies by engaging additional mechanisms of action including phagocytosis, cytolytic killing, etc.
Validated anti-SARS-COV-2 mAb 2130 was used as the model clone. The indicated 2130 DMAb variants were created using a dual plasmid approach: Single light chain plasmid paired with various heavy chain plasmids. Sequence optimization of Ig insert sequences was performed and the sequences were cloned into the pVax1 expression vector.
Experiments were preformed to analyze the viral neutralization of the modified antibodies.
Functional assays were performed to analyze the cytolytic capacity against spike-expressing target cells (HEK293T-Spike).
A Phase 1, open-label, single center, dose escalation study was conducted to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic profile of mAb AZD5396 and mAb AZD8076 following delivery of optimized dMAb AZD5396 and dMAb AZD8076 with Hylenex® recombinant, administered by intramuscular injection (IM) followed immediately by electroporation (EP) using the CELLECTRAR 2000 with Side Port needle device, in a 2-dose regimen (Days 0 and 3) in healthy adults.
Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the administration of dMAb AZD5396 and dMAb AZD8076 is safe and associated with expression of mAb AZD5396 and mAb AZD8076 in serum.
The study was designed to apply a 3+3 design such that 3 participants is enrolled into the cohort, if no dose limiting toxicity (DLT) is observed, the remaining 3 participants is enrolled (for a total of 6), and then the next cohort is open for enrollment. The newly opened cohort enrolls participants per the same 3+3 design described elsewhere herein.
If one dose limiting toxicity (DLT) is observed in one out of the first 3 participants, enrollment in the cohort is completed, but the next cohort is not open until the 28-day period of safety is completed. 3 additional participants can be enrolled. However, if any additional DLT occurs (i.e., >1 DLT in 6 total participants in a given cohort), then that dose is deemed to not be tolerated.
The following Investigational product administration- and/or EP-related adverse events are defined as DLTs:
A Phase 1, open-label, single center, dose escalation study was conducted to evaluate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetic profile of mAb AZD5396 and mAb AZD8076 following delivery of optimized dMAb AZD5396 and dMAb AZD8076 with a purified preparation of the enzyme recombinant human hyaluronidase (Hylenex® Recombinant), administered by intramuscular injection (IM) followed immediately by electroporation (EP) using the CELLECTRAR 2000 with Side Port needle device, in a 1 and 2-dose regimen (Days 0 and 3) in healthy adults.
Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that the administration of dMAb AZD5396 and dMAb AZD8076 is safe and associated with expression of mAb AZD5396 and mAb AZD8076 in serum.
The study was designed to apply a single ascending dose (SAD) modified 3+3 design. Participants are enrolled sequentially beginning with Cohort A1. The first participant in cohort A1 is dosed on Day 0. If no dose limiting toxicity (DLT) stopping event is observed after 14 days of the initial dose, the remaining two participants in that cohort are dosed. If there are 0 DLT events after 14 days of the initial dosing of the third subject, enrollment is completed, and then cohort A2 will open. Same process is followed for each one of the next cohorts (cohorts B, C and D will have 6 participants in each).
If one dose limiting toxicity (DLT) is observed in one out of the first 3 participants enrolled in any cohort, an ad hoc DSMB will review the event and make a decision if the study should continue. If the DSMB agrees that the study should continue, the remaining participants are enrolled in the cohort and dosed, but the next cohort will not open until the 28-day period of safety is completed. However, if any additional DLT occurs (i.e., >1 DLT in 6 total participants in a given cohort), then that dose is deemed not tolerated.
The following Investigational product administration- and/or EP-related adverse events are defined as DLTs:
It is understood that the foregoing detailed description and accompanying examples are merely illustrative and are not to be taken as limitations upon the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Various changes and modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications, including without limitation those relating to the chemical structures, substituents, derivatives, intermediates, syntheses, compositions, formulations, or methods of use of the invention, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/255,197, filed Oct. 13, 2021, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/313,112, filed Feb. 23, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/323,469, filed Mar. 24, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/343,759, filed May 19, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/355,009, filed Jun. 23, 2022, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/375,795, filed Sep. 15, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/375,912, filed Sep. 16, 2022, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
This invention was made with government support under HR0011-21-9-0001 awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The government has certain rights in the invention.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/US2022/078020 | 10/13/2022 | WO |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63255197 | Oct 2021 | US | |
63313112 | Feb 2022 | US | |
63323469 | Mar 2022 | US | |
63343759 | May 2022 | US | |
63355009 | Jun 2022 | US | |
63375795 | Sep 2022 | US | |
63375912 | Sep 2022 | US |