Patent Grant
8080246
The present invention relates to specific CSF1R ECD fusion molecules that exhibit improved therapeutic properties. The invention also relates to polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising or encoding such molecules. The invention also relates to methods of making and using the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules. The invention further relates to methods of treatment using the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules. For example, certain CSF1R ECDs of the invention may be used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or multiple sclerosis (MS).
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease, characterized primarily by inflammation of the lining (synovium), of the joints, which can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function, and disability. RA is an autoimmune disease that affects 1% of the U.S. population (2.1 million Americans), with a significantly higher occurrence among women than men. In RA, the membranes or tissues (synovial membranes) lining the joints become inflamed (synovitis). Over time, the inflammation may destroy the joint tissues, leading to disability. Because RA can affect multiple organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness. The onset of RA is usually in middle age, but frequently occurs in one's 20s and 30s.
RA progresses in three stages. The first stage involves the swelling of the lining of the joints, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness, and swelling around the joint. The second stage involves the thickening of the lining of the joints. During the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, and leading to increased pain and loss of movement. Rheumatoid arthritis can start in any joint, but it most commonly begins in the smaller joints of the fingers, hands and wrists. Joint involvement is usually symmetrical, meaning that if a joint hurts on the left hand, the same joint will hurt on the right hand. In general, more joint erosion indicates more severe disease activity.
Other RA-associated symptoms include fatigue, stiffness, weakness, flu-like symptoms, including a low-grade fever, pain associated with prolonged sitting, the occurrence of flares of disease activity followed by remission or disease inactivity, rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue under the skin), muscle pain, loss of appetite, depression, weight loss, anemia, cold or sweaty hands and feet, and involvement of the glands around the eyes and mouth leading to decreased production of tears and saliva (Sjögren's syndrome). Advanced changes include damage to cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bone, which causes deformity and instability in the joints. The damage can lead to limited range of motion, resulting in daily tasks (grasping a fork, combing hair, buttoning a shirt) becoming more difficult. Skin ulcers and a general decline in health may also occur.
At present, RA is a chronic disease that can be controlled, but not cured. The goal of treatments is relief of symptoms and preventing the disease from worsening. Current methods of treatment of RA are focused on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, stopping or slowing joint damage, and improving a person's ability to function.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, and COX-2 inhibitors such as valdecoxib and celecoxib, can be used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, NSAIDs do not control the disease or inhibit disease progression. Analgesic drugs, including acetaminophen, propoxyphene, meperidine, and morphine, may be used to relieve pain, but they do not reduce inflammation, control the disease, or inhibit disease progression. Glucocorticoids or prednisone may be used at low maintenance doses to slow joint damage due to inflammation, but long-term use is not recommended. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used to control the progression of RA and to try to prevent joint deterioration and disability. These anti-rheumatic drugs are often given in combination with other anti-rheumatic drugs or with other medications, such as NSAIDs or prednisone. Examples of DMARDs prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis include antimalarial medications, such as hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and oral gold. Biologic response modifiers, which directly modify the immune system by inhibiting cytokines, are also used to inhibit inflammation and RA progression. Examples of biologic response modifiers include etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab and anakinra. Some of the DMARDs and biologic response modifiers can take up to six months to work, and many have serious side effects. Protein-A immunoadsorption therapy is also used to inhibit inflammation by filtering the blood to remove antibodies and immune complexes that promote inflammation; however, this therapy offers only temporary relief of RA-associated inflammation.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is also a chronic and potentially debilitating disease. MS affects the central nervous system (CNS), which is made up of the brain and spinal cord. MS is widely believed to be an autoimmune disease in which the body generates antibodies and white blood cells against cells that produce the myelin sheath. The myelin sheath is the fatty substance that insulates nerve fibers in the CNS, and an onslaught of the myelin sheath by such antibodies or white blood cells leads to inflammation, injury, and detachment of the myelin sheath from the nerve fiber (called demyelination). Demyelination can ultimately lead to injury of the nerves that the myelin sheath originally surrounded. Demyelination can lead to multiple areas of scarring (called sclerosis) in the CNS. Eventually, the damage induced by demyelination can slow or block nerve signals that control muscle coordination, strength, sensation, and vision. MS affects an estimated 300,000 people in the U.S. and is predicted to affect more than 1 million people worldwide. Most people first experience MS symptoms between the ages of 20 and 40 years.
MS symptoms vary depending on the location of the sclerosis and the affected nerve fibers. MS-associated symptoms may include: numbness in one or more limbs (typically occurring on one side of the body at a time, or on the bottom half of the body), partial or complete loss of vision (usually in one eye at a time, and often accompanied by pain during eye movement), double vision or blurring of vision, electric shock sensations that occur with certain head movements, tremors, lack of coordination or unsteady gait, fatigue, dizziness, muscle stiffness or spasticity, slurred speech, paralysis, problems with bladder, bowel, or sexual function, and mental changes, such as forgetfulness or difficulties with concentration.
Current treatments for MS include beta interferons (interferon beta-1b and interferon beta-1a, which help fight viral infection and regulate the immune system; these medications reduce but do not eliminate flare-ups. Beta interferons do not reverse damage, and have not been proven to significantly alter the long-term development of permanent disability. Furthermore, some individuals develop antibodies against beta interferons, which may make them less effective. Glatiramer is an alternative to beta interferons used to treat MS and it is believed to block the immune system's attack on myelin. Natalizumab is an antibody drug that blocks the attachment of immune cells to brain blood vessels, which is required for immune cells to enter the brain, thereby reducing the inflammatory action of immune cells on the nerve cells of the brain. However, natalizumab has been associated with a rare, often fatal, brain disorder called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and is thus considered a high risk treatment option. The chemotherapy drug mitoxantrone has been approved for the treatment of certain aggressive forms of MS. However, due to serious side effects, such as heart damage, mitoxantrone is not used for long-term MS treatment, and it is reserved for individuals with severe attacks or rapidly advancing disease who fail to respond to other treatments.
Thus, a need exists for new, therapeutically effective drugs for the treatment of RA. Furthermore, none of the available MS therapies provide an ideal MS treatment option. Thus, there also remains a need in the art for the identification of additional agents with a demonstrated ability to treat MS in vivo. The colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (referred to herein as CSF1R; also referred to in the art as FMS, FIM2, C-FMS, and CD115) is a single-pass transmembrane receptor with an N-terminal extracellular domain (ECD) and a C-terminal intracellular domain with tyrosine kinase activity. Ligand binding of the colony stimulating factor 1 ligand (referred to herein as CSF1; also referred to in the art as MCSF and MGC31930); or the interleukin 34 ligand (referred to herein as IL34; also referred to in the art as C16orf77 and MGC34647) to CSF1R leads to receptor dimerization, upregulation of CSF1R protein tyrosine kinase activity, phosphorylation of CSF1R tyrosine residues, and downstream signaling events. Both CSF1 and IL34 stimulate monocyte survival, proliferation, and differentiation into macrophages. However, IL34 was discovered recently, and its overall functions have not been fully established.
Disregulation of CSF1R activity may result in an imbalance in the levels and/or activities of macrophage cell populations, which may lead to autoimmune disease and RA-associated pathology. Based on their known and suspected contributions to human autoimmune disease, both CSF1R and CSF1 have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for RA. Indeed, CSF1R and CSF1 antagonists, such as antibodies directed against CSF1R or CSF1 (see e.g., Kitaura et al., The Journal of Clinical Investigation 115(12):3418-3427 (2005), and WO 2007/081879), antisense- and siRNA-mediated silencing of CSF1R or CSF1 expression (see e.g., WO 2007/081879), soluble forms of the CSF1R ECD (see e.g., WO 2007/081879), and small molecule inhibitors of CSF1R tyrosine kinase activity (see e.g., Irvine et al., The FASEB Journal 20: 1315-1326 (2006), and Ohno et al., Clinical Immunology 38: 283-291 (2008)) and inhibitors of CSF1 (see e.g., WO 2007/081879), have been proposed for targeting RA. Despite the proposed utility of such CSF1R and CSF1 antagonists, there remains a need in the art for the identification of additional agents with a demonstrated ability to treat RA in vivo.
The inventors have also found that certain of the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules exhibit improved properties, including improvements to therapeutically relevant properties. For example, the inventors have found that expression of CSF1R ECD fusion molecules in CHO cells results in more highly sialylated CSF1R ECD fusion molecules, which are more stable than such fusion molecules produced in 293-6E cells. Also, the inventors have found that a CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the CSF1R ECD has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.:2 (amino acids 20-506 of the human CSF1R protein) binds the CSF1R ligands CSF1 and IL34 more tightly and more effectively inhibits monocyte growth in an in vitro assay than a full-length CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the CSF1R ECD has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.:1 (amino acids 20-512 of the human CSF1R protein). Thus, this CSF1R ECD fusion molecule provides a particularly attractive therapeutic molecule.
The inventors have also found that CSF1R ECD fusion molecules are effective in treating MS and RA in in vivo models (See Examples 8, 9, and 13). Furthermore, CSF1R ECD fusion molecules are also effective to deplete particular classes of monocytes from peripheral blood and spleen, respectively, as shown in Examples 7 and 14. Accordingly, some embodiments of the application include methods and compositions for treating RA or MS. Other embodiments of the invention further include methods and compositions for depleting peripheral blood monocytes, inhibiting monocyte viability, and inhibiting CSF1- and/or IL34-stimulated monocyte proliferation. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, CSF1R ECD fusion proteins of the invention may be used for treating other inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, SLE (lupus), COPD, atopic dermatitis, and atherosclerosis, as well as macrophage activation syndrome and histiocytosis X.
CSF1R ECD fusion molecule of the invention include, for example, a CSF1R ECD fusion molecule and one or more fusion partners, wherein the amino acid sequence of the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises SEQ ID NO.:2 (corresponding to human CSF1R ECD residues 1-506) and excludes the last six C-terminal amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO.:1 (corresponding to human CSF1R ECD residues 507-512). In such fusion molecules, any amino acid residues that follow the C-terminal residue of SEQ ID NO:2 do not begin with the amino acid sequence of residues 507-512 of SEQ ID NO:1 (THPPDE). Such fusion molecules may of course include the amino acid sequence THPPDE anywhere else in the amino acid sequence. In some such embodiments, the CSF1R ECD consists of SEQ ID NO:2.
A CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the amino acid sequence of the CSF1R ECD corresponds to SEQ ID NO.:2 showed higher affinity for CSF1 and IL34 ligands than the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the amino acid sequence of the CSF1R ECD corresponds to SEQ ID NO.:1. A CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the amino acid sequence of the CSF1R ECD corresponds to SEQ ID NO.:2 also inhibited monocyte viability and CSF1- and IL34-stimulated proliferation of human monocytes better than the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the amino acid sequence of the CSF1R ECD corresponds to SEQ ID NO.:1. Thus, in another aspect of the invention, the amino acid sequence of the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises or consists of the hCSF1R.506-Fc fusion molecule described above (SEQ ID NO.:6).
The one or more fusion partners in any of the embodiments described previously includes, but is not limited to, an Fc, albumin, or polyethylene glycol, or both an FC and polyethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the fusion molecule comprises a linker between the CSF1R ECD and one or more fusion partners. In some such embodiments, the linker is a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence glycine-serine. For example, in some embodiments, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises a CSF1R ECD, an Fc, and polyethylene glycol, wherein the amino acid sequence of the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO.:6.
In some embodiments, the CSF1R ECD comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the fusion molecule is glycosylated and/or sialylated. In some embodiments, the polypeptide portion of the fusion molecule is expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules of the invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
The present invention further provides a polynucleotide comprising a nucleic acid sequence that encodes any one of the above described CSF1R ECD fusion molecules of the invention. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence encoded by the polynucleotide of the invention comprises a signal peptide amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes an amino acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the amino acid sequence excludes the six C-terminal residues of SEQ ID NO:1. In other embodiments, the polynucleotide encodes an amino acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO:6 plus a signal peptide amino acid sequence, such as, for example, SEQ ID NO:16. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40. Another aspect of the invention provides an expression vector comprising the polynucleotide described above.
It has also been found that the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule is more highly sialylated when produced from CHO cells compared to the fusion molecule produced from other cells, such as 293-6E cells. Thus, the present invention also provides a CHO cell comprising an expression vector encoding the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule and a method of producing the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule of the invention from a CHO cell. For example, in some embodiments, the method comprises: (a) culturing a CHO cell comprising the polynucleotide of any one of the above described CSF1R ECD fusion molecules in conditions such that the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule is expressed; and (b) recovering the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule. The invention further includes this method with the step of fusing polyethylene glycol to the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule. The present invention further provides a method for producing glycosylated and sialylated CSF1R ECD fusion molecules. For example, in some embodiments, the CHO cell comprises a vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6 plus a signal peptide amino acid sequence, such as, for example, SEQ ID NO:16. In some embodiments, the CHO cell comprises a vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39. In some embodiments, the CHO cell comprises a vector comprising a polynucleotide sequence that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40.
Methods of the invention also comprise administering to a patient a therapeutically effective amount of a CSF1R ECD fusion molecule, wherein the fusion molecule comprises a CSF1R ECD and one or more fusion partners. The invention provides, for example, a method of treating multiple sclerosis, a method of treating rheumatoid arthritis, or a method of depleting peripheral blood monocytes in a patient comprising administering to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of a CSF1R ECD fusion molecule. In some embodiments of those methods, the CSF1R ECD of the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises the full-length human CSF1R ECD (hCSF1R.512; SEQ ID NO.:1). In other embodiments, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises SEQ ID NO.:2 (corresponding to human CSF1R ECD residues 1-506) and excludes the last six C-terminal amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO.:1 (corresponding to human CSF1R ECD residues 507-512). In some such embodiments, the CSF1R ECD consists of SEQ ID NO:2. In a further aspect, the CSF1R ECD of the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises the full-length CSF1R ECD of SEQ ID NO.:1, but excludes the last C-terminal amino acid residue of SEQ ID NO.:1 (referred to herein as CSF1R.511; SEQ ID NO.:26). In some such embodiments, the CSF1R ECD consists of SEQ ID NO:26 or SEQ ID NO:1.
The one or more fusion partners in any of the embodiments described previously includes, but is not limited to, an Fc, albumin, or polyethylene glycol, or both an FC and polyethylene glycol. In some embodiments, the fusion molecule comprises a linker between the CSF1R ECD and the fusion partner. In some such embodiments, the linker is a peptide consisting of the amino acid sequence glycine-serine. For example, in some embodiments, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises a CSF1R ECD, an Fc, and polyethylene glycol, wherein the amino acid sequence of the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO.:6.
In some embodiments, the CSF1R ECD comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the fusion molecule is glycosylated and/or sialylated. In some embodiments, the polypeptide portion of the fusion molecule is expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.
The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
Definitions
Unless otherwise defined, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present invention shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.
Certain techniques used in connection with recombinant DNA, oligonucleotide synthesis, tissue culture and transformation (e.g., electroporation, lipofection), enzymatic reactions, and purification techniques are known in the art. Many such techniques and procedures are described, e.g., in Sambrook et al. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989)), among other places. In addition, certain techniques for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients are also known in the art.
In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. In the context of a multiple dependent claim, the use of “or” refers back to more than one preceding independent or dependent claim in the alternative only. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements and components comprising one unit and elements and components that comprise more than one subunit unless specifically stated otherwise.
As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:
The terms “nucleic acid molecule” and “polynucleotide” may be used interchangeably, and refer to a polymer of nucleotides. Such polymers of nucleotides may contain natural and/or non-natural nucleotides, and include, but are not limited to, DNA, RNA, and PNA. “Nucleic acid sequence” refers to the linear sequence of nucleotides that comprise the nucleic acid molecule or polynucleotide.
The terms “polypeptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably to refer to a polymer of amino acid residues, and are not limited to a minimum length. Such polymers of amino acid residues may contain natural or non-natural amino acid residues, and include, but are not limited to, peptides, oligopeptides, dimers, trimers, and multimers of amino acid residues. Both full-length proteins and fragments thereof are encompassed by the definition. The terms also include post-expression modifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylation, sialylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, and the like. Furthermore, for purposes of the present invention, a “polypeptide” refers to a protein which includes modifications, such as deletions, additions, and substitutions (generally conservative in nature), to the native sequence, as long as the protein maintains the desired activity. These modifications may be deliberate, as through site-directed mutagenesis, or may be accidental, such as through mutations of hosts which produce the proteins or errors due to PCR amplification.
The term “CSF1R” refers herein to the full-length CSF1R, which includes the N-terminal ECD, the transmembrane domain, and the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain, with or without an N-terminal signal peptide. In one embodiment, the CSF1R is a human CSF1R having an amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:22 or to SEQ ID NO.:23. In another embodiment, the CSF1R is a mouse CSF1R having an amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:24 or to SEQ ID NO.:25.
The term “CSF1R extracellular domain” (“CSF1R ECD”) includes full-length CSF1R ECDs, CSF1R ECD fragments, and CSF1R ECD variants. As used herein, the term “CSF1R ECD” refers to a CSF1R polypeptide that lacks the intracellular and transmembrane domains. In one embodiment, the CSF1R ECD is a human full-length CSF1R ECD having an amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:1. The term “full-length CSF1R ECD”, as used herein, refers to a CSF1R ECD that extends to the last amino acid of the extracellular domain, and may or may not include an N-terminal signal peptide. For example, the last amino acid of the full-length CSF1R ECD is at position 512 for the human ECD and at position 511 for the mouse ECD. Thus, a mouse full-length CSF1R ECD may consist of the amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:3 (mature form) or to SEQ ID NO.:11 (with the signal peptide), and a human full-length CSF1R ECD may consist of the amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:1 (mature form) or to SEQ ID NO.:13 (with the signal peptide). As used herein, the term “CSF1R ECD fragment” refers to a CSF1R ECD having one or more residues deleted from the N or C terminus of the full-length ECD and that retains the ability to bind to the CSF1 or IL34 ligand. The CSF1R ECD fragment may or may not include an N-terminal signal peptide. In one embodiment, the CSF1R ECD fragment is a human CSF1R ECD fragment having an amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:2 (mature form) or to SEQ ID NO.:12 (with the signal peptide). In another embodiment, the CSF1R ECD fragment is a mouse CSF1R ECD fragment having an amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:4 (mature form) or to SEQ ID NO.:14 (with the signal peptide). As used herein, the term “CSF1R ECD variants” refers to CSF1R ECDs that contain amino acid additions, deletions, and substitutions and that remain capable of binding to CSF1 or IL34. Such variants may be at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identical to the parent ECD. The % identity of two polypeptides can be measured by a similarity score determined by comparing the amino acid sequences of the two polypeptides using the Bestfit program with the default settings for determining similarity. Bestfit uses the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman, Advances in Applied Mathematics 2:482-489 (1981) to find the best segment of similarity between two sequences.
A polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least, for example, 95% identical to a reference amino acid sequence of a CSF1R ECD polypeptide is one in which the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide is identical to the reference sequence except that the polypeptide sequence may include up to five amino acid alterations per each 100 amino acids of the reference polypeptide. In other words, to obtain a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95% identical to a reference amino acid sequence, up to 5% of the amino acid residues in the reference sequence may be deleted or substituted with another amino acid, or a number of amino acids, up to 5% of the total amino acid residues in the reference sequence, may be inserted into the reference sequence. These alterations of the reference sequence may occur at the N- or C-terminal positions of the reference amino acid sequence or anywhere between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually among residues in the reference sequence, or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference sequence.
As a practical matter, whether any particular polypeptide is at least 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% identical to, for instance, an amino acid sequence or to a polypeptide sequence encoded by a nucleic acid sequence set forth in the Sequence Listing can be determined conventionally using known computer programs, such the Bestfit program. When using Bestfit or other sequence alignment program to determine whether a particular sequence is, for instance, 95% identical to a reference sequence according to the present invention, the parameters are set, of course, that the percentage of identity is calculated over the full length of the reference amino acid sequence and that gaps in homology of up to 5% of the total number of amino acid residues in the reference sequence are allowed.
As used herein, the terms “hCSF1R-ECD.512” and “hCSF1R.512” may be used interchangeably to refer to the full-length human CSF1R ECD corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:1.
As used herein, the terms “hCSF1R-ECD.506” and “hCSF1R.506” may be used interchangeably to refer to the human CSF1R ECD corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:2.
As used herein, the terms “mCSF1R-ECD.511” and “mCSF1R.511” may be used interchangeably to refer to the full-length mouse CSF1R ECD corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:3.
As used herein, the terms “mCSF1R-ECD.506” and “mCSF1R.506” may be used interchangeably to refer to the mouse CSF1R ECD corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:4.
As used herein, the terms “hCSF1R-ECD.511” and “hCSF1R.511” may be used interchangeably to refer to the human CSF1R ECD corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:26.
As used herein, the term “CSF1R IgG domain” refers to one of five IgG domains that comprise the CSF1R ECD. As used herein, the five IgG domains of the CSF1R ECD include from the N terminus to C terminus, “IgG-1,” “IgG-2,” “IgG-3,” “IgG-4,” and “IgG-5.”
The term “CSF1R ECD fusion molecule” refers to a molecule comprising a CSF1R ECD, and one or more “fusion partners.” In certain embodiments, the CSF1R ECD and the fusion partner are covalently linked (“fused”). If the fusion partner is also a polypeptide (“the fusion partner polypeptide”), the CSF1R ECD and the fusion partner polypeptide may be part of a continuous amino acid sequence, and the fusion partner polypeptide may be linked to either the N terminus or the C terminus of the CSF1R ECD. In such cases, the CSF1R ECD and the fusion partner polypeptide may be translated as a single polypeptide from a coding sequence that encodes both the CSF1R ECD and the fusion partner polypeptide (the “CSF1R ECD fusion protein”). In certain embodiments, the CSF1R ECD and the fusion partner are covalently linked through other means, such as, for example, a chemical linkage other than a peptide bond. Many known methods of covalently linking polypeptides to other molecules (for example, fusion partners) may be used. In other embodiments, the CSF1R ECD and the fusion partner may be fused through a “linker,” which is comprised of at least one amino acid or chemical moiety.
In certain embodiments, the CSF1R polypeptide and the fusion partner are noncovalently linked. In certain such embodiments, they may be linked, for example, using binding pairs. Exemplary binding pairs include, but are not limited to, biotin and avidin or streptavidin, an antibody and its antigen, etc.
Certain exemplary fusion partners include, but are not limited to, an immunoglobulin Fc domain, albumin, and polyethylene glycol. The amino acid sequences of certain exemplary Fc domains are shown in SEQ ID NOs.:19 to 21. In certain embodiments, there is a two amino acid residue linker consisting of an N-terminal glycine residue followed by a serine residue (GS) located between the CSF1R ECD and the Fc. The amino acid sequence of a certain exemplary N-terminal GS linker followed by an Fc is shown in SEQ ID NO.:30.
The term “signal peptide” refers to a sequence of amino acid residues located at the N terminus of a polypeptide that facilitates secretion of a polypeptide from a mammalian cell. A signal peptide may be cleaved upon export of the polypeptide from the mammalian cell, forming a mature protein. Signal peptides may be natural or synthetic, and they may be heterologous or homologous to the protein to which they are attached. Certain exemplary signal peptides include, but are not limited to, the signal peptides of CSF1R, such as, for example, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs.:9 and 10, which correspond to the human and mouse CSF1R signal peptides, respectively. Certain exemplary signal peptides may also include signal peptides from heterologous proteins. A “signal sequence” refers to a polynucleotide sequence that encodes a signal peptide. In certain embodiments, a CSF1R ECD lacks a signal peptide. In certain embodiments, a CSF1R ECD includes at least one signal peptide, which may be selected from a native CSF1R signal peptide or a heterologous signal peptide.
In certain embodiments, the CSF1R ECD amino acid sequence is derived from that of a non-human mammal. In such embodiments, the CSF1R ECD amino acid sequence may be derived from mammals including, but not limited to, rodents, simians, felines, canines, equines, bovines, porcines, ovines, caprines, mammalian laboratory animals, mammalian farm animals, mammalian sport animals, and mammalian pets. CSF1R ECD fusion molecules incorporating a non-human CSF1R ECD are termed “non-human CSF1R ECD fusion molecules.” Similar to the human CSF1R ECD fusion molecules, non-human fusion molecules may comprise a fusion partner, optional linker, and a CSF1R ECD. Such non-human fusion molecules may also include a signal peptide. Examples of non-human CSF1R ECDs are SEQ ID NOs:3 and 13, which correspond to the mouse CSF1R ECD.511 sequence with and without a signal peptide, and SEQ ID NOs:4 and 14, which correspond to the mouse CSF1R ECD.506 sequence without and with a signal peptide. Examples of non-human fusion molecules are SEQ ID NOs: 7, 8, 33, and 34. A “non-human CSF1R ECD fragment” refers to a non-human CSF1R ECD having one or more residues deleted from the N or C terminus of the full-length ECD and that retains the ability to bind to the CSF1 or IL34 ligands of the non-human animal from which the sequence was derived. See, e.g., SEQ ID NOs:4 and 14. A “non-human CSF1R ECD variant” refers to CSF1R ECDs that contain amino acid additions, deletions, and substitutions and that remain capable of binding to CSF1 or IL34 from the animal from which the sequence was derived. In some embodiments, the last five or the last six C-terminal amino acid residues of the non-human full length CSF1R ECD may be deleted, for example. See, e.g., SEQ ID NOs:4 and 14.
The term “vector” is used to describe a polynucleotide that may be engineered to contain a cloned polynucleotide or polynucleotides that may be propagated in a host cell. A vector may include one or more of the following elements: an origin of replication, one or more regulatory sequences (such as, for example, promoters and/or enhancers) that regulate the expression of the polypeptide of interest, and/or one or more selectable marker genes (such as, for example, antibiotic resistance genes and genes that may be used in colorimetric assays, e.g., (β-galactosidase). The term “expression vector” refers to a vector that is used to express a polypeptide of interest in a host cell.
A “host cell” refers to a cell that may be or has been a recipient of a vector or isolated polynucleotide. Host cells may be prokaryotic cells or eukaryotic cells. Exemplary eukaryotic cells include mammalian cells, such as primate or non-primate animal cells; fungal cells; plant cells; and insect cells. Certain exemplary mammalian cells include, but are not limited to, 293 and CHO cells, and their derivatives, such as 293-6E and DG44 cells, respectively.
The term “isolated” as used herein refers to a molecule that has been separated from at least some of the components with which it is typically found in nature. For example, a polypeptide is referred to as “isolated” when it is separated from at least some of the components of the cell in which it was produced. Where a polypeptide is secreted by a cell after expression, physically separating the supernatant containing the polypeptide from the cell that produced it is considered to be “isolating” the polypeptide. Similarly, a polynucleotide is referred to as “isolated” when it is not part of the larger polynucleotide (such as, for example, genomic DNA or mitochondrial DNA, in the case of a DNA polynucleotide) in which it is typically found in nature, or is separated from at least some of the components of the cell in which it was produced, e.g., in the case of an RNA polynucleotide. Thus, a DNA polynucleotide that is contained in a vector inside a host cell may be referred to as “isolated” so long as that polynucleotide is not found in that vector in nature.
The terms “subject” and “patient” are used interchangeably herein to refer to mammals, including, but not limited to, rodents, simians, humans, felines, canines, equines, bovines, porcines, ovines, caprines, mammalian laboratory animals, mammalian farm animals, mammalian sport animals, and mammalian pets.
The term “rheumatoid arthritis” (“RA”) refers to a chronic autoimmune disease characterized primarily by inflammation of the lining (synovium) of the joints, which can lead to joint damage, resulting in chronic pain, loss of function, and disability. Because RA can affect multiple organs of the body, including skin, lungs, and eyes, it is referred to as a systemic illness.
The term “multiple sclerosis” (“MS”) refers to the chronic, autoimmune, demyelinating disease of the CNS in which the body generates antibodies and white blood cells against the cells that produce the myelin sheath. “Demyelination” occurs when the myelin sheath becomes inflamed, injured, and detaches from the nerve fiber.
“Treatment,” as used herein, covers any administration or application of a therapeutic for disease in a mammal, including a human, and includes inhibiting the disease or progression of the disease, partially inhibiting or slowing the disease or its progression, arresting its development, partially or fully relieving the disease, or curing the disease, for example, by causing regression, or restoring or repairing a lost, missing, or defective function; or stimulating an inefficient process.
The terms “inhibition” or “inhibit” refer to a decrease or cessation of any phenotypic characteristic or to the decrease or cessation in the incidence, degree, or likelihood of that characteristic.
A “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to a non-toxic solid, semisolid, or liquid filler, diluent, encapsulating material, formulation auxiliary, or carrier conventional in the art for use with a therapeutic agent that together comprise a “pharmaceutical composition” for administration to a subject. A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is non-toxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed and is compatible with other ingredients of the formulation. The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is appropriate for the formulation employed. For example, if the therapeutic agent is to be administered orally, the carrier may be a gel capsule. If the therapeutic agent is to be administered subcutaneously, the carrier ideally is not irritable to the skin and does not cause injection site reaction.
CSF1R Extracellular Domains
Certain exemplary CSF1R ECDs include full-length CSF1R ECDs, CSF1R ECD fragments, and CSF1R ECD variants. CSF1R ECDs may include or lack a signal peptide. Exemplary CSF1R ECDs include, but are not limited to, CSF1R ECDs having amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs.:1, 2, 11, 12, 26, and 27 for human CSF1R, and SEQ ID NOs.:3, 4, 13, and 14 for mouse CSF1R. In certain embodiments, a CSF1R ECD is isolated.
The inventors have discovered that a human CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the CSF1R ECD has the amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:2 exhibits properties that will be particularly useful with respect to the treatment of disease, including treatment of inflammatory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The inventors have found that this fusion molecule binds more tightly to the CSF1R ligands, CSF1 and IL34, compared to the full-length human CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the CSF1R ECD has the amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:1. Furthermore, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the CSF1R ECD has the amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:2 more effectively inhibits monocyte growth compared to the full-length human CSF1R ECD fusion molecule wherein the CSF1R ECD has the amino acid sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO.:1.
CSF1R ECD Fragments
Non-limiting exemplary CSF1R ECD fragments include the human CSF1R ECD in which the last six C-terminal amino acid residues of the full-length CSF1R ECD are removed, but in which all five IgG domains are maintained (hCSF1R.506), the human CSF1R ECD in which the last C-terminal amino acid residue of the full-length CSF1R ECD is removed, but in which all five IgG domains are maintained (hCSF1R.511), and the mouse CSF1R ECD in which the last five C-terminal amino acid residues of the full-length CSF1R ECD are removed, but in which all five IgG domains are maintained (mCSF1R.506).
CSF1R ECD fragments may include or lack a signal peptide. Exemplary CSF1R ECD fragments include, but are not limited to, CSF1R ECD fragments having amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs.:2, 12, 26, and 27 for human CSF1R, and SEQ ID NOs.:4 and 14 for mouse CSF1R.
Fusion Partners and Conjugates
As discussed, the CSF1R ECD of the present invention may be combined with a fusion partner polypeptide, resulting in a CSF1R ECD fusion protein. These fusion partner polypeptides may facilitate purification, and the CSF1R ECD fusion proteins may show an increased half-life in vivo. Fusion partner polypeptides that have a disulfide-linked dimeric structure due to the IgG portion may also be more efficient in binding and neutralizing other molecules than the monomeric CSF1R ECD fusion protein or the CSF1R ECD alone. Suitable fusion partners of a CSF1R ECD include, for example, polymers, such as water soluble polymers, the constant domain of immunoglobulins; all or part of human serum albumin (HSA); fetuin A; fetuin B; a leucine zipper domain; a tetranectin trimerization domain; mannose binding protein (also known as mannose binding lectin), for example, mannose binding protein 1; and an Fc region, as described herein and further described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,179.
A CSF1R ECD fusion molecule of the invention may be prepared by attaching polyaminoacids or branch point amino acids to the CSF1R ECD. For example, the polyaminoacid may be a carrier protein that serves to increase the circulation half life of the CSF1R ECD (in addition to the advantages achieved via a fusion molecule). For the therapeutic purpose of the present invention, such polyaminoacids should ideally be those that have or do not create neutralizing antigenic response, or other adverse responses. Such polyaminoacids may be chosen from serum album (such as HSA), an additional antibody or portion thereof, for example the Fc region, fetuin A, fetuin B, leucine zipper nuclear factor erythroid derivative-2 (NFE2), neuroretinal leucine zipper, tetranectin, or other polyaminoacids, for example, lysines. As described herein, the location of attachment of the polyaminoacid may be at the N terminus or C terminus, or other places in between, and also may be connected by a chemical linker moiety to the selected molecule.
Polymers
Polymers, for example, water soluble polymers, are useful in the present invention as the CSF1R ECD to which the polymer is attached will not precipitate in an aqueous environment, such as typically found in a physiological environment. Polymers employed in the invention will be pharmaceutically acceptable for the preparation of a therapeutic product or composition.
Suitable, clinically acceptable, water soluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde, copolymers of ethylene glycol/propylene glycol, monomethoxy-polyethylene glycol, carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly-1,3-dioxolane, poly-1,3,6-trioxane, ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer, poly (β-amino acids) (either homopolymers or random copolymers), poly(n-vinyl pyrrolidone) polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol homopolymers (PPG) and other polyalkylene oxides, polypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide copolymers, polyoxyethylated polyols (POG) (e.g., glycerol) and other polyoxyethylated polyols, polyoxyethylated sorbitol, or polyoxyethylated glucose, colonic acids or other carbohydrate polymers, Ficoll, or dextran and mixtures thereof.
As used herein, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is meant to encompass any of the forms that have been used to derivatize other proteins, such as mono-(C1-C10) alkoxy- or aryloxy-polyethylene glycol. Polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde may have advantages in manufacturing due to its stability in water.
Polymers used herein, for example water soluble polymers, may be of any molecular weight and may be branched or unbranched. In certain embodiments, the polymers each typically have an average molecular weight of between about 2 kDa to about 100 kDa (the term “about” indicating that in preparations of a polymer, some molecules will weigh more, some less, than the stated molecular weight). The average molecular weight of each polymer may be between about 5 kDa and about 50 kDa, or between about 12 kDa and about 25 kDa. Generally, the higher the molecular weight or the more branches, the higher the polymer:protein ratio. Other sizes may also be used, depending on the desired therapeutic profile; for example, the duration of sustained release; the effects, if any, on biological activity; the ease in handling; the degree or lack of antigenicity; and other known effects of a polymer on a CSF1R ECD of the invention.
Polymers employed in the present invention are typically attached to a CSF1R ECD with consideration of effects on functional or antigenic domains of the polypeptide. In general, chemical derivatization may be performed under any suitable condition used to react a protein with an activated polymer molecule. Activating groups which can be used to link the polymer to the active moieties include sulfone, maleimide, sulfhydryl, thiol, triflate, tresylate, azidirine, oxirane, and 5-pyridyl.
Polymers of the invention are typically attached to a heterologous polypeptide at the alpha (α) or epsilon (ε) amino groups of amino acids or a reactive thiol group, but it is also contemplated that a polymer group could be attached to any reactive group of the protein that is sufficiently reactive to become attached to a polymer group under suitable reaction conditions. Thus, a polymer may be covalently bound to a CSF1R ECD via a reactive group, such as a free amino or carboxyl group. The amino acid residues having a free amino group may include lysine residues and the N-terminal amino acid residue. Those having a free carboxyl group may include aspartic acid residues, glutamic acid residues, and the C-terminal amino acid residue. Those having a reactive thiol group include cysteine residues.
Methods for preparing fusion molecules conjugated with polymers, such as water soluble polymers, will each generally involve (a) reacting a CSF1R ECD with a polymer under conditions whereby the polypeptide becomes attached to one or more polymers and (b) obtaining the reaction product. Reaction conditions for each conjugation may be selected from any of those known in the art or those subsequently developed, but should be selected to avoid or limit exposure to reaction conditions such as temperatures, solvents, and pH levels that would inactivate the protein to be modified. In general, the optimal reaction conditions for the reactions will be determined case-by-case based on known parameters and the desired result. For example, the larger the ratio of polymer:polypeptide conjugate, the greater the percentage of conjugated product. The optimum ratio (in terms of efficiency of reaction in that there is no excess unreacted polypeptide or polymer) may be determined by factors such as the desired degree of derivatization (e.g., mono-, di-, tri-, etc.), the molecular weight of the polymer selected, whether the polymer is branched or unbranched and the reaction conditions used. The ratio of polymer (for example, PEG) to a polypeptide will generally range from 1:1 to 100:1. One or more purified conjugates may be prepared from each mixture by standard purification techniques, including among others, dialysis, salting-out, ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, and electrophoresis.
One may specifically desire an N-terminal chemically modified CSF1R ECD. One may select a polymer by molecular weight, branching, etc., the proportion of polymers to CSF1R ECD molecules in the reaction mix, the type of reaction to be performed, and the method of obtaining the selected N-terminal chemically modified CSF1R ECD. The method of obtaining the N-terminal chemically modified CSF1R ECD preparation (separating this moiety from other monoderivatized moieties if necessary) may be by purification of the N-terminal chemically modified CSF1R ECD material from a population of chemically modified protein molecules.
Selective N-terminal chemical modification may be accomplished by reductive alkylation which exploits differential reactivity of different types of primary amino groups (lysine versus the N-terminal) available for derivatization in a particular protein. Under the appropriate reaction conditions, substantially selective derivatization of the protein at the N terminus with a carbonyl group-containing polymer is achieved. For example, one may selectively attach a polymer to the N terminus of the protein by performing the reaction at a pH that allows one to take advantage of the pKa differences between the ε-amino group of the lysine residues and that of the α-amino group of the N-terminal residue of the protein. By such selective derivatization, attachment of a polymer to a protein is controlled: the conjugation with the polymer takes place predominantly at the N terminus of the protein and no significant modification of other reactive groups, such as the lysine side chain amino groups, occurs. Using reductive alkylation, the polymer may be of the type described above and should have a single reactive aldehyde for coupling to the protein. Polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde, containing a single reactive aldehyde, may also be used.
In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates the chemically derivatized CSF1R ECD to include mono- or poly- (e.g., 2-4) PEG moieties. Pegylation may be carried out by any of the pegylation reactions available. Methods for preparing a pegylated protein product will generally include (a) reacting a polypeptide with polyethylene glycol (such as a reactive ester or aldehyde derivative of PEG) under conditions whereby the protein becomes attached to one or more PEG groups; and (b) obtaining the reaction product(s). In general, the optimal reaction conditions will be determined case by case based on known parameters and the desired result.
There are a number of PEG attachment methods available to those skilled in the art. See, for example, EP 0 401 384; Malik et al., Exp. Hematol., 20:1028-1035 (1992); Francis, Focus on Growth Factors, 3(2):4-10 (1992); EP 0 154 316; EP 0 401 384; WO 92/16221; WO 95/34326; and the other publications cited herein that relate to pegylation.
The step of pegylation as described herein may be carried out via an acylation reaction or an alkylation reaction with a reactive polyethylene glycol molecule. Thus, protein products according to the present invention include pegylated proteins wherein the PEG group(s) is (are) attached via acyl or alkyl groups. Such products may be mono-pegylated or poly-pegylated (for example, those containing 2-6 or 2-5 PEG groups). The PEG groups are generally attached to the protein at the α- or ε-amino groups of amino acids, but it is also contemplated that the PEG groups could be attached to any amino group attached to the protein that is sufficiently reactive to become attached to a PEG group under suitable reaction conditions.
Pegylation by acylation generally involves reacting an active ester derivative of polyethylene glycol (PEG) with a CSF1R ECD of the invention. For acylation reactions, the polymer(s) selected typically have a single reactive ester group. Any known or subsequently discovered reactive PEG molecule may be used to carry out the pegylation reaction. An example of a suitable activated PEG ester is PEG esterified to N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS). As used herein, acylation is contemplated to include, without limitation, the following types of linkages between the therapeutic protein and a polymer such as PEG: amide, carbamate, urethane, and the like, see for example, Chamow, Bioconjugate Chem., 5:133-140 (1994). Reaction conditions may be selected from any of those currently known or those subsequently developed, but should avoid conditions such as temperature, solvent, and pH that would inactivate the polypeptide to be modified.
Pegylation by acylation will generally result in a poly-pegylated protein. The connecting linkage may be an amide. The resulting product may be substantially only (e.g., >95%) mono-, di-, or tri-pegylated. However, some species with higher degrees of pegylation may be formed in amounts depending on the specific reaction conditions used. If desired, more purified pegylated species may be separated from the mixture (particularly unreacted species) by standard purification techniques, including among others, dialysis, salting-out, ultrafiltration, ion-exchange chromatography, gel filtration chromatography, and electrophoresis.
Pegylation by alkylation generally involves reacting a terminal aldehyde derivative of PEG with a polypeptide in the presence of a reducing agent. For the reductive alkylation reaction, the polymer(s) selected should have a single reactive aldehyde group. An exemplary reactive PEG aldehyde is polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde, which is water stable, or mono C1-C10 alkoxy or aryloxy derivatives thereof, see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,714.
Markers
Moreover, CSF1R ECDs of the present invention may be fused to marker sequences, such as a peptide that facilitates purification of the fused polypeptide. The marker amino acid sequence may be a hexa-histidine peptide such as the tag provided in a pQE vector (Qiagen, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada), among others, many of which are commercially available. As described in Gentz et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 86:821-824 (1989), for instance, hexa-histidine provides for convenient purification of the fusion protein. Another peptide tag useful for purification, the hemagglutinin (HA) tag, corresponds to an epitope derived from the influenza HA protein. (Wilson et al., Cell 37:767 (1984)). Any of these above fusions may be engineered using the CSF1R ECDs of the present invention.
Oligomerization Domain Fusion Partners
In various embodiments, oligomerization offers certain functional advantages to a fusion protein, including, but not limited to, multivalency, increased binding strength, and the combined function of different domains. Accordingly, in certain embodiments, a fusion partner comprises an oligomerization domain, for example, a dimerization domain. Exemplary oligomerization domains include, but are not limited to, coiled-coil domains, including alpha-helical coiled-coil domains; collagen domains; collagen-like domains; and certain immunoglobulin domains. Certain exemplary coiled-coil polypeptide fusion partners include the tetranectin coiled-coil domain; the coiled-coil domain of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein; angiopoietin coiled-coil domains; and leucine zipper domains. Certain exemplary collagen or collagen-like oligomerization domains include, but are not limited to, those found in collagens, mannose binding lectin, lung surfactant proteins A and D, adiponectin, ficolin, conglutinin, macrophage scavenger receptor, and emilin.
Antibody Fc Immunoglobulin Domain Fusion Partners
Many Fc domains that may be used as fusion partners are known in the art. In certain embodiments, a fusion partner is an Fc immunoglobulin domain. An Fc fusion partner may be a wild-type Fc found in a naturally occurring antibody, a variant thereof, or a fragment thereof. Non-limiting exemplary Fc fusion partners include Fcs comprising a hinge and the CH2 and CH3 constant domains of a human IgG, for example, human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4. Certain additional Fc fusion partners include, but are not limited to, human IgA and IgM. In certain embodiments, an Fc fusion partner comprises a C237S mutation. In certain embodiments, an Fc fusion partner comprises a hinge, CH2, and CH3 domains of human IgG2 with a P331S mutation, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,900,292. Certain exemplary Fc domain fusion partners are shown in SEQ ID NOs.:19 to 21.
Albumin Fusion Partners and Albumin-binding Molecule Fusion Partners
In certain embodiments, a fusion partner is an albumin. Certain exemplary albumins include, but are not limited to, human serum album (HSA) and fragments of HSA that are capable of increasing the serum half-life or bioavailability of the polypeptide to which they are fused. In certain embodiments, a fusion partner is an albumin-binding molecule, such as, for example, a peptide that binds albumin or a molecule that conjugates with a lipid or other molecule that binds albumin. In certain embodiments, a fusion molecule comprising HSA is prepared as described, e.g., in U.S. Pat. No. 6,686,179.
Exemplary Attachment of Fusion Partners
The fusion partner may be attached, either covalently or non-covalently, to the N terminus or the C terminus of the CSF1R ECD. The attachment may also occur at a location within the CSF1R ECD other than the N terminus or the C terminus, for example, through an amino acid side chain (such as, for example, the side chain of cysteine, lysine, serine, or threonine).
In either covalent or non-covalent attachment embodiments, a linker may be included between the fusion partner and the CSF1R ECD. Such linkers may be comprised of at least one amino acid or chemical moiety. Exemplary methods of covalently attaching a fusion partner to a CSF1R ECD include, but are not limited to, translation of the fusion partner and the CSF1R ECD as a single amino acid sequence and chemical attachment of the fusion partner to the CSF1R ECD. When the fusion partner and a CSF1R ECD are translated as single amino acid sequence, additional amino acids may be included between the fusion partner and the CSF1R ECD as a linker. In certain embodiments, the linker is glycine-serine (“GS”). In certain embodiments, the linker is selected based on the polynucleotide sequence that encodes it, to facilitate cloning the fusion partner and/or CSF1R ECD into a single expression construct (for example, a polynucleotide containing a particular restriction site may be placed between the polynucleotide encoding the fusion partner and the polynucleotide encoding the CSF1R ECD, wherein the polynucleotide containing the restriction site encodes a short amino acid linker sequence). When the fusion partner and the CSF1R ECD are covalently coupled by chemical means, linkers of various sizes may typically be included during the coupling reaction.
Exemplary methods of non-covalently attaching a fusion partner to a CSF1R ECD include, but are not limited to, attachment through a binding pair. Exemplary binding pairs include, but are not limited to, biotin and avidin or streptavidin, an antibody and its antigen, etc.
In embodiments wherein the FGFR1 ECD sequence comprises SEQ ID NO:2 (i.e. amino acids 1-506 of the human full length FGFR1 ECD), the FGFR1 ECD fusion molecule amino acid sequence excludes the last six C-terminal residues of SEQ ID NO:1 (the full length amino acid sequence of residues 1-512). This phrase means that any additional amino acid residues that immediately follow the C-terminal amino acid residue of SEQ ID NO:2, such as from a polypeptide fusion partner or peptide linker, do not begin with the amino acid sequence of 507-512 of the human FGFR1 ECD, which is THPPDE. Although, of course, the amino acid sequence THPPDE may appear elsewhere in the amino acid sequence of the inventive proteins.
Signal Peptide
In order for some secreted proteins to express and secrete in large quantities, a signal peptide from a heterologous protein may be desirable. Employing heterologous signal peptides may be advantageous in that a resulting mature polypeptide may remain unaltered as the signal peptide is removed in the ER during the secretion process. The addition of a heterologous signal peptide may be required to express and secrete some proteins.
Certain exemplary signal peptide sequences are described, e.g., in the online Signal Peptide Database maintained by the Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore. See Choo et al., BMC Bioinformatics, 6: 249 (2005); and PCT Publication No. WO 2006/081430.
Co-Translational and Post-Translational Modifications
The invention encompasses CSF1R ECDs and CSF1R ECD fusion molecules that are differentially modified during or after translation, for example by glycosylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, amidation, derivatization by known protecting/blocking groups, proteolytic cleavage, or linkage to an antibody molecule or other cellular ligand. Any of numerous chemical modifications may be carried out by known techniques, including, but not limited to, specific chemical cleavage by cyanogen bromide, trypsin, chymotrypsin, papain, V8 protease; NABH4; acetylation; formylation; oxidation; reduction; and/or metabolic synthesis in the presence of tunicamycin.
Additional post-translational modifications encompassed by the invention include, for example, for example, N-linked or O-linked carbohydrate chains, processing of N-terminal or C-terminal ends), attachment of chemical moieties to the amino acid backbone, chemical modifications of N-linked or O-linked carbohydrate chains, and addition or deletion of an N-terminal methionine residue as a result of procaryotic host cell expression
Nucleic Acid Molecules Encoding CSF1R ECDs and Nucleic Acid Molecules Encoding CSF1R ECD Fusion Molecules
Nucleic acid molecules comprising polynucleotides that encode CSF1R ECDs or CSF1R ECD fusion molecules are provided. Nucleic acid molecules comprising polynucleotides that encode CSF1R ECD fusion molecules in which the CSF1R ECD and the fusion partner are translated as a single polypeptide are also provided. Such nucleic acid molecules may be constructed using recombinant DNA techniques conventional in the art.
In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide encoding a CSF1R ECD comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a signal peptide, which, when translated, will be fused to the N terminus of the CSF1R ECD. As discussed above, the signal peptide may be the native CSF1R signal peptide, or may be another heterologous signal peptide. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule comprising the polynucleotide encoding the gene of interest is an expression vector that is suitable for expression in a selected host cell.
CSF1R ECD and CSF1R ECD Fusion Molecule Expression and Production
Vectors
Vectors comprising polynucleotides that encode CSF1R ECDs are provided. Vectors comprising polynucleotides that encode CSF1R ECD fusion molecules are also provided. Such vectors include, but are not limited to, DNA vectors, phage vectors, viral vectors, retroviral vectors, etc.
In certain embodiments, a vector is selected that is optimized for expression of polypeptides in CHO or CHO-derived cells. Exemplary such vectors are described, e.g., in Running Deer et al., Biotechnol. Prog. 20:880-889 (2004).
In certain embodiments, a vector is chosen for in vivo expression of CSF1R ECDs and/or CSF1R ECD fusion molecules in animals, including humans. In certain such embodiments, expression of the polypeptide is under the control of a promoter that functions in a tissue-specific manner. For example, liver-specific promoters are described, e.g., in PCT Publication No. WO 2006/076288.
Host Cells
In various embodiments, CSF1R ECDs or CSF1R ECD fusion molecules may be expressed in prokaryotic cells, such as bacterial cells; or in eukaryotic cells, such as fungal cells, plant cells, insect cells, and mammalian cells. Such expression may be carried out, for example, according to procedures known in the art. Certain exemplary eukaryotic cells that may be used to express polypeptides include, but are not limited to, COS cells, including COS 7 cells; 293 cells, including 293-6E cells; CHO cells, including CHO—S and DG44 cells; and NSO cells. In certain embodiments, a particular eukaryotic host cell is selected based on its ability to make certain desired post-translational modifications to the CSF1R ECDs or CSF1R ECD fusion molecules. For example, in certain embodiments, CHO cells produce CSF1R ECD fusion molecules that have a higher level of sialylation than the same polypeptide produced in 293 cells.
Introduction of a nucleic acid into a desired host cell may be accomplished by any method known in the art, including but not limited to, calcium phosphate transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, cationic lipid-mediated transfection, electroporation, transduction, infection, etc. Certain exemplary methods are described, e.g., in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 3rd ed. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (2001). Nucleic acids may be transiently or stably transfected in the desired host cells, according to methods known in the art.
In certain embodiments, a polypeptide may be produced in vivo in an animal that has been engineered or transfected with a nucleic acid molecule encoding the polypeptide, according to methods known in the art.
Purification of CSF1R ECD Polypeptides
CSF1R ECDs or CSF1R ECD fusion molecules may be purified by various methods known in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to, the use of affinity matrices or hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Suitable affinity ligands include any ligands of the CSF1R ECD or of the fusion partner, or antibodies thereto. For example, a Protein A, Protein G, Protein A/G, or an antibody affinity column may be used to bind to an Fc fusion partner to purify a CSF1R ECD fusion molecule. Antibodies to CSF1R ECD may also be used to purify CSF1R ECD or CSF1R ECD fusion molecules. Hydrophobic interactive chromatography, for example, a butyl or phenyl column, may also suitable for purifying certain polypeptides. Many methods of purifying polypeptides are known in the art.
Therapeutic Compositions and Methods
Methods of Treating Diseases Using CSF1R ECD Fusion Molecules
The invention comprises methods of treating RA and MS to patients who have and/or have been diagnosed with MS or RA conditions. The invention also comprises methods for depleting peripheral blood monocytes in patients.
Certain embodiments of the invention, such as, for example, a CSF1R ECD fusion protein wherein the CSF1R ECD comprises SEQ ID NO:2 and excludes the last six C-terminal residues of the full length human ECD sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, a CSF1R ECD fusion protein wherein the CSF1R ECD consists of SEQ ID NO:2, or a fusion protein comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO:6, may be useful in treating other inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis, SLE (lupus), COPD, atopic dermatitis, and atherosclerosis, as well as macrophage activation syndrome and histiocytosis X.
Certain embodiments, such as, for example, a CSF1R ECD fusion protein wherein the CSF1R ECD comprises SEQ ID NO:2 but excludes the last six C-terminal residues of the full length human ECD sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, a CSF1R ECD fusion protein wherein the CSF1R ECD consists of SEQ ID NO:2, or a fusion protein comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO:6, may also be useful in treating other inflammatory conditions including: proliferative vascular disease, acute respiratory distress syndrome, cytokine-mediated toxicity, interleukin-2 toxicity, appendicitis, peptic, gastric and duodenal ulcers, peritonitis, pancreatitis, ulcerative, pseudomembranous, acute and ischemic colitis, diverticulitis, epiglottitis, achalasia, cholangitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, enteritis, Whipple's disease, asthma, allergy, anaphylactic shock, immune complex disease, organ ischemia, reperfusion injury, organ necrosis, hay fever, sepsis, septicemia, endotoxic shock, cachexia, hyperpyrexia, eosinophilic granuloma, granulomatosis, sarcoidosis, septic abortion, epididymitis, vaginitis, prostatitis, urethritis, bronchitis, emphysema, rhinitis, cystic fibrosis, pneumonitis, alvealitis, bronchiolitis, pharyngitis, pleurisy, sinusitis, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus infection, herpes infection, HIV infection, hepatitis B virus infection, hepatitis C virus infection, disseminated bacteremia, Dengue fever, candidiasis, malaria, filariasis, amebiasis, hydatid cysts, bums, dermatitis, dermatomyositis, sunburn, urticaria, warts, wheals, vasulitis, angiitis, endocarditis, arteritis, atherosclerosis, thrombophlebitis, pericarditis, myocarditis, myocardial ischemia, periarteritis nodosa, rheumatic fever, Alzheimer's disease, coeliac disease, congestive heart failure, meningitis, encephalitis, cerebral infarction, cerebral embolism, Guillame-Barre syndrome, neuritis, neuralgia, spinal cord injury, paralysis, uveitis, arthritides, arthralgias, osteomyelitis, fasciitis, Paget's disease, gout, periodontal disease, synovitis, myasthenia gravis, thryoiditis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Goodpasture's syndrome, Behcets's syndrome, allograft rejection, graft-versus-host disease, ankylosing spondylitis, Berger's disease, type I diabetes, type 2 diabetes, Berger's disease, Retier's syndrome, and Hodgkins disease, or in treating inflammation associated with these conditions.
Routes of Administration and Carriers
In a particular embodiment, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule is administered subcutaneously. In another particular embodiment, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecule is administered intravenously. In certain other embodiments, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules may be administered in vivo by various routes, including, but not limited to, oral, intra-arterial, parenteral, intranasal, intramuscular, intracardiac, intraventricular, intratracheal, buccal, rectal, intraperitoneal, intradermal, topical, transdermal, and intrathecal, or otherwise by implantation or inhalation. The subject compositions may be formulated into preparations in solid, semi-solid, liquid, or gaseous forms; including, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, powders, granules, ointments, solutions, suppositories, enemas, injections, inhalants, and aerosols. A nucleic acid molecule encoding a CSF1R ECD and/or a CSF1R ECD fusion molecule may be coated onto gold microparticles and delivered intradermally by a particle bombardment device, or “gene gun,” as described in the literature (see, e.g., Tang et al., Nature 356:152-154 (1992)). The appropriate formulation and route of administration may be selected according to the intended application.
In various embodiments, compositions comprising CSF1R ECDs or CSF1R ECD fusion molecules are provided in formulations with a wide variety of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers (see, e.g., Gennaro, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy with Facts and Comparisons: Drugfacts Plus, 20th ed. (2003); Ansel et al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, 7th ed., Lippencott Williams and Wilkins (2004); Kibbe et al., Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, 3rd ed., Pharmaceutical Press (2000)). Various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, which include vehicles, adjuvants, and diluents, are available. Moreover, various pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances, such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, tonicity adjusting agents, stabilizers, wetting agents and the like, are also available. Certain non-limiting exemplary carriers include saline, buffered saline, dextrose, water, glycerol, ethanol, and combinations thereof.
In various embodiments, compositions comprising CSF1R ECDs or CSF1R ECD fusion molecules may be formulated for injection, including subcutaneous administration, by dissolving, suspending, or emulsifying them in an aqueous or nonaqueous solvent, such as vegetable or other oils, synthetic aliphatic acid glycerides, esters of higher aliphatic acids, or propylene glycol; and if desired, with conventional additives such as solubilizers, isotonic agents, suspending agents, emulsifying agents, stabilizers and preservatives. In various embodiments, the compositions may be formulated for inhalation, for example, using pressurized acceptable propellants such as dichlorodifluoromethane, propane, nitrogen, and the like. The compositions may also be formulated, in various embodiments, into sustained release microcapsules, such as with biodegradable or non-biodegradable polymers. A non-limiting exemplary biodegradable formulation includes poly lactic acid-glycolic acid polymer. A non-limiting exemplary non-biodegradable formulation includes a polyglycerin fatty acid ester. Certain methods of making such formulations are described, for example, in EP 1 125 584 A1.
Pharmaceutical packs and kits comprising one or more containers, each containing one or more doses of a CSF1R ECD and/or a CSF1R ECD fusion molecule are also provided. In certain embodiments, a unit dosage is provided wherein the unit dosage contains a predetermined amount of a composition comprising a CSF1R ECD and/or a CSF1R ECD fusion molecule, with or without one or more additional agents. In certain embodiments, such a unit dosage is supplied in single-use prefilled syringe for injection. In various embodiments, the composition contained in the unit dosage may comprise saline, sucrose, or the like; a buffer, such as phosphate, or the like; and/or be formulated within a stable and effective pH range. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, the composition may be provided as a lyophilized powder that may be reconstituted upon addition of an appropriate liquid, for example, sterile water. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises one or more substances that inhibit protein aggregation, including, but not limited to, sucrose and arginine. In certain embodiments, a composition of the invention comprises heparin and/or a proteoglycan.
Pharmaceutical compositions are administered in an amount effective for treatment or prophylaxis of the specific indication. The therapeutically effective amount is typically dependent on the weight of the subject being treated, his or her physical or health condition, the extensiveness of the condition to be treated, or the age of the subject being treated. In general, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules of the invention may be administered in an amount in the range of about 10 ug/kg body weight to about 100 mg/kg body weight per dose. In certain embodiments, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules of the invention may be administered in an amount in the range of about 50 ug/kg body weight to about 5 mg/kg body weight per dose. In certain other embodiments, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules of the invention may be administered in an amount in the range of about 100 ug/kg body weight to about 10 mg/kg body weight per dose. Optionally, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules of the invention may be administered in an amount in the range of about 100 ug/kg body weight to about 20 mg/kg body weight per dose. Further optionally, the CSF1R ECD fusion molecules of the invention may be administered in an amount in the range of about 0.5 mg/kg body weight to about 20 mg/kg body weight per dose.
The CSF1R ECDs or CSF1R ECD fusion molecule compositions may be administered as needed to subjects. Determination of the frequency of administration may be made by persons skilled in the art, such as an attending physician based on considerations of the condition being treated, age of the subject being treated, severity of the condition being treated, general state of health of the subject being treated and the like. In certain embodiments, an effective dose of the CSF1R ECD or CSF1R ECD fusion molecule is administered to a subject one or more times. In various embodiments, an effective dose of the CSF1R ECD or CSF1R ECD fusion molecule is administered to the subject once a month, more than once a month, such as, for example, every two months or every three months. In other embodiments, an effective does of the CSF1R ECD or CSF1R ECD fusion molecule is administered less than once a month, such as, for example, every two weeks or every week. An effective dose of the CSF1R ECD or CSF1R ECD fusion molecule is administered to the subject at least once. In certain embodiments, the effective dose of the CSF1R ECD or CSF1R ECD fusion molecule may be administered multiple times, including for periods of at least a month, at least six months, or at least a year.
Combination Therapy
CSF1R ECD fusion molecules of the invention may be administered alone or with other modes of treatment. They may be provided before, substantially contemporaneous with, or after other modes of treatment, for example, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or the administration of a biologic, such as a therapeutic antibody. For treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, CSF1R ECD fusion molecules may be administered with other therapeutic agents, for example, methotrexate, anti-TNF agents such as Remicade, Humira, Simponi, and Enbrel; glucocorticoids such as prednisone; Leflunomide; Azothioprine; JAK inhibitors such as CP 590690; SYK inhibitors such as R788; anti-IL-6 antibodies; anti-IL-6R antibodies; anti-CD-20 antibodies; anti-CD19 antibodies; anti-GM-CSF antibodies; and anti-GM-CSF-R antibodies. For treatment of multiple scelarosis, CSF1R ECD fusion molecules may be administered with other therapeutic agents, for example, interferon alpha; interferon beta; prednisone; anti-alpha4 integrin antibodies such as Tysabri; anti-CD20 antibodies such as Rituxan; FTY720 (Fingolimod); and Cladribine (Leustatin).
The examples discussed below are intended to be purely exemplary of the invention and should not be considered to limit the invention in any way. The examples are not intended to represent that the experiments below are all or the only experiments performed. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (for example, amounts, temperature, etc.) but some experimental errors and deviations should be accounted for. Unless indicated otherwise, parts are parts by weight, molecular weight is weight average molecular weight, temperature is in degrees Centigrade, and pressure is at or near atmospheric.
The cloning, expression, and purification of the CSF1R ECD fusion proteins are described. Clones of the CSF1R ECD fusion proteins were generated using PCR and conventional subcloning techniques. The GenBank accession numbers for the human CSF1R and mouse CSF1R genes and their encoded proteins are as follows: human CSF1R (NM—005221 and NP—005202) and mouse CSF1R (NM—001037859 and NP—001032948). For use in transient transfection of 293-6E cells, the hCSF1R.506, hCSF1R.512, mCSF1R.506, and mCSF1R.511 cDNAs are cloned into the EcoRI and BamHI sites of the multiple cloning site of the pTT5-J vector. The pTT5-J vector is a modified version of the pTT5 vector (provided by Yves Durocher, Biotechnology Research Institute, Montreal, Canada) that contains a cDNA encoding the Fc region of a human IgG1 protein (amino acid residues 233-464 of GenBank accession number AAH19337) in which the cysteine residue at position 237 is replaced with a serine residue (Fc C237S; SEQ ID NO.:19) inserted into the BamHI site of the multiple cloning site. This initial cloning step introduces a glycine-serine (GS) linker between the CSF1R and the Fc due to the nucleic acids introduced by the BamHI restriction enzyme site. The nucleotides encoding the GS linker may be subsequently removed using standard molecular biology techniques. The sequences of the resulting clones were verified, and the constructs (fused to the Fc alone (Fc) or to the GS linker followed by the Fc (GS-Fc)) were used for subcloning into other vectors.
For use in stable transfection of CHO cells, the hCSF1R.506-Fc and mCSF1R.506-Fc cDNAs were subcloned into the pDEF38 vector (ICOS Corporation, Bothell, Wash.). The hCSF1R.506-Fc/pTT5-J and mCSF1R.506-Fc/pTT5-J clones were used for subcloning into the pDEF38 vector using standard molecular biology techniques. The hCSF1R.506-Fc and mCSF1R.506 cDNAs were inserted into the XhoI and XbaI sites of the pDEF38 vector, and the sequences of the resulting clones were verified.
For experiments using minicircle DNA, the mCSF1R.506-GS-Fc and mCSF1R.511-GS-Fc cDNAs are subcloned into the p2xC31MasterSfi vector, which is a modified version of the pØC31.hFIX vector (Chen et al., Human Gene Therapy 16:126-131 (2005)) in which an SfiI site was introduced after the intron for the purpose of cloning. The mCSF1R.506-GS-Fc/pTT5-J and mCSF1R.511-GS-Fc/pTT5-J clones are used for subcloning into the p2xC31MasterSfi vector using standard molecular biology techniques. The mCSF1R.506-GS-Fc and mCSF1R.511-GS-Fc cDNAs are inserted into the SfiI site of the p2xC31MasterSfi vector, and the sequences of the resulting clones were verified.
The primary sequence and domain structure of the full-length human CSF1R extracellular domain, which consists of 512 amino acid residues, are shown in
In certain Examples herein, the fusion proteins were expressed in 293-6E or CHO cells. The hCSF1R.506-Fc/pTT5-J, hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc/pTT5-J, hCSF1R.512-Fc/pTT5-J, and hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc/pTT5-J plasmid constructs described in Example 1 were designed to provide transient expression in 293-6E host cells. The hCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 and mCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 plasmid constructs described in Example 1 were designed to provide stable expression in CHO cells (or its derivatives, such as DG44 cells (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.)).
Small scale production of CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins was achieved by transient transfection of 293-6E cells grown in polycarbonate Erlenmeyer flasks fitted with a vented screw cap, rotated on a table top shaker at 130 RPM, and grown in Freestyle medium (Invitrogen) at 37° C. in 5% CO2 at cell densities ranging from 0.5×106 to 3×106 cells/ml. Typically, 50 ml of cell culture was grown in a 250 ml flask. One day before the transfection, the cells were diluted to 0.6×106 cells/ml in fresh Freestyle medium. On the day of transfection, the cells were in log phase (0.8×106 to 1.5×106 cells/ml), and the cell density was adjusted to 1×106 cells/ml. The transfection mix was prepared by adding 2.5 ml sterile PBS to two 15 ml tubes; 50 ug of DNA was added to one tube, and 100 ul of PEI solution (sterile stock solution of 1 mg/ml polyethylenimine, linear, 25 kDa, pH 7.0 (Polysciences, Warrington, Wis.)) was added to the second tube; the contents of the two tubes were combined and allowed to incubate for 15 minutes at room temperature in order to form the transfection complex. The transfection complex was transferred to the 293-6E cell suspension culture, which was allowed to grow for 6-7 days at 37° C. in 5% CO2. At 24 hours post-transfection, the supplement tryptone N1 (Catalog #19 553, OrganoTechnie S.A., (La Courneuve, France)) was added to 0.5% (v/v) to the cells to feed the cells and stimulate protein production. The tryptone N1 was made up as a 20% (w/v) stock solution in water, filter sterilized using a 0.2 um filter, and stored at 4° C. until use.
The 293-6E cultures expressing the CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins were harvested on either day 6 or 7 post-transfection when the cell viability was above 60%. The culture supernatant was clarified by centrifugation at 5,000×g at 4° C., and then loaded onto a 5 ml HiTrap Protein A HP column (GE Catalog #17-0403-01) that was equilibrated in Buffer A (0.5 M NaCl, 1×PBS). The column was washed using 10 column volumes of Buffer A, and the protein was eluted using a mix linear-step gradient over 15 column volumes of Buffer B (0.5 M NaCl, 0.1 M glycine, pH 2.7). The flow rate was 3 ml/min, and 1 ml fractions were collected into 100 ul of 1 M Tris buffer, pH 7.5, in a 96-well deep well block to neutralize the glycine. After purification, the fractions were pooled based on their purity (>95%) as determined by Coomassie staining of an SDS-PAGE gel, and their endotoxin level was determined (1-2 EU/mg). The CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion protein was then dialyzed overnight in 1×PBS and filter sterilized.
Large scale production of CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins was achieved by stable transfection of CHO-derived DG44 cells, which are negative for dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) expression. The expression vectors comprising hCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 and mCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 described in Example 1 were used for transfection of the DG44 cells for stable production of the hCSF1R.506-Fc and mCSF1R.506-Fc fusion proteins, respectively. In this process, untransfected DHFR-negative DG44 cells were cultured in CHO-CD serum-free medium (Irvine Scientific, Irvine, Calif.) supplemented with 8 mM L-Glutamine, 1× Hypoxanthine/Thymidine (HT; Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.), and 18 ml/L of Pluronic-68 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). About 50 ug of plasmid DNA comprising hCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 or mCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 was first linearized by digestion with the PvuI restriction enzyme, ethanol precipitated, briefly air-dried, and subsequently resuspended in 400 ul of sterile, distilled water. Cultured DG44 host cells were seeded into a shaker flask at about 5×105 cells/ml the day before transfection, which reached about 1×106 cells/ml on the day of transfection. The cells were harvested, and about 1×107 cells per transfection were pelleted by centrifugation.
For transfection, each cell pellet was resuspended in 0.1 ml of Nucleofector V solution and transferred to an Amaxa Nucleofector cuvette (Amaxa, Cologne, Germany). About 5 ug of the resuspended linearized plasmid DNA was added and mixed with the suspended DG44 cells in the cuvette. The cells were then electroporated using an Amaxa Nucleofector Device II using program U-024. Electroporated cells were cultured in CHO-CD medium for two days and were then transferred into selective medium (CHO-CD serum free medium supplemented with 8 mM L-Glutamine, and 18 ml/L Pluronic-68). The selective medium was changed once every week. After about 12 days, 1 ug/ml R3 Long IGF-1 growth factor (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) was added to the medium and the culture was continued for another week until confluent. The supernatants from pools of stably transfected cell lines were assayed using a sandwich ELISA assay with an anti-Fc antibody to determine the protein titer. This transfection method generated an expression level of about 30 ug/ml of the hCSF1R.506-Fc and mCSF1R.506-Fc fusion proteins from the pools of stably transfected cells.
For stable cell line development, a total of one hundred 96-well plates and twenty-two 96-well plates, each seeded with a calculated density of three cells per well, were screened for hCSF1R.506-Fc and mCSF1R.506-Fc overexpression, respectively, using an anti-Fc antibody in an ELISA-based assay. Microscopic inspection of the top 500 hCSF1R.506-Fc-expressing wells showed that 250 of the wells had single colonies, which were expanded from 96-well plates to 6-well plates. Similarly, the top 24 mCSF1R.506-Fc-expressing wells were expanded from 96-well plates to 6-well plates. Titers were re-analyzed in a 6-well production model, and the top 48 hCSF1R.506-Fc clones and the top 12 mCSF1R.506-Fc clones were further expanded into T75 flasks in serum-free medium. Six of the hCSF1R.506-Fc clones were discarded due to a failure to grow during this process. Based on titer re-analysis, the top 25 hCSF1R.506-Fc clones and one mCSF1R.506-Fc clone were transferred into shaker flasks to begin the process of adapting the clones to suspension culture in CHO-CD medium. Titers were re-analyzed for the suspension cultures by seeding the cells at 0.5×106 cells/ml in 50 ml of culture medium in a 250 ml shaker flask. The cultures were fed on day 3 with 10% feeding medium (Irvine Scientific, Irvine, Calif.), and the culture temperature was shifted to 32° C. on the same day. On day 12, the spent medium was harvested, and the hCSF1R.506-Fc and mCSF1R.506-Fc protein levels were determined by ELISA. One of the hCSF1R.506-Fc clones and the mCSF1R.506-Fc clone were selected for process development based on high production levels and sialic acid content, and a research cell bank was prepared for each clone. The hCSF1R.506-Fc clone had a titer of 250 mg/l, and the mCSF1R.506-Fc clone had a titer of 100 mg/l when grown in shaker flasks.
Following expression and secretion of CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins from DG44 cells, Protein A affinity chromatography and SP cation exchange chromatography were used to purify the fusion proteins. The Protein A step served as an enrichment step, and the cation exchange step was both a secondary purification step and an endotoxin removal step. The cell supernatant was substantially purified by initial capture using mAbSelect Protein A Sepharose (GE Healthcare #17-5199), which is an affinity matrix used to bind to the Fc. Prior to loading, the column was equilibrated with five column volumes of sterile buffer A (10 mM potassium phosphate, pH 7.0, 500 mM NaCl). The cell supernatant was applied at a linear velocity of 152.9 cm/h on an XK50 column with a bed dimension of 5 cm×5 cm. Bound CSF1R-ECD-Fc was then washed with five column volumes of sterile buffer A. Elution was then carried out by applying a step gradient of sterile buffer B (100 mM glycine, pH 2.7, 20 mM NaCl) at a linear velocity of 305.7 cm/h for five column volumes. Two 250 ml fractions were collected into tubes containing 25 ml of 1 M Tris, pH 8.0 (Cellgro #46-031-CM) to neutralize the eluate. All bound CSF1R-ECD-Fc was completely eluted by 2.5 column volumes as judged by the A280 chromatographic trace and by SDS-PAGE.
The Protein A column eluate comprising the CSF1R-ECD-Fc was then diluted 10-fold with buffer C (50 mM MES, pH 5.5) and subjected to further purification by SP Sepharose High Performance (GE Healthcare #17-1087) cation exchange chromatography that was packed into an XK50 column with 200 ml of resin with a bed dimension of 5 cm×10 cm. The Protein A material was applied at a linear velocity of 79.1 cm/h. The bound protein was washed with 10 column volumes of buffer D (20 mM MES, pH 5.5, 20 mM NaCl). A 20 column volume linear gradient was applied from 0% to 100% buffer F (20 mM MES, pH 5.5, 300 mM NaCl), followed by five column volumes of buffer F. Elution fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE, and the CSF1R-ECD-Fc-containing fractions were pooled.
Following the purification, endotoxin levels were determined by the limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) using the Endosafe PTS assay system (Charles River Laboratories). Endotoxin levels were typically below 0.1 EU/mg at this step. The highly purified material from the cation exchange column was then concentrated to the desired concentration and dialyzed against a 10-fold volume of 1×PBS with one change of buffer of 10-fold volume after more than 3 hours at 4° C. The dialyzed material was collected after an additional 20 hours of dialysis. The purified samples were aliquotted and flash frozen by liquid nitrogen for long-term storage at −80° C.
Experiments were carried out to examine glycosylation and sialylation of the hCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein expressed in 293-6E cells and in the CHO-derived DG44 cells. These experiments showed that the CHO-and 293-6E-produced CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins exhibited a similar overall level of glycosylation. However, the level of sialylation was higher in the CHO expression system relative to the 293-6E expression system. CHO-produced CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins exhibited a 10-fold higher level of tetra-sialylated glycans, a six-fold higher level of tri-sialylated glycans, a two-fold higher level of di-sialylated glycans, and a 2-fold reduction in the level of neutral glycans, which are involved in liver clearance.
Long-term storage of the purified CHO-produced fusion proteins at 4° C. (up to 5 weeks) showed little evidence of the laddering pattern observed with the 293-6E-produced fusion proteins. The CHO-produced CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion protein has been concentrated to 90 mg/ml without any evidence of aggregation. Therefore, the increased level of sialylation associated with CHO-produced CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins leads to enhanced in vitro stability of the protein and also offers new routes of administration.
In order to determine whether the human CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins bind to the CSF1 and IL34 ligands, the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc (SEQ ID NO.:32) and hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc (SEQ ID NO.:31) fusion proteins were expressed and purified from the culture media of 293-6E cells transiently transfected with the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc/pTT5-J plasmid vector or the hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc/pTT5-J plasmid vector, respectively, as described in Example 2.
The CSF1 and IL34 ligand binding affinity and kinetics of the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc and hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc fusion proteins were determined using Biacore® X surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology (Uppsala, Sweden). CSF1 and IL34 are the only two ligands known to interact with the CSF1R ECD. The CSF1 and IL34 binding experiments were carried out using methodology similar to that described in Lin et al., Science 320:807-811, (2008).
The results of that experiment are shown in Tables 2 and 3.
As shown in Tables 2 and 3, both the hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc and hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc fusion proteins bound to CSF1 and IL34, respectively, with high affinity. However, the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc fusion protein had a 4-fold higher affinity for CSF1 and a 2-fold higher affinity for IL34 than the hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc fusion protein, as measured by the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD). The results of these experiments are also summarized in
These experiments demonstrated that the CSF1R ECD fusion proteins tested retained the ability to bind to both CSF1 and IL34. Surprisingly, the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc fusion protein exhibited stronger binding than the hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc fusion protein to both CSF1 and IL34.
In order to determine whether the CSF1R-ECD-Fc fusion proteins are biologically active, their ability to inhibit human monocyte viability was examined. For these experiments, the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc (SEQ ID NO.:32) and hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc (SEQ ID NO.:31) fusion proteins were expressed and purified from the culture media of 293-6E cells transiently transfected with the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc/pTT5-J plasmid vector or the hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc/pTT5-J plasmid vector as described in Example 2.
Primary monocytes were isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) through size sedimentation over Percoll columns as described (de Almeida et al., Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 95(2):221-223, (2000)). In this experiment, 1×104 freshly isolated human primary monocytes per well of a 96-well plate were incubated with the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc or hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc fusion protein (0.01-120 nM) and the cells were incubated at 37° C. with 5% CO2. After four days, ATP levels in the cells were determined using the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay Kit (Promega, Cat. No. G7571), according to the manufacturer's instructions, as a measurement of cell viability.
As shown in
These experiments demonstrated that the CSF1R ECD fusion proteins retained the ability to inhibit human monocyte viability. Notably, the hCSF1R.506-GS-Fc fusion protein exhibited a stronger inhibitory activity than the hCSF1R.512-GS-Fc fusion protein.
The hCSF1R.506 ECD fusion protein was further examined for its ability to inhibit CSF1- and IL34-stimulated human monocyte proliferation. For these experiments, the hCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO.:6) was expressed and purified from the culture media of CHO cells stably transfected with the hCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 plasmid vector as described in Example 2.
Primary monocytes were isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) through size sedimentation over Percoll columns as described in Example 5. The experiment to examine inhibition of CSF1- and IL34-stimulated monocyte proliferation was carried out using methodology similar to that described in Lin et al., Science 320:807-811, (2008).
The results of that experiment are shown in
The mCSF1R.506-GS-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO.:34) was expressed in vivo to determine whether it could deplete mouse monocytes from peripheral blood as a measure of in vivo biological activity. For these experiments, the minicircle DNA vector (mCSF1R.506-GS-Fc/p2xC31MasterSfi) containing the polynucleotides encoding mCSF1R.506-GS-Fc described in Example 1 was employed. For these experiments, 30 ug of CSF1R.506-GS-Fc-encoding minicircle DNA was injected into a C57BL/6 mouse tail vein by hydrodynamic tail vein transfection (TVT) as described (Ozaki et al., J Immunol, 173(9):5361-5371 (2004)). Saline was injected as a negative control. Approximately three weeks after the tail vein injection, peripheral blood cells were isolated and monocyte levels were determined using FACS analysis with anti-CD11b and anti-F4/80 antibodies according to the manufacturer's instruction (BD Biosciences) to detect monocyte marker-positive cells (F4/80+, CD11b+).
As shown in
The CSF1R ECD fusion molecules were also tested for their ability to inhibit MS disease pathology in a mouse model of MS. These experiments used the mouse experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model, which is widely used as a model of MS in humans. See, for example, Steinman and Zamvil, TRENDS in Immunology, 26(11):565-571 (2005). In the EAE model, disease progression and associated pathology may be measured according to the following EAE clinical score: no clinical disease (Score: 0); tail flaccidity (Score: 1); hind limb weakness (Score: 2); hind limb paralysis (Score: 3); forelimb paralysis or loss of ability to right from supine (stand up from a supine position) (Score: 4); and moribund (near death) or dead (Score: 5). EAE mice also exhibit a loss in body weight as the disease progresses. The mCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein (m506) was tested to determine whether it could decrease the EAE clinical scores or body weight loss. The mCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO.:8) was expressed and purified from the culture media of CHO cells stably transfected with the mCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 plasmid vector as described in Example 2.
For the EAE mouse model experiments, 60 female C57BL/6 mice, age 6-9 months, were divided into five groups:
Each group consisted of 12 mice. EAE induction was performed according to the following protocol: 300 ug of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55 peptide was dissolved in 100 ul PBS and emulsified in an equal volume of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) containing 5 mg/ml Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37 RA. The emulsion (200 ul) was injected subcutaneously into the flank of the mice on days 0 and 7. Pertussis toxin (500 ng in 500 ul of PBS; List Biological Labs) was administered intravenously into each tail vein on days 0 and 2.
The MTX (10 mg/kg) was administered intravenously once every 3 days (q3d) for up to seven weeks starting on day 0; mCSF1R.506-Fc (1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, or 20 mg/kg), or vehicle (PBS) was administered intraperitoneally to the EAE mice in a 0.2 ml volume three times per week for 45 days, starting on day 0. The EAE clinical scores were measured prior to each dosing of PBS, MTX, or mCSF1R.506-Fc, using the above-mentioned scoring system. Body weights were recorded on day 0 before treatment was initiated, and were then measured at least twice per week including the day the study was terminated for seven weeks (on days 0, 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 16, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29, 31, 34, 36, 38, 41, 43, and 45).
The results are shown in
These experiments demonstrated that mCSF1R.506-Fc treatment reduced the disease pathology characteristic of MS, including demyelination and body weight loss in the EAE mouse model of MS The results of these experiments also demonstrated that mCSF1R.506-Fc inhibited the progression of MS. Furthermore, mCSF1R.506-Fc treatment showed advantages over MTX, because mCSF1R.506-Fc treatment prevented body weight loss associated with the disease, whereas MTX treatment increased body weight loss. Thus, these experiments provide support that CSF1R ECD fusion molecules are effective treatments for MS.
The CSF1R ECD fusion proteins were also tested for their ability to inhibit disease pathology in a mouse model of RA. These experiments used the mouse collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, which is widely used as a model of RA in humans. See, for example, Hegen et al., Ann Rheum Dis, 67:1505-1515 (2008). In the CIA model, disease progression and associated pathology may be measured according to the following clinical arthritis scoring criteria for fore and hind paws: normal (Score: 0); one hind or fore paw joint affected, or minimal diffuse erythema and swelling (Score: 1); two hind or fore paw joints affected, or mild diffuse erythema and swelling (Score: 2); three hind or fore paw joints affected, or moderate diffuse erythema and swelling (Score: 3); marked diffuse erythema and swelling, or four digits affected (Score: 4); and severe diffuse erythema and severe swelling of entire paw, unable to flex digits (Score: 5). The mCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein was tested to determine whether it could decrease the CIA-associated clinical arthritis score. The mCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO.:8) was expressed and purified from the culture media of CHO cells stably transfected with the mCSF1R.506-Fc/pDEF38 plasmid vector as described in Example 2.
For the CIA mouse model experiments, 59 male DBA/1 mice, which were at least 6 weeks old, were put into four different treatment groups:
CIA mice (Groups 2-4) were anesthetized with isoflurane and given 150 ul of bovine type II collagen (Elastin Products) in Freund's complete adjuvant (with supplemental Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 4 mg/ml (Difco)) injections on day 0 and on day 21. Mice were randomized by body weight and put into treatment groups on study day 0. Vehicle and mCSF1R.506-Fc were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) daily starting on day 0 and continued for 34 days. ENBREL® was delivered i.p. starting on study day 0 and continued twice weekly for 34 days. During the 34-day period, the clinical arthritis scores were determined for each of the paws (right front, left front, right rear, and left rear). In the CIA model, the onset of arthritis will occur on days 21-35. Mice were weighed on days 0, 7, 11, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and before tissue collection on day 34.
The results are shown in
These experiments demonstrated that mCSF1R.506-Fc treatment reduced the disease pathology, joint inflammation, and joint damage in the CIA mouse model. Thus, these experiments provide support that CSF1R ECD fusion molecules are an effective treatment for RA.
Production of human CSF1R ECD amino acids 1-506 (hCSF1R.506; SEQ ID NO:2), was achieved by transient transfection of CHO-3E7 cells, which were grown in polycarbonate Erlenmeyer flasks fitted with a vented screw cap, rotated on a table top shaker at 130 RPM, and grown in Freestyle CHO (Invitrogen) at 37° C. in 5% CO2 at cell densities ranging from 0.6×106 to 2×106 cells/ml. Typically, 600 ml of cell culture was grown in a 2 L flask with multiple flasks being prepared for one transfection. On the day of transfection, the cells were harvested by centrifugation, the media replaced with new media, and the cells resuspended at a cell density of 4×106 cells/ml with 600 ml of cells per 2 L flask. DNA transfection complex was made by adding 900 ug of DNA into 22.5 ml of Freestyle CHO in one tube, and adding 4500 ug of PEI Max (sterile stock solution at 3 mg/ml polyethyleneinimine, 40 KD, pH7.0, (Polysciences Inc, 24765, Arrington, Wis.) in 22.5 ml of Freestyle CHO in a second tube. The contents of the two tubes were mixed and incubated for 8-10 minutes at room temperature in order to form the transfection complex. The transfection complex was transferred to the CHO-3E7 cell suspension culture, which was allowed to grow at 37° C. in 5% CO2. At 24 hours post-transfection, the supplement tryptone N1 (Catalog #19 533, OrganoTechnie S.A., La Courneuve, France) was added at 1.0% (w/v) to the cells to feed the cells and stimulate protein production. Tryptone N1 was prepared as a 40% (w/v) stock solution in water, filter sterilized using a 0.2 um polyethersulfone filter, and stored at 4 C until use.
The CHO-3E7 cultures expressing the human CSF1R.506 protein were harvested on either day 6 or 7 post-transfection, before the cell viability dropped below 60%. The culture supernatant was centrifuged at 1400 rpm for 10 minutes and then 5,000×g for 10 minutes at 4° C. The supernatant was then dialyzed in 10 kD MWCO dialysis bags against Buffer A (10 mM Potassium Phosphate, pH 6.5, with 30 mM Sodium Chloride). The dialyzed material was loaded on a 5-ml SP Sepharose High Performance Cation Exchange column (GE Healthcare, 17-1152-01) (“SP column”). The SP column was washed with 5 column volumes of Buffer A. Bound protein was eluted from the column using a 25 column volume linear gradient elution from Buffer A to Buffer B (10 mM Potassium Phosphate, pH 6.5 with 0.5 M Sodium Chloride). Elution fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western Blot using anti-human CSF1R antibody (R&D Systems, Inc.) to identify fractions containing human CSF1R.506.
Elution fractions from the SP column containing human CSF1R.506 were pooled and dialyzed in 10 KD MWCO dialysis bags against Buffer C (5 mM Potassium Phosphate, pH 6.5). The dialyzed material was loaded on a 7-ml hydroxyapatite (hydroxyapatite type I 20 um, BioRad 157-0020, Hercules, Calif.) column (“HA column”). The HA column was washed with 5 column volumes of Buffer C. Bound protein was eluted from the column using a 25 column volume linear gradient elution from Buffer C to Buffer D (400 mM Potassium Phosphate, pH 6.5 with 1 M Potassium Chloride). Elution fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE to identify fractions containing human CSF1R.506.
Elution fractions from the HA column containing human CSF1R.506 were pooled and the conductivity of the pool was determined. 2.4M ammonium sulfate was added to the CSF1R-ECD pool to match the conductivity of Buffer E (10 mM Tris, pH 8.0, with 1.2M Ammonium Sulfate). The adjusted protein pool was loaded on a 5-ml HiTrap Phenyl HP column (GE Healthcare, 17-5195-01). The column was washed with 5 column volumes Buffer E. Bound protein was eluted from the column using a 25 column volume linear gradient elution from Buffer E to Buffer F (10 mM Tris, pH 8.0). Elution fractions were analyzed by SDS-PAGE to identify fractions containing human CSF1R.506. Elusion fractions containing human CSF1R.506 were pooled, dialyzed against PBS, and then spin concentrated (10 kD MWCO, Amicon Ultra-15). The concentration of the Human CSF1R-ECD protein was determined by Bicinchoninic Acid assay (Pierce) using BSA as a protein standard.
In order to compare the relative ligand binding affinity of hCSF1R.506 (SEQ ID NO:2) and hCSF1R.506-Fc (SEQ ID NO:6) proteins expressed in CHO cells to CSF1, a Biacore® assay was used. (See Example 4.) The results of the experiment are shown below.
The abilities of hCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein and hCSF1R.506, produced from CHO cells, to inhibit CSF-1-induced and IL-34-induced monocyte viability were compared. Primary monocytes were isolated from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) through size sedimentation over Percoll columns as described (de Almeida et al., Mem inst Oswaldo Cruz 95(2):221-223 (2000). In this experiment, 1×10 freshly isolated human primary monocytes per well in a 96-well plate were incubated with the hCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein or hCSF-1R.506. After incubation for four days, ATP levels in the cells were determined using the CellTiter-Glo Luminescent Cell Viability Assay Kit (Promega, Cat. No. G7571), according to manufacturer's instructions, as a measurement of cell viability per manufacturer's instruction.
In the CSF-1-induced monocyte viability assay, the EC50 value for hCSF1R.506-Fc was 1.4 nM, and the EC50 value for hCSF1R.506 was greater than 100 nM. Similarly, hCSF1R.506-Fc inhibited IL-34-induced monocyte viability with an EC50 value of 0.65 nM while the EC50 value for hCSF1R.506 was greater than 50 nM. These data demonstrated that the hCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein exhibited a greater potency than hCSF1R.506 in the inhibition of CSF-1-induced or IL-34-induced monocyte viability.
The mCSF1R.506-Fc fusion proteins were further tested for their ability to inhibit disease pathology in the mouse CIA model of RA. The study used male DBA/1 mice, which were at least 7 weeks old at the start of the study. Animals were housed 5 per cage and put into different treatment groups.
Group 1 (normal control) consisted of 4 mice, and Groups 2 to 8 consisted of 15 mice each. Five mice were housed in each cage.
CIA mice (Groups 2-8) were anesthetized with isoflurane and given 150 μl of bovine type II collagen (Elastin Products) in Freund's complete adjuvant (with supplemental Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 4 mg/ml (Difco)) injections on day 0 and on day 21. On study day 0, mice in groups 2 to 8 were randomized by body weight and put into treatment groups. For groups 2 to 7, vehicle or mCSF1R.506-Fc were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) daily starting on day 0 and continued for 34 days. For group 8, mCSF1R.506-Fc was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) every three days starting on day 0. ENBREL® was delivered i.p. daily starting on study day 0. During the 34-day period, the clinical arthritis scores were determined for each of the paws (right front, left front, right rear, and left rear). In the CIA model, the onset of arthritis will occur on days 21-35. Mice were weighed on days 0, 7, 11, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, and before tissue collection on day 34.
In the CIA model, disease progression and associated pathology may be measured according to the following clinical arthritis scoring criteria for fore and hind paws: normal (Score: 0); one hind or fore paw joint affected, or minimal diffuse erythema and swelling (Score: 1); two hind or fore paw joints affected, or mild diffuse erythema and swelling (Score: 2); three hind or fore paw joints affected, or moderate diffuse erythema and swelling (Score: 3); marked diffuse erythema and swelling, or four digits affected (Score: 4); and severe diffuse erythema and severe swelling of entire paw, unable to flex digits (Score: 5).
The results of monitoring the clinical arthritis scoring criteria are shown in
Joints were also processed to determine the effect of mCSF1R.50-Fc fusion protein treatment on inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage damage, and bone resorption. After joints were placed in fixative for 1-2 days and then in decalcifer for 4-5 days, the joints were processed, embedded, sectioned and stained with toluidine blue.
The paws or ankles of mice were also scored to determine the effect of mCSF1R.50-Fc fusion protein treatment on inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage damage, and bone resorption. Scoring paws or ankles of mice with type II collagen arthritis lesions required consideration of the severity of changes to the joints and the number of individual joints affected. If only 1 to 3 joints of the paws or ankles were affected, an arbitrary assignment of a maximum score of 1, 2 or 3, depending on the severity of the changes to the joint, was given for each of the four parameters: inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage damage, and bone resorption. If more than 3 joints were involved, the following criteria were applied to the most severely affected/majority of joints.
Inflammation of the joints can be measured according to the following scoring criteria: normal (Score 0); minimal infiltration of inflammatory cells in synovium and periarticular tissue of affected joints (Score 1); mild infiltration of inflammatory cells, and if referring to paws, generally restricted to affected joints with 1-3 affected (Score 2); moderate infiltration with moderate edema, and if referring to paws, restricted to affected joints, generally 3-4 joints and wrist or ankle (Score 3); marked infiltration affecting most areas with marked edema, and 1 or 2 unaffected joints may be present (Score 4); and severe diffuse infiltration with severe edema affecting all joints and periarticular tissues (Score 5).
Pannus formation can be measured according to the following scoring criteria: normal (Score 0); minimal infiltration of pannus in cartilage and subchondral bone, marginal zones (Score 1); mild infiltration with marginal zone destruction of hard tissue in affected joints (Score 2); moderate infiltration with moderate hard tissue destruction in affected joints (Score 3); marked infiltration with marked destruction of joint architecture and affecting most joints (Score 4); and severe infiltration associated with total or near total destruction of joint architecture and affects all joints (Score 5).
Cartilage damage can be measured according to the following scoring criteria: normal (Score 0; normal); generally minimal to mild loss of toluidine blue staining with no obvious chondrocyte loss or collagen disruption in affected joints (Score 1; minimal); generally mild loss of toluidine blue staining with focal areas of chondrocyte loss and/or collagen disruption in some affected joints (Score 2; mild); generally moderate loss of toluidine blue staining with multifocal chondrocyte loss and/or collagen disruption in affected joints, some matrix remains on any affected surface with areas of severe matrix loss (Score 3; moderate); marked loss of toluidine blue staining with multifocal marked (depth to deep zone) chondrocyte loss and/or collagen disruption in most joints, if knee-one surface with total to near total cartilage loss (Score 4; marked); severe diffuse loss of toluidine blue staining with multifocal severe (depth to tide mark) chondrocyte loss and/or collagen disruption in all joints, if the knee is affected, 2 or more surfaces show total to near total cartilage loss (Score 5; severe).
Bone resorption can be measured according to the following scoring criteria: normal (Score 0); small areas of resorption, not readily apparent on low magnification, rare osteoclasts in affected joints, restricted to marginal zones (Score 1; minimal); more numerous areas of resorption, not readily apparent on low magnification, osteoclasts more numerous in affected joints, restricted to marginal zones (Score 2; mild); obvious resorption of medullary trabecular and cortical bone without full thickness defects in cortex, loss of some medullary trabeculae, lesion apparent on low magnification, osteoclasts more numerous in affected joints (Score 3; moderate); full thickness defects in cortical bone, often with distortion of profile of remaining cortical surface, marked loss of medullary bone, numerous osteoclasts, affects most joints (Score 4; marked); full thickness defects in cortical bone and destruction of joint architecture of all joints (Score 5; severe).
For each animal, inflammation, pannus formation, cartilage damage, and bone damage scores of 6 joints were determined. A sum total of the scores for all 6 joints (sum total animal score); a mean score for the six joints (six joint mean animal score) as well as sum and mean scores for each of the individual parameters were determined.
For statistical analyses, clinical data for paw scores (means for animal) were analyzed by determining the area under the dosing curve (AUC) for days 1-15. Clinical scoring criteria for fore and hind paws are as follows: normal (Score 0); 1 hind or fore paw joint affected or minimal diffuse erythema and swelling (Score 1); 2 hind or fore paw joints affected or mild diffuse erythema and swelling (Score 2); 3 hind or fore paw joints affected or moderate diffuse erythema and swelling (Score 3); marked diffuse erythema and swelling, or =4 digit joints affected (Score 4); severe diffuse erythema and severe swelling entire paw, unable to flex digits (Score 5). To calculate the AUC, the daily mean paw scores for each mouse were entered into Microsoft Excel and the area under the curve of daily mean paw scores from the onset of disease up to the termination day was computed. Means for each group were determined and the % inhibition from arthritis controls was calculated by comparing the values for treated and normal animals. Paw scores and histologic parameters (mean±SE) for each group were analyzed for differences using a Student's t test with significance set at p≦0.05.
The percent inhibition of histologic parameters and its associated AUC was calculated using the following formula: % Inhibition=A−B/A×100 where A=Mean Disease Control−Mean Normal and B=Mean Treated−Mean Normal
The ability of mCSF1R.506-Fc fusion protein to decrease serum pyridinoline (PYD) levels in CIA mice was also tested.
To assay PYD, mice were anesthetized and blood was collected by cardiac puncture. Serum samples were assayed to determine the levels of serum PYD, which is a degradation product of bone collagen and a biomarker for bone resorption. Serum PYD levels were assayed using the MicroVue Serum PYD ELISA kit (Quidel Corporation, San Diego, Calif., No. 8019) according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The results are shown in
Male DBA1 mice were administered i.p. 3 times per week with saline or mCSF1R.506-Fc protein (SEQ ID NO:34) at 20 mg/kg. After two weeks of treatment, spleens were harvested for analysis of monocytes by flow cytometry as described (Liu et al., Science 324: 392 (2009)). Cells were stained at 4° C. in PBS with 5% (vol/vol) FBS. An LSR II (Becton Dickinson) was used for multiparameter flow cytometry of stained cell suspensions, followed by analysis with FlowJo software (TreeStar).
As shown in
Table 5 provides certain sequences discussed herein. All CSF1R sequences are shown without the signal peptide, unless otherwise indicated.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/118,423 and 61/118,425, each filed on Nov. 26, 2008, and which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
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