Patent Grant
11912745
The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII file, created on Mar. 21, 2022, is named Muro_UMD_CON_ST25.txt and is 98,304 bytes in size.
The present disclosure relates generally to compositions and methods for treating lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) and other diseases where lysosomal enzyme activities are beneficial.
LSDs are caused by defects in one or more hydrolytic enzymes of lysosomes in cells that digest biomacromolecules for cellular housekeeping. Lack of this function results in unwanted build-up of these molecules in cells and depending on the enzyme affected, specific substrate processing is impaired, and severity ranges from life-long debilitation to death.
Supplementing defective enzymes by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is the most accepted treatment and a “universal” approach at present. However, there is an ongoing need for compositions and methods for use as ERT treatments. In addition, the activity of these lysosomal enzymes is also applicable to the treatment of other maladies. For instance, ceramide, the product of the activity of acid sphingomyelinase which is deficient in the LSD called types A and B Niemann-Pick disease, can induce cellular apoptosis when in excess. Hence, ERT methods and compositions for treatment of types A and B Niemann-Pick disease can also be used for cancer treatment. Similarly, mutations and defects in lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase, which is deficient in the LSD called Gaucher disease, constitute a main hallmark in Parkinson's disease. It has been shown that increased activity of this enzyme improves the outcome of Parkinson's in animal models. Hence, ERT methods and compositions for treatment Gaucher disease can also be used for treatment of Parkinson's, but to date there remains an ongoing need for improved compositions and methods for prophylaxis and/or treatment of such ERT conditions. The present disclosure is pertinent to these needs.
The present disclosure provides compositions and methods that are useful for treating a variety of LSDs. The compositions include fusion proteins, for use in treating one or more LSDs, or additional diseases which may benefit from these enzyme activities.
Data presented in this disclosure demonstrate that, unexpectedly and unpredictably, the described fusion proteins exhibit enhanced enzymatic activity in conditions mimicking lysosomes, such as lysosomal pH, both as such fusion proteins and also after the enzyme segment has been liberated from the fusion protein, relative to the same enzyme that is not provided in a fusion protein context. This enhanced activity cannot be explained solely by the precise enzyme segment sequence used to form the fusion protein, because when the same enzyme segment is used to produce an enzyme without fusion to ICAM-1 targeting peptides, its activity is lower than that of the fusion protein or the enzymatic segment liberated from the fusion protein.
Data presented in this disclosure also support the use of the described fusion proteins for improved effects in cellular models and in mouse organs, including but not necessarily limited to the lung and brain, the latter of which no previously described enzyme replacement therapy has been able to access in a therapeutic dose. With respect to the fusion proteins provided by the disclosure, they generally comprise: i) one or more intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) targeting segments; ii) an enzyme segment that is catalytically active at the pH of a lysosome; iii) optionally a first protease cleavage sequence segment between i) and ii), and optionally, one or more of: iv) a secretion signal; v) a protein purification tag; and vi) a second protease cleavage signal, such as for use in protein purification of iv) and v) from the final product. The form and content of the fusion protein can be changed depending on, for example, its method of delivery.
In embodiments, the ICAM-1 targeting segment comprises amino acid SEQ ID NO 1 NNQKIVNIKEKVAQIEA (2γ3) or respective nucleotide sequence, which are comprised in fusion proteins containing amino acid or nucleotide SEQ ID NO 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22. This is in contrast to non-targeted enzyme sequences shown as control in some embodiments, such as amino acid or nucleotide SEQ ID NO 6, 9, 12, 17, 20, and 23. In both cases, that of fusion proteins or control non-targeted enzymes, nucleotide sequences provided include codon optimization for expression in mammalian cells, but this should not limit the use of other codon sequences encoding similar amino acids to those described. In some embodiments, the ICAM-1 targeting sequence may be repeated, and thus may appear in the fusion protein more than once. In embodiments, the enzyme segment comprises at least one of Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), Alpha galactosidase (αGal), or Glucocerebrosidase (GCase), or a catalytically active fragment of any of said enzymes. The fusion protein may be delivered to an individual in need thereof using any of a variety of delivery forms and methods. The disclosure includes administration of the described fusion proteins, and polynucleotides encoding them, such as RNA or DNA or a suitable expression vector, or cells producing said proteins or nucleic acids or vectors. Thus, expression vectors, mRNA, and cDNAs encoding the fusion proteins are included. Also included are cells, including but not limited to mammalian cells, which further include but are not limited to human cells, that produce described fusion proteins or comprise the described vectors containing said sequences, as well as said cells to which a described fusion protein has bound, and/or which have internalized the fusion protein. The described proteins can be used as a protein therapy, a gene therapy, or by way of an implanted cell therapy, wherein the implanted cells express a described fusion protein. Organelles and cellular vesicles, such as lysosomes and exosomes, which comprise an intact or cleaved fusion protein, and organs, such as the lungs, liver or brain, to which these fusion proteins have been delivered are also included within the scope of the disclosure.
The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
Unless defined otherwise herein, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.
Every numerical range given throughout this specification includes its upper and lower values, as well as every narrower numerical range that falls within it, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.
The disclosure includes all nucleotide and amino acid sequences described herein, and every nucleotide sequence referred to herein includes its complementary DNA sequence, and also includes the RNA equivalents thereof, and vice versa. All sequences described herein, whether nucleotide or amino acid, include sequences having 50.0-99.9% identity, inclusive, and including all numbers and ranges of numbers there between to the first decimal point. The identity may be determined across the entire sequence, or a segment thereof that retains its intended function. Homologous sequences from, for example, other enzymes, protease cleavage sites, secretion signals, and targeting moieties, are included within the scope of this disclosure, provided such homologous sequences also retain their intended function. Further, proteins of the present disclosure include functionally equivalent molecules in which amino acid residues are substituted for residues within the sequence resulting in a silent or conservative change. For example, one or more amino acid residues within the sequence can be substituted by another amino acid of a similar polarity that acts as a functional equivalent, resulting in a silent or conservative alteration. Substitutes for an amino acid within the sequence may be selected from other members of the class to which the amino acid belongs. For example, the nonpolar (hydrophobic) amino acids include, but are not limited to, alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan, methionine, and combinations thereof. The polar neutral amino acids include, but are not limited to, glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine and glutamine, and combinations thereof. The positively charged (basic) amino acids include, but are not limited to, arginine, lysine and histidine. The negatively charged (acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and combinations thereof. Also included within the scope of the disclosure are proteins or fragments or derivatives thereof which exhibit the same or similar biological activity and derivatives which are differentially modified during or after translation, for example, by glycosylation, proteolytic cleavage, and the like.
Any result obtained using a method described herein can be compared to any suitable reference, such as a known value, or a control sample or control value, suitable examples of which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. In embodiments, any result obtained herein can be compared to a value obtained from analysis of components of the fusion proteins described herein, but wherein the components are configured differently, or are present in different copy numbers, or in a different stoichiometry, or are not present in the same, intact polypeptide. In embodiments, the disclosure provides for an improved result, relative to a result obtained using a targeting moiety and an enzyme that are present in the same composition, but are not present in the same polypeptide or were produced in the same polypeptide prior to enzyme release or liberation. In embodiments, the improved result comprises any one or combination of: improved and/or increased enzymatic activity, such as enzyme activity measured at a pH below physiological pH, such as in a lysosome, an improved pharmacokinetic property, improved bioavailability property, improved stability, improved shelf life, improved production yield, improved safety, improved duration of activity, improved biodistribution, improved incorporation into a lysosome, and/or an improved effect on any sign or symptom of a lysosomal storage disease. In embodiments, a result obtained using a composition described herein is improved, relative to a result obtained using a composition that comprises a particulate carrier. In an embodiment, a fusion protein of this disclosure displays increased targeting and/or catalytic activity than a control enzyme that is not a component of a fusion protein. In embodiments, a fusion protein of this disclosure displays a measurable improvement relative to a control enzyme that is not a component of a fusion enzyme. In embodiments, a 1-10 fold improvement is achieved. In non-limiting embodiments, a fusion protein of this disclosure displays ≥700-1000% (7-10-fold) better targeting and/or ≥300% (3-fold) better catalytic activity than a control enzyme such as acid sphingomyelinase (ASM), with ≥50% enhancement after protease cleavage of the enzyme.
In connection with the foregoing, the present disclosure unexpectedly reveals, as in part demonstrated by Example 6 and
In one aspect, the disclosure comprises recombinant polypeptides, i.e., fusion proteins, for use in treating one or more LSDs, or additional diseases which may benefit from these enzyme activities, wherein the fusion proteins generally comprises:
i) one or more intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) targeting segments;
ii) an enzyme segment that is catalytically active at the pH of a lysosome;
iii) optionally a first protease cleavage sequence segment between i) and ii), and optionally, one or more of:
iv) a secretion signal;
v) a protein purification tag; and
vi) a second protease cleavage signal, such as for use in protein purification, for removal of iv) and v) from the final product.
In embodiments, a fusion protein of this disclosure comprises or consists of any combination of i)-vi), provided at least i) and ii), and preferably at least i), ii) and iii) are present.
Representative and non-limiting configurations of segments of fusion proteins that are included in this disclosure are provided in Example 1 and
Where polypeptides of this disclosure are described, expression vectors encoding the polypeptides are also included. The expression vectors can be used in production of the polypeptides, and/or as therapeutic agents, such as DNA vaccines. Representative and non-limiting DNA sequences encoding proteins are provided below.
In embodiments, the ICAM-1 targeting segment comprises or consists of the sequence NNQKIVNIKEKVAQIEA (SEQ ID NO: 1), referred to herein from time to time as 2γ3. In embodiments, the 2γ3 sequence is repeated in the fusion protein. In embodiments, the 2γ3 sequence is repeated 2 to 10 times in the fusion protein. In embodiments, one 2γ3 sequence is proximal to another sequence, such as a Gly and Ser containing sequence. e.g., a linker sequence. In embodiments, a suitable Gly Ser sequence contains GGGGS (SEQ ID NO:24). In embodiments, distinct 2γ3 segments are separated by a segment comprising the sequence GGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO:25). A variety of other linkers are known in the art and can be used with embodiments of this disclosure.
As an alternative to 2γ3, other ICAM-1 targeting peptide sequences can be used. Some examples include but are not necessarily limited to:
NNQKIVNLKEKVAQLEA (SEQ ID NO:26); NNQKLVNIKEKVAQIEA (SEQ ID NO:27); YPASYQR (SEQ ID NO:28); YQATPLP (SEQ ID NO:29); GSLLSAA (SEQ ID NO:30); FSPHSRT (SEQ ID NO:31); YPFLPTA (SEQ ID NO:32) and GCKLCAQ (SEQ ID NO:33).
In embodiments, a fusion protein described herein comprises a targeting segment and/or a lysosomal enzyme segment described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,778,307, from which the description of targeting moieties and lysosomal enzymes are incorporated herein by reference.
The enzyme segment of the fusion proteins described herein can comprise any enzyme or catalytic fragment thereof that is also described herein. In non-limiting embodiments, the enzyme or catalytic fragment thereof can function in a lysosome. In one embodiment, the enzyme is Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM). In another embodiment, the enzyme is Alpha galactosidase. In another embodiment the enzyme is Glucocerebrosidase (GCase). The amino acid sequences of each of these enzymes are known in the art. As noted above, representative and non-limiting sequences are provided in the examples below, and representative configurations on the enzyme segment in relation to the other components of the fusion proteins are shown in Example 1 and
In embodiments, the fusion proteins provided by this disclosure comprise a first and second protease cleavage sequence. In general, the first and second protease cleavage sites are distinct from one another, and do not appear elsewhere in the fusion proteins.
In embodiments, the first cleavage sequence comprises a sequence that is cleaved by any protease originally located in a lysosome, which may be located within endosomes or lysosomes, or secreted extracellularly by cells. In embodiments, the protease cleavage signal is cleaved by any endosomal cysteine proteases, such cysteine proteases known in the art as Cathepsins. In embodiments, the protease recognition sequence is recognized by cathepsin L or cathepsin B. In an embodiment, a protease cleavage site used in fusion proteins of this disclosure comprises the sequence GFLG (SEQ ID NO:34). In this regard, representative and non-limiting examples of first protease cleavage site configurations in relation to fusion proteins of this disclosure are shown in Example 1 and
In embodiments, a fusion protein of this disclosure comprises a secretion signal that is used for protein production and/or purification. Any suitable secretion signal can be used and many are known in the art. In one non-limiting embodiments, the secretion signal comprises METDTLLLWVLLLWVPGSTG (SEQ ID NO:41) or MGWSCIILFLVATATGVHSD (SEQ ID NO:42).
In embodiments, fusion proteins provided in this disclosure may include protein purification tags. Any suitable protein purification tag can be used. In a non-limiting embodiment, a poly-histidine tag is used. A His-tag as used herein is a linear sequence of n histidine residues where n is typically 6-8.
In embodiments, the disclosure comprises administering therapeutically effective amounts of a described fusion protein to an individual in need thereof. In embodiments, the fusion protein to be used in a therapeutic method will have been produced and processed such that the secretion signal and the protein purification tag are removed from a portion of the fusion protein comprising the ICAM-1 targeting and enzyme segments by cleavage at the second protease cleavage sequence. In other embodiments, the purification tag is not removed.
Therapeutically effective amount means that amount of a recombinant polypeptide of this disclosure that will elicit the biological or medical response of a subject that is being sought. A “therapeutically effective amount” in certain implementations means an amount sufficient to prevent or reduce signs and/or symptoms of any disorder wherein an enzyme described herein could have a prophylactic and/or therapeutic benefit.
In embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount rescues an LSD disorder caused by a deficiency of one or more lysosomal enzymes. Effective amounts of polypeptides of this disclosure will depend in part on the particular LSD, the size and weight of the individual, etc. For any recombinant polypeptide disclosed herein, an effective dose can be estimated initially either in cell culture assays or in animal models, usually mice, rabbits, dogs, pigs, or non-human primates. The animal model is also used to achieve a desirable concentration range and route of administration. Such information can then be used to determine useful doses and routes for administration in humans. In embodiments, a fusion protein of this disclosure is administered such that it reaches the lungs and/or brain of an individual. Prophylactic dosing and uses are also included in this disclosure. Prophylactic or therapeutic doses can encompass a broad range of concentration including, but limited to, 0.01 mg/Kg to 20 mg/Kg.
In embodiments, the disclosure provides compositions comprising the described polypeptides, such as pharmaceutical formulations. In embodiments, the non-limiting compositions are free of particulate carriers. In embodiments, compositions are free of any one or combination of polystyrene nanocarriers, poly-lactic co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanocarriers, polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly-lactic acid (PLA) nanocarriers, and biopolymeric dendrimers. In embodiments, a protein or polynucleotide encoding the protein as provided herein is not covalently or ionically coupled to a particle.
In embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Suitable carriers include, for example, diluents, adjuvants, excipients, or other vehicles with which the present complexes may be administered to an individual. Non-limiting examples of materials which can serve as pharmaceutical carriers include: sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose, including sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients, such as cocoa butter; oils, such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil and soybean oil; glycols, such as propylene glycol; polyols, such as glycerin, sorbitol, mannitol and polyethylene glycol; esters, such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; buffering agents, such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol; phosphate buffer solutions; and other non-toxic compatible substances employed in pharmaceutical formulations. The composition, if desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. Some examples of compositions suitable for mixing a composition of this disclosure can be found in: Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (2005) 21st Edition, Philadelphia, Pa. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Methods of using the therapeutic compositions include administration by any acceptable approaches including but not limited orally and parenterally. For example, the recombinant polypeptides can be administered intramuscularly, subdermally, subcutaneously, topically, intracranially, intratracheally, by instillation, intravenously, and intra-arterial. In embodiments, the fusion protein is loaded on or in cells for release in the body, e.g., cells such as erythrocytes can be loaded with proteins, injected in circulation, and release the protein over time which then target the intended organs. In embodiments, a fusion protein of the disclosure is administered in combination with any suitable nanoparticles. In embodiments, a composition comprising a fusion protein may be administered by a device, such as a medical pump, implant, patch, or chip.
In embodiments, a polypeptide or polynucleotide encoding such polypeptide is administered to an individual in need thereof. In embodiments, the individual in need thereof has been diagnosed with or is suspected of having any disorder that is correlated with a lysosomal storage disease, non-limiting examples of which include Pompe Disease, GM1 gangliosidosis, Tay-Sachs disease, GM2 gangliosidosis, Sandhoff disease, Fabry disease, Gaucher disease, metachromatic leukodystrophy, Krabbe disease, Niemann-Pick disease type A, Niemann-Pick disease type B, Niemann-Pick disease type C, Niemann-Pick disease type D, Farber disease, Wolman disease, Hurler Syndrome, Scheie Syndrome, Hurler-Scheie Syndrome, Hunter Syndrome, Sanfilippo A Syndrome, Sanfilippo B Syndrome, Sanfilippo C Syndrome, Sanfilippo D Syndrome, Morquio A disease, Morquio B disease, Maroteaux-Lamy disease, Sly Syndrome, α-mannosidosis, β-mannosidosis, fucosidosis, aspartylglucosaminuria, sialidosis, mucolipidosis II, mucolipidosis III, mucolipidosis IV, Goldberg Syndrome, Schindler disease, cystinosis, Salla disease, infantile sialic acid storage disease, Batten disease, infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, or prosaposin.
In alternative embodiments, the individual has any type of cancer, or Parkinson's disease. In embodiments, the cancer is a blood cancer or a solid tumor, either primary or metastatic, that affects any part of the body.
The disclosure includes expression vectors encoding the fusion proteins, and methods of making the fusion protein using the expression vectors. In general, a method of making the fusion proteins comprises allowing expression of an expression vector encoding the fusion proteins in a cell culture, and separating the protein from the cell culture using any suitable approach. The proteins can be separated and purified to any desired degree of purity. In certain embodiments, the disclosure includes cell cultures that contain the expression vectors. In certain embodiments, the cell cultures are eukaryotic cell cultures.
In embodiments, the disclosure includes administering to an individual an expression vector encoding a fusion protein described herein, or otherwise configured to result in expression of the fusion protein once the expression vector is introduced into a cell. In embodiments, any of a variety of retroviral vectors, such as lentiviral vectors, or adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes, and vaccinia viruses can be used. In embodiments, RNA encoding the fusion protein can be directly injected into the cells or otherwise introduced to the individual. Polynucleotide vectors can include modified nucleotides or phosphate backbone moieties, many suitable examples of which are known in the art. CRISPR/Cas technology can also be used to introduce in the genome the coding sequence of the described fusion proteins.
In one representative approach, which is further illustrated by the Examples presented below, 5 tandem repeats of 2γ3 were cloned for enhanced ICAM-1 affinity, each repeat separated from the next by a short peptide linker to enable their independent folding (targeting domain=135 amino acids). At the carboxyl-terminus of the targeting domain, a 4 amino acid cathepsin B sequence was placed to enable lysosomal cleavage and release of human ASM, which was cloned at the carboxyl-terminus of the release domain. This catalytic domain is 570 amino acids-long and encompasses human ASM mRNA sequence starting at His62, which lacks the enzyme's natural secretion sequence. The targeting+cleavage+catalytic cassette (“functional domains”) was preceded at the amino-terminus by “production domains”, consisting of a 21 amino acid signal peptide for secretion of the fusion protein from transfected cells into the culture medium, a 6 amino acid His-tag for affinity purification, and a 5 amino acid enterokinase cleavage site to separate the production domains from the functional domains which constitute the intended fusion protein. The full sequence was cloned into a plasmid vector to enable transient and stable expression in mammalian cells. In addition, computer predictions were pursued to examine the resulting conformation of the targeted fusion proteins. Results suggested that the designed fusion protein would match the folding of respective human wild-type enzymes which endogenously reside in lysosomes of our bodies.
To produce data described in the Examples below, a plasmid vector containing the expression cassette for an ASM fusion protein was transfected in CHO-3E7, Expi-CHO-S and 293-6E cells. In all cases, collection of the cell medium 5-7 days post-transfection, followed by affinity purification using the His-tag domain and electrophoresis under reducing conditions, showed a protein band of ≈80 KDa (expected size), quantified as ≈90% purity. Similar cells were transfected with plasmids containing the expression cassettes for GCase and αGal fusion proteins, respectively, which also resulted in the production of proteins of expected size and purity ranging from 39 to 90%. Subsequent optimization of the purification protocol raised purity to ≥90% in all cases. Electrophoresis under non-reducing conditions revealed monomeric, dimeric, and tetrameric protein at 25%, 25%, 50% for 293 cells and 30%, 15%, 55% for CHO cells in the case of ASM fusion protein. This was because natural ASM assembles into monomeric and oligomeric forms in the body, all of which are functional. Three independent production rounds in CHO cells showed high reproducibility. The production yield was high, e.g. mg/L of culture for CHO-3E7 and mg/mL for Expi-CHO-S. Western blot (WB) validated that the fusion protein contained His-tag and enzyme modules, for which antibodies are available. It also validated that the His-tag was cleaved off the fusion protein by enterokinase, which was then removed by size exclusion chromatography for a final purity of ≈85%. In the case of an ASM fusion protein, WB also showed that cathepsin B cleavage released a protein band of ≈70 KDa recognized by anti-ASM, as expected. Similar results were obtained for GCase fusion protein and αGal fusion protein.
When hundreds of copies of γ3 peptides are coupled on the surface of polymer nanoparticles, particles target human and mouse ICAM-1 (Garnacho et al., J Pharm Exp Ther, 340:638 & Garnacho et al., J Drug Targeting. 25:786). However, these peptides were never tested outside the context of these high affinity nanoparticles. We observed that, in CHO cells that expressed 2γ3-ASM fusion protein, ASM was stained using anti-ASM+FITC-secondary antibody, abundant label associated with the cells. This was in contrast to non-transfected CHO cells, despite the fact that CHO cells express natural ASM, which we verified by Western blotting (WB). Fluorescence detection could have been enabled by enhanced expression of fusion protein over natural ASM, yet we had demonstrated that fusion protein is secreted to the cell medium. In fact, WB validated the almost absence of fusion protein in cell lysates vs. the cell medium. Therefore, the fluorescence signal may be due to binding of secreted fusion protein on cells, indicating ICAM-1 binding, as WB verified the presence of ICAM-1 expression in these CHO cells. In addition, incubation of purified fusion protein with HUVEC cells (known to express ICAM-1) for 3 h at 37° C., followed by cell fixation, permeabilization and staining using anti-ASM+FITC-secondary antibody, showed bright green-FITC dots indicative of endo-lysosomal uptake of the fusion protein by cells. This was not observed when HUVECs were incubated with control non-targeted ASM (Olipudase), demonstrating the targeting ability of the fusion protein.
After demonstrating the presence of an ASM enzyme sequence in the fusion protein, its catalytic function was assessed. For this purpose, a commercial kit was used, which is based on catalytic hydrolysis of sphingomyelin and final production of fluorescent Resorufin, which can be quantified by spectrofluorometry. As further demonstrated in the Examples below, in the absence of cathepsin B or low cathepsin B concentration, some ASM activity was found over negative control levels, indicating that the fusion protein is active. More importantly, ASM activity doubled upon raising cathepsin B concentration, indicating that a fully active enzyme results upon release by cathepsin B. Furthermore, ASM activity increased by several fold at pH 4.5, which is reflective of lysosomal conditions, vs. neutral pH 7.4. These results suggest that maximal ASM activity will be obtained upon lysosomal delivery of the fusion protein, which would prevent any undesirable ASM activity in circulation, observed for Olipudase. Similar results were found for GCase and αGal fusion proteins, indicating that all fusion proteins have prevalent activity under lysosomal conditions. In addition, the catalytic activity of the fusion protein under lysosomal conditions was 2-3-fold enhanced compared to the control ASM. The activity of GCase and αGal fusion proteins was also enhanced compared to their respective controls.
Next, both the targeting and trafficking of fusion proteins were compared against similar control non-targeted enzymes. For example, in a pharmacological model of ASM deficiency, cell association of control ASM was much lower (7-10 fold by immunofluorescence detection and 3-4 fold by radioisotopic tracing) compared to ASM fusion protein. Similarly, association of GCase fusion protein to induced pluripotent stem cell (iPS)-derived neurons from a Gaucher patient was about 3 fold enhanced compared to respective control non-targeted enzyme. In the latter case, GCase fusion was visualized to traffic to lysosomes in neurons, while control Cerezyme® used at similar activity units was not visible.
Skin fibroblasts from patients diagnosed for ASM deficiency (NPD) and skin fibroblasts from healthy individuals were tested as a part of this disclosure. No personal data was associated with them. First, both healthy and diseased cells were incubated overnight with a commercial fluorescent sphingomyelin (BODIPY-FL-C12-sphingomyelin), a substrate analogue for ASM, which fluoresces green. Microscopy examination of said cells showed that diseased cells accumulated increased levels of sphingomyelin compared to healthy cells. Incubation of diseased cells for 5 h with control, non-targeted ASM (from which Olipudase was derived) vs. similar concentration of fusion protein resulted in differential degradation of the stored sphingomyelin. Control ASM only degraded 4% of the sphingomyelin stored in diseased cell vs. 27% degradation for the fusion protein, which represents a 6-7-fold improvement in the intracellular activity after only 5 h incubation. Similar results were found for GCase fusion protein and αGal fusion proteins when compared to respective control enzymes in skin fibroblasts from patient with Gaucher disease and Fabry disease, respectively.
Apart from enhanced enzymatic activity and substrate reduction observed by fusion proteins, additional effects were studied. For instance, fluorescence microscopy showed that acidic compartments such as lysosomes were aberrantly engorged in iPS-derived neurons from Gaucher patients compared to healthy wildtype counterparts. Incubation with GCase fusion protein normalized the size of said compartments while control Cerezyme exerted only a partial reduction. In addition, GCase fusion protein did not cause cytotoxicity after 48 incubation with iPS-derived neurons compared to a positive control, H2O2, which is known to cause cell death.
Next, the capacity of fusion proteins to be transported across the BBB was tested in a multicellular model consisting of human brain endothelial cells, human astrocytes and iPS-derived neurons from a Gaucher patient. After validating the barrier function of this model, GCase fusion protein was demonstrated to cross this BBB model and accumulate in the subjacent neurons, while control non-targeted enzyme was trapped in the BBB and did not significantly accumulate in neurons after 24 h incubation. Additionally, pre-incubation of this model with anti-ICAM antibody blocked the interaction of GCase fusion with cells, while pre-incubation with anti-mannose-6-phosphate receptor antibody did not. This demonstrated an ICAM-1, not mannose-6-phosphate receptor, mediated process.
The ASM knock-out mouse mimics both type A (neurological) and type B (peripheral) NPD. We radiolabeled samples and injected i.v. 0.13 mg/Kg of 125I-ASM-fusion protein or 125I-ASM in mice. Measurement of the radiotracer in blood and tissues showed that both proteins disappeared fast from the circulation: by 1 h, 20% of the injected dose (% ID) was in blood for ASM and only 8.5% ID for the ASM-fusion protein. Since Olipudase has shown systemic toxicity, a reduction in circulation time for ASM-fusion protein may improve this. ASM-fusion protein was detected in the brain, lung, liver, spleen, heart, and kidneys, all of which need treatment. The localization ratio, which is the tissue-to-blood accumulation (% ID per gram in an organ over % ID per gram in the blood), was increased for the ASM-fusion protein over control ASM even after only 1 h after one single dose: e.g., 35% increase in the brain (main target in type A NPD) and 80% increase in the lung, 3.3-fold in the liver, and 3-fold in the spleen (main targets in type B NPD). Hence, the fusion protein had enhanced in vivo delivery. In addition, this fusion protein was loaded on nanoparticles, which showed enhanced removal from the circulation and enhanced targeting to peripheral organs (e.g. the lungs) and the central nervous system (e.g. the brain) compared to fusion protein not loaded in nanoparticles. Next, mice were injected i.v. with 0.6 mg/kg of ASM-fusion protein without nanoparticles, every two days for a total of 6 injections, vs. mice injected with control buffer. At the end of the experiment, blood and organs were measured for sphingomyelin and cholesterol, disease hallmarks. Multiple sphingomyelin and cholesterol species were reduced, which is needed for therapy. Ceramide product (associated to Olipudase side effects) was not significantly increased. An example is shown below for the brain, the organ where Olipudase has no effect. As seen, in the Examples below, 10 sphingomyelin species and 16 cholesterol species were lowered upon treatment with ASM-fusion protein. Instead, only a ceramide species was slightly increased upon treatment which suggest lack of any major ceramide burst which may lead to relevant side effects.
Mice were monitored each day during the study. The mice showed no statistical changes in the body weight for ASM-fusion protein vs. control buffer, or for parameters such as grooming and general activity. Hematological (RBCs, all types of leukocytes, platelets) and biochemical (glucose) tests showed no statistically significant changes between mice injected with fusion protein vs. control buffer, and this was also true for renal toxicity markers (BUN, creatinine) and hepatic toxicity markers (alkaline phosphatase). This, together with no overt increase in ceramide, the ASM product which is burst-produced and leads to toxicity of current ASM-Olipudase ERT, shows relative safety of the presently provided fusion strategy.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing description illustrates: 1) fusion proteins of this disclosure have been generated and encompass various configurations of a 2γ3 ICAM-1 targeting module and ASM, GCase, or αGal catalytic modules, separated by a cathepsin B cleavable peptide which leads to the release of functional enzyme within the lysosomes; (2) these fusion protein possess enhanced targeting, trans-BBB transport, cellular uptake, and lysosomal trafficking in pharmacological cell models and patient cells; and (3) fusion proteins provide enhanced catalytic activity under lysosomal conditions in vitro and in cell cultures, in comparison to control non-targeted enzymes and commercial enzymes; (4) they provide enhanced substrate reduction and lysosomal size reduction; and (5) these fusion proteins surpassed both the targeting and functional performance, with respect to control enzyme, in mouse models (particularly the brain), with no appreciable side effects.
The foregoing results are reiterated and expanded upon by the following Examples, which are presented in order to more fully illustrate the preferred embodiments of the invention and should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.
Unless indicated otherwise, for representative demonstrations described in these Examples, controls correspond to the cDNA or amino acid sequence of non-targeted enzymes, while all other cases represent the cDNA or amino acid sequence of fusion proteins consisting of an ICAM-1 targeting domain and an enzyme domain, separated by a cleavage domain to release the enzyme domain from the targeting domain in the lysosome. In all cases, control and others, the cDNA or amino acid sequences may contain at the amino terminus of the proteins a signal peptide domain for secretion, followed by a tag domain for purification, followed by a domain for cleavage of said signal and tag domains.
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Example 16, Illustrated by
Example 17, Illustrated by
It will be recognized from the foregoing description and figures that the strategy described herein provides improved results in peripheral organs, which are the main target for type B NPD and many other LSDs. This is expected to help lower the dose required for therapeutic activity in these organs with concomitant decrease in cost and side effects, which benefits both drug manufacturers and patients, and can be extended from NPD to all current lysosomal ERTs used for peripheral organ treatment. In addition, the present fusion protein strategy exhibits enhanced targeting and measurable functional effects in the brain, a non-peripheral organ of the central nervous system where no current lysosomal ERT can reach. Thus, this strategy represents a breakthrough in the treatment of type A NPD and is applicable to ≈40 additional LSDs with neurological syndromes. Lastly, unlike previous nanoparticulate formulations, which involved polymeric materials that have never been approved for chronic use in pediatric patients, the fusion protein platform described herein can be produced by classical biotechnological means, as done for current ERTs approved by FDA. Reproducibility, high yield and purity, and versatility of production in different cells supports manufacturing and reduces regulatory hurdles for implementing embodiments of the disclosure.
The following sequences are representative and non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and relate to the constructs depicted in
The foregoing Examples and Sequences illustrate various embodiments, but do are not intended to limit the disclosure, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications to the Examples and Sequences can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/951,774, filed Nov. 18, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/936,988, filed Nov. 18, 2019, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8889127 | Muro Galindo et al. | Nov 2014 | B2 |
| 8926946 | Muro Galindo et al. | Jan 2015 | B2 |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20220204573 A1 | Jun 2022 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62936988 | Nov 2019 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16951774 | Nov 2020 | US |
| Child | 17571415 | US |
