Patent Grant
6887676
The present invention relates to the provision of materials and methods for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of disease. In particular, spongiform encephalopathies or any disease associated with prion proteins.
Prions are infectious pathogens that differ from bacteria, fungi, parasites, viroids, and viruses, both with respect to their structure and with respect to the diseases that they cause. Molecular biological and structural studies of prions promise to open new vistas into fundamental mechanisms of cellular regulation and homeostasis not previously appreciated. Kuru, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), fatal familial insomnia (FFI) and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS) are all human neurodegenerative diseases that are caused by prions and are frequently transmissible to laboratory animals. Familial CJD and GSS are also genetic disorders. No effective therapy exists to prevent these fatal disorders.
In addition to the prion diseases of humans, disorders of animals are included in the group of known prion diseases. Scrapie of sheep and goats is the most studied of the prion diseases. Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is thought to result from abnormal feeding practices. BSE threatens the beef industry of Great Britain and possibly other countries; the production of pharmaceuticals involving cattle is also of concern. Control of sheep scrapie in many countries is a persistent and vexing problem.
Prion diseases are associated with the accumulation of a conformational isomer (PrPSc) of host-derived prion protein (PrPc) with an increase in its β-sheet content. According to the protein-only hypothesis, PrPSc is the principal or sole component of transmissble prions. Although the structure of PrPc has been determined and has been found to consist predominantly of α-helices, the insolubility of PrPSc, which is isolated from tissue in a highly aggregated state and which has a high β-sheet content, has precluded high-resolution structural analysis.
The detection of the disease-associated isoform of prion protein, PrPSc, in brain or other tissues from patients is thought to be diagnostic of prion disease.
Previously, we have identified four human PrPSc types or strains that are is associated with distinct forms of sporadic or acquired Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)2. Type 4 PrPSc characterises new variant CJD (vCJD), causally related to bovine spongiform encephalopathy14 while there is no evidence for an animal origin for the prion strains causing classical CJD (PrPSc types 1-3)12. Following limited proteolysis with proteinase K (PK) and Western blotting these distinct types of PrPSc can be readily distinguished by differing fragment sizes or relative differences in intensities of the three PrP glycoforms (corresponding to amino-terminally truncated cleavage products generated from di-, mono-, or non-glycosylated PrPSc)2 (FIG. 1). A common PrP polymorphism (with either methionine (M) or valine (V) at residue 129) contributes to genetic susceptibility to both sporadic and acquired human prion disease13,14. To date, types 1 and 4 PrPSc have been found only in individuals of the MM genotype, type 2 is seen with all genotypes (MM, MV and VV) and type 3 PrPSc only with genotypes MV or VV (2,15,16 and unpublished data).
An earlier study17 of PrPSc types in classical CJD had described only two types of PrPSc and these authors have argued that the types 1 and 2 we describe correspond to their type 1, while our type 3 pattern corresponds to their type 218. However, these authors concede a degree of heterogeneity in their type 1 cases17. We have performed a large-scale study of PrPSc types in CJD in conjunction with the UK National CJD Surveillance Unit. Comprehensive phenotypic assessment of patients and PrPSc typing were performed blind. A detailed study will be published elsewhere, but we have been able to demonstrate that patients classified as type 1 and type 2 using our criteria have quite distinct phenotypes (FIG. 2), confirming the validity of our molecular classification. Type 1 human CJD is a distinct human prion disease with an aggressive clinical course and remarkably short clinical duration. These observations are consistent with PrPSc conformation being the foundation of prion strain diversity.
According to the invention there is provided methods suitable for typing PrPSc and methods of altering the conformation of PrPSc. Also provided is the use of agents capable of affecting the binding of PrPSc to one or more divalent metal ions and methods of screening for and using agents capable of converting type 1 PrPSc to type 2 PrPSc or type 2− PrPSc and vice versa and/or type 2 PrPSc to type 2− PrPSc and vice versa. These aspects of the invention are defined in the accompanying claims and/or described hereinafter.
The disease-related isoform of PrP, PrPSc, is distinguished biochemically from the normal cellular isoform of the protein, PrPc, by its partial resistance to digestion with the enzyme proteinase K(PK). PK will completely digest PrPc but only removes a protease-sensitive N terminal portion of PrPSc, under the conditions specified in the methods section.
By “affecting the binding of PrPSc one or more divalent metal ions” we include the meaning that the occupancy of the metal binding sites is altered. Preferably this alteration gives rise to a change in the conformation of PrPSc and changes in conformation can be observed by subjecting the PrPSc to digestion and electrophoresis as described herein. This form of PrPSc is referred to herein as type 2− PrPSc and constitutes a further aspect of the invention.
More preferably, the change in conformation results in a form of PrPSc which exhibits a lower apparent molecular mass than type 1 and/or type 2 PrPSc when subjected to digestion and electrophoresis as described herein.
The ability of an agent to convert type 1 PrPSc to type 2 PrPSc can be determined by exposing type 1 PrPSc type to the agent then subjecting the PrPSc to digestion and electrophoresis as described herein and comparing the digestion products with type 2 PrPSc digestion products under the same conditions. If the products are the same, conversion to type 2 is indicated.
The prion disease may be selected from one or more of the diseases affecting humans. Alternatively or additionally, the prion diseases are selected from one or more of the diseases which affect domestic farm animals such as cows, sheep and goats. Other prion diseases include transmissible mink encephalopathy; chronic wasting disease of mule deer and elk, bovine spongiform encephalopathy and, more recently, a whole series of new animal diseases that are thought to have arisen from their dietary exposure to the BSE agent. These include feline spongiform encephalopathy, affecting domestic cats and captive wild cats (such as cheetahs, pumas, ocelots, tigers) and spongiform encephalopathies of captive exotic ungulates (including kudu, nyala, gemsbok, eland).
Whilst the invention has been described using human PrPSc as an illustrative example, skilled persons will appreciate that the invention is intended to embrace PrPSc from any animal which is susceptible to a prion disease including the animals mentioned above, but especially bovine or ovine PrPSc.
The ability of the agents of the invention to alter the conformation of PrPSc may be especially important for inherited prion disease. That is, early diagnosis of inherited mutation through prion gene analysis eg from blood samples, may allow therapeutic intervention, for example administration of agents which do not favour the type 1 PrPSc conformation eg divalent metal ion chelators, especially Cu2+ and/or Zn1+ chelators, if genetic predisposition to type 1 and/or type 2 PrPSc propagation is indicated.
Methods of detecting genetic predisposition to type 1 and/or type 2 PrPSc propagation are described in an International (PCI) application No. PCT/GB97/02843, published as WO98/16834 and incorporated herein by reference.
Copper chelating therapies currently used in the treatment of Wilson's disease may be useful in the prevention and/or treatment of prion disease. The chelators penicillamine (proprietary names Cuprimine, Cupren, Depen, Distamine, D-penamine, Gerondyl, Kelatin, Metalcaptase, Pendramie, Sufortan, Sufortanan, and Trolvol); Trientine dihydrochloride (proprietary name Syprine) and Dimercaprol (Proprietory name Sulfactin Homburg) are all drugs currently licenced for human use. Divalent metal ion supplements, especially copper supplements and zinc supplements may also be useful in the treatment and/or prevention of prion disease. There are many copper and zinc supplements that are available for human use.
The invention also provides a kit comprising means for carrying out the methods of the invention.
The invention also provides a kit useful for diagnosing a prion disease comprising as described herein.
Preferably, in the methods of the invention the sample comprises or consists of a bodily tissue or fluid, which may be blood or a derivative of blood, ie a component such as plasma, or is derived from lymphoid tissue (such as tonsils, appendices, lymph nodes, spleen) or brain or is cerebrospinal fluid, or faeces, urine or sputum, for example. The biological sample may be a tissue sample eg a biopsy tissue sample.
Preferred non-limiting methods and examples which embody certain aspects of the invention will now be described in which:—
FIG. 1.
Western blot of human PrPSc types 14 following protease K treatment using anti-PrP monoclonal 3F4. Lane 1, type 1 PrPSc, PRNP 129MM; lane 2, type 2 PrPSc, PREP 129MM; lane 3, type 3 PrPSc, PRNP 129VV; lane 4, type 4 PrPSc, PRNP 129MM.
FIG. 2.
Mean duration of illness for CJD patients with PrPSc types 1 and 2. Duration in type 1 cases is significantly different from type 2 regardless of PRNP codon 129 genotype (p<0.004; Mann-Whitney U test).
FIG. 3.
Proteinase K digestion of human PrPSc in the presence of metal chelators.
(a, b) Effects of EDTA on digestion of PrPSc types 1-4.10% w/v brain homogenates prepared in cold lysis buffer were proteinase K treated directly (denoted −) or after (denoted +) adjustment of EDTA to 20 mM final concentration. (a) Lane 1 and 2, type 1 PrPSc; lane 3 and 4, type 2 PrPSc, 129M. (b) Lane 1 and 2, type 1 PrPSc 129 genotype MM; lane 3 and 4, type 2 PrPSc, 129 genotype MM; lane 5 and 6, type 3 PrPSc, 129 genotype MV; lane 7 and 8, type 4 PrPSc, 129 genotype MM.
(c) The effect of EDTA on type 1 PrPSc is consistent in different buffers. 10% w/v brain homogenates from a type 1 PrPSc patient were prepared in cold lysis buffer (CLB) (lanes 1 and 2), PBS (lanes 3 and 4) or N-ethylmorpholine buffer (M) (lanes 5 and 6) and proteinase K digested before (denoted −) or after (denoted +) adjustment with EDTA to 20 mM final concentration.
(d) EDTA exposes a new proteinase K cleavage site on type 1 PrPSc. Aliquots of a 10% w/v PBS brain homogenate from a type 1 PrPSc patient were western blotted directly (no proteinase K treatment) in the absence (lane 1) or presence (lane 2) of 25 mM EDTA. In lanes 3-5, aliquots of a 10% w/v PBS brain homogenate from a type 1 PrPSc patient were proteinase K treated in the absence (lanes 3 and 5) or presence (lane 4) of 25 mM EDTA. Following proteolysis, the sample in lane 5 was boiled in SDS sample buffer and subsequently adjusted to 25 mM EDTA prior to electrophoresis.
(e, f) Effects of different chelators on the digestion of type 1 PrPSc. Aliquots of a 10% w/v N-ethylmorpholine buffer brain homogenate from a type 1 PrPSc patient were proteinase K treated in the absence (lanes 1) or presence (lanes 2-7) of different chelators. The chelators and their final concentrations were: (e) lane 2, 20 mM EDTA; lane 3, 20 mM EGTA; lane 4, 20 mM dipicolinic acid; lane 5, 20 mM bathophenanthroline disulfonic acid; lane 6, 20 mM neocuproine; lane 7, 20 mM 1, 10 phenanthroline. (f) lane 2, 20 mM EDTA; lane 3, 20 mM EGTA; lane 4, 20 mM triethylenetetramine; lane 5, 20 mM dipicolinic acid; lane 6, 10 mM triethylenetetramine plus 10 mM dipicolinic acid; lane 7, 10 mM triethylenetetramine plus 10 mM bathophenanthroline disulfonic acid.
FIG. 4.
Washing PrPSc type 1 and type 2 (PRNP 129MM) in the presence of various metal ions.
(a) Type 1 PrPSc. Aliquots of a 10% w/v brain homogenate from a type 1 PrPSc patient prepared in PBS were proteinase K digested before (lane 1) or after washing with either N-ethylmorpholine buffer alone (lane 2) or the same buffer containing, 20 μM FeCl3, 1 mM MgCl2, 1 μM NiCl2, 2 mM CaCl2, 0.05 μM MnCl2, and 0.03 μM CoCl2 (lane 3); 110 μM ZnCl2 (lane 4); 20 μM ZnCl2 (lane 5); 10 μM CuSO4 (lane 6); 20 μM CuSO4 (lane 7); 25 μM CuSO4 (lane 8).
(b) Type 1 PrPSc. Aliquots of a 10% w/v brain homogenate from a type 1 PrPSc patient prepared in PBS were proteinase K digested before (lane 1) or after washing with N-ethylmorpholine buffer (lanes 24). Following proteolysis and prior to electrophoresis, samples in lanes 3 and 4 were washed with N-ethylmorpholine buffer containing either 20 μM ZnCl2, (lane 3) or 25 μM CuSO4, (lane 4).
(c) Type 1 PrPSc. Aliquots of a 10% w/v brain homogenate from a type 1 PrPSc patient prepared in N-ethylmorpholine buffer were proteinase K digested after washing with either N-ethylmorpholine buffer alone (lane 1) or the same buffer containing, 20 μM ZnCl2 (lane 2); 30M NiCl2 (lane 3); 30 μM CoCl2 (lane 4); 30 μM MnCl2 (lane 5); or 30 μM FeCl3 (lane 6).
(d) Type 2 PrPSc. Aliquots of a 10% w/v brain homogenate from a type 2 PrPSc patient prepared in cold lysis buffer were proteinase K digested before (lane 1) or after washing with either N-ethylmorpholine buffer alone (lane 2) or the same buffer containing, 20 μM ZnCl2, (lane 3) or 25 μM CuSO4, (lane 4). Lanes 5 and 7 show digestion products from a type 1 PrPSc PBS homogenate which was proteinase K treated directly (lane 5) or after addition of 25 mM EDTA (lane 6).
1. Western Blot Analysis
All procedures were carried out in a microbiological containment level 3 facility with strict adherence to safety protocols. 10% w/v brain homogenates from human brain tissue obtained at autopsy from patients with CJD were prepared in the following solutions: cold lysis buffer (10 mM Tris, 100 mM EDTA pH 7.4 containing 100 mM NaCl, 0.5% w/v NP-40 and 0.5% w/v sodium deoxycholate); phosphate buffered saline (PBS) (Dulbecco's sterile PBS lacking Ca2+ and Mg+; Sigma); N-ethylmorpholine buffer (25 mM N-ethylmorpholine pH 7.4 containing 0.5% w/v NP-40). Samples were adjusted to a final concentration of 50 μg/ml proteinase K (Merck) and incubated at 37° C. for 1 h. Digestion was terminated by addition of an equal volume of 2×SDS sample buffer (125 mM Tris-HCl, 20% v/v glycerol pH 6.8 containing 4% w/v SDS, 4% v/v 2-mercaptoethanol, 8 mM 4-(2-aminoethyl)-benzene sulfonyl fluoride and 0.02% w/v bromophenol blue) and immediate transfer to a 99° C. heating block for 10 min. Samples were analysed by electrophoresis and western blotting using anti-PrP monoclonal antibody 3F4 as described previously.
2. Chelation Studies
Chelators were added to brain homogenates as aliquots from stock solutions. EDTA was prepared as either a 100 or 250 mM stock in water and titrated to pH 8.0 with NaOH. Other chelators (see legend to
3. Metal Supplementation Studies
10 μl aliquots of 10% w/v brain homogenates were centrifuged for 10 min. at 14,000 rpm in a microfuge after which supernatants were removed and discarded. Pellets were thoroughly resuspended in 500 μl 25 mM N-ethylmorpholine pH 7.4 containing 0.5% w/v NP-40 which either lacked or contained various metal salts as detailed in the legend to FIG. 4. Following incubation for −10 min at room temperature, samples were centrifuged (15 min at 14,000 rpm in a microfuge) after which the supernatant was discarded. Each aspirated pellet was resuspended appropriately with the analogous solution to a final volume of 101 and treated with proteinase K. In some experiments samples were washed with metal solutions after proteinase K digestion.
1. Types 1 and 2 PrPSc Conformations Depend on Metal Ions
In an attempt to elucidate the molecular basis of this strain variation, we have investigated the biochemical properties of type 1 and 2 human PrPSc. All patients studied were of PRNP codon 129 genotype MM. When type 1 and type 2 PrPSc were treated with 20 mM EDTA, prior to treatment with PK, the pattern of cleavage was changed. Rather than producing their distinct patterns, both types gave indistinguishable and common fragment sizes (
The generation of type 2− cleavage products from type 1 PrPSc typically required final EDTA concentrations in the range of 15-20 mM, no further change was elicited by higher chelator concentrations (data not shown). This action of EDTA was fully reproducible (>60 repetitions using samples from nine separate type 1 patients) and occurred irrespective of the buffer in which brain homogenates were prepared (
Importantly, the possibility that EDTA itself directly influenced electrophoretic mobility was excluded. Without protease digestion, type 1 PrPSc samples migrated equivalently in the presence or absence of EDTA
2. Effects of Metal-Selective Chelators
As the amino-terminal octapeptide repeat region of PrP has been shown to bind Cu2+·−24, we considered a role for Cu2+ in determining metal-dependent PrPSc conformation. However, the use of various metal-selective chelating agents revealed a more complex situation. In contrast to the effects of EDTA (a broad specificity chelator with high affinity for many divalent metal ions), other more selective chelators, including those with high affinity for Cu2+ (EGTA; triethylenetetramine), Cu2+ (neocuproine), Zn2+ (dipicolinic acid; 1, 10 phenanthroline) or Fe2+ (1, 10 phenanthroline; bathophenanthroline disulfonic acid) were unable to precisely mirror this action (
3. Both Cu+ and Zn2+ Interact with PrPSc
To study this further we developed an alternative method for probing the metal dependency of PrPSc conformation by washing the homogenates to strip bound metal from the protein. We found that washing type 1 PrPSc homogenates with N-ethylmorpholine buffer (equivalent to 0.5000 fold dilution) prior to protease digestion readily resulted in the formation of type 2− digestion products (
4. Inter-Conversion of Types 1 and 2 Human PrPSc
Interestingly, whereas type 1 PrPSc conformation could be readily maintained in the presence of 10 μM Zn2+, higher concentrations of Cu2+ were required to have the same effect. We examined a range of Cu2+ concentrations (10-25 μM) and at 20 μM were able to observe a pattern of cleavage products which migrated with a mobility similar to that of the type 2 products, that is intermediate between type 1 and type 2− (compare
In order to study this further we examined the effects of applying exogenous metals to type 2 PrPSc. Consistent with findings for type 1 PrPSc, washing insoluble aggregates of type 2 PrPSc with buffer alone gave type 2− cleavage products (
Discussion
The demonstration that phenotypically distinct types of CJD are associated with the biochemically distinct types 1 and 2 PrPSc clarifies earlier confusion on classification of CJD sub-types18. The precise aetiology of sporadic CJD remains obscure. The spontaneous conversion of PrPC to PrPSc as a rare stochastic event, or somatic mutation of the PrP gene, resulting in expression of a pathogenic PrP mutant12, are plausible explanations. However, other causes, including environmental exposure to human or animal prions is not ruled out by epidemiological studies28 as a cause of at least some cases. “Sporadic” CJD may have multiple aetiologies. These findings immediately allow a more precise molecular classification of human prion disease, with important implications for epidemiological studies into the aetiology of sporadic CJD. Re-analysis of epidemiological data using these molecular sub-types may reveal important risk factors obscured when sporadic CJD is analysed as a single entity.
These findings also elucidate a potential molecular mechanism for strain variation. The ability of metal ions to directly influence PrPSc conformation has widespread implications for understanding strain diversity in human and animal prion diseases. This demonstration of an interaction between PrPSc and Cu2+ Dot only supports recent work indicating that Cu2+ may stabilise PrPSc conformation29, but provides further evidence suggesting that the neuropathology of prion diseases may be related to abnormalities in copper-metabolism22,30-32. The present work suggests that drugs which influence copper metabolism may have therapeutic potential in prion disease.
5. Exemplary Pharmaceutical Formulations of the Invention
The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any of the methods well known in the art of pharmacy.
Such methods include the step of bringing into association the active ingredient (ie agent which affects the binding of divalent metal ions to PrPSc) with the carrier which constitutes one or more accessory ingredients. In general the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association the active ingredient with liquid carriers or finely divided solid carriers or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.
Whilst it is possible for an agent e.g., compound of the invention to be administered alone, it is preferable to present it as a pharmaceutical formulation, together with one or more acceptable carriers. The carrier(s) must be “acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the agent of the invention and not deleterious to the recipients thereof. Typically, the carriers will be water or saline which will be sterile and pyrogen free.
Formulations in accordance with the present invention suitable for oral a ministration may be presented as discrete units such as capsules, cachets or tablets, each containing a predetermined amount of the active ingredient; as a powder or granules; as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous liquid or a non-aqueous liquid; or as an oil-in-water liquid emulsion or a water-in-oil liquid emulsion. The active ingredient may also be presented as a bolus, electuary or paste.
A tablet may be made by compression or moulding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared by compressing in a suitable machine the active ingredient in a free-flowing form such as a powder or granules, optionally mixed with a binder (eg povidone, gelatin, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), lubricant, inert diluent, preservative, disintegrant (eg sodium starch glycolate, cross-linked povidone, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), surface-active or dispersing agent. Moulded tablets may be made by moulding in a suitable machine a mixture of the powdered compound moistened with an inert liquid diluent. The tablets may optionally be coated or scored and may be formulated so as to provide slow or controlled release of the active ingredient therein using, for example, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in varying proportions to provide desired release profile.
Formulations suitable for topical administration in the mouth include lozenges comprising the active ingredient in a flavoured basis, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth; pastilles comprising the active ingredient in an inert basis such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia; and mouth-washes comprising the active ingredient-in a suitable liquid carrier.
Formulations suitable for parenteral administration include aqueous and non-aqueous sterile injection solutions which may contain antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats and solutes which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient; and aqueous and non-aqueous sterile suspensions which may include suspending agents and thickening agents. The formulations may be presented in unit-dose or multi-dose containers, for example sealed ampoules and vials, and may be stored in a freeze-dried (lyophilised) condition requiring only the addition of the sterile liquid carrier, for example water for injections, immediately prior to use. Extemporaneous injection solutions and suspensions may be prepared from sterile powders, granules and tablets of the kind previously described.
Preferred unit dosage formulations are those containing a daily dose or unit, daily sub-dose or an appropriate fraction thereof, of an active ingredient.
It should be understood that in addition to the ingredients particularly mentioned above the formulations of this invention may include other agents conventional in the art having regard to the type of formulation in question, for example those suitable for oral administration may include flavouring agents.
The following examples illustrate pharmaceutical formulations according to the invention in which the active ingredient is selected from one or more of antibodies and agents eg compounds of the invention:
Tables are prepared from the foregoing ingredients by wet granulation followed by compression.
The following formulations A and B are prepared by wet granulation of the ingredients with a solution of povidone, followed by addition of magnesium stearate and compression.
The following formulations, D and E, are prepared by direct compression of the admixed ingredients. The lactose used in formulation E is of the direction compression type.
Formulation F (Controlled Release Formulation)
The formulation is prepared by wet granulation of the ingredients (below) with a solution of povidone followed by the addition of magnesium stearate and compression.
Drug release takes place over a period of about 68 hours and is generally complete after 12 hours.
Formulation A
A capsule formulation is prepared by admixing the ingredients of Formulation D in Example C above and filling into a two-part hard gelatin capsule. Formulation B (infra) is prepared in a similar manner.
Capsules are prepared by melting the Macrogol 4000 BP, dispersing the active ingredient in the melt and filling the melt into a two part hard gelatin capsule.
Capsules are prepared by dispersing the active ingredient in the lecithin and arachis oil and filling the dispersion into soft, elastic gelatin capsules.
Formulation E (Controlled Release Capsule)
The following controlled release capsule formulation is prepared by extruding ingredients a, b, and c using an extruder, followed by spheronisation of the extrudate and drying. The dried pellets are then coated with release-controlling membrane (d) and filled into a two-piece, hard gelatin capsule.
Sterile, pyrogen free phosphate buffer (pH7.0) to 10 ml
The active ingredient is dissolved in most of the phosphate buffer (35-40° C.), then made up to volume and filtered through a sterile micropore filter into a sterile 10 ml amber glass vial (type 1) and sealed with sterile closures and overseals.
The active ingredient is dissolved in the glycofurol. The benzyl alcohol is then added and dissolved, and water added to 3 ml. The mixture is then filtered through a sterile micropore filter and sealed in sterile 3 ml glass vials (type 1).
The sodium benzoate is dissolved in a portion of the purified water and the sorbitol solution added. The active ingredient is added and dispersed. In the glycerol is dispersed the thickener (dispersible cellulose). The two dispersions are mixed and made up to the required volume with the purified water. Further thickening is achieved as required by extra shearing of the suspension.
One fifth of the Witepsol H15 is melted in a steam-jacketed pan at 45° C. maximum. The active ingredient is sifted through a 200 μm sieve and added to the molten base with mixing, using a silverson fitted with a cutting head, until a smooth dispersion is achieved. Maintaining the mixture at 45° C., the remaining Witepsol H15 is added to the suspension and stirred to ensure a homogenous mix. The entire suspension is passed through a 250 μm stainless steel screen and, with continuous stirring, is allowed to cool to 40° C. Ata temperature of 38° C. to 40° C. 2.02 g of the mixture is filled into suitable plastic moulds. The suppositories are allowed to cool to room temperature.
The above ingredients are mixed directly and pessaries prepared by direct compression of the resulting mixture.
6. Use in Medicine
The aforementioned pharmaceutical formulations and other formulations of the invention of agents which are capable of affecting the binding of divalent metal ions to PrPSc may be administered in a variety of ways, for non-limiting example, by any conventional method including oral and parenteral (eg subcutaneous or intramuscular) injection. The treatment may consist of a single dose or a plurality of doses over a period of time, depending on the characteristics of the patient and/or the particular prion disease against which the treatment is directed.
The ability of the agents of the invention to alter the conformation of PrPSc may be especially important for inherited prion disease. That is, early diagnosis of inherited mutation through prion gene analysis from blood samples may allow therapeutic intervention, for example administration of agents which do not favour the type 1 PrPSc on conformation eg divalent metal ion chelators, especially Cu2+ and/or Zn2+ chelators, if genetic predisposition to type 1 and/or type 2 PrPSc propagation is indicated.
7. Test Kit
Preferred components of a test kit may include:—
Prion diseased brain tissue is prepared as a 10% w/v homogenate in 25 mM N-ethylmorpholine buffer pH 7.4 containing 0.5% w/v NP-40. Aliquots of the samples are treated with proteinase K (50 μg/ml final for 1 h at 37° C.) either before or after adjustment with 250 mM EDTA pH 8.0 stock solution to give 20 mM final concentration of EDTA in the sample. Following digestion with proteinase K, samples are diluted with an equal volume of 2×SDS sample buffer and heated at 99° C. for 10 min. Samples are the subjected to SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A change in the relative molecular mass of digestion products after treatment with EDTA is indicative of type 1 or type 2 PrPSc.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9908059 | Apr 1999 | GB | national |
The present application is a continuation of co-pending PCT International Application No. PCT/GB00/01327, having an International filing date of Apr. 7, 2000 and a priority date of Apr. 9, 1999 and entitled “METHOD TO TYPE PRION PROTEINS”.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCTGB00/01327 | 4/7/2000 | WO | 00 | 2/12/2002 |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO0062068 | 10/19/2000 | WO | A |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5891641 | Prusiner et al. | Apr 1999 | A |
| 6214366 | Prusiner et al. | Apr 2001 | B1 |
| 6617119 | Prusiner et al. | Sep 2003 | B2 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| WO 98 16834 | Apr 1998 | WO |
