TARGETED/IMMUNOMODULATORY FUSION PROTEINS AND METHODS FOR MAKING SAME

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of a method of preparing a therapeutically active antibody-peptide fusion protein..

Related Art

[0002] The immune system provides the human body with a means to recognize and defend itself against microorganisms and substances recognized as foreign or potentially harmful. While passive immunotherapy of cancer with monoclonal antibodies and passive transfer of T cells to attack tumor cells have demonstrated clinical efficacy, the goal of active therapeutic vaccination to induce these immune effectors and establish immunological memory against tumor cells has remained challenging. Several tumor-specific and tumor-associated antigens have been identified, yet these antigens are generally weakly immunogenic and tumors employ diverse mechanisms to create a tolerogenic environment that allows them to evade immunologic attack. Strategies to overcome such immune tolerance and activating robust levels of antibody and/or T cell responses hold the key to effective cancer immunotherapy. More important, the individual proteins and how to create an active chimeric polypeptide with an active tertiary structure needs to be explored.

[0003] WO 2011/109789 A2 discloses chimeric molecules comprising a targeting moiety fused with an immunomodulatory moiety, wherein the targeting moiety, either light chain or heavy chain, is fused to the immunomodulatory moiety through linkers. Document WO 2009/027471 A1 discloses methods of increasing the titer of a cellular protein comprising modifying a nucleic acid coding for the protein in CHO cells by deleting the C terminal lysine residue of the heavy chain of a monoclonal antibody resulting in higher titer compared to wild type antibody. In addition, US 2011/104734 A1 relates to the production of a recombinant protein by a cell based on culturing the CHO cells in a sufficient concentration of exogenous as well as the addition of Zn salt, such as Zn lactate, to media. Moreover, methods for the production of antibodies in CHO cells and codon optimisation by increase the CG content is disclosed in Birch J Retal: Advanced drug delivery reviews, elsevier, vol. 58, no. 5-6, 7 august 2006 pages 671-685 and in Kalwy S et al: Molecular Biotechnology, Humana press, Inc, us, vol. 34, no. 2, sp. lss. si, 1 october 2006 pages 151-156,

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present disclosure (not covered by the claimed invention) provides for chimeric polypeptides containing at least one targeting moiety to target a cancer cell and at least one immunomodulating moiety that counteracts immune tolerance of cancer cell, wherein the targeting moiety and the immunomodulating moiety are linked by a amino acid spacer of sufficient length of amino acid residues so that both moieties can successfully bond to their individual target. In the alternative, the targeting moiety and the immunomodulating moiety that counteract immune tolerance of cancer cell may be bound directly to each other. The chimeric/fusion polypeptides of the disclosure (not covered by the claimed invention) are useful for binding to a cancer cell receptor and reducing the ability of cancer cells to avoid an immune response.

[0005] The present invention is based on preparing chimeric/fusion proteins by expression of polynucleotides encoding the fusion proteins that counteract or reverse immune tolerance of cancer cells. Cancer cells are able to escape elimination by chemotherapeutic agents or tumor-targeted antibodies via specific immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment and such ability of cancer cells is recognized as immune tolerance. Such immunosuppressive mechanisms include immunosuppressive cytokines (for example, Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)) and regulatory T cells and/or immunosuppressive myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). By counteracting tumor-induced immune tolerance, the present disclosure (not covered by the claimed invention) provides effective compositions and methods for cancer treatment, optional in combination with another existing cancer treatment. The present disclosure provides strategies to counteract tumor-induced immune tolerance and enhance the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapy by activating and leveraging T cell-mediated adaptive antitumor against resistant or disseminated cancer cells.

[0006] It is also disclosed a molecule (not covered by the claimed invention) including at least one targeting moiety fused with at least one immunomodulatory moiety. The targeting moiety specifically binds a target molecule, and the immunomodulatory moiety specifically binds one of the following molecules: (i) Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β): (ii) Programmed death- 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) or Programmed death-1 ligand 2 (PD-L2); (iii) Receptor activator of nuclear factor-KB (RANK) ligand (RANKL); (iv) Transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TGF-pR); (v) Programmed death-1 (PD-1 ); (vi) 4-1BB receptor or (vii) Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB (RANK).

[0007] In a further aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the targeting moiety includes an antibody, antibody fragment including the light or heavy chains of the antibody, scFv, or Fc-containing polypeptide that specifically binds a component of a tumor cell, tumor antigen, tumor vasculature, tumor microenvironment, or tumor-infiltrating immune cell. Preferably, the targeting moiety is an antibody or a fragment thereof having binding affinity for a component on a tumor cell. Notably each of the heavy chain and light chain may individually be linked to a separate and distinct immunomodulatory moiety. Further, a heavy or light chain of an antibody targeting moiety may be linked to an immunomodulatory moiety which in turn can be further linked to a second immunomodulatory moiety wherein there is a linker between the two immunomodulatory moieties.

[0008] It is also disclosed a chimeric polypeptide (not forming part of the invention), that comprised a tumor targeting moiety and an immunomodulatory moiety comprising a molecule that binds transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), wherein the tumor targeting moiety is an antibody that binds to EGFR1, where in the antibody can be the full antibody, heavy chain or light chain. The tumor targeting moiety may include monoclonal antibodies that target a cancer cell, including but not limited to cetuximab, trastuzumab, ritubximab, ipilimumab, tremelimumab, muromonab-CD3, abciximab, daclizumab, basiliximab, palivizumab, infliximab. gemtuzumab ozogamicin, alemtuzumab, ibritumomab tiuxetan, adalimumab, omalizumab, tositumomab, 1-131 tositumomab, efalizumab, bevacizumab, panitumumab, pertuzumab, natalizumab, etanercept, IGN101 (Aphton), volociximab (Biogen Idec and PDL BioPharm), Anti-CD80 mAb (Biogen Idec), Anti-CD23 mAb (Biogen Idel), CAT-3888 (Cambridge Antibody Technology), CDP-791 (Imclone), eraptuzumab (Immunomedics), MDX-010 (Medarex and BMS), MDX-060 (Medarex), MDX-070 (Medarex), matuzumab (Merck), CP-675,206 (Pfizer), CAL (Roche), SGN-30 (Seattle Genetics), zanolimumab (Serono and Genmab), adecatumumab (Sereno), oregovomab (United Therapeutics), nimotuzumab (YM Bioscience), ABT-874 (Abbott Laboratories), denosumab (Amgen), AM 108 (Amgen), AMG 714 (Amgen), fontolizumab (Biogen Idec and PDL BioPharm), daclizumab (Biogent Idec and PDL BioPharm), golimumab (Centocor and Schering-Plough), CNTO 1275 (Centocor), ocrelizumab (Genetech and Roche), HuMax-CD20 (Genmab), belimumab (HGS and GSK), epratuzumab (Immunomedics), MLN1202 (Millennium Pharmaceuticals), visilizumab (PDL BioPharm), tocilizumab (Roche), ocrerlizumab (Roche), certolizumab pegol (UCB, formerly Celltech), eculizumab (Alexion Pharmaceuticals), pexelizumab (Alexion Pharmaceuticals and Procter & Gamble), abciximab (Centocor), ranibizimumab (Genetech), mepolizumab (GSK), TNX-355 (Tanox), or MYO-029 (Wyeth).

[0009] In an another aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the tumor targeting moiety is a monoclonal antibody that binds to HER2/Neu, CD20, CTLA4, EGFR1 and wherein the antibody can be the full antibody, heavy chain or light chain.

[0010] In yet another aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the targeting moiety is a molecule that specifically binds epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR1, Erb-B 1), HER2/neu (Erb-B2), CD20, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) which is essential for Treg function (CD 152); H-1and Interleukin- 6 (IL-6).

[0011] In a still further aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the targeting moiety specifically binds a component of a regulatory T cell (treg), myeloid suppressor cell, or dendritic cell. In another aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the targeting moiety specifically binds one of the following molecules: (i) CD4; (ii) CD25 (IL-2ct receptor; IL-2aR); (iii) Transforming growth factor-beta receptor (TGF-pR); (vi) Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β): (vii) Programmed Death- 1 (PD-1); (viii) Programmed death- 1 ligand (PD-LI or PD-L2.

[0012] In another aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the immunomodulatory moiety specifically binds one of the following molecules: (i) Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β): (ii) Programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1 or PD-L2); or 4-1BB receptor.

[0013] In yet another aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the immunomodulatory moiety includes a molecule that binds TGF-β and inhibits the function thereof. Specifically the immunomodulatory moiety includes an extracellular ligand-binding domain of Transforming growth factor-beta receptor TGF-βRII, TGF-βRIIb, or TGF-βRIII. In another aspect the immunomodulatory moiety includes an extracellular ligand-binding domain (ECD) of TGF-βRII. Still further the immunomodulatory moiety may include H-4-1BB ligand which binds to the 4-1BB receptor to stimulate T-cells to help eradiate tumor.

[0014] In a still further aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the targeting moiety includes an antibody, antibody fragment, or polypeptide that specifically binds to HER2/neu, EGFR1, CD20, or cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) and wherein the immunomodulatory moiety includes an extracellular ligand-binding domain of TGF-βRII.

[0015] In yet another aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the immunomodulatory moiety includes a molecule that specifically binds to and inhibit the activity of Programmed death- 1 ligand 1 (PD-L 1) or Programmed death- 1 ligand 2 (PD-L2). In another aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the immunomodulatory moiety includes an extracellular ligand-binding domain or ectodomain of Programmed Death- 1 (PD-1).

[0016] In a further aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the targeting moiety includes an antibody, antibody fragment, or polypeptide that specifically binds to HER2/neu, EGFR1, CD20, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), CD25 (1L-2a receptor; IL-2aR), or CD4 and wherein, the immunomodulatory moiety includes an extracellular ligand-binding domain or ectodomain of Programmed Death- 1 (PD-1).

[0017] In a still further aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the targeting moiety includes an antibody or antibody fragment that specifically binds to CD20, and the immunomodulatory moiety includes a sequence from transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β).

[0018] In one aspect (not covered by the claimed invention), the present disclosure provides for optimized genes encoding for a fusion polypeptide comprising at least one targeting moiety and at least one immunomodulatory moiety for treating cancer in a human subject wherein the optimized genes have been modified to increase expression in a human subject. Preferably the optimized genes comprise sequences for encoding a targeting moiety or an immunomodulatory moiety selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12 to 28 (aspect not covered by the claimed invention).

[0019] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides for a vector comprising optimized genes for treating cancer in a human subject wherein the optimized genes have been modified to increase CG sequences (aspect not covered by the claimed invention). Preferably, the vector includes sequences for encoding at least one targeting moiety and at least one immunomodulatory moiety selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12 to 28.

[0020] In an alternative aspect (aspect not covered by the claimed invention), the present disclosure provides an expression vector comprising polynucleotides of optimized genes that encode at least one targeting moiety and at least one immunomodulatory moiety selected from SEQ ID NOs: 12 to 28.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a recombinant host cell transfected with a polynucleotide that encodes a fusion protein peptide of the present invention (aspect not covered by the claimed invention).

[0022] In one aspect, the present invention provides for a method of preparing therapeutically active antibody-peptide fusion proteins, the method comprising;

preparing a codon optimized nucleotide sequence of the antibody-peptide fusion protein, wherein the codon optimized nucleotide sequence is optimized for expression in a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) host cell, wherein the antibody-protein fusion protein comprises a targeting moiety and immunomodulating moiety, wherein the targeting moiety and the immunomodulating moiety are linked by an amino acid spacer selected from SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein the immunomodulating moiety is TGF-βRII comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; wherein the targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of an Anti-EGFR1 antibody, consisting of heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 5 and light chain SEQ ID NO: 6, an Anti-HER2/Neu antibody consisting of heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 1 and light chain SEQ ID NO: 2; and anti-CTLA4 antibody consisting of heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a light chain of SEQ ID NO: 8,-wherein SEQ ID NO: 4 is attached via the amino acid spacer to the C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2 of Anti-HER2/Neu; C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 of Anti-EGFR1; or C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 7 or SEQ ID NO: 8 of Anti-CTLA-4;

cloning the optimized sequence of said antibody-peptide fusion protein in a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) host cell capable of transient or continued expression;

growing the CHO host cell in a feed batch mode in a fermentation medium under suitable conditions for growing and allowing the CHO host cell to express a cloned protein, wherein the fermentation medium comprises a divalent transitional metallic salt; , wherein the divalent transitional metallic salt includes a zinc ion, wherein the divalent transitional metallic salt is zinc sulphate hepta hydrate salt and purifying the expressed antibody-peptide fusion protein and optionally checking the bi-specific binding capabilities of the antibody-peptide fusion protein to its targets.

[0023] The method of the present invention provides nucleotide sequences that encode the therapeutically active antibody-peptide fusion proteins and such expression may be conducted in a transient cell line or a stable cell line. The transient expression is accomplished by transfecting or transforming the host with vectors carrying the fusion proteins into mammalian host cells

[0024] Once the fusion peptides are expressed, they are subjected to purification and optionally to in-vitro tests to check its bi-specificity, that being, having the ability to bind to both the target moiety and immunomodulating moiety. Such tests may include in-vitro test such as ELISA or NK/T-cell binding assays to validate bi-functional target binding or immune cell stimulation.

[0025] Notably once the specific fusion peptides demonstrate the desired bi-specificity, such fusion peptides are selected for sub-cloning into a stable cell line for larger scale expression and purification. Such stable cell lines is, CHO.

[0026] In a further aspect, the culture medium can be improved by additions to such medium. The culture medium include a divalent transitional metallic salt which is added to the cell culture either initially or in fed-batch mode to reduce accumulation of lactate during culturing and/or reduce heterogeneity of the fusion proteins. The transitional metallic salt includes a zinc ion, wherein the divalent transitional metallic salt is zinc sulphate hepta hydrate salt and the addition of the metal ion may be carried out during different phases of the production.

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figures 16-21 and 46-65 are not covered by the present invention and are present for illustration purposes only

[0029] 

Figure 1 shows the amino acid sequences of with the amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII fusion protein at LC constant region with the amino acid sequence of anti-HER2/neu heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 1) and anti-HER2/neu light chain (SEQ ID NO: 2) attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters and wherein a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is positioned between the anti-HER2/neu light chain and TGF-βRII and shown in italics.

Figure 2 shows the amino acid sequences of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII fusion protein at LC constant region with amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 5) and the amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 6) attached to amino acid residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters and wherein a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is positioned between the Anti-EGFR1 light chain and TGF-βRII and shown in italics.

Figure 3 shows the amino acid sequences of Anti-CTLA4-TGFβRII fusion protein at LC constant region with amino acid sequence of anti-CTLA4 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 7) and amino acid sequence of anti-CTLA4 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 8) attached to amino acid residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters and wherein a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is positioned between the anti-CTLA4 light chain and TGF-βRII and shown in italics.

Figure 4 shows the amino acid sequences of Anti-HER2/neu HC-4-1BB and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu/HC-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 1) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of anti-HER2/neu light chain (SEQ ID NO: 2) attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters and wherein a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is positioned between the anti-HER2/neu light chain and TGF-βRII and shown in italics.

Figure 5 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 HC-4-1BB and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 5) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is shown in italics and the sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of light chain Anti-EGFR1 (SEQ ID NO: 6) attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 6 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 HC-4-1BB and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 7) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is shown in italics and the sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 8) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 7 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu HC-PD1 and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain-PDl fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 1) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is shown in italics and the sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu light chain (SEQ ID NO: 2) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 8 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 HC-PD1 and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain-PDl fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 5) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 6) attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 9 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 HC-PD1 and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain-PDl fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 7) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 8) attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 10 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu HC-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 1 with an additional Lys on the C-terminal) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu light chain (SEQ ID NO: 2).

Figure 11 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 HC-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 5 with an additional Lys on the C-terminal) sequence is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID NO: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 6).

Figure 12 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 HC-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 7 with an additional Lys on the C-terminal) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID NO: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 8).

Figure 13 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu HC-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 1 with an additional Lys on the C-terminal) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for PD-1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Anti-HER2/neu light chain (SEQ ID NO: 2).

Figure 14 shows the amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 HC-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 5 with an additional Lys on the C-terminal) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for PD-1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Anti-EGFR1 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 6).

Figure 15 shows the of Anti-CTLA4 HC-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein with amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain-TGFβRII-PD21 fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 7 with an additional Lys on the C-terminal) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for PD-1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID NO: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Anti-CTLA4 light chain (SEQ ID NO: 8).

Figure 16 shows the nucleotide sequence of Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain constant region with linker (SEQ ID NO: 12) and TGFβRII ECD (SEQ ID NO: 13) that have been codon optimized for expression in CHO cell.

Figure 17 shows the nucleotide sequence of Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 14), Anti-HER2/neu light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 15) and Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain constant region with linker (SEQ ID NO: 16) that have been codon optimized for expression in CHO cell.

Figure 18 shows the nucleotide sequence of Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 17), Anti-EGFR1 light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 18), Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 19) and Anti-CTLA4 light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 20) that have been codon optimized for expression in CHO cell.

Figure 19 shows the nucleotide sequence of Anti CD20 IgG1 molecule (SEQ ID NO: 21), Anti-CD20 heavy chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 22) and Anti-CD20 light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 23) that have been codon optimized for expression in CHO cell.

Figure 20 shows the nucleotide sequence of 4-1BB (SEQ ID NO: 24) and Anti-IL6R heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 25) that have been codon optimized for expression in CHO cell.

Figure 21 shows the nucleotide sequence of Anti-IL6R light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 26), Anti-4-1BB heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 27) and Anti-4-1BB light chain variable region (SEQ ID NO: 28) that have been codon optimized for expression in CHO cell.

Figure 22 shows the analysis of Protein A purified Anit-HER2/neu-TGFβRII and Anti-EGFR1- TGFβRII at 12 % PAGE

Figure 23 A shows Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII samples analyzed by Protein A/SEC Chromtography and B Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII samples analyzed by Protein A/SEC Chromtography.

Figure 24 A shows that Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII and Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII molecules bind to the TGFβ indicating that the fusion protein is functional and B shows that Anti-HER2-TGFβRII inhibits the proliferation of BT474 cell line similar to the Bmab200 (Herceptin).

Figure 25 shows that Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII-inhibits the proliferation of A431 cell line similar to the Cetuximab.

Figure 26 shows the ADCC activity of Anti-HER2-TGFβRII on BT474 cells is similar to that of Bmab200 (Herceptin).

Figure 27 shows the ADCC activity of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII on A431 cells wherein the ADCC activities are similar to that of Cetuximab.

Figure 28 shows the ADCC activity of ADCC activity of Anti-EGFR1-4-1BB in comparison with Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII and cetuximab.

Figure 29 A shows that the binding activity of Anti-CTLA4-TGFβRII to TGFβ1 is comparable to Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII and B shows that the binding activity of Anti-CTLA4-TGFβRII to CTLA4.

Figure 30 A shows the binding activity of Anti-CTLA4-TGFβRII to determine the level of PD1-Fc binding and B shows the binding activity of Anti-EGRF1-4-1BB to determine the binding of 4-1BBL.

Figure 31 A shows the binding activity of Anti-EGFR1-4-1BB to EGFR and B shows the binding activity of PD1-Fc-4-1BB to find out PDL1-Fc.

Figure 32 shows the binding activity of Anti-EGFR1-PD1 to EGFR and PD1.

Figure 33 shows photographs of expressed proteins and reduction alkylation thereof.

Figure 34 A shows the mass spectrum Mass Spectrum of light chain (LC) (Reduced) of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion and B shows Deconvoluted Mass Spectrum of LC (Reduced) of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion.

Figure 35 shows the Mass Spectrum of heavy chain (HC) (Reduced) of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFRII ECD fusion.

Figure 36 A shows the Mass Spectrum of LC (Reduced) of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD and B shows the Deconvoluted Mass Spectrum of LC (Reduced) of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD.

Figure 37 shows the Mass Spectrum of HC (Reduced) of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD.

Figure 38 A shows the UV Chromatogram of Tryptic Peptides of Anti-HBR2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein and B shows the Total Ion Chromatogram (TIC) of Tryptic Peptides of Anti-HBR2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein.

Figures 39, 40 and 41 provide lists of expected/observed tryptic peptide of the light chain, heavy chain and linked motif of the Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein, respectively.

Figure 42 A shows the UV Chromatogram of Tryptic Peptides of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein and B shows the Total Ion Chromatogram (TIC) of Tryptic Peptides of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein.

Figure 43 provides a list of expected/observed tryptic peptide of the light chain of the Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein.

Figure 44 shows the list of expected/ob served tryptic peptide of the heavy chain of the Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein.

Figure 45 shows the list of expected/ob served tryptic peptide of the heavy chain of the Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein.

Figure 46 shows the amino acid sequences of Cantuzumab -TGFβRII fusion protein at LC constant region with amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 29) and amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 30) attached to amino acid residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters and wherein a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is positioned between the Cantuzumab light chain and TGF-βRII and shown in italics.

Figure 47 shows the amino acid sequences of Cixutumumab-TGFβRII fusion protein at LC constant region with amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 31) and amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 32) attached to amino acid residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters and wherein a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is positioned between the Cixutumumab light chain and TGF-βRII and shown in italics.

Figure 48 shows the amino acid sequences of Clivatuzumab-TGFβRII fusion protein at LC constant region with amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 33) and amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 34) attached to amino acid residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters and wherein a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is positioned between the Clivatuzumab light chain and TGF-βRII and shown in italics.

Figure 49 shows the amino acid sequences of Pritumumab-TGFβRII fusion protein at LC constant region with amino acid sequence of Pritumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 35) and amino acid sequence of Pritumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 36) attached to amino acid residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters and wherein a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) is positioned between the Pritumumab light chain and TGF-βRII and shown in italics.

Figure 50 shows the amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab HC-4-1BB and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Cantuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 29) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) which is shown in italics and the sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 30) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 51 shows the amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab HC-4-1BB and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Cixutumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 31) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 32) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 52 shows the amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab HC-4-1BB and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Clivatuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 33) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 34) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 53 shows the amino acid sequence of Pritumumab HC-4-1BB and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Pritumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 35) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Pritumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 36) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 54 shows the amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab - HC-PD1 and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Cantuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 29) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 30) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 55 shows the amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab - HC-PD1 and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Cixutumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 31) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 32) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 56 shows the amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab - HC-PD1 and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Clivatuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 33) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 34) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 57 shows the amino acid sequence of Pritumumab - HC-PD1 and LC-TGFβRII fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for the Pritumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 35) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font and amino acid sequence of Pritumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 36) is attached to amino residues for TGF-βRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) identified in bold letters with a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) therebetween.

Figure 58 shows the amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab HC-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Cantuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 29) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 30).

Figure 59 shows the amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab HC-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Cixutumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 31) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 32).

Figure 60 shows the amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab HC-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Clivatuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 33) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 34).

Figure 61 shows the amino acid sequence of Pritumumab HC-TGFβRII-4-1BB fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Pritumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 35) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for 4-1BB (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 9) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Pritumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 36).

Figure 62 shows the amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab HC-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Cantuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 29) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Cantuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 30).

Figure 63 shows the amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab HC-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Cixutumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 31) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Cixutumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 32).

Figure 64 shows the amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab HC-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Clivatuzumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 33) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Clivatuzumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 34).

Figure 65 shows the amino acid sequence of Pritumumab HC-TGFβRII-PD1 fusion protein wherein the amino acid sequence for Pritumumab heavy chain (SEQ ID NO: 35) is attached to a linker (SEQ ID NO: 3) shown in italics and the sequence for TGFβRII (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 4) is identified in bold letters and the amino acid sequence for PD1 (immunomodulatory moiety) (SEQ ID NO: 10) is in written text font with linker between (SEQ ID No: 11) and including the amino acid sequence of Pritumumab light chain (SEQ ID NO: 36).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional techniques of immunology, molecular biology, microbiology, cell biology and recombinant DNA, which are within the skill of the art. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al. MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, 2nd edition (1989); CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (F. M. Ausubel, et al. eds., (1987)); the series METHODS IN ENZYMOLOGY (Academic Press, Inc.): PCR 2: A PRACTICAL APPROACH (M. J. MacPherson, B. D. Hames and G. R. Taylor eds. (1995)), Harlow and Lane, eds. (1988) ANTIBODIES, A LABORATORY MANUAL, and ANIMAL CELL CULTURE (R. I. Freshney, ed. (1987)).

Definitions

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. As used in the description of the invention and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The following terms have the meanings given:

[0032] The term "polynucleotide" as used herein means a sequence of nucleotides connected by phosphodiester linkages. Polynucleotides are presented herein in the direction from the 5' to the 3' direction. A polynucleotide used in the present invention can be a deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecule or ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecule. Where a polynucleotide is a DNA molecule, that molecule can be a gene or a cDNA molecule. Nucleotide bases are indicated herein by a single letter code: adenine (A), guanine (G), thymine (T), cytosine (C), inosine (I) and uracil (U). A polynucleotide used in the present invention can be prepared using standard techniques well known to one of skill in the art.

[0033] The term, "optimized" as used herein means that a nucleotide sequence has been altered to encode an amino acid sequence using codons that are preferred in, a Chinese Hamster Ovary cell (CHO). The optimized nucleotide sequence is engineered to retain completely or as much as possible the amino acid sequence originally encoded by the starting nucleotide sequence, which is also known as the "parental" sequence. The optimized sequences herein have been engineered to have codons that are preferred in CHO mammalian cells. The amino acid sequences encoded by optimized nucleotide sequences are also referred to as optimized.The term "expression" as used herein is defined as the transcription and/or translation of a particular nucleotide sequence driven by its promoter.

[0034] The term "transfection" of a cell as used herein means that genetic material is introduced into a cell for the purpose of genetically modifying the cell. Transfection can be accomplished by a variety of means known in the art, such as transduction or electroporation.

[0035] The term "cancer" as used herein is defined as disease characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of aberrant cells. Cancer cells can spread locally or through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. Examples of various cancers include but are not limited to, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, ocular cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, renal cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer and the like.

[0036] The term "transgene" is used in a broad sense to mean any heterologous nucleotide sequence incorporated in a vector for expression in a target cell and associated expression control sequences, such as promoters. It is appreciated by those of skill in the art that expression control sequences will be selected based on ability to promote expression of the transgene in the target cell. An example of a transgene is a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric fusion protein of the present disclosure.

[0037] The term "expression vector" as used herein means a vector containing a nucleic acid sequence coding for at least part of a gene product capable of being transcribed. Expression vectors can contain a variety of control sequences, which refer to nucleic acid sequences necessary for the transcription and possibly translation of an operatively linked coding sequence in a particular host organism. In addition to control sequences that govern transcription and translation, vectors and expression vectors may contain nucleic acid sequences that serve other functions as well. The term also includes a recombinant plasmid or virus that comprises a polynucleotide to be delivered into a host cell, either in vitro or in vivo. The host cell is Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell.

[0038] The term "subject," as used herein means a human or vertebrate animal including a dog, cat, horse, cow, pig, sheep, goat, chicken, monkey, rat, and mouse.

[0039] The term "therapeutically effective amount" as used herein means the amount of the subject compound that will elicit the biological or medical response of a tissue, system, animal or human that is being sought by the researcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician.

[0040] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable" as used herein means the carrier, diluent or excipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

[0041] The term "recombinant" as used herein means a genetic entity distinct from that generally found in nature. As applied to a polynucleotide or gene, this means that the polynucleotide is the product of various combinations of cloning, restriction and/or ligation steps, and other procedures that result in the production of a construct that is distinct from a polynucleotide found in nature.

[0042] The term "substantial identity" or "substantial similarity," as used herein when referring to a nucleic acid or fragment thereof, indicates that when optimally aligned with appropriate nucleotide insertions or deletions with another nucleic acid (or its complementary strand), there is nucleotide sequence identity in at least about 95 to 99% of the sequence.

[0043] The term "peptide," "polypeptide" and "protein" are used interchangeably to denote a sequence polymer of at least two amino acids covalently linked by an amide bond.

[0044] The term "homologous" as used herein and relating to peptides refers to amino acid sequence similarity between two peptides. When an amino acid position in both of the peptides is occupied by identical amino acids, they are homologous at that position. Thus by "substantially homologous" means an amino acid sequence that is largely, but not entirely, homologous, and which retains most or all of the activity as the sequence to which it is homologous. As used herein, "substantially homologous" as used herein means that a sequence is at least 50% identical, and preferably at least 75% and more preferably 95% homology to the reference peptide. Additional peptide sequence modification are included, such as minor variations, deletions, substitutions or derivitizations of the amino acid sequence of the sequences disclosed herein, so long as the peptide has substantially the same activity or function as the unmodified peptides. Notably, a modified peptide will retain activity or function associated with the unmodified peptide, the modified peptide will generally have an amino acid sequence "substantially homologous" with the amino acid sequence of the unmodified sequence.

[0045] The term "administering" as used herein is defined as the actual physical introduction of the composition into or onto (as appropriate) the host subject. Any and all methods of introducing the composition into the subject are contemplated herein; the method is not dependent on any particular means of introduction and is not to be so construed. Means of introduction are well-known to those skilled in the art, and preferably, the composition is administered subcutaneously or intratumorally. One skilled in the art will recognize that, although more than one route can be used for administration, a particular route can provide a more immediate and more effective reaction than another route. Local or systemic delivery can be accomplished by administration comprising application or instillation of the immunovaccines into body cavities, inhalation or insufflation of an aerosol, or by parenteral introduction, comprising intramuscular, intravenous, intraportal, intrahepatic, peritoneal, subcutaneous, or intradermal administration. In the event that the tumor is in the central nervous system, the composition must be administered intratumorally because there is no priming of the immune system in the central nervous system.

[0046] Although chemotherapeutic agents can induce "immunogenic" tumor cell death and facilitate cross-presentation of antigens by dendritic ceils, tumors create a tolerogenic environment that allows them to suppress the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses and evade immunologic attack by immune effector cells. The present disclosure provides strategies (not forming part of the claimed invention) to counteract tumor-induced immune tolerance in the tumor microenvironment and can enhance the antitumor efficacy of chemotherapy by activating and leveraging T cell-mediated adaptive antitumor immunity against disseminated cancer cells.

[0047] The present disclosure is based on the discovery that targeted immunomodulatory antibodies or fusion proteins of the present invention can counteract or reverse immune tolerance of cancer cells. Cancer cells are able to escape elimination by chemotherapeutic agents or tumor-targeted antibodies via specific immunosuppressive mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment and such ability of cancer cells is recognized as immune tolerance. By counteracting tumor-induced immune tolerance, the present disclosure (not forming part of the claimed invention) provides effective compositions and methods for cancer treatment, optional in combination with another existing cancer treatment.

[0048] The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for producing fusion proteins that counteract immune tolerance in the tumor microenvironment and promote T cell-mediated adaptive antitumor immunity for maintenance of durable long-term protection against recurrent or disseminated cancers (not forming part of the claimed invention). These fusion proteins are designed to facilitate effective long term T cell-mediated immune responses against tumor cells by at least one of the following:

a. promoting death of tumor cells via enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC); and

b. increasing activation and proliferation of antitumor CD8+ T cells by negating immune suppression mediated by regulatory T cells and myeloid suppressor cells. These antitumor immune responses may be activated in tandem with the sensitization of tumor cells to immune effector-mediated cytotoxicity, thereby establishing a positive feedback loop that augments tumor cytoreduction and reinforces adaptive antitumor immunity.

[0049] In addition, the fusion proteins of the present disclosure (not forming part of the claimed invention) are distinguished from and superior to existing therapeutic, molecules in at least one of the following aspects: (i) To counteract immune tolerance in the tumor microenvironment and promote T cell-mediated adaptive antitumor immunity for maintenance of long-term protection against recurrent or disseminated cancers (for prevention or treatment of diverse cancers); (ii) To produce immune cell compositions for adoptive cellular therapy of diverse cancers; and (iii) To serve as immune adjuvants or vaccines for prophylaxis of diverse cancers or infectious diseases.

[0050] The targeted immunostimulatory antibodies and/or fusion proteins of the disclosure (not forming part of the claimed invention) provide the ability to disrupt immunosuppressive networks in the tumor microenvironment. Tumors employ a wide array of regulatory mechanisms to avoid or suppress the immune response. Cancer cells actively promote immune tolerance in the tumor microenvironment via the expression of cytokines and molecules that inhibit the differentiation and maturation of antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DC). The immunosuppressive cytokines and ligands produced by tumor cells include the following: (i) Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β); (ii) Programmed death- 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1 ; B7-H1); (iii) Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); and (iv) Interleukin-10 (lL-10).

[0051] In addition to blocking dendritic cell (DC) maturation, these molecules promote the development of specialized subsets of immunosuppressive CD4⁺ T cells (regulatory T cells; Treg cells) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). Tregs are a minority sub-population of CD4⁺ T cells that constitutively express CD25 [the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor cc-chain] and the forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) transcription factor. Tregs (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ cells) maintain immune tolerance by restraining the activation, proliferation, and effector functions of a wide range of immune cells, including CD4 and CDS T cells, natural killer (NK) and NKT cells, B cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs) in vitro and in vivo.

[0052] The accumulation of Treg cells in the tumor microenvironment reinforces tumor immune tolerance and facilitates tumor progression and metastases. The increased expression of immunosuppressive cytokines (TGF-β; PD-L1 ) and tumor-infiltrating Tregs is correlated with a reduction of survival of patients with diverse types of cancers. The fusion proteins disclosed herein (not forming part of the claimed invention) inhibit key immunosuppressive molecules expressed by the targeted tumor cell or tumor-infiltrating Treg cells and myeloid suppressor cells (DCs or MDSC). As such, they provide the targeted ability to inhibit the development or function of Tregs within the tumor microenvironment.

[0053] As used herein, the term "antibody" includes natural or artificial mono- or polyvalent antibodies including, but not limited to, polyclonal, monoclonal, multispecific, human, humanized or chimeric antibodies, single chain antibodies, Fab fragments. F(ab') fragments, fragments produced by a Fab expression library, anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies (including, e.g., anti-Id antibodies to antibodies of the invention), and epitope-binding fragments of any of the above. The antibody may be from any animal origin including birds and mammals. In one aspect, the antibody is, or derived from, a human, murine (e.g., mouse and rat), donkey, sheep, rabbit, goat, guinea pig, camel, horse, or chicken. Further, such antibody may be a humanized version of an antibody. The antibody may be monospecific, bispecific, trispecific, or of greater multispecificity. The antibody herein specifically include a "chimeric" antibody in which a portion of the heavy and/or light chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder of the chain(s) is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity.

[0054] Various methods have been employed to produce antibodies. Hybridoma technology, which refers to a cloned cell line that produces a single type of antibody, uses the cells of various species, including mice (murine), hamsters, rats, and humans. Another method to prepare an antibody uses genetic engineering including recombinant DNA techniques. For example, antibodies made from these techniques include, among others, chimeric antibodies and humanized antibodies. A chimeric antibody combines DNA encoding regions from more than one type of species. For example, a chimeric antibody may derive the variable region from a mouse and the constant region from a human. A humanized antibody comes predominantly from a human, even though it contains nonhuman portions. Like a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody may contain a completely human constant region. But unlike a chimeric antibody, the variable region may be partially derived from a human. The nonhuman, synthetic portions of a humanized antibody often come from CDRs in murine antibodies. In any event, these regions are crucial to allow the antibody to recognize and bind to a specific antigen.

[0055] According to the invention, the method comprises preparing a codon optimized nucleotide sequence of the antibody-peptide fusion protein, wherein the codon optimized nucleotide sequence is optimized for expression in a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) host cell, wherein the antibody-protein fusion protein comprises a targeting moiety and immunomodulating moiety, wherein the targeting moiety and the immunomodulating moiety are linked by an amino acid spacer selected from SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein the immunomodulating moiety is TGF-βRII comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; wherein the targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of an Anti-EGFR1 antibody, consisting of heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 5 and light chain SEQ ID NO: 6, an Anti-HER2/Neu antibody consisting of heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 1 and light chain SEQ ID NO: 2; and anti-CTLA4 antibody consisting of heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a light chain of SEQ ID NO: 8,-wherein SEQ ID NO: 4 is attached via the amino acid spacer to the C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2 of Anti-HER2/Neu; C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 of Anti-EGFR1; or C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 7 or SEQ ID NO: 8 of Anti-CTLA-4.

[0056] An antibody fragment can include a portion of an intact, antibody, e.g. including the antigen-binding or variable region thereof. Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, and Fv fragments; Fc fragments or Fc-fusion products; diabodies; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody molecules; and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragment(s). An intact antibody is one which includes an antigen-binding variable region as well as a light chain constant domain (CL) and heavy chain constant domains, CHI, CH2 and CH3. The constant domains may be native sequence constant domains (e.g., human native sequence constant domains) or amino acid sequence variant thereof tor any other modified Fc (e.g. glycosylation or other engineered Fc).

[0057] . One preparing a codon optimized nucleotide sequence of the antibody-peptide fusion protein as previously described,, they are cloned into any suitable vector for expression. Numerous cloning vectors are known to those of skill in the art, and the selection of an appropriate cloning vector is a matter of choice. The gene can be placed under the control of a promoter, ribosome binding site (for bacterial expression) and, optionally, an operator (collectively referred to herein as "control" elements), so that the DNA sequence encoding the desired polypeptide is transcribed into RNA in the host cell transformed by a vector containing this expression construction. The coding sequence may or may not contain a signal peptide or leader sequence. Heterologous leader sequences can be added to the coding sequence that causes the secretion of the expressed polypeptide from the host organism. Other regulatory sequences may also be desirable which allow for regulation of expression of the protein sequences relative to the growth of the host cell. Such regulatory sequences are known to those of skill in the art, and examples include those which cause the expression of a gene to be turned on or off in response to a chemical or physical stimulus, including the presence of a regulatory compound. Other types of regulatory elements may also be present in the vector, for example, enhancer sequences.

[0058] The control sequences and other regulatory sequences may be ligated to the coding sequence prior to insertion into a vector, such as the cloning vectors described above. Alternatively, the coding sequence can be cloned directly into an expression vector which already contains the control sequences and an appropriate restriction site.

[0059] The expression vector may then used to transform an appropriate host cell, which is a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) host cell capable of transient or continued expression.

[0060] The method of the invention further comprises growing the CHO host cell in a feed batch mode in a fermentation medium under suitable conditions for growing and allowing the CHO host cell to express a cloned protein, wherein the fermentation medium comprises a divalent transitional metallic salt; , wherein the divalent transitional metallic salt includes a zinc ion, wherein the divalent transitional metallic salt is zinc sulphate hepta hydrate salt.. The protein can then be isolated from the host cells and is purified. If the expression system secretes the protein into growth media, the protein can be purified directly from the media. If the protein is not secreted, it is isolated from cell lysates. The method comprises purifying the expressed antibody-peptide fusion protein and optionally checking the bi-specific binding capabilities of the antibody-peptide fusion protein to its targets. The selection of the appropriate growth conditions and recovery methods are within the skill of the art. Once purified, the amino acid sequences of the proteins can be determined, i.e., by repetitive cycles of Edman degradation, followed by amino acid analysis by HPLC. Other methods of amino acid sequencing are also known in the art.

[0061] Once produced, the inhibitory activity of a candidate polypeptide can be tested by assessing the ability of the candidate to inhibit the lipopolysaccharide-induced nuclear translocation of NF-.kappa.B by, for example, using murine endothelial cells.

Experimental

[0062] Below are examples of specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention. The examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Efforts have been made to ensure accuracy with respect to numbers used (e.g., amounts, temperatures, etc.), but some experimental error and deviation should, of course, be allowed for.

Example 1

[0063] The Fusion proteins comprising of IgG heavy chain linked to immunomodulator (either suppressor or activator) ligands were expressed by codon optimized genes for the expression of CHO cells. The codon optimized nucleotide sequences defined by SEQ ID NOs: 12 to 28 were expressed in (CHO) cells and the expressed chimeric/fusion proteins are shown in Table 1

Fusion protein Details
Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain + TGFβ-RII ECD and Anti-HER2/neu light chain
Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain + TGFβ-RII ECD and Anti- EGFR1 light chain
Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain + TGFβ-RII ECD and Anti-CTLA4 light chain
Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain + PD1 ectodomain and Anti-CTLA4 light chain
Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain + 4-1BBL and Anti-HER2/neu light chain
Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain + 4-1BBL and Anti- EGFR1 light chain
Anti-CTLA4 heavy chain + 4-1BBL and Anti-CTLA4 light chain
PD1 ectodomain-Fc-4-1BBL
TGFβRII ECD-Fc-4-1BBL
Anti-EGFR1 heavy chain + PD1 ectodomain and Anti- EGFR1 light chain
Anti-CD20 heavy chain + 4-1BBL and Anti- CD20 light chain
Anti-HER2/neu heavy chain + PD1 ectodomain and Anti-HER2/neu light chain
Anti-IL6Rheavy chain + PD1 ectodomain and Anti-IL6R light chain
Anti-IL6Rheavy chain + TGFβ-RII ECD and Anti-IL6R light chain
Anti-4-1BB heavy chain + PD1 ectodomain and Anti-4-1BB light chain

[0064] The expressed protein were characterized by using SDS PAGE and the expressed fusion proteins Anit-HER2/neu-TGFβRII and Anti-EGFR1- TGFβRII were purified from culture supernatants using ProteinA column and the results are shown in Figure 22. Notably, Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII light chain mass is higher and it may be because of the presence of two glycosylation sites on the variable regions light and heavy chain. Both the & Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII heavy chains mass are higher because of the TGFβRII. Also heavy chain has four N-glycosylation sites while Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII has five N-glycosylation sites.

Example 2

[0065] Protein A/SEC chromatography. The and Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII samples were analyzed by ProteinA/SEC chromatography and the results are shown in Figure 23. Figure 23 A shows a sharp peak of elution of Bmab200(Herceptin) vs a broader elution peak is believed to be a measure of heterogeneity due to presence of glycosylation as there are three additional N-glycosylation sites that are present in the TGFβRII region. Notably storage at -80C did not causing aggregation. The shift in the position or appearance of the peak early in SEC column indicates that the increase in the molecular weight is because of the fusion partner. This once again confirms that the full length molecule is being expressed. Figure 23 B shows a sharp peak of elution of Bmab200(Herceptin) vs a broader elution peak which is believed to be a measure of heterogeneity due to presence of glycosylation sites as there are three additional N-glycosylation sites are present in the TGFβRII region. Again, storage at -80C did not causing aggregation. The shift in the position or appearance of the peak early in SEC column indicates that the increase in the molecular weight is because of the fusion partner. This once again confirms that the full length molecule is being expressed.

Example 3

[0066] Functional assays for the Fusion proteins. ELISA experiment was carried out to check the binding ability Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII of and Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII to TGFβ. Figure 24 A shows that Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII and Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII molecules bind to the TGFβ indicating that the fusion protein is functional. Figure 24 B shows that Anti-HER2-TGFβRII inhibits the proliferation of BT474 cell line similar to the Bmab200 (Herceptin). Figure 25 shows that Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII-inhibits the proliferation of A431 cell line similar to the Cetuximab.

Example 4

[0067] Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity ADCC activity for Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII fusion protein was conducted to determine that the protein binds to the target receptors on the cells. The results are shown in Figure 26 wherein the activity is determined in BT474 cells and it is evident that ADCC activity (%lysis of cells) of Anti-HER2-TGFβRII on BT474 cells is similar to that of Bmab200(Herceptin). Figure 27 shows ADCC activity of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII on A431 cells wherein the ADCC activities are similar to that of Cetuximab. Figure 28 shows the ADCC activity of ADCC activity of Anti-EGFR1-4-1BB in comparison with Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII and cetuximab.

Example 5

[0068] Binding Activity of the expressed proteins. The aim of this assay is to test the functionality of the fusion proteins to bind to the target receptors on the cells in a dose dependent manner. Figure 29 A shows that the binding activity of Anti-CTLA4-TGFβRII to TGFβ1 is comparable to Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII and B shows that the binding activity of Anti-CTLA4-TGFβRII to CTLA4. Figure 30 A shows the binding activity of Anti-CTLA4-TGFβRII to determine the level of PD1-Fc binding and B shows the binding activity of Anti-EGRF1-4-1BB to determine the binding of 4-1BBL. Figure 31 A shows the binding activity of Anti-EGFR1-4-1BB to EGFR and B shows the binding activity of PD1-Fc-4-1BB to find out PDL1-Fc. Figure 32 shows the binding activity of Anti-EGFR1-PD1 to EGFR and PD1.

Example 6

[0069] Confirmation of primary structure of molecule. As shown in Figure 33, the expressed proteins are evaluated to determine the molecular weight and the presence of glycosylation. The samples were analyzed by reducing and non-reducing SDS PAGE. The heavy and light chains of the antibody are separated by reduction alkylation so that the reduced structures can be evaluated. Tryptic digestion of the fusion proteins provides for the identification of the primary sequence. MS/MS analysis of the proteins is performed.

[0070] Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII and Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII. The fusion protein shown in Figure 1 was expressed and tested. Figure 34 A shows the mass spectrum Mass Spectrum of light chain (LC )(Reduced) of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion and B shows Deconvoluted Mass Spectrum of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII LC (Reduced) of ECD fusion. Figure 35 shows the Mass Spectrum of heavy chain (HC) (Reduced) of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion.

[0071] The fusion protein shown in Figure 2 was expressed and tested. Figure 36 A shows the Mass Spectrum of LC (Reduced) of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD and B shows the Deconvoluted Mass Spectrum of LC (Reduced) of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD. Figure 37 shows the Mass Spectrum of HC (Reduced) of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD.

Example 7

[0072] The fusion proteins having amino acid sequences as described in Figures 1 and 2 were inspected using UV chromatography and providing chromatograms resulting from the chromatographic separation of the tryptic digest of the fusion proteins and tested with UV 218-222 nm wavelength. Total Ion Current (TIC) corresponding to UV trace was also evaluated. Figure 38 A shows the UV Chromatogram of Tryptic Peptides of ECD fusion protein and B shows the Total Ion Chromatogram (TIC) of Tryptic Peptides of Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein. Figures 39, 40 and 41 provide lists of expected/observed tryptic peptide of the light chain, heavy chain and linked motif of the Anti-HER2/neu-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein, respectively. Notably, all the expected peptides of the molecules were identified including the light and heavy chain peptides and the peptides of the linked motif (TGF βRII).

[0073] Figure 42 A shows the UV Chromatogram of Tryptic Peptides of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein and B shows the Total Ion Chromatogram (TIC) of Tryptic Peptides of Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein. Figures 43, 44, and 45 provide lists of expected/observed tryptic peptide of the light chain, heavy chain and linked motif of the Anti-EGFR1-TGFβRII ECD fusion protein, respectively. Again all the expected peptides of the molecules were identified including the light and heavy chain peptides and the peptides of the linked motif (TGF βRII).

Example 8

[0074] The host cell line used for the expression of recombinant fusion protein expression is CHO cells or the derivative of the CHO cells. The CHO cells referred here is either freedom CHO-S cells; CHO-S Cells are CHO-derived cells adapted to high density, serum-free suspension culture in chemically-defined medium that are capable of producing high levels of secreted, recombinant protein or CHO K1 cells; having the same as ATCC No. CCL-61. It is basically an adherent cell line. The vectors used for stable cell line:

[0075] The Freedom pCHO 1.0 vector, designed by ProBioGen AG, to express one or two genes of interest downstream of the vector's two different hybrid CMV promoters. This vector contains the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) selection marker and a puromycin resistance gene, allowing selection using MTX and Puromycin simultaneously.

[0076] The light chain or the light chain fusion protein coding nucleic acid sequences are cloned into the restriction enzyme sites AvrII and BstZ17 under the control of EF2/CMV promoter. The heavy chain or the heavy chain fusion protein coding nucleic acid sequences are cloned, in restriction enzyme sites EcoRV and Pad under the control of CMV/EF1 promoter.

[0077] The construct(s) are transfected into Freedom CHO-S cells/CHOK1 cells. The high producer single, clonal cell strain is selected for producing the recombinant fusion protein. Prepare the MCB and characterize for cell viability, productivity, stability and other parameters. The cells are used for culturing followed by purification.

Example 9

[0078] The cell culture is performed in feed-batch mode. In the cell culture, the mammalian host cells used is Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and culture medium are supplied initially. The CHO cells are genetically engineered to produce the Antibody-peptide fusion protein. The zinc sulphate hepta hydrate salt is added in the medium at a concentration of 0.4 mM. In contrast, there is no addition of any zinc salt in the control medium. The production fermentation run starts with an initial cell count of 0.3-0.45×10⁶ cells/ml at 37 ± 1°C, the first 3-4 days are dedicated to grow the cells in batch phase. Next step involves lowering the temperature to 3 1±1 °C and continuing the run till 7th day. Lactate reduces by almost 10-40% throughout the run. The produced fusion protein is then collected from the media using the technique of affinity chromatography.

Example 10

[0079] The cell culture is performed in a feed-batch mode is employed. In the cell cultures the mammalian host cells and culture medium which is Hyclone CDM4Mab are supplied initially. The salts (zinc) is also added in the medium (0.3mM). The production fermentation run starts with an initial cell count of 0.3-0.45×10⁶ cells/nil at 37 ± 1° C, the first 3-4 days are dedicated to growing the cells in batch phase. Next step involves lowering the temperature to 31+1-1 °C and continuing the run till 7th day.

Example 11

[0080] Purification of antibody-peptide fusion immunostimulatory molecules using protein A column. Supernatant culture secreted from recombinant CHO cell line containing the fusion monoclonal antibodies is tested for titer and endotoxins under sterile conditions. The supernatant is subjected to affinity chromatography using Mab Select Xtra Protein A affinity resin, washed and equilibrated with binding buffer. The pH of the supernatant is adjusted using 0.5M phosphate to the same pH as the column; the supernatant is allowed to bind to the column/ pass through the column at the flow rate of 0.5 ml/minute to achieve the maximum binding. All the Antibody-proteins fusion molecules bind through the Fc region while impurities are eliminated as flow through.. The column is washed with equilibration buffer and the bound fusion molecules are eluted using 0.1 M glycine at pH 3.0. The pH of the eluted proteins is adjusted to neutral pH or the stable formulation pH and the purified protein are stored at -20°C or at 2-8°C.

Example 12

Differentiating Trastuzumab from Trastuzumab-TGF βRII receptor fusion molecule

[0081] A breast cancer tumor overexpressing the ErbB2 receptor will either by constitutive activation or heterodimerization with other members of the ErbB family of receptors lead to tumor progression. This will involve the binding of growth factors associated with the ErbB signaling pathway. In addition to this, the tumor creates a milieu wherein the immune system is suppressed by activating TGF β and specific cytokines involved in the subdued immune response. A novel molecule is generated wherein Trastuzumab (anti ErbB2) is fused with the TGF βRII receptor as a fusion protein. While it is hypothesized that Trastuzumab will act as a targeted molecule homing into the ErbB2 overexpressing breast cancer cells, the TGFβRII receptor will sequester TGFβ leading to immune activation. The experiment will utilize the growth of Herceptin resistant ErbB2 expressing cell lines (selected by growing BT474 cells in the presence of Herceptin) in the presence of TGFβ, cytotoxic CD8 positive cells and NK cells. While Trastuzumab will be ineffective in inducing cytotoxicity Trastuzumab TGFβRII receptor fusion molecule will sequester the TGFβ thereby preventing the inhibition of cytotoxic CD8 and NK cells. This will lead to enhanced cytotoxicity observed in Trastuzumab -TGFβRII receptor fusion treated cells over cells treated with Trastuzumab alone. The readout for the experiment will use Alamar Blue a resazurin dye which will get activated directly proportional to live cells present. Another method could be to measure cytotoxicity by using cytotox glo which measures protease release which directly corresponds to proportional dead cells. Yet another method could be the use of the flow cytometer directly measuring apoptotic and necrotic cell population by using Annexin V and propidium iodide. Results from these multiple experiments will elucidate understanding of the activity of the conjugate molecule as compared to Trastuzumab alone.

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0082] 

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Claims

1. A method of preparing a therapeutically active antibody-peptide fusion protein, the method comprising,

preparing a codon optimized nucleotide sequence of the antibody-peptide fusion protein, wherein the codon optimized nucleotide sequence is optimized for expression in a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) host cell, wherein the antibody-protein fusion protein comprises a targeting moiety and immunomodulating moiety, wherein the targeting moiety and the immunomodulating moiety are linked by an amino acid spacer selected from SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 11, wherein the immunomodulating moiety is TGF-βRII comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; wherein the targeting moiety is selected from the group consisting of an Anti-EGFR1 antibody, consisting of heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 5 and light chain SEQ ID NO: 6, an Anti-HER2/Neu antibody consisting of heavy chain SEQ ID NO: 1 and light chain SEQ ID NO: 2; and anti-CTLA4 antibody consisting of heavy chain of SEQ ID NO: 7 and a light chain of SEQ ID NO: 8,-wherein SEQ ID NO: 4 is attached via the amino acid spacer to the C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2 of Anti-HER2/Neu; C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6 of Anti-EGFR1; or C-terminus of SEQ ID NO: 7 or SEQ ID NO: 8 of Anti-CTLA-4;

cloning the optimized sequence of said antibody-peptide fusion protein in a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) host cell capable of transient or continued expression;

growing the CHO host cell in a feed batch mode in a fermentation medium under suitable conditions for growing and allowing the CHO host cell to express a cloned protein, wherein the fermentation medium comprises a divalent transitional metallic salt; , wherein the divalent transitional metallic salt includes a zinc ion, wherein the divalent transitional metallic salt is zinc sulphate hepta hydrate salt and purifying the expressed antibody-peptide fusion protein and optionally checking the bi-specific binding capabilities of the antibody-peptide fusion protein to its targets.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the divalent transitional metallic salt is introduced into the cell culture either initially or in fed-batch mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the zinc sulphate hepta hydrate salt is at an initial concentration of 0.4 mM added to the fermentation medium, the production fermentation starts with initial cell count of 0.3-0.45×10⁶ cells/ml at 37± 1°C during the first 3-4 days followed by culture at 31±1°C until the 7th day and wherein the accumulation of lactate is reduced by almost 10-40% during the cell culture.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the expressed antibody-peptide fusion protein is subjected to affinity chromatography using a Mab Select Xtra protein A column having a specific pH.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the supernatant binding and passing through the Mab Select Xtra protein A column is pH adjusted to the specific pH of the protein A column.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody-proteins fusion protein binds through the Fc region of the antibody to the column while impurities are eliminated as flow through.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the antibody-protein fusion protein bound to the column is eluted using glycine at pH 3.0 and adjusted to neutral pH for storage.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the purified protein is stored at -20°C or at 2-8°C.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein optimized nucleotide sequence comprises an increase of CG nucleotides relative to a non-optimized nucleotide sequence.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zur Herstellung eines therapeutisch aktiven Antikörper-Peptid-Fusionsproteins, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:

Herstellen einer Codon-optimierten Nukleotidsequenz des Antikörper-Peptid-Fusionsproteins. wobei die Codon-optimierte Nukleotidsequenz für die Expression in einer Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO)-Wirtszelle optimiert ist, wobei das Antikörper-Protein-Fusionsprotein eine Targeting-Einheit und eine immunmodulierende Einheit umfasst, wobei die Targeting-Einheit und die immunmodulierende Einheit durch einen Aminosäure-Spacer verknüpft sind, der ausgewählt ist unter SEQ ID NO: 3 oder SEQ ID NO: 11, wobei die immunmodulierende Einheit TGF-βRII ist, umfassend die Aminosäuresequenz von SEQ ID NO: 4; wobei die Targeting-Einheit ausgewählt ist aus der Gruppe, bestehend aus einem Anti- EGFR1- Antikörper, bestehend aus der schweren Kette mit der SEQ ID NO: 5 und der leichten Kette mit der SEQ ID NO: 6, einem Anti-HER2/ Neu - Antikörper, bestehend aus der schweren Kette mit der SEQ ID NO: 1 und der leichten Kette mit der SEQ ID NO: 2; und Anti-CTLA4-Antikörper, bestehend aus der schweren Kette mit SEQ ID NO: 7 und einer leichten Kette mit der SEQ ID NO: 8, wobei SEQ ID NO: 4 über den Aminosäure-Spacer an den C -Terminus von SEQ ID NO: 1 oder SEQ ID NO: 2 von Anti - HER2/ Neu gebunden ist; C -Terrminus von SEQ ID NO: 5 oder SEQ ID NO: 6 von Anti-EGFR1 ; oder C-Terminus von SEQ ID NO: 7 oder SEQ ID NO: 8 von Anti-CTLA-4;

Klonieren der optimierten Sequenz des Antikörper-Peptid-Fusionsproteins in eine Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO)-Wirtszelle, die zur vorübergehenden oder fortgesetzten Expression fähig ist;

Züchten der CHO-Wirtszelle in einem Feed-Batch-Modus in einem Fermentationsmedium unter geeigneten Zuchtbedingungen für das Wachstum und die Expression eines klonierten Proteins durch die (CHO)-Wirtszelle, wobei das Fermentationsmedium ein zweiwertiges Übergangsmetallsalz umfasst; wobei das zweiwertige Übergangsmetallsalz ein Zinkion umfasst, wobei das zweiwertige Übergangsmetallsalz Zinksulfat-Heptahydratsalz ist und Reinigen des exprimierten Antikörper-Peptid-Fusionsproteins und gegebenenfalls Überprüfen der bispezifischen Bindungsfähigkeiten des Antikörper-Peptid-Fusionsproteins an seine Ziele.

2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das zweiwertige Übergangsmetallsalz entweder zu Beginn oder im Fed-Batch-Modus in die Zellkultur eingeführt wird.

3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Zinksulfat-Heptahydratsalz in einer anfänglichen Konzentration von 0,4 mM dem Fermentationsmedium zugesetzt wird, die Produktionsfermentation mit einer anfänglichen Zellzahl von 0,3-0,45 × 10⁶ Zellen/ml bei 37 ± 1°C während der ersten 3-4 Tage beginnt, gefolgt von Kultivieren bei 31 ± 1°C bis zum 7. Tag, und wobei die Laktatakkumulation während der Zellkultur um fast 10-40 % verringert wird.

4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das exprimierte Antikörper-Peptid-Fusionsprotein einer Affinitätschromatographie unter Verwendung einer Mab Select Xtra Protein A Säule mit einem spezifischen pH-Wert unterzogen wird.

5. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der pH-Wert bei Binden und Passieren des Überstands durch die Mab Select Xtra Protein A Säule auf den spezifischen pH-Wert der Protein-A-Säule eingestellt wird.

6. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Antikörper-Protein-Fusionsprotein durch die Fc-Region des Antikörpers an die Säule bindet, während Verunreinigungen als Durchfluss entfernt werden.

7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das an die Säule gebundene Antikörper-Protein-Fusionsprotein unter Verwendung von Glycin bei pH 3,0 eluiert und zur Lagerung auf einen neutralen pH-Wert eingestellt wird.

8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei das gereinigte Protein bei -20 °C oder bei 2-8°C gelagert wird.

9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei die optimierte Nukleotidsequenz eine Zunahme von CG-Nukleotiden in Vergleich zu einer nicht optimierten Nukleotidsequenz umfasst.

Revendications

1. Procédé de préparation d'une protéine de fusion anticorps-peptide thérapeutiquement active, le procédé comprenant,

la préparation d'une séquence nucléotidique à codon optimisé de la protéine de fusion anticorps-peptide, dans laquelle la séquence nucléotidique à codon optimisé est optimisée pour l'expression dans une cellule hôte d'ovaire de hamster chinois (CHO), dans laquelle la protéine de fusion anticorps-peptide comprend une fraction de ciblage et une fraction d'immunomodulation, dans laquelle la fraction de ciblage et la fraction d'immunomodulation sont liées par un espaceur d'acides aminés choisi parmi SEQ ID NO : 3 ou SEQ ID NO : 11, dans laquelle la fraction d'immunomodulation est TGF-βRII comprenant la séquence d'acides aminés de SEQ ID NO : 4 ; dans lequel la fraction de ciblage est choisie dans le groupe constitué d'un anticorps Anti-EGFRI, constitué d'une chaîne lourde SEQ ID NO : 5 et d'une chaîne légère SEQ ID NO : 6, d'un anticorps Anti-HER2/Neu constitué d'une chaîne lourde SEQ ID NO : 1 et d'une chaîne légère SEQ ID NO : 2 ; et d'un anticorps anti-CTLA4 constitué d'une chaîne lourde de SEQ ID NO : 7 et d'une chaîne légère de SEQ ID NO : 8, -dans laquelle SEQ ID NO : 4 est fixée via l'espaceur d'acides aminés à l'extrémité C-terminale de SEQ ID NO : 1 ou SEQ ID NO : 2 de Anti-HER2/Neu ; à l'extrémité C-terminale de SEQ ID NO : 5 ou SEQ ID NO : 6 de Anti-EGFR1 ; ou à l'extrémité C-terminale de SEQ ID NO : 7 ou SEQ ID NO : 8 de Anti-CTLA-4 ;

le clonage de la séquence optimisée de ladite protéine de fusion anticorps-peptide dans une cellule hôte d'ovaire de hamster chinois (CHO) capable d'expression transitoire ou continue ;

la culture de la cellule hôte CHO dans un milieu de fermentation à alimentation discontinue dans des conditions appropriées pour cultiver et permettre à la cellule hôte CHO d'exprimer une protéine clonée, dans laquelle le milieu de fermentation comprend un sel de métal de transition divalent ; dans laquelle le sel de métal de transition divalent comprend un ion zinc, dans laquelle le sel de métal de transition divalent est un sel de sulfate de zinc heptahydraté, et

la purification de la protéine de fusion anticorps-peptide exprimée et optionnellement la vérification des capacités de liaison bispécifique de la protéine de fusion anticorps-peptide à ses cibles.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le sel de métal de transition divalent est introduit dans la culture cellulaire soit initialement, soit de manière discontinue.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel le sel de sulfate de zinc heptahydraté est à une concentration initiale de 0,4 mM ajouté au milieu de fermentation, la fermentation de production commence avec un comptage cellulaire initial de 0,3-0,45×10⁶ cellules/ml à 37± 1°C pendant les premiers 3-4 jours suivie d'une culture à 31±1°C jusqu'au 7^ème jour et dans lequel l'accumulation de lactate est réduite de presque 10-40 % pendant la culture cellulaire.

4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la protéine de fusion anticorps-peptide exprimée est soumise à une chromatographie d'affinité en utilisant une colonne de protéine A Mab Select Xtra ayant un pH spécifique.

5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le pH du surnageant se liant et passant à travers la colonne de protéine A Mab Select Xtra est ajusté au pH spécifique de la colonne de protéine A.

6. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la protéine de fusion anticorps-protéine se lie par la région FC de l'anticorps à la colonne alors que les impuretés sont éliminées en suivant l'écoulement à travers la colonne.

7. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la protéine de fusion anticorps-protéine liée à la colonne est éluée en utilisant de la glycine à pH 3,0 et est ajustée à un pH neutre pour le stockage.

8. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la protéine purifiée est stockée à - 20°C ou à 2-8°C.

9. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la séquence nucléotidique optimisée comprend une augmentation de nucléotides CG par rapport à une séquence nucléotidique non-optimisée.

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