Title of Invention

FUSION CONSTRUCTS AND USE OF SAME TO PRODUCE ANTIBODIES WITH INCREASED FC RECEPTOR BINDING AFFINITY AND EFFECTOR FUNCTION

Abstract The present invention relates to the field of glycosylation engineering of proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules, including fusion constructs, having catalytic activity and the use of same in glycosylation engineering of host cells to generate polypeptides with improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased Fc receptor binding and increased effector function.
Full Text FUSION CONSTRUCTS AND USE OF SAME TO PRODUCE
ANTIBODIES WITH INCREASED Fc RECEPTOR BINDING AFFINITY
AND EFFECTOR FUNCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of glycosylation engineering of
proteins. More particularly, the present invention relates to nucleic acid
molecules, including fusion constructs, having catalytic activity and the use of
same in glycosylation engineering of host cells to generate polypeptides with
improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased Fc receptor
binding and increased effector function.
Background Art
[0002] Glycoproteins mediate many essential functions in human beings, other
eukaryotic organisms, and someprokaryotes, including catalysis, signaling, cell-
cell communication, and molecular recognition and association. They make up
the majority of non-cytosolic proteins in eukaryotic organisms. (Lis et al.,Eur. J.
Biochem. 275:1-27 (1993)). Many glycoproteins have been exploited for
therapeutic purposes, and during the last two decades, recombinant versions of
naturally-occurring, secreted glycoproteins have been a major product of the
biotechnology industry. Examples include erythropoietin (EPO), therapeutic
monoclonal antibodies (therapeutic mAbs), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA),
interferon-ß, (IFN-ß), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-
CSF), and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). (Cumming et al.,
Glycobiology 7:115-130 (1991)).
[0003] The oligosaccharide component can significantly affect properties
relevant to the efficacy of a therapeutic glycoprotein, including physical stability,
resistance to protease attack, interactions with the immune -system,
pharmacokinetics,, and specific bioiogical activity. Such properties may depend
not only on the presence or absence, but also on the specific structures, of
oligosaccharides. Some generalizations between oligosaccharide structure and
glycoprotein function can be made. For example, certain oligosaccharide
structures mediate rapid clearance of the glycoprotein from the bloodstream
through interactions with specific carbohydrate binding proteins, while others can
be bound by antibodies and trigger undesired immune reactions. (Jenkins et al.,
Nature Biotechnol. 14:975-81 (1996)).
[0004] Mammalian cells are the preferred hosts for production of therapeutic
glycoproteins, due to their capability to glycosylate proteins in the most
compatible form for human application. (Cumming et al., Glycobiology 7:115-30
(1991); Jenkins et al., Nature Biotechnol. 14:975-81 (1996)). Bacteria very
rarely glycosylate proteins, and like other types of common hosts, such as yeasts,
filamentous fungi, insect and plant cells, yield glycosylation patterns associated
with rapid clearance from the blood stream, undesirable immune interactions, and
in some specific cases, reduced biological activity. Among mammalian cells,
Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells have been most commonly used during the
last two decades. In addition to giving suitable glycosylation patterns, these cells
allow consistent generation of genetically stable, highly productive clonal cell
lines. They can be cultured to high densities in simple bioreactors using serum-
free media, and permit the development of safe and reproducible bioprocesses.
Other commonly used animal cells include baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells,
NS0- and SP2/0-mouse myeloma cells. More recently, production from
transgenic animals has also been tested. (Jenkins et al., Nature Biotechnol.
14:975-81 (1996)).
[0005] All antibodies contain carbohydrate structures at conserved positions in
the heavy chain constant regions, with each isotype possessing a distinct array of
N-linked carbohydrate structures, which variably affect protein assembly,
secretion or functional activity. (Wright, A., and Morrison, S. L., Trends Biotech.
75:26-32 (1997)). The structure of the attached N-linked carbohydrate varies
considerably, depending on the degree of processing, and can include high-
mannose, multiply-branched as well as biantennary complex oligosaccharides.
(Wright, A., and Morrison, S. L., Trends Biotech. 15:26-32 (1997)). Typically,
there is heterogeneous processing of the core oligosaccharide structures attached
at a particular glycosylation site such that even monoclonal antibodies exist as
multiple glycoforms. Likewise, it has been shown that major differences in
antibody glycosylation occur between cell lines, and even minor differences are
seen for a given cell line grown under different culture conditions. (Lifely, M. R.
et al, Glycobiology 5(8):813-22 (1995)).
[0006] Unconjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can be useful medicines for
the treatment of cancer, as demonstrated by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration's approval of Rituximab (Rituxan™; IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San
Diego, CA, and Genentech Inc., San Francisco, CA), for the treatment of CD20
positive B-cell, low-grade or follicular Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Trastuzumab
(Herceptin™; Genentech Inc,) for the treatment of advanced breast cancer
(Grillo-Lopez, A.-J., et al, Semin. Oncol. 26:66-13 (1999); Goldenberg, M. M.,
Clin. Ther. 27:309-18 (1999)), Gemtuzumab (Mylotarg™, Celltech/Wyeth-
Ayerst) for the treatment of relapsed acute myeloid leukemia, and Alemtuzumab
(CAMP ATH™, Millenium Pharmaceuticals/Schering AG) for the treatment of B
cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The success of these products relies not only
on their efficacy but also on their outstanding safety profiles (Grillo-Lopez, A.-J.,
etal, Semin. Oncol. 26:66-13 (1999); Goldenberg,M. M., Clin. Ther. 27:309-18
(1999)). In spite of the achievements of these drugs, there is currently a large
interest in obtaining higher specific antibody activity than what is typically
afforded by unconjugated mAb therapy.
[0007] One way to obtain large increases in potency, while maintaining a simple
production process and potentially avoiding significant, undesirable side effects,
is to enhance the natural, cell-mediated effector functions of mAbs by
engineering their oligosaccharide component (Umafia, P. et al, Nature
Biotechnol 17:176-180(1999)). IgGl type antibodies, the most commonly used
antibodies in cancer immunotherapy, are glycoproteins that have a conserved N-
linked glycosylation site at Asn297 in each CH2 domain. The two complex bi-
antennary oligosaccharides attached to Asn297 are buried between the CH2
domains, forming extensive contacts with the polypeptide backbone, and their
presence is essential for the antibody to mediate effector functions such as
antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) (Lifely, M. R., et al,
Glycobiology 5:813-822 (1995); Jefferis, R., et al., Immunol Rev. 163:59-76
(1998); Wright, A. and Morrison, S. L., Trends Biotechnol. 15:26-32 (1997)).
[0008] The present inventors showed previously that overexpression in Chinese
hamster ovary (CHO) cells of P(l,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase m
(GnTIII), a glycosyltransferase catalyzing the formation of bisected
oligosaccharides, significantly increases the in vitro ADCC activity of an anti-
neuroblastoma chimeric monoclonal antibody (chCE7) produced by the
engineered CHO cells. (See Umafia, P. et al., Nature Biotechnol. 17:176-180
(1999), International PublicationNo. WO 99/54342, the entire contents of each of
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety). The antibody
chCE7 belongs to a large class of unconjugated mAbs which have high tumor
affinity and specificity, but have too little potency to be clinically useful when
produced in standard industrial cell lines lacking the GnTIII enzyme (Urhana, P.,
et al, Nature Biotechnol. 77:176-180 (1999)). That study was the first to show
that large increases of ADCC activity could be obtained by engineering the
antibody-producing cells to express GnTIII, which also led to an increase in the
proportion of constant region (Fc)-associated, bisected oligosaccharides,
including bisected non-fucosylated oligosaccharides, above the levels found in
naturally-occurring antibodies.
[0009] „ The results of a number of studies suggest that Fc-receptor-dependent
mechanisms contribute substantially to the action of cytotoxic antibodies against
tumors and indicate that an optimal antibody against tumors would bind
preferentially to activation Fc receptors and minimally to the inhibitory partner
Fc?RIIB. (Clynes, R. A., et al, Nature Medicine 6(4):AA3-AA6 (2000); Kalergis,
A.M., and Ravetch, J. V., J. Exp.. Med. 195(12): 1653-1659 (June 2002). For
example, the results of at least one study suggest that the Fc?RIIIa receptor in
particular is strongly associated with the efficacy of antibody therapy. (Cartron,
G., et al., Blood 99(3):754-757 (February 2002)). That study showed that
patients homozygous for Fc?RIIIa have a better response to Rituximab than
heterozygous patients. The authors concluded that the superior response was due
to better in vivo binding of the antibody to Fc?RIIIa, which resulted in better
ADCC activity against lymphoma cells. (Cartron, G., et al, Blood 99(3):154-757
(February 2002)).
[0010] In addition to ADCC, successful anti-cancer monoclonal antibodies often
induce Fc-independent direct signaling mechanisms that regulate target cell
survival, proliferation, or death by activating cell signaling cascades or blocking
access to growth factors. (Selenko, N., et al., J. Clin. Immunol. 22(3): 124-130
(2002)). For example, treatment of CD20+ B cells with Rituximab has been
shown to induce complement-mediated lysis and Mab-induced induction of
apoptosis as well as ADCC. (Selenko, N., et al., J. Clin. Immunol. 22(3): 124-130
(2002)). Moreover, the Rituximab induced apoptosis of lymphoma cells not only
kills the cells but also promotes uptake and cross-presentation of lymphoma cell-
derived peptides by antigen-presentingdendritic cells (DC), induces maturation
of DC, and allows the generation of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL).
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] Recognizing the tremendous therapeutic potential of antibodies with
increased Fc receptor binding affinity and increased effector function, the present
inventors developed a method for producing such antibodies which involves
engineering the glycosylation profile of the antibody Fc region.
[0012] The present invention is broadly directed to methods for glycoengineering
host cells to alter the glycosylation profile of one or more polypeptides produced
by that host cell. The methods of the invention can be used to produced
theraepeutic antibodies with modified glycosylation in the Fc region, including
reduced fucosylation, wherein the antibodies have increased effector function
and/or increased Fc receptor binding as a result of the modified glycosylation.
The glycoengineered antibodies of the present invention are particularly useful in
therapeutic treatments of tumors in patients. In one embodiments, the host cells
of the invention are glycoengineered to express a nucleic acid molecule encoding
a fusion polypeptide with GnTm catalytic activity or GalT catalytic activity. In a
preferred embodiment, the fusion constructs are coexpressed with a nucleic acid
molecule encoding a polypeptide having human Manll catalytic activity and/or a
nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide with GnTII catalytic activity. In
yet another embodiment, the glycoengineered polypeptides of the present
invention are produced by a host cell glycoengineered to have increased
expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide with Man II
catalytic activity.
[0013] Accordingly, in one aspect the invention is directed to an isolated nucleic
acid comprising a sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide, wherein said fusion
polypeptide has ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III ("GnTIII") activity
and comprises the Golgi localization domain of a Golgi resident polypeptide. In
one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of
ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosarrtinylteansferase III. In a further embodiment, the Golgi
localization domain is selected from the group consisting of the localization
domain of mannosidase II, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosarninyltransferase I ("GnTI"), the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase II ("GnTII"), the localization domain of
mannosidase I, and the localization domain of a1 -6 core fucosyltransferase. In a
preferred embodiment the isolated nucleic acid sequence comprises the
nucleotide sequence depicted in FIG. 24 or FIG. 25. In another preferred
embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid sequence encodes a polypeptide having the
amino acid sequence depicted in FIG. 24 or FIG 25. In yet another preferred
embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid sequence encodes a polypeptide having an
amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence in FIG. 24
or FIG. 25.
[0014] In another aspect, the invention is directed to an isolated nucleic acid
comprising a sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide, wherein said fusion
polypeptide has ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase ("GalT") activity and comprises the
Golgi localization domain of a Golgi resident polypeptide. In one embodiment,
the fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase. In another embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises
the catalytic domain of ß(1 ,4) galactosyltransferase. In a further embodiment, the
Golgi localization domain is selected from the group consisting of the
localization domain of mannosidase II, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosammyltransferase I ("GnTI"), the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase II ("GnTII"), the localization domain of
mannosidase I, and the localization domain of al-6 core fucosyltransferase.
[0015] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an expression vector
comprising an isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence encoding a fusion
polypeptide, wherein said fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity and comprises the Golgi localization
domain of a Golgi resident polypeptide. In one embodiment, the expression
vector encodes a fusion polypeptide comprising the catalytic domain of ß(,1,4)-N-
acefrylglucosaminyltransferase III and the Golgi localization domain is selected
from the group consisting of the localization domain of mannosidase H, the
localization domain of ß(l ,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferaseI, the localization
domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, the localization domain of
mannosidase I, and the localization domain of al-6 core fucosyltransferase.
[0016] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to an expression vector
comprising an isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence encoding a fusion
polypeptide, wherein said fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase
activity and comprises the Golgi localization domain of a Golgi resident
polypeptide. In one embodiment, the expression vector encodes a fusion
polypeptide comprising the catalytic domain of ß( 1,4)-galactosyltransferase- and
the Golgi localization domain is selected from the group consisting of the
localization domain of mannosidase II, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosammyltransferase n, the localization domain of mannosidase I, and
the localization domain of al-6 core fucosyltransferase.
[0017] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a host cell
comprising an above-described expression vector.
[0018] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a host cell
engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide
having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III ("GnTIII") activity in an
amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of a
polypeptide produced by the host cell, wherein said polypeptide produced by said
host cell is selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an
antibody fragment containing the Fc region, and a fusion protein that includes a
region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin. In one embodiment,
the fusion polypeptide having GnTIII activity comprises the catalytic domain of
ß(l ,4)-N-acetylglucosarninyltransferase III and the Golgi localization domain of a
heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide selected from the group consisting of the
localization domain of mannosidase II, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, the localization domain of mannosidase I., the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, and the
localization domain of a1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
[0019] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a host cell
engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide
having ß(1 ,4)-galactosyltransferase ("GalT") activity in an amount sufficient to
modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of a polypeptide produced by the
host cell, wherein said polypeptide produced by said host cell is selected from the
group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment containing
the Fc region, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc
region of an immunoglobulin. In one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide having
GalT activity comprises the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase and
the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide
selected from the group consisting of the localization domain of mannosidase II,
the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, the
localization domain of mannosidase I., the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylgmcosaminyltransferase II, and the localization domain of al-6 core
fucosyltransferase.
[0020] Preferably, the Golgi localization domain is from mannosidase H or
ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferaseI or, alternatively, galactosyltransferase.
[0021 ] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a fusion polypeptide
having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity and comprising the
Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide. In one
embodiment, the fusion polypeptides of the invention comprise the catalytic
domain of ß(l ,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase IH. In another embodiment,
the Golgi localization domain is selected from the group consisting of: the
localization domain of mannosidase II, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosarninyltransferase I, the localization domain of mannosidase I, the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, and the
localization domain of a1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
[0022] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a fusion polypeptide
having ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase activity and comprising the Golgi localization
domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide. In one embodiment, the
fusion polypeptides of the invention comprise the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase. In another embodiment, the Golgi localization domain is
selected from the group consisting of: the localization domain of mannosidase II,
the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosarninyltransferase I, the
localization domain of mannosidase I, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase EL, and the localization domain of a1-6 core
fucosyltransferase.
[0023] Preferably, the Golgi localization domain is from mannosidase II or
P(l,2)-N-acetylglucosammyltransferase I ("GnTI") or, alternatively,
galactosyltransferase ("GalT").
[0024] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for
producing a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosarninyltransferase
III activity comprising culturing a host cell of the invention in a medium under
conditions allowing the expression of the nucleic acid encoding the fusion
polypeptide and recovering the fusion polypeptide from the resultant culture. In
one embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of
ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase IH Preferably, the fusion polypeptide
comprises the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident
polypeptide selected from the group consisting of the localization domain of
mannosidase II, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, the localization domain of mannosidase I, the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, and the
localization domain of a1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
[0025] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for
producing a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase activity
comprising culturing a host cell of the invention in a medium under conditions
allowing the expression of the nucleic acid encoding the fusion polypeptide and
recovering the fusion polypeptide from the resultant culture. In one
embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase. Preferably, the fusion polypeptide comprises the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide selected from
the group consisting of the localization domain of mannosidase n, the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, the localization
domain of mannosidase I, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, and the localization domain of a1-6 core
fucosyltransferase.
[0026] Preferably, the Golgi localization domain is from mannosidase II or
ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, or galactosyltransferase ("GalT").
[0027] In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method for modifying the
glycosylation profile of a polypeptide produced by a host cell comprising
introducing into the host cell at least one nucleic acid or expression vector of the
invention. Preferably, the polypeptide is IgG or a fragment thereof containing the
Fc region of the polypeptide. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
polypeptide is IgGl or a fragment thereof containing the Fc region of the
polypeptide. Alternatively, the polypeptide is a fusion protein that includes a
region equivalent to the Fc region of a human IgG.
[0028] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for producing a
polypeptide in a host cell, comprising: (a) culturing a host cell engineered to
express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having ß(l ,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity or, alternatively, ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase ("GalT") activity, under conditions which permit the
production of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a whole
antibody molecule, an antibody fragment containing the Fc region, and a fusion
protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin,
wherein said fusion polypeptide is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify
the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host
cell; and (b) isolating said polypeptide. Preferably, the fusion polypeptide
comprises the catalytic domain of ß(l ,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III or
ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase ("GalT") and further comprises the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide selected from
the group consisting of the localization domain of mannosidase n, the
localization domain of ß(l ,2)-N-acetylglucosammyltransferase J, the localization
domain of mannosidase I, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, and the localization domain of a1-6 core
fucosyltransferase. In preferred embodiments, the polypeptide produced by the
host cell has increased effector function and/or increased Fc receptor binding as a
result of the modification. In particularly preferred embodiments, the increased
effector function is increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity, increased bindng
to TSIK cells, increased binding to macrophages, increased binding to monocytes,
increased binding to polymorphonuclear cells, increased direct signaling inducing
apoptosis, increased dendritic cell maturation, and/or increased T cell priming,
and the increased Fc receptor binding is increased binding to an Fc activating
receptor such as Fc?RHIA.. Preferably, the polypeptide exhibiting increased
effector function and/or increased Fc receptor binding is an antibody, antibody-
fragment, or fusion protein comprising a region equivalent to the Fc region of an.
immunoglobulin and has an increased proportion of nonfucosylated
oligosaccharides in the Fc region.
[0029] In another aspect, the invention is directed to pharmaceutical
compositions comprising the antibody, antibody fragment containing the Fc
region, or fusion polypeptide containing the Fc region of an immunoglobulin of
the invention, and to the use of such a pharmaceutical composition in the
treatment of tumors, such as cancers, or other disorders. In one embodiment, the
treatment is B cell depletion by adininistering a therapeutically effective amount
of such a pharmaceutical composition to a patient, e.g., human, in need thereof.
In yet a further aspect, the invention provides a host cell comprising an
expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion
polypeptide, wherein said fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase HI (GnT III) activity and comprises the Golgi
localization domain of a Goli resident polypeptide; and an expression vector
comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, wherein said
polypeptide has mannosidase II (Man II) activity. In preferred embodiments, the
fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of GnTIII and the Golgi
localization domain is selected from the group consisting of the localization
domain of Manll, the localization domain of GnTI, the localization domain of
GnTII, the localization domain of ManI, and the localization domain of a-1,6-
core-fucosyltransferase. In one embodiment, the host cell further comprises an
expression vector encoding a polypeptide having GnTII activity. The nucleic
acids molecules encoding the fusion polypeptide, the polypeptide having Manll
activity, and the polypeptide having GnTII activity can each be in separate
expression vectors or the same expression vector.
In an additional aspect, the invention is directed to a host cell comprising
an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion
polypeptide, wherein said fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase
(GalT) activity and comprises the Golgi localization domain of a Golgi resident
polypeptide; and an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule
encoding a polypeptide, wherein said polypeptide has mannosidase II (Man H)
activity. In preferred embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises the
catalytic domain of GnTIII and the Golgi localization domain is selected from the
group consisting of the localization domain of Manll, the localization domain of
GnTI, the localization domain of GnTII, the localization domain of ManI, and the
localization domain of a-1,6-core-fucosyltransferase. In one embodiment, the
host cell further comprises an expression vector encoding a polypeptide having
GnTII activity. The nucleic acids molecules encoding the fusion polypeptide, the
polypeptide having Manll activity, and the polypeptide having GnTTI activity
can each be in separate expression vectors or the same expression vector.
[0030] In a farther aspect, the invention is directed to a host cell engineered to
express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GnT III
activity and at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man II
activity in an amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of
a polypeptide produced by said host cell, wherein said polypeptide produced by
said host cell is selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule,
an antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the
Fc region of an immunoglobulin.
[0031] In an additional embodiment, the invention provides a host cell
engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide
having GnTIII activity, at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having
Manll activity and at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having GnTII
activity in an amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of
a polypeptide produced by said host cell, wherein said polypeptide produced by
said host cell is selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule,
an antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the
Fc region of an immunoglobin.
[0032] In a further aspect, the invartion provides a host cell engineered to
express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GalT
activity and at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man II
activity in an amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of
a polypeptide produced by said host cell, wherein said polypeptide produced by
said host cell is selected from the groap consisting of a whole antibody molecule,
an antibody fragment, and a fusion pretein that includes a region equivalent to the
Fc region of an immunoglobin.
[0033] In an additional aspect, the invention provides a host cell engineered to
express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GalT
activity, at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man II activity
and at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having GnT II activity, in an
amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of a
polypeptide produced by said host cell, wherein said polypeptide produced by
said host cell is selected from the growp consisting of a whole antibody molecule,
an antibody fragment, and a fusionfrotein that includes a region equivalent to the
Fc region of an immunoglobin.
[0034] In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method for producing a
polypeptide in a host cell, comprising culturing a host cell engineered to express
at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GnT in activity
and at least one a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man II activity
under conditions which permit the production of a polypeptide selected from the
group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment, and a
fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an
immunoglobulin, wherein said fusion polypeptide is expressed in an amount
sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide
produced by said host cell; and isolating said polypeptide.
[0035] In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method for producing a
polypeptide in a host cell, comprising culturing a host cell engineered to express
at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GalT activity and
at least one a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man II activity under
conditions which permit the production of a polypeptide selected from the group
consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment, and a fusion
protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin,
wherein said fusion polypeptide is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify
the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host
cell; and isolating said polypeptide.
[0036] In an additional aspect, a method for producing a polypeptide having
increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity in a host cell, comprising culturing a
host cell engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding GalT and at
least one nucleic acid encoding Man EL under conditions which permit the
production of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a whole
antibody molecule, an antibody fragment that included the Fc region of an
immunoglobulin, wherein the expression level of one or both of GalT or Man II
is sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide
produced by said host cell and wherein said polypeptide has increased Fc-
mediated cellular cytotoxicity as a result of said modification; and isolating said
polypeptide having increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity.
[0037] In another aspect, the present invention is directed,to a method for
producing a polypeptide in a host cell, comprising: (a) culturing a host cell
engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having a-
Mannosidase II activity under conditions which permit the production of a
polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an
antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc
region of an immunoglobulin, wherein said polypeptide having a-Mannosidase II
activity is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the
Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host cell; and (b) isolating said
polypeptide produced by said host cell.
[0038] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a host cell
engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having a-
Mannosidase II activity under conditions which permit the production of a
polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an
antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc
region of an immunoglobulin, wherein said polypeptide having a-Mannosidase II
activity is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the
Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host cell
[0039] In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to polypeptides
produced by such host cells; particularly antibodies having increased effector
function and/or increased Fc receptor binding as a result of said modified
oligosaccharides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPAYING FIGURES
[0040] FIG 1. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix
derived from recombinant, unmodified (non-glycoengineered) anti-CD20 IgGl
antibody produced in BHK. Cells were transfected with antibody expression
vector pETR1502. Antibody was purified from culture medium and
oligosaccharides were prepared and analyzed as described in the Materials and
Methods section of Example 1.
[0041] FIG 2. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix
derived from recombinant, glycoengineered anti-CD20 IgGl antibody produced
in BHK engineered -with a nucleic acid encoding wild type ("wt") GnTIII. Cells
were co-transfected with antibody expression vector pETR1502 and with GnTIII
expression vector pETRl 166. Antibody was purified from culture medium and
oligosaccharides were prepared and analyzed as described in the Materials and
Methods section of Example 1.
[0042] FIG 3. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix
derived from recombinant, glycoengineered anti-CD20 IgGl antibody produced
in BHK engineered with a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide ("Gl-
GnTIII) with GnTIII activity and localized via a GnTI-Golgi localization
domain. Cells were co-transfected with antibody expression vector pETRlS02
and with GnTEI expression vector pETR1425. Antibody was purified from
culture medium and oligosaccharides were prepared and analyzed as described in
the Materials and Methods section of Example 1.
[0043] FIG 4. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix
derived from recombinant, glycoengineered anti-CD20 IgGl antibody produced
in BHK engineered with a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide ("M2-
GnTIII") with GnTIII activity and localized via a Golgi alpha-
mannosidaseII(ManII)-Golgi localization domain. Cells were co-transfected with
antibody expression vector pETR1502 and with GnTIII expression vector
pETR1506. Antibody was purified from culture medium and oligosaccharides
were prepared and analyzed as described in the Materials and Methods section of
Example 1.
[0044] FIG 5. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix
derived from recombinant, unmodified (non-glycoengineered) anti-CD20 IgGl
antibody produced in HEK293-EBNA cells. Cells were transfected with
antibody expression vector pETR.1520. Antibody was purified from culture
medium and oligosaccharides were prepared and analyzed as described in the
Materials and Methods section of Example 1.
[0045] FIG 6. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix
derived from recombinant, glycoengineered anti-CD20 IgGl antibody produced
in HEK293-EBNA engineered with a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide
("M2-GnTIII") with GnTIII activity and localized via a Golgi alpha-
mannosidaseII{Mann)-Golgi localization domain. Cells were co-transfected with
antibody expression vector pETR1520 and with GnTIII expression vector
pETR1519. Antibody was purified from culture medium and oligosaccharides
were prepared and analyzed as described in the Materials and Methods section of
Example 1.
[0046] FIG 7. MALDI/TOF-MS spectra of neutral oligosaccharide mix derived
from recombinant, glycoengineered anti-CD20 IgGl antibody produced in
HEK293-EBNA engineered with a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide
("M2-GnTIII") with GnTIII activity and localized via a Golgi alpha-
mannosidasen(ManII)-Golgi localization domain. Cells were co-transfected with
antibody expression vector pETR1520 and with GnTIII expression vector
pETR.1519. Antibody was purified from culture medium and oligosaccharides
were prepared and analyzed as described in the Materials and Methods section of
Example 1. (a) Oligosaccharide profile of PNGaseF-release oligosaccharides with
no additional enzymatic treatment, (b) Oligosaccharide profile of PNGaseF-
release oligosaccharides further digested with EndoH.
[0047] FIG 8. (a) Schematic description of the EndoH-catalyzed digestion of
oligosaccharides. EndoH can digest hybrid (and hybrid bisected), but not
complex or complex bisected oligosaccharides, (b) By distinguishing between
complex- and hybrid-type oligosaccharides, Endo-H treatment allows to make
structural assignments to oligosaccharides peaks that have the same m/z ratios in
the MALDI/TOF-MS spectra originally resulting from PNGAseF treatment.
[0048] FIG 9. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of "Gl-
GnTIir'-glycoengineered vs. unmodified recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl
antibodies. Both antibodies were produced in BHK cells. Production and
glycosylation profile of the glycoenginereed antibody is depicted in Fig. 3 and
those of the unmodified antibody in Fig. 1. Target cells (T) were SKW6.4 human
lymphoblastoid cells. Effector cells (E) were freshly-isolated human PBMC. An
E:T ratio of 25:1 was used in a 4-hour incubation ADCC assay measuring
cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release relative to a maximum
release (using a detergent instead of antibody) and a spontaneous release (culture
medium instead of antibody) controls. Assay details are described in Materials
and Methods section of Example 1.
[0049] FIG 10. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of "M2-
GnTIIP'-glycoengineered vs. unmodified recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl
antibodies. Both antibodies were produced in HEK293-EBNA cells. Production
and glycosylation profile of the glycoenginereed antibody is depicted in Fig. 6
and those of the unmodified antibody in Fig. 5. Target cells (T) were SKW6.4
human lymphoblastoid cells. Effector cells (E) were freshly-isolated human
PBMC. An E:T ratio of 25:1 was used in a 4-hour incubation ADCC assay
measuring cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release relative to a
maximum release (using a detergent instead of antibody) and a spontaneous
release (culture medium instead of antibody) controls. Assay details are
described in Materials and Methods section of Example 1.
[0050] FIG 11. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of "M2-
GnTIIT'-glycoengineered vs. "wt-GnTIII"-glycoengineered recombinant, anti-
CD20 chimeric IgGl antibodies. Both antibodies were produced in BHK cells.
Production and glycosylation profile of the M2-GnTHI-glycoenginereed antibody
is depicted in Fig. 4 and those of the wt-GnTIII-glycoengineered antibody in Fig.
2. Target cells (T) were SKW6.4 human lymphoblastoid cells. Effector cells (E)
were freshly-isolated human PBMC. An E:T ratio of 25:1 was used in a 4-hour
incubation ADCC assay measuring cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
release relative to a maximum release (using a detergent instead of antibody) and
a spontaneous release (culture medium instead of antibody) controls. Assay
details are described in Materials and Methods section of Example 1.
[0051] FIG 12. Binding of "M2-GnTIIT-glycoengineered vs. unmodified
recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibodies to FcgammaRIIIa receptor on
NK. cells. Both antibodies were produced in HEK293-EBNA cells. Production
and glycosylation profile of the glycoenginereed antibody is depicted in Fig. 6
and those of the unmodified antibody in Fig. 5. The binding assay was performed
as described in the Materials and Methods section of Example 1. Human NK
cells expressing FcgammaRIIIa receptor on their surface were isolated from a
donor of a genotype known not to produce FcgammaRIIc receptor (i.e.,
homozygous for a gene variant that contains an in-frame stop codon within the
FcgammaRIIc coding sequence). Geometric mean fluorescence intensity,
measured by FACS using an FITC-labelled anti-human IgG antibody fragment,
increases with the amount of recombinant antibody bound to the NK cells.
Binding detected in this assay is FcgarnmaRIIIa-specific as demonstrated by use
of a competing FcgammaRIIIa-specific antibody fragment (see Fig. 13).
[0052] FIG 13. Binding of "M2-GnTIH"-glycoengineered vs. unmodified
recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibodies to FcgammaRIIIa receptor on
NK cells in the presence of increasing concentrations of a competing anti-
FcgarnrnaRIII antibody fragment. Both recombinant antibodies were produced in
HEK293-EBNA cells. Production and glycosylation profile of the
glycoenginereed antibody is depicted in Fig. 6 and those of the unmodified
antibody in Fig. 5. The binding assay was performed as described in the
Materials and Methods section of Example 1, but co-incubating the purified NK
cells with recombinant antibody (always at a final concentration of 3 ug/ml) and
with increasing and varying concentrations (see graph) of competing 3G8-Fab2
anti-FcgammaRIII antibody fragment). Human NK cells expressing
FcgammaRIIIa receptor on their surface were isolated from a donor of a genotype
known not to produce FcgammaRIIc receptor (i.e., homozygous for a gene
variant that contains an in-frame stop codon within the FcgammaRIIc coding
sequence). Geometric mean fluorescence intensity, measured by FACS using an
FITC-labelled anti-human IgG antibody fragment, increases with the amount of
recombinant antibody bound to the NK cells.
[0053] FIG 14. MALDI/TOF-MS spectra of neutral oligosaccharide mixtures
derived from recombinant, IgGl "L19" antibodies recognizingED-B+ isoform of
fibronectin and produced in HEK293-EBNA cells, (a) Unmodified antibody
produced in HEK293-EBNA cells transfected with antibody expression vector
pETR1546. (b) M2-GnTIII-glycoengineered antibody produced in HEK293-
EBNA cells co-transfected with antibody expression vector pETR1546 and
GnTin expression vector pETRl 519. Both antibodies were purified from culture
medium by protein A affinity chromatography followed by size-exclusion
chromatography step on a Superdex200 matrix (Amersham) exchanging the
buffer to phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Oligosaccharides were prepared and
analyzed as described in the Materials and Methods section of Example 1.
[0054] FIG 15. Binding of "M2-GnTIIT-glycoengineered vs. unmodified
recombinant, anti-ED-B+fibronectinlgGl antibodies to FcgammaRIIb receptor
on Raji human lymphoma cells. Both antibodies were produced in HEK293-
EBNA cells. Production and glycosylation profile of the glycoenginereed
antibody is depicted in Fig. 14b and those of the unmodified antibody in Fig. 14a.
The binding assay was performed as described in the Materials and Methods
section of Example 1. Geometric mean fluorescence intensity, measured by
F ACS using an FITC-labelled anti-human IgG antibody fragment, increases with
the amount of recombinant antibody bound to the Raji B-cell lymphoma cells.
[0055] FIG 16. Binding of "M2-GnTIII"-glycoengineered vs. unmodified
recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibodies to FcgammaRIIIa receptor on
NK cells from different donors. Both antibodies were produced in HEK293-
EBNA cells. Production and glycosylation profile of the glycoenginereed
antibody is depicted in Fig. 6 and those of the unmodified antibody in Fig. 5. The
binding assay was performed as described in the Materials and Methods section
of Example 1. Human NK cells expressing FcgammaRIIIa receptor on their
surface were isolated from donors of a genotype known not to produce
FcgammaRIIc receptor (i.e., homozygous for a gene variant that contains an in-
frame stop codon within the FcgammaRIIc coding sequence). Two donors were
genotyped as homozygous for the 158V-"higher-affinity" variant of the
FcgammaRIIIa receptor. The other two donors were genotyped as 158V/F
heterozygous for the 158V-"lugher-affinity"and 158F-"lower-affinity" variants
of the FcgammaRIIIa receptor. Geometric mean fluorescence intensity, measured
by FACS using an FITC-labelled anti-human IgG antibody fragment, increases
with the amount of recombinant antibody bound to the NK cells. Binding
detected in this assay is FcgammaRIIIa-specific as demonstrated by use of a
competing FcgammaRIIIa-specific antibody fragment (see Fig. 13).
[0056] FIG 17. FACS analysis of truncated-CD4 (tCD4) expression of (a) BHK-
1502-28 (wild type) and, (b) clone BHK-1502-28-11 (M2-GnTIII-
glycoengineered) stable, chimeric anti-CD20 IgGl antibody-producing cell lines.
Expression of tCD4 is operably-linked to M2-GnTIII expression via an IKES
element in pETR1537 GnTIII expression vector and is therefore used as an
indirect marker for GnTIQ expression. Mean and geometric mean fluorescence
intensities were, respectively, 27.6 and 19.9 for the glycoengineered and 4.7 and
4.1 for the wild type cell lines.
[0057] FIG 18. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mixture
derived from M2-GnTIH-glycoenguieered recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric
IgGl antibody produced by BHK-1502-28-11 cell line. Cell line, antibody
purification and oligosaccharide preparation and analysis are described in the
Materials and Methods section of Example 1.
[0058] FIG 19. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mixture
derived, by PNGaseF-release oligosaccharides and further digestion with EndoH,
from M2-GnTIII-glycoengineered recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl
antibody produced by BHK-1502-28-11 cell line. Cell line, antibody purification
and oligosaccharide preparation and analysis are described in the Materials and
Methods section of Example 1.
[0059] FIG 20. Binding of "M2-GnTIII"-glycoengineered vs. unmodified
recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibodies, produced by stable cell lines,
to FcgammaRnia receptor on NK cells. Glycosylation profile of the
glycoenginereed antibody is shown in Figs. 18 and 19. The binding assay was
performed as described in the Materials and Methods section of Example 1.
Human NK cells expressing FcgammaRIHa receptor on their surface were
isolated from a donor of a genotype known not to produce FcgammaRIIc receptor
(i.e., homozygous for a gene variant that contains an in-frame stop codon within
the FcgammaRIIc coding sequence). Geometric mean fluorescence intensity,
measured by FACS using an FITC-labelled anti-human IgG antibody fragment,
increases with the amount of recombinant antibody bound to the NK cells.
Binding detected in this assay is FcgammaRUIa-specific as demonstrated by use
of a competing FcgammaRIIIa-specific antibody fragment (see Fig. 13).
[0060] FIG 21. Complement-mediated lysis (CML) of "M2-GnTIII"-
glycoengineered vs. unmodified recombinant, anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl
antibodies. Both antibodies were produced inHEK293-EBNA cells. Production
and glycosylation profile of the glycoenginereed antibody is depicted in Fig. 6
and those of the unmodified antibody in Fig. 5. Target cells (T) were SKW6.4
human lymphoblastoid cells. Human complement was used for the assay. Lysis
was measured by LDH release. Assay details are described in Materials and
Methods section of Example 1.
[0061] FIG 22. MALDI/TOF-MS spectra of neutral oligosaccharide mixtures
derived from recombinant, chimeric IgGl "C225" antibodies, recognizing human
epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and produced in HEK293-EBNA cells,
(a) Unmodified antibody produced in HEK293-EBNA cells transfected with
antibody expression vector pURSI28. (b) M2-GnTIH-glycoengineered antibody
produced in HEK293-EBNA cells co-transfected with antibody expression vector
pETRURSI28 and GnTIII expression vector pETR1519. Both antibodies were
purified from culture medium by protein A affinity chromatography followed by
size-exclusion chromatography step on a Superdex200 matrix (Amersham)
exchanging the buffer to phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Oligosaccharides
were prepared and analyzed as described in the Materials and Methods section of
Example 1.
[0062] FIG 23. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of "M2-
GnTIII"-glycoengineered vs. unmodified recombinant, anti-EGFR chimeric IgGl
"C225" antibodies. Both antibodies were produced in HEK293-EBNA cells.
Production and glycosylation profile of the glycoenginereed antibody is depicted
in Fig. 22b and those of the unmodified antibody in Fig. 22a. Target cells (T)
were A431 human squamous carcinoma cells (ECACC No. 85090402). Effector
cells (E) were freshly-isolated human PBMC. AnE:T ratio of 25:1 was used in a
4-hour incubation ADCC assay measuring cytotoxicity by lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) release relative to a maximum release (using a detergent instead of
antibody) and a spontaneous release (culture medium instead of antibody)
controls. Assay details are described in Materials and Methods section of
Example 1.
[0063] FIG. 24. The nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence,
respectively, of the Mannosidase II - GnTIII fusion polypeptide of the invention.
[0064] FIG. 25. The nucleic acid sequence and amino acid sequence,
respectively, of the GnT-I- GnT-m fusion polypeptide of the invention.
[0065] FIG 26. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix from
the unmodified, recombinant C2B8 anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibody ("Cwt")
produced in HEK293-EBNA cells transfected with antibody expression vector
pETR1520. Antibody was purified from culture medium and oligosaccharides
were prepared and analyzed as described in the Materials and Methods section of
Example 5.
[0066] FIG 27. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix
derived from recombinant, glycoengineered C2B8 anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl
antibody ("Cbrt") produced inHEK293-EBNA cells co-transfected with antibody
expression vector pETR1520 and fusion GnTIII polypeptide expression vector
(pETR1519). Antibody was purified from culture medium and oligosaccharides
were prepared and analyzed as described in the Materials and Methods section of
Example 5. (A) Oligosaccharide profile of PNGaseF-release oligosaccharides
with no additional enzymatic treatment. (B) Oligosaccharide profile of PNGaseF-
release oligosaccharides further digested with EndoH.
[0067] FIG 28. MALDI/TOF-MS spectrum of neutral oligosaccharide mix
derived from recombinant, glycoengineered C2B8 anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl
antibody ("Cm") produced in HEK293-EBN A cells co-transfected with antibody
expression vector pETR1520, fusion GnTIII polypeptide expression vector
(pETR1519) and mannosidase II polypeptide expression vector (pCLF9).
Antibody was purified from culture medium and oligosaccharides were prepared
and analyzed as described in the Materials and Methods section of Example 5.
(A) Oligosaccharide profile of PNGaseF-release oligosaccharides with no
additional enzymatic treatment. (B) Oligosaccharide profile of PNGaseF-release
oligosaccharides further digested with EndoH.
[0068] FIG 29. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by
chimeric anti-CD20 antibodies glycoengineered by expression in HEK293-
EBNA cells of a nucleic acid encoding a ManII-GnTIII fusion polypeptide, where
the GnTIII catalytic domain is localized via the ManII Golgi localization domain,
where the ManII-GnTIII-encoding nucleic acid is expressed either on its own
(antibody Cbrt) or co-expressed in the antibody producing cells together with a
nucleic acid encoding ManII (Cm). Cwt is the unmodified, recombinant C2B8
anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibody ("Cwt") produced in HEK293-EBNA cells
transfected with antibody expression vector pETR.1520. Assay details are
described in Materials and Methods section of Example 1.
[0069] FIG 30. FcgammaRIIIa receptor binding of chimeric anti-CD20
antibodies glycoengineered by expression in FJEK293-EBNA cells of a nucleic
acid encoding a ManII-GnTIII fusion polypeptide, where the GnTIII catalytic
domain is localized via the ManII Golgi localization domain, where the ManII-
GnTIII-encoding nucleic acid is expressed either on its own (antibody Cbrt) or
co-expressed in the antibody producing cells together with a nucleic acid
encoding ManII (Cm). Cwt is the unmodified, recombinant C2B8 anti-CD20
chimeric IgGl antibody ("Cwt") produced in HEK293-EBNA cells transfected
with antibody expression vector pETRl 520. The binding assay was performed as
described in the Materials and Methods section of Example 1. Human NK cells
expressing FcgammaRIIIa receptor on their surface were isolated from a donor of
a genotype known not to produce FcgammaRIIc receptor (i.e., homozygous for a
gene variant that contains an in-frame stop codon wiTIIIn the FcgammaRIIc
coding sequence). Geometric mean fluorescence intensity, measured by FACS
using an FITC-labelled anti-human IgG antibody fragment, increases with the
amount of recombinant antibody bound to the NK cells. Binding detected in TIIIs
assay is FcgammaRIIIa-specific as demonstrated by use of a competing
FcgammaRnia-specific antibody fragment (see Fig. 13).
[0070] FIG 31. Complement-mediated cytotoxicity of chimeric anti-CD20
antibodies glycoengineered by expression in HEK293-EBNA cells of a nucleic
acid encoding a ManII-GnTin fusion polypeptide, where the GnTTfl catalytic
domain is localized via the ManII Golgi localization domain, where the ManII-
GnTIII-encoding nucleic acid is expressed either on its own (antibody Cbrt) or
co-expressed in the antibody producing cells together with a nucleic acid
encoding ManII (Cm). Cwt is the unmodified, recombinant C2B8 anti-CD20
chimeric IgGl antibody ("Cwt") produced in HEK293-EBNA cells transfected
with antibody expression vector pETR1520.
[0071] FIG 32(A-C). Expression vectors pCLF9 (A), pETR1842 (B), and
pETR1843 (C).
[0072] FIG 33 (A and B). Expression vectors for fusion protein ManII-GalT
(A) and GalT(B).
[0073] FIG 34. Oligosaccharide profile of an anti-CD20 monoclonal
antibody produced in the presence of a-Mannosidase II and relative percentages
of the structures found associated to the Fc portion of the antibody.
[0074] FIG 35 (A and B). Oligosaccharide profile of an anti-CD20
monoclonal antibody produced in the presence of the fusion protein ManII-GalT
and relative percentages of the structures found associated to the Fc portion of the
antibody. Oligosaccharide profiles after PNGaseF (A) and EndoH (B) digestion.
[0075] FIG 36. Antibody produced in the presence of a-Mannosidase II
(ManII) binds to the Fc?RIIIA receptor with higher affinity than the wild type
antibodies.
[0076] FIG 37. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mediated by
glycoengineered chimeric anti-CD20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0077] Terms are used herein as generally used in the art, unless otherwise
defined as follows.
[0078] As used herein, the term antibody is intended to include whole antibody
molecules, including monoclonal, polyclonal and multispecific (e.g., bispecific)
antibodies, as well as antibody fragments having the Fc region and fusion
proteins that include a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin.
Also encompassed are humanized and chimeric antibodies.
[0079] As used herein, the term Fc region is intended to refer to a C-terminal
region of an IgG heavy chain. Although the boundaries of the Fc region of an
IgG heavy chain might vary slightly, the human IgG heavy chain Fc region is
usually defined to stretch from the amino acid residue at position Cys226 to the
carboxyl-terminus.
[0080] As used herein, the term region equivalent to the Fc region of an
immunoglobulin is intended to include naturally occurring allelic variants of the
Fc region of an immunoglobulin as well as variants having alterations which
produce substitutions, additions, or deletions but which do not decrease
substantially the ability of the immunoglobulin to mediate effector functions
(such as antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity). For example, one or more
amino acids can be deleted from the N-terminus or C-terminus of the Fc region of
an immunoglobulin without substantial loss of biological function. Such variants
can be selected according to general rules known in the art so as to have minimal
effect on activity. (See, e.g., Bowie, J. U. et ah, Science 247:1306-10 (1990).
[0081] As used herein, a. fusion polypeptide "having f!(l,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity" refers to fusion polypeptides that are
able to catalyze the addition of a N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residue in ß-1 -4
linkage to the ß-linked mannoside of the trimannosyl core of N-linked
oligosaccharides. TIIIs includes fusion polypeptides exhibiting enzymatic activity
similar to, but not necessarily identical to, an activity of ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosarninyltransferase III, also known as ß-1,4-mannosyl-glycoprotein 4-
beta-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase (EC 2.4.1.144), according to the
Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology (NC-IUBMB), as measured in a particular biological assay,
with or without dose dependency. In the case where dose dependency does exist,
it need not be identical to that of ß(l ,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase HI, but
rather substantially similar to the dose-dependence in a given activity as
compared to the ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase in (i.e., the candidate
polypeptide will exhibit greater activity or not more than about 25-fold less and,
preferably, not more than about tenfold less activity, and most preferably, not
more than about three-fold less activity relative to the ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III.)
[0082] As used herein, a fusion polypeptide "having ß(1,4)~galactosyltransferase
activity" or "having GalT activity" refers to fusion polypeptides that are able to
catalyze the addition of a galactose residue from UDP galactose to the non-
reducing terminal GlcNAc found in N-linked oligosaccharides. TIIIs includes
fusion polypeptides exhibiting enzymatic activity similar to, but not necessarily
identical to, an activity of ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase, also known as UDP-
Gal.GlcNAc ß-l,4-galactosyltransferase (E.C. 2.4.1.38), according to the
Nomenclature Committee of the International Union of Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology (NC-IUBMB), as measured in a particular biological assay,
with or without dose dependency. In the case where dose dependency does exist,
it need not be identical to that of ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase, but rather
substantially similar to the dose-dependence in a given activity as compared to
the ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase (i.e., the candidate polypeptide will exhibit
greater activity or not more than about 25-fold less and, preferably, not more than
about tenfold less activity, and most preferably, not more than about three-fold
less activity relative to the ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase HI.)
[0083] By a nucleic acid or polynucleotide having a nucleotide sequence at least,
for example, 95% "identical" to a reference nucleotide sequence of the present
invention, it is intended that the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide is
identical to the reference sequence except that the polynucleotide sequence may
include up to five point mutations per each 100 nucleotides of the reference
nucleotide sequence. In other words, to obtain a polynucleotide having a
nucleotide sequence at least 95% identical to a reference nucleotide sequence, up
to 5% of the nucleotides in the reference sequence may be deleted or substituted
with another nucleotide, or a number of nucleotides up to 5% of the total
nucleotides in the reference sequence may be inserted into the reference
sequence. The query sequence may be the entire sequence shown in either FIG.
24 or FIG. 25.
[0084] As a practical matter, whether any particular nucleic acid molecule or
polypeptide is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to
a nucleotide sequence or polypeptide sequence of the presence invention can be
determined conventionally using known computer programs. A preferred method
for determining the best overall match between a query sequence (a sequence of
the present invention) and a subject sequence, also referred to as a global
sequence alignment, can be determined using the FASTDB computer program
based on the algorithm of Brutlag et al, Comp. App. Biosci. 6:237-245 (1990). In
a sequence alignment the query and subject sequences are both DNA sequences.
An RNA sequence can be compared by converting IPs to T's. The result of said
global sequence alignment is in percent identity. Preferred parameters used in a
FASTDB alignment of DNA sequences to calculate percent identity are:
Matrix=Unitary, k-tuple=4, Mismatch Penalty=l, Joining Penalty=30,
Randomization Group Length=0, Cutoff Score=l, Gap Penalty=5, Gap Size
Penalty 0.05, Window Size=500 or the length of the subject nucleotide sequence,
whichever is shorter.
[0085] If the subject sequence is shorter than the query sequence because of 5' or
3' deletions, not because of internal deletions, a manual correction must be made
to the results. TIIIs is because the FASTDB program does not account for 5' and
3' truncations of the subject sequence when calculating percent identity. For
subject sequences truncated at the 5' or 3' ends, relative to the query sequence, the
percent identity is corrected by calculating the number of bases of the query
sequence that are 5' and 3' of the subject sequence, which are not
matched/aligned, as a percent of the total bases of the query sequence. Whether a
nucleotide is matched/aligned is determined by results of the FASTDB sequence
alignment. TIIIs percentage is then subtracted from the percent identity,
calculated by the above FASTDB program using the specified parameters, to
arrive at a final percent identity score. TIIIs corrected score is what is used for the
purposes of the present invention. Only bases outside the 5' and 3' bases of the
subject sequence, as displayed by the FASTDB alignment, which are not
matched/aligned with the query sequence, are calculated for the purposes of
manually adjusting the percent identity score.
[0086] For example, a 90 base subject sequence is aligned to a 100 base query
sequence to determine percent identity. The deletions occur at the 5' end of the
subject sequence and therefore, the FASTDB alignment does not show a
matched/alignment of the first 10 bases at 5' end. The 10 unpaired bases
represent 10% of the sequence (number of bases at the 5' and 3' ends not
matched/total number of bases in the query sequence) so 10% is subtracted from
the percent identity score calculated by the FASTDB program. If the remaining
90 bases were perfectly matched the final percent identity would be 90%. In
another example, a 90 base subject sequence is compared with a 100 base query
sequence. TIIIs time the deletions are internal deletions so that there are no bases
on the 5' or 3' of the subject sequence which are not matched/aligned with the
query. In TIIIs case the percent identity calculated by FASTDB is not manually
corrected. Once again, only bases 5' and 3' of the subject sequence which are not
matched/aligned with the query sequence are manually corrected for. No other
manual corrections are to made for the purposes of the present invention.
[0087] By a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least, for example,
95% "identical" to a query amino acid sequence of the present invention, it is
intended that the amino acid sequence of the subject polypeptide is identical to
the query sequence except that the subject polypeptide sequence may include up
to five amino acid alterations per each 100 amino acids of the query amino acid
sequence. In other words, to obtain a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence
at least 95% identical to a query amino acid sequence, up to 5% of the amino acid
residues in the subject sequence may be inserted, deleted, or substituted with
another amino acid. These alterations of the reference sequence may occur at the
amino or carboxy terminal positions of the reference amino acid sequence or
anywhere between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually
among residues in the reference sequence or in one or more contiguous groups
wiTIIIn the reference sequence.
[0088] As a practical matter, whether any particular polypeptide is at least 80%,
85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to a reference polypeptide can
be determined conventionally using known computer programs. A preferred
method for determining the best overall match between a query sequence (a
sequence of the present invention) and a subject sequence, also referred to as a
global sequence alignment, can be determined using the FASTDB computer
program based on the algorithm of Brutlag et al., Comp. App. Biosci. (5:237-245
(1990). In a sequence alignment the query and subject sequences are either both
nucleotide sequences or both amino acid sequences. The result of said global
sequence alignment is in percent identity. Preferred parameters used in a
FASTDB amino acid alignment are: Matrix=PAM 0, k-tuple=2, Mismatch
Penalty=l, Joining Penalty=20, Randomization Group Length=0, Cutoff Score=l,
Window Size=sequence length, Gap Penalty=5, Gap SizePenalty=0.05, Window
Size=500 or the length of the subject amino acid sequence, whichever is shorter.
[0089] If the subject sequence is shorter than the query sequence due to N- or
C-tenninal deletions, not because of internal deletions, a manual correction must
be made to the results. TIIIs is because the FASTDB program does not account
for N- and C-terminal truncations of the subject sequence when calculating
global percent identity. For subject sequences truncated at the N- and C-termini,
relative to the query sequence, the percent identity is corrected by calculating the
number of residues of the query sequence that are N- and C-terminal of the
subject sequence, which are not matched/aligned with a corresponding subject
residue, as a percent of the total bases of the query sequence. Whether a residue
is matched/aligned is determined by results of the FASTDB sequence alignment.
TIIIs percentage is then subtracted from the percent identity, calculated by the
above FASTDB program using the specified parameters, to arrive at a final
percent identity score. TIIIs final percent identity score is what is used for the
purposes of the present invention. Only residues to the N- and C-termini of the
subject sequence, which are not matched/aligned with the query sequence, are
considered for the purposes of manually adjusting the percent identity score.
That is, only query residue positions outside the farthest N- and C-terminal
residues of the subject sequence.
[0090] For example, a 90 amino acid residue subject sequence is aligned with a
100 residue query sequence to determine percent identity. The deletion occurs at
the N-terminus of the subject sequence and therefore, the FASTDB alignment
does not show a matching/alignment of the first 10 residues at the N-terminus.
The 10 unpaired residues represent 10% of the sequence (number of residues at
the N- and C- termini not matched/total number of residues in the query
sequence) so 10% is subtracted from the percent identity score calculated by the
FASTDB program. If the remaining 90 residues were perfectly matched the final
percent identity would be 90%. In another example, a 90 residue subject
sequence is compared with a 100 residue query sequence. TIIIs time the deletions
are internal deletions so there are no residues at the N- or C-termini of the subject
sequence which are not matched/aligned with the query. In TIIIs case the percent
identity calculated by FASTDB is not manually corrected. Once again, only
residue positions outside the N- and C-terminal ends of the subject sequence, as
displayed in the FASTDB alignment, which are not matched/aligned with the
query sequence are manually corrected for. No other manual corrections are to
be made for the purposes of the present invention.
[0091] As used herein, a nucleic acid that "hybridizes under stringent conditions"
to a nucleic acid sequence of the invention, refers to a polynucleotide that
hybridizes in an overnight incubation at 42° C in a solution comprising 50%
formamide, 5x SSC (750 mM NaCl, 75 mM sodium citrate), 50 mM sodium
phosphate (pH 7.6), 5x Denhardt's solution, 10% dextran sulfate, and 20 µg/ml
denatured, sheared salmon sperm DNA, followed by washing the filters in 0.1 x
SSC at about 65°C.
[0092] As used herein, the term Golgi localization domain refers to the amino
acid sequence of a Golgi resident polypeptide which is responsible for anchoring
it in location wiTIIIn the Golgi complex. Generally, localization domains
comprise amino terminal "tails" of an enzyme..
[0093] As used herein, the term effector function refers to those biological
activities attributable to the Fc region (a native sequence Fc region or amino acid
sequence variant Fc region) of an antibody. Examples of antibody effector
functions include, but are not limited to, Fc receptor binding affinity, antibody-
dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular
phagocytosis (ADCP), cytokine secretion, immune-complex-mediated antigen
uptake by antigen-presenting cells, down-regulation of cell surface receptors, etc.
[0094] As used herein, the terms engineer, engineered, engineering and
glycosylation engineering are considered to include any manipulation of the
glycosylation pattern of a naturally occurring polypeptide or fragment thereof.
Glycosylation engineering includes metabolic engineering of the glycosylation
machinery of a cell, including genetic manipulations of the oligosaccharide
synthesis pathways to achieve altered glycosylation of glycoproteins expressed in
cells. Furthermore, glycosylation engineering includes the effects of mutations
and cell environment on glycosylation.
[0095] As used herein, the term host cell covers any kind of cellular system
which can be engineered to generate modified glycoforms of proteins, protein
fragments, or peptides of interest, including antibodies, antibody fragments, and
fusion proteins. Typically, the host cells have been manipulated to express
optimized levels of GnT III. Host cells include cultured cells, e.g., mammalian
cultured cells, such as CHO cells, BHK cells, NSO cells, SP2/0 cells, YO
myeloma cells, P3X63 mouse myeloma cells, PER cells, PER.C6 cells or
hybridoma cells, yeast cells, insect cells, and plant cells, to name only a few, but
also cells comprised wiTIIIn a transgenic animal, transgenic plant or cultured plant
or animal tissue.
[0096] As used herein, the term Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity includes
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and cellular cytotoxicity mediated by a
soluble Fc-fusion protein containing a human Fc-region. It is an immune
mechanism leading to the lysis of "antibody-targeted cells" by "human immune
effector cells", wherein:
[0097] The "human immune effector cells" are a population of leukocytes that
display Fc receptors on their surface through which they bind to the Fc-region of
antibodies or of Fc-fusion proteins and perform effector functions. Such a
population may include, but is not limited to, peripheral blood mononuclear cells
(PBMC) and/or natural killer (NK) cells.
[0098] The "antibody-targeted cells" are cells bound by the antibodies or Fc-
fusion proteins. The antibodies or Fc fusion-proteins bind to target cells via the
protein part N-terminal to the Fc region.
[0099] As used herein, the term increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity is
defined as either an increase in the number of "antibody-targeted cells" that are
lysed in a given time, at a given concentration of antibody, or of Fc-fusion
protein, in the medium surrounding the target cells, by the mechanism of Fc-
mediated cellular cytotoxicity defined above, and/or a reduction in the
concentration of antibody, or of Fc-fusion protein, in the medium surrounding the
target cells, required to achieve the lysis of a given number of "antibody-targeted
cells", in a given time, by the mechanism of Fc -mediated cellular cytotoxicity.
The increase in Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity is relative to the cellular
cytotoxicity mediated by the same antibody, or Fc-fusion protein, produced by
the same type of host cells, using the same standard production, purification,
formulation and storage methods, which are known to those skilled in the art, but
that has not been produced by host cells engineered to express the
glycosyltransferase GnTIII by the methods described herein.
[0100] By antibody having increased antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity
(ADCC) is meant an antibody having increased ADCC as determined by any
suitable method known to those of ordinary skill in the art. One accepted in vitro
ADCC assay is as follows:
1) the assay uses target cells that are known to express the target
antigen recognized by the antigen-binding region of the antibody,
2) the assay uses human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
(PBMCs), isolated from blood of a randomly chosen healthy donor, as effector
cells;
3) the assay is carried out according to following protocol:
i) the PBMCs are isolated using standard density
centrifugation procedures and are suspended at 5 x 106 cells/ml in RPMI cell
culture medium;
ii) the target cells are grown by standard tissue culture
methods, harvested from the exponential growth phase with a viability higher
than 90%, washed in RPMI cell culture medium, labelled with 100 micro-Curies
of51 Cr, washed twice with cell culture medium, and resuspended in cell culture
medium at a density of 105 cells/ml;
iii) 100 microliters of the final target cell suspension above are
transferred to each well of a 96-well microtiter plate;
iv) the antibody is serially-diluted from 4000 ng/ml to 0.04
ng/ml in cell culture medium and 50 microliters of the resulting antibody
solutions are added to the target cells in the 96-well microtiter plate, testing in
triplicate various antibody concentrations covering the whole concentration range
above;
v) for the maximum release (MR) controls, 3 additional wells
in the plate containing the labelled target cells, receive 50 microliters of a 2%
(V/V) aqueous solution of non-ionic detergent (Nonidet, Sigma, St. Louis),
instead of the antibody solution (point iv above);
vi) for the spontaneous release (SR) controls, 3 additional
wells in the plate containing the labelled target cells, receive 50 microliters of
RPMI cell culture medium instead of the antibody solution (point iv above);
vii) the 96-well microtiter plate is then centrifuged at 50 x g for
1 minute and incubated for 1 hour at 4°C;
viii) 50 microliters of the PBMC suspension (point i above) are
added to each well to yield an effector.target cell ratio of 25:1 and the plates are
placed in an incubator under 5% CO2 atmosphere at 37°C for 4 hours;
ix) the cell-free supernatant from each well is harvested and
the experimentally released radioactivity (ER) is quantified using a gamma
counter;
x) the percentage of specific lysis is calculated for each
antibody concentration according to the formula (ER-MR)/(MR-SR) x 100,
where ER is the average radioactivity quantified (see point ix above) for that
antibody concentration, MR is the average radioactivity quantified (see point ix
above) for the MR controls (see point v above), and SR is the average
radioactivity quantified (see point ix above) for the SR controls (see point vi
above);
4) "increased ADCC" is defined as either an increase in the
maximum percentage of specific lysis observed wiTIIIn the antibody concentration
range tested above, and/or a reduction in the concentration of antibody required
to achieve one half of the maximum percentage of specific lysis observed wiTIIIn
the antibody concentration range tested above. The increase in ADCC is relative
to the ADCC, measured with the above assay, mediated by the same antibody,
produced by the same type of host cells, using the same standard production,
purification, formulation and storage methods, which are known to those skilled
in the art, but that has not been.produced by host cells engineered to overexpress
the glycosyltransferase GnTIII.
[0101] As used herein, the term anti-CD20 antibody is intended to mean an
antibody which specifically recognizes a cell surface non-glycosylated
phosphoprotein of 35,000 Daltons, typically designated as the human B
lymphocyte restricted differentiation antigen Bp35, commonly referred to as
CD20.
[0102] The present invention is based on the discovery that engineering antibody-
producing cells to express a novel fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity or, alternatively, ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase ("GalT") activity, and comprising the Golgi localization
domain of a Golgi resident polypeptide results in antibodies with increased Fc
receptor binding affinity and increased effector function. Alternatively,
antibodies with increased effector function and/or increased Fc receptor binding
can be obtained by engineering the antibody-producing cells to have increased
expression of a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having a-
Mannosidase II catalytic activity. In preferred embodiments, the fusion
constructs having GnTIII or GalT activity are coexpressed with nucleic acid
molecules encoding ManII or GnTII.
[0103] Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an
isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide,
wherein the fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase in
(GnTIII) activity and comprises the Golgi localization domain of a Golgi resident
polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises the
catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III and the Golgi
localization domain is the localization domain of mannosidase II. In a further
embodiment, the Golgi localization domain is the localization domain of GalT.
[0104] Preferably, the isolated nucleic acid has the nucleotide sequence shown in
FIG. 24 and SEQ ID NO: 14 In another preferred embodiment, the fusion
polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III and the Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnTI).
Preferably, the nucleic acid has the nucleotide sequence shown in FIG. 25 and
SEQ ID NO: 12. Alternatively, the Golgi localization domain of another Golgi
resident polypeptide may be used. In another preferred embodiment, the Golgi
localization domain is selected from the group consisting of the localization
domain of ß( 1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, the localization domain of
mannosidase I, and the localization domain of a1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
[0105] In another preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to an
isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence that encodes a polypeptide having
the amino acid sequence shown in FIG. 24 and SEQ ID NO:15 or FIG. 25 and
SEQ ID NO: 13. The present invention also encompasses an isolated nucleic acid
comprising a sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to a
hybridization probe the nucleotide sequence of which consists of the nucleotide
sequence shown in FIG. 24 and SEQ ID NO:14 or FIG. 25 and SEQ ID NO: 12.
The invention is further directed to an isolated nucleic acid comprising a
sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to the
nucleotide sequence shown in FIG. 24 and SEQ ID NO: 14 or FIG. 25 and SEQ
ID NO:12. In another embodiment, the invention is directed to an isolated
nucleic acid comprising a sequence that encodes a polypeptide having an amino
acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to
the amino acid sequence FIG. 24 and SEQ ID NO: 15 or FIG. 25 and SEQ ID
NO:13. The invention also encompasses an isolated nucleic acid comprising a
sequence that encodes a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of FIG. 24
and SEQ ID NO: 15 or FIG. 25 and SEQ ID NO: 13, with conservative amino acid
substitutions.
[0106] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an expression
vector which comprises an isolated nucleic acid of the invention, such as those
described above.
[0107] In a further embodiment, the present invention is directed to a fusion
polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity or,
alternatively, ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase ("GalT") activity, and comprising the
Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide. In
preferred embodiments, the fusion polypeptides of the invention comprise the
catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III. In a particularly
preferred embodiment, the fusion polypeptides further comprise the Golgi
localization domain of mannosidase II or ß(l ,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase
I (GnTI). In an alternative embodiment, the Golgi localization domain is selected
from the group consisting of the localization domain of mannosidase I, the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, and the
localization domain of a1-6 core fucosyltransferase. The fusion polypeptides of
the present invention may be prepared by culturing the host cells of the present
invention in a medium under conditions allowing the expression of the nucleic
acid encoding said fusion polypeptide and recovering said fusion polypeptide
from the resultant culture.
[0108] The present invention is further directed to a method for modifying the
glycosylation profile of a polypeptide produced by a host cell, comprising
introducing into said host cell a nucleic acid or vector of the invention.
Preferably, the modified polypeptide is IgG or a fragment thereof comprising the
Fc region. Most preferably, the polypeptide is IgGl, or a fragment thereof
comprising the Fc region. In another preferred embodiment, the modified
polypeptide is a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region
of a human IgG.
[0109] The present invention is further directed to host cells comprising the
nucleic acids and expression vectors of the invention. In one embodiment, the
present invention is directed to a host cell engineered to express at least one
nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase IE activity or, alternatively, ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase ("GalT") activity, in an amount sufficient to modify the
oligosaccharides in the Fc region of a polypeptide produced by said host cell,
wherein said polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of a whole
antibody molecule, an antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a
region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin. In a preferred
embodiment, the polypeptide produced by said host cell is IgG or a fragment
thereof. Most preferably, the polypeptide produced by said host cell is IgGl or a
fragment thereof. Alternatively, the polypeptide produced by said host cell is a
fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of a human IgG,
eg., IgGl.
[0110] The modified polypeptides produced by the host cells of the invention
exhibit increased Fc receptor binding affinity and/or increased effector function
as a result of the modification. Preferably, the increased Fc receptor binding
affinity is increased binding to a Fey activating receptor, such as the Fc?RIIIa
receptor. The increased effector function is preferably an increase in one or more
of the following: increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, increased
antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), increased cytokine secretion,
increased immune-complex-mediated antigen uptake by antigen-presenting cells,
increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity, increased binding to NK. cells,
increased binding to macrophages, increased binding to polymorphonuclear cells
(PMNs), increased binding to monocytes, increased crosslinking of target-bound
antibodies, increased direct signaling inducing apoptosis, increased dendritic cell
maturation, and increased T cell priming.
[0111] m aparticularly preferred embodiment, the host cell of the invention is a
CHO cell, a BHK cell, a NSO cell, a SP2/0 cell, a YO myeloma cell, a P3X63
mouse myeloma cell, a PER cell, a PER.C6 cell or a hybridoma cell and the
polypeptide produced by said host cell is an anti-CD20 antibody such as IDEC-
C2B8. In another preferred embodiment, the host cell is the chimeric anti-human
EGFR monoclonal antibody C225.
[0112] In addition to comprising anucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide of
the invention, the host cells of the invention may further comprise at least one
transected nucleic acid encoding an antibody molecule, an antibody fragment
retaining a functional Fc region, or a fusion protein that includes a region
equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin. In preferred embodiments, the
at least one transected nucleic acid encodes an anti-CD20 antibody, the chimeric
anti-human neuroblastoma monoclonal antibody chCE7, the chimeric anti-human
renal cell carcinoma monoclonal antibody chG250, the chimeric anti-human
colon, lung, and breast carcinoma monoclonal antibody ING-1, the humanized
anti-human 17-1A antigen monoclonal antibody 3 622W94, the humanized anti-
human colorectal tumor antibody A33, the anti-human melanoma antibody
directed against GD3 ganglioside R24, the chimeric anti-human squamous-cell
carcinoma monoclonal antibody SF-25, an anti-human EGFR antibody, an anti-
human EGFRvIII antibody, an anti-human PSMA antibody, an anti-human PSCA
antibody, an anti-human CD22 antibody, an anti-human CD30 antibody, an anti-
TAG72 antibody, an anti-high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen
(HMWMAA) antibody, an anti-GD3 ganglioside antibody, an anti-GD2
ganglioside antibody, an anti-GM2 ganghoside antibody, an anti-human
ganglioside antibody, an anti-EGFRvHI antibody, an anti-integrin antibody, an
anti-CD80 antibody, an anti-LeY antibody, an anti-mucin antibody, an anti-
MUC18 antibody, an anti-human CD33 antibody, an anti-human CD38 antibody,
an anti-human CD40 antibody, an anti-human CD45 antibody, an anti-human
CD52 antibody, an anti-human CD138 antibody, an anti-human HLA-DR variant
antibody, an anti-human EpCAM antibody, an anti-human CEA antibody, an
anti-human MUC1 antibody, an anti-human MUC1 core protein antibody, an
anti-human aberrantly glycosylated MUC1 antibody, an antibody against human
fibronectin variants containing the ED-B domain, or an anti-human HER2/neu
antibody.
[0113] The present invention is also directed to a method for producing a
polypeptide in a host cell comprising (a) culturing a host cell engineered to
express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having ß(l ,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase IE activity or, alternatively, ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase ("GalT") activity, under conditions which permit the
production of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a whole
antibody molecule, an antibody fragment retaining a functional Fc region, and a
fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an
immunoglobulin, wherein said fusion polypeptide having GnTIII activity or,
alternatively, GalT activity is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify the
oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host cell;
and (b) isolating said polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion
polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase EI. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the
fusion polypeptide further comprises the Golgi localization domain of a Golgi
resident polypeptide. Preferably, the Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of mannosidase II or ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GnTI).
Alternatively, the Golgi localization domain is selected from the group consisting
of: the localization domain of mannosidase I, the localization domain of ß(1,2)-
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase n, and the localization domain of a 1-6 core
fucosyltransferase. The polypeptides produced by the methods of the present
invention have increased Fc receptor binding affinity and/or increased effector
function. Preferably, the increased effector function is one or more of the
following: increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity (including increased
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity), increased antibody-dependent cellular
phagocytosis (ADCP), increased cytokine secretion, increased immune-complex-
mediated antigen uptake by antigen-presenting cells, increased binding to NK
cells, increased binding to macrophages, increased binding to monocytes,
increased binding to polymorphonuclear cells, increased direct signaling inducing
apoptosis, increased crosslinking of target-bound antibodies, increased dendritic
cell maturation, or increased T cell priming. The increased Fc receptor binding
affinity is preferably increased binding to Fc activating receptors such as
Fc?Rina.
[0114] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a polypeptide
produced by the methods of the invention which has an increased proportion of
bisected oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide. In yet another
embodiment, the polypeptide produced by the methods of the invention has an
increased proportion of nonfucosylated oligosaccharides in the Fc region as a
result of said modification. The nonfucosylated oligosaccharides may be of the
hybrid or complex type. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the polypeptide
produced by the host cells and methods of the invention has an increased
proportion of bisected, nonfucosylated oligosaccharides in the Fc region. The
bisected, nonfucosylated oligosaccharides may be either hybrid or complex.
Specifically, the methods of the present invention may be used to produce
polypeptides in which at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, more
preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least
35%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 45%, more
preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 55%, more preferably at least
60%, more preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least 70%, more
preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least
85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, more
preferably at least 96%, more preferably at least 97%, more preferably at least
98%, more preferably at least 99%, of the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of
the polypeptide are nonfucosylated. The methods of the present invention may
also he used to produce polypeptides in which at least 15%, more preferably at
least 20%, more preferably at least 25%, more preferably at least 30%, more
preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least
45%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 55%, more
preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, more preferably at least
70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, more
preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 900%, more preferably at least
95%, more preferably at least 96%, more preferably at least 97%, more
preferably at least 98%, more preferably at least 99%, of the oligosaccharides in
the Fc region of the polypeptide are bisected. Still further, the methods of the
present invention may be used to produce polypeptides in which at least 15%,
more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 25%, more preferably at
least 30%, more preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 40%, more
preferably at least 45%, more preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least
55%, more preferably at least 60%, more preferably at least 65%, more
preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 75%, more preferably at least
80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 900%, more
preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 96%, more preferably at least
97%, more preferably at least 98%, more preferably at least 99%, of the
oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the polypeptide are bisected, nonfucosylated.
The methods of the present invention may also be used to produce polypeptides
in which at least 15%, more preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least
25%, more preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 35% of the
oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the polypeptide are bisected hybrid
nonfucosylated.
[0115] In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to an antibody
engineered to have increased effector function and/or increased Fc receptor
binding affinity, produced by the methods of the invention. Preferably, the
increased effector function is one or more of the following: increased Fc-
mediated cellular cytotoxicity (including increased antibody-dependent cellular
cytotoxicity), increased antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP),
increased cytokine secretion, increased immune-complex-mediated antigen
uptake by antigen-presenting cells, increased binding to NK cells, increased
binding to macrophages, increased binding to monocytes, increased binding to
polymorphonuclear cells, increased direct signaling inducing apoptosis, increased
crossmiking of target-bound antibodies, increased dendritic cell maturation, or
increased T cell priming. In a preferred embodiment, the increased Fc receptor
binding affinity is increased binding to an Fc activating receptor, most preferably
Fc?RIIIa. The invention is further directed to antibody fragments containing the
Fc region and fusion proteins that include a region equivalent to the Fc region of
an immunoglobulin. Such antibody fragments and fusion proteins exhibit
increased Fc receptor binding affinity and/or increased effector function.
[0116] The present invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions
comprising the antibodies, antibody fragments retaining the Fc region, and fusion
proteins having a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin of the
present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[0117] The present invention is further directed to the use of such pharmaceutical
compositions in the method of treatment of cancer. Specifically, the present
invention is directed to a method for the treatment of cancer comprising
adrninistering a therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical
composition of the invention.
[0118] The present invention is also directed to a host cell comprising an
expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion
polypeptide, wherein the fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT HI) activity and comprises the Golgi
localization domain of a Goli resident polypeptide; and an expression vector
comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, wherein the
polypeptide has mannosidase II (Man II) activity. In preferred embodiments,
the nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion polypeptide and the nucleic acid
molecule encoding the polypeptide having mannosidase II activity are on the
same or separate expression vectors. In another preferred embodiment, the
fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of GnT in. In an additional
preferred embodiment the Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of Man II, ß$(l,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, mannosidase I or al,6-N core
fucosyltransferase. In a further preferred embodiment, the host cell is selected
from the group consisting of a mammalian cell, a yeast cell, an insect cell and
a plant cell. Preferably, the host cell is a CHO cell, a BHK cell, a NSO cell,
an SP2/0 cell, a YO myeloma cell, a P3X63 mouse myeloma cell, a PER cell,
a PER.C6 cell, or a hybridoma cell.
[0119] The invention further provides ahost cell comprising an expression vector
comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide having ß(l ,4)-
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase m (GnT III) activity and comprises the Golgi
localization domain of a Goli resident polypeptide, an expression vector
comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, wherein the
polypeptide has mannosidase II (Man II) activity, and an expression vector
comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, wherein the
polypeptide has ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase II (GnT II) activity. In
preferred embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide,
the nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having Man II activity and the
nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having GnT II activity are on the
same or separate expression vectors. Also preferred is that the nucleic acid
molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide is on one expression vector, and the
nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having Man II activity and the
nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having GnT II activity are on the
same expression vector. Also preferred is that the nucleic acid molecule
encoding a ManII is on one expression vector, and the nucleic acid molecule
encoding a fusion polypeptide and the nucleic acid molecule encoding a
polypeptide having GnT II activity are on the same expression vector. In another
embodiment, the GnT II is on one expression vector, and the nucleic acid
molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide and the nucleic acid molecule encoding a
polypeptide having Man II activity are on the same expression vector.
[0120] In an additional aspect, the invention is directed to a host cell comprising
an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion
polypeptide, wherein the fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase
(GalT) activity and comprises the Golgi localization domain of a Golgi resident
polypeptide; and an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule
encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide has mannosidase II (Man IT)
activity. In preferred embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion
polypeptide and the nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having
mannosidase II activity are on the same expression vector or separate expression
vectors. Preferably, the fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of
GalT. In an additional embodiment, the Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of Man II, ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, ß(1,2)-
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II, mannosidase I or a(1,6-core
fucosyltransferase. In a preferred embodiment, the host cell is selected from the
group consisting of a mammalian cell, a yeast cell, an insect cell or a plant cell.
Preferably, the host cell is a CHO cell, a BHK cell, a^NSO cell, an SP2/0 cell, a
YO myeloma cell, a P3X63 mouse myeloma cell, a PER cell, a PER.C6 cell, or a
hybridoma cell.
[0121] In an additional aspect, the invention is directed to a host cell
comprising an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule encoding
a fusion polypeptide, wherein the fusion polypeptide has ß(l ,4)~
galactosyltransferase (GalT) activity and comprises the Golgi localization
domain of a Golgi resident polypeptide; and an expression vector comprising a
nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide has
mannosidase II (Man II) activity; and an expression vector comprising a
nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide has
ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyl-transferase II (GnT II) activity. Preferably, each
nucleic acid is on the same expression vector. In a separate embodiment, each
nucleic acid molecule is on a separate vector. The invention further provides
that the nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide is on one
expression vector, and the nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide
having Man II activity and the nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide
having GnT II activity are on the same expression vector. The invention also
provides that the nucleic acid molecule encoding a ManII is on one expression
vector, and the nucleic acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide and the
nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide having GnT II activity are on
the same expression vector. The invention also provides that the nucleic acid
molecule encoding the GnT II is on one expression vector, and the nucleic
acid molecule encoding a fusion polypeptide and the nucleic acid molecule
encoding a polypeptide having Man II activity are on the same expression
vector. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion polypeptide comprises the
catalytic domain of GalT. In a further preferred embodiment, the Golgi
localization domain is the localization domain of Man II, ß(1,2)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferaseII,
mannosidase I or a(1,6-N core fucosyltransferase.
[0122] The invention further provides a host cell engineered to express at least
one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GnT in activity and at
least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man II activity in an
amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of a
polypeptide produced by the host cell, wherein the polypeptide produced by the
host cell is selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an
antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc
region of an immunoglobin.
[0123] The invention also provides a host cell engineered to express at least one
nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GnT HI activity, at least one
nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man II and at least one nucleic acid
encoding a polypeptide having GnT II activity in an amount sufficient to modify
the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of a polypeptide produced by the host cell,
wherein the polypeptide produced by the host cell is selected from the group
consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment, and a fusion
protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobin.
[0124] The present invention additionally provides a host cell engineered to
express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GalT
activity and at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man II
activity in an amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of
a polypeptide produced by the host cell, wherein the polypeptide produced by the
host cell is selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an
antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc
region of an immunoglobin.
[0125] In a separate embodiment, the present invention also provides a host cell
engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide
having GalT activity, at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having
Man II and at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having GnT II
activity in an amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of
a polypeptide produced by the host cell, wherein the polypeptide produced by the
host cell is selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an
antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc
region of an immunoglobin. Preferably, the polypeptide produced by the host
cell exhibits increased Fc receptor binding affinity as a result of the modification.
In an additionally preferred embodiment, the polypeptide produced by the host
cell exhibits increased effector function as a result of the modification.
Preferably, the increased effector function is one or more of increased Fc-
mediated cellular cytotoxicity, increased binding to NK cells, increased binding
to macrophages, increased binding to polymorphonuclear cells, increased binding
to monocytes, increased direct signaling induced apoptosis, increased dendritic
cell maturation, and/or increased T cell priming.
[0126] In an additional embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for
producing a polypeptide in a host cell, comprising culturing a host cell
engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide
having GnT III activity and at least one a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide
having Man II activity under conditions which permit the production of a
polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an
antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc
region of an immunoglobulin, wherein the fusion polypeptide is expressed in an
amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the
polypeptide produced by the host cell; and isolating the polypeptide. Preferably,
the host cell is further engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a
polypeptide having GnT II activity. In an additionally preferred embodiment, the
fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic domain of GnT DI. In a further
preferred embodiment, the fusion polypeptide further comprises the Golgi
localization domain of aheterologous Golgi resident polypeptide. Preferably, the
Golgi localization domain is the localization domain of mannosidase n, ($3(1 ,2)-
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, mannosidase I, ß(1,2)-N-
acetylgmcosaminyltransferase II or a1-6 core fucosyltransferase. Preferably, the
polypeptide has increased effector function as a result of the above modification.
[0127] The invention is further directed to a method for producing a polypeptide
in a host cell, comprising culturing a host cell engineered to express at least one
nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide having GalT activity and at least one a
nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having Man n activity under conditions
which permit the production of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting
of a whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that
includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin, wherein the
fusion polypeptide is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify the
oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the polypeptide produced by the host cell;
and isolating the polypeptide. In an additional embodiment, the host cell is
further engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide
having GnT II activity. Preferably, the fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic
domain of GalT. Also preferred is that the fusion polypeptide further comprises
the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide.
Preferably, the Golgi localization domain is the localization domain of
mannosidase II, ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, mannosidase I, ß(l ,2)-
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferasell or a1-6 core fucosyltransferase. Preferably,
the polypeptide has increased effector function as a result of the above
modification. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the polypeptide produced
by the host cell has an increased proportion of bisected, nonfucosylated
oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the polypeptide. Preferably, the bisected,
nonfucosylated oligosaccharides are hybrid. Even more preferably, the bisected,
nonfucosylated oligosaccharides are complex. In a preferred embodiment, at least
from about 10% to 95% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the
polypeptide are bisected, nonfucosylated. Especially preferred is that about 20%,
25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%,
95% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the glycoengineered polypeptides
of the present invention are bisected, nonfucosylated.
[0128] In an additionally preferred embodiment, the present invention provides
that the antibodies engineered according to the methods of the present invention
have increased effector function.
[0129] In an additional embodiment, the invention further provides
pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies engineered according to
the methods of the present invention. Preferably, the pharmaceutical
compositions of the present invention comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable
carrier.
[0130] The invention further provides a method for the treatment of cancerous
tumors comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the
pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention to a patient in need thereof.
[0131] The invention is further directed to a method for producing a polypeptide
having increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity in a host cell, comprising
culturing a host cell engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding
GalT and at least one nucleic acid encoding Man II under conditions which
permit the production of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a
whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment that included the Fc region of an
immunoglobulin, wherein the expression level of one or both of GalT or Man II
is sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the polypeptide
produced by the host cell and wherein the polypeptide has increased Fc-mediated
cellular cytotoxicity as a result of the modification; and isolating the polypeptide
having increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. In an additionally preferred
embodiment, the expression level of GalT produces an antibody molecule or
antibody fragment that includes the Fc region of an immunoglobin having
increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity.
[0132] The invention is further directed to a method for producing a polypeptide
having increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity in a host cell, comprising
culturing a host cell engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding
GalT and at least one nucleic acid encoding Man II under conditions which
permit the production of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a
whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment that included the Fc region of an
immunoglobulin, wherein the expression level of one or both of GalT or Man II
is sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the polypeptide
produced by the host cell and wherein the polypeptide has increased Fc-mediated
cellular cytotoxicity as a result of the modification; and isolating the polypeptide
having increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity. In a preferred embodiment,
the above host cell further comprises at least one nucleic acid encoding GnT HI,
wherein the GnT III is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify the
oligosaccharides in the Fc region of the polypeptide produced by the host cell and
wherein the polypeptide has increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity as a
result of the modification. Preferably, the expression level of one or more of
GalT, Man II or GnT III is sufficient to form bisected oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of the polypeptide. Even more preferably, the proportion of bisected
oligosaccharides in the Fc region to total oligosaccharides in the Fc region is at
least about 25,35,45,55,60,65,70,75,80,85,90 or 95 percent. Preferably, the
proportion of bisected oligosaccharides in the Fc region to total oligosaccharides
in the Fc region is at least about 45 percent. In a preferred embodiment, the
bisected oligosaccharides are complex or hybrid. Preferably, the host cell is a
mammalian cell, a yeast cell, an insect cell or a plant cell. Even more preferably,
the host cell is a plant cell.
10133] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for
producing a polypeptide in a host cell, comprising:
a. culturing a host cell engineered to express at least one nucleic acid
encoding a polypeptide having a-Mannosidase II activity under conditions which
permit the production of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a
whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment, and a fusion protein that
includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin, wherein said
polypeptide having a-Mannosidase II activity is expressed in an amount
sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide
produced by said host cell; and
b. isolating said polypeptide produced by said host cell.
[0134] The present invention is also directed to polypeptides, particularly
antibodies, having increased effector function and/or increased Fc receptor
binding as a result of said modified oligosacchardes as well as their use in
therapeutic compositions to treat disorders, particularly tumors.
Identification and Generation of Nucleic Acids Encoding A Protein for Which
Modification of The Glycosylation Pattern Is Desired
[0135] The present invention provides methods for the generation and use of host
cell systems for the production of glycoforms of antibodies, antibody fragments
containing the Fc region, and fusion proteins which a region equivalent to the Fc
region, having increased Fc receptor binding affinity, preferably Fc activating
receptors, and/or having increased effector functions, including antibody-
dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Identification of target epitopes and generation
of antibodies having potential therapeutic value, for which modification of the
glycosylation pattern is desired, and isolation of their respective coding nucleic
acid sequence is wiTIIIn the scope of the invention.
[0136] Various procedures known in the art may be used for the production of
antibodies to target epitopes of interest. Such antibodies include but are not
limited to polyclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, humanized, fully-human, single
chain, Fab fragments and fragments produced by an ScFv, Fab, VH, IgG
expression library. Such antibodies may be useful, e.g., as diagnostic or
therapeutic agents. As therapeutic agents, neutralizing antibodies, i.e., those
which compete for binding with a ligand, substrate or adapter molecule, are of
especially preferred interest.
[0137] For the production of antibodies, various host animals are immunized by
injection with the target protein of interest including, but not limited to, rabbits,
mice, rats, etc. Polyclonal antibodies may be raised in animals by multiple
subcutaneous (sc) or intraperitoneal (ip) injections of the relevant antigen and an
adjuvant. Various adjuvants may be used to increase the immunological
response, depending on the host species, including but not limited to Freund's
(complete and incomplete), mineral gels such as aluminum hydroxide, surface
active substances such as lysoleciTIIIn, pluronic polyols, polyanions, peptides,
saponin, oil emulsions, keyhole limpet hemocyanin, dinitrophenol, and
potentially useful human adjuvants such as BCG (bacille Calmette-Guerin) and
Corynebacterium parvum. Animals are immunized against the antigen,
immunogenic conjugates, or derivatives by combining, e.g., 100g or 5 g of the
protein or conjugate (for rabbits or mice, respectively) with 3 volumes of
Freund's complete adjuvant and injecting the solution intradermally at multiple
sites. One month later, the animals are boosted with 1/5 to 1/10 the original
amount of peptide or conjugate in Freund's adjuvant by subcutaneous injection at
multiple sites. Seven to 14 days later the animals are bled and the serum is
assayed for antibody titer. Animals are boosted until the titer plateaus.
Preferably, the animal is boosted with the conjugate of the same antigen, but
conjugated to different protein and/or through a different cross-linking reagent.
Conjugates can also be made in recombinant cell culture as protein fusions.
[0138] Monoclonal antibodies to the target of interest may be prepared using any
technique which provides for the production of antibody molecules by continuous
cell lines in culture. These include, but are not limited to, the hybridoma
technique originally described by Kohler and Milstein, Nature 256:495-97
(1975), the human B-cell hybridoma technique (Kosbor etal, Immunology Today
4:72 (1983); Cote et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 80:2026-30 (1983) and the
EBV-hybridoma technique (Cole et al, Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer
Therapy 77-96 (Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1985)). In addition, techniques developed for
the production of "chimeric antibodies" (Morrison et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
U.S.A. 81:6851-55 (1984);Neuberger et al., Nature 312:604-08 (1984) ;Takeda
et al, Nature 314:452-54 (1985) by splicing the genes from a mouse antibody
molecule of appropriate antigen specificity together with genes from a human
antibody molecule of appropriate biological activity can be used. These
techniques can be used to produce chimeric antibodies comprised of an antibody
molecule of other mammals as well. Alternatively, techniques described for the
production of single chain antibodies (U.S. Patent No. 4,946,778) can be adapted
to produce single chain antibodies having a desired specificity. The invention is
further directed to humanized antibodies that have been glycoengineered
according to the methods of the present invention. Techniques for generating
humanized antibodies are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,320 to
Queen et al., the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
[0139] Antibody fragments which contain specific binding sites of the target
protein of interest may be generated by known techniques. For example, such
fragments include, but are not limited to, F(ab')2 fragments which can be
produced by pepsin digestion of the antibody molecule and the Fab fragments
which can be generated by reducing the disulfide bridges of the F(ab')2 fragments.
Alternatively, Fab expression libraries may be constructed (Huse et al., Science
246:1275-81 (1989) to allow rapid and easy identification of monoclonal Fab
fragments with the desired specificity to the target protein of interest.
[0140] Once an antibody or antibody fragment has been identified for which
modification in the glycosylation pattern are desired, the coding nucleic acid
sequence is identified and isolated using techniques well known in the art.
a. Generation Of Cell Lines For The Production Of Proteins With Altered
Glycosylation Pattern
[0141] The present invention provides host cell expression systems for the
generation of proteins having modified glycosylation patterns. In particular, the
present invention provides host cell systems for the generation of glycoforms of
proteins having an improved therapeutic value. Therefore, in one aspect, the
invention provides host cell expression systems selected or engineered to express,
e.g., a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III
(GnTII) activity and comprising the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous
Golgi resident polypeptide. Specifically, such host cell expression systems may
be engineered to comprise a recombinant nucleic acid molecule encoding such
fusion polypeptide, operatively linked to a constitutive or regulated promoter
system.
[0142] In one specific embodiment, the present invention provides a host cell that
has been engineered to express at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion
polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaininyltransferase HI (GnTIII) activity
and comprising the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident
polypeptide. In one aspect, the host cell is engineered with a nucleic acid
molecule comprising at least one gene encoding a fusion polypeptide having
ß(l ,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase EI (GnTIII) activity and comprising the
Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide.
[0143] Generally, any type of cultured cell line can be used as a background to
engineer the host cell lines of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment,
CHO cells, BHK cells, NSO cells, SP2/0 cells, YO myeloma cells, P3X63 mouse
myeloma cells, PER cells, PER.C6 cells or hybridoma cells, other mammalian
cells, yeast cells, insect cells, or plant cells are used as the background cell line to
generate the engineered host cells of the invention. (See Ma, J. K.-C, et al.,
Nature Genetics 4:794-805 (October 2003) and references cited therein) (the
entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference).
[0144] The invention is contemplated to encompass any engineered host cells
expressing a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase
III (GnTIII) activity and comprising the Golgi localization domain of a
heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide as defined herein.
[0145] One or several nucleic acids encoding a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase IE (GnTIII) activity and comprising the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide may be
expressed under the control of a constitutive promoter or, alternately, a regulated
expression system. Suitable regulated expression systems include, but are not
limited to, a tetracycline-regulated expression system, an ecdysone-inducible
expression system, a lac-switch expression system, a glucocorticoid-inducible
expression system, a temperature-inducible promoter system, and a
metalloTIIIonein metal-inducible expression system. If several different nucleic
acids encoding fusion polypeptides having p(l,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity and comprising the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide are comprised
wiTIIIn the host cell system, some of them maybe expressed under the control of a
constitutive promoter, while others are expressed under the control of aregulated
promoter. The maximal expression level is considered to be the highest possible
level of stable fusion polypeptide expression that does not have a significant
adverse effect on cell growth rate, and will be determined using routine
experimentation. Expression levels are determined by methods generally known
in the art, including Western blot analysis using an antibody specific for the
polypeptide having GnTIII activity or an antibody specific for a peptide tag fused
to the polypeptide having GnTIII activity, Northern blot analysis using a nucleic
acid probe specific for the gene encoding the polypeptide having GnTIII activity
or a nucleic acid probe specific for a nucleic acid encoding a peptide tag fused to
the polypeptide having GnTIII activity, or measurement of GnTIII activity.
Alternatively, a lectin may be employed which binds to biosynthetic products of
the GnTIII, for example, E4-PHA lectin. Alternatively, a functional assay which
measures the increased Fc receptor binding or increased effector function
mediated by antibodies produced by the cells engineered with the nucleic acid
encoding a polypeptide with GnTIII activity, may be used. In a further
alternative, the nucleic acid may be operatively linked to a reporter gene; the
expression levels of the fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase IE (GnTIII) activity and comprising the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide are determined
by measuring a signal correlated with the expression level of the reporter gene.
The reporter gene may transcribed together with the nucleic acid(s) encoding the
fusion polypeptide as a single mRNA molecule; their respective coding
sequences may be linked either by an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) or by a
cap-independent translation enhancer (CITE). The reporter gene may be
translated together with at least one nucleic acid encoding the fusion polypeptide
having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity and
comprising the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident
polypeptide such that a single polypeptide chain is formed. The nucleic acids
encoding the fusion polypeptides of the present invention may be operatively
linked to the reporter gene under the control of a single promoter, such that the
nucleic acid encoding the fusion polypeptide and the reporter gene are
transcriibed into an RNA molecule which is alternatively spliced into two
separate messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules; one of the resulting mRNAs is
translated into the reporter protein, and the other is translated into the fusion
polypeptide
[0146] If several different nucleic acids encoding a fusion polypeptide having
ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity and comprising the
Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide are
expressed, they may be arranged in such way that they are transcribed as one or
as several mRNA molecules. If they are transcribed as a single mRNA molecule,
their respective coding sequences may be linked either by an internal ribosome
entry site (IRES) or by a cap-independent translation enhancer (CITE). They
may be transcribed from a single promoter into an RNA molecule which is
alternatively spliced into several separate messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules,
which then are each translated into their respective encoded fusion polypeptides.
[0147] In other embodiments, the present invention provides host cell expression
systems for the generation of therapeutic antibodies, having increased Fc receptor
binding affinity, particularly binding to Fc activating receptors, and increased
effector function, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity,. Generally,
the host cell expression systems have been engineered and/or selected to express
nucleic acids encoding the antibody for which the production of altered
glycoforms is desired, along with at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion
polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTII) activity
and comprising the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident
polypeptide. In one embodiment, the host cell system is transfected with at least
one nucleic acid encoding such fusion polypeptide. Typically, the transfected
cells are selected to identify and isolate clones that stably express the fusion
polypeptide of the invention.
[0148] Any type of cultured cell line can be used as background to engineer the
host cell lines of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, CHO cells,
BHK cells, NSO cells, SP2/0 cells, YO myeloma cells, P3X63 mouse myeloma
cells, PER cells, PER.C6 cells or hybridoma cells, other mammalian cells, yeast
cells, insect cells, or plant cells may be used. Typically, such cell lines are
engineered to further comprise at least one transfected nucleic acid encoding a
whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment containing the Fc region of an
immunoglobulin, or a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc
region of an immunoglobulin. Typically such antibody production cell lines are
derived from clones producing and secreting the antibody at high specific
productivities in the range between 20 to 120 pg/(cell.day). In an alternative
embodiment, a hybridoma cell line expressing a particular antibody of interest is
used as background cell line to generate the engineered host cells of the
invention.
[0149] In one embodiment the nucleic acids encoding the antibody, antibody
fragment or Fc-fusion polypeptide are cloned into antibody-expression vectors
and then are transfected into the host cells and cell clones with high and stable
specific antibody productivity are selected and screened for. Such selected clones
are then transfected with glycoprotein-modifying glycoslytransferase expression
vectors containing nucleic acids encoding, for example, (a) a fusion polypeptide
with beta 1,4-N-acetylgluycosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity, or (b)a
fusion polypeptide with beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase (GalT) activity, or (c)a
polypeptide with Golgi alpha-mannosidase II (ManlT) activity, or (d) a fusion
polypeptide with GnTIII activity and a further polypeptide with ManII activity, or
(e) a fusion polypeptide with GalT activity and a further polypeptide with ManII
activity. Clones clones are then selected and screened for stable expression of the
antibody-encoding genes at levels leading to high antibody specific
productivities, and with stable expression of the glycoprotein-modifying
glycosyltransferase genes at expression levels leading to modification of the Fc
region glycosylation pattern, including an increase in the fraction of non-
fucosylated oligosaccharides which may be either bisected or non-bisected and
which further may be of complex or hybrid type, which is associated with an
increase in Fc receptor binding, particularly an increase in Fc-Fc?RIII binding
affinity, and an increase in Fc receptor mediated effector functions, including but
not limited to Fc-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Selection and screening
methods are described below.
[0150] In another embodiment the order of the two transfections described above,
namely the antibody expression vectors transfection and the glycoprotein-
modifying glycosyltransferase expression vectors transfection, is reversed, i.e.,
host cells are first transfected with the glycoprotein-modifying
glycosyltransferase expression vectors and then with the antibody expression
vectors. In such approach the clones from the first transfection may be screened
for adequate stable expression levels of the glycosyltransferase genes by any of
the methods described further below, or alternatively by transiently transfecting
replicates of such clones with antibody expression vectors and then applying the
screening methods described further below in order to identify clones with stable
expression level of the glycosyltransferase genes at levels that lead to a
modification of the Fc region glycosylation pattern and to an increase in Fc
receptor, including Fc?RIII receptors, binding affinity and an increase in Fc
receptor-mediated effector functions, including Fc-dependent cellular
cytotoxicity.
[0151] In a further embodiment, the antibody-encoding genes and the
glycosyltransferase genes are transfected together in a single transfection step,
either in a single expression vector or in separate vectors.
[0152] Typically, at least one nucleic acid in the host cell system encodes a
fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTTII)
activity or, alternatively, ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase activity, and comprising
the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide or,
alternatively, it encodes a polypeptide with Golgi a-mannosidase II activity.
[0153] One or several nucleic acids encoding a fusion polypeptide of the
invention may be expressed under the control of a constitutive promoter, or
alternately, a regulated expression system. Suitable regulated expression systems
include, but are not limited to, a tetracycline-regulated expression system, an
ecdysone-inducible expression system, a lac-switch expression system, a
glucocorticoid-inducible expression system, a temperature-inducible promoter
system, and a metalloTIIIonein metal-inducible expression system. If several
different nucleic acids encoding a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity and comprising the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide are comprised
wiTIIIn the host cell system, some of them may be expressed under the control of a
constitutive promoter, while others are expressed under the control of a regulated
promoter. The maximal expression level is considered to be the highest possible
level of stable fusion polypeptide expression that does not have a significant
adverse effect on cell growth rate, and will be determined using routine
experimentation. Expression levels are determined by methods generally known
in the art, including Western blot analysis using e.g., an antibody specific for the
polypeptide having GnTIII activity or an antibody specific for a peptide tag fused
to the polypeptide having GnTIII activity, Northern blot analysis using a nucleic
acid probe specific for e.g., the gene encoding the polypeptide having GnTIII
activity or a nucleic acid probe specific for a nucleic acid encoding a peptide tag
fused to the polypeptide having GnTIII activity, or measurement of GnTIII
enzymatic activity. Alternatively, a lectin may be employed which binds to
biosynthetic products of GnTIII, for example, E4-PHA lectin. Alternatively, a
functional assay which measures the increased Fc receptor binding or increased
effector function mediated by antibodies produced by the cells engineered with
the nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide with GnTIII activity may be used. In a
further alternative, the nucleic acid may be operatively linked to a reporter gene;
the expression levels of the fusion polypeptide of the invention are determined by
measuring a signal correlated with the expression level of the reporter gene. The
reporter gene maybe transcribed together with the nucleic acid(s) encoding said
glycoprotein-modifying glycosyl transferase as a single mRNA molecule; then-
respective coding sequences may be linked either by an internal ribosome entry
site (IRES) or by a cap-independent translation enhancer (CITE). The reporter
gene may be translated together with at least one nucleic acid encoding a fusion
polypeptide having ß(l ,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity
and comprising the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident
polypeptide such that a single polypeptide chain is formed. The nucleic acid
encoding the fusion polypeptide may be operatively linked to the reporter gene
under the control of a single promoter, such that the nucleic acid encoding the
fusion polypeptide of the invention and the reporter gene are transcribed into an
RNA molecule which is alternatively spliced into two separate messenger RNA
(mRNA) molecules; one of the resulting mRNAs is translated into said reporter
protein, and the other is translated into said fusion polypeptide.
[0154] If several different nucleic acids encoding a fusion polypeptide having
P(l,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase HI (GnTIII) activity and comprising the
Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide are
expressed, they may be arranged in such way that they are transcribed as one or
as several mRNA molecules. If they are transcribed as single mRNA molecule,
their respective coding sequences may be linked either by an internal ribosome
entry site (IRES) or by a cap-independent translation enhancer (CITE). They
may be transcribed from a single promoter into an RNA molecule which is
alternatively spliced into several separate messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules,
which then are each translated into their respective encoded fusion polypeptides.
i. Expression Systems
[0155] Methods which are well known to those skilled in the art can be used to
construct expression vectors containing the coding sequence of the protein of
interest and the coding sequence of a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity and comprising the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide along with
appropriate transcriptional/translational control signals. These methods include
in vitro recombinant DNA techniques, synthetic techniques and in vivo
recombination/genetic recombination. See, for example, the techniques described
in Maoiatis et al., Molecular Cloning A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory, N.Y. (1989) and Ausubel et al, Current Protocols in Molecular
Biology, Greene Publishing Associates and Wiley Interscience, N.Y (1989).
[0156] A variety of host-expression vector systems may be utilized to express the
coding sequence of the protein of interest and the coding sequence of the fusion
polypeptide of the present invention. Preferably, mammalian cells are used as
host cell systems transfected with recombinant plasmid DNA or cosmid DNA
expression vectors containing the coding sequence of the protein of interest and
the coding sequence of the fusion polypeptide. Most preferably, CHO cells,
BHK cells, NSO cells, SP2/0 cells, YO myeloma cells, P3X63 mouse myeloma
cells, PER cells, PER.C6 cells or hybridoma cells, other mammalian cells, yeast
cells, insect cells, or plant cells are used as host cell system. Some examples of
'expression systems and selection methods are described in the following
references, and references therein: Borth et ai, Biotechnol. Bioen. 71(4):266-73
(2000-2001), in Werner et ai, Arzneimittelforschung/Drug Res. 48(8):870-80
(1998), in Andersen and Krummen, Curr. Op. Biotechnol. 13:117-123 (2002), in
Chadd and Chamow, Curr. Op. Biotechnol. 12:188-194 (2001), and in Giddings,
Curr. Op. Biotechnol. 12: 450-454 (2001). In alternate embodiments, other
eukaryotic host cell systems may be contemplated, including, yeast cells
transformed with recombinant yeast expression vectors containing the coding
sequence of the protein of interest and the coding sequence of the fusion
polypeptide of the invention; insect cell systems infected with recombinant virus
expression vectors (e.g., baculovirus) containing the coding sequence of the
protein of interest and the coding sequence of the fusion polypeptide of the
invention; plant cell systems infected with recombinant virus expression vectors
(e.g., cauliflower mosaic virus, CaMV; tobacco mosaic virus, TMV) or
transformed with recombinant plasmid expression vectors (e.g., Ti plasmid)
containing the coding sequence of the protein of interest and the coding sequence
of the fusion polypeptide of the invention; or animal cell systems infected with
recombinant virus expression vectors (eg., adenovirus, vaccinia virus) including
cell lines engineered to contain multiple copies of the DNA encoding the protein
of interest and the coding sequence of the fusion polypeptide of the invention
either stably amplified (CHO/dhfr) or unstably amplified in double-minute
chromosomes (e.g., murine cell lines).
[0157] For the methods of TIIIs invention, stable expression is generally preferred
to transient expression because it typically achieves more reproducible results and
also is more amenable to large scale production, i.e., production of the
glycoengineered antibodies of the present invention in production scale cell lines.
Rather than using expression vectors which contain viral origins of replication,
host cells can be transformed with the respective coding nucleic acids controlled
by appropriate expression control elements (e.g., promoter, enhancer, sequences,
transcription tenninators, polyadenylation sites, etc.), and a selectable marker.
Following the introduction of foreign DNA, engineered cells maybe allowed to
grow for 1-2 days in an enriched media, and then are switched to a selective
media. The selectable marker in the recombinant plasmid confers resistance to
the selection and allows selection of cells which have stably integrated the
plasmid into their chromosomes and grow to form foci which in turn can be
cloned and expanded into cell lines.
[0158] A number of selection systems may be used, including, but not limited to,
the herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (Wigler et al, Cell 11:223 (1977)),
hypoxanTIIIne-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (Szybalska & Szybalski, Proc.
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 48:2026 (1962)), and adenine phosphoribosyltransferase
(Lowy et al, Cell 22:817 (1980)) genes, which can be employed in tk", hgprt" or
aprt' cells, respectively. Also, antimetabolite resistance can be used as the basis
of selection for dhfr, which confers resistance to methotrexate (Wigler et al,
Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:3567 (1989); O'Hare et al.,Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
78:1527 (1981)); gpt, which confers resistance to mycophenolic acid (Mulligan &
Berg, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 78:2012 (1981)); neo, which confers resistance
to the aminoglycoside G-418 (Colberre-Garapin et al, J. Mol Biol. 150:1
(1981)); and hygro, which confers resistance to hygromycin (Santerre et al., Gene
30:147 (1984) genes. Recently, additional selectable genes have been described,
namely trpB, which allows cells to utilize indole in place of tryptophan; hisD,
which allows cells to utilize histinol in place of histidine (Hartman & Mulligan,
Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 55:8047 (1988)); the glutamine synthase system; and
ODC (orniTIIIne decarboxylase) which confers resistance to the orniTIIIne
decarboxylase inhibitor, 2-(difluoromeihyl)-DL-ormTIIIne, DFMO (McConlogue,
in: Current Communications in Molecular Biology, Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory ed. (1987)).
ii. Identification Of Transfectants Or Transformants That
Express The Protein Having A Modified Glycosylation
Pattern
[0159] The host cells which contain the coding sequence and which express the
biologically active gene products may be identified by at least four general
approaches; (a) DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA hybridization; (b) the presence or
absence of "marker" gene functions; (c) assessing the level of transcription as
measured by the expression of the respective mRNA transcripts in the host cell;
and (d) detection of the gene product as measured by immunoassay or by its
biological activity.
[0160] In the first approach, the presence of the coding sequence of the protein of
interest and the coding sequence of the fusion polypeptide of the invention
inserted in the expression vector can be detected by DNA-DNA or DNA-RNA
hybridization using probes comprising nucleotide sequences that are homologous
to the respective coding sequences, respectively, or portions or derivatives
thereof.
[0161] In the second approach, the recombinant expression vector/host system
can be identified and selected based upon the presence or absence of certain
"marker" gene functions (e.g., thymidine kinase activity, resistance to antibiotics,
resistance to methotrexate, transformation phenotype, occlusion body formation
in baculovirus, etc.). For example, if the coding sequence of the protein of
interest and the coding sequence of the fusion polypeptide of the invention are
inserted within a marker gene sequence of the vector, recombinants containing
the respective coding sequences can be identified by the absence of the marker
gene function. Alternatively, a marker gene can be placed in tandem with the
coding sequences under the control of the same or different promoter used to
control the expression of the coding sequences. Expression of the marker in
response to induction or selection indicates expression of the coding sequence of
the protein of interest and the coding sequence of the fusion polypeptide.
[0162] In the TIIIrd approach, transcriptional activity for the coding region of the
protein of interest and the coding sequence of the fusion polypeptide of the
invention can be assessed by hybridization assays. For example, RNA can be
isolated and analyzed by Northern blot using a probe homologous to the coding
sequences of the protein of interest and the coding sequence of the fusion
polypeptide of the invention or particular portions thereof. Alternatively, total
nucleic acids of the host cell may be extracted and assayed for hybridization to
such probes.
[0163] In the fourth approach, the expression of the protein products of the
protein of interest and the coding sequence of the fusion polypeptide having
ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosammyltransferase III (GnTIII) activity and comprising the
Golgi localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide can be
assessed immunologically, for example by Western blots, immunoassays such as
radioimmuno-precipitation, enzyme-linked immunoassays and the like. The
ultimate test of the success of the expression system, however, involves the
detection of the biologically active gene products.
b. Generation And Use Of Proteins And Protein Fragments Having
Altered Glycosylation Patterns
i. Generation And Use Of Antibodies Having Increased
Effector Function Including Antibody-Dependent Cellular
Cytotoxicity
[0164] In preferred embodiments, the present invention provides glycoforms of
antibodies and antibody fragments having increased Fc receptor binding and/or
effector function including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
[0165] Clinical trials of unconjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for the
treatment of some types of cancer have recently yielded encouraging results.
Dillman, Cancer Biother. & Radiopharm. 12:223-25 (1997); Deo et al,
Immunology Today 18:121 (1997). A chimeric, unconjugated IgGl has been
approved for low-grade or follicular B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Dillman,
Cancer Biother. & Radiopharm. 12:223-25 (1997), while another unconjugated
mAb, a humanized IgGl targeting solid breast tumors, has also been showing
promising results in phase III clinical trials. Deo et al, Immunology Today
18:127 (1997). The antigens of these two mAbs are highly expressed in their
respective tumor cells and the antibodies mediate potent tumor destruction by
effector cells in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, many other unconjugated mAbs
with fine tumor specificities cannot trigger effector functions of sufficient
potency to be clinically useful. Frost et al, Cancer 50:317-33 (1997); Surfus et
al.,J. Immunother. 7°:184-91 (1996). For some of these weaker mAbs, adjunct
cytokine therapy is currently being tested. Addition of cytokines can stimulate
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by increasing the activity and
number of circulating lymphocytes. Frost et al, Cancer 50:317-33 (1997);
Surfus et al, J. Immunother. 79:184-91 (1996). ADCC, a lytic attack on
antibody-targeted cells, is triggered upon binding of leukocyte receptors to the
constant region (Fc) of antibodies. Deo et al, Immunology Today 75:127 (1997).
[0166] A different, but complementary, approach to increase ADCC activity of
unconjugated IgGls is to engineer the Fc region of the antibody. Protein
engineering studies have shown that Fc?Rs interact with the lower hinge region
oftheIgGCH2 domain. Lund et al, J. Immunol. 757:4963-69(1996). However,
Fc?R binding also requires the presence of oligosaccharides covalently attached
at the conserved Asn 297 in the CH2 region. Luaietal, J. Immunol. 757:4963-
69 (1996); Wright and Morrison, Trends Biotech. 75:26-31 (1997), suggesting
that either oligosaccharide and polypeptide both directly contribute to the
interaction site or that the oligosaccharide is required to maintain an active CH2
polypeptide conformation. Modification of the oligosaccharide structure can
therefore be explored as a means to increase the affinity of the interaction.
[0167] An IgG molecule carries two N-linked oligosaccharides in its Fc region,
one on each heavy chain. As any glycoprotein, an antibody is produced as a
population of glycoforms which share the same polypeptide backbone but have
different oligosaccharides attached to the glycosylation sites. The
oligosaccharides normally found in the Fc region of serum IgG are of complex
bi-antennary type (Wormald et al, Biochemistry 36:130-38 (1997), with low
level of terminal sialic acid and bisectingN-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), and a
variable degree of terminal galactosylation and core fucosylation. Some studies
suggest that the minimal carbohydrate structure required for Fc?R binding lies
wiTIIIn the oligosaccharide core. Lund et al, J. Immunol 757:4963-69 (1996)
[0168] The mouse- or hamster-derived cell lines used in industry and academia
for production of unconjugated therapeutic mAbs normally attach the required
oligosaccharide determinants to Fc sites. IgGs expressed in these cell lines lack,
however, the bisecting GlcNAc found in low amounts in serum IgGs. Lifely et
al, Glycobiology 315:813-22 (1995). In contrast, it was recently observed that a
rat myeloma-produced, humanized IgGl (CAMPATH-1H) carried a bisecting
GlcNAc in some of its glycoforms. Lifely et al, Glycobiology 375:813-22
(1995). The rat cell-derived antibody reached a similar maximal in vitro ADCC
activity as CAMPATH-lH antibodies produced in standard cell lines, but at
significantly lower antibody concentrations.
[0169] The CAMPATH antigen is normally present at high levels on lymphoma
cells, and TIIIs chimeric mAb has high ADCC activity in the absence of a
bisecting GlcNAc. Lifely et al, Glycobiology 318:813-22 (1995). In the N-
linked glycosylation pathway, a bisecting GlcNAc is added by the enzyme ß(l ,4)-
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase HI (GnT IH). Schachter, Biochem. Cell Biol
64:163-81 (1986).
[0170] Previous studies used a single antibody-producing CHO cell line, that was
previously engineered to express, in an externally-regulated fashion, different
levels of a cloned GnT III gene enzyme (Umana, P., et al, Nature Biotechnol.
27:176-180 (1999)). TIIIs approach established for the first time a rigorous
correlation between expression of GnTIII and the ADCC activity of the modified
antibody.
[0171] Further antibodies of the invention having increased Fc receptor binding
affinity and increased effector function include, but are not limited to, anti-human
neuroblastoma monoclonal antibody (chCE7) produced by the methods of the
invention, a chimeric anti-human renal cell carcinoma monoclonal antibody (ch-
G250) produced by the methods of the invention, a humanized anti-HER2
monoclonal antibody (e.g., Trastuzumab (HERCEPT1N)) produced by the
methods of the invention, a chimeric anti-human colon, lung, and breast
carcinoma monoclonal antibody (ING-1) produced by the methods of the
invention, a humanized anti-human 17-1A antigen monoclonal antibody
(3622W94) produced by the methods of the invention, a humanized anti-human
colorectal tumor antibody (A33) produced by the methods of the invention, an
anti-human melanoma antibody (R24) directed against GD3 ganglioside
produced by the methods of the invention, and a chimeric anti-human squamous-
cell carcinoma monoclonal antibody (SF-25) produced by the methods of the
invention, an anti-human small cell lung carcinoma monoclonal antibody (BEC2,
ImClone Systems, Merck KgaA) produced by the methods of the invention, an
anti-human non-Hodgkin's lymphoma monoclonal antibody (Bexxar
(tositumomab, Coulter Pharmaceuticals), Oncolym (Techniclone, Alpha
Therapeutic)) produced by the methods of the invention, an anti-human
squamous cell head and neck carcinoma monoclonal antibody (C225, ImClone
Systems) prepared by the methods of the invention, an anti-human rectal and
colon carcinoma monoclonal antibody (Panorex (edrecolomab), Centocor, Glaxo
Wellcome) prepared by the methods of the invention, an anti-human ovarian
carcinoma monoclonal antibody (Theragyn, Antisoma) produced by the methods
of the invention, an anti-human acute myelogenous leukemia carcinoma
monoclonal antibody (SmartM195, Protein Design Labs, Kanebo) produced by
the methods of the invention, an anti-human malignant glioma monoclonal
antibody (Cotara, Techniclone, Cambridge Antibody Technology) produced by
the methods of the invention, an anti-human B cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma
monoclonal antibody (IDEC-Y2B8, IDEC Pharmaceuticals) produced by the
methods of the invention, an anti-human solid tumors monoclonal antibody
(CEA-Cide, Immunomedics) produced by the methods of the invention, an anti-
human colorectal carcinoma monoclonal antibody (Iodine 131-MN-14,
Immunomedics) produced by the methods of the invention, an anti-human ovary,
kidney, breast, and prostate carcinoma monoclonal antibody (MDX-210,
Medarex, Novartis) produced by the methods of the invention, an anti-human
colorectal and pancreas carcinoma monoclonal antibody (TTMA, Pharmacie &
Upjohn) produced by the methods of the invention, an anti-human TAG-72
expressing carcinoma monoclonal antibody (MDX-220, Medarex) produced by
the methods of the invention, an anti-human EGFr-expressing carcinoma
monoclonal antibody (MDX-447) produced by the methods of the invention,
Anti-VEGF monoclonal antibody (Genentech) produced by the methods of the
invention, an anti-human breast, lung, prostate and pancreas carcinoma and
malignant melanoma monoclonal antibody (BrevaRex, AltaRex) produced by the
methods of the invention, and an anti-human acute myelogenous leukemia
monoclonal antibody (Monoclonal Antibody Conjugate, Imrnunex) produced by
the methods of the invention. In addition, the invention is directed to antibody
fragment and fusion proteins comprising a region that is equivalent to the Fc
region of immunoglobulins.
ii. Generation And Use Of Fusion Proteins Comprising A
Region Equivalent To An Fc Region Of An
Immunoglobulin That Promote Fc-Mediated Cytotoxicity
[0172] As discussed above, the present invention relates to a method for
increasing the Fc receptor binding affinity and/or effector function of therapeutic
antibodies. TIIIs is achieved by engineering the glycosylation pattern of the Fc
region of such antibodies, in particular by engineering the antibody-producing
cells to produce a polypeptide with, e.g., GnTIU activity or Gal T activity, or
ManII activity, that modifies the oligosaccharides attached to the Fc region of
such antibodies. TIIIs strategy can be applied to increase Fc-mediated cellular
cytotoxicity against undesirable cells mediated by any molecule carrying a region
that is an equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin, not only by
therapeutic antibodies, since the changes introduced by the engineering of
glycosylation affect only the Fc region and therefore its interactions with the Fc
receptors on the surface of effector cells involved in the ADCC mechanism. Fc-
containing molecules to which the presently disclosed methods can be applied
include, but are not limited to, (a) soluble fusion proteins made of a targeting
protein domain fused to the N-terminus of an Fc-region (Chamov and Ashkenazi,
Trends Biotech. 14: 52 (1996) and (b) plasma membrane-anchored fusion
proteins made of a type II transmembrane domain that localizes to the plasma
membrane fused to the N-terminus of an Fc region (Stabila, P.F., Nature Biotech.
16: 1357 (1998)).
[0173] In the case of soluble fusion proteins (a) the targeting domain directs
binding of the fusion protein to undesirable cells such as cancer cells, i.e., in an
analogous fashion to therapeutic antibodies. The application of presently
disclosed method to enhance the effector function, including Fc-mediated cellular
cytotoxic activity, mediated by these molecules would therefore be identical to
the method applied to therapeutic antibodies.
[0174] In the case of membrane-anchored fusion proteins (b) the undesirable
cells in the body have to express the gene encoding the fusion protein. TIIIs can
be achieved either by gene therapy approaches, i.e., by transfecting the cells in
vivo with a plasmid or viral vector that directs expression of the fusion protein-
encoding gene to undesirable cells, or by implantation in the body of cells
genetically engineered to express the fusion protein on their surface. The later
cells would normally be implanted in the body inside a polymer capsule
(encapsulated cell therapy) where they cannot be destroyed by an Fc-mediated
cellular cytotoxicity mechanism. However should the capsule device fail and the
escaping cells become undesirable, then they can be eliminated by Fc-mediated
cellular cytotoxicity. Stabile et ai, Nature Biotech. 16:1357(1998). In TIIIs case,
the presently disclosed method would be applied either by incorporating into the
gene therapy vector an additional gene expression cassette directing adequate or
maximal expression levels of the fusion polypeptide of the invention or by
engineering the cells to be implanted to express adequate or maximal levels of the
fusion polypeptide of the invention.
Therapeutic Applications of Antibodies, Antibody Fragments, and Fusion
Polypeptides Produced According to the Methods of the Invention.
[0175] The antibodies (i.e., the antibodies, antibody fragments, and fusion
proteins comprising a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin)
of the present invention can be used alone to target and kill tumor cells in vivo.
The antibodies can also be used in conjunction with an appropriate therapeutic
agent to treat human carcinoma. For example, the antibodies can be used in
combination with standard or conventional treatment methods such as
chemotherapy, radiation therapy or can be conjugated or linked to a therapeutic
drug, or toxin, as well as to a lymphokine or a tumor-inhibitory growth factor, for
delivery of the therapeutic agent to the site of the carcinoma.
[0176] Techniques for conjugating such therapeutic agents to antibodies are well
known [see, e.g., Anion et al., "Monoclonal Antibodies for Immunotargeting of
Drugs in Cancer Therapy", in Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy,
Reisfeld et al. (eds.), pp. 243-56 (Alan R. Liss, Inc. 1985); Hellstrom et al,
"Antibodies For Drug Delivery", in Controlled Drug Delivery (2nd Ed.),
Robinson et al. (eds.), pp. 623-53 (Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1987); Thorpe, "Antibody
Carriers Of Cytotoxic Agents In Cancer Therapy: A Review", in Monoclonal
Antibodies '84: Biological And Clinical Applications, Pinchera et al. (eds.), pp.
475-506 (1985); and Thorpe et al., "The Preparation And Cytotoxic Properties Of
Antibody-Toxin Conjugates", Immunol. Rev., 62:119-58 (1982)].
[0177] Alternatively, a glycoengineered antibody can be coupled to high-energy
radiation, e.g., a radioisotope such as I, which, when localized at the tumor
site, results in a killing of several cell diameters [see, e.g., Order, "Analysis,
Results, and Future Prospective of The Therapeutic Use of Radiolabeled
Antibody in Cancer Therapy", in Monoclonal Antibodies For Cancer Detection
And Therapy, Baldwin et al. (eds.), pp. 303-16 (Academic Press 1985)].
According to yet another embodiment, the antibodies of the invention can be
conjugated to a second antibody to form an antibody heteroconjugate for the
treatment of tumor cells as described by Segal in U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980.
[0178] Still other therapeutic applications for the antibodies of the invention
include conjugation or linkage, e.g., by recombinant DNA techniques, to an
enzyme capable of converting a prodrug into a cytotoxic drug and the use of that
antibody-enzyme conjugate in combination with the prodrug to convert the
prodrug to a cytotoxic agent at the tumor site [see, e.g., Senter et al., "Anti-Tumor
Effects of Antibody-alkaline Phosphatase", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
55:4842-46 (1988); "Enhancement of the in vitro and in vivo Antitumor Activites
of Phosphorylated Mitocycin C and Etoposide Derivatives by Monoclonal
. Antibody-Alkaline Phosphatase Conjugates", Cancer Research 49:5789-5792
(1989); and Senter, "Activation of Prodrugs by Antibody-Enzyme Conjugates: A
New Approach to Cancer Therapy," FASEB J. 4:188-193 (1990)].
[0179] Still another therapeutic use for the antibodies of the invention involves
use, either in the presence of complement or as part of an antibody-drug or
antibody-toxin conjugate, to remove tumor cells from the bone marrow of cancer
patients. According to TIIIs approach, autologous bone marrow may be purged ex
vivo by treatment with the antibody and the marrow infused back into the patient
[see, e.g., Ramsay et al., "Bone Marrow Purging Using Monoclonal Antibodies",
J. Clin. Immunol., 8(2):81-88 (1988)].
[0180] Furthermore, chimeric antibodies, recombinant immunotoxins and other
recombinant constructs of the invention containing the specificity of the
antigen-binding region of the desired monoclonal antibody may be used
therapeutically. For example, the single-chain immunotoxins of the invention,
may be used to treat human carcinoma in vivo.
[0181] Similarly, a fusion protein comprising at least the antigen-binding region
of an antibody of the invention joined to at least a functionally active portion of a
second protein having anti-tumor activity, e.g., a lymphokine or oncostatin can be
used to treat human carcinoma in vivo. Furthermore, recombinant techniques
known in the art can be used to construct bispecific antibodies wherein one of the
binding specificities of the antibody is directed to a tumor-associated antigen,
while the other binding specificity of the antibody is that of a molecule other than
said tumor-associated antigen.
[0182] The present invention provides a method for selectively killing tumor
cells expressing an antigen that specifically binds to the monoclonal antibody of
the present invention or functional equivalent. TIIIs method comprises reacting
the glycoengineered antibodies of the present invention or immunoconjugates
(e.g. the immunotoxin) comprising same with said tumor cells. These tumor cells
may be from a human carcinoma.
[0183] Additionally, TIIIs invention provides a method of treating carcinomas (for
example human carcinomas) in vivo. TIIIs method comprises administering to a
subject a pharmaceutically effective amount of a composition containing at least
one of the glycoengineered antibodies of the invention or an immunoconjugates
(e.g. the immunotoxin) comprising same.
[0184] In a further aspect, the invention is directed to an improved method for
treating an autoimmune disease produced in whole or in part by pathogenic
autoantibodies based on B-cell depletion comprising administering a
therapeutically effective amount of immunologically active antibody to a human
subject in need thereof, the improvement comprising administering a
therapeutically effective amount of an antibody having increased ADCC prepared
in accordance with the methods of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the
antibody is an anti-CD20 antibody. Examples of autoimmune diseases or
disorders include, but are not limited to, immune-mediated thrombocytopenias,
such as acute idiopaTIIIc thrombocytopenic purpurea and chronic idiopaTIIIc
thrombocytopenic purpurea, dermatomyositis, Sydenham's chorea, lupus
nephritis, RIIeumatic fever, polyglandular syndromes, Henoch-Schonlein purpura,
post-streptococcal nephritis, erythema nodosum, Takayasu's arteritis, Addison's
disease, erythema multiforme, polyarteritis nodosa, ankylosing spondylitis,
Goodpasture's syndrome, thromboangitis ubiterans, primary biliary cirRIIosis,
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, thyrotoxicosis, chronic active hepatitis,
polymyositis/dermatomyositis, polychondritis, pamphigus vulgaris, Wegener's
granulomatosis, membranous nephropathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, tabes
dorsalis, polymyaglia, pernicious anemia, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
and fibrosing alveolitis, inflammatory responses such as inflammatory skin
diseases including psoriasis and dermatitis {e.g. atopic dermatitis); systemic
scleroderma and sclerosis; responses associated with inflammatory bowel disease
(such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis); respiratory distress syndrome
(including adult respiratory distress syndrome; ARDS); dermatitis; meningitis;
encephalitis; uveitis; colitis; glomerulonephritis; allergic conditions such as
eczema and asthma and other conditions involving infiltration of T cells and
chronic inflammatory responses; atherosclerosis; leukocyte adhesion deficiency;
RIIeumatoid arthritis; systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); diabetes mellitus (e.g.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus); multiple
sclerosis; Reynaud's syndrome; autoimmune thyroiditis; allergic
encephalomyelitis; Sjorgen's syndrome; juvenile onset diabetes; and immune
responses associated with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by
cytokines and T-lymphocytes typically found in tuberculosis, sarcoidosis,
polymyositis, granulomatosis and vasculitis; pernicious amenia (Addison's
disease); diseases involving leukocyte diapedesis; central nervous system (CNS)
inflammatory disorder; multiple organ injury syndrome; hemolytic anemia
(including, but not limited to cryoglobinemia or Coombs positive anemia);
myasthenia gravis; antigen-antibody complex mediated diseases; anti-glomerular
basement membrane disease; antiphospholipid syndrome; allergic neuritis;
Graves' disease; Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome; pemphigoid bullous;
pemphigus; autoimmune polyendocrinopaTIIIes; Reiter's disease; stiff-man
syndrome; Behcet disease; giant cell arteritis; immune complex nephritis; IgA
nephropathy; IgM polyneuropaTIIIes; immune thrombocytopenic purpura (IIP) or
autoimmune thrombocytopenia etc. In TIIIs aspect of the invention, the antibodies
of the invention are used to deplete the b100d of normal B-cells for an extended
period.
[0185] In accordance with the practice of TIIIs invention, the subject may be a
human, equine, porcine, bovine, murine, canine, feline, and avian subjects. Other
warm b100ded animals are also included in TIIIs invention.
[0186] The present invention also provides a method for treating a subject
suffering from a cancer. The subject may be a human, dog, cat, mouse, rat, rabbit,
horse, goat, sheep, cow, chicken. The cancer may be identified as a breast,
bladder, retinoblastoma, papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the ovary, Wilm's
tumor, or small cell lung carcinoma and is generally characterized as a group of
cells having tumor associated antigens on the cell surface. TIIIs method comprises
administering to the subject acancer killing amount of a tumor targeted antibody
joined to a cytotoxic agent. Generally, the joining of the tumor targeted antibody
with the cytotoxic agent is made under conditions which permit the antibody so
joined to bind its target on the cell surface. By binding its target, the tumor
targeted antibody acts directly or indirectly to cause or contribute to the killing of
the cells so bound thereby curing the subject.
[0187] Also provided is a method of inhibiting the proliferation of mammalian
tumor cells which comprises contacting the mammalian tumor cells with a
sufficient concentration of the glycoengineered antibodies of the invention or an
immunoconjugate comprising same so as to inhibit proliferation of the
mammalian tumor cells.
[0188] The subj ect invention further provides methods for inhibiting the growth
of human tumor cells, treating a tumor in a subject, and treating a proliferative
type disease in a subject. These methods comprise administering to the subject an
effective amount of the composition of the invention.
[0189] It is apparent therefore that the present invention encompasses
pharmaceutical compositions, combinations and methods for treating human
carcinomas. For example, the invention includes pharmaceutical compositions for
use in the treatment of human carcinomas comprising a pharmaceutically
effective amount of an antibody of the present invention and a pharmaceuticaUy
acceptable carrier.
[0190] The compositions may contain the antibody or antibody fragments, either
unmodified, conjugated to a therapeutic agent (e.g., drug, toxin, enzyme or
second antibody) or in a recombinant form (e.g., chimeric antibodies, fragments
of chimeric antibodies, bispecific antibodies). The compositions may additionally
include other antibodies or conjugates for treating carcinomas (e.g., an antibody
cocktail).
[0191] The antibody, antibody conjugate and immunotoxin compositions of the
invention can be administered using conventional modes of administration
including, but not limited to, intravenous, intraperitoneal, oral, intralymphatic or
administration directly into the tumor. Intravenous administration is preferred.
[0192] The compositions of the invention may be in a variety of dosage forms
which include, but are not limited to, liquid solutions or suspension, tablets, pills,
powders, suppositories, polymeric microcapsules or microvesicles, liposomes,
and injectable or infusible solutions. The preferred form depends upon the mode
of administration and the therapeutic application.
[0193] The compositions of the invention also preferably include conventional
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and adjuvants known in the art such as
human serum albumin, ion exchangers, alumina, leciTIIIn, buffer substances such
as phosphates, glycine, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, and salts or electrolytes
such as protamine sulfate.
[0194] The most effective mode of administration and dosage regimen for the
compositions of TIIIs invention depends upon the severity and course of the
disease, the patient's health and response to treatment and the judgment of the
treating physician. Accordingly, the dosages of the compositions should be
titrated to the individual patient. Nevertheless, an effective dose of the
compositions of TIIIs invention may be in the range of from about 1 to about 2000
mg/kg.
[0195] The molecules described herein may be in a variety of dosage forms
which include, but are not limited to, liquid solutions or suspensions, tablets,
pills, powders, suppositories, polymeric microcapsules or microvesicles,
liposomes, and injectable or infusible solutions. The preferred form depends upon
the mode of administration and the therapeutic application.
[0196] The most effective mode of administration and dosage regimen for the
molecules of the present invention depends upon the location of the tumor being
treated, the severity and course of the cancer, the subject's health and response to
treatment and the judgment of the treating physician. Accordingly, the dosages of
the molecules should be titrated to the individual subject.
[0197] The interrelationship of dosages for animals of various sizes and species
and humans based on mg/kg of surface area is described by Freireich, E. J., et al.
Cancer Chemother., Rep. 50 (4): 219-244 (1966). Adjustments in the dosage
regimen may be made to optimize the tumor cell growth inhibiting and killing
response, e.g., doses may be divided and administered on a daily basis or the dose
reduced proportionally depending upon the situation (e.g., several divided doses
may be administered daily or proportionally reduced depending on the specific
therapeutic situation.
[0198] It would be clear that the dose of the composition of the invention
required to achieve cures may be further reduced with schedule optimization.
[0199] In accordance with the practice of the invention, the pharmaceutical
carrier may be a lipid carrier. The lipid carrier may be a phospholipid. Further,
the lipid carrier may be a fatty acid. Also, the lipid carrier may be a detergent. As
used herein, a detergent is any substance that alters the surface tension of a liquid,
generally lowering it.
[0200] In one example of the invention, the detergent may be a nonionic
detergent. Examples of nonionic detergents include, but are not limited to,
polysorbate 80 (also known as Tween 80 or (polyoxyethylenesorbitan .
monooleate), Brij, and Triton (for example Triton WR-1339 and Triton a-20).
[0201] Alternatively, the detergent may be an ionic detergent. An example of an
ionic detergent includes, but is not limited to, alkyltrimethylammonium bromide.
[0202] Additionally, in accordance with the invention, the lipid carrier may be a
liposome. As used in TIIIs application, a "liposome" is any membrane bound
vesicle which contains any molecules of the invention or combinations thereof.
[0203] The examples below explain the invention in more detail. The following
preparations and examples are given to enable those skilled in the art to more
clearly understand and to practice the present invention. The present invention,
however, is not limited in scope by the exemplified embodiments, which are
intended as illustrations of single aspects of the invention only, and methods
which are functionally equivalent are wiTIIIn the scope of the invention. Indeed,
various modifications of the invention in addition to those described herein will
become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and
accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to fall wiTIIIn the scope
of the appended claims.
EXAMPLES
EXAMPLE 1
Materials and Methods
1. Construction of antibody expression vectors.
Anti-CD20 antibody expression vector pETR1502
[0204] The C2B8 anti-CD20 antibody expression vector, pETRl 502, consists of
four independent, separate expression cassettes (one for the C2B8 antibody light
chain, one for the C2B8 antibody heavy chain, one for the neomycin resistance
gene and one for the murine dhfr gene). All genes are under control of the
promoter of the myeloproliferative sarcoma virus (MPSV) and contain a synthetic
consensus polyadenylation signal derived from the polyadenylation signal of trie
rabbit ß-globin gene.
[0205] CDNAs encoding the variable heavy (VH) and variable light (VL) chain
regions of the anti-CD20 antibody C2B8 were assembled from a set of
overlapping single-stranded oligonucleotides in a one-step process using PCR
(Kobayashi, N., et al, Biotechniques 23:500-503(1997)). The original sequence
coding for C2B8 VL and VH regions were obtained from a published
international patent application (International Publication Number: WO
94/11026). Assembled VL and VH cDNA fragments were subcloned into
pBluescriptI3KS(+) to give pBlue-C2B8VH and pBlue-C2B8VL plasmids and
sequenced.
[0206] The variable chains of C2B8 were amplified from the corresponding
pBlue-C2B8VH and pBlue-C2B8VL plasmids using primers that introduce an
AscI restriction site at the 5' end and appropriate restriction sites at the junction
of the variable to constant region (BsiWI for the light chain and Nhel for the
heavy chain). The IgGI constant regions were amplified from a human leukocyte
cDNA library (Quickclone, Clontech) using primers that introduce suitable
restriction sites at the 5' and 3' ends (BsiWI and BamHl for the constant light
chain and Nhel and BamHI for the constant heavy chain).
[0207] After confirmation of the correct DNA sequences, the C2B8 antibody
light and heavy chains were each combined with the MPSV promoter and
polyadenylation signals. In a first step, two different expression vectors were
constructed: one for the C2B8 light chain (pETRl 315) and another for the C2B8
heavy chain (pETR1316). In a second step, a neomycin resistance expression
cassette (neomycin resistance gene derived from Tn5 transposon and put under
control of the minimal MPSV promoter) was introduced into the vector
pETR1315 resulting in the plasmid pETR1481. A dhfr gene expression cassette
under control of the MPSV promoter was inserted into the vector pETR1316 to
give the plasmid pETRl328. In a final step, both expression modules (C2B8-light
chain + neo and C2B 8-heavy chain+dhfr) were combined in one vector resulting
in the plasmid pETR1502.
Anti-CD20 antibody expression vector pETRl 520
[0208] pETRl 520 combines a C2B8 anti-CD20 antibody expression vector with
an origin of replication from the Epstein Barr virus (oriP) for episomal vector
replication and maintanance in cells producing the Epstein Barr virus nuclear
antigen (EBNA). For construction of the C2B 8 expression vector, pETRl 520, the
C2B8 expression module from pETR1416 was inserted as a HinDIII fragment
into oriP-containing vector pETR1507. The vector pETR1416 is similar to
pETRl 502 with the exception that in TIIIs plasmid the neomycin resistance gene is
under control of the full, instead of the minimal, MPSV promoter.
Anti-fibronectin antibody expression vector pETR1546
[0209] TIIIs vector is the same as vector pETR1520, except that the variable
heavy and light chain coding regions of the C2B8 anti-CD20 antibody have been
replaced by the respective coding regions of antibody LI9, a human antibody
recognizing the ED-B domain of fibronectin. The variable region-encoding DNA
fragments were synthesized by overlap extension PCR method using synthetic
oligonucleotides based on the sequence of the variable regions of the LI 9
antibody (Pini, A. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 273(34):21769-76 (1998)).
Anti-EGFR antibody (C225) expression vector pURSI28
[0210] TIIIs vector is the same as vector pETR1520, except that the variable
heavy and light chain coding regions of the C2B8 anti-CD20 antibody have been
replaced by the respective coding regions of the antibody C225, a chimeric
antibody recognizing the human epidermal growth factor receptor. The variable
region-encoding DNA fragments were synthesized by overlap extension PCR
method using synthetic oligonucleotides based on the sequence of the variable
regions of the C225 antibody (sequences can be found in a published patent
application with international publication number WO 96/40210, Figs. 16 and 17
of that patent application for the heavy and light chains, respectively).
2. Construction of GnTIII-fusion expression vectors
pETRl 166. Vector for constitutive expression of GnTIII
[0211] For construction of the GnTIII expression vector pETRl 166, rat GnTIII
was amplified from a rat kidney cDNA library (Clontech) by PCR. A C-terminal
c-myc-epitope tag was added immediately upstream of the stop codon of the gene
(amino acid sequence: PEQKLISEEDL) for later, convenient detection of GnTIII
by Western Blots. After confirmation of the correct sequence of GnTIII the gene
was inserted under control of the MPSV promoter and a synthetic rabbit beta-
globin polyadenylation signal was added. The final GnTIII expression vector also
contained a separate puromycin resistance cassette for selection, with the
puromycin resistance gene also under the control of the MPSV promoter and
synthetic rabbit beta-globin polyadenylation signal.
pETR1425: Replacement of the first 76 amino acids of GnTIII by the first 102
amino acids of the human GnTI.
[0212] The construction of TIIIs hybrid glycosyltransferase gene was performed
by subsequent overlapping PCR reactions. In one reaction, the stem region of
human GnTI was amplified using the primers GAB-179 and GAB-180. During
TIIIs PCR reaction a Kozak consensus sequence and an AscI restriction site were
also introduced at the 5' end. The resulting PCR fragment has a 23 bp overlap
with GnTIII starting at position 229. In a second PCR reaction, the GnTIII region
from position 229 to 380 was amplified with the primers GAB-177 and GAB-178
generating a PCR fragment with a unique BstXI site at the 3' end and an 22 bp
overlap with the GnTI stem region at the 5' end. Both PCR fragments were
purified and used as templates in a TIIIrd PCR reaction (primers GAB-179 and
GAB-178). The resulting fragment was purified and digested with AscI and
ligated to the vector pETRl 001 (cut with AscI and Smal) resulting in the plasmid
pETR1404. After the sequence of the insert has been confirmed the MPSV
promoter element was added to pETR1404 as an AscI (partial digestion) / Pmel
fragment yielding in the plasmid pETR1423. The SphI / BstXI fragment from
pETRl 166, an expression vector carrying the original rat GnTIII gene, was then
replaced by the corresponding fragment of pETR1423 resulting in the plasmid
pETR1425 containing the GnTI-GnTIII fusion under control of the MPSV
promoter and a puromycin resistance cassette for selection.
Primer sequences:
GAB-177: GCGTGTGCCTGTGACCCCCGCGCCCCTGCTCCAGCCACTGTCCCC
GAB-178: GAAGGTTTCTCCAGCATCCTGGTACC
GAB-179: CTGAGGCGCGCCGCCACCATGCTGAAGAAGCAGTCTGCAGGGC
GAB-180:
GGGGACAGTGGCTGGAGCAGGGGCGCGGGGGTCACAGGCACACGCGGC
pETR1506: Replacement of the 76 N-terminal amino acids of GnTIII by the first
100 amino acids of human mannosidase n.
[0213] The construction of pETR1506 was performed analogously to the
construction of pETR1425. The stem region of the human mannosidase It gene
was amplified with the primers GAB-252 and GAB-253 using the vector pBlue-
man as a template. During TIIIs PCR a Fsel site and a Kozak consensus sequence
were introduced at the 5' end. The resulting PCR fragment overlaps the GnTIII
gene starting at position 229 by 23 bp. In a second PCR reaction a part of the
GnTIII gene (position 229-460) was amplified with the primers GAB-254 and
GAB-255. TIIIs PCR reaction generated a fragment containing a 43 bp overlap
with the mannosidase II gene at the 5' end and a unique StuI site at the 3' end.
Both fragments were purified and used as templates in a TIIIrd PCR with the
primers GAB-252 and GAB-255. The resulting fragment was inserted into
pIC 19H giving the vector pETRl 484. After the correct sequence of the insert has
been confirmed the complete fusion gene was constructed by ligating the Fsel /
StuI fragment of pETR1484 with the StuI / BamHI fragment from pETRl 166 in
the vector pETR12177 (Fsel / BamHI). The resulting plasmid (pETR1500)
contained the hybrid ManII-GnTIII gene (SEQ ID NO: 14) under control of the
MPSV promoter. For selection of the plasmid in mammalian cells apuromycin
resistance cassette was inserted as a Spel fragment from pETRl 166, yielding the
plasmid pETRl506.
Primer sequences:
GAB-252:
GCTAGGCCGGCCGCCACCATGAAGTTAAGCCGCCAGTTCACCGTGTTCGG
GAB-253:
GGGGACAGTGGCTGGAGCAGGGGTGAGCCAGCACCTTGGCTGAAATTGCTTTGTG
AACTTTTCGG
GAB-254:
TCCGAAAAGTTCACAAAGCAATTTCAGCCAAGGTGCTGGCTCACCCCTGCT
CCAGCCACTGTCCCC
GAB-255: ATGCCGCATAGGCCTCCGAGCAGGACCCC
PETR1519: Combination of the hybrid ManII-GnTni fusion gene with the
replication origin oriP from Epstein Barr virus.
[0214] Using the primers GAB-261 and GAB-262 a 2 kb fragment containing
oriP was amplified from the plasmid pCEP4 (Invitrogen). During TIIIs PCR
reaction at both ends of the fragment Sspl and EcoRI sites were introduced. For
sequencing, the oriP fragment was inserted into the vector pIC19H. After the
correct sequence has been confirmed oriP was inserted as a Sspl fragment into
the vector pETR100l (digested with BsmBI and 5' overlapping ends filled in
using Klenow polymerase). The resulting plasmid was designated pETRl 507. A
SphI / Nrul ManII-GnTIII expression cassette from pETRl 510 was inserted into
pETRl 507 digested with the same restriction endonucleases giving the plasmid
pETR1519.
Primer sequences:
GAB-261: GCTAAATATTGAATTCCCTTTATGTGTAACTCTTGGCTGAAGC
GAB -262-: TAGCAATATTGAATTCGCAGGAAAAGGACAAGCAGCGAAAATT
CACGC
pETRl 537: Combination of the hybrid ManII-GnTIII fusion gene and atruncated
CD4 cell-surface marker gene
[0215] The pETRl 506expression vector was modified for additional expression
of a truncated CD4 cell-surface marker gene. Briefly, the hybrid ManII-GnTin
fusion gene expression cassette was converted from a monocistronic to a
bicistronic expression cassette by inserting, downstream of the stop codon of the
ManII-GnTni fusion, a polio virus IRES element followed by a cDNA encoding
a truncated human CD4 protein (comprising the human CD4 leader sequence for
secretion followed by the transmembrane and extracellular domains).
3. Transfection of mammalian cells with GnTIII-fusion- and
antibody-expression vectors
Transfection of BHK cells
[0216] Exponentially growing cells (viability 90-95 %) were seeded in the
appropriate number of T75 flasks at a concentration of 0.9 x 106 cells/ml 24 h
prior to electroporation. As culture medium, Invitrus (Cell Culture Technologies,
Switzerland) supplemented with 10 % fetal calf serum (FCS) was used. Cells
were counted prior to electroporation. 8 x 106 cells were harvested by
centrifugation (5 min, 200 x g) and the supernatant was discarded. The cells were
resuspended in 800 µl Invitrus medium and were transferred to a. sterile
electroporation cuvette (0.4 cm gap) already containing 8 µg circular plasmid
DNA and incubated for 5 min at room temperature. The cells were electroporated
using a Gene Pulser II (BioRad) with the following conditions: 400 V, 960 p.F
with two pulses in a 30 sec interval. After the electroporation the cells were
immediately transferred into a T25 flask containing 5 ml of outgrow medium
(Invitrus / 20 % (V/V) FCS /1.25 % (V/V) DMSO) and were incubated at 37°C
in a 5%CO2-atmosphere incubator. For production of unmodified (non-
glycoengineered) antibodies, the cells were transfected only with antibody
expression vectors. -For the production of the glycoengineered antibodies, the
cells were co-transfected with two plasmids, one for antibody expression and the
other of fusion GnTIII polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 15) expression, at a ratio of 3:1,
respectively.
Transfection of HEK293-EBNA cells
[0217] Exponentially growing HEK293-EBNA cells were transfected by the
calcium phosphate method. Cells were grown as adherent monolayer cultures in
T flasks using DMEM culture medium supplemented with 10% FCS, and were
transfected when they were between 50 and 80% confluent. For the transfection
of a T75 flask, 8 million cells were seeded 24 hours before transfection in 14 ml
DMEM culture medium supplemented with FCS (at 10% V7V final), 250 jig/ml
neomycin, and cells were placed at 37°C in an incubator with a 5% CO2
atmosphere overnight. For each T75 flask to be transfected, a solution of DNA,
CaCl2 and water was prepared by mixing 47 µg total plasmid vector DNA, 235 µl
of a 1M CaCl2 solution, and adding water to a final volume of 469 ul. To TIIIs
solution, 469 µlof a50mMHEPES, 280mMNaCl, 1.5 mMNa2HPO4 solution at
pH 7.05 was added, mixed immediately for 10 sec and left to stand at room
temperature for 20 sec. The suspension was diluted with 12 ml of DMEM
supplemented with 2% FCS, and added to the T75 in place of the existing
medium. The cells were incubated at 37°C, 5% C02 for about 17 to 20 hours,
then medium was replaced with 12 ml DMEM, 10% FCS. For production of
unmodified (non-glycoengineered) antibodies, the cells were transfected only
with antibody expression vectors. For the production of the glycoengineered
antibodies, the cells were co-transfected with two plasmids, one for antibody
expression and the other of fusion GnTJLLL polypeptide expression, at a ratio of
4:1, respectively. At day 5 post-transfection, supernatant was harvested,
centrifuged for 5 min at 1200 rpm, followed by a second centrifugation for 10
min at 4000 rpm and kept at 4°C.
Generation of a stable mammalian cell line expressing a recombinant anti-CD20
antibody
[0218] BHK cells (BHK21-13c) were transfected by electroporation with
pETR1502 C2B8 antibody-expression vector, which contains a neomycin-
resistance gene expression cassette. Neomycin-resistant clones were first
selected to obtain a set of clones that had chromosomally integrated the
pETR1502 vector DNA. Clones were then screened for recombinant antibody
production using an ELISA assay. Briefly, 24 hours post electroporation, viable
cells were counted and the transfection efficiency was determined by counting
fluorescent cells of a parallel, control electroporation done with a pEYFP-
expression vector. Cells were diluted in Invitrus selection medium containing 10
% FCS and 1 mg/ml of neomycin. Usually eight 96-well plates were seeded with
different concentrations of viable, transfected cells (1x10,5x10 and 1 x 10
cells per well) and incubated at 37°C until clones could be identified. Once the
clones had grown to almost confluent, the supernatants were analysed by ELISA
for antibody production. ELISA positive clones were expanded first to 24-well
and subsequently to 6-well plates, and then to T25 flasks. After five days of
growth in T25 flasks, the final antibody titer was determined using an ELISA
assay. Using TIIIs electroporation and selection procedure a C2B8 anti-CD20
antibody-expressing BHK cell clone (BHK-1502-28) was isolated that produced
13 p.g/ml of antibody under the above culture conditions.
Generation of a stable mammalian cell line expressing a recombinant anti-CD20
antibody and a Gn'rlll-fusion
[0219] The clone BHK-1502-28, constitutively expressing anti-CD20
monoclonal antibody genes and the neomycin resistance gene, was transfected
with the pETRl 5 37 expression vector by electroporation. pETRl 537 is a vector
for constitutive expression of the ManII-Gntni gene and a truncated form of
human CD4, the later IRES-dependently expressed. The vector also contains a
purornycin-resistance gene expression cassette. Puromycin-resistant clones were
first selected to obtain a set of clones that had chromosomally integrated the
pETR.1537 vector DNA. Clones were then screened for surface expression of
truncated CD4 (tCD4), which serves as a marker for expression level of the
bicistronic ManIl-GnTIII+tCD4 gene expression unit. Recombinant antibody
production of the selected clones was verified using an ELISA assay.
[0220] Briefly, pETRl 537 vector DNA was linearized with Xmnl. A control
transfection with a EYFP expression vector was performed in parallel.
Transfection efficiency was determined after 24 hours by counting cells
expressing EYFP over total cells. 58% of all cells were expressing EYFP. Cell
viability was of 91%. One day after transfection, cells transfected with
pETR1537 or pEYFP were serially diluted at 1:100,1:500,1:1000 and 1:5000
dilutions and seeded in 96-well plates, in a final volume of 0.2ml of selection
medium (Invitrus, 10% FCS, 20 µg/ml puromycin, 1 mg/ml neomycin). Clones
were visible after two weeks. They were expanded and screened for truncated-
CD4 (tCD4) expression and antibody expression.
[0221] For the screening of tCD4 expression level, approximately 500,000 cells
were washed with F ACS buffer and incubated with 5 µl of F1TC anti-human CD4
(Becton Dickinson, Switzerland) for 20 min on ice. After two washes cells were
resuspended in 0.5 ml FACS buffer and analyzed with a FACS (Figure 17A-B).
A clone with a good expression level of tCD4 was isolated (BHK-1502-28-11).
After 5 days of growth in a T25 flask, it produced about anti-CD20 antibody at a
final titer of 17 µg/ml, as determined by ELISA.
4. Production and purification of unmodified and glycoengineered
antibodies
Harvesting of culture medium
[0222] In the case of BFIK cells transfected with an antibody expression vector or
co-transfected with an antibody expression vector plus a GnTIE-fusion
expression vector, the culture supernatant was harvested after culturing the
transfected cells for 96 h post transfection. Depending on the expected
productivity, several electroporations (10-15) were done for the same vector.
[0223] In the case of HEK293-EBNA cells transfected with an antibody
expression vector or co-transfected with an expression vector plus a GnTIII-
fusion expression vector, the culture medium was replaced by fresh culture
medium approximately 16 hours post-transfection and the later medium was then
harvested after culturing the transfected cells for a further 120 hours.
[0224] For the stable BHK-1502-28-11 cell line, a culture was seeded at 500,000
cells/ml and supernatant harvested after 4 days of culture when the cell density-
was 1.7 x 106 viable cells/ml and the cell viability of 69%.
Antibody purification
[0225] Monoclonal antibody was purified from culture supernatant using two
sequential chromatographic steps. The first step consisted of Protein A
chromatography using a pH-gradient elution that effectively separates bovine and
human IgGs. TIIIs was followed by a cation exchange chromatographic step to
exchange the sample buffer to phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
5. Oligosaccharide Analysis
[0226] Oligosaccharides were enzymatically released from the antibodies by
PNGaseF digestion, with the antibodies being either immobilized on a PVDF
membrane or in solution.
[0227] The resulting digest solution containing the released oligosaccharides
either prepared directly for MALDI/TOF-MS analysis or was further digested
with EndoH glycosidase prior to sample preparation for MALDI/TOF-MS
analysis.
Oligosaccharide release method for PVDF membrane-immobilized antibodies
[0228] The wells of a 96-well plate made with a PVDF (Immobilon P, Millipore,
Bedford, Massachusetts) membrane were wetted with 100 µl methanol and the
liquid was drawn through the PVDF membrane using vacuum applied to the
Multiscreen vacuum manifold (Millipore, Bedford, Massachusetts). The PVDF
membranes were washed three times with 300 µl of water. The wells were then
washed with 50 µg RCM buffer (8M Urea, 360mMTris, 3.2mMEDTA,pH 8.6).
Between 30-40 µg antibody was loaded in a well containing 10 µl RCM buffer.
The liquid in the well was drawn through the membrane by applying vacuum, and
the membrane was subsequently washed twice with 50 µl RCM buffer. The
reduction of disulfide bridges was performed by addition of 50 µl of 0.1M
diTIIIothreitol in RCM and incubation at 37°C for 1 h.
[0229] Following reduction, a vacuum was applied to remove the diTIIIothreitol
solution from the well. The wells were washed three times with 300 µl water
before performing the carboxymethylation of the cysteine residues by addition of
50 µl 0.1M iodoacetic acid inRCM buffer and incubation at room temperature in
the dark for 30 min.
[0230] After carboxymethylation, the wells were drawn with vacuum and
subsequently washed three times with 300 µl water. The PVDF membrane was
then blocked, to prevent adsorption of the endoglycosidase, by incubating 100 µl
of a 1% aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone 360 at room temperature for 1
hour. The blocking reagent was then removed by gentle vacuum followed by
three washes with 300 µl water.
[0231] N-linked oligosaccharides were released by addition of 2.5 mU peptide-
N-glycosydase F ( recombinat N-Glycanase, GLYKO, Novato, CA) and 0.1 mU
Sialidase (GLYKO, Novato, CA), to remove any potential charged
monosaccharide residues, in a final volume of 25 µl in 20mM NaHCO3, pH7.0).
Digestion was performed for 3 hours at 37°C.
Oligosaccharide release method for antibodies in solution
[0232] Between 40 and 50 µgof antibody were mixed with 2.5 mU of PNGaseF
(Glyko, U.S.A.) in 2 mM Tris, pH7.0 in a final volume of 25 microliters, and the
mix was incubated for 3 hours at 37°C.
Use of Endoglycosidase H digestion of PNGaseF-released oligosaccharides for
the assignment of hybrid bisected oligosaccharide structures to MALDI/TOF-MS
neutral oligosaccharide peaks
[0233] The PNGaseF released oligosaccharides were subsequently digested with
Endoglycosidase H (EC 3.2.1.96). For the EndoH digestion, 15 mU of EndoH
(Roche, Switzerland) were added to the PNGaseF digest (antibody in solution
method above) to give a final volume of 30 microliters, and the mix was
incubated for 3 hours at 37°C. EndoH cleaves between the N-acetylglucosamine
residues of the chitobiose core of N-linked oligosaccharides. The enzyme can
only digest oligomannose and most hybrid type glycans, whereas complex type
oligosaccharides are nothydrolyzed.
Sample preparation for MALDI/TQF-MS
[0234] The enzymatic digests containing the released oligosaccharides were
incubated for a further 3 h at room after the addition of acetic acid to a final
concentration of 150 mM, and were subsequently passed through 0.6 ml of cation
exchange resin (AG50W-X8 resin, hydrogen form, 100-200 mesh, BioRad,
Switzerland) packed into a micro-bio-spin chromatography column (BioRad,
Switzerland) to remove cations and proteins. One microliter of the resulting
sample was applied to a stainless steel target plate, and mixed on the plate with 1
µl of sDHB matrix. sDHB matrix was prepared by dissolving 2 mg of 2,5-
dihydroxybenzoic acid plus 0.1 mg of 5-methoxysalicylic acid in 1 ml of
ethanol/10 mM aqueous sodium chloride 1:1 (v/v). The samples were air dried,
0.2 jaI ethanol was applied, and the samples were finally allowed to re-crystallize
under air.
MALDI/TQF-MS
[0235] The MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer used to acquire the mass spectra
was a Voyager Elite (Perspective Biosystems). The instrument was operated in
the linear configuration, with an acceleration of 20kV and 80 ns delay. External
calibration using oligosaccharide standards was used for mass assignment of the
ions. The spectra from 200 laser shots were summed to obtain the final spectrum.
6. PBMC Preparation
[0236] Peripheral b100d mononuclear cells (PBMC) were prepared using
Histopaque-1077 (Sigma Diagnostics Inc., St. Louis, M063178 USA) and
following essentially the manufacturers instructions. In brief, venous b100d was
taken with heparinized syringes from volunteers who were asked to run for 1
minute at full power in order to increase the percentage of natural killer cells
(NK) in the b100d. The b100d was diluted 1:0.75-l .3 with PBS not containing Ca
or Mg and layered on Histopaque-1077. The gradient was centrifuged at 400 x g
for 30 min at room temperature (RT) without breaks. The interphase containing
the PBMC was collected and washed with PBS (50 ml per cells from two
gradients) and harvested by centrifugation at 3 00 x g for 10 minutes at RT. After
resuspension of the pellet with PBS, the PBMC were counted and washed, a
second time by centrifugation at 200 x g for 10 minutes at RT. The cells were
then resuspended in the appropriate medium for the subsequent procedures.
7. NK Cell Isolation
[0237] Human NK cells were isolated from PBMC applying a negative selection
procedure using magnetic beads not binding to CD 16- and CD56-positive cells
(MACS system from Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, GER).
PBMC were washed once in ice-cold MACS buffer (PBS containing 2% FCS and
2 mM EDTA), resuspended at 20 Mio cells per ml of a 1:1 mixture of FCS and
MACS buffer and incubated for 10 min at 4°C. The cells were then pelleted and
resupended in 80 µl per 10 million cells with MACS buffer containing 10% FCS.
Then 20 µl Hapten-antibody solution per 10 million cells were added. The cells
were incubated for 10 minutes at 4°C with repeated swirling of the tube. After
two washes with MACS buffer in at least 10 x the labelling volume, the cells
were resuspended in MACS buffer containing 10% FCS at 10 million cells per 80
µl and 20 µl anti-hapten-microbeads per 10 million cells were added. The tube
was incubated for 15 minutes at 4°C with repeated swirling of the tube. After one
wash with MACS buffer the cells were resuspended at up to 100 million cells in
500 µl MACS buffer and loaded onto a LS MACS column which was placed in a
MINI-MACS magnet and equilibrated with 3 ml MACS buffer. The column was
washed with 3 x 3 ml MACS buffer. The cells in the flow-through fraction were
collected and subsequently used as NK cells. Purity as determined by CD56
expression was between 88-95 %.
8. ADCC Assay
[0238] PBMC or NK as effector cells were prepared as described above. The
effector to target ratio was 25:1 and 10:1 for PBMC and NK cells, respectively.
The effector cells were prepared in ATM-V medium at the appropriate
concentration in order to add 50 µl per well of round bottom 96 well plates.
Target cells for C2B8 antibodies were SKW6.4 or Namalwa B lymphoma cells
grown in DMEM containing 10% FCS. Target cells were washed in PBS,
counted and resuspended in AIM-V at 0.3 million per ml in order to add 30'000
cells in 100 µl per microwell. Antibodies were diluted in AIM-V, added in 50 µl
to the pre-plated target cells and allowed to bind to the targets for 10 minutes at
RT. Then the effector cells were added and the plate was incubated for 4 hours at
37°C in a humified atmoshpere containing 5% CO2. Killing of target cells was
assessed by measurement of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from damaged
cells using the Cytotoxicity Detection kit (Roche Diagnostics, Rotkreuz,
Switzerland). After the 4-hour incubation the plates were centrifuged at 800 x g.
100 µl supernatant from each well was transferred to a new transparent flat
bottom 96 well plate. 100 µl color substrate buffer from the kit were added per
well. The Vmax values of the color reaction were determined in an ELISA reader
at 490 nm for at least 10 min using SOFTmax PRO software (Molecular Devices,
Sunnyvale, CA94089, USA). Spontaneous LDH release was measured from wells
containing only target and effector cells but no antibodies. Maximal release was
determined from wells containing only target cells and 1% Triton X-100.
Percentage of specific antibody-mediated killing was calculated as follows: ((x -
SR)/(MR - SR)*100, where x is the mean of Vmax at a specific antibody
concentration, SR is the mean of Vmax of the spontaneous release and MR is the
mean of Vmax of the maximal release.
9. Fc?RIIIA binding on NK cells
[0239] Freshly isolated NK cells were centrifuged 5 minutes at 200 x g and
pretreated with 0.09% (wt/vol) lactic acid solution (140 mM NaCl, 5 mM KC1,
pH 3.9), by incubating 3 x 105 cells/ml at room temperature for 5 minutes, to
remove NK cell-associated IgG. (De Haas M., J. Immunol. 755:2948 (1996)).
[0240] Cells were washed two times with PBS, 0.1% BSA, 0.01% sodium azide
and concentration was adjusted to 2 x 106 cells/ml in PBS, 0.15 BSA, 0.01%
sodium azide. 5 x 105 cells were incubated with 0, 0.1, 0.3, 1, 3, 10 ug/ml
antibody variants for 30 min at 4°C. Cells were then washed two times and
antibody binding was detected by incubating with 1:200 fluorescein
isoTIIIocyanate-conjugated F(ab')2 goat anti-human IgG (Jackson
ImmunoReasearch, West Grove, PA) and anti-human CD56-PE at 5 µl / 5 x 105
cells (BD Pharmingen, san Diego, CA) for 30 minutes at 4°C. (Shields R. et al.
J. Biol. Chan. 277(30):26733-26740 (2002)).
[0241] The fluorescence intensity referring to the bound antibody variants was
determined for CD56+ cells on a FACSCalibur (BD Bioscience, San Jose, CA).
10. FcgammaRIIb binding on Raj i lymphoma cells
[0242] Raji B-cell human lymphoma cells were washed 20 min at 37°C in PBS
(concentration 0.3 Mio cells/ml). Cells were then resuspended at 2.22 million
cells/ml in PBS, 0.1% BSA, 0.01% NaN3, and 180 µl added per FACS tube.
Ten-fold antibody dilutions (0, 0.1, 0.3,1, 3, 10, 30 ug/ml) of L19-unmodified
and LI 9 glycoengineered monoclonal antibodies were added to the Raji cells and
incubated at 4°C for 30 min (final cells concentration 2 million cells/ml). After
two washes, 1:200 of fluorescein isoTIIIocyanate-conjugated F(ab')2 goat anti-
human IgG (Jackson ImmunoReasearch, West Grove, PA) was added to the cells
and incubated at 4°C for 30 min. After one wash, cells were resuspended in 0.5
ml PBS, 0.1 % BSA, 0.01% NaN3 and the fluorescence intensity referring to the
bound antibody variants was determined on a FACSCalibur (BD Bioscience, San
Jose, CA) for living cells.
11. Complement dependent cytotoxicity assay
[0243] Target cells were counted, washed with PBS, resuspended in AIM-V
(Invitrogen) at 1 million cells per ml. 50 \ii cells were plated per well in a flat
bottom 96 well plate. Antibody dilutions were prepared in AIM-V and added in
50 µl to the cells. Antibodies were allowed to bind to the cells for 10 minutes at
room temperature. Human serum complement (Quidel) was freshly thawed,
diluted 3-fold with AIM-V and added in 50 µl to the wells. Rabbit complement
(Cedarlane Laboratories) was prepared as described by the manufacturer, diluted
3-fold with AIM-V and added in 50 µl to the wells. As a control, complement
sources were heated for 30 min at 56°C before addition to the assay.
[0244] The assay plates were incubated for 2h at 37°C. Killing of cells was
determined by measuring LDH release. Briefly, the plates were centrifuged at
300 x g for 3 min. 50 µl supernatant per well were transferred to a new 96 well
plate and 50 µl of the assay reagent from the Cytotoxicity Kit (Roche) were
added. A kinetic measurement with the ELISA reader determined the Vmax
corresponding with LDH concentration in the supernatant. Maximal release was
determined by incubating the cells in presence of 1% Trition X-100.
Results and Discussion
[0245] Glycoengineered versions of an anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibody
(C2B8 chimeric antibody, also known as rituximab) were produced by co-
transfecting cultures of mammalian cells with vectors for expression of antibody
genes and with vectors for expression of genes encoding various polypeptides
with GnTIII activity. An unmodified (non-glycoengineered) version of the same
antibody was produced by transfecting mammalian cells only with the vector for
antibody gene expression. The transfected cells were kept in culture for at least
three days and the secreted, recombinant antibodies were purified from the
culture medium by Protein A affinity chromatography. Expression of genes
encoding polypeptides with GnTIII activity did not have any significant effect on
cell viability, cell growth or antibody production, relative to cells not producing
such polypeptides.
[0246] The purified antibodies were then analyzed for their glycosylation
patterns. These antibodies carry N-linked oligosaccharides attached only to
Asn297 residue of the human IgGl Fc region. The oligosaccharides were
enzymatically removed from antibodies by PNGaseF digestion and were
subsequently analyzed by MALDI/TOF-MS. Using TIIIs technique, it is possible
to determine the fraction of different oligosaccharide species wiTIIIn the total,
original Fc-oligosaccharide population, and it is also possible to assign structures
to different peaks in the spectra (Umana, P. et ah, Nature Biotechnol. 17:176-
180(1999)).
[0247] Figure 1 shows the neutral oligosaccharide MALDI/TOF-MS profiles
from the recombinant C2B8 anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibody produced in
BHK cells. These cells were transfected with antibody expression vector
pETRl 502. Figures 2 to 4 show the corresponding profiles for the same antibody
produced by BHK cells engineered with nucleic acids encoding polypeptides with
GnTIII activity. The profile in Figure 2 results from the use of a nucleic acid
encoding wild-type GnTIII expressed from vector pETR1166. The profile in
Figure 3 results from the use of a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide
comprising at the N-terrninus the localization domain of GnTI fused to the C-
terminal catalytic domain of GnTIfl. TIIIs fusion gene was expressed from vector
pETR1425. The profile in Figure 4 results from the use of a nucleic acid
encoding a fusion polypeptide comprising at the N-terminus the localization
domain of Golgi oc-mannosidasell (MaruT) fused to the catalytic domain of
GnTIII. TIIIs fusion gene was expressed from vector pETR.1506.
[0248] The unmodified antibody has a typical oligosaccharide profile (Fig. 1),
with peaks at m/z ratios of 1485, 1648 and 1810 being consistent with
biantennary, core-fucosylated, complex oligosaccharides with 0, 1- and 2-
galactose residues, respectively. Similar profiles are found for the Fc-region
oligosaccharides of non-engineered IgGl antibodies produced in other standard
mammalian, industrial cell lines such as CHO and mouse myeloma cells (Lifely,
M.R. et a1, Glycobiology 5:813-822 (1995)). Engineering of the antibody
producing cells by expression of wild-type GnTIII leads mainly to bisected, core-
fucosylated, complex biantennary oligosaccharides (Fig. 2), with peaks at m/z
ratios of 1689,1851 and 2014 being the bisected counterparts of the non-bisected,
fucosylated oligosaccharide peaks found in the unmodified antibody.
Engineering of the antibody-producing cells by expression of a nucleic acid
encoding a GnTI-GnTIII fusion polypeptide, where the GnTIII catalytic domain
is localized via the GnTI Golgi localization domain, also leads mainly to bisected
complex biantennary oligosaccharides (note peaks at m/z 1689 and 1851 in Fig.
3). However, relative to the wild-type GnTIII, use of a GnTI-GnTIII fusion leads
to an increase in bisected, non-fucosylated and bisected, hybrid structures
(compare the proportions of peaks with m/z of 1664, 1810, 1826 and 1973,
relative to the total, between Figs. 2 and 3). The synthesis of bisected, non-
fucosylated and bisected, hybrid structures results from the competition, for
GnTI-modified oligosaccharide substrates, between the recombinant GnTIII-
catalytic domain and (i) the endogenous core, a1,6-fucosyltransferase, (ii) Golgi
a-mannosidase II (ManII) and (iii) GnTII, since once an oligosaccharide is
modified with a bisecting GlcNAc added via a GnTIII-catalyzed reaction, these
three other enzymes can no longer act to modify the bisected oligosaccharides.
Therefore blocking action of ManII by addition of the bisecting GlcNAc also
effectively blocks GnTII, since GnTII acts downstream of ManII in the N-linked
oligosaccharide biosynthetic pathway. The peaks at m/z 1664 and 1826 are non-
fucosylated, whereas the peaks at m/z 1810 and 1973 are fucosylated. EndoH
glycosidase digestion, which can distinguish between hybrid and complex
oligosaccharides (Fig. 8 A), was used to confirm that the increase in these peaks is
due to an increase in the proportion of Fc-attached bisected, non-fucosylated and
bisected, hybrid oligosaccharides (see below).
[0249] In contrast to the other GnTIII activity-encoding nucleic acids used here,
engineering of the antibody-producing cells by expression of a nucleic acid
encoding a ManII-GnTIII fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 14), where the GnTIII
catalytic domain is localized via the ManII Golgi localization domain, leads
mainly to bisected, non-fucosylated and bisected, hybrid structures (note peaks at
m/z 1664 1810,1826 and 1973 in Fig. 4). Therefore, relative to the wild-type
GnTIII and to the GnTI-GnTIII fusion (SEQ ID NOS:12 and 13), the ManII-
GnTIII fusion was more efficient in the synthesis of Fc-attached bisected, non-
fucosylated and bisected, hybrid oligosaccharides (compare the proportions of
peaks with m/z of 1664 and 1810 relative to the total between Figs. 2, 3 and 4).
The proportions of the bisected, non-fucosylated Fc-oligosaccharides resulting
from the expression of the nucleic acids encoding wild-type GnTIII, the GnTI-
GnTIII fusion and the ManII-GnTIII fusion were approximately 4,13, and 33%,
respectively. No bisected oligosaccharides were detected in the unmodified (non-
engineered) antibody.
[0250] Increasing the expression of the ManII-GnTIII fusion construct in the
antibody-producing cells led to further increases in the proportion of bisected,
non-fucosylated oligosaccharides. TIIIs was demonstrated by expressing the
ManII-GnTII construct from a vector (pETR1519) with an OriP for episomal
replication in transfected HEK293-EBNA cells. TIIIs expression system is
known to lead to high levels of expression, and was also used for expression of
the antibody genes from vector pETRl 520. The oligosaccharide profile from the
purified, unmodified (non-glycoengineered) antibody expressed at high levels in
TIIIs system is shown in Figure 5, which again shows the typical oligosaccharide
profile with non-bisected, fucosylated oligosaccharide peaks having 0, 1 and 2
galactose residues {e.g., compare Figs. 1 and 5 showing the similar
oligosaccharide profiles of the unmodified antibody expressed in BHK cells or at
higher levels in HEK293-EBNA cells). Engineering the antibody producing cells
with title nucleic acid encoding the ManII-GnTIII fusion expressed at higher
levels in TIIIs system led to the production of antibodies where the majority of the
Fc-oligosaccharides were bisected, non-fucosylated (see Figure 6, where
bisected, non-fucosylated hybrid oligosaccharide peaks at m/z 1664 and 1826
together constitute over 90% of the total oligosaccharides).
[0251] As mentioned above, endoglycosidase H (EndoH) was used to confirm
the assignment of bisected non-fucosylated and bisected, hybrid structures to the
different oligosaccharide peaks observed in the MALDI profiles. The
MALDI/TOF-MS neutral oligosaccharide profiles of PNGaseF- and of
PNGaseF+EndoH-digested glycans derived from an anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl
antibody, produced by HEK293 cells glycoengineered by GnTIII(M2)
overexpression, are shown in Figure 7.The peak at m/z 1664 can be assigned to
two different glycans, namely non-fucosylated hybrid-bisected or non-
fucosylated complex, non-bisected. The different structures show the same m/z
ratio due to the same monosaccharide composition (Figure 8B).
[0252] The digestion of the PNGaseF-released glycans with Endoglycosidase H
generates new structures, with the major peak being shifted from m/z 1664 to
1460 (Figure 7B). The difference corresponds to the mass of a GlcNAc residue.
As mentioned above, EndoH cannot cleave the complex type oligosaccharides.
Therefore, the major peak at m/z 1664 can be assigned to the non-fucosylated
hybrid bisected type after Endoglycosidase H digestion.
[0253] Other peaks that could be assigned to complex or hybrid bisected glycans.
At m/z 1810; after EndoH digestion the peak disappeared so the structures can be
assigned to the fucosylated hybrid bisected type. The subtraction of one GlcNAc
and one fucose (from the core a-1,6 fucosylated, reducing-end GlcNAc residue)
residue from the m/z 1810 peak generates a structure of m/z 1460. At m/z 1502,
disappearance of TIIIs peak by EndoH digestion (GlcNAc residue eliminated) and
the appearance of a peak at m/z 1298, demonstrate that the 1502 peak can be
assigned to a non-fucosylated hybrid bisected type. At m/z 1647, the
disappearance of the peak after EndoH digestion demonstrates that TIIIs peak is a
fucosylated hybrid bisected structure. The removal of one GlcNAc and. one
fucose residue generates a structure of m/z 1298. The peak at m/z 1826, a non-
fucosylated hybrid bisected type, was digested by EndoH. TIIIs generated a
structure with m/z 1622. The peak at m/z 1053 after EndoH digestion can be
assigned to the high mannose type (1257 m/z), digested by EndoH. The peak at
m/z 1689 (complex bisected) was not affected by EndoH digestion, as expected.
In synthesis, from the data obtained in Table 1, we conclude that 88% of the
oligosaccharide structures carry a bisecting GlcNAc, 60% of which are non-
fucosylated hybrid bisected structures, 22% fucosylated hybrid bisected and 6%
fucosylated complex bisected oligosaccharide structures.
[0254] The above data (Figs. 1 to 6) show that both the level of GnTIII
expression and the particular localization domain that is used to target the GnTIII
catalytic domain to the Golgi, influence the competition for GnTI-modified
oligosaccharide substrates between the recombinant GnTIII-catalytic domain and
the endogenous core a1,6-fucosyltransferase, (ManII) and GnTII enzymes.
Higher expression of GnTIII favors it in TIIIs competition, leading to higher levels
of bisected, hybrid and bisected, non-fucosylated oligosaccharides and to a
concomitant reduction of the levels of bisected complex and bisected, fucosylated
oligosaccharides. TIIIs was also noted previously for the wild type GnTIXI
(Umana, P. et al., Nature Biotechnol. 17:176-180(1999)). Yet, in spite of leading
to similar overall levels of bisected oligosaccharides, localizing the GnTIII
catalytic domain via the GnTI or via the ManII localization domains led to more
effective competition, relative to the wild-type GnTIII, for the GnTI-modified
oligosaccharide substrates against the endogenous core a1,6-fucosyltransferase,
ManII and GnTII enzymes.
[0255] The higher efficiency of the GnTI-GnTIII fusion, compared to wild-type
GnTIII, for the synthesis of bisected, hybrid and bisected, non-fucosylated
oligosaccharides can be explained by an earlier Golgi distribution, in the cis-to-
trans direction of glycoprotein substrate transport, of GnTI relative to GnTIII.
The fine Golgi distributions of GnTI and ManII have been determined previously
by quantitative immunoelectron microscopy (Rabouille, C. et al. J. Cell Sci.
108:1617-27 (1995)). Both enzymes co-distribute along the Golgi, being
localized mainly in the medial and trans cisternae of the Golgi stack, with a
higher levels in the medial relative to the trans cisternae. The fine quantitative
spatial distributions of core a1,6-fucosyltransferase, GnTII and wild-type GnTTII
have not yet been determined. The above however does not explain why the
ManII-GnTin fusion is significantly more efficient than the GnTI-GnTIII fusion
for the synthesis of bisected, hybrid and bisected, non-fucosylated
oligosaccharides, since both GnTI and ManII have identical spatial distributions
along the Golgi subcompartments.
[0256] The higher efficiency of the ManII-GnTIII fusion indicates the existence
of relatively organized functional glycosylation reaction subcompartments wiTIIIn
the physical subcompartments of the medial- and trans-Golgi cistemae. The so-
called "medial-Golgi glycosylation enzymes", GnTI, GnTII and ManII are
believed to exist in the Golgi as high-molecular weight complexes. However, if
the localization domains allow these enzymes to form part of these complexes,
TIIIs would be the same for the GnTI- and the ManII-GnTIII fusions. Expression
of the recombinant GnTI-GnTIII fusion did not lead to displacement of tile
endogenous wild-type GnTI enzyme to any extent significant to the synthesis of
Fc-oligosaccharides, since all GnTIII constructs used here led to a majority of the
oligosaccharides being modified both by GnTI and GnTIII reactions.
[0257] Our data indicates that, by virtue of the ManII localization domain, a finer
functional pairing occurs between the catalytic domains of the endogenous GnTI
and the recombinant ManII-GnTIII fusion. Organized pairings of enzymes
catalyzing subsequent reactions in a biosynthetic pathway, in a way that favors
transfer of the product of the first reaction to the second catalytic site relative to
diffusion of such product away from the enzymes, is known to occur in other
biosynthetic pathways such as glycolysis and polyketide biosynthesis. GnTI and
ManII have been reported to form "kin oligomers", at least when relocalizing one
of these enzymes to the endoplasmic reticulum (Nilsson, T. et al. EMBOJ. 13(3).
562-74 (1994)). A pair of charged amino acid residues in each of the stem
regions of these two enzymes was found to be critical for TIIIs kin recognition.
The residues in GnTI were of opposite charge to those of ManII. We have
identified similar residues at equivalent positions of the stem regions of the other
Golgi glycosylation enzymes involved in TIIIs part of the N-linked oligosaccharide
biosynthetic pathway, namely core a1,6-fucosyltransferase (same charges as
GnTI instead of complementary charges as in the case of Mann), ManI and
GnTII. We have also identified that these residues are conserved across species.
Although it has been suggested that these residues are not essential for
incorporation into the high molecular weight complexes formed by the enzymes
or even for Golgi localization (Opat, A.S. et al. J. Biol. Chem. 275(16): 11836-45
(2000)), it is possible that they are involved in a finer pairing of the catalytic
domains during oligosaccharide biosynthesis. Such pairing does not need to be
irreversible, but can be mediated by transient, dynamic interactions between the
enzymes. There could be additional determinants for pairing elsewhere in the
stem or catalytic region. However, any contribution to a specific GnTI-ManII
parking from the catalytic, domain of ManII would be lost in the recombinant
fusion bearing the GnTITI catalytic domain.
[0258] Figures 9 to 11 demonstrate increased antibody-dependent cellular
cytotoxicity (ADCC) resulting from overexpression in the antibody-producing
cells of a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide with GnTIII activity that is
localized to the Golgi via different localization domains. Increased ADCC
resulting from expression of recombinant polypeptide with GnTIII activity and
localized to the Golgi via the GnTI Golgi localization domain is shown in Fig. 9.
The oligosaccharide profile of the control antibody used for the ADCC assay of
Figure 9 is shown in Fig. 1. The oligosaccharide profile of the glycoengineered
antibody used for the ADCC assay of Figure 9 is shown in Fig. 3. Increased
ADCC resulting from expression of recombinant polypeptide with GnTII
activity and localized to the Golgi via a glycosidase, ManII, Golgi localization
domain is shown in Fig. 10. The oligosaccharide profile of the control antibody
used for the ADCC assay of Figure 10 is shown in Fig. 5. The oligosaccharide
profile of the glycoengineered antibody used for the ADCC assay of Figure 10 is
shown in Fig. 6.
[0259] Fig. 11 shows that expression of a recombinant polypeptide with GriTIII
activity and localized to the Golgi via a ManII Golgi localization domain leads to
increased ADCC activity relative to the use of the wild-type GnTIII polypeptide
with its own GnTIII Golgi localization domain. The oligosaccharide profile of the
antibody glycoengineered by expression of wild-type GnTIII and used for the
ADCC assay of Figure 11, is shown in Fig. 2. The oligosaccharide profile of the
glycoengineered by expression of the fusion polypeptide with GnTIII activity,
localized to the Golgi via the ManII localization domain, and used for the ADCC
assay of Figure 11, is shown in Fig. 4. These data also show that antibodies with
bisected oligosaccharides, including bisected, hybrid and bisected, non-
fucosylated oligosaccharides, have increased ADCC activity compared to
antibodies with complex, fucosylated, non-bisected oligosaccharides. It should
be noted that all of the bisected oligosaccharides of the more active antibody used
in the ADCC assay of Fig. 10 are bisected, non-fucosylated hybrid
oligosaccharides. As mentioned previously, use of the fusion polypeptide with
GnTIII activity and localized to the Golgi via the ManII localization domain leads
the more efficient synthesis of the non-fucosylated, bisected oligosaccharides,
and Fig. 11 shows that antibodies with increased levels of these bisected, non-
fucosylated oligosaccharides are more active in ADCC relative to antibodies with
lower levels of these oligosaccharides. The ADCC activity increases correlate
with increases in TIIIs bisected, non-fucosylated oligosaccharide fraction wiTIIIn
the Fc-associated oligosaccharide population, and large increases are seen when
tins fraction is higher than 15 to 20%.
[0260] Natural killer (NK) cells are known to be important mediators of ADCC.
These cells carry on their surface the activating Fcgamma receptor IHA, also
known as CD16a. Binding of the Fc region, of the target-cell bound antibodies,
to FcgammaRIIIA receptors on NK. cells is essential for crosslinking of these
receptors on the NK cell and subsequent induction of ADCC. Therefore it is
important to evaluate the binding of the antibodies produced by the methods
described here to Fc receptors, in particular to receptors in the native form in
which the human immune effector cells display them. Figure 12 demonstrates
that glycoengineered antibodies produced by expression in the antibody
producing cells of a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide with GnTIII
activity have increased binding affinity to the human activating Fc receptor
FcgammaRIHA. As mentioned above for the ADCC assays, these antibodies
have increased levels of bisected, non-fucosylated oligosaccharides that result
from the expression in the antibody-producing cells of the fusion polypeptide
with GnTIII activity. The NK cells used in TIIIs assay were from a donor of a
genotype that does not express the FcgammaRTIc receptor on their NK cells
(Metes, D. et al. J. Immunol. Methods 258(l-2):85-95 (2001)). Therefore the
only Fc receptor on the surface of these cells is the activating FcgammaRIHA
receptor. Fig. 13 shows that the binding assay measures specific binding affinity
to TIIIs receptor. TIIIs is shown by competition with a FcgammaRIII-specific
blocking antibody fragment (3G8 Fab2-fragment).
[0261] Strong evidence of the impact of enhanced Fc-FcR interactions on the
outcome of anti-tumor antibody therapy comes from the correlation, found in
lymphoma patients receiving rituximab, between efficacy and the homozygous
higher-affinity FcgamrnaRIIIA receptor genotype (Cartron, G. et al. B100d
99(3):754-8 (2002)). TIIIs was the single parameter found to correlate with a
vastly enhanced objective response rate and increased proportion of molecular
responses. Increased efficacy due to enhanced FcgammaRIIIA-Fc interactions
can be derived from the functions carried out by various types of immune cells,
including natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, monocytes and dendritic cells.
Crosslinking of the activating FcgammaRIIIA receptor on NK cells, macrophages
and monocytes can lead to tumor cell lysis by ADCC (widely believed to be the
prime FcR-dependent killing mechanism in vivo)(Maloney, D.G. et al. Semin.
Oncol. 29(1 Suppl. 2):2-9 (2002), Amigorena S., J. Exp. Med. 195(l):Fl-3
(2002)) and also to antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (Hazeribos, W.L. et
al. J. Immunol. 161(6):3026-32(1998), Reft M.E. and Heard, C. Crit Rev Oncol
Hematol. 40(1):25-35(2001)) and to cytokine release in the vicinity of tumor cells
(Carson, W.E. et al. Eur. J. Immunol. 31:3016-3025(2001)). These cytokines can
in turn lead to direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells, to anti-angiogenic effects
which inhibit tumor growth by deprivation of oxygen and nutrients, and to
enhanced tumor antigen presentation as part of an active T-cell mediated immune
response against tumor cells. Dendritic cells are crucial for antigen presentation
to T-cells, and cross-linking of FcgammaRIIIA on their surface (e.g., from
antibody-bound, dying tumor cells initially attacked in vivo via ADCC) can lead
to enhanced dendritic cell maturation, antigen uptake and presentation to T-cells,
and cross-priming of cytotoxic T-cells, the later being a potentially very efficient
mechanism to activate anti-tumor immunity (Amigorena S., J. Exp. Med.
195(l):Fl-3 (2002), Kalergis, A.M. and Ravetch, J.V. J. Exp. Med.
195(12):1653-1659(2002), Selenko, N. e. al. J. Clin. Immunol. 22(3):124-
130(2002)). Cross-Unking of target-cell bound antibodies by Fc receptors on
immune effector cells can also lead to increased direct killing of the target cells,
for example via apoptosis induced by antibody-mediated cross-linking of the
target-antigen molecules (Reff, M.E. and Heard, C. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol.
40(1):25-35(2001), Cragg,M.S. etal. B100d 101(3):1045-1052 (2003)). Of all
these immune effector cells, NK cells alone possess only activating FcgammaRs
on their surface. In the other types of cells, the activating FcgammaRIII is present
together with the inhibitory FcgammaRIIb receptor, and induction of anti-tumor
effector functions results from a positive balance of the activating over inhibitory
signals.
[0262] Figure 15 shows that the increased Fc receptor binding is selective for the
activating receptor compared to the inhibitory FcgammaRIIb. Such selectivity is
important for effector functions carried out by immune cells other than NK cells,
as explained above. Moreover, the increases in binding achieved by
glycoengineering the Fc antibody region, using the methods described here, are
far greater than those observed naturally for the homozygous higher-affinity
FcgammaRIDA genotype patients/donors receiving standard, unmodified
antibody (Fig. 16) and that have already been associated with increased efficacy
of anti-cancer antibodies (Cartron, G. etal. B100d 99(3):754-8 (2002)).
[0263] The binding domain of the activating FcgammaRIIIB receptor is almost
identical to that of the FcgammaRIIIA. Therefore, the above data also indicates
that glycoengineered antibodies described here can lead to increased effector
functions mediated by effector cells displaying the FcgammaRIIIB, such as
polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells, including release of toxic products and
phagocytosis ((Reff, M.E. and Heard, C. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 40(l):25-35
(2001), Daeron, FM. Anna. Rev. Immunol. 15:203-34 (1997), Ravetch, J.V. and
Bolland S. Annu. Rev. Immunol. 19:275-90 (2001)).
[0264] Figure 18 shows the oligosaccharide profile of an anti-CD20 antibody
produced from BHK cells growing in suspension and engineered for constitutive,
high-level expression of both the recombinant antibody and a fusion polypeptide
with GnTIII activity. The oligosaccharide profile shows increased levels of
bisected non-fucosylated and bisected hybrid oligosaccharides for the antibody
from the cells engineered with the fusion GnTIII (see Table 2 also). These
structures are not found in non-glycoengineered antibodies produced by non-
glycoengineered BHK cells (see Fig. 1). The,engineered cells expressing the
GnTIII fusion exhibited normal growth in suspension and good antibody
productivity.
[0265] The relative percentages of the oligosaccharides of the glycoengineered
monoclonal antibody produced by the stable BHK-1502-28-11 cell line are
presented in Table 2.
[0266] The oligosaccharide analysis showed that 88.6% of the structures carry a
bisecting GlcNAc residue, 50.8% are fucosylated and 37.8 % are non-
fucosylated. The digestion of the PNGaseF-released oligosaccharide with
EndoglycosidaseH demonstrated that most of the peaks obtained are of the hybrid
bisected type (Fig. 19). Fig. 20 shows increased binding affinity of the
glycoengineered antibody, produced by the BHK-15 02-28-11 cell line, to the
activating Fc receptor FcgammaRIIIA on human NK cells. Cell lines growing in
suspension and with constitutive stable expression of both the antibody genes and
the fusion GnTIII polypeptide are ideal for large-scale production of therapeutic
antibodies. Using standard cell engineering methods, the glycoengineering can
be implemented either by introducing the fusion GnTIII gene into a cell line
containing the antibody genes, or by introducing the antibody genes into a cell
line containing the fusion GnTIII gene (a"pre-glycoengineered production cell
line"), or by introducing the antibody and GnTIII fusion genes at the same time.
[0267] An anti-CD20 antibody produced in cells engineered for high level
expression of the nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide with GnTIII activity
and localized to the Golgi via the ManII localization domain was tested also for
complement mediated lysis (CML), a different effector function that is not
dependent on Fc receptors on immune effector cells. The vast majority of the
oligosaccharides of TIIIs glycoengineered antibody were of bisected hybrid non-
fucosylated type. Reduced CML activity was observed for TIIIs anti-CD20
antibody compared to the unmodified antibody (Fig. 21). For some applications
antibodies with increased ADCC but with reduced CML may be desirable, for
example to reduce side effects, such as vasculitis in the b100d vessels at the tumor
site, mediated by CML. Other significant CML-mediated side-effects have been
observed for anti-CD20 antibody therapy (van der Kolk L.E. et al. Br J
Haematol. 115(4):807-11 (2001)). However, the oligosaccharide profiles above
also show that is also possible to engineer the antibody producing cells to express
the GnTIII fusion polypeptide at an intermediate expression level that leads to
intermediate levels of bisected hybrid non-fucosylated oligosaccharides (higher
than 15 %), but with a significant fraction of complex oligosaccharides wiTIIIn the
Fc oligosaccharide population of the glycoengineered antibody. Such complex
oligosaccharides are associated with normal, not reduced, levels of CML.
Therefore the data indicates that antibodies with increased ADCC can be
produced in TIIIs way which should maintain very similar levels of CML activity
compared to non-engineered antibodies.
[0268] A second chimeric IgGl antibody, C225, also known as cetuximab, that
recognizes the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was
glycoengineered by the methods described here. Fig. 22 shows the
oligosaccharide profiles of the unmodified anti-EGFR antibody C225 and of the
glycoengineered version of the same antibody. The later was produced in cells
expressing a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide with GnTITI activity and
localized to the Golgi via aManII localization domain. Fig. 23 shows increased
ADCC of the anti-EGFR antibody resulting from TIIIs glycoengineering.
Glycoengineered antibodies produced by the methods described here, and having
increased ADCC and increased binding affinity to activating Fc receptors, are
promising molecules for antibody therapy of cancer and of auto-immune
diseases, since they should lead to increased efficacy, relative to the
corresponding unmodified (non-glycoengineered) version of those antibodies, for
these therapies. Additionally it should be possible to reduce the therapeutic doses
for the glycoengineered antibodies compared to the unmodified ones, and TIIIs
would positively impact the economics of antibody production.
EXAMPLE 2
Treatment of Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia in a Patient with Chronic
Graft-Versus-Host Disease
[0269] Autoimmune thrombocytopenia in chronic graft-versus-host disease
represents an instance of B-cell dysregulation leading to clinical disease. To treat
immune-mediated thrombocytopenia in a subject with chronic graft-versus-host
disease, an anti-CD20 chimeric monoclonal antibody prepared by the methods of
the present invention and having increased ADCC is administered to the subj ect
as described in Ratanatharathom, V. et al., Ann. Intern. Med. 133(4):215-79
(2000) (the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference).
Specifically, a weekly infusion of the antibody, 375 mg/m2 is administered to the
subject for 4 weeks. The antibody therapy produces a marked depletion of B
cells in the peripheral b100d and decreased levels of platelet-associated antibody.
EXAMPLE 3
Treatment of Severe, Immune-Mediated, Pure Red Cell Aplasia and
Hemolytic Anemia
[0270] Immune-mediated, acquired pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare
disorder frequently associated with other autoimmune phenomena. To treat
immune-mediated, acquired pure red cell aplasia in a subject, an anti-CD20
chimeric monoclonal antibody prepared by the methods of the present invention
and having increased ADCC is administered to the subject as described in Zecca,
M. et al., B100d 12:3995-97 (1997) (the entire contents of which are hereby
incorporated by reference). Specifically, a subject with PRCA and autoimmune
hemolytic anemia is given two doses of antibody, 375 mg/m2, per week. After
antibody therapy, substitutive treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin is
initiated. TIIIs treatment produces a marked depletion ofB cells and a significant
rise in reticulocyte count accompanied by increased hemoglobin levels.
EXAMPLE 4
Materials and Methods
1. Construction of GalT-fusion expression vectors
Vector for constitutive expression of GalT
[02711 For construction of the GalT expression vector, GalT cDNA is amplified
from a cDNA library (Clontech) by PCR. A C-terminal c-myc-epitope tag is
added immediately upstream of the stop codon of the gene (amino acid sequence:
PEQKLISEEDL) for later, convenient detection of GalT by Western Blots. After
confirmation of the correct sequence of GalT the gene is inserted under control of
the MPS V promoter and a synthetic rabbit beta-globin polyadenylation signal is
added. The final GalT expression vector also contains a separate puromycin
resistance cassette for selection, with the puromycin resistance gene also under
the control of the MPSV promoter and synthetic rabbit beta-globin
polyadenylation signal.
Replacement of amino acids encoding the localization domain of GalT with the
amino acids encoding the localization domain of the human GnTI.
[0272] The construction of TIIIs hybrid galactosyltransferase gene is performed,
for example, by overlapping PCR reactions, resulting in the plasmid containing
the GnTI-GalT fusion under control of the MPSV promoter and a puromycin
resistance cassette for selection.
Replacement of the amino acids encoding the localization domain of GalT with
the amino acids encoding the localization domain of human mannosidase II.
[0273] The construction of the GalT expression vector is performed. The
resulting plasmid contains the hybrid ManII-GalT gene under control of the
MPSV promoter.
Combination of the hybrid ManII-GalT fusion gene with the replication origin
oriP from Epstein Barr virus.
[0274] A DNA fragment with oriP is subcloned as described in Example 1 into
the hybrid ManII-GalT expression vector described above.
Combination of the hybrid ManII-GalT fusion gene and a truncated CD4 cell-
surface marker gene
[0275] The expression vector is modified for additional expression of a truncated
CD4 cell-surface marker gene. Briefly, the hybrid ManII-GalT fusion gene
expression cassette is converted from a monocistronic to a bicistronic expression
cassette by inserting, downstream of the stop codon of the ManII-GalT fusion, a
polio virus IRES element followed by a cDNA encoding a truncated human CD4
protein (comprising the human CD4 leader sequence for secretion followed by
the transmembrane and extracellular domains).
3. Transfection of mammalian cells with GalT-fusion- and antibody-
expression vectors
Transfection of BHK cells
[0276] Exponentially growing cells (viability 90-95 %) are cultured, harvested
and subsequently transfected as described in Example 1. For the production of
the glycoengineered antibodies, the cells are co-transfected with two plasmids,
one for antibody expression and the other for fusion GalT polypeptide expression,
at a ratio of 3:1, respectively.
Transfection of HEK293-EBNA cells
[0277] Exponentially growing HEK293-EBNA cells are transfected as described
in Example 1. For the production of the glycoengineered antibodies, the cells are
co-transfected with two plasmids, one for antibody expression and the other of
fusion GalT polypeptide expression, at a ratio of 4:1, respectively. At day 5 post-
transfection, supernatant is harvested, centrifuged for 5 min at 1200 rpm,
followed by a second centrifugation for 10 min at 4000 rpm and kept at 4°C.
Generation of a stable mammalian cell line expressing a recombinant anti-CD20
antibody and a GalT-fusion
[0278] The clone BHK-1502-28, constitutively expressing anti-CD20
monoclonal antibody genes and the neomycin resistance gene, is transfected with
the expression vector by electroporation. The vector allows for constitutive
expression of the ManII-GalT gene and a truncated form of human CD4, the
latter IRES-dependently expressed. The vector also contains a puromycin-
resistance gene expression cassette. Puromycin-resistant clones are first selected
to obtain a set of clones that chromosomally integrated the vector DNA. Clones
are then screened for surface expression of truncated CD4 (tCD4), which serves
as a marker for expression level of the bicistronic ManII-GalT+tCD4 gene
expression unit. Recombinant antibody production of the selected clones is
verified using an ELISA assay.
[0279] Transfection and subsequent screening of tCD4 expression level is carried
out as described in Example 1.
4. Production and purification of unmodified and glycoengineered
antibodies
[0280] In the case of BHK cells transfected with an antibody expression vector or
co-transfected with an antibody expression vector plus a GalT-fusion expression
vector, the culture supernatant is harvested after culturing the transfected cells for
96 h post transfection. Depending on the expected productivity, several
electroporations (10-15) are done for the same vector.
[0281] In the case of HEK293-EBNA cells transfected with an antibody
expression vector or co-transfected with an expression vector plus a GalT-fusion
expression vector, the culture medium is replaced by fresh culture medium
approximately 16 hours post-transfection and the later medium is then harvested
after culturing the transfected cells for a further 120 hours.
[0282] For the stable BHK-1502-28-11 cell line, a culture is seeded at 500,000
cells/ml and supernatant harvested after 4 days of culture.
Antibody purification
[0283] Monoclonal antibody is purified from culture supernatant using two
sequential chromatographic steps, Protein A chromatography and cation
exchange chromatography as described in Example 1.
5. Oligosaccharide Analysis
[0284] Oligosaccharides are enzymatically released from the antibodies by
PNGaseF digestion, with the antibodies being either immobilized on a PVDF
membrane or in solution.
[0285] The resulting digest solution containing the released oligosaccharides are
either prepared directly for MALDI/TOF-MS analysis or are further digested with
EndoH glycosidase prior to sample preparation for MALDI/TOF-MS analysis.
The oligosaccharide release method for PVDF membrane-immobilized antibodies
and the oligosaccharide release method for antibodies in solution are carried out
as described in Example 1.
Use of Endoglycosidase H digestion of PNGaseF-released oligosaccharides for
the assignment of hybrid galactosvlated oligosaccharide structures to
MALDI/TOF-MS neutral oligosaccharide peaks
[0286] The PNGase released oligosaccharides are subsequently digested with
Endoglycosidase H (EC 3.2.1.96) as described in Example 1.
MALDI/TOF-MS
[0287] Samples containing the enzymatic digests containing the released
oligosaccharides are prepared for and subsequently run on a MALDI/TOF mass
spectrometer as described in Example 1.
6. Cell Preparation and Isolation
[0288] Peripheral b100d mononuclear cells (PBMC) are prepared using
Histopaque-1077 (Sigma Diagnostics Inc., St. Louis, M063178 USA) following
essentially the manufacturer's instructions and the protocol described in Example
1.
[0289] Human NK cells are isolated from PBMC applying a negative selection
procedure as described in Example 1.
8. ADCC Assay
[0290] PBMC or NK as effector cells are prepared as described above and
assayed for their ability to mediate cytotoxicity in an Antibody Dependent
Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) Assay as described in Example 1.
9. FcgammaRIIIA binding on NK cells and FcgammaRIIb binding
on Raji lymphoma cells
[0291] The binding of FcgammaRIIIA on freshly isolated NK cells and the
binding of FcgammaRIIb on Raji lymphoma cells is determined as described in
Example 1.
10. Complement dependent cytotoxicity assay
[0292] Complement dependent cytotoxicity assays are performed using antibody
dilutions according to the method described in Example 1.
Results and Discussion
[0293] Assays are carried out in order to demonstrate the impact of the
expression of genes encoding polypeptides with GalT activity on cell viability,
cell growth or antibody production, relative to cells not producing such
polypeptides.
[0294] The purified antibodies are analyzed for their glycosylation patterns by
MALDI/TOF-MS as described in Example 1. Using TIIIs technique, it is possible
to determine the fraction of different oligosaccharide species wiTIIIn the total,
original Fc-oligosaccharide population, and it is also possible to assign structures
to different peaks in the spectra (Umana, P. et al., Nature Biotechnol. 17:176-
180(1999)).
[0295] The unmodified antibody oligosaccharide profile is determined.
Specifically, it is determined if the engineering of the antibody producing cells
by expression of wild-type GalT leads mainly to galactosylated, core-fucosylated,
complex biantennary oligosaccharides. It is also determined if the engineering of
the antibody-producing cells by expression of a nucleic acid encoding a GnTI-
GalT fusion polypeptide, where the GalT catalytic domain is localized via the
GnTI Golgi localization domain, leads mainly to galactosylated complex
biantennary oligosaccharides relative to the wild-type GalT. If galactosylated,
non-fucosylated and galactosylated, hybrid structures are synthesized, these may
result from the competition between GalT and other glycosyltransferases or
glycosidases. It is expected that once an oligosaccharide is modified with a
galactose added via a GalT-catalyzed reaction, a1,6-core fucosyltransferase,
Golgi a-mannosidase II (ManII) and GnTII can no longer act to modify the
galactosylated oligosaccharides.
[0296] EndoH glycosidase digestion, which can distinguish between hybrid and
complex oligosaccharides is used evaluate the proportion of Fc-attached
galactosylated, non-fucosylated and galactosylated, hybrid oligosaccharides.
[0297] Tests are carried out to determine if the engineering of the antibody-
producing cells by expression of a nucleic acid encoding a ManII-GalT fusion
polypeptide, where the GalT catalytic domain is localized via the ManII Golgi
localization domain, leads mainly to galactosylated, non-fucosylated and
galactosylated, hybrid. Specifically, it is determined whether, relative to the
wild-type GalT and to the GnTI-GalT fusion, the ManII-GalT fusion is more
efficient in the synthesis of Fc-attached galactosylated, non-fucosylated and
galactosylated, hybrid oligosaccharides.
[0298] As mentioned above, endoglycosidase H (EndoH) is used to confirm the
assignment of galactosylated non-fucosylated and galactosylated, hybrid
structures to the different oligosaccharide peaks observed in the MALDI profiles.
Of the oligosaccharide galactose residues that carry a galactose residue, the
percentages of those structures that are non-fucosylated hybrid structures,
fucosylated hybrid and fucosylated complex oligosaccharide structures are
determined.
[0299] The impact of the level of GalT expression and the particular localization
domain that is used to target the GalT catalytic domain to the Golgi, on the
competition for GnTI-modified oligosaccharide substrates between the
recombinant GalT-catalytic domain and the endogenous core D1,6-
fucosyltransferase, ManII and GnTII enzymes is determined. The level of
antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) resulting from overexpression
in the antibody-producing cells of a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide with
GalT activity that is localized to the Golgi via different localization domains is
determined.
[0300] It is also determined whether glycoengineered antibodies produced by
expression in the antibody producing cells of a nucleic acid encoding a fusion
polypeptide with GalT activity have increased binding affinity to the human
activating Fc receptor FcgammaRIIIA or for the inhibitory FcgammaRIIb.
[0301] The GalT constructs will outcompete the activity of the endogenous core
Dl,6-fucosyltransferase, glycoengineering the Fc region of an antibody and,
consequently, increasing ADCC.
[0302] The oligosaccharide profile of an anti-CD20 antibody produced from
BHK cells growing in suspension and engineered for constitutive, high-level
expression of both the recombinant antibody and a fusion polypeptide with GalT
activity is determined. The relative percentages of the oligosaccharides of the
glycoengineered monoclonal antibody produced by the stable BHK-1502-28-11
cell line are also determined.
EXAMPLE 5
Materials and Methods
1. Construction of ManII and GnTII expression vectors
[0303] For construction of the ManII expression vector, a human mannosidase n
(SEQ ID NO: 17) cDNA was subcloned into an expression vector plasmid
downstream of the MPSV promoter and upstream of a synthetic rabbit beta-
globin polyadenylation signal. For the GnTII expression, an expression vector
plasmid is used with the human GnTII cDNA subcloned downstream of the
human CMV promoter/enhancer and upstream of a bovine growth hormone
polyadenylation signal.
Combination of the expression vectors with the replication origin oriP from
Epstein Barr virus.
[0304] A DNA fragment with oriP was subcloned as described in Example 1 into
the ManII expression vector described above to give ManII expression vector
pCLF9. A DNA fragment with oriP is subcloned as described in Example 1 into
the GnTII expression vector described above to give GnTII expression vector
pGnTII.
2. Transfection of HEK293-EBNA cells
[0305] Exponentially growing HEK293-EBNA cells were transfected as
described in Example 1. For the production of unmodified antibody "Cwt", the
cells were transfected with antibody expression vector (pETR1520). For the
production of the glycoengineered antibody "Cbrt", the cells were co-transfected
with two plasmids, one for antibody expression (pETR1520) and another for
fusion GnTIII polypeptide expression (pETR.1519) at aratio of 4:1, respectively.
For the production of the glycoengineered antibody "Cm", the cells were co-
transfected with three plasmids, one for antibody expression (pETR1520), one for
fusion GnTIII polypeptide expression (pETR1519), and one for mannosidase II
expression (pCLF9) at a ratio of 3:1:1, respectively. For the production of the
glycoengineered antibody "Cmg", the cells are co-transfected with four plasmids,
one for antibody expression (pETR1520), one for fusion GnTIII polypeptide
expression (pETRl 519), one for mannosidase II expression (pCLF9), and one for
GnTII expression (pGnTII) at aratio of 4:0.33:0.33:0.33, respectively.
3. Production and purification of unmodified and glycoengineered antibodies
[0306] The culture medium of the transfected cells above was replaced by fresh
culture medium approximately 16 hours post-transfection and the later medium
was then harvested after culturing the transfected cells for a further 120 hours.
Harvested supernatants were centrifuged for 5 min at 1200 rpm, followed by a
second centrifugation for 10 min at 4000 rpm and kept at 4°C.
Antibody purification
[03071 Monoclonal antibodies were purified from culture supernatants using two
sequential chromatographic steps, Protein A chromatography and cation
exchange chromatography as described in Example 1. For antibodies cwt7, cbrt5,
and cml, an additional size exclusion chromatography step using a Superdex 200
column (Amersham Pharmacia) and phosphate buffer saline was added after the
cation exchange step, and the monomeric antibody peak was collected.
4. Oligosaccharide Analysis
[0308] Oligosaccharides were enzymatically released from the antibodies in
solution by PNGaseF digestion as described in Example 1.
Use of Endoglvcosidase H digestion of PNGaseF-released oligosaccharides for
the assignment of hybrid bisected oligosaccharide structures to MALDI/TOF-MS
neutral oligosaccharide peaks
[0309] The PNGase released oligosaccharides were subsequently digested with
Endoglycosidase H (EC 3.2.1.96) as described in Example 1.
MALDI/TOF-MS
[0310] Samples containing the enzymatic digests containing the released
oligosaccharides were prepared for and subsequently ran on a MALDI7TOF mass
spectrometer as described in Example 1.
5. Cell Preparation and Isolation
[0311] Peripheral b100d mononuclear cells (PBMC) were prepared using
Histopaque-1077 (Sigma Diagnostics Inc., St. Louis, M063178 USA) following
essentially the manufacturer's instructions and the protocol described in Example
6. NK cell isolation
[0312] Human NK cells were isolated from PBMC applying a negative selection
procedure as described in Example 1.
7. ADCC Assay
[0313] PBMC as effector cells were prepared as described above and assayed for
their ability to mediate cytotoxicity in an Antibody Dependent Cellular
Cytotoxicity (ADCC) Assay as described in Example 1.
8. FcgammaRIIIA binding on NK cells
[0314] The binding of FcgammaRIIIA on freshly isolated NK cells and the
binding of FcgammaRItb was determined as described in Example 1.
9. Complement dependent cytotoxicity assay
[0315] Complement dependent cytotoxicity assays were performed using
antibody dilutions according to the method described in Example 1, with the
following modification for the preparation of the human complement source.
Briefly, normal human serum (NHS) was prepared from b100d of healthy
volunteers. The b100d was allowed to clot for one hour and then centrifuged at
1200 g for 20 min. The cell-free supernatant serum was aliquoted and stored at -
80°C. NHS was used at 20% of final assay volume.
Results and Discussion
[0316] Glycoengineered versions of an anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibody
(C2B8 chimeric antibody, also known as rituximab) were produced by co-
transfecting cultures of mammalian cells with vectors for expression of antibody
genes and with vectors for expression of genes encoding polypeptides with
GnTIII activity and mannosidasell. An additional glycoengineered antibody
version is also made by co-transfecting cultures of mammalian cells with vectors
for expression of antibody genes and with vectors for expression of genes
encoding polypeptides with GnTIII activity, mannosidasell activity, and GnTII
activity. For glycoengineered antibody "Cbrt", cells were co-transfected with
two plasmids, one for antibody expression (pETR1520), one for fusion GnTIII
polypeptide expression (pETR1519). For glycoengineered antibody "Cm", cells
were co-transfected with three plasmids, one for antibody expression
(pETRl 520), one for fusion GnTIII polypeptide expression (pETRl 519), and one
for mannosidase II expression (pCLF9). For glycoengineered antibody "Cmg",
cells are co-transfected with four plasmids, one for antibody expression
(pETRl 520), one for fusion GnTIII polypeptide expression (pETRl 519), one for
mannosidase II expression (pCLF9), and one for GnTII expression (pGnTII) at.
An unmodified (non-glycoengineered) version of the same antibody, "Cwt" was
produced by transfecting mammalian cells only with the vector for antibody gene
expression. The transfected cells were kept in culture for five days and the
secreted, recombinant antibodies were purified from the culture medium.
Expression of genes encoding polypeptides with GnTIII and ManII activity did
not have any significant effect on cell viability, cell growth or antibody
production, relative to cells not producing such glycosyltransferase or glycosidase
polypeptides.
[0317] The purified antibodies were then analyzed for their glycosylation
patterns. These antibodies carry N-linked oligosaccharides attached only to
Asn297 residue of the human IgGl Fc region. The oligosaccharides were
enzymatically removed from antibodies by PNGaseF digestion and were
subsequently analyzed by MALDI/TOF-MS. Using TIIIs technique, it is possible
to determine the fraction of different oligosaccharide species wiTIIIn the total,
original Fc-oligosaccharide population, and it is also possible to assign structures
to different peaks in the spectra (Umana, P. et a1, Nature Biotechnol. 17:176-
180(1999)).
[0318] Figure 26 shows the neutral oligosaccharide MALDI/TOF-MS profile
from the unmodified, recombinant C2B8 anti-CD20 chimeric IgGl antibody Cwt.
As for the unmodified antibody previously described in Example 1, Figure 5, Cwt
had a typical oligosaccharide profile, with peaks at m/z ratios of 1485,1648 and
1810 being consistent with biantennary, core-fucosylated, complex
oligosaccharides with 0,1- and 2-galactose residues, respectively. Engineering
of the antibody-producing cells by expression of a nucleic acid encoding a ManII-
GnTIII fusion polypeptide, where the GnTIII catalytic domain is localized via the
ManII Golgi localization domain led to the production of an antibody (Cbrt)
where the majority of the Fc-oligosaccharides were bisected, non-fucosylated
hybrid (see Figure 27). As described in Example 1, endoglycosidase H (EndoH)
was used to confirm the assignment of bisected non-fucosylated and bisected,
hybrid structures to the different oligosaccharide peaks observed in the MALDI
profiles.
[0319] Engineering of the antibody-producing cells by co-expression of a nucleic
acid encoding a ManII-GnTIII fusion polypeptide, where the GnTIII catalytic
domain is localized via the ManII Golgi localization domain, and a nucleic acid
encoding ManII, led to the production of an antibody (Cm) where the majority of
the Fc-oligosaccharides were bisected, non-fucosylated complex (see Figure 28).
Engineering of the antibody-producing cells by co-expression of a nucleic acid
encoding a Mann-GnTIII fusion polypeptide, where the GnTIII catalytic domain
is localized via the ManII Golgi localization domain, a nucleic acid encoding
ManII and a nucleic acid encoding GnTII, leads to the production of an antibody
(Cmg) where the majority of the Fc-oligosaccharides are bisected, non-
fucosylated complex, with a fraction of bisected, non-fucosylated complex Fc-
attached oligosaccharides even higher than that of antibody Cm.
[0320] Figure 29 shows data demonstrating increased antibody-dependent
cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) resulting from expression in the antibody-producing
cells of a nucleic acid encoding a ManII-GnTni fusion polypeptide, where the
GnTIII catalytic domain is localized via the ManII Golgi localization domain,
where the ManII-GnTni-encoding nucleic acid is expressed either on its own
(antibody Cbrt) or co-expressed in the antibody producing cells together with a
nucleic acid encoding ManII (Cm). Therefore, increasing the level of bisected,
non-fucosylated oligosaccharides of either the hybrid or complex type in the Fc
region of the glycoengineered antibodies leads to increased ADCC activity.
[0321] Natural killer (NK) cells are known to be important mediators of ADCC.
These cells carry on their surface the activating Fcgamma receptor IDA, also
known as CD 16a. Binding of the Fc region, of the target-cell bound antibodies,
to FcgammaRIIIA receptors on NK cells is essential for crosslinking of these
receptors on the NK cell and subsequent induction of ADCC. Therefore it is
important to evaluate the binding of the antibodies produced by the methods
described here to Fc receptors, in particular to receptors in the native form in
which the human immune effector cells display them. Figure 30 demonstrates
that glycoengineered antibodies produced by expression in the antibody
producing cells of a nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide with GnTEQ
activity, expressed either on its own (antibody Cbrt) or co-expressed in the
antibody producing cells together with a nucleic acid encoding ManII (Cm), have
increased binding affinity to the human activating Fc receptor FcgammaRIIIA.
As mentioned above for the ADCC assays, these antibodies have increased levels
of bisected, non-fucosylated oligosaccharides that result from the expression in
the antibody-producing cells of the fusion polypeptide with GnTIII activity.
[0322] Therefore, increasing the level of bisected, non-fucosylated
oligosaccharides of either the hybrid or complex type in the Fc region of the
glycoengineered antibodies leads to increased ADCC activity. The NK cells used
in TIIIs assay were from a donor of a genotype that does not express the
FcgammaRIIc receptor on their NK cells (Metes, D. et al. J. Immunol. Methods
258(l-2):85-95 (2001)). Therefore the only Fc receptor on the surface of these
cells is the activating FcgammaRIIIA receptor.
[0323] The binding domain of the activating FcgammaRIIIB receptor is almost
identical to that of the FcgammaRIIIA. Therefore, the above data also indicates
that glycoengineered antibodies described here can lead to increased effector
functions mediated by effector cells displaying the FcgammaRIIIB, such as
polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells, including release of toxic products and
phagocytosis ((Reff, M.E. and Heard, C. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 40(l):25-35
(2001), Daeron, FM. Annu. Rev. Immunol. 15:203-34 (1997), Ravetch, J.V. and
Bolland S. Annu. Rev. Immunol. 19:275-90 (2001)).
[0324] Cbrt, an anti-CD20 antibody produced in cells engineered for expression
of the nucleic acid encoding a fusion polypeptide with GnTIII activity and
localized to the Golgi via the ManII localization domain was tested also for
complement mediated lysis (CML), a different effector function that is not
dependent on Fc receptors on immune effector cells. The vast majority of the
oligosaccharides of TIIIs glycoengineered antibody were of bisected hybrid non-
fucosylated type. Reduced CML activity was observed for the Cbrt antibody
compared to the unmodified antibody Cwt (Figure 31). For some applications
antibodies with increased ADCC but with reduced CML may be desirable, for
example to reduce side effects, such as vasculitis in the b100d vessels at the tumor
site, mediated by CML. Other significant CML-mediated side-effects have been
observed for anti-CD20 antibody therapy (van der Kolk L.E. et al. Br J
Haematol. 115(4):807-11 (2001)). However, it is possible to produce
glycoengineered antibodies with increased ADCC activity and FcgammaRIII
binding, but without significantly reducing CML activity relative to the
unmodified antibody, as in the case of antibody Cm (Figure 31). Such antibodies
would be desirable for applications where maximal target cell elimination
requires both high ADCC and high complement activation and CML activity.
The oligosaccharide profiles described above show that is possible to engineer
cells to produce antibodies where a majority of the Fc-attached oligosaccharides
are of the bisected, non-fucosylated complex type instead of hybrid type by co-
expressing the GnTIII fusion polypeptide together with a nucleic acid encoding
ManII (antibody Cm) or together with a nucleic acid encoding ManII and with a
nucleic acid encoding GnTII (antibody Cmg). The glycoengineered antibodies
have increased ADCC activity and increased FcgammaRIII binding affinity that
correlates with their increased levels of bisected non-fucosylated
oligosaccharides, while their CML activity increased as the fraction of complex
oligosaccharides increases relative to the fraction of hybrid oligosaccharides.
[0325] TIIIs and the previous examples have described the expression of fusion-
polypeptide encoding nucleic acids, where the fusion polypeptide is localized to
the Golgi complex and has a catalytic domain that competes with endogenous
fucosyltransferases for oligosaccharide acceptors previously modified via GnTI-
catalyzed reactions. Recombinant glycoproteins produced by such engineered
host cells have increased levels of non-fucosylated oligosaccharides. TIIIs
example demonstrates that co-expression in such host cells of nucleic acids
encoding ManII and/or GnTII together with the above fusion-polypeptide
encoding nucleic acids, leads to an increase in the biosynthetic flux towards
complex instead of hybrid oligosaccharides and therefore to the synthesis of
glycoproteins with increased levels of non-fucosylated complex oligosaccharides
relative to glycoproteins produced in cells not co-expressing the ManII- and/or
GnTII-encoding nucleic acids.
EXAMPLE 6
Overexpression of a-Mannosidase
Molecular cloning
Human a-Mannosidase II
[0326] The gene coding for the human a-Mannosidase II ("hManII") (E.C.
3.2.1.114) (SEQ ID NO:17), under the control of the MPSV promoter, was
cloned in an expression vector containing the OriP element. The resulting
expression vector pCLF9 is shown in Figure 32A. The expression vectors coding
for the light and heavy chain of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody were
respectively pETRl 842 and pETR1843 (Figures 32B and 32C).
Fusion protein ManII-GalT
[0327] A fusion protein (SEQ ID NO:20), consisting of the hManII CTS and the
catalytic domain of the human ß 1,4-galactosyltransferase(M22921, amino acids
126-397) was constructed as described below. The hManII CTS region was
amplified by PCR from pETR1484 (CF33, GAB252). The catalytic domain of
GalT (amino acids 126-397) was amplified using CF31 and CF35 from
pBIueGalT. The hManII CTS was combined with the catalytic domain of GalT
to obtain a fusion protein controlled by the MPSV promoter (pCLF24). The
whole GalT gene was obtained from pBlueGalT. The gene coding for GalT was
sequenced (SEQ ID NO: 16):
MRLREPLLSGSAAMPGASLQRACRLLVAVCALHLGVTLVYYLAGRDLSR
LPQLVGVSTPLQGGSNSAAAIGQSSGELRTGGARPPPPLGASSQPRPGGDS
SPVVDSGPGPASNLTSVPVPHTTALSLPACPEESPLLVGPMLIEFNMPVDL
ELVAKQNPNVKMGGRYAPRDCVSPHKVAIIIPFKNRQEHLKYWLYYLHP
VLQRQQLDYGIYVINQAGDTIFNRAKLLNVGFQEALKDYDYTCFVFSDV
DLIPMNDHNAYRCFSQPRIIISVAMDKFGFSLPYVQYFGGVSALSKQQFLT
INGFPNNYWGWGGEDDDIFNRLVFRGMSISRPNAVVGRCRMIRIISRDKK.
NEPNPQRFDRIAHTKETMLSDGLNSLTYQVLDVQRYPLYTQITVDIGTPS
[0328] The 5' of GalT was amplified with CF32/CF38 and a Fsel restriction site
was added in front of the gene. The sequence was found correct by sequencing
and exchanged in pCLF24 by Fsel/Drain digestion (pCLF26). The OriP was
added to pCLF24 and pCLF26 to generate respectively pCLF25 and pCLF27
(Figures 33A and 33B).
Expression of a-Mannosidase and ManII-GalT in HEK 293-EBNA cells
[0329] HEK 293-EBNA cells were transfected with the calcium phosphate
method. Briefly, for the transfection of a T150,15 million cells were seeded 24
hours before transfection in 28 ml DMEM, 10% FCS, 250 µg/ml neomycin and
incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2 overnight.
[0330] For each T150 flask to be transfected, a solution of DNA, CaCl2 and
water was prepared by mixing 94 µg.total plasmid vector DNA, 469 µd of a 1M
CaCl2 solution, and adding water to a final volume of 938µl. To TIIIs solution, 938
µl of a 50mM HEPES, 280 mM NaCl, 1.5 mM Na2HP04 solution at pH 7.05 was
added and mixed immediately for 10 sec and left to stand at room temperature for
20 sec. The suspension was diluted with 24 ml of DMEM supplemented with 2%
FCS, and added to the T150 in place of the existing medium. The cells were
incubated at 37°C, 5% CO2 for about 17 to 20 hours, and the medium was
replaced with 30 ml DMEM, 10% FCS.
[0331] For testing the a-Mannosidase II effect on core-fucosyltransferase
competition, the cells were transfected with pETRl 842, pETR1843 and pCLF9 at
a ratio of 2:2:1 respectively. For the fusion protein ManII-GalT, the cells were
transfected with pETR1842, pETR1843 and pCLF25 at a ratio of 2:2:1
respectively. At day 5 post-transfection, supernatant was harvested, centrifuged
for 5 min at 1200 rpm, followed by a second centrifugation for 10 min at 4000
rpm, filtered and kept at 4°C.
Purification of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody
[0332] The monoclonal antibody was purified from 30 ml of supernatant by two
step chromatography, involving first aProtein A chromatography, to separate the
monoclonal antibody from the cow antibody present in the serum, followed by a
cation exchange chromatography, to buffer exchange the sample to PBS.
Oligosaccharide analysis
PNGaseF digestion
[0333] The monoclonal antibody sample (50 µg) was incubated with N-
Glycosidase F (recombinant, Roche, Switzerland) at 0.1 mU/µl. The digestion
was performed in 2mM Tris, pH7.0 buffer for 3 hours at 37°C. The released
neutral oligosaccharides were then incubated at 150mM acetic acid for 3 hours at
room temperature. The samples were then desalted with 0.6 ml cation exchange
resin (AG50W-X8 resin, hydrogen form, 100-200 mesh, BioRad, Hercules, CA)
packed into a micro bio-spin chromatography column (BioRad, Hercules, CA).
EndoH digestion
[0334] The PNGaseF released oligosaccharides were digested with
Endoglycosidase H (EC 3.2.1.96, ROCHE, Switzerland), an enzyme cleaving
between the N-acetylglucosamine residues of the chitobiose core of N-linked
oligosaccharides, prior to acetic acid treatment. The enzyme will cleave
oligomannose and most hybrid type glycans, whereas complex type
oligosaccharides are not hydrolyzed.
[0335] The oligosaccharides were digested with 0.2 mU/|il Endoglycosydase H
in 2mM Tris, pH 7.0. The digestion is performed at 37°C for 3 hours. The
oligosaccharides were incubated 3 h at room temperature at 150 mM acetic acid,
and subsequently desalted with 0.6 ml cation exchange resin (AG50W-X8 resin,
hydrogen form, 100-200 mesh, BioRad, Switzerland) packed into a micro bio-
spin chromatography column (BioRad, Switzerland).
Matrix and sample preparation
[0336] The 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid matrix (sDHB) was prepared by
dissolving 2 mg of 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid + 0.1 mg of 5-methoxysalicylic
acid in 1 ml of ethanol/10 mM aqueous sodium chloride 1:1 (v/v). 1 µl of
sample was applied to a stainless steel target, and 1 µl of sDHB matrix was
mixed. The samples were air-dried and 0.2 µl ethanol was applied.
MALDI/TOF analysis
[0337] The MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer used to acquire the mass spectra
was a Voyager Elite (Perspective Biosystems) equipped with delayed extraction.
The instrument was operated in the reflector mode. Positive ions were accelerated
to 20 kV after 75 ns delay. Five spectra of 40 shots (200 shots) were combined to
obtain the final spectrum. External calibration using oligosaccharide standards
was used for mass assignment of the ions.
Oligosaccharide profile
[0338] The oligosaccharide profile of the anti-CD20 antibody produced in the
presence of ManII is shown in Figure 34. The oligosaccharides found associated
to the Fc portion of the antibody are complex structures, 48% of which lack the
core fucose. The a-Mannosidase II competes with the core-Fucosyltransferase,
generating 48% of non-fucosylated oligosaccharide structures. In the absence of
a-Mannosidase II, the oligosaccharides of the Fc portion of the antibody are
composed only of fucosylated structures (wild type antibody).
[0339] The oligosaccharide profile of an anti-CD20 antibody produced in the
presence of the fusion protein ManII-GalT is shown in Figure 35A-B. As for a-
Mannosidase n, also in the case of the fusion protein ManII-GalT, the amount of
non-fucosylated oligosaccharide structures increases. A high percentage of non-
fucosylated structures consist in high mannose structures (m/z 1256, 1419 and
1581). To TIIIs 67% of non fucosylated sugars, an additional 30% of hybrid, non-
fucosylated structures were found (m/z 1622). Therefore, the sample produced in
the presence of the fusion protein ManII-GalT shows almost 100% of non-
fucosylated structures.
Biological activity of antibodies produced in the presence of a-Mannsosidase
II or fusion protein ManII-GalT
[0340] In order to determine the effect of the action of a-Mannosidase II and
ManII-GalT enzyme in the competition of the core-fucosyltransferase, relevant
biological assays were performed. The samples were tested for in vitro antibody-
dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and for binding to the CD 16 receptor
expressed on the surface of an engineered CHO cell line (CHO-1708-37).
IeG binding on CHO-1708-37
[0341] The cell line CHO-1708-37 expressed on its surface the Fc?RIIIA
receptor (CD 16) and the ? chain of the Fc?RI receptor. The expression of the
Fc?RIIIA receptor (CD 16) was assessed by FACS analysis using the 3G8-FITC
monoclonal antibody (Figure 36). The CHO-1708-37 cells were incubated at 1
Mio/ml in PBS, 0.1% BSA with different antibody variants, at different
concentrations (10, 3, 1, 0.3, 0.1 µg/ml) and in triplicates. The cells were
incubated for 30 min at 4°C and subsequently washed with PBS, 0.1% BSA.
Antibody binding was detected by incubating with 1:200 fluorescein
isoTIIIocyanate-conjugated F(ab')2 goat anti-human IgG (Jackson
ImmunoReasearch, West Grove, PA) for 30 min at 4°C. The fluorescence
intensity referring to the bound antibody variants was determined on a
FACSCalibur (BD Bioscience, San Jose, CA) gating living cells.
The following antibody variants were included in the binding assay experiment:
Cwt8 (wild type 1)
ManII (a-Mannosidase II)
[0342] The antibody produced in the presence of a-Mannosidase II (Mann)
binds to the Fc?RIIIA receptor with higher affinity than the wild type antibodies..
In vitro Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC)
[0343] Peripheral b100d mononuclear cells (PBMC) were prepared using
Histopaque-1077 (Sigma Diagnostics Inc., St. Louis, M063178 USA) and
following essentially the manufacturer's instructions. In brief, venuous b100d was
taken with heparinized syringes from volonteers who were asked to run for 1 min
at full power in order to increase the percentage of natural killer cells (NK) in the
b100d. The b100d was diluted 1:0.75-l .3 with PBS not containing Ca or Mg and
layered on Histopaque-1077. The gradient was centrifuged at 400g for 30 min at
room temperature (RT) without breaks. The interphase containing the PBMC was
collected and washed with PBS (50ml per cells from two gradients) and harvested
by centrifugation at 300g for 10 min at RT. After resuspension of the pellet with
PBS the PBMC were counted and washed a second time by centrifugation at
200g for 10 min at RT. The cells were then resuspended in the appropriate
medium for the subsequent procedures.
[0344] The Raji target cells were washed in PBS, counted and resuspended in
DMEM, 10% FCS,1% Glutamax at 1 Mio per ml. To these, 1:100 calcein was
added and cells were incubated for 30 min at 37°C. Cells were then washed in
PBS, counted and resuspended in AIM-V at 0.3 Mio per ml. Of TIIIs cell
suspension, 100 µl were added per well of a round bottom 96 well plate.
Antibodies were diluted in AIM-V, added in 50 µl to the preplated target cells
and allowed to bind to the targets for 10 min at RT. PBMC as effector cells were
prepared as described above. The effector to target ratio was 25:1. The effector
cells were prepared at 15 Mio per ml in AIM-V medium and 50 µl were added
per well. The plate was incubated for 4 hours at 37°C in a humified atmosphere
containing 5% CO2. Cells were washed twice in PBS and 200 µl of borate
solution were added. Killing of target cells was assessed by measuring the calcein
released in the medium after lysis with the borate solution (FIG 37).
[0345] Sponaneous release was measured from wells containing only target and
effector cells but no antibodies. Maximal release was determined from wells
containing only target cells and 1% Triton X-100. Percentage of specific
antibody-mediated killing was calculated as follows: ((x - SR)/(MR - SR)* 100,
where x is the mean of Vmax at a specific antibody concentration, SR is the mean
of Vmax of the spontaneous release and MR is the mean of Vmax of the maximal
release.
EXAMPLE 7
Use of Glycoengineered Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody to Treat
Psoriasis
[0346] Human patients with psoriasis can be treated with a glycoengineered anti-
EGFR monoclonal antibody produced according to the methods of the invention.
In particular, the patient receives weekly infusions of the glycoengineered
antibody at a loading dose of 400mg/m2. Maintenance doses of 250 mg/m2 are
administered on a weekly basis until complete response is achieved.
EXAMPLE 8
Use of Glycoengineered Anti-ErbB2 Monoclonal Antibody in the Treatment
of Metastatic Prostate Cancer, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Metastatic Colorectal
Cancer, and Stage IIIb or IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.
[0347] RhuMAb2C4 is a full-length, humanized monoclonal antibody (produced
in CHO cells) directed against ErbB2. KhuMab 2C4 blocks the associated of
ErbB2 with other ErbB family members thereby inhibiting intracellular signaling
through the ErbB pathway. RIIuMAb 2C4 not only inhibits the growth of ErbB2
overexpressing tumors but also blocks growth of tumors that require ErbB ligand-
dependent signaling.
[0348] A glycoengineered form of RIIuMAb 2C4 made by the methods of the
present invention can be used as a single agent for treatment of hormone-
refractory (androgen independent) prostate cancer patients, metastatic breast
cancer patients, metastatic colorectal cancer patients and patients with stage IIIb
or IV non-small cell lung cancer. Specifically, the glycoengineered RIIuMAb
2C4 is administered intravenously (IV) weekly or every three weeks at 2 or 4
mg/kg, respectively, until disease progression ceases. The antibody is supplied as
a multi-dose liquid formulation (20 mL fill at a concentration of 20 mg/mL or
higher concentration).
[0349] It will be clear that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as
particularly described in the foregoing description and examples. Numerous
modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the
above teachings and, therefore, are wiTIIIn the scope of the appended claims.
[0350] The entire disclosure of all publications (including patents, patent
applications, journal articles, laboratory manuals, books, or other documents)
cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.
WE CLAIM :
1. An isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence encoding a fusion polypeptide, wherein said
fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase in activity or ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase activity and comprises the Golgi localization domain of a mammalian
Golgi resident polypeptide.
2. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fusion polypeptide comprises
the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III or ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase.
3. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 2, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of mannosidase II.
4. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 3, having the nucleotide sequence shown in
Figure 24 and SEQ ID NO: 14.
5. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 2, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I.
6. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 5, having the nucleotide sequence shown in
Figure 25 and SEQ ID NO: 12.
7. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 2, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyItransferase II.
8. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 2, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of mannosidase I.
9. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 2, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of a 1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
10. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 3 comprising a sequence that encodes a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 24 and SEQ ID NO: 15.
11. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 5 comprising a sequence that encodes a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 25 and SEQ ID NO: 13.
12. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 3 comprising a sequence that hybridizes under
stringent conditions to a hybridization probe the nucleotide sequence of which consists of the
nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 24 and SEQ ID NO: 14.
13. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 5 comprising a sequence that hybridizes under
stringent conditions to a hybridization probe the nucleotide sequence of which consists of the
nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 25 and SEQ ID NO: 12.
14. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 3 comprising a sequence at least 80% identical
to the nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 24 and SEQ ED NO: 14.
15. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in comprising a sequence at least 80% identical to the
nucleotide sequence shown in Figure 25 and SEQ ED NO: 12.
16. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 3 comprising a sequence that encodes a
polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence
of Figure 24 and SEQ ID NO:15.
17. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 5 comprising a sequence that encodes a
polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 80% identical to the amino acid sequence
of Figure 25 and SEQ ED NO: 13.
18. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 3 comprising a sequence that encodes a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of Figure 24 and SEQ ID NO: 15 with
conservative amino acid substitutions.
19. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 5 comprising a sequence that encodes a
polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of Figure 25 and SEQ ED NO: 13 with
conservative amino acid substitutions.
20. An expression vector which comprises an isolated nucleic acid as claimed in any one of claims
1-19.
21. A fusion polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid as claimed in claim 1, having ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase III activity or ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase activity and
comprising the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous mammalian Golgi resident
polypeptide.
22. A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 21, comprising the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-N-
acetylglucosaminyltransferase in or ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase.
23. A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 21, wherein the Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of mannosidase II.
24. A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 21, wherein the Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I.
25. A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 21, wherein the Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of mannosidase I.
26. A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 21, wherein the Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II.
27. A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 21, wherein the Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of a1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
28. A method for producing a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase
HI activity or ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase activity comprising culturing a host cell engineered
to express the expression vector as claimed in claim 20 in a medium under conditions
allowing the expression of said nucleic acid encoding said fusion polypeptide and recovering
said fusion polypeptide from the resultant culture.
29. A method for modifying the glycosylation profile of a polypeptide produced by a host cell,
comprising introducing into said host cell the nucleic acid as claimed in any one of claims 1-
19.
30. A method for modifying the glycosylation profile of a polypeptide produced by a host cell,
comprising introducing into said host cell the expression vector as claimed in claim 20.
31. A method as claimed in claim 29 or 30, wherein said polypeptide is IgG or a fragment thereof.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein said polypeptide is IgGl or a fragment thereof.
33. A method as claimed in claim 31, wherein said polypeptide is a fusion protein that includes a
region equivalent to the Fc region of a human IgG.
34. A method for producing a polypeptide in a host cell, comprising:
a. culturing a host cell engineered to express at least one nucleic acid as claimed in claim
1, under conditions which permit the production of a polypeptide selected from the
group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment, and a fusion
protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin,
wherein said fusion polypeptide is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify the
oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host cell; and
b. isolating said polypeptide.
35. A method as claimed in claim 34 wherein said fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic
domain of ß(1,4)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase in or ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase.
36. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said fusion polypeptide further comprises the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide.
37. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of mannosidase II.
38. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyItransferase I.
39. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of mannosidase I.
40. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminy transferase II.
41. A method as claimed in claim 36, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of a 1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
42. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said polypeptide has increased Fc-mediated effector
function as a result of said modification.
43. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said increased effector function is increased Fc-
mediated cellular cytotoxicity.
44. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said increased effector function is increased binding
to NK cells.
45. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said increased effector function is increased binding
to macrophages.
46. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said increased effector function is increased binding
to monocytes.
47. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said increased effector function is increased binding
to polymorphonuclear cells.
48. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said increased effector function is direct signaling
inducing apoptosis.
49. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said increased effector function is increased
dendritic cell maturation.
50. A method as claimed in claim 42, wherein said increased effector function is increased T cell
priming.
51. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said polypeptide produced by said host cell exhibits
increased Fc receptor binding affinity as a result of said modification.
52. A method as claimed in claim 51, wherein said Fc receptor is Fc activating receptor.
53. A method according to claim 51, wherein said Fc receptor is Fc?RIIIA receptor.
54. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said polypeptide produced by said host cell has an
increased proportion of bisected oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide.
55. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said polypeptide produced by said host cell has an
increased proportion of nonfucosylated oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide.
56. A method as claimed in claim 55, wherein said nonfucosylated oligosaccharides are hybrid.
57. A method as claimed in claim 55, wherein said nonfucosylated oligosaccharides are complex.
58. A method as claimed in claim 34, wherein said polypeptide produced by said host cell has an
increased proportion of bisected, nonfiicosylated oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said
polypeptide.
59. A method as claimed in claim 58, wherein said bisected, nonfiicosylated oligosaccharides are
hybrid.
60. A method as claimed in claim 58, wherein said bisected, nonfiicosylated oligosaccharides are
complex.
61. A method as claimed in claim 58, wherein at least 20% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of said polypeptide are bisected, nonfiicosylated.
62. A method as claimed in claim 58, wherein at least 25% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of said polypeptide are bisected, nonfiicosylated.
63. A method as claimed in claim 58, wherein at least 30% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of said polypeptide are bisected, nonfiicosylated.
64. A method as claimed in claim 58, wherein at least 35% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of said polypeptide are bisected, nonfiicosylated.
65. An antibody engineered to have increased effector function produced by the method as
claimed in any one of claims 34-64.
66. An antibody engineered to have increased Fc receptor binding affinity produced by the method
as claimed in any one of claims 34-64.
67. An antibody as claimed in claim 66, wherein said increased effector function is increased Fc-
mediated cellular cytotoxicity.
68. An antibody as claimed in claim 66, wherein said increased effector function is increased
binding to NK cells.
69. An antibody as claimed in claim 66, wherein said increased effector function is increased
binding to macrophages.
70. An antibody as claimed in claim 66, wherein said increased effector function is increased
binding to monocytes.
71. An antibody as claimed in claim 66, wherein said increased effector function is increased
binding to polymorphonuclear cells.
72. An antibody as claimed in claim 66, wherein said increased effector function is direct
signaling inducing apoptosis.
73. An antibody as claimed in claim 66, wherein said increased effector function is increased
dendritic cell maturation.
74. An antibody as claimed in claim 66, wherein said increased effector function Is increased T
cell priming.
75. An antibody as claimed in claim 67, wherein said Fc receptor is Fc activating receptor.
76. An antibody as claimed in claim 67, wherein said Fc receptor is Fc?RIIIa receptor.
77. An antibody fragment containing the Fc region and engineered to have increased effector
function produced by the method as claimed in any one of claims 34-64.
78. A fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin and
engineered to have increased effector function produced by the method as claimed in any one
of claims 34-64.
79. An antibody fragment containing the Fc region and engineered to have increased Fc receptor
binding affinity produced by the method as claimed in any one of claims 34-64.
80. A fusion protein that comprises a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin and
engineered to have increased Fc receptor binding affinity produced by the method as claimed
in any one of claims 34-64.
81. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody as claimed in any of claims 65-77 and
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
82. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody fragment as claimed in claim 78 or
claim 80 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
83. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the fusion protein as claimed in claims 79 or 81 and
a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
84. A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 80, for the treatment of disease based on
B-cell depletion.
85. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 84, wherein said antibody is an anti-
CD20 monoclonal antibody.
86. The pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 85, wherein said anti-CD20 antibody is
IDEC-C2B8.
87. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 1, comprising a sequence encoding a fusion
polypeptide, wherein said fusion polypeptide has ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase activity and
comprises the Golgi localization domain of a mammalian Golgi resident polypeptide.
88. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in claim 87, wherein said fusion polypeptide comprises the
catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase.
89. An isolated nucleic acid as claimed in any one of claims 87-88, wherein said Golgi
localization domain is the localization domain of mannosidase II.
90. An expression vector which comprises an isolated nucleic acid as claimed in any one of claims
87-89.
91. A fusion polypeptide encoded by the nucleic acid as claimed in claim 1, having ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase activity and comprising the Golgi localization domain of a heterologous
mammalian Golgi resident polypeptide.
92. A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 91, comprising the catalytic domain of ß(1,4)-
galactosyltransferase.
93. A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 92, wherein the Golgi localization domain is the
localization domain of mannosidase II.
94. A method for producing a fusion polypeptide having ß(1,4)-galactosyltransferase activity
comprising culturing a host cell engineered to express the expression vector as claimed in
claim 90 under conditions allowing the expression of said nucleic acid encoding said fusion
polypeptide and recovering said fusion polypeptide from the resultant culture.
95. A method for modifying the glycosylation profile of a polypeptide produced by a host cell,
comprising introducing into said host cell the nucleic acid as claimed in any one of claims 87-
89.
96. A method for modifying the glycosylation profile of a polypeptide produced by a host cell,
comprising introducing into said host cell the expression vector as claimed in claim 90.
97. A method for producing a polypeptide in a host cell, comprising:
a. culturing a host cell engineered to express at least one nucleic acid as claimed in
claim 1 encoding a fusion polypeptide having GnT III activity and at least one a nucleic acid
encoding a polypeptide having Man II activity under conditions which permit the production of a
polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an antibody
fragment, and a fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an
immunoglobulin, wherein said fusion polypeptide is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify
the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host cell; and
b. isolating said polypeptide.
98.The method as claimed in claim 97, wherein said host cell is further engineered to express at
least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having GnT II activity.
99.A method as claimed in claim 97 or 98 wherein said fusion polypeptide comprises the catalytic
domain of GnT III.
100.A method as claimed in claim 99, wherein said fusion polypeptide comprises the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide.
101.A method as claimed in claim 100, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of mannosidase II.
102.A method as claimed in claim 100, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I.
103.A method as claimed in claim 100, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of mannosidase I.
104.A method as claimed in claim 100, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II.
105.A method as claimed in claim 100, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of a 1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
106.A method as claimed in claim 97, wherein said polypeptide has increased effector function as
a result of said modification.
107.A method for producing a polypeptide in a host cell, comprising:
a. culturing a host cell engineered to express at least one nucleic acid as claimed in claim
1 encoding a fusion polypeptide having GalT activity and at least one a nucleic acid encoding a
polypeptide having Man II activity under conditions which permit the production of a polypeptide
selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody molecule, an antibody fragment, and a
fusion protein that includes a region equivalent to the Fc region of an immunoglobulin, wherein
said fusion polypeptide is expressed in an amount sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in the
Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host cell; and
b. isolating said polypeptide.
108.The method as claimed in claim 107, wherein said host cell is further engineered to express at
least one nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having GnT II activity.
109.A method as claimed in claim 107 or 108 wherein said fusion polypeptide comprises the
catalytic domain of GalT.
110.A method as claimed in claim 109, wherein said fusion polypeptide comprises the Golgi
localization domain of a heterologous Golgi resident polypeptide.
111.A method as claimed in claim 110, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of mannosidase II.
112.A method as claimed in claim 110, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I.
113.A method as claimed in claim 110, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of mannosidase I.
114.A method as claimed in claim 110, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of ß(1,2)-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II.
115.A method as claimed in claim 110, wherein said Golgi localization domain is the localization
domain of a 1-6 core fucosyltransferase.
116.A method as claimed in claim 110, wherein said polypeptide has increased effector function
as a result of said modification.
117.A method as claimed in claim 97 or 107, wherein said polypeptide produced by said host cell
has an increased proportion of bisected, nonfucosylated oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said
polypeptide.
118.A method as claimed in claim 117, wherein said bisected, nonfucosylated oligosaccharides are
hybrid.
119.A method as claimed in claim 117, wherein said bisected, nonfucosylated oligosaccharides are
complex.
120.A method as claimed in claim 117, wherein at least 20% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of said polypeptide are bisected, nonfucosylated.
121. A method as claimed in claim 117, wherein at least 25% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of said polypeptide are bisected, nonfucosylated.
122.A method as claimed in claim 117, wherein at least 30% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of said polypeptide are bisected, nonfucosylated.
123.A method as claimed in claim 117, wherein at least 35% of the oligosaccharides in the Fc
region of said polypeptide are bisected, nonfucosylated.
124.An antibody engineered to have increased effector function produced by the method as
claimed in any one of claims 107-123.
125.A pharmaceutical composition comprising the antibody as claimed in claim 124 and a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
126.A pharmaceutical composition as claimed in claim 125, for the treatment of cancer.
127.A method for producing a polypeptide having increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity in a
host cell, comprising:
a. culturing a host cell engineered to express at least one nucleic acid as claimed in
claim 1 encoding GalT and at least one nucleic acid encoding Man II under conditions which
permit the production of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of a whole antibody
molecule, an antibody fragment that included the Fc region of an immunoglobulin, wherein the
expression level of one or both of GalT or Man II is sufficient to modify the oligosaccharides in
the Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host cell and wherein said polypeptide has
increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity as a result of said modification; and
b. isolating said polypeptide having increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity.
128.The method as claimed in claim 127, wherein in step (a), said host cell comprises at least one
nucleic acid encoding a whole antibody.
129.The method as claimed in claim 127, wherein in step (a), said host cell comprises at least one
nucleic acid encoding an antibody fragment.
130.The method as claimed in claim 127, wherein the expression level of GalT produces an
antibody molecule or antibody fragment that includes the Fc region of an immunoglobin having
increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity.
131.The method as claimed in claim 127, wherein said host cell further comprises at least one
nucleic acid encoding GnT III, wherein said GnT III is expressed in an amount sufficient to
modify the oligosaccharides in the Fc region of said polypeptide produced by said host cell and
wherein said polypeptide has increased Fc-mediated cellular cytotoxicity as a result of said
modification.
132.The method as claimed in any one of claims 127 or 131, wherein the expression level of one
or more of GalT, Man II or GnT III is sufficient to form bisected oligosaccharides in the Fc region
of said polypeptide.
133. The method as claimed in claim 132, wherein the proportion of bisected oligosaccharides
in the Fc region to total oligosaccharides in the Fc region is at least 45 percent.
134.The method as claimed in claim 132, wherein said bisected oligosaccharides are complex.
135.The method as claimed in claim 132, wherein said bisected oligosaccharides are hybrid.
136.The method as claimed in any one of claims 127 or 131, wherein said host cell is a yeast cell.
137.The method as claimed in any one of claims 127 or 131, wherein said host cell is a hybridoma
cell.
138.An isolated nucleic acid molecule as claimed in claim 89 comprising SEQ ID NO: 19.
139.A fusion polypeptide as claimed in claim 93 comprising SEQ ID NO:20.

The present invention relates to the field of glycosylation engineering of proteins. More particularly, the present
invention relates to nucleic acid molecules, including fusion constructs, having catalytic activity and the use of same in glycosylation
engineering of host cells to generate polypeptides with improved therapeutic properties, including antibodies with increased Fc
receptor binding and increased effector function.

Documents:

01628-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

01628-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

01628-kolnp-2005-description complete.pdf

01628-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

01628-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

01628-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

01628-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

01628-kolnp-2005-international publication.pdf

1628-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1628-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27-1.1.pdf

1628-KOLNP-2005-FORM 27.pdf

1628-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-assignment.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-correspondence.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-examination report.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-form 13.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-form 18.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-form 3.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-form 5.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-gpa.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1628-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 235912
Indian Patent Application Number 1628/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 36/2009
Publication Date 04-Sep-2009
Grant Date 03-Sep-2009
Date of Filing 16-Aug-2005
Name of Patentee GLYCART BIOTECHNOLOGY AG
Applicant Address WAGISTRASSE 18, SCHLIEREN, CH-8952, ZURICH
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 UMANA PABLO KAEFERHOLZSTRASSE 262, CH-8046, ZURICH
2 BRUENKER PETER BURG WIESENSTRASSE 3C, CH-8335, HITTNAU
3 FERRARA CLAUDIA HALLWYLSTRASSE 27, CH-8004, ZURICH
4 SUTER TOBIAS WEITE GASSE 13, CH-5400, BADEN
PCT International Classification Number C12N 9/10
PCT International Application Number PCT/IB2004/000844
PCT International Filing date 2004-01-22
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/441,307 2003-01-22 U.S.A.
2 60/491,254 2003-07-31 U.S.A.
3 60/495,142 2003-08-15 U.S.A.