Title of Invention

A HUMANIZED ANTIBODY THAT BINDS HUMAN CD-20 OR AN ANTIGEN-BINDING FRAGMENT THEREOF

Abstract The invention provides humanized and chimeric anti CD20 antibodies for the treatment of CD20 positive malignancies and autoimmune diseases.
Full Text FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to anti CD20 antibodies and their use in the treatment of B-cell related
diseases.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Lymphocytes are one of several populations of white blood cells; they specifically recognize and
respond to foreign antigen. The three major classes of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes (B cells), T
lymphocytes (T cells) and natural killer (NK) cells. B lymphocytes are the cells responsible for antibody
production and provide humoral immunity. B cells mature within the bone marrow and leave the marrow
expressing an antigen-binding antibody on (heir cell surface. When a naive B cell first encounters the
antigen for which its membrane-bound antibody is specific, the cell begins to divide rapidly and its progeny
differentiate into memory B cells and effector cells called "plasma cells". Memory B cells have a longer life
span and continue to express membrane-bound antibody with the same specificity as the original parent cell-
Plasma cells do not produce membrane-bound antibody but instead produce secreted form of the antibody.
Secreted antibodies are the major effector molecules of humoral immunity.
The CD20 antigen (also called human B-lymphocyte-resrricted differentiation antigen, Bp35) is a
hydrophobic transmembrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 35 fcD located on pre-B and
mature B lymphocytes (Valentine et al. J. Biol. Chem. 264(19): 11282-11287 (1989); and Einfeld et al.
EMBOJ. 7(3):711-717 (1988)). The antigen is also expressed on greater than 90% of B cell non-Hodgkin's
lymphomas (NHL) (Anderson et al. Blood 63(6): 1424-1433 (1984)), but is not found on hematopoietic stem
cells, pro-B cells, normal plasma cells or other normal tissues (Tedder et al. J. Immunol. 135(2):973-979
(1985)). CD20 is thought to regulate an early stcp(s) in the activation process for cell cycle initiation and
differentiation (Tedder et al., supra) and possibly functions as a calcium ion channel (Tedder et al. J. Celt
Biocliem. 14D: 195 (1990)).
Given the expression of CD20 in B cell lymphomas, this antigen has been a useful therapeutic
target to treat such lymphomas. There are more than 300,000 people in the United States with B-cell NHL
and more than 56,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. For example, the rituximab (RTTUXAN®)
antibody which is a genetically engineered chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody directed against
human CD20 antigen (commercially available from Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, U.S.)
is used for the treatment of patients widh relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20 positive, B cell
non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Rituximab is the antibody referred to as "C2BS" in US Patent No. 5,736,137
issued April 7, 1998 (Anderson et al.) and in US Pat No. 5,776,456. In vitro mechanism of action studies
have demonstrated that RTTUXAN® binds human complement and lyses lymphoid B cell lines through
complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) (Reff et al. Blood 83(2):435-445 (1994)). Additionally, it has
significant activity in assays for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCQ. In vivo preclinical
studies have shown that RTTUXAN® depletes B cells from the peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and bone
marrow of cynomolgus monkeys, presumably through complement and cell-mediated processes (Rcff et al.
Blood 83(2):435-445 (1994)). Other anti-CD20 antibodies indicated for the treatment of NHL include the
murine antibody Zevalin™ which is linked to die radioisotope, Yttrium-90 (IDEC Pharmaceuticals, San
Diego, CA), Bexxar™ which is a another fully murine antibody conjugated to 1-131 (Corixa, WA).
A major limitation in the use of murine antibodies in human therapy is the human anti-mouse
antibody (HAMA) response (see, e.g., Miller, R.A. et al. "Monoclonal antibody therapeutic trials in seven
patients withT-cell lymphoma" Blood, 62:988-995, 1983; and Schrofif, R.W., et al. "Human anti-murine
immunoglobulin response in patients receiving monoclonal antibody therapy" Cancer Res., 45:879-885,
1985). Even chimeric molecules, where the variable (V) domains of rodent antibodies are fused to human
constant (C) regions, are still capable of eliciting a significant immune response (HACA, human anti-
chimeric antibody) (Neuberger et aL Nature (Lond.), 314:268-270,1985). A powerful approach to
overcome these limitations in the clinical use of monoclonal antibodies is "humanization" of the murine
antibody or antibody from a non-human species (Jones et al. Nature (Lond), 321:522-525,1986; Riechman
et al. Nature (Lond), 332323-327,1988).
Thus, it is beneficial to produce therapeutic antibodies to me CD20 antigen that create minimal or
no antigenicity when administered to patients, especially for chronic treatment The present invention
satisfies this and other needs. The present invention provides anti-CD20 antibodies mat overcome the
limitations of current therapeutic compositions as well as offer additional advantages that will be apparent
from the detailed description below.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides CD20 binding antibodies or functional fragments thereof, and their
use in the treatment of B-cell associated diseases. These antibodies are monoclonal antibodies. In specific
embodiments, the antibodies that bind CD20 are humanized or chimeric. The humanized 2H7 variants
include those that have amino acid substitutions in the FR and affinity maturation variants with changes in
the grafted CDRs. The substituted amino acids in the CDR or FR arc not limited to those present in the
donor or recipient antibody. In oilier embodiments, the anti-CD20 antibodies of die invention further
comprise changes in amino acid residues in the Fc region that lead to improved effector function including
enhanced CDC and/or ADCC function and B-ccll killing (also referred to herein as B-cell depletion). Other
anti-CD20 antibodies of the invention include those having specific changes that improve stability. In a
specific embodiment, the humanized 2H7 variants with increased stability arc as described in example 6
below. Fucose deficient variants having improved ADCC function in vivo are also provided. In one
embodiment, the chimeric anti-CD20 antibody has murine V regions and human C region. One such
specific chimeric anti-CD20 antibody is Rituxan® (Rituximab®; Genentech, Inc.).
In a preferred embodiment of all of die antibody compositions and methods of use of tins invention,
the humanized CD20 binding antibody is 2H7.vl6 having the light and heavy chain amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NO. 21 and 22, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. When referring to the polypeptide
sequences in Figures 6,7 and 8, it should be understood that the first 19 or so amino acids that form the
secretory signal sequence are not present in the mature polypeptide. The V region of all other variants based
on version 16 will have the amino acid sequences of vl6 except at the positions of amino acid substitutions
witch are indicated in the disclosure. Unless otherwise indicated, the 2H7 variants will have the same L
chain as that of vl6.
The invention provides a humanized antibody that binds human CD20, or an antigen-binding
fragment thereof, wherein the antibody is effective to deplete primate B cells in vivo, the antibody
comprising in the H chain Variable region (Vh) at least a CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID NO. 12 from an anti-
human CD20 antibody and substantially the human consensus framework (FR) residues of human heavy
chain subgroup HI (VHIII). In one embodiment, the primate B cells are from human and Cynomolgus
monkey. In one embodiment, the antibody further comprises the H chain CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO.
10 and CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO. 11. In another embodiment, the preceding antibody comprises the L
chain CDR1 sequence of SEQ ID NO. 4, CDR2 sequence of SEQ ID NO. 5, CDR3 sequence of SEQ ID
NO. 6 with substantially the human consensus framework (FR) residues of human light chain k subgroup I
(VkI). In a preferred embodiment, the FR region in VL has a donor antibody residue at position 46; in a
specific embodiment, FR2 in VL has an amino acid substitution of leuL46pro (Leu in the human id
consensus sequence changed to pro which is present in the corresponding position in m2H7).
The VH region further comprises a donor antibody residue at at least amino add positions 49,71 and 73 in
the framework. In one embodiment, in the VH, the following FR positions in the human heavy chain
subgroup HI are substituted: AlaH49Gly in FR2;ArgH71Val and AsnH73Lys in FR3. In other
embodiments, the CDR regions in the humanized antibody further comprise amino acid substitutions where
the residues are neither from donor nor recipient antibody.
The antibody of the preceding embodiments can comprise the VH sequence of SEQ ID NO.8 of
vl6, as shown in FIG. IB. In a further embodiment of the preceding, the antibody further comprises the VL
sequence of SEQ ID NO.2 of vl6, as shown in FIG. 1 A.
In other embodiments, the humanized antibody is 2H7.v31 having the light and heavy chain amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2 and 23, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8; 2H7.v31 having me
heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 23 as shown in FIG. 8; 2H7.v96 with the amino acid
substitutions of D56A and N100A in the H chain and S92A in the L chain of v!6.
In separate embodiments, the antibody of any of the preceding embodiments further comprises at
least one amino acid substitution in the Fc region that improves ADCC and/or CDC activity over the original
or parent antibody from which it was derived, v.16 being the parent antibody being compared to in most
cases, and Rituxan in other cases. One such antibody with improved activity comprises the triple Alanine
substitution of S298 A/E333A/K334A in the Fc region. One antibody having S298A/E333 A/K334A
substitution is 2H7. v31 having the heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 23. Antibody
2H7.vl 14 and 2H7.vl 15 show at least 10-fold improved ADCC activity as compared to Rituxan.
In another embodiment, the antibody further comprises at least one amino acid substitution in the
Fc region that decreases CDC activity as compared to the parent antibody from which it was derived which
is vl6 in most cases: One such antibody with decreased CDC activity as compared to vl comprises at least
the substitution K322A in the H chain. The comparison of ADCC and CDC activity can be assayed as
described in the examples.
In a preferred embodiment, the antibodies of me invention are fall length antibodies wherein the VH
region is joined to a human IgG heavy chain constant region. In preferred embodiments, the IgG is human
IgGl orIgG3.
In one embodiment, the CD20 binding antibody is conjugated to a cytotoxic agent In preferred
embodiments the cytotoxic agent is a toxin or a radioactive isotope.
In one embodiment, the antibodies of the invention for use in therapeutic or diagnostic purposes are
produced in CHO cells.
Also provided is a composition comprising an antibody of any one of the preceding embodiments,
and a carrier. In one embodiment, the carrier is a phannaceutically acceptable carrier. These compositions
can be provided in an article of manufacture or a kit
The invention also provided a liquid formulation comprising a humanized 2H7 antibody at
20mg/mL antibody, lOmM histidine sulfate pHS.8,60mg/ml sucrose (6%), 0.2 mg/ml polysorbate 20
(0.02%).
The invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid that encodes any of trie antibodies disclosed
herein, including an expression vector for expressing the antibody.
Another aspect of the invention are host cells comprising the preceding nucleic acids, and host cells
that produce the antibody. In a preferred embodiment of the latter, the host cell is a CHO cell. A method of
producing these antibodies is provided, the method comprising culturing the host cell that produces the
antibody and recovering the antibody from the cell culture.
Yet another aspect of the invention is an article of manufacture comprising a container and a
composition contained therein, wherein the composition comprises an antibody of any of the preceding
embodiments. For use in treating NHL, the article of manufacture further comprises a package insert
indicating that the composition is used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
A further aspect of the invention is a method of inducing apoptosis in B cells in vivo, comprising
contacting B cells with the antibody of any of the preceding, thereby killing the B cells.
The invention also provides methods of treating the diseases disclosed herein by administration of a
CD20 binding antibody or functional fragment thereof, to a mammal such as a human patient suffering from
the disease. In any of the methods for treating an autoimmune disease or a CD20 positive cancer, in one
embodiment, the antibody is 2H7.vl6 having the light and heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.
21 and 22, respectively, as shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7. Thus, one embodiment is a method of treating a
CD20 positive cancer, comprising administering to a patient suffering from the cancer, a therapeutically
effective amount of a humanized CD20 binding antibody of the invention. In preferred embodiments, the
CD20 positive cancer is a B cell lymphoma or leukemia including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) or
lymphocyte predominant Hodgkm's disease (LPHD), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or SLL. In one
embodiment of the method of treating a B cell lymphoma or leukemia, the antibody is administered at a
dosage range of about 275-375mg/m2. In additional embodiments, the treatment method further comprises
administering to the patient at least one chemotherapeutic agent, wherein for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
(NHL), the chemotherapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide,
vincristine and prednisolone.
Also provided is a method of treating an autoimmune disease, comprising administering to a patient
suffering from the autoimmune disease, a therapeutically effective amount of the humanized CD20 binding
antibody of any one of the preceding claims. The autoimmune disease is selected from the group consisting
of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Wegener's
disease, inflammatory bowel disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (TIP), thrombotic
thrombocytopenic purpura (TIP), autoimmune (farombocytopenia, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, IgA
nephropathy, IgM polyneuropathies, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis, diabetes mellitus, Reynaud's syndrome,
Sjorgen's syndrome and glomerulonephritis. Where the autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis, the
antibody can be administered in conjunction with a second therapeutic agent which is preferably
methotrexate.
In these treatment methods, the CD20 binding antibodies can be administered alone or in
conjunction with a second therapeutic agent such as a second antibody, or a chemotherapeutic agent or an
immunosuppressive agent The second antibody can be one that binds CD20 or a different B cell antigen, or
a NK or T cell antigen. In one embodiment, the second antibody is a radiolabeled anti-CD20 antibody. In
other embodiments, the CD20 binding antibody is conjugated to a cytotoxic agent including a toxin or a
radioactive isotope.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating an autoimmune disease selected from
the group consisting of Dennatomyositis, Wegner's granulomatosis, ANCA, Aplastic anemia, Autoimmune
hemolytic anemia (AHA), factor VHT deficiency, hemophilia A, Autoimmune neutropenia, Castleman's
syndrome, Goodpasture's syndrome, solid organ transplant rejection, graft versus host disease (GVHD), IgM
mediated, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, autoimmune hepatitis,
lymphoid interstitial pneumonitis (HIV), bronchiolitis obliterans (non-transplant) vs. NSIP, Guillain-Barre
Syndrome, large vessel vasculitis, giant cell (Takayasu's) arteritis, medium vessel vasculitis, Kawasaki's
Disease, polyarteritis nodosa, comprising administering to a patient suffering from the disease, a
therapeutically effective amount of a CD20 binding antibody. In one embodiment of mis method, me CD20
binding antibody is Rituxan®.
The invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID
NO.: _of me Cynomolgus monkey CD20 (shown in FIG. 19), or a degenerate variant of mis sequence. One
embodiment is an isolated nucleic acid comprising a sequence that encodes a polypeptide with the amino
acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. _ (shown FIG. 20), or SEQ ID NO. _ (FIG. 20) with conservative amino acid
substitutions. Another embodiment is a vector comprising the preceding nucleic acid, including an
expression vector for expression in a host cell. Included as well is a host cell comprising the vector. Also
provided is an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence [SEQ ID NO. _; FIG. 20] of the
Cynomolgus monkey CD20.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. IA is a sequence alignment comparing the amino acid sequences of the light chain variable
domain (Vl) of each of murine 2H7 (SEQ ID NO. I), humanized 2H7. vl6 variant (SEQ ID NO. 2 ), and
human kappa light chain subgroup I (SEQ ED NO. 3). The CDRs of VL of 2H7 and hu2H7.vl6 are as
follows: CDR1 (SEQ ID NO.4), CDR2 (SEQ ID NO.5 ), and CDR3 (SEQ ED NO.6).
FIG. IB is a sequence alignment which compares the Vh sequences of murine 2H7 (SEQ ID NO.
7), humanized 2H7.vl6 variant (SEQ ID NO. 8), and the human consensus sequence of heavy chain
subgroup m (SEQ ID NO. 9). The CDRs of V„ of 2H7 and hu2H7.vl6 are as follow: CDR1 (SEQ ED
NO. 10), CDR2 (SEQ ID NO.l 1), and CDR3 (SEQ ID NO.12).
In FIG. 1A and FIG. IB, the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 in each chain are enclosed within brackets,
flanked by the framework regions, FR.1-FR4, as indicated. 2H7 refers to the marine 2H7 antibody. The
asterisks in between two rows of sequences indicate the positions that are different between the two
sequences. Residue numbering is according to Rabat et aL, Sequences of Immunological Interest 5th Ed.
Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991), with insertions shown as a, b, c,
d, ande.
FIG. 2 shows the sequence of phagemid pVX4 (SEQ ID NO. 13) used for construction of 2H7 Fab
plasmids (see Example 1) as well as the amino acid sequences of the L chain (SEQ ID NO.14) and H chain
(SEQ ID NO.15) of the Fab for me CDR-grafted anti-IFN-a humanized antibody.
FIG. 3 shows the sequence of the expression plastnid which encodes the chimeric 2H7.v6.8 Fab
(SEQ ID NO.16). The amino acid sequences of the L chain (SEQ ID NO.17) and H chain (SEQ ID NO.18)
are shown.
FIG. 4 shows the sequence of the plasmid pDRl (SEQ ID NO.19; S391 bp) for expression of
immunoglobulin light chains as described in Example 1. pDRl contains sequences encoding an irrelevant
antibody, the light chain of a humanized anti-CD3 antibody (Shalaby et aL, J. Exp. Med. 175:217-225
(1992)), the start and stop codons for which are indicated in bold and underlined.
FIG. 5 shows the sequence of plasmid pDR2 (SEQ ID NO.20; 6135 bp) for expression of
immunoglobulin heavy chains as described in Example I. pDR2 contains sequences encoding an irrelevant
antibody, the heavy chain of a humanized anti-CD3 antibody (Shalaby et aL, supra), the start and stop
codons for which are indicated in bold and underlined.
FIG. 6 shows the amino acid sequence of the 2H7.vI 6 complete L chain (SEQ ID NO.21). The first
19 amino acids before DIQ are the secretory signal sequence not present in the mature polypeptide chain.
FIG. 7 shows the amino acidsequence of the 2H7.vl6 complete H chain (SEQ ID NO.22). The
first 19 amino acids before EVQ before are the secretory signal sequence not present in me mature
polypeptide chain. Aligning the VH sequence in FIG. IB (SEQ ID NO. 8) with the complete H chain
sequence, the human y I constant region is from amino acid position 114-471 in SEQ ID NO. 22.
FIG. 8 shows the amino acid sequence of the 2H7.v31 complete H chain (SEQ ID N0.23). The
first 19 amino acids before EVQ before are the secretory signal sequence not present in the mature
polypeptide chain. The L chain is the same as for 2H7.vl 6 (see FIG. 6).
FIG. 9 shows the relative stability of 2H7.vl 6 and 2H7.v73 IgG variants. Assay results were
normalized to the values prior to incubation and reported as percent remaining after incubation.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart summarizing the amino acid changes from the murine 2H7 to a subset of
humanized versions up to v75.
FIG. 11 is a summary of mean absolute B-cell count [CD3VCD40+] in all groups (2H7 study and
Rituxan study combined), as described in Example 10.
FIG. 12 shows the results of a representative ADCC assay on fucose deficient 2H7 variants as
described in Example 11.
FIG. 13 shows the results of the Annexin V staining plotted as a function of antibody concentration.
Ramos cells were treated with an irrelevant IgGl control antibody (Herceptin®; circles), Rituximab
(squares), or rhuMAb 2H7.vl6 (triangles) in the presence of a crosslinking secondary antibody and were
analyzed by FACS. Figures 13-15 are described in Example 13.
FIG. 14 shows the results of the Annexin V and propidium iodide double-staining are plotted as a
function of antibody concentration. Ramos cells were treated with an irrelevant IgGl control antibody
(Herceptin®; circles), Rituximab (squares), or rhuMAb 2H7.vl6 (triangles) in the presence of a crosslinking
secondary antibody and were analyzed by FACS.
FIG. IS shows the counts (per 10 s) of live, unstained cells are plotted as a function of antibody
concentration. Ramos cells were treated with an irrelevant IgGl control antibody (Herceptin®; circles),
Rituximab (squares), or rhuMAb 2H7.V16 (triangles) in the presence of a crosslinking secondary antibody
and were analyzed by FACS.
FIGs. 16,17,18 show inhibition of Raj i cell tumor growth in nude mice, as described in Example
14. Animals were treated weekly (as indicated by vertical arrows; n=8 mice per group) for 6 weeks with
PBS (control) or withRituxan® or rhuMAb 2H7.vl6 at 5 mg/kg (FIG. 16), 0.5 mg/kg (FIG. 17), or 0.05
mg/kg(FIG. 18).
FIG. 19 shows the nucleotide (SEQ ID NO. _ ) and amino acid (SEQ ID NO. _ ) sequences of
i.
Cynomolgus monkey CD20, as described in Example IS.
FIG. 20 shows die amino acid sequence for cynomolgus monkey CD20. Residues mat differ from
human CD20 are underlined and the human residues are indicated directly below the monkey residue. The
putative extracellular domain of the monkey CD20 is in bold type.
FIG. 21 shows die results of Cynomolgus monkey cells expressing CD20 binding to hu2H7.vl6,
. v31, and Rituxan, as described in Example 15. The antibodies were assayed for the ability to bind and
displace FITC-conjugated murine 2H7 binding to cynomolgus CD20.
FIG. 22 shows dose escalation schema for rheumatoid arthritis phase VD. clinical trial.
FIG. 23 shows die vector for expression of 2H7.vl6 in CHO cells.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The "CD20" antigen is a non-gtycosylated, transmembrane phosphoprotetn with a molecular weight
of approximately 35 kD mat is found on the surface of greater than 90% of B cells from peripheral blood or
lymphoid organs. CD20 is expressed during early pre-B cell development and remains until plasma cell
differentiation; it is not found on human stem cells, lymphoid progenitor cells or normal plasma cells. CD20
is present on both normal B cells as well as malignant B cells. Other names for CD20 in the literature
include "B-Iymphocyte-restricted differentiation antigen" and "Bp35". The CD20 antigen is described in, for
example, Clark and Ledbetter, Adv. Can. Res. 52:81-149 (1989) and Valentine et al. J. Biol. Giem.
264(19): 11282-11287 (1989).
The term "antibody" is used in the broadest sense and specifically covers monoclonal antibodies
(including full length monoclonal antibodies), multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), and
antibody fragments so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity or function.
The biological activity of the CD20 binding and humanized CD20 binding antibodies of the
invention will include at least binding of the antibody to human CD20, more preferably binding to human
and other primate CD20 (including cynomolgus monkey, rhesus monkey, chimpanzees). The antibodies
would bind CD20 with a K4 value of no higher than 1 x 10"8, preferably a K 10", and be able to kill or deplete B cells in vivo, preferably by at least 20% when compared to the
appropriate negative control which is not treated with such an antibody. B cell depletion can be a result of
one or more of ADCC, CDC, apoptosis, or other mechanism. In some embodiments of disease treatment
herein, specific effector functions or mechanisms may be desired over others and certain variants of the
humanized 2H7 are preferred to achieve those biological functions, such as ADCC.
"Antibody fragments" comprise a portion of a full length antibody, generally the antigen binding or
variable region thereof. Examples of antibody fragments include Fab, Fab', F(ab'h, and Fv fragments;
diabodics; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody molecules; and multispecific antibodies formed from
antibody fragments.
"Fv" is the minimum antibody fragment which contains a complete antigen-recognition and -
binding site. This fragment consists of a dimer of one heavy- and one light-chain variable region domain in
tight, non-covalent association. From the folding of these two domains emanate six. hypervariable loops (3
loops each from the H and L chain) that contribute the amino acid residues for antigen binding and confer
antigen binding specificity to the antibody. However, even a single variable domain (or half of an Fv
comprising only three CDRs specific for an antigen) has the ability to recognize and bind antigen, although
at a lower affinity than the entire binding site.
The term "monoclonal antibody" as used herein refers to an antibody obtained from a population of
substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical
except for possible naturally occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts. Monoclonal
antibodies are highly specific, being directed against a single antigenic site. Furthermore, in contrast to
conventional (polyclonal) antibody preparations which typically include different antibodies directed against
different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonal antibody is directed against a single determinant on the
antigen. The modifier "monoclonal" indicates the character of the antibody as being obtained from a
substantially homogeneous population of antibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring production of
the antibody by any particular method. For example, the monoclonal antibodies to be used in accordance
with the present invention may be made by the hybridoma method first described by Kohler et al, Nature
256:495 (1975), or may be made by recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567). The
"monoclonal antibodies" may also be isolated from phage antibody libraries using the techniques described
in Clackson et al., Nature 352:624-628 (1991) and Marks et al.. J. Mol. Biol. 222:581-597 (1991), for
example.
"Functional fragments" of the CD20 binding antibodies of the invention are those fragments that
retain binding to CD20 with substantially the same affinity as the intact full length molecule from which
tfiey are derived and show biological activity including depleting B cells as measured by in vitro or in vivo
assays such as mose described herein.
The term "variable" refers to the fact that certain segments of (die variable domains differ
extensively in sequence among antibodies. The V domain mediates antigen binding and define specificity of
a particular antibody for its particular antigen. However, the variability is not evenly distributed across the
110-amino acid span of the variable domains. Instead, the V regions consist of relatively invariant stretches
called framework regions (FRs) of 15-30 amino acids separated by shorter regions of extreme variability
called "hypervariable regions" mat are each 9-12 amino acids long. The variable domains of native heavy
and light chains each comprise four FRs, largely adopting a 0-sheet configuration, connected by three
hypervariable regions, which form loops connecting, and in some cases forming part of, the p-sheet
structure. The hypervariable regions in each chain are held together in close proximity by the FRs and, with
the hypervariable regions from the other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen-binding site of
antibodies (see Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest. 5th Ed. Public Health Service,
National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. (1991)). The constant domains are not involved directly in
binding an antibody to an antigen, but exhibit various effector functions, such as participation of the
antibody in antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
The term "hypervariable region" when used herein refers to the amino acid residues of an antibody
which are responsible for antigen-binding. The hypervariable region generally comprises amino acid
residues from a "complementarity determining region" or "CDR" (e.g. around about residues 24-34 (LI),
50-56 (L2) and 89-97 (L3) in me Vl, and around about 31-35B (HI), 50-65 (H2) and 95-102 (H3) in the VH
(Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National
Institutes of Health, Bedwsda, MD. (1991)) and/or those residues from a "hypervariable loop" {eg. residues
26-32 (LI), 50-52 (L2) and 91-96 (L3) in the Vl, and 26-32 (HI), 52A-55 (H2) and 96-101 (H3) in the VH
(Chothia and Lesk J. MoL Biol. 196:901-917 (1987)).
As referred to herein, the "consensus sequence" or consensus V domain sequence is an artificial
sequence derived from a comparison of the amino acid sequences of known human immunoglobulin variable
region sequences. Based on these comparisons, recombinant nucleic acid sequences encoding the V domain
amino acids that are a consensus of the sequences derived from the human k and the human H chain
subgroup IH V domains were prepared. The consensus V sequence does not have any known antibody
binding specificity or affinity.
"Chimeric" antibodies (immunoglobulins) have a portion of die heavy and/or light chain identical
with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging
to a particular antibody class or subclass, while (he remainder of die chain(s) is identical wim or homologous
to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another antibody
class or subclass, as well as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit the desired biological
activity (U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567; and Morrison et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855 (1984)).
Humanized antibody as used herein is a subset of chimeric antibodies.
"Humanized" forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are chimeric antibodies which contain
minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. For the most part, humanized antibodies are
human immunoglobulins (recipient or acceptor antibody) in which hypervariable region residues of the
recipient are replaced by hypervariable region residues from a non-human species (donor antibody) such as
mouse, rat, rabbit or nonhuman primate having the desired specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some
instances, Fv framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding
non-human residues. Furthermore, humanized antibodies may comprise residues which are not found in the
recipient antibody or in the donor antibody. These modifications are made to former refine antibody
performance such as binding affinity. Generally, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of
at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the hypervariable loops
correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR regions are those
of a human immunoglobulin sequence although the FR regions may include one or more amino acid
substitutions mat improve binding affinity. The number of these amino acid substitutions in the FR are
typically no more than 6 in the H chain, and in the L chain, no more man 3. The humanized antibody
optionally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a
human immunoglobulin. For farther details, see Jones et al., Nature 321:522-525 (1986); Reichmann et al..
Nature 332:323-329 (1988); and Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 2:593-596 (1992).
Antibody "effector functions" refer to those biological activities attributable to the Fc region (a
native sequence Fc region or amino acid sequence variant Fc region) of an antibody, and vary with the
antibody isotype. Examples of antibody effector functions include: Clq binding and complement dependent
cytotoxicity, Fc receptor binding; antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC); phagocytosis;
down regulation of cell surface receptors (e.g. 6 cell receptor); and B cell activation.
"Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity" or "ADCC refers to a form of cytotoxicity in
which secreted Ig bound onto Fc receptors (FcRs) present on certain cytotoxic cells (e.g. Natural Killer (NK)
cells, neutrophils, and macrophages) enable these cytotoxic effector cells to bind specifically to an antigen-
bearing target cell and subsequently kill die target cell with cytotoxins. The antibodies "arm" the cytotoxic
cells and are absolutely required for such killing. The primary cells for mediating ADCC, NK cells, express
FcyRUI only, whereas monocytes express FcyRI, FcyRII and FcyRIII. FcR expression on hematopoietic
cells is summarized in Table 3 on page 464 of Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol 9:457-92 (1991). To
assess ADCC activity of a molecule of interest, an in vitro ADCC assay, such as diat described in US Patent
No. 5,500,362 or 5,821,337 may be performed. Useful effector cells for such assays include peripheral
blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Natural Killer (NK) cells. Alternatively, or additionally, ADCC
activity of the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g., in a animal model such as that disclosed in
Clynes et al. PNAS (USA) 95:652-656 (1998).
"Fc receptor" or "FcR" describes a receptor mat binds to the Fc region of an antibody. The
preferred FcR is a native sequence human FcR. Moreover, a preferred FcR is one which binds an IgG
antibody (a gamma receptor) and includes receptors of me FcyRI, FcyRTI, and FcyRUI subclasses, including
allelic variants and alternatively spliced forms of these receptors. FcyRII receptors include FcyRUA (an
"activating receptor") and FcyRHB (an "inhibiting receptor"), which have similar amino acid sequences that
differ primarily in the cytoplasmic domains thereof Activating receptor FcyRUA contains an
immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in its cytoplasmic domain. Inhibiting receptor
FcyRHB contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (TTIM) in its cytoplasmic domain, (see
review M in Daeroa Anmu. Rev. Immunol. 15:203-234 (1997)). FcRs are reviewed in Ravetch and Kinet,
Annu Rev. Immunol 9:457-92 (1991); Capel et al, Immunometliods 4:25-34 (1994); and de Haas et al. J.
Lab. Clin. Med. 126:330-41 (1995). Otfier FcRs, including those to be identified in the future, are
encompassed by the term "FcR" herein. The term also includes the neonatal receptor, FcRn, which is
responsible for the transfer of maternal IgGs to the fetus (Guyer et al., J. Immunol. 117:587 (1976) and Kim
et al, J. Immunol. 24:249 (1994)).
WO00/42072 (Tresta) describes antibody variants with improved or diminished binding to FcRs.
The content of that patent publication is specifically incorporated herein by reference. See, also, Shields et
al. J. Biol. Chem, 9(2): 6591-6604 (2001).
"Human effector cells" are leukocytes which express one or more FcRs and perform effector
functions. Preferably, the cells express at least FcyRDI and perform ADCC effector function. Examples of
human leukocytes which mediate ADCC include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), natural killer
(NK) cells, monocytes, cytotoxic T cells and neutrophils; with PBMCs and NK cells being preferred. The
effector cells may be isolated from a native source, e.g. from blood.
"Complement dependent cytotoxicity" or "CDC refers to the lysis of a target cell in the presence
of complement Activation of the classical complement pathway is initiated by the binding of the first
component of the complement system (Clq) to antibodies (of the appropriate subclass) which are bound to
their cognate antigen. To assess complement activation, a CDC assay, e.g. as described in Gazzano-Santoro
et al., J. Immunol. Methods 202:163 (1996), may be performed.
Polypeptide variants with altered Fc region amino acid sequences and increased or decreased Clq
binding capability are described in US patent No. 6,194,551B1 and W099/51642. The contents of those
patent publications are specifically incorporated herein by reference. See, also, Idusogie et al. J. Immunol.
164:4178-4184 (2000).
The N-glycosylation site in IgG is at Asn297 in the CH2 domain. The present invention also
provides compositions of a CD20-btnding, humanized antibody having a Fc region, wherein about 80-100%
(and preferably about 90-99%) of the antibody in the composition comprises a mature core carbohydrate
structure which lacks fiicose, attached to the Fc region of the glycoprotein. Such compositions were
demonstrated herein to exhibit a surprising improvement in binding to FcyRIHA(FI58), which is not as
effective as FcyKIIlA (V158) in interacting with human IgG. Thus, the compositions herein are anticipated
to be superior to previously described anti-CD20 antibody compositions, especially for therapy of human
patients who express FcyRIHA (F158). FcyRHIA (F158) is more common than FcyRIHA (V158) in
normal, healthy African Americans and Caucasians. See Lehmbecher et al. Blood 94:4220 (1999). The
present application further demonstrates the synergistic increase in FcyRIII binding and/or ADCC function
that results from combining the glycosylation variations herein with amino acid sequence modifications) in
the Fc region of the glycoprotein.
An "isolated" antibody is one which has been identified and separated and/or recovered from a
component of its natural environment Contaminant components of its natural environment are materials
which would interfere with diagnostic or therapeutic uses for the antibody, and may include enzymes,
hormones, and other proteinaceous or nonproteinaceous solutes. In preferred embodiments, the antibody
will be purified (1) to greater than 95% by weight of antibody as determined by the Lowry method, and most
preferably more than 99% by weight, (2) to a degree sufficient to obtain at least 15 residues of N-terminal or
internal amino acid sequence by use of a spinning cup sequenator, or (3) to homogeneity by SDS-PAGE
under reducing or nonreducing conditions using Coomassie blue or, preferably, silver stain. Isolated
antibody includes the antibody in situ within recombinant cells since at least one component of the
antibody's natural environment will not be present Ordinarily, however, isolated antibody will be prepared
by at least one purification step.
An "isolated" nucleic acid molecule is a nucleic acid molecule that is identified and separated from
at least one contaminant nucleic acid molecule wim which it is ordinarily associated in the natural source of
die antibody nucleic acid. An isolated nucleic acid molecule is other man in the form or setting in which it is
found in nature. Isolated nucleic acid molecules therefore are distinguished from the nucleic acid molecule
as it exists in natural cells. However, an isolated nucleic acid molecule includes a nucleic acid molecule
contained in cells mat ordinarily express die antibody where, for example, die nucleic acid molecule is in a
chromosomal location different from ttiat of natural cells.
The expression "control sequences" refers to DNA sequences necessary for the expression of an
operably linked coding sequence in a particular host organism. The control sequences that are suitable for
prokaryotes, for example, include a promoter, optionally an operator sequence, and a ribosome binding site.
Eukaryotic cells are known to utilize promoters, poiyadenylation signals, and enhancers.
Nucleic acid is "operably linked" when it is placed into a functional relationship with another
nucleic acid sequence. For example, DNA for a presequence or secretory leader is operably linked to DNA
for a polypeptide if it is expressed as a preprotcin that participates in die secretion of the polypeptide; a
promoter or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it affects die transcription of the sequence;
or a ribosome binding site is operably linked to a coding sequence if it is positioned so as to facilitate
translation. Generally, "operably linked" means that die DNA sequences being linked are contiguous, and,
in the case of a secretory leader, contiguous and in reading phase. However, enhancers do not have to be
contiguous. Linking is accomplished by ligation at convenient restriction sites. If such sites do not exist, the
synthetic oligonucleotide adaptors or linkers are used in accordance wim conventional practice.
"Vector" includes shuttle and expression vectors. Typically, die plasmid construct will also include
an origin of replication (e.g., die ColEl origin of replication) and a selectable marker (e.g., ampicillin or
tetracycline resistance), for replication and selection, respectively, of the plasmids in bacteria. An
"expression vector" refers to a vector tiiat contains the necessary control sequences or regulatory elements
for expression of the antibodies including antibody fragment of the invention, in bacterial or eukaryotic cells.
Suitable vectors are disclosed below.
The cell that produces a humanized CD20 binding antibody of the invention will include die
bacterial and eukaryotic host cells into which nucleic acid encoding the antibodies have been introduced.
Suitable host cells are disclosed below.
The word "label" when used herein refers to a detectable compound or composition which is
conjugated directly or indirectly to the antibody. The label may itself be detectable by itself (e.g.,
radioisotope labels or fluorescent labels) or, in the case of an enzymatic label, may catalyze chemical
alteration of a substrate compound or composition which is detectable.
An "autoimmune disease" herein is a non-malignant disease or disorder arising from and directed
against an individual's own (self) antigens and/or tissues.
As used herein, "B cell depletion" refers to a reduction in B cell levels in an animal or human after drug or
antibody treatment, as compared to the B cell level before treatment B cell levels are measurable using well
known assays such as those described in the Experimental Examples. B cell depletion can be complete or
partial- In one embodiment, the depletion of CD20 expressing B cells is at least 25%. Not to be limited by
any one mechanism, possible mechanisms of B-cell depletion include ADCC, CDC, apoptosis, modulation
of calcium flux or a combination of two or more of the preceding.
The term "cytotoxic agent" as used herein refers to a substance that inhibits or prevents the function
of cells and/or causes destruction of cells. The term is intended to include radioactive isotopes (e.g., I131,
I125, Y90 and Re"6), chemotherapeutic agents, and toxins such as enzymatically active toxins of bacterial,
fungal, plant or animal origin, or fragments thereof
A "chemotherapeutic agent" is a chemical compound useful, in the treatment of cancer. Examples
of chemotherapeutic agents include alkalyzing or alkylating agents such as thiotepa and cyclophosphamide
(CYTOXAN™); alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan, improsulfan and piposulfan; aziridines such as
benzodopa, carboquone, meturedopa, and uredopa; emyknimines and methylamelamines including
altretamine, triethylenemelamine, trietylenephosphoramide, triemytenethiophosphaoramide and
trimethylolomelamine; nitrogen mustards such as chlorambucil, chlomaphazine, cholophosphamide,
estramustine, ifbsfamide, mecldorethamine, mechlorethamine oxide hydrochloride, melphalan, novembichin,
phenesterine, preduimustine, trofosfamide, uracil mustard; nitrosureas such as-carmustine, chlorozotocin,
fotemustine, lomustine, nimustine, ranimustinc; antibiotics such as aclacinomysins, actinomycin,
authramycin, azaserine, bleomycins, cactinomycin, calicheamicin, carabicin, carminomycin, carzinopbilin,
chromomycins, dactinomycin, daunorubicin, detorubicin, 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine, doxorubicin
(Adriamycin), epirubicin, esorubicin, idarubicin, marcelloniycin, mitomycins, mycophenolic acid,
nogalamycin, olivomycins, peplomycin, porfiromycin, puromycin, quelamycin, rodorubicin, streptonigrin,
streptozocin, tubercidin, ubenimex, zinostatin, zorubicin; anti-metabolites such as memotrexate and 5-
fluorouracil (5-FU); folic acid analogues such as denopterin, methotrexate, pteropterin, trimetrexate; purine
analogs such as fludarabine, 6-mercaptopurine, thiamiprine, mioguanine; pyrimidine analogs such as
ancitabine, azacitidine, 6-azauridine, cannofur, cytarabine, dideoxyuridine, doxifluridine, enocitabine,
floxuridine, S-FU; androgens such as calusterone, dromostanolone propionate, epitiostanol, mepitiostane,
testolactone; anti-adrenals such as aniinoglutethimide, mitotane, trilostane; folic acid replenisher such as
frolinic acid; aceglatone; aldophosphamide glycoside; aminolevulinic acid; amsacrine; bestrabucil;
bisantrene; edatraxate; defofamine; dcraccolcine; diaziquone; elfomithine; elliptinium acetate; etoglucid;
gallium nitrate; hydroxyurea; lentinan; lonidamine; mitoguazone; mitoxantrone; mopidamol; nitracrine;
pentostatin; phenamet; pirarubicin; podophyllinic acid; 2-ethylhydrazide; procarbazine; PSK®; razoxane;
sizofiran; spirogennanium; tenuazonic acid; triaziquone; 2,2'^2"-trichlorotriethylamine; urethan; vindesine;
dacarbazine; mannomustine; mitobronitol; mitolactol; pipobroman; gacytosine; arabinoside ("Ara-C");
thiotepa; taxoids, e.g. paclitaxel (TAXOL*, Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology, Princeton, NJ) and doxetaxel
(TAXOTERE®, Rhone-Poulene Rorer, Antony, France); chlorambucil; gemcitabine; 6-thioguanine;
mercaptopurine; methotrexate; platinum analogs such as cisplatin and carboplatin; platinum; etoposide (VP-
nSJTifosfamide; mitomycin C; mitoxantrone; vincristine; vinblastine; vinorelbine; navelbine; novantrone;
teniposide; dauaomycin; aminopterin; xeloda; ibandronate; CPT-11; topoisomerase inhibitor RFS 2000;
difluoromethylornithine (DMFO); retinoic acid; esperamicins; capecitabine; and phannaceuticaliy
acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above. Also included in mis definition are anti-hormonal
agents that act to regulate or inhibit hormone action on tumors such as anti-estrogens including for example
tamoxifen, raloxifene, aromatase inhibiting 4(5)-imidazoles, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, trioxifene, keoxifene,
LY117018, onapristone, and toremifene (Fareston); anti-androgens such as flutamide, nilutamide,
bicalutamide, leuprolide, and goserelin; other chemotherapeutic agents such as prednisolone.
Pharmaceuticalfy acceptable salts, acids or derivatives of any of the above are included.
"Treating" or 'treatment? or "alleviation" refers to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic or
preventative measures, wherein the object is to prevent or slow down (lessen) the targeted pathologic
condition or disorder. A subject is successfully "treated" for a GD20 positive cancer or an autoimmune
disease if, after receiving a therapeutic amount of a CD20 binding antibody of the invention according to the
methods of the present invention, the subject shows observable and/or measurable reduction in or absence of
one or more signs and symptoms of the particular disease. For example, for cancer, reduction in the number
of cancer cells or absence of the cancer cells; reduction in the tumor size; inhibition (i.e., slow to some
extent and preferably stop) of tumor metastasis; inhibition, to some extent, of tumor growth; increase in
length of remission, and/or relief to some extent, one or more of the symptoms associated with the specific
cancer; reduced morbidity and mortality, and improvement in quality of life issues. Reduction of the signs
or symptoms of a disease may also be felt by the patient Treatment can achieve a complete response,
defined as disappearance of all signs of cancer, or a partial response, wherein the size of the tumor is
decreased, preferably by more man 50 percent, more preferably by 75%. A patient is also considered treated
if the patient experiences stable disease. In a preferred embodiment, the cancer patients are still
progression-free in the cancer after one year, preferably after 15 months. These parameters for assessing
successful treatment and improvement in the disease are readily measurable by routine procedures familiar
to a physician of appropriate skill in the art
A "therapeutically effective amount" refers to an amount of an antibody or a drug effective to
"treat" a disease or disorder in a subject In the case of cancer, the therapeutically, effective amount of the
drug may reduce the number of cancer cells; reduce the tumor size; inhibit (te., slow to some extent and
preferably stop) cancer cell infiltration into peripheral organs; inhibit (tc, slow to some extent and
preferably stop) tumor metastasis; inhibit, to some extent, tumor growth; and/or relieve to some extent one
or more of the symptoms associated with the cancer. See preceding definition of "treating".
"Chronic" administration refers to administration of the agent(s) in a continuous mode as opposed
to an acute mode, so as to maintain the initial therapeutic effect (activity) for an extended period of time.
"Intermittent" administration is treatment that is not consecutively done without interruption, but rather is
cyclic in nature.
Compositions and Methods of the Invention
The invention provides humanized antibodies that bind human CDZ0, and preferably other primate
CD20 as well, comprising a H chain having at least one, preferably two or all of the H chain CDRs of a non-
human species anti-human CD20 antibody (donor antibody), and substantially all of the framework residues
>f a human consensus antibody as the recipient antibody. The donor antibody can be from various non-
luman species including mouse, rat, guinea pig, goat, rabbit, horse, primate but most frequently will be a
murine antibody. "Substantially all" in this context is meant that the recipient FR regions in the humanized
antibody may include one or more amino acid substitutions not originally present in the human consensus
FR sequence. These FR changes may comprise residues not found in the recipient or the donor antibody.
In one embodiment, the donor antibody is the murine 2H7 antibody, the V region including the
CDR and FR sequences of each of die H and L chains of which are shown inFIG. IA and IB. In a specific
embodiment, the residues for the human Fab framework correspond to the consensus sequence of human
Vk subgroup I and of Vh subgroup HI, these consensus sequences are shown in Figure IA and Figure IB,
respectively. The humanized 2H7 antibody of the invention will have at least one of the CDRs in the H
chain of the murine donor antibody. In one embodiment, the humanized 2H7 antibody that binds human
CD20 comprises the CDRs of both the H and L chains of the donor antibody.
In a full length antibody, the humanized CD20 binding antibody of the invention will comprise a
humanized V domain joined to a C domain of a human immunoglobulin, hi a preferred embodiment, the H
chain C region is from human IgG, preferably IgGl or IgG3. The L chain C domain is preferably from
human tc chain.
Unless indicated otherwise, a humanized 2H7 antibody version herein will have the V and C
domain sequences of 2H7.vl6 L chain (FIG. 6, SEQ ED NO. 21) and H chain (FIG 7., SEQ ID NO. 22)
except at the positions of amino acid substitutions or changes indicated in the experimental examples below.
The humanized CD20 binding antibodies will bind at least human CD20 and preferably bind other
primate CD20 such as that of monkeys including cynomolgus and rhesus monkeys, and chimpanzees. The
sequence of the cynomolgus monkey CD20 is disclosed in Example 15 and Figure 19
The biological activity of the CD20 binding antibodies and humanized CD20 binding antibodies of
the invention will include at least binding of the antibody to human CD20, more preferably binding to
human and primate CD20 (including cynomolgus monkey, rhesus monkey, chimpanzees), with a K* value of
no higher than 1 x 10"8, preferably a Kj value no higher than about 1 x 10"', even more preferably a Kj value
no higher than about 1 x 10'10, and be able to kill or deplete B cells in vitro or in vivo, preferably by at least
20% when compared to the baseline level or appropriate negative control which is not treated with such an
antibody.
The desired level of B cell depletion will depend on the disease. For the treatment of a CD20
positive cancer, it may be desirable to maximize the depletion of the B cells which are the target of the anti-
CD20 antibodies of the invention. Thus, for the treatment of a CD20 positive B cell neoplasm, it is desirable
that the B cell depletion be sufficient to at least prevent progression of the disease which can be assessed by
the physician of skill in the art, e.g., by monitoring tumor growth (size), proliferation of the cancerous cell
type, metastasis, other signs and symptoms of the particular cancer. Preferably, the B cell depletion is
sufficient to prevent progression of disease for at least 2 months, more preferably 3 months, even more
preferably 4 months, more preferably 5 months, even more preferably 6 or more months. In even more
preferred embodiments, the B cell depletion is sufficient to increase the time in remission by at least 6
months, more preferably 9 months, more preferably one year, more preferably 2 years, more preferably 3
years, even more preferably 5 or more years. In a most preferred embodiment, the B cell depletion is
sufficient to cure me disease. In preferred embodiments, the B cell depletion in a cancer patient is at least
about 75% and more preferably, 80%, S5%, 90%, 95%, 99% and even 100% of me baseline level before
treatment
For treatment of an autoimmune disease, it may be desirable to modulate the extent of B cell
depletion depending on the disease and/or the severity of the condition in the individual patient, by adjusting
the dosage of CD20 binding antibody. Thus, B cell depletion can but does not have to be complete. Or,
total B cell depletion may be desired in initial treatment but in subsequent treatments, the dosage may be
adjusted to achieve only partial depletion. In one embodiment, the B cell depletion is at least 20%, i.e, 80%
or less of CD20 positive B cells remain as compared to the baseline level before treatment In other
enuxxiiments, B cell depletion is 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% or greater. Preferably, the B cell
depletion is sufficient to halt progression of the disease, more preferably to alleviate the signs and symptoms
of the particular disease under treatment, even more preferably to cure the disease.
The invention also provides bispecific CD20 binding antibodies wherein one arm of the antibody
has a humanized H and L chain of the humanized CD20 binding antibody of the invention, and the other arm
has V region binding specificity for a second antigen. In specific embodiments, the second antigen is
selected from me group consisting of CD3, CD64, CD32A, CD16, NKG2D or other NK activating ligands.
In comparison with Rituxan (rituxiniab), vl6 exhibits about 2 to 5 fold increased ADCC potency,
~3-4 fold decreased CDC man Rituxan.
Antibody production
Monoclonal antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies may be made using the hybridoma memod first described by Kohler et ah,
Nature, 256:495 (1975), or may be made by recombinant DNA methods (U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567).
In the hybridoma method, a mouse or other appropriate host animal, such as a hamster, is
immunized as described above to elicit lymphocytes that produce or are capable of producing antibodies that
will specifically bind to the protein used for immunization. Alternatively, lymphocytes may be immunized
' in vitro. After immunization, lymphocytes are isolated and then fused with a myeloma cell line using a
suitable fusing agent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell (Goding, Monoclonal
Antibodies: Principles and Practice, pp.59-103 (Academic Press, 1986)).
The hybridoma cells thus prepared are seeded and grown in a suitable culture medium which
medium preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the un fused,
parental myeloma cells (also referred to as fusion partner). For example, if the parental myeloma cells lack
the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (HGPRT or HPRT), the selective culture
medium for the hybridomas typically will include hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine (HAT
medium), which substances prevent the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells.
Preferred fusion partner myeloma cells are those that fuse efficiently, support stable high-level
production of antibody by the selected antibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a selective medium that
selects against theuofused parental cells. Preferred myeloma cell lines are murine myeloma lines, such as
those derived from MOPC-21 and MPC-11 mouse tumors available from the Salk Institute Cell Distribution
Center, San Diego, California USA, and SP-2 and derivatives e.g., X63-Ag8-653 cells available from the
American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Maryland USA. Human myeloma and mouse-human
heteromyeloma cell lines also have been described for the production of human monoclonal antibodies
(Kozbor, J. Immunol., 133:3001 (1984); and Brodeur et al, Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques
and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekfcer, Inc., New York, 1987)).
Culture medium in which hybridoma cells are growing is assayed for production of monoclonal
antibodies directed against the antigen. Preferably, the binding specificity of monoclonal antibodies
produced by hybridoma cells is determined by immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding assay, such as
radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELIS A).
The binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can, for example, be determined by the Scatchard
analysis described in Munson el al, Anal. Biochem., 107:220 (1980).
Once hybridoma cells that produce antibodies of the desired specificity, affinity, and/or activity are
identified, die clones may be subcloned by limiting dilution procedures and grown by standard methods
(Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, pp.59-103 (Academic Press, 1986)). Suitable
culture media for this purpose include, for example, D-MEM or RPMI-1640 medium. In addition, the
hybridoma cells may be grown in vivo as ascites tumors in an animal e.g, by Lp. injection of the cells into
mice.
The monoclonal antibodies secreted by the subclones are suitably separated from the culture
medium, ascites fluid, or serum by conventional antibody purification procedures such as, for example,
affinity chromatography (e.g., using protein A or protein G-Sepharose) or ion-exchange chromatography,
hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, etc.
DNA encoding the monoclonal antibodies is readily isolated and sequenced using conventional
procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding
the heavy and light chains of murine antibodies). The hybridoma cells serve as a preferred source of such
DNA Once isolated, the DNA may be placed into expression vectors, which are then transfected into host
cells such as E. coli cells, simian COS cells, Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells mat do
not otherwise produce antibody protein, to obtain die synthesis of monoclonal antibodies in the recombinant
host cells. Review articles on recombinant expression in bacteria of DNA encoding the antibody include
Skerra et al., Curr. Opinion in Immunol., 5:256-262 (1993) and Pluckthun, Immunol. Revs., 130:151-188
(1992).
In a further embodiment, monoclonal antibodies or antibody fragments can be isolated from
antibody phage libraries generated using the techniques described in McCafferty et al., Nature, 348:552-554
(1990). Clackson et al., Nature, 352:624-628 (1991) and Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol., 222:581-597 (1991)
describe the isolation of murine and human antibodies, respectively, using phage libraries. Subsequent
publications describe the production of high affinity (nM range) human antibodies by chain shuffling (Marks
et al., Bio/Tecluiologyi 10:779-783 (1992)), as well as combinatorial infection and in vivo recombination as a
strategy for constructing very large phage libraries (Waterhouse et al, Nuc Acids. Res., 21:2265-2266
(1993)). Thus, these techniques are viable alternatives to traditional monoclonal antibody hybridoma
techniques for isolation of monoclonal antibodies.
The DNA that encodes the antibody may be modified to produce chimeric or fusion antibody
polypeptides, for example, by substituting human heavy chain and light chain constant domain (CH and C^
sequences for the homologous murine sequences (U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567; and Morrison, et al, Proc.
Natl Acad. Set USA, 81:6851 (1984)), or by fusing the immunoglobulin coding sequence with all or part of
me coding sequence for a non immunoglobulin polypeptide (heterologous polypeptide). The non-
inununoglobulin polypeptide sequences can substitute for the constant domains of an antibody, or they are
substituted for the variable domains of oae antigen-combining site of an antibody to create a chimeric
bivalent antibody comprising one antigen-combining site having specificity for an antigen and another
antigea-combiniiig site having specificity for a different antigen.
Humanized antibodies
Methods for humanizing non-human antibodies have been described in the art Preferably, a
humanized antibody has one or more amino acid residues introduced into it from a source which is non-
human. These non-human amino acid residues are often referred to as "import" residues, which are typically
taken from an "import*' variable domain. Humanization can be essentially performed following the method
of Winter and co-workers (Jones et al, Nature, 321:522-525 (1986); Reichmann etal. Nature, 132-321-321
(1988); Verhoeyett^a/., Science, 239:1534-1536 (1988)), by substituting hypervariabfe region sequences
for the corresponding sequences of a human antibody. Accordingly, such "humanised" antibodies are
chimeric antibodies (U.S. Patent No. 4,316,567) wherein substantially less than an intact human variable
domain has been substituted by the corresponding sequence from a non-human species. In practice,
humanized antibodies are typically nun tan antibodies in which some hypervariable region residues and
possibly some FR residues are substituted by residues from analogous sites in rodent antibodies.
The choice of human variable domains, both light and heavy, to be used in making the humanized
antibodies is very important to reduce antigenicity and HAM A response (human anti-mouse antibody) when
the antibody is intended for human therapeutic use. According to the so-called "best-fit" method, the
sequence of the variable domain of a rodent antibody is screened against the entire library of known human
variable domain sequences. The human V domain sequence which is closest to that of the rodent is
identified and the human framework region (FR) within it accepted for the humanized antibody (Sims et al.,
J. Immunol, 151:2296 (1993); Chothia etal.. J. Hal. Biol., 196:901 (1987)). Another method uses a
particular framework region derived from the consensus sequence of all human antibodies of a particular
subgroup of light or heavy chains. The same framework may be used for several different humanized
antibodies (Carter et id., Proc Natl, Acad. ScL USA, &9;42S5 (1992); Presta et al., J. Immunol, 151:2623
(1993)).
It is further important that antibodies be humanized with retention of high binding affinity for the
antigen and other favorable biological properties. To achieve this goal, according to a preferred method,
humanized antibodies are prepared by a process of analysis of the parental sequences and various conceptual
humanized products using three-dimensional models of the parental and humanized sequences. Three-
dimensional immunoglobulin models are commonly available and are familiar to those skilled in the art
Computer programs are available which illustrate and display probable three-dimensional conformational
structures of selected candidate immunoglobulin sequences. Inspection of these displays permits analysts of
me im-eiy roie of the residues in ine functioning of the candidate immunoglobulin sequence, i.e., the analysis
of residues that influence the ability of the candidate immunoglobulin to bind its antigen. In this way, FR
residues can be selected and combined from the recipient and import sequences so that die desired antibody
characteristic, such as increased affinity for the target antigen(s), is achieved. In general, the hypervariable
region residues are directly and most substantially involved in influencing antigen binding.
The humanized antibody may be an antibody fragment, such as a Fab, which is optionally
conjugated with one or more cytotoxic agent(s) in order to generate an immunoconjugate. Alternatively, the
humanized antibody may be an full length antibody, such as an full length IgGl antibody.
Human antibodies and phage display methodology
As an alternative to humanization, human antibodies can be generated. For example, it is now
possible to produce transgenic animals (e.g., mice) that are capable, upon immunization, of producing a full
repertoire of human antibodies in the absence of endogenous immunoglobulin production. For example, it
has been described that the homozygous deletion of the antibody heavy-chain joining region (JH) gene in
chimeric and germ-line mutant mice results in complete inhibition of endogenous antibody production.
Transfer of the human germ-line immunoglobulin gene array into such germ-line mutant mice will result in
the production of human antibodies upon antigen challenge. See, e.g., Jakobovits et al., Proc Nad. Acad.
Sci. USA, 90:2551 (1993); Jakobovits et al, Nature, 362:255-258 (1993); Bruggemann et al, Year in
Immuno., 7:33 (1993); U.S. Patent Nos. 5,545,806,5,569,825, 5,591,669 (all of GenPhann); 5,545,807; and
WO 97/17852.
Alternatively, phage display technology (McCafferty et al, Nature 348:552-553 [1990]) can be
used to produce human antibodies and antibody fragments in vitro, from immunoglobulin variable (V)
domain gene repertoires from unimmunized donors. According to this technique, antibody V domain genes
are cloned in-frame into either a major or minor coat protein gene of a filamentous bacteriophage, such as
M13 or fd, and displayed as functional antibody fragments on the surface of the phage particle. Because the
filamentous particle contains a single-stranded DNA copy of the phage genome, selections based on the
functional properties of the antibody also result in selection of the gene encoding the antibody exhibiting
those properties. Thus, the phage mimics some of the properties of me B-cell. Phage display can be
performed in a variety of formats, reviewed in, e.g., Johnson, Kevin S. and Chiswell, David J., Current
Opinion in Structural Biology 3:564-571 (1993). Several sources of V-gene segments can be used for phage
display. Clackson et al., Nature, 352:624-628 (1991) isolated a diverse array of anti-oxazolone antibodies
from a small random combinatorial library of V genes derived from the spleens of immunized, mice. A
repertoire of V genes from unimmunized human donors can be constructed and antibodies to a diverse array
of antigens (including self-antigens) can be isolated essentially following the techniques described by Marks
etal,J.Mol.Biol 222:581-597 (1991), or Griffith etal, EMBOJ. 12:725-734 (1993). See, also, U.S.
Patent Nos. 5,565,332 and 5,573,905.
As discussed above, human antibodies may also be generated by in vitro activated B cells (see U.S.
Patents 5,567,610 and 5,229,275).
Antibody fragments
In certain circumstances there are advantages of using antibody fragments, rather than whole
antibodies. The smaller size of the fragments allows for rapid clearance, and may lead to improved access to
solid tumors.
Various techniques have been developed for the production of antibody fragments. Traditionally,
these fragments were derived via proteolytic digestion of intact antibodies (see, e.g., Morimoto et al.,
Journal ofBiochemical andBiophysical Methods 24:107-117 (1992); and Brennan e/a/.. Science, 229:81
(1985)). However, these fragments can now be produced directly by recombinant host cells. Fab, Fv and
ScFv antibody fragments can all be expressed in and secreted from E. coli, thus allowing the facile
production of large amounts of these fragments. Antibody fragments can be isolated from the antibody
phage libraries discussed above. Alternatively, Fab'-SH fragments can be directly recovered from E. coli
and chemically coupled to form F(ab*)2 fragments (Carter et al, Bio/Technology 10:163-167 (1992)).
According to another approach, Ffab'k fragments can be isolated directly from recombinant host cell culture.
Fab and F(ab")2 fragment with increased in vivo half-life comprising a salvage receptor binding epitope
residues are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,869,046. Other techniques for the production of antibody
fragments will be apparent to the skilled practitioner. In other embodiments, the antibody of choice is a
single chain Fv fragment (scFv). See WO 93/16185; U.S. Patent No. 5,571,894; and U.S. Patent No.
5,587,458. Fv and sFv are the only species with intact combining sites that are devoid of constant regions;
thus, tbey are suitable for reduced nonspecific binding during in vivo use. sFv fusion proteins may be
constructed to yield fusion of an effector protein at either the amino or the carboxy terminus of an sFv. See
Antibody Engineering, ed. Borrebaeck, supra. The antibody fragment may also be a "linear antibody", e.g.,
as described in U.S. Patent 5,641,870 for example. Such linear antibody fragments may be monospecific or
bispecific.
Bispecific antibodies
Bispecific antibodies are antibodies that have binding specificities for at least two different
epitopes. Exemplary bispeciflc antibodies may bind to two different epitopes of the CD20 protein. Other
such antibodies may combine a CD20 binding site with a binding site for another protein. Alternatively, an
anti-CD20 arm may be combined with an arm which binds to a triggering molecule on a leukocyte such as a
T-ceU'receptor molecule (e.g. CD3), or Fc receptors for IgG (FcyR), such as FcyRI (CD64), FcyRII (CD32)
and FcyRDI (CD 16), or NKG2D or other NK cell activating ligand, so as to focus and localize cellular
defense mechanisms to the CD20-expressing cell. Bispecific antibodies may also be used to localize
cytotoxic agents to cells which express CD20. These antibodies possess a CD20-binding arm and an arm
which binds the cytotoxic agent (e.g. saporin, anti-interferon- or radioactive isotope hapten). Bispecific antibodies can be prepared as full length antibodies or antibody
fragments (e.g. Ffab^ bispecific antibodies).
WO 96/16673 describes a bispecific anti-ErbB2/anti-Fc7RHI antibody and U.S. Patent No.
5,837,234 discloses a bispecific anti-ErbB2/anti-FcyRI antibody. A bispecific anti-ErbB2/Fca antibody is
shown in WO98/02463. U.S. Patent No. 5,821,337 teaches a bispecific anti-ErbB2/anti-CD3 antibody.
Methods for making bispecific antibodies are known in the art- Traditional production of full
length bispecific antibodies is based on the co-expression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain-light cliain
pairs, where the two chains have different specificities (Millstein et al, Nature, 305:537-539 (1983)).
Because of the random assortment of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, these hybridomas
(quadromas) produce a potential mixture of 10 different antibody molecules, of which only one has the
correct bispecific structure. Purification of (he correct molecule, which is usually done by affinity
chromatography steps, is rather cumbersome, and die product yields are low. Similar procedures are
disclosed in WO 93/08829, and in Trauneckerrf al., EMBOJ., 10:3655-3659 (1991).
According to a different approach, antibody variable domains with the desired binding specificities
(antibody-antigen combining sites) are fused to immunoglobulin constant domain sequences. Preferably, the
fusion is with an Ig heavy chain constant domain, comprising at least part of the hinge, CH2, and CH3
regions. It is preferred to have the first heavy-chain constant region (Q( 1) containing the site necessary for
light chain bonding, present in at least one of the fusions. PNAs encoding the immunoglobulin heavy chain
fusions and, if desired, the immunoglobulin light chain, are inserted into separate expression vectors, and are
co-transfected into a suitable host cell. This provides for greater flexibility in adjusting the mutual
proportions of me three polypeptide fragments in embodiments when unequal ratios of the three polypeptide
chains used in the construction provide the optimum yield of the desired bispecific antibody. It is, however,
possible to insert the coding sequences for two or all three polypeptide chains into a single expression vector
when die expression of at least two polypeptide chains in equal ratios results in high yields or when die
ratios have no significant affect on die yield of the desired chain combination.
In a preferred embodiment of mis approach, the bispecific antibodies are composed of a hybrid
immunoglobulin heavy chain with a first binding specificity in one arm, and a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy
chain-light chain pair (providing a second binding specificity) in the other arm. It was found that this
asymmetric structure facilitates die separation of the desired bispecific compound from unwanted
immunoglobulin chain combinations, as the presence of an immunoglobulin light chain in only one half of
the bispecific molecule provides for a facile way of separation. This approach is disclosed in WO 94/04690.
For further details of generating bispecific antibodies see, for example, Suresh et al. Methods in
Enzymology, 121:210 (1986).
According to another approach described iu U.S. Patent No. 5,731,168, die interface between a pair
of antibody molecules can be engineered to maximize the percentage of heteroduners which are recovered
from recombinant cell culture. The preferred interface comprises at least a part of the CH3 domain. In this
method, one or more small amino acid side chains from the interface of the first antibody molecule are
replaced with larger side chains (eg. tyrosine or tryptophan). Compensatory "cavities" of identical or
similar size to the large side chain(s) are created on die interface of the second antibody molecule by
replacing large amino acid side chains with smaller ones (e.g. alanine or threonine). This provides a
mechanism for increasing the yield of the heterodimer over other unwanted end-products such' as
homodimers.
Bispecific antibodies include cross-linked or "heteroconjugate" antibodies. For example, one of the
antibodies in the heteroconjugate can be coupled to avidin, the other to biotin. Such antibodies have, for
example, been proposed to target immune system cells to unwanted cells (U.S. Patent No. 4,676,980), and
for treatment of HTV infection (WO 91/00360, WO 92/200373, and EP 03089). Heteroconjugate antibodies
may be made using any convenient cross-linking methods. Suitable cross-linking agents are well known in
the art, and are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,676,980, along with a number of cross-linking techniques.
Techniques for generating bispecifk antibodies from antibody fragments have also been described
in the literature. For example, bispecific antibodies can be prepared using chemical linkage. Brennaa et al..
Science, 229:81 (1985) describe a procedure wherein intact antibodies arc proteolytically cleaved to
generate F(ab")2 fragments. These fragments are reduced in the presence of the dithiol complexing agent,
sodium arsenite, to stabilize vicinal dithiols and prevent intermolecular disulfide formation. The Fab'
fragments generated are then converted to thionitrobenzoate (TNB) derivatives. One of the Fab'-TNB
derivatives is then reconverted to the Fab'-thiol by reduction with mercaptoethylamine and is mixed with an
equimolar amount of the other Fab'-TNB derivative to form the bispecific antibody. The bispecific
antibodies produced can be used as agents for the selective immobilization of enzymes.
Recent progress has facilitated the direct recovery of Fab'-SH fragments from E. coli, which can be
chemically coupled to form bispecific antibodies. Shalaby et al., J. Exp. Med., 175:217-225 (1992) describe
the production of a fully humanized bispecific antibody F(ab*)a molecule. Each Fab' fragment was separately
secreted from E. coli and subjected to directed chemical coupling in vitro to form the bispecific antibody.
The bispecific antibody thus formed was able to bind to cells overexpressing die ErbB2 receptor and normal
human T cells, as well as trigger the lytic activity of human cytotoxic lymphocytes against human breast
tumor targets.
Various techniques for making and isolating bispecific antibody fragments directly from
recombinant cell culture have also been described. For example, bispecific antibodies have been produced
using leucine zippers. Kostelny et al„ J. Immunol, 148(5):1547-1553 (1992). The leucine zipper peptides
from the Fos and Jun proteins were linked to die Fab' portions of two different antibodies by gene fusion.
The antibody homodimers were reduced at the hinge region to form monomers and then re-oxidized to form
die antibody heterodimers. This method can also be utilized for the production of antibody homodimers.
The "diabody" technology described by Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:6444-6448 (1993)
has provided an alternative mechanism for making bispecific antibody fragments. The fragments comprise a
VH connected to a VL by a linker which is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same
chain. Accordingly, me VH and VL domains of one fragment are forced to pair with the complementary VL
and V|( domains of another fragment, thereby forming two antigen-binding sites. Another strategy for
making bispecific antibody fragments by the use of single-chain Fv (sFv) dimers has also been reported. See
Grubcr et al, J. Immunol., 152:5368 (1994).
Antibodies with more man two valencies are contemplated. For example, trispecific antibodies can
be prepared. Tutt etal. J. Immunol. 147: 60 (1991).
Multivalent Antibodies
A multivalent antibody may be internalized (and/or catabolized) faster than a bivalent antibody by a
cell expressing an antigen to which the antibodies bind. The antibodies of die present invention can be
multivalent antibodies (which are other than of the IgM class) with three or more antigen binding sites (e.g.
tetravalent antibodies), which can be readily produced by recombinant expression of nucleic acid encoding
me polypeptide chains of the antibody. The multivalent antibody can comprise a dimerization domain and
three or more antigen binding sites. The preferred dimerization domain comprises (or consists of) an Fc
region or a hinge region. In this scenario, the antibody will comprise an Fc region and three or more antigen
binding sites amino-terminal to the Fc region. The preferred multivalent antibody herein comprises (or
consists of) three to about eight, but preferably four, antigen binding sites. The multivalent antibody
comprises at least one polypeptide chain (and preferably two polypeptide chains), wherein the polypeptide
chain(s) comprise two or more variable domains. For instance, the polypeptide chain(s) may comprise VD1-
(Xl)«-VD2-(X2)n-Fc, wherein VD1 is a first variable domain, VD2 is a second variable domain, Fc is one
polypeptide chain of an Fc region, XI and X2 represent an amino acid or polypeptide, and n is 0 or 1. For
instance, the polypeptide chain(s) may comprise: VH-CHl-flexible linker-VH-CHl-Fc region chain; or VH-
CHl-VH-CHl-Fc region chain. The multivalent antibody herein preferably further comprises at least two
(and preferably four) light chain variable domain polypeptides. The multivalent antibody herein may, for
instance, comprise from about two to about eight light chain variable domain polypeptides. The light chain
variable domain polypeptides contemplated here comprise a light chain variable domain and, optionally,
further comprise a CL domain.
Other amino acid sequence modifications
Amino acid sequence modification^) of the CD20 binding antibodies described herein are
contemplated. For example, it may be desirable to improve the binding affinity and/or other biological
properties of the antibody. Amino acid sequence variants of the anti-CD20 antibody are prepared by
introducing appropriate nucleotide changes into the anti-CD20 antibody nucleic acid, or by peptide
synthesis. Such modifications include, for example, deletions from, and/or insertions into and/or
substitutions of) residues within the amino acid sequences of the anti-CD20 antibody. Any combination of
deletion, insertion, and substitution is made to arrive at the final construct, provided that the final construct
possesses the desired characteristics. The amino acid changes also may alter post-translational processes of
the anti-CD20 antibody, such as changing the number or position of glycosylation sites.
A useful method for identification of certain residues or regions of the anti-CD20 antibody that are
preferred locations for mutagenesis is called "alanine scanning mutagenesis" as described by Cunningham
and Wells in Science, 244:1081-1085 (1989). Here, a residue or group of target residues are identified (e.g.,
charged residues such as arg, asp, his, rys, and glu) and replaced by a neutral or negatively charged amino
acid (most preferably alanine or polyalanine) to affect the interaction of the amino acids with CD20 antigen.
Those amino acid locations demonstrating functional sensitivity to the substitutions then are refined by
t
introducing further or other variants at, or for, the sites of substitution. Thus, while the site for introducing
an amino acid sequence variation is predetermined, the nature of the mutation per se need not be
predetermined. For example, to analyze the performance of a mutation at a given site, ala scanning or
random mutagenesis is conducted at the target codon or region and the expressed anti-CD20 antibody
variants are screened for the desired activity.
Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-tcrminal fusions ranging in length
from one residue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions
of single or multiple amino acid residues. Examples of terminal insertions include an anti-CD20 antibody
wim an N-tenninal methionyl residue or die antibody fused to a cytotoxic polypeptide. Other lnsertional
variants of the anti-CD20 antibody molecule include die fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the anti-CD20
antibody to an enzyme (e.g. for ADEPT) or a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the
antibody.
Another type of variant is an amino acid substitution variant These variants have at least one
amino acid residue in the anti-CD20 antibody molecule replaced by a different residue. The sites of greatest
interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the hypervariable regions, but FR alterations are also
contemplated. Conservative substitutions are shown in die Table below under the heading of "preferred
substitutions". If such substitutions result in a change in biological activity, then more substantial changes,
denominated "exemplary substitutions" in roe Table, or as further described below in reference to amino acid
classes, may be introduced and the products screened.
Substantial modifications in the biological properties of the antibody are accomplished by selecting
substitutions that differ significantly in their effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the polypeptide
backbone in the area of the substitution, for example, as a sheet or helical conformation, (b) the charge or
hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site, or (c) the bulk of the side chain. Naturally occurring
residues are divided into groups based on common side-chain properties:
(1) hydrophobic: norleucine, met, ala, val, leu, ile;
(2) neutral hydrophilic: cys, ser, thr;
(3) acidic: asp, glu;
(4) basic: asn, gm, his, lys, arg;
(5) residues that influence chain orientation: gly, pro; and
(6) aromatic: trp, tyr, phe.
Non-conservative substitutions will entail exchanging a member of one of these classes for another
class.
Any cysteine residue not involved in maintaining the proper conformation of the anti-CD20
antibody also may be substituted, generally with serine, to improve the oxidative stability of the molecule
and prevent aberrant crosslinking. Conversely, cysteine bond(s) may be added to the antibody to improve its
stability (particularly where the antibody is an antibody fragment such as art Fv fragment).
A particularly preferred type of substitutional variant involves substituting one or more
hypervariable region residues of a parent antibody {e.g. a humanized or human antibody). Generally, the
resulting variants) selected for further development will have improved biological properties relative to the
parent antibody from which they are generated. A convenient way for generating such substitutional
variants involves affinity maturation using phage display. Briefly, several hypervariable region sites {e.g. 6-
7 sites) are mutated to generate all possible amino substitutions at each site. The antibody variants thus
generated are displayed in a monovalent fashion from filamentous phage particles as fusions to the gene HI
product of M13 packaged within each particle. The pbage-displayed variants are then screened for their
biological activity {e.g. binding affinity) as herein disclosed. In order to identify candidate hypervariable
region sites for modification, alanine scanning mutagenesis can be performed to identify hypervariable
region residues contributing significantly to antigen binding. Alternatively, or additionally, it may be
beneficial to analyze a crystal structure of the antigen-antibody complex to identify contact points between
the antibody and human CD20. Such contact residues and neighboring residues are candidates for
substitution according to the techniques elaborated herein. Once such variants are generated, the panel of
variants is subjected to screening as described herein and antibodies with superior properties in one or more
relevant assays may be selected for further development
Another type of amino acid variant of the antibody alters the original glycosylation partem of the
antibody. By altering is meant deleting one or more carbohydrate moieties found in the antibody, and/or
adding one or more glycosylation sites that are not present in the antibody.
Glycosylation of antibodies is typically either N-linked or O-linked. N-linked refers to the
attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the side chain of an asparagine residue. The (ripeptide sequences
asparagine-X-serine and asparaginc-X-threonine, where X is any amino acid except proline, are the
recognition sequences for enzymatic attachment of the carbohydrate moiety to the asparagine side chain.
Thus, the presence of either of these tripepude sequences in a polypeptide creates a potential glycosylation
site. O-linfced glycosylation refers to the attachment of one of the sugars N-aceyigalactosamine, galactose,
or xylose to a hydroxyamino acid, most commonly serine or threonine, although 5-hydroxyproline or 5-
hydroxylysine may also be used.
Addition of glycosylation sites to the antibody is conveniently accomplished by altering the amino
acid sequence such that it contains one or more of the above-described tripeptide sequences (for N-linked
glycosylation sites). The alteration may also be made by die addition of, or substitution by, one or more
serine or threonine residues to the sequence of the original antibody (for O-linked glycosylation sites).
Nucleic acid molecules encoding amino acid sequence variants of the anti-CD20 antibody are
prepared by a variety of methods known in the art These methods include, but are not limited to, isolation
from a natural source (in the case of naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants) or preparation by
oligonucleotide-mediated (or site-directed) mutagenesis, PCR mutagenesis, and cassette mutagenesis of an
earlier prepared variant or a non-variant version of the anri-CD20 antibody.
It may be desirable to modify the antibody of the invention with respect to effector function, e.g. so
as to enhance antigen-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or complement dependent
cytotoxicity (CDC) of the antibody. This may be achieved by introducing one or more amino acid
substitutions in an Fc region of the antibody. Alternatively or additionally, cysteine residues) may be
introduced in the Fc region, thereby allowing interchain disulfide bond formation in this region. The
homodimeric antibody thus generated may have improved internalization capability and/or increased
complement-mediated cell killing and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). See Caron et al., J.
Exp Med. 176.1191-1195 (1992) and Shopes,B. J. Immunol 148:2918-2922(1992). Honiodimeric
antibodies with enhanced anti-tumor activity may also be prepared using heterobifunctional cross-linkers as
described in Wolff et al. Cancer Researcli 53:2560-2565 (1993). Alternatively, an antibody can be
engineered which has dual Fc regions and may thereby have enhanced complement mediated lysis and
ADCC capabilities. See Stevenson et al Anti-Cancer Drug Design 3:219-230 (1989).
To increase die scrum half life of the antibody, one may incorporate a salvage receptor binding
epitope into die antibody (especially an antibody fragment) as described in U.S. Patent 5,739,277, for
example. As used herein, the terra "salvage receptor binding epitope" refers to an epitope of the Fc region of
an IgG molecule (e.g., IgG|, IgG2, IgGj, or IgG4) that is responsible for increasing the in vivo serum half-life
of the IgG molecule.
Otlier antibody modifications
Other modifications of the antibody are contemplated herein. For example, the antibody may be
linked to one of a variety of nonproteinaceous polymers, e.g., polyemylene glycol, polypropylene glycol,
polyoxyalkylenes, or copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. The antibody also may
be entrapped in microcapsules prepared, for example, by coacervation techniques or by interracial
polymerization (for example, hydroxymeuiylcellulose or gelatin-microcapsules and poly-
(methylmethacylate) microcapsules, respectively), in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example,
liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles and nanocapsules), or in macroemulsions.
Such techniques are disclosed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th edition, Oslo, A., Ed., (1980).
Screening for antibodies with the desired properties
Antibodies with certain biological characteristics may be selected as described in the Experimental
Examples.
The growth inhibitory effects of an anti-CD20 antibody of the invention may be assessed by
methods known in the art, e.g., using cells which express CD20 either endogenously or following
transfectkm with the CD20 gene. For example, tumor cell lines and CD20-transfected cells may treated with
an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody of the invention at various concentrations for a few days (e.g., 2-7) days
and stained •with crystal violet or MTT or analyzed by some other colorimetric assay. Another method of
measuring proliferation would be by comparing 3H-mymidine uptake by the cells treated in the presence or
absence an anti-CD20 antibody of the invention. After antibody treatment, the cells are harvested and the
amount of radioactivity incorporated into the DNA quantitated in a scintillation counter. Appropriate
positive controls include treatment of a selected cell line with a growth inhibitory antibody known to inhibit
growth of that cell line.
To select for antibodies which induce cell death, loss of membrane integrity as indicated by, e.g.,
propidium iodide (PI), trypan blue or 7AAD uptake may be assessed relative to control. A PI uptake assay
can be performed in the absence of complement and immune e Sector cells. CD20-expressing tumor cells
are incubated with medium alone or medium containing of the appropriate monoclonal antibody at e.g, about
lOug/ml. The cells are incubated for a 3 day time period. Following each treatment, cells are washed and
aliquoted into 35 nun strainer-capped 12 x 75 tubes (lml per tube, 3 tubes per treatment group) for removal
of cell clumps. Tubes then receive PI (1 Dug/nil). Samples may be analyzed using a FACSC AN™ flow
cytometer and FACSCONVERT™ CellQuest software (Becton Dickinson). Those antibodies which induce
statistically significant levels of cell death as determined by PI uptake may be selected as cell death-inducing
antibodies.
To screen for antibodies which bind to an epitope on CD20 bound by an antibody of interest, a
routine cross-blocking assay such as that described in Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor
Laboratory, Ed Harlow and David Lane (1988), can be performed. This assay can be used to determine if a
test antibody binds the same site or epitope as an anti-CD20 antibody of the invention. Alternatively, or
additionally, epitope mapping can be performed by methods known in the art. For example, the antibody
sequence can be mutagenized such as by alanine scanning, to identify contact residues. The mutant antibody
is initaiUy tested for binding with polyclonal antibody to ensure proper folding. In a different method,
peptides corresponding to different regions of CD20 can be used in competition assays with the test
antibodies or with a test antibody and an antibody with a characterized or known epitope.
Vectors, Host Cells and Recombinant Methods
The invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a humanized CD20 binding antibody,
vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acid, and recombinant techniques for the production of the
antibody.
For recombinant production of die antibody, the nucleic acid encoding it is isolated and inserted
into a replicable vector for further cloning (amplification of the DN A) or for expression. DNA encoding the
monoclonal antibody is readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using
oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains
of the antibody). Many vectors are available. The vector components generally include, but are not limited
to, one or more of the following: a signal sequence, an origin of replication, one or more marker genes, an
enhancer element, a promoter, and a transcription termination sequence.
(i) Signal sequence component
The CD20 binding antibody of this invention may be produced recombmanrly not only directly, but
also as a fusion polypeptide with a heterologous polypeptide, which is preferably a signal sequence or other
polypeptide having a specific cleavage site at the N-terminus of the mature protein or polypeptide. The
heterologous signal sequence selected preferably is one that is recognized and processed (Le., cleaved by a
signal peptidase) by the host cell. For prokaryotic host cells that do not recognize and process the native
CD20 binding antibody signal sequence, the signal sequence is substituted by a prokaryotic signal sequence
selected, for example, from the group of the alkaline phosphatase, penicillinase, Ipp, or heat-stable
enterotoxin II leaders. For yeast secretion the native signal sequence may be substituted by, e.g„ the yeast
invertase leader, a factor leader (including Saccharomyces and KJuyveromyces ot-factor leaders), or acid
phosphatase leader, the C albicans glucoaniylase leader, or the signal described in WO 90/13646. In
mammalian cell expression, mammalian signal sequences as well as viral secretory leaders, for example, the
herpes simplex gD signal, are available.
The DNA for such precursor region is ligated in reading frame to DNA encoding the CD20 binding
antibody.
(ii) Origin of replication
Both expression and cloning vectors contain a nucleic acid sequence that enables the vector to
replicate in one or more selected host cells. Generally, in cloning vectors this sequence is one mat enables
the vector to replicate independently of die host chromosomal DNA, and includes origins of replication or
autonomously replicating sequences. Such sequences are well known for a variety of bacteria, yeast, and
viruses. The origin of replication from (he plasmid pBR322 is suitable for most Gram-negative bacteria, the
2u plasmid origin is suitable for yeast, and various viral origins (SV40, polyoma, adenovirus, VSV or BPV)
are useful for cloning vectors in mammalian cells. Generally, the origin of replication component is not
needed for mammalian expression vectors (the SV40 origin may typically be used only because it contains
the early promoter).
(Hi) Selection gene component
Expression and cloning vectors may contain a selection gene, also termed a selectable marker.
Typical selection genes encode proteins that (a) confer resistance to antibiotics or other toxins, eg.,
ampicillin, neomycin, methotrexate, or tetracycline, (b) complement auxotrophic deficiencies, or (c) supply
critical nutrients not available from complex media, e.g., the gene encoding D-alanine racemase for Bacilli.
One example of a selection scheme utilizes a drug to arrest growth of a host celL Those cells that
are successfully transformed with a heterologous gene produce a protein conferring drug resistance and thus
survive the selection regimen. Examples of such dominant selection use me drugs neomycin, mycophenolic
acid and hygromycin.
Another example of suitable selectable markers for mammalian cells are those that enable (he
identification of cells competent to take up die CD20 binding antibody nucleic acid, such as DHFR,
thymidine kinase, metallothionein-I and -II, preferably primate metallothiouein genes, adenosine deaminase,
omidiine decarboxylase, etc.
For example, cells transformed with the DHFR selection gene are first identified by culturing all of
the transformants in a culture medium that contains methotrexate (Mtx), a competitive antagonist of DHFR.
An appropriate host cell when wild-type DHFR is employed is the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line
deficient in DHFR activity (e.g., ATCC CRL-9096).
Alternatively, host cells (particularly wild-type hosts mat contain endogenous DHFR) transformed
or co-transformed with DNA sequences encoding CD20 binding antibody, wild-type DHFR protein, and
another selectable marker such as aminoglycoside 3'-phosphotransferase (APH) can be selected by cell
growth in medium containing a selection agent for die selectable marker such as an aminoglycosidic
antibiotic, e.g., kanamycin, neomycin, or G41S. See U.S. Patent No. 4,965,199.
A suitable selection gene for use in yeast is the trpl gene present in the yeast plasmid YRp7
(Stinchcomb et al.. Nature, 282:39 (1979)). The trpl gene provides a selection marker for a mutant strain of
yeast lacking the ability to grow in tryptophan, for example, ATCC No. 44076 or PEP4-1. Jones, Genetics,
85:12 (1977). The presence of the trpl lesion in the yeast host cell genome then provides an effective
environment for detecting transformation by growth in the absence of tryptophan. Similarly, Leu2-deficient
yeast strains (ATCC 20,622 or 38,626) are complemented by known plasmids bearing the Leul gene.
In addition, vectors derived from the 1.6 um circular plasmid pKD 1 can be used for transformation
ofKLuyveromyces yeasts. Alternatively, an expression system for large-scale production of recombinant calf
chymosin was reported for K. lactis. Van den Berg, Bio/Technology, 8:135 (1990). Stable multi-copy
expression vectors for secretion of mature recombinant human serum albumin by industrial strains of
Kluyveromyces have also been disclosed. Fleer et al, Bio/Technology, 9:968-975 (1991).
(iv) Promoter component.
Expression and cloning vectors usually contain a promoter that is recognized by die host organism
and is operably linked to die nucleic acid encoding die CD20 binding antibody. Promoters suitable for use
with prokaryotic hosts include the phoA promoter, P-lactamase and lactose promoter systems, alkaline
phosphatase promoter, a tryptophan (trp) promoter system, and hybrid promoters such as me tac promoter.
However, ottier known bacterial promoters are suitable. Promoters for use in bacterial systems also will
contain a Shine-Dalgamo (S.D.) sequence operably linked to the DNA encoding the CD20 binding antibody.
Promoter sequences are known for eukaryotes. Virtually all eukaryotic genes have an AT-rich
region located approximately 25 to 30 bases upstream from the site where transcription is initiated. Another
sequence found 70 to- 80 bases upstream from die start of transcription of many genes is a CNCAAT region
where N may be any nucleotide. At the 3' end of most eukaryotic genes is an AATAAA sequence that may
be die signal for addition of die poly A tail to die 3' end of the coding sequence. All of uiese sequences are
suitably inserted into eukaryotic expression vectors.
Examples of suitable promoter sequences for use with yeast hosts include the promoters for 3-
phosphoglycerate kinase or other glycolytic enzymes, such as enolase, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
dehydrogenase, hexokinase, pyruvate decarboxylase, phosphofructokinase, glucose-6-phosphate isomerase,
3-phosphoglycerate mutase, pyruvate kinase, triosephosphate isomerase, phosphoglucose isomerase, and
glucokinase.
Other yeast promoters, which are inducible promoters having the additional advantage of
transcription controlled by growth conditions, are the promoter regions for alcohol dehydrogenase 2,
isocytochrome C, acid phosphatase, degradative enzymes associated with nitrogen metabolism,
mctaUothionein, gIyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and enzymes responsible for maltose and
galactose utilization. Suitable vectors and promoters for use in yeast expression are further described in EP
73,657. Yeast enhancers also are advantageously used with yeast promoters.
CD20 binding antibody transcription from vectors in mammalian host cells is controlled, for
example, by promoters obtained from the genomes of viruses such as polyoma virus, fowipox virus,
adenovirus (such as Adenovirus 2), bovine papilloma virus, avian sarcoma virus, cytomegalovirus, a
retrovirus, hepatitis-B virus and most preferably Simian Virus 40 (SV40), from heterologous mammalian '
promoters, eg., the actin promoter or an immunoglobulin promoter, from heat-shock promoters, provided
such promoters are compatible with the host cell systems.
The early and late promoters of the SV40 virus are conveniently obtained as an SV40 restriction
fragment that also contains the SV40 viral origin of replication. The immediate early promoter of the human
cytomegalovirus is conveniently obtained as a HindUl E restriction fragment A system for expressing DNA
in mammalian hosts using the bovine papilloma virus as a vector is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,419,446.
A modification of this system is described in U.S. Patent No. 4,601,978. See also Reyes et ah, Nature
297:598-601 (1982) on expression of human p-interferon cDNA in mouse cells under the control of a
thymidine kinase promoter from herpes simplex virus. Alternatively, the Rous Sarcoma Virus long terminal
repeat can be used as the promoter.
(v) Enhancer element component
Transcription of a DNA encoding the CD20 binding antibody of this invention by higher eukaryotes
is often increased by inserting an enhancer sequence into the vector. Many enhancer sequences are now
known from mammalian genes (globin, elastase, albumin, a-fetoprotein, and insulin). Typically, however,
one will use an enhancer from a eukaryotic cell virus. Examples include die SV40 enhancer on the late side
of the replication origin (bp 100-270), the cytomegalovirus early promoter enhancer, the polyoma enhancer
on the late side of the replication origin, and adenovirus enhancers. See also Yaniv, Nature 297:17-18
(1982) on enhancing elements for activation of eukaryotic promoters. The enhancer may be spliced into the
vector at a position 5* or 3' to the CD20 binding antibody-encoding sequence, but is preferably located at a
site 5" from the promoter.
(vi) Transcription termination component
Expression vectors used in eukaryotic host cells (yeast, fungi, insect, plant, animal, human, or
nucleated cells from other multicellular organisms) will also contain sequences necessary for the termination
of transcription and for stabilizing me mRNA. Such sequences are commonly available from the 5' and,
occasionally 3', untranslated regions of eukaryotic or viral DNAs or cDNAs. These regions contain
nucleotide segments transcribed as polyadenylated fragments in the untranslated portion of the mRNA
encoding CD20 binding antibody. One useful transcription termination component is the bovine growth
hormone polyadenylau'on region. See W094/11026 and the expression vector disclosed therein.
(vii) Selection and transformation of host cells
Suitable host cells for cloning or expressing the DNA in the vectors herein are the prokaryote,
yeast, or higher eukaryote cells described above. Suitable prokaryotes for this purpose include eubacteria,
such as Gram-negative or Gram-positive organisms, for example, Enterobacteriaceae such as Eschericliia,
e.g., E. coll, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Klebsiella, Proteus, Salmonella, e.g., Salmonella typlumurwm, Serratia,
e.g., Serratia marcescans, and Shigella, as well as Bacilli such as B. subtUis and B. licheniformis (eg., B.
lidieniformis 41P disclosed in DD 266,710 published 12 April 1989), Pseudomonas such as P. aeruginosa,
and Streptomyces. One preferred E. coli cloning host is E. coli 294 (ATCC 31,446), although other strains
; suchas£ coliB,E.coliXn76 (ATCC 31,537), and E. co/j W3110 (ATCC 27,325) are suitable. These
examples are illustrative rather than limiting.
Full length antibody, antibody fragments, and antibody fusion proteins can be produced in bacteria,
in particular when glycosylation and Fc effector function are not needed, such as when the therapeutic
antibody is conjugated to a cytotoxic agent (e.g., a toxin) and the immunoconjugate by itself shows
effectiveness in tumor cell destruction. Full length antibodies have greater half life in circulation.
Production in E. coli is faster and more cost efficient For expression of antibody fragments and
polypeptides in bacteria, see, e.g., U.S. 5,648,237 (Carter et al.), U.S. 5,789,199 (Joly et al), and U.S.
5,840,523 (Simmons et aL) which describes translation initiation region (TIR) and signal sequences for
optimizing expression and secretion, these patents incorporated herein by reference. After expression, the
antibody is isolated from the E. coli cell paste in a soluble fraction and can be purified through, e.g., a
protein A or G column depending on the isotype. Final purification can be carried out similar to the process
for purifying antibody expressed e.g., in CHO cells.
in addition to prokaryotes, eukaryotic microbes such as filamentous fungi or yeast are suitable
cloning or expression hosts for CD20 binding antibody-encoding vectors. Saccliaromyces cerevisiae, or
common baker's yeast, is die most commonly used among lower eukaryotic host microorganisms. However,
a number of other genera, species, and strains are commonly available and useful herein, such as
Schizosaceharomycespombe; Uuyveromyces hosts such as, e.g., K. lactis, K.fragilis (ATCC 12,424), K.
bulgaricus (ATCC 16,045), K. wickeramii (ATCC 24,178), K. waltii (ATCC 56,500), K. drosophilarum
(ATCC 36,906), K. thennotolerans, md K. marxianus; yarrowia (EP 402,226); Piduapastotis (EP
183,070); Candida; Triclioderma reesia (EP 244,234); Neurospora crassa; Scliwanniomyces such as
Scliwanniomyces occidentalis; and filamentous fungi such as, e.g., Neurospora, Penicillium, Tolypocladium,
and Aspergillus hosts such as A. nidulans and A. niger.
Suitable host cells for me expression of glycosylated CD20 binding antibody are derived from
multicellular organisms. Examples of invertebrate cells include plant and insect cells. Numerous
baculoviral strains and variants and corresponding permissive insect host cells from hosts such as
Spodopterafrugiperda (caterpillar), Aedes aegypti (mosquito), Aedes albopictus (mosquito), Drosophila
melanogaster (fruitfly), and Bombyx mori have been identified. A variety of viral strains for transfection are
publicly available, e.g., the L-l variant oiAulographa californica NPV and the Bm-5 strain of Bombyx mori
NPV, and such viruses may be used as the virus herein according to the present invention, particularly for
transfection ofSpodopterafrugiperda cells.
Plant cell cultures of cotton, corn, potato, soybean, petunia, tomato, and tobacco can also be utilized
as hosts.
However, interest has been greatest in vertebrate cells, and propagation of vertebrate cells in culture
(tissue culture) has become a routine procedure. Examples of useful mammalian host cell lines are monkey
kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7, ATCC CRL 1651); human embryonic kidney line (293 or
293 cells subclcraed for growth in suspension culture, Graham et al, J. Gen Virol. 36:59 (1977)) ; baby
hamster kidney cells (BHK, ATCC CCL10); Chinese hamster ovary cells/-DHFR (CHO, Urlaub et al.,
Proa Natl. Acad. Set USA 77:4216 (1980)); mouse Sertoli cells (TM4, Mather, Biol. Reprod. 23:243-251
(1980) ); monkey kidney cells (CV1 ATCC CCL 70); African green monkey kidney cells (VERO-76, ATCC
CRL-1587); human cervical carcinoma cells (HELA, ATCC CCL 2); canine kidney cells (MDCK, ATCC
CCL 34); buffalo rat liver cells (BRL 3A, ATCC CRL 1442); human hing cells (W138, ATCC CCL 75);
human liver cells (Hep G2, HB 8065); mouse mammary tumor (MMT 060562, ATCC CCL51); TRI cells
(Mather et al., Annals N. T. Acad. Set. 383:44-68 (1982)); MRC 5 cells; FS4 cells; and a human hepatoma
line(HepG2).
Host cells are transformed with the above-described expression or cloning vectors for CD20
binding antibody production and cultured in conventional nutrient media modified as appropriate for
inducing promoters, selecting transformants, or amplifying the genes encoding the desired sequences.
(viii) Culturing the host cells
The host cells used to produce the CD20 binding antibody of mis invention may be cultured in a
variety of media. Commercially available media such as Ham's F10 (Sigma), Minimal Essential Medium
((MEM), (Sigma), RPMI-1640 (Sigma), and Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium ((DMEM), Sigma) are
suitable for culturing the host cells. In addition, any of the media described in Ham et al., Meth. Enz. 58:44
(1979), Barnes etal. Anal Biochem.lQ2:255 (1980), U.S. Pat Nos. 4,767,704; 4,657,866; 4,927,762;
4,560,655; or 5,122,469; WO 90/03430; WO 87/00195; or U.S. Patent Re. 30,985 may be used as culture
media for the host cells. Any of these media may be supplemented as necessary with hormones and/or other
growth factors (such as insulin, transferrin, or epidermal growth factor), salts (such as sodium chloride,
calcium, magnesium, and phosphate), buffers (such as HEPES), nucleotides (such as adenosine and
thymidine), antibiotics (such as GENTAMYCIN™ drug), trace elements (defined as inorganic compounds
usually present at final concentrations in the micromolar range), and glucose or an equivalent energy source.
Any other necessary supplements may also be included at appropriate concentrations that would be known to
those skilled in the art The culture conditions, such as temperature, pH, and the like, are those previously
used with the host cell selected for expression, and will be apparent to the ordinarily skilled artisan.
(ix) Purification of antibody
When using recombinant techniques, the antibody can be produced intracellularly, in the
periplasmic space, or directly secreted into the medium. If the antibody is produced intracellularly, as a first
step, the particulate debris, either host cells or lysed fragments, are removed, for example, by centrifugation
or ultrafiltration. Carter et al, Bio/Technology 10:163-167 (1992) describe a procedure for isolating
antibodies which are secreted to the periplasmic space ofE. coll Briefly, cell paste is thawed in the
presence of sodium acetate (pH 3.5), EDTA, and phenylmethylsulfbnylfluoride (PMSF) over about 30 min.
Cell debris can be removed by centrifugation Where the antibody is secreted into the medium, supernatants
from such expression systems are generally first concentrated using a commercially available protein
concentration filter, for example, an Amicon or Millipore Pellicon ultrafiltration unit A protease inhibitor
such as PMSF may be included in any of the foregoing steps to inhibit proteolysis and antibiotics may be
included to prevent the growth of adventitious contaminants.
The antibody composition prepared from die cells can be purified using, for example,
hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, and affinity chromatography, with affinity
chromatography being the preferred purification technique. The suitability of protein A as an affinity ligand
depends on the species and isotype of any immunoglobulin Fc domain that is present in the antibody.
Protein A can be used to purify antibodies mat are based on human yl, y2, or y4 heavy chains (Lindmark et
aL, J. Immunol. Meth. 62:1-13 (1983)). Protein G is recommended for all mouse isotypes and for human y3
(Guss et ai, EMBOJ. 5:15671575 (1986)). The matrix to which the affinity ligand is attached is most often
agarose, but other matrices are available. Mechanically stable matrices such as controlled pore glass or
poly(styrenedivinyl)benzeiie allow for faster flow rates and shorter processing times than can be achieved
with agarose. Where the antibody comprises a Ch3 domain, the Bakerbond ABX™resin (J. T. Baker,
Phillipsburg, NJ) is useful for purification. Other techniques for protein purification such as fractionation on
an ion-exchange column, ethanol precipitation, Reverse Phase HPLC, chromatography on silica,
chromatography on heparin SEPHAROSE™ chromatography on an anion or cation exchange resin (such as
a polyaspartic acid column), chromato focusing, SDS-PAGE, and ammonium sulfate precipitation are also
available depending on the antibody to be recovered.
Following any preliminary purification step(s), the mixture comprising the antibody of interest and
contaminants may be subjected to low pH hydrophobic interaction chromatography using an elution buffer
at a pH between about 2.5-4.5, preferably performed at low salt concentrations (e.g., from about 0-0.25M
salt).
Antibody conjugates
The antibody may be conjugated to a cytotoxic agent such as a toxin or a radioactive isotope. In
certain embodiments, the toxin is calicheamicin, a maytansinoid, a dolastatin, auristatin E and analogs or
derivatives thereof, are preferable.
Preferred drugs/toxins include DNA damaging agents, inhibitors of microtubule polymerization or
depolymerizatton and antimetabolites. Preferred classes of cytotoxic agents include, for example, the
enzyme inhibitors such as dihydrofolate reductase inhibitors, and rhymidylate synthase inhibitors, DNA
intercalates, DNA cleavers, topoisomerase inhibitors, the anthracycline family of drugs, the vinca drugs, the
mitomycins, the bleomycins, the cytotoxic nucleosides, the pteridine family of drugs, diynenes, Ac
podophyllotoxins and differentiation inducers. Particularly useful members of those classes include, for
example, methotrexate, methopterin, dichloromethotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, 6-mercaptopurine, cytosine
arabinoside, melphalan, leurosine, leurosideine, actinomycin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, N-(5,5-
diacetoxypentyl)doxorubicin, morpholino-doxorubicin, l-(2-choroehmyl)-l^-dln»erhanesulfonyl hydrazide,
N -acetyl spermidine, aminopterin methopterin, esperamicin, mitomycin C, mitomycin A, actinomycin,
bleomycin, canninomycin, aminopierin, tallysomycin, podophyilotaxin and podopbyllotoxin derivatives
such as etoposide or etoposide phosphate, vinblastine, vincristine, vindesine, taxol, taxotere, retinoic acid,
butyric acid, N^acetyl spennidine, carnptothecin, calicheamicin, bryostatins, cephalostatins, ansarnitocin,
actosin, maytahsinoids such as DM-1, maytansine, maytansinol, N-desmethyl-4,5-desepoxymaytansinoI, C-
19-dechlorornaytansinol, C-20-hydroxymaytansinol, C-20-demerhoxyrnaytansinol, C-9-SH maytansinol, C-
14-aikoxymemyhnaytansinol, C-14-hydroxy or acetyioxymeffilmaytansinol, C-15-
hydroxy/acetyloxyrnaytansinol, C-15-methoxymaytansinol, C-18-N-dememyhnaytansinol and 4,5-
deoxymaytansiaol, auristatins such as auristatin E, M, PHE and PE; dolostatins such as dolostatin A,
dolostatin B, dolostatin C, dolostatin D, dolostatin E (20-epi and 11-epi), dolostatin G, dolostatin H,
dolostatin I, dolostatin 1, dolostatin 2, dolostatin 3, dolostatin 4, dolostatin 5, dolostatin 6, dolostatin 7,
dolostatin 8, dolostatin 9, dolostatin 10, deo-dolostatin 10, dolostatin 11, dolostatin 12, dolostatin 13,
dolostatin 14, dolostatin IS, dolostatin 16, dolostatin 17, and dolostatin 18; cephalostatins such as
cephalostatin 1, cephalostaiin 2, cephalostatin 3, cephalostatin 4, cephalostatin 5, cephalostatin 6,
cephalostatin 7,25'-epi-cephalostatin 7,20-epi-cephalostatin 7, cephalostatin 8, cephalostatin 9,
cephalostatin 10, cephalostatin 11,cephalostatin 12,cepaaIostatm 13,cephalostatin 14, cephalostatin
15.cephalostatin 16,cephalostatin 17, cephalostatin 18, and cephalostatin 19..
Maytaosinoids are mitototic inhibitors which act by inhibiting tubulin polymerization. Maytansine
was first isolated from the east African shrub Maytenus serrata (U.S. Patent No. 3,896,111). Subsequently,
it was discovered that certain microbes also produce maytansinoids, such as maytansinol and C-3
maytansinol esters (U.S. Patent No. 4,151,042). Synthetic maytansinol and derivatives and analogues
thereof are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,137,230; 4,248,870; 4,256,746; 4,260,608;
4,265,814; 4,294,757; 4,307,016; 4,308,268; 4,308,269; 4,309,428; 4,313,946; 4,315,929; 4,317,821;
4,322,348; 4331,598; 4,361,650; 4,364,866; 4,424,219; 4,450,254; 4,362,663; and 4,371,533, the
disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference.
Maytansine and maytansinoids have been conjugated to antibodies specifically binding to tumor
cell antigens. Immunoconjugates containing maytansinoids and their therapeutic use are disclosed, for
example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,208,020,5,416,064 and European Patent EP 0 425 235 Bl, the disclosures of
which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference. Iiu et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:8618-8623
(1996) described inununoconjugates comprising a maytansinoid designated DM1 linked to the monoclonal
antibody C242 directed against human colorectal cancer. The conjugate was found to be highly cytotoxic
towards cultured colon cancer cells, and showed antitumor activity in an in vivo tumor growth assay. Chari
et al. Cancer Research 52:127-131 (1992) describe immunoconjugates in which a maytansinoid was
conjugated via a disulfide linker to the murine antibody A7 binding to an antigen on human colon cancer cell
lines, or to another murine monoclonal antibody TA. 1 that binds the HBR-2/neu oncogene.
There are many linking groups known in the art for making antibody-maytansinoid conjugates,
including, for example, those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,208,020 or EP Patent 0 425 235 BI, and Chari
et at. Cancer Researcii 52:127-131 (1992). The linking groups include disufide groups, thioether groups,
acid labile groups, photolabile groups, peptidase labile groups, or esterase labile groups, as disclosed in the '
above-identified patents, disulfide and thioether groups being preferred.
Conjugates of the antibody and maytansinoid may be made using a variety of Afunctional protein
coupling agents such as N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP), suc«inimidyl-4-(N-
maleimidomeuiyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate, iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters
(such as dimethyl adipimidate HCL), active esters (such as disuccinimidyl suberate), aldehydes (such as
glutareldehyde), bis-azido compounds (such as bis (p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine), bis-diazonium
derivatives (such as bis-(p-diazoniuinbenzoyI)-emylenediamine), diisocyanates (such as toluene 2,6-
diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such as l,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitTobenzene). Particularly
preferred coupling agents include N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP) (Carlsson et al.,
Biochem. J. 173:723-737 [1978]) andN-su disulfide linkage.
The linker may be attached to the maytansinoid molecule at various positions, depending on the
type of the link. For example, an ester linkage may be formed by reaction with a hydroxy! group using
conventional coupling techniques. The reaction may occur at the C-3 position having a hydroxy! group, the
C-14 position modified with hyrdoxymethyl, the C-15 position modified with a hydroxy! group, and the C-
20 position having a hydroxy! group. In a preferred embodiment, the linkage is formed at the C-3 position
of maytansinol or a maytansinol analogue.
Caliclieamicin
Another immunoconjugate of interest comprises an CD20 binding antibody conjugated to one or
more calicheamicin molecules. The calicheamicin family of antibiotics are capable of producing double^
stranded DNA breaks at sub-pioomolar concentrations. For the preparation of conjugates of the
calicheamicin family, see U.S. patents 5,712,374,5,714,586,5,739,116,5,767,285,5,770,701,5,770,710,
5,773,001,5,877,296 (all to American Cyanamid Company). Structural analogues of calicheamicin which
may be used include, but are not limited to, ytl, a2r, 03', N-acetyl-Yi1, PSAG and 0'i (Hinman et al. Cancer
Research 53: 3336-3342 (1993), Lode et al. Cancer Research 58:2925-2928 (1998) and the aforementioned
U.S. patents to American Cyanamid). Another anti-tumor drug that the antibody can be conjugated is QFA
which is an antifolate. Bodi calicheamicin and QFA have intracellular sites of action and do not readily
cross the plasma membrane. Therefore, cellular uptake of these agents through antibody mediated
internalization greatly enhances their cytotoxic effects.
Radioactive isotopes
For selective destruction of the .tumor, the antibody may comprise'a highly radioactive atom. A
variety of radioactive isotopes are available for die production of radioconjugated anti-CD20 antibodies.
Examples include Al2", I131, l,2S, Y90, ReIM, Re,ss, SmIS3, Bi212, P32, Pb212 and radioactive isotopes of Lu.
When the conjugate is used for diagnosis, it may comprise a radioactive atom for scintigraphic studies, for
example tcWl° or I123, or a spin label for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging (also known as
magnetic resonance imaging, mri), such as iodine-123 again, iodine-131, indium-111, fluorine-19, carbon-
13, nitrogen-15, oxygen-17, gadolinium, manganese or iron.
The radio- or other labels may be incorporated in the conjugate in known ways. For example, the
peptide may be biosynthesized or may be synthesized by chemical amino acid synthesis using suitable amino
acid precursors involving, for example, fluorine-19 in place of hydrogen. Labels such as tc or Il2J, .Re186,
Re'*8 and In1" can be attached via a cysteine residue in the peptide. Yttrium-90 can be attached via a lysine
residue. The IODOGEN method (Fraker et al (1978) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 80:49-57 can be
used to incorporate iodine-123. "Monoclonal Antibodies in Immunoscintigraphy" (ChataLCRC Press 1989)
describes other methods in detail.
Conjugates of the antibody and cytotoxic agent may be made using a variety of bifunctional protein
coupling agents such as N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldimio) propionate (SPDP), succinimidyl-4-(N-
maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate, iminomtolane (TT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters
(such as dimethyl adipimidatc HCL), active esters (such as disuccinhnidyl suberate), aldehydes (such as
glutareldehyde), bis-azido compounds (such as bis (p-azidobenzoyi) hexanediamine), bis-diazonium
derivatives (such as bis-(p-diazoniimibenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such as tolyene 2,6-
diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such as l,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene). For example, a
ricin immunotoxin can be prepared as described in Vitetta et al. Science 238:1098 (1987). Carbon-14-
labeled l-iso(niocyanatobenzyl-3-memyldiemylene triaminepentaacetic acid (MX-DTPA) is an exemplary
chelating agent for conjugation of radionucleotide to the antibody. See W094/11026. The linker may be a
"cleavable linker" facilitating release of the cytotoxic drug in the cell. For example, ah acid-labile linker,
peptidase-sensitive linker, photolabile linker, dimetiiyl linker or disulfide-containing linker (Chari et al.
Cancer ResearcJi 52:127-131 (1992); U.S. Patent No. 5,208,020) may be used.
Therapeutic Uses of the CD20 binding Antibodies
The CD20 binding antibodies of the invention are useful to treat a number of malignant and non-
malignant diseases including autoimmune diseases and related conditions, and CD20 positive cancers
including B cell lymphomas and Ieukemias. Stem cells (B-cell progenitors) in bone marrow lack die CD20
antigen, allowing healthy B-cells to regenerate after treatment and return to normal levels within several
months.
Autoimmune diseases or autoimmune related conditions include arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis,
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis), psoriasis, dermatitis including atopic
dermatitis; chronic autoimmune urticaria, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, toxic epidermal necrolysis,
systemic scleroderma and sclerosis, responses associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (Crohn's
disease, ulcerative colitis), respiratory distress syndrome, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),
meningitis, allergic rhinitis, encephalitis, uveitis, colitis, glomerulonephritis, allergic conditions, eczema,
asthma, conditions involving infiltration of T cells and chronic inflammatory responses, atherosclerosis,
autoimmune myocarditis, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus
(including nephritis, non-renal, discoid, alopecia), juvenile onset diabetes, multiple sclerosis, allergic
encephalomyelitis, immune responses associated with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by
cytokines and T-lymphocytes, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, granulomatosis including Wegener's
granulomatosis, agranulocytosis, vasculitis (including ANCA), aplastic anemia, Coombs positive anemia,
Diamond Blackfan anemia, immune hemolytic anemia including autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AHA),
pernicious anemia, pure red cell aplasia (PRCA), Factor VTH deficiency, hemophilia A, autoimmune
neutropenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia, diseases involving leukocyte diapedesis, CNS inflammatory
disorders, multiple organ injury syndrome, myasthenia gravis, antigen-antibody complex mediated diseases,
anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, allergic neuritis, Bechet
disease, Castlewan's syndrome, Goodpasture's Syndrome, Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome, Reynaud's
syndrome, Sjorgen's syndrome, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, solid organ transplant rejection (including
pretreatment for high panel reactive antibody titers, IgA deposit in tissues, etc), graft versus host disease
(GVHD), pemphigoid bullous, pemphigus (all including vulgaris, foliatis), autoimmune
polycndocrinopathies, Rater's disease, stiff-man syndrome, giant cell arteritis, immune complex nephritis,
IgA nephropathy, IgM polyneuropatiiies or IgM mediated neuropathy, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
(ITP), thrombotic throbocytopenic purpura (TTP), autoimmune thrombocytopenia, autoimmune disease of
ttie testis and ovary including autoimune orchitis and oophoritis, primary hypomyroidism; autoimmune
endocrine diseases including autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis), subacute
thyroiditis, idiopathic hypothyroidism, Addison's disease, Grave's disease, autoimmune polyglandular
syndromes (or polyglandular endocrinopamy syndromes), Type I diabetes also referred to as insulin-
dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and Sheehan's syndrome; autoimmune hepatitis, Lymphoid interstitial
pneumonitis (HTV), bronchiolitis obliterans (non-transplant) vs NSIP, Gnillain-Barrc' Syndrome, Large
Vessel Vasculitis (including Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell (Tafcayasu's) Arteritis), Medium
Vessel Vasculitis (including Kawasaki's Disease and Polyarteritis Nodosa), ankylosing spondylitis, Berger's
Disease (IgA nephropathy), Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis, Primary biliary cirrhosis, Celiac sprue
(gluten enteropathy), Cryoglobulinemia, ALS, coronary artery disease.
CD20 positive cancers are those comprising abnormal proliferation of cells that express CD20 on
the cell surface. The CD20 positive B cell neoplasms include CD20-positive Hodgkin's disease including
lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's disease (LPHD); non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL); follicular center
cell (FCC) lymphomas; acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL); chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); Hairy
cell leukemia. The non-Hodgkins lymphoma include low grade/follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL),
small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), intermediate grade/follicular NHL, intermediate grade diffuse NHL,
high grade immunoblastic NHL, high grade lymphoblastic NHL, high grade small non-cleaved cell NHL,
bulky disease NHL, plasmacytoid lymphocytic lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, AIDS- related lymphoma
and Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia. Treatment of relapses of these cancers are also contemplated.
LPHD is a type of Hodgkin's disease that tends to relapse frequently despite radiation or chemouierapy
treatment and is characterized by CD20-positivc malignant cells. CLL is one of four major types of
leukemia A cancer of mature B-cells called lymphocytes, CLL is manifested by progressive accumulation
of cells in blood, bone marrow and lymphatic tissues.
In specific embodiments, the humanized CD20 binding antibodies and functional fragments thereof
are used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin's disease (LPHD),
small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) including lupus nephritis, Wegener's disease,
inflammatory bowel disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombotic throbocytopenic
purpura (TTP), autoimmune thrombocytopenia, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, IgA nephropamy, IgM
polyneuropathies, myasthenia gravis, vasculitis, diabetes mellitus, Reynaud's syndrome, Sjorgen's syndrome
and glomerulonephritis.
The humanized CD20 binding antibodies or functional fragments thereof are useful as a single-
agent treatment in, e.g., for relapsed or refractory low-grade or follicular, CD20-positive, B-cell NHL, or can
be administered to patients in conjunction with other drugs in a multi drug regimen.
Indolent lymphoma is a slow-growing, incurable disease in which the average patient survives
between six and 10 years following numerous periods of remission and relapse. In one embodiment, the
humanized CD20 binding antibodies or functional fragments thereof are used to treat indolent NHL.
The parameters for assessing efficacy or success of treatment of the neoplasm will be known to the
physician of skill in die appropriate disease. Generally, the physician of skill will look for reduction in the
signs and symptoms of the specific disease. Parameters can include median time to disease progression,
time in remission, stable disease.
The following references describe lymphomas and CLL, their diagnoses, treatment and standard
medical procedures for measuring treatment efficacy.
The following references describe lymphomas and CLL, their diagnoses, treatment and standard
medical procedures for measuring treatment efficacy. Canellos GP, Lister, TA, Sklar JL: The Lymphomas.
W.B.Saunders Company, Philadelphia, 1998; van Besien K and Cabanillas, F: Clinical Manifestations,
Staging and Treatment of Non-Hodgkm's Lymphoma, Chap. 70, pp 1293-1338, in: Hematology, Basic
Principles and Practice, 3rd ed. Hoffman et aL (editors). Churchill Livingstone, Philadelphia, 2000; and Rai,
K and Patet, D:Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia, Chap. 72, pp 1350-1362, in: Hematology, Basic Principles
and Practice, 3rd ed. Hoffman et al. (editors). Churchill Livingstone, Philadelphia, 2000.
The parameters for assessing efficacy or success of treatment of an autoimmune or autoimmune
related disease will be known to the physician of skill in (he appropriate disease. Generally, the physician of
skill will look for reduction in die signs and symptoms of me specific disease. The following are by way of
examples.
In one embodiment, the antibodies of the invention are useful to treat rheumatoid arthritis. RA is
characterized by inflammation of multiple joints, cartilage loss and bone erosion that leads to joint
destruction and ultimately reduced joint function. Additionally, since RA is a systemic disease, it can have
effects in other tissues such as die lungs, eyes and bone marrow. Fewer than 50 percent of patients who
have had RA for more than 10 years can continue to work or function normally on a day-to-day basis.
The antibodies can be used as first-line therapy in patients with early RA (i.e., methotrexate (MTX)
naive) and as monotherapy, or in combination with, e.g., MTX or cyclophosphamide. Or, the antibodies can
be used in treatment as second-line therapy for patients who were DMARD and/or MTX refractory, and as
monotherapy or in combination with, e.g., MTX. The humanized CD20 binding antibodies are useful to
prevent and control joint damage, delay structural damage, decrease pain associated with inflammation in
RA, and generally reduce me signs and symptoms in moderate to severe RA. The RA patient can be treated
with the humanized CD20 antibody prior to, after or together with treatment with other drugs used in
treating RA (see combination therapy below). In one embodiment, patients who had previously failed
disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and/or had an inadequate response to methotrexate alone are treated
with a humanized CD20 binding antibody of the invention. In one embodiment of mis treatment, the patients
are in a 17-day treatment regimen receiving humanized CD20 binding antibody alone (lg iv infusions on
days 1 and 15); CD20 binding antibody plus cyclophosphamide (750mg iv infusion days 3 and 17); or CD20
binding antibody Pias methotrexate.
One method of evaluating treatment efficacy in RA is based on American College of Rheumatology
(ACR) criteria, which measures the percentage of improvement in tender and swollen joints, among other
things. The RA patient can be scored at for example, ACR 20 (20 percent improvement) compared with no
antibody treatment (e.g„ baseline before treatment) or treatment with placebo. Other ways of evaluating die
efficacy of antibody treatment include X-ray scoring such as the Sharp X-ray score used to score structural
damage such as bone erosion and joint space narrowing. Patients can also be evaluated for die prevention of
or improvement in disability based on Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ] score, AIMS score, SF-36 at
time periods during or after treatment The ACR 20 criteria may include 20% improvement in bom tender
(painful) joint count and swollen joint count plus a 20% improvement in at least 3 of 5 additional measures:
1. patient's pain assessment by visual analog scale (VAS),
2. patient's global assessment of disease activity (VAS),
3. physician's global assessment of disease activity (VAS),
4. patient's self-assessed disability measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire,
and
5. acute phase reactants, CRP or ESR.
The ACR SO and 70 are defined analogously. Preferably, the patient is administered an amount of a CD20
binding antibody of the invention effective to achieve at least a score of ACR 20, preferably at least ACR 30,
more preferably at least ACR50, even more preferably at least ACR70, most preferably at least ACR 75 and
higher..
Psoriatic arthritis has unique and distinct radiographic features. For psoriatic arthritis, joint erosion
and joint space narrowing can be evaluated by the Sharp score as well. The humanized CD20 binding
antibodies of the invention can be used to prevent the joint damage as well as reduce disease signs and
symptoms of the disorder.
Yet another aspect of the invention is a method of treating Lupus or SLB by administering to the
patient suffering from SLE, a therapeutically effective amount of a humanized CD20 binding antibody of the
invention. SLEDAI scores provide a numerical quantitation of disease activity. The SLEDAI is a weighted
index of 24 clinical and laboratory parameters known to correlate with disease activity, with a numerical
range of 0-103. see Bryan Gescuk & John Davis, "Novel therapeutic agent for systemic lupus
erythematosus" in Current Opinion in Rheumatology 2002,14:515-521. Antibodies to double-stranded DNA
are believed to cause renal flares and other manifestations of lupus. Patients undergoing antibody treatment
can be monitored for time to renal flare, which is defined as a significant, reproducible increase in serum
creatinine, urine protein or blood in the urine. Alternatively or in addition, patients can be monitored for
levels of antinuclear antibodies and antibodies to double-stranded DNA Treatments for SLE include high-
dose corticosteroids and/or cyclophosphamide (HDCC).
Spondyloarthropathies are a group of disorders of the joints, including ankylosing spondylitis,
psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease. Treatment success can be determined by validated patient and
physician global assessment measuring tools.
Various medications are used to treat psoriasis; treatment differs directly in relation to disease
severity. Patients with a more mild form of psoriasis typically utilize topical treatments, such as topical
steroids, anthralin, calcipolriene, clobetasol, and tazarotene, to manage the disease while patients with
moderate and severe psoriasis are more likely to employ systemic (methotrexate, retinoids, cyclosporine,
PUVA and UVB) therapies. Tars are also used. These therapies have a combination of safety concerns, time
consuming regimens, or inconvenient processes of treatment Furthermore, some require expensive
equipment and dedicated space in the office setting. Systemic medications can produce serious side effects,
including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, bone marrow suppression, liver disease, kidney disease and
gastrointestinal upset Also, the use of phototherapy can increase the incidence of skin cancers. In addition
to the inconvenience and discomfort associated with the use of topical therapies, phototherapy and systemic
treatments require cycling patients on and off therapy and monitoring lifetime exposure due to their side
effects.
Treatment efficacy for psoriasis is assessed by monitoring changes in clinical signs and symptoms
of the disease including Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) changes and Psoriasis Area and Severity
Index (PASI) scores, Psoriasis Symptom Assessment (PSA), compared with the baseline condition. The
patient can be measured periodically throughout treatment on the Visual analog scale used to indicate the
degree of itching experienced at specific time points.
Patients may experience an infusion reaction or infusion-related symptoms with their first infusion
of a therapeutic antibody. These symptoms vary in severity and generally are reversible with medical
intervention. These symptoms include but are not limited to, flu-like fever, chills/rigors, nausea, urticaria,
headache, bronchospasm, angioedema. It would be desirable for the disease treatment methods of me
present invention to minimize infusion reactions. Thus, another aspect of the invention is a method of
treating the diseases disclosed by administering a humanized CD20 binding antibody wherein the antibody
has reduced or no complement dependent cytotoxicity and results in reduced infusion related symptoms as
compared to treatment with Rituxau®. In one embodiment, the humanized CD20 binding antibody is
2H7.V116.
Dosage
Depending on the indication to be treated and factors relevant to the dosing that a physician of skill
in the field would be familiar with, the antibodies of the invention will be administered at a dosage that is
efficacious for the treatment of that indication while minimizing toxicity and side effects. For the treatment
of a CD20 positive cancer or an autoimmune disease, the therapeutically effective dosage will be in the
range of about 2S0mg/m2 to about 400 mg/m2 or 500 nig/m2, preferably about 250-375mg/m2. In one
embodiment, the dosage range is 275-375 mg/m2. In one embodiment of the treatment of a CD20 positive B
cell neoplasm, the antibody is administered at a range of 300-375 mg/m2. For the treatment of patients
suffering from B-cell lymphoma such as non-Hodgkins lymphoma, in a specific embodiment, the au£i-CD20
antibodies and humanized anti-CD20 antibodies of the invention will be administered to a human patient at a
dosage of lOmg/kg or 375mg/ni2. For treating NHL, one dosing regimen would be to administer one dose of
the antibody composition a dosage of lOmg/kg in the first week of treatment, followed by a 2 week interval,
then a second dose of the same amount of antibody is administered. Generally, NHL patients receive such
treatment once during a year but upon recurrence of the lymphoma, such treatment can be repeated. In
another dosing regimen, patients treated with low-grade NHL receive four weeks of a version of humanized
2H7, preferably vl6 (375 mg/ra2 weekly) followed at week five by three additional courses of (he antibody
plus standard CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) or CVP
(cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone) chemotherapy, which was given every three weeks for three
cycles.
For beating rheumatoid arthritis, in one embodiment, the dosage range for the humanized antibody
is 12Smg/m2 (equivalent to about 200mg/dose) to 600mg/m2, given in two doses, e.g., the first dose of
200mg is administered on day one followed by a second dose of 200mg on day 15. In different
embodiments, die dosage is 250mg/dose, 275mg, 300mg, 325mg, 350mg, 375mg, 400mg, 425mg, 450mg,
475mg, 500mg, 525mg, 550mg, 575mg, 600mg.
In treating disease, the CD2Q binding antibodies of the invention can be administered to the patient
chronically or intermittendy, as determined by the physician of skill in the disease.
A patient administered a drug by intravenous infusion or subcutaneously may experience adverse
events such as fever, chills, burning sensation, asthenia and headache. To alleviate or minimize such
adverse events, the patient may receive an initial conditioning dose(s) of the antibody followed by a
therapeutic dose. The conditioning dose(s) will be lower than the therapeutic dose to condition the patient to
tolerate higher dosages.
Route of administration
The CD20 binding antibodies are administered to a human patient in accord with known methods,
such as by intravenous administration, e.g., as a bolus or by continuous infusion over a period of time, by
subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intracerobrospinal, intra-articular, intrasynovial, intrathecal, or
inhalation routes, generally by intravenous or subcutaneous administration-
la on embodiment, the humanized 2H7 antibody is administered by intravenous infusion with 0.9%
sodium chloride solution as an infusion vehicle.
Combination Tlierapy
In treating the B cell neoplasms described above, the patient can be treated with the CD20 binding
antibodies of the present invention in conjunction with one or more therapeutic agents such as a
cliemo therapeutic agent in a multidrug regimen. The CD20 binding antibody can be administered
concurrently, sequentially, or alternating with the chemotherapeutic agent, or after non-responsiveness with
other therapy. Standard chemotherapy for lymphoma treatment may include cyclophosphamide, cytarabine,
nielphalan and mitoxantrone plus melphalan. CHOP is one of the most common chemotherapy regimens
for treating Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The following are the drugs used in the CHOP regimen;
cyclophosphamide (brand names Cytoxan, neosar); adriaroycin (doxorubicin/ hydroxydoxombicin);
vincristine (Oncovin); and prednisolone (sometimes called Deltasone or Orasone). In particular
embodiments, the CD20 binding antibody is administered to a patient in need thereof in combination with
one or more of the following chemotherapeutic agents of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine and
prednisolone. In a specific embodiment, a patient suffering from a lymphoma (such as a uon-Hodgkin's
lymphoma) is treated with an anti-CD20 antibody of die present invention in conjunction with CHOP
(cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) therapy. In another embodiment, the cancer
patient can be treated with a humanized CD20 binding antibody of the invention in combination with CVp
(cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy. In a specific embodiment, the patient
suffering from CD20-positive NHL is treated with humanized 2H7.vl 6 in conjunction with CVP. In a
specific embodiment of the treatment of CLL, the CD20 binding antibody is administered in conjunction
with chemotherapy with one or both of fludarabine and Cytoxan.
In treating the autoimmune diseases or autoimmune related conditions described above, the patient
can be treated with the CD20 binding antibodies of the present invention in conjunction with a-second
therapeutic agent, such as an immunosuppressive agent, such as in a multi drug regimen. The CD20 binding
antibody can be administered concurrently, sequentially or alternating with the immunosuppressive agent or
upon non-responsiveness with other therapy. The immunosuppressive agent can be administered at the
same or lesser dosages than as set form in the art The preferred adjunct immunosuppressive agent will
depend on many factors, including the type of disorder being treated as well as the patient's history.
Immunosuppressive agent" as used herein for adjunct therapy refers to substances that act to
suppress or mask the immune system of a patient Such agents would include substances that suppress
cytokine production, down regulate or suppress self-antigen expression, or mask the MHC antigens.
Examples of such agents include steroids such as glucocorticosteroids, e.g., prednisone, memylprednisolone,
and dexamethasone; 2-aoiino-6-aryl-5-subsrituted pyrimidines (see U.S. Pat No. 4,665,077), azathioprine
(or cyclophosphamide, if there is an adverse reaction to azathioprine); bromocryptine; glutaraldehyde (which
masks die MHC antigens, as described in U.S. Pat No. 4,120,649); anti-idiotypic antibodies for MHC
antigens and MHC fragments; cyclosporin A; cytokine or cytokine receptor antagonists including anti-
interferon-y, ~P, or -a antibodies; anti-tumor necrosis factor-a antibodies; anti-tumor necrosis factor-P
antibodies; anti-interleukin-2 antibodies and anti-JQL-2 receptor antibodies; anti-L3T4 antibodies;
heterologous anti-lymphocyte globulin; pan-T antibodies, preferably anti-CD3 or anti-CD4/CD4a
antibodies; soluble peptide containing a LFA-3 binding domain (WO 90/08187 published 7/26/90);
streptokinase; TGF-P; streptodornase; RNA orDNA from the host; FK506; RS-61443; deoxyspergualin;
rapamycin; T-cell receptor (U.S. Pat No. 5,114,721); T-cell receptor fragments (Oflher et al. Science
251:430432 (1991); WO 90/11294; and WO 91/01133); and T cell receptor antibodies (EP 340,109) such as
T10B9.
For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, the patient can be treated with a CD20 antibody of the
invention in conjunction with any one or more of die following drugs: DMARDS (disease-modifying anti-
rheumatic drugs (e.g., methotrexate), NSAI orNSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs),
HUMIRA™ (adalimiimab; Abbott Laboratories), ARAVA® (leflunomide), REMICADE® (infliximab;
Centocor Inc., of Malvern, Pa), ENBREL (etanercept; Immunex, WA), COX-2 inhibitors. DMARDs
commonly used in RA are hydroxycloroquine, sulfasalazine, methotrexate, leflunomide, etanercept,
infliximab, azaduoprine, D-penicillamine, Gold (oral), Gold (intramuscular), minocycline, cyclosporine,
Staphylococcal protein A immunoadsorption. Adalimumab is a human monoclonal antibody that binds to
TNFa. Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to TNFa. Etanercept is an
"immunoadhesin" fusion protein consisting of the extracellular ligand binding portion of the human 75 kD
(p75) tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) linked to the Fc portion of a human IgGl. For conventional
treatment of RA, see, e.g., "Guidelines for the management of rheumatoid arthritis'* Artliritis & Rheumatism
46(2): 328-346 (February, 2002). In a specific embodiment, the RA patient is treated with a CD20 antibody
of the invention in conjunction with methotrexate (MTX). An exemplary dosage of MTX is about 7.5-
25 mg/kg/wk. MTX can be administered orally and subcutaneously.
For the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease, the patient can
be treated with a CD20 binding antibody of the invention in conjunction with, for example, Remicade®
(infliximab; from Centocor Inc., of Malvern, Pa.), ENBREL (etanercept; Immunex, WA).
Treatments for SLE include high-dose corticosteroids and/or cyclophosphamide (HDCQ.
For the treatment of psoriasis, patients can be administered a CD20 binding antibody in conjunction
with topical treatments, such as topical steroids, anthralin, calcipotriene, clobetasoL and tazarotene, or with
methotrexate, retinoids, cyclosporine, PUVA and UVB therapies. In one embodiment, the psoriasis patient
is treated with the CD20 binding antibody sequentially or concurrently with cyclosporine.
Pharmaceutical Formulations
Therapeutic formulations of the CD20-b Lading antibodies used in accordance with the present
invention are prepared for storage by mixing an antibody having the desired degree of purity with optional
pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th
edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980)), in the form of lyophilized formulations or aqueous solutions. Acceptable
carriers, excipients, or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and
include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and
meuuonine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamerhonium chloride;
benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alfcyl parabens Such as
methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular
weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or
immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as olyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine,
glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other
carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugars such as
sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g. Zn-
protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants such as TWEEN™, PLTJRONICS™ or polyethylene glycol
(PEG).
Exemplary anti-CD20 antibody formulations are described in W098/56418, expressly incorporated
herein by reference. Another formulation is a liquid multidose formulation comprising the anti-CD20
antibody at 40 mg/mL, 25 mM acetate, 150 mM trehalose, 0.9% benzyl alcohol, 0.02% polysorbate 20 at pH
5.0 diat has a minimum shelf life of two years storage at 2-S°C. Another anti-CD20 formulation of interest
comprises lOmg/mL antibody in 9.0 mg/mL sodium chloride, 7.35 mg/mL sodium citrate dihydrate,
0.7mg/mL polysorbate 80, and Sterile Water for Injection, pH 6.5. Yet another aqueous pharmaceutical
formulation comprises 10-30 mM sodium acetate from about pH 4.8 to about pH 5.5, preferably at pH5.5,
polysorbate as a surfactant in a an amount of about 0.01-0.1% v/v, trehalose at an amount of about 2-10%
w/v, and benzyl alcohol as a preservative (U.S. 6,171,586). Lyophilized formulations adapted for
subcutaneous administration are described in WO97/04801. Such lyophilized formulations may be
reconstituted with a suitable diluent to a high protein concentration and the reconstituted formulation maybe
administered subcutaneously to the mammal to be treated herein.
One formulation for the humanized 2H7 variants is antibody at 12-14 mg/mL in 10 mM histidine,
6% sucrose, 0.02% polysorbate 20, pH 5.8.
In a specific embodiment, 2H7 variants and in particular 2H7.vl6 is formulated at 20mg/mL
antibody in lOmM histidine sulfate, 60mg/ml sucrose., 0.2 mg/ml polysorbate 20, and Sterile Water for
Injection, at pH5.8.
The formulation herein may also contain more man one active compound as necessary for the
particular indication being treated, preferably those with complementary activities that do not adversely
affect each other. For example, it may be desirable to further provide a cytotoxic agent, chemotberapeutic
agent, cytokine or immunosuppressive agent (e.g. one which acts on T cells, such as cyclosporin or an
antibody that binds T cells, e.g. one which binds LFA-1). The effective amount of such other agents
depends on the amount of antibody present in the formulation, the type of disease or disorder or treatment,
and other factors discussed above. These are generally used in die same dosages and with administration
routes as described herein or about from 1 to 99% of the heretofore employed dosages.
The active ingredients may also be entrapped in microcapsules prepared, for example, by
coacervation techniques or by interfacial polymerization, for example, hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatin-
microcapsules and poly-(niethylmethacylate) microcapsules, respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems
(for example, liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles and nanocapsules) or in
macroemulsions. Such techniques are disclosed in Remington's Plianttaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol,
A. Ed. (1980).
Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable examples of sustained-release
preparations include semi-permeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing me antagonist,
which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g. films, or microcapsules. Examples of sustained-
release matrices include polyesters, hydrogels (for example, poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate), or
poly(vinylalcohol)), polylactides (U.S. Pat No. 3,773,919), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and. ethyH^
glutamate, non-degradable ethylene-vinyl acetate, degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as
the LUPRON DEPOT™ (injectable microspheres composed of lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer and
Ieuprolide acetate), and poly-D-(-)-3-hydroxybutyric acid.
The formulations to be used for in vivo administration must be sterile. This is readily accomplished
by filtration through sterile filtration membranes.
Articles of Manufacture and Kits
Another embodiment of the invention is an article of manufacture containing materials useful for
the treatment of autoimmune diseases and related conditions and CD20 positive cancers such as non-
Hodgkin's lymphoma. The article of manufacture comprises a container and a label or package insert on or
associated with the container. Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, etc. The
containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic. The container holds a
composition which is effective for treating the condition and may have a sterile access port (for example the
container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection
needle). At least one active agent in the composition is a CD20 binding antibody of the invention. The label
or package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating the particular condition. The label or
package insert will farther comprise instructions for administering the antibody composition to the patient
Package insert refers to instructions customarily included in commercial packages of therapeutic products,
that contain information about the indications, usage, dosage, administration, contraindications and/or
warnings concerning the use of such therapeutic products. In one embodiment, the package insert indicates
that the composition is used for treating non-Hodgkins' lymphoma.
Additionally, the article of manufacture may further comprise a second container comprising a
pharmaceuucalry-acceptable buffer, such as bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFT), phosphate-buffered
saline, Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. It may further include other materials desirable from a
commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes.
Kite are also provided that are useful for various purposes, eg., for B-cell killing assays, as a
positive control for apoptosis assays, for purification or immunoprecipitation of CD20 from cells. For
isolation and purification of CD20, the kit can contain an anti-CD20 antibody coupled to beads (e.g.,
sepharose beads). Kits can be provided which contain the antibodies for detection and quantitation of CD20
in vitro, e.g. in an ELISA or a Western blot As with the article of manufacture, the kit comprises a
container and a label or package insert on or associated with the container. The container holds a
composition comprising at least one anri-CD20 antibody of the invention. Additional containers may be
included mat contain, e.g., diluents and buffers, control antibodies. The label or package insert may provide
a description of the composition as well as instructions for the intended in vitro or diagnostic use.
Cvnomolgus monkey CD20
The invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID
NO.: _ of the Cynomolgus monkey CD20 as shown in FIG. 19. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid is a
cDNA. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid encoding the monkey CD20 is in an expression vector for
expression in a host cell. The nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.: _ in the expression vector is operably
linked to an expression control sequence such as a promoter or promoter and enhancer. The expression
control sequence can be can be the native sequence normally associated with the Cynomolgus CD20 gene, or
heterologous to the gene. Also provided is an isolated polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence
[SEQ ID NO. _; FIG. 19 & 20] of the Cvnomolgus monkey CD20, as well as host ceils containing fee
Cynomolgus CD20 nucleic acid. In one aspect the host cells are eukaryotic cells, e.g., CHO cells. Fusion
proteins comprising the Cynomolgus CD20 amino acid sequence or fragments of the sequence are also
contemplated.
Experimental Examples
Example 1
Humanizarionof 2H7 anti-CD20 marine monoclonal antibody
Humanization of the murine anti-human CD20 antibody, 2H7 (also referred to herein as m2H7, m
for murine), was carried out in a series of site-directed mutagenesis steps. The murine 2H7 antibody
variable region sequences and the chimeric 2H7 with the mouse V and human C have been described, see,
e.g., U.S. patents 5,846,818 and 6,204,023. The CDR residues of 2H7 were identified by comparing the
amino acid sequence of the murine 2H7 variable domains (disclosed in U.S. 5,846,818) with the sequences
of known antibodies (Kabat et aL, Sequences of proteins of immunological interest, Ed. 5. Public Healm
Service, National Institutes of Heatth, Bethesda, MD (1991)). The CDR regions for the light and heavy
chains were defined based on sequence hypervariability (Kabat et aL, supra) and are shown in Fig. 1A and
Fig. IB, respectively. Using synthetic oligonucleotides (Table 1), site-directed mutagenesis (Kunkel, Proc
Nad. Acad. Sci. 82:488-492 (1985)) was used to introduce all six of the murine 2H7 CDR regions into a
complete human Fab framework corresponding to a consensus sequence VrI,VHm (VL kappa subgroup I, VH
subgroup HI) contained on plasmid pVX4 (Fig. 2).
The phagemid pVX4 (Fig. 2) was used for mutagenesis as well as for expression of F(ab)s in E.
coli. Based on the phagemid pb0720, a derivative ofpB0475 (Cunningham et aL, Science 243: 1330-1336
(1989)), pVX4 contains a DNA fragment encoding a humanized consensus tc-subgroup I light chain (VlkI-
Cl) and a humanized consensus subgroup DI heavy chain (VhIII-Ch1) anti-IFN-a (interferon a) antibody.
pVX4 also has an alkaline phosphatase promotor and Shine-Dalgamo sequence both derived from another
previously described pUCl 19-based plasmid, pAK2 (Carter et aL, Proc. Nad. Acad. Sci. USA 89:4285
(1992)). A unique Spel restriction site was introduced between the DNA encoding for the F(ab) light and
heavy chains. The first 23 amino acids in bom anti-IFN-a heavy and light chains are the StU secretion
signal sequence (Chang et aL, Gene 55:189-196 (1987)).
To construct the CDR-swap version of 2H7 (2H7.v2), site-directed mutagenesis was performed on
a deoxyuridine-containing template of pVX4; all six CDRs of anti-IFN-a were changed to the murine 2H7
CDRs. The resulting molecule is referred to as humanized 2H7 version 2 (2H7.v2), or tiie "CDR-swap
version" of 2H7; it has the m2H7 CDR residues with the consensus human FR residues shown in Figures 1A
and IB. Humanized 2H7.v2 was used for further humanizatioa
Table 1 shows the oligonucleotide sequence used to create each of the murine 2H7 (m2H7) CDRs
in the H and L chain. For example, the CDR-H1 oligonucleotide was used to recreate the m2H7 H chain
CDR1. CDR-H1, CDR-H2 and CDR-H3 refers to the H chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, respectively,
similarly, CDR-L1, CDR-L2 and CDR-L3 refers to each of the L chain CDRs. The substitutions in CDR-H2
were done in two steps with two oligonucleotides, CDR-H2A and CDR-H2B.
Table 1. Oligonucleotide sequences used for construction of the CDR-swap of murine 2H7 CDRs into a
human framework in pVX4. Residues changed by each oligonucleotide are underlined.
For comparison with humanized constructs, a plasmid expressing a chimeric 2H7 Fab (containing
murine Vj, and Vh domains, and human Cl and CHi domains) was constructed by site-directed mutagenesis
(Kunkel, supra) using synthetic oligonucleotides to introduce the murine framework residues into 2H7.v2.
The sequence of the resulting plasmid construct for expression of the chimeric Fab known as 2H7.v6.8, is
shown in Fig. 3. Each encoded chain of the Fab has a 23 amino acid SM secretion signal sequence as
described for pVX4 (Fig.2) above.
Based on a sequence comparison of the murine 2H7 framework residues with the human VKLVHIII
consensus framework (Figures 1A and IB) and previously humanized antibodies (Carter et al., Proc. Natl.
Acad. ScL USA 89:4285-4289 (1992)), several framework mutations were introduced into the 2H7.v2 Fab
construct by site-directed mutagenesis. These mutations result in a change of certain human consensus
framework residues to those found in the murine 2H7 framework, at sites that might affect CDR
conformations or antigen contacts. Version 3 contained Vh(R71V, N73K), version 4 contained Vh(R71 V),
version 5 contained Vh(R71V, N73K) and VrXL46P), and version 6 contained Vh(R71 V, N73K) and
Vl(L46P,L47W).
Humanized and chimeric Fab versions of m2H7 antibody were expressed in E. coli and purified as
follows. Plasmids were transformed into E. coli strain XL-1 Blue (Stratagene, San Diego, CA) for
preparation of double-and single-stranded DNA For each variant, both light and heavy chains were
completely sequenced using the dideoxynucleotide method (Sequenase, U.S. Biochemical Corp.). Plasmids
were transformed into E. cob' strain 16C9, a derivative of MM294, plated onto LB plates containing 5 ug/ml
carbenicillin, and a single colony selected for protein expression. The single colony was grown in 5 ml LB-
100 ug/ml carbenicillin for 5-8 h at 37° C. The 5 ml culture was added to 500 ml AP5-100 ug/ml
carbenicillin and allowed to grow for 16 h in a 4 L baffled shake flask at 37°C. AF5 media consists o£ 1.5g
glucose, 11.0 Hycase SF, 0.6g yeast extract (certified), 0.19g anhydrous MgSCU, I.07g NH4CI, 3.73g KCI,
1.2gNaCl, 120 ml 1 M triethanolamine, pH 7.4, to 1 L water and then sterile filtered through 0.1 um
Sealkeen filter.
Cells were harvested by centrifugation in a 1 L centrifuge bottle (Nalgene) at 3000xg and the
supernatant removed. After freezing for 1 h, the pellet was resuspended in 25 ml cold 10 mM MES-10 mM
EDTA, pH 5.0 (buffer A). 250 ul of 0.1M PMSF (Sigma) was added to inhibit proteolysis and 3.5 ml of
stock 10 mg/ml hen egg white lysozyme (Sigma) was added to aid lysis of the bacterial cell wall. After
gentle shaking on ice for 1 h, the sample was centrifuged at 40,000xg for 15 min. The supernatant was
brought to 50 ml with buffer A and loaded onto a 2 ml DEAE column equilibrated with buffer A. The flow-
through was then applied to a protein G-Sepharose CL-4B (Pharmacia) column (0.5 ml bed volume)
equilibrated with buffer A. The column was washed with 10 ml buffer A and eluted with 3 ml 0.3 M
glycine, pH 3.0, into 1.25 ml 1 M Tris, pH 8.0. The F(ab) was then buffer exchanged into PBS using a
Centricon-30 (Amicon) and concentrated to a final volume of 0.5 mL SDS-PAGE gels of all F(ab)s were run
to ascertain purity and the molecular weight of each variant was verified by elecuDspray mass spectrometry.
In cell-based ELISA binding assays (described below), fee binding of Fabs, including chimeric 2H7
Fab, to CD20 was difficult to detect. Therefore, die 2H7 Fab versions were reformatted as full-length IgGl
antibodies for assays and further mutagenesis.
Plasmids for expression of full-length IgG's were constructed by subcloning the Vl and Vh
domains of chimeric 2H7 (v6.8) Fab as well as humanized Fab versions 2 to 6 into previously described
pRK vectors for mammalian cell expression (Gorman et al.; DNA Prot. Eng. Tech. 2:3-10 (1990)). Briefly,
each Fab construct was digested vntkEcoRV and Blpl to excise a VL fragment, which was cloned into the
EcoRVIBlpl sites of plasmid pDRl (Fig. 4) for expression of the complete light chain (Vl-Cl domains).
Additionally, each Fab construct was digested with PvuII andApal to excise a Vh fragment, which was
cloned into the PvtiWApal sites of plasmid pDR2 (Fig. 5) for expression of the complete heavy chain (VH-
CH1-hinge-CH2-CH3 domains). For each IgG variant, transient transfections were performed by
cotransfecting a light-chain expressing plasmid and a heavy-chain expressing plasmid into an adenovirus-
transformed human embryonic kidney cell line, 293 (Graham et al., /. Gen. ViroL, 36:59-74, (1977)).
Briefly, 293 cells were split on the day prior to transfection, and plated in serum-containing medium. On the
following day, double-stranded DNA prepared as a calcium phosphate precipitate was added, followed by
pAdVAntage™ DNA (Promega, Madison, WI), and cells were incubated overnight at 37°C. Cells were
cultured in serum-free medium and harvested after 4 days. Antibodies were purified from culture
supematants using protein A-Sepharose CL-4B, then buffer exchanged into 10 mM sodium succinate, 140
mM NaCl, pH 6.0, and concentrated using a Centrieon-10 (Amicon). Protein concentrations were
determined by quantitative amino acid analysis.
To measure relative binding affinities to the CD20 antigen, a cell-based ELISA assay was
developed. Human B-lymphoblastoid WIL2-S cells (ATCC CRL 8885, American Type Culture Collection,
Rockville, MD) were grown in RPMI1640 supplemented with 2 mM L-glutamine, 20 mM HEPES, pH 7.2
and 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum in a humidified 5% C02 incubator. The cells were washed with
PBS containing 1% FBS (assay buffer) and seeded at 250-300,000 cell/well in 96-well round bottom plates
(Nunc, Roskilde, Denmark). Two-fold serially diluted standard (15.6-1000 ng/ml of 2H7 v6.8 chimeric IgG)
and threefold serially diluted samples (2.7-2000 ng/ml) in assay buffer were added to the plates. The plates
were buried in ice and incubated for 45 min. To remove the unbound antibody, 0.1 mL assay buffer were
added to the wells. Plates were centrifuged and supematants were removed. Cells were washed two more
times with 0.2 mL assay buffer. Antibody bound to the plates was detected by adding peroxidase conjugated
goat anti-human Fc antibody (Jackson ImmunoResearch, West Grove, PA) to die plates. After a 45 min
incubation, cells were washed as described before. TMB substrate (3,3',5,5'-tetraniethyl benzidine;
Kirkegaard & Perry Laboratories, Gaithersburg, MD) was added to the plates. The reaction was stopped by
adding 1 M phosphoric acid. Titration curves were Gt widi a four-parameter nonlinear regression curve-
fitting program (KaleidaGraph, Synergy software, Reading, PA). The absorbance at the midpoint of the
titration curve (mid-OD) and its corresponding concentration of the standard were determined. Then the
concentration of each variant at this mid-OD was determined, and the concentration of the standard was
divided by that of each variant Hence the values are a ratio of the binding of each variant relative to the
standard. Standard deviations in relative affinity (equivalent concentration) were generally +/- 10% between
experiments.
As shown in Table 2, binding of the CDR-swap variant (v.2) was extremely reduced compared to
chimeric 2H7 (v.6.8). However, versions 3 to 6 showed improved binding. To determine the minimum
number of mutations that might be required to restore binding affinity to that of chimeric 2H7, additional
mutations and combinations of mutations were constructed by site-direct mutagenesis to produce variants 7
to 17 as indicated in Table 3. In particular, these included VH mutations A49G, F67A, I69L, N73K, and
L78A; and VL mutations M4L, M33I, and F71Y. Versions 16 and 17 showed the best relative binding
affinities, within 2-fold of mat of the chimeric version, with no significant difference (s.d. = +/- 10%)
between the two. To minimize the number of mutations, version 16, having only 4 mutations of human
framework residues to murine framework residues (Table 3), was therefore chosen as the humanized form
for additional characterization.
Table 2. Relative binding affinity of humanized 2H7 IgG variants to CD20 compared to chimeric 2H7
using cell-based ELISA. The relative binding is expressed as the concentration of the chimeric 2H7 over the
concentration of the variant required for equivalent binding; hence a ratio the variant Standard deviation in relative affinity determination averaged +/- 10%. Framework
substitutions in the variable domains are relative to the CDR-swap version according to the numbering
system of Kabat (Kabat et al., supra).
Table 3 Oligonucleotide sequences used for construction of mutations VH(A49G, R71V, N73K) and
VL(L46P) in humanized 2H7 version 16 (2H7.vl 6). Underlined codons encode the indicated amino acid
substitutions. For VH (R71V, N73K) and VL (L46P), me oligos are shown as the sense strand since these
were used for mutagenesis on the Fab template, while for VH (A49G), the oligo is shown as the anti-sense
strand, since this was used with the pRK (IgG heavy chain) template. The protein sequence of version 16 is
shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7.
Example 2
Antigen-binding determinants (paratope) of 2H7
Alanine substitutions (Cunningham & Wells, Science 244: 1081-1085 (1989) were made in
2H7.V16 or 2H7.vI 7 in order to test the contributions of individual side chains of the antibody in binding to
CD20. IgG variants were expressed in 293 cells from pDRl and pDR2 vectors, purified, and assayed for
relative binding affinity as described above. Several alanine substitutions resulted in significant decreases in
relative binding to CD20 on WEL-2S cells (Table 4).
Table 4. Effects of alanine substitutions in the CDR regions of humanized 2H7.vl6 measured using cell-
based ELISA (WIL2-S cells). The relative binding is expressed as the concentration of the 2H7.vl6 parent
over the concentration of the variant required for equivalent binding; hence a ratio affinity for the variant; a ratio >1 indicates higher affinity for the variant Standard deviation in relative
affinity determination averaged +/- 10%. Framework substitutions in the variable domains are relative to
2H7.vl6 according to die numbering system of Kabat (Kabat et al., supra). NBt> means no detectable
binding. The two numbers for version 45 are from separate experiments.
Example 3
Additional mutations within 2H7 CDR regions
Substitutions of additional residues and combinations of substitutions at CDR positions that were
identified as important by Ala-scanning were also tested. Several combination variants, particularly v.96
appeared to bind more tightly than v. 16.
Table 5. Effects of combinations of mutations and non-alanine substitutions in the CDR regions of
humanized 2H7.vl6 measured using cell-based ELISA (WEL2-S cells). The relative binding to CD20 is
expressed as the concentration of the 2H7.vl6 parent over the concentration of die variant required for
equivalent binding; hence a ratio 1 indicates higher
affinity for me variant Standard deviation in relative affinity determination averaged +/- 10%. Framework
substitutions in the variable domains are relative to 2H7.vl6 according to the numbering system of Rabat
(Kabat et aL, supra).
Example 4
Mutations at sites of framework humanization substitutions
Substitutions of additional residues at framework positions that were changed during humanization
were also tested in the 2H7.vl6 background. In particular, alternative framework substitutions that were
neither found in the murine 2H7 parent nor the human consensus framework were made at VL(P46) and
V„(G49,V71,andK73).
These substitutions generally led to little change in relative binding (Table 6), indicating that there
is some flexibility in framework residues at these positions.
Table 6. Relative binding in a cell-based (WEL2-S) assay of framework substitutions. IgG variants are
shown with mutations with respect to the 2H7.vl6 background. The relative binding is expressed as the
concentration of the 2H7.v6.8 chimera over the concentration of the variant required for equivalent binding;
hence a ratio 1 indicates higher affinity for the variant
Standard deviation in relative affinity determination averaged +/- 10%. Framework substitutions in the
variable domains are relative to 2H7.vl6 according to the numbering system of Kabat (Kabat et al., supra).
(*) Variants that were assayed wioi 2H7.vlo" as the standard comparator; relative values are normalized to
that of the chimera.
Example 5
Humanized 2H7 variants with enhanced effector functions
Because 2H7 can mediate lysis of B-cclIs through bom complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)
and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), we sought to produce variants of humanized 2H7.vl6
with improved CDC and ADCC activity. Mutations of certain residues within the Fc regions of other
antibodies have been described (Idusogie et aL, J. Immunol. 166:2571-2575 (2001)) for improving CDC
through enhanced binding to the complement component C lq. Mutations have also been described (Shields
et al, J. Biol. Chan. 276:6591-6604 (2001); Presta et aL, Biochem. Soc Trans. 30:487-490 (2002)) for
improving ADCC through enhanced IgG binding to activating Fey receptors and reduced IgG binding to
inhibitory Fey receptors. In particular, three mutations have been identified for improving CDC and ADCC
activity: S298A/E333 A/K334A (also referred to herein as a triple Ala mutant or variant; numbering in the Fc
region is according to die EU numbering system; Kabat et al., supra) as described (Idusogie et aL, supra
(2001); Shields et al., supra).
In order to enhance CDC and ADCC activity of 2H7, a triple Ala mutant of the 2H7 Fc was
constructed. A humanized variant of the anti-HER2 antibody 4d5 has been produced with mutations
S298A/E333A/K334A and is known as 4D5FcllO (i.e., anti-plssHER2 IgGl (S298A/E333A/K334A);
Shields et al., supra). A plasmid, p4D5Fcl 10 encoding antibody 4D5Fcl 10 (Shields et aL, supra) was
digested with Apal and HindTO, and the Fc-fiagment (containing mutations S298 A/E333 A/K334A) was
ligated into theApaUHindTtt sites of the 2H7 heavy-chain vector pDR2-vl6, to produce pDR2-v31. The
amino acid sequence of the version 31 complete H chain is shown in Fig. 8. The L chain is the same as that
ofvl6.
Although the constant domains of die Fc region of IgG I antibodies are relatively conserved within
a given species, allelic variations exist (reviewed by Lefranc and Lefranc, in Tlie human IgG subclasses:
molecular analysis of structure. Junction, andregulation, pp. 43-78, F. Shafcib (ed.), Pergammon Press,
Oxford (1990)).
Table 7. Effects of substitutions in die Fc region on CD20 binding. Relative binding to CD20 was
measured in a cell-based (WTL2-S) assay of framework substitutions. Fc mutations (*) are indicated by EU
numbering (Kabat, supra) and are relative to the 2H7.vl6 parent The combination of three Ala changes in
the Fc region of v.31 is described as'Tel 10." IgG variants are slwwn with mutations wim respect to the
2H7.vl6 background. The relative binding is expressed as the concentration of the 2H7.v6.8 chimera over
the concentration of the variant required for equivalent binding; hence a ratio for the variant Standard deviation in relative affinity determination averaged +/- 10%.

Example 6
Humanized 2H7 variants with enhanced stability
For development as therapeutic proteins, it is desirable to choose variants that remain stable with
respect to oxidation, deamidation, or other processes that may affect product quality, in a suitable
formulation buffer. In 2H7.V16, several residues were identified as possible sources of instability: VL
(M32) and VH (M34, Nl 00). Therefore, mutations were introduced at these sites for comparison with vl Table 8. Relative binding of 2H7 variants designed for enhanced stability and/or effector function, to CD20
in a cell-based (WTL2-S) assay. IgG variants are shown with mutations with respect to the 2H7.vl6
background. The relative binding is expressed as the concentration of the 2H7.v6.8 chimera over the
concentration of the variant required for equivalent binding; hence a ratio the variant Standard deviation in relative affinity determination averaged +/- 10%. Framework
substitutions in the variable domains are relative to 2H7.vl6 according to the numbering system of Kabat
and Fc mutations (*) are indicated by EU numbering (Kabat et al., supra). (**) Variants mat were measured
with 2H7.vl6 as the standard comparator; relative values are normalized to that of the chimera.
Additional Fc mutations were combined with stability or affinity-enhancing mutations to alter or
enhance effector functions based on previously reported mutations (Idusogie et aL (2000);
Idusogie et al. (2001); Shields et aL (2001)). These changes include S298, E333A, K334A as described in
Example 5; K322A to reduced CDC activity, D265A to reduce ADCC activity, K326A or K326W to
enhance CDC activity; and E356D/M358L to test the effects of allotypic changes in the Fc region. None of
these mutations caused significant differences in CD20 binding affinity.
(**) Variants that were measured with 2H7.vl6 as comparator;
relative binding values are normalized to that of the chimera.
To test the effects of stability mutations on the rate of protein degradation, 2H7.vl6 and 2H7.v73
were formulated at 12-14 mg/mL in 10 mM hisn'dine, 6% sucrose, 0.02% polysorbate 20, pH 5.8 and
incubated at 40°C for 16 days. The incubated samples were then assayed for changes in charge variants by
ion exchange chromatography, aggregation and fragmentation by size exclusion chromatography, and
relative binding by testing in a cell-based (WIL2-S) assay.
The results (Fig. 9) show that 2H7 v.73 has greater stability compared to 2H7 v. 16 with respect to
losses in the fraction of main peak by ion exchange chromatography under accelerated stability conditions.
No significant differences were seen with respect to aggregation, fragmentation, or binding affinity.
Example 7
Scatchard analysis of antibody binding to CD20 on WIL2-S cells
Equilibrium dissociation constants (Kd) were determined for 2H7 IgG variants binding to WIL2-S
cells using radiolabeled 2H7 IgG. IgG variants were produced in CHO cells. Rituxan® (source for all
experiments is Genentech, S. San Francisco, CA) and murine 2H7 (BD PharMingen, San Diego, CA) were
used for comparison with humanized variants. The murine 2H7 antibody is also available from other
sources, e.g., eBiosoience, and Calbiochem (both of San Diego, CA), Accurate Chemical & Scientific Corp.,
(Westoury, NY), Ancell (Bayport, MN), and Vinci-Biochem (Vinci, Italy). All dilutions were performed in
binding assay buffer (DMEM media containing 1% bovine serum albumin, 25 mM HEPES pH 7.2, and
0.01% sodium azide). Aliquots (0.025 mL) of l25I-2H7.vl6 (iodinated with lactoperoxidase) at a
concentration of 0.8 nM were dispensed into wells of a V-bottom 96-well microassay plate, and serial
dilutions (0.05 mL) of cold antibody were added and mixed. WIL2-S cells (60,000 cells in 0.025 mL) were
men added. The plate was sealed and incubated at room temperature for 24h, then centrifuged for 15 min at
3,500 RPM. The supernatant was then aspirated and the cell pellet was washed and centrifaged. The
supernatant was again aspirated, and the pellets were dissolved in IN NaOH and transferred to tubes for
gamma counting. The data were used for Scatchard analysis (Munson and Rodbard, Anal. Biochem.
107:220-239 (1980)) using the program Ligand (McPherson, Comput. Programs Biomed. 17: 107-114
(1983))- The results, shown in Table 9, indicate that humanized 2H7 variants had similar CD20 binding
affinity as compared to murine 2H7, and similar binding affinity to Rituxan®. It is expected that 2H7.v31
will have very similar K4 to v. 16 on the basis of the binding shown in Table 7 above.

Example 8
Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CPQ Assays
2H7 IgG variants were assayed for their ability to mediate complement-dependent lysis of WIL2-S
cells, a CD20 expressing lymphoblastoid B-cell line, essentially as described (Idusogie et at., J. Immunol.
164:4178-4184 (2000); Idusogie et at, J. Immunol. 166:2571-2575 (2001)). Antibodies were serially diluted
1:3 from a 0.1 mg/mL stock solution. A 0.05 mL aliquot of each dilution was added to a 96- well tissue
culture plate that contained 0.05 mL of a solution of normal human complement (QuideL San Diego, CA)
To mis mixture, 50,000 WIL2-S cells were added in a 0.05 mL volume. After incubation for 2h at 37*0,
0.05 mL of a solution of Alamar blue (Accumed International, Westlake, OH) was added, and incubation
was continued for an additional I8h at 37°C. Covers were then removed from the plates, and mey were
shaken for 15 min at room temperature on an orbital shaker. Relative fluorescent units (RFU) were read
using a 530 mn excitation filter and a 590 nm emission filter. An EQo was calculated by fitting RFU as a
function of concentration for each antibody using KaleidaGraph software.
The results (Table 10) show surprising improvement in CDC by humanized 2H7 antibodies, with
relative potency similar to Rituxan® for v.73,3-fo!d more potent than Rituxan® for v.75, and 3-fold weaker
than Rituxan® for v. 16.
Table 10. CDC activity of 2H7 antibodies compared to Rituxan. Numbers >1 indicate less potent CDC
activity than Rituxan® and numbers produced from stable CHO lines, except that those indicated by (*) were produced transiently.
Example 9
Antibody Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCQ Assays
2H7 IgG variants were assayed for their ability to mediate Natural-Killer cell (NK cell) lysis of
WEL2-S cells, a CD20 expressing lymphoblastoid B-cell line, essentially as described (Shields et aL, J. Biol.
Chem. 276:6591-6604 (2001)) using a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) readout NK cells were prepared from
100 mL of heparinized blood, diluted with 100 mL of PBS (phosphate buffered saline), obtained from
normal human donors who had been isotyped for FcyRIIL also known as CD16 (Koene et aL, Blood
90:1109-1114 (1997)). In this experiment, the NK cells were from human donors heterozygous for CD16
(F158/V158). The diluted blood was layered over 15 mL of lymphocyte separation medium (ICN
Biochemical, Aurora, Ohio) and centrifuged for 20 min at 2000 RPM. White cells at die interface between
' layers were dispensed to 4 clean 50-mL tubes, which were filled with RPMI medium containing 15% fetal
calf serum. Tubes were centrifuged for 5 min at 1400 RPM and die supernatant discarded. Pellets were
resuspended in MACS buffer (0.5% BSA, 2mM EDTA), and NK cells were purified using beads (NK Cell
Isolation Kit, 130-046-502) according to the manufacturer's protocol (Miltenyi Biotech,). NK cells were
diluted in MACS buffer to 2x10* cells/mL.
Serial dilutions of antibody (0.05 mL) in assay medium (F12/DMEM 50:50 without glycine, 1 niM
HEPES buffer pH 7.2, PenniciUin/Streptomycin (100 units/mL; Gibco), glutamine, and 1% heat-inactivated
fetal bovine serum) were added to a 96-well round-bottom tissue culture plate. WIL2-S cells were diluted in
assay buffer to a concentration of 4 x I05/mL. WTL2-S cells (0.05 mL per well) were mixed with diluted
antibody in the 96-well plate and incubated for 30 min at room temperature to allow binding of antibody to
CO20 (opsonization).
The ADCC reaction was initiated by adding 0.1 mL of NK cells to each well. In control wells, 2%
Triton X-100 was added. The plate was then incubated for 4h at 37°C. Levels of LDH released were
measured using a cytotoxicity (LDH) detection kit (Kil#l 644793, Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, Indiana.)
following the manufacturers instructions. 0.1 mL of LDH developer was added to each well, followed by
mixing for 10s. The plate was then covered wim aluminum foil and incubated in the dark at room
temperature for 15 min. Optical density at 490 nm was then read and use to calculate % lysis by dividing by
the total LDH measured in control wells. Lysis was plotted as a function of antibody concentration, and a 4-
parameter curve fit (KaleidaGraph) was used to determine EC^, concentrations.
The results showed that humanized 2H7 antibodies were active in ADCC, with relative potency 20-
fold higher than Rituxan® for vJ 1 and v. 75,5-fold more potent than Rituxan® for v. 16, and almost 4-fold
higher than Rituxan® for v.73.
Table 11. ADCC activity of 2H7 antibodies on WEL2-S cells compared to 2H7.vl6, based on n
experiments. (Values > 1 indicate lower potency than 2H7.vl 6, and values
Additional ADCC assays were carried out to compare combination-variants of 2H7 with Rituxan®.
The results of these assays indicated mat 2H7.vl 14 and 2H7.vl 15 have >10-fold improved ADCC potency
as compared to Ritnxan® (Table 12).
Table 12. ADCC activity of 2H7 antibodies on WEL2-S cells compared to Rituxan®, based on n
experiments (Values >1 indicate lower potency than Rituxan®, and values
Example 10
In vivo effects of 2H7 variants in a pilot study in cynomolgus monkeys
2H7 variants, produced by transient transfection of CHO ceils, were tested in normal male
cynomolgus (Macacafascicularis) monkeys in order to evaluate their in vivo activities. Other anti-CD20
antibodies, such as C2B8 (Rituxan®) have demonstrated an ability to deplete B-cells in normal primates
(Reffet al.. Blood 83:435-445 (1994)).
In one study, humanized 2H7 variants were compared. In a parallel study, Rituxan® was also
tested in cynomolgus monkeys. Four monkeys were used in each of five dose groups: (1) vehicle, (2) 0.05
mg/kg hu2H7.vI6, (3) 10 mg/fcg hu2H7.vl6, (4) 0.05 mg/kg hu2H7.v3I,and(5) lOmg/kg hu2H7.v31.
Antibodies were administered intravenously at a concentration of 0,02, or 20 mg/mL, for a total of two
doses, one on day 1 of the study, and another on day 8. The first day of dosing is designated day I and the
previous day is designated day -I; the first day of recovery (for 2 ?nimxU in each group) is designated as
day 11. Blood samples were collected on days -19, -12, 1 (prior to dosing), and at 6h, 24h, and 72h
following the first dose. Additional samples were taken on day 8 (prior to dosing), day 10 (prior to sacrifice
of 2 animals/group), and on days 36 and 67 (for recovery animals).
Peripheral B-cell concentrations were determined by a FACS method that counted CD3-/CD40+
cells. The percent of CD3-CD40+ B cells of total lymphocytes in monkey samples were obtained by the
following gating strategy. The lymphocyte population was marked on the forward scatter/ side scatter
scattergram to define Region 1 (Rl). Using events in Rl, fluorescence intensity dot plots were displayed for
CD40 and CD3 markers. Fluorescently labeled isotype controls were used to determine respective cutoff
points for CD40 and CD3 positivity.
The results indicated that both 2H7.vl6 and 2H7.v31 were capable of producing full peripheral B-
cell depletion at the 10 mg/kg dose and partial peripheral B-cell depletion at the 0.05 mg/kg dose (Fig. 11).
The time course and extent of B-cell depletion measured during the first 72h of dosing were similar for the
two antibodies. Subsequent analysis of the recovery animals indicated that animals treated with 2H7.v31
showed a prolonged depletion of B-cells as compared to those dosed witfi 2H7.vl6. In particular, recovery
animals treated with 10 rag/kg 2H7.V16, B-cells showed substantial B-cell recovery at some time between
sampling on Day 10 and on Day 36. However, for recovery animals treated with 10 mg/kg 2H7.v31, B-cells
did not show recovery until some time between Day 36 and Day 67 (Fig. 11). This suggests a greater
duration of full depletion by about one month for 2H7.v31 compared to 2H7.vl6.
No toxicity was observed in the monkey study at low or high dose and the gross pathology was
normal. In other studies, vl6 was well tolerated up to the highest dose evaluated of (100mg/kgx2 = 1200
mg/m2 x2) following Lv. administration of 2 doses given 2 weeks apart in these monkeys.
Data in Cynomolgus monkeys with 2H7.vl6 versus Rituxan® suggests that a 5-fold reduction in
CDC activity does not adversely affect potency. An antibody with potent ADCC activity but reduced CDC
activity may have more favorable safety profile with regard to first infusion reactions than one with greater
CDC activity.
Example 11
Fucose deficient 2H7 variant antibodies with enhanced effector function
Normal CHO and HEK293 cells add fucose to IgG oligosaccharide to a high degree (97-98%). IgG
from sera are also highly fucosylated.
DP 12, a dihydrofolate reductase minus (DHFR~) CHO cell line mat is fucosylation competent, and
Lee 13, a cell line that is deficient in protein fucosylation were used to produce antibodies for (his study. The
CHO cell line Pro-Lecl3.6a (Lecl3), was obtained from Professor Pamela Stanley of Albert Einstein
College of Medicine of Yeshiva University. Parental lines are Pro- (proline autotroph) and Gat- (glycine,
adenosine, thymidine auxotroph). The CHO-DP12 cell line is a derivative of the CHO-KI cell line (ATCC
#CCL-61), which is dihydrofolate reductase deficient, and has a reduced requirement for insulin. Cell lines
were transfectcd wim cDNA using the Superfect method (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). Selection of the Lee 13
cells expressing transfected antibodies was performed using puromycin dihydrochloride (Calbiochem, San
Diego, CA) at 10 ug/ml in growth medium containing: MEM Alpha Medium witfi Lrglutarnine,
ribonucleosides and deoxyribonucleosides (GIBCO-BRL, Gaiuiersburg, MD), supplemented with 10%
inactivated FBS (G1BCO), 10 mM HEPES, and IX penicillin/streptomycin (GIBCO). The CHO cells were
similarly selected in growth medium containing Ham's F12 without GHT: Low Glucose DMEM without
Glycine with NaHC03 supplemented witii 5% FBS (GIBCO), 10 mM HEPES, 2 mM L-glutamine, IX
GHT(glycine, hypoxanthine,thymidine), and IX penicillin/streptomycin.
Colonies formed within two to three weeks and were pooled for expansion and protein expression.
The cell pools were seeded initially at 3 x 106 cells/10 cm plate for small batch protein expression. The cells
were converted to serum-free media once they grew to 90-95% confluency and after 3-5 days cell
supernatants were collected and tested in an Fc IgG- and intact IgG-ELIS A to estimate protein expression
levels. Lecl3 and CHO cells were seeded at approximately 8 x 106 cells/15 cm plate one day prior to
converting to PS24 production medium, supplemented with 10 nig/L recombinant human insulin and 1 mg/L
trace elements.
Lee 13 cells and DP 12 cells remained in serum-free production medium for 3-5 days. Supernatants
were collected and clarified by centrifugation in 150 ml conical tubes to remove cells and debris. The
protease inhibitors PMSF and aprotinin (Sigma, St Louis, MO) were added and the supernatants were
concentrated 5-fold on stirred cells using MWCO30 filters (Amicon, Beverly, MA) prior to immediate
purification using protein G chromatography (Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Piscataway, NJ)). All proteins
were buffer exchanged into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) using Centripriep-30 concentrators (Amicon)
and analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Protein concentrations were determined using
A2S0 and verified using amino acid composition analysis.
The CHO cells were transfected with vectors expressing humanized 2H7vl6,2H7V.31 and selected
as described. The 2H7v. 16 antibody retains the wild type Fc region while v.31 (see Example 5, Table 7
above) has an Fc region wherein 3 amino acid changes were made (S29SA, E333A, K334A) which results in
higher affinity for the FcyRHIa receptor (Shields et al. J. BioL Chem. 276 (9):6591-6604 (2001)). Following
transfection and selection, individual colonies of cells were isolated and evaluated for protein expression
level and the highest producers were subjected to methotrexate selection to select for cells that had amplified
die plasmid copy number and which therefore produced higher levels of antibody. Cells were grown,
transferred to serum free medium for a period of 7 days, men the medium was collected, loaded onto a
protein A column and the antibody was eluted using standard techniques. The final concentration of the
antibody was determined using an Elisa that measures intact antibody. All proteins were buffer exchanged
into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) using Centripriep-30 concentrators. (Amicon) and analyzed by SDS-
polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.
Matrix-Assisted Laser DesorpiionJIonizatiott Time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectral Analysis
of Asparagine-Linked Oligosaccharides: N-linfced oligosaccharides were released from recombinant
glycoproteins using the procedure of Papac et al., Glycobiology 8,445-454 (1998). Briefly, die wells of a 96
well PVDF-lined microtitre plate (Millipore, Bedford, MA) were conditioned with 100 ul methanol mat was
drawn through the PDVF membranes by applying vacuum to die Millipore Multiscreen vacuum manifold.
The conditioned PVDF membranes were washed with 3 X 250 ul water. Between all wash steps the wells
were drained completely by applying gende vacuum to the manifold. The membranes were washed with
reduction and carboxymethylation buffer (RCM) consisting of 6 M guanidine hydrochloride, 360 mM Tris, 2
mM EDTA, pH 8.6. Glycoprotein samples (50 fig) were applied to individual wells, again drawn through the
PVDF membranes by gentle vacuum and me wells were washed widi 2 X 50 ul of RCM buffer. The
immobilized samples were reduced by adding 50 ul of a 0.1 M ditiiioaireitol (DTT) solution to each well and
incubating die microtitre plate at 37°C for I hr. DTT was removed by vacuum and the wells were washed 4
x 250 ul water. Cysteine residues were carboxylmethylated by we addition of 50 ul of a 0.1 M iodoacetic
acid (IAA) solution which was freshly prepared in 1 M NaOH and diluted to 0.1 M with RCM buffer.
Carboxynieurylation was accomplished by incubation for 30 min in the dart at ambient temperature.
Vacuum was applied to the plate to remove the IAA solution and the wells were washed with 4 x 250 ul
purified water. The PVDF membranes were blocked by the addition of 100 pi of 1% PVP360
(polyvinylpyrrolidine 360,000 MW) (Sigma) solution and incubation for 1 hr at ambient temperature. The
PVP-360 solution was removed by gentle vacuum and the wells were washed 4 x 250 pi water. The PNGase
F (New England Biolabs, Beverly, MA) digest solution, 25 pi of a 25 Unit/ml solution in 10 mM Tris
acetate, pH 8.4, was added to each well and the digest proceeded for 3 hr at 37°C. After digestion, the
samples were transferred to 500 pi Eppendorf tubes and 2.5 pIL of a 1.5 M acetic acid solution was added to
each sample. The acidified samples were incubated for 3 hr at ambient temperature to convert the
oligosaccharides from glycosylamtnes to the hydroxyl form. Prior to MALDI-TOF mass spectral analysis,
the released oligosaccharides were desalted using a 0.7-ml bed of cation exchange resin (AG50W-X8 resin
in the hydrogen form) (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA) slurried packed into compact reaction tubes (US
Biochemical, Cleveland, OH).
For MALDI-TOF mass spectral analysis of the samples in the positive mode, the desalted
oligosaccharides (0.5 pi aliquots) were applied to the stainless target with 0.5 pi of the 2,5 dihydroxybenzoic
acid matrix (sDHB) that was prepared by dissolving 2 mg 2,5 dihydroxybenzoic acid with 0.1 mg of 5-
methoxyslicylic acid in 1 ml of ethanol/10 mM sodium chloride 1:1 (v/v). The sample/matrix mixture was
dried by vacuum. For analysis in the negative mode, the desalted N-linked oligosaccharides (0.5 pi aliquots)
were applied to the stainless target along with 0.5 pi 2',4',6'-trihydroxyacetophenone matrix (THAP)
prepared in 1:3 (v/v) acetonitrile/13.3 mM ammonium citrate buffer. The sample/matrix mixture was
vacuum dried and then allowed to absorb atmospheric moisture prior to analysis. Released oligosaccharides
were analyzed by MALDI-TOF on a PerSeptive BioSystems Voyager-DE mass spectrometer. The mass
spectrometer was operated at 20 kV either in the positive or negative mode with the linear configuration and
utilizing delayed extraction. Data were acquired using a laser power of 1300 and in the data summation
mode (240 scans) to improve the signal to noise. The instrument was calibrated with a mixture of standard
oligosaccharides and the data was smoothed using a 19 point Savitsky-Golay algorithm before the masses
were assigned. Integration of the mass spectral data was achieved using Caesar 7.0 data analysis software
package (SciBridge Software).
Natural killer (NK) cell antibody dependent cytoxicity assays.
ADCC assays were performed as described in Example 9. NK to target cell (WIL2-S) ratio was 4
to 1, assays were run for 4 hours, and toxicity was measured as before using lactose dehydrogenase assay.
Target cells were opsonized with the concentrations of antibody indicated for 30 min prior to addition of NK
cells. The Rituxan® antibody used was from Genentech (S. San Francisco, CA). Figure 12shows the results
of a representative ADCC assay.
The results show that underfucosyiated antbodies mediate NK cell target cell killing more
efficiently than do antibodies with a full complement of fiicose. The underfucosyiated antibody, 2H7v.31, is
most efficient at mediating target cell killing. This antibody is effective at lower concentrations and is
capable of mediating killing of a greater percentage of target cells at higher concentrations than are the other
antibodies. The activity of the antibodies is as follows: Lecl3-derived 2H7 v31> Lee 13 derived 2H7vl6>
Dp 12 derived 2H7v31> Dp 12 derived 2H7vl6 > or = to Rituxan. The protein and carbohydrate alterations
are additive. Comparison of the carbohydrate found on native IgG from the Lecl3-produced and CHO-
produced IgG showed no appreciable differences in the extent of galactosylation and hence the results can be
attributed solely to the presence/absence of fiicose.
Example 12
Fucose-deficient 2H7 variant antibodies with enhanced ADCC in vivo
This example describes ADCC activity in vivo of the fucose-deficient humanized 2H7 variants
including v. 16 and v.31 produced in Lee 13 compared to normal fucosylated counterparts produced in DP 12,
in mice expressing human CD 16 [FcRylll] and human CD20.
Generation ofhuCD20Tg+ huCDI6Tg* mCDlS1' mice
Human CD20 transgenic mice were generated from human CD20 BAC DNA (Invitrogen, Carlsbad,
CA). Mice were screened based on the FACS analysis of human CD20 expression. HuCD20 Tg+ mice were
then crossed with huCD16Tg+mCDl^" mice to generate huCD20Tg*huCD16TgfmCD16v" mice.
In vivo treatment
Ten to 100 |ig of each of the 2H7 variants or Ritnxan® is administrated to
huCD20Tg+huCDI6Tg+mCD16"" mice via intraperitoneal injections. Equal amount of isotype-matched
antibodies will be applied similarly to the negative control group of animals.
Mouse lymphocytes preparation
Mouse lymphocytes from whole blood, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow are prepared
according to standard protocol described in "Current Protocols in Immunology, edited by John Coligan, Ada
Kruisbeek, David Margulies, Ethan Shevach and Warren Strober, 1994".
FACS analysis
Half million cells are washed and resuspended in 100 ul of FACS buffer, which is phosphate
buffered saline with 1% BSA, containing 5 pi of staining or control antibody. All die staining antibodies,
including isotype controls, are obtained from PharMingen, San Diego, CA. Human CD20 expression is
assessed by staining with Rituxan® along with FITC-conjugated anti-human IgGl secondary antibody.
FACS analysis is conducted using FACScan and Cell Quest (Becton Dickinson Immunocytometry Systems,
San Jose, CA). All the lymphocytes are defined in die forward and side light scatterings, while all the B
lymphocytes are defined with the expression of B220 on the cell surface.
B cell depletion and recovery are assessed by analyzing peripheral B cell counts and analysis of
hCD20+ B cells by FACS in the spleen, lymph node and bone marrow on a daily basis for the fust week
after injection and thereafter on a weekly basis. Serum levels of the injected 2H7 variant antibody are
monitored.
The results of this in vivo assay confirms the in vitro findings on the increased ADCC activity and
greater B cell depletion of fucose-deficient 2H7 variants over wild-type (with resepct to fucosylation)
glycosylation counterparts.
Example 13
Apoptosis Activity
Anti-CD20 antibodies including Rituxan® nave been shown to induce apoptosis in vitro when
crosslinked by a secondary antibody or by chemical means (Shan et aL, Blood 9:1644-1652 (1998); Byrd et
aL, Blood 99:1038-43 (2002); Pederson et aL, Blood 99:1314-19 (2002)). When chemically crosslinked,
murine 2H7 dimers induced apoptosis of Daudi cells (Ghetie et aL, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 94:7509-14
(1997)). Crosslinking with a secondary antibody also induced apoptosis with the murine 2H7 antibody (Shan
et aL, 1998). These activities are believed to be physiologically relevant because a variety of mechanisms
could lead to crosslinking of anti-CD20 antibodies bound to cell-surface CD20 in vivo.
RhuMAb 2H7.vl6 [humanized 2H7 vl6; RhuMAb stands for recombinant human monoclonal
antibody] and Rituxan® were compared in apoptosis assays in vitro using a secondary crosslinking antibody.
Ramos cells (CRL-1596, ATCC, Manassas, VA), a CD20-expressing, human B lymphocyte cell line, were
used to measure the ability of the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies rhuMAb 2H7.vl6 and Rituximab versus
a negative-control antibody, Trastuzomab (Herceptin®, Genentcch, South San Francisco, CA), to induce
apoptosis as measured through Annexin V staining and propidium iodide dye exclusion (Vybrant®
Apoptosis Assay Kit, Molecular Probes, Seattle, WA). The Ramos cells were cultured in RPMI-1640
medium (Gibco, Rockville, MD) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (Biosource International, Camarillo,
CA) and 2 mM L-glutamine (Gibco). Prior to being assayed, the cells were washed twice in fresh media and
then adjusted to a cell concentration of 2 X 10* per mL. Cells (150 uL) were added to 96 well assay plates
(Becton Dickinson, Palo Alto, CA) which contained 150 pL of a predetermined amount of control IgGl,
rhuMAb 2H7.vI6, or Rituximab, along with F(ab)'2 goat anti-buman Fc (Pierce Biotechnology, Rockford,
IL). The final IgG concentrations were 100,10,1.0,0.1,0.01 and 0.001 nM, and the F(ab)'2 goat anti-
human Fc antibody concentration was set at twice the respective sample antibody concentration. Each
dilution was set up in triplicate. After a 24-hour incubation at 37° C, the cells were washed twice with PBS
and then stained with Annexin V and propidium iodide according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
The staining patterns of the Ramos cells were analyzed by flow cytometry using a FACscan Flow Cytometer
(Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA), and data were collected for 10 s-periods. The data were reduced using
the Cellquest Pro software (Becton Dickinson). Ramos cells that were positive for (1) Annexin V staining,
(2) Annexin V and propiduim iodide double-staining, and (3) die number of unstained live cells, were
counted and plotted using KaleidaGraph software (Synergy Software, Reading, PA).
Both rhuMAb 2H7.vl6 and Rituximab induced apoptosis of Ramos cells when crosslinked with
anti-human Fc and as compared to an irrelevant IgGl control antibody (Figures 13-15). The apoptotic
activity of (rhuMAb 2H7) was slightly lower than that of Rituximab. At 10 nM concentrations of
crosslinked rhuMAb 2H7, Rituximab, and control IgGl antibody, fractions of Annexin V stained cells were
18.5,16.5,2.5%, respectively, fractions of doubly labeled cells were 29,38, and 16%, and numbers of live
cells counted per 10 s were 5200,3100, and 8600.
These in vitro data demonstrate mat apoptosis is one potential mechanism for in invo B cell
depletion. In vivo crosslinking of rhuMAb 2H7 or Rituximab bound to cell-surface CD20 may occur
through FcyR on die surfaces of immune effector cells.
Example 14
In Vivo Suppression of Tumor Growth
The ability of rhuMAb 2H7.V16 to inhibit the growth of the Raji human B-cells, a lymphoma cell
line (ATCC CCL 86), was evaluated in Balb/c nude (athymic) mice. The Raji cells express CD20 and have
been reported to grow in nude mice, producing metastatic disease; tumor growth is inhibited by Rituxan®
(Clynes et al., Nature Medicine 6,443-446 (2000)). Fifty-six 8-10 week old, Balb/c nude mice were divided
into 7 .groups (A-G) with each group consisting of 8 mice. On day 0, each mouse received a subcutaneous
injection of 5 x 10* Raji B-lymphoma cells in the flank Beginning at day 0, each mouse received either 100
uL of the negative-control solution (PBS; phosphate-buffered saline), Rituxan® or 2H7.vl6. Dosage was
dependent on weight and drug delivery was intravenously via the tail vein. Group A mice received PBS.
Groups B-D received Rituxan® at 5.0, mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.05 mg/kg respectively. Groups E-G mice
received 2H7 v. 16 at 5.0 mg/kg, 0.5 mg/kg, and 0.05 mg/kg respectively. The injections were repeated every
week for 6 weeks. At weekly intervals during treatment, each mouse was inspected for the presence of
palpable tumors at the site of injection, and the volume of the tumors if present were measured and recorded.
A final inspection was made at week 8 (after a two-week interval of no treatments).
The results of this study showed that both rhuMAb 2H7.vl6 and Rituxan® and were effective at
inhibiting subcutaneous Raji-cell tumor growth in nude mice (FIGs. 16-18). Tumor growth was observed in
¦ the PBS control group beginning at 4 weeks. However, no tumor growth was observed in groups treated
with Rituxan® or 2H7.vI6 at 5 mg/kg or 0.5 mg/kg for the 8-week duration of the study. In the low-dose
0.05 mg/kg treatment groups, tumors were observed in one animal in the 2H7 group and in one animal in the
Rituxan® group (FIG. 18).
Example 15
Cloning of Cynontolgus monkey CD20 and antibody binding
The CD20 DNA sequence for cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) was determined upon the
isolation of cDNA encoding CD20 from a cynomolgus spleen cDNA library. A SUPERSCRIPT™ Plastnid
System for cDNA Synthesis and Plasmid Cloning (Cat#l 8248-013, Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) was used with
slight modifications to construct die library. The cDNA library was ligated into a pRK5E vector using
restriction sites Xho I-and Not I. tnRNA was isolated from spleen tissue ((California Regional Research
Primate Center, Davis, CA). Primers to amplify cDNA encoding CD20 were designed based on non-coding
sequences of human CD20. N-terminal region primer 5'-AGTTTTGAGAGCAAAATG-3' and C-terminal
region primer 5'-AAGCTATGAACACTAATG-3, were used to clone by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
the cDNA encoding cynomolgus monkey CD20. The PCR reaction was carried out using Platinum Taq
DNA Polymerase High Fidelity according to the manufacturers recommendation (Gibco, Rockville, MD).
The PCR product was subdoned into pCR ®2.1-TOPO * Vector (Invitrogen) and transformed into XL-1 blue
E. coli (Stratagene. La Jolla, CA). Plasmid DNA containing ligated PCR products was isolated from
individual clones and sequenced.
The amino acid sequence for cynomolgus monkey CD20 is shown in Figure 19. Figure 20 shows a
comparison of cynomolgus and human CD20. The cynomolgus monkey CD20 is 973% similar to human
CD20 with 8 differences. The extracellular domain contains one change at V157A, while the remaining 7
residues can be found in the cytoplasmic or transmembrane regions.
Antibodies directed against human CD20 were assayed for the ability to bind and displace FITC-
conjugated murine 2H7 binding to cynomolgus monkey cells expressing CD20. Twenty milliliters of blood
were drawn from 2 cynomolgus monkeys (California Regional Research Primate Center, Davis, CA) into
sodium heparin and shipped directly to Genentech Inc.. On the same day, the blood samples were pooled and
diluted 1:1 by the addition of 40 ml of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). 20 ml of diluted blood was layered
on 4 x 20 ml of Ficoll-Paque ™Plus (Amersham Biosciences, Uppsala, Sweden) in 50 ml conical tubes
(Cat#352098, Falcon, Franklin Lakes, NJ) and centrifuged at 1300 rpm for 30 minutes R.T. in a Sorval 7
centrifuge. (Dupont, Newtown, CT). The PBMC layer was isolated and washed in PBS. Red blood cells
were lysed in a 0.2% NaCl solution, restored to isotonicity with an equivalent volume of a 1.6% NaCl
solution, and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 1000 RPM. The PBMC pellet was resuspended in RPMI1640
(Gibco, Rockville, MD) containing 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and dispensed into a 10 cm tissue culture
dish for 1 hour at 37° C. The non-adherent B and T cell populations were removed by aspiration,
centrifuged and counted. A total of 2.4 x 107 cells were recovered. The resuspended PBMC were distributed
into twenty 12 x 75 mm culture tubes (Cat#352053, Falcon), with each tube containing 1 x 106 cells in a
volume of 0.25 mL Tubes were divided into four sets of five tubes. To each set was added either media
(RPMH640,5% FBS), titrated amounts of control human IgGi antibody, Rituxan*, 2H7.vl6, or 2H7.v31,
The final concentration of each antibody was 30,10,3.3 and 1.1 nM. In addition, each tube also received 20
ul of Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITQ-conjugated anti-human CD20 (Cat#SS5622, BD Biosciences, San
Diego, CA). The cells were gently mixed, incubated for 1 hour on ice and men washed twice in cold PBS.
The cell surface staining was analyzed on a Epic XL-MCL (Coulter, Miami, FL), die geometric means
derived, plotted (KaleidaGraph1**, Synergy Software,, Reading, PA) versus antibody concentrations.
Data in Figure 21 showed that 2H7 v. 16 and 2H7 v.31 competitively displaced FITC-murine 2H7
binding to cynomolgus monkey cells. Furthermore, Rituxan* also displaced FfTC-murine 2H7 binding thus
demonstrating that both 2H7 and Rituxan* bind to an overlapping epitope on CD20. In addition, the data
show that die IC50 value for 2H7 v. 16,2H7 v.31 and Rituxan are similar and fall in the 4-6 nM range.
Example 16
Phase I/n study of rhuMAb 2H7 (2H7.vl6) in moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
Protocol Synopsis
A randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter, blinded phase l/H study of the safety of escalating doses of
PRO70769 (rhuMAb 2H7) in subjects with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis receiving stable doses of
concomitant methotrexate.
Objectives
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerabibty of escalating intravenous (TV)
doses of PRO70769 (rhuMAb 2H7) in subjects with moderate to sever rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Study Design
This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter, blinded Phase I/IT, investigator- and subject-blinded
study of the safety of escalating doses of PRO70769 in combination with MTX in subjects with moderate to
sever RA. The study consists of a dose escalation phase and a second phase with enrollment of a larger
number of subjects. The Sponsor will remain unblended to treatment assignment
Subjects with moderate to severe RA who have failed one to five disease-modifying antirheumatic
drugs or biologies who currently have unsatisfactory clinical responses to treatment with MTX will be
enrolled.
Subjects will be required to receive MTX in the range of 10-25 mg weekly for at least 12 weeks
prior to study entry and to be on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks before receiving their initial dose of study
drug (PRO70769 or placebo). Subjects may also receive stable doses of oral corticosteroids (up to 10 mg
daily or prednisone equivalent) and stable doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Subjects will receive two IV infusions of PRO70769 or placebo equivalent at the indicated dose on Days 1
and IS according to the following dose escalation plan (see Figure 22).
Dose escalation will occur according to specific criteria (see Dose Escalation Rules) and after
review of safety data by an internal safety data review committee and assessment of acute toxicity 72 hours
following the second infusion in the last subject treated in each cohort After the dose escalation phase, 40
additional subjects (32 active and 8 placebo) will be randomized to each of the following dose levels: 2x50
mg, 2x200 mg, 2x500 mg, and 2x1000 mg, if the dose levels have been demonstrated to be tolerable during
the dose escalation phase. Approximately 205 subjects will be enrolled in the study.
B-cell counts will be obtained and recorded (for study assessments, see Section 4.5 and Appendix
A-1). B-cell counts will be evaluated using flow cytometry in a 48-week follow-up period beyond the 6-
month efficacy evaluation. B-cell depletion will not be considered a dose-limiting toxicity (DLQ, but rather
the expected pharmacodynamic outcome of PRO70769 treatment
In an optional substudy, blood for serum and RNA analyses, as well as urine samples will be
obtained from subjects at various timepoints (see Section 3.3.3). These samples may be used to identify
biomarkers that may be predictive of response to PRO70769 treatment in subjects with moderate to severe
RA.
Outcome Measures
The primary outcome measure for this study is the safety and tolerability of PRO70769 in subjects with
moderate to severe RA.
Study Treatment
Cohorts of subjects will receive two IV infusions of PRO70769 or placebo equivalent at the indicated dose
on Days 1 and 15 according to die following escalation plan:
10 mg PRO70769 or placebo equivalent 4 subjects active drug, 1 control
- 50 mg PRO70769 or placebo equivalent: 8 subjects active drug, 2 control
200 mg PRO70769 or placebo equivalent 8 subjects active drug, 2 control
500 mg PRO70769 or placebo equivalent 8 subjects active drug, 2 control
1000 mg PRO70769 or placebo equivalent 8 subjects active drug, 2 control
Efficacy
The efficacy of PRO70769 will be measured by ACR responses. The percentage of subjects who
achieve an ACR20, ACR50, and ACR70 response will be summarized by treatment group and 95%
confidence intervals will be generated for each group. The components of these response and their change
from baseline will be summarized by treatment and visit
Conclusion
The data above demonstrated the success ia producing humanized CD20 binding antibodies, in
particular humanized 2H7 antibody variants, that maintained and even enhanced their biological properties.
The humanized 2H7 antibodies of the invention bound to CD20 at affinities similar to the murine donor and
chimeric 2H7 antibodies and were effective at B cell killing in a primate, leading to B cell depletion. Certain
variants showed enhanced ADCC over a chimeric anti-CD20 antibody currently used to treat NHL, favoring
(be use of lower doses of the therapeutic antibody inpatients. Additional, whereas it may be necessary for a
chimeric antibody mat has murine FR residues to be administered at a dose effective to achieve complete B
cell depletion to obviate an antibody response against it, the present humanized antibodies can be
administered at dosages that achieve partial or complete B cell depletion, and for different durations of time,
as desired for me particular disease and patient In addition, these antibodies demonstrated stability in
solution. These properties of the humanized 2H7 antibodies make them ideal for use as immunotherapeutic
agent in the treatment of CD20 positive cancers and autoimmune diseases; these antibodies are not expected
to be immunogenic or will at least be less immunogenic than fully murine or chimeric anti-CD20 antibodies
in human patients.
References
References cited within mis application, including patents, published applications and other
publications, are hereby incorporated by reference.
The practice of the present invention will employ, unless otherwise indicated, conventional
techniques of molecular biology and the like, which are within the skill of the art Such techniques are
explained fully in the literature. See e.g.. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. (J. Sambrook et al.,
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989); Current Protocols in Molecular Biology
(F. Ausubel elal., eds., 1987 updated); Essential Molecular Biology Expression Technology CGoeddel ed., Academic Press 1991); Methods for Cloning and Analysis of
Eukarvotic Genes (A Bothwell et al. eds., Bartlett Publ. 1990); Gene Transfer and Expression (M. Kriegler,
Stockton Press 1990); Recombinant DNA Methodology II (R. Wu et al. eds., Academic Press 1995); PCR:
A Practical Approach (M. McPherson et al., IRL Press at Oxford University Press 1991); Oligonucleotide
Synthesis (M. Gaited., 1984^: Cell Culture for Biochemists (R. Adams ed., Elsevier Science Publishers
1990); Gene Transfer Vectors for Mammalian Cells (J. Miller & M. Calos eds., 1987); Mammalian Cell
Biotechnology (M. Buttered., 1991); Animal Cell Culture (J. Pollard elal. eds., Humana Press 1990);
Culture of Animal Cells, 2nd Ed. (R Freshney et al. eds., Alan R. Liss 1987); Flow Cytometry and Sorting
(M. Melamed et al. eds., Wiley-Lias 1990); the series Methods in Enzvmologv (Academic Press, Inc.);Wirth
M and Hauser H. (1993); Immunochemistrv in Practice. 3rd edition, A. Johnstone & R Thorpe, Blackwell
Science, Cambridge, MA, 1996; Techniques in Fmniunocytochemistry. (G. Bullock & P. Petrusz eds.,
Academic Press 1982,1983,1985,1989); Handbook of Experimental Immunology, (D. Weir & C.
Blackwell, eds.); Current Protocols in Tmmiinnlnpry (j Coligan et al. eds. 1991); Immunoassay CF p.
Diamandis & T.K. Christopoulos, eds., Academic Press, Inc., 1996); Goding (1986) Monoclonal Antibodim-
Principles and Practice (2d ed) Academic Press, New York; Ed Harlow and David Lane, Antibodies A
laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, 1988; Antibody
Engineering, 2nd edition (C. Borrebaeck, ed., Oxford University Press, 1995); and the series Annual Review
of Immunology; the series Advances in Immunology
WE CLAIM:
1. An anti-human CD20 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein
the antibody comprises the VH sequence of SEQ ID NO.8 as shown in Figure IB (2H7.vl6) and
the VL sequence of SEQ ID NO.2 as shown in Figure 1A (2H7.vl6).
2. The antibody as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Vh region is joined to a human
IgG chain constant region.
3. The antibody as claimed in claim 2, wherein the human IgG is IgG 1 or IgG3.
4. The antibody as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antibody comprises the light and
heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 40 and 39, respectively.
5. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment as claimed in any of the preceding
claims conjugated to a cytotoxic agent.
6. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment as claimed in claim 5 wherein the
cytotoxic agent is a radioactive isotope or a toxin.
7. An anti-human CD20 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, which
antibody or antigen-binding fragment is produced by a method of expressing a nucleic acid that
encodes an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment as claimed in any one claims 1 -4 in a host
cell and recovering antibody or antigen-binding fragment produced from the host cell culture.
8. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment as claimed in claim 7, wherein the host
cell is a CHO cell.
9. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8,
wherein the nucleic acid encodes the antibody comprising the light and heavy chain amino acid
sequence of SEQ ID NO. 40 and 39, respectively.
10. A composition comprising the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any of
the preceding claims, and a carrier.
11. The composition as claimed in claim 10 wherein the antibody comprises the light
and heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 40 and 39, respectively, and the carrier is a
pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
12. An article of manufacture comprising a container and a composition contained
therein, wherein the composition comprises an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any as
claimed in claim 1-9.
13. An isolated nucleic acid that encodes the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of
any one as claimed in claim 1-4.
14. An expression vector encoding the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any
one as claimed in claim 1-4.
15. A microbial prokaryotic cell comprising a nucleic acid as claimed in claim 13.
16. The microbial prokaryotic cell as claimed in claim 15 that produces an antibody
or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment binds
human CD20.
17. A method of producing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein
the antibody or antigen-binding fragment binds human CD20, comprising culturing the host cell
as claimed in claim 16 and recovering antibody from the cell culture.
18. A liquid formulation comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof
at 20mg/mL, 10mM histidine sulfate at pH5.8,60mg/ml sucrose, and 0.2 mg/ml polysorbate 20,
wherein the antibody comprises the light and heavy chain amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.
40 and 39, respectively.
19. An anti-human CD20 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment and uses thereof as
claimed in claim any of the above claims, substantially as described in the specification and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings and sequence listing.



The invention provides humanized and chimeric anti CD20 antibodies for the treatment
of CD20 positive malignancies and autoimmune diseases.

Documents:

01362-kolnp-2005-abstract.pdf

01362-kolnp-2005-claims.pdf

01362-kolnp-2005-description complete.pdf

01362-kolnp-2005-drawings.pdf

01362-kolnp-2005-form 1.pdf

01362-kolnp-2005-form 2.pdf

01362-kolnp-2005-form 3.pdf

01362-kolnp-2005-form 5.pdf

01362-kolnp-2005-international publication.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-(04-05-2012)-CORRESPONDENCE.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-(04-05-2012)-OTHERS.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-(04-05-2012)-PA-CERTIFIED COPIES.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-ABSTRACT 1.1.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-ABSTRACT 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CLAIMS 1.1.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CLAIMS 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE 1.1.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE 1.3.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE 1.5.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE 1.6.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-correspondence 1.8.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.4.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.7.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-CORRESPONDENCE-1.8.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-DESCRIPTION (COMPLETE) 1.1.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-DRAWINGS 1.1.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-examination report 1.2.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-form 13 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-FORM 13.1.1.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-FORM 13.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-form 18 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-FORM 2.1.1.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-form 26 1.2.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-form 3 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-FORM 3.1.1.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-form 5 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-FORM-27.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-granted-abstract.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-granted-claims.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-granted-description (complete).pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-granted-drawings.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-granted-form 1.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-granted-form 2.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-granted-specification.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS 1.1.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-OTHERS.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-PA.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-PRE GRANT OPPOSITION.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-priority document.pdf

1362-kolnp-2005-reply to examination report 1.2.pdf

1362-KOLNP-2005-SEQUENCE LISTING.pdf


Patent Number 243405
Indian Patent Application Number 1362/KOLNP/2005
PG Journal Number 42/2010
Publication Date 15-Oct-2010
Grant Date 13-Oct-2010
Date of Filing 14-Jul-2005
Name of Patentee GENENTECH ,INC.
Applicant Address I DNA WAY, SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 CAMELLIA W. ADAMS 116C FLYNN AVENUE, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA, 94043
2 CRAIG W. CROWLEY 151 DURAZNO WAY, PORTOLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA 94028
3 HENRY B. LOWMAN 400 SAN JUAN AVENUE, EL GRANADA, CALIFORNIA, 94018
4 GERALD R. NAKAMURA 1529-PORTOLA DRIVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94127
5 LEONARD G. PRESTA `1900 GOUGH STREET, #206, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA 94109
6 ANDREW C. CHAN 1201 CLOUD AVENUE, MENLOI PARK, CALIFORNIA 94025
PCT International Classification Number A61K
PCT International Application Number PCT/US2003/040426
PCT International Filing date 2003-12-16
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 60/434,115 2002-12-16 U.S.A.
2 60/526,163 2003-12-01 U.S.A.