Vista regulatory t cell mediator protein, vista binding agents and uses thereof
Abstract
Problem to be solved.To treat cancer, for example, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma, and for autoimmune diseases, allergies, infections, and inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Provision of a drug that can be used to suppress T cell immunity in arthritic conditions. An isolated or pair containing at least one copy of a polypeptide that is at least 90% identical to the extracellular domain of a human or mouse V-domain immunosuppressive factor (VISTA) polypeptide of a particular SEQ ID NO:. Use of recombinant immunosuppressive VISTA agonist proteins or their conjugates. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1A

Term
Projected expiry 28 July 2036.
- Priority
- Filed
- Published
- Today
- Projected expiry
54 claims: 22 independent, 32 dependent
- 1配列番号2もしくは4のヒトもしくはマウスVISTAポリペプチドの細胞外ドメインと少なくとも90%同一であるポリペプチドの少なくとも2つのコピーを含むか、または少なくとも50アミノ酸長である前記VISTAポリペプチドの細胞外ドメインのフラグメントと少なくとも90%同一であるポリペプチドの少なくとも2つのコピーを含有する、単離もしくは組換え免疫抑制多量体VISTAタンパク質またはその抱合体。
- 2前記VISTAポリペプチドの細胞外ドメインの前記フラグメントは、少なくとも75アミノ酸長である、請求項1に記載の単離もしくは組換え免疫抑制多量体VISTAタンパク質またはその抱合体。
- 3前記VISTAポリペプチドの細胞外ドメインの前記フラグメントは、少なくとも100アミノ酸長である、請求項1に記載の単離もしくは組換え免疫抑制多量体VISTAタンパク質またはその抱合体。
- 4前記VISTAポリペプチドの細胞外ドメインの前記フラグメントは、少なくとも125アミノ酸長である、請求項1に記載の単離もしくは組換え免疫抑制多量体VISTAタンパク質またはその抱合体。
- 5前記細胞外ドメインまたはそのフラグメントの少なくとも3つのコピーを含む、請求項1に記載の単離多量体VISTAタンパク質または抱合体。
- 6前記細胞外ドメインまたはそのフラグメントの少なくとも4つのコピーを含む、請求項1に記載の単離多量体VISTAタンパク質または抱合体。
- 7前記細胞外ドメインまたはそのフラグメントの少なくとも5つのコピーを含む、請求項1に記載の単離多量体VISTAタンパク質または抱合体。
- 8前記細胞外ドメインまたはそのフラグメントの少なくとも6つのコピーを含む、請求項1に記載の単離多量体VISTAタンパク質または抱合体。
- 9前記細胞外ドメインまたはフラグメントは、オリゴマー化ドメインのN末端に付着される、請求項1に記載の単離多量体VISTAタンパク質または抱合体。
- 10前記オリゴマー化ドメインは、GCN4、COMP、SNARE、CMP、MAT、LLR含有1 NLRC、NOD2ヌクレオチド結合NLRC2、LRR含有1 NLRC、NOD2ヌクレオチド結合NLRC2、およびPSORAS 1から選択される、請求項6に記載の単離もしくは組換えVISTAタンパク質または抱合体。
- 11請求項1~10のいずれか1項に記載の単離もしくは組換えVISTAタンパク質または抱合体を含む、薬学的に許容される組成物。
- 12PD-1、PD-L1、PD-L2、CTLA4、およびICOSタンパク質、ならびに前述のうちのいずれかに特異的な抗体から選択される少なくとも1つの他の免疫抑制剤を含む、請求項11に記載の薬学的に許容される組成物。(RANDY、リストを検閲して下さい。)
- 13免疫抑制の誘発を必要とする個人においてそれを行う方法であって、単離もしくは組換えVISTA多量体タンパク質または請求項1~12のいずれか1項に記載のVISTAタンパク質もしくは組成物を発現するアデノウイルスベクターを投与することを含む、方法。
- 14アレルギー性、炎症性、または自己免疫障害を有する個人を治療する方法であって、治療的に有効な量の請求項1~12のいずれか1項に記載の単離もしくは組換えVISTA多量体タンパク質または組成物を投与することを含む、方法。
- 15前記単離もしくは組換えVISTAタンパク質は、調節可能なプロモーターの制御下で、前記タンパク質を発現する細胞によって発現される、請求項13または14に記載の方法。
- 16前記多量体VISTAを発現する細胞は、同種T細胞である、請求項15に記載の方法。
- 17前記多量体VISTAを発現する細胞は、特定の条件下での前記細胞の死滅を提供する自殺遺伝子も含む、請求項15に記載の方法。
- 18前記アレルギー性、炎症性、または自己免疫障害は、乾癬、皮膚炎、アトピー性皮膚炎;全身性強皮症、硬化症;クローン病,潰瘍性大腸炎;呼吸窮迫症候群、成人呼吸窮迫症候群(ARDS);皮膚炎;髄膜炎;脳炎;ブドウ膜炎;大腸炎;糸球体腎炎;湿疹、喘息、アテローム性動脈硬化症;白血球接着不全症;リウマチ性関節炎;全身性エリテマトーデス(SLE);糖尿病(例えば、I型糖尿病またはインスリン依存性糖尿病);多発性硬化症;レイノー症候群;自己免疫性甲状腺炎;アレルギー性脳脊髄炎;シェーグレン症候群;若年発症糖尿病;結核、サルコイドーシス、多発性筋炎、肉芽腫症および脈管炎;悪性貧血(アジソン病);中枢神経系(CNS)炎症性障害、多臓器損傷症候群;溶血性貧血、クリオグロブリン血症またはクームス陽性貧血;重症筋無力症;抗原抗体複合体媒介性疾患;抗糸球体基底膜疾患;抗リン脂質症候群;アレルギー性神経炎;グレーブス病;ランバート・イートン筋無力症候群;水疱性類天疱瘡;天疱瘡;自己免疫多腺性内分泌障害;ライター病;スティッフマン症候群;ベーチェット病;巨細胞性動脈炎;免疫複合体性腎炎;IgA腎症;IgM多発性ニューロパシー;免疫性血小板減少性紫斑病(ITP);ならびに自己免疫性血小板減少症から選択される、請求項14に記載の方法。
- 19前記疾患は、関節炎、リウマチ性関節炎、急性関節炎、慢性リウマチ性関節炎、痛風性関節炎、急性痛風性関節炎、慢性炎症性関節炎、変性性関節炎、感染性関節炎、ライム病関節炎、増殖性関節炎、乾癬性関節炎、脊椎関節炎、および若年発症リウマチ性関節炎、変形性関節炎、関節炎クロニカプログレディエンテ、変形性関節炎、原発性慢性多発性関節炎、反応性関節炎、および強直性脊椎炎)、炎症性過剰増殖性皮膚疾患、プラーク乾癬、滴状乾癬、膿疱性乾癬、および爪の乾癬等の乾癬、接触皮膚炎、慢性接触皮膚炎、アレルギー性皮膚炎、アレルギー性接触皮膚炎、疱疹状皮膚炎、およびアトピー性皮膚炎を含む皮膚炎、X連鎖高IgM症候群、慢性自己免疫性蕁麻疹を含む慢性アレルギー性蕁麻疹および慢性特発性蕁麻疹等の蕁麻疹、多発性筋炎/皮膚筋炎、若年性皮膚筋炎、中毒性表皮剥離症、強皮症、全身性強皮症、硬化症、全身性硬化症、多発性硬化症(MS)、脊髄-視覚MS、原発性進行性MS(PPMS)、再発寛解型MS(RRMS)、進行性全身性硬化症、アテローム性動脈硬化症、動脈硬化症、播種性硬化症、および失調性硬化症、炎症性腸疾患(IBD)、クローン病、大腸炎、潰瘍性大腸炎、潰瘍性大腸炎(colitis ulcerosa)、顕微鏡的大腸炎、コラーゲン蓄積大腸炎、ポリープ性大腸炎(colitis polyposa)、壊死性腸炎、貫壁性大腸炎、自己免疫性炎症性腸疾患、壊疽性膿皮症、結節性紅斑、原発性硬化性胆管炎、上強膜炎、呼吸窮迫症候群、成人もしくは急性呼吸窮迫症候群(ARDS)、髄膜炎、ブドウ膜の全てもしくは一部の炎症、虹彩炎、脈絡膜炎、自己免疫性血液障害、リウマチ様脊椎炎、突発性難聴、アナフィラキシーならびにアレルギー性およびアトピー性鼻炎等のIgE媒介性疾患、脳炎、ラスムッセン脳炎、辺縁系および/または脳幹脳炎、ブドウ膜炎、前部ブドウ膜炎、急性前部ブドウ膜炎、肉芽腫性ブドウ膜炎、非肉芽腫性ブドウ膜炎、水晶体抗原性ブドウ膜炎、後部ブドウ膜炎、自己免疫性ブドウ膜炎、糸球体腎炎(GN)、特発性膜性GNまたは特発性膜性腎症、膜性または膜性増殖性GN(MPGN)、急速進行性GN、アレルギー状態、自己免疫性心筋炎、白血球接着不全症、皮膚SLE等の全身性エリテマトーデス(SLE)または全身性ループスエリテマトーデス、亜急性皮膚紅斑性狼瘡、新生児ループス症候群(NLE)、播種性紅斑性狼瘡、ループス(ループス腎炎、ループス脳炎、小児ループス、腎外性ループス、腎外ループス、円板状ループス、脱毛性ループスを含む)、小児インスリン依存性糖尿病(IDDM)を含む若年発症(I型)糖尿病、成人発症糖尿病(II型糖尿病)、自己免疫性糖尿病、特発性尿崩症、サイトカインおよびTリンパ球によって媒介される急性および遅発性過敏症に関連した免疫応答、結核、サルコイドーシス、リンパ腫様肉芽腫症、ヴェグナー肉芽腫症を含む肉芽腫症、無顆粒球症、脈管炎(大血管脈管炎(リウマチ性多発筋痛症および巨細胞性(高安)動脈炎を含む)、中血管脈管炎(川崎病および結節性多発性動脈炎を含む)、顕微鏡的多発性動脈炎、CNS脈管炎、壊死性、皮膚、または過敏性脈管炎、全身性壊死性脈管炎、およびチャーグ・ストラウス脈管炎もしくは症候群(CSS)等のANCA関連脈管炎を含む)を含む脈管炎、側頭動脈炎、再生不良性貧血、自己免疫性再生不良性貧血、クームス陽性貧血、ダイアモンド・ブラックファン貧血、自己免疫性溶血性貧血(AIHA)を含む溶血性貧血もしくは免疫性溶血性貧血、悪性貧血(anemia peraiciosa)、アジソン病、赤芽球貧血、または赤芽球癆(PRCA)、第VIII因子欠乏症、血友病A、自己免疫性好中球減少症、汎血球減少症、白血球減少症、白血球漏出を伴う疾患、CNS炎症性障害、敗血症、外傷、または出血等に続発する多臓器損傷症候群、抗原抗体複合体媒介性疾患、抗糸球体基底膜疾患、抗リン脂質抗体症候群、アレルギー性神経炎、ベーチェット病(Bechet’s disease)もしくはベーチェット病(Behcet’s disease)、キャッスルマン症候群、グッドパスチャー症候群、レイノー症候群、シェーグレン症候群、スティーブンス・ジョンソン症候群、水疱性類天疱瘡および皮膚類天疱瘡等の類天疱瘡、天疱瘡(尋常性天疱瘡、落葉状天疱瘡、天疱瘡粘膜類天疱瘡、および紅斑性天疱瘡を含む)、自己免疫性多腺性内分泌障害、ライター病もしくは症候群、免疫複合体性腎炎、抗体媒介性腎炎、視神経脊髄炎、IgM多発性ニューロパシーまたはIgM媒介性ニューロパシー等の多発性ニューロパシー、慢性ニューロパシー、血小板減少症、血栓性血小板減少性紫斑病(TTP)、特発性血小板減少性紫斑病(ITP)、自己免疫性精巣炎および卵巣炎、原発性甲状腺機能低下症、副甲状腺機能低下症、自己免疫性甲状腺炎、橋本病、慢性甲状腺炎(橋本甲状腺炎);亜急性甲状腺炎、自己免疫性甲状腺疾患、特発性甲状腺機能低下症、グレーブス病、自己免疫性多腺性症候群(または多腺性内分泌障害症候群)等の多腺性症候群、ランバート・イートン筋無力症候群またはイートン・ランバート症候群等の神経学的腫瘍随伴症候群を含む腫瘍随伴症候群、スティッフマンもしくはスティッフパーソン症候群、脳脊髄炎、アレルギー性脳脊髄炎、実験的アレルギー性脳脊髄炎(EAE)、重症筋無力症、胸腺腫関連重症筋無力症、小脳変性症、神経性筋緊張病、オプソクローヌスもしくはオプソクローヌスミオクローヌス症候群(OMS)、および感覚性ニューロパシー、多巣性運動ニューロパシー、シーハン症候群、自己免疫性肝炎、慢性肝炎、ルポイド肝炎、巨細胞性肝炎、慢性活動性肝炎または自己免疫性慢性活動性肝炎、リンパ性間質性肺炎、閉塞性細気管支炎(非移植)対NSIP、ギラン・バレー症候群、ベルガー病(IgA腎症)、特発性IgA腎症、線状IgA皮膚病、原発性胆汁性肝硬変症、肺線維症、自己免疫性腸疾患症候群、セリアック病(Celiac disease)、セリアック病(Coeliac disease)、セリアックスプルー(グルテン性腸症)、難治性スプルー、特発性スプルー、クリオグロブリン血症、筋萎縮性側索硬化症(ALS;ルー・ゲーリック病)、冠動脈疾患、自己免疫性耳疾患等の自己免疫性内耳疾患(AGED)、自己免疫性聴力損失、オプソクローヌスミオクローヌス症候群(OMS)、難治性もしくは再発性多発性軟骨炎等の多発性軟骨炎、肺胞タンパク症、アミロイドーシス、強膜炎、非癌性リンパ球増加症、単クローン性B細胞リンパ球増加症(例えば、良性単クローン性免疫グロブリン血症および意義不明の単クローン性免疫グロブリン血症、MGUS)を含む原発性リンパ球増加症、末梢性ニューロパシー;腫瘍随伴症候群、癲癇、片頭痛、不整脈、筋障害、難聴、失明、周期性四肢麻痺、およびCNSのチャネル病等のチャネル病、自閉症、炎症性ミオパシー、巣状分節状糸球体硬化症(FSGS)、内分泌性眼病、網膜ブドウ膜炎、脈絡網膜炎、自己免疫性肝障害、線維筋痛、多発性内分泌不全、シュミット症候群、副腎炎、胃萎縮症、初老期認知症、自己免疫性脱髄疾患等の脱髄疾患、糖尿病性腎症、ドレスラー症候群、円形脱毛症、クレスト症候群(石灰沈着症、レイノー現象、食道運動障害、手指硬化症、および毛細血管拡張症)、男性および女性自己免疫性不妊症、混合結合組織病、シャーガス病、リウマチ熱、反復性流産、農夫肺、多形性紅斑、心術後症候群、クッシング症候群、鳥飼育者肺、アレルギー性肉芽腫性血管炎、良性リンパ球性血管炎;アルポート症候群、アレルギー性肺胞炎および線維化性肺胞炎等の肺胞炎、間質性肺疾患、輸血反応、ハンセン病、マラリア、リーシュマニア症、キパノソミアシス、住血吸虫症、回虫症、アスペルギルス症、サンプター症候群、カプラン症候群、デング熱、心内膜炎、心内膜心筋線維症、びまん性間質性肺線維症、間質性肺線維症、特発性肺線維症、嚢胞性線維症、眼内炎、持久性隆起性紅斑、胎児赤芽球症、好酸球性筋膜炎、シャルマン症候群、フェルティー症候群、フィラリア症、慢性毛様体炎、異時性毛様体炎、虹彩毛様体炎、またはフックス毛様体炎等の毛様体炎、ヘノッホ・シェーンライン紫斑病、ヒト免疫不全ウイルス(HIV)感染、エコーウイルス感染、心筋ミオパシー、アルツハイマー病、パルボウイルス感染、風疹ウイルス感染、ワクチン接種後症候群、先天性風疹感染、エプスタイン・バーウイルス感染、流行性耳下腺炎、エヴァン症候群、自己免疫性性腺機能不全、シデナム舞踏病、連鎖球菌感染後腎炎、閉塞性血栓性血管炎、甲状腺機能亢進症、脊髄癆、脈絡膜炎、巨細胞多発性筋痛、内分泌性眼障害、慢性過敏性肺炎、乾性角結膜炎、流行性角結膜炎、特発性腎炎症候群、微小変化型腎症、良性家族性および虚血再灌流損傷、網膜自己免疫、関節炎症、気管支炎、慢性閉塞性気道疾患、珪肺症、アフタ、アフタ性口内炎、動脈硬化性障害、アスペルミオジェネース(aspermiogenese)、自己免疫性溶血、ベック病、クリオグロブリン血症、デュピュイトラン拘縮、水晶体過敏性眼内炎、腸炎アレルギー、癩性結節性紅斑、特発性顔面麻痺、慢性疲労症候群、リウマチ性熱、ハンマンリッチ病、感覚器性聴力損失、血色素尿症発作、性腺機能低下症;限局性回腸炎、白血球減少症、感染性単核球症、横断性脊髄炎、原発性特発性粘液水腫、ネフローゼ、交感神経性眼炎、肉芽種性睾丸炎、膵炎、急性多発性神経根炎、壊疽性膿皮症、ケルヴァン甲状腺炎、後天性脾臓萎縮症、抗精子抗体に起因する不妊症、非悪性胸腺腫、白斑、SCIDおよびエプスタイン・バーウイルス関連疾患、後天性免疫不全症候群(AIDS)、リーシュマニア等の寄生虫症、毒素性ショック症候群、食中毒、T細胞浸潤を伴う疾患、白血球接着不全症、サイトカインおよびTリンパ球によって媒介される急性および遅発性過敏症に関連した免疫応答、白血球漏出を伴う疾患、多臓器損傷症候群、抗原抗体複合体媒介性疾患、抗糸球体基底膜疾患、アレルギー性神経炎、自己免疫性多内分泌障害、卵巣炎、原発性粘液水腫、自己免疫性萎縮性胃炎、交感性眼炎、リウマチ性疾患、混合結合組織病、ネフローゼ症候群、膵島炎、多内分泌不全、末梢性ニューロパシー、I型自己免疫性多腺性症候群、成人発症特発性副甲状腺機能低下症(AOIH)、完全脱毛症、拡張型心筋ミオパシー、後天性表皮水疱症(EBA)、ヘモクロマトーシス、心筋炎、ネフローゼ症候群、原発性硬化性胆管炎、化膿性もしくは非化膿性副鼻腔炎、急性もしくは慢性副鼻腔炎、篩骨、前頭、上顎、または蝶形骨副鼻腔炎、好酸球増加症、肺浸潤好酸球増加症、好酸球増加症-筋肉痛症候群、レフラー症候群、慢性好酸球性肺炎、熱帯性肺好酸球増加症等の好酸球関連障害、気管支肺アスペルギルス症、アスペルギルス腫、または好酸球を含有する肉芽腫、アナフィラキシー、血清反応陰性脊椎関節炎、多内分泌自己免疫疾患、硬化性胆管炎、強膜、上強膜、慢性粘膜皮膚カンジダ症、ブルートン症候群、一過性乳児低ガンマグロブリン血症、ウィスコット・アルドリッチ症候群、毛細血管拡張性運動失調症、膠原病に関連した自己免疫障害、リウマチ、神経系疾患、虚血性再灌流障害、血圧応答の減退、血管機能不全、血管拡張、組織損傷、心血管虚血、痛覚過敏症、脳虚血、および血管新生を伴う疾患、アレルギー性過敏症障害、糸球体腎炎、再灌流傷害、心筋または他の組織の再灌流傷害、急性炎症性成分を伴う皮膚病、急性化膿性髄膜炎または他の中枢神経系炎症性障害、眼および眼窩炎症性障害;顆粒球輸血関連症候群、サイトカイン誘導毒性、急性重症炎症、慢性難治性炎症、腎盂炎、肺線維症、糖尿病性網膜症、糖尿病性大動脈障害、動脈内過形成、消化性潰瘍、弁膜炎、ならびに子宮内膜症から選択される、請求項14に記載の方法。
- 20前記多量体VISTAタンパク質は、Igタンパク質に直接的または間接的に付着される、請求項1~10のいずれか1項に記載の多量体VISTAタンパク質。
- 21ヒト対象またはマウス抗腫瘍モデルにおいて抗腫瘍もしくは抗転移活性を呈する配列番号2もしくは4の前記VISTAタンパク質の細胞外ドメインに含まれるエピトープに特異的に結合する、単離抗体または抗体フラグメント。
- 22細胞外ドメインの残基1~20、20~40、30~50、60~80、70~90、80~100、90~110、100~120、11~130、または120~136に含まれるエピトープに結合する、請求項21に記載の抗体。
- 23ヒトまたは齧歯類VISTAのIgV、ストーク領域、細胞質領域、または膜貫通領域に含まれるエピトープに特異的に結合する、単離抗体または抗体フラグメント。
- 24以下の活動:(i)サイトカインを上方制御する(ii)T細胞の増殖を誘導する(iii)抗原特異的T細胞免疫を促進する(iv)CD4+および/またはCD8+T細胞活性化を促進するのうちの1つを誘発する配列番号2もしくは4の前記VISTAタンパク質の細胞外ドメイン、IgV、ストーク領域、細胞質領域、または膜貫通領域に含まれるエピトープに特異的に結合する、単離抗体または抗体フラグメント。
- 25インビトロのPD-L3またはVISTAもしくはVISTA-Igの存在下で、インビトロでPD-L3またはVISTAもしくはVISTA-Igの抑制活性を強化し、インビボでPD-L3またはVISTAもしくはVISTA活性を抑制する、請求項24に記載の抗体。
- 26インビトロまたはインビボで免疫細胞応答を調節するための方法であって、前記免疫細胞の応答が調節されるように、一次シグナルの存在下で、免疫細胞を、請求項1~10のいずれか1項に記載の多量体VISTAタンパク質と接触させることを含む、方法。
- 27インビトロまたはインビボで免疫細胞応答を調節するための方法であって、免疫細胞の応答が調節されるように、一次シグナルの存在下で、前記免疫細胞を、請求項21~25のいずれか1項に記載の抗体と接触させることを含む、方法。
- 28T細胞応答の制御を必要とする対象に、有効な量の多量体VISTAタンパク質、またはVISTAに特異的な抗体を投与することによって、T細胞と骨髄由来のAPCとの間の同族相互作用中のT細胞応答を制御する方法。
- 29ヒトまたは齧歯類VISTAの対抗受容体を特定する方法であって、前記ヒトまたは齧歯類VISTAタンパク質に特異的に結合するタンパク質について、B7ファミリーメンバーのパネルまたはT細胞分泌もしくは表面タンパク質のパネルをスクリーニングすることを含む、方法。
- 30骨髄樹状抑制因子細胞によって発現されるVISTAの免疫抑制活性を抑制することによって抗腫瘍免疫を強化する、請求項21~25のいずれか1項に記載の有効な量の抗体を投与することによって、癌の治療を必要とする患者において癌を治療する方法。
- 31治療前の前記患者は、免疫細胞上で上昇したレベルのVISTAタンパク質を発現することが見出される、請求項28に記載の方法。
- 32放射線療法、化学療法、または生物学的抗癌製剤の有効性を強化する方法であって、放射線療法、化学療法、または生物学的抗癌製剤の投与を含む治療計画において、それを必要とする患者に、請求項21~25のいずれか1項に記載の有効な量の抗体を投与することを含む、方法。
- 33治療前の前記患者は、前記放射線療法、化学療法、または生物学的抗癌製剤に応答しない癌を有する、請求項30に記載の方法。
- 34ウイルス、腫瘍、または細菌抗原を含む抗ウイルス、抗菌性、または抗腫瘍ワクチンの有効性を増強する方法であって、免疫を高めるために、ワクチン投与の前もしくは後に、請求項21~25のいずれか1項に記載の有効な量の抗体をさらに投与することを含む、方法。
- 35膀胱癌、卵巣癌、黒色腫から選択される癌を治療する方法であって、前記癌は、初期の(非転移性)または転移性形態であり、請求項21~25のいずれか1項に記載の有効な量の抗体を投与することを含む、方法。
- 36炎症性、自己免疫、癌性、アレルギー性、または感染性障害を治療する方法であって、有効な量の免疫抑制VISTAタンパク質、VISTA結合タンパク質(抗体もしくは抗体フラグメント)、またはVISTAアゴニストもしくはアンタゴニストを投与することを含む、方法。
- 37治療される前記障害は、1型糖尿病、多発性硬化症、リウマチ性関節炎、乾癬性関節炎、全身性紅斑性狼瘡、リウマチ性疾患、アレルギー性障害、喘息、アレルギー性鼻炎、皮膚障害、クローン病、潰瘍性大腸炎、移植拒絶反応、連鎖球菌感染後および自己免疫腎不全、敗血症性ショック、全身性炎症性応答症候群(SIRS)、成人呼吸窮迫症候群(ARDS)および毒物注入;自己炎症性疾患、変形性関節炎、結晶性関節炎、被膜炎、関節症、腱炎、靱帯炎、ならびに外傷性関節損傷から選択される、請求項34に記載の方法。
- 38治療される前記障害は、多発性硬化症またはリウマチ性関節炎である、請求項34に記載の方法。
- 39前記障害は、肉腫、黒色腫、リンパ腫、白血病、膀胱癌、卵巣癌、神経芽細胞腫、または癌腫から選択される癌である、請求項25に記載の方法。
- 40前記障害は、B型肝炎、C型肝炎、エプスタイン・バーウイルス、サイトメガロウイルス、HIV-1、HIV-2、結核、マラリア、および住血吸虫症から選択される感染性障害である、請求項25に記載の方法。 請求項39に従って産生される抗PD-L3またはVISTAもしくはVISTA抗体またはフラグメント、またはそのヒト化、キメラ、もしくは一本鎖変異体。
- 41治療または免疫調節剤としての可能性のある用途を有する抗PD-L3またはVISTAもしくはVISTA抗体を選択する方法であって、(i)免疫細胞または宿主を、PD-L3もしくはVISTAタンパク質または免疫原性フラグメントもしくは抱合体で免疫すること、(ii)PD-L3またはVISTAに特異的に結合する抗体を発現するリンパ球様細胞を選択すること、(iii)PD-L3またはVISTAもしくはVISTAの以下の活動:(1)T細胞活性化もしくは分化の抑制、(2)CD4+もしくはCD8+T細胞増殖の抑制、または(3)T細胞によるサイトカイン産生の抑制、のうちの1つ以上を阻害または強化するそれらの能力に基づいて、(ii)において得られるものから、治療もしくは免疫調節剤としての可能性のある用途を有する抗PD-L3またはVISTAまたはVISTA抗体または抗体フラグメントを選択すること、を含む、方法。 請求項21~25のいずれか1項に記載の抗PD-L3またはVISTA抗体を含む、薬学的組成物。
- 42Treg細胞の調節を、それを必要とする対象において行う方法であって、請求項21~25のいずれか1項に記載の多量体VISTAタンパク質または抗VISTA抗体を投与することを含む、方法。
- 43免疫へのVISTAの抑制効果を解除するために、VISTAに対する抗体を使用する方法。
- 44前記治療される患者は、治療前に、上昇したレベルのVISTAを発現することが見出されている、請求項43に記載の方法。
- 45VISTAレベルは、免疫応答が強化されたことを評価するために、治療後に監視される、請求項43または44に記載の方法。
- 46細胞媒介性免疫の強化を、それを必要とする対象において行うために、請求項21~25のいずれか1項に記載のVISTAに対する抗体を使用する方法。
- 47炎症の治療または予防を、それを必要とする対象において行う方法であって、VISTAに対する抗体を投与することを含む、方法。
- 48前記対象は、リウマチ性関節炎を有する、請求項47に記載の方法。
- 49細胞媒介性自己免疫疾患を治療する方法であって、有効な量のVISTAに対する抗体を投与することを含む、方法。
- 50前記細胞媒介性自己免疫疾患は、多発性硬化症、EAE、I型糖尿病、卵巣炎、および甲状腺炎から選択される、請求項49に記載の方法。
- 51別の免疫調節因子および/または抗原の投与をさらに含む、請求項43に記載の方法。
- 52前記免疫調節因子は、TLRアゴニスト(TLR1、TLR2、TLR3、TLR4、TLR5、TLR6、TLR7、TLR8、TLR9、TLR10、TLR11アゴニスト)であるか、1型インターフェロン(アルファインターフェロン、ベータインターフェロン)であるか、またはCD40アゴニストである、請求項51に記載の方法。
Independent claims52
279 paragraphs, as filed
0001Introduction [0001] This application is filed in U.S. Patent No. 12 / 732,371 filed on March 26, 2010, U.S. Patent No. 61 / 390,434 filed on October 6, 2010, and U.S.A. filed on January 26, 2011. Claims priority over Patent Provisional Application No. 61 / 436,379 and US Patent Provisional Application No. 61 / 449,882 filed March 7, 2011. All of these applications are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
0002[0002] In this application, we propose a V-region immunoglobulin-containing inhibitor of T cell activation (<u style="single">V</u>-region <u style="single">I</u>mmunoglobulin-containing <u style="single">S</u>uppressor of <u style="single">T</u> cell <u style="single">A</u>It relates to the discovery, characterization, and functional definition of a novel hematopoietically restricted, structurally distinct Ig-superfamily inhibitory ligand, designated ctivation) (VISTA) or PD-L3. The extracellular domain has homology with the B7 family ligand PD-L1, and like PD-L1, VISTA has a profound effect on immunity. However, unlike PD-L1, expression of VISTA is confined within the hematopoietic compartment. Expression on myeloid antigen presenting cells (APCs) is most pronounced, but expression on CD4 + T cells and a subset of Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) is also of great interest. ViSTA expression on a soluble VISTA-Ig fusion protein, or APC, strongly inhibits in vitro T cell proliferation and cytokine production and induces Foxp3 expression in T cells. Conversely, the newly developed anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody interfered with VISTA-induced immunosuppression of T cell responses by VISTA + APC in vitro. In addition, in vivo anti-VISTA enhances the development of T cell-mediated autoimmune disease experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), promoting the development of tumor-specific protective immune responses, followed by tumors. With remission. Early studies of VISTA-/-mice reveal early signs of spontaneous inflammatory disease, determining their ultimate pathological fate. Unlike all other PD-ligand-related molecules (eg, B7-H3, H4, H6), VISTA's hematopoietic restriction, along with its marked inhibitory activity and unique structural properties, makes VISTA novel and functional. Explain that it is a central negative regulator of immunity, non-redundant, and its expression is predominantly bone marrow-restricted.
0003[0003] Inducing an immune response requires T cell proliferation, differentiation, contraction, and establishment of T cell memory. T cells must encounter antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and exchange information on the APCs via the T cell receptor (TCR) / major histocompatibility complex (MHC) interaction. Once the interaction between TCR and MHC is established, another set of receptor-ligand contacts between T cells and AJPC, ie, co-stimulation via CD154 / CD40 and CD28 / B7.1-B7.2. Is required. It is suggested that the synergistic effect between these contacts results in a productive immune response in vivo that can eliminate pathogens and tumors and, in some cases, induce autoimmunity.
0004[0004] Another level of regulation, namely regulatory T cells (Tregs), has been identified. This particular subset of T cells is produced in the thymus and delivered peripherally, allowing constant and inducible regulation of T cell responses in vitro and in vivo (Sakaguchi (2000) Cell 101 (5): 455- 8, Shevach (2000) Annu.Rev.Immunol.18: 423-49, Bluestone and Abbas (2003) Nat.Rev.Immunol.3 (3): 253-7). Treg is represented by the CD4 + CD25 + phenotype and is a high-level cytotoxic T lymphocyte-related antigen-4 (CTLA-4), OX-40, 4-1BB, and glucocorticoid-inducible TNF receptor-related protein. (GITR) is also expressed (McHugh, et al. (2002) Immunity16 (2): 311-23, Shimizu, et al. (2002) Nat.Immun.3 (2): 135-42). Elimination of cells by 5-day-old neonatal thymectomy or antibody removal with anti-CD25 results in induction of autoimmune pathology and worsening of T cell response to foreign and autoantigens, including increased antitumor response ( Sakaguchi, et al. (1985) J.Exp.Med.161 (1): 72-87, Sakaguchi, et al. (1995) J.Immunol.155 (3): 1151-64, Jones, et al. ( 2002) Cancer Immun.2: 1). In addition, Tregs are resistant to transplantation because removal of Tregs with an anti-CD25 monoclonal antibody results in loss of transplant tolerance and rapid graft rejection (Jarvinen, et al. (2003) Transplantation 76: 1375-9). Involved in induction and maintenance (Hara, et al. (2001) J. Immunol. 166 (6): 3789-37, Wood and Sakaguchi (2003) Nat.Rev.Immunol.3: 199-210). In vitro or in vivo ligation of GITR with agonist monoclonal antibodies on the surface of Tregs results in rapid termination of Treg activity (McHugh, et). Expressed by Treg as it also results in loss of autoimmune pathology (Shimizu, et al. (2002) above) and transplant tolerance (see al. (2002) above, Shimizu, et al. (2002) above). It seems to be an important component among the receptors to be treated.
0005[0005] Co-stimulatory and co-inhibiting ligands and receptors are intended to maximize the immune response to infection while limiting immunity to self as well as a "second signal" for T cell activation. It also provides a balanced network of positive and negative signals. The most well-characterized costimulatory ligands are B7.1 and B7.2, which are expressed by professional APCs and their receptors are CD28 and CTLA-4 (Greenwald, RJ, Freeman). , GJ, and Sharpe, AH (2005) Annu Rev Immunol 23,515-548, Sharpe, AH and Freeman, GJ (2002) Nat Rev Immunol 2,116-126). CD28 is expressed by naive and activated T cells and is very important for optimal T cell activation. In contrast, CTLA-4 is induced during T cell activation and inhibits T cell activation by binding to B7.1 / B7.2, thus impairing CD28-mediated co-stimulation. CTLA-4 also transmits negative signals through its cytoplasmic ITIM motif (Teft, WA, Kirchhof, MG, and Madrenas, J. (2006). Annu. Rev Immunol 24,65-97, Teft, WA, Kirchhof, MG, and Madrenas, J. (2006). Annu Rev Immunol 24,65-97.). B7.1 / B7.2 knockout (KO) mice have impaired adaptive immune response (Borriello, F., Sethna, MP, Boyd, SD, Schweitzer, AN, Tivol, EA, Jacoby, D., Strom, TB, Simpson, EM, Freeman, GJ, and Sharpe, AH (1997)) Immunity 6,303-313, Freeman, GJ, Borriello, F., Hodes, RJ, Reiser, H., Hathcock, KS, Laszlo, G., McKnight, AJ, Kim, J., Du, L., Borriello, DB et al. (1993). Science 262,907-909), on the other hand, CTLA-4 KO mice were unable to adequately control inflammation and were systemic. Expresses sexual autoimmune disorders (Chambers, CA, Sullivan, TJ, and Allison, JP (1997) ) Immunity 7,885-895, Tivol, EA, Borriello, F., Schweitzer, AN, Lynch, WP, Bluestone, JA, and Sharpe, AH (1995) Immunity 3,541-547, Waterhouse, P., Penninger, JM, Timms, E. , Wakeham, A., Shahinian, A., Lee, KP, Thompson, C B., Griesser, H., and Mak, TW (1995). Science 270,985-988).
0006[0006] B7 family ligands include co-stimulating B7-H2 (ICOS ligand) and B7-H3, as well as co-inhibiting B7-H1 (PD-L1), B7-DC (PD-L2), B7-H4 (B7S1 or B7x). ), And extends to include B7-H6 (Brandt, CS, Baratin, M., Yi, EC, Kennedy, J., Gao, Z., Fox, B., Haldeman, B., Ostlander, CD, Kaifu, T., Chabannon, C et al. (2009) J Exp Med 206,1495-1503, Greenwald, RJ, Freeman, GJ, and Sharpe, AH (2005) Annu Rev Immunol 23,515-548).
0007[0007] Inducible co-stimulation (ICOS) molecules are expressed on activated T cells and bind to B7-H2 (Yoshinaga, SK, Whoriskey, JS, Khare, SD, Sarmineo, U., Guo, J. ., Horan, T., Shih, G., Zhang, M., Coccia, MA, Kohno, T et al. (1999). Nature 402,827-832). ICOS is important for T cell activation, differentiation, and function and is essential for T helper cell-induced B cell activation, Ig class switching, and germinal center (GC) formation (Dong, C, Juedes, AE, Temann, UA, Shresta, S., Allison, JP, Ruddle, NH, and Flavel, RA (2001) Nature 409,97-101, Tafuri, A., Shahinian, A., Blade, F., Yoshinaga, SK, Jordana, M., Wakeham, A., Boucher, LM, Bouchard, D., Chan, VS, Duncan, G., et al. (2001) Nature 409,105-109, Yoshinaga, SK, Whoriskey, JS, Khare, SD, Farmiento, U., Guo, J., Horan, T., Shih, G., Zhang, M., Coccia, MA , Kohno, T. et al. (1999) Nature 402,827-832). On the other hand, programmed death 1 (PD-1) negatively regulates T cell response. PD-1 KO mice express lupus-like autoimmune disease or autoimmune dilated cardiomyopathy, depending on their genetic background (Nishimura, H., Nose, M., Hiai, H., Minato, N). ., And Honjo, T. (1999) Immunity 11,141-151, Nishimura, H., Okazaki, T., Tanaka, Y., Nakatani, K., Hara, M., Matsumori, A., Sasayama, S., Mizoguchi, A., Hiai, H., Minato , N., and Honjo, T. (2001) Science 291,319-322). Autoimmunity is most likely due to loss of signaling by both ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. Recently, CD80 has been identified as the second receptor for PD-Ll that converts inhibitory signals into T cells (Butte, MJ, Keir, ME, Phamduy, TB, Sharpe, AH, and Freeman, GJ (2007) Immunity 27,111-122). Receptors for B7-H3 and B7-H4 remain unknown.
0008[0008] The most well-characterized co-stimulatory ligands are B7.1 and B7. 2 and they belong to the Ig superfamily, which consists of many important immunoregulatory factors such as B7 family ligands and receptors. Members of the Ig superfamily are expressed on professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and their receptors are CD28 and CTLA-4. CD28 is expressed by naive and activated T cells and is very important for optimal T cell activation. In contrast, CTLA-4 is induced following T cell activation, inhibiting T cell activation by binding to B7.1 / B7.2 and impairing CD28-mediated co-stimulation. B7.1 and B7.2 knockout (KO) mice have impaired adaptive immune response function, while CTLA-4 KO mice are unable to adequately control inflammation and develop systemic autoimmune disease. Over time, B7 family ligands include costimulatory ligands such as B7-H2 (ICOS ligand) and B7-H3, as well as B7-H1 (PD-L1), B7-DC (PD-L2), B7-H4 (B7S1 or It has been extended to include co-inhibitory ligands such as B7x) and B7-H6. Therefore, additional CD28 family receptors have been identified. ICOS is expressed on activated T cells and binds to B7-H2. ICOS is a positive co-regulator and is important for T cell activation, differentiation, and function. On the other hand, programmed death 1 (PD-1) negatively regulates T cell response. PD-1 KO mice developed lupus-like autoimmune disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. In contrast to VISTA (the immunosuppressive molecule that is the focus of the invention), the two inhibitory B7 family ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2 have distinctly different expression patterns. PD-L2 is inducibly expressed on DCs and macrophages, while PD-L1 is extensively expressed on both hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cell types. Consistent with the immunosuppressive role of PD-1 receptors, studies with PD-L1-/-and PD-L2-/-mice have duplicated studies in which both ligands inhibit T cell proliferation and cytokine production. It shows that it has a role. PD-L1 deficiency enhances disease progression in both non-obese diabetes (NOD) models of autoimmune diabetes and mouse models of multiple sclerosis (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, EAE). PD-L1- / -T cells produce elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in both disease models. In addition, studies on NOD mice have demonstrated that tissue expression of PD-L1 (ie, in the pancreas) specifically contributes to its ability to locally control inflammation. PD-L1 is also highly expressed on placental syncytiotrophobic cells, which critically regulate the maternal immune response to allogeneic fetuses.
0009[0009] Given the potent impact of this family of molecules on immunoregulation, substantial attempts in cancer mouse models can induce protective anti-tumor immunity by targeting this family of molecules. Shown. Studies involving anti-CTLA-4 have demonstrated improved therapeutic utility in mouse models of melanoma and clinical trials. Mice vaccinated with B16-GM-CSF (Gvax) promote rejection of B16 melanoma when combined with CTLA-4 blocking antibody. Antibodies to PD-1 and PD-L1 also demonstrate improved antitumor immunity and host survival in a wide range of mouse tumor models. Finally, CTLA-4 and PD-1 belong to the same family of co-inhibiting molecules, but when they are used in combination, using different non-redundant mechanisms to inhibit T cell activation. Evidence shows that there is a synergistic effect on the ability of anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 / L to enhance host survival in mouse melanoma.
0010[0010] Based on the above, given the important role of these family members in controlling immunity, especially T cell immunity, it would be useful to elucidate another novel B7 family member and its ligands and regulators. ..
0011[0011] The present invention relates to a therapeutic method that regulates activity and / or specifically binds or blocks the binding of a particular regulatory T cell protein to its counter-receptor. PD Designated as -L3 or VISTA, this protein is a novel, structurally distinct Ig-superfamily inhibitory ligand whose extracellular domain is homologous to the B7 family ligand PD-L1. This molecule is synonymously referred to herein as PD-L3 or VISTA, the V-domain Immunoglobulin Suppressor of T cell Activation (VISTA). VISTA is primarily expressed in the hematopoietic compartment and is highly regulated on myelogenous APCs and T cells. Therapeutic interventions in the VISTA inhibitory pathway represent a novel effort to regulate T cell-mediated immunity for the treatment of a wide variety of cancers.
0012[0012] The present invention specifically relates to the use of VISTA or PD-L3-specific antibodies to treat certain cancers, including bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma. [0013] In addition, the present invention specifically relates to PD-L3 or VISTA proteins, especially multimers, to treat conditions in which immunosuppression is therapeutically desired, such as allergies, autoimmunity, and inflammatory conditions. With respect to the use of VISTA proteins and viral vectors expressing them (eg, adenovirus vectors).
0013[0014] As disclosed below, expression of VISTA appears to be confined to the hematopoietic compartment only, and this protein is CD4.<sup>+</sup>T cells, T<sup>reg</sup>, And CD8<sup>+</sup>Mature myeloid cells (CD11b) with lower levels of expression on T cells<sup>bright</sup>) Highly expressed on. ViSTA expression on a soluble VISTA protein, eg, a soluble VISTA-Ig fusion protein, or APC, is CD4 in vitro.<sup>+</sup>And CD8<sup>+</sup>Suppresses T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Anti-VISTA antibody, eg, anti-VISTA monoclonal antibody (13F3), is in vitro VISTA<sup>+</sup>It is also observed that APC blocked the inhibition of VISTA induction of T cell responses. It has also been found that anti-VISTA monoclonal antibodies adversely affected EAE and increased the frequency of encephalitis-induced Th17s in vivo. In addition, anti-VISTA monoclonal antibodies have been found to induce tumor remission in multiple (4) mouse tumor models, as disclosed in detail below. VISTA expression on bone marrow-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in these models is very high and VISTA<sup>+</sup>It is suggested that MDSC suppresses tumor-specific immunity. As shown herein, VISTA exerts immunosuppressive activity on T cells in mice and humans (in vitro only), both in vitro and in vivo, to develop autoimmunity and immune response to cancer. Is an important mediator that controls. Specifically, the data shows: [0015] (1) VISTA is a new member of the Ig superfamily and contains an Ig-V domain with subtle sequence homology to PD-L1. We present here that VISTA inhibits both mouse and human CD4 + and CD8 + T cell proliferation and cytokine production when produced as an Ig fusion protein or overexpressed on artificial APCs. Disclose what to do.
0014[0016] (2) VISTA expression on myeloid APC inhibits in vitro T cell response. VISTA expression on MDSC in the intratumoral microenvironment is extremely high. Phenotypic and functional analysis of many cell surface molecules has previously been suggested to be involved in MDSC-mediated suppression of T cells. CD115, CD124, CD80, PD-L1 and PD-L2 were expressed by MDSC, but at their expression levels or in the proportion of positive cells, MDSC and tumor-free mouse-derived cells lacking immunosuppressive activity No difference was found between them. Therefore, we predict that VISTA is a major B7 negative regulator on MDSC.
0015(4) Antibody-mediated VISTA blockade induces protective immunity against autologous tumors. [0019] On that basis, VISTA appears to be the dominant negative immunoregulatory molecule on MDSC that interferes with the development of protective anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, blocking the activity of this molecule with anti-VISTA antibodies allows the development of protective anti-tumor immunity in humans and other mammals.
0016[0020] Accordingly, the present invention relates to multiple copies of a VISTA extracellular domain or fragment thereof and as immunomodulators and different cancers such as bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, and lymphoma, autoimmune diseases, allergies, infections. And include VISTA binding agents that bind or regulate (aggregate or antagonize) the activity of VISTA for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, such as polysclerosis and arthritis, such as small molecules and antibodies or fragments thereof. It relates to methods of using soluble VISTA proteins, such as fusion proteins and multimeric VISTA proteins.
0017[0021] As described in detail below, this protein is a novel inhibitory ligand whose extracellular Ig-V domain is two known B7 family ligands, Program Death Ligand 1 and 2 (PD-). It is homologous to L1 and PD-L2) and exhibits unique sequence characteristics and characteristic expression patterns on parts of APC and T cells in vitro and in vivo (which is PD-L3 or VISTA). Distinguish from other B7 family ligands). This protein is CD4<sup>+</sup>And CD8<sup>+</sup>Functionally affects T cell proliferation and differentiation (CD4<sup>+</sup>And CD8<sup>+</sup>It suppresses T cell proliferation and cytokine production). Based on this expression pattern and its inhibitory effect on T cells, PD-L3 or VISTA is presumably a regulatory ligand that negatively regulates the T cell response during homologous interactions between T cells and bone marrow-derived APCs. Function.
0018[0022] While PD-L3 or VISTA appears to be a member of the B7 family of ligands, this molecule, unlike other B7 family ligands, does not have an Ig-C domain and only has an Ig-V domain. It contains and phylogenetically closer to the B7 family receptor program death-1 (PD-1). Based on this, PD-L3 or VISTA, and its specific agonists or antagonists, can be used to regulate T cell activation and differentiation and, more broadly, to regulate the regulatory network that controls the immune response. it can. Among other things, PD-L3 or VISTA proteins and PD-L3 or VISTA agonists or antagonists, preferably PD-L3 or VISTA-specific antibodies, are autoimmune, inflammatory responses, and diseases, allergies, cancers, infectious diseases. , As well as the regulation of immune response in transplantation.
0019[0023] Therefore, the invention is, in part, preferably human or mouse PD-L3 or SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4 encoded by a gene that specifically hybridizes to SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 that regulates VISTA in vivo. , Or an isolated soluble PD-L3 or VISTA protein or fusion protein containing at least 70-90% identical amino acid sequence to the VISTA polypeptide described in 5, eg, soluble VISTA-Ig fusion protein or multimeric VISTA protein. Orthologs or fragments thereof, and compositions for, for example, therapeutic, diagnostic, or immunomodulatory applications containing pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. In some embodiments, the soluble or multimeric VISTA protein can be directly or indirectly bound to a heterologous (non-VISTA) protein or contains a viral vector or transfected immune cells such as, for example, T cells. Can be expressed by cells.
0020[0024] The present invention optionally comprises an Ig polypeptide, eg, an Fc region or receptor. An isolated nucleic acid encoding a VISTA protein that is at least 70-90% identical to the human or mouse VISTA amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5, fused to a sequence encoding another protein, such as a molecule. Alternatively, an expression vector containing the fragment or ortholog thereof, and a host cell containing the vector are also provided.
0021[0025] The present invention specifically comprises an isolated binder, preferably a PD-L3 or VISTA protein comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5, or a variant, fragment, or variant thereof. It also involves antibodies or antibody fragments that specifically bind to orthologs. In a preferred embodiment, the binder regulates (stimulates or antagonizes) VISTA activity in vitro or in vivo. In the most preferred embodiment, the binder is an agonist antibody or an antagonist antibody.
0022[0026] The present invention immunizes immune cells by contacting them in vitro or in vivo with the VISTA protein, or a binding agent specific thereto, in the presence of a primary signal such that the response of the immune cells is regulated. Further provides a method for regulating the cellular response. (The interaction of VISTA or its regulators signals immune cells and regulates the immune response. PD-L3 or VISTA proteins are at high levels myeloid, including myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages. It is expressed on antigen-presenting cells and at lower densities on CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, although PD-L3 or VISTA expression on myeloid APCs is upregulated during immune activation. , PD-L3 or VISTA expression on CD4 + T cells is downregulated.) Therefore, PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acids and polypeptides of the invention, and agonists or antagonists thereof, are used, for example, in regulating the immune response. It is useful.
0023[0027] In another aspect, the invention is a primer or hybridization probe for the detection of a nucleic acid encoding a VISTA polypeptide, preferably a soluble fusion protein and a multimeric VISTA protein and a nucleic acid encoding PD-L3 or VISTA. Provided are isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding suitable nucleic acid fragments. In one embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule of the invention is a nucleotide sequence encoding PD-L3 or VISTA of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or a complement thereof (eg, the full length of the nucleotide sequence) set forth herein. ) And at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more.
0024[0028] In another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule is a nucleotide encoding a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence having a specific proportion of identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5. Contains sequences. In a preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule is at least about 71%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, with the full length of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5 or its extracellular domain. 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more Includes a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the same amino acid sequence.
0025[0029] In another preferred embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule encodes the amino acid sequence of human or mouse or VISTA or a conserved region or functional domain therein. In yet another preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5. In yet another preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, Nucleotide lengths of 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150 and above. In a more preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule is at least about 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150 or more nucleotide lengths, PD- It encodes a polypeptide that has L3 or VISTA activity or that regulates PD-L3 or VISTA function (as described herein).
0026[0030] Another embodiment of the invention is PD-L3 or PD-L3 or which specifically detects a PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule as compared to a nucleic acid molecule, preferably a nucleic acid molecule encoding a non-PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. It features a VISTA nucleic acid molecule. For example, in one embodiment, such nucleic acid molecule is at least about 880, 900, 950, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1150 or greater nucleotide length and under stringent conditions, to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5. It hybridizes to the nucleic acid molecule encoding the indicated polypeptide or complement thereof. In another embodiment, such nucleic acid molecules are at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300 or greater nucleotide lengths and under stringent conditions, eg, at least 20, 30, PD-L3 or VISTA containing nucleotide lengths of 40, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950 or greater. At least 15 of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 3 that hybridize to the nucleic acid molecule encoding the fragment of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5 and encode the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, or complement thereof. , 15 Adjacent), and under stringent conditions, hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule containing the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or its complement.
0027[0031] In yet another preferred embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule encodes a naturally occurring allelic variant of the polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4 or 5, and the nucleic acid molecule is under stringent conditions. , Hybridizes to the complement of a nucleic acid molecule containing SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, or a complement thereof.
0028[0032] Another embodiment of the invention is antisense against the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule, eg, against the coding strand of the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3. An isolated nucleic acid molecule that is antisense is provided.
0029[0033] Another aspect of the invention provides a vector containing a PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule. In certain embodiments, the vector is a recombinant expression vector. [0034] In another embodiment, the invention provides a host cell containing the vector of the invention. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a host cell containing the nucleic acid molecule of the invention. The present invention comprises culturing a host cell, eg, a mammalian host cell such as the non-human mammalian cell of the present invention containing a recombinant expression vector, in a suitable medium, thereby comprising a polypeptide, preferably PD-L3 or VISTA. It also provides a method for producing a polypeptide, and thus a polypeptide is produced.
0030[0035] Another aspect of the invention is characterized by an isolated or recombinant PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide (eg, a protein, polypeptide, peptide, or fragment or portion thereof). In one embodiment, the isolated PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or PD-L3 or VISTA fusion protein comprises at least one of the following domains: signal peptide domain, IgV domain, extracellular domain, transmembrane domain. Domain, and cytoplasmic domain.
0031[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide has the following domains: signal peptide domain, IgV domain, extracellular domain, membrane: Containing at least one of the penetrating domain and the cytoplasmic domain, with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4 or 5 and at least about 71%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more have the same amino acid sequence. In another preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide comprises at least one of the following domains: a signal peptide domain, an IgV domain, an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain (the present invention). Has VISTA or PD-L3 activity (as described herein).
0032[0037] In yet another preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 polypeptide comprises at least one of the following domains: a signal peptide domain, an IgV domain, an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain. It is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to the complement of the nucleic acid molecule containing the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 under stringent hybridization conditions.
0033[0038] In another embodiment, the invention features a fragment or portion of a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4 or 5, wherein the fragment is at least 15 of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4. Contains amino acids (ie, adjacent amino acids). In another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5. In another embodiment, the invention presents at least about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94 with the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or its complement. %, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more It is characterized by a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule consisting of the same nucleotide sequence. The present invention further describes a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide encoded by a nucleic acid molecule consisting of a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to the complement of the nucleic acid molecule containing the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 under stringent hybridization conditions. It is characterized by.
0034[0039] The polypeptide of the invention or a portion thereof, eg, a biologically active portion thereof, is operably linked to a non-PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide (eg, a heterologous amino acid sequence) and fused polypeptide. Can be formed. The invention further features antibodies such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies that specifically bind to the polypeptides of the invention, preferably human PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides.
0035[0040] The present invention also presents on the desired functional properties, eg, protein inhibitory effect on TCR activation, protein inhibitory effect on CD4T cell proliferative response to anti-CD3, inhibition of antigen-specific proliferative response of allogeneic CD4T cells, This protein or PD-L3 is based on the regulation of specific effects of PD-L3 or VISTA on immunity, such as the inhibitory effect of PD-L3 or VISTA on the expression of specific cytokines such as IL-2 and gamma interferon. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a method for selecting an anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody having a desired functional property from a panel of monoclonal antibodies produced against a VISTA-Ig fusion protein. In a particularly preferred embodiment, in vitro PD-L3 or VISTA- to PD-L3 or VISTA-related immune function in the presence of a soluble PD-L3 or VISTA-protein, eg, PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein. Anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies used as therapeutic agents that enhance the inhibitory effect of Ig are selected. This is because, unexpectedly (shown below), these antibodies behave unexpectedly in vivo from their in vitro effects on immunity, i.e., these anti- or VISTA monoclonal antibodies are immunosuppressive. Therefore, it is preferable.
0036[0041] In addition, a regulator of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide (or biologically active portion thereof) or PD-L3 or VISTA molecule, i.e., the pre. Antibodies, such as those selected using the methods described above, can be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions optionally comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
0037[0042] In another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA protein is used as an inhibitory signal to inhibit or reduce immune cell activation. In this embodiment, the inhibitory signal binds to an inhibitory receptor (eg, CTLA-4 or PD-1) on immune cells, thereby via (eg, TCR, CD3, BCR, or Fc polypeptide). It antagonizes the primary signal that binds to the activated receptor. Inhibition includes, for example, inhibition of second messenger production; inhibition of proliferation; inhibition of effector function in immune cells, such as reduced phagocytosis, decreased antibody production, diminished cytotoxicity, immune cell mediators (cytokines (cytokines). For example, IL-2) and / or mediators of allergic responses) deficiency; or development of anergy.
0038[0043] In certain embodiments, the primary signal is a ligand that binds to the TCR and initiates a primary stimulus signal (eg, CD3 or anti-CD3). Such TCR ligands are readily available from commercial sources and, as a particular example, American Type Culture. Examples include the anti-CD3 antibody OKT3 prepared from hybridoma cells obtained from the Collection, and the anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody G19-4. In alternative embodiments, the primary signal is another mechanism that includes a protein kinase C activator such as phorbol ester (eg, phorbol myristate acetate), and calcium ionophore (eg, ionomycin that increases cytoplasmic calcium concentration). Is delivered to T cells via ester. The use of such agents bypasses the TCR / CD3 complex, but delivers a stimulating signal to T cells. Other agents that act as primary signals may include natural and synthetic ligands. The native ligand may include MHC with or without the presence of the peptide. Other ligands are peptides, polypeptides, growth factors, cytokines, chemokines, glycopeptides, soluble receptors, steroids, hormones, mitogens such as PHA, or other superantigens, peptide-MHC tetramers (Altman, et al). . (1996) Science 274 (5284): 94-6) and soluble MHC dimer (Dal Porto, et) al (1993) Proc Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 90: 6671-5), but not limited to them.
0039[0044] Immune cell activity activated according to the methods of the invention can later be expanded in vitro and used in the treatment and prevention of various diseases, such as cloned and expanded human T cells. Maintain their regulatory activity in vitro (Groux, et al. (1997) Nature 389 (6652): 737-42). Prior to expansion, the source of T cells is obtained from the subject (eg, mammals such as humans, dogs, cats, mice, rats, or transgenic species thereof). T cells can be obtained from several sources, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, cord blood, thymic tissue, tissue from the site of infection, spleen tissue, tumors, or T cell lines. T cells can be obtained from unit blood drawn from a subject using any number of techniques known to those of skill in the art, such as ficoll isolation.
0040[0045] In another aspect, the invention presents PD-L3 in a biological sample by contacting the biological sample with an agent capable of detecting PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecules, proteins, or polypeptides. Alternatively, it provides a method for detecting the presence of a VISTA nucleic acid molecule, protein, or polypeptide, thus the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule, protein, or polypeptide is detected in a biological sample. This PD-L3 or VISTA expression can be used to detect a specific disease site such as an inflamed site.
0041[0046] In another aspect, the invention presents PD-L3 or VISTA activity in a biological sample by contacting the biological sample with an agent capable of detecting an indicator of PD-L3 or VISTA activity. Provide a method for detecting PD-L3 or VISTA activity, therefore, the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA activity is detected in the biological sample.
0042[0047] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for regulating PD-L3 or VISTA activity, such that PD-L3 or VISTA activity is regulated in cells. It involves contacting cells that can be expressed with an agent that regulates PD-L3 or VISTA activity, preferably an anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody. In one embodiment, the agent inhibits PD-L3 or VISTA activity. In another embodiment, the agent stimulates PD-L3 or VISTA activity. In a further embodiment, the agent interferes with or enhances the interaction between the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide and its natural binding partner (s). In one embodiment, the agent is an antibody that specifically binds to PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. In another embodiment, the agent is a peptide, peptide mimetic, or other small molecule that binds to PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide.
0043[0048] In yet another embodiment, the agent regulates transcription of the PD-L3 or VIST gene, translation of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA, or post-translational modification of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Regulates the expression of PD-L3 or VISTA. In another embodiment, the agent is a nucleic acid molecule having an antisense nucleotide sequence against the coding strand of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA or PD-L3 or VIST gene.
0044[0049] In one embodiment, the methods of the invention are abnormal, inadequate, or undesirable PD-L3 or VISTA poly by administering to a subject an agent that is a PD-L3 or VISTA regulator. It is used to treat subjects with disorders or conditions characterized by peptide or nucleic acid expression or activity. In a preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA regulator is a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, preferably a soluble fusion protein or multimer VISTA protein or anti-VISTA antibody described below. In another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA regulator is, for example, a PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule in an adenovirus vector. In another embodiment, the invention further provides treating a subject with an additional agent that regulates an immune response.
0045[0050] In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a vaccine comprising an antigen and an agent that regulates (enhances or inhibits) PD-L3 or VISTA activity. In a preferred embodiment, the vaccine inhibits the interaction between PD-L3 or VISTA and its naturally binding partners (s).
0046The present invention also includes (i) aberrant modifications or mutations in the gene encoding the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, (ii) misregulation of the gene, and (iii) abnormalities in the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Provides a diagnostic assay for identifying the presence or absence of genetic alterations characterized by at least one of the post-translational modifications, the wild-type form of the gene encodes a polypeptide having PD-L3 or VISTA activity. To do.
0047[0052] In another aspect, the invention provides an indicator composition comprising a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide having PD-L3 or VISTA activity, contacting the indicator composition with a test compound, and PD. -L3 or VISTA polypeptide To identify a compound that regulates activity, it binds to or regulates PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide by determining the effect of the test compound on PD-L3 or VISTA activity in the indicator composition. Provided is a method for identifying a compound to be used.
0048[0053] In one aspect, the invention features a method for regulating the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its native binding partner (s) on immune cells and expresses PD-L3 or VISTA. Antigen-presenting cells are contacted with agents selected from the group consisting of agents that regulate the morphology of PD-L3 or VISTA, or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with their naturally binding partners (s). Thus, the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its native binding partners (s) on immune cells is regulated. In a preferred embodiment, the agent that regulates the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner (s) is an antibody that specifically binds to PD-L3 or VISTA. In one embodiment, the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s) are upregulated. In another embodiment, the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s) are downregulated. In one embodiment, the method further comprises contacting the immune cell or antigen presenting cell with an additional agent that regulates the immune response.
0049[0054] In one embodiment, the contacting step is performed in vitro. In another embodiment, the contacting step is performed in vivo. In one embodiment, immune cells are selected from the group consisting of T cells, monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, B cells, and myeloid cells.
0050[0055] In another aspect, the invention increases or inhibits the activity or expression of PD-L3 or VISTA in cells with respect to methods for inhibiting or increasing the activation of immune cells. Contains, and therefore immune cell activation is inhibited or increased.
0051[0056] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a vaccine comprising an antigen and an agent that inhibits the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner (s).
0052[0057] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a vaccine comprising an antigen and an agent that promotes an interaction between PD-L3 or VISTA and its naturally binding partner (s).
0053[0058] In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating a subject who has a condition that benefits from the upregulation of an immune response, with PD-L3 or VISTA and its naturally binding partners on the immune cells of the subject. Conditions involving the administration of agents that inhibit interaction with (including multiple) and thus benefit from the upregulation of the immune response are treated. In a preferred embodiment, the agent is a blocking antibody or small molecule that binds PD-L3 or VISTA and inhibits the interaction between PD-L3 or VISTA and its naturally binding partners (s). Including. In another embodiment, the method further comprises administering a second agent that upregulates the immune response to the subject. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating a subject having a condition that benefits from downregulation of the immune response, comprising PD-L3 or VISTA and its naturally binding partners (s) on the subject's cells. ) Consists of administering agents that stimulate the interaction with, and thus treats conditions that benefit from downregulation of the immune response.
0054[0059] For example, a condition treated with PD-L3 or VISTA protein or binding agent is from a tumor, pathogenic infection, inflammatory immune response or condition, preferably a relatively insignificant inflammatory condition, or immunosuppressive disease. Selected from the group of As specific examples, progressive and progressive including multiple sclerosis, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, type II and type I diabetes, and metastatic cancers such as bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and other cancers. Including early stage cancer, VISTA suppresses an effective antitumor response. In some cases, an individual may be administered a cell or viral vector expressing a nucleic acid encoding an anti-VISTA antibody or VISTA fusion protein.
0055[0060] In one embodiment, the agent comprises an antibody or small molecule that stimulates an interaction between PD-L3 or VISTA and its naturally binding partner (s). In another embodiment, the method further applies to the subject PD-L !, PD-L2, or CT. It involves administering a second agent that downregulates the immune response, such as an LA-4 fusion protein or an antibody specific to it.
0056Exemplary conditions that can be treated with PD-L3 or VISTA proteins, binding agents, or PD-L3 or VISTA antagonists or agonists in accordance with the present invention are, for example, transplantation, allergies, infectious diseases, cancer. , And inflammatory or autoimmune disorders, such as inflammatory immune disorders. Specific examples mentioned above include type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatic diseases, allergic disorders, asthma, allergic rhinitis, skin disorders, Crohn's disease and Gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcerative colitis, transplant rejection, post-rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune renal failure, septic shock, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and toxin injection; Included are autoimmune diseases, as well as degenerative bone and joint diseases, including degenerative arthritis, crystalline lupus, and capsulitis, as well as other arthropathy. In addition, the methods and compositions can be used to treat tendinitis, ligamentitis, and traumatic joint injury.
0057[0062] In another aspect, the present invention relates to cell-based assays for screening for compounds that regulate the activity of PD-L3 or VISTA, wherein cells expressing the PD-L3 or VISTA target molecule are referred to as test compounds. Includes contacting and determining the ability of the test compound to regulate the activity of the PD-L3 or VISTA target molecule.
0058[0063] In yet another aspect, the invention relates to a cell-free assay for screening for compounds that regulate the binding of PD-L3 or VISTA to a target molecule, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or organism thereof. It involves contacting a physiologically active moiety with the test compound and determining the ability of the test compound to bind the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or its biologically active moiety.
0059[0064] In another embodiment, the present invention presents a compound that regulates the effect of PD-L3 or VISTA on T cell activation or cytokine production at first and second antigen concentrations, such as anti-PD-L3. Alternatively, for methods of identifying VISTA antibodies, contacting T cells expressing PD-L3 or VISTA target molecules with the test compound at the first antigen concentration, regulating T cell proliferation or cytokine production at the first antigen concentration. To determine the ability of the test compound to be used, to contact T cells expressing the PD-L3 or VISTA target molecule with the test compound at a second antigen concentration, and to proliferate or produce cytokines at a second antigen concentration. Includes determining the ability of test compounds to regulate the first and second antigen concentrations, thereby identifying compounds that regulate T cell activation or cytokine production.
0060[0065] In other specific embodiments, a panel of anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies and PD-L3 or VISTA proteins is screened for PD to CD4 + and CD8 + T cell differentiation, proliferation, and / or cytokine production. -Select one that inhibits or promotes the effects of L3 or VISTA in vitro or in vivo.
0061[0066] In a preferred embodiment, a PD-L3 or VISTA-specific subject PD-L3 or VISTA protein, nucleic acid, and ligand, preferably an antibody that has the desired effect on PD-L3 or VISTA function, is a cancer. Autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflammatory disorders or infections, more specifically immune system disorders such as severe complex immunodeficiency, multiple sclerosis, systemic erythematosus, type I diabetes, lymphoproliferative syndrome, inflammatory Used to treat conditions such as intestinal disorders, allergies, asthma, transplant-to-host disorders, and transplant rejection; immune response to infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses; and cancers of the immune system such as lymphoma and leukemia. Will be done.
0062<figref num="1A">Sequence analysis. A. Full-length amino acid sequence of mouse PD-L3 or VISTA. B. Cells between mouse PD-L3 or VISTA and selected B7 family ligands, including B7-H1 (PD-L1), B7-DC (PD-L2), B7-H3, and B7-H4. Amino acid sequence alignment of the outer Ig domain. Alignment of PD-L3 or VISTA Ig domains with B7 family receptors, including C. PD-1, CTLA-4, CD28, BTLA, and ICOS. Ig-v domain "....", Ig-c domain "____". Alignment was performed using the MUSCLE algorithm (comparison of multiple sequences by Log conjecture). The sequence identity (%) of the Ig-V domain between D. PD-L3 or VISTA and other B7 family ligands and receptors is calculated using the Clustal W2 program. E. Sequence homology between human PD-L3 or VISTA and mouse PD-L3 or VISTA. The same residues are shaded in black. Highly conserved and semi-conserved residues are shaded in black and light gray, respectively.</figref><figref num="1B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="1C">Same as above.</figref><figref num="1D">Same as above.</figref><figref num="1E">Same as above.</figref><figref num="2">Phylogenetic analysis of mouse PD-L3 or VISTA with other immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily members. Mouse PD-L3 or VISTA, and CD28, CTLA-4, ICOS, BTLA, PD-1, B7-H1 (PD-L1), B7-DC (PD-L2), B7-H2, B7-H3, B7- Full-length sequences of other Ig superfamily members, including H4, B7-1, B7-2, BTNL2, BTN3A3, BTN2A2, and BTN1A1, were analyzed using the PhyML algorithm (maximum phylogenetic likelihood). The branching distance is shown at the phylogenetic tree branch junction.</figref><figref num="3A">Tissue expression and hematopoietic cell expression patterns of PD-L3 or VISTA. A. Full-length PD-L3 or VISTA RT-PCR derived from mouse tissue. Lane: (1) Muscle (2) Heart (3) Eye (4) Thymus (5) Spleen (6) Small intestine (7) Kidney (8) Liver (9) Brain (10) Breast (11) Lung (12) Ovary (13) Bone marrow. B. Full-length PD-L3 or VISTA RT-PCR derived from sperm-producing blood cell type. Lane (1) Peritoneal macrophages (2) Spleen CD11b + monocytes (3) Spleen CD11c + DC (4) Spleen CD4 + T cells (5) Spleen CD8 + T cells (6) Spleen B cells. PD-L3 or on C ~ E. Thymus and spleen-derived spleen CD4 + and CD8 + T cells (C), CD11b + monocytes (D), and spleen and peritoneal cavity-derived CD11c + DC subset (E) Flow cytometric analysis of VISTA expression. F. Spleen B cells, NK cells, and granulocytes are also analyzed. G. Differential expression of PD-L3 or VISTA on hematopoietic cells from different tissue sites including mesenteric lymph nodes, peripheral lymph nodes, spleen, blood, and peritoneal cavity. Representative data from at least 3 independent experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="3B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="3C">Same as above.</figref><figref num="3D">Same as above.</figref><figref num="3E">Same as above.</figref><figref num="3F">Same as above.</figref><figref num="3G">Same as above.</figref><figref num="4A-1">PD-L3 or VISTA gene array data from the GNF (Genomics Institute of Novartis Research Foundation) gene array database and the NCBI GEO (gene expression omnibus) database.</figref><figref num="4A-2">Same as above.</figref><figref num="4A-3">Same as above.</figref><figref num="4B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="4C-1">Same as above.</figref><figref num="4C-2">Same as above.</figref><figref num="4C-3">Same as above.</figref><figref num="4D">Same as above.</figref><figref num="5">Specificity of PD-L3 or VISTA hamster monoclonal antibody. Mouse EL4 cell lines overexpressing either PD-L1 or PD-L3 or VISTA fused to RFP were stained with a supernatant from a hybridoma culture and analyzed using flow cytometry. Two representative positive clones are shown.</figref><figref num="6">Comparison of PD-L3 or VISTA expression on in vitro cultured spleen cells with other B7 family ligands. PD-L3 or VISTA and other B7 family ligands on hematopoietic cell types, including CD4 + T cells, CD11b hypermonocytes, and CD11c + DC (ie, PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-H3, and The expression of B7-H4) was compared. Cells were either freshly isolated or cultured in vitro for 24 hours with and without activation. CD4 + T cells were activated with plate-bound CD3 (5 μg / mL) and CD11b hypermonocytes and CD11c + DC were activated with IFN alpha (20 ng / mL) and LPS (200 ng / mL). Representative results of three independent experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="7A">Comparison of in vivo expression patterns of PD-L3 or VISTA and other B7 family ligands during immunization. The flanks of DO11.10 TCR transgenic mice were immunized with triovoalbumin (OVA) emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Influx and non-influx lymph node cells were collected 24 hours after immunization and analyzed for PD-L3 or VISTA, PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression using flow cytometry. Representative results of at least four independent experiments are shown. A. Populations of CD11b + cells expressing high levels of PD-L3 or VISTA were induced in the influx region lymph nodes by CFA / OVA instead of CFA alone 24 hours after immunization. These cells are a mixed phenotype of F4 / 80+ macrophages and CD11C + dendritic cells. B. Expression of PD-L3 or VISTA, PD-L1 and PD-L2 on CD11b hypermonocytes, CD11c + DC, and CD4 + T cells was analyzed 24 hours after immunization.</figref><figref num="7B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="8">Loss of PD-L3 or VISTA expression on activated CD4 + T cells in response to immunization. The flanks of DO11.10 mice were immunized with triovoalbumin (OVA) emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Influx and non-influx lymph node cells were collected 48 hours after immunization and analyzed for PD-L3 or VISTA expression using flow cytometry. Representative results of two independent experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="9A">Immobilized PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion proteins inhibited CD4 + and CD8 + T cell proliferation. A. CFSE-labeled CD4 + and CD8 + T cells were stimulated with plate-bound CD3 with or without co-absorption PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig. The proportion of CFSE low cells is quantified and shown in B. C.PD-1 CD4 + T cells from ko mice were also suppressed by PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig. D. PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig mediated inhibition is persistent and can be activated with delay. CD4 + T cells were activated in the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or control-Ig for either 72 hours (i) or 24 hours (ii, iii, and iv). Cells preactivated for 24 hours were harvested and restimulated for an additional 48 hours under the specified conditions. After 72 hours of culture, cell proliferation was analyzed. (ii) cells preactivated with PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig and restimulated with anti-CD3, (iii) cells preactivated with anti-CD3 and restimulated with PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig, (iv) PD -Cells that have been preactivated with L3 or VISTA-Ig and restimulated with PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig. Double wells were analyzed for all conditions. Representative results from at least four experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="9B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="9C">Same as above.</figref><figref num="9D">Same as above.</figref><figref num="10">Inhibitory effect of similar PD-L1-Ig and PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion proteins on CD4 + T cell proliferation. Bulk-purified CD4 + T cells were labeled with CFSE and stimulated with plate-bound CD3 with titerized PD-L1-Ig or PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion proteins. CFSE dilutions were analyzed at 72 hours to quantify the proportion of CFSE low cells. Double wells were analyzed for all conditions. Representative results of two independent experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="11A">Inhibitory effect of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig on the proliferation of naive CD4 + T cells and memory CD4 + T cells. A. Naive (CD25-CD44 low CD62L high) and memory (CD25-CD44 high CD62L low) CD4 + T cell subsets were classified, labeled with CFSE and indicated proportions of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or controls- Stimulated with plate-bound anti-CD3 (2.5 μg / mL) with Ig. Cell proliferation was analyzed at 72 hours by testing CFSE mitotic properties. The percentage of proliferative cells determined by the percentage of CFSE low cells (%) was calculated and shown in B. Double wells were analyzed for all conditions. Representative results of two independent experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="11B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="12A">The PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein suppressed early TCR activation and cell proliferation, but did not directly induce apoptosis. Bulk-purified CD4 + T cells with plate-bound anti-CD3 with PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or control-Ig (2.5 μg / mL and 5 g / mL, respectively) in a 1: 2 ratio. I was stimulated. Cells were analyzed for expression of CD69, CD62L, and CD44 at 24 and 48 hours using flow cytometry. Cells were also stained with the early apoptosis marker annexin-V and the cell death marker 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD). Representative results of two independent experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="12B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="13A">PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig inhibited cytokine production by CD4 + and CD8 + T cells. A to B. Bulk-purified CD4 + T cells were stimulated with plate-bound anti-CD3 and PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or control-Ig at the ratios described. Culture supernatants were collected after 24 and 48 hours. IL-2 and IFN levels were analyzed using ELISA. C ~ D.CD4 + T cells were classified into naive (CD25 ~ CD44 low CD62L high) and memory (CD25 ~ CD44 high CD62L low) cell populations. Cells were stimulated with plate-bound CD3 and PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or control-Ig in a 1: 2 ratio. Culture supernatants were collected at 48 hours and analyzed for IL-2 and IFN concentrations using ELISA. E. Bulk-purified CD8 + T cells were stimulated with plate-bound CD3 and the indicated proportions of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or control-Ig. IFN in the culture supernatant was analyzed using ELISA. For all conditions, the supernatants of the 6 double wells were pooled for ELISA analysis. Representative results from at least three experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="13B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="13C">Same as above.</figref><figref num="13D">Same as above.</figref><figref num="13E">Same as above.</figref><figref num="14A">PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig-mediated inhibition was able to overcome the moderate levels of co-stimulation provided by CD28, but was completely reversed by high levels of co-stimulation and was extrinsic IL-2. Partially rescued by. A ~ B.CD4 + T cells are activated by using plate-bound CD3 with either PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or control-Ig in a 1: 1 ratio and a 1: 2 ratio. did. For cytokine rescue, soluble mIL-2, mEL7, mIL15, and mIL-23 (all 40 ng / mL) were added to cell cultures (A). To test the effects of co-stimulation, CD28 (1 μg / mL) was immobilized with CD3 and Ig protein at the ratios shown (B). Cell proliferation was analyzed at 72 hours by testing CFSE mitotic properties. To test the inhibitory activity of PD-L3 or VISTA in the presence of lower levels of co-stimulation, titer CD28, anti-CD3 (2.5 μg / mL) and PD-L3 or VISTA Covering with -Ig fusion protein or control-Ig fusion protein (10 μg / mL) stimulated CD4 + T cell proliferation. Cell proliferation was analyzed at 72 hours. The proportion of proliferative CFSE low cells was quantified and shown in D. Double wells were analyzed for all conditions. The typical CFSE characteristics of three independent experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="14B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="14C">Same as above.</figref><figref num="14D">Same as above.</figref><figref num="15A">PD-L3 or VISTA expressed on antigen-presenting cells suppressed CD4T cell proliferation. A CHO cell line that stably expresses the A to C. MHCII molecule I-Ad and the co-stimulatory molecule B7-2 was used as the parent cell line. Cells were transduced with a retrovirus expressing either PD-L3 or VISTA-RFP or an RFP regulatory molecule. Transduced cells were classified to achieve uniform expression levels. To test their ability as antigen-presenting cells, CHO-PD-L3 or VISTA or CHO-RFP cells were treated with mitomycin C and in the presence of titrated OVA peptides, OVA-specific gene transfer CD4 +. Mixed with T cell D011.10. DO11 cell proliferation was analyzed at 72 hours by either CFSE division profile (A-B) or tritium contamination (C). D. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells were transduced with RFP or B7B-H5-RFP retrovirus during a 10-day culture period. Classified and used transduced CD11c + RFP + DC and non-transduced CD11c + RFP + DC to stimulate OVA-specific transgenic CD4 + T cell OTII in the presence of titerized OVA peptides. .. Cell proliferation was analyzed on day 3 by testing CFSE division. For all experiments, double wells were analyzed for all conditions and the representative results of three independent experiments are shown.</figref><figref num="15B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="15C">Same as above.</figref><figref num="15D">Same as above.</figref><figref num="16">Surface expression levels of PD-L3 or VISTA in bone marrow-derived DC transduced by retrovirus. Bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC) is cultured in the presence of GM-CSF (20 ng / mml) and transduced with either RFP or PD-L3 or VISTA-RFP retrovirus as described in the Method section. did. On day 10, surface expression levels of PD-L3 or VISTA were analyzed on cultured BMDCs and compared to freshly isolated peritoneal macrophages.</figref><figref num="17">We show that anti-PDL3 monoclonal antibodies are effective in the passive transmission EAE model. In this adopted immunotransmission EAE model, donor SJL mice were immunized with CFA and PLP peptides. On day 10, all lymphocytes from the influx region lymph nodes were isolated and cultured in vitro with PLP peptide, IL-23 (20 ng / mL), and anti-DFNg (10 μg / mL) for 4 days. The expanded CD4T cells were then purified and adopted into naive receiving mice. Disease progression was monitored and scored as follows: 0: No disease, 0.5: Loss of normal tail condition, 1: Tail dragging, 2: Tail dragging + hindlimb paresis, 2.5: One Hind limb paralysis, 3: Both hind limb paralysis, 3.5: Forelimb weakness, 4: Hind limb paralysis + one forelimb paralysis. When the disease score reached 4, the mice were sacrificed. *, The mouse was slaughtered.</figref><figref num="18">We show that anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody exhibits efficacy (reduction of arthritis symptoms) in animal models of collagen-induced arthritis.</figref><figref num="19">It is shown that VISTA expressed on antigen-presenting cells suppressed CD4 + T cell proliferation.</figref><figref num="20">We show that anti-VISTA antibody inhibited tumor growth in mice transplanted with MB49 tumor cells.</figref><figref num="21A">The antitumor effect of VISTA monoclonal antibody in 4 different mouse antitumor models is shown.</figref><figref num="21B">Same as above.</figref><figref num="21C">Same as above.</figref><figref num="21D">Same as above.</figref><figref num="21E">Same as above.</figref><figref num="22">It shows the enhancing effect of VISTA monoclonal antibody on the efficacy of CD40 / TLR agonist vaccine.</figref><figref num="23">It shows VISTA expression on CNS cells.</figref><figref num="24">We show the effect of VISTA on the fate and function of T cells in the EAE model.</figref>
0063* Definition [0091] Before describing the present invention in more detail, the following definitions are provided. [0092] As used herein, the term "immune cell" includes cells that are a source of hematopoiesis and play a role in the immune response. Immune cells include lymphocytes such as B cells and T cells; natural killer cells; and myeloid cells such as monocytes, macrophages, eosinophils, mast cells, basophils, and granulocytes.
0064[0093] As used herein, the term "T cell" includes CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells. The term T cell also includes both T helper type 1 T cells and T helper type 2 T cells.
0065[0094] The term "antigen-presenting cell" refers to professional antigen-presenting cells (eg, B lymphocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, and Langerhans cells) and other antigen-presenting cells (eg, keratinocytes, endothelial cells, astrocytes). Glue cells, fibroblasts, and oligodendroglice Includes cells).
0066[0095] The term "antigen" as used herein refers to an antigen for which the regulation of an immune response to the antigen may be therapeutically desired. In the case of the desired enhanced immune response to a particular antigen of interest, such antigens include, but are not limited to, infectious disease antigens for which the protective immune response that can be evoked is exemplary. For example, HIV-derived antigens of consideration are proteins gag, env, pol, tat, rev, nef, reverse transcriptase, and other HIV components. E6 and E7 proteins from the human papillomavirus are also of consideration. In addition, the EBNA1 antigen from herpes simplex virus is also under consideration. Other viral antigens to consider are the S, M, and L proteins of hepatitis B virus, the pre-S antigen of hepatitis B virus, and other hepatitis, such as types A, B, and C. Hepatitis virus antigens such as viral components such as hepatitis and hepatitis C virus RNA; influenza virus antigens such as blood cell agglutinin, neurominidase, nuclear protein, M2, and other influenza virus components; measles virus fusion protein and other measles virus components Meal virus antigens such as; Rhewavirus antigens such as proteins E1 and E2 and other Rheus virus components; Rotavirus antigens such as VP7sc and other Rotavirus components; Envelope glycoprotein B and other sites such as megalovirus antigen components Megalovirus antigen; Respiratory vesicle virus antigen such as RSV fusion protein, M2 protein, and other respiratory vesicle virus antigen components; Simple herpes such as pre-early protein, glycoprotein D, and other simple herpesvirus antigen components Viral antigens; vesicular virus antigens such as gpl, gpll, and other vesicular virus antigen components; Japan such as proteins E, ME, ME-NS1, NS1, NS1-NS2A, 80% E, and other Japanese encephalitis virus antigen components. Encephalitis virus antigens; Mad dog disease virus antigens such as mad dog disease sugar protein, mad dog disease nuclear protein, and other mad dog disease virus antigen components; West Nile virus prM and E proteins; and Ebola envelope proteins. For more examples of viral antigens, see Fundamental Virology, Second Edition, eds.Knipe, DMand, Howley PM (Lippincott Williams & See Wilkins, New York, 2001). In addition, bacterial antigens are also disclosed. Bacterial antigens that can be used in the compositions and methods of the invention include pertussis bacterial antigens such as pertussis toxins, fibrous hemagglutinin, pertactin, FIM2, FIM3, adenylate cyclase, and other pertussis bacterial antigen components; diphtheria toxins. Or gifteria bacterial antigens such as toxoids and other diphtheria bacterial antigen components; tetanus bacterial antigens such as tetanus toxins or toxoids and other tetanus bacterial antigen components; , SdrD, SdrE and other staphylococcal antigens; gram-negative bacterial antigens such as lipopolysaccharides, flaggerin, and other gram-negative bacterial antigen components; micolic acid, heat shock protein 65 (HSP65), 30 kDa major secretory protein, antigen 85A Humanoid tuberculosis antigens such as, ESAT-6, and other mycobacterial antigen components; Helicobacter pylori antigen components; pneumoniae antigens such as pneumoniae hemolytic elements, pneumococcal pod polysaccharides and other pneumoniae antigen components; Influenza bacterial antigens such as capsular polysaccharides and other influenza bacterial antigen components; charcoal bacteria antigens such as charcoal-bacterial protective antigens, charcoal-bacteria lethal factors, and other charcoal-bacterial antigen components; F1 and V proteins derived from Pest bacteria; romp And other liquettia bacterial antigen components such as, but not limited to, liquettia bacterial antigens. Bacterial antigens described herein also include any other bacterial, mycobacterium, mycoplasma, rickettsia, or chlamydia antigen. Examples of protozoa and other parasite antigens include melozoite surface antigens, seedworm surface antigens, perisporozoite antigens, germline mother cell / spouse surface antigens, blood phase antigens pf 1 55 / RESA, and other malaria protozoan antigen components. Toxoplasma antigens such as falciparum malaria protozoan antigens such as SAG-1, p30 and other toxoplasma antigen components; Antigen components; and cruise trypanosoma antigens such as, but not limited to, 75-77 kDa antigens, 56 kDa antigens and other trypanosoma antigen components. Examples of fungal antigens include Candida, Aspergillus, Blast Mrs., Histoplasma, Coccidioides, Gypsum and other species, Exophiala werneckii and other species, Black scab. And other species, Trichosporum beigelii and other species, microspore species, tinea bacillus species, epidermoid species, Sporotrix schenky and other species, Fonsecaea pedrosoi and other species Species, Wangiella dermatitidis and other species, Pseudoaresheria boijii and other species, Mazurella glycea and other species, Kumonoscabi species, Absidia species, and Kekabi species, including antigens derived from them. Not limited to. Examples of prion disease antigens include PrP, beta-amyloid, and other prion-related proteins.
0067[0123] In addition to the infectious agents and parasites described above, another area of desirable immunogenicity enhancement for non-infectious agents includes, but is not limited to, cancer in which cells expressing cancer antigens are preferably eliminated from the body. It is a field of disease. Tumor antigens that can be used in the compositions and methods of the invention include prostate-specific antigen (PSA), breast, bladder, ovary, testis, papilloma, telomerase; multidrug-resistant proteins such as alpha-fetoprotein; MAGE-1, Includes, but is not limited to, alpha-fetoprotein, carcinoembryonic antigen, variant p53, papillomavirus antigen, ganglioside, or other carbohydrate-containing components of melanoma or other tumor cells. It is contemplated by the present invention that any type of tumor cell-derived antigen can be used in the compositions and methods described herein. The antigen can be a cancer cell or an immunogenic substance isolated from a cancer cell such as a membrane protein. Includes the universal sulbibin and telomerase antigens as well as the MAGE family of testicular cancer antigens. Antigens that have been shown to be involved in autoimmunity and that can be used to induce resistance in the methods of the invention include myelin basic protein for multiple sclerosis, myelin-deficient collagen cell glycoprotein, And proteolipid protein, as well as CII collagen protein of rheumatoid arthritis, but not limited to them.
0068[0124] Antigens, as a non-limiting example, require vaccines that mobilize potent T cell-mediated immunity (via dendritic cells), HZV-1, EBV, HBV, influenza virus, SARS. It can be part of an infectious agent such as a virus, poxvirus, malaria, or HSV.
0069[0125] The term "tumor" refers to at least one cell or form of tissue neoplasm, specifically a form of spontaneous, voluntary, and irreversible overgrowth of endogenous tissue that is somewhat deinhibited. Representing a cell population, its growth is, in principle, associated with some significant loss of specific cell and tissue function. This cell or cell population is not effectively inhibited by itself or by the control mechanism of the host organism with respect to its growth, such as melanoma or carcinoma. Tumor antigens include not only antigens present in or on the malignant cells themselves, but also antigens present on the interstitial supporting tissue of the tumor, including endothelial cells and other vascular components.
0070[0096] As used herein, the term "immune response" includes T cell-mediated and / or B cell-mediated immune responses that are affected by the regulation of T cell co-stimulation. Exemplary immune responses include B cell response (eg, antibody production), T cell response (eg, cytokine production and cytotoxicity), and activation of cytokine responding cells, such as macrophages. As used herein, the term "downward regulation" associated with an immune response includes a decrease in any one or more immune responses, while the term "upward regulation" associated with an immune response is optional. Includes an increase in one or more immune responses. Of one type of immune response It is understood that upregulation can lead to corresponding downregulation of another type of immune response. For example, upregulation of the production of certain cytokines (eg, IL-10) can lead to downregulation of the cell-mediated immune response.
0071[0097] As used herein, the term "costimulatory receptor" includes a receptor that transmits a costimulatory signal to an immune cell, such as CD28 or ICOS. As used herein, the term "inhibitory receptor" includes receptors that transmit negative signals to immune cells.
0072[0098] As used herein, the term "co-stimulate" in relation to activated immune cells is a second inactivated receptor-mediated signal that induces proliferation or effector function ("co-stimulating signal"). ) Includes the ability of co-stimulatory molecules to provide. For example, a co-stimulation signal can result in cytokine secretion, for example, in T cells that have received a T cell-receptor mediated signal. For example, an immune cell that receives a cell receptor-mediated signal via an activated receptor is referred to herein as an "activated immune cell."
0073[0099] The inhibitory signal converted by the inhibitory receptor can occur even when the co-stimulatory receptor (such as CD28 or ICOS) is not present on the immune cell and is therefore simply inhibitory to the binding of the co-stimulatory molecule. It does not depend on the competition between the receptor and the co-stimulatory receptor (Fallarino et al. (1998) J. Exp. Med. 188: 205). Transmission of the inhibitory signal to immune cells can result in non-responsiveness, anergy, or programmed cell death in immune cells. Preferably, the transmission of the inhibitory signal operates through a mechanism that does not involve apoptosis.
0074[00100] As used herein, the term "apoptosis" includes programmed cell death that can be characterized using techniques known in the art. Apoptotic cell death can be characterized, for example, by cell contraction leading to cell fragmentation, membrane bleb formation, and chromatin condensation. Cells undergoing apoptosis also exhibit a characteristic pattern of internucleosome DNA cleavage.
0075[00101] The term "autoimmune" or "autoimmune disease or condition" herein, and the term "autoimmune disease" herein, are due to and / or a simultaneous disorder of an individual's own tissue. It is a condition that is separated or manifested, or is brought about by it. Examples of autoimmune diseases or disorders include scleroderma (acute scleroderma, chronic rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, acute gouty arthritis, chronic inflammatory arthritis, degenerative arthritis, infectious arthritis, lime disease arthritis, proliferative arthritis, Ulcerative colitis such as psoriatic arthritis, spondylosis, and juvenile-onset rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, arthritis Chronica progrediente, osteoarthritis, primary chronic polyarthritis, reactive arthritis, and scleroderma) , Inflammatory hyperproliferative skin disease, psoriasis vulgaris, drip psoriasis, pustulous psoriasis, and psoriasis such as nail psoriasis, contact derma, chronic contact derma, allergic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, herpes Scleroderma, scleroderma including atopic scleritis, X-chain high IgM syndrome, chronic allergic scleroderma including chronic autoimmune ulcer, and scleroderma such as chronic idiopathic scleroderma, polymyositis / dermatitis , Juvenile dermatomyitis, addictive scleroderma, scleroderma (including systemic scleroderma), scleroderma such as systemic sclerosis, spinal cord-visual MS, primary progressive MS (PPMS), and recurrence Multiple sclerosis (MS) such as reflexive MS (RRMS), progressive systemic sclerosis, atherosclerma, arteriosclerma, disseminated sclerosis, and ulcerative colitis, ulcerative colitis (IBD) ) (For example, Crohn's disease, autoimmune-mediated gastrointestinal disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcerative colitis, microscopic colitis, collagen-accumulating colitis, colitis polyposa, scleroderma , And ulcerative colitis and other autoimmune inflammatory bowel diseases), scleroderma, nodular erythema, primary Glomerulonephritis, epimerulonephritis, respiratory distress syndrome including adult or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), meningitis, inflammation of all or part of the vine membrane, irisitis, chorioletitis, autoimmune blood Disorders, rheumatitis-like sponitis, idiopathic deafness, anaphylaxis and IgE-mediated diseases such as allergic and atopic rhinitis, Rasmussen encephalitis and encephalitis such as marginal system and / or cerebral stem encephalitis, anterior vulonephritis, acute anterior Glomerulonephritis, primary GN, immunomediated Glomerulonephritis, membranous GN (membranous nephropathy), idiopathic membranous GN or idiopathic membranous nephritis, membranous or membranous proliferative GN (MPGN) including types I and II, and rapidly progressive GN Glomerulonephritis with nephrosis syndrome such as chronic or acute glomerulonephritis (GN) and glomerulonephritis without it (GN), allergic condition, allergic reaction, eczema including allergic or atopic eczema, bronchial asthma bronchiale), bronchial asthma (bronchial)asthma), and asthma such as autoimmune asthma, diseases associated with T cell infiltration and chronic inflammatory response, chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, autoimmune myocarditis, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) such as skin SLE Or systemic lupus erythematosus, subacute cutaneous erythematosus, neonatal lupus syndrome (NLE), disseminated erythematosus, lupus (nephritis, encephalitis, pediatric, extrarenal, extrarenal, discoid, hair loss), pediatric Juvenile (type I) diabetes, including insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), adult-onset diabetes (including type II urinary disease), autoimmune diabetes, idiopathic urinary collapse, cytokines and acute mediated by T lymphocytes And immune response associated with late-onset hypersensitivity, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, lymphoma-like granulomatosis, granulomatosis including Wegner's granulomatosis, agranulopathy, vasculitis (macroangiogenic polyvasitis) (Including myopathy and giant cell (Koan) arteritis), middle vascular vasculitis (including Kawasaki disease and nodular polyarteritis), microscopic polyarteritis, CNS vasculitis, necrosis, Vascular, temporal arteritis, including skin or hypersensitivity vasculitis, systemic necrotizing vasculitis, and ANCA-related vasculitis such as Churg-Strauss vasculitis or syndrome (CSS)) Poor regeneration anemia, autoimmune poor regeneration anemia, Coombs positive anemia, diamond black fan anemia, hemolytic anemia including autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) or immune hemolytic anemia, anemia perniciosa , Addison's disease, erythroblastemia or erythroblast (PRCA), factor VIII deficiency, hemolytic disease A, autoimmune neutrophilia, panhemurocytosis, leukemia, diseases with leukocyte leakage , CNS inflammatory disorder, sepsis, trauma, or multi-organ injury syndrome secondary to bleeding, antigen-antibody complex-mediated disease, anti-globulous basal membrane disease, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, allergic neuritis, Bechet's disease ( Bechet's disease) or Behcet'sdisease), Castleman Syndrome, Good Pasture Syndrome, Reynaud Syndrome, Schegren Syndrome, Stevens Johnson Syndrome, Bullous Tactile Bacterial and Dermatoplasty Bulbulary Tickles (Including vesicles, vesicle mucosal vesicles, and erythematous vesicles), autoimmune polyglandular endocrine disorders, Reiter's disease or syndrome, immune complex nephritis, antibody-mediated nephritis, optic neuromyelitis, polyneuropathy, Chronic neuropathy such as IgM multiple neuropathy or IgM-mediated neuropathy, thrombocytopenia including thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) (eg, as expressed by patients with myocardial infarction), and autoimmune or chronic or acute Immune-mediated thrombocytopenia such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) including ITP, autoimmune diseases of the testis and ovary including autoimmune testisitis and ovarian inflammation, primary hypothyroidism, parathyroid function Autoimmune endocrine diseases including thyroiditis such as hypoplasia, autoimmune thyroiditis, Hashimoto's disease, chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto's thyroiditis), or subacute thyroiditis, autoimmune thyroid disease, idiopathic hypothyroidism , Graves' disease, polyglandular syndromes such as autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (or polyglandular endocrine disorder syndrome), tumor concomitant including neurological tumor concomitant syndromes such as Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome or Eaton-Lambert syndrome Syndrome, Stiffman or Stiffperson syndrome, encephalomyelitis such as allergic encephalomyelitis or allergic encephalomyelitis and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), thoracic adenoma-related severe muscles HelplessEncephalomyelitis, thymoma-related myasthenia gravis, etc.Encephalomyelitis, thymoma-related myasthenia gravis, etc.Encephalomyelitis, thymoma-related myasthenia gravis, etc.Encephalomyelitis, thymoma-related myasthenia gravis, etc.Encephalomyelitis such as encephalomyelitis or allergic encephalomyelitis allergica and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), thoracic adenoma-related severe muscle astheniaEncephalomyelitis such as encephalomyelitis or allergic encephalomyelitis allergica and experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), thoracic adenoma-related severe muscle asthenia Severe myasthenia such as illness, cerebral degeneration, neuromuscular tension disease, opsoclonus or opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS), and sensory neuropathy, multifocal motor neuropathy, celiac syndrome, autoimmune hepatitis, chronic hepatitis , Lupoid hepatitis, giant cell hepatitis, chronic active hepatitis or autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, lymphointerstitial pneumonia, obstructive bronchitis (non-transplant) vs. NSIP, Gillan Valley syndrome, Berger's disease (IgA) Nephropathy), idiopathic IgA nephropathy, linear IgA dermatosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, autoimmune bowel disease syndrome, celiac disease, coeliac disease, celiac sprue (Gluten enteropathy), refractory sprue, idiopathic sprue, celiac disease, muscular atrophic celiac disease (ALS;Lou Gehrig's disease), coronary artery disease, autoimmune ear diseases such as autoimmune internal ear disease (AGED), autoimmune hearing loss, opsocronus myocronus syndrome (OMS), refractory or recurrent polychondritis, etc. Polychondritis, alveolar proteinosis, amyloidosis, embolitis, non-cancerous lymphocyte hyperplasia, monoclonal B-cell lymphocyte hyperplasia (eg, benign monoclonal immunoglobulinemia and unclear monoclonals) Primary lymphocytosis including sexual immunoglobulinemia, MGUS), peripheral neuropathy, tumor-associated syndrome, epilepsy, migraine, arrhythmia, myopathy, hearing loss, blindness, periodic limb paralysis, and CNS channel disease, etc. Channel disease, autism, inflammatory myopathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), endocrine eye disease, retinal vegetative inflammation, choroidal retinitis, autoimmune blood disorders, fibromyalgia, multiple endocrine Insufficiency, Schmidt syndrome, adnephritis, gastric atrophy, presenile dementia, autoimmune demyelinating diseases and other demyelinating diseases, diabetic nephropathy, Dresler syndrome, circular alopecia, crest syndrome (calcination, Reynaud phenomenon) , Esophageal motility disorder, finger sclerosis, and capillary dilatation), male and female autoimmune infertility, mixed connective tissue disease, Shagas disease, rheumatic fever, recurrent abortion, farmer's lung, polymorphic erythema, cardiovascular disease Post-syndrome, Cushing syndrome, bird-rearing lung, allergic granulomatous vasculitis, benign lymphocytic vasculitis, Alport syndrome, alveolar inflammation such as allergic alveolar inflammation and fibrotic alveolar inflammation, interstitial Pulmonary disease, blood transfusion reaction, Hansen's disease, malaria, leashmaniasis, kipanosomiasis, autoimmune disease, roundworm disease, aspergillosis, Sampter syndrome, Kaplan syndrome, dengue fever, endocarditis, endocardial myocardial fibrosis, diffuse stroma Sexual pulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, endophthalmitis, endurance elevated erythema, fetal erythroblastosis, autoimmune myelitis, Charmant syndrome, Felty syndrome, filariasis, hairline inflammationChronic hairy body inflammation, metachronous hairy body inflammation, iris hairy body inflammation, or Fuchs hairy body inflammation, Henoch-Schoenlein purpura, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, echovirus infection, myocardium Myopathy, Alzheimer's disease, parvovirus infection, ruin virus infection, post-vamped syndrome, congenital eczema infection, Epstein-Barvirus infection, epidemic parotid glanditis, Evan syndrome, autoimmune gland dysfunction, sidenum butoh disease, Post-cytogenic nephritis, obstructive thrombotic vasculitis, hyperthyroidism, spinal cord inflammation, choroiditis, giant cell polymyopathy, endocrine eye disorders, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, Idiopathic nephritis syndrome, microvariant nephropathy, benign familial and ischemia-reperfusion injury, retinal autoimmunity, joint inflammation, bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, siliceous pneumonia, aphthae, aphthous stomatitis, arteriosclerotic disorders , Aspermiogenese, autoimmune hemolysis, Beck's disease, cryoglobulinemia, dupuytran contraction, crystalline hypersensitivity endophthalmitis, enteritis allergy, epilepsy nodular erythema, idiopathic facial paralysis, chronic fatigue Syndrome, rheumatic fever, Hanmanrich's disease, sensory hearing loss, hemochromatosis attack, hypogonadism, localized ileitis, leukocytopenia, infectious mononuclear disease, transverse myelitis, primary Caused by idiopathic mucinous edema, nephrosis, sympathetic ophthalmitis, granulomatous testicular inflammation, pancreatitis, acute polyradiculitis, necrotizing pyoderma, Kervan thyroiditis, acquired splenic atrophy, anti-sperm antibody Infertility, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein-Barvirus related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), parasites such as Leeshmania, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, diseases with T cell infiltration, Leukocyte adhesion deficiency, immune response associated with cytokine and T lymphocyte-mediated acute and delayed hypersensitivity, diseases associated with leukocyte leakage, multi-organ injury syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated disease, anti-globulous basal Membrane disease, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine disorder, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmune atrophic gastric inflammation, sympathetic ophthalmitis, rheumatic diseaseEchovirus infection, myocardial myopathy, Alzheimer's disease, parvovirus infection, ruin virus infection, post-vampire syndrome, congenital eczema infection, Epstein-Barvirus infection, epidemic parotid inflammation, Evan syndrome, autoimmune gland dysfunction , Sidenum butoh disease, post-infection nephritis, obstructive thrombotic vasculitis, hyperthyroidism, spinal cord inflammation, choroiditis, giant cell polymyopathy, endocrine eye disorders, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, idiopathic nephritis syndrome, microvariant nephropathy, benign familial and ischemia-reperfusion injury, retinal autoimmunity, joint inflammation, bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, siliceous pneumonia, aphthae, aphthous stomatitis , Arteriosclerotic disorder, aspermiogenese, autoimmune hemolysis, Beck's disease, cryoglobulinemia, dupuytran contraction, crystal hypersensitivity endophthalmitis, enteritis allergy, epidemic nodular erythema, idiopathic Facial paralysis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatic fever, Hanmanrich's disease, sensory hearing loss, hemochromatosis attack, gonad dysfunction, localized ileitis, leukocyte hypoplasia, infectious mononuclear disease, transversal Myelitis, primary idiopathic mucinous edema, nephrosis, sympathetic ophthalmitis, granulomatous testicular inflammation, pancreatitis, acute polyradiculitis, necrotizing pyoderma, Kervan thyroiditis, acquired splenic atrophy, anti Infertility caused by sperm antibody, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein-Barvirus related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), parasites such as Leishmania, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, T cells Diseases with invasion, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, immune responses associated with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and T lymphocytes, diseases with leukocyte leakage, multi-organ injury syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated diseases , Antiglobulin basal membrane disease, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine disorder, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmune atrophic gastric inflammation, sympathetic ophthalmitis, rheumatic diseaseEchovirus infection, myocardial myopathy, Alzheimer's disease, parvovirus infection, ruin virus infection, post-vampire syndrome, congenital eczema infection, Epstein-Barvirus infection, epidemic parotid inflammation, Evan syndrome, autoimmune gland dysfunction , Sidenum butoh disease, post-infection nephritis, obstructive thrombotic vasculitis, hyperthyroidism, spinal cord inflammation, choroiditis, giant cell polymyopathy, endocrine eye disorders, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, idiopathic nephritis syndrome, microvariant nephropathy, benign familial and ischemia-reperfusion injury, retinal autoimmunity, joint inflammation, bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, siliceous pneumonia, aphthae, aphthous stomatitis , Arteriosclerotic disorder, aspermiogenese, autoimmune hemolysis, Beck's disease, cryoglobulinemia, dupuytran contraction, crystal hypersensitivity endophthalmitis, enteritis allergy, epidemic nodular erythema, idiopathic Facial paralysis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatic fever, Hanmanrich's disease, sensory hearing loss, hemochromatosis attack, gonad dysfunction, localized ileitis, leukocyte hypoplasia, infectious mononuclear disease, transversal Myelitis, primary idiopathic mucinous edema, nephrosis, sympathetic ophthalmitis, granulomatous testicular inflammation, pancreatitis, acute polyradiculitis, necrotizing pyoderma, Kervan thyroiditis, acquired splenic atrophy, anti Infertility caused by sperm antibody, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein-Barvirus related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), parasites such as Leishmania, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, T cells Diseases with invasion, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, immune responses associated with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and T lymphocytes, diseases with leukocyte leakage, multi-organ injury syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated diseases , Antiglobulin basal membrane disease, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine disorder, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmune atrophic gastric inflammation, sympathetic ophthalmitis, rheumatic disease-Virus infection, epidemic parotid inflammation, Evan syndrome, autoimmune gland dysfunction, sidenum butoh disease, post-cytogenic nephritis, obstructive thrombotic vasculitis, hyperthyroidism, spinal cord inflammation, choroiditis, giant cells Multiple myopathies, endocrine eye disorders, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, idiopathic nephritis syndrome, microvariant nephropathy, benign familial and ischemia-reperfusion injury, retinal autoimmunity, arthritis Disease, bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, silic pneumonia, aphtha, aphthous stomatitis, arteriosclerotic disorder, aspermiogenese, autoimmune hemolysis, Beck's disease, cryoglobulinemia, dupuytran contraction , Crystal hypersensitivity endophthalmitis, enteritis allergy, epilepsy nodular erythema, idiopathic facial paralysis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatic fever, Hanmanrich's disease, sensory hearing loss, hemochromatosis attack, gonad dysfunction , Localized ileitis, leukocytosis, infectious mononuclear disease, transverse myelitis, primary idiopathic mucinous edema, nephrosis, sympathetic ophthalmitis, granulomatous testicular inflammation, pancreatitis, acute multiple nerve roots Flame, necrotizing pyoderma, Kervan thyroiditis, acquired spleen atrophy, infertility due to anti-sperm antibody, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein-Barvirus related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) ), Parasites such as Leeshmania, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, diseases with T cell infiltration, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, immune response associated with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and T lymphocytes , Diseases associated with leukocyte leakage, multi-organ injury syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated diseases, anti-globulous basal membrane diseases, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine disorders, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmunity Atrophic gastrointestinal inflammation, sympathetic eye inflammation, rheumatic diseases-Virus infection, epidemic parotid inflammation, Evan syndrome, autoimmune gland dysfunction, sidenum butoh disease, post-cytogenic nephritis, obstructive thrombotic vasculitis, hyperthyroidism, spinal cord inflammation, choroiditis, giant cells Multiple myopathies, endocrine eye disorders, chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, idiopathic nephritis syndrome, microvariant nephropathy, benign familial and ischemia-reperfusion injury, retinal autoimmunity, arthritis Disease, bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, silic pneumonia, aphtha, aphthous stomatitis, arteriosclerotic disorder, aspermiogenese, autoimmune hemolysis, Beck's disease, cryoglobulinemia, dupuytran contraction , Crystal hypersensitivity endophthalmitis, enteritis allergy, epilepsy nodular erythema, idiopathic facial paralysis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatic fever, Hanmanrich's disease, sensory hearing loss, hemochromatosis attack, gonad dysfunction , Localized ileitis, leukocytosis, infectious mononuclear disease, transverse myelitis, primary idiopathic mucinous edema, nephrosis, sympathetic ophthalmitis, granulomatous testicular inflammation, pancreatitis, acute multiple nerve roots Flame, necrotizing pyoderma, Kervan thyroiditis, acquired spleen atrophy, infertility due to anti-sperm antibody, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein-Barvirus related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) ), Parasites such as Leeshmania, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, diseases with T cell infiltration, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, immune response associated with acute and delayed hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and T lymphocytes , Diseases associated with leukocyte leakage, multi-organ injury syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated diseases, anti-globulous basal membrane diseases, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine disorders, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmunity Atrophic gastrointestinal inflammation, sympathetic eye inflammation, rheumatic diseasesAnd ischemia-reperfusion injury, retinal autoimmunity, joint inflammation, bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, siliceous pneumonia, aphthae, aphthous stomatitis, arteriosclerotic disorders, aspermiogenese, autoimmune hemolysis, Beck's disease, cryoglobulinemia, dupuytran contraction, crystal hypersensitivity endophthalmitis, enteritis allergy, epilepsy nodular erythema, idiopathic facial paralysis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatic fever, Hanmanrich's disease, sensory organs Hearing loss, hemochromatosis attack, hypogonadism, localized ileitis, leukocyte hypoplasia, infectious mononuclear disease, transversal myelitis, primary idiopathic mucinous edema, nephrosis, sympathetic ophthalmia, granulation Species testicular inflammation, pancreatitis, acute polyradiculitis, necrotizing pyoderma, Kervan thyroiditis, acquired spleen atrophy, infertility caused by anti-sperm antibodies, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein. It is mediated by barvirus-related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), parasites such as Leishmania, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, diseases with T cell infiltration, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, cytokines and T lymphocytes. Immune response associated with acute and delayed hypersensitivity, disease with leukocyte leakage, multi-organ injury syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated disease, anti-globulous basal membrane disease, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine Disorders, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmune atrophic gastrointestinal inflammation, sympathetic eye inflammation, rheumatic diseasesAnd ischemia-reperfusion injury, retinal autoimmunity, joint inflammation, bronchitis, chronic obstructive airway disease, siliceous pneumonia, aphthae, aphthous stomatitis, arteriosclerotic disorders, aspermiogenese, autoimmune hemolysis, Beck's disease, cryoglobulinemia, dupuytran contraction, crystal hypersensitivity endophthalmitis, enteritis allergy, epilepsy nodular erythema, idiopathic facial paralysis, chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatic fever, Hanmanrich's disease, sensory organs Hearing loss, hemochromatosis attack, hypogonadism, localized ileitis, leukocyte hypoplasia, infectious mononuclear disease, transversal myelitis, primary idiopathic mucinous edema, nephrosis, sympathetic ophthalmia, granulation Species testicular inflammation, pancreatitis, acute polyradiculitis, necrotizing pyoderma, Kervan thyroiditis, acquired spleen atrophy, infertility caused by anti-sperm antibodies, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein. It is mediated by barvirus-related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), parasites such as Leishmania, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, diseases with T cell infiltration, leukocyte adhesion deficiency, cytokines and T lymphocytes. Immune response associated with acute and delayed hypersensitivity, disease with leukocyte leakage, multi-organ injury syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated disease, anti-globulous basal membrane disease, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine Disorders, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmune atrophic gastrointestinal inflammation, sympathetic eye inflammation, rheumatic diseasesParasites such as thyroiditis, acquired spleen atrophy, infertility caused by anti-sperm antibodies, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein-Barvirus related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Leishmania, etc. Diseases, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, diseases with T cell infiltration, leukocyte adhesion failure, immune responses associated with acute and late hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and T lymphocytes, diseases with leukocyte leakage, many Organ damage syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated disease, anti-globulous basal membrane disease, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine disorder, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmune atrophic gastric inflammation, sympathetic eye Flame, rheumatic diseaseParasites such as thyroiditis, acquired spleen atrophy, infertility caused by antisperm antibodies, non-malignant thoracic adenoma, leukoplakia, SCID and Epstein-Barvirus related diseases, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), Leishmania, etc. Diseases, toxin shock syndrome, food poisoning, diseases with T cell infiltration, leukocyte adhesion failure, immune responses associated with acute and late hypersensitivity mediated by cytokines and T lymphocytes, diseases with leukocyte leakage, many Organ damage syndrome, antigen-antibody complex-mediated disease, anti-globulous basal membrane disease, allergic neuritis, autoimmune polyglandular endocrine disorder, ovarian inflammation, primary mucinous edema, autoimmune atrophic gastric inflammation, sympathetic eye Flame, rheumatic disease , Mixed connective tissue disease, nephrosis syndrome, pancreatitis, polyendocrine deficiency, peripheral neuropathy, type I autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, adult-onset idiopathic sinusitis (AOIH), complete alopecia, dilated myocardium Eosinophilia, acquired epidermal vesicular disease (EBA), hemochromatosis, myocarditis, nephrosis syndrome, primary sclerosing cholangitis, purulent or non-purulent sinusitis, acute or chronic sinusitis, sieve bone, frontal, Upper jaw or butterfly sinusitis, eosinophilia, pulmonary infiltrative eosinophilia, eosinophilia-muscle pain syndrome, Löffler's syndrome, chronic eosinophilia, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia Eosinophilia-related disorders such as symptom, bronchial lung aspergillosis, aspergilloma, or eosinophilia-containing granulomas, anaphylaxis, serum reaction-negative sinusitis, Polyendocrine autoimmune disease, sclerosing cholangitis, strong membrane, superior membrane, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis, Bruton syndrome, transient infantile hypogamma globulinemia, Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome, capillary diastolic dyskinesia Disease, autoimmune disorder associated with collagen disease, rheumatism, nervous system disease, ischemic reperfusion disorder, diminished blood pressure response, vascular dysfunction, vasodilation, tissue damage, cardiovascular ischemia, inflammatory hypersensitivity, cerebral ischemia , And diseases associated with angiogenesis, allergic hypersensitivity disorders, glomerulonephritis, reperfusion injury, reperfusion injury of myocardium or other tissues, skin diseases with acute inflammatory components, acute purulent meningitis or other Central nervous system inflammatory disorders, ocular and orbital inflammatory disorders, granulocyte transfusion-related syndromes, cytokine-induced toxicity, acute severe inflammation, chronic refractory inflammation, nephritis, pulmonary fibrosis, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic aortic disorders, arteries Examples include, but are not limited to, endohyperplasia, digestive ulcers, valvular inflammation, and endometriosis.
0076[00102] The terms "cancer" and "cancerous" refer to or describe a mammalian physiological condition typically characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Examples of cancers include, but are not limited to, carcinomas, lymphomas, blastomas, sarcomas, and leukemias. More specific examples of such cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer (including small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and lung squamous cell carcinoma), peritoneal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer. Or gastric cancer (including gastrointestinal cancer), pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, hepatoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, colonic rectum Cancer, endometrial or uterine cancer, salivary adenocarcinoma, renal or renal cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, genital cancer, thyroid cancer, hepatic cancer cancer) and various types of head and neck cancer, and B-cell lymphoma (low-grade / non-Hodgkin's non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL); small lymphocytic (SL) NHL; moderate-grade / follicular NHL; medium; Malignant Diffuse NHL; High Grade Immunoblastic NHL; High Grade Lymphblastic NHL; High Grade Small Non-Hodgkin Cellular NHL; Giant lesions NHL; Mantle Cell Lymphoma; AIDS-Related Lymphoma; and Waldensley (Including mumacroglobkinemia); Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); Hairy cell leukemia; Chronic myeloblastic leukemia; Multiple myeloma; (PTLD) can be mentioned.
0077[00103] The phrase "allergic disease" refers to a disease associated with an allergic reaction. More specifically, "allergic disease" has been demonstrated to have a strong correlation between its exposure to the allergen and the development of pathological changes, and that the pathological changes have an immune mechanism. It is defined as a disease in which the allergen is identified. As used herein, the immune system means that leukocytes exhibit an immune response to allergen stimulation. Examples of allergens include mite antigens and pollen antigens. Typical allergic diseases include bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and pollen and insect allergies. Allergic constitution is a genetic factor that can be inherited by children of parents with allergic constitution. Familial allergic diseases are also called atopic diseases, and the causative genetic factor is atopic constitution. "Atopic dermatitis" is a general term for atopic diseases, especially those associated with cutaneous inflammatory symptoms. Preferred examples include allergic conditions selected from the group consisting of eczema, allergic rhinitis, hay fever, urticaria, and food allergies. Allergic conditions include eczema, allergic rhinitis or nasal cold, hay fever, bronchial asthma, urticaria (ur Includes ticaria (hives), and food allergies, as well as other atopic conditions.
0078"Asthma" refers to a disorder of the respiratory system characterized by inflammation, narrowing of the airways, and increased responsiveness of the airways to inhaled substances. Asthma is not exclusive, but is frequently associated with atopic or allergic symptoms.
0079[00104] As used herein, the phrase "inflammatory condition or inflammatory disease" refers to rheumatic diseases (including, but not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis) spondylotic arthritis (tonic spondylitis,). Reactive arthritis, including but not limited to Reiter's syndrome, crystalline arthritis (including but not limited to gout, pseudogout, calcium pyrophosphate deposition), Lime's disease, rheumatic polymyopathy Connected tissue diseases (including, but not limited to, systemic erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, polymyositis, dermatitis, Schegren's syndrome); vasculitis (nodular polyarthritis, Wegner's granulomatosis, Charg) Including, but not limited to, Strauss syndrome; inflammatory conditions, including the consequences of trauma or ischemia, sarcoidosis; atherosclerotic vascular disease, atherosclerotic arthritis, and vascular obstructive disease (atheroscleritis) Diseases, including, but not limited to, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, seizures, peripheral vascular disease), and vascular disease including vascular stent re-stenosis; , And chronic or acute inflammatory diseases, including diseases or conditions selected from the group including eye diseases including cataracts.
0080[00105] The term cancer suitable for treatment according to the invention includes, but is not limited to, carcinomas, lymphomas, blastomas, sarcomas, and leukemias, or lymphoid malignancies. More specific examples of such cancers include bladder, ovary, melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer (including small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell lung cancer), peritoneal cancer, liver. Cellular cancer, gastric cancer or stomach cancer cancer) (including gastrointestinal cancer), pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, colon rectal cancer, endometrial cancer or uterine cancer, salivary gland Cancer, kidney or kidney cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, genital cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer and various types of head and neck cancer, and B-cell lymphoma (low grade / follicular non-hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) ); Small lymphocytic (SL) NHL; Medium-grade / follicular NHL; Medium-grade diffuse NHL; High-grade immunoblastic NHL; High-grade lymphoblastic NHL; High-grade small non-cleavage Cellular NHL; Giant lesion NHL; Mantle cell lymphoma; AIDS-related lymphoma; and Waldenstrem macroglobulinemia); Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL); Hairy cell leukemia Chronic myeloblastic leukemia; and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), as well as abnormal angiogenesis associated with mammary plaques, edema (such as edema associated with brain tumors), and Maegus syndrome. Preferably, the cancers are breast cancer, colonic rectal cancer, rectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, non-hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), renal cell cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, capogiosarcoma, cartinoid cancer, It is selected from the group consisting of head and neck cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, mesenteric tumor, and multiple myeloma. In an exemplary embodiment (see Examples), the cancer is early-stage (including metastatic) bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, or melanoma. In another embodiment, the cancer is colorectal cancer. Cancerous conditions suitable for the treatment of the present invention include metastatic cancer, and VISTA expression by bone marrow-derived suppressor cells suppresses antitumor and antiinvasive immune responses. The method of the present invention is particularly suitable for the treatment of angiogenic tumors.
0081[0018] The present invention is also suitable for treating cancer, i.e., cancer in an individual, and enhancing its activity in combination with chemotherapy or radiation therapy or other biology, and suppresses bone marrow origin. VISTA expression by factor cells suppresses the antitumor response and the efficacy or biological efficacy of chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Exhibits anti-cancer activity according to the present invention Any chemotherapeutic agent can be used. Preferably, the chemotherapeutic agent is an alkylating agent, a metabolic antagonist, a folic acid analog, a pyrimidine analog, a purine analog and related inhibitors, a binca alkaloid, an epipodophilotoxin, an antibiotic, an L-asparaginase, a topoisomerase inhibitor. From the group consisting of agents, interferons, platinum coordination complexes, anthracendion-substituted ureas, methylhydrazine derivatives, corticosuppressants, corticosteroids, progestins, estrogens, anti-estrogens, androgens, anti-androgens, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs. Be selected. More preferably, the chemotherapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), leucovorin (LV), irinotecan, oxaliplatin, capecitabine, paclitaxel, and docetaxel. Two or more chemotherapeutic agents can be used in the administration mixture in combination with the administration of anti-VEGF antibody. One preferred combination chemotherapeutic is a fluorouracil system containing 5-FU, and one or more other chemotherapeutic agents (s). Suitable dosing regimens for combination chemotherapy are known in the art, eg, Saltz et. Al. (1999) Proc ASCO 18: 233a and Douillard et al. (2000) Lancet 355: 1041-7. Biologics include antibodies against PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4 and PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4 fusion proteins, as well as cytokines, growth factor antagonists and agonists, hormone and anti-cytokine antibodies, etc. It can be another immunopotentiator.
0082[00106] Depending on the morphology of the PD-L3 or VISTA molecule that binds to the receptor, the signal may compete with the activated form of the PD-L3 or VISTA molecule, for example, to bind to the receptor. For example, it is transmitted (eg, by the polyvalent form of the D-L3 or VISTA molecule that results in receptor cross-linking, or by the soluble form of PD-L3 or VISTA that binds to the receptor on antigen-presenting cells). PD-L3 or VISTA can be altered by a soluble monovalent form of the PD-L3 or VISTA molecule, or by using methods known in the art so that it does not bind to the Fc receptor on antigen-presenting cells. It can be either inhibited (by lysis). However, there are cases where soluble molecules can be irritating. The effects of various regulators can be easily demonstrated using the routine screening assays described herein.
0083[00107] As used herein, the term "activated receptor" includes an antigen, a complex antigen (eg, in the context of an MHC molecule), or an immune cell receptor that binds to an antibody. Such activated receptors include T cell receptors (TCRs), B cell receptors (BCRs), cytokine receptors, LPS receptors, complement receptors, and Fc receptors.
0084[00108] For example, the T cell receptor is present on T cells and is associated with the CD3 molecule. T cell receptors are stimulated by antigens (as well as polyclonal T cell activating reagents) in the context of MHC molecules. T cell activation via TCR results in a number of changes, such as protein phosphorylation, membrane lipid changes, ion outflow, cyclic nucleotide alterations, RNA transcription alterations, protein synthesis alterations, and cell volume alterations. ..
0085[00109] As used herein, the term "B cell receptor" (BCR) refers to membrane Ig (mIg) and other transmembrane polypeptides found on B cells (eg, Ig alpha and Ig beta). Includes a complex between and. The signal conversion function of mIg is induced by cross-linking of receptor molecules with oligomeric or multimeric antigens. B cells can also be activated by anti-immunoglobulin antibodies. Numerous changes occur in B cells, including tyrosine phosphorylation, during BCR activation [00110] The term "Fc receptor" (FcR) includes a cell surface receptor for the Fc portion of an immunoglobulin molecule (Ig). Fc receptors are found on many cells involved in the immune response. Among the human FcRs identified so far, IgG (Fc gamma R) It recognizes IgE (Fc epsilon R1), IgA (Fc alpha R), and polymerized IgM / A (Fc. ΜαR). FcR is found in the following cell types: Fc Epsilon RI (mast cells), Fc Epsilon RII (many white blood cells), Fc Alpha R (neutrophils), and Fcμ Alpha R (glandular epithelium, hepatocytes) (Hogg) , N. (1988) Immunol. Today 9: 185-86). The widely studied Fc gamma R is central to cell-mediated immune defense and is involved in hydrolases involved in stimulating the release of inflammatory mediators and developing autoimmune diseases (Unkeless, JC (1988) Annu. Rev. .mmunol.6: 251-87). Fc gamma R is an effector cell and Ig-secreting lymphocyte because macrophages / monocytes, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells Fc gamma R provide specific elements of recognition mediated by IgG. Provides a definitive connection with. Human leukocytes are at least three different IgG receptors, i.e. h Fc gamma RI (found on monocytes / macrophages), hFc gamma RII (found on monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, platelets, and possibly B cells, and K562 cell lines), and FcγIII (NK) (Found on cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages).
0086[00111] For T cells, the transmission of co-stimulation signals to T cells involves a signaling pathway that is not inhibited by cyclosporin A. In addition, co-stimulatory signals can induce cytokine secretion (eg, IL-2 and / or IL-10) in T cells and / or non-responsive induction in T cells, anergy. Or the induction of cell death can be prevented.
0087[00112] As used herein, the term "inhibitory signal" refers to a signal transmitted on an immune cell via an inhibitory receptor molecule. Such signals stimulate signals via activating receptors (eg, via TCR, CD3, BCR, or Fc molecules) and, for example, inhibit second messenger production, proliferation, or effector function in immune cells. , For example, reduced diet, antibody production, or cytotoxicity, or deficiency of immune cell mediators (such as cytokines (eg, IL-2) and / or mediators of allergic responses), or inhibition of anergy development. Can bring.
0088[00113] As used herein, the term "non-responsive" includes the refraction of immune cells to stimuli, such as stimuli mediated by activated receptors or cytokines. For example, exposure to immunosuppressants or high doses of antigen can cause non-responsiveness.
0089[00114] As used herein, the term "anergy" or "tolerance" includes refraction to activated receptor-mediated stimuli. Such refraction is generally antigen-specific and persists after exposure to the tolerated antigen. For example, anergy in T cells (as opposed to non-responsive) is characterized by cytokine production, eg, lack of IL-2. T cell anergy occurs when T cells are exposed to an antigen and receive a first signal (T cell receptor or CD-3 mediated signal) in the absence of a second signal (co-stimulation signal). .. Under these conditions, re-exposure of cells to the same antigen (even when re-exposure occurs in the presence of co-stimulatory molecules) results in cytokine production deficiency and thus growth deficiency. However, anergy T cells can initiate a response to unrelated antigens and can proliferate when cultured with cytokines (eg, IL-2). For example, T cell anergy can also be observed by the lack of IL-2 production by T lymphocytes, as measured by ELISA or proliferation assay using indicator cell lines. Alternatively, a receptor gene construct can be used. For example, anergy T cells fail to initiate IL-2 gene transcription induced by a heterologous promoter with or under the control of a 5'IL-2 gene enhancer, or by a multimer of AP1 sequences that can be found within the enhancer ( Kang et al. (1992) Science 257: 1 134).
0090[00115] Regulation of co-stimulation signals results in regulation of effector function of immune cells. Thus, the term "PD-L3 or VISTA activity" refers to the ability of a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide to bind its native binding partner (s), to regulate immune cell co-stimulation or inhibitory signals, and immunity. Includes the ability to regulate response.
0091[00116] Regulation of inhibitory signals in immune cells results in regulation of immune cell proliferation and / or cytokine secretion by immune cells. [00117] As used herein, a "spontaneously" nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a naturally occurring (eg, encoding a native protein) nucleotide sequence.
0092[00118] As used herein, an "antisense" nucleic acid molecule is a nucleotide sequence complementary to the "sense" nucleic acid encoding a protein, eg, a nucleotide sequence complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule. It contains a nucleotide sequence complementary to an mRNA sequence or a nucleotide sequence complementary to the coding strand of a gene. Therefore, the antisense nucleic acid molecule can hydrogen bond to the sense nucleic acid molecule.
0093[00119] As used herein, the term "coding region" refers to a region of a nucleotide sequence that contains codons that are translated into amino acid residues, while the term "non-coding region" is not translated into amino acids. Refers to regions of the nucleotide sequence (eg, 5'and 3'untranslated regions).
0094[00120] As used herein, the term "vector" refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid molecule to which it is attached. One type of vector is a "plasmid", which refers to a circular double-stranded DNA loop to which additional DNA segments can be linked. Another type of vector is a viral vector in which additional DNA segments can be linked to the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable of self-renewal in the host cell into which they are introduced (eg, bacterial vectors with a bacterial origin of replication, and episomal mammalian vectors). Other vectors (eg, non-episome mammalian vectors) integrate into the host cell's genome upon introduction into the host cell, thereby replicating with the host genome. In addition, certain vectors can induce the expression of genes to which they are operably linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as "recombinant expression vectors" or simply "expression vectors". In general, expression vectors useful in recombinant DNA technology are often in the form of plasmids. As used herein, "plasmid" and "vector" can be used interchangeably because plasmid is the most commonly used form of vector. However, the invention is intended to include such other forms of expression vectors that perform equivalent functions, such as viral vectors (eg, replication-deficient retroviruses, adenoviruses, and adeno-related viruses).
0095[00121] The term "host cell" as used herein is intended to refer to a cell into which a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, such as a recombinant expression vector of the invention, has been introduced. The terms "host cell" and "recombinant host cell" are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that such term refers not only to a particular cell of interest, but also to the progeny or potential progeny of such cell. Such progeny may not be substantially identical to the parent cell, as certain modifications may occur in posterity, either due to mutations or environmental influences, but within the terms used herein. Is still included in.
0096[00122] As used herein, "genetically introduced animal" refers to a non-human animal, preferably a mammal, more preferably a mouse, and one or more of the animal's cells is the "transgene". including. The term "transgene" refers to a mature animal that integrates into the genome of the cell in which the transgenic animal develops and, for example, induces expression of the encoded gene product in one or more cell types or tissues of the transgenic animal. Refers to exogenous DNA that remains in the genome.
0097[00123] As used herein, "homologous recombinant animal" is an exogenous gene in which an endogenous gene is introduced into an animal cell, for example, an animal embryo cell, before the development of the animal. Refers to a gene-introduced non-human animal, preferably a mammal, more preferably a type of mouse, altered by homologous recombination with a DNA molecule.
0098[00124] As used herein, an "isolated protein", when isolated from a cell or produced by recombinant DNA technology, substantially comprises other proteins, cellular material, and culture medium. A protein that does not contain, or a protein that, when chemically synthesized, is substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals.
0099[00125] The "isolated" or "purified" protein or biologically active portion thereof is substantially free of cellular material or other contaminating proteins from the cell or tissue source from which the PD-L3 or VISTA protein is obtained. Alternatively, when chemically synthesized, it is substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals. The phrase "substantially free of cellular material" includes a preparation of PD-L3 or VISTA protein in which the protein is isolated or separated from the cellular components of the cell produced by recombination. .. In one embodiment, the phrase "substantially free of cellular material" refers to less than about 30% (dry weight) of non-PD-L3 or VISTA protein (also referred to herein as "contamination protein"), More preferably less than about 20% non-PD-L3 or VISTA protein, even more preferably less than about 10% non-PD-L3 or VISTA protein, and most preferably less than about 5% non-PD-L3 or Includes PD-L3 with VISTA protein or preparation of VISTA protein. When the PD-L3 or VISTA protein or biologically active portion thereof is produced by recombination, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e. the culture medium is the volume of the protein preparation. It accounts for less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5%.
0100[00126] The phrase "substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals" is PD-L3 or PD-L3 in which the protein is separated from the chemical precursors or other chemicals involved in the synthesis of the protein. Contains preparations of VISTA proteins. In one embodiment, the phrase "substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals" is more than about 30% (dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-PD-L3 or VISTA chemicals. Preferably less than about 20% chemical precursor or non-PD-L3 or VISTA chemical, even more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursor or non-PD-L3 or VISTA chemical, and most preferably less than about 10%. Includes preparations of PD-L3 or VISTA proteins with less than about 5% chemical precursors or non-PD-L3 or VISTA chemicals.
0101[00127] As used herein, the term "antibody" includes the "antigen binding portion" (or simply the "antibody portion") of an antibody, as well as the entire antibody molecule. As used herein, the term "antigen binding moiety" refers to one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind an antigen (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA). It has been shown that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by a fragment of a full-length antibody. Antibodies "anti" Examples of binding fragments included in the term "primary bond portion" are (i) Fab fragments, i.e. monovalent fragments consisting of VL, VH, CL and CHI domains, (ii) F (ab') 2 fragments, i.e. hinges. A divalent fragment containing two Fab fragments linked by disulfide bridges at the region, (iii) an Fd fragment consisting of VH and CHI domains, (iv) an Fv fragment consisting of single arm VL and VH domains of an antibody, (v). ) DAb fragment consisting of VH domain (Ward et al. (1989) Nature 341: 544-546), as well as (vi) isolated complementarity determining regions (CDRs). In addition, the two domains of the Fv fragment, VL and VH, are encoded by separate genes, but they use a recombination method to pair the VL and VH regions with a monovalent molecule (single chain Fv (scFv)). Known as, for example, Bird et al. (1988) Science 242: 423-426, and Huston et al. (1988) Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85: 5879-5883, and Osbourn et al. 1998. It can be linked by a synthetic linker that can be a single protein chain forming (see Nat. Biotechnol. 16: 778). Such single chain antibodies are intended to be included in the term "antigen binding portion" of the antibody. Any VH and VL sequences of a particular scFv can be linked to a human immunoglobulin constant region cDNA or genomic sequence to generate an expression vector encoding all IgG molecules or other isotypes. VH and V1 can also be used in the production of Fab, Fv, or other fragments of immunoglobulins using either protein chemistry or recombinant DNA technology. Other forms of single-chain antibodies, such as bispecific antibodies, are also included. A bispecific antibody is a bivalent bispecific antibody in which the VH and VL domains are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but with a linker it is too short and on the same chain. It is not possible to allow pairing between two domains, thereby pairing the domain with a complementary domain of another strand and creating two antigen binding sites (eg, Holliger, P. et al. et al. (1993) Proc See Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 90: 6444-6448, Poljak, RJet al. (1994) Structure 2: 1121-1123).
0102[00128] Further, an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof is part of a larger immunoadhesin molecule formed by covalent or non-covalent association of an antibody or antibody portion having one or more other proteins or peptides. obtain. Examples of such immunoadhesin molecules include the use of streptavidin core regions to generate tetrameric scFv molecules (Kipriyanov, SM et al. (1995) Hum. Antibodies Hybridomas 6: 93-101), as well as divalent. And the use of cysteine residues, marker peptides, and C-terminal polyhistidine tags to generate biotinylated scFv molecules (Kipriyanov, SM et al. (1994) Mol Immunol. 31: 1047-1058). Antibody moieties such as Fab and F (ab') 2 fragments can be prepared from all antibodies using conventional techniques such as papain or pepsin digestion of all antibodies, respectively. In addition, antibodies, antibody moieties, and immunoadhesin molecules can be obtained using standard recombinant DNA techniques described herein.
0103[00129] Antibodies can be polyclonal or monoclonal; heterologous, homologous, or syngeneic; or modified forms thereof, such as humanized, chimeric, and the like. Preferably, the antibodies of the invention specifically or substantially specifically bind to the PD-L3 or VISTA molecule. As used herein, the terms "monoclonal antibody" and "monoclonal antibody composition" refer to a population of antibody molecules that contain only one species of antigen-binding site capable of immunoreacting with a particular epitope of an antigen. As referred to, the terms "polyclonal antibody" and "polyclonal antibody composition" refer to interacting with a particular antigen. Refers to a population of antibody molecules that contain multiple species of antigen-binding sites. Monoclonal antibody compositions typically exhibit a single binding affinity for the particular antigen with which they immunoreact.
0104[00130] As used herein, the term "humanized antibody" refers to an antibody produced by a non-human cell that has variable and constant regions altered to closely resemble an antibody that would be produced by a human cell. Is intended to include. For example, by altering the non-human antibody amino acid sequence to incorporate the amino acids found in the human germline immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized antibodies of the invention are not encoded, for example, by human germline immunoglobulin sequences in CDRs (eg, by in vitro mutations introduced by random or site-directed mutagenesis, or by somatic mutations in vivo). May contain amino acid residues. As used herein, the term "humanized antibody" also includes antibodies in which CDR sequences from the germline of another mammalian species, such as mice, have been transplanted onto human framework sequences.
0105[00131] As used herein, "isolated antibody" is intended to refer to an antibody that is substantially free of other antibodies with different antigen specificities (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA specific). Isolated antibodies that bind specifically do not contain antibodies that specifically bind to antigens other than PD-L3 or VISTA). In addition, isolated antibodies may be substantially free of other cellular and / or chemicals.
0106[00132] As used herein, the term "oligomeric domain" refers to a domain that promotes oligomerization when attached to a VISTA extracellular domain or fragment thereof. The oligomerization domain comprises a self-associating α-helix that can be further stabilized by additional disulfide bonds, such as a leucine zipper. The domain is designed to accommodate processes that are believed to facilitate vector folding across membranes and folding of polypeptides into functionally bound proteins in vivo. Examples are known in the art and include, by way of example, coiled GCN4, and COMP.
0107[00133] The α-helix coiled coil is probably the most widely known subunit oligomerization motif found in proteins. Therefore, coiled coils perform a variety of different functions. In some families of transcriptional activators, for example, short leucine zippers play an important role in the placement of DNA binding regions on DNA (Ellenberger et al., 1992, Cell 71: 1223-1237). Coiled coils are also used to form oligomers of intermediate filament proteins. In addition, coiled-coil proteins appear to play important roles in both vesicle and viral membrane fusion (Skehel and Wiley, 1998, Cell). 95: 871-874). In both cases, the hydrophobic sequences embedded in the fused membrane are located at the same end of a rod-like complex consisting of a bundle of long α-helices. This molecular arrangement is believed to cause close membrane juxtaposition as the complex is assembled for membrane fusion. Coiled coils are often used to control oligomerization. It is found in many types of proteins, including but not limited to transcription factors, such as GCN4, viral fusion peptides, SNARE complexes, and certain tRNA synthetases. Very long coiled coils are found in proteins such as tropomyosin, intermediate filaments, and mitotic spindle components. Coiled coils contain several α-helices that are supercoiled around each other in a highly organized fashion that associates in parallel or antiparallel orientation. Dimers and trimers are the most common, but helices can be derived from the same protein or different proteins. Coiled coils are formed by an integral component helix to fill those hydrophobic seams. When the hydrophobic seams wrap around each helix, the helices also twist to wrap around each other, filling the hydrophobic seams and forming a supercoil. To do. This is the characteristic interfitting of the side chains between adjacent helices, known as knobs-into-holes packing, which defines this structure as a coiled coil. Although parallel structures are more common, helices do not have to run in the same direction for this type of interaction to occur. Inverse parallel structures are very rare in trimers and unknown in pentamers, but are more common in intramolecular dimers where two helices are often linked by short loops. Is. In the extracellular space, the heterotrimeric coiled coil protein laminin plays an important role in the formation of the basement membrane. As another example, thrombospondin and cartilage oligomeric matrix proteins (COMP), in which three (thrombospondins 1 and 2) or five (thrombospondins 3, 4, and COMP) chains are attached. There is. Molecules have a bouquet-like appearance, and the reason for their oligomeric structure is probably the multivalent interaction of the C-terminal domain with cell receptors. The yeast transcriptional activator GCN4 is one of the eukaryotic cell proteins containing more than 30 identified basic region leucine zipper (bZIP) DNA binding motifs (Ellenberger et al., 1992, Cell 71: 1223). -1237). The bZIP dimers form a parallel coiled coil on their carboxy-terminal 34 residues, and gradually branch towards their amino-terminus and pass through the main groove of the DNA binding site, a pair of continuous. Alpha helix. The coiled-coil dimerization interface is oriented approximately perpendicular to the DNA axis, giving the complex a T-letter appearance. bZIP contains 4-3 heptad repeats of 4-3 hydrophobic and non-polar residues that are both densely packed in a parallel alpha helix coiled coil (Ellenberger et al., 1992, Cell 71: 1223-1237). The stability of the dimer depends on the parallel packing of leucine and non-polar residues at 7-unit repeating positions a and d, and within and between the limited number of helices shown in the crystal structure of the GCN4 leucine zipper peptide. It is caused by the salt bridge (Ellenberger et al., 1992, Cell 71: 1223-1237). Another example is CMP (Matrilin-1) isolated from bovine tracheal cartilage as a homotrimer of the subunit of Mr52,000 (Paulsson and Heinegard, 1981, Biochem J. 197: 367-375). Each subunit consists of a vWFAl module, a single EGF domain, a vWFA2 module, and five coiled coil domains spanning seven units (Kiss et al., 1989, J.Biol.Chem.264: 8126-8134, Hauser). and Paulsson, 1994, J.Biol.Chem.269: 25747-25753). Electron microscopy of the purified CMP showed a bouquet-like trimer structure in which each subunit formed an ellipse that emerged from the commonality corresponding to the coiled coil (Hauser and Paulsson, 1994, J. Biol). .Chem.269: 25747-25753). The coiled coil domain in Matrilin-1 has been extensively studied. The trimer structure is retained after complete reduction of interchain disulfide bonds under the unmodified state (Hauser and Paulsson, 1994, J. Biol. Chem. 269: 25747-25753). Yet another example is cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP). The non-collagen-accumulating glycoprotein, COMP, was first identified in cartilage (Hedbom et al., 1992, J. Biol. Chem. 267: 6132-6136). The protein is a 524 kDa homopentamer of five subunits consisting of seven N-terminal repeating regions (cc), four epidermal growth factor (EGF) -like domains (EF), and seven calcium bindings. A domain (T3), followed by a C-terminal spherical domain (TC). According to this domain structure, COMP belongs to the family of thrombospondins. Seven-unit repeats (abcdefg) n with preferential hydrophobic residues at positions a and d form a helix-coiled-coil domain (Cohen and Parry, 1994, Science 263: 488-489). In recent years, a recombinant five-stranded coiled coil domain of COMP (COMPcc) has been crystallized and its structure analyzed at a resolution of 0.2 nm (Malashkevich et al., 1996). , Science 274: 761-765).
0108[00134] When referring to the polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules of the invention, the term "family" has two common structural domains or motifs and sufficient amino acid or nucleotide sequence homology as defined herein. It is intended to mean the above polypeptides or nucleic acid molecules. Such family members can be spontaneous or non-spontaneous and can be derived from either the same species or different species. For example, the family may contain a first human-derived polypeptide, as well as other distinctly different polypeptides of human origin, or may contain homologues of non-human origin, such as monkey polypeptides. Family members may also have common functional characteristics.
0109[00135] For example, the family of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides of the invention preferably comprises at least one "signal peptide domain". As used herein, a "signal sequence" or "signal peptide" refers to about 15 or more amino acids that occur at the N-terminus of a secretory and membrane-bound polypeptide and contain a large number of hydrophobic amino acid residues. Contains the peptide to be contained. For example, the signal sequence comprises at least about 10-30 amino acid residues, preferably about 15-25 amino acid residues, more preferably about 18-20 amino acid residues, and even more preferably. Containing about 19 amino acid residues, at least about 35-65%, preferably about 38-50%, and more preferably about 40-45% hydrophobic amino acid residues (eg, valine, leucine, etc.) Isoleucine, or phenylalanine). Such a "signal sequence," also referred to in the art as a "signal peptide," serves to direct the polypeptide containing such sequence to the lipid bilayer and is cleaved in the secretory and membrane-bound polypeptide. As described below, the signal sequence was identified within the amino acid sequence of native human PD-L3 or VISTA and also within the amino acid sequence of native mouse PD-L3 or VISTA.
0110[00136] In another embodiment of the invention, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide of the invention is identified based on the presence of a "transmembrane domain". As used herein, the term "transmembrane domain" includes an amino acid sequence of approximately 15 amino acid residues of length across the plasma membrane. More preferably, the transmembrane domain contains about at least 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45 amino acid residues and spans the plasma membrane. The transmembrane domain is rich in hydrophobic residues and typically has an alpha helix structure. In a preferred embodiment, at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more transmembrane domain amino acids are hydrophobic, such as leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, or tryptophan. Transmembrane domains are described, for example, in Zagotta, WNet al. (1996) Annu. Rev. Neurosci. 19: 235-263, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. The transmembrane domain region of PDL3 is identified herein (see, eg, FIG. 1).
0111[00137] In another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA molecule of the invention is identified based on the absence of an "IgC domain" and the presence of an "IgV domain" in a polypeptide or corresponding nucleic acid molecule. The IgV and IgC domains used herein are recognized in the art as Ig superfamily member domains. These domains correspond to structural units with distinctly different folding patterns called Ig folding. The Ig fold consists of a sandwich of two beta sheets, each consisting of an antiparallel beta chain of 5-10 amino acids with a conserved disulfide bond between the two sheets, in most, if not all, domains. The IgC domains of Ig, TCR, and MHC molecules share the same type of sequence pattern and are called Cl sets within the Ig superfamily. Other IgC domains are included in other sets. IgV domains also share sequence patterns and are called V-set domains. The IgV domain is longer than the C-domain and forms an additional pair of beta chains. Amino acid residues of native human and mouse PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides that make up the IgV domain can be seen in FIG. The presence of an IgV domain is likely to be required for binding of PD-L3 or VISTA to its naturally binding partner (s).
0112[00138] In another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA molecule of the invention is identified based on the presence of an "extracellular domain" in the polypeptide or corresponding nucleic acid molecule. As used herein, the term "extracellular domain" refers to an N-terminal amino acid that extends from the surface of a cell as a tail. The extracellular domain of the present invention comprises an IgV domain and may include a signal peptide domain (see FIG. 1).
0113[00139] In yet another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA molecule of the invention is identified based on the presence of a "cytoplasmic domain" in the polypeptide or corresponding nucleic acid molecule. As used herein, the term "cytoplasmic domain" refers to a C-terminal amino acid that extends into the cytoplasm of a cell as a tail, which is expected to include the cytoplasmic domain.
0114[00140] In a preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA molecule of the invention comprises at least one of the following domains: signal peptide domain, IgV domain, extracellular domain, transmembrane domain, and cytoplasmic domain. ..
0115[00141] The isolated polypeptide of the invention, preferably the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, has an amino acid sequence sufficiently identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or 4 or 5, or has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or a fragment or It is encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is sufficiently identical to its complement. As used herein, the term "sufficiently identical" refers to a sufficient or minimum number of amino acids that are identical or equivalent (eg, amino acid residues with similar side chains) to the second amino acid or nucleotide sequence. Refers to a first amino acid or nucleotide sequence containing a residue or nucleotide, thus the first and second amino acid or nucleotide sequences share a common structural domain or motif and / or common functional activity. For example, amino acid or nucleotide sequences that share a common structural domain have at least 30%, 40%, or 50% homology, preferably 60% homology, more preferably 70% ~, across the amino acid sequence of the domain. It has 80%, and even more preferably 90-95% homology, contains at least one, and preferably two structural domains or motifs and is defined herein to be sufficiently identical. .. In addition, amino acids that share at least 30%, 40%, or 50%, preferably 60%, more preferably 70-80%, or 90-95% homology and share common functional activity. Alternatively, the nucleotide sequences are defined herein to be sufficiently identical.
0116[00142] As used interchangeably herein, "PD-L3 or VISTA activity", "PD-L3 or VISTA biological activity", or "PD-L3 or VISTA functional activity" is standard. On PD-L3 or VISTA-responsive cells or tissues, or on PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide binding partners, by PD-L3 or VISTA protein, polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule, determined in vivo or in vitro according to the techniques of Refers to the activity expressed in. These activities include regulating CD4 + and CD8 + T cell proliferation and cytokine production. In another embodiment, PD-L3 or VISTA activity is a direct activity, such as association with a PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner. The "target molecule" or "binding partner" used herein will achieve PD-L3 or VISTA mediated function. Thus, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides are molecules that naturally bind or interact, ie, are expressed on T cells. Alternatively, PD-L3 or VISTA activity is an indirect activity such as cell signaling activity mediated by PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. The biological activity of PD-L3 or VISTA is described herein. For example, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides and PD-L3 or VISTA agonists or antagonists of the invention may have one or more of the following activities: (1) suppress or suppress CD4 + and CD8 + T cell proliferation: Promotes, (2) suppresses or promotes cytokine production, (3) functions as a regulatory ligand that negatively regulates T cell responses during homologous interactions between T cells and bone marrow-derived APCs, (4) Negatively regulates CD4 + T cell response by suppressing premature TCR activation and arresting cell division, but with minimal direct effect on apoptosis (5) between APC and T cells Suppresses or promotes antigen-specific T cell activation during homologous interactions, and / or (6) suppresses or promotes T cell-mediated immune responses, (7) activity of immune cells, such as T lymphocytes. It regulates the formation, as well as (8) the immune response of organisms, eg, mouse or human organisms, eg, inflammatory immune responses.
0117[00143] Accordingly, another embodiment of the invention is characterized by an isolated PD-L3 or VISTA protein and polypeptide that regulates one or more PD-L3 or VISTA activity. These polypeptides have one or more of a signal peptide domain, an IgV domain, an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain, preferably PD-L3 or PD-L3 or VISTA activity. Contains VISTA polypeptide.
0118[00144] Further preferred PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides can have at least one extracellular domain and one or more of a signal peptide domain, an IgV domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain, preferably. It is encoded by a nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule that contains a complement of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 herein under stringent hybridization conditions. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the exemplified isolated human and mouse PD-L3 or VISTA cDNA and the predicted amino acid sequences of the human PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide are included in the sequence listing herein.
0119[00145] Human VISTA or PD-L3 or VISTA has been identified as an upregulated molecule in the T cell transcription profiling screen. Mouse CD4 by the inventor<sup>+</sup>The characterization of the same 930bp gene product recovered from the T cell cDNA library confirmed its size and sequence. Computer sequence and structural analysis predicts a mature 309 amino acid type I transmembrane protein. Its extracellular domain is a single extracellular Ig-V domain of 136 amino acids bound to the stalk region of 23 amino acids, the transmembrane segment of 21 residues, and the cytoplasmic domain of 97 amino acids. Contains. VISTA's cytoplasmic tail does not contain any signaling domains. BLAST sequence search in the VISTA Ig-V domain identified PD-L1 in the B7 family as the closest evolutionarily related protein with a borderline significant e-value score. VISTA sequence alignment based on structure with B7 family members PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-H3, and B7-H4 is a systematic conserved amino acid in all Ig-V domain proteins. To emphasize.
0120[00146] Various aspects of the present invention will be described in more detail in the following sections. [0127] I. PD-L3 or VISTA isolated nucleic acid molecule [00147] One aspect of the present invention is PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or Is used as a hybridization probe to identify isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding its biologically active portion, as well as nucleic acid molecules encoding PD-L3 or VISTA (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA). Sufficient nucleic acid fragments and those used as PCR primers for amplification or mutation of PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecules. As used herein, the term "nucleic acid molecule" refers to DNA molecules (eg, cDNA or genomic DNA) and RNA molecules (eg, mRNA), as well as DNA or RNA analogs produced using nucleotide analogs. Is intended to include. The nucleic acid molecule can be single-stranded or double-stranded, but is preferably double-stranded DNA.
0121[00148] The term "isolated nucleic acid molecule" includes a nucleic acid molecule that is separated from other nucleic acid molecules that are present in the natural source of nucleic acid. For example, with respect to genomic DNA, the term "isolated" includes nucleic acid molecules from which genomic DNA is naturally separated from the chromosomes. Preferably, the "isolated" nucleic acid molecule does not include sequences that naturally flank the nucleic acid in the genomic DNA of the organism from which the nucleic acid is derived (ie, sequences located at the 5'and 3'ends of the nucleic acid molecule). For example, in various embodiments, the isolated PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule is approximately 5 kb, 4 kb, 3 kb, 2 kb, 1 kb, 0.5 kb, which is naturally adjacent to the nucleic acid molecule in the genomic DNA of the cell from which the nucleic acid molecule is derived. It can contain nucleotide sequences of less than kb, or 0.1 kb. In addition, "isolated" nucleic acid molecules, such as cDNA molecules, may be substantially free of other cellular material or culture medium when produced by recombinant techniques, or when chemically synthesized. It may be substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals.
0122[00149] Nucleic acid molecules of the invention, eg, nucleic acid molecules having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or portions thereof, can be isolated using standard molecular biology techniques and the sequence information provided herein. Using all or part of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 as a hybridization probe (eg, Sambrook, J. et al. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd, ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold) PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecules can be isolated by using standard hybridization and cloning techniques (as described in Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989).
0123[00150] In addition, nucleic acid molecules or orthologs or variants that include all or part of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 are used with synthetic oligonucleotide primers designed based on the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. , Can be isolated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
0124[00151] According to standard PCR amplification techniques, nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be amplified using cDNA, mRNA, or genomic DNA as templates and with suitable oligonucleotide primers. The nucleic acid molecule thus amplified can be cloned into a suitable vector and characterized by DNA sequence analysis. In addition, oligonucleotides corresponding to the PD-L3 nucleotide sequence can be prepared by standard synthetic techniques, for example using an automated DNA synthesizer.
0125[00152] In a preferred embodiment, the isolated PD-L3 or VISTA encoding the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or a fragment thereof. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleic acid molecule that is the complement of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or any portion of these nucleotide sequences. Nucleic acid molecules complementary to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 hybridize to the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, respectively, thereby forming a stable duplex. It is a nucleic acid molecule that is sufficiently complementary to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 so that
0126[00153] In yet another preferred embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention is at least about 70%, 75% with the full length of the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or any portion of any of these nucleotide sequences. , 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more Containing the same nucleotide sequence.
0127[00154] Further, the nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is a portion of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, eg, a fragment that can be used as a probe or primer, or a portion of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, such as PD-L3 or VISTA-. It may contain only fragments that encode the biologically active portion of the polypeptide. Nucleotide sequences determined from cloning of the human PD-L2 gene are probes designed for use in the identification and / or cloning of other PD-L2 family members and PD-L3 or VISTA homologues from other species. And allows the production of primers. Probes / primers typically contain substantially purified oligonucleotides. Oligonucleotides are typically under stringent conditions, a sense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, an antisense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, or a spontaneous allelic variant or mutation of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3. Of a nucleotide sequence that hybridizes to at least about 12 or 15, preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 75 contiguous nucleotides of the body. Includes area.
0128[00155] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecules of the invention are greater than about 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300, 300-350, 350-400, 400-450, 450-500. , 500-550, 550-600, 600-650, 650-700, 700-750, 750-800, 800-850, 850-900, 900-950 or more nucleotide sequences containing nucleotide sequences and stringent high Under hybridization conditions, it hybridizes to the nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or its complement. In a further embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence with a nucleotide length of 900-950, 950-1000, 1000-1050, 1050-1100, 1100-1150 or greater, greater than about 880-900, and stringent. It hybridizes to the nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 or its complement under various hybridization conditions. In yet another embodiment, the nucleic acid molecule of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence with a nucleotide length of 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300 or greater, greater than 50-100, and stringent hybridization. Under conditions, it hybridizes to the nucleic acid molecule containing the coding region or its complement in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3. In yet further embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules of the invention are greater than about 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300, 300-350, 350-400, 400-450, 450- 500, 500 ~ 550, 55 At least a sequence containing a nucleotide sequence having a nucleotide length of 0 to 600, 600 to 650, 650 to 700, 700 to 750, 750 to 800, 850 to 900, 900 to 950 or more and containing the coding region of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3. It hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule or complement thereof that contains about 15 (ie, 15 flanking) nucleotides or complements thereof and contains the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 under stringent conditions.
0129[00156] Probes based on PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequences can be used to detect transcripts or genomic sequences encoding identical or homologous polypeptides. In a preferred embodiment, the probe further comprises a labeling group attached to it, for example, the labeling group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme cofactor. For example, measuring the level of a nucleic acid encoding PD-L3 or VISTA in a sample of cells from a subject, eg, by detecting the level of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA, or mutation of the genomic PD-L3 or VIST gene. Alternatively, by determining whether it has been deleted, such probe can be used as part of a diagnostic test kit to identify cells or tissues that misexpress PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide.
0130[00157] Of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 encoding a polypeptide having the biological activity of PD-L3 or VISTA (eg, the ability to bind to its natural binding partner (s) and / or regulate immune cell activity). By isolating a portion of the nucleotide sequence, by expressing the encoded portion of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide (eg, by recombinant expression in vitro), and by encoding the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. By assessing the activity of these moieties, nucleic acid fragments encoding "biologically active moieties of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides" can be prepared.
0131[00158] The present invention is different from the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 due to the degeneracy of the genetic code and is therefore the same PD-L3 or as encoded by the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3. It further includes nucleic acid molecules encoding VISTA polypeptides. In another embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule of the invention has a nucleotide encoding a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5.
0132[00159] In addition to the PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 3, DNA sequence polymorphisms that lead to changes in the amino acid sequence of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides are in the population (eg, human population). You will understand that it can exist in). Such genetic polymorphisms in the PD-L3 or VIST gene can be present among individuals within the population due to natural allelic mutations. As used herein, the terms "gene" and "recombinant gene" refer to nucleic acid molecules comprising an open reading frame encoding a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, preferably a mammalian PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. It can further include pointing, non-coding control sequences, and introns.
0133[00160] Allelic variants of human or mouse PD-L3 or VISTA include both functional and non-functional PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. Functional allelic variants bind to native PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners (s) A naturally occurring amino acid sequence variant of a human or mouse PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide that maintains the ability to and / or regulate CD4 + and CD8 + T cell proliferation and cytokine production and lymphocyte activation. Functional allelic variants typically contain only homologous substitutions of one or more amino acids of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5, or remain insignificant in non-essential regions of the polypeptide. Contains substitutions, deletions, or insertions of groups.
0134[00161] Non-functional allelic variants do not have the ability to bind native PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners and / or regulate any of the PD-L3 or VISTA activity described herein. , A naturally occurring amino acid sequence variant of a human or mouse PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Non-functional allelic variants are typically heterologous substitutions, deletions, or insertions, or premature breaks in the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5, or significant residues of the polypeptide or Contains substitutions, insertions, or deletions in critical regions, such as the IgV domain.
0135[00162] The present invention further provides non-human, non-mouse orthologs of human or mouse PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. An ortholog of a human or mouse PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is a polypeptide isolated from a non-human, non-mouse organism and has the same binding activity as the human and mouse PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides disclosed herein. It has the ability to regulate lymphocyte activation and / or lymphocyte activation, as well as CD4 + and CD8 + T cell proliferation and cytokine production. The ortholog of a human or mouse PD-L3 polypeptide can be readily identified as containing an amino acid sequence that is substantially identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5.
0136[00163] In addition, nucleic acid molecules that encode other PD-L3 or VISTA family members and therefore have a nucleotide sequence different from the PD-L3 or VISTA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 are intended to fall within the scope of the invention. ing. For example, another PD-L3 or VISTA cDNA can be identified based on the nucleotide sequence of mouse or human PD-L3 or VISTA. In addition, nucleic acid molecules encoding PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides from different species and thus having a nucleotide sequence different from the PD-L3 or VISTA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 are within the scope of the invention. Intended. For example, monkey PD-L3 or VISTA cDNA can be identified based on the nucleotide sequence of mouse or human PD-L3 or VISTA.
0137[00164] Nucleic acid molecules corresponding to the native allelic variants and homologues of the PD-L3 or VISTA cDNA of the present invention are described herein as hybridization probes according to standard hybridization techniques under stringent hybridization conditions. The disclosed cDNAs can be isolated based on their homology with the PD-L2 nucleic acids disclosed herein or portions thereof. By mapping to the same chromosome or locus as the PD-L3 or VIST gene, nucleic acid molecules corresponding to the native allelic variants and homologues of the PD-L3 or VISTA cDNA of the invention can be further isolated. ..
0138[00165] Thus, in another embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecules of the invention are at least 15, 20, 2 It hybridizes to a nucleic acid molecule having a nucleotide length of 5 or 30 or more and containing the coding region of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 under stringent conditions. In other embodiments, the nucleic acid has a nucleotide length of at least 700, 750, 800, 850, 880-900, 900-950, 950-1000, 1000-1050, 1050-1100, 1100-1150 or greater.
0139[00166] As used herein, the term "hybridize under stringent conditions" is a condition for hybridization and washing in which nucleotide sequences that are significantly identical or homologous to each other remain hybridized to each other. Is intended to explain. Preferably, the conditions are at least about 70% of each other, more preferably at least about 80%, and even more preferably at least about 85% or 90% of the same sequences remaining hybridized to each other. .. Such stringent conditions are known to those of skill in the art and are current in Molecular Biology, Ausubel et al., Eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc (1995), paragraphs 2, 4, and 6. Can be found in the protocol. More stringent conditions, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Sambrook et al., Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring It can be found in Harbor, NY (1989), Chapters 7, 9, and 11. A preferred non-limiting example of stringent hybridization conditions is hybridization (or about 42-50 °) in sodium chloride / sodium citrate (SSC) at 4 or 6 times C at about 65-70 ° C. Hybridization in 50% formamide in addition to 4x SSC of C), followed by one or more washes in 1 × SSC at about 65-70 ° C. More preferred non-limiting examples of stringent hybridization conditions are hybridization in 6x SSC at 45 ° C, followed by 0.2x SSC at 65 ° C, 1 in 0.1% SDS. It can be washed more than once. Preferred non-limiting examples of highly stringent hybridization conditions include hybridization in 1x SSCs of about 65-70 ° C (or in addition to 1x SSCs of about 42-50 ° C). Hybridization in 50% formamide), followed by one or more washes in 0.3 times SSC at about 65-70 ° C. A preferred non-limiting example of reduced stringency hybridization conditions is hybridization in SSC at about 50-60 ° C 4-fold or 6-fold (or about 40-45 ° C 6-fold). Hybridization in 50% formamide in addition to SSC) followed by one or more washes in SSC twice at about 50-60 ° C. Intermediate ranges to the above values, such as 65-70 ° C or 42-50 ° C, are also intended to be included by the present invention. SSPE (1x SSPE is 0.15M NaCl, 10 mM NaH2PO4, and 1.25 mM EDTA, pH 7.4) in hybridization and in wash buffer SSC (1x SSC is 0) .. It can be used in place of 15M NaCl and 15 mM sodium citrate), and each wash is performed for 15 minutes after hybridization is complete. The hybridization temperature for a hybrid that is expected to be less than 50 base pairs in length should be 5-10 ° C below the melting temperature (Tm) of the hybrid, where Tm is determined by the following equation: Will be done. For hybrids with a length of less than 18 base pairs, Tm (° C) -2 (number of A + T bases) + 4 (number of G + C bases). For hybrids of 18 to 49 base pair lengths, Tm (° C) = 81.5 + 16.6 (log10 [Na +]) + 0.41 (% G + C)-(600 / N), where N is The number of bases in the hybrid, where [Na + 1] is the concentration of sodium ions in the hybridization buffer (1x SSC [Na +] = 0.165M). Those skilled in the art will include, but are limited to, blocking agents (eg, BSA or salmon or herring sperm carrier DNA), detergents (eg, SDS), chelators (eg, EDTA), Ficoll, PVP, etc. 165M). Those skilled in the art will include, but are limited to, blocking agents (eg, BSA or salmon or herring sperm carrier DNA), detergents (eg, SDS), chelators (eg, EDTA), Ficoll, PVP, etc. 165M). Those skilled in the art will include, but are limited to, blocking agents (eg, BSA or salmon or herring sperm carrier DNA), detergents (eg, SDS), chelators (eg, EDTA), Ficoll, PVP, etc. It is also recognized that additional reagents that are not included may be added to hybridization and / or wash buffers to reduce nonspecific hybridization of nucleic acid molecules to membranes, such as nitrocellulose or nylon membranes. .. Further preferred non-limiting examples of stringent hybridization conditions, especially when using nylon membranes, are hybridization in 0.25-0.5 M NaH2PO4, 7% SDS at about 65 ° C, followed by 65 °. One or more washes in 0.02M NaH2PO4, 1% SDS of C, see, for example, Church and Gilbert (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 1991-1995. , 0.2 times SSC, 1% SDS).
0140[00167] Preferably, under stringent conditions, the isolated nucleic acid molecule hybridizing to the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 corresponds to a naturally occurring nucleic acid molecule. As used herein, a "spontaneous" nucleic acid molecule refers to an RNA or DNA molecule having a naturally occurring (ie, encoding a naturally occurring polypeptide) nucleotide sequence.
0141[00168] In addition to spontaneous allelic variants of the PD-L3 or VISTA sequence that may be present in the population, those skilled in the art can introduce changes to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 by mutation. , Further understand that it results in changes in the amino acid sequence of the encoded PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide without altering the functional capacity of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. For example, nucleotide substitutions that result in amino acid substitutions at "non-essential" amino acid residues can be made on the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3. Residues where "non-essential" amino acid residues can be altered from the wild-type sequence of PD-L3 or VISTA (eg, the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5) without altering biological activity. On the other hand, "essential" amino acid residues are required for biological activity. For example, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides of the invention, eg, amino acid residues conserved between those present in the extracellular domain, are predicted to be not particularly submissive to alteration. Moreover, additional amino acid residues conserved between the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide of the invention and PD-L3 or other members of the VISTA family are likely not suitable for modification.
0142[00169] Therefore, another aspect of the invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule encoding a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide containing a change in an amino acid residue that is not essential for activity. Such PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides retain biological activity, although they differ in amino acid sequence from SEQ ID NOs: 2, 4, or 5. In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide is SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5 and at least about 71%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%. , 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more Containing the same amino acid sequence.
0143[00170] An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the same PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide as the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5 to a polypeptide in which one or more amino acid substitutions, additions, or deletions are encoded. As introduced, it can be made by introducing one or more nucleotide substitutions, additions, or deletions into the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3. Mutations can be introduced into SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 by standard techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis. Preferably, the conserved amino acid substitution is performed on one or more predicted non-essential amino acid residues. A "conserved amino acid substitution" is a substitution in which an amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Similar side chains The family of amino acid residues having is defined in the art. These families include basic side chains (eg, lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (eg, aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (eg, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine,). Nonpolar side chains (eg, glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), beta-branched side chains (eg, threonine, valine, isoleucine), and aromatic side chains (eg, cysteine). , Tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine). Therefore, the predicted non-essential amino acid residue in the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is preferably replaced with another amino acid residue from the same side chain family. Alternatively, in another embodiment, mutations can be randomly introduced along all or part of the PD-L3 or VISTA coding sequence, such as by inducing saturation mutagenesis, to identify mutants that retain activity. In addition, the resulting mutants can be screened for PD-L3 or VISTA biological activity. After mutagenesis of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, the encoded polypeptide can be expressed recombinantly and the activity of the polypeptide can be determined.
0144[00171] In a preferred embodiment, the ability of a mutant PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide to bind and / or regulate the activity of a native PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner, the ability to regulate intracellular or intercellular signaling. , The ability to regulate T lymphocyte activation, and / or the ability to regulate the immune response of an organism can be assayed.
0145[00172] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a PD-L3 or VISTA PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA fusion protein. PD-L3 or VISTA PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA protein, polypeptide, or peptide encoding at least PD-L3 or VISTA PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA protein, polypeptide, or peptide that is operably linked to a second nucleotide sequence encoding a non-PD-L3 or VISTA protein, polypeptide, or peptide. Such nucleic acid molecules containing the first nucleotide sequence can be prepared by standard recombinant DNA techniques.
0146[00173] In addition to the nucleic acid molecules encoding the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides described above, another aspect of the invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules that are antisense to it. An "antisense" nucleic acid comprises a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to the "sense" nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide, eg, complementary to the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule, or complementary to an mRNA sequence. Therefore, the antisense nucleic acid can hydrogen bond to the sense nucleic acid. The antisense nucleic acid can be complementary to the entire PD-L3 or VISTA coding strand, or only to that portion. In one embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense against the "coding region" of the coding strand of the nucleotide sequence encoding PD-L3 or VISTA. The term "coding region" refers to a region of a nucleotide sequence that contains codons that are translated into amino acid residues. In another embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule is antisense against the "non-coding region" of the coding strand of the nucleotide sequence encoding PD-L. The term "untranslated region" refers to the 5'and 3'sequences flanking the coding region (also referred to as the 5'and 3'untranslated region) that is not translated into amino acids. Given the coding strand sequences encoding human or mouse PD-L3 or VISTA PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA disclosed herein, the antisense nucleic acids of the invention should be designed according to Watson-Crick base pairing rules. Can be done. Antisense nucleic acid molecules can be complementary to the entire coding region of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA, but are more preferred. Or an oligonucleotide that is antisense to only a portion of the coding or non-coding region of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA. For example, antisense oligonucleotides can be complementary to the region surrounding the translation initiation site of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA mRNA. The antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 nucleotides in length. The antisense nucleic acid molecule of the present invention can be constructed using chemical synthesis and enzymatic ligation reactions using procedures known in the art. For example, to increase the biological stability of naturally occurring nucleotides or molecules, or to increase the physical stability of duplexes formed between antisense nucleic acids and sense nucleic acids, such as phosphorothioate derivatives. Antisense nucleic acid molecules (eg, antisense oligonucleotides) can be chemically synthesized using the variously modified nucleotides designed, and aclysin-substituted nucleotides can be used. Examples of modified nucleotides that can be used to produce antisense nucleic acids include 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5-iodouracil, hypoxanthin, xanthine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5 -(Carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine-, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylkeousin, inosin, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1- Methylguanine, 1-methylinocin, 2, 2-Dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenin, 7-methylguanin, 5-methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil , Beta-D-mannosyl ukeousin, 5'-methoxycarboxymethyl uracil, 5-methoxy uracil, 2-methylthio-N6-isopentenyl adenine, uracil-5-oxyacil (v), wibutoxocin, pseudouracil, keousin, 2-Methylcytosine, 5-methyl-2-thiouracil, 2-thiouracil, 4-thiouracil, 5-methyluracil, uracil-5-oxyacetate methyl ester, uracil-5-oxyacetic acid (v), 5-methyl-2- Included are thiouracil, 3- (3-amino-3-N-2-carboxypropyl) uracil (acp3) w, and 2,6-diaminopurine. Alternatively, subcloning the antisense nucleic acid in which the nucleic acid is antisense oriented (ie, the RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid is the antisense orientation to the target nucleic acid of interest further described in the section below). The expressed vector can be used for biological production. 6-Diaminopurine is mentioned. Alternatively, subcloning the antisense nucleic acid in which the nucleic acid is antisense oriented (ie, the RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid is the antisense orientation to the target nucleic acid of interest further described in the section below). The expressed vector can be used for biological production. 6-Diaminopurine is mentioned. Alternatively, subcloning the antisense nucleic acid in which the nucleic acid is antisense oriented (ie, the RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid is the antisense orientation to the target nucleic acid of interest further described in the section below). The expressed vector can be used for biological production.
0147[00174] The antisense nucleic acid molecules of the invention are typically administered to a subject or hybridized with cellular mRNA and / or genomic DNA that encode PD-L3 or VISTAPD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA polypeptide. It is produced in situ such that it inhibits the expression of the polypeptide by soaking or binding to it, thereby inhibiting transcription and / or translation, for example. Hybridization can be due to conventional nucleotide complementarity that forms stable duplexes, or, for example, in the case of antisense nucleic acid molecules that bind to DNA duplexes, specific in the main groove of the double helix. It can be through interaction. An example of the route of administration of the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the present invention is direct injection at a tissue site. Alternatively, the antisense nucleic acid molecule can be modified to target selected cells and then systemically administered. For example, for systemic administration, an antisense molecule is a receptor expressed on a selected cell surface, eg, by binding an antisense nucleic acid molecule to a peptide or antibody that binds to a cell surface receptor or antigen. The antisense molecule can be modified to specifically bind to the body or antigen. Antisense nucleic acid molecules can also be delivered to cells using the vectors described herein. In order to achieve a sufficient intracellular concentration of the antisense molecule, a vector construct in which the antisense nucleic acid molecule is placed under the control of a strong pol II or pol III promoter is preferred.
0148[00175] In yet another embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid molecule of the invention is an α-anomeric nucleic acid molecule. Α-anomeric nucleic acid molecules are complementary RNAs in which strands run parallel to each other, contrary to normal β-units, to form specific double-stranded hybrids (Gaultier et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15). : 6625-6641). Antisense nucleic acid molecules are 2'-o-methylribonucleotides (Inoue et al. (1987) Nucleic Acids Res. 15: 6131-6148) or chimeric RNA-DNA analogs (Inoue et al. (1987) FEBS Lett. 215: 327-330) can also be included.
0149[00176] In yet another embodiment, the antisense nucleic acid of the invention is a ribozyme. Ribozymes are catalytic RNA molecules with ribonuclease activity that can cleave single-stranded nucleic acids such as mRNA, and they have complementary regions to it. Therefore, ribozymes (eg, (Haseloff and Gerlach (1988) Nature) Hammerhead Ribozyme) (described in 334: 585-591) was used to catalytically cleave PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA transcripts, thereby inhibiting translation of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA mRNA. can do. Ribozymes with specificity for the nucleic acid encoding PD-L3 or VISTA can be designed based on the nucleotide sequence of PD-L3 or VISTA cDNA (ie, SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3) disclosed herein. .. For example, Tetrahymena L-19 IVS Derivatives of RNA can be constructed, in which the nucleotide sequence of the active site is complementary to the nucleotide sequence cleaved in PD-L3 or VISTAPD-L3 or VISTA or the mRNA encoding VISTA. See, for example, US Pat. No. 4,987,071 by Cech et al. And US Pat. No. 5,116,742 by Cech et al. Alternatively, PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA can be used to select catalytic RNA with specific ribonuclease activity from a pool of RNA molecules. See, for example, Bartel, D. and Szostak, JW (1993) Science 261: 1411-1418.
0150[00177] Alternatively, PD-L3 or VISTA gene expression can be inhibited by targeting a nucleotide sequence complementary to the PD-L3 or VISTA control region (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA promoter and / or enhancer). , Form a triple helix structure that blocks transcription of the PD-L3 gene in target cells. In general, Helene, C (1991) Anticancer Drug Des.6 (6): 569-84, Helene, C et al. (1992) Ann.NYAcad.Sci.660: 27-36, and Maher, LJ (1992) Bioessays. See 14 (12): 807-15.
0151[00178] In yet another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule of the invention is modified with a base moiety, sugar moiety, or phosphate backbone, eg, to improve molecular stability, hybridization, or solubility. can do. For example, the deoxyribose phosphate skeleton of a nucleic acid molecule can be modified to produce peptide nucleic acids (Hyrup, B. and Nielsen, PE (1996) Bioorg. Med. Chem. 4 (1): 5-23. checking). As used herein, the term "peptide nucleic acid" or "PNA" is a nucleic acid mimetic in which the deoxyribose phosphate skeleton is replaced by a pseudopeptide skeleton and only four naturally occurring nucleobases are retained. , For example, DNA mimetics Point to. The neutral backbone of PNA has been shown to allow specific hybridization to DNA and RNA under low ionic strength conditions. Hyrup and Nielsen (1996) (see above) and Perry-O'Keefe et al. (1996) Proc PNA oligomers can be synthesized using standard solid phase peptide synthesis protocols described in Natl.Acad.Sci.USA93: 14670-675.
0152[00179] PNAs of PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecules can be used in therapeutic and diagnostic applications. For example, PNA can be used as an antisense or antigene agonist for sequence-specific regulation of gene expression, for example by inducing transcription or translational arrest or inhibiting replication. In the analysis of single base pair mutations in a gene (eg, by PNA-directed PCR clamping), the PNA of a PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule, other enzymes (eg, S1 nuclease (Hyrup and Nielsen (1996)) see above. ) As an "artificial restriction enzyme" or as a probe or primer for DNA sequencing or hybridization (Hyrup and Nielsen (1996) see above, Perry-O'Keefe et al. (1996). ) See above) Can also be used.
0153[00180] In another embodiment, by attaching lipophilic or other helper groups to the PNA (eg, to enhance their stability or cell uptake), by the formation of PNA-DNA, or by the use of liposomes or Other drug delivery techniques known in the art can modify the PNA of PD-L3 or VISTA. For example, it is possible to generate a PNA-DNA chimera of PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecules that can combine the favorable properties of PNA and DNA. Such a chimera allows DNA recognizing enzymes (eg, RNAse H and DNA polymerase) to interact with the DNA moiety while the PNA moiety provides high binding affinity and specificity. The PNA-DNA chimera can be attached using a linker of appropriate length selected in terms of base stacking, number of bonds between nucleobases, and orientation (see Hyrup and Nielsen (1996) above). Hyrup and Nielsen (1996) See above and Finn PJet al. (1996) Nucleic Acids Res.24 (17): PNA-DNA chimeras can be synthesized as described in 3357-63. For example, standard phosphoramidite coupling chemistry can be used to synthesize DNA strands on solid supports and modified nucleoside analogs such as 5'-(4-methoxytrityl) amino-5'-deoxy-. Thymidine phosphoramidite can be used as a crosslink between the PNA and the 5'end of DNA (Mag, M. et al. (1989) Nucleic Acids Res. 17: 5973-88). The PNA monomer is then coupled in a stepwise manner to produce a chimeric molecule using the 5'PNA segment and the 3'DNA segment (see Finn PJ et al. (1996) above). Alternatively, chimeric molecules can be synthesized using the 5'DNA and 3'PNA segments (Peterser, K Het al. (1975) Bioorganic Med. Chem. Lett. 5: 1119-11124).
0154[00181] In other embodiments, the oligonucleotide is another additional group, such as a peptide (eg, for targeting a host cell receptor in vivo), or a cell membrane (eg, Letsinger). et al. (1989) Proc Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 86: 6553-6556, Lemaitre et al. (1987) Proc Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 84: 648-652, PCT Publication No. WO 88/09810 (See No.), or agents that promote transport across the blood-brain barrier (see, eg, PCT Publication No. WO 89/10134). In addition, oligonucleotides are hybridized with hybridization-induced cleavage agents (eg, Krol et al. (1988) Biotechniques). It can be modified with an insert (see, eg, Zon (1988) Pharm.Res. 5: 539-549) or an insert (see 6: 958-976). To this end, the oligonucleotide is conjugated to another molecule (eg, a peptide, a hybridization-induced crosslinker, a transport agent, or a hybridization-induced cleavage agent).
0155[00182] Alternatively, the expression characteristics of the endogenous PD-L3 or VISTA gene in a cell line or microorganism are such that the heterologous DNA regulatory element is inserted into the genome of a stable cell line or cloned microorganism and the inserted regulatory element is endogenous. It can be modified by operably binding to the PD-L3 or VIST gene. For example, a normally "non-transcribed" endogenous PD-L3 or VIST gene, i.e. a PD-L3 or VISTA gene that is not normally expressed or is expressed in a cell line or microorganism at very low levels, in its cells. It can be activated by inserting a regulatory element that can promote the expression of a gene product normally expressed in a strain or microorganism. Alternatively, the untranscribed endogenous PD-L3 or VIST gene can be activated by insertion of a hybrid regulatory element that functions across multiple cell types.
0156[00183] Heterologous regulatory elements are well known to those of skill in the art and are described, for example, in Chappel's US Pat. No. 5,272,071, PCT Publication No. WO 91/06667, published May 16, 1991, etc. Techniques can be used to insert into a stable cell line or cloning microorganism such that it operably binds to the endogenous PD-L3 or VIST gene.
0157II. Isolated PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide and anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody [00184] One aspect of the present invention is an isolated PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, and a biologically active portion thereof, as well as a poly suitable for use as an immunogen to produce an anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody. Regarding peptide fragments. In one embodiment, the native PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide can be isolated from a cell or tissue source by an appropriate purification scheme using standard protein purification techniques. In another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is produced by recombinant DNA technology. As an alternative to recombinant expression, PD-L3 or VISTA proteins or polypeptides can be chemically synthesized using standard peptide synthesis techniques.
0158[00185] An "isolated" or "purified" polypeptide or biologically active portion thereof substantially comprises a cellular material or other contaminating protein from a cell or tissue source from which the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is derived. When absent or chemically synthesized, it is substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals. The phrase "substantially free of cellular material" includes preparations of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, in which the polypeptide is the cellular component of the cell in which it is produced by isolation or recombination. Is separated from. In one embodiment, the phrase "substantially free of cellular material" is less than about 30% (dry weight) of non-PD-L3 or VISTA protein (also referred to herein as "contamination protein"). , More preferably less than about 20% non-PD-L3 or VISTA protein, even more preferably less than about 10% non-PD-L3 or VIS It comprises a preparation of a TA protein, and most preferably a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide having less than about 5% non-PD-L3 or VISTA protein. When the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or biologically active portion thereof is produced by recombination, it is also preferably substantially free of culture medium, i.e. the culture medium is a protein preparation. It occupies less than about 20%, more preferably less than about 10%, and most preferably less than about 5% of the volume.
0159[00186] The phrase "substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals" is PD-L3 in which the polypeptide is separated from the chemical precursors or other chemicals involved in the synthesis of the polypeptide. Alternatively, it contains a preparation of VISTA polypeptide. In one embodiment, the phrase "substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals" is more than about 30% (dry weight) of chemical precursors or non-PD-L3 or VISTA chemicals. Preferably less than about 20% chemical precursor or non-PD-L3 or VISTA chemical, even more preferably less than about 10% chemical precursor or non-PD-L3 or VISTA chemical, and most preferably less than about 10%. Includes preparations of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides with less than about 5% chemical precursors or non-PD-L3 or VISTA chemicals.
0160[00187] As used herein, the "biologically active portion" of a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is a PD-L3 or VISTA molecule and a non-PD-L3 or VISTA molecule, such as PD-L3 or VISTA. Contains fragments of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides involved in the interaction with the native ligand of. The biologically active portion of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide contains less amino acids than the full-length PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide and exhibits the activity of at least one PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Includes peptides that contain the amino acid sequence sufficiently identical to or derived from the amino acid sequence of the L3 or VISTA polypeptide, eg, the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5. Typically, the biologically active moiety is the activity of at least one PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, eg, regulation (suppression) of the CD4T cell proliferation response to anti-CD3, in an antigen-specific manner. Includes domains or motifs that suppress the proliferative response of allogeneic CD4 T cells and affect the expression of specific cytokines and the like. The biologically active portion of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide can be, for example, a polypeptide of amino acid length 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225 or greater. Biologically active portions of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides can be used as targets for developing agents that regulate PD-L3 or VISTA mediated activity, eg, immune cell activation.
0161[00188] In one embodiment, the biologically active portion of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide comprises at least a portion of the extracellular domain. The preferred biologically active portion of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide of the invention is at least a portion of the extracellular domain (including, eg, IgV), and of the signal peptide domain, transmembrane domain, and cytoplasmic domain. It should be understood that it can contain one or more. In addition, other biologically active moieties in which other regions of the polypeptide are removed are prepared by recombinant techniques and one of the functional activities of the native PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. One or more can be evaluated.
0162[00189] In a preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is SEQ ID NO: 2 , 4, or 5 has the amino acid sequence shown. In other embodiments, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is substantially identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5 and retains the functional activity of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5. , Due to the above-mentioned natural allelic mutation or mutagenesis, differ in amino acid sequence.
0163[00190] The nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences of the invention are further used as "query sequences" and can be searched against public databases, for example to identify other family members or related sequences. Such a search can be performed using the NBLAST and XBLAST programs (version 2.0) of Altschul et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215: 403-10. To obtain a nucleotide sequence homologous to the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule of the present invention, a BLAST nucleotide search can be performed using the NBLAST program, score = 100, word length = 12. To obtain an amino acid sequence homologous to the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide molecule of the invention, a BLAST protein search can be performed using the XBLAST program, score = 100, word length = 3. Gaped BLAST for comparative purposes, Altschul et al. (1997) Nucleic Acids It can be used as described in Res. 25 (17): 3389-3402. When utilizing BLAST and gapped BLAST programs, the initial parameters of the respective programs (eg, XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used. Please refer to the homepage of National Center for Biotechnology Information.
0164[00191] The invention also provides PD-L3 or VISTA chimeras or fusion proteins. As used herein , PD-L3 or VIST "chimeric protein" or "fusion protein" includes PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides that are operably linked to non-PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. "PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide" refers to an amino acid sequence having a polypeptide corresponding to a PD-L3 or VISTA molecule, while "non-PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide" refers to a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Refers to an amino acid sequence having a polypeptide that is different from a polypeptide that is substantially dissimilar to, eg, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, and that corresponds to a polypeptide derived from the same or different organism. Within the PD-L3 or VISTA fusion protein, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide can correspond to all or part of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. In a preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA fusion protein comprises at least one biologically active portion of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. In another preferred embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA fusion protein comprises at least two domains of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Within the fusion protein, the term "operably linked" is intended to indicate that the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide and the non-PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide are fused together in-frame. There is. The non-PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide can be fused to the N-terminus or C-terminus of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide to determine the solubility, binding affinity, stability, or valency of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Corresponds to the part to be changed.
0165[00192] For example, in one embodiment, the fusion protein is a GST-PD-L3 or VISTA fusion protein in which the PD-L3 or VISTA sequence is fused to the C-terminus of the GST sequence. Such fusion proteins can facilitate the purification of recombinant PD-L3 or VISTA. In another embodiment, the fusion protein is heterologous at its N-terminus. It is a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide containing a le sequence. In certain host cells (eg, mammalian host cells), expression and / or secretion of PD-L3 or VISTA can be increased through the use of a heterologous signal sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the fusion protein is an Ig-PD-L3 or VISTA fusion protein in which the PD-L3 or VISTA sequence is fused to a portion of the Ig molecule. The Ig portion of the fusion protein can include immunoglobulin constant regions, eg, human C gamma 1 or C gamma 4 domains (eg, human IgC gamma l or human IgC gamma 4 hinges, CH2, and CH3 regions (eg, human IgC gamma l or human IgC gamma 4 hinges, CH2, and CH3 regions). See, for example, Capon et al., US Pat. Nos. 5,116,964, 5,580,756, 5,844,095, etc., which are incorporated herein by reference). The resulting fusion protein is altered PD-L3 or VISTA. It can have solubility, binding affinity, stability, and / or binding titer (ie, the number of binding sites per molecule) and can increase the efficiency of protein purification.
0166[00193] Especially preferred PD-L3 or VISTA The Ig fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain portion of PD-L3 or VISTA that is bound to an immunoglobulin constant region (eg, Fc region). Immunoglobulin constant regions may contain genetic modifications that cause or eliminate effector activity specific to immunoglobulin structures. For example, DNA encoding the extracellular portion of a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is modified, for example, by site-directed mutagenesis as taught in International Patent WO 97/28267. Human IgG gamma 1 and / or IgG gamma It can bind to DNA encoding 4 hinges, CH2, and CH3 regions. The PD-L3 or VISTA fusion proteins of the invention can be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions and administered in vivo to a subject. PD-L3 or VISTA fusion proteins can be used to influence the bioavailability of PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners. The use of PD-L3 or VISTA fusion proteins may be therapeutically useful in the treatment of conditions or disorders that may benefit from the regulation of the immune response. In addition, the PD-L3 or VISTA-fusion protein of the invention is used to produce an anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody in a subject, purify the PD-L3 or VISTA binding protein, and in a screening assay with PD-L3 or VISTA. It can be used as an immunogen to identify molecules that inhibit its interaction with its natural binding partner.
0167[00194] Preferably, the PD-L3 or VISTA chimeras or fusion proteins of the invention are produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques.
0168[00195] The present invention also relates to variants of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides that function as either PD-L3 or VISTA agonists (mimetics) or PD-L3 or VISTA antagonists. Variants of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides can be generated by mutagenesis, eg, point mutations, or cleavage of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. Agonists of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides can retain substantially the same activity, or a subset thereof, of the biological activity of the spontaneous form of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Antagonists of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides are in spontaneous forms of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, for example by competingly regulating PD-L3 or VISTA-mediated activity of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. One or more of the activities can be inhibited. Therefore, treatment with mutants with limited function can elicit specific biological effects. In one embodiment, the natural of the polypeptide Treatment of a subject with a variant that has a subset of the biological activity of the developmental form has fewer side effects in the subject than treatment of the spontaneous form of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide.
0169[00196] In one embodiment, a variant of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide that functions as either a PD-L3 or VISTA agonist (mimic) or PD-L3 or VISTA antagonist is a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Antagonist activity can be identified by screening a combination library of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide variants, eg, cleavage variants. In one embodiment, a variegated library of PD-L3 or VISTA variants is generated by combinatorial mutagenesis at the nucleic acid level and is encoded by a variegated gene library. A set of larger fusion proteins in which the potentially degenerate PD-L3 or VISTA sequence contains the degenerate PD-L3 or VISTA sequence as a separate polypeptide or within it (eg, a phage). A varied library of PD-L3 or VISTA variants can be produced, for example, by enzymatically linking a mixture of synthetic oligonucleotides to a gene sequence so that it can be expressed as (for display). There are various methods that can be used to produce a library of possible PD-L3 or VISTA variants from degenerate oligonucleotide sequences. Chemical synthesis of the degenerate gene sequence can be performed in an automated DNA synthesizer, after which the synthetic gene can be ligated into a suitable expression vector. The use of degenerate sets of genes allows the provision of all possible PD-L3 or VISTA sequences in the desired set in one mixture. Methods for synthesizing degenerate oligonucleotides are known in the art (eg, Narang, SA (1983) Tetrahedron 39: 3, Itakura et al. (1984) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 53: 323, Itakura. et al. (1984) Science 198:
0170[00197] In addition, library additions of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide coding sequence fragments are used to alter PD-L3 or VISTA fragments for screening and subsequent selection of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide variants. It can generate rich populations. In one embodiment, the library of coding sequence fragments is treated with nuclease the double-stranded PCR fragment of PD-L3 or VISTA coding sequence under conditions where nicking occurs only about once per molecule and double-stranded. Double-stranded to single-stranded portion reorganized by denaturing DNA and restoring DNA to form double-stranded DNA containing sense / antisense pairs from different nick products and treating with S1 nuclease. And the resulting fragment library can be ligated into the expression vector. By this method, expression libraries encoding N-terminal, C-terminal, and internal fragments of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides of various sizes can be obtained.
0171[00198] Several techniques are known in the art for screening gene products of combinatorial libraries produced by point mutations or cleavages, and screening of cDNA libraries of gene products with selected properties. Such techniques are applicable for rapid screening of gene libraries produced by combinatorial mutagenesis of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. The most widely used techniques suitable for high-throughput analysis for screening large gene libraries are typically gene libraries. Cloning into a replicable expression vector, transforming suitable cells with the resulting library of vectors, and detection of the desired activity facilitates isolation of the vector encoding the gene in which the product was detected. Includes expressing the combination gene under the following conditions. A new technique that enhances the frequency of functional variants in the library, recursive ensemble mutagenesis (REM), can be used in combination with screening assays to identify PD-L3 or VISTA variants (Arkin). and Youvan (1992) Proc Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 89: 7811-7815, Delagrave et al. (1993) Protein Eng.6 (3): 327-331).
0172[00199] In addition to PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides consisting only of naturally occurring amino acids, PD-L3 or VISTA peptide mimetics are also provided. Peptide analogs are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as non-peptide drugs with properties similar to those of template peptides. These types of non-peptide compounds are referred to as "peptide mimetics" or "peptide mimetics" (Fauchere, J. (1986) Adv. Drug Res. 15:29, Veber, incorporated herein by reference. and Freidinger (1985) TINS p.392, and Evans et al. (1987) J. Med. Chem 30: 1229), usually developed using computerized molecular modeling models. Peptidomimetics that are structurally similar to therapeutically useful peptides can be used to provide comparable therapeutic or prophylactic effects. In general, peptide mimetics structurally similar to paradigm polypeptides such as human or mouse PD-L3 or VISTA (ie, polypeptides with biological or pharmacological activity) are known in the art and References: Spatola, AFin Chemistry and Biochemistry of Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins Weinstein, B., ed., Marcel Dekker, New York, p.267 (1983), Spatola, AF, Vega Data (March 1983), Vol.1, Issue 3, Peptide Backbone Modifications, Morley, JS (1980) Trends.Pharm.Sci.pp.463-468, Hudson, D.et al. (1979) Int.J.Pept.Prot.Res.14: 177-185 (--CH2NH--, CH2CH2--), Spatola, AFet al. (1986) Life.Sci.38: 1243-1249 ( --CH2--S), Hann, MM (1982) J.Chem.SoC Perkin.Trans.I 307-314 (--CH--CH--, cis and trans), Almquist, RGet al. (1980) J.Med.Chem.23: 1392-1398 (--COCH2--), Jennings-White, C et al. (1982) Tetrahedron Lett.23: 2533 (--COCH2--), Szelke, M. et al ., European Patent Application No. EP45665 (1982) CA: 97: 39405 (-CH (OH) CH2--), Holladay, MWet al. (1983) Tetrahedron. Lett. 24: 4401-4404 (-C (-C (-C (-C) OH) CH2--), and Hruby, VJ (1982) Life Sci.31: 189-199 (--CH2--S--) (each incorporated herein by reference) by the methods further described: --CH2NH--, --CH2S--,- Select from the group consisting of -CH2--CH2-, --CH.dbd.CH-- (cis and trance), --COCH2--, --CH (OH) CH2--, and --CH2SO-- It has one or more peptide bonds that are optionally replaced by the bonds to be made. A particularly preferred non-peptide bond is --CH2NH--. Such peptide mimetics are, for example, more economically produced, higher chemical stability, enhanced pharmacological properties (half-life, absorption, potency, efficacy, etc.), altered specificity (eg, a wide range of organisms). Polypeptide containing (physical activity), reduced antigenicity, etc. It may have significant advantages over embodiments. Labeling of peptide mimetics usually involves non-interfering positions on the peptide mimetic, either directly or via spacers (eg, amide groups), as predicted by quantitative structural activity data and / or molecular modeling. Accompanied by covalent binding of one or more labels to (including). Such non-interfering positions are generally positions where peptide mimetics bind and do not come into direct contact with macromolecules (s) that provide a therapeutic effect. Derivatization of the peptide mimetic (eg, labeling) should not significantly interfere with the desired biological or pharmacological activity of the peptide mimetic.
0173[00200] Systematic substitutions of one or more amino acids in the PD-L3 or VISTA amino acid sequence with the same type of D-amino acid (eg, D-lysine instead of L-lysine) are used to produce more stable peptides. be able to. In addition, constrained peptides containing PD-L3 or VISTA amino acid sequences or substantially identical sequence mutations are incorporated by methods known in the art (incorporated herein by reference, Rizo and). It can be produced by Gierasch (1992) Annu. Rev. Biochem. 61: 387), for example, by adding an internal cysteine residue capable of forming an intramolecular disulfide bridge that cyclizes the peptide. The amino acid sequence of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide identified herein allows one of ordinary skill in the art to produce a polypeptide corresponding to the PD-L3 or VISTA peptide sequence and its sequence variants. Such polypeptides can be produced in prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells by expression of the polynucleotide encoding the PD-L3 or VISTA peptide sequence, often as part of a larger polypeptide. Alternatively, such peptides can be synthesized by chemical methods. Methods for expression of heterologous polypeptides in recombinant hosts, chemical synthesis of polypeptides, and in vitro translation are well known in the art. Certain amino-terminal and / or carboxy-terminal modifications and / or peptide extensions to the core sequence have enhanced stability, increased potency and / or efficacy, resistance to serum proteases, desirable pharmacokinetic properties, etc. It is possible to provide advantageous physical, chemical, biochemical, and pharmacological properties of. The peptide can be used therapeutically to treat the disease, for example, by altering the co-stimulation in the patient.
0174[00201] For the preparation of polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, using standard techniques, isolated PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, or portions or fragments thereof, as immunogens to produce antibodies that bind PD-L3 or VISTA. Can be used. A full-length PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide can be used, or the present invention provides an antigenic peptide fragment of PD-L3 or VISTA for use as an immunogen. In one embodiment, the antigenic peptide of PD-L3 or VISTA comprises at least 8 amino acid residues of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, or 5, and the antibody produced against the peptide. Includes an epitope of PD-L3 or VISTA to form a specific immune complex with a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Preferably, the antigenic peptide comprises at least 10 amino acid residues, more preferably at least 15 amino acid residues, even more preferably at least 20 amino acid residues, and most preferably at least 30 amino acids. Contains residues. Preferred epitopes included by the antigenic peptide are regions of PD-L3 or VISTA located within the extracellular domain of the polypeptide, such as hydrophilic regions, as well as regions with high antigenicity.
0175[00202] PD-L3 or VISTA immunogens typically prepare antibodies by immunizing a suitable subject (eg, rabbit, goat, mouse, or other mammal) with the immunogen. Used for Suitable immunogenic preparations can include, for example, recombinantly expressed PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides or chemically synthesized PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. The preparation may further comprise an adjuvant, such as a complete Freund or incomplete adjuvant, or a similar immunostimulant. Immunization of a suitable subject with an immunogenic PD-L3 or VISTA preparation induces a polyclonal anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody response.
0176[00203] Therefore, another aspect of the invention relates to anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies. As used herein, the term "antibody" specifically binds (and reacts with) an immunoglobulin molecule and an immunologically active portion of the immunoglobulin molecule, ie, an antigen such as PD-L3 or VISTA. Refers to a molecule that contains an antigen-binding site. Examples of immunologically active moieties of immunoglobulin molecules include F (ab) and F (ab') 2 fragments that can be produced by treating the antibody with an enzyme such as pepsin. The present invention provides polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that bind to PD-L3 or VISTA molecules. As used herein, the term "monoclonal antibody" or "monoclonal antibody composition" refers to an antibody that contains only one species of antigen-binding site capable of immunoreacting with a particular epitope of PD-L3 or VISTA. Refers to a group of molecules. Thus, a monoclonal antibody composition typically exhibits a single binding affinity for the particular PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide with which it immunoreacts.
0177[00204] Polyclonal anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies can be prepared by immunizing a suitable subject with a PD-L3 or VISTA immunogen, such as a PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein, as described above. Anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody titers in immunized subjects can be monitored over time using standard techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using immobilized PD-L3 or VISTA. If desired, antibody molecules directed against PD-L3 or VISTA are isolated from mammals (eg, blood) and further purified by well-known techniques such as protein A chromatography to give the IgG fraction. be able to. Antibody-producing cells were obtained from the subject at appropriate times after immunization, for example, at the time of highest anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody titers, first by Kohler and Milstein (1975) Nature 256: 495-497. The hybridoma technique described in (Brown et al. (1981) J. Immunol. 127: 539-46, Brown et al. al. (1980) J.Biol.Chem.255: 4980-83, Yeh et al. (1976) Proc Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 76: 2927-31, and Yeh et al. (1982) Int.J. Cancer 29: 269-75), recent human B cell hybridoma technology (Kozbor et al. (1983) Immunol. Today 4:72), EBV hybridoma technology (Cole et al. (1985) Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer) It can be used to prepare monoclonal antibodies by standard techniques such as Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc., pp.77-96), or trioma technology. Techniques for producing monoclonal antibody hybridomas are well known (generally, Kenneth, RHinMonoclonal Antibodies: A New Dimension In Biological Analyses, Plenum Publishing). Corp., New York, NY (1980); Lemer, EA (1981) Yale J. Biol. Med. 54: 387-402; Gefter, ML et al. (1977) Somatic See Cell Genet. 3: 231-36). Briefly, immortalized cell lines (typically myeloma) are exempt from PD-L3 or VISTA immunogen, as described above. The resulting hybridoma cell culture supernatant fused to epidemic mammalian-derived lymphocytes (typically splenocytes) identifies hybridomas that produce monoclonal antibodies that bind PD-L3 or VISTA. To be screened for. Any of the many well-known protocols used to fuse lymphocytes and immortalized cell lines can be applied for the purpose of anti-PD-L3 or VISTA monoclonal antibody production (eg Galfre, G). .et al. (1977) Nature 266: 55502, Gefter et See al. (1977) (see above), Lerner (1981) (see above), and Kenneth (1980) (see above)). Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many variants of such methods that are equally useful. Typically, immortalized cell lines (eg, myeloma cell lines) are from the same mammalian species as lymphocytes. For example, mouse hybridomas can be made by fusing mouse-derived lymphocytes immunized with the immunogenic preparation of the present invention with an immortalized mouse cell line. A preferred immortalized cell line is a mouse myeloma cell line that is sensitive to a culture medium (HAT medium) containing hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine. Fusion of several myeloma cell lines, eg, P3-NS1 / 1-Ag4-1, P3-x63-Ag8.653, or Sp2 / O-Ag14 myeloma lines, according to standard techniques. Can be used as a partner. These myeloma strains are available from the ATCC. Typically, HAT-sensitive mouse myeloma cells are fused to mouse splenocytes with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Hybridoma cells resulting from fusion are then selected using a HAT medium that kills unfused myeloma cells and unproductively fused myeloma cells (because unfused splenocytes are not transformed). , Will die after a few days). Hybridoma cells that produce the monoclonal antibodies of the invention are detected, for example, by screening hybridoma culture supernatants for antibodies that bind PD-L3 or VISTA using standard ELISA assays.
0178[00205] Specific methods for producing antibodies that bind to PD-L3 or VISTA can be achieved using methods known in the art and methods described in the Examples. As an alternative to the preparation of monoclonal antibody secreting hybridomas, monoclonal anti-PD-L3 antibodies have been identified and isolated by screening recombinant combination immunoglobulin libraries with PD-L3 or VISTA (eg, antibody phage display libraries). Allows isolation of immunoglobulin library members that bind to PD-L3 or VISTA. Kits for generating and screening phage display libraries are commercially available.
0179[00206] As mentioned above, these antibodies identify those that bind, for example, to specific epitopes of PD-L3 or VISTA in the IgV domain or other specific domains, and / or against PD-L3 or VISTA proteins. Screened to select antibodies with high affinity and binding activity. In addition, these antibodies are screened to identify those that regulate specific functions of PD-L3 or VISTA and their effects on immunity and immune cells in vitro and in vivo. To immune functions negatively regulated by PD-L3 or VISTA, including, for example, cytokine production by CD4 + or CD8 + T cells, CD28 co-stimulation, CD4 + T cell proliferation, and naive and memory CD4 + T cell proliferation, etc. If there is a regulatory effect on a particular anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody, an assay can be performed to confirm it. In a preferred embodiment, the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig is PD-L3 or when these anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies behave in the opposite direction in vivo, i.e., when they are immunosuppressive. Assess to identify potential therapeutic anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies in vitro when enhancing inhibition by VISTA-Ig Do a. The present invention specifically binds to 136 amino acid extracellular domains, such as anti-VISTA antibodies that specifically bind to amino acids 1-50, 50-100, 100-136, antibodies that specifically bind to IgV, and stalk regions. Includes antibodies that specifically bind to the transmembrane region, and antibodies that specifically bind to the cytoplasmic region VISTA, and their use. These particular areas are specified in this application.
0180[00207] In addition, recombinant anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies, such as chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies containing both human and non-human moieties, that can be made using standard recombinant DNA techniques are within the scope of the invention. Is. Such chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies are available, for example, in Robinson et al., International Patent Application No. PCT / US86 / 02269, Akira et al., European Patent Application No. 184,187, Taniguchi, M., European Patent Application No. 171,496, Morrison et al., Europe. Patent Application No. 173,494, PCT International Publication No. WO86 / 01533 by Neuberger et al., US Patent No. 4,816,567 by Cabilly et al., European Patent Application No. 125,023 by Cabilly et al., Better et al. (1988) Science 240: 1041-1043 , Liu et al. (1987) Proc Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 84: 3439-3443, Liu et al. (1987) J.Immunol.139: 3521-3526, Sun et al. (1987) Proc Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 84: 214-218, Nishimura et al. (1987) Cancer Res. 47: 999-1005, Wood et al. (1985) Nature 314: 446-449, Shaw et al. (1988) J.Natl.Cancer Inst.80: 1553-1559, Morrison, SL (1985) Science 229: 1202-1207, Oi et al. (1986) Biotechniques 4:214, Winter US Pat. No. 5,225,539, Jones et al. (1986) Nature 321: 552-525, Verhoeyen et al. (1988) Science 239: 1534, and Beidler et al. (1988) J. Immunol. 141: 4053-4060. It can be produced by known recombinant DNA techniques.
0181[00208] Anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies (eg, monoclonal antibodies) can be used to isolate PD-L3 or VISTA by standard techniques such as affinity chromatography or immunoprecipitation. Anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies can facilitate the purification of cell-derived native PD-L3 or VISTA and the purification of PD-L3 or VISTA produced by recombination expressed in host cells. In addition, anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies are used to assess the amount of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide and its expression pattern, PD-L3 (eg, in cell lysates or cell supernatants). Alternatively, VISTA polypeptide can be detected. Anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies can be used diagnostically to monitor polypeptide levels in tissues, for example, as part of a clinical trial procedure to determine the effectiveness of a given treatment regimen. .. Detection can be facilitated by binding (ie, physically binding) the antibody to a detectable substance. Examples of detectable substances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials, luminescent materials, bioluminescent materials, and radioactive materials. Examples of suitable enzymes include western wasabi peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, β-galactosidase, or acetylcholine esterase, and examples of suitable complementary molecular family complexes include streptavidin biotin and avidin biotin, which are suitable fluorescence. Examples of substances include umveriferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dancil chloride, or phycoerythrin. Examples of luminescent materials include luminol, examples of bioluminescent materials include luciferase, luciferin, and aequorin, and examples of suitable radioactive materials include 1251, 1311, 35S, or 3H. Be done.
0182III. Recombinant expression vector and host cell [00209] Another aspect of the invention relates to a vector, preferably an expression vector, containing a nucleic acid molecule encoding a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide (or portion thereof). As used herein, the term "vector" refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid bound to it. One type of vector is a "plasmid" that refers to a circular double-stranded DNA loop to which additional DNA segments can be linked. Another type of vector is a viral vector that can ligate additional DNA segments into the viral genome. Certain vectors are capable of self-renewal in the host cell into which they are introduced (eg, bacterial and episomal mammalian vectors with a bacterial origin of replication). Other vectors (eg, non-episome mammalian vectors) integrate into the host cell's genome upon introduction into the host cell, thereby replicating with the host genome. In addition, certain vectors can direct the expression of genes to which they are operably linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as "expression vectors". In general, practical expression vectors in recombinant DNA technology are often in the form of plasmids. As "plasmid" and "vector" can be used interchangeably herein because plasmid is the most commonly used form of vector. However, the invention is intended to include forms of such other expression vectors, such as viral vectors that perform equivalent functions (eg, replication-deficient retroviruses, adenoviruses, and adeno-related viruses).
0183[00210] The recombinant expression vector of the invention contains a form of nucleic acid of the invention suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a host cell and is used for expression in which the recombinant expression vector is operably linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed. Means that it contains one or more control sequences selected based on the host cell. "Operatively linked" within a recombinant expression vector means that the nucleotide sequence of interest is introduced into a host cell in a manner that allows expression of the nucleotide sequence (eg, in an in vitro transcriptional translation system or when the vector is introduced into a host cell. It is intended to mean that it binds to a control sequence (including multiple). The term "regulatory sequence" is intended to include promoters, enhancers, and other expression control elements (eg, polyadenylation signals). Such control sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel (1990) Methods. Enzymol. 185: 3-7. Control sequences include sequences that direct constitutive expression of nucleotide sequences in many types of host cells, and sequences that direct expression of nucleotide sequences only in certain host cells (eg, tissue-specific control sequences). Those skilled in the art will understand that the design of an expression vector can depend on factors such as the choice of host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of the desired protein, and the like. The expression vector of the invention is introduced into a host cell, whereby a protein or peptide comprising a fusion protein or peptide encoded by the nucleic acids described herein (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, PD- It can produce mutant forms of L3 or VISTA polypeptides, fusion proteins, etc.).
0184[00211] The recombinant expression vectors of the invention can be designed for expression of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells. For example, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide can be expressed in bacterial cells such as E. coli, insect cells (using baculovirus expression vectors), yeast cells, or mammalian cells. Suitable Host cells are further discussed in Goeddel (1990) (see above). Alternatively, the recombinant expression vector can be transcribed and translated in vitro using, for example, the T7 promoter control sequence and T7 polymerase. Purified fusion proteins can be utilized in PD-L3 or VISTA activity assays (eg, direct or competitive assays described in detail below) or, for example, specific to PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. Antibodies can be produced. In another embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA expression vector is a yeast expression vector. Examples of vectors for expression in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae include pYepSecl (Baldari et al. (1987) EMBO J. 6: 229-234), pMFa (Kurjan and Herskowitz (1982) Cell 30: 933-943), pJRY88 (Schultz et al. (1987) Gene 54: 113-123), pYES2 (Invitrogen Corporation, San) Diego, Calif.), And picZ (Invitrogen Corp, San Diego, Calif.). Alternatively, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide can be expressed in insect cells using a baculovirus expression vector. The baculovirus vectors available for expression of polypeptides in cultured insect cells (eg, Sf9 cells) include the pAc series (Smith et al. (1983) Mol. Cell Biol. 3: 2156-2165) and the pVL series. (Lucklow and Summers (1989) Virology 170: 31-39) is included. In yet another embodiment, the nucleic acids of the invention are expressed in mammalian cells using a mammalian expression vector. Examples of mammalian expression vectors include pCDM8 (Seed, B. (1987) Nature 329: 840) and pMT2PC (Kaufman et al. (1987) EMBO). J.6: 187-195). When used in mammalian cells, the regulatory functions of expression vectors are often provided by viral regulatory elements. For example, commonly used promoters are from polyoma, adenovirus 2, cytomegalovirus, and Simian virus 40. For other suitable expression systems in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, see Sambrook, J. et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd ed., Cold Spring Harbor. See Chapters 16 and 17 of Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989.
0185[00212] In another embodiment, the recombinant mammalian expression vector can preferentially direct nucleic acid expression in a particular cell type (eg, use tissue-specific regulatory elements to express the nucleic acid). Tissue-specific regulatory elements are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable tissue-specific promoters include the albumin promoter (liver-specific, Pinkert et al. (1987) Genes Dev. 1: 268-277), the lymphocyte-specific promoter (Calame and Eaton (1988)). ) Adv. Immunol. 43: 235-275), specific promoters of T cell receptors (Winoto and Baltimore (1989) EMBO J. 8: 729-733) and immunoglobulins (Banerji et al. (1983) Cell 33:) 729-740, Queen and Baltimore (1983) Cell 33: 741-748), Neurospecific promoters (eg, neurofilament promoters, Byrne and Ruddle (1989) Proc Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 86: 5473-5477), pancreas-specific promoter (Edlund et al. (1985) Science 230: 912-916), and mammary gland-specific promoter (eg, whey promoter, US Pat. No. 4,873,316). No. and European Application Publication No. 264,166). Developmentally regulated promoters include, for example, mouse hockey. It is also included by the promoter (Kessel and Gruss (1990) Science 249: 374-379) and the alpha-fetoprotein promoter (Campes and Tilghman (1989) Genes Dev. 3: 537-546).
0186[00213] The present invention further provides a recombinant expression vector containing the DNA molecule of the present invention cloned into an expression vector in antisense orientation. That is, the DNA molecule is operably linked to the control sequence in a manner that allows the expression (by transcription of the DNA molecule) of the RNA molecule, which is antisense to PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA. Is it possible to select control sequences that are operably linked to nucleic acid molecules cloned in antisense orientation, such as viral promoters and / or enhancers, that direct the continuous expression of antisense RNA molecules in various cell types? , Or a regulatory sequence that directs constitutive, tissue-specific, or cell-type-specific expression of antisense RNA can be selected. The antisense expression vector can be in the form of a recombinant plasmid, phagemid, or attenuated virus in which the antisense nucleic acid is produced under the control of a highly efficient regulatory region, into which the vector is introduced. It can be determined by cell type. Weintraub, H. et. See al., Antisense RNA as a molecular tool for genetic analysis, Reviews-Trends in Genetics, Vol.1 (1) 1986.
0187[00214] Another aspect of the invention is the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule of the invention, eg, PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule in a recombinant expression vector, or homologous to a particular site in the genome of a host cell. For host cells into which a PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule containing a sequence that allows recombination is introduced. The terms "host cell" and "recombinant host cell" are used interchangeably herein. It is understood that such term refers not only to a particular cell of interest, but also to the progeny or potential progeny of such cell. Such progeny may not be substantially identical to the parent cell because certain modifications occur in posterity, either due to mutations or environmental influences, but the term still used herein. Is included in the range of. The host cell can be any prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell. Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques. As used herein, the terms "transformation" and "transfection" are recognized in the art, including calcium phosphate or calcium chloride co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, lipoffection, or electroporation. It is intended to refer to various techniques for introducing foreign nucleic acids (eg, DNA) into host cells. Suitable methods for transforming or transfecting host cells are described in Sambrook et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd, ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, NY, It can be found in 1989), and in other experimental guides. To identify and select these integrations, genes encoding selectable markers (eg, resistance to antibiotics) are generally introduced into the host cell along with the gene of interest. Preferred selectable markers include markers that confer resistance to drugs such as G418, hygromycin, and methotrexate. Using host cells of the invention, such as prokaryotic or eukaryotic host cells in culture, can be used to produce (ie, express) PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. Therefore, the present invention further provides a method for producing PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides using the host cells of the present invention. one In an embodiment, the method presents the host cell of the invention (in which a recombinant expression vector encoding the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide has been introduced) such that a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is produced. Includes culturing in a suitable medium. In another embodiment, the method further comprises isolating PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide from medium or host cells.
0188[00215] Non-human transgenic animals can also be produced using the host cells of the invention. For example, in one embodiment, the host cell of the invention is a fertilized oocyte or embryonic stem cell into which the PD-L3 or VISTA-coding sequence has been introduced. Thus, such host cells were used to introduce exogenous PD-L3 or VISTA sequences into their genomes or homologous recombinant animals in which the endogenous PD-L3 or VISTA sequences were altered. Animals can be produced. Such animals are useful for studying the function and / or activity of PD-L3 or VISTA, and for identifying and / or assessing regulators of PD-L3 or VISTA activity. As used herein, a "genetically introduced animal" is a non-human animal, preferably a mammal, more preferably a rodent such as a rat or mouse, and one or more of the cells of those animals. Contains the transgene. Other examples of transgenic animals include non-human primates, sheep, dogs, cows, goats, chickens, amphibians and the like. The transgene is integrated into the genome of the cell from which the transgene has developed and remains in the genome of the mature animal, thereby expressing the encoded gene product in one or more cell types or tissues of the transgene. It is an extrinsic DNA that is oriented toward. As used herein, a "homologous recombinant animal" is one in which an endogenous PD-L3 or VIST gene is introduced into an endogenous gene and an animal cell, eg, an animal germ cell, prior to animal development. Non-human animals, preferably mammals, more preferably mice, altered by homologous recombination with exogenous DNA molecules. Nucleic acid encoding PD-L3 or VISTA is introduced into the male pronucleus of fertilized oocytes, for example, by microinjection, by retroviral infection, and by generating oocytes in pseudopregnant female foster parents. Thereby, the transgenic animal of the present invention can be produced. PD-L3 or VISTA of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 The cDNA sequence can be introduced into the genome of a non-human animal as a transgene. Alternatively, non-human homologues of the human PD-L3 or VIST gene, such as the monkey or rat PD-L3 or VIST gene, can be used as the transgene. Alternatively, PD-L3 or VIST gene homologues, such as another PD-L3 or VISTA family member, can be isolated based on hybridization to the PD-L3 or VISTA cDNA sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 ( It can be used as a transgene) as described further in Section I above). Intron sequences and polyadenylation signals can be included in the transgene to increase the efficiency of transgene expression. Tissue-specific control sequences, including multiple, can be operably linked to PD-L3 or VISTA transgenes to direct expression of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides to specific cells. Methods for producing transgenic animals, especially animals such as mice, via embryo manipulation and microinjection are well established in the art, for example, both in Leder et al., US Pat. Nos. 4,736,866 and 4,870,009. , Wagner et al., US Pat. No. 4,873,191, and Hogan, B., Manipulating the Mouse Embryo (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, NY, It is described in 1986). Similar methods are used for the production of other transgenic animals. The transgenic wound initiator can be identified based on the presence of the PD-L3 or VISTA transgene in its genome and / or the expression of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA in animal tissues or cells. Thus, the transgenic wound initiator can be used to breed additional animals carrying the transgene. In addition, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide The transgenic animal carrying the transgene encoding the above can be further bred to become another transgenic animal carrying another transgene.
0189[00216] Deletions, additions, or substitutions are introduced to produce homologous recombinant animals, thereby altering the PD-L3 or VIST gene, eg, functionally disrupting, at least the PD-L3 or VIST gene. A vector containing a portion is prepared. The PD-L3 or VIST gene can be a human or mouse gene (eg, the cDNA of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3).
0190[00217] In another embodiment, a transgenic non-human animal containing a selected system that allows controlled expression of the transgene can be produced. An example of such a system is the cre / loxP recombinase system of bacteriophage PI. For a description of the cre / loxP recombinase system, see, for example, Lakso et al. (1992) Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 6232-6236. Another example of a recombinase system is the FLP recombinase system of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (O'Gorman et al. (1991) Science). 251: 1351-1355). If the cre / loxP recombinase system is used to control the expression of the transgene, animals containing the transgene encoding both the Cre recombinase and the selected polypeptide are required. Such animals, through the construction of "two" transgenic animals, eg, one contains a transgene encoding a selected polypeptide and the other contains a transgene encoding a recombinase, 2 It can be provided by mating two transgenic animals.
0191[00218] Clones of non-human transgenic animals described herein are described in Wilmut, I. et al. (1997) Nature 385: 810-813 and PCT WO 97/07668 and WO 97/07669. It can also be produced according to the above method. Briefly, cells derived from transgenic animals, such as somatic cells, can be isolated and induced to exit the growth cycle and enter the GO phase. The quiescent cells can then be fused to denuclearized oocytes of the same species in which the quiescent cells were isolated, eg, via the use of electrical pulses. The constructed oocytes are then cultured to evolve into the morula or blastoplasm stage and then transferred to pseudopregnant foster parents. The offspring from this foster parent are clones of the animal from which the cell, eg, the somatic cell, is isolated.
0192IV. Pharmaceutical composition [00219] PD-L3 or VISTA molecules of the invention, such as PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecules, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide fragments, and anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies (as used herein, "active compounds". , Also referred to as "modulator"), can be incorporated into a suitable pharmaceutical composition for administration. Such compositions typically include nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, or antibodies, and carriers, such as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" refers to any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorbent that are compatible with pharmaceutical administration. It is intended to contain retarders and the like. The use of such vehicles and agents on pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Its use in compositions is contemplated, except where any conventional vehicle or agent is compatible with the active compound. Auxiliary active compounds can also be incorporated into the composition.
0193[00220] As mentioned above, such compositions include desired antigens, such as tumor antigens, or Toll-like receptor agonists, type 1 interferons such as alpha and beta interferon, and agonist CD40 antibodies and antibody fragments, preferably anti-human. Other immunomodulatory compounds such as CD40 agonists such as CD40 agonist antibodies and antibody fragments, or other immune enhancers or suppressors such as PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA4 fusion proteins and antibodies specific thereto may be further included.
0194[00221] In some preferred embodiments, the composition or treatment based on PD-L3 or VISTA further comprises an antigen or other immunoagonist. When present in the composition or treatment, the antigen can be administered in combination with other components of the combination in an amount effective to generate an immune response against the antigen. For example, the antigen can be administered in an amount of about 100 μg / kg to about 100 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the antigen can be administered in an amount of about 10 μg / kg to about 10 mg / kg. In some embodiments, the antigen can be administered in an amount of about 1 mg / kg to about 5 mg / kg. However, certain amounts of antigen that make up an effective amount to generate an immune response are, for example, certain antigens administered, specific agonists administered, and their amounts; specific agonists administered. , And its amount; the condition of the immune system; the method and order of administration of agonists and antigens; the species to which the formulation is administered; and certain factors such as the desired outcome of treatment. Therefore, it is impractical to generally describe the amounts that make up an effective amount of antigen. However, those skilled in the art can easily determine an appropriate amount with due consideration of such factors.
0195[0176] The antigen can be any substance that can result, for example, a Th1 immune response that includes one or more of a CD8 + T cell response, an NKT cell response, a γ / δ T cell response, or a Th1 antibody response. Suitable antigens include peptides; polypeptides; lipids; glycolipids; polysaccharides; carbohydrates; polynucleotides; prions; live or inactivated bacteria, viruses or fungi; and bacterial, viral, fungal, protozoa. , Tumor-derived, or biological-derived antigens, toxins, or toxoids, but not limited to them.
0196[0177] In addition, certain currently experimental antigens, in particular substances such as recombinant proteins, glycoproteins, and peptides that do not provide a strong immune response, can be used in connection with the adjuvant combinations of the invention. Illustrative experimental subsystem antigens are adenovirus, AIDS, vesicles, cytomegalovirus, dengue fever, cat leukemia, poultry pesto, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, HSV-1, HSV-2, porcine cholera, type A Includes antigens associated with viral diseases such as influenza, influenza B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, parainfluenza, mad dog disease, respiratory follicles virus, rotavirus, vulgaris, and yellow fever.
0197[0178] In one embodiment, the antigen can be a cancer antigen or a tumor antigen. The advocacy of cancer antigen and tumor antigen is used synonymously to refer to antigens that are differentially expressed by cancer cells. Therefore, it is possible to develop cancer antigens that selectively target the immune response to cancer cells. Therefore, cancer antigens can potentially stimulate a tumor-specific immune response. Certain cancer antigens are encoded by normal cells, although not necessarily expressed. Some of these antigens can be considered normally silent (ie, not expressed) in normal cells, and they are expressed only at certain stages of differentiation and are expressed in time (eg, for example). Embryo and fetal antigens). Other oncogenes are, for example, mutant somatic genes such as oncogenes (eg, activated lath cancer genes), suppressor genes (eg, mutant p53), or internal. It can be encoded by a fusion protein due to a deletion or chromosomal translocation. Yet other cancer antigens can be encoded by viral genes such as genes carried by RNA and DNA oncoviruses.
0198[0179] Examples of tumor antigens include MAGE, MART-1 / Melan-A, gp100, dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPUV), adenosine deaminase binding protein (ADAbp), cyclophilin b, colon-rectal association antigen (CRC) -C017-1A. / GA733, Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and its antigen epitopes CAP-1 and CAP-2, etv6, am11, Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and its antigen epitopes PSA-1, PSA-2, and PSA-3, prostate Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA), T Cell Receptor / CD3-Zeta Chain, MAGE-Family of Tumor Antigens (eg MAGE-A1, MAGE-A2, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A4, MAGE-A5, MAGE-A6 , MAGE-A7, MAGE-A8, MAGE-A9, MAGE-A10, MAGE-A11, MAGE-A12, MAGE-Xp2 (MAGE-B2), MAGE-Xp3 (MAGE-B3), MAGE-Xp4 (MAGE-B4) ), MAGE-C1, MAGE-C2, MAGE-C3, MAGE-C4, MAGE-C5), GAGE-family of tumor antigens (eg GAGE-1, GAGE-2, GAGE-3, GAGE-4, GAGE- 5, GAGE-6, GAGE-7, GAGE-8, GAGE-9), BAGE, RAGE, LAGE-1, NAG, GnT-V, MUM-1, CDK4, tyrosinase, p53, MUC family, HER2 / neu, p21ras, RCAS1, α-fetoprotein, ε-cadherin, α, β-catenin, γ-catenin, p120ctn, gp10.sup.Viral products such as Pmel117, PRAME, NY-ESO-1, cdc27, colon adenoma-like polyposis protein (APC), phodrine, connexin 37, Ig-iditopes, p15, gp75, GM2 and GD2 gangliosides, human papilloma virus protein Tumor antigens Smad family, Imp-1, PIA, EBV-encoded nuclear antigen (EBNA) -1, brain glycogen phosphorylase, SSX-1, SSX-2 (HOM-MEL-40), SSX-3, SSX- 4, SSX-5, SCP-1, and CT-7, as well as c-erbB-2.
0199[0180] Specific tumor antigens associated (but not exclusive) with cancer or tumors and such tumors include acute lymphoblastic leukemia (etv6, am11, cyclophilin b), B-cell lymphoma (Ig-idiotype). , Glioglioma (E-cadherin, α-catenin, β-catenin, γ-catenin, p120ctn), bladder cancer (p21ras), biliary tract cancer (p21ras), leukemia (MUC family, HER2 neu, c-erbB-2), cervix Cancer (p53, p21ras), colon cancer (p21ras, HER2 neu, c-erbB-2, MUC family), colorectal cancer (colorectal-related antigen (CRC)-CO17-1 A GA733, APC), choriocarcinoma (CEA) ), Epithelial cell carcinoma (cyclophyllin b), Gastric cancer (HER2) neu, c-erbB-2, ga733 glycoprotein), hepatocellular carcinoma (α-fetoprotein), Hodgkin lymphoma (Imp-1, EBNA-1), lung cancer (CEA, MAGE-3, NY-ESO-1), lymphocytes Cell-derived leukemia (cyclophyllin b), melanoma (p5 protein, gp75, tumor fetal antigen, GM2 and GD2 gangliosides, Melan-A / MART-1, cdc27, MAGE-3, p21ras, gp100.sup.Pmel117) , Myeloma (MUC family, p21ras), non-small cell lung cancer (HER2 / neu, c-erbB-2), nasopharyngeal cancer (Imp-1, EBNA-1), ovarian cancer (MUC family, HER2 / neu, c-erbB-2), prostate cancer (prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and its antigen epitopes PSA-1, PSA-2, and PSA-3, PSMA, HER2 / neu, c-erbB-2, ga733 glycoprotein), Kidney cancer (HER2 / neu, c-erbB-2), cervical and esophageal squamous epithelial cancer (human papillomavirus) Viral products such as proteins), testicular cancer (NY-ESO-1), and T-cell leukemia (HTLV-1 epitope).
0200[00222] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is formulated so as to be compatible with the intended route of administration. Examples of routes of administration include parenteral, eg, intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (eg, inhalation), transdermal (local), transmucosal, and rectal administration. Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following components: water for injection, saline solution, fixed oil, polyethylene glycol, glycerin, propylene glycol, or the like. Aseptic diluent such as synthetic solvent; antibacterial agent such as benzyl alcohol or methylparaben; antioxidant such as ascorbic acid or sodium hydrogen sulfite; chelating agent such as ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid; acetate, citrate, or phosphate etc. Buffer solution; and an agent for adjusting tonicity such as sodium chloride or glucose. The pH can be adjusted with an acid or base such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide. Parenteral preparations can be encapsulated in ampoules, disposable syringes, or multi-dose vials made of glass or plastic.
0201[00223] Suitable pharmaceutical compositions for infusion applications include sterile aqueous solutions (which are water soluble) or dispersions, and sterile powders for the immediate preparation of sterile infusion solutions or dispersions. For intravenous administration, suitable carriers include saline, bacteriostatic saline, Cremohole EL.TM. (BASF, Parsippany, NJ) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In all cases, the composition should be sterile and fluid to the extent that easy needle passage is present. It must be stable under manufacturing and storage conditions and must be preserved against the contaminating effects of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The carrier can be, for example, a solvent or dispersion medium containing water, ethanol, polyols (eg, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol, etc.), and suitable mixtures thereof. Appropriate fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size during dispersion, and by the use of surfactants. Blocking the action of microorganisms can be achieved with various antibacterial and antifungal agents such as parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal and the like. In many cases, it is preferable that the composition contains an isotonic agent, for example, a saccharide, a polyhydric alcohol such as mannitol, sorbitol, and sodium chloride. Long-term absorption of an injectable composition can be achieved by including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
0202[00224] In a suitable solvent having one or a combination of the components listed above, an active compound (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide fragment, anti-PD-L3 or VISTA A sterile infusion solution can be prepared by incorporating the required amount of antibody, or regulator such as a combination of anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody and anti-PD-L1 antibody), followed by filtration as needed. Sterilization continues. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle containing a basic dispersion medium and the required other components of the components listed above. For sterile powders for the preparation of aseptic infusion solutions, preferred preparation methods are vacuum drying and lyophilization, in addition to the active ingredient, powder of any further desired ingredient from the solution that has been aseptically filtered earlier. Produce.
0203[00225] Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or edible carrier. They can be encapsulated in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. Oral throw for treatment For given purposes, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluidized carrier for mouthwash, where the compounds in the fluidized carrier are orally applied, retained, and swallowed or swallowed. A pharmaceutically compatible binder and / or adjuvant substance can be included as part of the composition. Tablets, pills, capsules, troches, etc. can contain any of the following ingredients or compounds of similar properties: excipients such as microcrystalline cellulose, tragacant gum, or gelatin; starch or lactose, etc. Excipients; Disintegrants such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; Lubricants such as magnesium stearate or Stereo; Flow promoters such as colloidal silicon dioxide; Sweeteners such as lactose or saccharin; or peppermint, methyl Flavoring agents such as salicylic acid or orange flavoring.
0204[00226] For administration by inhalation, the compound is delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from a suitable propellant, eg, a pressure vessel or distributor containing a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer.
0205[00227] Systemic administration is also obtained by transmucosal or transdermal means. For transmucosal or transdermal administration, a penetrant suitable for the penetrating barrier is used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art and include, for example, detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives in transmucosal administration. Transmucosal administration can be achieved through intranasal spray or the use of suppositories. For transdermal administration, the active compound is generally formulated into an ointment, salve, gel, or cream, as is known in the art.
0206[00228] The compounds can be prepared for rectal delivery in the form of suppositories (with conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter and other glycerides) or retention enemas. In one embodiment, the active compound is prepared with a carrier such as a controlled release formulation, which comprises a graft and a microencapsulated delivery system that protects the compound from rapid elimination from the body. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydride, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoester, and polylactic acid can be used. The method of preparing such a preparation is obvious to those skilled in the art. Substances Alza Corporation and Nova It can also be obtained commercially from Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Liposomal suspensions, including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies against viral antigens, can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those of skill in the art, for example, as described in US Pat. No. 4,522,811.
0207[00229] It is particularly advantageous to formulate the oral or parenteral composition in dosage unit form for ease of administration and dosage uniformity. As used herein, dosage unit form refers to physically separated units suitable for the subject being treated as a unit dose, each unit being the desired treatment in relation to the required pharmaceutical carrier. Contains a predetermined amount of active compound calculated to produce an effect. The standards for dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by the unique properties of the active compounds and the particular therapeutic effects achieved, as well as field-specific restrictions in formulating such active compounds for the treatment of individuals, and directly to them. Depends on.
0208[00230] Standards for toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such compounds in cell cultures or experimental animals It can be determined by the pharmaceutical treatment of. Data obtained from cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in developing dose ranges for human use. Dosages of such compounds are preferably in the range of blood concentrations, including ED50, which has little or no toxicity. The dosage can vary within this range, depending on the dosage form adopted and the route of administration utilized. For any compound used in the methods of the invention, a therapeutically effective dose can be initially estimated from the cell culture assay. Dose can be formulated in an animal model to achieve a circulating plasma concentration range containing an IC50 determined in cell culture (ie, the concentration of test compound that achieves 50% suppression of symptoms). Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans. Plasma concentration can be measured, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography.
0209[00231] As defined herein, a therapeutically effective amount of protein or polypeptide (ie, an effective dose) is about 0.001 to 30 mg / kg body weight, preferably about 0.01 to 25 mg / kg body weight. , More preferably about 0.1-20 mg / kg body weight, and even more preferably about 1-10 mg / kg, 2-9 mg / kg, 3-8 mg / kg, 4-7 mg / kg, or 5-6 mg / kg. It reaches the weight. Certain factors skilled in the art include, but are not limited to, the severity of the disease or disorder, previous treatment, overall health and / or age of the subject, and other diseases present. Understand that it can affect the dose required for effective treatment. In addition, treatment of a subject with a therapeutically effective amount of protein, polypeptide, or antibody may include a single treatment or, preferably, a series of treatments.
0210[00232] In a preferred embodiment, the subject is once a week for about 1-10 weeks, preferably 2-8 weeks, more preferably about 3-7 weeks, and even more preferably about 4, 5, or even more. Treated with antibodies, proteins, or polypeptides in the range of about 0.1-20 mg / kg body weight for 6 weeks. It is also understood that the effective dose of antibody, protein, or polypeptide used for treatment can be increased or decreased during a particular treatment. Dose changes can be attributed to and will become apparent from the results of the diagnostic assays described herein.
0211[00233] The present invention includes agents that regulate the expression or activity of PD-L3 or VISTA. The agent can be, for example, a small molecule. For example, such small molecules are peptides, peptide mimetics, amino acids, amino acid analogs, polynucleotides, polynucleotide analogs, nucleotides, nucleotide analogs, organic or inorganic compounds having a molecular weight of less than about 10,000 grams per mole (ie,). , Heteroorganic and / or ganometallic compounds), organic or inorganic compounds with a molecular weight of less than about 5,000 grams per mole, organic or inorganic compounds with a molecular weight of less than about 1,000 grams per mole, about 500 per mole Includes, but is not limited to, organic or inorganic compounds having a molecular weight of less than a gram, as well as salts, esters, and other pharmaceutically acceptable forms of such compounds. It is understood that the appropriate dose of small molecule agonist depends on several factors within the knowledge of a physician, veterinarian, or researcher with conventional skills. The dose of the small molecule (including multiple) depends on, for example, the identity, dimensions, and condition of the subject or sample being treated, and where appropriate, the route on which the composition is administered, and It varies depending on the effect of the small molecule desired by the practitioner on the nucleic acid or polypeptide of the invention.
0212[00234] An exemplary dose is the amount of milligrams or micrograms of small molecules per kilogram of subject weight or sample weight (eg, about 1 microgram per kilogram to about 500 milligrams per kilogram, about 100 micrograms per kilogram ~. Includes about 5 milligrams per kilogram, or about 1 microgram to about 50 micrograms per kilogram). It is further understood that the appropriate dose of a small molecule depends on the potency of the small molecule with respect to regulated expression or activity. Such appropriate doses can be determined using the assays described herein. When one or more of these small molecules are administered to an animal (eg, a human) to regulate the expression or activity of the polypeptide or nucleic acid of the invention, a doctor, veterinarian, or researcher, eg, , A relatively low dose may be prescribed initially, and then the dose may be increased until a suitable response is obtained. In addition, a particular dose level in any particular animal subject will determine the activity of the particular compound employed, the subject's age, weight, overall health, gender, and diet, frequency of administration, route of administration, excretion. It is understood that it depends on a variety of factors, including rate, any drug combination, and the degree of regulated expression or activity.
0213[00235] In addition, the antibody (or fragment thereof) can be conjugated to a therapeutic moiety such as a cytotoxin, a therapeutic agent, or a radioactive metal ion. Cytotoxins or cytotoxic agents include any agent that is harmful to the cell. Examples include taxol, cytocaracin B, gramicidin D, ethidium bromide, emetin, mitomycin, etoposide, teniposide, vincristine, vinblastine, corhitin, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, dihydroxyanthracendione, mitoxantrone, mitoxantrone, actinomycin D, Included are 1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetrakine, lidocaine, propranolol, and puromycin, and their analogs or homologues. Therapeutic agents include metabolic antagonists (eg, methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracildacarbazine), alkylating agents (eg, mechloretamine, thiotepachlorambusyl, melphalan, carmustine (BSNU)). And lomustine (CCNU), cyclophosphamide, busulfane, dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C, and cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (II) (DDP) cisplatin), anthracyclines (eg, daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin) and doxorubicin). , Antibiotics (eg, daunorubicin (formerly actinomycin), bleomycin, mitra, and anthracyclines (AMC)), and anti-dividing agents (eg, vincristine and vinblastine), but not limited to them.
0214[00236] The conjugates of the invention can be used to modify a given biological response and the drug portion should not be construed to be confined to classical chemotherapeutic agents. For example, the drug moiety can be a protein or polypeptide with the desired biological activity. Such polypeptides include toxins such as, for example, abrin, lysine A, pseudomonas exotoxin, or diphtheria toxin; tumor necrosis factor, alpha-interferon, beta-interferon, nerve growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, tissue plasminogen activation. Proteins such as factors; or, for example, phosphokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (EL-6), granulocyte macrophage colonies It may include biological response modifiers such as stimulators (GM-CSF), granulocyte colony stimulators (G-CSF), or other growth factors. Techniques for conjugating such therapeutic moieties with antibodies are well known.
0215[00237] The nucleic acid molecule of the present invention can be inserted into a vector and used as a gene therapy vector. Wear. Gene therapy vectors can be injected, for example, intravenously, topically (see US Pat. No. 5,328,470), or stereotactic injection (eg, Chen et al. (1994) Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91: 3054- Can be delivered to the subject by (see 3057). The pharmaceutical preparation of the gene therapy vector can include the gene therapy vector in an acceptable diluent or can include a sustained release matrix in which the gene delivery vehicle is embedded. Alternatively, if the complete gene delivery vector can be produced intact from a recombinant cell, eg, a retroviral vector, the pharmaceutical preparation can include one or more cells that produce the gene delivery system. .. The pharmaceutical composition can be included in a container, pack, or distributor with instructions for administration.
0216V. Use and method of the present invention [00238] PD-L3 or VISTA molecules, such as PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, polypeptide homologues, and the antibodies and antibody fragments described herein are used in one or more of the following methods. Can be: a) screening assay, b) predictive medicine (eg, diagnostic assay, prognosis assay, and monitoring of clinical trials), and c) therapeutic method (eg, therapeutic and prophylactic, eg, upregulation of immune response). Or by downward adjustment). As described herein, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide of the invention has one or more of the following activities: 1) Binding to its naturally binding partner and / or regulation of its activity. , 2) Regulation of intracellular or intercellular signal transduction, 3) Regulation of T lymphocyte activation, 4) Regulation of immune response of organisms, eg, mammalian organisms such as mice or humans. The isolated nucleic acid molecules of the invention are used, for example, to express PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, as described further below (eg, via recombinant expression vectors in host cells for gene therapy applications). ), PD-L3 or VISTA Genetic alterations in mRNA (eg, in biological samples) or PD-L3 or VIST genes can be detected and PD-L3 or VISTA activity can be regulated. PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides can be used to treat conditions or disorders characterized by inadequate or overproduction of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides or production of PD-L3 or VISTA inhibitors. In addition, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides should be used to screen for spontaneous PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners (s), and for drugs or compounds that regulate PD-L3 or VISTA activity. , And PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide forms that reduce abnormal or undesired activity compared to PD-L3 or VISTA wild-type polypeptides, or inadequate or overproduction of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. Conditions or disorders characterized by the production of (eg, immune system disorders such as severe complex immunodeficiency, multiple sclerosis, systemic erythematosus, type I diabetes, lymphoproliferative syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, allergies, asthma , Transplant-to-host disease, and transplant rejection; immune response to infectious agents such as bacteria and viruses; and cancers of the immune system such as lymphoma and leukemia) can be treated. Furthermore, using the anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody of the present invention, detecting and isolating PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, controlling the bioavailability of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, And, for example, PD-L3 or VISTA activity can be regulated by regulating the interaction between PD-L3 or VISTA and its naturally binding partners (s).
0217A. Screening Assay: [00239] The present invention binds to PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, or has, for example, PD-L3 or VISTA expression or has a stimulating or inhibitory effect on PD-L3 or VISTA activity, or PD-L3 or Has a stimulating or inhibitory effect on the interaction between VISTA and its naturally binding partners (s) A method for identifying a regulatory factor, ie, a candidate or test compound or agent (eg, a peptide, peptide mimetic, small molecule, or other drug) (also referred to herein as a "screening assay"). I will provide a.
0218[00240] In one embodiment, the invention binds PD-L3 or a VISTA protein or polypeptide or a biologically active portion thereof, eg, PD-L3 or interacts with its naturally binding partner (s). An assay is provided for screening candidates or test compounds that regulate the ability of VISTA polypeptides. In another embodiment, the invention presents an assay for screening candidates or test compounds that bind to or regulate the activity of PD-L3 or VISTA proteins or polypeptides or biologically active moieties thereof. provide. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is a PD such as specified herein or based on its effect on the interaction between PD-L3 or VISTA and its naturally binding partners (s). -Provides an assay for screening candidates or test compounds that have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on immune function negatively regulated by L3 or VISTA. These PD-L3 or VISTA-related functions, for example, inhibit T cell cytokine production (eg II-2, gamma interferon), suppress moderate CD28 co-stimulation, CD4 + and CD8 + T. It involves inhibiting cell proliferation, suppressing untreated and stored CD4 + T cells, and suppressing TCR activation without inducing apoptosis. The test compounds of the invention can be obtained using any of a number of approaches in combinatorial library methods known in the art, including: Biological libraries, spatially addressable parallel solid or solution phase libraries, synthetic library methods that require deconvolution, 1-beads, 1-compound library methods, and synthetic library methods that use affinity chromatography selection. Although the biological library approach is limited to peptide libraries, the other four approaches are applicable to peptide, non-peptide oligomers or small molecule libraries of compounds (Lam, KS (1997) Anticancer Drug Des. 12). : 145).
0219[00241] In one embodiment, the assay is capable of a test compound in which cells expressing the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or biologically active portion thereof are contacted with the test compound and regulate PD-L3 or VISTA activity. It is a cell-based assay that is determined. Determining the ability of a test compound to regulate PD-L3 or VISTA activity, eg, to monitor the ability of PD-L3 or VISTA to bind its natural binding partner (s) and regulate immune cell activity. Can be achieved by. Immune cells can be, for example, T cells, B cells, or myeloid cells. Determining the ability of a test compound to modulate PD-L3 or VISTA (determined) to bind its counter-receptor, eg, PD-L3 or VISTA bound to a radioisotope or enzyme label, PD-L3 Alternatively, it can be achieved by monitoring the ability of test compounds to regulate PD-L3 or VISTA to bind to T cells expressing the VISTA counter-receptor. Determining the ability of a test compound to bind PD-L3 or VISTA so that the binding of the compound to PD-L3 or VISTA can be determined by detecting the labeled PD-L3 or VISTA compound in the complex. Can be achieved, for example, by binding the compound to a radioisotope or enzyme label.
0220[00242] It is also within the scope of the invention to determine the ability of a compound to interact with PD-L3 or VISTA without labeling any of the interactants. For example, use a microphysiometer to label either the compound or PD-L3 or VISTA. Without it, the interaction of the compound with PD-L3 or VISTA can be detected (McConnell, HM et al. (1992) Science 257: 1906-1912). As used herein, a "microphysiometer" (eg, a cell sensor) is an analytical instrument that uses an optical addressable potential difference sensor (LAPS) to measure the rate at which cells acidify their environment. This change in acidification rate can be used as an indicator of the interaction between the compound and PD-L3 or VISTA.
0221[00234] In another embodiment, the assay contacts T cells expressing PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner with the test compound and regulates the activity of PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner (eg, stimulates or stimulates). A cell-based assay that involves determining the ability of a test compound (inhibiting). Determining the ability of test compounds to regulate the activity of PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners, eg, determining the ability of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides to bind to or interact with PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners. Can be achieved by doing.
0222[00244] The method described above for determining the ability of a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, or a biologically active fragment thereof, to bind or interact with a PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner, to determine direct binding. It can be achieved by one of them. In a preferred embodiment, determination of the ability of a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide to bind to or interact with a PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner can be achieved by determining the activity of the binding partner. For example, the activity of a binding partner, the detection of induction of a second cell messenger (eg, tyrosine kinase or phosphatase activity), the detection of catalytic / enzymatic activity of a suitable substrate, the receptor gene (detectable). It can be determined by detecting the induction of a marker, eg, a target responsive regulatory element operably bound to a nucleic acid encoding luciferase), or by detecting a targeted controlled cellular response. For example, determining the ability of a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide to bind to or interact with a native PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner measures the ability of a compound to regulate immune cell co-stimulation or inhibition in a proliferation assay. This can be achieved by interfering with the ability of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide to bind to an antibody that recognizes a portion of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. In one embodiment, a compound that regulates T cell activation can be identified by determining the ability of the compound to regulate T cell proliferation or cytokine production. In a preferred embodiment, a compound that regulates T cell activation can be identified by determining the ability of the compound to regulate T cell proliferation or cytokine production at two or more antigen concentrations.
0223[00245] In yet another embodiment, the assays of the invention are such that the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or biologically active portion thereof is contacted with the test compound and the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or biologically thereof. A cell-free assay in which the ability of the test compound to bind to the active moiety is determined. The biologically active portion of the preferred PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide used in the assay of the invention is a fragment involved in the interaction with a non-PD-L3 or VISTA molecule, such as PD-L3 or VISTA binding. Includes at least a portion of the extracellular domain that binds to a partner. The binding of the test compound to the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide can be determined either directly or indirectly, as described above.
0224[00246] In another embodiment, the assay is such that the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or biologically active portion thereof is contacted with the test compound and the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or biologically active portion thereof. A cell-free assay in which the ability of a test compound to regulate (eg, stimulate or inhibit) activity is determined. Determining the ability of a test compound to regulate the activity of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, eg, binding to PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner using one of the methods for determining direct binding described above. It can be achieved by determining the ability of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide to produce. The cell-free assay of the invention is a soluble and / or membrane of a polypeptide (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or biologically active portion thereof, or binding partner to which PD-L3 or VISTA binds). Suitable for use in both combined forms. When a cell-free assay is used in which membrane binding forms a polypeptide (eg, cell surface PD-L3 or VISTA), a solubilizer so that the membrane binding morphology of the polypeptide is maintained in solution. It may be desirable to utilize. Examples of such solubilizers include n-octyl glucoside, n-dodecyl glucoside, n-dodecyl maltoside, octanoyl-N-methylglucamide, decanoyl-N-methylglucamide, Triton.RTM.X-100, Triton. .RTM.X-114, Thesit, Isotridecipoly (ethylene glycol ether) n, 3-[(3-Colamidepropyl) Dimethylamminio] -1-Propanesulfonate (CHAPS), 3-[(3-Colamidepropyl) Nonionic detergents such as dimethylamminio] -2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate (CHAPSO) or N-dodecyl.dbd.N, N-dimethyl-3-ammonio-1-propanesulfonate.
0225[00247] In two or more embodiments of the assay method of the invention described above, either PD-L3 or VISTA or its binding partner is immobilized and one or both of those polypeptides. It may be desirable to facilitate the separation of the complex form from the non-complex form of the assay and to adapt the automation of the assay. The binding of the test compound to the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, or the interaction of the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide with its binding partner in the presence and absence of the candidate compound, is suitable for containing the reactants. Can be achieved in any container. Examples of such containers include microtiter plates, test tubes, and microcentrifugal tubes. In one embodiment, it is possible to provide a fusion protein that adds a domain that allows one or both of those polypeptides to be attached to the matrix. For example, glutathione-S-transferase / PD-L3 or VISTA fusion protein or glutathione-S-transferase / binding partner fusion protein, glutathione sepharose beads (Sigma). It can be adsorbed on a Chemical, St. Louis, Mo.) Or glutathione derivatized microtiter plate, which can then be either a test compound or test compound and a non-adsorption binding partner polypeptide or PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. Combined, the mixture is incubated under conditions that lead to complex formation (eg, physiological conditions at salt and pH). After incubation, the beads or microtiter plate wells are washed to remove any unbound components, the matrix is immobilized in the case of beads, and complex formation is done, for example, directly or indirectly, as described above. It is decided by either. Alternatively, the complex can be dissociated from the matrix and the level of PD-L3 or VISTA binding or activity is determined using standard techniques. Other techniques for immobilizing polypeptides on the matrix can also be used in the screening assays of the present invention. In an alternative embodiment, determination of the ability of a test compound to regulate the activity of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is made, for example, by interacting with the cytoplasmic domain of PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner of PD-L3 or VISTA. It can be achieved by determining the ability of the test compound to regulate the activity of molecules that function downstream. For example , The level of the second messenger, the activity of the interacting molecule on the appropriate target, or the binding of the interacting substance to the appropriate target can be determined as described above.
0226[00248] In another embodiment, a regulator of PD-L3 or VISTA expression is identified in a manner in which cells are contacted with a candidate compound to determine intracellular expression of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA or polypeptide. The expression level of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA or polypeptide in the presence of the candidate compound is compared to the expression level of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA or polypeptide in the absence of the candidate compound. Candidate compounds can then be identified as regulators of PD-L3 or VISTA expression based on this comparison if the changes are statistically significant.
0227[00249] In yet another aspect of the invention, the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is combined with a two-hybrid assay or a three-hybrid assay (eg, US Pat. No. 5,283,317, Zervos et al. (1993) Cell 72: 223-232, Madura et. al. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268: 12046-12054, Battel et al. (1993) Biotechniques 14: 920-924, Iwabuchi et al. (1993) Oncogene 8: 1693-1696, and Brent In WO94 / 10300), used as a "bait protein", PD-L3 or VISTA ("PD-L3 or VISTA binding protein", "PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner", or "PD-L3". Alternatively, other polypeptides that bind to or interact with VISTA-bp ") can be identified and are involved in PD-L3 or VISTA activity. Such PD-L3 or VISTA binding proteins may also be involved in signal transduction by PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides or PD-L3 or VISTA targets, for example as downstream elements of PD-L3 or VISTA-mediated signaling pathways. High quality. Alternatively, such PD-L3 or VISTA binding polypeptide can be a PD-L3 or VISTA inhibitor. The two-hybrid method is based on the modular nature of most transcription factors, which consist of separable DNA binding and activation domains. Briefly, the assay utilizes two different DNA constructs. In one construct, the gene encoding the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is fused to the gene encoding the DNA binding domain of a known transcription factor (eg, GAL-4). In the other construct, DNA sequences from a library of DNA sequences encoding unidentified polypeptides (play or sample) are fused to genes encoding known transcription factor activation domains. The ability of "bait" and "play" polypeptides to interact in vivo to form PD-L3 or VISTA-dependent complexes brings the DNA binding and activation domains of transcription factors into close proximity. This approach allows transcription of receptor genes (eg, LacZ) that are operably linked to transcriptional control sites in response to transcription factors. Cell colonies capable of detecting receptor gene expression and containing functional transcription factors can be isolated and used to interact with PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides.
0228[00250] In another aspect, the invention relates to a combination of two or more of the assays described herein. For example, regulators can be identified using cell-based or cell-free assays, and the ability of agents to regulate the activity of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, eg, cell transformation and /. Alternatively, it can be confirmed in vivo in animals such as animal models of tumorigenesis.
0229[00251] The present invention further relates to novel agents identified by the screening assays described above. Therefore, it is within the scope of the invention to further use the agents identified as described herein in a suitable animal model. For example, an agent identified as described herein (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA regulator, antisense PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecule, PD-L3 or VISTA specific antibody, or PD-L3. Alternatively, VISTA binding partners) can be used in animal models to determine the efficacy, toxicity, or side effects of treatment with such agents. Alternatively, the agents identified as described herein can be used in animal models to determine the mechanism of action of such agents. In addition, the invention relates to the use of novel agents identified by the screening assays described above for the treatments described herein.
0230B. Detection assay [00252] Part or fragment (and corresponding complete gene sequence) of the cDNA sequence identified herein can be used as a polynucleotide reagent in a number of ways. For example, these sequences can be used to (i) map their respective genes on chromosomes and thus locate gene regions associated with genetic disease, and (ii) identify individuals from trace biological samples. That (histological identification) and (iii) forensic identification of biological samples can be assisted. These applications are described in the following sections.
02311. Chromosome mapping [00253] Once a sequence (or part of a sequence) of a gene has been isolated, this sequence can be used to map the location of the gene on the chromosome. This process is called chromosomal mapping. Therefore, a portion or fragment of the PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequence described herein can be used to map the position of the PD-L3 or VIST gene on the chromosome. Mapping PD-L3 or VISTA sequences to chromosomes is an important first step in correlating these sequences with disease-related genes. Briefly, the PD-L3 or VIST gene can be mapped to a chromosome by preparing PCR primers (preferably 15-25 bp in length) from the PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequence. Computerized analysis of PD-L3 or VISTA sequences can be used to predict primers that do not span more than one exon in genomic DNA, thus complicating the amplification process. These primers can then be used for PCR screening of somatic hybrids containing individual human chromosomes. Only those hybrids containing the human gene corresponding to the PD-L3 or VISTA sequence produce amplified fragments. Somatic cell hybrids are prepared by fusing somatic cells from different mammals (eg, human and mouse cells). As hybrids of human and mouse cells grow and divide, they retain the mouse chromosomes, although they gradually lose the human chromosomes in a random order. One human chromosome containing a gene encoding the required enzyme by using a medium in which mouse cells cannot grow because they are deficient in a particular enzyme, but human cells can grow. Is retained. By using various media, a panel of hybrid cell lines can be established. Each cell line in the panel has a single human chromosome or a small number of human stains. Contains one of the bodies and a set of mouse chromosomes, allowing easy mapping of individual genes to specific human chromosomes (D'Eustachio, P. et al. (1983) Science 220: 919-924). ). Somatic hybrids containing only human chromosome fragments can also be produced using human chromosomes with translocations and deletions.
0232[00254] Somatic hybrid PCR mapping is a rapid method of assigning specific sequences to specific chromosomes. A single temperature circulator can be used to assign more than two sequences per day. Sublocalization can be achieved with a panel of fragments from specific chromosomes by designing oligonucleotide primers using PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequences. Other mapping strategies that can be used to map PD-L3 or VISTA sequences to their chromosomes include in situ hybridization (Fan, Y. et al. (1990) Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87: 6223-27), pre-screening on labeled flow classification chromosomes, and pre-selection by hybridization to a chromosome-specific cDNA library.
0233[00255] In addition, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) of DNA sequences to metaphase chromosomal spreads can be used to provide accurate chromosomal location in one step. Chromosome spreads can be made using cells that are blocked in metaphase by chemicals such as colsemide whose division disrupts the mitotic spindle. Chromosomes can be briefly treated with trypsin and then stained with Giemsa. Light and dark patterns are expressed on each chromosome so that the chromosomes are individually identified. FISH technology can be used for short DNA sequences of 500 or 600 bases in length. However, clones with more than 1,000 bases are more likely to bind to specific chromosomal positions with sufficient signal intensity for easy detection. Preferably, 1,000 bases, and more preferably 2,000 bases, are sufficient to obtain good results in a reasonable amount of time. For an overview of this technique, see Verma et al., Human Chromosomes: A Manual of basic See Techniques (Pergamon Press, New York 1988). Reagents for chromosomal mapping can be used individually to mark a single chromosome or site on that chromosome, or reagents to mark multiple sites and / or multiple chromosomes. Panels can be used. Reagents that correspond to the non-coding regions of the gene are, in fact, preferred for mapping purposes. The coding sequence is more likely to be conserved within the gene family and therefore increases the likelihood of cross-hybridization during chromosomal mapping.
0234[00256] Once the sequence is mapped to the exact chromosomal location, the physical location of the sequence on the chromosome can be correlated with the gene map data. Ultimately, complete sequencing of genes from several individuals can be performed to confirm the presence of mutations and to distinguish mutations from polymorphisms.
02352. Tissue type judgment [00257] The PD-L3 or VISTA sequences of the present invention can also be used to identify individuals from trace amounts of biological samples. In addition, the sequences of the invention can be used to provide alternative techniques for determining the actual base-by-base DNA sequence of selected parts of an individual's genome. Therefore, the PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequences described herein can be used to prepare two PCR primers from the 5'and 3'ends of the sequence. These primers can then be used to amplify the DNA of an individual and then sequence it.
0236[00258] A panel of corresponding DNA sequences from individuals prepared in this manner is provided by each individual. Due to the difference in alleles, it is possible to provide unique personal identification information because it has a unique set of such DNA sequences. The sequences of the present invention can be used to obtain such specific information sequences from individuals and organizations. The PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequence of the present invention specifically represents a portion of the human genome. Allelic mutations occur to some extent in the coding regions of these sequences and largely in the non-coding regions. It is estimated that allelic mutations between individual humans occur approximately once every 500 bases. Each of the sequences described herein can, to some extent, be used as a reference on which individual-derived DNA can be compared for a particular purpose. Fewer sequences are needed to distinguish individuals as more polymorphisms occur in the non-coding regions. The non-coding sequences of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 can reasonably provide personal identification with a panel of possibly 10-1,000 primers, each producing a non-coding amplified sequence of 100 bases. If a predicted coding sequence, such as the coding sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 or 6, is used, a more appropriate number of primers for personal identification would be 500-2000.
0237[00259] If a panel of reagents from the PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequences described herein is used to generate a specific database of specific information about an individual, then those identical reagents will be used later to that individual. The tissue of origin can be identified. A unique specific information database can be used to identify living or dead individuals from tiny tissue samples.
0238[00260] 3. Use of PD-L3 or VISTA sequences in forensic biology Specific techniques based on DNA can also be used in forensic biology. The sequences of the invention can be used to enhance the reliability of DNA-based forensic identification, for example by another "identifying marker" (ie, another DNA sequence specific to a particular individual). Polynucleotide reagents targeted at specific loci in, for example PCR primers, can be provided. As mentioned above, the actual sequence information can be used for identification as an exact alternative to the patterns formed by the fragments produced by restriction enzymes. Sequences targeted to the non-coding region of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 are particularly suitable for this use, as many polymorphisms occur in the non-coding region, making it more suitable to use this technique to distinguish individuals. make it easier. Examples of polynucleotide reagents include PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequences or portions thereof, eg, non-coding regions of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, having a length of at least 20 bases, preferably at least 30 bases. Derived fragments can be mentioned. The PD-L3 or VIST nucleotide sequences described herein can also be used to identify specific tissues, such as lymphocytes, for polynucleotide reagents, such as in situ hybridization techniques. , For example, labeled probes or labelable probes can be provided. This can be very useful when forensic scientists are presented with tissue of unknown origin. Such PD-L3 or VISTA probe panels can be used to identify tissues by species and / or by organ type. In a similar fashion, these reagents, such as PD-L3 or VISTA primers or probes, are used to screen tissue cultures for contamination (ie, for the presence of a mixture of different types of cells in the culture). )be able to.
0239C. Predictive medicine [00261] The present invention also relates to the field of predictive medicine in which diagnostic assays, prognostic assays, and surveillance clinical trials are used for prognostic (predictive) purposes, thereby prophylactically treating an individual. Thus, one aspect of the invention determines PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide and / or nucleic acid expression and PD-L3 or VISTA activity in the context of a biological sample (eg, blood, serum, cell, or tissue). And thereby the individual, Relates to diagnostic assays to determine if a disease or disorder associated with abnormal or undesirable PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity is present or at risk of developing the disorder. The present invention also provides a prognostic (or predictive) assay for determining whether an individual is at risk of developing a disorder associated with PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, nucleic acid expression or activity. For example, mutations in the PD-L3 or VIST gene can be assayed in biological samples. Such assays are used for prognostic or predictive purposes, thereby prophylactically an individual prior to the development of disorders characterized by or associated with PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, nucleic acid expression or activity. Can be treated.
0240[00262] Another aspect of the invention relates to monitoring the effects of agents (eg, drugs, compounds) on the expression or activity of PD-L3 or VISTA in clinical trials. These and other agents are described in more detail in the sections below.
02411. Diagnostic assay [00263] An exemplary method for detecting the presence or absence of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or nucleic acid in a biological sample is to obtain the biological sample from a test subject and PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or nucleic acid. Compound a biological sample capable of detecting a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or nucleic acid (eg, mRNA or genomic DNA) encoding a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide such that the presence of is detected in the biological sample. Or it involves contacting with an agent. A preferred agent for the detection of PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA or genomic DNA is a labeled nucleic acid probe that can hybridize to PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA or genomic DNA. Nucleic acid probes are, for example, at least 15, 30, 50, 100, 250, or 500 nucleotides in length, and under sufficiently stringent conditions, PD-L3 or VISTA. It can be the PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid or a portion thereof as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3, such as an oligonucleotide sufficient to specifically hybridize to mRNA or genomic DNA. Other probes suitable for use in the diagnostic assays of the invention are described herein. A preferred agent for the detection of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is an antibody capable of binding PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, preferably an antibody having a detectable label. The antibody can be polyclonal, or more preferably monoclonal. An intact antibody or fragment thereof (eg, Fab or F (ab') 2) can be used. With respect to a probe or antibody, the term "labeled" refers to direct labeling of a probe or antibody by binding (ie, physically binding) a detectable substance to the probe or antibody, as well as direct labeling. It is intended to include indirect labeling of a probe or antibody by reactivity with another reagent. Examples of indirect labeling include detection of the primary antibody using a fluorescently labeled secondary antibody, and terminal labeling of the DNA probe with biotin so that the DNA probe can be detected with fluorescently labeled streptavidin. Is mentioned. The term "biological sample" is intended to include tissues, cells, and body fluids isolated from the subject, as well as tissues, cells, and body fluids present within the subject. That is, the detection method of the present invention can be used to detect PD-L3 or VISTA mRNA, polypeptide, or genomic DNA in a biological sample in vitro and in vivo. For example, in vitro techniques for the detection of PD-L2 mRNA include Northern Hybridization and in. Includes in situ hybridization. In vitro techniques for the detection of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides include enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence. In vitro techniques for the detection of PD-L3 or VISTA genomic DNA include Southern hybridization. In addition, for the detection of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides In vivo techniques include introducing a labeled anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody into the subject. For example, an antibody can be labeled with a radioactive marker whose presence and location in a subject can be detected by standard imaging methods. In one embodiment, the biological sample contains a polypeptide molecule derived from the test subject. Alternatively, the biological sample can contain an mRNA molecule derived from the test subject or a genomic DNA molecule derived from the test subject. A preferred biological sample is a serum sample isolated from the subject by conventional means. In another embodiment, the method obtains a control biological sample from a control subject and PD-L3 the control sample so that the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, mRNA or genomic DNA is detected in the biological sample. Alternatively, contact with a compound or agent capable of detecting VISTA polypeptide, mRNA, or genomic DNA, and the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, mRNA or genomic DNA in the control sample, PD- in the test sample. It further comprises comparing with the presence of L3 or VISTA polypeptide, mRNA or genomic DNA.
0242[00264] The present invention also includes a kit for detecting the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA in a biological sample. For example, the kit is a labeled compound or agent capable of detecting PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or mRNA in a biological sample, a means for determining the amount of PD-L3 or VISTA in a sample, and in a sample. Means for comparing the amount of PD-L3 or VISTA in the standard can be included. The compound or agent can be packaged in a suitable container. The kit can further include instructions for using the kit to detect PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides or nucleic acids.
02432. Prognosis assay [00265] In addition, the diagnostic methods described herein are used to identify subjects who have or are at risk of developing an abnormal or unwanted disease or disorder associated with PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity. be able to. As used herein, the term "abnormal" includes PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity that deviates from wild-type PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity. Aberrant expression or activity includes increased or decreased expression or activity, as well as expression or activity that does not follow a wild-type developmental pattern of expression or an intracellular pattern of expression. For example, abnormal PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity occurs when a mutation in the PD-L3 or VIST gene underexpresses or overexpresses the PD-L3 or VIST gene, and such mutation is non-functional PD-L3 or VISTA. Intended to include situations that result in a polypeptide or a polypeptide that does not function in a wild-type manner, eg, a polypeptide that does not interact with a PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner, or a polypeptide that interacts with a non-PD-L3 or VISTA binding partner. Has been done. As used herein, the term "undesirable" includes unwanted phenomena involved in biological responses such as immune cell activation. For example, the term undesirable includes PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity that is not desired in the subject.
0244[00266] Utilizing the above-mentioned diagnostic assay or the assay described herein, such as the assay below, for autoimmune disorders such as autoimmune, allergic, or inflammatory disorders, immunodeficiency disorders, immune system disorders, cancer, etc. Subjects with or at risk of developing PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide activity or misregulation in nucleic acid expression can be identified. Accordingly, the present invention presents an abnormal or undesirable PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity in which a test sample is obtained from a subject and PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or nucleic acid (eg, mRNA or genomic DNA) is detected. To Provides a method for identifying related diseases or disorders, whether the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or nucleic acid has a disease or disorder associated with abnormal or undesirable PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity. , Or used to diagnose subjects at risk of developing it. As used herein, "test sample" refers to a biological sample obtained from an object of interest. For example, the test sample can be a body fluid (eg, cerebrospinal fluid or serum), a cell sample, or tissue.
0245[00267] In addition, the prognosis assay described herein is used to administer an agonist (eg, an agonist, antagonist, peptide mimetic, polypeptide, peptide, nucleic acid, small molecule, or other drug candidate) to a subject. It is possible to determine whether a disease or disorder associated with abnormal or undesirable PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity can be treated. For example, such methods can be used to determine if a subject can be effectively treated with an agent for autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiency disorders, cancers of the immune system, or allergic or inflammatory disorders. it can. Accordingly, the present invention presents subjects with abnormal or undesirable PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity-related disorders in which a test sample is obtained and PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or nucleic acid expression or activity is detected. Provides a method for determining whether an agent can be effectively treated against (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide or nucleic acid expression or absence of activity is abnormal or undesirable PD-L3 or Used to diagnose subjects who may be administered an agent that treats disorders associated with VISTA expression or activity). Using the methods of the invention, genetic alterations in the PD-L3 or VIST gene are detected, thereby allowing subjects with altered genes to have autoimmune disorders, immunodeficiency disorders, immune system cancers, allergic disorders, etc. Alternatively, it can be determined whether there is a risk of disorders characterized by misregulation in PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide activity or nucleic acid expression, such as inflammatory disorders. The methods described herein can be conveniently used, for example, in a clinical environment for diagnosing patients presenting with a disease or symptoms of a disease or family history associated with the PD-L3 or VIST gene, eg, herein. This can be done by utilizing a pre-packaged diagnostic kit containing at least one of the probe nucleic acids or antibody reagents described. In addition, PD-L3 or VISTA is expressedIt can be used in the prognostic assay described.
0246[00268] 3. Monitoring of effects during clinical trials. Monitoring the effects of agents (eg, drugs) on the expression or activity of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides (eg, regulation of cell proliferation and / or migration) is not only in basic drug screening, but also in clinical trials. Can be applied. For example, the efficacy of agents as determined by the screening assays described herein to increase PD-L3 or VIST gene expression, polypeptide levels, or upregulate PD-L3 or VISTA activity. Can be monitored in clinical trials of subjects exhibiting reduced PD-L3 or VIST gene expression, polypeptide levels, or downregulated PD-L3 or VISTA activity. Alternatively, PD-L3 or VIST increased the efficacy of the agent determined by the screening assay, which reduces PD-L3 or VIST gene expression, polypeptide levels, or downregulates PD-L3 or VISTA activity. It can be monitored in clinical trials of subjects exhibiting gene expression, polypeptide levels, or PD-L3 or VISTA activity. As mentioned above, PD-L3 or VISTA is expressed on many hematopoietic cell types, including APCs (macrophages and bone marrow dendritic cells), as well as CD4 + T cells, more specifically CD11c.<sup>+</sup>DC, CD4<sup>+</sup>T cells (Foxp3)<sup>’</sup>Effector T cells and Foxp3<sup>+</sup>Includes both nTreg), CD8<sup>+</sup>T cells, and Grl<sup>+</sup>It is expressed on granulocytes and at low levels on B and NK cells. In such clinical trials , PD-L3 or VIST gene, and preferably, for example, the expression or activity of PD-L3 or other genes involved in VISTA-related disorders, as a "read" or marker of the phenotype of a particular cell. be able to.
0247[00269] Examples, but not limiting, agents (eg, compounds, drugs, or small molecules) that regulate PD-L3 or VISTA activity (eg, identified in the screening assays described herein). Genes containing PD-L3 or VISTA that are intracellularly regulated can be identified by treatment with. Thus, for example, in clinical trials, cells were isolated and RNA was prepared to study the effects of agents on PD-L3 or VISTA-related disorders, respectively, PD-L3 or VISTA and PD-L3 or The expression levels of other genes involved in VISTA-related disorders can be analyzed. Gene expression levels (eg, gene expression patterns) are produced by Northern blot analysis or RT-PCR, as described herein, or by one of the methods described herein. It can be quantified by measuring the amount of polypeptide or by measuring the level of activity of PD-L3 or VISTA or other genes. In this way, the gene expression pattern can serve as a marker that indicates the physiological response of the cell to the agent. Thus, this response state can be determined at various times before and during treatment of an individual with an agent. In a preferred embodiment, the invention is an agent (eg, an agonist, antagonist, peptide mimetic, polypeptide, peptide, nucleic acid, small molecule, or other drug candidate identified by the screening assay described herein). Providing a method for monitoring the effectiveness of a subject's treatment in, the method comprises (i) obtaining a pre-dose sample from the subject prior to administration of the agent, (ii) PD-L3 in the pre-dose sample. Alternatively, a step of detecting the expression level of a VISTA polypeptide, mRNA, or genomic DNA, (iii) a step of obtaining one or more post-dose samples from a subject, (iv) a PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide in a post-dose sample, Steps to detect the level of expression or activity of mRNA or genomic DNA, (v) the level of expression or activity of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, mRNA, or genomic DNA in the pre-dose sample and one post-dose sample or Includes steps to compare the level of expression or activity of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, mRNA, or genomic DNA in multiple post-dose samples, and (vi) alter administration of the agent to the subject accordingly. .. For example, increasing the administration of the agent may be desirable to increase the expression or activity of PD-L3 or VISTA to a level higher than the detected level, i.e., to increase the effectiveness of the agent. Alternatively, reducing the administration of the agent may be desirable to reduce the expression or activity of PD-L3 or VISTA to levels lower than the detected levels, i.e. reducing the effectiveness of the agent. According to such embodiments, PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity can be used as an indicator of the efficacy of the agent, even in the absence of an observable phenotypic response. It may be desirable to reduce to lower levels, i.e. reduce the effectiveness of the agent. According to such embodiments, PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity can be used as an indicator of the efficacy of the agent, even in the absence of an observable phenotypic response. It may be desirable to reduce to lower levels, i.e. reduce the effectiveness of the agent. According to such embodiments, PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity can be used as an indicator of the efficacy of the agent, even in the absence of an observable phenotypic response.
0248D. Treatment [00270] The present invention presents the PD-L3 or VISTA protein with inadequate or overproduction of PD-L3 or VISTA protein, or reduced or abnormal activity compared to PD-L3 or VISTA wild-type protein. Provide both prophylactic and therapeutic methods to treat subjects at risk (or predisposition) to disorders characterized by morphological production. In addition, the anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody of the invention can be used to detect and isolate PD-L3 or VISTA protein to control the bioavailability of PD-L3 or VISTA protein and, for example, PD- PD-L3 or VISTA activity can be regulated by regulating the interaction of L3 or VISTA with its counter-receptor.
02491. Preventive measures [00271] In one aspect, the invention is abnormal by administering to a subject a subject PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, or an agent that regulates PD-L3 or VISTA expression or at least one PD-L3 or VISTA activity. Provided are methods for preventing diseases or conditions associated with PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity that are not desirable or desirable. Subjects at risk for diseases or disorders caused or promoted by abnormal or undesired PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity, eg, any of the diagnostic or prognostic assays described herein. Or can be identified by a combination thereof. Administration of prophylaxis can occur before symptoms characteristic of PD-L3 or VISTA abnormalities manifest, such that the disease or disorder is prevented or delayed in its progression. Agent depending on the type of PD-L3 or VISTA abnormality, eg PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, PD-L3 or VISTA agonist, or PD-L3 or VISTA antagonist (eg, anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody) Can be used to treat a subject. Appropriate agents can be determined based on the screening assays described herein.
02502. Treatment [00272] An important aspect of the invention relates to a method of regulating PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity or its interaction with a naturally binding partner. In connection with treatment, PD-L3 or VISTA inhibits CD28 co-stimulation, inhibits TCR activation of immune cells, inhibits proliferation of activated immune cells (CD4 + and CD8 + T cells), and T cells. It was demonstrated that it inhibits cytokine production by (IL-2, gamma interferon) and transmits an inhibitory signal to immune cells. Thus, to regulate the immune response, the activity and / or expression of PD-L3 or VISTA, as well as the interaction between PD-L3 or VISTA and its binding partners on T cells can be regulated. Upregulation of PD-L3 or VISTA activity should result in downregulation of the immune response, while PD-L3 or VISTA binds to inhibitory receptors (on T cells), while PD-L3 or VISTA or Downregulation of VISTA activity should result in upregulation of the immune response. In a preferred embodiment, PD-L3 or VISTA binds to the inhibitory receptor. Produced by Applicants, as described above, in a counter-intuitive manner, enhancing the inhibitory activity of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion proteins in vitro (in the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig). PD-L3 or VISTA-specific antibodies (ie, these antibodies are PD-L3 or such as the effects of PD-L3 or VISTA on cytokine production, T cell proliferation, differentiation, or activation, and other functions described above. (Enhances suppression of VISTA-related activity) behaves in opposition to the behavior expected in vivo, ie, these antibodies were found to be immunosuppressive in vivo.
0251[00273] The regulatory method of the present invention is for an agent that regulates one or more of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, or cell-related PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide activity, eg, PD-L3 or VISTA. Includes contact with an agent that regulates expression or activity and / or regulates the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner. The agents that regulate PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide activity are nucleic acids or polypeptides, spontaneous binding partners of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies, PD-L3 or VISTA agonists or antagonists, PDs. -It can be an agent described herein, such as a peptide mimetic of an L3 or VISTA agonist or antagonist, a PD-L3 or VISTA peptide mimetic, or another small molecule. PD-L3 or VIS Soluble forms of TA can also be used to interfere with the binding of PD-L3 or VISTA to either its natural binding partner (s) or ligand.
0252[00274] Agents that regulate PD-L3 or VISTA expression are, for example, antisense nucleic acid molecules, triple oligonucleotides, ribozymes, or recombinant vectors for the expression of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides. For example, oligonucleotides complementary to the region surrounding the PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide translation initiation site can be synthesized. One or more antisense oligonucleotides can be added to the cell culture medium, typically 200 μg / mL, or administered to the patient to block the synthesis of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. .. Antisense oligonucleotides are taken up by cells and PD-L3 or VISTA It hybridizes to mRNA and blocks translation. Alternatively, oligonucleotides that bind to double-stranded DNA to form triple constructs and block DNA unwinding and transcription can be used. As a result of either, the synthesis of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide is blocked. When PD-L3 or VISTA expression is regulated, preferably such regulation occurs by means other than PD-L3 or VIST gene knockout.
0253[00275] Agents that regulate expression on the grounds that they regulate the amount of PD-L3 or VISTA in the cell also regulate the total amount of PD-L3 or VISTA activity in the cell. In one embodiment, the agent that regulates PD-L3 or VISTA stimulates one or more PD-L3 or VISTA activity. Examples of such stimulants include active PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules encoding PD-L3 or VISTA introduced into cells. In another embodiment, the agent inhibits one or more PD-L3 or VISTA activity. Examples of such inhibitory agents include antisense PD-L3 or VISTA nucleic acid molecules, anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies, PD-L3 or VISTA inhibitors, and compounds identified in subject screening assays. In a more preferred embodiment, the inhibitor is a combination of anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody and anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-L2 antibody. These modifications are performed in vitro (eg, by contacting the cell with the agent) or in vivo by contacting the agent with the cell (eg, by administering the agent to the subject). be able to. Accordingly, the present invention presents conditions or disorders that may benefit from up-regulation or down-regulation of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, such as unwanted, inadequate, undesired, inadequate, nucleic acid molecules of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides or nucleic acid molecules. Alternatively, it provides a method of treating an individual suffering from a disorder characterized by abnormal expression or activity. In one embodiment, the method regulates an agent (eg, an agent identified by the screening assay described herein), or PD-L3 or VISTA expression or activity (eg, upregulation or down). Includes administration of a combination of (controlling) agents. In another embodiment, the method has reduced, abnormal, or undesirable PD-.
0254[00276] Diseases that can be treated with the subject PD-L3 or VISTA binders have been previously identified and include a variety of inflammatory, autoimmune, cancer, allergic, and infectious disorders. A particularly preferred indication is multiple sclerosis.
0255[00277] Stimulation of PD-L3 or VISTA activity is desirable in situations where PD-L3 or VISTA is abnormally down-regulated and / or increased PD-L3 or VISTA activity may have beneficial effects. Similarly, inhibition of PD-L3 or VISTA activity is desirable in situations where PD-L3 or VISTA is abnormally upregulated and / or may have a reduced PD-L3 or VISTA activity beneficial effect. .. Exemplary agents used for down-regulation of PD-L3 or VISTA (ie, PD-L3 or VISTA antagonists) include, for example, antisense nucleic acid molecules, antibodies that recognize and block PD-L3 or VISTA, PD-L3. Alternatively, with a combination of antibodies that recognize and block VISTA, and with an antibody that recognizes and blocks PD-L3 or VISTA counterreceptors, and its spontaneously binding partner (s) of PD-L3 or VISTA on immune cells. Compounds that block the interaction of (eg, soluble monovalent PD-L3 or VISTA molecules, soluble forms of PD-L3 or VISTA molecules that do not bind to receptors on antigen-presenting cells, PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners Soluble forms, and compounds identified in the subject screening assay) are included. Exemplary agents used for upregulation of PD-L3 or VISTA (ie, PD-L3 or VISTA agonists) include, for example, many of the nucleic acid molecules encoding PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, PD-L3 or VISTA. It includes valence forms, compounds that increase the expression of PD-L3 or VISTA, compounds that enhance the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally occurring binding partners, and cells that express PD-L3 or VISTA.
0256[00278] 3. Downward control of immune response [00279] There are many embodiments of the invention for upregulating the inhibitory function of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, thereby downregulating the immune response. Downregulation can be a form that inhibits or blocks an already ongoing immune response, or can include blocking the induction of an immune response. The function of activated immune cells can be inhibited by down-regulating the immune cell response, by inducing specific anergies within the immune cells, or by both. For example, in an embodiment in which PD-L3 or VISTA binds to an inhibitory receptor, the form of PD-L3 or VISTA that binds to the inhibitory receptor, such as the polyvalent PD-L3 or VISTA on the cell surface, is used. Therefore, the immune response can be regulated downward. In one embodiment of the invention, the activated antibody used to stimulate PD-L3 or VISTA activity is a bispecific antibody. For example, such antibodies may include a PD-L3 or VISTA binding site and another binding site that targets cell surface receptors on immune cells such as T cells, B cells, or myeloid cells. In one embodiment, in addition to comprising a PD-L3 or VISTA binding site, such antibody is a B cell antigen receptor, T cell antigen receptor, or Fc to target the molecule to a particular cell population. It may further include a binding site that binds to the receptor. The selection of this second antigen for bispecific antibodies provides flexibility in the selection of cell populations targeted for inhibition. An agent that promotes PD-L3 or VISTA activity or enhances the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA activating antibody or PD-L3 or VISTA activation). Small molecules) can be identified by their ability to inhibit immune cell proliferation and / or effector function, or to induce anergy when added to an in vitro assay. For example, activate cells It can be cultured in the presence of an agent that stimulates signal conversion via the receptor. Adopting cell activation readouts recognized in several arts, for example, measuring cell proliferation or effector function (eg, antibody production, cytokine production, phagocytosis) in the presence of activators. can do. The ability of the test agent to block this activation can be readily determined by measuring the ability of the agent to influence the measured proliferation or reduction of effector function. In one embodiment, PD-L3 or VISTA immunity at low antigen concentration Cellular interactions block the strong B7-CD28 signal. In another embodiment, at high antigen concentrations, PD-L3 or VISTA immune cell interactions reduce cytokine production but may not inhibit T cell proliferation. Therefore, the ability of test compounds to block activation can be determined by measuring cytokine production and / or proliferation at different concentrations of antigen.
0257[00280] In one embodiment of the invention, resistance to a particular antigen is induced by co-administering the antigen with a PD-L3 or VISTA agonist. For example, resistance can be induced to a particular polypeptide. In one embodiment, an immune response can inhibit an immune response to an unwanted allergen or foreign polypeptide. For example, patients who receive factor VIII frequently produce antibodies to this coagulation factor. Co-administration of recombinant factor VIII with an agent that stimulates PD-L3 or VISTA activity or its interaction with a naturally binding partner (or, for example, to factor VIII of PD-L3 or VISTA by cross-binding). (Physical binding) can result in downward regulation of the immune response.
0258[00281] In one embodiment, PD-L3 or VISTA agonists and other agonists capable of blocking the activity of co-stimulatory receptors on immune cells can be used to down-regulate the immune response. Exemplary molecules include agonistic forms of other PD ligands, soluble forms of CTLA-4, anti-B7-1 antibodies, anti-B7-2 antibodies, or combinations thereof. Alternatively, two distinct peptides (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides having a blocking form of the B7-2 and / or B7-1 polypeptide), or a combination of antibodies (eg, anti-B7-2 and / or anti). PD-L3 or activated antibody against VISTA polypeptide that blocks the B7-1 monoclonal antibody) can be combined as a single composition or administered separately (simultaneously or sequentially) to the subject. It is possible to down-regulate the immune cell-mediated immune response in. In addition, in addition to one or more polypeptides with B7-1 and / or B7-1 activity, a therapeutically active amount of one or more peptides with PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide activity, the other. It can be used in conjunction with down-regulating reagents to affect the immune response. Examples of other immunomodulatory reagents include antibodies that block costimulatory signals (eg, against CD28 or ICOS), antibodies that activate inhibitory signals via CTLA4, and / or other immune cell markers (for example). Examples include antibodies to CD40, CD40 ligands, or cytokines, fusion proteins (eg CTLA4-Fc or PD-1-Fc), and immunosuppressive drugs (eg, rapamycin, cyclosporin A, or FK506). PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides may also be useful in the development of therapeutic agents that block immune cell function by cell destruction. For example, a cytotoxic agent that can bind a portion of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide to a toxin and induce the destruction of the cells to which it binds.
0259[00282] To make cytotoxic agents, the polypeptides of the invention can be bound to toxins or operably attached using techniques known in the art. A wide variety of toxins capable of conjugating to the polypeptides or antibodies of the invention are known. Examples include toxins from a number of useful plants, fungi, or even bacteria, such as various A-chain toxins, especially ricin A-chain; ribosome-inactivating proteins such as saporins or geronins; alpha monkeys. Includes ribonucleases such as cin; aspergillin; restrictocin; and placenta ribonuclease, angiogenesis, diphtheria toxins, or pseudomonas exotoxins. Preferred toxin moieties for use in the context of the present invention modify carbohydrate residues, deglycosylated A chains. Or a toxin A chain that has been treated to be removed (US Pat. No. 5,776,427).
0260[00283] Infusion of one or a combination of such cytotoxic agents (eg, PD-L3 or VISTA lysine (alone or in combination with PD-L1-lysine)) to the patient is particularly activated immunity. Given the fact that cells express more PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners, it can result in immune cell death. For example, because PD-1 is induced on the surface of activated lymphocytes, using PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides, by Fc-R-dependent mechanisms, or by cytotoxic agents (eg, ricin, saporin). , Or Calicaremycin) can be targeted for elimination of these specific cells by elimination by conjugation with PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide. In another embodiment, the toxin can be conjugated to an anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibody to target dead PD-L3 or VISTA expressing antigen presenting cells. In a further embodiment, the PD-L3 or VISTA antibody toxin can be a bispecific antibody. Such bispecific antibodies are useful for targeting specific cell populations with markers found only in certain types of cells, such as B lymphocytes, monocytes, dendritic cells, or Langerhans cells. Is. Down-regulation of the immune response by activating PD-L3 or VISTA activity or PD-L3 or VISTA immune cell interactions (and thus stimulating the negative signaling function of PD-L3 or VISTA) is, for example, tissue. It is useful for downward regulation of immune response in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or allergies, or in autoimmune diseases such as systemic erythematosus and multiple sclerosis, in the context of skin and organ transplantation. For example, disruption of immune cell function results in reduced tissue destruction in tissue transplantation. Typically, in a tissue implant, rejection of the implant is initiated by the immune cells recognizing it as a foreign body, followed by an immune response that destroys the implant. Before or during the transplant Molecules that promote the activity of PD-L3 or VISTA or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its natural binding partners (including multiple) on immune cells (soluble multimeric form of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptide, etc.) ) Alone or in combination with another down-modulator can inhibit the generation of co-stimulatory signals. In addition, promotion of PD-L3 or VISTA activity may also be sufficient to anerify immune cells, thereby inducing resistance in the subject.
0261[00284] It may also be desirable to block the co-stimulatory function of other molecules in order to achieve sufficient immunosuppression or resistance in the subject. For example, by administering a soluble form of a combination of these antigens or peptides having the respective activity of blocking antibodies against these antigens before or at the time of transplantation (separately within a single composition). , Or both), it may be desirable to block the function of B7-1 and B7-2. Alternatively, it may be desirable to promote the inhibitory activity of PD-L3 or VISTA and inhibit the co-stimulatory activity of B7-1 and / or B7-2. Other down-regulators that can be used in connection with the down-regulation method of the present invention activate the inhibitory signal via CTLA4, an agent that transmits the inhibitory signal via, for example, the soluble form of CTLA4, CTLA4. Antibodies that turn into, blocking antibodies against other immune cell markers, or soluble forms of other receptor ligand pairs (eg, agents that disrupt the interaction between CD40 and CD40 ligand (eg, anti-CD40 ligand antibody). ), Antibodies to cytokines, or immunosuppressive agents. For example, activation of PD-L3 or VISTA activity or interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s) are useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Many autoimmune disorders are the result of improper activation of immune cells that respond to self-tissue and promote the production of cytokines and autoantibodies involved in the pathology of the disease. By blocking the activation of autoreactive immune cells, the symptoms of the disease can be reduced or eliminated. PD-L3 or VISTA activity or PD-L3 or VISTA Administration of agents that promote interaction with their naturally binding partners, including multiple, can induce antigen-specific resistance of autoreactive immune cells that may lead to long-term alleviation of the disease. In addition, co-administration of co-stimulators with agents that block immune cell co-stimulation by disrupting the receptor-ligand interaction of B7 molecules inhibits immune cell activation and leads to disease processes. It can be useful in blocking the production of autoantibodies or cytokines that may be involved. The effectiveness of reagents that prevent or alleviate autoimmune disorders can be determined using several well-characterized animal models of human autoimmune disease. Examples include mouse experimental autoimmune encephalitis, systemic lupus erythematosus in MRL / lpr / lpr mice or NZB hybrid mice, mouse autoimmune collagen arthritis, diabetes in NOD mice and BB rats, and mouse experimental myasthenia gravis. (See Paul ed., Fundamental Immunology, Raven Press, New York, 1989, pp.840-856).
0262[00285] For example, inhibition of immune cell activation by inhibiting IgE production is therapeutically useful in the treatment of allergies and allergic reactions. Immune cell-mediated allergic response in allergic subjects by administering to allergic subjects an agent that promotes PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s). Can be inhibited. Stimulation of interaction with PD-L3 or VISTA activity or its naturally binding partners (s) can involve exposure to the allergen in combination with the appropriate MHC molecule. Allergic reactions can be systemic or local in nature, depending on the allergen entry pathway and the pattern of IgE deposition on mast cells or basophils. Thus, immune cell-mediated allergic responses can be locally or systemically inhibited by administration of PD-L3 or VISTA activity or agents that promote PD-L3 or VISTA immune cell interactions.
0263[00286] Inhibition of immune cell activation through stimulation of PD-L3 or VISTA activity or interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s) can also be pathogenic infections of immune cells (eg, viruses or bacteria). ) Can be therapeutically important. For example, in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), viral replication is stimulated by immune cell activation. Stimulation of PD-L3 or VISTA activity can result in inhibition of viral replication, thereby improving the course of AIDS.
0264[00287] Downregulation of the immune response through stimulation of PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner may also be useful in the treatment of autoimmune attacks in autologous tissues. Therefore, a condition caused or adversely affected by an autoimmune attack by increasing PD-L3 or VISTA activity or PD-L3 or VISTA binding to its naturally binding partner (eg, heart disease, myocardial infarction, etc.) Or atherosclerosis) can be ameliorate or improve. Therefore, conditions that are adversely affected by autoimmune attacks such as autoimmune disorders (as well as heart disease, myocardial infarction) by stimulating PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its counter-receptors. , And conditions such as atherosclerosis) are within the scope of the present invention.
02654. Upward control of immune response [00288] PD-L3 or VISTA activity as an upregulation of the immune response or interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s) Inhibition is also useful in treatment. Upregulation of an immune response can be a form that enhances an existing immune response or elicits an initial immune response. For example, enhanced immune response through inhibition of PD-L3 or VISTA activity is useful in the case of microbial, eg, bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections, or in the case of immunosuppression. For example, in one embodiment, an agent that inhibits PD-L3 or VISTA activity, such as a non-activating antibody against PD-L3 or VISTA (ie, a blocking antibody), or a soluble form of PD-L3 or VISTA. It is therapeutically useful in situations where upregulation of antibody and cell-mediated responses that results in faster or complete elimination of viruses, bacteria, or parasites would be beneficial. These conditions include viral skin diseases such as herpes or herpes zoster, in which case such agents can be delivered topically to the skin. In addition, systemic viral diseases such as influenza, colds, and encephalitis can be alleviated by systemic administration of such agents. In certain cases, further administration of other agents that upregulate the immune response, such as the form of B7 family members that convert signals via co-stimulatory receptors, may be further administered to further enhance the immune response. It can be desirable.
0266[00289] Alternatively, the immune cells are removed from the patient, or the immune cells are contacted in vitro with an agent that inhibits PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner (s). And by reintroducing in vitro stimulated immune cells into the patient, the immune response in the infected patient can be enhanced. In another embodiment, a method of enhancing an immune response is to isolate infected cells, such as virus-infected cells, from a patient, in which the cells express all or part of a PD-L3 or VISTA molecule on their surface. Such as transfecting them with a nucleic acid molecule encoding the morphology of PD-L3 or VISTA that cannot bind to its native binding partner (s), and reintroducing the transfected cells into the patient. Transfected cells may be able to prevent inhibitory signals and thereby activate immune cells in vivo.
0267[00290] Prophylactic agents that inhibit PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with their naturally binding partners (s) in vaccines against various polypeptides, eg, pathogens derived from the polypeptide. Can be used for. Immunity against pathogens, such as viruses, can be induced by vaccination with viral polypeptides in addition to agents that inhibit PD-L3 or VISTA activity in appropriate adjuvants. Alternatively, a vector containing a gene encoding both a pathogenic antigen and a form of PD-L3 or VISTA that blocks the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with immune cells can be used for vaccination. Nucleic acid vaccines can be injected by various means, for example, into the epidermis of DNA-coated gold particles using an injection (eg, intramuscular, intradermal, or a gene gun that uses a particle accelerator or compressed gas to inject molecules into the skin. Fine particle gun injection (Haynes et It can be administered by al. (1996) J. Biotechnol. 44:37)). Alternatively, the nucleic acid vaccine can be administered by non-invasive means. For example, pure DNA or lipid-formulated DNA can be delivered to the respiratory system, or oral delivery of DNA can target other moieties, such as Peyer's patches (Schubbert (1997) Proc). Natl.Acad.Sci.USA 94: 961). Attenuated microorganisms can be used for delivery to the mucosal surface (Sizemore et al. (1995) Science 270: 29).
0268[00291] In another embodiment, the antigen in the vaccine is a self-antigen. Such vaccines are applied to living organisms It is useful in regulating tolerance in the body. Immunization with an agent that blocks the self-antigen and PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner disrupts resistance (ie, interferes with self-antigen resistance). be able to. Such vaccines may also include adjuvants or cytokines such as alum (eg, GM-CSF, IL-12, B7-1, or B7-2). In one embodiment, an agent that inhibits PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner (s) is, for example, transfected into PD-L3 or VISTA. Cells co-expressing polypeptides or blocking antibodies as well as MHC class I α chain polypeptides and beta 2 microglobulins can be administered with MHC class I polypeptides to result in T cell activation and provide immunity from infection. .. For example, viral pathogens for which vaccines are useful include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Epstein barvirus, cytomegalovirus, HIV-1, HIV-2, tuberculosis, malaria and schistosomiasis.
0269[00292] In another application, inhibition of PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s) may be useful in the treatment of tumor immunity. Tumor cells (eg, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, or carcinoma) can be transfected with nucleic acid molecules that inhibit PD-L3 or VISTA activity. These molecules can be, for example, nucleic acid molecules that are antisense to PD-L3 or VISTA or can encode inactivated anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies. These molecules can be variable regions of anti-PD-L3 or VISTA antibodies. If desired, tumor cells can be transfected with other polypeptides that activate co-stimulation (eg, B7-1 or B7-2). Transfected tumor cells are returned to the patient, resulting in inhibition of PD-L3 or VISTA activity (eg, local inhibition). Alternatively, gene therapy techniques can be used to target tumor cells for in vivo transfection.
0270[00293] Patients are treated with PD-L3 or VISTA by stimulating the immune response to tumor cells by inhibiting PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s). It can also be achieved by treatment with an agent that inhibits activity or interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s). Preferred examples of such agents include, for example, an antisense nucleic acid molecule, an antibody that recognizes and blocks PD-L3 or VISTA, and its spontaneously binding partner (s) of PD-L3 or VISTA on immune cells. Compounds that block interaction with (eg, soluble monovalent PD-L3 or VISTA molecules, soluble forms of PD-L3 or VISTA molecules that do not bind to Fc receptors on antigen-presenting cells, PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners Soluble forms (including multiple), and compounds identified in the subject screening assay). In addition, tumor cells that are deficient in MHC class I or MHC class II molecules or fail to express sufficient amounts of MHC class I or MHC class II molecules can be treated with MHC class I α chain polypeptides and beta 2 microglobulin polypeptides or It can be transfected with a nucleic acid encoding all or part of the MHC class II α chain polypeptide and the MHC class II β chain polypeptide (eg, a truncated cytoplasmic domain), thereby causing MHC class I or on the cell surface. Expresses MHC class II polypeptide. Appropriate MHC class I or class II expression with PD-L3 or VISTA that inhibits the polypeptide or antisense nucleic acid induces a T cell-mediated immune response against transfected tumor cells. Optionally, a gene encoding an antisense construct that blocks the expression of an MHC class II-related polypeptide, such as the invariant strand, is a polypeptide or ann. It can also be co-transfected with DNA encoding PD-L3 or VISTA, which inhibits the titens nucleic acid, to promote the presentation of tumor-related antigens and induce tumor-specific immunity. Expression of B7-1 by B7-negative mouse tumor cells has been shown to induce T cell-mediated specific immunity with long-term protection against tumor rejection and tumor induction in mice (Chen, L. et al. (1992) Cell 71: 1093-1102, Townsend, SEand Allison, JP (1993) Science 259: 368-370, Baskar, S. et al. (1993) Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. 90: 5687-5690). Therefore, induction of an immune cell-mediated immune response in a human subject may be sufficient to overcome tumor-specific resistance in the subject. In another embodiment, the immune response is stimulated by inhibition of PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partners (s) so that existing resistance is overcome. can do. For example, an immune response against an antigen in which the subject is unable to initiate a significant immune response, such as a tumor-specific antigen, can be used as an adjuvant to enhance the response to foreign antigens in the process of active immunization, PD-L3. Alternatively, it can be induced by administering an agonist that inhibits the activity of VISTA or the ability of PD-L3 or VISTA to bind to its native binding partner.
0271[00294] In one embodiment, immune cells are obtained from a subject and in the presence of an agent that inhibits PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its naturally binding partner (s). , Cultivated in Vista and proliferate an immune cell population. In a further embodiment, the immune cells are then administered to the subject. For example, as is known in the art, immune cells can be stimulated to proliferate in vitro by providing them with a primary activation signal and a co-stimulation signal. Various forms of PD-L3 or VISTA polypeptides or agents that inhibit PD-L3 or VISTA activity can also be used to co-stimulate the proliferation of immune cells. In one embodiment, immune cells are cultured in Exvivo according to the method described in PCT Application WO 94/29436. Co-stimulatory molecules can be soluble and can be attached to cell membranes or to solid surfaces such as beads.
0272[00295] In a further embodiment, it is within the scope of the invention to upregulate the immune response by administering one or more additional agents when performing any of the methods described herein. .. For example, PD-L3 or VISTA activity or PD-L3 or VISTA and its natural binding to other agents known by stimulating an immune response, such as cytokines, adjuvants, or stimulated forms of costimulatory molecules or their ligands. It can be used in combination with an agonist that inhibits interaction with a partner (including multiple partners).
0273PD with PD-L3 or VISTA activity on ET cells or its counter-receptors -Identification of cytokines regulated by regulation of L3 or VISTA interactions [00296] Produced using the PD-L3 or VISTA molecules described herein by regulating PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or V1STA with its native binding partners (s). Cytokines that are or whose production is enhanced or inhibited in response in immune cells can be identified. Immune cells can be suboptimally stimulated in vitro with a primary activation signal, eg, T cells are stimulated with a holbol ester, anti-CD3 antibody, or preferably an antigen associated with an MHC class II molecule, eg, A co-stimulation signal is given by the stimulating form of the B7 family antigen, for example, by cells transfected with a nucleic acid encoding a B7 polypeptide and expressing the peptide on its surface, or by a soluble stimulating form of the peptide. Can be done. The cells can then be contacted with cells expressing PD-L3 or VISTA (eg, antibodies to PD-L3 or VISTA). Known cytokines released into the medium can be identified by ELISA or by the ability of antibodies that block cytokines to inhibit immune cell proliferation or the proliferation of other cell types induced by cytokines. For example, the IL-4 ELISA kit is available from Genzyme (Cambridge, Mass.) As an IL-7 blocking antibody. Blocking antibodies against IL-9 and IL-12 are available from the Genetics Institute (Cambridge, Mass.). The effect of PD-L3 or VISTA activity or the interaction of PD-L3 or VISTA with its binding partners (s) or the effect of blocking on the cytokine profile can then be determined. As mentioned above and as shown in the Examples, PD-L3 or VISTA appears to suppress the expression of IL-2 and gamma interferon by immune cells.
0274[00297] The in vitro immune cell co-stimulation assay described above can also be used in methods to identify novel cytokines that can be regulated by regulation of PD-L3 or VISTA activity. For example, if stimulation of the CD28 / CTLA4 pathway appears to enhance IL-2 secretion, stimulation of the ICOS pathway appears to enhance IL-10 secretion (Hutloff et al. (1999) Nature 397: 263). .. If a particular activity induced during co-stimulation, eg, immune cell proliferation, cannot be inhibited by adding a blocking antibody to a known cytokine, the activity may be due to the action of an unknown cytokine. After co-stimulation, the cytokine can be purified from the medium by conventional methods and its activity can be measured by its ability to induce immune cell proliferation.
0275[00298] The in vitro T cell co-stimulation assay described above can be used to identify cytokines that can play a role in inducing resistance. In this case, T cells are given a primary activation signal and contact with selected cytokines, but not a co-stimulation signal. After washing and allowing the immune cells to stand, they are exposed to both primary activation and co-stimulation signals. If the immune cells do not respond (eg, do not proliferate or produce cytokines), they are resistant and the cytokines did not block the induction of resistance. However, when immune cells respond, the induction of resistance is blocked by cytokines. These cytokines, which can block the induction of resistance, are used in vivo in combination with reagents that block B lymphocyte antigens as a more efficient means of inducing resistance in transplant recipients or subjects with autoimmune diseases. Can be targeted for obstruction. For example, a subject can be administered a cytokine blocking antibody in addition to an agent that promotes PD-L3 or VISTA activity or interaction with PD-L3 or VISTA binding partners.
0276[00299] Therefore, in summary, new members of the Programmed Death Ligand (PDL) family expressed by Treg cells are currently being identified. This novel protein is named PD-L3 or VISTA. The receptor for this PD-L family is a type I transmembrane protein containing a single IgV domain, while the ligand is a type I transmembrane protein that expresses both IgV and IgC extracellular domains. Like other members of the PDL family, PD-L3 or VISTA co-stimulates αCD3 proliferation of T cells in vitro. In addition, PD-L3 or VISTA expression increases αCD3 activated Tregs and decreases in the presence of αGITR.
0277[00300] A second TNF-like protein has been identified to be upregulated upon αCD3 / αGITR stimulation. This protein is named Treg-sTNF. These proteins can be involved in immune contact dependence and paracrine suppression and are therefore useful in regulating (eg, inhibiting or stimulating) the immune response and in the treatment of diseases and conditions involving Treg signaling. is there. For example, PD-L3 or VISTA protein can be used as a co-stimulation signal to stimulate or enhance immune cell activation. PD-L3 or VISTA proteins and PD-L3 or VISTA binders and PD-L3 or VISTA agonists and antagonists are used to treat immune conditions in which regulation of T cell immunity is desired, such as T cell activation, differentiation, and proliferation. Is particularly useful in the regulation of CD4 + and CD8 + T cell proliferation, cytokine production, and the regulation of T cell responses during allogeneic interactions between T cells and bone marrow-derived APCs.
0278[00301] The present invention is further described by the following examples, but should not be construed as limiting. All references, patents, and published patent application content, as well as figures and sequence listings, cited throughout this application are incorporated herein by reference.
<p num="0279">[00302] The following materials and methods were used in the following examples: Materials and methods Expression profiling [00303] Standard growth and activation conditions were adopted to facilitate comparison of Treg cells with established expression profiles (see McHugh, et al. (2002) above). Briefly, fresh isolated Treg cells (approximately 96% positive) are pre-coated with 10% fetal bovine serum and anti-CD3 24-well plates with or without anti-GITR (DTA-1). Complete RPMI medium supplemented with 100 units of IL-2 in was inoculated at 106 / mL (see Shimizu, et al. (2002) above). Cells were cultured at 37 ° C for 0-12 hours to purify RNA and then analyzed using the Affymetrix® mouse genome A430 oligonucleotide array.</p><p num="0280"> [00304] By comparing data from quiescent or activated CD4 + CD25 + T cell populations, it was found that the gene expression pattern resembles that established in the art (Gavin, et al. (2002)). See above, McHugh, et al. (2002) see above). To identify genes regulated by GIRT signaling, gene expression profiles were compared between different cell populations with or with anti-GITR treatment. A list of known and unknown genes, including previously uncharacterized PD-L3 or VISTA and Treg-sTNF, was edited.</p><p num="0281"> mouse [00305] C57BL / 6 mice and ΟΤΙΙ CD4 transgenic mice were purchased from Jackson Laboratory. FoxP3-GFP receptor mice are Fontenot, JD, Rasmussen, JP, Williams, LM, Dooley, JL, Farr, AG, and Rudensky, AY (2005). Regulatory T cell lineage specification by the forkhead transcription factor foxp3.Immunity22, Like previously described in 329-341, generously Alexander Rudensky, Universi Courtesy of the ty of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. PD-1 KO mice are generously Dr. Tasuku Honjo (Kyoto) University, Japan) (Nishimura, H., Nose, M., Hiai, H., Minato, N., and Honjo, T. (1999). Development of lupus-like autoimmune diseases by disruption of the PD-1 gene encoding an ITIM motif-carrying immunoreceptor.Immunity 11,141-151, Nishimura, H., Okazaki, T., Tanaka, Y., Nakatani, K., Hara, M., Matsumori, A., Sasayama, S., Mizoguchi, A , Hiai, H., Minato, N., and Honjo, T. (2001). Autoimmune dilated cardiomyopathy in PD-1 receptor-deficient mice. Science 291,319-322). All animals, Dartmouth Medical Maintained in a school pathogen-free facility.</p><p num="0282"> Antibodies, cell lines, and reagents: [00306] Antibodies αCD3 (2C11), αCD28 (PV-1), αCD4 (GK1.5), αCD8 (53-6.7), αCD11b (Ml / 70), αF4 / 80 (BM8), αCD11c (N418), αNK1 .1 (PK136), αGr1 (RB6-8C5), αPD-L1 (MIN5), αPD-L2 (TY25), αB7-H3 (M3.2D7), αB7-H4 (188) were purchased from Ebioscience. LPS (Sigma), recombinant mouse IFN (Peprotech), human LL-2 (Peprotech), soluble PD-L1-Ig fusion protein (R & D systems) were used at the indicated concentrations. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and triovoalbumin (OVA) were purchased from Sigma. A CHO cell line expressing the MHCII molecule I-Ad and the co-stimulating molecule B7-2 was kindly provided by Dr. Arlene Sharpe (Harvard Medical School). Molecular cloning of PD-L3 or VISTA, retrovirus production, and retroviral transduction of cells [00307] Full-length PD-L3 or VISTA was cloned from purified mouse CD4 + T cells. All RNA was isolated from CD4 + T cells using the Qiagen RWAmini kit. cDNA was generated using the Bio-Rad iScriptTM cDNA synthesis kit. Amplify full-length PD-L3 or VISTA and ECorl-Xhol site of retroviral vector pMSCV-IRES-GFP (Zhang, X. and Ren, R. (1998) Bcr-Abl efficiently induces a myeloproliferative disease and production of excess interleukin- 3 and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in mice: a novel model for chronic myelogenous leukemia.Blood Clone to 92, 3829-3840), in which the IRES-GFP fragment was replaced with an RFP, thus resulting in a fusion protein of PD-L3 or VISTA fused to the N-terminus of the RFP. Helper-free retroviruses were generated in HEK293T cells by transient transfection of the PD-L3 or VISTA-RFP retrovirus vector with the ecotropic packaging vector pCL-Eco (IMGENEX corp.). Retroviral transduction of mouse T cell line EL4 cells or bone marrow-derived DCs was performed in the presence of 8 μg / mL polybrene (Sigma) by spin infection at 2000 rpm for 45 minutes at room temperature.</p><p num="0283"> Production of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein [00308] Amplifies the extracellular domain of PD-L3 or VISTA (amino acids 32-190) and the Spel-BamHI site (Hollenbaugh, D., Douthwright, J., McDonald, V., and Aruffo, A) of the parent vector CDM7B. (1995) J Immunol Methods 188, 1-7 ...). This vector contained variants of the constant and hinge regions of human IgG 1 and significantly reduced binding to the Fc receptor. The resulting vector CDM7B-PD-L3 or VISTA was used as the DHFR expression vector pSV-dhfr (Mclvor, RS and Simonsen, CC (1990) Nucleic Acids Res). 18,7025-7032) was co-transfected into the CHO (dhfr-) cell line (ATCC number CRL-9096). Stable CHO cell clones expressing PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig were selected in nucleotide-free MEM alpha medium (Invitrogen). Further amplification with 0.5-1 μM methotrexate (Sigma M9929) yielded clones expressing high levels of soluble PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein. The fusion protein was further purified from the culture supernatant using standard protein G column affinity chromatography.</p><p num="0284"> Generation of PD-L3 or VISTA monoclonal antibody [00309] Armenian hamsters were immunized with EL4 cells overexpressing PD-L3 or VISTA-RFP four times a week and then boosted with PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein emulsified in CFA. .. Four weeks after boosting, hamsters were boosted again with soluble PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein. Four days after the last booster, hamster spleen cells were harvested and standard hybridoma fusion techniques (Shulman, M., Wilde, CD, and Kohler, G. (1978) A better cell line for making hybridomas secreting specific antibodies. Nature. 276,269-270) was used to fuse to the myeloma cell line SP2 / 0-Ag14 (ATCC number CRL-1581). Hybridoma clones that secrete PD-L3 or VISTA-specific antibodies were selected after limiting dilution and screened by both ELISA and flow cytometry.</p><p num="0285"> RNA and RT-PCR [00310] All RNA from various mouse tissue samples or sperm-producing blood cell types was collected using the TrizolTM (Invitrogen) method according to company instructions. cDNA was prepared using the iScriptTM cDNA Synthesis Kit (Bio-Rad). Equal amounts of tissue cDNA (10 ng) were used for the RT-PCR reaction to amplify full-length PD-L3 or VISTA. The PCR product was observed after being passed through a 1% agarose gel.</p><p num="0286"> Flow cytometry [00311] Flow cytometric analysis is performed on CellQuest on FACSCAN. This was done using software (BD Bioscience). Data analysis was performed using FlowJo software (Treestar).</p><p num="0287"> Cell preparation [00312] All CD4 + T cells were isolated from untreated mice using all CD4 + T cell isolation kits (Miltenyi). If indicated, enriched CD4 + T cells were flow-classified into naive (CD44 low CD25 to CD62L high) and memory (CD44 high CD25 to CD62L low) populations. For in vitro proliferation assay, CD4 + T cells were labeled with 5 μM CFSE (Molecular Probe) for 10 minutes at 37 ° C and stimulated. Washed twice before.</p><p num="0288"> In vitro plate-bound T cell activation assay [00313] Purified CD4 + T cells (100,000 cells per well) in the presence of anti-CD3 (clone 2C11) and either PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or control-Ig at the indicated concentration ratio, 96 × Cultured in flat bottom well plates. For example, in a series of titrations, 96-well plates were mixed overnight at 4 ° C in PBS, 2.5 μg / mL αCD3 and 1.25 μg / mL (2: 1 ratio), 2.5 g / mL (1). Covered with PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig or control-Ig protein at 1), 5 μg / mL (1: 2 ratio), or 10 μg / mL (1: 4 ratio). Wells were washed 3 times with PBS before adding CD4 + T cells. The replication culture was present in complete RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% FBS, 10 mM HEPES, 50 μM β-ME, penicillin / streptomycin / L-glutamine. If indicated, 100 U / mL human IL-2 (PeproTech) or titrated CD28 (clone PV-1, Bio) to rescue the inhibitory effect of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig One of the X cells) was coated with CD3. Cultures were analyzed on day 3 for the GFSE profile or over time as shown.</p><p num="0289"> Culture of bone marrow-derived DCs, retroviral transduction, and stimulation of transgenic CD4 + T cells [00314] Bone marrow-derived DC was added to Lutz, MB, Kukutsch, N., Ogilvie, AL, Rossner, S., Koch, F., Romani, N., and Schuler, G. (1999) (An advanced culture method for). generating large quantities of highly pure dendritic cells from mouse bone marrow. J Immunol Methods 223,77-92), Son, YI, Egawa, S., Tatsumi, T., Redlinger, RE, Jr., Karinski, P., and Kanto, T. (2002). (A novel bulk- Culture method for generating mature dendritic cells from mouse bone marrow cells. J Immunol Methods 262,145-157). Briefly, on day 0, bone marrow cells were isolated from the tibia and thigh by flushing with a 27G needle. After lysis of erythrocytes, 1-2 x 106 bone marrow cells were placed in a 6 x well cell culture plate (Nunc, Inc.) at 20 ng / mL of GM-CSF (Peprotech). Resuspended in 1 mL complete RPMI 1640 medium containing Inc). 2 mL of supernatant containing either RFP or PD-L3 or VISTA-RFP retrovirus was added to the bone marrow cells. Polybrene (Sigma) was also added at a final concentration of 8 μg / mL. The plate was rotated at 2000 rpm for 45 minutes at room temperature to carry out the infection. The cells were then cultured for an additional 2 hours before adding fresh medium. Similar infection procedures were repeated on days +1 and +3, +5, and +7. Loosely attached cells (90% CD11c +) were collected on day +10 and used to classify CD11c + RFP + double-positive cells and stimulate transgenic OT-II CD4 + T cells. For the OT-IIT cell proliferation assay, 100,000 CFSE-labeled OT-IICD4 + T cells in the presence of titrated synthetic OVA323-339 peptide (Anaspec), 30,000 classified RFP + or PD-L3 or Cultured in 96-well round bottom plates with VISTA-RFP + BMDC. Proliferation of OT-IIT cells was analyzed by testing the CFSE profile at 72 hours.</p><p num="0290"> Expression study of PD-L3 or VISTA in response to immunization [00315] In order to immunize transgenic mouse DO11.10, 300 μg of OVA (Sigma) was emulsified in CFA (200 μL) and subcutaneously injected into the flank of the mouse. Inguinal and non-inflow area inguinal lymph nodes were collected at the indicated time points. Single cell suspensions were prepared and flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of PD-L3 or VISTA and other surface markers.</p><p num="0291"> Inhibitory activity of PD-L3 or VISTA [00316] CD4 + and CD8 + T cells Antigen receptor gene-introduced T cells and antigen-presenting cells that overexpress PD-L1 in vitro with antigen stimulation were used to clarify the inhibitory activity of PD-L1 (Carter). , et al. (2002) Eur.J.Immunol. 32: 634-43). Similarly, the wrench vector disclosed herein expressing full-length PD-L3 or VISTA was transduced into cell lines expressing class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and class IMHC. The response of TEa Tg or 2C transgenic T cells to the antigen represented by the empty vector transduced antigen presenting cells or PD-L3 or VISTA transduced antigen presenting cells is determined according to established methods.</p><p num="0292"> [00317] Protein expression. Expression patterns in lymphocytes, monocytes, and dendritic cell subsets, as well as non-hematopoietic tissues, in combination with the rabbit αPD-L3 or VISTA antibodies disclosed herein, using standard protocols, RT-PCR and Western. Determined by blot analysis.</p><p num="0293"> [00318] Monoclonal antibody production. PD-L3 or VISTA was overexpressed in mouse B cell line A20 and recombinant cell lines were used to immunize Armenian hamsters. After 5 cell immunizations, hamsters were boost immunized with purified PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein emulsified in CFA. After 4 weeks, final booster immunization was provided with soluble PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig. Then, fusion of hamster splenocytes with SP2 / 0 cells was performed on the 4th day. 16 different clones that recognized PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein by ELISA and stained PD-L3 or VISTA but did not stain PD-L1 overexpressed on mouse T cell line EL4 Was identified. Eleven of those clones were successfully subcloned to stain endogenous PD-L3 or VISTA on cells and tissues and prepared for assessment of their ability to block PD-L3 or VISTA function.</p><p num="0294"> Proliferation assay: In vitro CD4T cell proliferation assay, PD-L3 or VISTA Designed to screen for monoclonal antibody activity. In this assay, T cells were stimulated with immobilized anti-CD3 in microplate wells that cross-link T cell receptors. PD-L3 or VISTA using the PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of PD-L3 or VISTA fused to the Fc portion of human IgG The activity of the monoclonal antibody was detected in two different forms. First, when the monoclonal antibody was co-immobilized with αCD3, it strongly inhibited T cell proliferation only in the presence of the added soluble PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein. This activity depended on the ability of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig to bind the immobilized monoclonal antibody in the well. This assay form was used to identify clones with high, moderate, or low inhibitory activity. Second, when a monoclonal antibody was added to the assay as a soluble reagent, it exerted a strong inhibitory activity on T cell proliferation by cooperating with an immobilized PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein. In this assay form, clones with various inhibitory activities were identified.</p><p num="0295"> Example 1: Cloning and sequence analysis of PD-L3 or VISTA [00320] PD-L3 or VISTA and Treg-sTNFs were identified by comprehensive transcriptional profiling of resting Tregs, αCD3-activated Tregs, and αCD3 / αGITR-activated Tregs. ΑGITR was selected for this analysis because induction of GITRs on Tregs has been shown to eliminate their contact-dependent inhibitory activity (see Shimizu, et al. (2002) above). PD-L3 or VISTA and Treg-sTNF were identified on AFFIMETRIX® DNA arrays based on their unique expression patterns (Table 1). PD-L3 or VISTA exhibited increased expression in αCD3 activated Tregs and decreased expression in the presence of αGITR, and Treg-sTNF exhibited αCD3 / αGITR-dependent increased expression.</p><p num="0296"> Purified CD4 + CD25 + T cells were stimulated overnight in culture with none, αCD3, or αCD3 / αGITR and RNA was isolated for real-time PCR analysis. The listed expressions are relative to actin.</p><p num="0297"><tables num="1"><img id="000003" he="35" wi="156" file="JP2016222702A_D0001.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></tables></p><p num="0298"> Affirmative analysis of activated vs. resting CD25 + CD4 + nTreg revealed expression of a gene product (RIKEN cDNA 4632428N05, or 4632428N05Rik) with unknown function but sequence homology to the Ig superfamily.</p><p num="0299"> [00323] More specifically, the 930 bp gene product was cloned from a CD4 + T cell cDNA library that matched the predicted dimensions and sequence. Computer sequence and structural analysis shows that at maturity, a 309 amino acid transmembrane protein with an extracellular domain of 159 amino acids, a transmembrane domain of 22 amino acids, and a cytoplasmic tail of 95 amino acids. (Fig. 1A). The amino acid sequence alignment is homologous to B7 family ligands such as PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-H3, and B7-H4, and B7 family receptors (ie PD-1, CTLA-4, CD28, BTLA). , ICOS) also reveals an extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig) -V-like domain (Fig. 1B-C). The sequence identity of the Ig-V domain between the B7 family ligand and the receptor is generally not very high (less than 40%), but the Ig-V domain of 4632428N05Rik is with the B7 family ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. Has the highest homology of. Sequence alignment also reveals some highly conserved cysteines (Fig. 1B) important for intrachain disulfide bond formation that characterize B7 family ligands (Sica et al., (2003) Immunity 18,849-861). ).</p><p num="0300"> [00324] The extracellular domain of 4632428N05Rik contains only the Ig-V domain and lacks the Ig-C domain (FIGS. 1B-C). This unique property is characteristic of B7 family receptors and distinguishes 4632428N05Rik from all other B7 family ligands containing both Ig-V and Ig-C domains (Freema). n, GJ (2008) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105,10275-10276, Lazar-Molnar et al., (2008) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105,10483-10488, Lin et al., (2008), Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105,3011-3016, Schwartz et al., (2001), Nature 410,604-608, Stamper et al., (2001), Nature 410,608-61). Consistently, phylogenetic analysis using the PhyML algorithm (maximum phylogenetic likelihood) placed 4632428N05Rik at evolutionary distances closer to B7 family receptors than B7 family ligands, specifically PD-1 (Figure). 2) (Guindon, S. and Gascuel, O. (2003) A simple, fast, and accurate algorithm to estimate large phylogenies by maximum likelihood. Syst Biol 52,696-704). However, the cytoplasmic tail of PD-L3 or VISTA does not contain any signaling domain (eg, ITIM, ITAM, or ITSM) that is the signature domain of B7 family receptors (Sharpe, AHand Freeman, GJ (2002) B7). -CD28 superfamily.Nat Rev Immunol 2,116-126). Therefore, despite its close evolutionary relationship with the inhibitory receptor PD-1, 4632428N05Rik is hypothesized to represent a new member of the B7 ligand family. Based on these structural and phylogenetic properties, this molecule was named PD-1 (PD-L3 or VISTA), represented as a ligand. PD-L3 or VISTA is also highly conserved between mouse and human orthologs that share 77% sequence identity (Fig. 1D).</p><p num="0301"> [00325] The nucleic acid sequence encoding mouse PD-L3 or VISTA is described herein as SEQ ID NO: 1, and the mouse PD-L3 or VISTA protein sequence is described as SEQ ID NO: 2.</p><p num="0302"> [00326] The human homologue of PD-L3 or VISTA is located on chromosome 10 (72.9Mb) and consists of 6 exons, thereby a 4689 base-length transcript encoding a 311-residue protein. To generate. The human homologous mRNA coding sequence is provided at GENBANK accession number NM_022153 and the protein sequence is designated as NP_071436. The nucleic acid sequence encoding human PD-L3 or VISTA is described herein as SEQ ID NO: 3, and the human PD-L3 or VISTA protein sequence is described as SEQ ID NO: 4. Mouse and human genes share 74% homology and are 68% identical at the protein level. Homs were identified on chromosome 20 (27.7Mb, GENBANK accession number BC098723) in Rattus norvegicus, as well as in tiger puffer fish and zebrafish. In certain embodiments, the PD-L3 or VISTA proteins of the invention share the common amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5.</p><p num="0303"> Example 2: Study of PD-L3 or VISTA expression by RT-PCR analysis and flow cytometry [00327] As shown in the experiment of FIG. 3, RT-PCR analysis was used to determine the mRNA expression pattern of PD-L3 or VISTA in mouse tissues (FIG. 3A). PD-L3 or VISTA is mostly expressed on hematopoietic tissue (spleen, thymus, bone marrow) or tissue with sufficient infiltration of leukocytes (ie, lung). Weak expression was also detected in non-hematopoietic tissues (ie, heart, kidney, brain, and ovary). Analysis of several hematopoietic cell types reveals expression of PD-L3 or VISTA on peritoneal macrophages, splenic CD11b + monocytes, CD11c + DC, CD4 + T cells, and CD8 + T cells, but B cells Above is the lower expression level (Fig. 3B). This expression pattern is large Part is GNF (Genomics Institute of Novartis Research Foundation) Gene Array Database (Su et al., (2002), Proc Natl Acad Sci USA It is also consistent with 99,4465-4470) and the NCBI GEO (gene expression omnibus) database (Figs. 4A-D).</p><p num="0304"> [00328] PD-L3 or VISTA-specific hamster 8D8 and 6E7 monoclonal antibodies were produced to study protein expression. Specificity is demonstrated by positive staining on PD-L3 or VISTA overexpressing mouse EL4T cells, but by negative staining on PD-Ll overexpressing EL4 cells (Fig. 5).</p><p num="0305"> [00329] Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies against PD-L3 or VISTA were produced. By using rabbit anti-PD-U or VISTA antibody, PD-L3 or VISTA protein was localized in lymphatic organs and was prominently found in brain tissue. Of the monoclonal antibodies identified, the specificity of PD-L3 or VISTA clone 8D8 was further evaluated. In this analysis, clone 8D8 is a PD-L-like Ig fusion protein containing CTLA-4, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-1, B7-2, PD-L3 or VISTA, and h1g. The binding of the molecule to the panel was tested. The results of this analysis showed that 8D8 αPDL-3 was highly specific for PD-L3 or VISTA.</p><p num="0306"> [00330] Specifically, anti-PD-L3 or VISTA PD-L3 or VISTA expression was analyzed on hematopoietic cells by flow cytometry using the monoclonal antibody clone 8D8. Foxp3GFP knock-in receptor mice were used to distinguish CD4 + nTreg (34). On all CD4 + T cell subsets (see all CD4 + T cells, or Foxp3 untreated and Foxp3 + nTreg cells, and memory CD4 + T cells) in peripheral lymphoid organs (spleen and lymph nodes) CD8 + T cells express significantly lower amounts of surface PD-L3 or VISTA, while significant expression is seen in (Fig. 3C). In the thymus, PD-L3 or VISTA expression is negative on CD4 + CD8 + double-positive thymocytes, low on CD4 monopositive cells, and detectable on CD8 monopositive cells. A strong correlation between high PD-L3 or VISTA expression and the CD11b marker can then be seen in both splenocytes and peritoneal cells containing both F4 / 80 macrophages and myelogenous CD11c + DC (Fig. 3D). ~ E). On the other hand, B cells and NK cells are usually negative for PD-L3 or VISTA expression. A small percentage of Gr-1 + granulocytes also express PD-L3 or VISTA (Fig. 3F).</p><p num="0307"> [00331] The differential expression pattern is shown on the same line of cells from different lymphoid organs (Fig. 3G). For CD4 + T cells and CD11b intermediate monocytes, expression levels follow the pattern of mesenteric lymph nodes> peripheral lymph nodes and spleen> peritoneal cavity and blood. This pattern is less pronounced in CD11b high cells. This data suggests that PD-L3 or VISTA expression on certain cell types can be regulated by cell maturation and / or tissue microenvironment.</p><p num="0308"> [00332] In addition to freshly isolated cells, PD-L3 or VISTA expression was expressed in spleen CD4 + T cells, CD11b hypermonocytes, during in vitro culture with activation and in vitro culture without activation. And analyzed on CD11c + DC (Fig. 6). Before analyzing the expression of PD-L3 or VISTA and other B7 family ligands (eg, PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-H3 and B7-H4), spleen cells, medium, or anti-CD3 (T cells). To activate), or IFN and LPS (monocytes and Incubated for 24 hours with any of) (to activate DC). This comparison revealed a characteristic expression pattern between these molecules. PD-L3 or VISTA expression is lost on all cell types during in vitro culture, regardless of activation status. In contrast, PD-L1 expression is upregulated on CD4 + T cells upon stimulation or on CD11b hypermonocytes and CD11c + DC when cultured in medium alone and is further enhanced in the face of stimulation. Expression of PD-L2, B7-H3, and B7-H4 is not significant under the culture conditions used. Loss of PD-L3 or VISTA expression in vitro is unique when compared to other B7 family ligands, but may reflect suboptimal culture conditions that fail to mimic the tissue microenvironment.</p><p num="0309"> [00333] To address methods of controlling PD-L3 or VISTA expression in vivo, CD4TCR transgenic mouse DO11.10 was administered with the homologous antigen triovoalbumin (OVA) emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). I was immunized. At 24 hours post-immunization, cells from the influx region lymph nodes were analyzed for PD-L3 or VISTA expression (Fig. 7A). Immunization with an antigen (CFA / OVA) rather than an adjuvant alone significantly increased the CD11b + PD-L3 or V1STA + myeloid cell population containing a mixed population of F4 / 80+ macrophages and CD11c + DC. Further comparisons with PD-L1 and PD-L2 show that PD-L1 has the highest constitutive expression levels during such an inflammatory immune response, but PD-L3 or VISTA is most highly upregulated. Clarify (Fig. 7B). Overall, these data are strongly regulated by the immune system in which expression of PD-L3 or VISTA on myeloid APC can contribute to its role in regulating the immune response and regulating T cell immunity. It strongly suggests that.</p><p num="0310"> [00334] In contrast to its increased expression on APC, PD-L3 or VISTA expression was activated DO11 at a later time (ie, at 48 hours, not at 24 hours) upon immunization. Decreased on .10 CD4 + T cells (Fig. 8). This result suggests that PD-L3 or VISTA in vivo expression on CD4T cells can be regulated by their activation status and cytokine microenvironment during an active immune response.</p><p num="0311"> Example 3: Functional effects of PD-L3 or VIST signaling on CD4 + and CD8 + T cell responses [00335] PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion proteins were produced and the regulatory role of PD-L3 or VISTA in the CD4 + T cell response was tested. The PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion protein contains the extracellular domain of PD-L3 or VISTA fused to the human IgG1 Fc region. Upon immobilization on microplates, PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig are bulk purified CD4 + and CD8 in response to plate-bound anti-CD3 stimuli as determined by arrested cell division. It suppressed the proliferation of + T cells, but did not control the control Ig (Figs. 9A-B). The PD-L3 or VISTA Ig fusion protein does not affect the absorption of anti-CD3 antibodies into plastic wells (data not shown), as determined by ELISA, thus excluding the possibility of non-specific inhibitory effects. did. PD-1 KO CD4 + T cells are also suppressed (Fig. 9C), indicating that PD-1 is not a receptor for PD-L3 or VISTA. The inhibitory effects of PD-L1-Ig and PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig were also directly compared (Fig. 10). PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig has an inhibitory efficacy similar to that of PD-L1-Ig fusion protein when a titrated Ig fusion protein is absorbed into a microplate with CD3 to stimulate CD4 + T cells. showed that.</p><p num="0312"> [00336] Because bulk purified CD4 + T cells contain various subsets, PD to classified naive (CD25-CD44 low CD62L high) and memory (CD25-CD44 high CD62L low) CD4 + T cell subsets. -L3 or VISTA-I The effect of g was evaluated (Fig. 11). Although much less effective on memory cells, PD-L3 or VISTA has been shown to be able to suppress the growth of both subsets.</p><p num="0313"> [00337] To further understand the mechanism of PD-L3 or VISTA-mediated inhibition, the expression of early TCR activation markers and apoptosis was measured in the presence or absence of PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig after T cell activation. .. Consistent with the negative effects on cell proliferation, there is a comprehensive inhibition on the expression of early activation markers CD69, CD44, and CD62L (Supplementary Figure 12A). On the other hand, PD-L3 or VISTA-Ig fusion proteins did not induce apoptosis. Conversely, less apoptosis (annexin V + 7 AAD cells) in the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig than control-Ig in both early (24 hours) and late (48 hours) TCR activation. (Determined by the proportion of) was seen (Fig. 12B). For example, at 24 hours, in the entire "ungated" population, about 27% of cells were apoptotic in the presence of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig, while about 39% of control cells , Apoptosis. When testing cells within the live R1 gate, when treated with PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig, approximately 72.6% of control cells became apoptotic, while only 43.5% of the cells became apoptotic. It is clear that PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig strongly inhibited activation-induced cell death (ACID) for that reason. Similar results were seen at 48 hours. Thus, PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA negatively regulates the CD4 + T cell response by suppressing premature TCR activation and arresting cell division with minimal direct effect on apoptosis. It seems. This inhibition mechanism is similar to that of B7-H4 (Sica, GL, Choi, IH, Zhu, G, Tamada, K., Wang, SD, Tamura, H., Chapoval, AI, Flies, DB. , Bajorath, J., and Chen, L.</p><p num="0314"> A two-step assay was developed to determine if PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig could suppress pre-activated CD4 T cells and how long the inhibitory effect was. It is shown that the inhibitory effect of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig fusion protein persists after its removal at 24 hours after activation (Fig. 9D). In addition, both untreated and pre-activated CD4 + T cells could be suppressed by PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig (FIGS. 9Di, 9Diii, and 9Div).</p><p num="0315"> [00339] Next, the effect of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig on CD4 + T cell cytokine production was analyzed. PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig suppressed the production of Th1 cytokine IL-2 and IFN alpha from bulk-purified CD4 + T cell cultures (FIGS. 13A-B). The effects of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA on separate naive (CD25-CD44 low CD62L high) and memory (CD25-CD44 high CD62L low) CD4 + T cell populations were further tested. Memory CD4 + T cells are the primary source for cytokine production within the CD4 + cell compartment, and PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA has been shown to be able to suppress this production (Fig. 13C-D). .. A similar inhibitory effect of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA on IFN alpha production from CD8 + T cells was also shown (Fig. 13E). This inhibitory effect of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA on cytokine production by CD4 + and CD8 + T cells is consistent with the assumption that PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA is an inhibitory ligand that downregulates the immune response. To do.</p><p num="0316"> [00340] The study was then designed to determine factors that could overcome the inhibitory effects of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA. Given that PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA suppresses IL-2 production and IL-2 is essential for T cell survival and proliferation, we assume that IL-2 is PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA. It is assumed that the inhibitory activity can be avoided. As shown in FIG. 14A, exogenous IL-2 partially reversed the inhibitory effect of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig on cell proliferation, but IL-15, IL-7, or IL- 23 did not reverse. Incomplete rescue with high levels of IL-2 indicates that PD-L3 or VISTA or VIST signaling targets a broader T cell activation pathway than simply IL-2 production. On the other hand, the strong co-stimulation signals provided by the anti-CD28 agonist antibody completely reversed PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig mediated inhibition (Fig. 14B), whereas moderate levels of co-stimulation. Stimulation is still suppressed by PD-L3 or VISTA or VIST signaling (Fig. 14C). This result suggests that PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-mediated immunosuppression is more effective under low inflammatory conditions, but is inevitably overwhelmed by a strong positive co-stimulation signal. In this regard, PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA shares this property with other inhibitory B7 family ligands such as PD-L1 and B7-H4 (Sica et al., (2003), Immunity 18,849-861, Carter et al., (2002), Eur J Immunol 32,634-643).</p><p num="0317"> [00341] In addition to the PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig fusion protein, PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA expressed on APC is antigen-specific during a homologous interaction between APC and T cells. It is necessary to confirm that T cell activation can be suppressed. To this end, retrovirus transduction of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-RFP or RFP regulatory proteins within an artificial antigen-presenting cell line (CHO-APC) that stably expresses MHCII and B7-2 molecules Overexpressed via (Latchman et al., (2001), Nat Immunol 2,261-268). One challenge in expressing PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA in CHO is probably due to an unknown environment lacking support for PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA surface localization, PD-L3 or VISTA or Most of VISTA failed to localize the cell surface (data not shown). Although there is no clear motif in the cytoplasmic tail of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA that suggests a mode of regulation, we speculate that the tail may contribute to its intracellular localization. Therefore, we designed a tailless PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA mutant and found that it successfully localized the CHO cell surface (data not shown).</p><p num="0318"> [00342] To stimulate the T cell response, CHO-PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA or CHO-RFP cells were incubated with DO11.10 CD4 + T cells in the presence of antigenic OVA peptides. As shown in FIGS. 15A-C, CHO-PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA induced less DO11.10 cell proliferation than CHO-RFP cell proliferation. This inhibitory effect is more pronounced at lower peptide concentrations, consistent with the idea that a stronger stimulating signal overcomes the inhibitory effect of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA.</p><p num="0319"> [00343] In addition, the inhibitory effect of full-length PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA on natural APC was confirmed. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDC) cultured in vitro ) Does not express high levels of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA (Fig. 16). PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-RFP or RFP was expressed in BMDCs by retroviral transduction during a 10-day culture period. Transduced cells were classified into a homogeneous population based on RFP expression. Expression levels of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA on transduced DCs, anti-PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA Estimated by staining with a monoclonal antibody, it was found to be similar to levels on freshly isolated peritoneal macrophages and is therefore within physiological expression range (Fig. 16). The classified BMDCs were then used to stimulate OVA-specific transgenic CD4 + T cells (OTII) in the presence of OVA peptides (Fig. 15D). Among them, it is shown that the expression of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA on BMDC suppressed the allogeneic CD4 + T cell proliferative response. This result is consistent with previous data using PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-Ig fusion proteins and CHO-APC cells, indicating that PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA suppresses the T cell-mediated immune response. Suggest.</p><p num="0320"> Example 4: Evaluation of anti-PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA antibody in an animal model of multiple sclerosis (EAE) [00344] PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA monoclonal antibody appeared to suppress the T cell response in vivo, so PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA was tested and it was a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. Was evaluated. An experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) model was used to determine the functional effects of the PDL-L3 monoclonal antibody on inflammatory diseases. EAE is a widely used mouse model of human autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. EAE can be induced by either immunization with myelin antigens in adjuvants or by adoptive immunotransmission of myelin-specific T cells, inflammatory infiltrates of various effector T cells, B cells, and macrophages. It also results in demyelination of the central nervous system.</p><p num="0321"> [00345] To avoid inducing anaphylaxis due to the influx of large amounts of monoclonal antibody as a foreign antigen, αPDL-L3 monoclonal antibody was tested in a passive EAE model. In this adopted immunotransmission EAE model, donor SJL mice were immunized with CFA and PLP peptides. On day 10, all lymphocytes were isolated from the influx area lymph nodes and cultured in vitro with PLP peptide, IL-23 (20 ng / mL), and anti-IFNg (10 μg / mL) for 4 days. Then, the expanded CD4T cells were purified and adopted into naive recipient mice. This analysis shows that the αPDL-L3 monoclonal antibody delayed the onset of the disease and reduced the severity of the disease, thereby significantly altering the disease progression curve (Fig. 17). In addition, it reduced severity in a significant proportion of mice and significantly increased survival by more than about 22% to 75%. This demonstrates that the activity of the αPDL-L3 monoclonal antibody in EAE is consistent with in vitro data and demonstrates the use of this reagent as a novel immunoregulatory reagent in various inflammatory diseases.</p><p num="0322"> [00346] Example 5: Expression of VISTA in CNS [00347] Expression of VISTA in CNS was also brought about. These assays indicate that VISTA expression is significantly reduced on CD11b + cells (76% to 33%) (Figure 23) in diseased mice, and that VISTA loss may be acceptable for enhanced inflammation. It was revealed that the assumption was met. This is interesting and likely to be functionally important when comparing the inflammatory myelogenous cells herein with MDSC in tumors expressing extremely high levels of VISTA. EAE mice have been reported to have an increased number of bone marrow-derived suppressor cells (CD11b + Ly-6C high MDSC) in the spleen that can strongly suppress T cell activation and relieve disease 32. .. Our data is VISTA Strongly supports the assumption that can play a role in myeloid-mediated suppression in EAE.</p><p num="0323"> Example 6: Effect of VISTA on T cell fate and function in EAE [00349] We also conducted experiments to assay the effect of VISTA on the fate and function of T cells in EAE. We hoped to assess whether VISTA alters pathogenic encephalitis-induced T cell development, clonal T cell proliferation, T cell polarity, longevity, and Teff to Treg conversion. We studied the effect of VISTA blockade on T cell fate in EAE. Consistent with higher disease scores, analysis of CNS at the end of the disease course confirmed more pronounced IL17A-producing CD4 + T cell infiltration (0.66 to 11%) in the 13F3 ( VISTA) treatment group (Figure 24).</p><p num="0324"> [00350] Example 7: PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA gene transfer and knockout mice [00351] Fetal lentivirus infection was used to generate four transgenic mice that universally express PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA. These mice express full-length PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA under the control of the human elongation factor 1 promoter. These mice were generated using the lentiviral vector pWPT. Like other PD-L1 family members (Appay, et al. (2002) J. Immunol. 168: 5954-8), PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA may co-stimulate αCD3T cell proliferation in vitro. It is expected to function in vivo as a negative regulator while functioning to. In this regard, these mice are expected to spontaneously express autoimmunity and assess in vivo immune response in PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA gene-introduced mice (ie, humoral immune response, T cell priming, etc.). Then, the expression of systemic autoimmune disease is evaluated.</p><p num="0325"> [00352] In knockout mice, PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA is inactivated by homologous recombination. A BAC clone containing the full-length PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA sequence was purchased from INVITROGE (Carlsbad, CA). Vectors targeting PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA are placed upstream of the neomycin gene at the 5'end of the second exon of the PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA gene, and downstream of the neomycin gene. It was generated by inserting a 5 kb fragment located at the 3'end of the third exon of the PD-L3 or VISTA or VIST gene in. B6-derived embryonic stem (ES) cells are electroporated with PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA targeting the vector and recombinant clones are selected. The selected clones are then injected into C57BL / 6 blastocysts and the resulting chimeric male offspring are mated with FLP-harmful mice to remove the neomycin cassette. Transmission of targeted alleles in offspring is determined by PCR derived from genomic DNA. The second and third exons contain the PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA domain, so the resulting mouse has only the inactivated form of the PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA molecule.</p><p num="0326"> [00353] Evaluation of T cell response to antigen, humoral immune response, overt autoimmunity (eg, systemic erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease), and induced autoimmune disease (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis) The overall immune capacity of PD-L3 or VISTA or VISTA-deficient mice, including increased susceptibility to, is determined using other PD-L-/-mice (see Chen (2004) above).</p><p num="0327"> [00354] Example 8: PD tested in an animal model of collagen-induced arthritis -L3 or VISTA or VISTA specific antibody [00355] As shown in the experiment of FIG. 18, male DBA / 1J mice were subjected to 100 μg chicken type II collagen (C-II) in CFA (Human tubercle bacillus 3.5 mg / mL) at the base of their tails. The cells were immunized with a 100 μg emulsion containing the above, and IP was boosted with 100 μg of aqueous C-II 21 days after immunization. Mice in each treatment group (n = 6) were untreated mice (NT-black circles), mice injected with 300 μg of hamster IgG (Ham Ig-black squares), or 300 μg, as shown. It was either a mouse injected with the monoclonal antibody "7c9" (red triangle) or a mouse injected with "13F3" (green triangle). The injectate was given every 2 days. Swelling of the joints of each hand in each mouse was scored on a scale of 0-4 on the indicated day. The arthritis score shown is the total score of all the hands of the mice in each treatment group divided by the number of mice in the group.</p><p num="0328"> [00356] Example 9: VISTA blockade with a specific VISTA monoclonal antibody enhances the T cell response in vitro. [00357] A VISTA-specific monoclonal antibody (13F3) that neutralizes VISTA-mediated inhibition was identified (Fig. 19). CD11<sup>High</sup>Purified myeloid APC from untreated mice and OT-II transgenic CD4 in the presence or absence of 13F3<sup>+</sup>Stimulated T cells. Consistent with its neutralizing effect, 13F3 is CD11<sup>High</sup>It was shown to enhance T cell proliferation stimulated by myeloid cells and express high levels of VISTA.</p><p num="0329"> Example 10: Anti-VISTA enhances anti-tumor immunity [00359] Due to the ability of anti-VISTA to enhance T cell activation, we evaluated whether anti-VISTA enhances the protective immune response to immunogenic tumors. The model we have extensive experience with is bladder carcinoma, MB49. MB49 expresses a male antigen and is therefore mildly immunogenic in female mice, but in the absence of immune intervention, it proliferates and kills female mice. To test the efficacy of VISTA treatment, female mice were subcutaneously (subcutaneously administered) MB49 tumor cells and treated with VISTA. A few days later, tumor dimensions were measured until the mice were euthanized. As can be easily seen in FIG. 20, anti-VISTA treatment significantly reduces tumor growth. This may be due to the ability of anti-VISTA to enhance the cell-mediated immune (CMI) response.</p><p num="0330"> [00360] Example 11: Effect of VISTA on tumor regression in 4 mouse tumor models [00361] Experiments in immunogenic bladder cancer tumor MB49 have shown that neutralization of VISTA with the monoclonal antibody 13F3 protects the host from tumor growth. The data show that VISTA plays a significant negative immune control role in the tumor microenvironment due to its very high expression of MDSC. Studies testing the effect of anti-mouse VISTA on the growth of immunogenic (MB49) and highly non-immunogenic (B16) tumor models further confirm the efficacy of αVISTA treatment and elucidate its mechanism of action. , Provides criteria for choosing the optimal dose and timing. The rationale for each tumor model is detailed below.</p><p num="0331"><tables num="2"><img id="000004" he="51" wi="118" file="JP2016222702A_D0001.tif" img-format="tif" img-content="drawing" /></tables></p><p num="0332"> [00362] MB49 in female mice: We have already demonstrated efficacy in this mouse model. MDSCs in this model also express elevated levels of VISTA (not shown). In this model, due to the presence of the HY antigen, MB49 tumors are reasonably immunogenic. Since anti-VISTA treatment has proven to be effective, we use this model as a "positive" control to administer anti-VISTA treatment (1-100 μg mice; and timing (day of tumor inoculation). , Or 4, 7, 10 days after tumor; therapeutic intervention).</p><p num="0333"> [00363] MB49 in male mice: Effective doses and timings for female mice are used to determine the efficacy of anti-VISTA treatment in male mice (with lower tumor immunogenicity).</p><p num="0334"> [00364] B16 Melanoma: An anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody has been shown to be very effective in this model, and the mouse model represents a non-immunogenic tumor useful in predicting success in humans. The dosing regimen and timing are similar to those shown to be effective in the MB49 model.</p><p num="0335"> [00365] ID8 Ovarian Cancer: It is in this model that VISTA expression has been shown to be very high on MDSC. Mice bearing ID8 tumors are treated with αVISTA at the time of tumor inoculation or on days 5, 15, and 25 after inoculation.</p><p num="0336"> [00366] Method. B6 WT mice are used to determine the optimal dose and timing of anti-VISTA treatment for remission in all of the above mouse tumor models. The models used are listed in the table above.</p><p num="0337"> [00367] The reading of this dose and timing assay is tumor growth kinetics. For MB49 and B16 studies, all tumor studies can be performed via intradermal (id) inoculation and therefore tumor size can be easily measured. Tumor measurements are collected using calipers every 2-3 days. In each of these models, the effects of anti-VISTA or control antibodies will be tested for their ability to slow tumor growth or promote tumor regression. ID8 is grown using luciferase transduction ID8, and whole-body imaging is performed using IVIS Workstation. In addition, host survival is also determined.</p><p num="0338"> [00368] Data on tumor growth are expressed as mean tumor volume ± standard error and differences between groups are analyzed by bilateral ANOVA. Probability (p) values less than 0.05 are considered statistically significant. The Kaplan-Meier method with Wilcoxon rank test and log rank test, which uses survival data to verify the significance of survival differences between groups. Analyze using. In the B16 model, determine the frequency of mice expressing vitiligo.</p><p num="0339"> [00369] Delayed tumor growth in mice treated with anti-VISTA monoclonal antibodies using these methods compared to mice treated with a control antibody in some of the non-immunogenic tumor models. And / or obtain tumor regression. It has already been shown that anti-VISTA treatment delays tumor growth in immunogenic tumor models. Mice, either at or after tumor inoculation, as each of these tumor models has their own specific growth kinetics and dependence on the expected VISTA that imparts tumor growth and suppresses immunity. At that point, the monoclonal antibody is administered. In addition, at least three different concentrations of umVISTA monoclonal antibody are tested to determine the optimal dose for therapeutic utility.</p><p num="0340"> As shown in FIGS. 21A-E, VISTA monoclonal antibody treatment administered mice subcutaneously with A.MB49, B.MCA105, or C.EG7 tumor cells, or intraperitoneally with D.D8-luciferase tumor cells. Tumor growth was reduced in all four tumor models, inoculated by either oral administration and treated with VISTA monoclonal antibody 13F3 (300 μg) every +1 to 1 day. Subcutaneous tumor growth was monitored. Mice were imaged with Xenogen IVIS on day 30 for ID8-luciferase tumors. E. VISTA expression on myelogenous leukocytes in tumor-bearing mice was also determined. Inflow region lymph nodes and tumor tissue (ascites) were analyzed for VISTA expression. These findings indicate that MDSC expressed on VISTA is a major inhibitory molecule that interferes with the development of protective antitumor immunity, and that VISTA releases this inhibitory activity, enabling immune intervention and tumor growth. Indicates to delay. These findings also support the conclusion that VISTA on myeloid cells in autoimmune diseases plays a vital role in controlling the degree of inflammation.</p><p num="0341"> [00371] Example 12: Synthesis of oligomers VISTA and VISTA fusion proteins useful for autoimmunotherapy [00372] Soluble VISTA-Ig in vitro is not inhibitory and its binding to cells cannot be easily detected. In contrast, this molecule bound to plastic is highly inhibitory. In addition, studies with VISTA-Ig in vivo showed no apparent activity (data not shown). For these studies, the VISTA-Ig produced has mutations in the CH2-CH3 domain that interfere with FcR binding and is therefore not cellularly compatible in vivo. Recent studies have shown that tetrameric PD-L1 binds to PD-1 100-fold higher (Kd6 × 10-8M) than monomeric PD-L126, making cell binding easily detectable. It is shown that. Tetramer PD-L1 was not tested in vivo, but was shown to block functional inhibition with native PD-L1 in vitro. Similar methods are used to generate oligomers that target the VISTA pathway and induce potent immunosuppressive activity in vitro and in vivo.</p><p num="0342"> [00373] Such oligomers are expressed as VISTA or fragments thereof, eg, monomers of at least 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, or 200 amino acids in which the extracellular domain or portion thereof is used as a component of the oligomer. Construct using an extracellular domain. In these methods, the inventor utilizes established MHC tetramer technology. In these methods, VISTA extracellular domain constructs or fragments were used to generate a series of VISTA complexes with valencies ranging from divalent to valency, with the N-terminus of the various oligomerization domains (identified above). Attach to the end.</p><p num="0343"> [00374] This sets a set of non-shared based on the high affinity coiled coil domain that directs the stable formation of dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers, and heptameric aggregates. Create an oligomer. These oligomeric constructs are expressed in host cells, such as E. coli. When expression in E. coli is achieved, the expressed oligomers are then refolded and purified from the inclusion bodies using standard laboratory protocols. This approach routinely produces fine materials, including the MHC-peptide complex and trimer GITRL66, for biological and structural analysis. The isolated oligomeric protein is then evaluated by SDS-PAGE, analytical gel filtration, analytical ultracentrifugation, and mass spectrometry. These quality control measures ensure the availability of homogeneous and well-characterized substances for in vitro and in vivo studies. The parallel construction of these constructs results in molecules with valencies equal to the oligomeric state, as each individual VISTA complex is arranged to interact productively with the cell surface bound to the VISTA receptor. The above constructs have a high degree of stability and homogeneity in the oligomeric state (unshared coiled coil oligomerization domains are typically 100 ° C, except for heptamer sequences that exhibit a melting temperature of 95 ° C. Exhibits a melting temperature above).</p><p num="0344"> [00375] In addition, either the cell-affinity or non-cell-affinity dimer VISTA-Ig is tetramerized. An Fc fusion construct of IgG1 Fc and in-frame VISTA (both wild-type IgG1 and existing non-FcR-bound IgG1) is modified at the N-terminal BirA site for enzymatic biotinylation and cloned into a pIRES2-EGFP vector. Enzymatic biotinylation allows specific single residue modifications and orientations during avidin multimerization. This approach has been used for the production of numerous Ig-fusion proteins, including B7-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, and TIM-3. The expressed protein is then enzymatically biotinylated in vitro, purified by size exclusion HPLC and tetramerized with PE-avidin. The resulting cell-affinity or non-cell-affinity tetramer is evaluated in vivo.</p><p num="0345"> [00376] These modified multimeric VISTA proteins are useful in treating autoimmunity and other conditions and therapeutically justify interventions and immunosuppression in the VISTA pathway.</p><p num="0346"> [00377] Example 13: VISTA adenovirus vector for inducing immunosuppression [00378] Gene transfer using recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) has brought about significant technological advances in gene therapy. In particular, gene delivery of the PD-L1 gene, or CTLA4-Ig and CD40-Ig via AAV, has achieved therapeutic efficacy in lupus and heart transplant autoimmune disease models. These methods are used to deliver either full-length VISTA or oligomeric VISTA extracellular domains and their therapeutic effect is evaluated in an EAE model. Adeno-XTM Expression, a recombinant adenovirus vector expressing either the full-length mouse VISTA or the oligomer VISTA extracellular domain. Create using System (Clontech) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, VISTA is cloned into an E1 and E3 deficient pAdDEST expression vector under the control of the human cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter. VISTA expressing adenovirus and control lacZ are then purified from the cell lysate. For systematic overexpression of VISTA, adenovirus was administered by intravenous tail vein infusion (1 x 109 plaque forming unit [Pfu]) either before or immediately after immunization-mediated disease induction, or after the onset of the disease. Administer to mice. Control mice receive 100 μl PBS. Disease onset and change are monitored in both SJL and C57BL / 6 mice that exhibit different disease progression patterns and represent two distinct forms of clinical manifestations in human MS patients. [00379] Example 14: Functional study with modified proteins and adenovirus vectors [00380] Mice are also given a modified VISTA and / or adenovirus vector (5-100 μg protein per mouse 3 times a week). After administration, T cell proliferation, differentiation, and EAE expression are determined.</p><p num="0347"> [00381] Example 15: Structural study of VISTA and determination of VISTA functional molecule determinants [00382] The affinity, specificity, oligomeric state, and formation and localization of organized signaling complexes are important contributors to immune function. All of these properties affect signal transduction and immunoregulation, as the organization of the receptor-ligand extracellular domain directly regulates non-covalently bound cytoplasmic signaling and the recruitment, organization, and function of scaffold molecules. give. VISTA's high-resolution crystal structure is determined using techniques including bacterial, insect, and mammalian expression systems, as well as high-throughput crystallization and structuring approaches. To demonstrate the crystallographically observed disulfide bond patterns, we utilize high-resolution mass spectrometry using a successful approach that supports our published studies of ΤIΜ-3 and human DcR359. Based on these structural results, a series of variants with altered oligomeric properties, as well as VISTA Design mutants near any perturbation region of the IgV domain. These variant proteins provide additional direct mechanistic insights into VISTA function in therapeutic agents where immunosuppression is desired, such as autoimmune, allergic, and inflammatory diseases identified herein. Should be useful. Animals to test these variants, especially oligomers, in an in vitro system to assess their immunosuppressive effect on disease progression, disease remission, or protection of animals from the development of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Evaluate in autoimmune and inflammatory disease models.</p><p num="0348"> [00383] These oligomeric VISTA proteins activate the VISTA pathway and function as targets for immune intervention in autoimmunity. This intervention suppresses immunity and exerts therapeutic utility for autoimmune diseases and other conditions for which autoimmune suppression is desired. This is achieved by administering the oligomerized VISTA protein to different autoimmune and inflammatory models such as EAE and collagen-induced arthritis animal models. In addition, as described above, adenoviral vectors overexpressing the full-length VISTA or VISTA oligomers are constructed and tested in vivo. These studies support the immunosuppressive effect of VISTA oligomers.</p><p num="0349"> [00384] Example 16: Experiment using a conditional overexpressing VISTA gene-introduced mouse strain (VISTA gene-introduced mouse strain: R26 StopFL VISTA (VISTA)) [00385] The VISTA full-length cDNA-containing target construct, which is led by a STOP cassette adjacent to loxP, is targeted at the universally expressed ROSA26 locus. Multiple well-targeted R26 StopFL / -VISTA pups are born and bred to CMV-Cre-deficient strain 60. Preliminary data in VISTA x CMV-cre confirm GFP and increased VISTA expression. Studies on the immune status of these mice (T cell response to antigen, antibody titers, etc.) confirm a suppressed phenotype. VISTA strains are crossbred with CD4-cre, CD11c-cre, and Lys-Cre to determine if the lineage position of VISTA expression affects inhibition. The phenotype and function of T cells also determines that VISTA overexpression results in Treg production. In these studies, Tregs from the OVA-immune cre × VISTA strain are adopted into WT hosts to see if antigen immunization induces antigen-specific Tregs in the presence of overexpressed VISTAs. .. This should verify that VISTA affects Treg differentiation.</p><p num="0350"> [00386] In addition, research was accomplished in the EAE model, thereby causing disease development. Evaluate the effect of VISTA proteins on different lineages (by crossbreeding with CD4-, CD11c-, Lys-cre). Cre-ERT2 x VISTA is also used for temporal control of disease expression, assuming that the disease can be suppressed by line-limited overexpression of the VISTA mutant or in the CMV x VISTA mutant. Can VISTA affect the induction and / or effector phase of immunity by inducing overexpression of VISTA before or at the onset of the disease, or at the peak of the disease, through administration of tamoxifen? Can be determined. BM chimeric mice can be used to limit the time-limited overexpression of VISTA to the hematopoietic compartment. To understand the control of the time window, overexpress VISTA, genetically turn on VISTA, and then anti-VISTA Serologically off with administration of monoclonal antibody. These studies determine when and where VISTA must act to control the development and progression of autoimmune diseases.</p><p num="0351"> [00387] Example 17: Effect of anti-VISTA antibody CD40 / TLR agonist vaccine [00388] As shown in FIG. 22, an experiment was conducted to analyze the effect of the anti-VISTA antibody on vaccine efficacy. These results indicate that anti-VISTA enhances the therapeutic efficacy of the CD40 / TLR vaccine. C57BL / 6 mice were subcutaneously exposed to 1X105 metastatic B16.F10 melanoma cells. After 4 days, mice were given 100 μg of tumor-related antigen ΔV, 100 μg of αCD40 FGK45 (CD40 agonist antibody), and 100 μg of S-27609 (with or without anti-VISTA (200 ug three times a week)). Vaccinated with TLR7 agonist). Tumor growth was monitored by caliper measurements.</p><p num="0352"> Although the present invention has been described, the following claims are provided. These claims are intended to cover all general and specific features described herein, and, as the wording, all statements to the extent that they may fit within.</p>
64 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22 Sheet 23 Sheet 24 Sheet 25 Sheet 26 Sheet 27 Sheet 28 Sheet 29 Sheet 30 Sheet 31 Sheet 32 Sheet 33 Sheet 34 Sheet 35 Sheet 36 Sheet 37 Sheet 38 Sheet 39 Sheet 40 Sheet 41 Sheet 42 Sheet 43 Sheet 44 Sheet 45 Sheet 46 Sheet 47 Sheet 48 Sheet 49 Sheet 50 Sheet 51 Sheet 52 Sheet 53 Sheet 54 Sheet 55 Sheet 56 Sheet 57 Sheet 58 Sheet 59 Sheet 60 Sheet 61 Sheet 62 Sheet 63 Sheet 64
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Cited during |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN111549072A | Cited by | China | Search report |
| JP2004535755A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| WO2006012232A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Search report |
| US2006084082A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| WO2006116181A2 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Search report |
| JP2006516882A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| WO2010027827A2 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Search report |
| J. EXP. MED., vol. 208, no. 3, JPN6015016458, 7 March 2011 (2011-03-07), pages 577 - 592, ISSN: 0003576381 | Non-patent | – | Search report |
165 members in 16 offices
Priority claims20
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12732371 | United States of America | – | |
| 73237110 | United States of America | A | |
| 73237110 | United States of America | A | |
| 39043410 | United States of America | P | |
| 39043410 | United States of America | P | |
| 61390434 | United States of America | – | |
| 201161436379 | United States of America | P | |
| 201161436379 | United States of America | P | |
| 61436379 | United States of America | – | |
| 201161449882 | United States of America | P | |
| 201161449882 | United States of America | P | |
| 61449882 | United States of America | – | |
| 12732371 | – | – | – |
| 61390434 | – | – | – |
| 61436379 | – | – | – |
| 61449882 | – | – | – |
| US20100390434P | – | – | – |
| US20100732371 | – | – | – |
| US201161436379P | – | – | – |
| US201161449882P | – | – | – |
Members165
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2006116181A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| WO2006116181A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US2008287358A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2011027278A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CA2794483A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| CA3079122A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2011120013A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| WO2011120013A9 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A9 | |
| WO2011120013A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| US8231872B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2012195894A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US8236304B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| AU2011230537A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| US2012301484A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| KR20130010906A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| EP2552947A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| CN103119054A | China | A | |
| US8465740B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| JP2013527144A | Japan | A | |
| MX2012011089A | Mexico | A | |
| US2013177557A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US8501915B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| EP2552947A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| CA2877533A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2013192504A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| US2014004537A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2014037634A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2014056892A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CA2884704A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2014039983A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| TW201412775A | Taiwan Province of China | A | |
| US2014105912A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2014220012A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2014341920A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| AU2013277051A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| AU2013312211A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| EP2864352A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN104619722A | China | A | |
| NZ602634A | New Zealand | A | |
| EP2892558A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CA2936926A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2015109340A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| US2015231215A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP2015526064A | Japan | A | |
| WO2015109340A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| JP2015533796A | Japan | A | |
| US9217035B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| AU2011230537B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| CN105246507A | China | A | |
| US2016083472A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2892558A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| AU2016202172A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| EP2864352A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| US2016168248A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| NZ702132A | New Zealand | A | |
| US9381244B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| HK1214272A | Hong Kong, China | A | |
| HK1214272A1 | Hong Kong, China | A1 | |
| AU2015206189A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| MX342017B | Mexico | B | |
| US2016318999A9 | United States of America | A9 | |
| US2016331803A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP3094346A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| JP6034283B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP2016222702AThis record | Japan | A | |
| CN103119054B | China | B | |
| JP2017505634A | Japan | A | |
| EP3153521A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| US9631018B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2017112929A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP3094346A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| JP6175170B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| CN107098958A | China | A | |
| US2017334990A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| BR112014032276A2 | Brazil | A2 | |
| AU2016202172B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| HK1232233A | Hong Kong, China | A | |
| HK1232233A1 | Hong Kong, China | A1 | |
| JP2018021049A | Japan | A | |
| US9890215B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2018051070A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| JP6285923B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| JP2018029578A | Japan | A | |
| AU2013312211B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| AU2018202330A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| AU2013277051B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| KR101882523B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| IL222118A | Israel | A | |
| IL222118B | Israel | B | |
| IL260184D0 | Israel | D0 | |
| US10035857B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| JP6368308B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| AU2011230537C1 | Australia | C1 | |
| US2018215826A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2864352B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| US2018237525A9 | United States of America | A9 | |
| JP2018188451A | Japan | A | |
| NZ727689A | New Zealand | A | |
| EP3421486A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| CN105246507B | China | B |
11 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation because of no payment of annual feesLAPS | LAPS | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Receipt of annual feesJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R250R250 | R250 | |
| Certificate of patent or registration of utility modelJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150R150 | R150 | |
| First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61A61 | A61 | |
| Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model)JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01A01 | A01 | |
| Decision of grant or rejection writtenTRDD | TRDD | |
| Request for written amendment filedJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 2016222702
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2016222702
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP2016222702
- Application
- 147969
- Application, DOCDB
- 2016147969
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20160147969
Titles2
- Japanese
- VISTA制御性T細胞メディエータタンパク質、VISTA結合剤、およびその使用
- English
- VISTA Regulatory T Cell Mediator Proteins, VISTA Binders, and Their Use
Classification
- CPC, 73
- C07K14/70503
- C07K16/28
- A61P1/02
- A61K39/395
- C07K14/47
- C07K16/2803
- A61K2039/505
- C07K2317/76
- C07K2319/30
- A61P1/04
- A61P1/14
- A61P1/16
- A61P1/18
- A61P11/00
- A61P11/02
- A61P11/06
- A61P11/08
- A61P11/16
- A61P13/02
- A61P13/12
- A61P15/08
- A61P15/10
- A61P17/00
- A61P17/02
- A61P17/04
- A61P17/06
- A61P17/14
- A61P19/02
- A61P19/06
- A61P21/00
- A61P21/02
- A61P21/04
- A61P25/00
- A61P25/06
- A61P25/08
- A61P25/28
- A61P27/02
- A61P27/16
- A61P29/00
- A61P31/00
- A61P31/04
- A61P31/06
- A61P31/10
- A61P31/12
- A61P31/14
- A61P31/18
- A61P31/20
- A61P33/06
- A61P33/10
- A61P33/12
- A61P35/00
- A61P35/02
- A61P37/00
- A61P37/02
- A61P37/06
- A61P37/08
- A61P39/02
- A61P43/00
- A61P5/00
- A61P5/14
- A61P5/38
- A61P7/00
- A61P7/04
- A61P7/06
- A61P9/00
- A61P9/06
- A61P9/08
- A61P9/10
- A61P3/10
- Y02A50/30
- C07K19/00
- C07K16/18
- A61K38/17
- IPC, 68
- A61K38 00
- C12N15 09
- C07K16 18
- C07K14 475
- A61K35 76
- A61K39 395
- A61K48 00
- A61P1 02
- A61P1 04
- A61P1 14
- A61P1 16
- A61P1 18
- A61P3 10
- A61P5 00
- A61P5 14
- A61P5 38
- A61P7 00
- A61P7 04
- A61P7 06
- A61P9 00
- A61P9 06
- A61P9 08
- A61P9 10
- A61P11 00
- A61P11 02
- A61P11 06
- A61P11 08
- A61P11 16
- A61P17 14
- A61P13 02
- A61P13 12
- A61P15 08
- A61P15 10
- A61P17 00
- A61P17 02
- A61P17 04
- A61P17 06
- A61P19 02
- A61P19 06
- A61P21 00
- A61P21 02
- A61P21 04
- A61P25 00
- A61P25 06
- A61P25 08
- A61P25 28
- A61P27 02
- A61P27 16
- A61P29 00
- A61P31 04
- A61P31 06
- A61P31 10
- A61P31 12
- A61P31 14
- A61P31 18
- A61P31 20
- A61P33 06
- A61P33 10
- A61P33 12
- A61P35 00
- A61P35 02
- A61P37 02
- A61P37 06
- A61P37 08
- A61P39 02
- A61P43 00
- A61K35 761
- A61K39 00