# Patent

## Title
Targeted binding agents directed to KDR and uses thereof—035

## Abstract

The invention relates to targeted binding agents against KDR and uses of such agents. More specifically, the invention relates to fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to KDR. The described targeted binding agents are useful in the treatment of diseases associated with the activity and/or overproduction of KDR and as diagnostics.

## Background
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a National Stage Application of International Application No. PCT/GB08/50615, filed Jul. 23, 2008, said International Application No. PCT/GB08/50615 claims the benefit of U.S. Appl. Ser. No. 60/951,805 filed Jul. 25, 2007, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to targeted binding agents against KDR and uses of such agents. More specifically, the invention relates to fully human monoclonal antibodies directed to KDR. The described targeted binding agents are useful in the treatment of diseases associated with the activity and/or overproduction of KDR and as diagnostics.
2. Description of the Related Art
The vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) plays a critical role in inducing vascular growth and remodeling during development, and in a number of pathological conditions including the angiogenesis required to support solid tumour growth. VEGF-A signaling is predominantly mediated through activation of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2; KDR/flk-1), which can stimulate endothelial cell proliferation, migration, vascular permeability, and neovascular survival (reviewed in Olsson et al., Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell. Biol. 2006; 7:359-71.). The broader VEGFR family of tyrosine kinase receptors consists of three members: VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and VEGFR3, also known as Flt-1, KDR/Flk-1 and Flt4, respectively. Known VEGFR ligands exhibit differential, well-defined selectivity for each VEGFR. For example, VEGF-A binds both VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, VEGF-B and P1GF primarily bind VEGFR1, and VEGF-C and D are specific activators of VEGFR3. There are also a number of non-physiological VEGFs that also activate the VEGFR, for example VEGF-E specifically activates VEGFR2 while VEGF-F will activate VEGFR1 and VEGFR2.
Dimerization of VEGFR drives a complex series of signaling events leading to activation of many common growth factor signaling pathways (Olsson et al Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol. 2006; 7:359-71). At the molecular level, there is a complex relationship between ligand expression, receptor dimerization and activation, and the downstream consequences in different cell types. VEGFR signaling is of primary importance to endothelial cells, although the receptors have been implicated in regulating the function of other cells. For example Flt-1 plays a role in mediating monocyte transmigration and, when expressed, can promote tumour cell migration.
All three receptors form both homo- and heterodimers (with the exception of VEGFR1/3 heterodimers), allowing signals from the various VEGF ligands to be integrated. KDR appears to be the receptor that is central to many of these signaling events, as it is the common VEGFR expressed on blood and lymphatic vessels. KDR can also offset low VEGFR-1 signaling activity. VEGFR1 itself has low intrinsic kinase activity, and deletion of the VEGFR1 kinase domain does not affect normal development. Experiments have shown that VEGFR1 can synergize with KDR and facilitate full activation of KDR signaling (Carmeliet et al, Nat Med 2001, 7, 575; Auterio et al, 2003 Nat Med, 9, 936). It is possible that this is achieved through heterodimerisation, which is prevented by an inhibitor of KDR dimerization. VEGFR3 has also been shown to form a heterodimer with KDR (Alam et al, BBRC, 2004, 324, 909). However, the mechanisms by which the various homo- and heterodimers of VEGFR1, KDR and VEGFR3 interact to drive physiological effects is unclear. Inhibition of VEGFR/VEGF signaling may effect different disease states (reviewed in Baka et al Expert Opin Ther Targets 2006, 10, 867).
VEGFRs consist of seven immunoglobin-like extracellular domains. Ligands, (e.g. VEGFA and P1GF) that specifically bind VEGFRs have immunoglobin-like domains 2 and 3, with domain 2 making the primary contact and domain 3 determining the specificity of binding (Christinger et al JBC, 2004, 279, 10382; Fuh et al JBC 1998, 273, 11197). In contrast, domains 4-6 are involved in dimerization of the receptor complexes. Ligand binding that stabilizes the receptor complexes can prolong dimerization, allowing productive signaling to proceed. As receptor activation is a function of both binding and dimerization, receptor activation can be inhibited by inhibiting ligand-receptor binding or by blocking dimerization. Antibodies that block binding of ligand to the receptors have been described previously, for example, IMC1121b and its murine equivalent, DC101, both of which block binding of VEGF-A to KDR, and thereby block VEGF-A signaling through KDR, and are known to deliver an anti-tumour effect (Prewett et al Cancer Res 1999, 59, 5209; Lu et al, JBC 2003, 278, 43496). It has been reported both pre-clinically and clinically that as a direct consequence of inhibiting KDR signaling, there is a rebound increase in circulating VEGF-A levels. Antibodies such as IMC1121b which block VEGF-A binding to KDR are expected to be less efficacious under conditions of increasing VEGF-A concentrations, where competition for binding to KDR may be won over by VEGF-A rather than the antibody.
Thus there is a need to identify new means of inhibiting KDR signaling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to targeted binding agents that specifically bind to KDR and inhibit the biological activity of KDR. Embodiments of the invention relate to targeted binding agents that specifically bind to KDR and inhibit receptor dimerisation. Embodiments of the invention also relate to targeted binding agents that specifically bind to KDR and inhibit binding of VEGF to KDR. Embodiments of the invention relate to fully human isolated targeted binding agents that specifically bind to KDR and inhibit binding of VEGF to KDR Inhibition of KDR signaling by inhibition of receptor dimerisation is expected to have advantages over inhibition of VEGF-A binding to KDR. Targeted binding agents which inhibit receptor dimerisation, such as those described here, are anticipated to be able to maximally inhibit the KDR signaling axis by blocking KDR:KDR homodimer and KDR:Flt-1 heterodimer formation and hence block VEGF-A, VEGF-B and P1GF signaling through both KDR and Flt-1. In addition, increasing VEGF-A levels should have no direct impact on the efficacy of agents that inhibit receptor dimerization.
Embodiments of the invention relate to targeted binding agents that specifically bind to KDR and inhibit receptor dimerisation. In one embodiment the targeted binding agent that inhibits receptor dimerisation and binding of VEGF to KDR. In one embodiment of the invention the targeted binding agent specifically binds to KDR and inhibits KDR homodimer formation. In one embodiment of the invention the targeted binding agent specifically binds to KDR and inhibits KDR heterodimer formation. In one embodiment the targeted binding agent inhibits at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% of KDR receptor dimerisation that would occur in the absence of the targeted binding agent.
In one embodiment of the invention the targeted binding agent specifically binds to KDR and inhibits binding of VEGF. In one embodiment of the invention the targeted binding agent specifically binds to KDR and inhibits binding of VEGF-A. In one embodiment of the invention the targeted binding agent specifically binds to KDR and inhibits binding of PLGF. In one embodiment of the invention the targeted binding agent specifically binds to KDR and inhibits binding of VEGF-C, VEGF-D and/or VEGF-E.
In one embodiment the targeted binding agent inhibits at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% of VEGF or VEGF-C binding to KDR that would occur in the absence of the targeted binding agent.
In one embodiment of the invention the targeted binding agent specifically binds to KDR and inhibits VEGF-mediated prostaglandin release. In one embodiment the targeted binding agent inhibits at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% of VEGF-mediated prostaglandin release that would occur in the absence of the targeted binding agent.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent at 133 nM inhibits greater than 50% of VEGF-165-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation induced by 2 nM VEGF-165 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent at 133 nM inhibits greater than 50% of VEGF-165-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation induced by 2 nM VEGF-165 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as measured in an assay wherein the HUVECs are firstly incubated in FCS supplemented media, which is then replaced with supplement-free media overnight, the targeted binding agent is then added and after a pre-incubation period with the targeted binding agent, the cells are stimulated by addition of the VEGF-165. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent inhibits greater than 50% of VEGF-165-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) as measured in an assay as described in Example 11 herein.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent at a 1/20 dilution of hybridoma supernatant inhibits greater than 40% of VEGF-E mediated tyrosine phosphorylation induced by 2 nM VEGF-E in HUVECs. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent at a 1/20 dilution of hybridoma supernatant inhibits greater than 40% of VEGF-E mediated tyrosine phosphorylation induced by 2 nM VEGF-E in HUVECs as measured in an assay wherein the HUVECs are firstly incubated in FCS plus growth supplements media, which is then replaced by supplement-free media overnight, followed by addition of the targeted binding agent and finally by replacement with the VEGF-E. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent inhibits greater than 40% of VEGF-E mediated tyrosine phosphorylation in HUVECs as measured in an assay as described in Example 8 herein.
In some embodiments, the targeted binding agent at a 1/20 dilution of hybridoma supernatant inhibits greater than 55% of VEGF-E mediated cell survival as induced by 1 nM VEGF-E in HUVECs. In some embodiments, the targeted binding agent at a 1/20 dilution of hybridoma supernatant inhibits greater than 55% of VEGF-E mediated cell survival as induced by 1 nM VEGF-E in HUVECs as measured in an assay wherein the HUVECs are firstly incubated in FCS plus growth supplements media, followed by addition of the targeted binding agent and after a pre-incubation period, addition of VEGF-E. In some embodiments, the targeted binding agent inhibits greater than 55% of VEGF-E mediated cell survival in HUVECs as measured in an assay as described in Example 8 herein.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent at 20 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL, 1.25 μg/mL or 0.3125 μg/mL inhibits greater than 50% of endothelial cell tube formation in comparison with a control antibody. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent at 20 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL, 1.25 μg/mL or 0.3125 μg/mL inhibits greater than 50% of endothelial cell tube formation as measured in an assay wherein the targeted binding agent is introduced to co-cultures of HUVECs and human diploid fibroblasts maintained in either TCS Optimised Medium or MCDB131 medium supplemented with 2% foetal calf serum, 1% glutamine and 1% penicillin/streptomycin. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent at 20 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL, 1.25 μg/mL or 0.3125 μg/mL inhibits greater than 50% of endothelial cell tube formation as measured in an assay as described in Example 23. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent at 20 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL, 1.25 μg/mL or 0.3125 μg/mL inhibits greater than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of endothelial cell tube formation.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent dosed at 10 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg twice weekly inhibits greater than 50% of angiogenesis in vivo. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent dosed at 10 mg/kg or 1 mg/kg twice weekly inhibits greater than 50% of angiogenesis in vivo in a spheroid-based in vivo angiogenesis assay. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent inhibits greater than 50% of angiogenesis in vivo as measured in an assay wherein HUVEC spheroids are mixed in a Matrigel/fibrin solution with single HUVECs to reach a final number of 100,000 ECs as spheroids and 200,000 single ECs per injected plug; VEGF-A and FGF added at a final concentration of 1000 ng/ml and the 500 μl of cell/matrix suspension injected into the study animal, with treatment with the targeted binding agent commenced the following day and ceased at day 21. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent inhibits greater than 50% of angiogenesis in vivo as measured in an assay as described in Example 24. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent inhibits greater than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% of angiogenesis in vivo.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent binds KDR with a binding affinity (Kd) of less than 5 nanomolar (nM). In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent binds with a Kd of less than 4 nM, 3 nM, 2 nM or 1 nM. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent binds KDR with a Kd of less than 950 picomolar (pM). In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent binds KDR with a Kd of less than 900 pM. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent binds with a Kd of less than 800 pM, 700 pM or 600 pM. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent binds KDR with a Kd of less than 500 pM. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent binds with a Kd of less than 400 pM. In still other embodiments, the targeted binding agent binds with a Kd of less than 300 pM. In some other embodiments, the targeted binding agent binds with a Kd of less than 200 pM. The Kd may be assessed using a method described herein or known to one of skill in the art (e.g., a BIAcore assay, ELISA) (Biacore International AB, Uppsala, Sweden).
The binding properties of the targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention may also be measured by reference to the dissociation or association rates (koff and kon respectively).
In one embodiment of the invention, a targeted binding agent or an antibody may have an kon rate (antibody (Ab)+antigen (Ag)kon→Ab−Ag) of at least 104M−1s−1, at least 5×104M−1s−1, at least 105M−1s−1, at least 2×105M−1s−1, at least 5×105M−1s−1, at least 106M−1s−1, at least 5×106M−1s−1, at least 107M−1s−1, at least 5×107M−1s−1, or at least 108M−1s−1.
In another embodiment of the invention, targeted binding agent or an antibody may have a koff rate ((Ab−Ag)koff→antibody (Ab)+antigen (Ag)) of less than 5×10−1s−1, less than 10−1s−1, less than 5×10−2s−1, less than 10−2s−1, less than 5×10−3s−1, less than 10−3s−1, less than 5×10−4s−1, less than 10−4s−1, less than 5×10−5s−1, less than 10−5s−1, less than 5×10−6s−1, less than 10−6s−1, less than 5×10−7s−1, less than 10−7s−1, less than 5×10−8s−1, less than 10−8s−1, less than 5×10−9s−1, less than 10−9s−1, or less than 10−10s−1.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent inhibits tumour growth and/or metastasis in a mammal. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent ameliorates symptoms associated with inflammatory disorders in a mammal In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent ameliorates symptoms associated with inflammatory disorders selected from rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis in a mammal. Symptoms that may be ameliorated include, but are not limited to, angiogenesis and synovitis. In still other embodiments, the targeted binding agent ameliorates symptoms associated with cardiovascular disease in a mammal In still other embodiments, the targeted binding agent ameliorates symptoms associated with a cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis in a mammal. Symptoms that may be ameliorated include, but are not limited to, inflammation and angiogenesis. In some other embodiments, the targeted binding agent ameliorates symptoms associated with sepsis in a mammal. Symptoms that may be ameliorated include, but are not limited to, uncontrolled vascular permeability, vascular leakage and angiogenesis. In some other embodiments, the targeted binding agent ameliorates symptoms associated with ocular disease. In some other embodiments, the targeted binding agent ameliorates symptoms associated with an ocular disease, such as ischaemic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration. Symptoms that may be ameliorated include, but are not limited to, uncontrolled vascular permeability and vascular leakage.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent is an antibody. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent is a monoclonal antibody. In one embodiment of the invention, the targeted binding agent is a fully human monoclonal antibody. In another embodiment of the invention, the targeted binding agent is a fully human monoclonal antibody of the IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4 isotype. In another embodiment of the invention, the targeted binding agent is a fully human monoclonal antibody of the IgG2 isotype. This isotype has reduced potential to elicit effector function in comparison with other isotypes, which may lead to reduced toxicity. In another embodiment of the invention, the targeted binding agent is a fully human monoclonal antibody of the IgG1 isotype. The IgG1 isotype has increased potential to elicit ADCC in comparison with other isotypes, which may lead to improved efficacy. The IgG1 isotype has improved stability in comparison with other isotypes, e.g. IgG4, which may lead to improved bioavailability, or improved ease of manufacture or a longer half-life. In one embodiment, the fully human monoclonal antibody of the IgG1 isotype is of the z, za or f allotype.
A further embodiment is a targeted binding agent or an antibody that specifically binds to KDR and comprises a sequence comprising one of the complementarity determining regions (CDR) sequences shown in Table 20. Embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody comprising a sequence comprising: any one of a CDR1, a CDR2 or a CDR3 sequence as shown in Table 20. A further embodiment is a targeted binding agent or an antibody that specifically binds to KDR and comprises a sequence comprising two of the CDR sequences shown in Table 20. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising a CDR1, a CDR2 and a CDR3 sequence as shown in Table 20. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising one of the CDR sequences shown in Table 21. Embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody comprising a sequence comprising: any one of a CDR1, a CDR2 or a CDR3 sequence as shown in Table 21. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising two of the CDR sequences shown in Table 21. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising a CDR1, a CDR2 and a CDR3 sequence as shown in Table 21. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody may comprise a sequence comprising a CDR1, a CDR2 and a CDR3 sequence as shown in Table 20 and a CDR1, a CDR2 and a CDR3 sequence as shown in Table 21. In some embodiments, the targeted binding agent is an antibody. In certain embodiments, the targeted binding agent is a fully human monoclonal antibody. In certain other embodiments, the targeted binding agent is a binding fragment of a fully human monoclonal antibody.
For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Table 20” as used herein includes Table 20a and Table 20b.
For the avoidance of doubt, the term “Table 21” as used herein includes Table 21a and Table 21b.
It is noted that those of ordinary skill in the art can readily accomplish CDR determinations. See for example, Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, NIH Publication 91-3242, Bethesda Md. (1991), vols. 1-3. Kabat provides multiple sequence alignments of immunoglobulin chains from numerous species antibody isotypes. The aligned sequences are numbered according to a single numbering system, the Kabat numbering system. The Kabat sequences have been updated since the 1991 publication and are available as an electronic sequence database (latest downloadable version 1997). Any immunoglobulin sequence can be numbered according to Kabat by performing an alignment with the Kabat reference sequence. Accordingly, the Kabat numbering system provides a uniform system for numbering immunoglobulin chains.
In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising any one of the heavy chain sequences shown in Table 20. In another embodiment, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising any one of the heavy chain sequences of antibodies 33D5, 29H3, 29F7, 33C3, 31E11, 21A1, 21H6, 24C9, 32G7, 24B3, 33B1, 29A11, 30H10, 32B2, 32C11, 30E3, 1G6, 30F6, 30D7, 21H9, 29A3, 33E1, 22B8, 27A3, 27D10, 30A1, 32F4 or 29D4. Light-chain promiscuity is well established in the art, thus, a targeted binding agent or antibody comprising a sequence comprising any one of the heavy chain sequences of antibodies 33D5, 29H3, 29F7, 33C3, 31E11, 21A1, 21H6, 24C9, 32G7, 24B3, 33B1, 29A11, 30H10, 32B2, 32C11, 30E3, 1G6, 30F6, 30D7, 21H9, 29A3, 33E1, 22B8, 27A3, 27D10, 30A1, 32F4 or 29D4 or another antibody as disclosed herein, may further comprise any one of the light chain sequences shown in Table 21 or of antibodies 33D5, 29H3, 29F7, 33C3, 31E11, 21A1, 21H6, 24C9, 32G7, 24B3, 33B1, 29A11, 30H10, 32B2, 32C11, 30E3, 1G6, 30F6, 30D7, 21H9, 29A3, 33E1, 22B8, 27A3, 27D10, 30A1, 32F4 or 29D4, or another antibody as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising any one of the light chain sequences shown in Table 21. In another embodiment, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising any one of the light chain sequences of antibodies 33D5, 29H3, 29F7, 33C3, 31E11, 21A1, 21H6, 24C9, 32G7, 24B3, 33B1, 29A11, 30H10, 32B2, 32C11, 30E3, 1G6, 30F6, 30D7, 21H9, 29A3, 33E1, 22B8, 27A3, 27D10, 30A1, 32F4 or 29D4. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
In some embodiments, the targeting binding agent is a monoclonal antibody selected from the group consisting of: 24B3, 27D10 and 33C3. In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent comprises one or more of fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3. In certain embodiments, the targeting binding agent is monoclonal antibody 24B3. In certain other embodiments, the targeting binding agent is monoclonal antibody 27D10. In still other embodiments, the targeting binding agent is monoclonal antibody 33C3. In additional embodiments, the targeted binding agent is derivable from any of the foregoing monoclonal antibodies.
In one embodiment a targeted binding agent or an antibody may comprise a sequence comprising a heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 selected from any one of the sequences shown in Table 20. In one embodiment a targeted binding agent or an antibody may comprise a sequence comprising a light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 selected from any one of the sequences shown in Table 21. In one embodiment a targeted binding agent or an antibody may comprise a sequence comprising a heavy chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 selected from any one of the CDRs of antibodies 33D5, 29H3, 29F7, 33C3, 31E11, 21A1, 21H6, 24C9, 32G7, 24B3, 33B1, 29A11, 30H10, 32B2, 32C11, 30E3, 1G6, 30F6, 30D7, 21H9, 29A3, 33E1, 22B8, 27A3, 27D10, 30A1, 32F4 or 29D4. In one embodiment a targeted binding agent or an antibody may comprise a sequence comprising a light chain CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 selected from any one of the CDRs of antibodies 33D5, 29H3, 29F7, 33C3, 31E11, 21A1, 21H6, 24C9, 32G7, 24B3, 33B1, 29A11, 30H10, 32B2, 32C11, 30E3, 1G6, 30F6, 30D7, 21H9, 29A3, 33E1, 22B8, 27A3, 27D10, 30A1, 32F4 or 29D4.
In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody may comprise a sequence comprising any one of a CDR1, a CDR2 or a CDR3 of any one of the fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3, as shown in Table 20. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody may comprise a sequence comprising any one of a CDR1, a CDR2 or a CDR3 of any one of the fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3, as shown in Table 21. In one embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody may comprise a sequence comprising a CDR1, a CDR2 and a CDR3 of fully human monoclonal antibody 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3, as shown in Table 20. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody may comprise a sequence comprising a CDR1, a CDR2 and a CDR3 of fully human monoclonal antibody 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3, as shown in Table 21. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody may comprise a sequence comprising a CDR1, a CDR2 and a CDR3 of fully human monoclonal antibody 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3, as shown in Table 20, and a CDR1, a CDR2 and a CDR3 sequence of fully human monoclonal antibody 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3, as shown in Table 21. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequence of fully human monoclonal antibody 24B3 as shown in Table 20 and the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequence of fully human monoclonal antibody 24B3 as shown in Table 21. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequence of fully human monoclonal antibody 27D10 as shown in Table 20 and the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequence of fully human monoclonal antibody 27D10 as shown in Table 21. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequence of fully human monoclonal antibody 33C3 as shown in Table 20 and the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequence of fully human monoclonal antibody 33C3 as shown in Table 21. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
A further embodiment of the invention is a targeted binding agent or antibody comprising a sequence comprising the contiguous sequence spanning the framework regions and CDRs, specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3, of any one of the sequences as shown in Table 20 or Table 21. In one embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising the contiguous sequences spanning the framework regions and CDRs, specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3, of any one of the sequences of monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3, as shown in Table 20 or Table 21. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
One embodiment provides a targeted binding agent or antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, wherein the agent or antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, comprises a heavy chain polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO.:42. In one embodiment, the agent or antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, further comprises a light chain polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO.:44. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
In another embodiment the agent or antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, comprises a heavy chain polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO.:14. In one embodiment, the agent or antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, further comprises a light chain polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO.:16. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
In another embodiment the agent or antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, comprises a heavy chain polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO.:74. In another embodiment, the agent or antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, further comprises a light chain polypeptide comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO.:76. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
In one embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises as many as twenty, sixteen, ten, nine or fewer, e.g. one, two, three, four or five, amino acid additions, substitutions, deletions, and/or insertions within the disclosed CDRs or heavy or light chain sequences. Such modifications may potentially be made at any residue within the CDRs. In some embodiments, the antibody is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises variants or derivatives of the CDRs disclosed herein, the contiguous sequences spanning the framework regions and CDRs (specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3), the light or heavy chain sequences disclosed herein, or the antibodies disclosed herein. Variants include targeted binding agents or antibodies comprising sequences which have as many as twenty, sixteen, ten, nine or fewer, e.g. one, two, three, four, five or six amino acid additions, substitutions, deletions, and/or insertions in any of the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3s as shown in Table 20 or Table 21, the contiguous sequences spanning the framework regions and CDRs (specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3) as shown in Table 20 or Table 21, the light or heavy chain sequences disclosed herein, or with the monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein. Variants include targeted binding agents or antibodies comprising sequences which have at least about 60, 70, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98 or about 99% amino acid sequence identity with any of the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3s as shown in Table 20 or Table 21, the contiguous sequences spanning the framework regions and CDRs (specifically from FR1 through FR4 or CDR1 through CDR3) as shown in Table 20 or Table 21, the light or heavy chain sequences disclosed herein, or with the monoclonal antibodies disclosed herein. The percent identity of two amino acid sequences can be determined by any method known to one skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, pairwise protein alignment. In one embodiment variants comprise changes in the CDR sequences or light or heavy chain polypeptides disclosed herein that are naturally occurring or are introduced by in vitro engineering of native sequences using recombinant DNA techniques or mutagenesis techniques. Naturally occurring variants include those which are generated in vivo in the corresponding germline nucleotide sequences during the generation of an antibody to a foreign antigen. In one embodiment the derivative may be a heteroantibody, that is an antibody in which two or more antibodies are linked together. Derivatives include antibodies which have been chemically modified. Examples include covalent attachment of one or more polymers, such as water-soluble polymers, N-linked, or O-linked carbohydrates, sugars, phosphates, and/or other such molecules. The derivatives are modified in a manner that is different from the naturally occurring or starting antibody, either in the type or location of the molecules attached. Derivatives further include deletion of one or more chemical groups which are naturally present on the antibody.
In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent is a bispecific antibody. A bispecific antibody is an antibody that has binding specificity for at least two different epitopes. Methods for making bispecific antibodies are known in the art. (See, for example, Millstein et al., Nature, 305:537-539 (1983); Traunecker et al., EMBO J., 10:3655-3659 (1991); Suresh et al., Methods in Enzymology, 121:210 (1986); Kostelny et al., J. Immunol., 148(5):1547-1553 (1992); Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:6444-6448 (1993); Gruber et al., J. Immunol., 152:5368 (1994); U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,474,893; 4,714,681; 4,925,648; 5,573,920; 5,601,81; 95,731,168; 4,676,980; and 4,676,980, WO 94/04690; WO 91/00360; WO 92/200373; WO 93/17715; WO 92/08802; and EP 03089.)
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO.: 42. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:42 comprises any one of the combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 17. In some embodiments, SEQ ID NO:42 comprises any one, any two, any three, any four, any five, any six, any seven, any eight or all nine of the germline residues as indicated in Table 17. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:42 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 17a. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent or antibody is derived from a germline sequence with VH3-21, D3-10 and JH4B domains, wherein one or more residues has been mutated to yield the corresponding germline residue at that position.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO.:44. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:44 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 16. In some embodiments, SEQ ID NO:44 comprises any one, any two or all three of the germline residues as indicated in Table 16. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:44 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 16a. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent or antibody is derived from a germline sequence with A30 and JK1 domains, wherein one or more residues has been mutated to yield the corresponding germline residue at that position.
In some embodiments of the invention, in the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO.:14. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:14 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 15. In some embodiments, SEQ ID NO:14 comprises any one, any two, any three, any four, any five or all six of the germline residues as indicated in Table 15. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:14 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 15a. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent or antibody is derived from a germline sequence with VH4-39, D6-6 and JH4B domains, wherein one or more residues has been mutated to yield the corresponding germline residue at that position.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO.:16. In certain embodiments, the targeted binding agent or antibody is derived from a germline sequence with A27 and JK4 domains, wherein one or more residues has been mutated to yield the corresponding germline residue at that position.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO.:74. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:74 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 19. In some embodiments, SEQ ID NO:74 comprises any one, any two, any three, any four, any five, any six, any seven or all eight of the germline residues as indicated in Table 19. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:74 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 19a. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent or antibody is derived from a germline sequence with VH3-11, D3-3 and JH5B domains, wherein one or more residues has been mutated to yield the corresponding germline residue at that position.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent or antibody comprises a sequence comprising SEQ ID NO.:76. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:76 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 18. In some embodiments, SEQ ID NO:76 comprises any one, any two, any three, any four, any five, any six, any seven, any eight or all nine of the germline residues as indicated in Table 18. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO.:76 comprises any one of the unique combinations of germline and non-germline residues indicated by each row of Table 18a. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent or antibody is derived from a germline sequence with O2 and JK4 domains, wherein one or more residues has been mutated to yield the corresponding germline residue at that position.
A further embodiment of the invention is a targeted binding agent or antibody which competes for binding to KDR with the targeted binding agent or antibodies of the invention. In another embodiment of the invention there is an antibody which competes for binding to KDR with the targeted binding agent or antibodies of the invention. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent or antibody competes for binding to KDR with any one of fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 or 33C3. “Competes” indicates that the targeted binding agent or antibody competes for binding to KDR with any one of fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 and 33C3, i.e. competition is unidirectional.
Embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody which cross competes with any one of fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 and 33C3 for binding to KDR. “Cross competes” indicates that the targeted binding agent or antibody competes for binding to KDR with any one of fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 and 33C3, and vice versa, i.e. competition is bidirectional.
A further embodiment of the invention is a targeted binding agent or antibody which competes for binding to the dimerisation domain of KDR. In another embodiment of the invention there is a targeted binding agent or antibody which cross-competes with the targeted binding agent or antibodies of the invention for binding to the dimerisation domain of KDR.
A further embodiment of the invention is a targeted binding agent or antibody that binds to the same epitope on KDR as the targeted binding agent or antibodies of the invention. Embodiments of the invention also include a targeted binding agent or antibody that binds to the same epitope on KDR as any one of fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 and 33C3.
Other embodiments of the invention include isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding any of the targeted binding agents or antibodies described herein, vectors having isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the targeted binding agents or antibodies described herein or a host cell transformed with any of such nucleic acid molecules. Embodiments of the invention include a nucleic acid molecule encoding a fully human isolated targeted binding agent that specifically bind to KDR and inhibit binding of VEGF to KDR. The invention also encompasses polynucleotides that hybridize under stringent or lower stringency hybridization conditions, as defined herein, to polynucleotides that encode any of the targeted binding agents or antibodies described herein. Embodiments of the invention also include a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule encoding the binding agent. Additional embodiments include a host cell comprising the vector of comprising the nucleic acid molecule.
As known in the art, antibodies can advantageously be, for example, polyclonal, oligoclonal, monoclonal, chimeric, humanised, and/or fully human antibodies.
It will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular form of an antibody or method of generation or production. In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent is a binding fragment of a fully human monoclonal antibody. For example, the targeted binding agent can be a full-length antibody (e.g., having an intact human Fc region) or an antibody binding fragment (e.g., a Fab, Fab′ or F(ab′)2, FV or dAb). In addition, the antibodies can be single-domain antibodies such as camelid or human single VH or VL domains that bind to KDR, such as a dAb fragment.
Embodiments of the invention described herein also provide cells for producing these antibodies. Examples of cells include hybridomas, or recombinantly created cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, variants of CHO cells (for example DG44) and NS0 cells that produce antibodies against KDR. Additional information about variants of CHO cells can be found in Andersen and Reilly (2004) Current Opinion in Biotechnology 15, 456-462 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. The antibody can be manufactured from a hybridoma that secretes the antibody, or from a recombinantly engineered cell that has been transformed or transfected with a gene or genes encoding the antibody.
In addition, one embodiment of the invention is a method of producing an antibody of the invention by culturing host cells under conditions wherein a nucleic acid molecule is expressed to produce the antibody followed by recovering the antibody. It should be realised that embodiments of the invention also include any nucleic acid molecule which encodes an antibody or fragment of an antibody of the invention including nucleic acid sequences optimised for increasing yields of antibodies or fragments thereof when transfected into host cells for antibody production.
A further embodiment herein includes a method of producing antibodies that specifically bind to KDR and inhibit the biological activity of KDR, by immunising a mammal with cells expressing human KDR, isolated cell membranes containing human KDR, purified human KDR, or a fragment thereof, and/or one or more orthologous sequences or fragments thereof.
In other embodiments the invention provides compositions, including a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention or binding fragment thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
Still further embodiments of the invention include methods of effectively treating an animal suffering from a proliferative, angiogenic, cell adhesion or invasion-related disease by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR. In certain embodiments the method further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a proliferative, angiogenic, cell adhesion or invasion-related disease, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR.
Still further embodiments of the invention include methods of effectively treating an animal suffering from a neoplastic disease by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR. In certain embodiments the method further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a neoplastic disease, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR.
Still further embodiments of the invention include methods of effectively treating an animal suffering from a non-neoplastic disease by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR. In certain embodiments the method further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a non-neoplastic disease, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR.
Still further embodiments of the invention include methods of effectively treating an animal suffering from a malignant tumour by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR. In certain embodiments the method further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a malignant tumour, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR.
Still further embodiments of the invention include methods of effectively treating an animal suffering from a disease or condition associated with KDR expression by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR. In certain embodiments the method further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a disease or condition associated with KDR expression, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR.
Still further embodiments of the invention include methods of effectively treating an animal suffering from KDR induced disease-related VEGF activation by administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR. In certain embodiments the method further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for KDR induced disease-related VEGF activation, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent that specifically binds to KDR.
A malignant tumour may be selected from the group consisting of: melanoma, small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioma, hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma, thyroid tumour, gastric (stomach) cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal carcinoma, head and neck cancers, mesothelioma, sarcomas, biliary (cholangiocarcinoma), small bowel adenocarcinoma, pediatric malignancies and epidermoid carcinoma.
Treatable proliferative, angiogenic, cell adhesion or invasion-related diseases include neoplastic diseases, such as, melanoma, small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioma, hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma, thyroid tumour, gastric (stomach) cancer, gallbladder cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, esophageal carcinoma, head and neck cancers, mesothelioma, sarcomas, biliary (cholangiocarcinoma), small bowel adenocarcinoma, pediatric malignancies, epidermoid carcinoma and leukaemia, including chronic myelogenous leukaemia.
In one embodiment, the neoplastic disease is melanoma, colon cancer or chronic myelogenous leukaemia.
Non-neoplastic diseases include inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis, cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis, sepsis, ocular disease such as ischaemic retinopathy or age-related macular degeneration.
In one embodiment the present invention is suitable for use in inhibiting KDR, in patients with a tumour which is dependent alone, or in part, on KDR.
Still further embodiments of the invention include use of a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a proliferative, angiogenic, cell adhesion or invasion-related disease. In certain embodiments the use further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a proliferative, angiogenic, cell adhesion or invasion-related disease.
Still further embodiments of the invention include use of a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a neoplastic disease. In certain embodiments the use further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a neoplastic disease.
Still further embodiments of the invention include use of a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a non-neoplastic disease. In certain embodiments the use further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a non-neoplastic disease.
Still further embodiments of the invention include use of a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a malignant tumour. In certain embodiments the use further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a malignant tumour.
Still further embodiments of the invention include use of a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a disease or condition associated with KDR expression. In certain embodiments the use further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for a disease or condition associated with KDR expression.
Still further embodiments of the invention include use of a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from KDR induced disease-related VEGF activation. In certain embodiments the use further comprises selecting an animal in need of treatment for KDR induced disease-related VEGF activation.
Still further embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention for use as a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a proliferative, angiogenic, cell adhesion or invasion-related disease.
Still further embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention for use as a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a neoplastic disease.
Still further embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention for use as a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a non-neoplastic disease.
Still further embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention for use as a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a malignant tumour.
Still further embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention for use as a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from a disease or condition associated with KDR expression.
Still further embodiments of the invention include a targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention for use as a medicament for the treatment of an animal suffering from KDR induced disease-related VEGF activation.
In one embodiment treatment of a

    
    
        a proliferative, angiogenic, cell adhesion or invasion-related disease;
        a neoplastic disease;
        a non-neoplastic disease;
        a malignant tumour;
        a disease or condition associated with KDR expression; or
        KDR induced disease-related VEGF activation,
    
    


comprises managing, ameliorating, preventing, any of the aforementioned diseases or conditions.
In one embodiment treatment of a neoplastic disease comprises inhibition of tumour growth, tumour growth delay, regression of tumour, shrinkage of tumour, increased time to regrowth of tumour on cessation of treatment, increased time to tumour recurrence, slowing of disease progression.
In some embodiments of the invention, the animal to be treated is a human.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent is a fully human monoclonal antibody.
In some embodiments of the invention, the targeted binding agent is selected from the group consisting of fully human monoclonal antibodies 24B3, 27D10 and 33C3.
Embodiments of the invention include a conjugate comprising the targeted binding agent as described herein, and a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments of the invention, the therapeutic agent is a toxin. In other embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a radioisotope. In still other embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a pharmaceutical composition.
In another aspect, a method of selectively killing a cancerous cell in a patient is provided. The method comprises administering a fully human antibody conjugate to a patient. The fully human antibody conjugate comprises an antibody that can bind to KDR and an agent. The agent is either a toxin, a radioisotope, or another substance that will kill a cancer cell. The antibody conjugate thereby selectively kills the cancer cell.
In one aspect, a conjugated fully human antibody that specifically binds to KDR is provided. Attached to the antibody is an agent, and the binding of the antibody to a cell results in the delivery of the agent to the cell. In one embodiment, the above conjugated fully human antibody binds to an extracellular domain of KDR. In another embodiment, the antibody and conjugated toxin are internalised by a cell that expresses KDR. In another embodiment, the agent is a cytotoxic agent. In another embodiment, the agent is, for example saporin, or auristatin, pseudomonas exotoxin, gelonin, ricin, calicheamicin or maytansine-based immunoconjugates, and the like. In still another embodiment, the agent is a radioisotope.
The targeted binding agent or antibody of the invention can be administered alone, or can be administered in combination with additional antibodies or chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy. For example, a monoclonal, oligoclonal or polyclonal mixture of KDR antibodies that block cell adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis or proliferation can be administered in combination with a drug shown to inhibit tumour cell proliferation.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a method of diagnosing diseases or conditions in which an antibody as disclosed herein is utilised to detect the level of KDR in a patient or patient sample. In one embodiment, the patient sample is blood or blood serum or urine. In further embodiments, methods for the identification of risk factors, diagnosis of disease, and staging of disease is presented which involves the identification of the expression and/or overexpression of KDR using anti-KDR antibodies. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administering to a patient a fully human antibody conjugate that selectively binds to KDR on a cell. The antibody conjugate comprises an antibody that specifically binds to KDR and a label. The methods further comprise observing the presence of the label in the patient. A relatively high amount of the label will indicate a relatively high risk of the disease and a relatively low amount of the label will indicate a relatively low risk of the disease. In one embodiment, the label is a green fluorescent protein.
The invention further provides methods for assaying the level of KDR in a patient sample, comprising contacting an antibody as disclosed herein with a biological sample from a patient, and detecting the level of binding between said antibody and KDR in said sample. In more specific embodiments, the biological sample is blood, plasma or serum.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a method for diagnosing a condition associated with the expression of KDR in a cell by contacting the serum or a cell with an antibody as disclosed herein, and thereafter detecting the presence of KDR. In one embodiment the condition can be a proliferative, angiogenic, cell adhesion or invasion-related disease including, but not limited to, a neoplastic disease.
In another embodiment, the invention includes an assay kit for detecting KDR in mammalian tissues, cells, or body fluids to screen for KDR-related diseases. The kit includes an antibody as disclosed herein and a means for indicating the reaction of the antibody with KDR, if present. In one embodiment the antibody is a monoclonal antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody that binds KDR is labelled. In another embodiment the antibody is an unlabelled primary antibody and the kit further includes a means for detecting the primary antibody. In one embodiment, the means for detecting includes a labelled second antibody that is an anti-immunoglobulin. The antibody may be labelled with a marker selected from the group consisting of a fluorochrome, an enzyme, a radionuclide and a radiopaque material.
In some embodiments, the targeted binding agents or antibodies as disclosed herein can be modified to enhance their capability of fixing complement and participating in complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). In other embodiments, the targeted binding agents or antibodies can be modified to enhance their capability of activating effector cells and participating in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). In yet other embodiments, the targeted binding agents or antibodies as disclosed herein can be modified both to enhance their capability of activating effector cells and participating in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) and to enhance their capability of fixing complement and participating in complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).
In some embodiments, the targeted binding agents or antibodies as disclosed herein can be modified to reduce their capability of fixing complement and participating in complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). In other embodiments, the targeted binding agents or antibodies can be modified to reduce their capability of activating effector cells and participating in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). In yet other embodiments, the targeted binding agents or antibodies as disclosed herein can be modified both to reduce their capability of activating effector cells and participating in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) and to reduce their capability of fixing complement and participating in complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).
In certain embodiments, the half-life of a targeted binding agent or antibody as disclosed herein and of compositions of the invention is at least about 4 to 7 days. In certain embodiments, the mean half-life of a targeted binding agent or antibody as disclosed herein and of compositions of the invention is at least about 2 to 5 days, 3 to 6 days, 4 to 7 days, 5 to 8 days, 6 to 9 days, 7 to 10 days, 8 to 11 days, 8 to 12, 9 to 13, 10 to 14, 11 to 15, 12 to 16, 13 to 17, 14 to 18, 15 to 19, or 16 to 20 days. In other embodiments, the mean half-life of a targeted binding agent or antibody as disclosed herein and of compositions of the invention is at least about 17 to 21 days, 18 to 22 days, 19 to 23 days, 20 to 24 days, 21 to 25, days, 22 to 26 days, 23 to 27 days, 24 to 28 days, 25 to 29 days, or 26 to 30 days. In still further embodiments the half-life of a targeted binding agent or antibody as disclosed herein and of compositions of the invention can be up to about 50 days. In certain embodiments, the half-lives of antibodies and of compositions of the invention can be prolonged by methods known in the art. Such prolongation can in turn reduce the amount and/or frequency of dosing of the antibody compositions. Antibodies with improved in vivo half-lives and methods for preparing them are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,375; and International Publication Nos. WO 98/23289 and WO 97/3461.
In another embodiment, the invention provides an article of manufacture including a container. The container includes a composition containing a targeted binding agent or antibody as disclosed herein, and a package insert or label indicating that the composition can be used to treat cell adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis, and/or proliferation-related diseases, including, but not limited to, diseases characterised by the expression or overexpression of KDR.
In other embodiments, the invention provides a kit comprising a composition containing a targeted binding agent or antibody as disclosed herein, and instructions to administer the composition to a subject in need of treatment.
The present invention provides formulation of proteins comprising a variant Fc region. That is, a non-naturally occurring Fc region, for example an Fc region comprising one or more non naturally occurring amino acid residues. Also encompassed by the variant Fc regions of present invention are Fc regions which comprise amino acid deletions, additions and/or modifications.
The serum half-life of proteins comprising Fc regions may be increased by increasing the binding affinity of the Fc region for FcRn. In one embodiment, the Fc variant protein has enhanced serum half life relative to comparable molecule.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 239, 330 and 332, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid selected from the group consisting of 239D, 330L and 332E, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Optionally, the Fc region may further comprise additional non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 252, 254, and 256, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid selected from the group consisting of 239D, 330L and 332E, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat and at least one non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 252Y, 254T and 256E, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 234, 235 and 331, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid selected from the group consisting of 234F, 235F, 235Y, and 331S, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a further specific embodiment, an Fc variant of the invention comprises the 234F, 235F, and 331S non naturally occurring amino acid residues, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In another specific embodiment, an Fc variant of the invention comprises the 234F, 235Y, and 331S non naturally occurring amino acid residues, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Optionally, the Fc region may further comprise additional non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 252, 254, and 256, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid selected from the group consisting of 234F, 235F, 235Y, and 331S, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat; and at least one non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions are selected from the group consisting of 252Y, 254T and 256E, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant protein formulation, wherein the Fc region comprises at least a non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 239, 330 and 332, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant protein formulation, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid selected from the group consisting of 239D, 330L and 332E, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Optionally, the Fc region may further comprise additional non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 252, 254, and 256, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant protein formulation, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid selected from the group consisting of 239D, 330L and 332E, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat and at least one non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions are selected from the group consisting of 252Y, 254T and 256E, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant protein formulation, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 234, 235 and 331, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant protein formulation, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid selected from the group consisting of 234F, 235F, 235Y, and 331S, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. Optionally, the Fc region may further comprise additional non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions selected from the group consisting of 252, 254, and 256, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an Fc variant protein formulation, wherein the Fc region comprises at least one non naturally occurring amino acid selected from the group consisting of 234F, 235F, 235Y, and 331S, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat; and at least one non naturally occurring amino acid at one or more positions are selected from the group consisting of 252Y, 254T and 256E, as numbered by the EU index as set forth in Kabat.
Methods for generating non naturally occurring Fc regions are known in the art. For example, amino acid substitutions and/or deletions can be generated by mutagenesis methods, including, but not limited to, site-directed mutagenesis (Kunkel, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:488-492 (1985)), PCR mutagenesis (Higuchi, in “PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications”, Academic Press, San Diego, pp. 177-183 (1990)), and cassette mutagenesis (Wells et al., Gene 34:315-323 (1985)). Preferably, site-directed mutagenesis is performed by the overlap-extension PCR method (Higuchi, in “PCR Technology: Principles and Applications for DNA Amplification”, Stockton Press, New York, pp. 61-70 (1989)). The technique of overlap-extension PCR (Higuchi, ibid.) can also be used to introduce any desired mutation(s) into a target sequence (the starting DNA). For example, the first round of PCR in the overlap-extension method involves amplifying the target sequence with an outside primer (primer 1) and an internal mutagenesis primer (primer 3), and separately with a second outside primer (primer 4) and an internal primer (primer 2), yielding two PCR segments (segments A and B). The internal mutagenesis primer (primer 3) is designed to contain mismatches to the target sequence specifying the desired mutation(s). In the second round of PCR, the products of the first round of PCR (segments A and B) are amplified by PCR using the two outside primers (primers 1 and 4). The resulting full-length PCR segment (segment C) is digested with restriction enzymes and the resulting restriction fragment is cloned into an appropriate vector. As the first step of mutagenesis, the starting DNA (e.g., encoding an Fc fusion protein, an antibody or simply an Fc region), is operably cloned into a mutagenesis vector. The primers are designed to reflect the desired amino acid substitution. Other methods useful for the generation of variant Fc regions are known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,624,821; 5,885,573; 5,677,425; 6,165,745; 6,277,375; 5,869,046; 6,121,022; 5,624,821; 5,648,260; 6,528,624; 6,194,551; 6,737,056; 6,821,505; 6,277,375; U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2004/0002587 and PCT Publications WO 94/29351; WO 99/58572; WO 00/42072; WO 02/060919; WO 04/029207; WO 04/099249; WO 04/063351).
In some embodiments of the invention, the glycosylation patterns of the antibodies provided herein are modified to enhance ADCC and CDC effector function. See Shields R L et al., (2002) JBC. 277:26733; Shinkawa T et al., (2003) JBC. 278:3466 and Okazaki A et al., (2004) J. Mol. Biol., 336: 1239. In some embodiments, an Fc variant protein comprises one or more engineered glycoforms, i.e., a carbohydrate composition that is covalently attached to the molecule comprising an Fc region. Engineered glycoforms may be useful for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to enhancing or reducing effector function. Engineered glycoforms may be generated by any method known to one skilled in the art, for example by using engineered or variant expression strains, by co-expression with one or more enzymes, for example DI N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnTI11), by expressing a molecule comprising an Fc region in various organisms or cell lines from various organisms, or by modifying carbohydrate(s) after the molecule comprising Fc region has been expressed. Methods for generating engineered glycoforms are known in the art, and include but are not limited to those described in Umana et al, 1999, Nat. Biotechnol 17:176-180; Davies et al., 20017 Biotechnol Bioeng 74:288-294; Shields et al, 2002, J Biol Chem 277:26733-26740; Shinkawa et al., 2003, J Biol Chem 278:3466-3473) U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,684; U.S. Ser. No. 10/277,370; U.S. Ser. No. 10/113,929; PCT WO 00/61739A1; PCT WO 01/292246A1; PCT WO 02/311140A1; PCT WO 02/30954A1; PotillegentTM technology (Biowa, Inc. Princeton, N.J.); GlycoMAbTM glycosylation engineering technology (GLYCART biotechnology AG, Zurich, Switzerland). See, e.g., WO 00061739; EA01229125; US 20030115614; Okazaki et al., 2004, JMB, 336: 1239-49.
It is also known in the art that the glycosylation of the Fc region can be modified to increase or decrease effector function (see for examples, Umana et al, 1999, Nat. Biotechnol 17:176-180; Davies et al., 2001, Biotechnol Bioeng 74:288-294; Shields et al, 2002, J Biol Chem 277:26733-26740; Shinkawa et al., 2003, J Biol Chem 278:3466-3473) U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,684; U.S. Ser. No. 10/277,370; U.S. Ser. No. 10/113,929; PCT WO 00/61739A1; PCT WO 01/292246A1; PCT WO 02/311140A1; PCT WO 02/30954A1; PotillegentTM technology (Biowa, Inc. Princeton, N.J.); GlycoMAbTM glycosylation engineering technology (GLYCART biotechnology AG, Zurich, Switzerland). Accordingly, in one embodiment the Fc regions of the antibodies of the invention comprise altered glycosylation of amino acid residues. In another embodiment, the altered glycosylation of the amino acid residues results in lowered effector function. In another embodiment, the altered glycosylation of the amino acid residues results in increased effector function. In a specific embodiment, the Fc region has reduced fucosylation. In another embodiment, the Fc region is afucosylated (see for examples, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0226867).



BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a bar chart showing the effect of inhibitory KDR antibodies on endothelial cell tube formation in a vessel length endothelial tube formation assay. Antibodies are indicated on the X axis and concentrations from left to right in each group of bars are 20 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL, 1.25 μg/mL and 0.3125 μg/mL.
FIG. 2 is a bar chart showing the effect of inhibitory KDR antibodies on angiogenesis in vivo. Along the X axis 1=vehicle twice weekly; 2=24B3 10 mg/kg twice weekly; 3=24B3 1 mg/kg twice weekly; 4=33C3 10 mg/kg twice weekly; 5=33C3 1 mg/kg twice weekly. The Y axis shows vessel numbers.



DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Embodiments of the invention relate to a novel set of VEGFR blocking molecules, such as, for example, antibodies, that inhibit VEGFR signaling without blocking binding of ligand to its receptor. Such molecules can be used as single agents, or alternatively, in combination with VEGF-A binding antibodies/agents, antibodies that inhibit receptor-ligand binding and small molecule inhibitors of VEGFRs. They can also be used in combination with any standard or novel anti-cancer agents.
Embodiments of the invention relate to targeted binding agents that bind to KDR. In some embodiments, the targeted binding agents bind to KDR and inhibit the binding of the protein product of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to KDR. In some embodiments, the targeted binding agents bind to KDR and inhibit receptor dimerisation. In some embodiments, the targeted binding agents bind to KDR and inhibit receptor dimerisation and binding of VEGF to KDR. In one embodiment, the targeted binding agents are monoclonal antibodies, or binding fragments thereof. Such monoclonal antibodies may be referred to as anti-KDR antibodies herein.
Other embodiments of the invention include fully human anti-KDR antibodies, and antibody preparations that are therapeutically useful. In one embodiment, preparations of the anti-KDR antibody of the invention have desirable therapeutic properties, including strong binding affinity for KDR, the ability to inhibit KDR tyrosine phosphorylation in vitro, and the ability to inhibit KDR-induced cell activity in vitro and in vivo.
In addition, embodiments of the invention include methods of using these antibodies for treating diseases. Anti-KDR antibodies of the invention are useful for preventing KDR-mediated tumourigenesis and tumour invasion of healthy tissue. In addition KDR antibodies can be useful for treating diseases associated with angiogenesis such as ocular disease such as AMD, inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular disease and sepsis as well as neoplastic diseases. While not being limited to any particular theory, the mechanism of action of this inhibition can include inhibition of VEGF from binding to KDR and/or by inhibiting dimerisation of the receptor, thereby preventing productive signaling and activation of proliferative signals. Diseases that are treatable through this inhibition mechanism include, but are not limited to a neoplastic disease. Any disease that is characterized by any type of malignant tumour, including metastatic cancers, lymphatic tumours, and blood cancers, can also be treated by this inhibition mechanism. Exemplary cancers in humans include a bladder tumour, breast tumour, prostate tumour, basal cell carcinoma, biliary tract cancer, bladder cancer, bone cancer, brain and CNS cancer (e.g., glioma tumour), cervical cancer, choriocarcinoma, colon and rectum cancer, connective tissue cancer, cancer of the digestive system; endometrial cancer, esophageal cancer; eye cancer; cancer of the head and neck; gastric cancer; intra-epithelial neoplasm; kidney cancer; larynx cancer; leukemia; liver cancer; lung cancer (e.g. small cell and non-small cell); lymphoma including Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; melanoma; myeloma, neuroblastoma, oral cavity cancer (e.g., lip, tongue, mouth, and pharynx); ovarian cancer; pancreatic cancer, retinoblastoma; rhabdomyosarcoma; rectal cancer, renal cancer, cancer of the respiratory system; sarcoma, skin cancer; stomach cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer; uterine cancer, cancer of the urinary system, as well as other carcinomas and sarcomas. Malignant disorders commonly diagnosed in dogs, cats, and other pets include, but are not limited to, lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, mammary tumours, mastocytoma, brain tumour, melanoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, carcinoid lung tumour, bronchial gland tumour, bronchiolar adenocarcinoma, fibroma, myxochondroma, pulmonary sarcoma, neurosarcoma, osteoma, papilloma, retinoblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma, Wilm's tumour, Burkitt's lymphoma, microglioma, neuroblastoma, osteoclastoma, oral neoplasia, fibrosarcoma, osteosarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, genital squamous cell carcinoma, transmissible venereal tumour, testicular tumour, seminoma, Sertoli cell tumour, hemangiopericytoma, histiocytoma, chloroma (e.g., granulocytic sarcoma), corneal papilloma, corneal squamous cell carcinoma, hemangiosarcoma, pleural mesothelioma, basal cell tumour, thymoma, stomach tumour, adrenal gland carcinoma, oral papillomatosis, hemangioendothelioma and cystadenoma, follicular lymphoma, intestinal lymphosarcoma, fibrosarcoma and pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma. In rodents, such as a ferret, exemplary cancers include insulinoma, lymphoma, sarcoma, neuroma, pancreatic islet cell tumour, gastric MALT lymphoma and gastric adenocarcinoma. Neoplasias affecting agricultural livestock include leukemia, hemangiopericytoma and bovine ocular neoplasia (in cattle); preputial fibrosarcoma, ulcerative squamous cell carcinoma, preputial carcinoma, connective tissue neoplasia and mastocytoma (in horses); hepatocellular carcinoma (in swine); lymphoma and pulmonary adenomatosis (in sheep); pulmonary sarcoma, lymphoma, Rous sarcoma, reticulo-endotheliosis, fibrosarcoma, nephroblastoma, B-cell lymphoma and lymphoid leukosis (in avian species); retinoblastoma, hepatic neoplasia, lymphosarcoma (lymphoblastic lymphoma), plasmacytoid leukemia and swimbladder sarcoma (in fish), caseous lumphadenitis (CLA): chronic, infectious, contagious disease of sheep and goats caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, and contagious lung tumour of sheep caused by jaagsiekte.
Other embodiments of the invention include diagnostic assays for specifically determining the quantity of KDR in a biological sample. The assay kit can include a targeted binding agent or antibody as disclosed herein along with the necessary labels for detecting such antibodies. These diagnostic assays are useful to screen for cell adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis or proliferation-related diseases including, but not limited to, neoplastic diseases.
Another aspect of the invention is an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR wherein the antagonist binds to KDR. In one embodiment, the antagonist is a targeted binding agent, such as an antibody. The antagonist may bind to:

    
    
        i) KDR; or
        ii) the KDR/VEGF complex,

or a combination of these. In one embodiment the antagonist is able to antagonize the biological activity of KDR in vitro and in vivo. The antagonist may be selected from an antibody described herein, for example, antibody 27D10, 24B3 or 33C3.

    
    


In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR may bind to KDR and thereby inhibit or suppress KDR receptor tyrosine kinase activity, thereby inhibiting cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation. The mechanism of action of this inhibition may include binding of the antagonist to KDR and inhibiting the binding of a native KDR-specific ligand, such as, for example VEGF, to KDR. The mechanism of action of this inhibition may include binding of the antagonist to KDR and inhibiting dimerisation of KDR. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theoretical considerations, mechanisms by which antagonism of the biological activity of KDR can be achieved include, but are not limited to, inhibition of binding of VEGF to KDR, and/or inhibition of receptor dimerisation or inhibition of KDR-VEGF mediated signaling activity.
One embodiment is a targeted binding agent which binds to the same epitope or epitopes as fully human monoclonal antibody 27D10, 24B3 or 33C3.
One embodiment is an antibody which binds to the same epitope or epitopes as fully human monoclonal antibody 27D10, 24B3 or 33C3.
One embodiment is a hybridoma that produces the targeted binding agent as described hereinabove. In one embodiment is a hybridoma that produces the light chain and/or the heavy chain of the antibodies as described hereinabove. In one embodiment the hybridoma produces the light chain and/or the heavy chain of a fully human monoclonal antibody. In another embodiment the hybridoma produces the light chain and/or the heavy chain of fully human monoclonal antibody 27D10, 24B3 or 33C3. Alternatively the hybridoma may produce an antibody which binds to the same epitope or epitopes as fully human monoclonal antibody 27D10, 24B3 or 33C3.
Another embodiment is a nucleic acid molecule encoding the targeted binding agent as described hereinabove. In one embodiment is a nucleic acid molecule encoding the light chain or the heavy chain of an antibody as described hereinabove. In one embodiment the nucleic acid molecule encodes the light chain or the heavy chain of a fully human monoclonal antibody. Still another embodiment is a nucleic acid molecule encoding the light chain or the heavy chain of a fully human monoclonal antibody selected from antibodies 27D10, 24B3 or 33C3.
Another embodiment of the invention is a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule or molecules as described hereinabove, wherein the vector encodes a targeted binding agent as defined hereinabove. In one embodiment of the invention is a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule or molecules as described hereinabove, wherein the vector encodes a light chain and/or a heavy chain of an antibody as defined hereinabove.
Yet another embodiment of the invention is a host cell comprising a vector as described hereinabove. Alternatively the host cell may comprise more than one vector.
In addition, one embodiment of the invention is a method of producing a targeted binding agent of the invention by culturing host cells under conditions wherein a nucleic acid molecule is expressed to produce the targeted binding agent, followed by recovery of the targeted binding agent. In one embodiment of the invention is a method of producing an antibody of the invention by culturing host cells under conditions wherein a nucleic acid molecule is expressed to produce the antibody, followed by recovery of the antibody.
In one embodiment the invention includes a method of making an targeted binding agent by transfecting at least one host cell with at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding the targeted binding agent as described hereinabove, expressing the nucleic acid molecule in the host cell and isolating the targeted binding agent. In one embodiment the invention includes a method of making an antibody by transfecting at least one host cell with at least one nucleic acid molecule encoding the antibody as described hereinabove, expressing the nucleic acid molecule in the host cell and isolating the antibody.
According to another aspect, the invention includes a method of antagonising the biological activity of KDR by administering an antagonist as described herein. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR.
Another aspect of the invention includes a method of antagonising the biological activity of KDR by administering a targeted binding agent as described hereinabove. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent which antagonises the biological activity of KDR.
Another aspect of the invention includes a method of antagonising the biological activity of KDR by administering an antibody as described hereinabove. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of an antibody which antagonises the biological activity of KDR.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of treating disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation in an animal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of treating disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation in an animal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a targeted binding agent which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent which antagonises the biological activity of KDR. The targeted binding agent can be administered alone, or can be administered in combination with additional antibodies or chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of treating disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation in an animal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of an antibody which antagonises the biological activity of KDR. The antibody can be administered alone, or can be administered in combination with additional antibodies or chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of treating cancer in an animal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for cancer, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of an antagonist which antagonises the biological activity of KDR. The antagonist can be administered alone, or can be administered in combination with additional antibodies or chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of treating cancer in an animal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a targeted binding agent which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for cancer, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of a targeted binding agent which antagonises the biological activity of KDR. The targeted binding agent can be administered alone, or can be administered in combination with additional antibodies or chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of treating cancer in an animal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR. The method may include selecting an animal in need of treatment for cancer, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of an antibody which antagonises the biological activity of KDR. The antibody can be administered alone, or can be administered in combination with additional antibodies or chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of reducing or inhibiting tumour cell proliferation, adhesion, invasion and/or angiogenesis, in an animal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR. The method may include selecting an animal in need of a reduction or inhibition of proliferation, cell adhesion, invasion and/or angiogenesis, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of an antibody which antagonises the biological activity of KDR. The antibody can be administered alone, or can be administered in combination with additional antibodies or chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy.
According to another aspect there is provided a method of reducing tumour growth and/or metastasis, in an animal by administering a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR. The method may include selecting an animal in need of a reduction of tumour growth and/or metastasis, and administering to the animal a therapeutically effective dose of an antibody which antagonises the biological activity of KDR. The antibody can be administered alone, or can be administered in combination with additional antibodies or chemotherapeutic drugs or radiation therapy.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the use of an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation. In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR is a targeted binding agent of the invention. In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR is an antibody of the invention.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR for use as a medicament for the treatment of disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation. In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR is a targeted binding agent of the invention. In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR is an antibody of the invention.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a targeted binding agent or an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a targeted binding agent or an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for use as a medicament for the treatment of disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a targeted binding agent or an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for use as a medicament for the treatment of disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the use of an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer in a mammal In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR is a targeted binding agent of the invention. In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR is an antibody of the invention.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR for use as a medicament for the treatment of cancer in a mammal. In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR is a targeted binding agent of the invention. In one embodiment the antagonist of the biological activity of KDR is an antibody of the invention.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the use of a targeted binding agent which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer in a mammal.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a targeted binding agent which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for use as a medicament for the treatment of cancer in a mammal.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided the use of an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer in a mammal.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for use as a medicament for the treatment of cancer in a mammal.
According to another aspect there is provided the use of a targeted binding agent or an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for the manufacture of a medicament for the reduction or inhibition proliferation, cell adhesion, invasion and/or angiogenesis in an animal.
According to another aspect there is provided a targeted binding agent or an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for use as a medicament for the reduction or inhibition proliferation, cell adhesion, invasion and/or angiogenesis in an animal.
According to another aspect there is provided the use of a targeted binding agent or an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for the manufacture of a medicament for reducing tumour growth and/or metastasis, in an animal.
According to another aspect there is provided a targeted binding agent or an antibody which antagonizes the biological activity of KDR for use as a medicament for reducing tumour growth and/or metastasis, in an animal.
In one embodiment the present invention is particularly suitable for use in antagonizing KDR, in patients with a tumour which is dependent alone, or in part, on KDR receptor tyrosine kinase.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the antagonist comprises an antibody. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antagonist of the biological activity of KDR, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In one embodiment the antagonist comprises an antibody.
In some embodiments, following administration of the antibody that specifically binds to KDR, a clearing agent is administered, to remove excess circulating antibody from the blood.
Anti-KDR antibodies are useful in the detection of KDR in patient samples and accordingly are useful as diagnostics for disease states as described herein. In addition, based on their ability to significantly inhibit KDR-mediated signaling activity (as demonstrated in the Examples below), anti-KDR antibodies have therapeutic effects in treating symptoms and conditions resulting from KDR expression. In specific embodiments, the antibodies and methods herein relate to the treatment of symptoms resulting from KDR induced cell adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis, proliferation and/or intracellular signaling. Further embodiments involve using the antibodies and methods described herein to treat cell adhesion, invasion, angiogenesis and/or proliferation-related diseases including neoplastic diseases, such as, melanoma, small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioma, hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma, thyroid tumour, gastric (stomach) cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, glioblastoma, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, and pancreatic cancer. The antibodies may also be useful in treating cell adhesion and/or invasion in arthritis, atherosclerosis and diseases involving angiogenesis.
Another embodiment of the invention includes an assay kit for detecting KDR in mammalian tissues, cells, or body fluids to screen for cell adhesion-, invasion-, angiogenesis- or proliferation related diseases. The kit includes a targeted binding agent that binds to KDR and a means for indicating the reaction of the targeted binding agent with KDR, if present. In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent that binds KDR is labeled. In another embodiment the targeted binding agent is an unlabeled and the kit further includes a means for detecting the targeted binding agent. Preferably the targeted binding agent is labeled with a marker selected from the group consisting of a fluorochrome, an enzyme, a radionuclide and a radio-opaque material.
Another embodiment of the invention includes an assay kit for detecting KDR in mammalian tissues, cells, or body fluids to screen for cell adhesion-, invasion-, angiogenesis or proliferation-related diseases. The kit includes an antibody that binds to KDR and a means for indicating the reaction of the antibody with KDR, if present. The antibody may be a monoclonal antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody that binds KDR is labeled. In another embodiment the antibody is an unlabeled primary antibody and the kit further includes a means for detecting the primary antibody. In one embodiment, the means includes a labeled second antibody that is an anti-immunoglobulin. Preferably the antibody is labeled with a marker selected from the group consisting of a fluorochrome, an enzyme, a radionuclide and a radio-opaque material.
Further embodiments, features, and the like regarding the antibodies as disclosed herein are provided in additional detail below.
Sequence Listing
Embodiments of the invention include the specific antibodies listed below in Table 1. This table reports the identification number of each anti-KDR antibody, along with the SEQ ID number of the variable domain of the corresponding heavy chain and light chain genes and polypeptides, respectively. Each antibody has been given an identification number.









TABLE 1





MAb ID

SEQ ID


No.:
Sequence
NO:

















30D7
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
1



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
2



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
3



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
4


21H9
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
5



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
6



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
7



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
8


27A3
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
9



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
10



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
11



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
12


27D10
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
13



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
14



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
15



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
16


32F4
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
17



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
18



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
19



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
20


29D4
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
21



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
22



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
23



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
24


30A1
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
25



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
26



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
27



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
28


22B8
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
29



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
30



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
31



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
32


24C9
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
33



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
34



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
35



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
36


32G7
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
37



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
38



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
39



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
40


24B3
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
41



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
42



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
43



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
44


33B1
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
45



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
46



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
47



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
48


33E1
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
49



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
50



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
51



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
52


29H3
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
53



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
54



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
55



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
56


33D5
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
57



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
58



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
59



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
60


29F7
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
61



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
62



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
63



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
64


21A1
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
65



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
66



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
67



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
68


31E11
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
69



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
70



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
71



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
72


33C3
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
73



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
74



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
75



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
76


30F6
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
77



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
78



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
79



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
80


32B2
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
81



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
82



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
83



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
84


30E3
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
85



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
86



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
87



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
88


29A11
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
89



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
90



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
91



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
92


30H10
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
93



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
94



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
95



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
96


32C11
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
97



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
98



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
99



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
100


29A3
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
101



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
102



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
103



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
104


1G6
Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the heavy chain
105



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the heavy chain
131



Nucleotide sequence encoding the variable region of the light chain
107



Amino acid sequence of the variable region of the light chain
108









Definitions

Unless otherwise defined, scientific and technical terms used herein shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular. Generally, nomenclatures utilized in connection with, and techniques of, cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, and protein and oligo- or polynucleotide chemistry and hybridization described herein are those well known and commonly used in the art.
Standard techniques are used for recombinant DNA, oligonucleotide synthesis, and tissue culture and transformation (e.g., electroporation, lipofection). Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performed according to manufacturer's specifications or as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein. The foregoing techniques and procedures are generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification. See e.g., Sambrook et al. Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3rd ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (2001)), which is incorporated herein by reference. The nomenclatures utilized in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques are used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients.
As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:
An antagonist or inhibitor may be a polypeptide, nucleic acid, carbohydrate, lipid, small molecular weight compound, an oligonucleotide, an oligopeptide, RNA interference (RNAi), antisense, a recombinant protein, an antibody, or fragments thereof or conjugates or fusion proteins thereof. For a review of RNAi see Milhavet O, Gary D S, Mattson M P. (Pharmacol Rev. 2003 December; 55(4):629-48. Review) and antisense (see Opalinska J B, Gewirtz A M. (Sci STKE. 2003 Oct. 28; 2003 (206):pe47.)
Disease-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation may be any abnormal, undesirable or pathological cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation, for example tumour-related cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation. Cell adhesion- and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis- and/or proliferation-related diseases include, but are not limited to, non-solid tumours such as leukemia, multiple myeloma or lymphoma, and also solid tumours such as melanoma, small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, glioma, hepatocellular (liver) carcinoma, glioblastoma, carcinoma of the thyroid, bile duct, bone, gastric, brain/CNS, head and neck, hepatic system, stomach, prostate, breast, renal, testicle, ovary, skin, cervix, lung, muscle, neuron, esophageal, bladder, lung, uterus, vulva, endometrium, kidney, colorectum, pancreas, pleural/peritoneal membranes, salivary gland, and epidermous.
A compound refers to any small molecular weight compound with a molecular weight of less than about 2000 Daltons.
The term “KDR” refers to the molecule that is KDR protein, also known as VEGFR2 and KDR receptor-like tyrosine kinase.
The terms “neutralizing” or “inhibits” when referring to a targeted binding agent, such as an antibody, relates to the ability of an antibody to eliminate, reduce, or significantly reduce, the activity of a target antigen. Accordingly, a “neutralizing” anti-KDR antibody of the invention is capable of eliminating or significantly reducing the activity of KDR. A neutralizing KDR antibody may, for example, act by blocking the binding of a native KDR-specific ligand, such as, for example, VEGF, to KDR. By blocking this binding, KDR signal-mediated activity is significantly, or completely, eliminated. Ideally, a neutralizing antibody against KDR inhibits cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation.
An “antagonist of the biological activity of KDR” is capable of eliminating, reducing or significantly reducing the activity of KDR. An “antagonist of the biological activity of KDR” is capable of eliminating, reducing or significantly reducing KDR signaling. An “antagonist of the biological activity of KDR” may eliminate or significantly reduce cell adhesion and/or invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation.
“Reducing KDR signaling” encompasses a reduction of KDR signaling by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95% in comparison with the level of signaling in the absence of a targeted binding agent, antibody or antagonist of the invention.
The term “polypeptide” is used herein as a generic term to refer to native protein, fragments, or analogs of a polypeptide sequence. Hence, native protein, fragments, and analogs are species of the polypeptide genus. Preferred polypeptides in accordance with the invention comprise the human heavy chain immunoglobulin molecules and the human kappa light chain immunoglobulin molecules, as well as antibody molecules formed by combinations comprising the heavy chain immunoglobulin molecules with light chain immunoglobulin molecules, such as the kappa or lambda light chain immunoglobulin molecules, and vice versa, as well as fragments and analogs thereof. Preferred polypeptides in accordance with the invention may also comprise solely the human heavy chain immunoglobulin molecules or fragments thereof.
The terms “native” or “naturally-occurring” as used herein as applied to an object refers to the fact that an object can be found in nature. For example, a polypeptide or polynucleotide sequence that is present in an organism (including viruses) that can be isolated from a source in nature and which has not been intentionally modified by man in the laboratory or otherwise is naturally-occurring.
The term “operably linked” as used herein refers to positions of components so described that are in a relationship permitting them to function in their intended manner. For example, a control sequence “operably linked” to a coding sequence is connected in such a way that expression of the coding sequence is achieved under conditions compatible with the control sequences.
The term “polynucleotide” as referred to herein means a polymeric form of nucleotides of at least 10 bases in length, either ribonucleotides or deoxynucleotides or a modified form of either type of nucleotide, or RNA-DNA hetero-duplexes. The term includes single and double stranded forms of DNA.
The term “oligonucleotide” referred to herein includes naturally occurring, and modified nucleotides linked together by naturally occurring, and non-naturally occurring linkages. Oligonucleotides are a polynucleotide subset generally comprising a length of 200 bases or fewer. Preferably, oligonucleotides are 10 to 60 bases in length and most preferably 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 to 40 bases in length. Oligonucleotides are usually single stranded, e.g. for probes; although oligonucleotides may be double stranded, e.g. for use in the construction of a gene mutant. Oligonucleotides can be either sense or antisense oligonucleotides.
The term “naturally occurring nucleotides” referred to herein includes deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides. The term “modified nucleotides” referred to herein includes nucleotides with modified or substituted sugar groups and the like. The term “oligonucleotide linkages” referred to herein includes oligonucleotides linkages such as phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, phosphoroselenoate, phosphorodiselenoate, phosphoroanilothioate, phosphoraniladate, phosphoroamidate, and the like. See e.g., LaPlanche et al. Nucl. Acids Res. 14:9081 (1986); Stec et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 106:6077 (1984); Stein et al. Nucl. Acids Res. 16:3209 (1988); Zon et al. Anti-Cancer Drug Design 6:539 (1991); Zon et al. Oligonucleotides and Analogues: A Practical Approach, pp. 87-108 (F. Eckstein, Ed., Oxford University Press, Oxford England (1991)); Stec et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,510; Uhlmann and Peyman Chemical Reviews 90:543 (1990), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. An oligonucleotide can include a label for detection, if desired.
The term “selectively hybridise” referred to herein means to detectably and specifically bind. Polynucleotides, oligonucleotides and fragments thereof selectively hybridise to nucleic acid strands under hybridisation and wash conditions that minimise appreciable amounts of detectable binding to nonspecific nucleic acids. High stringency conditions can be used to achieve selective hybridisation conditions as known in the art and discussed herein. Generally, the nucleic acid sequence homology between the polynucleotides, oligonucleotides, or antibody fragments and a nucleic acid sequence of interest will be at least 80%, and more typically with preferably increasing homologies of at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, and 100%.
Stringent hybridization conditions include, but are not limited to, hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 6× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) (0.9 M NaCl/90 mM NaCitrate, pH 7.0) at about 45° C. followed by one or more washes in 0.2×SSC/0.1% SDS at about 50-65° C., highly stringent conditions such as hybridization to filter-bound DNA in 6×SSC at about 45° C. followed by one or more washes in 0.1×SSC/0.2% SDS at about 60° C., or any other stringent hybridization conditions known to those skilled in the art (see, for example, Ausubel, F. M. et al.,  eds. 1989 Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, vol. 1, Green Publishing Associates, Inc. and John Wiley and Sons, Inc., NY at pages 6.3.1 to 6.3.6 and 2.10.3). Two amino acid sequences are “homologous” if there is a partial or complete identity between their sequences. For example, 85% homology means that 85% of the amino acids are identical when the two sequences are aligned for maximum matching. Gaps (in either of the two sequences being matched) are allowed in maximizing matching; gap lengths of 5 or less are preferred with 2 or less being more preferred. Alternatively and preferably, two protein sequences (or polypeptide sequences derived from them of at least about 30 amino acids in length) are homologous, as this term is used herein, if they have an alignment score of more than 5 (in standard deviation units) using the program ALIGN with the mutation data matrix and a gap penalty of 6 or greater. See Dayhoff, M. O., in Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, pp. 101-110 (Volume 5, National Biomedical Research Foundation (1972)) and Supplement 2 to this volume, pp. 1-10. The two sequences or parts thereof are more preferably homologous if their amino acids are greater than or equal to 50% identical when optimally aligned using the ALIGN program. It should be appreciated that there can be differing regions of homology within two orthologous sequences. For example, the functional sites of mouse and human orthologues may have a higher degree of homology than non-functional regions.
The term “corresponds to” is used herein to mean that a polynucleotide sequence is homologous (i.e., is identical, not strictly evolutionarily related) to all or a portion of a reference polynucleotide sequence, or that a polypeptide sequence is identical to a reference polypeptide sequence.
In contradistinction, the term “complementary to” is used herein to mean that the complementary sequence is homologous to all or a portion of a reference polynucleotide sequence. For illustration, the nucleotide sequence “TATAC” corresponds to a reference sequence “TATAC” and is complementary to a reference sequence “GTATA”.
The term “sequence identity” means that two polynucleotide or amino acid sequences are identical (i.e., on a nucleotide-by-nucleotide or residue-by-residue basis) over the comparison window. The term “percentage of sequence identity” is calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over the window of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g., A, T, C, G, U, or I) or amino acid residue occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the comparison window (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. The terms “substantial identity” as used herein denotes a characteristic of a polynucleotide or amino acid sequence, wherein the polynucleotide or amino acid comprises a sequence that has at least 85 percent sequence identity, preferably at least 90 to 95 percent sequence identity, more preferably at least 99 percent sequence identity, as compared to a reference sequence over a comparison window of at least 18 nucleotide (6 amino acid) positions, frequently over a window of at least 24-48 nucleotide (8-16 amino acid) positions, wherein the percentage of sequence identity is calculated by comparing the reference sequence to the sequence which may include deletions or additions which total 20 percent or less of the reference sequence over the comparison window. The reference sequence may be a subset of a larger sequence.
As used herein, the twenty conventional amino acids and their abbreviations follow conventional usage. See Immunology—A Synthesis (2nd Edition, E. S. Golub and D. R. Gren, Eds., Sinauer Associates, Sunderland, Mass. (1991)), which is incorporated herein by reference. Stereoisomers (e.g., D-amino acids) of the twenty conventional amino acids, unnatural amino acids such as α-,α-disubstituted amino acids, N-alkyl amino acids, lactic acid, and other unconventional amino acids may also be suitable components for polypeptides of the present invention. Examples of unconventional amino acids include: 4-hydroxyproline, γ-carboxyglutamate, ε-N,N,N-trimethyllysine, ε-N-acetyllysine, O-phosphoserine, N-acetylserine, N-formylmethionine, 3-methylhistidine, 5-hydroxylysine, σ-N-methylarginine, and other similar amino acids and imino acids (e.g., 4-hydroxyproline). In the polypeptide notation used herein, the left-hand direction is the amino terminal direction and the right-hand direction is the carboxy-terminal direction, in accordance with standard usage and convention.
Similarly, unless specified otherwise, the left-hand end of single-stranded polynucleotide sequences is the 5′ end; the left-hand direction of double-stranded polynucleotide sequences is referred to as the 5′ direction. The direction of 5′ to 3′ addition of nascent RNA transcripts is referred to as the transcription direction; sequence regions on the DNA strand having the same sequence as the RNA and which are 5′ to the 5′ end of the RNA transcript are referred to as “upstream sequences”; sequence regions on the DNA strand having the same sequence as the RNA and which are 3′ to the 3′ end of the RNA transcript are referred to as “downstream sequences”.
As applied to polypeptides, the term “substantial identity” means that two peptide sequences, when optimally aligned, such as by the programs GAP or BESTFIT using default gap weights, share at least 80 percent sequence identity, preferably at least 90 percent sequence identity, more preferably at least 95 percent sequence identity, and most preferably at least 99 percent sequence identity. Preferably, residue positions that are not identical differ by conservative amino acid substitutions. Conservative amino acid substitutions refer to the interchangeability of residues having similar side chains. For example, a group of amino acids having aliphatic side chains is glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine; a group of amino acids having aliphatic-hydroxyl side chains is serine and threonine; a group of amino acids having amide-containing side chains is asparagine and glutamine; a group of amino acids having aromatic side chains is phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; a group of amino acids having basic side chains is lysine, arginine, and histidine; and a group of amino acids having sulfur-containing side chains is cysteine and methionine. Preferred conservative amino acids substitution groups are: valine-leucine-isoleucine, phenylalanine-tyrosine, lysine-arginine, alanine-valine, glutamic-aspartic, and asparagine-glutamine.
As discussed herein, minor variations in the amino acid sequences of antibodies or immunoglobulin molecules are contemplated as being encompassed by the present invention, providing that the variations in the amino acid sequence maintain at least 75%, more preferably at least 80%, 90%, 95%, and most preferably 99% sequence identity to the antibodies or immunoglobulin molecules described herein. In particular, conservative amino acid replacements are contemplated. Conservative replacements are those that take place within a family of amino acids that have related side chains. Genetically encoded amino acids are generally divided into families: (1) acidic=aspartate, glutamate; (2) basic=lysine, arginine, histidine; (3) non-polar=alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan; and (4) uncharged polar=glycine, asparagine, glutamine, cysteine, serine, threonine, tyrosine. More preferred families are: serine and threonine are an aliphatic-hydroxy family; asparagine and glutamine are an amide-containing family; alanine, valine, leucine and isoleucine are an aliphatic family; and phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine are an aromatic family. For example, it is reasonable to expect that an isolated replacement of a leucine with an isoleucine or valine, an aspartate with a glutamate, a threonine with a serine, or a similar replacement of an amino acid with a structurally related amino acid will not have a major effect on the binding function or properties of the resulting molecule, especially if the replacement does not involve an amino acid within a framework site. Whether an amino acid change results in a functional peptide can readily be determined by assaying the specific activity of the polypeptide derivative. Assays are described in detail herein. Fragments or analogs of antibodies or immunoglobulin molecules can be readily prepared by those of ordinary skill in the art. Preferred amino- and carboxy-termini of fragments or analogs occur near boundaries of functional domains. Structural and functional domains can be identified by comparison of the nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence data to public or proprietary sequence databases. Preferably, computerized comparison methods are used to identify sequence motifs or predicted protein conformation domains that occur in other proteins of known structure and/or function. Methods to identify protein sequences that fold into a known three-dimensional structure are known. Bowie et al. Science 253:164 (1991). Thus, the foregoing examples demonstrate that those of skill in the art can recognize sequence motifs and structural conformations that may be used to define structural and functional domains in accordance with the antibodies described herein.
Glutaminyl and asparaginyl residues are frequently deamidated to the corresponding glutamyl and aspartyl residues, respectively. These residues are deamidated under neutral or basic conditions. The deamidated form of these residues falls within the scope of this invention.
In general, cysteine residues in proteins are either engaged in cysteine-cysteine disulfide bonds or sterically protected from the disulfide bond formation when they are a part of folded protein region. Disulfide bond formation in proteins is a complex process, which is determined by the redox potential of the environment and specialized thiol-disulfide exchanging enzymes (Creighton, Methods Enzymol. 107, 305-329, 1984; Houee-Levin, Methods Enzymol. 353, 35-44,2002). When a cysteine residue does not have a pair in protein structure and is not sterically protected by folding, it can form a disulfide bond with a free cysteine from solution in a process known as disulfide shuffling. In another process known as disulfide scrambling, free cysteines may also interfere with naturally occurring disulfide bonds (such as those present in antibody structures) and lead to low binding, low biological activity and/or low stability.
Preferred amino acid substitutions are those which: (1) reduce susceptibility to proteolysis, (2) reduce susceptibility to oxidation, (3) alter binding affinity for forming protein complexes, (4) alter binding affinities, and (4) confer or modify other physicochemical or functional properties of such analogs. Analogs can include various mutations of a sequence other than the naturally-occurring peptide sequence. For example, single or multiple amino acid substitutions (preferably conservative amino acid substitutions) may be made in the naturally-occurring sequence (preferably in the portion of the polypeptide outside the domain(s) forming intermolecular contacts. A conservative amino acid substitution should not substantially change the structural characteristics of the parent sequence (e.g., a replacement amino acid should not tend to break a helix that occurs in the parent sequence, or disrupt other types of secondary structure that characterizes the parent sequence). Examples of art-recognized polypeptide secondary and tertiary structures are described in Proteins, Structures and Molecular Principles (Creighton, Ed., W.H. Freeman and Company, New York (1984)); Introduction to Protein Structure (C. Branden and J. Tooze, eds., Garland Publishing, New York, N.Y. (1991)); and Thornton et al. Nature 354:105 (1991), which are each incorporated herein by reference.
Additionally, such methods may be used to make amino acid substitutions or deletions of one or more variable region cysteine residues participating in an intrachain disulfide bond to generate antibody molecules lacking one or more intrachain disulfide bonds.
The term “CDR region” or “CDR” is intended to indicate the hypervariable regions of the heavy and light chains of an antibody which confer antigen-binding specificity to the antibody. CDRs may be defined according to the Kabat system (Kabat, E. A. et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Edition. US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Service, NIH, Washington), and later editions. An antibody typically contains 3 heavy chain CDRs and 3 light chain CDRs. The term CDR or CDRs is used here in order to indicate, according to the case, one of these regions or several, or even the whole, of these regions which contain the majority of the amino acid residues responsible for the binding by affinity of the antibody for the antigen or the epitope which it recognises.
The third CDR of the heavy chain (HCDR3) has a greater size variability (greater diversity essentially due to the mechanisms of arrangement of the genes which give rise to it). It may be as short as 2 amino acids although the longest size known is 26. CDR length may also vary according to the length that can be accommodated by the particular underlying framework. Functionally, HCDR3 plays a role in part in the determination of the specificity of the antibody (Segal et al., PNAS, 71:4298-4302, 1974, Amit et al., Science, 233:747-753, 1986, Chothia et al., J. Mol. Biol., 196:901-917, 1987, Chothia et al., Nature, 342:877-883, 1989, Caton et al., J. Immunol., 144:1965-1968, 1990, Sharon et al., PNAS, 87:4814-4817, 1990, Sharon et al., J. Immunol., 144:4863-4869, 1990, Kabat et al., J. Immunol., 147:1709-1719, 1991).
The term a “set of CDRs” referred to herein comprises CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3. Thus, a set of HCDRs refers to HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, and a set of LCDRs refers to LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3.
Variants of the VH and VL domains and CDRs of the present invention, including those for which amino acid sequences are set out herein, and which can be employed in targeting agents and antibodies for KDR can be obtained by means of methods of sequence alteration or mutation and screening for antigen targeting with desired characteristics. Examples of desired characteristics include but are not limited to: increased binding affinity for antigen relative to known antibodies which are specific for the antigen; increased neutralisation of an antigen activity relative to known antibodies which are specific for the antigen if the activity is known; specified competitive ability with a known antibody or ligand to the antigen at a specific molar ratio; ability to immunoprecipitate ligand-receptor complex; ability to bind to a specified epitope; linear epitope, e.g. peptide sequence identified using peptide-binding scan, e.g. using peptides screened in linear and/or constrained conformation; conformational epitope, formed by non-continuous residues; ability to modulate a new biological activity of KDR, or downstream molecule; ability to bind and/or neutralise KDR and/or for any other desired property.
The techniques required to make substitutions within amino acid sequences of CDRs, antibody VH or VL domains and antigen binding sites are available in the art. Variants of antibody molecules disclosed herein may be produced and used in the present invention. Following the lead of computational chemistry in applying multivariate data analysis techniques to the structure/property-activity relationships (Wold, et al. Multivariate data analysis in chemistry. Chemometrics—Mathematics and Statistics in Chemistry (Ed.: B. Kowalski), D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht, Holland, 1984) quantitative activity-property relationships of antibodies can be derived using well-known mathematical techniques, such as statistical regression, pattern recognition and classification (Norman et al. Applied Regression Analysis. Wiley-Interscience; 3rd edition (April 1998); Kandel, Abraham & Backer, Eric. Computer-Assisted Reasoning in Cluster Analysis. Prentice Hall PTR, (May 11, 1995); Krzanowski, Wojtek. Principles of Multivariate Analysis: A User's Perspective (Oxford Statistical Science Series, No 22 (Paper)). Oxford University Press; (December 2000); Witten, Ian H. & Frank, Eibe. Data Mining: Practical Machine Learning Tools and Techniques with Java Implementations. Morgan Kaufmann; (Oct. 11, 1999); Denison David G. T. (Editor), Christopher C. Holmes, Bani K. Mallick, Adrian F. M. Smith. Bayesian Methods for Nonlinear Classification and Regression (Wiley Series in Probability and Statistics). John Wiley & Sons; (July 2002); Ghose, Arup K. & Viswanadhan, Vellarkad N. Combinatorial Library Design and Evaluation Principles, Software, Tools, and Applications in Drug Discovery). In some cases the properties of antibodies can be derived from empirical and theoretical models (for example, analysis of likely contact residues or calculated physicochemical property) of antibody sequence, functional and three-dimensional structures and these properties can be considered singly and in combination.
An antibody antigen-binding site composed of a VH domain and a VL domain is typically formed by six loops of polypeptide: three from the light chain variable domain (VL) and three from the heavy chain variable domain (VH). Analysis of antibodies of known atomic structure has elucidated relationships between the sequence and three-dimensional structure of antibody combining sites. These relationships imply that, except for the third region (loop) in VH domains, binding site loops have one of a small number of main-chain conformations: canonical structures. The canonical structure formed in a particular loop has been shown to be determined by its size and the presence of certain residues at key sites in both the loop and in framework regions.
This study of sequence-structure relationship can be used for prediction of those residues in an antibody of known sequence, but of an unknown three-dimensional structure, which are important in maintaining the three-dimensional structure of its CDR loops and hence maintain binding specificity. These predictions can be backed up by comparison of the predictions to the output from lead optimisation experiments. In a structural approach, a model can be created of the antibody molecule using any freely available or commercial package, such as WAM. A protein visualisation and analysis software package, such as Insight II (Accelrys, Inc.) or Deep View may then be used to evaluate possible substitutions at each position in the CDR. This information may then be used to make substitutions likely to have a minimal or beneficial effect on activity or confer other desirable properties.
The term “polypeptide fragment” as used herein refers to a polypeptide that has an amino-terminal and/or carboxy-terminal deletion, but where the remaining amino acid sequence is identical to the corresponding positions in the naturally-occurring sequence deduced, for example, from a full-length cDNA sequence. Fragments typically are at least 5, 6, 8 or 10 amino acids long, preferably at least 14 amino acids long, more preferably at least 20 amino acids long, usually at least 50 amino acids long, and even more preferably at least 70 amino acids long. The term “analog” as used herein refers to polypeptides which are comprised of a segment of at least 25 amino acids that has substantial identity to a portion of a deduced amino acid sequence and which has at least one of the following properties: (1) specific binding to KDR, under suitable binding conditions, (2) ability to block appropriate VEGF/KDR binding, or (3) ability to inhibit KDR receptor tyrosine kinase activity. Typically, polypeptide analogs comprise a conservative amino acid substitution (or addition or deletion) with respect to the naturally-occurring sequence. Analogs typically are at least 20 amino acids long, preferably at least 50 amino acids long or longer, and can often be as long as a full-length naturally-occurring polypeptide.
Peptide analogs are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as non-peptide drugs with properties analogous to those of the template peptide. These types of non-peptide compound are termed “peptide mimetics” or “peptidomimetics” (Fauchere, J. Adv. Drug Res. 15:29 (1986); Veber and Freidinger TINS p. 392 (1985); and Evans et al. J. Med. Chem. 30:1229 (1987), which are incorporated herein by reference). Such compounds are often developed with the aid of computerized molecular modeling. Peptide mimetics that are structurally similar to therapeutically useful peptides may be used to produce an equivalent therapeutic or prophylactic effect. Generally, peptidomimetics are structurally similar to a paradigm polypeptide (i.e., a polypeptide that has a biochemical property or pharmacological activity), such as human antibody, but have one or more peptide linkages optionally replaced by a linkage selected from the group consisting of: —CH2NH—, —CH2S—, —CH2—CH2—, —CH═CH—(cis and trans), —COCH2—, —CH(OH)CH2—, and —CH2SO—, by methods well known in the art. Systematic substitution of one or more amino acids of a consensus sequence with a D-amino acid of the same type (e.g., D-lysine in place of L-lysine) may be used to generate more stable peptides. In addition, constrained peptides comprising a consensus sequence or a substantially identical consensus sequence variation may be generated by methods known in the art (Rizo and Gierasch Ann. Rev. Biochem. 61:387 (1992), incorporated herein by reference); for example, by adding internal cysteine residues capable of forming intramolecular disulfide bridges which cyclize the peptide.
An antibody may be oligoclonal, a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a chimeric antibody, a CDR-grafted antibody, a multi-specific antibody, a bi-specific antibody, a catalytic antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, a fully human antibody, an anti-idiotypic antibody and antibodies that can be labeled in soluble or bound form as well as fragments, variants or derivatives thereof, either alone or in combination with other amino acid sequences provided by known techniques. An antibody may be from any species.
As used herein, the terms “antibody” and “antibodies” (immunoglobulins) encompass monoclonal antibodies (including full-length monoclonal antibodies), polyclonal antibodies, camelised antibodies and chimeric antibodies. As used herein, the term “antibody” or “antibodies” refers to a polypeptide or group of polypeptides that are comprised of at least one binding domain that is formed from the folding of polypeptide chains having three-dimensional binding spaces with internal surface shapes and charge distributions complementary to the features of an antigenic determinant of an antigen. chain. Native antibodies are usually heterotetrameric glycoproteins of about 150,000 daltons, composed of two identical light (L) chains and two identical heavy (H) chains. Each light chain is linked to a heavy chain by one covalent disulfide bond, while the number of disulfide linkages varies between the heavy chains of different immunoglobulin isotypes. Each heavy and light chain also has regularly spaced intrachain disulfide bridges. Each heavy chain has at one end a variable domain (VH) followed by a number of constant domains. Each light chain has a variable domain at one end (VL) and a constant domain at its other end; the constant domain of the light chain is aligned with the first constant domain of the heavy chain, and the light chain variable domain is aligned with the variable domain of the heavy chain. Light chains are classified as either lambda chains or kappa chains based on the amino acid sequence of the light chain constant region. The variable domain of a kappa light chain may also be denoted herein as VK. The term “variable region” may also be used to describe the variable domain of a heavy chain or light chain. Particular amino acid residues are believed to form an interface between the light and heavy chain variable domains. The variable regions of each light/heavy chain pair form an antibody binding site. Such antibodies may be derived from any mammal, including, but not limited to, humans, monkeys, pigs, horses, rabbits, dogs, cats, mice, etc.
The term “antibody” or “antibodies” includes binding fragments of the antibodies of the invention, exemplary fragments include single-chain Fvs (scFv), single-chain antibodies, single domain antibodies, domain antibodies, Fv fragments, Fab fragments, F(ab′) fragments, F(ab′)2 fragments, antibody fragments that exhibit the desired biological activity, disulfide-stabilised variable region (dsFv), dimeric variable region (Diabody), anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies (including, e.g., anti-Id antibodies to antibodies of the invention), intrabodies, linear antibodies, single-chain antibody molecules and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments and epitope-binding fragments of any of the above. In particular, antibodies include immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active fragments of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen-binding site. Immunoglobulin molecules can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY), class (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or subclass.
Digestion of antibodies with the enzyme, papain, results in two identical antigen-binding fragments, known also as “Fab” fragments, and a “Fc” fragment, having no antigen-binding activity but having the ability to crystallize. Digestion of antibodies with the enzyme, pepsin, results in the a F(ab′)2 fragment in which the two arms of the antibody molecule remain linked and comprise two-antigen binding sites. The F(ab′)2 fragment has the ability to crosslink antigen.
“Fv” when used herein refers to the minimum fragment of an antibody that retains both antigen-recognition and antigen-binding sites. This region consists of a dimer of one heavy and one light chain variable domain in tight, non-covalent or covalent association. It is in this configuration that the three CDRs of each variable domain interact to define an antigen-binding site on the surface of the VH-VL dimer. Collectively, the six CDRs confer antigen-binding specificity to the antibody. However, even a single variable domain (or half of an Fv comprising only three CDRs specific for an antigen) has the ability to recognize and bind antigen, although at a lower affinity than the entire binding site.
“Fab” when used herein refers to a fragment of an antibody that comprises the constant domain of the light chain and the CH1 domain of the heavy chain.
“dAb” when used herein refers to a fragment of an antibody that is the smallest functional binding unit of a human antibodies. A “dAb” is a single domain antibody and comprises either the variable domain of an antibody heavy chain (VH domain) or the variable domain of an antibody light chain (VL domain). Each dAb contains three of the six naturally occurring CDRs (Ward et al., Binding activities of a repertoire of single immunoglobulin variable domains secreted from Escherichia coli. Nature 341, 544-546 (1989); Holt, et al., Domain antibodies: protein for therapy, Trends Biotechnol. 21, 484-49 (2003)). With molecular weights ranging from 11 to 15 kDa, they are four times smaller than a fragment antigen binding (Fab)2 and half the size of a single chain Fv (scFv) molecule.
“Camelid” when used herein refers to antibody molecules are composed of heavy-chain dimers which are devoid of light chains, but nevertheless have an extensive antigen-binding repertoire (Hamers-Casterman C, Atarhouch T, Muyldermans S, Robinson G, Hamers C, Songa E B, Bendahman N, Hamers R (1993) Naturally occurring antibodies devoid of light chains. Nature 363:446-448).
The term “diabodies” refers to small antibody fragments with two antigen-binding sites, which fragments comprise a heavy chain variable domain (VH) connected to a light chain variable domain (VL) in the same polypeptide chain (VH-VL). By using a linker that is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain, the domains are forced to pair with the complementary domains of another chain and create two antigen-binding sites. Diabodies are described more fully in, for example, EP 404,097; WO 93/11161; and Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:6444-6448 (1993).
It has been shown that fragments of a whole antibody can perform the function of binding antigens. Examples of binding fragments are (Ward, E. S. et al., (1989) Nature 341, 544-546) the Fab fragment consisting of VL, VH, CL and CH1 domains; (McCafferty et al (1990) Nature, 348, 552-554) the Fd fragment consisting of the VH and CH1 domains; (Holt et al (2003) Trends in Biotechnology 21, 484-490) the Fv fragment consisting of the VL and VH domains of a single antibody; (iv) the dAb fragment (Ward, E. S. et al., Nature 341, 544-546 (1989), McCafferty et al (1990) Nature, 348, 552-554, Holt et al (2003) Trends in Biotechnology 21, 484-490], which consists of a VH or a VL domain; (v) isolated CDR regions; (vi) F(ab′)2 fragments, a bivalent fragment comprising two linked Fab fragments (vii) single chain Fv molecules (scFv), wherein a VH domain and a VL domain are linked by a peptide linker which allows the two domains to associate to form an antigen binding site (Bird et al, (1988) Science, 242, 423-426, Huston et al, (1988) PNAS USA, 85, 5879-5883); (viii) bispecific single chain Fv dimers (PCT/US92/09965) and (ix) “diabodies”, multivalent or multispecific fragments constructed by gene fusion (WO94/13804; Holliger, P. (1993) et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90 6444-6448,). Fv, scFv or diabody molecules may be stabilised by the incorporation of disulphide bridges linking the VH and VL domains (Reiter, Y. et al, Nature Biotech, 14, 1239-1245, 1996). Minibodies comprising a scFv joined to a CH3 domain may also be made (Hu, S. et al, (1996) Cancer Res., 56, 3055-3061). Other examples of binding fragments are Fab′, which differs from Fab fragments by the addition of a few residues at the carboxyl terminus of the heavy chain CH1 domain, including one or more cysteines from the antibody hinge region, and Fab′-SH, which is a Fab′ fragment in which the cysteine residue(s) of the constant domains bear a free thiol group.
The term “variable” refers to the fact that certain portions of the variable domains differ extensively in sequence among antibodies and are responsible for the binding specificity of each particular antibody for its particular antigen. However, the variability is not evenly distributed through the variable domains of antibodies. It is concentrated in segments called Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) both in the light chain and the heavy chain variable domains. The more highly conserved portions of the variable domains are called the framework regions (FR). The variable domains of native heavy and light chains each comprise four FR regions, largely adopting a β-sheet configuration, connected by three CDRs, which form loops connecting, and in some cases forming part of, the β-sheet structure. The CDRs in each chain are held together in close proximity by the FR regions and, with the CDRs from the other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen-binding site of antibodies (see, Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991)). The constant domains are generally not involved directly in antigen binding, but may influence antigen binding affinity and may exhibit various effector functions, such as participation of the antibody in ADCC, CDC, and/or apoptosis.
The term “hypervariable region” when used herein refers to the amino acid residues of an antibody which are associated with its binding to antigen. The hypervariable regions encompass the amino acid residues of the “complementarity determining regions” or “CDRs” (e.g., residues 24-34 (L1), 50-56 (L2) and 89-97 (L3) of the light chain variable domain and residues 31-35 (H1), 50-65 (H2) and 95-102 (H3) of the heavy chain variable domain; Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1991)) and/or those residues from a “hypervariable loop” (e.g., residues 26-32 (L1), 50-52 (L2) and 91-96 (L3) in the light chain variable domain and 26-32 (H1), 53-55 (H2) and 96-101 (H3) in the heavy chain variable domain; Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol., 196:901-917 (1987)). “Framework” or “FR” residues are those variable domain residues flanking the CDRs. FR residues are present in chimeric, humanized, human, domain antibodies, diabodies, vaccibodies, linear antibodies, and bispecific antibodies.
As used herein, targeted binding agent, targeted binding protein, specific binding protein and like terms refer to an antibody, or binding fragment thereof that preferentially binds to a target site. In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent is specific for only one target site. In other embodiments, the targeted binding agent is specific for more than one target site. In one embodiment, the targeted binding agent may be a monoclonal antibody and the target site may be an epitope.
“Binding fragments” of an antibody are produced by recombinant DNA techniques, or by enzymatic or chemical cleavage of intact antibodies. Binding fragments include Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv, dAb and single-chain antibodies. An antibody other than a “bispecific” or “bifunctional” antibody is understood to have each of its binding sites identical. An antibody substantially inhibits adhesion of a receptor to a counter-receptor when an excess of antibody reduces the quantity of receptor bound to counter-receptor by at least about 20%, 40%, 60% or 80%, and more usually greater than about 85% (as measured in an in vitro competitive binding assay).
The term “epitope” includes any protein determinant capable of specific binding to an immunoglobulin or T-cell receptor. Epitopic determinants usually consist of chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as amino acids or sugar side chains and may, but not always, have specific three-dimensional structural characteristics, as well as specific charge characteristics. An antibody is said to specifically bind an antigen when the dissociation constant is ≦1 μM, preferably ≦100 nM and most preferably ≦10 nM.
The term “agent” is used herein to denote a chemical compound, a mixture of chemical compounds, a biological macromolecule, or an extract made from biological materials.
“Active” or “activity” in regard to an KDR polypeptide refers to a portion of an KDR polypeptide that has a biological or an immunological activity of a native KDR polypeptide. “Biological” when used herein refers to a biological function that results from the activity of the native KDR polypeptide. A preferred KDR biological activity includes, for example, KDR induced cell adhesion and invasion and/or angiogenesis and/or proliferation.
“Mammal” when used herein refers to any animal that is considered a mammal Preferably, the mammal is human.
“Animal” when used herein encompasses animals considered a mammal Preferably the is animal is human.
The term “mAb” refers to monoclonal antibody.
“Liposome” when used herein refers to a small vesicle that may be useful for delivery of drugs that may include the KDR polypeptide of the invention or antibodies to such an KDR polypeptide to a mammal
“Label” or “labeled” as used herein refers to the addition of a detectable moiety to a polypeptide, for example, a radiolabel, fluorescent label, enzymatic label chemiluminescent labeled or a biotinyl group. Radioisotopes or radionuclides may include 3H, 14C, 15N, 35S, 90Y, 99Tc, 111In, 125I, 131I, fluorescent labels may include rhodamine, lanthanide phosphors or FITC and enzymatic labels may include horseradish peroxidase, β-galactosidase, luciferase, alkaline phosphatase.
Additional labels include, by way of illustration and not limitation: enzymes, such as glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (“G6PDH”), alpha-D-galactosidase, glucose oxydase, glucose amylase, carbonic anhydrase, acetylcholinesterase, lysozyme, malate dehydrogenase and peroxidase; dyes; additional fluorescent labels or fluorescers include, such as fluorescein and its derivatives, fluorochrome, GFP (GFP for “Green Fluorescent Protein”), dansyl, umbelliferone, phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, o-phthaldehyde, and fluorescamine; fluorophores such as lanthanide cryptates and chelates e.g. Europium etc (Perkin Elmer and Cis Biointernational); chemoluminescent labels or chemiluminescers, such as isoluminol, luminol and the dioxetanes; sensitisers; coenzymes; enzyme substrates; particles, such as latex or carbon particles; metal sol; crystallite; liposomes; cells, etc., which may be further labelled with a dye, catalyst or other detectable group; molecules such as biotin, digoxygenin or 5-bromodeoxyuridine; toxin moieties, such as for example a toxin moiety selected from a group of Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE or a cytotoxic fragment or mutant thereof), Diptheria toxin or a cytotoxic fragment or mutant thereof, a botulinum toxin A, B, C, D, E or F, ricin or a cytotoxic fragment thereof e.g. ricin A, abrin or a cytotoxic fragment thereof, saporin or a cytotoxic fragment thereof, pokeweed antiviral toxin or a cytotoxic fragment thereof and bryodin 1 or a cytotoxic fragment thereof.
The term “pharmaceutical agent or drug” as used herein refers to a chemical compound or composition capable of inducing a desired therapeutic effect when properly administered to a patient. Other chemistry terms herein are used according to conventional usage in the art, as exemplified by The McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Chemical Terms (Parker, S., Ed., McGraw-Hill, San Francisco (1985)), (incorporated herein by reference).
As used herein, “substantially pure” means an object species is the predominant species present (i.e., on a molar basis it is more abundant than any other individual species in the composition), and preferably a substantially purified fraction is a composition wherein the object species comprises at least about 50 percent (on a molar basis) of all macromolecular species present. Generally, a substantially pure composition will comprise more than about 80 percent of all macromolecular species present in the composition, more preferably more than about 85%, 90%, 95%, and 99%. Most preferably, the object species is purified to essential homogeneity (contaminant species cannot be detected in the composition by conventional detection methods) wherein the composition consists essentially of a single macromolecular species.
The term “patient” includes human and veterinary subjects.
“Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity” and “ADCC” refer to a cell-mediated reaction in which non-specific cytotoxic cells that express Ig Fc receptors (FcRs) (e.g. Natural Killer (NK) cells, monocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages) recognise bound antibody on a target cell and subsequently cause lysis of the target cell. The primary cells for mediating ADCC, NK cells, express FcγRIII only, whereas monocytes express FcγRI, FcγRII and FcγRIII. FcRs expression on hematopoietic cells is summarised in Table 3 on page 464 of Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol 9:457-92 (1991). To assess ADCC activity of a molecule of interest, an in vitro ADCC assay, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,362, or 5,821,337 can be performed. Useful effector cells for such assays include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and Natural Killer (NK) cells. Alternatively, or additionally, ADCC activity of the molecule of interest can be assessed in vivo, e.g., in an animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes et al. PNAS (USA) 95:652-656 (1988). “Complement dependent cytotoxicity” and “CDC” refer to the mechanism by which antibodies carry out their cell-killing function. It is initiated by the binding of C1q, a constituent of the first component of complement, to the Fc domain of Igs, IgG or IgM, which are in complex with antigen (Hughs-Jones, N.C., and B. Gardner. 1979. Mol. Immunol. 16:697). C1q is a large, structurally complex glycoprotein of  ̃410 kDa present in human serum at a concentration of 70 μg/ml (Cooper, N. R. 1985. Adv. Immunol. 37:151). Together with two serine proteases, C1r and C1s, C1q forms the complex C1, the first component of complement. At least two of the N-terminal globular heads of C1q must be bound to the Fc of Igs for C1 activation, hence for initiation of the complement cascade (Cooper, N. R. 1985. Adv. Immunol. 37:151).
The term “antibody half-life” as used herein means a pharmacokinetic property of an antibody that is a measure of the mean survival time of antibody molecules following their administration. Antibody half-life can be expressed as the time required to eliminate 50 percent of a known quantity of immunoglobulin from the patient's body or a specific compartment thereof, for example, as measured in serum or plasma, i.e., circulating half-life, or in other tissues. Half-life may vary from one immunoglobulin or class of immunoglobulin to another. In general, an increase in antibody half-life results in an increase in mean residence time (MRT) in circulation for the antibody administered.
The term “isotype” refers to the classification of an antibody's heavy or light chain constant region. The constant domains of antibodies are not involved in binding to antigen, but exhibit various effector functions. Depending on the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain constant region, a given human antibody or immunoglobulin can be assigned to one of five major classes of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM. Several of these classes may be further divided into subclasses (isotypes), e.g., IgG1 (gamma 1), IgG2 (gamma 2), IgG3 (gamma 3), and IgG4 (gamma 4), and IgA1 and IgA2. The heavy chain constant regions that correspond to the different classes of immunoglobulins are called α, δ, ε, γ, and μ, respectively. The structures and three-dimensional configurations of different classes of immunoglobulins are well-known. Of the various human immunoglobulin classes, only human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, and IgM are known to activate complement. Human IgG1 and IgG3 are known to mediate in humans. Human light chain constant regions may be classified into two major classes, kappa and lambda.
If desired, the isotype of an antibody that specifically binds KDR can be switched, for example to take advantage of a biological property of a different isotype. For example, in some circumstances it can be desirable in connection with the generation of antibodies as therapeutic antibodies against KDR that the antibodies be capable of fixing complement and participating in complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). There are a number of isotypes of antibodies that are capable of the same, including, without limitation, the following: murine IgM, murine IgG2a, murine IgG2b, murine IgG3, human IgM, human IgA, human IgG1, and human IgG3. In other embodiments it can be desirable in connection with the generation of antibodies as therapeutic antibodies against KDR that the antibodies be capable of binding Fc receptors on effector cells and participating in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). There are a number of isotypes of antibodies that are capable of the same, including, without limitation, the following: murine IgG2a, murine IgG2b, murine IgG3, human IgG1, and human IgG3. It will be appreciated that antibodies that are generated need not initially possess such an isotype but, rather, the antibody as generated can possess any isotype and the antibody can be isotype switched thereafter using conventional techniques that are well known in the art. Such techniques include the use of direct recombinant techniques (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,397), cell-cell fusion techniques (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,916,771 and 6,207,418), among others.
By way of example, the anti-KDR antibodies discussed herein are fully human antibodies. If an antibody possessed desired binding to KDR, it could be readily isotype switched to generate a human IgM, human IgG1, or human IgG3 isotype, while still possessing the same variable region (which defines the antibody's specificity and some of its affinity). Such molecule would then be capable of fixing complement and participating in CDC and/or be capable of binding to Fc receptors on effector cells and participating in ADCC.
“Whole blood assays” use unfractionated blood as a source of natural effectors. Blood contains complement in the plasma, together with FcR-expressing cellular effectors, such as polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) and mononuclear cells (MNCs). Thus, whole blood assays allow simultaneous evaluation of the synergy of both ADCC and CDC effector mechanisms in vitro.
A “therapeutically effective” amount as used herein is an amount that provides some improvement or benefit to the subject. Stated in another way, a “therapeutically effective” amount is an amount that provides some alleviation, mitigation, and/or decrease in at least one clinical symptom. Clinical symptoms associated with the disorders that can be treated by the methods of the invention are well-known to those skilled in the art. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the therapeutic effects need not be complete or curative, as long as some benefit is provided to the subject.
The term “and/or” as used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example “A and/or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.
Antibody Structure
The basic antibody structural unit is known to comprise a tetramer. Each tetramer is composed of two identical pairs of polypeptide chains, each pair having one “light” (about 25 kDa) and one “heavy” chain (about 50-70 kDa). The amino-terminal portion of each chain includes a variable region of about 100 to 110 or more amino acids primarily responsible for antigen recognition. The carboxy-terminal portion of each chain defines a constant region primarily responsible for effector function. Human light chains are classified as kappa and lambda light chains. Heavy chains are classified as mu, delta, gamma, alpha, or epsilon, and define the antibody's isotype as IgM, IgD, IgA, and IgE, respectively. Within light and heavy chains, the variable and constant regions are joined by a “J” region of about 12 or more amino acids, with the heavy chain also including a “D” region of about 10 more amino acids. See generally, Fundamental Immunology Ch. 7 (Paul, W., ed., 2nd ed. Raven Press, N.Y. (1989)) (incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes). The variable regions of each light/heavy chain pair form the antibody binding site.
Thus, an intact antibody has two binding sites. Except in bifunctional or bispecific antibodies, the two binding sites are the same.
The chains all exhibit the same general structure of relatively conserved framework regions (FR) joined by three hyper variable regions, also called CDRs. The CDRs from the two chains of each pair are aligned by the framework regions, enabling binding to a specific epitope. From N-terminal to C-terminal, both light and heavy chains comprise the domains FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3 and FR4. The assignment of amino acids to each domain is in accordance with the definitions of Kabat Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Md. (1987 and 1991)), or Chothia & Lesk J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987); Chothia et al. Nature 342:878-883 (1989).
A bispecific or bifunctional antibody is an artificial hybrid antibody having two different heavy/light chain pairs and two different binding sites. Bispecific antibodies can be produced by a variety of methods including fusion of hybridomas or linking of Fab′ fragments. See, e.g., Songsivilai & Lachmann Clin. Exp. Immunol. 79: 315-321 (1990), Kostelny et al. J. Immunol. 148:1547-1553 (1992). Bispecific antibodies do not exist in the form of fragments having a single binding site (e.g., Fab, Fab′, and Fv).
Typically, a VH domain is paired with a VL domain to provide an antibody antigen-binding site, although a VH or VL domain alone may be used to bind antigen. The VH domain (see Table 12) may be paired with the VL domain (see Table 13), so that an antibody antigen-binding site is formed comprising both the VH and VL domains.
Human Antibodies and Humanization of Antibodies
Human antibodies avoid some of the problems associated with antibodies that possess murine or rat variable and/or constant regions. The presence of such murine or rat derived proteins can lead to the rapid clearance of the antibodies or can lead to the generation of an immune response against the antibody by a patient. In order to avoid the utilization of murine or rat derived antibodies, fully human antibodies can be generated through the introduction of functional human antibody loci into a rodent, other mammal or animal so that the rodent, other mammal or animal produces fully human antibodies.
One method for generating fully human antibodies is through the use of XenoMouse® strains of mice that have been engineered to contain up to but less than 1000 kb-sized germline configured fragments of the human heavy chain locus and kappa light chain locus. See Mendez et al. Nature Genetics 15:146-156 (1997) and Green and Jakobovits J. Exp. Med. 188:483-495 (1998). The XenoMouse® strains are available from Amgen, Inc. (Fremont, Calif., U.S.A).
Such mice, then, are capable of producing human immunoglobulin molecules and antibodies and are deficient in the production of murine immunoglobulin molecules and antibodies. Technologies utilised for achieving the same are disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/759,620, filed Dec. 3, 1996 and International Patent Application Nos. WO 98/24893, published Jun. 11, 1998 and WO 00/76310, published Dec. 21, 2000, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. See also Mendez et al. Nature Genetics 15:146-156 (1997), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The production of the XenoMouse® strains of mice is further discussed and delineated in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/466,008, filed Jan. 12, 1990, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/610,515, filed Nov. 8, 1990, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/919,297, filed Jul. 24, 1992, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/922,649, filed Jul. 30, 1992, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/031,801, filed Mar. 15, 1993, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/112,848, filed Aug. 27, 1993, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/234,145, filed Apr. 28, 1994, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/376,279, filed Jan. 20, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/430, 938, filed Apr. 27, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/464,584, filed Jun. 5, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/464,582, filed Jun. 5, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/463,191, filed Jun. 5, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/462,837, filed Jun. 5, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/486,853, filed Jun. 5, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/486,857, filed Jun. 5, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/486,859, filed Jun. 5, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/462,513, filed Jun. 5, 1995, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/724,752, filed Oct. 2, 1996, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/759,620, filed Dec. 3, 1996, U.S. Publication 2003/0093820, filed Nov. 30, 2001 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,162,963, 6,150,584, 6,114,598, 6,075,181, and 5,939,598 and Japanese Patent Nos. 3 068 180 B2, 3 068 506 B2, and 3 068 507 B2. See also European Patent No., EP 0 463 151 B1, grant published Jun. 12, 1996, International Patent Application No., WO 94/02602, published Feb. 3, 1994, International Patent Application No., WO 96/34096, published Oct. 31, 1996, WO 98/24893, published Jun. 11, 1998, WO 00/76310, published Dec. 21, 2000. The disclosures of each of the above-cited patents, applications, and references are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In an alternative approach, others, including GenPharm International, Inc., have utilised a “minilocus” approach. In the minilocus approach, an exogenous Ig locus is mimicked through the inclusion of pieces (individual genes) from the Ig locus. Thus, one or more VH genes, one or more DH genes, one or more JH genes, a mu constant region, and usually a second constant region (preferably a gamma constant region) are formed into a construct for insertion into an animal. This approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,545,807 to Surani et al. and U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,545,806, 5,625,825, 5,625,126, 5,633,425, 5,661,016, 5,770,429, 5,789,650, 5,814,318, 5,877,397, 5,874,299, and 6,255,458 each to Lonberg and Kay, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,591,669 and 6,023,010 to Krimpenfort and Berns, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,612,205, 5,721,367, and 5,789,215 to Berns et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,763 to Choi and Dunn, and GenPharm International U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/574,748, filed Aug. 29, 1990, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/575,962, filed Aug. 31, 1990, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/810,279, filed Dec. 17, 1991, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/853,408, filed Mar. 18, 1992, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/904,068, filed Jun. 23, 1992, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/990,860, filed Dec. 16, 1992, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/053,131, filed Apr. 26, 1993, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/096,762, filed Jul. 22, 1993, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/155,301, filed Nov. 18, 1993, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/161,739, filed Dec. 3, 1993, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/165,699, filed Dec. 10, 1993, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/209,741, filed Mar. 9, 1994, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. See also European Patent No. 0 546 073 B1, International Patent Application Nos. WO 92/03918, WO 92/22645, WO 92/22647, WO 92/22670, WO 93/12227, WO 94/00569, WO 94/25585, WO 96/14436, WO 97/13852, and WO 98/24884 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,981,175, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. See further Taylor et al., 1992, Chen et al., 1993, Tuaillon et al., 1993, Choi et al., 1993, Lonberg et al., (1994), Taylor et al., (1994), and Tuaillon et al., (1995), Fishwild et al., (1996), the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Kirin has also demonstrated the generation of human antibodies from mice in which, through microcell fusion, large pieces of chromosomes, or entire chromosomes, have been introduced. See European Patent Application Nos. 773 288 and 843 961, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Additionally, KMTM-mice, which are the result of cross-breeding of Kirin's Tc mice with Medarex's minilocus (Humab) mice have been generated. These mice possess the human IgH transchromosome of the Kirin mice and the kappa chain transgene of the Genpharm mice (Ishida et al., Cloning Stem Cells, (2002) 4:91-102).
Human antibodies can also be derived by in vitro methods. Suitable examples include but are not limited to phage display (Medimmune, Morphosys, Dyax, Biosite/Medarex, Xoma, Symphogen, Alexion (formerly Proliferon), Affimed) ribosome display (Medimmune), yeast display, and the like.
Preparation of Antibodies
Antibodies, as described herein, were prepared through the utilization of the XenoMouse® technology, as described below. Such mice are capable of producing human immunoglobulin molecules and antibodies and are deficient in the production of murine immunoglobulin molecules and antibodies. Technologies utilised for achieving the same are disclosed in the patents, applications, and references disclosed in the background section herein. In particular, however, a preferred embodiment of transgenic production of mice and antibodies therefrom is disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/759,620, filed Dec. 3, 1996 and International Patent Application Nos. WO 98/24893, published Jun. 11, 1998 and WO 00/76310, published Dec. 21, 2000, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. See also Mendez et al. Nature Genetics 15:146-156 (1997), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Through the use of such technology, fully human monoclonal antibodies to a variety of antigens have been produced. Essentially, XenoMouse® lines of mice are immunised with an antigen of interest (e.g. KDR), lymphatic cells (such as B-cells) are recovered from the hyperimmunised mice, and the recovered lymphocytes are fused with a myeloid-type cell line to prepare immortal hybridoma cell lines. These hybridoma cell lines are screened and selected to identify hybridoma cell lines that produced antibodies specific to the antigen of interest. Provided herein are methods for the production of multiple hybridoma cell lines that produce antibodies specific to KDR. Further, provided herein are characterisation of the antibodies produced by such cell lines, including nucleotide and amino acid sequence analyses of the heavy and light chains of such antibodies.
Alternatively, instead of being fused to myeloma cells to generate hybridomas, B cells can be directly assayed. For example, CD19+ B cells can be isolated from hyperimmune XenoMouse® mice and allowed to proliferate and differentiate into antibody-secreting plasma cells. Antibodies from the cell supernatants are then screened by ELISA for reactivity against the KDR immunogen. The supernatants might also be screened for immunoreactivity against fragments of KDR to further map the different antibodies for binding to domains of functional interest on KDR. The antibodies may also be screened other related human endoglycosidases and against the rat, the mouse, and non-human primate, such as Cynomolgus monkey, orthologues of KDR, the last to determine species cross-reactivity. B cells from wells containing antibodies of interest may be immortalised by various methods including fusion to make hybridomas either from individual or from pooled wells, or by infection with EBV or transfection by known immortalising genes and then plating in suitable medium. Alternatively, single plasma cells secreting antibodies with the desired specificities are then isolated using an KDR-specific hemolytic plaque assay (see for example Babcook et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 93:7843-48 (1996)). Cells targeted for lysis are preferably sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) coated with the KDR antigen.
In the presence of a B-cell culture containing plasma cells secreting the immunoglobulin of interest and complement, the formation of a plaque indicates specific KDR-mediated lysis of the sheep red blood cells surrounding the plasma cell of interest. The single antigen-specific plasma cell in the center of the plaque can be isolated and the genetic information that encodes the specificity of the antibody is isolated from the single plasma cell. Using reverse-transcription followed by PCR (RT-PCR), the DNA encoding the heavy and light chain variable regions of the antibody can be cloned. Such cloned DNA can then be further inserted into a suitable expression vector, preferably a vector cassette such as a pcDNA, more preferably such a pcDNA vector containing the constant domains of immunglobulin heavy and light chain. The generated vector can then be transfected into host cells, e.g., HEK293 cells, CHO cells, and cultured in conventional nutrient media modified as appropriate for inducing transcription, selecting transformants, or amplifying the genes encoding the desired sequences.
As will be appreciated, antibodies that specifically bind KDR can be expressed in cell lines other than hybridoma cell lines. Sequences encoding particular antibodies can be used to transform a suitable mammalian host cell. Transformation can be by any known method for introducing polynucleotides into a host cell, including, for example packaging the polynucleotide in a virus (or into a viral vector) and transducing a host cell with the virus (or vector) or by transfection procedures known in the art, as exemplified by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216, 4,912,040, 4,740,461, and 4,959,455 (which patents are hereby incorporated herein by reference). The transformation procedure used depends upon the host to be transformed. Methods for introducing heterologous polynucleotides into mammalian cells are well known in the art and include dextran-mediated transfection, calcium phosphate precipitation, polybrene mediated transfection, protoplast fusion, electroporation, encapsulation of the polynucleotide(s) in liposomes, and direct microinjection of the DNA into nuclei.
Mammalian cell lines available as hosts for expression are well known in the art and include many immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), including but not limited to Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (e.g., Hep G2), human epithelial kidney 293 cells, and a number of other cell lines. Cell lines of particular preference are selected through determining which cell lines have high expression levels and produce antibodies with constitutive KDR binding properties.
In the cell-cell fusion technique, a myeloma, CHO cell or other cell line is prepared that possesses a heavy chain with any desired isotype and another myeloma, CHO cell or other cell line is prepared that possesses the light chain. Such cells can, thereafter, be fused and a cell line expressing an intact antibody can be isolated.
Accordingly, as antibody candidates are generated that meet desired “structural” attributes as discussed above, they can generally be provided with at least certain of the desired “functional” attributes through isotype switching.
Therapeutic Administration and Formulations
Embodiments of the invention include sterile pharmaceutical formulations of anti-KDR antibodies that are useful as treatments for diseases. Such formulations would inhibit the binding of a native KDR-specific ligand such as, for example, VEGF, to KDR, thereby effectively treating pathological conditions where, for example, serum or tissue KDR expression is abnormally elevated. Anti-KDR antibodies preferably possess adequate affinity to potently inhibit native KDR-specific ligands such as, for example, VEGF, and preferably have an adequate duration of action to allow for infrequent dosing in humans. A prolonged duration of action will allow for less frequent and more convenient dosing schedules by alternate parenteral routes such as subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
Sterile formulations can be created, for example, by filtration through sterile filtration membranes, prior to or following lyophilization and reconstitution of the antibody. The antibody ordinarily will be stored in lyophilized form or in solution. Therapeutic antibody compositions generally are placed into a container having a sterile access port, for example, an intravenous solution bag or vial having an adapter that allows retrieval of the formulation, such as a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle.
The route of antibody administration is in accord with known methods, e.g., injection or infusion by intravenous, intraperitoneal, intracerebral, intramuscular, intraocular, intraarterial, intrathecal, inhalation or intralesional routes, direct injection to a tumour site, or by sustained release systems as noted below. The antibody is preferably administered continuously by infusion or by bolus injection.
An effective amount of antibody to be employed therapeutically will depend, for example, upon the therapeutic objectives, the route of administration, and the condition of the patient. Accordingly, it is preferred that the therapist titer the dosage and modify the route of administration as required to obtain the optimal therapeutic effect. Typically, the clinician will administer antibody until a dosage is reached that achieves the desired effect. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional assays or by the assays described herein.
Antibodies, as described herein, can be prepared in a mixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. This therapeutic composition can be administered intravenously or through the nose or lung, preferably as a liquid or powder aerosol (lyophilized). The composition may also be administered parenterally or subcutaneously as desired. When administered systemically, the therapeutic composition should be sterile, pyrogen-free and in a parenterally acceptable solution having due regard for pH, isotonicity, and stability. These conditions are known to those skilled in the art. Briefly, dosage formulations of the compounds described herein are prepared for storage or administration by mixing the compound having the desired degree of purity with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients, or stabilizers. Such materials are non-toxic to the recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as TRIS HCl, phosphate, citrate, acetate and other organic acid salts; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid; low molecular weight (less than about ten residues) peptides such as polyarginine, proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidinone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, or arginine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including cellulose or its derivatives, glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugar alcohols such as mannitol or sorbitol; counterions such as sodium and/or nonionic surfactants such as TWEEN, PLURONICS or polyethyleneglycol.
Sterile compositions for injection can be formulated according to conventional pharmaceutical practice as described in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (20th ed, Lippincott Williams & Wilkens Publishers (2003)). For example, dissolution or suspension of the active compound in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier such as water or naturally occurring vegetable oil like sesame, peanut, or cottonseed oil or a synthetic fatty vehicle like ethyl oleate or the like may be desired. Buffers, preservatives, antioxidants and the like can be incorporated according to accepted pharmaceutical practice.
Suitable examples of sustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the polypeptide, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, films or microcapsules. Examples of sustained-release matrices include polyesters, hydrogels (e.g., poly(2-hydroxyethyl-methacrylate) as described by Langer et al., J. Biomed Mater. Res., (1981) 15:167-277 and Langer, Chem. Tech., (1982) 12:98-105, or poly(vinylalcohol)), polylactides (U.S. Pat. No. 3,773,919, EP 58,481), copolymers of L-glutamic acid and gamma ethyl-L-glutamate (Sidman et al., Biopolymers, (1983) 22:547-556), non-degradable ethylene-vinyl acetate (Langer et al., supra), degradable lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymers such as the LUPRON DepotTM (injectable microspheres composed of lactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer and leuprolide acetate), and poly-D-(−)-3-hydroxybutyric acid (EP 133,988).
While polymers such as ethylene-vinyl acetate and lactic acid-glycolic acid enable release of molecules for over 100 days, certain hydrogels release proteins for shorter time periods. When encapsulated proteins remain in the body for a long time, they may denature or aggregate as a result of exposure to moisture at 37° C., resulting in a loss of biological activity and possible changes in immunogenicity. Rational strategies can be devised for protein stabilization depending on the mechanism involved. For example, if the aggregation mechanism is discovered to be intermolecular S—S bond formation through disulfide interchange, stabilization may be achieved by modifying sulfhydryl residues, lyophilizing from acidic solutions, controlling moisture content, using appropriate additives, and developing specific polymer matrix compositions.
Sustained-released compositions also include preparations of crystals of the antibody suspended in suitable formulations capable of maintaining crystals in suspension. These preparations when injected subcutaneously or intraperitonealy can produce a sustained release effect. Other compositions also include liposomally entrapped antibodies. Liposomes containing such antibodies are prepared by methods known per se: U.S. Pat. No. DE 3,218,121; Epstein et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, (1985) 82:3688-3692; Hwang et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, (1980) 77:4030-4034; EP 52,322; EP 36,676; EP 88,046; EP 143,949; 142,641; Japanese patent application 83-118008; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,485,045 and 4,544,545; and EP 102,324.
The dosage of the antibody formulation for a given patient will be determined by the attending physician taking into consideration various factors known to modify the action of drugs including severity and type of disease, body weight, sex, diet, time and route of administration, other medications and other relevant clinical factors. Therapeutically effective dosages may be determined by either in vitro or in vivo methods.
An effective amount of the antibodies, described herein, to be employed therapeutically will depend, for example, upon the therapeutic objectives, the route of administration, and the condition of the patient. Accordingly, it is preferred for the therapist to titer the dosage and modify the route of administration as required to obtain the optimal therapeutic effect. A typical daily dosage might range from about 0.0001 mg/kg, 0.001 mg/kg, 0.01 mg/kg, 0.1 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg to up to 100 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, 10000 mg/kg or more, of the patient's body weight depending on the factors mentioned above. The dosage may be between 0.0001 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg, 0.0001 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, 0.0001 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, 0.0001 and 2 mg/kg, 0.0001 and 1 mg/kg, 0.0001 mg/kg and 0.75 mg/kg, 0.0001 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg, 0.0001 mg/kg to 0.25 mg/kg, 0.0001 to 0.15 mg/kg, 0.0001 to 0.10 mg/kg, 0.001 to 0.5 mg/kg, 0.01 to 0.25 mg/kg or 0.01 to 0.10 mg/kg of the patient's body weight depending on the factors mentioned above. Typically, the clinician will administer the therapeutic antibody until a dosage is reached that achieves the desired effect. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional assays or as described herein.
Doses of antibodies of the invention may be repeated and the administrations may be separated by at least 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 2 months, 75 days, 3 months, or at least 6 months.
It will be appreciated that administration of therapeutic entities in accordance with the compositions and methods herein will be administered with suitable carriers, excipients, and other agents that are incorporated into formulations to provide improved transfer, delivery, tolerance, and the like. These formulations include, for example, powders, pastes, ointments, jellies, waxes, oils, lipids, lipid (cationic or anionic) containing vesicles (such as LipofectinTM) DNA conjugates, anhydrous absorption pastes, oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, emulsions carbowax (polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights), semi-solid gels, and semi-solid mixtures containing carbowax. Any of the foregoing mixtures may be appropriate in treatments and therapies in accordance with the present invention, provided that the active ingredient in the formulation is not inactivated by the formulation and the formulation is physiologically compatible and tolerable with the route of administration. See also Baldrick P. “Pharmaceutical excipient development: the need for preclinical guidance.” Regul. Toxicol. Pharmacol. 32(2):210-8 (2000), Wang W. “Lyophilization and development of solid protein pharmaceuticals.” Int. J. Pharm. 203(1-2):1-60 (2000), Charman W N “Lipids, lipophilic drugs, and oral drug delivery-some emerging concepts.” J Pharm Sci. 89(8):967-78 (2000), Powell et al. “Compendium of excipients for parenteral formulations” PDA J Pharm Sci Technol. 52:238-311 (1998) and the citations therein for additional information related to formulations, excipients and carriers well known to pharmaceutical chemists.
Design and Generation of Other Therapeutics
In accordance with the present invention and based on the activity of the antibodies that are produced and characterized herein with respect to KDR, the design of other therapeutic modalities beyond antibody moieties is facilitated. Such modalities include, without limitation, advanced antibody therapeutics, such as bispecific antibodies, immunotoxins, and radiolabeled therapeutics, single domain antibodies, antibody fragments, such as a Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv or dAb, generation of peptide therapeutics, KDR binding domains in novel scaffolds, gene therapies, particularly intrabodies, antisense therapeutics, and small molecules.
An antigen binding site may be provided by means of arrangement of CDRs on non-antibody protein scaffolds, such as fibronectin or cytochrome B etc. (Haan & Maggos (2004) BioCentury, 12(5): A1-A6; Koide et al. (1998) Journal of Molecular Biology, 284: 1141-1151; Nygren et al. (1997) Current Opinion in Structural Biology, 7: 463-469) or by randomising or mutating amino acid residues of a loop within a protein scaffold to confer binding specificity for a desired target. Scaffolds for engineering novel binding sites in proteins have been reviewed in detail by Nygren et al. (Nygren et al. (1997) Current Opinion in Structural Biology, 7: 463-469). Protein scaffolds for antibody mimics are disclosed in WO/0034784, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, in which the inventors describe proteins (antibody mimics) that include a fibronectin type III domain having at least one randomised loop. A suitable scaffold into which to graft one or more CDRs, e.g. a set of HCDRs, may be provided by any domain member of the immunoglobulin gene superfamily. The scaffold may be a human or non-human protein. An advantage of a non-antibody protein scaffold is that it may provide an antigen-binding site in a scaffold molecule that is smaller and/or easier to manufacture than at least some antibody molecules. Small size of a binding member may confer useful physiological properties, such as an ability to enter cells, penetrate deep into tissues or reach targets within other structures, or to bind within protein cavities of the target antigen. Use of antigen binding sites in non-antibody protein scaffolds is reviewed in Wess, 2004 (Wess, L. In: BioCentury, The Bernstein Report on BioBusiness, 12(42), A1-A7, 2004). Typical are proteins having a stable backbone and one or more variable loops, in which the amino acid sequence of the loop or loops specifically or randomly mutated to create an antigen-binding site that binds the target antigen. Such proteins include the IgG-binding domains of protein A from S. aureus, transferrin, albumin, tetranectin, fibronectin (e.g. 10th fibronectin type III domain), lipocalins as well as gamma-crystalline and other AffilinTM scaffolds (Scil Proteins). Examples of other approaches include synthetic “Microbodies” based on cyclotides—small proteins having intra-molecular disulphide bonds, Microproteins (VersabodiesTM, Amunix) and ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins, Molecular Partners).
In addition to antibody sequences and/or an antigen-binding site, a targeted binding agent according to the present invention may comprise other amino acids, e.g. forming a peptide or polypeptide, such as a folded domain, or to impart to the molecule another functional characteristic in addition to ability to bind antigen. Targeted binding agents of the invention may carry a detectable label, or may be conjugated to a toxin or a targeting moiety or enzyme (e.g. via a peptidyl bond or linker). For example, a targeted binding agent may comprise a catalytic site (e.g. in an enzyme domain) as well as an antigen binding site, wherein the antigen binding site binds to the antigen and thus targets the catalytic site to the antigen. The catalytic site may inhibit biological function of the antigen, e.g. by cleavage.
In connection with the generation of advanced antibody therapeutics, where complement fixation is a desirable attribute, it may be possible to sidestep the dependence on complement for cell killing through the use of bispecific antibodies, immunotoxins, or radiolabels, for example.
For example, bispecific antibodies can be generated that comprise (i) two antibodies one with a specificity to KDR and another to a second molecule that are conjugated together, (ii) a single antibody that has one chain specific to KDR and a second chain specific to a second molecule, or (iii) a single chain antibody that has specificity to KDR and the other molecule. Such bispecific antibodies can be generated using techniques that are well known; for example, in connection with (i) and (ii) see e.g., Fanger et al. Immunol Methods 4:72-81 (1994) and Wright and Harris, supra. and in connection with (iii) see e.g., Traunecker et al. Int. J. Cancer (Suppl.) 7:51-52 (1992). In each case, the second specificity can be made to the heavy chain activation receptors, including, without limitation, CD16 or CD64 (see e.g., Deo et al. Immunol. Today 18:127 (1997)) or CD89 (see e.g., Valerius et al. Blood 90:4485-4492 (1997)).
Antibodies can also be modified to act as immunotoxins, utilizing techniques that are well known in the art. See e.g., Vitetta Immunol Today 14:252 (1993). See also U.S. Pat. No. 5,194,594. In connection with the preparation of radiolabeled antibodies, such modified antibodies can also be readily prepared utilizing techniques that are well known in the art. See e.g., Junghans et al. in Cancer Chemotherapy and Biotherapy 655-686 (2d edition, Chafner and Longo, eds., Lippincott Raven (1996)). See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,681,581, 4,735,210, 5,101,827, 5,102,990 (RE 35,500), 5,648,471, and 5,697,902. Each immunotoxin or radiolabeled molecule would be likely to kill cells expressing the desired multimeric enzyme subunit oligomerisation domain.
When an antibody is linked to an agent (e.g., radioisotope, pharmaceutical composition, or a toxin), it is contemplated that the agent possess a pharmaceutical property selected from the group of antimitotic, alkylating, antimetabolite, antiangiogenic, apoptotic, alkaloid, COX-2, and antibiotic agents and combinations thereof. The drug can be selected from the group of nitrogen mustards, ethylenimine derivatives, alkyl sulfonates, nitrosoureas, triazenes, folic acid analogs, anthracyclines, taxanes, COX-2 inhibitors, pyrimidine analogs, purine analogs, antimetabolites, antibiotics, enzymes, epipodophyllotoxins, platinum coordination complexes, vinca alkaloids, substituted ureas, methyl hydrazine derivatives, adrenocortical suppressants, antagonists, endostatin, taxols, camptothecins, oxaliplatin, doxorubicins and their analogs, and a combination thereof.
Examples of toxins further include gelonin, Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE), PE40, PE38, diphtheria toxin, ricin, abrin, alpha toxin, saporin, ribonuclease (RNase), DNase I, Staphylococcal enterotoxin-A, pokeweed antiviral protein, gelonin, Pseudomonas endotoxin, members of the enediyne family of molecules, such as calicheamicin and esperamicin, as well as derivatives, combinations and modifications thereof. Chemical toxins can also be taken from the group consisting of duocarmycin (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,703,080 and 4,923,990), methotrexate, doxorubicin, melphalan, chlorambucil, ARA-C, vindesine, mitomycin C, cis-platinum, etoposide, bleomycin and 5-fluorouracil. Examples of chemotherapeutic agents also include Adriamycin, Doxorubicin, 5-Fluorouracil, Cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C), Cyclophosphamide, Thiotepa, Taxotere (docetaxel), Busulfan, Cytoxin, Taxol, Methotrexate, Cisplatin, Melphalan, Vinblastine, Bleomycin, Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Mitomycin C, Mitoxantrone, Vincreistine, Vinorelbine, Carboplatin, Teniposide, Daunomycin, Caminomycin, Aminopterin, Dactinomycin, Mitomycins, Esperamicins (see, U.S. Pat. No. 4,675,187), Melphalan, and other related nitrogen mustards. Suitable toxins and chemotherapeutic agents are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 19th Ed. (Mack Publishing Co. 1995), and in Goodman And Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, 7th Ed. (MacMillan Publishing Co. 1985). Other suitable toxins and/or chemotherapeutic agents are known to those of skill in the art.
Examples of radioisotopes include gamma-emitters, positron-emitters, and x-ray emitters that can be used for localisation and/or therapy, and beta-emitters and alpha-emitters that can be used for therapy. The radioisotopes described previously as useful for diagnostics, prognostics and staging are also useful for therapeutics.
Non-limiting examples of anti-cancer or anti-leukemia agents include anthracyclines such as doxorubicin (adriamycin), daunorubicin (daunomycin), idarubicin, detorubicin, caminomycin, epirubicin, esorubicin, and morpholino and substituted derivatives, combinations and modifications thereof. Exemplary pharmaceutical agents include cis-platinum, taxol, calicheamicin, vincristine, cytarabine (Ara-C), cyclophosphamide, prednisone, daunorubicin, idarubicin, fludarabine, chlorambucil, interferon alpha, hydroxyurea, temozolomide, thalidomide, and bleomycin, and derivatives, combinations and modifications thereof. Preferably, the anti-cancer or anti-leukemia is doxorubicin, morpholinodoxorubicin, or morpholinodaunorubicin.
The antibodies of the invention also encompass antibodies that have half-lives (e.g., serum half-lives) in a mammal, preferably a human, of greater than that of an unmodified antibody. Said antibody half life may be greater than about 15 days, greater than about 20 days, greater than about 25 days, greater than about 30 days, greater than about 35 days, greater than about 40 days, greater than about 45 days, greater than about 2 months, greater than about 3 months, greater than about 4 months, or greater than about 5 months. The increased half-lives of the antibodies of the present invention or fragments thereof in a mammal, preferably a human, result in a higher serum titer of said antibodies or antibody fragments in the mammal, and thus, reduce the frequency of the administration of said antibodies or antibody fragments and/or reduces the concentration of said antibodies or antibody fragments to be administered. Antibodies or fragments thereof having increased in vivo half-lives can be generated by techniques known to those of skill in the art. For example, antibodies or fragments thereof with increased in vivo half-lives can be generated by modifying (e.g., substituting, deleting or adding) amino acid residues identified as involved in the interaction between the Fc domain and the FcRn receptor (see, e.g., International Publication Nos. WO 97/34631 and WO 02/060919, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties). Antibodies or fragments thereof with increased in vivo half-lives can be generated by attaching to said antibodies or antibody fragments polymer molecules such as high molecular weight polyethyleneglycol (PEG). PEG can be attached to said antibodies or antibody fragments with or without a multifunctional linker either through site-specific conjugation of the PEG to the N- or C-terminus of said antibodies or antibody fragments or via epsilon-amino groups present on lysine residues. Linear or branched polymer derivatisation that results in minimal loss of biological activity will be used. The degree of conjugation will be closely monitored by SDS-PAGE and mass spectrometry to ensure proper conjugation of PEG molecules to the antibodies. Unreacted PEG can be separated from antibody-PEG conjugates by, e.g., size exclusion or ion-exchange chromatography.
As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, in the above embodiments, while affinity values can be important, other factors can be as important or more so, depending upon the particular function of the antibody. For example, for an immunotoxin (toxin associated with an antibody), the act of binding of the antibody to the target can be useful; however, in some embodiments, it is the internalisation of the toxin into the cell that is the desired end result. As such, antibodies with a high percent internalisation can be desirable in these situations. Thus, in one embodiment, antibodies with a high efficiency in internalisation are contemplated. A high efficiency of internalisation can be measured as a percent internalised antibody, and can be from a low value to 100%. For example, in varying embodiments, 0.1-5, 5-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-45, 45-50, 50-60, 60-70, 70-80, 80-90, 90-99, and 99-100% can be a high efficiency. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the desirable efficiency can be different in different embodiments, depending upon, for example, the associated agent, the amount of antibody that can be administered to an area, the side effects of the antibody-agent complex, the type (e.g., cancer type) and severity of the problem to be treated.
In other embodiments, the antibodies disclosed herein provide an assay kit for the detection of KDR expression in mammalian tissues or cells in order to screen for a disease or disorder associated with changes in expression of KDR. The kit comprises an antibody that binds KDR and means for indicating the reaction of the antibody with the antigen, if present.
Combinations
The targeted binding agent or antibody defined herein may be applied as a sole therapy or may involve, in addition to the compounds of the invention, conventional surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Such chemotherapy may include one or more of the following categories of anti tumour agents:
(i) other antiproliferative/antineoplastic drugs and combinations thereof, as used in medical oncology, such as alkylating agents (for example cis-platin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, nitrogen mustard, melphalan, chlorambucil, busulphan, temozolamide and nitrosoureas); antimetabolites (for example gemcitabine and antifolates such as fluoropyrimidines like 5-fluorouracil and tegafur, raltitrexed, methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside, and hydroxyurea); antitumor antibiotics (for example anthracyclines like adriamycin, bleomycin, doxorubicin, daunomycin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitomycin-C, dactinomycin and mithramycin); antimitotic agents (for example vinca alkaloids like vincristine, vinblastine, vindesine and vinorelbine and taxoids like taxol and taxotere and polokinase inhibitors); and topoisomerase inhibitors (for example epipodophyllotoxins like etoposide and teniposide, amsacrine, topotecan and camptothecin);
(ii) cytostatic agents such as antioestrogens (for example tamoxifen, fulvestrant, toremifene, raloxifene, droloxifene and iodoxyfene), antiandrogens (for example bicalutamide, flutamide, nilutamide and cyproterone acetate), LHRH antagonists or LHRH agonists (for example goserelin, leuprorelin and buserelin), progestogens (for example megestrol acetate), aromatase inhibitors (for example as anastrozole, letrozole, vorazole and exemestane) and inhibitors of 5α-reductase such as finasteride;
(iii) anti-invasion agents (for example c-Src kinase family inhibitors like 4-(6-chloro-2,3-methylenedioxyanilino)-7-[2-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)ethoxy]-5-tetrahydropyran-4-yloxyquinazoline (AZD0530; International Patent Application WO 01/94341) and N-(2-chloro-6-methylphenyl)-2-{6-[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-yl]-2-methylpyrimidin-4-ylamino}thiazole-5-carboxamide (dasatinib, BMS-354825; J. Med. Chem., 2004, 47, 6658-6661), and metalloproteinase inhibitors like marimastat, inhibitors of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor function or, inhibitors of cathepsins, inhibitors of serine proteases for example matriptase, hepsin, urokinase, inhibitors of heparanase);
(iv) cytotoxic agents such as fludarabine, 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine, chlorambucil or doxorubicin and combination thereof such as Fludarabine+cyclophosphamide, CVP: cyclophosphamide+vincristine+prednisone, ACVBP: doxorubicin+cyclophosphamide+vindesine+bleomycin+prednisone, CHOP: cyclophosphamide+doxorubicin+vincristine+prednisone, CNOP: cyclophosphamide+mitoxantrone+vincristine+prednisone, m-BACOD: methotrexate+bleomycin+doxorubicin+cyclophosphamide+vincristine+dexamethasone+leucovorin., MACOP-B: methotrexate+doxorubicin+cyclophosphamide+vincristine+prednisone fixed dose+bleomycin+leucovorin, or ProMACE CytaBOM: prednisone+doxorubicin+cyclophosphamide+etoposide+cytarabine+bleomycin+vincristine+methotrexate+leucovorin.
(v) inhibitors of growth factor function, for example such inhibitors include growth factor antibodies and growth factor receptor antibodies (for example the anti-erbB2 antibody trastuzumab [HerceptinTM], the anti-EGFR antibody panitumumab, the anti-erbB1 antibody cetuximab [Erbitux, C225] and any growth factor or growth factor receptor antibodies disclosed by Stern et al. Critical reviews in oncology/haematology, 2005, Vol. 54, pp 11-29); such inhibitors also include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, for example inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor family (for example EGFR family tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-7-methoxy-6-(3-morpholinopropoxy)quinazolin-4-amine (gefitinib, ZD1839), N-(3-ethynylphenyl)-6,7-bis(2-methoxyethoxy)quinazolin-4-amine (erlotinib, OSI-774) and 6-acrylamido-N-(3-chloro-4-fluorophenyl)-7-(3-morpholinopropoxy) -quinazolin-4-amine (CI 1033), erbB2 tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as lapatinib, inhibitors of the hepatocyte growth factor family, inhibitors of the platelet-derived growth factor family such as imatinib, inhibitors of serine/threonine kinases (for example Ras/Raf signalling inhibitors such as farnesyl transferase inhibitors, for example sorafenib (BAY 43-9006)), inhibitors of cell signalling through MEK and/or AKT kinases, inhibitors of the hepatocyte growth factor family, c-kit inhibitors, abl kinase inhibitors, IGF receptor (insulin-like growth factor) kinase inhibitors, aurora kinase inhibitors (for example AZD1152, PH739358, VX-680, MLN8054, R763, MP235, MP529, VX-528 and AX39459), cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors such as CDK2 and/or CDK4 inhibitors, and inhibitors of survival signaling proteins such as Bcl-2, Bcl-XL for example ABT-737;
(vi) antiangiogenic agents such as those which inhibit the effects of vascular endothelial growth factor, [for example the anti-vascular endothelial cell growth factor antibody bevacizumab (AvastinTM) and VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors such as 4-(4-bromo-2-fluoroanilino)-6-methoxy-7-(1-methylpiperidin-4-ylmethoxy)quinazoline (ZD6474; Example 2 within WO 01/32651), 4-(4-fluoro-2-methylindol-5-yloxy)-6-methoxy-7-(3-pyrrolidin-1-ylpropoxy)quinazoline (AZD2171; Example 240 within WO 00/47212), vatalanib (PTK787; WO 98/35985) and SU11248 (sunitinib; WO 01/60814), compounds such as those disclosed in International Patent Applications WO97/22596, WO 97/30035, WO 97/32856, WO 98/13354, WO00/47212 and WO01/32651 and compounds that work by other mechanisms (for example linomide, inhibitors of integrin αvβ3 function and angiostatin)] or colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) or CSF1 receptor.;
(vii) vascular damaging agents such as Combretastatin A4 and compounds disclosed in International Patent Applications WO 99/02166, WO 00/40529, WO 00/41669, WO 01/92224, WO 02/04434 and WO 02/08213;
(viii) antisense therapies, for example those which are directed to the targets listed above, such as G-3139 (Genasense), an anti bcl2 antisense;
(ix) gene therapy approaches, including for example approaches to replace aberrant genes such as aberrant p53 or aberrant BRCA1 or BRCA2, GDEPT (gene directed enzyme pro drug therapy) approaches such as those using cytosine deaminase, thymidine kinase or a bacterial nitroreductase enzyme and approaches to increase patient tolerance to chemotherapy or radiotherapy such as multi drug resistance gene therapy; and
(x) immunotherapy approaches, including for example treatment with Alemtuzumab (campath-1HTM), a monoclonal antibody directed at CD52, or treatment with antibodies directed at CD22, ex vivo and in vivo approaches to increase the immunogenicity of patient tumour cells, transfection with cytokines such as interleukin 2, interleukin 4 or granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor, approaches to decrease T cell anergy such as treatment with monoclonal antibodies inhibiting CTLA-4 function, approaches using transfected immune cells such as cytokine transfected dendritic cells, approaches using cytokine transfected tumour cell lines and approaches using anti idiotypic antibodies.
(xi) inhibitors of protein degradation such as proteasome inhibitor such as Velcade (bortezomid).
(xii) biotherapeutic therapeutic approaches for example those which use peptides or proteins (such as antibodies or soluble external receptor domain constructions) which either sequester receptor ligands, block ligand binding to receptor or decrease receptor signalling (e.g. to due to enhanced receptor degradation or lowered expression levels).
In one embodiment the anti-tumour treatment defined herein may involve, in addition to the compounds of the invention, treatment with other antiproliferative/antineoplastic drugs and combinations thereof, as used in medical oncology, such as alkylating agents (for example cis-platin, oxaliplatin, carboplatin, cyclophosphamide, nitrogen mustard, melphalan, chlorambucil, busulphan, temozolamide and nitrosoureas); antimetabolites (for example gemcitabine and antifolates such as fluoropyrimidines like 5-fluorouracil and tegafur, raltitrexed, methotrexate, cytosine arabinoside, and hydroxyurea); antitumour antibiotics (for example anthracyclines like adriamycin, bleomycin, doxorubicin, daunomycin, epirubicin, idarubicin, mitomycin-C, dactinomycin and mithramycin); antimitotic agents (for example vinca alkaloids like vincristine, vinblastine, vindesine and vinorelbine and taxoids like taxol and taxotere and polokinase inhibitors); and topoisomerase inhibitors (for example epipodophyllotoxins like etoposide and teniposide, amsacrine, topotecan and camptothecin).
In one embodiment the anti-tumour treatment defined herein may involve, in addition to the compounds of the invention, treatment with gemcitabine.
Such conjoint treatment may be achieved by way of the simultaneous, sequential or separate dosing of the individual components of the treatment. Such combination products employ the compounds of this invention, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, within the dosage range described hereinbefore and the other pharmaceutically active agent within its approved dosage range.
EXAMPLES
The following examples, including the experiments conducted and results achieved are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting upon the teachings herein.
Example 1
Immunization and Titering
Immunization
Immunizations were conducted using soluble KDR (VEGF Receptor 2D1-7, Cat. #676490, Calbiochem). For the campaign, 10 μg/mouse of soluble protein was provided in the initial boost, followed by 5 μg/mouse in subsequent boosts, for immunization in XenoMouseTM. The immunization was carried out according to the methods disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/759,620, filed Dec. 3, 1996 and International Patent Application Nos. WO 98/24893, published Jun. 11, 1998 and WO 00/76310, published Dec. 21, 2000, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The immunization programs are summarized in Table 2.
Selection of Animals for Harvest by Titer
Titers of the antibody against human KDR were tested by FACS staining for native antigen binding using Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC) or by ELISA assay for binding to immobilized soluble KDR. At the end of the immunization program, fusions were performed using mouse myeloma cells and lymphocytes isolated from the spleens and lymph nodes of the immunized mice by means of electroporation, as described in Example 2.







TABLE 2







Summary of Immunization Programs












Cam-



No of



paign
Group
Immunogen
Strain
mice
Immunization routes















1
1
Soluble KDR
IgG2
10
IP/Tail/BIP, twice/wk,




(Calbiochem


×8 wks, followed by




#676490)


IP/Tail/BIP, once/every 2







weeks, × 6 wks


1
2
Soluble KDR
IgG4
10
IP/Tail/BIP, twice/wk,




(Calbiochem


×8 wks, followed by




#676490)


IP/Tail/BIP, once/every 2







weeks, ×6 wks





“IP” refers to “intraperitoneal”


“BIP” refers to “Base of Tail/Intraperitoneal”






Example 2
Recovery of Lymphocytes, B-Cell Isolations, Fusions and Generation of Hybridomas
Immunized mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, and the draining lymph nodes harvested and pooled from each cohort. There were two harvests performed for this program. Harvest 1 used six mice with ID numbers 157166, 157168, 157597, 157599, 157600, 157602. Harvest 2 used five mice with ID numbers 157662, 157663, 157665, 157672, 157694.
The lymphoid cells were dissociated by grinding in DMEM to release the cells from the tissues and the cells were suspended in DMEM. The cells were counted, and 0.9 ml DMEM per 100 million lymphocytes added to the cell pellet to resuspend the cells gently but completely. Using 100 μl of CD90+magnetic beads per 100 million cells, the cells were labeled by incubating the cells with the magnetic beads at 4° C. for 15 minutes. The magnetically labeled cell suspension containing up to 108 positive cells (or up to 2×109 total cells) was loaded onto a LS+column and the column washed with DMEM. The total effluent was collected as the CD90-negative fraction (most of these cells were expected to be B cells).
The fusion was performed by mixing washed enriched Day 6 B cells with nonsecretory myeloma P3X63Ag8.653 cells purchased from ATCC, cat. # CRL 1580 (Kearney et al, J. Immunol. 123, 1979, 1548-1550) at a ratio of 1:4. The cell mixture was gently pelleted by centrifugation at 400×g for 4 minutes. After decanting of the supernatant, the cells were gently mixed using a 1 ml pipette. Preheated PEG (1 ml per 106 B-cells) was slowly added with gentle agitation over 1 minute followed by 1 minute of mixing. Preheated IDMEM (2 ml per 106 B-cells) was then added over 2 minutes with gentle agitation. Finally preheated IDMEM (8 ml per 106 B-cells) was added over 3 minutes.
The fused cells were spun down at 400×g for 6 minutes and resuspended in 20 ml of Selection media (DMEM (Invitrogen), 15% FBS (Hyclone), supplemented with L-glutamine, pen/strep, MEM Non-essential amino acids, Sodium Pyruvate, 2-Mercaptoethanol (all from Invitrogen), HA-Azaserine Hypoxanthine and OPI (oxaloacetate, pyruvate, bovine insulin) (both from Sigma) and IL-6 (Boehringer Mannheim)) per 106 B-cells. Cells were incubated for 20-30 minutes at 37° C. and then resuspended in 200 ml Selection media and cultured for 3-4 days in a T175 flask.
Day 3 post fusion the cells were collected, spun for 8 minutes at 400×g and resuspended in 10 ml Selection media per 106 fused B-cells. FACS analysis of hybridoma population was performed, and cells were subsequently frozen down.
Hybridomas were grown as routine in the selective medium. Exhaustive supernatants collected from the hybridomas that potentially produce anti-human KDR antibodies were subjected to subsequent screening assays.
Example 3
Antibody Titer Measurement
Native Antigen Binding of Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVEC)
FACS analysis was performed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to measure the titers of antibody against human KDR produced as described in Examples 1 and 2. HUVECs were seeded at 60,000 cells/well and incubated with 2 μL of sample (at 1:50 dilution) for one hour at 4° C. The wells were then washed and incubated with Cy5-conjugated goat anti-human antibody at 5 μg/mL and 7-Amino-Actinomycin (7AAD) at 5 μg/mL for 15 minutes at 4° C. Bound KDR was detected using FACS analysis. The positive control was goat anti-KDR antibody (R&D Systems, Inc.), and negative controls included negative controls included naïve XMG2 sera and naïve XMG4 (XM3C-1) sera. Animals with the greatest FACS Geometric Mean Fluorescence were selected for subsequent hybridoma generation. Table 3 lists the FACS data obtained from analysis of the HUVECs.







TABLE 3







Titers of antibody against human KDR as


measured by FACS analysis of HUVECs








Mouse
FACS Geometric Mean











P157166
18.97


P157168
15.82


P157169
10.43


P157597
24.34


P157598
11.29


P157599
19.66


P157600
42.11


P157602
33.2


P157661
10.64


P157662
20.18


P157663
24.63


P157664
7.59


P157665
17.25


P157672
28.64


P157692
12.94


P157693
11.1


P157694
31.69


P157695
7.71


Naïve G2
3.73


Naïve G4
3.06


Control: Goat anti-KDR (2 μg/mL)
21.68


Control: Goat anti-KDR (0.2 μg/mL)
8.23


Control: Goat anti-KDR (0.02 μg/mL)
4.25


Control: Goat isotype (2 μg/mL)
3.28









Example 4
Antibody Titer Measurement 
Binding to Immobilized Soluble KDR
ELISA assay of binding to immobilized soluble KDR was used to measure titers of antibody produced as described in Examples 1 and 2.
To measure the titers of antibody, plates were coated with KDR (Calbiochem) at 1 μg/mL overnight at 4° C. Serum containing antibodies were then titrated 1:3 in duplicate starting at 1:100 dilution in blocking buffer (1×PBS/1% milk). The plates containing sera were incubated for one hour at room temperature, washed, and subsequently incubated with secondary antibody (goat anti-human IgG Fc POD—Jackson Laboratories) for one hour at room temperature. The positive control was goat anti-KDR (Catalog #AF357, R&D Systems, Inc.), and negative controls included naïve XMG2 sera and naïve XMG4 (XM3C-1) sera. Table 4 provides a summary of the ELISA readings obtained from analysis of the bound antibodies.







TABLE 4







Titers of antibody against immobilized


soluble KDR as measured by ELISA assay










Mouse
Coating: KDR @ 1 μg/mL













P157166
13400



P157168
14144



P157169
2309



P157597
11027



P157598
2080



P157599
21053



P157600
11507



P157602
67697



P157661
2393



P157662
3207



P157663
6816



P157664
2171



P157665
2488



P157672
7197



P157692
7060



P157693
2340



P157694
6568



P157695
2051



Naïve G2
<100 @ OD 0.217



Naïve G4
<100 @ OD 0.244









Example 5
Hybridoma Supernatant Screening by Binding Assay
Hybridoma supernatants containing antibody, produced as described in Examples 1 and 2, were screened by assays that measure binding to both immobilized soluble human KDR and to the Ig4-7 domain of KDR.
To screen by binding to immobilized soluble KDR, plates were coated with KDR (Calbiochem) at 250 ng/mL overnight at 4° C. After blocking and washing the coated plates, the candidate hybridoma supernatants (at 1:5 dilution) were transferred to the plates and incubated for one hour at room temperature. The plates were then washed and incubated with secondary antibody (at 1:4000 dilution) for one hour at room temperature. Table 5 provides a summary of the ELISA readings obtained from analysis of the bound antibodies for the screening.







TABLE 5







ELISA results (substrate: immobilized soluble human KDR)










MAb ID
KDR OD(450 nm)






1G6
6.000



21A1
0.967



21H6
0.620



21H9
1.647



22B8
1.183



24B3
6.000



24C9
0.550



27A3
3.749



27D10
3.238



29A3
0.814



29H3
0.830



29D4
1.001



29F7
1.222



29A11
3.527



30A1
0.786



30E3
4.178



30F6
0.454



30D7
3.448



30H10
0.943



31E11
1.137



32B2
1.111



32F4
0.907



32G7
1.066



32C11
0.924



33B1
1.111



33E1
4.555



33C3
1.154



33D5
3.587









For this experiment, a KDR antibody containing the Ig4-7 domain (b-KDRIg4-7-myc-his) was obtained by cloning the extracellular domains 4-7 of the KDR antibody into pSecTag DNA expression constructs. The constructs were transiently transfected and expressed in 293T cells, and the expressed his-tagged protein was purified by nickel (Ni) column chromatography.
To screen by binding to the Ig4-7 domain of KDR, plates were first coated with neutravadin (Pierce) at 4 μg/mL and incubated overnight at 4° C. The plates were then blocked and subsequently incubated with b-KDRIg4-7-myc-his at 1 μg/mL for one hour at room temperature. Candidate hybridoma supernatants (at 1:5 dilution) were transferred to the plates and incubated for one hour at room temperature. The plates were then washed and incubated with goat anti-human IgG Fc POD (at 1:4000 dilution) for one hour at room temperature. Table 6 provides a summary of the ELISA readings obtained from analysis of the bound antibodies for the screening.







TABLE 6







ELISA results (substrate: Ig4-7 domain of KDR)










MAb ID
b-KDRIg4-7 OD(450 nm)






1G6
0.056



21A1
1.274



21H6
0.935



21H9
0.052



22B8
2.815



24B3
0.065



24C9
0.066



27A3
1.820



27D10
2.031



29A3
0.201



29H3
0.071



29D4
2.608



29F7
0.082



29A11
0.062



30A1
1.209



30E3
0.049



30F6
0.093



30D7
0.056



30H10
0.047



31E11
1.279



32B2
0.061



32F4
2.291



32G7
0.068



32C11
0.050



33B1
0.058



33E1
0.620



33C3
3.659



33D5
0.107









Example 6
Cross-Reactivity to Human VEGF-Receptor-1 (Flt-1) and Mouse KDR (Flk-1)
The cross-reactivity of antibodies in the hybridoma supernatant was tested against KDR mouse ortholog (mouse VEGFR2, or Flk-1) and human VEGFR1 (Flt-1). Cross-reactivity was measured using an ELISA based assay. Cross-reactivity to KDR mouse ortholog (Flk-1) was desired. However, antibodies that selected over Flt-1 were chosen for further analysis.
Plates were coated with human VEGFR1 (Flt-1)/Fc (Flt-1, Cat. #321-FL/CF, R&D Systems, Inc.) or mouse KDR (Flk-1)/Fc (Flk-1, Cat. #443-KD/CF, R&D Systems, Inc.) at 500 ng/mL and incubated overnight at 4° C. After washing and blocking the plates, the antibody-containing supernatants were added (at 1:5 dilution) into the coated wells and incubated for one hour at room temperature. The plates were then incubated with mouse anti-human IgG 2, 3 and 4 and subsequently with goat anti-mouse IgG Fc POD, to detect and measure bound antibodies. Table 7 provides the results of the ELISA cross-reactivity assay for each substrate.







TABLE 7







ELISA Cross-Reactivity Assay Results Against


Mouse KDR (Flk-1) and Human VEGFR1 (Flt-1)












Flk-1 (mouse KDR),
Flt-1 (human VEGFR1),



MAb ID
OD (450 nm)
OD (450 nm)






1G6
0.055
0.054



21A1
0.270
0.180



21H6
0.193
0.086



21H9
0.139
0.134



22B8
0.074
0.078



24B3
0.094
0.068



24C9
0.098
0.080



27A3
0.156
0.068



27D10
0.166
0.140



29A3
0.416
0.069



29H3
0.096
0.071



29D4
0.100
0.079



29F7
0.093
0.061



29A11
0.261
0.080



30A1
0.107
0.067



30E3
0.112
0.058



30F6
0.067
0.075



30D7
0.135
0.062



30H10
0.338
0.097



31E11
0.162
0.134



32B2
0.274
0.114



32F4
0.094
0.090



32G7
0.092
0.085



32C11
0.083
0.063



33B1
0.108
0.085



33E1
0.097
0.075



33C3
0.076
0.067



33D5
0.201
0.093









Example 7
Native Binding to Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs)
FACS analysis was performed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to confirm native binding of antibody in the hybrodima supernatant produced as described in Examples 1 and 2. HUVECs were seeded at 15,000 cells/well and incubated with 100 μL of sample supernatant (at 1:50 dilution) for one hour at 4° C. The positive control was goat anti-KDR antibody (R&D Systems, Inc.), and negative controls included irrelevant hybridoma supernatants at the same dilution. The cells were then washed and incubated with Cy5-conjugated goat anti-human antibody at 5 μg/mL and 7-Amino-Actinomycin D (7AAD) at 5 μg/mL for 15 minutes at 4° C. Bound KDR was detected using FACS analysis. Table 8 lists the FACS data obtained from analysis of the HUVECs. Antibodies with strong binding to HUVEC cells were considered as having higher relative avidity.







TABLE 8







Native binding to HUVECs as measured by FACS











FACS Geometric Mean




(1:50 dilution of



MAb ID
hybridoma supernatant)






1G6
32



21A1
14



21H6
18



21H9
29



22B8
24



24B3
26



24C9
33



27A3
25



27D10
24



29A3
30



29H3
27



29D4
26



29F7
32



29A11
31



30A1
25



30E3
36



30F6
21



30D7
31



30H10
31



31E11
18



32B2
26



32F4
27



32G7
28



32C11
26



33B1
25



33E1
14



33C3
20



33D5
24









Example 8
Determination of Relative Potency of Antibody-Containing Supernatants
The relative potency of the various antibody-containing supernatants was compared by measuring how well the antibodies blocked KDR phosphorylation in an endogenously KDR-expressing normal cell line (HUVEC). The assays were conducted using a supernatant dilution of 1:20 and included examination of the blockade of both VEGF165-mediated and VEGF-E mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation. VEGF165 binds to both KDR:KDR homodimers and to KDR:VEGF-Receptor-1 hetrodimers. VEGF-E is an Orf virus homologue of VEGF165; however, unlike VEGF165, VEGF-E is specifically binds to KDR, therefore providing selective analysis of KDR dimerization (Endocrine Reviews, August 2004, 25(4): 581-611).
The relative potencies of the different antibody containing supernatants were also examined for their ability to block survival of serum-deprived HUVEC cells as mediated by both VEGF165 and VEGF-E. These assays were also performed at a supernatant dilution of 1:20. All incubations with HUVEC cells took place at 37° C. and 5% CO2.
Assay to Measure Inhibition of VEGF165-Mediated KDR Activity
HUVEC cells were seeded at 25,000 cells/well and incubated overnight in Endothelial Cell Basal Medium-2 (EBM-2, Clonetics EGM-2 BulletKit, catalog #CC-3162)+2% FCS+the following growth supplements: hydrocortisone, hFGF-B, R3-IGF-1, ascorbic acid, heparin, FBS, hEGF, and GA-1000. The cells were then washed and incubated in supplement-free media overnight. On the third day, the various antibody-containing supernatants were added to the HUVEC cells and incubated for 2 hours. The supernatant volumes were then removed and replaced by 50 μL of VEGF165 at 2 nM final concentration. After incubation with VEGF165 for 7 minutes, the cells were lysed, and the cell lysates were measured for inhibition of VEGF165-mediated KDR activity. Table 9 provides a listing of average (n=3) ELISA readings indicating the level of inhibition of VEGF165-mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation.







TABLE 9







Inhibition of VEGF165-mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation in


HUVEC cells 










% Inhibition of VEGF165-mediated pTyr Activity














MAb ID
n = 1
n = 2
n = 3
Average
St. Dev.
% CV
















1G6
89
67
58
71
16
23


21A1
71
77
68
72
5
7


21H6
85
65
68
72
11
15


21H9
80
70
61
70
9
13


22B8
82
65
53
67
15
22


24B3
69
51
33
51
18
35


24C9
55
45
38
46
8
18


27A3
60
68
59
62
5
8


27D10
62
48
63
58
8
15


29A3
92
66
72
77
14
18


29H3
89
72
66
76
12
16


29D4
85
67
63
72
12
16


29F7
90
67
77
78
12
15


29A11
96
72
66
78
16
20


30A1
86
59
52
65
18
27


30E3
89
67
58
71
16
23


30F6
98
60
52
70
24
35


30D7
99
71
59
76
21
27


30H10
92
77
59
76
17
22


31E11
81
80
59
74
12
17


32B2
91
75
66
77
13
17


32F4
88
76
56
73
16
22


32G7
73
47
11
44
31
71


32C11
84
75
57
72
14
19


33B1
76
56
31
54
23
42


33E1
88
78
52
73
19
26


33C3
87
75
50
71
19
27


33D5
95
72
63
77
16
21









Assay to Measure Inhibition of VEGF-E-Mediated KDR Activity

HUVEC cells were seeded and incubated with antibody-containing supernatants as described above. The supernatant volumes were then removed and replaced by 50 μL of VEGF-E at 2 nM final concentration. After incubation with VEGF-E for 7 minutes, the cells were lysed, and the cell lysates were measured for inhibition of VEGF-E-mediated KDR activity. Table 10 provides a listing of ELISA readings indicating the level of inhibition of VEGF-E-mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation.







TABLE 10







Inhibition of VEGF-E-mediated KDR tyrosine


phosphorylation in HUVEC cells











% Inhibition of




VEGF-E-mediated



MAb ID
pTyr Activity














 1G6
24



21A1
67



21H6
70



21H9
6



22B8
61



24B3
40



24C9
51



27A3
60



27D10
63



29A3
22



29H3
18



29D4
67



29F7
45



29A11
15



30A1
50



30E3
19



30F6
56



30D7
24



30H10
20



31E11
67



32B2
15



32F4
62



32G7
57



32C11
17



33B1
54



33E1
46



33C3
66



33D5
30










Assay to Measure Ability of Antibody to Block Survival of Serum-Deprived HUVEC Cells as Mediated by VEGF165

HUVEC cells were seeded at 10,000 cells/well and incubated overnight in EBM-2+2% FCS+all supplements except VEGF (see above). The cells were then washed and the various antibody-containing supernatants (at either 1:10 or 1:20 dilution in 50 μL of basal EBM-2 media) were added to the HUVEC cells and incubated for 2 hours. Fifty (50) μL of VEGF165 (1 nM final concentration) with chloroquine (25 nM final concentration, Sigma-Aldrich) and 0.01% FCS (final concentration) was added to the cells, and the cells were incubated for 4 days at 37° C. and 5% CO2. Cell survival was then measured by addition of luminescent substrate (Cell Titer Glo, Promega) per manufacturer's protocol and detected using a luminometer. Antibody inhibition of HUVEC survival is indicated by lower Relative Luminscence Unit (RLU) values. Table 11 provides a listing of (n=2) luminometer readings indicating HUVEC survival by VEGF165-mediated KDR activity.







TABLE 11







Survival of HUVEC Cells by VEGF165-mediated KDR Activity












HUVEC survival (n = 1)
HUVEC survival (n = 2)




1:10 dilution of
1:20 dilution of



MAb ID
supernatant (RLU)
supernatant (RLU)















 1G6
47799
10197



21A1
8871
2673



21H6
10200
247



21H9
43793
10269



22B8
12860
3260



24B3
14148
2459



24C9
14615
9180



27A3
17291
4563



27D10
20114
9713



29A3
36363
2450



29H3
32652
544



29D4
12886
5384



29F7
44127
23984



29A11
34648
27654



30A1
14389
9728



30E3
37528
30447



30F6
14832
1348



30D7
28288
2524



30H10
39549
21110



31E11
9135
6979



32B2
19290
400



32F4
20111
5026



32G7
24875
11898



32C11
44831
8574



33B1
19422
12454



33E1
25742
2308



33C3
6539
4708



33D5
43395
706










Assay to Measure Ability of Antibody to Block Survival of Serum-Deprived HUVEC Cells as Mediated by VEGF-E

HUVEC cells were seeded and incubated with antibody-containing supernatants as described above. The cells were then washed and the various antibody-containing supernatants (at 1:10 dilution in basal EBM-2 media) were added to the HUVEC cells and incubated for 2 hours. VEGF-E (Cederlane) was added to the cells to a final concentration of 1 nM, and the cells were incubated for 4 days. Cell survival was then measured as above by addition of luminescent substrate and luminometer assay. Table 12 provides a listing of the degree of inhibition observed as a percentage of VEGF-E maximal activity. Values approaching 100% are equivalent to complete inhibition of VEGF-E activity.







TABLE 12







Survival of HUVEC Cells by VEGF-E-mediated KDR Activity










VEGF-E-mediated




Survival % Inhibition














MAb ID
n = 1
n = 2
Average
St. Dev.
% CV


















1G6
−2
6
2
6
324



21A1
45
40
42
4
8



21H6
56
53
55
2
4



21H9
−3
1
−1
3
−506



22B8
57
53
55
3
5



24B3
65
66
66
1
1



24C9
72
72
72
1
1



27A3
63
52
58
8
13



27D10
50
64
57
10
18



29A3
−1
−20
−10
13
−129



29H3
−19
−11
−15
6
−42



29D4
64
67
66
2
3



29F7
15
6
11
6
60



29A11
8
1
5
5
112



30A1
58
59
58
1
2



30E3
−21
−7
−14
10
−68



30F6
31
43
37
8
23



30D7
−27
−22
−24
4
−14



30H10
−21
2
−10
17
−175



31E11
56
54
55
1
3



32B2
−2
−9
−6
5
−83



32F4
64
64
64
0
0



32G7
69
54
62
11
18



32C11
5
7
6
2
27



33B1
66
68
67
2
2



33E1
66
54
60
9
14



33C3
78
69
74
7
9



33D5
−2
2
0
3
−678










Example 9
Kinetic Assays
These experiments were conducted to identify high affinity/high potency antibodies in the hybridoma supernatants obtained as described in Example 2. The experiments were performed using soluble KDR extracellular domain (ECD) (Calbiochem).
High Antigen (HA) Quantitation (ELISA)
ELISA plates were coated with a greater amount of KDR (at 500 ng/mL) in comparison with the Limited Antigen Quantitation assay described below. Sample containing antibody (Ab) was titrated on the KDR-coated ELISA plates and was incubated overnight at 4° C. to allow Ab binding to approach equilibrium. Titration of Ab in sample covered a dilution range of 1:25 to 1:18,225. A standard curve of KDR-specific antibody of known concentration was used to define the linear range of the assay. Data within the linear range were used to derive the relative concentration of KDR-specific Ab in each titrated sample. The high KDR concentration and the overnight incubation limited the effect of Ab affinity, allowing quantitation of the relative amount of KDR-specific Ab present in each sample.
Limited Antigen (LA) Quantitation (ELISA)
ELISA plates were coated with a lower amount of KDR (3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 ng/mL) in comparison with the High Antigen Quantitation assay described above. Samples containing one concentration of antibody (Ab) (1:25 dilution) were incubated overnight to allow Ab binding to approach equilibrium. The low antigen concentration limited the effect of antibody concentration, allowing ranking of the antibodies based on their relative affinity.
Tables 13 and 14 summarize the results for the hybridoma lines that had the desired neutralizing activity and preferred binding kinetics.







TABLE 13







High Antigen Supernatant Dilution ELISA Assay Results













HA






Derived


MAb
High Antigen Hybridoma Supernatant Dilution
Conc.
Std.

















ID
1:25
1:75
1:225
1:675
1:2025
1:6075
1:18,225
(μg/mL)
Dev.
% CV




















1G6
6.000
6.000
4.490
2.240
0.690
0.340
0.260
5.1
1.5
28.6


21A1
4.450
4.430
4.140
3.360
1.660
0.560
0.250
13.0
1.1
8.6


21H6
6.000
4.190
5.570
4.020
2.910
1.170
0.540
30.7
3.9
12.6


21H9
6.000
4.340
3.410
1.560
0.700
0.260
0.120
3.7
2.0
55.3


22B8
6.000
6.000
6.000
3.490
1.270
0.310
0.200
7.0
4.5
64.4


24B3
2.330
1.580
1.160
0.790
0.310
0.130
0.080
1.0
0.7
68.6


24C9
3.670
2.480
2.140
1.450
0.540
0.200
0.110
2.7
1.5
56.3


27A3
4.790
4.720
5.260
3.930
2.050
0.960
0.400
20.5
2.7
13.0


27D10
4.090
4.020
3.950
3.790
1.870
0.890
0.410
19.9
3.7
18.6


29A3
3.890
4.060
3.850
3.320
1.910
0.570
0.240
13.6
2.3
17.1


29H3
4.520
4.960
4.290
2.830
1.420
0.470
0.210
10.1
1.3
12.9


29D4
4.240
5.570
6.000
4.090
2.060
0.660
0.250
16.3
2.0
12.5


29F7
4.420
4.490
4.260
3.760
1.680
0.570
0.220
13.2
1.1
8.2


29A11
4.660
6.000
6.000
5.090
4.330
2.160
0.990
63.5
10.0
15.7


30A1
4.520
4.780
6.000
4.280
3.370
1.580
1.110
59.7
29.4
49.2


30E3
6.000
4.780
4.450
2.120
0.860
0.320
0.180
5.7
1.4
23.9


30F6
3.040
3.120
2.420
0.930
0.350
0.160
0.090
1.7
0.9
53.2


30D7
4.660
5.090
6.000
4.240
2.790
1.020
0.820
36.2
18.6
51.3


30H10
4.420
6.000
6.000
4.610
2.520
1.180
0.640
31.6
10.6
33.3


31E11
4.480
6.000
4.610
3.600
1.810
0.620
0.310
13.8
1.5
10.6


32B2
6.000
6.000
6.000
6.000
3.330
1.540
0.800
43.3
10.9
25.3


32F4
4.790
5.560
6.000
4.610
2.710
0.970
0.500
26.5
4.1
15.4


32G7
2.030
1.270
0.960
0.550
0.380
0.240
0.110
1.0
0.8
80.7


32C11
4.360
6.000
4.280
2.020
0.820
0.270
0.140
4.6
2.6
55.4


33B1
2.710
2.320
1.620
1.100
0.550
0.250
0.200
1.9
1.5
80.8


33E1
4.060
4.240
4.070
3.510
2.090
0.980
0.490
23.8
6.0
25.2


33C3
4.960
4.960
4.310
2.550
0.840
0.310
0.180
6.1
2.0
31.8


33D5
4.610
4.560
4.780
6.000
3.650
1.700
0.870
52.1
13.9
26.6
















TABLE 14







Limited Antigen Coating Concentration ELISA Assay Results









Limited Antigen Coating



Concentration (ng/mL)














MAb ID
50
25
12.5
6.25
3.125


















1G6
1.380
0.650
0.320
0.200
0.120



21A1
2.650
1.470
0.810
0.380
0.230



21H6
1.830
0.970
0.520
0.230
0.150



21H9
2.280
1.460
0.820
0.390
0.220



22B8
3.360
1.840
0.910
0.420
0.210



24B3
0.380
0.210
0.120
0.080
0.070



24C9
0.500
0.230
0.130
0.090
0.070



27A3
2.300
1.260
0.540
0.260
0.150



27D10
1.360
0.540
0.250
0.140
0.120



29A3
2.270
1.130
0.490
0.270
0.160



29H3
2.130
1.030
0.400
0.240
0.160



29D4
3.310
1.870
0.800
0.410
0.230



29F7
3.540
2.190
1.000
0.510
0.250



29A11
3.430
1.900
1.050
0.590
0.300



30A1
1.770
0.870
0.500
0.270
0.150



30E3
2.710
1.370
0.730
0.430
0.240



30F6
0.520
0.310
0.250
0.130
0.100



30D7
2.930
1.510
0.790
0.480
0.270



30H10
2.210
1.180
0.520
0.310
0.170



31E11
2.370
1.240
0.680
0.390
0.200



32B2
2.900
1.690
0.860
0.420
0.250



32F4
2.220
1.090
0.740
0.360
0.230



32G7
0.190
0.150
0.110
0.080
0.070



32C11
2.480
1.120
0.690
0.350
0.200



33B1
0.230
0.200
0.120
0.080
0.080



33E1
0.850
0.360
0.150
0.110
0.070



33C3
3.000
1.320
0.720
0.370
0.200



33D5
3.810
2.200
1.320
0.610
0.330










Example 10
Structural Analysis of KDR Antibodies
The variable heavy chains and the variable light chains of the antibodies were sequenced to determine their DNA sequences. The complete sequence information for the anti-KDR antibodies is provided in the sequence listing with nucleotide and amino acid sequences for each gamma and kappa chain combination. The variable heavy sequences were analyzed to determine the VH family, the D-region sequence and the J-region sequence. The sequences were then translated to determine the primary amino acid sequence and compared to the germline VH, D and J-region sequences to assess somatic hypermutations.
Table 20 is a table comparing the antibody heavy chain regions to their cognate germ line heavy chain region. Table 21 is a table comparing the antibody kappa light chain regions to their cognate germ line light chain region. It should be appreciated that amino acid sequences among the sister clones collected from each hybridoma are identical. As an example, the heavy chain and light chain sequences for 30E3.3 would be identical to the sequences for 30E3.1 and 30E3.2. For ease of viewing Tables 20 and 21, sister clones are grouped together and identified by their common chain name. For example, the sequences for 30E3.1, 30E3.2 and 30E3.3 are listed as a common sequence under the chain name “30E3”.
The variable (V) regions of immunoglobulin chains are encoded by multiple germ line DNA segments, which are joined into functional variable regions (VHDJH or VKJK) during B-cell ontogeny. The molecular and genetic diversity of the antibody response to KDR was studied in detail. These assays revealed several points specific to anti-KDR antibodies. It is of note that monoclonal antibodies 29A11, 32B2, 30E3, 30H10 and 32C11 appear to use D1-14 in the reverse complement orientation.
It should also be appreciated that where a particular antibody differs from its respective germline sequence at the amino acid level, the antibody sequence can be mutated back to the germline sequence. Such corrective mutations can occur at one, two, three or more positions, or a combination of any of the mutated positions, using standard molecular biological techniques. By way of non-limiting example, Table 16 shows that the light chain sequence of mAb 24B3 (SEQ ID NO.: 44) differs from the corresponding germline sequence (SEQ ID NO.:124) through a Ser to Asn mutation (mutation 1) in the CDR1 region, a Thr to Ala mutation (mutation 2) in the CDR2 region and an Arg to Ser mutation (mutation 3) in the CDR3 region. Thus, the amino acid or nucleotide sequence encoding the light chain of mAb 24B3 can be modified to change mutation 1 to yield the germline sequence at the site of mutation 1. Further, the amino acid or nucleotide sequence encoding the light chain of mAb 24B3 can be modified to change mutation 2 or mutation 3 to yield the germline sequence at the site of mutation 2 or mutation 3. Still further, the amino acid or nucleotide sequence encoding the light chain of mAb 24B3 can be modified to change both mutation 1 and mutation 2, or any other combination of two or more mutations to yield the germline sequence at those particular sites. Tables 15-19 below illustrate the positions of such variations from the germline for mAb 27D10, 24B3 and 33C3. Tables 15a-19a illustrate the positions of such variations from the germline for mAb 27D10, 24B3 and 33C3. Each row represents a unique combination of germline and non-germline residues at the position indicated by bold type.







TABLE 15







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 27D10 Heavy Chain (SEQ ID


NO: 14) to Germline at the Indicated Residue Number














34
39
57
69
113
114







R
Y
T
Y
L
#



S
D
S
F
#
Y

















TABLE 15a







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 27D10 Heavy Chain (SEQ ID NO:


14) to Germline at the Indicated Residue Number














32
34
52
60
104
105







R
D
T
F
L
Y



S
D
T
F
L
Y



R
Y
T
F
L
Y



S
Y
T
F
L
Y



R
D
S
F
L
Y



S
D
S
F
L
Y



R
Y
S
F
L
Y



S
Y
S
F
L
Y



R
D
T
Y
L
Y



S
D
T
Y
L
Y



R
Y
T
Y
L
Y



S
Y
T
Y
L
Y



R
D
S
Y
L
Y



S
D
S
Y
L
Y



R
Y
S
Y
L
Y



S
Y
S
Y
L
Y



R
D
T
F
—
Y



S
D
T
F
—
Y



R
Y
T
F
—
Y



S
Y
T
F
—
Y



R
D
S
F
—
Y



S
D
S
F
—
Y



R
Y
S
F
—
Y



S
Y
S
F
—
Y



R
D
T
Y
—
Y



S
D
T
Y
—
Y



R
Y
T
Y
—
Y



S
Y
T
Y
—
Y



R
D
S
Y
—
Y



S
D
S
Y
—
Y



R
Y
S
Y
—
Y



S
Y
S
Y
—
Y



R
D
T
F
L
—



S
D
T
F
L
—



R
Y
T
F
L
—



S
Y
T
F
L
—



R
D
S
F
L
—



S
D
S
F
L
—



R
Y
S
F
L
—



S
Y
S
F
L
—



R
D
T
Y
L
—



S
D
T
Y
L
—



R
Y
T
Y
L
—



S
Y
T
Y
L
—



R
D
S
Y
L
—



S
D
S
Y
L
—



R
Y
S
Y
L
—



S
Y
S
Y
L
—



R
D
T
F
—
—



S
D
T
F
—
—



R
Y
T
F
—
—



S
Y
T
F
—
—



R
D
S
F
—
—



S
D
S
F
—
—



R
Y
S
F
—
—



S
Y
S
F
—
—



R
D
T
Y
—
—



S
D
T
Y
—
—



R
Y
T
Y
—
—



S
Y
T
Y
—
—



R
D
S
Y
—
—



S
D
S
Y
—
—



R
Y
S
Y
—
—



S
Y
S
Y
—
—







“—” indicates the absence of a residue at that position with reference to SEQ ID NO: 14













TABLE 16







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 24B3 Light Chain


(SEQ ID NO: 44) to Germline at the


Indicated Residue Number









33
67
111





S
T
R
















TABLE 16a







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 24B3 Light Chain


(SEQ ID NO: 44) to Germline at the


Indicated Residue Number









31
51
93





S
T
R


N
T
R


S
A
R


N
A
R


S
T
S


N
T
S


S
A
S


N
A
S
















TABLE 17







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 24B3 Heavy Chain (SEQ ID NO: 42)


to Germline at the Indicated Residue Number















33
57
60
61
107
108
109
110
113





S
F
S
S
A
R
D
#
G


S
S
G
S
A
R
#
D
G


T
S
S
R
A
R
#
#
E
















TABLE 17a







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 24B3 Heavy Chain (SEQ ID NO:


42) to Germline at the Indicated Residue Number















31
50
53
54
97
98
99
100
103





T
F
G
R
S
K
D
D
E


S
F
G
R
S
K
D
D
E


T
S
G
R
S
K
D
D
E


S
S
G
R
S
K
D
D
E


T
F
S
R
S
K
D
D
E


S
F
S
R
S
K
D
D
E


T
S
S
R
S
K
D
D
E


S
S
S
R
S
K
D
D
E


T
F
G
S
S
K
D
D
E


S
F
G
S
S
K
D
D
E


T
S
G
S
S
K
D
D
E


S
S
G
S
S
K
D
D
E


T
F
S
S
S
K
D
D
E


S
F
S
S
S
K
D
D
E


T
S
S
S
S
K
D
D
E


S
S
S
S
S
K
D
D
E


T
F
G
R
A
K
D
D
E


S
F
G
R
A
K
D
D
E


T
S
G
R
A
K
D
D
E


S
S
G
R
A
K
D
D
E


T
F
S
R
A
K
D
D
E


S
F
S
R
A
K
D
D
E


T
S
S
R
A
K
D
D
E


S
S
S
R
A
K
D
D
E


T
F
G
S
A
K
D
D
E


S
F
G
S
A
K
D
D
E


T
S
G
S
A
K
D
D
E


S
S
G
S
A
K
D
D
E


T
F
S
S
A
K
D
D
E


S
F
S
S
A
K
D
D
E


T
S
S
S
A
K
D
D
E


S
S
S
S
A
K
D
D
E


T
F
G
R
S
R
D
D
E


S
F
G
R
S
R
D
D
E


T
S
G
R
S
R
D
D
E


S
S
G
R
S
R
D
D
E


T
F
S
R
S
R
D
D
E


S
F
S
R
S
R
D
D
E


T
S
S
R
S
R
D
D
E


S
S
S
R
S
R
D
D
E


T
F
G
S
S
R
D
D
E


S
F
G
S
S
R
D
D
E


T
S
G
S
S
R
D
D
E


S
S
G
S
S
R
D
D
E


T
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G
S
A
K
—
D
G


T
F
S
S
A
K
—
D
G


S
F
S
S
A
K
—
D
G


T
S
S
S
A
K
—
D
G


S
S
S
S
A
K
—
D
G


T
F
G
R
S
R
—
D
G


S
F
G
R
S
R
—
D
G


T
S
G
R
S
R
—
D
G


S
S
G
R
S
R
—
D
G


T
F
S
R
S
R
—
D
G


S
F
S
R
S
R
—
D
G


T
S
S
R
S
R
—
D
G


S
S
S
R
S
R
—
D
G


T
F
G
S
S
R
—
D
G


S
F
G
S
S
R
—
D
G


T
S
G
S
S
R
—
D
G


S
S
G
S
S
R
—
D
G


T
F
S
S
S
R
—
D
G


S
F
S
S
S
R
—
D
G


T
S
S
S
S
R
—
D
G


S
S
S
S
S
R
—
D
G


T
F
G
R
A
R
—
D
G


S
F
G
R
A
R
—
D
G


T
S
G
R
A
R
—
D
G


S
S
G
R
A
R
—
D
G


T
F
S
R
A
R
—
D
G


S
F
S
R
A
R
—
D
G


T
S
S
R
A
R
—
D
G


S
S
S
R
A
R
—
D
G


T
F
G
S
A
R
—
D
G


S
F
G
S
A
R
—
D
G


T
S
G
S
A
R
—
D
G


S
S
G
S
A
R
—
D
G


T
F
S
S
A
R
—
D
G


S
F
S
S
A
R
—
D
G


T
S
S
S
A
R
—
D
G


S
S
S
S
A
R
—
D
G


T
F
G
R
S
K
D
—
G


S
F
G
R
S
K
D
—
G


T
S
G
R
S
K
D
—
G


S
S
G
R
S
K
D
—
G


T
F
S
R
S
K
D
—
G


S
F
S
R
S
K
D
—
G


T
S
S
R
S
K
D
—
G


S
S
S
R
S
K
D
—
G


T
F
G
S
S
K
D
—
G


S
F
G
S
S
K
D
—
G


T
S
G
S
S
K
D
—
G


S
S
G
S
S
K
D
—
G


T
F
S
S
S
K
D
—
G


S
F
S
S
S
K
D
—
G


T
S
S
S
S
K
D
—
G


S
S
S
S
S
K
D
—
G


T
F
G
R
A
K
D
—
G


S
F
G
R
A
K
D
—
G


T
S
G
R
A
K
D
—
G


S
S
G
R
A
K
D
—
G


T
F
S
R
A
K
D
—
G


S
F
S
R
A
K
D
—
G


T
S
S
R
A
K
D
—
G


S
S
S
R
A
K
D
—
G


T
F
G
S
A
K
D
—
G


S
F
G
S
A
K
D
—
G


T
S
G
S
A
K
D
—
G


S
S
G
S
A
K
D
—
G


T
F
S
S
A
K
D
—
G


S
F
S
S
A
K
D
—
G


T
S
S
S
A
K
D
—
G


S
S
S
S
A
K
D
—
G


T
F
G
R
S
R
D
—
G


S
F
G
R
S
R
D
—
G


T
S
G
R
S
R
D
—
G


S
S
G
R
S
R
D
—
G


T
F
S
R
S
R
D
—
G


S
F
S
R
S
R
D
—
G


T
S
S
R
S
R
D
—
G


S
S
S
R
S
R
D
—
G


T
F
G
S
S
R
D
—
G


S
F
G
S
S
R
D
—
G


T
S
G
S
S
R
D
—
G


S
S
G
S
S
R
D
—
G


T
F
S
S
S
R
D
—
G


S
F
S
S
S
R
D
—
G


T
S
S
S
S
R
D
—
G


S
S
S
S
S
R
D
—
G


T
F
G
R
A
R
D
—
G


S
F
G
R
A
R
D
—
G


T
S
G
R
A
R
D
—
G


S
S
G
R
A
R
D
—
G


T
F
S
R
A
R
D
—
G


S
F
S
R
A
R
D
—
G


T
S
S
R
A
R
D
—
G


S
S
S
R
A
R
D
—
G


T
F
G
S
A
R
D
—
G


S
F
G
S
A
R
D
—
G


T
S
G
S
A
R
D
—
G


S
S
G
S
A
R
D
—
G


T
F
S
S
A
R
D
—
G


S
F
S
S
A
R
D
—
G


T
S
S
S
A
R
D
—
G


S
S
S
S
A
R
D
—
G


T
F
G
R
S
K
—
—
G


S
F
G
R
S
K
—
—
G


T
S
G
R
S
K
—
—
G


S
S
G
R
S
K
—
—
G


T
F
S
R
S
K
—
—
G


S
F
S
R
S
K
—
—
G


T
S
S
R
S
K
—
—
G


S
S
S
R
S
K
—
—
G


T
F
G
S
S
K
—
—
G


S
F
G
S
S
K
—
—
G


T
S
G
S
S
K
—
—
G


S
S
G
S
S
K
—
—
G


T
F
S
S
S
K
—
—
G


S
F
S
S
S
K
—
—
G


T
S
S
S
S
K
—
—
G


S
S
S
S
S
K
—
—
G


T
F
G
R
A
K
—
—
G


S
F
G
R
A
K
—
—
G


T
S
G
R
A
K
—
—
G


S
S
G
R
A
K
—
—
G


T
F
S
R
A
K
—
—
G


S
F
S
R
A
K
—
—
G


T
S
S
R
A
K
—
—
G


S
S
S
R
A
K
—
—
G


T
F
G
S
A
K
—
—
G


S
F
G
S
A
K
—
—
G


T
S
G
S
A
K
—
—
G


S
S
G
S
A
K
—
—
G


T
F
S
S
A
K
—
—
G


S
F
S
S
A
K
—
—
G


T
S
S
S
A
K
—
—
G


S
S
S
S
A
K
—
—
G


T
F
G
R
S
R
—
—
G


S
F
G
R
S
R
—
—
G


T
S
G
R
S
R
—
—
G


S
S
G
R
S
R
—
—
G


T
F
S
R
S
R
—
—
G


S
F
S
R
S
R
—
—
G


T
S
S
R
S
R
—
—
G


S
S
S
R
S
R
—
—
G


T
F
G
S
S
R
—
—
G


S
F
G
S
S
R
—
—
G


T
S
G
S
S
R
—
—
G


S
S
G
S
S
R
—
—
G


T
F
S
S
S
R
—
—
G


S
F
S
S
S
R
—
—
G


T
S
S
S
S
R
—
—
G


S
S
S
S
S
R
—
—
G


T
F
G
R
A
R
—
—
G


S
F
G
R
A
R
—
—
G


T
S
G
R
A
R
—
—
G


S
S
G
R
A
R
—
—
G


T
F
S
R
A
R
—
—
G


S
F
S
R
A
R
—
—
G


T
S
S
R
A
R
—
—
G


S
S
S
R
A
R
—
—
G


T
F
G
S
A
R
—
—
G


S
F
G
S
A
R
—
—
G


T
S
G
S
A
R
—
—
G


S
S
G
S
A
R
—
—
G


T
F
S
S
A
R
—
—
G


S
F
S
S
A
R
—
—
G


T
S
S
S
A
R
—
—
G


S
S
S
S
A
R
—
—
G





“—” indicates the absence of a residue at that position with reference to SEQ ID NO: 42













TABLE 18







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 33C3 Light Chain (SEQ ID NO:


76) to Germline at the Indicated Residue Number















7
9
40
45
58
67
109
112
144





S
S
Y
Q
G
A
T
T
K


S
S
Y
Q
A
T
S
I
K


S
S
F
Q
A
A
S
T
K
















TABLE 18a







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 33C3 Light Chain (SEQ ID NO:


76) to Germline at the Indicated Residue Number















7
9
32
37
50
51
91
94
103





Y
L
F
H
G
T
T
I
N


S
L
F
H
G
T
T
I
N


Y
S
F
H
G
T
T
I
N


S
S
F
H
G
T
T
I
N


Y
L
Y
H
G
T
T
I
N


S
L
Y
H
G
T
T
I
N


Y
S
Y
H
G
T
T
I
N


S
S
Y
H
G
T
T
I
N


Y
L
F
Q
G
T
T
I
N


S
L
F
Q
G
T
T
I
N


Y
S
F
Q
G
T
T
I
N


S
S
F
Q
G
T
T
I
N


Y
L
Y
Q
G
T
T
I
N


S
L
Y
Q
G
T
T
I
N


Y
S
Y
Q
G
T
T
I
N


S
S
Y
Q
G
T
T
I
N


Y
L
F
H
A
T
T
I
N


S
L
F
H
A
T
T
I
N


Y
S
F
H
A
T
T
I
N


S
S
F
H
A
T
T
I
N


Y
L
Y
H
A
T
T
I
N


S
L
Y
H
A
T
T
I
N


Y
S
Y
H
A
T
T
I
N


S
S
Y
H
A
T
T
I
N


Y
L
F
Q
A
T
T
I
N


S
L
F
Q
A
T
T
I
N


Y
S
F
Q
A
T
T
I
N


S
S
F
Q
A
T
T
I
N


Y
L
Y
Q
A
T
T
I
N


S
L
Y
Q
A
T
T
I
N


Y
S
Y
Q
A
T
T
I
N


S
S
Y
Q
A
T
T
I
N


Y
L
F
H
G
A
T
I
N


S
L
F
H
G
A
T
I
N


Y
S
F
H
G
A
T
I
N


S
S
F
H
G
A
T
I
N


Y
L
Y
H
G
A
T
I
N


S
L
Y
H
G
A
T
I
N


Y
S
Y
H
G
A
T
I
N


S
S
Y
H
G
A
T
I
N


Y
L
F
Q
G
A
T
I
N


S
L
F
Q
G
A
T
I
N


Y
S
F
Q
G
A
T
I
N


S
S
F
Q
G
A
T
I
N


Y
L
Y
Q
G
A
T
I
N


S
L
Y
Q
G
A
T
I
N


Y
S
Y
Q
G
A
T
I
N


S
S
Y
Q
G
A
T
I
N


Y
L
F
H
A
A
T
I
N


S
L
F
H
A
A
T
I
N


Y
S
F
H
A
A
T
I
N


S
S
F
H
A
A
T
I
N


Y
L
Y
H
A
A
T
I
N


S
L
Y
H
A
A
T
I
N


Y
S
Y
H
A
A
T
I
N


S
S
Y
H
A
A
T
I
N


Y
L
F
Q
A
A
T
I
N


S
L
F
Q
A
A
T
I
N


Y
S
F
Q
A
A
T
I
N


S
S
F
Q
A
A
T
I
N


Y
L
Y
Q
A
A
T
I
N


S
L
Y
Q
A
A
T
I
N


Y
S
Y
Q
A
A
T
I
N


S
S
Y
Q
A
A
T
I
N


Y
L
F
H
G
T
S
I
N


S
L
F
H
G
T
S
I
N


Y
S
F
H
G
T
S
I
N


S
S
F
H
G
T
S
I
N


Y
L
Y
H
G
T
S
I
N


S
L
Y
H
G
T
S
I
N


Y
S
Y
H
G
T
S
I
N


S
S
Y
H
G
T
S
I
N


Y
L
F
Q
G
T
S
I
N


S
L
F
Q
G
T
S
I
N


Y
S
F
Q
G
T
S
I
N


S
S
F
Q
G
T
S
I
N


Y
L
Y
Q
G
T
S
I
N


S
L
Y
Q
G
T
S
I
N


Y
S
Y
Q
G
T
S
I
N


S
S
Y
Q
G
T
S
I
N


Y
L
F
H
A
T
S
I
N


S
L
F
H
A
T
S
I
N


Y
S
F
H
A
T
S
I
N


S
S
F
H
A
T
S
I
N


Y
L
Y
H
A
T
S
I
N


S
L
Y
H
A
T
S
I
N


Y
S
Y
H
A
T
S
I
N


S
S
Y
H
A
T
S
I
N


Y
L
F
Q
A
T
S
I
N


S
L
F
Q
A
T
S
I
N


Y
S
F
Q
A
T
S
I
N


S
S
F
Q
A
T
S
I
N


Y
L
Y
Q
A
T
S
I
N


S
L
Y
Q
A
T
S
I
N


Y
S
Y
Q
A
T
S
I
N


S
S
Y
Q
A
T
S
I
N


Y
L
F
H
G
A
S
I
N


S
L
F
H
G
A
S
I
N


Y
S
F
H
G
A
S
I
N


S
S
F
H
G
A
S
I
N


Y
L
Y
H
G
A
S
I
N


S
L
Y
H
G
A
S
I
N


Y
S
Y
H
G
A
S
I
N


S
S
Y
H
G
A
S
I
N


Y
L
F
Q
G
A
S
I
N


S
L
F
Q
G
A
S
I
N


Y
S
F
Q
G
A
S
I
N


S
S
F
Q
G
A
S
I
N


Y
L
Y
Q
G
A
S
I
N


S
L
Y
Q
G
A
S
I
N


Y
S
Y
Q
G
A
S
I
N


S
S
Y
Q
G
A
S
I
N


Y
L
F
H
A
A
S
I
N


S
L
F
H
A
A
S
I
N


Y
S
F
H
A
A
S
I
N


S
S
F
H
A
A
S
I
N


Y
L
Y
H
A
A
S
I
N


S
L
Y
H
A
A
S
I
N


Y
S
Y
H
A
A
S
I
N


S
S
Y
H
A
A
S
I
N


Y
L
F
Q
A
A
S
I
N


S
L
F
Q
A
A
S
I
N


Y
S
F
Q
A
A
S
I
N


S
S
F
Q
A
A
S
I
N


Y
L
Y
Q
A
A
S
I
N


S
L
Y
Q
A
A
S
I
N


Y
S
Y
Q
A
A
S
I
N


S
S
Y
Q
A
A
S
I
N


Y
L
F
H
G
T
T
T
N


S
L
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L
F
H
A
A
T
T
K


S
L
F
H
A
A
T
T
K


Y
S
F
H
A
A
T
T
K


S
S
F
H
A
A
T
T
K


Y
L
Y
H
A
A
T
T
K


S
L
Y
H
A
A
T
T
K


Y
S
Y
H
A
A
T
T
K


S
S
Y
H
A
A
T
T
K


Y
L
F
Q
A
A
T
T
K


S
L
F
Q
A
A
T
T
K


Y
S
F
Q
A
A
T
T
K


S
S
F
Q
A
A
T
T
K


Y
L
Y
Q
A
A
T
T
K


S
L
Y
Q
A
A
T
T
K


Y
S
Y
Q
A
A
T
T
K


S
S
Y
Q
A
A
T
T
K


Y
L
F
H
G
T
S
T
K


S
L
F
H
G
T
S
T
K


Y
S
F
H
G
T
S
T
K


S
S
F
H
G
T
S
T
K


Y
L
Y
H
G
T
S
T
K


S
L
Y
H
G
T
S
T
K


Y
S
Y
H
G
T
S
T
K


S
S
Y
H
G
T
S
T
K


Y
L
F
Q
G
T
S
T
K


S
L
F
Q
G
T
S
T
K


Y
S
F
Q
G
T
S
T
K


S
S
F
Q
G
T
S
T
K


Y
L
Y
Q
G
T
S
T
K


S
L
Y
Q
G
T
S
T
K


Y
S
Y
Q
G
T
S
T
K


S
S
Y
Q
G
T
S
T
K


Y
L
F
H
A
T
S
T
K


S
L
F
H
A
T
S
T
K


Y
S
F
H
A
T
S
T
K


S
S
F
H
A
T
S
T
K


Y
L
Y
H
A
T
S
T
K


S
L
Y
H
A
T
S
T
K


Y
S
Y
H
A
T
S
T
K


S
S
Y
H
A
T
S
T
K


Y
L
F
Q
A
T
S
T
K


S
L
F
Q
A
T
S
T
K


Y
S
F
Q
A
T
S
T
K


S
S
F
Q
A
T
S
T
K


Y
L
Y
Q
A
T
S
T
K


S
L
Y
Q
A
T
S
T
K


Y
S
Y
Q
A
T
S
T
K


S
S
Y
Q
A
T
S
T
K


Y
L
F
H
G
A
S
T
K


S
L
F
H
G
A
S
T
K


Y
S
F
H
G
A
S
T
K


S
S
F
H
G
A
S
T
K


Y
L
Y
H
G
A
S
T
K


S
L
Y
H
G
A
S
T
K


Y
S
Y
H
G
A
S
T
K


S
S
Y
H
G
A
S
T
K


Y
L
F
Q
G
A
S
T
K


S
L
F
Q
G
A
S
T
K


Y
S
F
Q
G
A
S
T
K


S
S
F
Q
G
A
S
T
K


Y
L
Y
Q
G
A
S
T
K


S
L
Y
Q
G
A
S
T
K


Y
S
Y
Q
G
A
S
T
K


S
S
Y
Q
G
A
S
T
K


Y
L
F
H
A
A
S
T
K


S
L
F
H
A
A
S
T
K


Y
S
F
H
A
A
S
T
K


S
S
F
H
A
A
S
T
K


Y
L
Y
H
A
A
S
T
K


S
L
Y
H
A
A
S
T
K


Y
S
Y
H
A
A
S
T
K


S
S
Y
H
A
A
S
T
K


Y
L
F
Q
A
A
S
T
K


S
L
F
Q
A
A
S
T
K


Y
S
F
Q
A
A
S
T
K


S
S
F
Q
A
A
S
T
K


Y
L
Y
Q
A
A
S
T
K


S
L
Y
Q
A
A
S
T
K


Y
S
Y
Q
A
A
S
T
K


S
S
Y
Q
A
A
S
T
K
















TABLE 19







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 33C3 Heavy Chain


(SEQ ID NO: 74) to Germline at the Indicated


Residue Number
















17
60
61
98
105
109
117
143







G
H
S
A
Y
D
#
T



G
S
G
A
Y
#
F
T



E
S
S
A
Y
#
#
T

















TABLE 19a







Exemplary Mutations of mAB 33C3 Heavy Chain


(SEQ ID NO: 74) to Germline at the Indicated


Residue Number
















16
53
54
88
95
99
107
117







E
H
G
V
F
D
F
A



G
H
G
V
F
D
F
A



E
S
G
V
F
D
F
A



G
S
G
V
F
D
F
A



E
H
S
V
F
D
F
A



G
H
S
V
F
D
F
A



E
S
S
V
F
D
F
A



G
S
S
V
F
D
F
A



E
H
G
A
F
D
F
A



G
H
G
A
F
D
F
A



E
S
G
A
F
D
F
A



G
S
G
A
F
D
F
A



E
H
S
A
F
D
F
A



G
H
S
A
F
D
F
A



E
S
S
A
F
D
F
A



G
S
S
A
F
D
F
A



E
H
G
V
Y
D
F
A



G
H
G
V
Y
D
F
A



E
S
G
V
Y
D
F
A



G
S
G
V
Y
D
F
A



E
H
S
V
Y
D
F
A



G
H
S
V
Y
D
F
A



E
S
S
V
Y
D
F
A



G
S
S
V
Y
D
F
A



E
H
G
A
Y
D
F
A



G
H
G
A
Y
D
F
A



E
S
G
A
Y
D
F
A



G
S
G
A
Y
D
F
A



E
H
S
A
Y
D
F
A



G
H
S
A
Y
D
F
A



E
S
S
A
Y
D
F
A



G
S
S
A
Y
D
F
A



E
H
G
V
F
—
F
A



G
H
G
V
F
—
F
A



E
S
G
V
F
—
F
A



G
S
G
V
F
—
F
A



E
H
S
V
F
—
F
A



G
H
S
V
F
—
F
A



E
S
S
V
F
—
F
A



G
S
S
V
F
—
F
A



E
H
G
A
F
—
F
A



G
H
G
A
F
—
F
A



E
S
G
A
F
—
F
A



G
S
G
A
F
—
F
A



E
H
S
A
F
—
F
A



G
H
S
A
F
—
F
A



E
S
S
A
F
—
F
A



G
S
S
A
F
—
F
A



E
H
G
V
Y
—
F
A



G
H
G
V
Y
—
F
A



E
S
G
V
Y
—
F
A



G
S
G
V
Y
—
F
A



E
H
S
V
Y
—
F
A



G
H
S
V
Y
—
F
A



E
S
S
V
Y
—
F
A



G
S
S
V
Y
—
F
A



E
H
G
A
Y
—
F
A



G
H
G
A
Y
—
F
A



E
S
G
A
Y
—
F
A



G
S
G
A
Y
—
F
A



E
H
S
A
Y
—
F
A



G
H
S
A
Y
—
F
A



E
S
S
A
Y
—
F
A



G
S
S
A
Y
—
F
A



E
H
G
V
F
D
—
A



G
H
G
V
F
D
—
A



E
S
G
V
F
D
—
A



G
S
G
V
F
D
—
A



E
H
S
V
F
D
—
A



G
H
S
V
F
D
—
A



E
S
S
V
F
D
—
A



G
S
S
V
F
D
—
A



E
H
G
A
F
D
—
A



G
H
G
A
F
D
—
A



E
S
G
A
F
D
—
A



G
S
G
A
F
D
—
A



E
H
S
A
F
D
—
A



G
H
S
A
F
D
—
A



E
S
S
A
F
D
—
A



G
S
S
A
F
D
—
A



E
H
G
V
Y
D
—
A



G
H
G
V
Y
D
—
A



E
S
G
V
Y
D
—
A



G
S
G
V
Y
D
—
A



E
H
S
V
Y
D
—
A



G
H
S
V
Y
D
—
A



E
S
S
V
Y
D
—
A



G
S
S
V
Y
D
—
A



E
H
G
A
Y
D
—
A



G
H
G
A
Y
D
—
A



E
S
G
A
Y
D
—
A



G
S
G
A
Y
D
—
A



E
H
S
A
Y
D
—
A



G
H
S
A
Y
D
—
A



E
S
S
A
Y
D
—
A



G
S
S
A
Y
D
—
A



E
H
G
V
F
—
—
A



G
H
G
V
F
—
—
A



E
S
G
V
F
—
—
A



G
S
G
V
F
—
—
A



E
H
S
V
F
—
—
A



G
H
S
V
F
—
—
A



E
S
S
V
F
—
—
A



G
S
S
V
F
—
—
A



E
H
G
A
F
—
—
A



G
H
G
A
F
—
—
A



E
S
G
A
F
—
—
A



G
S
G
A
F
—
—
A



E
H
S
A
F
—
—
A



G
H
S
A
F
—
—
A



E
S
S
A
F
—
—
A



G
S
S
A
F
—
—
A



E
H
G
V
Y
—
—
A



G
H
G
V
Y
—
—
A



E
S
G
V
Y
—
—
A



G
S
G
V
Y
—
—
A



E
H
S
V
Y
—
—
A



G
H
S
V
Y
—
—
A



E
S
S
V
Y
—
—
A



G
S
S
V
Y
—
—
A



E
H
G
A
Y
—
—
A



G
H
G
A
Y
—
—
A



E
S
G
A
Y
—
—
A



G
S
G
A
Y
—
—
A



E
H
S
A
Y
—
—
A



G
H
S
A
Y
—
—
A



E
S
S
A
Y
—
—
A



G
S
S
A
Y
—
—
A



E
H
G
V
F
D
F
A



G
H
G
V
F
D
F
A



E
S
G
V
F
D
F
A



G
S
G
V
F
D
F
A



E
H
S
V
F
D
F
A



G
H
S
V
F
D
F
A



E
S
S
V
F
D
F
A



G
S
S
V
F
D
F
A



E
H
G
A
F
D
F
A



G
H
G
A
F
D
F
A



E
S
G
A
F
D
F
A



G
S
G
A
F
D
F
A



E
H
S
A
F
D
F
A



G
H
S
A
F
D
F
A



E
S
S
A
F
D
F
A



G
S
S
A
F
D
F
A



E
H
G
V
Y
D
F
A



G
H
G
V
Y
D
F
A



E
S
G
V
Y
D
F
A



G
S
G
V
Y
D
F
A



E
H
S
V
Y
D
F
A



G
H
S
V
Y
D
F
A



E
S
S
V
Y
D
F
A



G
S
S
V
Y
D
F
A



E
H
G
A
Y
D
F
A



G
H
G
A
Y
D
F
A



E
S
G
A
Y
D
F
A



G
S
G
A
Y
D
F
A



E
H
S
A
Y
D
F
A



G
H
S
A
Y
D
F
A



E
S
S
A
Y
D
F
A



G
S
S
A
Y
D
F
A



E
H
G
V
F
—
F
A



G
H
G
V
F
—
F
A



E
S
G
V
F
—
F
A



G
S
G
V
F
—
F
A



E
H
S
V
F
—
F
A



G
H
S
V
F
—
F
A



E
S
S
V
F
—
F
A



G
S
S
V
F
—
F
A



E
H
G
A
F
—
F
A



G
H
G
A
F
—
F
A



E
S
G
A
F
—
F
A



G
S
G
A
F
—
F
A



E
H
S
A
F
—
F
A



G
H
S
A
F
—
F
A



E
S
S
A
F
—
F
A



G
S
S
A
F
—
F
A



E
H
G
V
Y
—
F
A



G
H
G
V
Y
—
F
A



E
S
G
V
Y
—
F
A



G
S
G
V
Y
—
F
A



E
H
S
V
Y
—
F
A



G
H
S
V
Y
—
F
A



E
S
S
V
Y
—
F
A



G
S
S
V
Y
—
F
A



E
H
G
A
Y
—
F
A



G
H
G
A
Y
—
F
A



E
S
G
A
Y
—
F
A



G
S
G
A
Y
—
F
A



E
H
S
A
Y
—
F
A



G
H
S
A
Y
—
F
A



E
S
S
A
Y
—
F
A



G
S
S
A
Y
—
F
A



E
H
G
V
F
D
—
A



G
H
G
V
F
D
—
A



E
S
G
V
F
D
—
A



G
S
G
V
F
D
—
A



E
H
S
V
F
D
—
A



G
H
S
V
F
D
—
A



E
S
S
V
F
D
—
A



G
S
S
V
F
D
—
A



E
H
G
A
F
D
—
A



G
H
G
A
F
D
—
A



E
S
G
A
F
D
—
A



G
S
G
A
F
D
—
A



E
H
S
A
F
D
—
A



G
H
S
A
F
D
—
A



E
S
S
A
F
D
—
A



G
S
S
A
F
D
—
A



E
H
G
V
Y
D
—
A



G
H
G
V
Y
D
—
A



E
S
G
V
Y
D
—
A



G
S
G
V
Y
D
—
A



E
H
S
V
Y
D
—
A



G
H
S
V
Y
D
—
A



E
S
S
V
Y
D
—
A



G
S
S
V
Y
D
—
A



E
H
G
A
Y
D
—
A



G
H
G
A
Y
D
—
A



E
S
G
A
Y
D
—
A



G
S
G
A
Y
D
—
A



E
H
S
A
Y
D
—
A



G
H
S
A
Y
D
—
A



E
S
S
A
Y
D
—
A



G
S
S
A
Y
D
—
A



E
H
G
V
F
—
—
A



G
H
G
V
F
—
—
A



E
S
G
V
F
—
—
A



G
S
G
V
F
—
—
A



E
H
S
V
F
—
—
A



G
H
S
V
F
—
—
A



E
S
S
V
F
—
—
A



G
S
S
V
F
—
—
A



E
H
G
A
F
—
—
A



G
H
G
A
F
—
—
A



E
S
G
A
F
—
—
A



G
S
G
A
F
—
—
A



E
H
S
A
F
—
—
A



G
H
S
A
F
—
—
A



E
S
S
A
F
—
—
A



G
S
S
A
F
—
—
A



E
H
G
V
Y
—
—
A



G
H
G
V
Y
—
—
A



E
S
G
V
Y
—
—
A



G
S
G
V
Y
—
—
A



E
H
S
V
Y
—
—
A



G
H
S
V
Y
—
—
A



E
S
S
V
Y
—
—
A



G
S
S
V
Y
—
—
A



E
H
G
A
Y
—
—
A



G
H
G
A
Y
—
—
A



E
S
G
A
Y
—
—
A



G
S
G
A
Y
—
—
A



E
H
S
A
Y
—
—
A



G
H
S
A
Y
—
—
A



E
S
S
A
Y
—
—
A



G
S
S
A
Y
—
—
A



E
H
G
V
F
D
F
T



G
H
G
V
F
D
F
T



E
S
G
V
F
D
F
T



G
S
G
V
F
D
F
T



E
H
S
V
F
D
F
T



G
H
S
V
F
D
F
T



E
S
S
V
F
D
F
T



G
S
S
V
F
D
F
T



E
H
G
A
F
D
F
T



G
H
G
A
F
D
F
T



E
S
G
A
F
D
F
T



G
S
G
A
F
D
F
T



E
H
S
A
F
D
F
T



G
H
S
A
F
D
F
T



E
S
S
A
F
D
F
T



G
S
S
A
F
D
F
T



E
H
G
V
Y
D
F
T



G
H
G
V
Y
D
F
T



E
S
G
V
Y
D
F
T



G
S
G
V
Y
D
F
T



E
H
S
V
Y
D
F
T



G
H
S
V
Y
D
F
T



E
S
S
V
Y
D
F
T



G
S
S
V
Y
D
F
T



E
H
G
A
Y
D
F
T



G
H
G
A
Y
D
F
T



E
S
G
A
Y
D
F
T



G
S
G
A
Y
D
F
T



E
H
S
A
Y
D
F
T



G
H
S
A
Y
D
F
T



E
S
S
A
Y
D
F
T



G
S
S
A
Y
D
F
T



E
H
G
V
F
—
F
T



G
H
G
V
F
—
F
T



E
S
G
V
F
—
F
T



G
S
G
V
F
—
F
T



E
H
S
V
F
—
F
T



G
H
S
V
F
—
F
T



E
S
S
V
F
—
F
T



G
S
S
V
F
—
F
T



E
H
G
A
F
—
F
T



G
H
G
A
F
—
F
T



E
S
G
A
F
—
F
T



G
S
G
A
F
—
F
T



E
H
S
A
F
—
F
T



G
H
S
A
F
—
F
T



E
S
S
A
F
—
F
T



G
S
S
A
F
—
F
T



E
H
G
V
Y
—
F
T



G
H
G
V
Y
—
F
T



E
S
G
V
Y
—
F
T



G
S
G
V
Y
—
F
T



E
H
S
V
Y
—
F
T



G
H
S
V
Y
—
F
T



E
S
S
V
Y
—
F
T



G
S
S
V
Y
—
F
T



E
H
G
A
Y
—
F
T



G
H
G
A
Y
—
F
T



E
S
G
A
Y
—
F
T



G
S
G
A
Y
—
F
T



E
H
S
A
Y
—
F
T



G
H
S
A
Y
—
F
T



E
S
S
A
Y
—
F
T



G
S
S
A
Y
—
F
T



E
H
G
V
F
D
—
T



G
H
G
V
F
D
—
T



E
S
G
V
F
D
—
T



G
S
G
V
F
D
—
T



E
H
S
V
F
D
—
T



G
H
S
V
F
D
—
T



E
S
S
V
F
D
—
T



G
S
S
V
F
D
—
T



E
H
G
A
F
D
—
T



G
H
G
A
F
D
—
T



E
S
G
A
F
D
—
T



G
S
G
A
F
D
—
T



E
H
S
A
F
D
—
T



G
H
S
A
F
D
—
T



E
S
S
A
F
D
—
T



G
S
S
A
F
D
—
T



E
H
G
V
Y
D
—
T



G
H
G
V
Y
D
—
T



E
S
G
V
Y
D
—
T



G
S
G
V
Y
D
—
T



E
H
S
V
Y
D
—
T



G
H
S
V
Y
D
—
T



E
S
S
V
Y
D
—
T



G
S
S
V
Y
D
—
T



E
H
G
A
Y
D
—
T



G
H
G
A
Y
D
—
T



E
S
G
A
Y
D
—
T



G
S
G
A
Y
D
—
T



E
H
S
A
Y
D
—
T



G
H
S
A
Y
D
—
T



E
S
S
A
Y
D
—
T



G
S
S
A
Y
D
—
T



E
H
G
V
F
—
—
T



G
H
G
V
F
—
—
T



E
S
G
V
F
—
—
T



G
S
G
V
F
—
—
T



E
H
S
V
F
—
—
T



G
H
S
V
F
—
—
T



E
S
S
V
F
—
—
T



G
S
S
V
F
—
—
T



E
H
G
A
F
—
—
T



G
H
G
A
F
—
—
T



E
S
G
A
F
—
—
T



G
S
G
A
F
—
—
T



E
H
S
A
F
—
—
T



G
H
S
A
F
—
—
T



E
S
S
A
F
—
—
T



G
S
S
A
F
—
—
T



E
H
G
V
Y
—
—
T



G
H
G
V
Y
—
—
T



E
S
G
V
Y
—
—
T



G
S
G
V
Y
—
—
T



E
H
S
V
Y
—
—
T



G
H
S
V
Y
—
—
T



E
S
S
V
Y
—
—
T



G
S
S
V
Y
—
—
T



E
H
G
A
Y
—
—
T



G
H
G
A
Y
—
—
T



E
S
G
A
Y
—
—
T



G
S
G
A
Y
—
—
T



E
H
S
A
Y
—
—
T



G
H
S
A
Y
—
—
T



E
S
S
A
Y
—
—
T



G
S
S
A
Y
—
—
T



E
H
G
V
F
D
F
T



G
H
G
V
F
D
F
T



E
S
G
V
F
D
F
T



G
S
G
V
F
D
F
T



E
H
S
V
F
D
F
T



G
H
S
V
F
D
F
T



E
S
S
V
F
D
F
T



G
S
S
V
F
D
F
T



E
H
G
A
F
D
F
T



G
H
G
A
F
D
F
T



E
S
G
A
F
D
F
T



G
S
G
A
F
D
F
T



E
H
S
A
F
D
F
T



G
H
S
A
F
D
F
T



E
S
S
A
F
D
F
T



G
S
S
A
F
D
F
T



E
H
G
V
Y
D
F
T



G
H
G
V
Y
D
F
T



E
S
G
V
Y
D
F
T



G
S
G
V
Y
D
F
T



E
H
S
V
Y
D
F
T



G
H
S
V
Y
D
F
T



E
S
S
V
Y
D
F
T



G
S
S
V
Y
D
F
T



E
H
G
A
Y
D
F
T



G
H
G
A
Y
D
F
T



E
S
G
A
Y
D
F
T



G
S
G
A
Y
D
F
T



E
H
S
A
Y
D
F
T



G
H
S
A
Y
D
F
T



E
S
S
A
Y
D
F
T



G
S
S
A
Y
D
F
T



E
H
G
V
F
—
F
T



G
H
G
V
F
—
F
T



E
S
G
V
F
—
F
T



G
S
G
V
F
—
F
T



E
H
S
V
F
—
F
T



G
H
S
V
F
—
F
T



E
S
S
V
F
—
F
T



G
S
S
V
F
—
F
T



E
H
G
A
F
—
F
T



G
H
G
A
F
—
F
T



E
S
G
A
F
—
F
T



G
S
G
A
F
—
F
T



E
H
S
A
F
—
F
T



G
H
S
A
F
—
F
T



E
S
S
A
F
—
F
T



G
S
S
A
F
—
F
T



E
H
G
V
Y
—
F
T



G
H
G
V
Y
—
F
T



E
S
G
V
Y
—
F
T



G
S
G
V
Y
—
F
T



E
H
S
V
Y
—
F
T



G
H
S
V
Y
—
F
T



E
S
S
V
Y
—
F
T



G
S
S
V
Y
—
F
T



E
H
G
A
Y
—
F
T



G
H
G
A
Y
—
F
T



E
S
G
A
Y
—
F
T



G
S
G
A
Y
—
F
T



E
H
S
A
Y
—
F
T



G
H
S
A
Y
—
F
T



E
S
S
A
Y
—
F
T



G
S
S
A
Y
—
F
T



E
H
G
V
F
D
—
T



G
H
G
V
F
D
—
T



E
S
G
V
F
D
—
T



G
S
G
V
F
D
—
T



E
H
S
V
F
D
—
T



G
H
S
V
F
D
—
T



E
S
S
V
F
D
—
T



G
S
S
V
F
D
—
T



E
H
G
A
F
D
—
T



G
H
G
A
F
D
—
T



E
S
G
A
F
D
—
T



G
S
G
A
F
D
—
T



E
H
S
A
F
D
—
T



G
H
S
A
F
D
—
T



E
S
S
A
F
D
—
T



G
S
S
A
F
D
—
T



E
H
G
V
Y
D
—
T



G
H
G
V
Y
D
—
T



E
S
G
V
Y
D
—
T



G
S
G
V
Y
D
—
T



E
H
S
V
Y
D
—
T



G
H
S
V
Y
D
—
T



E
S
S
V
Y
D
—
T



G
S
S
V
Y
D
—
T



E
H
G
A
Y
D
—
T



G
H
G
A
Y
D
—
T



E
S
G
A
Y
D
—
T



G
S
G
A
Y
D
—
T



E
H
S
A
Y
D
—
T



G
H
S
A
Y
D
—
T



E
S
S
A
Y
D
—
T



G
S
S
A
Y
D
—
T



E
H
G
V
F
—
—
T



G
H
G
V
F
—
—
T



E
S
G
V
F
—
—
T



G
S
G
V
F
—
—
T



E
H
S
V
F
—
—
T



G
H
S
V
F
—
—
T



E
S
S
V
F
—
—
T



G
S
S
V
F
—
—
T



E
H
G
A
F
—
—
T



G
H
G
A
F
—
—
T



E
S
G
A
F
—
—
T



G
S
G
A
F
—
—
T



E
H
S
A
F
—
—
T



G
H
S
A
F
—
—
T



E
S
S
A
F
—
—
T



G
S
S
A
F
—
—
T



E
H
G
V
Y
—
—
T



G
H
G
V
Y
—
—
T



E
S
G
V
Y
—
—
T



G
S
G
V
Y
—
—
T



E
H
S
V
Y
—
—
T



G
H
S
V
Y
—
—
T



E
S
S
V
Y
—
—
T



G
S
S
V
Y
—
—
T



E
H
G
A
Y
—
—
T



G
H
G
A
Y
—
—
T



E
S
G
A
Y
—
—
T



G
S
G
A
Y
—
—
T



E
H
S
A
Y
—
—
T



G
H
S
A
Y
—
—
T



E
S
S
A
Y
—
—
T



G
S
S
A
Y
—
—
T







“—” indicates the absence of a residue at that position with reference to SEQ ID NO: 74






The skilled person will be aware that there are alternative methods of defining CDR boundaries. The starting residue of VH CDR1 in the Table 20a has been defined according to the method as described in Scaviner D, Barbie V, Ruiz M, Lefranc M-P. Protein Displays of the Human Immunoglobulin Heavy, Kappa and Lambda Variable and Joining Regions. Exp Clin Immunogenet 1999, 16:234-240. The remaining CDR boundaries in Table 20a and Table 21a are defined according to the Kabat definition.
All CDR boundaries in Table 20b and Table 21b are defined according to the Kabat definition.







TABLE 20a







Heavy chain analysis


















Chain
SEQ












Name
ID NO:
V
D
J
FR1
CDR1
FR2
CDR2
FR3
CDR3
FR4




















109 
Germline
QVQLVQSGAEVKK
GYTFTSY
WVRQATG
WMNPNSG
RVTMTRNTSIST
##YS#
WGQGT





PGASVKVSCKAS
DIN
QGLEWMG
NTGYAQK
AYMELSSLRSED
##WFD
LVTVS








PCG
TAVYYCAR
P
S


 


















33D5
58
VH1-8
D5-12
JH5B
QVQLVQSGAEVKK
GYTFGSY
WVRQATG
WMNPNSG
RVTLTRNTSIRT
GGYSN
WGQGS







PGASVKVSCKAS
DIN
QGLEWMG
NTGYAQK
VYMELSSLRSED
LGWFD
LVTVS










FCG
TAVYYCAR
P
S


 


29H3
54
VH1-8
D6-13
JH5B
QVQLVQSGAEVKK
GYTFTSY
WVRQATG
WMNPNSG
RVTMTRNTSINT
GGYSN
WGQGT







PGASVKVSCKAS
DIN
QGLEWMG
KTGYAQK
AYMELSSLRSED
LGWFD
LVTVS










FCG
TAVYYCAR
P
S


 


29F7
62
VH1-8
D6-13
JH5B
QVQLVQSGAEVKK
GYTFTSY
WVRQATG
WMNPNSG
RVTMTRSTSIST
GGYSN
WGQGT







PGASVKVSCKAS
DIN
QGLEWMG
KTGYAQK
AYMELSSLRSED
LGWFD
LVTVS










FCG
TAVYYCAR
P
S


 

















110 
Germline
QVQLVESGGGLVK
GFTFSDY
WIRQAPG
YISSSGS
RFTISRDNAKNS
DDFWS
WGQGT





PGGSLRLSCAAS
YMS
KGLEWVS
TIYYADS
LYLQMNSLRAED
GY##N
LVTVS








VKG
TAVYYCAR
WFDP
S


 


















33C3
74
VH3-11
D3-3
JH5B
QVQKVESGGGKVK
GFTFSDY
WIRQAPG
YISHGGS
RFTISRDNAKNS
DDFWS
WGQGWA







PGESLRLSCAAS
YMS
KGLEWVS
TIYYADS
LYLQMNSLRVED
GYYFN
LVTVS










VKG
TAVYFCAR
WFDP
S


 


31E11
70
VH3-11
D3-3
JH5B
QVQLVESGGGLVK
GFTFSDY
WIRQAPG
YISISGS
RFTISRDNAKNS
DDFWS
WGQGT







PGGSLRLSCAAS
YMS
KGLEWVS
TIYYADS
LYLQMNSLRAED
GYYFN
LVTVS










VKG
TAVYYCAR
WFDP
S


 

















111 
Germline
QVQLVESGGGLVK
GFTFSDY
WIRQAPG
YISSSGS
RFTISRDNAKNS
##YS#
WGQGT





PGGSLRLSCAAS
YMS
KGLEWVS
TIYYADS
LYLQMSLRAED
SGWY#
LVTVS








VKG
TAVYYCAR
#FDY
S


 


















21A1
66
VH3-11
D6-19
JH4B
QVQLVESGGGLVK
GFTFSDY
WIRQAPG
YISNSGI
RFTISRDNAKNS
EEWYS
WGQGT







PGGSLRLSCAAS
YMS
KGLEWVS
TIYYADS
LYLQMNSLRAGD
SSWYR
LVTVS










VKG
TAVYYCAR
NFDY
S


 


21H6
66
VH3-11
D6-19
JH4B
QVQLVESGGGLVK
GFTFSDY
WIRAQPG
YISNSGI
RFTISRDNAKNS
EEWYS
WGQGT







PGGSLRLSCAAS
YMS
KGLEWVS
TIYYADS
LYLQMNSLRAGD
SSWYR
LVTVS










VKG
TAVYYCAR
NFDY
S


 

















112 
Germline
EVQLVESGGGL
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
SISSSSS
RFTISRDNAKNSL
##WF###
WGQGTLV





VKPGGSLRLSC
SMN
KGLEWVS
YIYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS





AAS


VKG
VYYC##




 


















24C9
34
VH3-21
D3-10
JH4B
EVQLVESGGGL
GFTFSTY
WVRQAPG
FISGRSS
RFTISRDNAKNSL
DDWFEEL
WGQGTLV







VKPGGSLRLSC
SMN
KGLEWVS
YIYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCSK




 


32G7
38
VH3-21
D3-10
JH4B
EVQLVESGGGL
GFTISSY
WVRQAPG
FISSRSN
RFTISRDNAKNSL
DDWFEEL
WGQGTLV







VKPGGSLRLSC
SMN
KGLEWVS
YIYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCSK




 


24B3
42
VH3-21
D3-10
JH4B
EVQLVESGGGL
GFTFSTY
WVRQAPG
FISGRSS
RFTISRDNAKNSL
DDWFEEL
WGQGTLV







VKPGGSLRLSC
SMN
KGLEWVS
YIYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCSK




 


33B1
46
VH3-21
D3-10
JH4B
EVQLVESGGGL
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
FIDSRSS
RFTISRDNAKNSL
DDWFEEL
WGQGTLV







VKPGGSLRLSC
TMN
KGLEWVS
YIYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCSK




 

















113 
Germline
EVQLLESGGGL
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
AISGSGG
RFTISRDNSKNTL
#####
WGQGTLV





VQPGGSLRLSC
AMS
KGLEWVS
STYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS





AAS


VKG
VYYCAK




 


















29A11
90
VH3-23

JH4B
EVQLLESGGGL
GFTFSNY
WVRQAPG
AISGGGS
RFTISRDNSKNTL
ASGDD
WGQGTLV







VQPGGSLRLSC
AMN
KGLEWVS
NTYYADS
YLQMNRLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCAK




 


30H10
94
VH3-23

JH4B
EVQLLESGGGL
GFTFSNY
WVRQAPG
AISGSGG
RFTISRDNSKNTL
ASGDD
WGQGTLV







VQPGGSLRLSC
AMS
KGLEWVS
ITYYADS
FLQMNSLRAEDTA

SVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCAK




 


32B2
82
VH3-23

JH4B
EVQLLESGGGL
GFTFSNY
WVRQAPG
AISGRGG
RFTISRDNSKNTL
ASGDD
WGQGTLV







VQPGGSLRLSC
AMS
KGLDWVS
STYYADS
FLLMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCAK




 


32C11
98
VH3-23

JH4B
EVQLLESGGTL
GFTFSNY
WVRQAPG
AISGRAG
RFTISRDNSKNTL
ASGDD
WGQGTLV







VQPGGSLRLSC
AMS
KGLEWVS
STYYADS
FLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCAK




 


30E3
86
VH3-23

JH4B
EVQLLESGGGL
GFTFSNY
WVRQAPG
AISGSGR
RFTLSRDNSKNTL
ASGDD
WGWGTLV







VQPGGSLRLSC
ALS
KGLEWVS
NTYYADS
FLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCAK




 

















114 
Germline
EVQLLESGGGL
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
AISGSGG
RFTISRDNSKNTL
VATDY
WGQGTLV





VQPGGSLRLSC
AMS
KGLEWVS
STYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS





AAS


VKG
VYYCAK




 


















1G6
106 
VH3-23
D5-12
JH4B
EVQLLESGGGL
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
AISGGGG
RFTISRDNSKNTL
VATDY
WGQGTLV







VQPGGSLRLSC
AMS
KGLEWVS
NTYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA

TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCSK




 

















115 
Germline
QVQLVESGGGV
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
VIWYGDS
RFTISRDNSKNTL
##WN##Y
WGQGTTV





VQPGRSLRLSC
GMH
KGLEWVA
NKYYADS
TLQMNSLRAEDTA
YYGMDV
TVSS





AAS


VKG
VYYCA#




 


















30F6
78
VH3-33
D1-20
JHB6
QVQLVESGGGV
GFTFSTY
WVRQAPG
VIWYDGS
RFTISRDNSKNTL
SYWNDDY
WGQGTTV







VQPGRSLRLSC
GMH
KGLEWVA
NKYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA
YYGMDV
TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCAC




 

















116 
Germline
QVQLVESGGGV
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
VIWYDGS
RFTISRDNSKNTL
##TMVRG
WGQGTTV





VQPGRSLRLSC
GMH
KGLEWVA
NKYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA
VII##YY
TVSS





AAS


VKG
VYYCAR
YGMDV



 


















30D7
 2
VH3-33
D3-10
JHB6
QVPLVESGGGV
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
VIWYDGS
RFTISRDNSKNTL
GVTMVRG
WGQGTTV







VQPGRSLRLSC
GMH
KGLEWVA
NKYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA
VIIARYY
TVSS







AAS


VKG
VYYCAR
YGLDV



 


21H9
 6
VH3-33
D3-10
JHB6
QVPLVESGGGV
GFTFSSY
WVRQAPG
VIWYDGS
RFTISRDNSKNTL
GVTMVRG
GWQGTTV







VQPGRSLRLSC
GMH
KGLEWVA
NKYYADS
YLQMNSLRAEDTA
LIIARYY
TVSS







AAS


VQG
VYYCAR
YGLDV



 

















117 
Germline
QVQLQESGPGL
GGSISSY
WIRQPAG
RIYTSGS
RVTMSVDTSKNQF
###WNY#
WGQGTLV





VKPSETLSLTC
YWS
KGLEWIG
TNYNPSL
SLKLSSVTAADTA
##FDY
TVSS





TVS


KS
VYYCAR




 


















29A3
102 
VH4-4
D1-7
JH4B
QVQLQESGPGL
GGSISSY
WIRQPAG
RIYFSGR
RVTMSVETSKNQF
DGGWNYD
WGQGTLV







VKPSETLSLTC
FWS
KGLEWIG
TNYNPSL
SLKLNSVTAADTA
VAFDY
TVSS







TVS


KS
VYYCAR




 

















118 
Germline
QVQLQESGPGL
GGSISSG
WIRQHPG
YIYYSGS
RVTISVDTSKNQF
##SSSW#
WGRGTLV





VKPSQTLSLTC
GYYWS
KLEWIG
TYYNPSL
SLKLSSVTAADTA
#WYFDL
TVSS





TVS


KS
VYYCA#




 


















33E1
50
VH4-31
D6-13
JH2
QVQLQESGPGL
GGSISSG
WIRQHPG
HIYYSGS
RVTISVDTSKNHF
TNSSSWS
WGRGTLV







VKPSQTLSLTC
DHYWS
KLEWIG
TDYNPSL
SLKLNSVTAADTA
DWYFDL
TVSS







TVS


KS
VYYCAR




 

















119 
Germline
QLQLQESGPGL
GGSISSS
WIRQPPG
SIYYSGS
RVTISVDTSKNQF
##WLV##Y
WGQGTLV





VKPSETLSLTC
SYYWG
KLEWIG
TYYNPSL
SLKLSSVTAADTA
FDY
TVSS





TVS


KS
VYYCA#




 


















22B8
30
VH4-39
D6-13
JH4B
QLQLQESGPGL
GGSISSR
WVRQPPG
TIYYSGH
RVTISVDTSKNQF
QQLVLYY
WGQGTLV







VKPSETLSLTC
YYYWG
KGLEWIG
TYYNPSL
SLKLISVTAADTA
FDF
TVSS







TVS


KT
VYYCAT




 

















120 
Germline
QLQLQESGPGL
GGSISSS
WIRQPPG
SIYYSGS
RVTISVDTSKNQF
#QLV##Y
WGQGTLV





VKPSETLSLTC
SYYWG
KGLEWIG
TYYNPSL
SLKLSSVTAADTA
FDY
TVSS





TVS


KS
VYYCAR




 


















27A3
10
VH4-39
D6-6
JH4B
QLQLQESGPGL
GGSISSR
WIRQPPG
TIYYSGD
RVTISVDTSKNQF
QQLVLYY
WGQGTLV







VKPSETLSLTC
SDYWG
KGLEWIG
TYYNPSL
SLKLSSVTAADTA
FDY
TVSS







TVS


KS
VYYCAR




 


27D10
14
VH4-39
D6-6
JH4B
QLQLQESGPGL
GGSISSR
WIRQPPG
TYYSGS
RVTISVDTSKNQF
QQLVLYY
WGQGTLV







VKPSETLSLTC
SDYWG
KGLEWIG
TFYNPSL
SLKLSSVTAADTA
FDY
TVSS







TVS


KS
VYYCAR




 


30A1
26
VH4-39
D6-6
JH4B
QLQLQESGPGL
GGSISSP
WIRQPPG
TIYYSGN
RVTISVDTSKNQF
QQLVLYY
WGQGTLV







VKPSETLSLTC
NYYWG
KGLEWIG
TFYNPSL
SLKLSSVTAADTA
FDF
TVSS







TVS


KS
VYYCAT




 


32F4
18
VH4-39
D6-6
JH4B
QLQLQESGPGL
GGSISSR
WIRQPPG
TIYYSGN
RVTISVDTSKKQF
QQLVLYY
WGQGTLV







VKPSGTLSLSC
SDYWG
KGLEWIG
TFYNPSL
SLKLSSVTAADTA
FDY
TVSS







TVS


KS
VYYCAR




 


29D4
22
VH4-39
D6-6
JH4B
QLQLQESGPGL
GGSISSR
WIRQPPG
TIYYSGH
RVSISVDTSKNQF
QQLVLYY
QGQGTLV







VKPSETLSLTC
SNYWG
KGLEWIG
TYYNPSL
SLKLSSVTATDTA
FEY
TVSS







TVS


KS
LYYCAR
















TABLE 20b







Heavy chain analysis


















Chain
SEQ












Name
ID NO:
V
D
J
FR1
CDR1
FR2
CDR2
FR3
CDR3
FR4




















132 
Germline
QVQLQESGPGLVKPS
SGGYY
WSWIRQHP
YIYYSGST
RVTISVDTSKN
--SSSW--
WGRGTLVT





QTLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GKGLEWIG
YYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA
WYFDL
VSS









ADTAVYYCAR




 


















33E1
50
VH4-31
D6-13
JH2
QVQLQESGPGLVKPS
SGDHY
WSWIRQHP
HIYYSGST
RVTSIDVTSKN
TNSSSWSDWY
WGRGTLVT







QTLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GKGLEWIG
DYNPSLKS
HFSLKLNSVTA
FDL
VSS











ADTAVYYCAR




 

















133 
Germline
EVQLLESGGGLVQPG
SYAMS
WVRQAPGK
AISGSGGS
RFTISRDNSKN
GSGDY
WGQGTLVT







GLEWVS
TYYADSVK
TLYLQMNSLRA

VSS








G
EDTAVYYCAK




 


















29A11
90
VH3-23
D1-14RC
JH4
EVQLLESGGGLVQPG
NYAMN
WVRQAPGK
AISGGGGN
RFTISRDNSKN
ASGDY
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
TYYADSVK
TLYLQMNRLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAK




 


32B2
82
VH3-23
D1-14RC
JH4
EVQLLESGGGLVQPG
NYAMS
WVRQAPGK
AISGRGGS
RFTISRDNSKN
ASGDD
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLDWVS
TYYADSVK
TLFLLMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAK




 


30E3
86
VH3-23
D1-14RC
JH4
EVQLLESGGGLVQPG
NYALS
WVRQAPGK
AISGSGRN
RFTLSRDNSKN
ASGDN
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
TYYADSVK
TLFLQMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAK




 


30H10
94
VH3-23
D1-14RC
JH4
EVQLLESGGGLVQPG
NYAMS
WVRQAPGK
AISGSGGI
RFTISRDNSKN
ASGDN
WGQGTLVS







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
TYYADSVK
TLFLQMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAK




 


32C11
98
VH3-23
D1-14RC
JH4
EVQLLESGGTLVQPG
NYAMS
WVRQAPGK
AISGRAGS
RFTISRDNSKN
ASGDD
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
TYYADSVK
TLFLQMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAK




 

















134 
Germline
QLQLQESGPGLVKPS
SSSYYWG
WIRQPPGK
SIYYSGST
RVTISVDTSKN
QQLV--YFDY
WGQGTLVT





ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
YYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA

VSS









ADTAVYYCAR




 


















22B8
30
VH4-39
D6-13
JH4
QLQLQESGPGLVKPS
SRYYYWG
WVRQPPGK
TIYYSGHT
RVTISVDTSKN
QQLVLYYFDF
WGQGTLVT







ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
YYNPSLKT
QFSLKLISVTA

VSS











ADTAVYYCAT




 

















135 
Germline
QLQLQESGPGLVKPS
SSSYYWG
WIRQPPGK
SIYYSGST
RVTISVDTSKN
QQLV--YFDY
WGQGTLVT





ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
YYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA

VSS









ADTAVYYCAR




 


















30A1
26
VH4-39
D6-13
JH4
QLQLQESGPGLVKPS
SPNYYWG
WIRQPPGK
TIYYSGNT
RVTISVDTSKN
QQLVLYYFDF
WGQGTLVT







ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
FYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA

VSS











ADTAVYYCAT




 


27A3
10
VH4-39
D6-13
JH4
QLQLQESGPGLVKPS
SRSDYWG
WIRQPPGK
TIYYSGDT
RVTISVDTSKN
QQLVLYYFDY
WGQGTLVT







ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
YYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA

VSS











ADTAVYYCAR




 


27D10
14
VH4-39
D6-13
JH4
QLQLQESGPGLVKPS
SRSDYWG
WIRQPPGK
TIYYSGST
RVTISVDTSKN
QQLVLYYFDY
QGQGTLVT







ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
RYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA

VSS











ADTAVYYCAR




 


32F4
18
VH4-39
D6-13
JH4
QLQLQESGPGLVKPS
SRSDYWG
WIRQPPGK
TIYYSGNT
RVTISVDTSKK
QQLVLYYFDY
QGQGTLVT







GTLSLSCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
FYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA

VSS











ADTAVYYCAR




 


29D4
22
VH4-39
D6-13
JH4
QLQLQESGPGLVKPS
SRSNYWG
WIRQPPGK
TIYYSGHT
RVSISVDTSKN
QQLVLYYFEY
WGQGTLVT







ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
YYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA

VSS











TDTALYYCAR




 

















136 
Germline
EVQLVESGGGLVKPG
SYSMN
WVRQAPGK
SISSSSSY
RFTISRDNAKN
--WFGEL
WGQGTLVT





GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
RLYLQMNSLRA

VSS








G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


















24B3
42
VH3-21
D3-10
JH4
EVQLVESGGGLVKPG
TYSMN
WVRQAPGK
FISGRSSY
RFTISRDNAKN
DDWFEEL
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCSK




 


24C9
34
VH3-21
D3-10
JH4
EVQLVESGGGLVKPG
TYSMN
WVRQAPGK
FISGRSSY
RFTISRDNAKN
DDWFEEL
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCSK




 


32G7
38
VH3-21
D3-10
JH4
EVQLVESGGGLVKPG
SYSMN
WVRQAPGK
FISSRSNY
RFTISRDNAKN
DDFEEL
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTIS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCSK




 


33B1
46
VH3-21
D3-10
JH4
EVQLVESGGGLVKPG
SYTMN
WVRQAPGK
FIDSRSSY
RFTISRDNAKN
DDWFEEL
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCSK




 

















137 
Germline
QVQLQESGPGLVKPS
SYYWS
WIRQPAGK
RIYTSGST
RVTMSVDTSKN
---WNY---
WGQGTLVT





ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
NYNPSLKS
QFSLKLSSVTA
FDY
VSS









ADTAVYYCAR




 


















29A3
102 
VH4-4
D1-7
JH4
QVQLQESGPGLVKPS
SYFWS
WIRQPAGK
RIYFSGRT
RVTMSVETSKN
DGGWNYDVAF
WGQGTLVT







ETLSLTCTVSGGSIS

GLEWIG
NYNPSLKS
QFSLKLNSVTA
DY
VSS











ADTAVYYCAR




 

















138 
Germline
QVQLVQSGAEVKKPG
SYDIN
WVRQATGQ
WMNPNSGN
RVTMTRNTSIS
-GYS---
WGQGTLVT





ASVKVSCKASGYTFT

GLEWMG
TGYAQKFQ
TAYMELSSLRS
WFDP
VSS








G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


















29F7
62
VH1-08
D6-13
JH5
QVQLVQSGAEVKKPG
SYDIN
WVRQATGQ
WMNPNSGK
RVTMTRSTSIS
GGYSNLGWFD
WGQGTLVT







QSVKVSCKASGYTFT

GLEWMG
TGYAQKFQ
TAYMELSSLRS
P
VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


33D5
58
VH1-08
D6-13
JH5
QVQLVQSGAEVKKPG
SYDIN
WVRQATGQ
WMNPNSGN
RVTLTRNTSIR
GGYSNLGWFD
WGQGSLVT







ASVKVSCKASGYTFG

GLEWMG
TGYAQKFQ
TVYMELSSLRS
P
VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


29H3
54
VH1-08
D6-13
JH5
QVQLVQSGAEVKKPG
SYDIN
VWRQATGQ
WMNPNSGK
RVTMTRNTSIN
GGYSNLGWFD
WGQGTLVT







ASVKVSCKASGYTFT

GLEWMG
TGYAQKFQ
TAYMELSSLRS
P
VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAR




 

















139 
Germline
QVQLVESGGGLVKPG
DYYMS
WIRQAPGK
YISSSGST
RFTISRDNAKN
---YSSGWY-
WGQGTLVT





GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRA
YFDY
VSS








G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


















21A1 =
66
VH3-11
D6-19
JH4
QVQLVESGGGLVKPG
DYYMS
WIRQAPGK
YISNSGIT
RFTISRDNAKN
EEWYSSSWYR
WGQGTLVT


21H6




GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRA
NFDY
VSS










G
GDTAVYYCAR




 

















140 
Germline
QVQLVESGGGLVKPG
DYYMS
WIRQAPGK
YISSSGST
RFTISRDNAKN
-DFWSGYY-
WGQGTLVT





GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRA
NWFDP
VSS








G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


















31E11
70
VH3-11
D3-3
JH5
QVQLVESGGGLVKPG
DYYMS
WIRQAPGK
YISISGST
RFTISRDNAKN
DDFWSGYYFN
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRA
WFDP
VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


33C3
74
VH3-11
D3-3
JH5
QVQLVESGGGLVKPG
DYYMS
WIRQPAGK
YISHGGST
RFTISRDNAKN
DDFWSGYYFN
WGQGALVT







ESLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
IYYADSVK
SLYLQMNSLRV
WFDP
VSS










G
EDTAVYFCAR




 

















141 
Germline
QVQLVESGGGVVQPG
SYGMH
WVRQAPGK
VIWYDGSN
RFTISRDNSKN
--TMVRGVII-
WGQGTTVT





RSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVA
KYYADSVK
TLYLQMNSLRA
-YYYGMDV
VSS








G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


















21H9
 6
VH3-33
D3-10
JH6
QVPLVESGGGVVQPG
SYGMH
WVRQAPGK
VIWYDGSN
RFTISRDNSKN
GVTMVRGLII
WGQGTTVT







RSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVA
KYYADSVQ
TLYLQMNSLRA
ARYYYGLDV
VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


30D7
 2
VH3-33
D3-10
JH6
QVPLVESGGGVVQPG
SYGMH
WVRQAPGK
VIWYDGSN
RFTISRDNSKN
GVTMVRGVII
WGQGTTVT







RSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVA
KYYADSVK
TLYLQMNSLRA
ARYYYGLDV
VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAR




 

















142 
Germline
QVQLVESGGGVVQPG
SYGMH
WVRQAPGK
VIWYDGSN
RFTISRDNSKN
--WND-
WGQGTTVT





RSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVA
KYYADSVK
TLYLQMNSLRA
YYYGMDV
VSS








G
EDTAVYYCAR




 


















30F6
78
VH3-33
D1-20
JH6
QVQLVESGGGVVQPG
TYGMH
WVRQAPGK
VIWYDGSN
RFTISRDNSKN
SYWNDDYYYG
WGQGTTVT







RSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVA
KYYADSVK
TLYLQMNSLRA
MDV
VSS










G
EDTAVYYCAC




 

















143 
Germline
EVQLLESGGGLVQPG
SYAMS
WVRQAPGK
AISGSGGS
RFTISRDNSKN
VATDY
WGQGTLVT





GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
TYYADSVK
TLYLQMNSLRA

VSS








G
EDTAVYYCAK




 


















1G6
131 
VH3-23
D5-12
JH4
WVQLLESGGGLVQPG
SYAMS
WVRQAPGK
AISGGGGN
RFTISRDNSKN
VATDY
WGQGTLVT







GSLRLSCAASGFTFS

GLEWVS
TYYADSVK
TLYLQMNSLRA

VSS










G
EDTAVYYCSK
















TABLE 21a







Light chain analysis


















SEQ











Chain Name
ID NO:
V
J
FR1
CDR1
FR2
CDR2
FR3
CDR3
FR4




















121 
Germline
DIVMTQTPLSSPV
RSSQSLVHSDGN
WLQQRPGQPPR
KISNRFS
GVPDRFSGSGAGTDFT
GQATQ
FGGGT





TLGQPASISC
TYLS
LLIY

LKISRVEAEDVGVYYC
FPLT
KVEIK


 

















30D7
 4
A23
JK4
DIVMTQTPLSSPV
RSSQSLVHSDGN
WLQQRPGQPPR
KISNRFF
GVPDRFSGSGAGTDFT
MQSTQ
FGGGT






TLGQPASISC
TYLS
LLIY

LKIGRVEAEDVGLYYC
FPLT
KVEIK


 


21H9
 8
A23
JK4
DIVMTQTPLSSPV
RSSQLSVHSDGN
WLQQRPGQPPR
KISNRFF
GVPDRFSGSGAGTDFT
MQSTQ
FGGGT






TFGQPASISC
TYLS
LLIY

LKISRVEAEDVGLYYC
FPLT
KVEIK


 

















122 
Germline
EIVLTQSPGTLSL
RASQSVSSSYLA
WYQQKPGQAPR
GASSRAT
GIPDRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQYGS
FGGGT





SPGERATLSC

LLIY

LTISRLEPEDFAVYYC
SPPLT
KVEIK


 

















27A3
12
A27
JK4
EIVLTQSPGLTLSL
RASWSVSSSYLA
WYQQKPGQAPR
ATSNRAT
GIPDRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQHGS
FGGGT






SPGERATLSC

LLIY

LTISRLEPEDFAVYYC
SPPLT
KVEIK


 


27D10
16
A27
JK4
EIVLTQSPGTLSL
RASQSVSSSYLA
WYQQKPGQAPR
GASSRAT
GIPDRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQYGS
FGGGT






SPGERATLSC

LLIY

LTISRLEPEDFAVYYC
SPPLT
KVEIK


 


32F4
20
A27
JK4
EIVLTQSPGTLSL
RTSQSVSSSYLA
WYQQKPGQAPR
GASSRAT
GVPDRFSGSGSGTDFS
QQYGS
FGGGT






SPGERATLSC

LLIY

LTISRLEPEDFAVYYC
SPPLT
KVEIK


 


29D4
24
A27
JK4
EIVLTQSPGTLSL
RASQSISRSYLA
WYQQKPGQAPR
GASSRAT
GIPDRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQYGS
FGGGT






SPGERATLSC

LLIY

LTISRLEPEDFAVYYC
SPPLT
KVEIK


 

















123 
Germline
EIVLTQSPGTLSL
RASQSVSSSYLA
WYQQKPGQAPR
GASSRAT
GIPDRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQYG#
FGQGT





SPGERATLSC

LLIY

LTISRLEPEDFAVYYC
#IT
RLEIK


 

















30A1
28
A27
JK5
EIVLTQSPGTLSL
RASQSISSSYLA
WYQQKPGQAPR
GASSRAT
GIPDRFNGSGSGTDFT
QQLGS
FGQGT






SPGKRAALSC

LLIY

LTISRLEPEDFAVYYC
SIT
RLEIK


 


22B8
32
A27
JK5
EIVLTQSPGTLSL
RASQSISSSYLA
WYQQRPGQAPR
GASSRAT
GIPDRFNGSGSGTDFT
QQFGS
FGQGT






SPGERAALSC

LLIY

LTISRLEPEDFAVYYC
SIT
RLEIK


 

















124 
Germline
DIQMTQSPSSLSA
RASQGRINDLG
WYQQKPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTEFT
LQHNS
FGQGT





SVGDRVTITC

RLILY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
YPWT
KVEIK


 

















24C9
36
A30
JK1
DIQMTQSPSSLSA
RASQGIRNDLG
WYQQKPGKAPK
ATFSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTEFT
LQHNR
FGQGT






SVGDRVTITC

RLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
YPWT
KVEIK


 


32G7
40
A30
JK1
DIQMTQSPSSLSA
RASQDIRNDLG
WYQQKPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTEFT
LQHNS
FGQGT






SVGDRVTITC

RLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
FPWT
KVEIK


 


24B3
44
A30
JK1
DIQMTQSPSSLSA
RASQGIRSDLG
WYQQKPGKAPK
ATSSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTEFT
LQHNR
FGQGT






SVGDRVTITC

RLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
YPWT
KVEIK


 


33B1
48
A30
JK1
DIQMTQSPSSLSA
RASQGIRNDLG
WYQQKPGKAPK
ATSSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTEFT
LHHNS
DGQGT






SVGDRVTITC

RLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
FPWT
KVEIK


 

















125 
Germline
DIVMTQSPDSLAV
KSSQSVLYSSNN
WYQQKPGQPPK
WASTRES
GVPDRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQYYS
FGQGT





SLGERATINC
KNYLA
LLIY

LTISSLQAEDVAVYYC
TPWT
KVEIK


 

















33E1
52
B3
JK1
DIVMTQSPDSLAV
KSSQSILYSSNN
WYQRKPGQPPI
WASTRES
GVPDRFSGSGSRTDFT
QQYFI
FGQGT






SLGERATINC
KNYLA
LLIH

LTISSLQAEDVAVYYC
TPWT
KVEIK


 

















126 
Germline
DIQMTQSPSSVSA
RASQGISSWLA
WYQQKPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQANS
FGPGT





SVGDRVTITC

LLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
FPFT
KVDIK


 

















29H3
56
L5
JK3
DIQMTQSPSSVSA
RASQGISSWLV
WYHQKPGKAPK
GASSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQANN
FGPGT






SVGDRVTITC

LLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
FPFT
KVDIK


 


33D5
60
L5
JK3
DIQMTQSPSSVSV
RASQGISSWLA
WYQQKPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQANS
FGPGT






SVGDRVTITC

LLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
FPFT
KVDIK


 


29F7
64
L5
JK3
DIQMTQSPSSVFA
RASQGISTWLA
WYQQKPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQANN
FGPGT






SVGDRVTITC

FLIY

LTISSLQPDDFATYYC
FPFT
KVDIK


 

















127 
Germline
DIQMTQSPSSLSA
RASQSISSYLN
WYQQKPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQSYS
FGGGT





SVGDRVTITC

LLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
T##T
KVEIK


 

















21A1
68
O2
JK4
DIQMTQFSSSLSA
RASQSISRYLN
WYQQKPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFNSGSGSGTDFT
QQSYS
FGGGT






SVGDRVTITC

LLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
APLT
KVEIK


 


21H6
68
O2
JK4
DIQMTQFSSSLSA
RASQSISRYLN
WYQQKPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFNGSGSGTDFT
QQSYS
FGGGT






SVGDRVTITC

LLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
APLT
KVEIK


 


31E11
72
O2
JK4
DIQMTQFSSSLSA
RANQTISTFLN
WYQQNPGKAPK
AASSLQS
GFPSRFSGSGSTDFT
QQTYI
FGGGT






SVGDRVTITC

LLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
IPLT
KVEIK


 


33C3
76
O2
JK4
DIQMTQYPLSLSA
RASQSISSFLN
WYHQKPGKAPK
GTSSLQS
GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQTYS
FGGGT






SVGDRVTITC

LLIY

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
IPLT
NVEIK


 


30F6
80
O2
JK4
DIQMTQSPSSLSA
RASQNISSYLI
WYQQKPGKAPN
TTSSLQR
GVPSRFSGSGSGTDFT
QQSYS
FGGGT






SVGDRVIITC

LLIH

LTISSLQPEDFATYYC
APLT
KVEIK


 

















128 
Germline
QSVLTQPPSASGT
SGSSSNIGSNTV
WYQQLPGTAPK
SNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGSKSGTSAS
AAWDDS
FGTGT





PGQRVTISC
N
LLIY

LAISGLQSEDEADYYC
LNGYV
KVTVL


 

















32B2
84
V1-16
JL1
QSVLTQPPSASGT
SGSSSNIGSNTV
WYQQLPGTAPK
LNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGSKSGTSAS
SAWDDS
FGTGT






PGQRVTISC
N
LLIY

LAISGLQSEDEADYYC
LNGYV
KVTVL


 


30E3
88
V1-16
JL1
QSVLTQPPSASGT
SGSSSNIGSNTV
WYQQLPGTAPK
LNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGSKSGTSAS
SAWDDS
FGTGT






PGQRVTISC
N
LLIY

LAISGLQSEDEADYYC
LNGYV
KVTVL


 


29A11
92
V1-16
JL1
WSVLTQPPSASGT
SGSSSNIGSNTV
WYQQLPGTAPK
LNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGSKSGTSAS
AAWDDS
FGTGT






PGQRVTISC
N
LLIY

LAISGLQSEDEADFYC
LNGYV
KVTVL


 


30H10
96
V1-16
JL1
QSVLTQPPSASGT
SGSSSNIGSNTV
WYQQLPGTAPK
LNNQRPS
GVPGRFSGSKSGTSAS
SAWDDS
FGTGT






PGQRVTISC
N
LLIY

LAISGLQSESEADYYC
LNGYV
KVTVL


 


32C11
100 
V1-16
JL1
QSVLTQPPSASGT
SGSSSNIGSNTV
WYHQLPGTAPK
LNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGSKSGTAS
SAWDDS
FGTGT






PGQRVTISC
N
LLIY

LASIGLQSEDEADYYC
LNGYV
KVTVL


 

















129 
Germline
QAVLTQPSSLSAS
TLRSGINVGTYR
WYQQKPGSPPQ
YKSDSDK
QQGSGVPSRFSGSKDA
EADYY
FGGGT





PGASASLTC
IY
YLLR

SANAGILLISGLQSED
GMIWH
KLTVL










S###V



 

















29A3
104 
V4-2
JL3
QAVLTQPSSLSAS
TLRSGINVGTYR
WYQQKPGSPPQ
YKSDSDQ
LQGSGVPSRFSGSKDA
EADYY
FGGGT






PGASASLTC
IY
YLLR

SANAGILLISGLQSED
CMVWH
KLTVL











SNTWV



 

















130 
Germline
QPVLTQSSSASAS
TLSSGHSSYIIA
WHQQQPGKAPR
LEGSGSY
NKGSGVPDRFSGSSSG
DYYCE
FGGGT





LGSSVKLTC

YLMK

ADRYLTISNLQFEDEA
TWDSN
KLTVL










TVV



 

















1G6
108 
V5-4
JL2
QPVLTQSSSASAS
TLSSGHSSYIIA
WHQQQPGKAPR
LEGSGSY
NKGSGVPDRFSGSSSG
DYYCE
FGGGT






LGSSVKLTC

YLMK

ADRYLTISNLQFEDEA
TWDSY
KLTVL











TVV
















TABLE 21b







Light chain analysis

















Chain Name
SEQ ID NO:
V
J
FR1
CDR1
FR2
CDR2
FR3
CDR3
FR4




















144 
Germline
DIVMTQSPDSLA
KSSQSVLYS
WYQQKPGQ
WASTRES
GVPDRFSGS
QQYYST
FGQGTKV





VSLGERATINC
SNNKNYLA
PPKLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PWT
EIK









ISSLQAEDV











AVYYC




 

















33E1
52
B3
JK1
DIVMTQSPDSLA
KSSQSILYS
WYQRKPGQ
WASTRES
GVPDRFSGS
QQYFIT
FGQGTKV






VSLGERATINC
SNNKNYLA
PPILLIH

GSRTDFTLT
PWT
EIK










ISSLQAEDV












AVYYC




 

















145 
Germline
QSVLTQPPSAS
SGSSSNIGS
WYQQLPGT
SNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGS
AAWDDS
FGTGTKV





GTPGQRVTISC
NTVN
APKLLIY

KSGTSASLA
LNGYV
TVL









ISGLQSESE











ADYYC




 

















29A11
92
VL 1c
JL1
QSVLTQPPSAS
SGSSSNIGS
WYQQLPGT
LNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGS
AAWDDS
FGTGTKV






GTPGQRVTISC
NTVN
APKLLIY

KSGTSASLA
LNGYV
TVL










ISGLQSESE












ADFYC




 


32B2
84
VL 1c
JL1
QSVLTQPPSAS
SGSSSNIGS
WYQQLPGT
LNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGS
SAWDDS
FGTGTKV






GTPGQRVTISC
NTVN
APKLLIY

ISGTSASLA
LNGYV
TVL










ISGLQSESE












ADYYC




 


30E3
88
VL 1c
JL1
QSVLTQPPSAS
SGSSSNIGS
WYQQLPGT
LNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGS
SAWDDS
FGTGTKV






GTPGQRVTISC
NTVN
APKLLIY

KSGTSASLA
LNGYN
TVL










ISGLQSESE












ADYYC




 


30H10
96
VL 1c
JL1
QSVLTQPPSAS
SGSSSNIGS
WYQQLPGT
LNNQRPS
QVPGRFSGS
SAWDDS
FGTGTKV






GTPGQRVTISC
NTVN
APKLLIY

KSGTSASLA
LNGYV
TVL










ISGLQSESE












ADYYC




 


32C11
100 
VL 1c
JL1
QSVLTQPPSAS
SGSSSNIGS
WYHQLPGT
LNNQRPS
GVPDRFSGS
SAWDDS
FGTGTKV






GTPGQRTVISC
NTVN
APKLLIY
KSGTSASLA
LNGYV
TVL











ISGLQSESE












ADYYC




 

















146 
Germline
EIVLTQSPGTL
RASQSVSSS
WYQQKPGQ
GASSRAT
GIPDRFSGS
QQYGSS
FGQGTRL





SLSPGERATLS
YLA
APRLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PIT
EIK





C



ISRLEPEDF











AVYYC




 

















22B8
32
VK A27
JK5
EIVLTQSPGTL
RASQSISSS
WYQQRPGQ
GASSRAT
GIPDRFNGS
QQFGSS
FGQGTRL






SLSPGERAALS
YLA
APRLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
-IT
EIK










ISRLEPEDF












AVYYC




 


30A1
28
VK A27
JK5
EIVLTQSPGTL
RASQSISSS
WYQQKPGQ
GASSRAT
GIPDRFNGS
QQLGSS
RGQGTRL






SLSPGKRAALS
YLA
APRLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
-IT
EIK










ISRLEPEDF












AVYYC




 

















147 
Germline
DIQMTQSPSSL
RASQGIRND
WYQQKPGK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
LQHNSY
FGQGTKV





SASVGDRVTIT
LG
APKRLIY

GSGTEFTLT
PWT
EIK





C



ISSLQPEDF











ATYYC




 

















24B3
44
VK A30
JK1
DIQMTQSPSSL
RASQGIRSD
WYQQKPGK
ATSSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
LQHNRY
FGQGTKV






SASVGDRVTIT
LG
APKRLIY

GSGTEFTLT
PWT
EIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 


24C9
36
VK A30
JK1
DIQMTQSPSSL
RASQGIRND
WYQQKPGK
ATFSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
LQHNRY
FGQGTKV






SASVGDRVTIT
LG
APKRLIY

GSGTEFTLT
PWT
EIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 


32G7
40
VK A30
JK1
DQIMTQSPSSL
RASQDIRND
WYQQKPGK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
QLHNSF
FGQGTKV






SASVGDRVTIT
LG
APKRLIY

GSGTEFTLT
PWT
EIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 


33B1
48
VK A30
JK1
DIQMTQSPSSL
RASQGIRND
WYQQKPGK
ATSSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
LHHNSF
FGQGTKV






SASVGDRVTIT
LG
APKRLIY

GSGTEFTLT
PWT
EIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 

















148 
Germline
QAVLTQPASLS
TLRSGINVG
WYQQKPGS
YKSDSDKQQ
GVPSRFSGS
MIWHSS
FGGGTKL





ASPGASASLTC
TYRIY
PPQYLLR
GS
KDASANAGI
ASV
TVL









LLISGLQSE











DEADYYC




 

















29A3
104 
VL 5c
JL2 +
QAVLTQPSSLS
TLRSGINVG
WYQQKPGS
YKSDSDQLQ
GVPSRFSGS
MVWHSN
FGGGTKL





JL3
ASPGASASLTC
TYRIY
PPQYLLR
GS
KDASANAGI
TWV
TVL










LLISGLQSE












DEADYYC




 

















149 
Germline
EIVLTQSPGTL
RASQSVSSS
WYQQKPGQ
GASSRAT
GIPDRSSGS
QQYGSS
FGGGTKV





SLSPGERATLS
YLA
APRLLIY

GSGTFTLT
PPLT
EIK





C



ISRLEPEDF











AVYYC




 

















27A3
12
VK A27
JK4
EIVLTQSPGTL
RASQSVSSS
WYQQKPGQ
ATSNRAT
GIPDRFSGS
QQHGSS
FGGGTKV






SLSPGERATLS
YLA
APRLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PPLT
EIK






C



ISRLEPEDF












AVYYC




 


27D10
16
VK A27
JK4
EIVLTQSPGTL
RASQSVSSS
WYQQKPGQ
GASSRAT
GIPDRFSGS
QQYGSS
FGGGTKV






SLSPGERATLS
YLA
APRLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PPLT
EIK






C



ISRLEPEDF












AVYYC




 


32F4
20
VK A27
JK4
EIVLTQSPGTL
RTSQSVSSS
WYQQKPGQ
GASSRAT
GVPDRFSGS
QQYGSS
FGGGTKV






WLSPGERATLS
YLA
APRLLIY

GSGTDFSLT
PPLT
EIK






C



ISRLEPEDF












AVYYC




 


29D4
24
VK A27
JK4
EIVLTQSPGTL
RASQSISRS
WYQQKPGQ
GASSRAT
GIPDRFSGS
QQYGSS
FGGGTKV






SLSPGERATLS
YLA
APRLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PPLT
EIK






C



ISRLEPEDF












AVYYC




 

















150 
Germline
DIQMTQSPSSV
RASQGISSW
WYQQKPGK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
QQANSF
FGPGTKV





SASVGDRVTIT
LA
APKLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PFT
DIK





C



ISSLQPEDF











ATYYC




 

















29F7
64
VK L5
JK3
DIQMTQSPSSV
RASQGISTW
WYQQKPGK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
QQANNF
FGPGTKV






FASVGDRVTIT
LA
APKFLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PFT
DIK






C



ISSLQPDDF












ATYYC




 


29H3
56
VK L5
JK3
DIQMTQSPSSV
RASQGISSW
WYHQKPGK
GASSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
QQANNF
FGPGTKV






SASVGDRVTIT
LV
APKLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PFT
DIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 


33D5
60
VK L5
JK3
DIQMTQSPSSV
RASQGISSW
WYQQKPGK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
QQANSF
FGPFTKV






SVSVGDRVTIT
LA
APKLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PFT
DIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 

















151 
Germline
DIQMTQSPSSL
RASQSISSY
WYQQKPGK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
QQSYST
FGGGTKV





SASVGDRVTIT
LN
APKLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PLT
EIK





C



ISSLQPEDF











ATYYC




 

















21A1 =
68
VK
JK4
DIQMTQFSSSL
RASQSISRY
WYQQKPGK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFNGS
QQSYSA
FGGGTKV


21H6

O2 + O12

SASVGDRVTIT
LN
APKLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PLT
EIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 


31E11
72
VK
JK4
DIQMTQSPSSL
RANQTISTF
WYQQNPGK
AASSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
QQTYII
FGGGTKV




O2 + O12

SASVGDRVTIT
LN
APKLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PLT
EIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 


33C3
76
VK
JK4
DIQMTQYPLSL
RASQSISSF
WYHQKPGK
GTSSLQS
GVPSRFSGS
QQTYSI
FGGGTNV




O2 + O12

SASVGDRVTIT
LN
APKLLIY

GSGTDFTLT
PLT
EIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 


30F6
80
VK
JK4
DIQMTQSPSSL
RASQNISSY
WYQQKPGK
TTSSLQR
GVPSRFSGS
QQSYSA
FGGGTKV




O2 + O12

SASVGDRVIIT
LI
APNHLIH

GSGTDFTLT
PLT
EIK






C



ISSLQPEDF












ATYYC




 

















152 
Germline
DIVMTQTPLSS
RSSQSLVHS
WLQQRPGQ
KISNRFS
GVPDRFSGS
MQATQF
FGGGTKV





PVTLGQPASIS
DGNTYLS
PPRLLIY

GAGTDFTLK
PLT
EIK





C



ISRVEAEDV











GVYYC




 

















21H9
 8
VK A23
JK4
DIVMTQTPLSS
RSSQSLVHS
WLQQRPGQ
KISNRFF
GVPDRFSGS
MQSTQF
FGGGTKV






PVTFGQPASIS
DGNTYLS
PPRLLIY

GAGTDFTLK
PLT
EIK






C



ISRVEAEDV












GLYYC




 


30D7
 4
VK A23
JK4
DIVMTQTPLSS
RSSQSLVHS
WLQQGPGQ
KISNRFF
GVPDRFSGS
MQSTQF
FGGGTKV






PVTLGQPASIS
DGNTYLS
PPRLLIY

GAGTDFTLK
PLT
EIK






C



IGRVEAEDV












GLYYC




 

















153 
Germline
QPVLTQSSSAS
TLSSGHSSY
WHQQQPGK
LEGSGSYNK
GVPDRFSGS
ETWDSN
FGGGTKL





ASLGSSVKLTC
IIA
APRYLMK
GS
SSGADRYLT
TVV
TVL









ISNLQLEDE











ADYYC




 

















1G6
108 
VL 4a
JL2 +
QPVLTQSSSAS
TLSSGHSSY
WHQQQPGK
LEGSGSYNK
GVPDRFSGS
ETWDSY
FGGGTKL





JL3
ASLGSSVKLTC
IIA
APRYLMK
GS
SSGADRYLT
TVV
TVL










ISNLQFEDE












ADYYC









Example 11
Potency Determination of KDR Antibodies
The potency of the candidate KDR antibodies was determined to discriminate candidate antibodies based on their ability to prevent the VEGF165-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of KDR in HUVEC cells. This assay was performed with two different conditions, one with a one hour pre-incubation of antibody with HUVEC cells at 4° C. and the second with a 24-hour pre-incubation of antibody with HUVEC cells at 37° C.
HUVEC cells were seeded at 25,000 cells/well in supplemented media (EMB-2+2% FCS) and incubated overnight at 37° C. The cells were then incubated overnight in media without supplement at 37° C. On day 3, 50 μL/well of candidate antibody titration or serum-free media (for control) was added to the HUVEC cells. The cells were pre-incubated with candidate antibody for either one hour at 4° C. or for 24 hours at 37° C. After the pre-incubation period, the cells were stimulated with 50 μL of 2 nM VEGF165 (Calbiochem) and subsequently lysed. Cell lysates were then assayed by ELISA.
Table 22 shows assay results for the candidate antibodies after a one hour pre-incubation period. Table 23 shows the results for the candidate antibodies after a 24 hour pre-incubation period.







TABLE 22







ELISA Results from Inhibition Potency Assay


(1-hour Pre-incubation at 4° C.)









Activity at 133 nM



(% Inhibition)












MAb ID
N = 1
N = 2
Average







33D5
39%
60%
49%



 1G6
35%
50%
43%



29A11
30%
33%
32%



32G7
79%
79%
79%



29D4
64%
73%
68%



30E3
29%
37%
33%



33B1
86%
88%
87%



33C3
78%
83%
80%



29F7
36%
52%
44%



27A3
63%
72%
67%



21H9
21%
31%
26%



27D10
60%
69%
65%



32F4
60%
68%
64%



30D7
26%
28%
27%



32B2
25%
33%
29%



22B8
75%
76%
76%



29H3
45%
55%
50%



21H6
74%
75%
74%



30F6
84%
85%
84%



29A3
25%
20%
23%



30H10
31%
21%
26%



24B3
80%
80%
80%



32C11
32%
21%
27%



31E11
82%
80%
81%



33E1
78%
75%
77%



24C9
81%
no material
81%

















TABLE 23







ELISA Results from Inhibition Potency Assay


(24-hour Pre-incubation at 37° C.)









Activity at 133 nM



(% Inhibition)












MAb ID
N = 1
N = 2
Average
















33D5
8%
−38%
−15%



 1G6
25%
47%
36%



29A11
19%
27%
23%



32G7
36%
77%
57%



29D4
75%
85%
80%



30E3
69%
97%
83%



33B1
88%
82%
85%



33C3
45%
88%
67%



29F7
23%
30%
26%



27A3
19%
0%
9%



21H9
−3%
2%
−1%



27D10
19%
−4%
8%



32F4
25%
18%
22%



30D7
39%
37%
38%



32B2
38%
61%
49%



22B8
82%
115%
99%



29H3
1%
36%
19%



21H6
35%
19%
27%



30F6
60%
51%
55%



29A3
7%
15%
11%



30H10
48%
77%
62%



24B3
76%
69%
72%



32C11
73%
73%
73%



31E11
90%
48%
69%



33E1
85%
68%
77%



24C9
46%
no material
46%










Example 12
Characterization of KDR Antibodies to Deliver Agonist Signal
The next assay was conducted in order to characterize the ability of anti-KDR antibodies ability to deliver an agonist signal.
HUVEC cells were seeded at 25,000 cells/well in supplemented media (EMB-2+2% FCS) and incubated overnight at 37° C. The media was then replaced with supplement-free media (EMB-2), and the cells were incubated overnight at 37° C. On day 3, the supplement-free media was replaced with 50 μL/well of candidate antibody titration or serum-free media (for control), and the cells were incubated with candidate antibody for one hour at 4° C. After the pre-incubation period, the cells were stimulated with 2 nM VEGF-165 (Calbiochem) and subsequently lysed. Cell lysates were then assayed by ELISA.
Table 24 shows assay results for the candidate antibodies as a percentage of phosphorylation activity compared to that induced by VEGF-165.







TABLE 24







ELISA Results from Agonist Activity Assay









% of Max VEGF KDR



pTyr Activity



(at 133 nM



antibody concentration)












MAb ID
N = 1
N = 2
Average
















33D5
20%
15%
17%



 1G6
17%
10%
13%



29A11
15%
10%
12%



32G7
11%
6%
9%



29D4
15%
12%
13%



30E3
11%
8%
10%



33B1
7%
7%
7%



33C3
6%
10%
8%



29F7
19%
12%
16%



27A3
22%
17%
19%



21H9
16%
13%
15%



27D10
19%
17%
18%



30D7
12%
12%
12%



32B2
12%
10%
11%



22B8
9%
5%
7%



29H3
20%
11%
16%



21H6
10%
12%
11%



30F6
14%
13%
13%



29A3
15%
17%
16%



30H10
12%
13%
12%



24B3
12%
15%
14%



32C11
9%
11%
10%



31E11
4%
6%
5%



33E1
5%
10%
8%



24C9
13%
no material
13%



2 nM VEGF
100%
100%
100%



Non-
0%
0%
0%



Simulated



IgG2
6%
12%
9%



IgG4
6%
10%
8%










Example 13
Determination of Relative Potency of Purified Antibodies
Inhibition of VEGF165-Mediated Survival
The relative potencies of the purified candidate antibodies were examined for their ability to block survival of serum-deprived HUVEC cells as mediated by VEGF165. These assays were also performed at a antibody concentrations of 133 nM. All incubations with HUVEC cells took place at 37° C. and 5% CO2.
HUVEC cells were seeded at 10,000 cells/well and incubated overnight in supplemented media (EBM-2+2% FCS+all supplements except VEGF, see Example 8). The cells were then washed and the candidate antibodies were added to the HUVEC cells and incubated for 2 hours. VEGF165 was added to the cells to a final concentration of 1 nM, and the cells were incubated for 4 days. Cell survival was then measured by addition of luminescent substrate and luminometer assay. Table 25 provides a listing of (n=2) luminometer readings indicating the percentage of HUVEC survival inhibition of VEGF165-mediated KDR activity.







TABLE 25







Inhibition of HUVEC Cell Survival by Purified Antibody


(Measurement by VEGF165-Mediated KDR Activity)









Activity at 133 nM



Antibody Concentration



(% Survival Inhibition)












MAb ID
N = 1
N = 2
Average
















33D5
13%
−2%
5%



 1G6
9%
−10%
0%



29A11
6%
−10%
−2%



32G7
70%
67%
69%



29D4
85%
85%
85%



30E3
−5%
−27%
−16%



33B1
80%
66%
73%



33C3
104%
102%
103%



29F7
3%
−27%
−12%



27A3
86%
81%
83%



21H9
−20%
−16%
−18%



27D10
84%
68%
76%



32F4
88%
58%
73%



30D7
−9%
−92%
−51%



32B2
−13%
−29%
−21%



22B8
88%
87%
88%



29H3
−5%
−136%
−70%



21H6
105%
77%
91%



30F6
91%
74%
82%



29A3
−65%
−156%
−111%



30H10
−84%
−147%
−115%



24B3
65%
64%
65%



32C11
−95%
−87%
−91%



31E11
83%
95%
89%



33E1
86%
97%
92%



24C9
57%
no material
57%










Example 14
Determination of Relative Potency of Purified Antibodies
Inhibition of VEGF-Mediated Release of Prostaglandin
The relative potencies of the purified candidate antibodies were also examined for their ability to block release of 6-keto Prostaglandin F1α from HUVEC cells as mediated by VEGF165. These assays were also performed at antibody concentrations of 133 nM. All incubations with HUVEC cells took place at 37° C. and 5% CO2.
HUVEC cells were seeded at 20,000 cells/well and incubated for three days in supplemented media (EBM-2+2% FCS+all supplements except VEGF, see Example 8). The cells were then washed, and the candidate antibodies were added to the HUVEC cells and incubated for 2 hours at 4° C. VEGF165 was added to the cells to a final concentration of 1 nM, and the cells were incubated overnight at 37° C. and 5% CO2. Supernatant samples from each well were then measured for release of VEGF165-mediated 6-keto Prostaglandin F1α. Table 26 shows the results as a percent inhibition of prostaglandin release.







TABLE 26







Inhibition of VEGF165-mediated 6-keto Prostaglandin


F1α release in HUVEC Cells by Purified Antibody









Activity at 133 nM



Antibody Concentration



(% Inhibition)












MAb ID
N = 1
N = 2
Average
















33D5
15%
57%
36%



 1G6
12%
86%
49%



29A11
8%
41%
25%



32G7
37%
115%
76%



29D4
72%
119%
95%



30E3
15%
33%
24%



33B1
76%
114%
95%



33C3
106%
178%
142%



29F7
1%
38%
19%



27A3
54%
121%
88%



21H9
5%
61%
33%



27D10
56%
111%
84%



32F4
69%
76%
73%



30D7
4%
15%
10%



32B2
3%
9%
6%



22B8
67%
76%
72%



29H3
14%
22%
18%



21H6
104%
96%
100%



30F6
68%
89%
79%



29A3
11%
16%
13%



30H10
10%
no material
10%



24B3
66%
70%
68%



32C11
6%
11%
9%



31E11
130%
98%
114%



33E1
128%
98%
113%



24C9
91%
no material
91%










Based on the data provided the activity comparison experiments as described in this Example and in Examples 11-13 (Tables 22-26), fourteen antibody candidates were carried forward for further analysis. Table 27 provides a summary of the candidate antibodies selected for further study.







TABLE 27







Anti-KDR Candidate Antibodies Selected for Further Study








Selected for



further study
MAb ID





X
21H6


X
22B8


X
24B3


X
27A3


X
27D10


X
29D4


X
29H3


X
30H10


X
31E11


X
32F4


X
32G7


X
33E1


X
33B1


X
33C3



 1G6



21H9



24C9



29A11



29A3



29F7



30E3



30D7



30F6



32B2



32C11



33D5









Example 15
Cross-Reactivity of Purified KDR Antibodies to Human VEGF-Receptor-1 (Flt-1) and Mouse KDR (Flk-1)
The cross-reactivity of purified antibodies was tested against KDR mouse ortholog KDR mouse ortholog (mouse VEGFR2, or Flk-1) and human VEGFR1 (Flt-1). The ability of the antibodies to bind soluble KDR Ig4-7 domain and to the entire KDR extracellular domain (ECD) was also measured.
Cross-reactivity experiments were carried out and measured using an ELISA based assay as described in Example 6. Briefly, titrations of purified antibody (1:10 serial dilutions over 3 data points, starting concentration=1 μg/mL) were added into wells coated with human VEGFR1 (Flt-1, Cat. #321-FL/CF, R&D Systems, Inc.) at 5 μg/mL, mouse KDR (Flk-1, Cat. #443-KD/CF, R&D Systems, Inc.) at 5 μg/mL), soluble KDR Ig4-7 (supernatant, diluted 1:1), or whole KDR-ECD (Cat. # 676490, Calbiochem) at 5 μg/mL. Antibody controls included IgG1 and IgG4 (Sigma-Aldrich, Cat. #15154 and #14639, respectively). Table 28 provides the results of the ELISA cross-reactivity assay for each substrate.







TABLE 28







Purified Antibody ELISA Cross-Reactivity Assay Results









Substrate















KDR Ig4-7
KDR-ECD




Flt-1 (5 μg/mL)
Flk-1 (5 μg/mL)
(1:1 diln.)
(5 ug/mL)
1% PBS/1% milk



Antibody Conc.
Antibody Conc.
Antibody Conc.
Antibody Conc.
Antibody Conc.



(μg/mL)
(μg/mL)
(μg/mL)
(μg/mL)
(μg/mL)






















MAb ID
1
0.1
0.01
1
0.1
0.01
1
0.1
0.01
1
0.1
0.01
1
0.1
0.01





27A3
2.483
1.954
1.023
2.571
1.764
0.742
0.078
0.075
0.080
1.973
0.111
0.093
3.109
2.080
0.611


32F4
2.383
2.013
1.086
2.623
1.998
0.802
0.114
0.079
0.076
1.934
0.132
0.090
3.182
2.334
0.653


27D10
2.083
1.655
0.858
2.138
1.483
0.537
0.076
0.086
0.073
1.364
0.187
0.087
2.360
1.714
0.441


21H6
2.449
1.889
0.848
2.722
1.780
0.612
0.087
0.074
0.074
1.458
0.139
0.087
3.303
1.936
0.455


30H10
2.653
2.467
1.434
2.858
2.643
1.416
3.036
2.772
1.358
2.466
0.310
0.117
3.391
3.161
1.320


29H3
2.681
2.211
1.224
3.041
2.354
1.138
3.024
2.357
1.140
2.619
0.306
0.099
3.296
2.678
0.967


32G7
2.406
2.088
1.229
2.672
2.138
0.988
2.654
2.309
0.933
2.362
0.307
0.103
2.979
2.470
0.968


29D4
2.814
2.420
1.158
3.291
2.590
1.165
0.082
0.078
0.080
2.150
0.096
0.089
3.727
2.855
0.817


33E1
2.091
1.639
1.043
2.166
1.469
0.846
0.107
0.074
0.067
1.375
0.205
0.081
2.285
1.605
0.714


31E11
2.846
2.130
0.976
3.100
2.366
0.826
0.107
0.073
0.072
1.963
0.161
0.080
3.604
2.439
0.743


24B3
2.927
2.601
1.632
3.393
2.755
1.584
3.473
2.802
1.451
3.016
0.304
0.090
4.044
3.003
1.648


22B8
2.763
2.469
1.367
3.211
2.945
1.202
0.080
0.078
0.074
1.907
0.089
0.075
3.412
2.985
1.131


33C3
2.790
2.836
1.404
3.475
3.042
1.246
0.094
0.088
0.073
1.115
0.153
0.090
3.825
3.384
1.338


33B1
2.670
2.081
0.991
3.118
2.105
0.753
3.035
2.137
0.609
1.986
0.178
0.072
3.241
2.303
0.753


IgG1
0.480
0.471
0.465
0.240
0.224
0.230
0.139
0.097
0.079
0.121
0.087
0.082
0.125
0.084
0.079


(Control)


IgG4
0.482
0.495
0.462
0.227
0.223
0.232
0.181
0.078
0.075
0.106
0.078
0.077
0.096
0.075
0.083


(Control)









Example 16
Potency Comparison of Purified KDR Antibodies
Inhibition of VEGF-Induced KDR Tyrosine Phosphorylation
The relative potency of the purified antibodies was compared by measuring how well the antibodies blocked KDR phosphorylation in an endogenously KDR-expressing normal cell line (HUVEC). The assays were conducted using multiple antibody concentrations and included examination of antibody ability to block VEGF165-mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation, ability to block VEGF165-mediated survival of serum-deprived HUVEC, and inhibition of VEGF165-mediated release of 6-keto Prostaglandin F1α from HUVEC cells. All incubations with HUVEC cells took place at 37° C. and 5% CO2 except where indicated.
Assay to Measure Inhibition of VEGF165-mediated KDR Activity
HUVEC cells were seeded at 25,000 cells/well and incubated overnight in supplemented media (EBM-2+2% FCS+all supplements except VEGF). The cells were then washed and incubated in supplement-free media overnight. On the third day, the various purified antibodies (at 100 nM starting concentration and serially diluted 1:5 to 6 pM final concentration) were added to the HUVEC cells and incubated for one hour at 4° C. The media was then replaced by 50 μL of VEGF165 at 2 nM final concentration. After stimulation with VEGF165 for 10 minutes, the cells were lysed, and the cell lysates were measured for inhibition of VEGF165-mediated KDR activity. Table 29 indicates the level of inhibition of VEGF165-mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation as EC50 values and as percentage inhibition values.







TABLE 29







Inhibition of VEGF165-mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation











Maximum Inhibition




at 100 nM



EC50 (nM)
(% Inhibition)













MAb ID
N = 1
N = 2
Average
N = 1
N = 2
Average





27A3
3.4
2.9
3.1
77%
79%
78%


32F4
1.7
1.9
1.8
71%
79%
75%


27D10
1.6
2.3
1.9
70%
75%
72%


21H6
7.1
6.7
6.9
81%
84%
82%


30H10
0.6
0.2
0.4
36%
22%
29%


29H3
0.5
0.4
0.4
33%
30%
32%


32G7
0.6
0.6
0.6
69%
77%
73%


29D4
2.0
1.9
1.9
74%
77%
75%


33E1
5.8
5.1
5.5
73%
75%
74%


31E11
2.0
1.9
1.9
84%
86%
85%


24B3
2.1
2.3
2.2
78%
84%
81%


22B8
2.7
3.4
3.1
75%
79%
77%


33C3
1.2
1.1
1.2
83%
86%
85%


33B1
1.2
1.1
1.1
86%
86%
86%









Assay to Measure Ability of Antibody to Block VEGF 165-mediated Survival of Serum-deprived HUVEC Cells

HUVEC cells were seeded at 10,000 cells/well and incubated overnight in supplemented media (EBM-2+2% FCS+all supplements except VEGF). The cells were then washed and the various purified antibodies were added to the HUVEC cells (at 200 nM starting concentration and serially diluted 1:4 to 13 pM final concentration) and incubated for 2 hours at 4° C. VEGF165 was added to the cells to a final concentration of 1 nM, and the cells were incubated for three days. Cell survival was then measured by addition of luminescent substrate and luminometer assay. Table 30 indicates HUVEC survival by VEGF165-mediated KDR activity as EC50 values and as percent inhibition of survival.







TABLE 30







Survival of HUVEC Cells by VEGF165-mediated KDR Activity











Maximum Inhibition




at 50 nM (%



EC50
Inhibition)













MAb ID
N = 1
N = 2
Average
N = 1
N = 2
Average
















27A3
3.3
1.9
2.6
95%
94%
95%


32F4
2.3
1.0
1.7
91%
94%
92%


27D10
2.3
2.0
2.2
93%
85%
89%


21H6
2.5
2.3
2.4
96%
96%
96%


30H10
***
***
***
−9%
−1%
−5%


29H3
***
***
***
4%
18%
11%


32G7
0.4
1.4
0.9
73%
72%
72%


29D4
1.1
2.9
2.0
89%
95%
92%


33E1
1.7
1.2
1.4
107%
99%
103%


31E11
2.0
2.8
2.4
101%
101%
101%


24B3
2.9
4.1
3.5
97%
82%
90%


22B8
2.1
2.4
2.2
80%
95%
87%


33C3
0.7
1.4
1.1
106%
95%
101%


33B1
1.7
3.1
2.4
55%
59%
57%





***EC50 data not presented as KDR was not sufficiently inhibited.






Assay to Measure Ability of Antibody to Inhibit VEGF165-mediated release of 6-keto Prostaglandin F1α from HUVEC cells

HUVEC cells were seeded at 20,000 cells/well and incubated for three days in supplemented media (EBM-2+2% FCS+all supplements except VEGF). The cells were then washed, and the candidate antibodies were added to the HUVEC cells (at 333 nM starting concentration and serially diluted 1:5 to 4 pM final concentration) and incubated for 2 hours at 4° C. VEGF165 was added to the cells to a final concentration of 1 nM, and the cells were incubated overnight. Supernatant samples from each well were then measured for release of VEGF165-mediated 6-keto Prostaglandin F1α. Table 31 shows the results as a EC50 values and as percent inhibition of prostaglandin release.







TABLE 31







Inhibition of VEGF165-mediated 6-keto Prostaglandin F1α release


in HUVEC Cells by Purified Antibody











Maximum Inhibition




(% Inhibition)












EC50 (nM)
N = 1
N = 2














MAb ID
N = 1
N = 2
Average
(200 nM)
(333 nM)
Average
















27A3
5.5
5.7
5.6
49%
49%
49%


32F4
4.4
4.6
4.5
42%
54%
48%


27D10
4.5
5.2
4.8
46%
51%
49%


21H6
7.3
5.4
6.3
80%
75%
77%


30H10
***
***
***
0%
6%
3%


29H3
***
***
***
2%
8%
5%


32G7
11.2
35.1
23.1
28%
55%
42%


29D4
3.2
3.2
3.2
45%
67%
56%


33E1
4.8
5.4
5.1
77%
103%
90%


31E11
6.1
6.4
6.2
88%
108%
98%


24B3
8.1
16.2
12.1
37%
72%
54%


22B8
5.1
5.6
5.3
63%
76%
70%


33C3
3.5
4.4
3.9
76%
94%
85%


33B1
17.0
7673.0
3845.0
31%
76%
53%





***EC50 data not presented as KDR was not sufficiently inhibited.






Example 17
Determination of Binding Affinity of Purified Antibodies
The binding affinities of the purified antibodies for endogenously-expressed KDR in HUVEC cells was measured. HUVEC cells were seeded at 150,000 cells/well and incubated with titrations of purified antibody for 4 hours at 4° C. The cells were then washed and incubated with goat anti-human IgG-Fc-Cy5+5 μg/mL 7-Amino-Actinomycin (7AAD) for 30 minutes at 4° C. Bound KDR was detected using FACS analysis. Table 32 lists the FACS data obtained from analysis of the HUVEC cells with purified antibodies.







TABLE 32







Binding Affinity/Avidity of Purified Antigens to


KDR in HUVEC cells










MAb ID
FACS Kd (nM)














27A3
5.4



32F4
1.8



27D10
1.9



21H6
17.9



30H10
0.9



29H3
0.5



32G7
0.2



29D4
1.0



33E1
3.8



31E11
11.3



24B3
0.8



22B8
1.8



33C3
1.0



33B1
0.2










Based on the data provided potency experiments and data as described in this Example and in Examples 16 (Tables 29-32), eleven antibody candidates were carried forward for further analysis. Table 33 provides a summary of the candidate antibodies selected for further study.







TABLE 33







Anti-KDR Candidate Antibodies Selected for Further Study


(Based on Potency Data)








Selected for



further study
MAb ID





X
27A3


X
32F4


X
27D10


X
21H6


X
29D4


X
33E1


X
31E11


X
24B3


X
22B8


X
33C3


X
33B1



30H10



29H3



32G7









Example 18
Cross-Reactivity of Purified KDR Antibodies to Non-Human Primates
KDR derived from cynomolgus monkey was cloned and expressed on the surface of HEK 293T cells. The binding of purified antibodies to cell-bound cynomolgus KDR (with parental cells as negative control) was tested by FACS analysis in this assay.
Cynomolgus KDR was cloned in 3 pieces. One piece was PCR amplified from cynomolgus lung cDNA, and the remaining two pieces were PCR amplified from cynomolgus kidney cDNA. The three PCR products were inserted into pCR3.1 Bid vector. HEK 293T cells were then transfected with cynomologus KDR expression vector or with empty pCR3.1 Bid vector. Transfected cells were seeded at 50,000 cells/well and incubated with 5 μg/mL of candidate antibody for one hour at 4° C. The cells were then washed and incubated with secondary antibody (Cy5-conjugated goat anti-human antibody, or Cy5-conjugated rabbit anti-goat antibody, plus 7-Amino-Actinomycin (7AAD)) for 15 minutes at 4° C. Binding between cynomolgus KDR and purified antibody was detected by FACS analysis. Table 34 provides a summary of the results for the assay.







TABLE 34







Cyno Cross-Reactivity Assay Results for Purified Antibodies










FACS Geometric




Mean Fluorescence












Cyno KDR/293T
Mock 293T



MAb ID
Transfectants
Transfectants















27A3
89.7
2.8



32F4
104.6
2.8



27D10
89.4
2.8



21H6
101.7
2.8



29D4
115.3
2.6



33E1
88.5
2.7



31E11
99.5
2.8



24B3
68.4
2.7



22B8
103.2
2.7



33C3
108.1
2.7



33B1
107.6
2.8










Example 19
Determination of Relative Potency of Purified Antibodies
Ability to Block VEGF Binding to KDR
The relative potency of the various antibodies was assayed by how well the antibodies blocked human VEGF binding to KDR. HEK 293T cells were transfected with human KDR (courtesy of Amgen Fremont, Fremont Calif.) or with empty pCR3.1 Bid vector. Transfected cells were then seeded at 50,000 cells/well and incubated with 5 μg/mL of candidate antibody for one hour at 4° C. The antibodies were subsequently removed, and the cells were and incubated VEGF165 (Cat. # 293-VE, R&D Systems, Inc.) at a concentration of 50 ng/mL for one hour at 4° C. The cells were then washed and incubated with goat anti-VEGF for one hour at 4° C. After washing, the cells were incubated with Cy5-conjugated rabbit anti-goat antibody plus 7AAD for 15 minutes at 4° C. Inhibition of VEGF binding to KDR was detected by FACS analysis. Table 35 provides a summary of the results for the assay.







TABLE 35







FACS Results for Inhibition of VEGF Binding to Human KDR










FACS Geometric Mean



MAb ID
Fluorescence
% Inhibition












27A3
118
9%


32F4
112
14%


27D10
111
15%


21H6
133
−3%


29D4
116
11%


33E1
147
−15%


31E11
138
−8%


24B3
97
27%


22B8
120
7%


33C3
126
2%


33B1
81
40%


293T/KDR transfectants
129


(control)


293T/mock transfectants
10


(control)









The above results show these antibodies have a differentiated mode of action compared to IMC1121b (Lu et al, JBC 2003, 278, 43496).
Example 20
Determination of Relative Potency of Purified Antibodies
Ability to Block VEGF-C Mediated KDR Activity
The anti-KDR candidate antibodies were assayed for their ability to inhibit VEGF-C-mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation in HUVEC cells. HUVEC cells were seeded at 25,000 cells/well and incubated overnight in supplemented media (EBM-2+2% FCS+all supplements except VEGF). The cells were then washed and incubated in supplement-free media overnight. On the third day, the various purified antibodies were added to the HUVEC cells (at 1:10 serial dilution over three data points, starting concentration=100 nM) and incubated for 2 hours at 4° C. The supernatant volumes were then removed and replaced by 50 μof VEGF-C at 50 nM final concentration for 10 minutes at 37° C. After stimulation VEGF-C, the cells were lysed, and the cell lysates were measured for inhibition of VEGF-C-mediated KDR activity by ELISA assay. Table 36 provides the results of the assay indicating the level of inhibition of VEGF-C-mediated KDR tyrosine phosphorylation.







TABLE 36







Inhibition of VEGF-C-mediated KDR Activity











% Inhibition (N = 1)
% Inhibition (N = 2)
% Inhibition (Average)
















MAb ID
100 nM
10 nM
1 nM
100 nM
10 nM
1 nM
100 nM
10 nM
1 nM





27A3
73%
75%
40%
77%
80%
38%
75%
78%
39%


32F4
75%
76%
55%
86%
79%
31%
81%
77%
43%


27D10
76%
73%
52%
84%
79%
50%
80%
76%
51%


21H6
93%
78%
23%
95%
90%
34%
94%
84%
28%


29D4
74%
71%
42%
79%
72%
25%
76%
71%
34%


33 E1
83%
75%
29%
75%
64%
36%
79%
69%
32%


31 E11
84%
81%
47%
84%
85%
33%
84%
83%
40%


24B3
67%
61%
26%
75%
62%
34%
71%
62%
30%


22B8
71%
74%
38%
77%
56%
17%
74%
65%
27%


33C3
84%
87%
71%
86%
89%
61%
85%
88%
66%


33B1
64%
61%
45%
73%
62%
53%
68%
62%
49%









Example 21
Determination of Binding Affinities of Purified Antibodies by Biacore
Each purified anti-KDR antibody was immobilized on a CM4 sensor chip within a Biacore 2000 using standard amine coupling. Immobilization levels were kept between 250 and 350 RU. The concentration of KDR was determined by UV-VIS spectroscopy using a molar absorptivity at 280 nm of 110, 440 M−1cm−1, which was calculated from the sequence of the protein using a method developed by Pace et al. (G. R. Grimsley and C. N. Pace (2003) in Current Protocols in Protein Science (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), 3.1.1-3.1.9). The antigen KDR was diluted to a starting concentration of 52 nM and tested in a 3-fold dilution series in triplicate. The running buffer contained HBS-P with 0.1 mg/ml BSA and binding responses were collected at 23 degrees C. Bound complexes were regenerated with a 12 second pulse of 146 mM of phosphoric acid. The response data were globally fit with a simple 1:1 interaction model. The binding constants are provided in the table below. The number shown in parentheses is the standard error in the last significant figure.















ka (M−1s−1)
kd (s−1)
Kd





















27D10
5.176(6)e4
 2.54(1)e−4
 4.91(2) nM



24B3
1.750(1)e5
1.907(8)e−4
1.089(4) nM



33C3
1.0214(8)e5 
 9.3(1)e−5
 910(10) pM







ka (M−1s−1) = kon.



kd (s−1) = koff






Example 22
Determination of Cross Competition for KDR by Purified Anti-KDR Antibodies
Each purified anti-KDR antibody was tested for its ability to block binding of other anti-KDR antibodies to human KDR using a cell adhesion assay.
Wells of 96 well plates were coated over night at 4° C. with 33C3, 24B3 or 27D10 at a concentration of 10 μg/ml PBS. The wells were then blocked with PBS/3% BSA for an hour at 37° C. and washed with PBS. Titrations of purified anti-KDR antibody were tested against each coating antibody for cross competition to KDR, using a maximum concentration of 25 μg/ml. Isotype controls IgG1 and IgG2 (Sigma-Aldrich, Cat #I5154 and I5404 respectively) were included. Antibody titrations were prepared in serum free Hams F12 media at 10 times the final assay concentration and 10 μl was added to triplicate test wells. Porcine Aortic Endothelial cells transfected with human KDR were added at a density of 100,000 cells per well in 90 μl of serum free Hams F12 media. The plates were incubated at 37° C., 5% CO2 for 1 hour. Non-adhered cells were flicked from the plates and the wells washed twice with PBS. The adhered cells were fixed with 100% ethanol for 30 minutes at room temperature and then stained with 0.1% crystal violet in 1.5% methanol, for 15 minutes at room temperature. Excess stain was washed off with water and the stain within the cells solubilised with 100 ul per well of 0.1% triton X-100 in double distilled water for 2 hours on an orbital platform. The OD at 570 nm was measured and the percent inhibition of binding by each antibody calculated.
The table indicates the cross competition between each of the antibodies for human KDR as percent inhibition of cell binding to coating antibody by 25 μg/ml of inhibiting antibody.














Inhibiting Antibody













33C3
24B3
27D10
IgG2


















Coating
33C3
100
29
98
0



Antibody
24B3
−9
102
−14
0




27D10
103
20
103
0










Example 23
KDR Inhibitory Antibodies Reduce Tube Formation In Vitro
KDR inhibitory antibodies were tested for the ability to reduce endothelial cell tube formation in an in vitro co-culture assay (TCS Cell Works Cat no. ZHA-1000). On day 1, Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) and human diploid fibroblasts were obtained as co-cultures in 24 well plates. KDR blocking antibodies were introduced to the cultures on day 1 and at regular intervals over an 11-day period at the following concentrations: 20 μg/mL, 5 μg/mL, 1.25 μg/mL and 0.3125 μg/mL. Media was replenished on days 4, 7 and 9. The co-culture model was maintained in either TCS Optimised medium (supplied with the co-culture assay) or in MCDB131 medium supplemented with 2% foetal calf serum (FCS), 1% glutamine and 1% penicillin/streptomycin (hereafter referred to as 2% FS MCDB131 medium). The co-culture model was maintained at 37° C. in a humidified 5% CO2/95% air atmosphere.
Tubule formation was examined at day 11 following fixing and staining of tubules for CD31 using a tubule staining kit according to the manufacturors instructions (TCS Cell Works Cat no. ZHA-1225). Briefly, cells were fixed with ice-cold 70% ethanol for 30 minutes at room temperature (RT). Cells were blocked after which they were treated with anti-human CD31 for 60 minutes at RT. Plates were washed and treated with goat anti-mouse IgG conjugated with alkaline phosphatase (AP) for 60 minutes at RT. After incubation with the AP-conjugated secondary antibody, the plates were washed and 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphate/nitro blue tetrazolium (BCIP/NBT) substrate was added for approximately 10 minutes. The development of a dark purple colour within 10 minutes reflected tubule formation. Plates were subsequently washed and left to air dry.
Quantification of tubule growth was conducted by whole-well image analysis methodology using a Zeiss KS400 3.0 Image Analyser. The morphological parameter measured in the quantification methodology was total tubule length. All tubule formations within each of the 24 wells were measured excluding a rim of 100 μm depth to avoid edge retraction artifact.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, it was observed that the antibodies are effective in inhibiting endothelial cell tube formation in vitro. The data indicate that the antibodies are active in a functional assay that models the angiogenic process.
Example 24
Determination of In Vivo Efficacy of Purified Antibodies
Evaluation of the Antiangiogenic Efficacy in a Spheroid-Based In Vivo Angiogenesis Assay
Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) spheroids were prepared as described earlier (Korff and Augustin: J Cell Biol 143: 1341-52, 1998) by pipetting 100 endothelial cells (EC) in a hanging drop on plastic dishes to allow overnight spheroid formation. The following day, using the method previously described (Alajati et al: Nature Methods 5:439-445, 2008), EC spheroids were harvested and mixed in a Matrigel/fibrin solution with single HUVECs to reach a final number of 100,000 ECs as spheroids and 200,000 single ECs per injected plug. VEGF-A and FGF-2 were added at a final concentration of 1000 ng/ml. Male SCID mice (5-8 weeks old) were subcutaneously injected with 500 μl of the cell/matrix suspension. The following day (day 1) treatment commenced. At day 21 the study was terminated. The matrix plugs were removed and fixed in 4% PFA. All matrix plugs were paraffin embedded and cut to a thickness of 8-10 μm for histological examination. Blood vessels were visualized by staining for human CD34 and smooth muscle actin (SMA) and the vessel density and pericyte coverage was determined
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the antibodies are effective in inhibiting vessel formation in vivo. The data indicate that the antibodies are active in an in vivo assay of angiogenesis.
Example 25
Inhibition of Tumour Cell Growth in Human Patients
A group of human cancer patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is randomized into treatment groups. Each patient group is treated with weekly intravenous injections of fully human monoclonal antibodies against KDR as described herein. Each patient is dosed with an effective amount of the antibody ranging from 5 mg/kg/week to 15 mg/kg/week for 4-8 months. A control group is given only the standard chemotherapeutic regimen.
At periodic times during and after the treatment regimen, tumour burden is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It can be expected that the patients who have received weekly antibody treatments will show significant reductions in tumour size, time delay to progression or prolonged survival compared to patients that do not receive antibody treatment. In some treated patients, it can be expected that the tumours are no longer detectable. In contrast, it can be expected that tumour size increases or remains substantially the same in the control group.
Example 26
Inhibition of Colon Cancer in a Human Patient
A group of human cancer patients diagnosed with colon cancer is randomized into treatment groups. Each patient group is treated 3-weekly with intravenous injections of fully human monoclonal antibodies against KDR as described herein. Each patient is dosed with an effective amount of the antibody ranging from 5 mg/kg/week to 15 mg/kg/week for 4-8 months. A control group is given only the standard chemotherapeutic regimen. At periodic times during and after the treatment regimen, tumour burden is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It can be expected that the patients who have received 3-weekly antibody treatments show significant reductions in tumour size, time delay to progression or prolonged survival compared to patients that do not receive the antibody treatment. In some treated patients, it can be expected that the tumours are no longer detectable. In contrast, it can be expected that tumour size increases or remains substantially the same in the control group.
Example 27
Inhibition of Melanoma in a Human Patient
A group of human cancer patients diagnosed with melanoma is randomized into treatment groups. Each patient group is treated 3-weekly with intravenous injections of fully human monoclonal antibodies against KDR as described herein. Each patient is dosed with an effective amount of the antibody ranging from 5 mg/kg/week to 15 mg/kg/week for 4-8 months. A control group is given only the standard chemotherapeutic regimen. At periodic times during and after the treatment regimen, tumour burden is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It can be expected that the patients who have received 3-weekly antibody treatments with antibodies against KDR show significant reductions in melanoma, time delay to progression or prolonged survival compared to patients that do not receive the antibody treatment. In some treated patients, it can be expected that the melanoma lesions are no longer detectable. In contrast, it can be expected that melanoma increases or remains substantially the same in the control group.
Example 28
Inhibition of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) in a Human Patient
A group of human cancer patients diagnosed with CML is randomized into treatment groups. Each patient group is treated 3-weekly with intravenous injections of fully human monoclonal antibodies against KDR as described herein. Each patient is dosed with an effective amount of the antibody ranging from 5 mg/kg/week to 15 mg/kg/week for 4-8 months. A control group is given only the standard chemotherapeutic regimen. At periodic times during and after the treatment regimen, tumour burden is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It can be expected that the patients who have received 3-weekly antibody treatments show significant reductions in CML, time delay to progression or prolonged survival compared to patients that do not receive the antibody treatment. In some treated patients, it can be expected that the CML is no longer detectable. In contrast, it can be expected that CML increases or remains substantially the same in the control group.
Example 29
Inhibition of Tumour Cell Growth in a Human Patient
A human patient is diagnosed with a malignant tumour. The patient is treated with weekly intravenous injections of fully human monoclonal antibodies against KDR as described herein for 8 weeks. At periodic times during and after the treatment regimen, tumour burden is assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It can be expected that significant reductions in tumour size are found.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
All references cited herein, including patents, patent applications, papers, text books, and the like, and the references cited therein, to the extent that they are not already, are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
EQUIVALENTS
The foregoing written specification is considered to be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. The foregoing description and Examples detail certain preferred embodiments of the invention and describes the best mode contemplated by the inventors. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing may appear in text, the invention may be practiced in many ways and the invention should be construed in accordance with the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.

## Claims

1. A monoclonal antibody or a binding fragment thereof as shown in Table 1.

2. The monoclonal antibody or binding fragment thereof of claim 1, wherein said monoclonal antibody or binding fragment thereof is 24B3 (SEQ ID NO. 42 and 44), 27D10 (SEQ ID NO. 14 and 16), or 33C3 (SEQ ID NO. 74 and 76), as shown in Table 1.

3. The monoclonal antibody or binding fragment thereof of claim 1, wherein the binding fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, FV and dAb fragment.

4. A method of treating a malignant tumour in a human, comprising: selecting a human in need of treatment for a malignant tumour; and administering to said human a therapeutically effective dose of the monoclonal antibody of claim 1.