Use of a cartilage-inducing factor (CIF) for treating hematopoietic or lymphopoietic disorders

Abstract: Dysfunction or malfunction of hematopoiesis or lymphopoiesis is treated with a CIF. The CIF may be administered locally or systemically, depending upon the indication, and does not require coadminstration of activator or cofactor for efficacy.

Description: Technical Field This invention is in the field of anti-inflammatory compounds. More particularly it relates to the use of polypeptides called cartilage-inducing factors (CIFs) and functionally related polypeptides as factors in the manufacture of a medicament for treating dysfunction or malfunction of hematopoiesis or lymphopoiesis. Background Commonly owned European Patent Application No. 85304848.6, published 22 January 1986 under No. 0169016, describes two bovine bone-derived CIFs, designated CIF-A and CIF-B. Both have molecular weights of approximately 26,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE and are dimers. They each exhibit in vitro chondrogenic activity by themselves, as measured by cartilage specific proteoglycan (PG) production in an agarose gel culture model using fetal rat mesenchymal cells. Neither, however, is chondrogenically active in vivo by itself. Amino acid sequencing of the CIF-A shoved that it has a partial (30 amino acids) N-terminal sequence identical to that reported for a human placenta-derived polypeptide called beta-type transforming growth factor (TGF-β). The partial N-terminal sequence of CIF-B is different from that of TGF-β. Both CIFs exhibit activity in the TGF-β assay (ability to induce anchorage-independent growth of normal rat kidney cell colonies in soft agar). TGF-β derived from bovine kidney, human placenta, and human platelets is described in International Patent Application PCT/US83/01460. published 29 March 1984 under no. WO84/01106, and EPA 84450016.5, published 19 December 1984 under no. 0128849. These applications present data showing that such TGF-β, when combined with EGF or TGF-α. (1) promotes cell proliferation in the above mentioned soft agar culture assay and (2) promotes cell proliferation and protein deposition in a rat soft tissue wound healing model. The applications characterize the TGF-βs as being dimers having a molecular weight of approximately 26,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE. Disclosure of the Invention The present invention is based on the finding that the two bone-derived CIFs described above can be used in the manufacture of a medicament for treating dysfunction or malfunction of hematopoiesis or lymphopoiesis, although they also have anti-inflammatory activity. Evaluations of implants containing CIF indicate that CIF is active both locally and systemically for inhibiting acute and/or chronic inflammation. Based on the similarity (or perhaps identity in the case of CIF-A) of these polypeptides to TGF-βs, it is believed that TGF-βs also have these newly discovered activities. These activities appear to be independent of the presence of activating agents or cofactors and are distinct from the in vitro chondrogenic activity and cell proliferation activity reported previously. For convenience, the term CIF is used in this section and the claims as a generic term to encompass CIF-A. CIF-B. the TGF-βs and functional equivalents thereof. Subsequent findings that CIF is localized at sites of hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis and inhibits the response of thymocytes to interleukin-1 (IL-1) indicate that CIF may be efficacious in treating dysfunction or malfunction of red blood cell and/or lymphocyte development. Accordingly, the invention provides the use of a CIF for the manufacture of a medicament for treating a dysfunction or malfunction of hematopoiesis or lymphopoiesis. The treatment may be systemic or CIF may be administered locally. Brief Description of the Drawings In the drawings: Figure 1 is the amino acid sequence of platelet-derived human TGF-β monomer. Figure 2 is a graph of the optical densities (absorbances) (280 nm) of the gel filtration fractions of the example 1 (¶C): Figure 3 is a graph of the optical densities (280 nm) of eluate fractions from the preparative ion exchange chromatography of the example 1 (¶D): and Figure 4 shows graphically the effect of CIF-A (TGF-β) and CIF-B upon the proliferation of murine thymocytes to stimulation of different amounts of recombinant IL-1 (rIL-1) (Example 4. infra). Figure 5 is a graph showing the dose-dependent inhibition of stimulated murine thymocyte proliferation by TGF-β and CIF-B (Example 4. infra). Figure 6 is a graph showing the effect of TGF-β and CIF-B upon thymocyte cultures prestimulated with IL-1 for different lengths of time (Example 4. infra). Figure 7 shows graphically the effect of TGF-β and CIF-B pretreatment upon the responsiveness to IL-1 mediated proliferation (Example 4. infra). Figure 8 is a graph of the results of the T cell proliferation assays described in Example 5 (¶B). Modes for Carrying Out the Invention As used herein the term "treat" is intended to mean prophylaxis or attenuation of an existing condition. The term "functional equivalent" as used to describe a polypeptide is intended to mean polypeptides, whether native or synthetic and regardless of species or derivation, that have the same amino acid sequence as the referenced polypeptide, and polypeptides of substantially homologous (i.e., et least 90% identity in amino acid sequence) but different amino acid sequence, which difference(s) does not affect anti-inflammatory activity adversely. CIF-A, CIF-B and TGF-βs exhibit activity in the TGF-β assay described in Methods for Preparation of Media, Supplements, and Substrate for Serum-Free Animal Cell Culture (1984) pp 181-194. Alan R. Liss. Inc. That assay determines ability to induce anchorage-independent growth in non-neoplastic normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts by measuring the formation of cell colonies in soft agar. Procedures for obtaining TGF-βs from platelets, placenta and kidney tissues are described in International patent publication WO84/01106 and EPA publication no 0128849. Briefly, they involve extracting the source material with acid-ethanol, sizing the extract by gel filtration, and isolating the TGF-β from the filtrate by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). A procedure for isolating CIFs from bovine bone is described in European Patent Application No. 85304848.6. It involves extracting demineralized bone (DMB) with an extractant (e.g., ≧4M guanidine hydrochloride, 8M urea) that solubilizes nonfibrous proteins, gel filtering the extract to obtain a < 30 Kd fraction, chromatographing the fraction on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at pH 4.5-5.5, preferably 4.8, eluting the CMC-adsorbed fraction with an NaCl gradient, and purifying the proteins from the portion eluting at about 150-250 mM NaCl by RP-HPLC or gel electrophoresis. CIF-A. CIF-B, and the TGF-βs isolated to date from natural sources are polypeptide dimers of approximately 25 to 26 Kd molecular weight as determined by SDS-PAGE. Nature (1985) 316 :701-705 reports a cDNA nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence for platelet-derived human TGF-β. Mature platelet-derived human TGF-β is characterized as a homodimer of a 112 amino acid-long monomer. Platelet/placenta/kidney-derived TGF-β and CIF-A and CIF-B are non-species specific as regards TGF-β activity. It is believed, therefore, that these polypeptides have been highly conserved among animal species (i.e., a given polypeptide from different mammalian species has an amino acid sequence that varies, if at all, in one or more amino acid residue additives, deletions, or substitutions that do not affect the non-species specific activity of the molecule adversely) and have cross-species functionality. Accordingly, CIF-A, CIF-B, and the TGF-βs may be derived from cells or tissue of diverse animal origin or may be obtained by recombinant DNA technology. Correlatively, CIF (TGF-β) from one vertebrate species may be used to treat another vertebrate species. The most common usage of CIF (TGF-β) as an anti-inflammatory agent will be in the treatment of humans, domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, and sports or pet animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. CIF-A and CIF-B are preferred for use in the invention method. Examples The following examples are intended to illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. They are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. 1. Preparation of CIFs from Bone A. Preparation of Demineralized Bone Bovine metatarsal bone was obtained fresh from the slaughterhouse and transported on dry ice. The bones were cleaned of marrow and non-bone tissues. broken in fragments smaller than 1 cm diameter, and pulverized in a mill at 4°C. The pulverized bone was washed twice with 9.4 liters of double distilled water per kg of bone for about 15 min each, and then washed overnight in 0.01 N HCl at 4°C. Washed bone was defatted using 3 X 3 volumes ethanol, followed by 3 X 3 volumes diethylether, each washed for 20 min, and all at zoom temperature. The resulting defatted bone powder was then demineralized in 0.5 N HCl (25 1/kg defatted bone) at 4°C. The acid was decanted and the resulting DMB washed until the wash pH was greater than 4, and the DMB dried on a suction filter. B. Extraction of Noncollagenous Proteins The DMB as prepared in ¶A was extracted with 3.3 1 of 4 M guanidine-HCl. 10 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), pH 6.8. 1 mM PMSF. 10 mM NEM per kg for 16 h, the suspension suction filtered and the non-soluble material extracted again for 4 h. The soluble fractions were combined and concentrated at least 5-fold by ultrafiltration using an Amicon® ultrafiltration (10K) unit, and the concentrate dialyzed against 6 changes of 35 volumes cold deionized water over a period of 4 days, and then lyophilized. All of the procedures of this paragraph were conducted at 4°C except the lyophilization which was conducted under standard lyophilization conditions. C. Gel Filtration The extract from ¶B, redissolved in 4 M guanidine-HCl, was fractionated on a Sephacryl® S-200 column equilibrated in 4 M guanidine-HCl. 0.02% sodium azide. 10 mM EDTA. pH 6.8. Fractions were assayed by their absorbance at 280 nm and the fractions were combined as shown in Figure 2. Fraction F2 of Figure 2. constituting a low molecular weight (LMW. 10,000-30,000 daltons) protein fraction was dialyzed against 6 changes of 180 volumes of deionized water and lyophilized. All operations except lyophilization and dialysis (4°C) were conducted at room temperature. D. Ion Exchange Chromatography Fraction F2 from ¶C was dissolved in 6 M urea 10 mM NaCl. 1 mM NEM. 50 mM sodium acetate. pH 4.8 and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 5 min. The supernatant was fractionated on a CM52 (a commercially available CMC) column equilibrated in the same buffer. Bound proteins were eluted from the column using a 10 mM to 400 mM NaCl gradient in the same buffer, and a total volume of 350 ml at a flow rate of 27 ml/h. Three major fractions, designated CM-1, CM-2 and CM-3, were collected as shown in Figure 3. CM-2 and CM-3 eluted at approximately 150-250 mM NaCl. Each fraction was dialyzed against 6 changes of 110 volumes of deionized water for 4 days and lyophilized. All of the foregoing operations were conducted at room temperature except dialysis (4°C). E. RP-HPLC The combined lyophilized fractions CM-2 and CM-3 from ¶D were each dissolved in 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and aliquots of the solutions loaded onto a Vydac® C18 RP-HPLC columns (4.6 mm ID X 25 cm) and washed with 0.1% TFA for 5 min at 1 ml/min. The eluting solvent was a 0%-60% acetonitrile gradient in 0.1% TFA at a rate of 2%/min. Two peaks were obtained from the RP-HPLC of combined CM-2 and CM-3--peak A at about 29.5 min and peak B at about 31.2 min. The proteins of these peaks are the subject of said U.S. patent application serial no. 630,938. They are designated CIF-A and CIF-B, respectively. The proteins were stored in 0.1% TFA/acetonitrile eluting solution at -20°C until used. F. Characterization of CIF-A and CIF-B Table 1 below gives the partial amino acid compositions of CIF-A and CIF-B. Amino Acid Amt (mols/100 mols recovered) CIF-A CIF-B Asp 9.2 12.0 Glu 9.2 8.5 Ser 7.0 10.6 His 2.7 0.9 Gly 16.5 22.0 Thr 2.7 0.0 Arg 5.9 4.3 Ala 6.6 6.7 Tyr 3.2 1.9 Met 0.0 0.0 Val 7.5 2.4 Phe 3.0 3.0 Ile 3.9 2.2 Leu 8.6 8.2 Lys 13.9 17.3 Pro ND ND Cys ND ND Trp ND ND SDS-PAGE analysis of CIF-A and CIF-B indicate that both have a molecular weight of approximately 26,000 daltons. Both proteins exhibited activity in the TGF-β assay referred to above comparable to that reported for TGF-βs derived from human platelets, human placenta, or bovine kidney. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the first 30 amino acids of CIF-A and CIF-B was carried out and found to be as follows: The N-terminal amino acid sequence of CIF-A is identical to that reported for platelet-derived human TGF-β (see Nature . infra). 2. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of CIFs A. Formulation of CIF-A/CIF-B-Containing Implants A collagenous carrier was prepared by mixing collagen in solution (CIS. 1-3mg protein/ml: sold by Collagen Corporation under the trademark VITROGEN 100®) with bone collagen pouder (BCP, lyophilized solids from bone collagen) to give a minimal final concentration of 10% collagen from CIS. A 2:1 weight ratio mixture of CIF-A and CIF-B (in 0.1% TFA) was added to carrier in weight ratios of 1:1200, 1:4500, 1:6000, 1:8000, and 1:20000. The formulations were stirred for 1-2 hr at 4°C and either directly lyophilized or dialyzed against water and lyophilized. Carrier alone was used as a comparative control. B. Histological Evaluation of Implant Formulations of ¶A 1. Implantation The lyophilized formulations were rehydrated with two parts by weight of cold sterile water and mixed to form a homogeneous paste. The rehydrated material was formed into compact pellets (80-100 mg wet weight). The pellets were implanted subcutaneously in the ventral thoracic region of young male rats. Each rat received bilateral implants. The explants were recovered at 3, 10, and 14 days post implantation and evaluated histologically. 2. Histological Evaluation Explants were fixed in 10% neutral formalin and paraffin embedded by routine methods. Sections were subsequently stained with either hematoxylin-eosin or with Gomori trichome. 3. Results The results of the histological evaluations are summarized below. 3-Days Post Implantation 1. Carrier alone At three days post implantation, the implant was, for the most part, acellular. Sparse neutrophils were the most apparent cell type. 2. CIF-Carrier The implant was also relatively acellular at three days. However, there was an apparent activation of fibroblasts from adjacent muscle and the surrounding subcutaneous tissues. These fibroblasts contained abundant cytoplasm and were, for the most part, euchromatic suggesting the cells were highly activated. Fibroblast infiltration was beginning at the margins of the implant. 10-Days Post Implantation 1. Carrier alone The inflammatory profile was markedly changed by 10 days following implantation. The implant contained a diffuse mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate dominated by lymphocytes and histiocytes. Focal areas of granulocytes (neutrophils and eosinophils) and giant cells were evident around some of the bone collagen particles. 2. CIF-Carrier There were few inflammatory cells associated with the implant at this time point. Numerous hyperplastic fibroblasts were present throughout the implant. A collagenous connective tissue matrix was evident around and surrounding the bone collagen powder particles. 14-Days Post Implantation 1. Carrier alone By 14-days post implantation, most bone collagen particles were sequestered by granulomas consisting of lymphocytes. histiocytes and giant cells. Implant-associated fibrosis was evident as well as multifocal areas of eosinophils. 2. CIF-Carrier Implant-associated inflammation was negligible compared with the control implants. A dense collagenous connective tissue matrix was evident throughout the implant. Morphologically, the fibroblasts appeared to be metabolically less active than at earlier time points. These histological observations demonstrate that CIF inhibits inflammatory cell function in vivo . The lack of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, lymphocytes, and histiocytes at the CIF-containing implant sites suggests that CIF may function as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. In the implants having CIF to carrier weight ratios of 1:8000 and 1:20000 there was a marked reduction in implant-associated inflammation compared with carrier alone implants. The implants containing higher CIF to carrier weight ratios developed a dense collagenous connective tissue matrix throughout the implant. At all CIF levels, implant-associated inflammation was negligible compared to no CIF. In similar in vivo studies in which the rats received bilateral implants with and without CIF-containing extracts, it was noted that inflammation was reduced or absent in the implant remote from the CIF-containing implant. These observations indicate that CIF acts systemically as well as locally. When used as a local anti-inflammatory agent the CIF (and/or TGF-β) will usually be formulated in effective amounts with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers in weight ratios to carrier in the range of 1:1000 to 1:20000. If tissue deposition at the site is not desired, the level of CIF to carrier may be lowered to below that (e.g., at weight ratios below about 1:6000 in the case of collagen carrier) which promotes tissue deposition. In addition to being formulated as an injectable, the CIF may be incorporated (dispersed) into solid permeable implants such as collagenous soft and hard tissue implants, prostheses, sponges, wound dressings and sutures to modulate local inflammatory responses to such solid bodies. Since such implants are made from permeable materials the CIF can diffuse from the implant and exert its anti-inflammatory properties. If it is desired to minimize other activities of CIF (cell proliferation, tissue deposition) the CIF will be incorporated free of activating agents or cofactor, preferably at levels below that which promote tissue deposition. When used to treat inflammation at internal body sites locally, the CIF- or TGF-β-containing formulation is injected, inhaled, placed surgically, or otherwise administered locally, depending on the particular formulation, and the site where inflammation control is desired. For systemic administration CIF may be formulated with conventional carriers used with water-soluble proteins for injection into circulation. Alternatively, it may be formulated as a sustained release implant formulation if the indication being treated requires. The amount of CIF (TGF-β) administered to treat inflammation will depend upon the patient, the inflammatory condition being treated, and the mode of administration. In general, the amounts administered to adult humans will be in the range of about 0.1 to 1000 µg. When CIF is administered locally, amounts in the lower portion of this range will normally be used, typically 0.1 to 10 µg. Correspondingly, systemic administration will typically involve amounts in the 10-1000 µg range. CIF may be particularly effective in the treatment of inflammation involving the respiratory system. In this application, the CIFs may be administered by inhalation with a suitable aerosol. In this form, these factors would be useful for the treatment of diffuse interstitial diseases of the lung such as asbestosis, silicosis, or coal-miner's pneumoconiosis; the treatment of immunological diseases that involve the respiratory tract such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, or Goodpasture's syndrome: and the treatment of granulomatous inflammation of the lungs and pulmonary tract such as Wegener's granulomatosus and eosinophilic granulomatosus. These anti-inflammatory peptides may be combined with carriers in the form of a salve, ointment, or other topical formulation and thereby by useful in the control of dermal inflammation by topical application. Such formulations would be particularly useful in the local treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, contact dermatitis, dermal ulcers, and acute or chronic eczematous dermatitis. CIF may be either used alone or combined with a slow release carrier and injected into or around joints, bone, or muscle for the control of inflammation associated with various diseases. Some examples include myositis (viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal or autoimmune processes); myasthenia gravis; osteomyelitis; osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Since the CIF molecules have been shown to be stable at low pH and resistent to enzyme digestion, these factors may be delivered systemically by ingestion. These properties make these factors particularly useful for controlling inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This would be particularly useful for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, granulomatous gastritis, esophagitis (numerous causes); enteristis (numerous causes); and colitis (numerous causes). 3. Immunohistochemical Localization of CIF-A (TGF-β) Materials and Methods A. Synthetic Polypeptide Synthesis A synthetic polypeptide, referred to as Al/30, was constructed to be identical to the N-terminal amino acid sequence (residues 1-30) of CIF-A and TGF-β. The peptide A1/30 was synthesized by a solid-phase method. The peptide was assembled on p-methylbenzhydrylamine resin, cleaved from the resin, deprotected via a 2-step hydrogen fluoride procedure, and purified by reverse-phase liquid chromatography on octadecylsilica. Peptide A1/30 was determined to be homogeneous by RP-HPLC and thin layer chromatography and the amino acid sequence was verified by gas-phase sequence analysis. B. Radioiodination Purified CIF-A and CIF-B were radioiodinated with Na¹²⁵I using a lactoperoxidase method. The specific activity was 0.8 to 1.0 x 10⁷ cpm/µg protein. C. Immunization A New Zealand white rabbit was immunized with peptide A1/30 at multiple intramuscular sites biweekly for 6-10 weeks using 250 to 500 µg of peptide A1/30 per injection. The primary immunization was in Freund's complete adjuvant and the subsequent boosts were in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Ten days following the final boost, the rabbit was bled by cardiac puncture. The blood was clotted at 22°C for 4 h and overnight at 4°C, and the serum was collected and stored at -70°C. D. Antibody Purification Serum IgG was purified using Sepharose® protein-A. Briefly, serum was diluted with an equal volume of 0.01 M Tris (pH 7.2) containing 0.15 M NaCl. Antibodies were precipitated with an equal volume of saturated ammonium sulfate adjusted to pH 8.0 (4°C) and collected by centrifugation at 100,000 x g (30 min). The protein pellet was resuspended in a minimal volume of pH 7.2 PBS and dialyzed against PBS. The retentate was clarified by centrifugation and the supernatant applied to a 10 ml column of Sepharose® protein-A. Bound IgG was eluted with 0.1 M glycine-HCl (pH 2.0). The antibodies were immediately neutralized (4.0 M Tris), dialyzed against PBS, and lyophilized. E. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) Antiserum was evaluated for reactivity with peptide A1/30, CIF-A, or the low molecular weight bone extract by an ELISA. Peptide A1/30 was solubilized in PBS, while purified CIF-A or the partially purified bone extracts were solubilized in 0.01 N HCl. Antigens were diluted in 0.01 M carbonate buffer (pH 9.6) and 400 ng of protein in 100 µl volume were added to the wells of a microtiter plate. Peptides A1/30 and CIF-A were air dried onto the wells overnight. Plates containing the partially purified extract were sealed and stored overnight at 4°C. Prior to use, nonspecific protein binding to the ELISA plate was blocked by incubating with PBS containing 1% (w/v) BSA for 1 h. Antiserum was serially twofold diluted and 100 µl were added to each well for 1 h. The plates were washed with PBS containing 0.05% (v/v) Tween®-20 and 1% (w/v) BSA, and peroxidase-conjugated goat F(ab')₂ anti-rabbit IgG was added for 2 h. The plates were washed 5-8 times and the peroxidase substrate was added. The substrate consisted of 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline) sulfonic acid (ABTS. 0.03% w/v) and 0.03% (v/v) H₂O₂ in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.0). Color was allowed to develop for 30 min and the optical density determined at 414 nm. F. Antibody Competition ELISA An antibody competition ELISA was used to determine if antibodies detected by the ELISA were antigen specific. Various concentrations (1 to 100 ng) of soluble competing antigen peptide (A1/30) were added to the wells to compete the binding of antibody to plastic adsorbed synthetic polypeptide: for these studies the antiserum was diluted 1:5000 and the antibodies were washed away and the bound antibodies detected by the ELISA. G. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate - Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis Purified and partially purified proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE. The stacking gels were 4% and the separating gels were 15% polyacrylamide. The gels were either silver stained or electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose. In some instances, the gels were "spiked" with ¹²⁵I-labeled CIF-A as an internal standard to identify CIF-A in the gel or the protein to blot. H. Two-Dimensional Acetic Acid-Urea PAGE Partially purified low molecular weight bone extracts were evaluated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Proteins (20 to 40 µg) were separated (by mass and charge) in the first dimension in 15% polyacrylamide containing 2.5 M urea and acetic acid in glass tubes (2 x 4 x 125 mm) for 5-6 hr at 160 V (constant voltage), and the second dimension in a 15% SDS-polyacrylamide slab gel. The gels were either silver stained or the proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose (below). In some instances, the gels were "spiked" with ¹²⁵I-labeled CIF-A and CIF-B and subsequently autoradiographed to identify the factors on the silver stained gel. I. Immunoblotting Samples were first electrophoretically separated in one or two dimensions. After separation, the proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose using a trans blot apparatus filled with 25 mM Tris (pH 8.3) and 192 mM glycine (pH 8.3) containing 20% (v/v) methanol. The proteins were transferred for 18 h at 170 mA (constant current). Following transfer, nonspecific protein binding was blocked with PBS buffer containing 0.05% (v/v) Tween-20® and 1% (w/v) BSA for 1-2 h. The protein blots were then incubated for 2 h in a 1:100 dilutions of rabbit anti-A1/30 serum. The blot was washed for 30 min with the same buffer and then incubated for 1 h with 200,000 cpm/ml [¹²⁵I] protein-A. The immunoblots were washed, air dried, and autoradiographed with Kodak® XAR-5 film at -80°C for 1 to J. Immunohistochemical Staining The cell association and distribution of CIF-A was determined by immunohistochemical staining methods. Fetal bovine tissues were collected from a single animal at 6 months gestation. The tissues were fixed in 10% neutral formalin. Hard tissues were demineralized in 10% formic acid. The tissues were dehydrated and paraffin embedded with a Fisher Histomatic Tissue Processor model 166A (15 h cycle). The sections were deparaffinized with xylene and endogenous peroxidase blocked with 0.1% hydrogen peroxide in 0.01 M Tris containing 0.15 M NaCl (15 min). The sections were then treated with 1 mg/ml testicular hyaluronidase in 0.1 M sodium acetate (pH 5.5) in saline (30 min at 37°C). Nonspecific protein binding was blocked with 0.5% (w/v) BSA in Tris-saline (15 min). The sections were incubated with optimally diluted (1:50) rabbit (IgG) anti-A1/30 or nonimmune rabbit IgG for 1 hr, washed with Tris-saline, and incubated for 1 hr with peroxidase conjugated goat F(ab')₂ anti-rabbit IgG. The slides were treated with diaminobenzidine substrate buffer. The substrate buffer consisted of 0.5 mg/ml diaminobenzidine in 0.05 M Tris (pH) saline containing 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. The sections were counterstained with Mayer's hematoxylin. Results A. Antibody Reactivity The antiserum had a titer of 1:10,000 on A1/30 and CIF-A, and a titer of 1:1,000 on a partially purified CIF-A containing bone extract. The antibodies also reacted with TGF-β from platelets, as expected. since the N-terminal sequence is identical. The competitive ELISA method was used to determine if the antibodies detected by the ELISA were antigen-specific antibodies. In this experiment, the binding of an optimal dilution of antiserum (1:5,000) to 400 ng of peptide A1/30 bound to plastic was competed with variable amounts (1 to 100 ng) of soluble synthetic polypeptide. Antibody binding was competed in a linear dose-response type fashion and 100 ng of the soluble competitor competed binding by more than 80%. The linear titrations characteristics of the antibodies and linear and near complete competitions of binding suggest that the antibodies were antigen specific. The antibody specificity was also confirmed by immunoblotting methods in which the antibodies were immunoreactive with nonreduced CIF-A and with β-mecaptoethanol-reduced CIF-A, as well as peptide A1/30. Having determined that the antibodies to peptide A1/30 were immunoreactive with CIF-A, they were used to determine if other molecular weight species of CIF-A were contained in crude bone extracts. High and low molecular weight bone extracts were prepared and the constituent proteins separated by gel electrophoresis. A silver stained gel and a duplicate immunoblot were prepared. The tests showed that antibodies to peptide A1/30 detected only a protein of the same molecular weight as CIF-A in both the high and low molecular weight bone extracts. B. Cell Association and Tissue Distribution Osteocytes within the cancellous bone of the femur were specifically labeled by staining. In addition, there was intense staining of articular chondrocytes, particularly those cells in close association with the cartilage canals. Chondrocytes within the epiphyseal plate were not labeled by the antibodies. Kidney tissue and platelets were examined. There was specific staining of the epithelial cells lining the calyces, while surrounding stromal and parenchymal cells were not labeled by the anti-A1/30 antibodies. Bone marrow was also examined, and the platelet-producing megakaryocytes were specifically labeled by the antibodies. Some mononuclear bone marrow cells were also stained by the antibodies. Staining was also carried out to determine if CIF-A might also be associated with centers of hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis. There was intense cytoplasmic staining of clusters of hematopoietic stem cells in the fetal liver, while hepatocytes and stromal cells were not labeled. Hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow were specifically stained with the antibodies. The thymus was examined and specific staining of Hassall's corpuscle and some of the medullary thymocytes was observed. There was no specific staining of the less differentiated cortical thymocytes. Further staining studies were carried out to confirm the thymic localization of CIF-A. The antibodies to CIF-A specifically stained the reticulo-epithelial cells in the medullary portion of the thymus and the epithelial cells comprising the Hassall's corpuscles. Epithelial cells in the cortical region and the surrounding capsule were not stained by the antibodies. There was no detectable staining of the subcapsular, cortical, or medullary thymocytes. Other tissues were examined, including the thyroid, adrenal, and the submaxillary salivary gland, as well as the aorta. CIF-A was not detected in any of these tissue by the staining technique. The localization of CIF-A/TGF-β in centers of hematopoiesis (bone marrow and liver) and lymphopoiesis (thymus) suggest that the molecule may regulate red blood cell and/or lymphocyte differentiation in vivo . Accordingly, CIF may find use in therapy for indications associated with dysfunction or malfunction of hematopoiesis and/or lymphopoiesis such as congenital thymic aplasia, severe combined immunodeficiency, hereditary hemolytic anemia, and acquired hemolytic anemia. 4. Activity of CIF on Developing T Lymphocytes Having established that CIF is associated in situ with developing T lymphocytes, tests were carried out as follows to determine the effect of CIF upon the mitogenic response of thymocytes. A. Cell Culture Preparation Single cell suspensions of murine (C3H/HeJ) thymocytes were prepared and the cells suspended in Eagle's minimal essential medium supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum, 100 U/ml penicillin, 100 µg/ml streptomycin, 2 mM L-glutamine, and 5 x 10⁻⁵ M 2-mercaptoethanol. Cell viability was determined by cell morphology and trypan blue exclusion. B. IL-1 Assay Thymocytes (1 x 10⁶) were plated into flatbottom 96 well microtiter plates. The cells were co-stimulated with optimal concentrations of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and IL-1 (2 U IL-1 and PHA). Purified, endotoxin-free human blood monocyte derived IL-1 or recombinant IL-1 (rIL-1) were used. One unit of specific activity was defined as the amount of IL-1 which results in a half maximal thymocyte proliferative response. Different amounts of CIF-A (TGF-β) and CIF-B were added to the thymocyte cultures (see Figures 4-7). The cells were cultured for 72 h in a humidified incubator in 5% CO₂ at 37°C. Prior to harvesting (24 h), the cultures were pulsed with 0.5 µCi of ³H-thymidine. The cultures were harvested with a semi-automated cell harvester and the amount of ³H-thymidine incorporation was determined by standard liquid scintillation methods. Results The results of the tests are reported graphically in Figures 4-7. As seen in Figure 4A, 1.9 x 10⁻¹¹ M and 1.5 x 10⁻¹⁰ M concentrations of TGF-β inhibited (86% to 92% of control) ³H-thymidine incorporation by thymocyte cultures treated with 2 U to 40 U of rIL-1. TGF-β at a culture concentration of 1.9 x 10⁻¹² M inhibited the proliferative response by 49% to 59% at each concentration of rIL-1 tested. Similarly, 1.9 x 10⁻¹⁰ M CIF-B inhibited (90% of control) thymocyte proliferation to all concentrations of rIL-1 tested. Thymocyte cultures with 1.5 x 10⁻¹¹ M CIF-B were inhibited by 50% to 60%; while cultures treated with 1.9 x 10⁻¹² M CIF-B were inhibited by 17% to 26% compared with nontreated control cultures. The cell viability of the TGF-β and CIF-B treated cultures was comparable to nontreated cultures as judged by cell morphology and trypan blue exclusion. The effective dose range for TGF-β and CIF-B is illustrated in figure 5. The effective dose range was between 10⁻¹² M and 10⁻¹⁰ M for both factors. Both factors exhibited maximal inhibition (90% of control) at a culture concentration of approximately 2 x 10⁻¹⁰ M; half-maximal inhibition for TGF-β and CIF-B was 6 x 10⁻¹² M and 4 x 10⁻¹² M, respectively. The results depicted in Figures 4 and 5 show that when TGF-β or CIF-B was simultaneously added to the cultures with IL-1 and PHA there was a dose-dependent inhibition of the proliferative response. Figure 6 shows the effect of these factors upon thymocytes prestimulated by the mitogens. In that experiment, thymocyte cultures were stimulated with 2 U IL-1 and PHA for 1 h to 48 h prior to the addition of TGF-β or CIF-B (1.9 x 10⁻¹⁰ M). The results of Figure 6 show that cultures prestimulated for 1 h to 6 h by the mitogens were significantly inhibited (86% of control) by the addition of exogenous TGF-β or CIF-B. Thymocytes prestimulated for 24 h were partially inhibited (47% to 63% of control) by treatment with TGF-β or CIF-B. Thymocytes prestimulated for 48 h were not affected, or were only slightly (27% of control) inhibited, by treatement with TGf-β or CIF-B. As indicated in Figure 6 TGF-β and CIF-B were most effective at suppressing the mitogenic response when the cells were exposed to these factors during the initial inductive phase. The question of whether continuous exposure to these factors was required to maintain the inhibitory effect is addressed by the results of Figure 7. In these experiments, thymocytes were pretreated (1 h to 4 h) in culture tubes with different concentrations of TGF-β or CIF-B. The pretreated cells were washed extensively to remove the exogenous factor and then transferred to microcultures with 2 U IL-1 and PHA for an additional 72 h. Control cultures were treated identical to the pretreated cultures, except TGF-β or CIF-B was added directly to the microculture wells. The results show that cells pretreated for 4 h with TGF-β or CIF-B (10⁻¹⁰ M) were less responsive (50% of control) to subsequent stimulation by the mitogens compared with the nontreated control cultures. Cells pretreated for 1 h to 2 h with 10⁻¹⁰ M TGF-β or CIF-B were only slightly less responsive (20% to 30% respectively) to mitogen stimulation. Cells pretreated for 1 h to 2 h with low concentrations (10⁻¹² M and 10⁻¹¹ M) of the factors were not inhibited from responding to IL-1 induction. The results of Example 4, in conjunction with the immunolocalization results, suggest that TGF-β (and perhaps CIF-B) may function physiologically by regulating clonal expansion of the developing T-lymphocyte; and, further, the cells comprising the Hassall's corpuscles are likely the cell-types responsible for producing TGF-β in the thymus. This concept is supported, in part, by whole animal radiolabelling studies which show that the majority of thymocyte proliferation is restricted to the subcapsular and cortical regions of the thymus, and that thymocyte maturation is compartmentalized within the medullary portion of the thymus. While the mechanism whereby TGF-β and CIF-B inhibits the proliferative response of thymocytes is not understood, a likely explanation is that these factors perturb IL-2 production and IL-2 receptor expression by the IL-1 treated thymocytes. Failure of the cell to produce either the growth factor or the receptor will result in the failure of the T lymphocyte to become activated. 5. Activity of CIF on Mature Lymphocytes Materials and Methods A. Purification of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from heparinized blood of healthy adult human donors in Ficoll-Hypaque density gradients. The red blood cell-free buffy coat was collected from the aqueous-ficoll interface. The monocytes were removed by incubating at 37°C for 1 h on tissue culture plastic in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). The T lymphocytes were isolated from the nonadherent cells by rosetting with 0.25% sheep red blood cells (E-rosettes) for 2 h at 37°C. The E-rosetted T lymphocytes were separated from the nonrosetted B lymphocytes by centrifugation through Ficoll-Hypaque for 30 to 40 min at 500 x g. The pellet was >95% E-rosetted cells. The sheep red blood cells were lysed with 0.83% ammonium chloride. The nonrosetted B lymphocytes were collected from the ficoll-aqueous interface. B. T Cell Mitogen Assay T lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated using a mitogen microassay. The assay consisted of plating 0.2 x 10⁵ T cells into 96-well microassay plates. The cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with L-glutamine, penicillin streptomycin, and 10% FCS. The cultures were nitogen stimulated with Concanavalin-A (6.2 to 24 µg/ml). CIF-A or CIF-B was added to the microcultures between 0.01 to 40 ng/ml. The final culture volumes were adjusted to 250 µl, and the mixture was incubated for 5 days at 37°C in a humidified incubator in a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. The cultures were pulsed with 1.0 µCi of ³H-thymidine (specific activity 25 Ci/mmole) 18 h prior to harvesting with an automated cell harvester. Inhibition of ³H-thymidine incorporation by various concentrations of CIF-A or CIF-B was determined from triplicate cultures by the following formula: % inhibition = 1 - mitogen treated with CIF (cpm) mitogen-treated control without CIF (cpm) x 100 C. B Cell Activation Assay A lymphocyte culture was made by mixing 10⁵ T lymphocytes with 2.5 x 10⁵ fresh autologous B lymphocytes. The cells were cultured at 37°C in 5% CO₂ in 1 ml RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with L-glutamine, penicillin-streptomycin, and 10% FCS. The cultures were set up in 12 x 75 mm culture tubes. Pokeweed mitogen was added to cultures at a 1/100 dilution. To these cultures various concentrations (1.9 x 10⁻¹² M, 1.9 x 10⁻¹⁰ M, or 1.5 x 10⁻⁹ M) of either CIF-A or CIF-B were added to the cultures. The cells were cultured for 7 days. At the end of the culture period, the cell-free culture supernatants were assayed for IgM or IgG by a sandwich ELISA method. Flat-bottom polyvinyl chloride microtiter plates were incubated overnight at 4°C with approximately 120 to 500 µg of affinity-purified goat anti-human IgM or IgG in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The plates were washed with PBS containing 0.05% Tween®-20 (PT buffer) in order to remove unbound antibody. The culture supernatants were diluted either 1/10 or 1/100 in PBS containing 0.05% Tween®-20 and 0.5% bovine serum albumen (PTB buffer). To generate a standard curve, various concentrations (2 to 10 ng) of purified human IgG or IgM were added to the appropriate wells. After 2 h at room temperature, the plates were washed with PT buffer. One hundreds microliters of a 1/5,000 dilution of peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-human IgG or anti-human IgM were added to the wells. After a 1 h incubation, the plates were washed with PT buffer, and 100 µl of freshly prepared substrate was added. The substrate consisted of ABTS, 0.03% (w/v), and 0.03% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.0). Color was allowed to develop for 30 min and the optical density was determined at 414 nm. The concentration of IgG or IgM was calculated from a standard curve run simultaneously with the assays. Inhibition of IgG or IgM production by the B cells was calculated by comparing the CIF-A- or CIF-B-treated cultures to control cultures which were not treated with CIF. The following formula was used: % inhibition of antibody = 1 - ng/ml Ig (with CIF) ng/ml Ig (without CIF) x 100 Results The results of the T cell proliferation assays are plotted in Figure 8. As seen in this figure, both CIF-A and CIF-B were found to have comparable activities upon T lymphocyte proliferation. ³H-thymidine incorporation was inhibited by 78% to 80% by approximately 38 x 10⁻¹² M CIF-A or CIF-B. The half-maximal activity for CIF-A was less than 1 x 10⁻¹² M. The half-maximal activity for CIF-B was estimated to be approximately 1.9 x 10⁻¹² M. These results show clearly that both CIFs are potent inhibitors of human T lymphocyte proliferation. The results of the B cell activation assay are summarized in Table 2 below. The data presented represent the mean ± SD for the three experiments. Culture CIF Concentration IgM (ng/ml) Inhibition (%) IgG (ng/ml) Inhibition (%) T cells + B cells 0 364.9±202.5 - 66.0±12.2 - CIF-A T cells + B cells 1.9 x 10 -12M 244.5±302.8 33.0 56.4±41.2 16.0 T cells + B cells 1.9 x 10 -10M 0±0 100.0 29.6±16.6 56.0 T cells + B cells 1.5 x 10 -9M 0±0 100.0 31.1±15.6 54.0 CIF-B T cells + B cells 1.9 x 10 -12M 292.6±368.5 20.0 66.2±10.4 1.0 T cells + B cells 1.9 x 10 -12M 0±0 100.0 31.0±12.2 54.0 T cells + B cells 1.5 x 10 -9M 0±0 100.0 7.3±6.0 89.0 As shown in Table 2, CIF-A at 1.9 x 10⁻¹² M reduced the amount of IgM produced by 33% and IgG by 16% when compared with the nontreated control culture. There was complete inhibition of IgM production in cultures containing either 1.9 x 10⁻¹⁰ M or 1.5 x 10⁻⁹ M concentrations of CIF-A. Similar concentrations of CIF-A resulted in a 54% to 56% inhibition of IgG production. CIF-B was found to be comparable to CIF-A. As seen in Table 2, cultures containing 1.9 x 10⁻¹⁰ M concentrations of CIF-B contained no IgM and only 54% of the IgG when compared with the untreated control cultures. Cultures treated with 1.5 x 10⁻⁹ M concentrations of CIF-B contained no measurable IgM and very little (89% inhibition) or no IgG. These results show that both CIF-A and CIF-B are extremely potent inhibitors of antibody production by plasma cells. These in vitro T cell proliferation and B cell activation experiments suggest that lymphocyte regulation may be one mechanism involved in the in vivo lymphohistiocytic anti-inflammatory activity of CIF observed previously. The results of these tests confirm the work reported by Kehrl, J.H., et al, Clinical Research (1985) 610A. 6. In Vivo Tests Using CIF in Rodent Arthritis Model Experimental collagen-induced arthritis (ECIA) can be induced in rats by intradermal injection of native type II collagen (bovine or rat) emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. The inbred Lewis rat strain, LEW (RT1¹), has been shown to develop peripheral polyarthritis within 14 to 30 days following immunization. Joint and ear cartilage develop a diffuse mononuclear cell infiltrate. Sensitized rats respond to intradermal skin test challenge and develop circulating antibodies to native type II collagen. Twelve LEW rats (12-15 weeks old) are divided into three groups of four animals each. Groups I and II are sensitized to type II bovine collagen by intradermal injection of bovine type II in complete Freund's adjuvant at 2.5 ml/kg weight. Group III serves as a nonsensitized control. Ankle measurements and subjective grading (0 to +4) of arthritis based on the degree of inflammation and swelling of digits, feet and ankles are made prior to sensitization and regularly throughout the test. Rats in Group I exhibiting a significant inflammatory response are treated by injection of CIF (500 ng in 0.05 ml sterile PBS) directly into the joint on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 following the observed response. Rats of Group II showing such a response are treated similarly by injection of PBS without CIF. Sera are collected from the rats pre-treatment and post-treatment and assayed for antibodies to type II collagen using an ELISA. The rats are given an intradermal skin test challenge at 3 days prior to sacrifice using 50 µg of type II collagen in the abdomen. Erythema and induration are measured at 24, 48, and 72 h post challenge. At 72 h the challenge site is biopsied and examined histologically. Rats are sacrificed 5 to 7 days after the final injection, exsanguinated, and their paws fixed in 10% neutral formalin for histologic examination. The results of these tests show that treatment with CIF reduces inflammation significantly compared to the nontreated control group. The CIF-treated groups exhibit a reduced response to a skin test challenge of type II collagen when compared with the nontreated control group. Further, the treated group has significantly reduced antibody titers to type II collagen. These results suggest that administration of CIF into the affected joints not only controls the inflammation locally, but acts as a systemic immuno-suppressive agent for the treatment of arthritis.

Claims: The use of a CIF in the manufacture of a medicament for treating a dysfunction or malfunction of hematopoiesis or lymphopoiesis. The use according to claim 1 wherein the CIF is a homodimer each of whose chains have the following partial N-terminal amino acid sequence: The use according to claim 1 wherein the CIF is a homodimer each of whose chains have the amino acid sequence shown in Figure 1. The use according to claim 1 wherein the CIF is substantially free of activating agent or co-factor. The use according to any preceding claim wherein the CIF is applied systemically. The use of a CIF according to any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the CIF is applied locally. The use according to claim 6 wherein the CIF is applied as an implant in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The use according to claim 7 wherein the carrier is a collagenous carrier.

Inventors: ARMSTRONG ROSA, BENTZ HANNE, ELLINGSWORTH LARRY, ARMSTRONG, ROSA, BENTZ, HANNE, ELLINGSWORTH, LARRY
Applicants: CELTRIX PHARMA, CELTRIX PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
Application year: 1986
Main classification: A61K38
IPC codes: C07K16, C07K14, A61K38, A61K9