ALLERGEN-SPECIFIC IgA MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND RELATED PRODUCTS FOR ALLERGY TREATMENT

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical preparations which include as their essential ingredient human monoclonal IgA or IgG antibodies, specific for major allergenic proteins found in ragweed, house dust mites, and cat and dog dander. Also disclosed are conjugates comprising physiological compatible polymer backbones or microbeads and a plurality of covalently conjugated allergen-specific binding molecules. Suitable binding molecules can be IgG or IgA, or their F(ab')2, Fab, or Fv fragments, specific to allergenic proteins, such as those mentioned above. Also disclosed are methods for treating a patient with allergic rhinitis, asthma, or conjunctivitis by applying a pharmaceutical preparation containing the antibodies or conjugates specific for the allergenic molecules to which the patient is sensitized, to the patient's affected mucosal tissues, such as the nasal linings, the respiratory tract, or the eyes.

Description: ALLERGEN-SPECIFIC IgA MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND RELATED PRODUCTS FOR ALLERGY TREATMENT Field of Invention The invention relates to allergen-specific IgA and IgG monoclonal antibodies and related products, and their use in diagnosis, allergen purification and in the treatment of IgE-mediated allergies. Background of the Invention Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is the agent primarily responsible for causing type-l hypersensitivities. This type of hypersensitivity is manifested as any of a number of common disease conditions, including allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, and allergic conjunctivitis. The mechanism of type-l hypersensitivities in patients with IgE-mediated allergies stems from the fact that they synthesize allergen-specific IgE. The IgE circulates in the blood and binds to high-affinity IgE.Fc receptors (FceRI), which are on basophils in the circulation and on mast cells in various tissues. Allergens enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or through the skin. The allergen molecules bind to the binding sites (Fab) of IgE which is on the surfaces of mast cells and basophils, aggregate the underlying FceRI, and trigger the release of histamines and other pharmacological mediators, causing the well-known allergic symptoms. The tissues that are most susceptible to local IgE-mediated allergic reactions are the nasal linings (in patients with allergic rhinitis), the mucosal linings of bronchial tracts (in patients with allergic asthma), and the mucosal surfaces of the conjunctiva of the eyes (in patients with allergic conjunctivitis). This local sensitivity arises because the allergens enter the respiratory tract through inhalation and get trapped on the mucosal surfaces of the nasal linings and bronchial tracts of the respiratory airway. The eyes and ears are also susceptible to allergen entry and local allergic reactions. Airborne allergens contact with the moist surfaces of the eyes or ears and are retained by the mucous tissues. Mast cells densely populate the mucosal tissues that are exposed to the exterior environment. The allergens that are taken up by the mucosal epithelial cells and transported across the cells to the interstitial spaces bind to the IgE on these mast cells before entering the circulation. Although IgE can cause annoying, discomforting, and sometimes, severe and life-threatening symptoms in affected individuals, it exists in vivo only in minute quantities. Although the levels of IgE in serum are generally higher in atopic than in normal individuals, the total amount of IgE in the body is estimated to be less than 1 mg in most individuals. Thus, the immune mechanism mediated by IgE and the sensitization of mast cells and basophils is a sensitive biological system, which requires only minute quantities of antigens/allergens to induce serious allergic reactions. For an individual highly sensitive to bee venom, for example, the sting of a bee can cause an anaphylactic shock or even death, although the allergenic proteins are only a minor chemical components in the Hymenoptera venom. Or, as another example, a small numbers of pollen particles or animal dander particles are capable of triggering the allergic reactions in the nasal linings and in the airway of sensitized individuals. In the usual situation, the allergens which enter the body of a person are not in their pure form. The allergenic molecules in pollen particles, house dust mites, and animal dander that are breathed in are relatively minor components of the whole particles. For example, the content of the main allergenic protein, antigen P l5 of dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Derp I) in a household highly infested by the mites, accounts for about 10-20 μg per g of dusts. Lau- Schadendorf, S. et al, J. Allergy Gin. Immunol 87:41-47 (1991). The allergenic protein is a cysteine protease contained in the fecal excretion of the mites. The allergenic substances employed in diagnosis and immunotherapy are almost always extracts of allergenic substances, such as grass or tree pollens, house dusts, cat and dog dander. Because of the crude nature of these extracts, the International Union of Immunological Societies of the World Health Organization established the Allergen Standardization Subcommittee to oversee the standards of production, packaging, and preliminary testing of the allergens. For a number of allergenic substances, the standard tests are assays that quantify the major allergenic proteins in the extracts. Over the past several years, increasing efforts have been made to identify and purify the major allergenic proteins from increasing numbers of allergenic substances. For example, the major allergen Canfl (antigen 13) was purified from dog dander. De Groot, H. , et al. , J. Allergy Gin. Immunol 87: 1056-1065 (1991). Several academic laboratories have been able to provide immunochemical assays for allergen-specific IgE and IgG using purified allergen proteins as the antigens in these assays. Hamilton, R.G. and Adkinson, Jr., N.F. in Manual of Ginical Laboratory Immunology, eds. Rose, N.R. et al, pp.689-701, 4th ed., American Society of Microbiology, Washington, D.C. (1992); Hamilton, R.G. and Adkinson, Jr., N.F. ibid., pp.702-708. These purified allergenic proteins and the establishment of the immunochemical assays for human allergen- specific IgG are useful for the identification of B cell clones and monoclonal antibodies specific for the allergens. More recently, the genes encoding several major a-lergenic proteins have been cloned. For example, the cDNA for the major mite antigen, Der p I. Chua, K.Y. et al, J. Exp. Med. 167: 175-182 (1988), and the cDNA for the major allergen in cat saliva, Fel d I. Morgenstern, J.P. et al, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 88: 9690-9694 (1991), have been cloned. The cloning of these genes enables their expression and the production of the recombinant proteins. Although the synthesis of allergen-specific IgE is the primary determinant of IgE-mediated hypersensitivities, it is not the only factor. Persons who are exposed to but not sensitized to an allergen are known to produce IgG specific to the allergen. It is believed that these allergen- specific IgG serve as protective, blocking antibodies. People with IgA deficiency are more prone to develop IgE-mediated allergies, suggesting that IgA secreted to the mucosal surfaces of the respiratory tract can neutralize or block the trapped allergen particles or molecules, and inhibit their entry into the tissue. In desensitization immunotherapy, which is widely used, patients are immunized with small amounts of allergens over an extended period. While this therapy is effective in alleviating symptoms in about half of the allergic patients, its mechanism of action is not well understood. One hypothesis is that the treatment induces IgG blocking antibodies, because elevated levels of these antibodies can be detected in the treated patients. The treatment of allergies has not changed substantially over the past eighty years. Desensitization immunotherapy is the primary therapy for the patients with allergic rhinitis. Immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroids, for suppressing immune activities, and bronchial dilators, such as α-albuterol, for relieving asthmatic symptoms, are the primary treatments for patients with allergic asthma. The medical advances have been limited to improving classification of the allergenic substances, improving the diagnostic methods for determining a patient's allergen profile, and improving the control of and expanding the library of allergen extracts for immunotherapy. On the research side, progress has been made in the identification and the isolation of major allergenic molecular components in allergenic substances. For example, the chief protein components in ragweed (the most important allergen in causing hay fever in the fall season), in house dust mites (the most important allergen in causing allergic asthma), and in cat and dog dander and saliva, have been identified and isolated. The genes encoding several major allergens have also been cloned. Thanks to the development of methodologies for immortalizing human B lymphocytes using cell fusion or transformation with Epstein- Barr virus (EBN), it is possible to identify human monoclonal antibodies with antigen specificity of interest. The more recent development of methodologies to construct recombinant phage incorporating human N H and N L libraries, to express the combinatorial N H /N L> and to screen the expressed antibody fragments for antigen specificity have added another powerful tool in the identification of antibody species of interest. In addition, the improvement in gene transfection and expression of antibody genes in myeloma or other cell lines have enabled the production of human monoclonal antibodies in large quantities. The use of allergen- specific antibodies as an allergy therapy appears promising and viable. Summary of the Invention The invention includes allergen-specific IgA and IgG, preferably monoclonal IgA or IgG, and more preferably human monoclonal IgA and IgG, and use thereof in the treatment of IgE-mediated allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis, allergic (extrinsic) asthma, and allergic conjunctivitis, by employing antibodies to inhibit the entry of allergenic molecules into mucosal tissues ("immune exclusion"). IgA antibodies are preferred because they are more resistant to proteolytic cleavage by proteases in the mucosal fluids. The invention also includes allergen- specific IgA or IgG or the antigen-binding fragments of these antibodies, such as F(ab') 2 , Fab, or Fv, conjugated to polymer backbones or microbeads. These polymers are non-allergenic and non-toxic, and with proper modification can have many antibody molecules conjugated to them. Examples of suitable polymers include dextran, agarose, and cellulose. The preferred microbeads are made from the cross-li iking of these polymers. The polymerized conjugates may have the advantage over unconjugated antibodies or fragments in that they are less likely to be absorbed by the mucosal epithelial cells and more likely to be cleared along with the mucous secretion. The allergen-specific IgA or IgG, or the related constructs, are to be applied in a pharmaceutical solution or suspension to the mucosal tissues of patients who are allergic to that allergen. The solution or suspension can include water, preservatives, surfactants and other standard ingredients. The antibodies bind to the allergenic protein (or to the other molecules to be targeted) that is released from the inhaled particles. This binding inhibits the allergen from being taken up by the mucosal epithelial cells and hence inhibits allergic symptoms. The preferred pharmaceutical preparation of the allergen-specific IgA or IgG antibodies, or the related constructs, is together with a physiological buffer, suitable for application by dropper. About 1-2 drops are applied per nostril, eye, or ear to effect treatment thereof. The concentration of the active ingredient in the solution is in the range of 20 to 1000 μg per ml, or about 1 to 50 μg per drop. The active ingredient may also be prepared in a solution for administration with a metered dose inhaler, in order to reach mucosal tissues at the lower end of the respiratory tract. The concentrations would be in the same range as noted above, and the solution may be applied every 2 to 4 hours. It may also be applied with a decongestant medication, if desired. The allergen-specific IgA or IgG, or their conjugates with polymers and microbeads, may also be used in manufacturing allergenic substances, which may be used diagnostically or for desensitization immunotherapy. The allergen-specific substances of the invention can be adsorbed onto an affinity column and used for purifying the specific allergens from crude extracts of allergenic substances, such as ragweed, house dusts, and cat and dog dander. The purified allergens are better antigens than the crude extracts for diagnostic uses, i.e. , to analyze whether a patient is allergic to that particular allergen, and for desensitization immunotherapy. The purified allergen-specific IgA and IgG, or the conjugates, can also be used as standards in diagnostic assays which measure the levels of allergen-specific antibodies in patients. This determination is useful to decide if the patient is a candidate for desensitization immunotherapy, and also to determine whether the therapy is succeeding. The allergens which would typically be targeted by the substances of the invention include Amb a I, the dominant allergen in short ragweed {Ambrosia elator), Der p I and Derfl, the major allergens from house dust mite species (Dermatophagoides pteroπyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae), Fel d I, the major allergen from the saliva of house cats (Felis domesticus), and Canfl, the major allergen from the dander of domestic dogs {Canis familiaris). These allergens are preferably targeted with monoclonal antibodies. The monoclonal antibodies are produced by B cells from patients who have natural sensitivities to the allergens or who have been immunized with the allergens in desensitization immunotherapy. The B cells from these donors are immortalized by fusion with myeloma cells, such as NSO or Sp2/0 cells, or transformed with EBN. The antibodies secreted by these immortalized cell lines are screened by ELISA or comparable immunochemical assays for specific reactivity with the allergens of interest. The N H and N L of antibody fragments may also be identified with the combinatorial N H /N L library expression and screening methodologies, as described further below. To make IgA antibodies of the invention, the genomic DΝA fragment containing the segment encoding N H domain of an antibody of a desired specificity is linked to the genomic DΝA fragment containing segments encoding the constant domains (CHI, CH2 and CH3) of human a chain. The genomic DΝA fragment of the N L is linked to the genomic DΝA fragment of human K or λ light chain. The recombinant DΝA species in their appropriate plasmids are then used to transfect cells of a nonproducer myeloma cell line, such as ΝSO or Sp2/0. The procedures for the construction of the composite DΝA fragments, the transfection of the recipient cell line with the DΝA, and the screening of the transfectants for production of monoclonal IgA antibodies specific for the allergen/antigen are similar to those procedures used for preparing transfectoma cell lines producing chimeric antibodies, and are well known in the art. Detailed Description of the Invention: The small quantities of allergenic molecules which are present in the environment, and the small quantities of IgE present in the body, suggest that an effective therapy that employs specific antibodies to avoid or block the entry of allergenic molecules into the mucosal tissue would require only small quantities of these antibodies. However, the allergenic molecules must be accessible by the allergen-specific antibodies so that their entry to the mucosal tissue can be successfully inhibited. The allergenic proteins should be soluble in aqueous medium and in the mucous fluids, once they are released from the particles. The mucous contains a host of hydrolytic enzymes that should aid in digesting and loosening the contents of the particles. In any event, one can assume that the mucosal epithelium does not take up the whole pollen or mite particles and that only the released, soluble allergenic molecules cause the allergic reactions. The hypothesis that pollen particles or house dust particles release the crucial allergenic proteins into the mucous fluids can readily be tested. For example, a sample of collected house dusts can be incubated with nasal mucous secretion in vitro for varying lengths of time (1 minute to 30 minutes). The mixture is then centrifuged to pellet particles. The content of Der p I protein in the supernatant is then measured by a standard immunochemical assay for Der p I (see below). The higher the level, the more effective the therapy of the invention is likely to be. As noted above, although allergic individuals make IgE against the allergenic substance, the levels of such allergen-specific IgE are very low. Thus, to make allergen-specific IgA or IgG antibodies, one could isolate the B cell clones expressing the allergen-specific IgE, isolate the N H and N L gene segments, and then use these segments to construct IgA or IgG monoclonal antibodies. One could then use conventional technology to make chimeric antibodies. However, the levels of allergen-specific IgE in allergic patients is low, making isolation of allergen-specific IgE-producing B cells difficult. As noted above, however, it is known that patients who are sensitized to an allergenic protein synthesize not only allergen-specific IgE but also allergen-specific IgG. The levels of the allergen-specific IgG are much higher than those of the allergen-specific IgE. Ishizaka, K. in Allergy: Principles and Practice, eds. Middleton, Jr., E., et al, pp. 52-70, 3rd ed., The C.N. Mosby Co., St. Louis (1988). As reported by Hamilton, R.G. and Adkinson, Jr., Ν.F. in Manual of Ginical Laboratory Immunology, eds. Rose, Ν.R. et al, pp. 702-708, 4th ed., American Society of Microbiology, Washington, D.C. (1992), in patients who have received desensitization immunotherapy by the repetitious immunization with the allergens, the allergen-specific IgG levels are much higher than those in unimmunized patients. Thus, patients immunized with allergens are a logical source to provide lymphocytes for the isolation of allergen- specific IgG-producing B cell clones and/or antibody gene. One practical source of allergen-specific IgG-producing B cell clones is from patients who have sensitivity to an allergen and who have been or are being immunized with the allergen. These patients can be identified by the allergist/physician treating them. The extent of improvement resulting from the immunization indicates that the patient has made produced a considerable immune response to the allergen/immunogen. The levels of allergen-specific IgG in those patients can be quantitatively determined using assays for allergen-specific IgG. See Hamilton, R.G. and Adkinson, Jr., N.F. in Manual of Clinical Laboratory Immunology, eds. Rose, N.R. et al, pp. 702-708, 4th ed., American Society of Microbiology, Washington, D.C. (1992). The peripheral blood from these patients can be used as the source for allergen-specific IgG-producing B cells, from which the genes encoding for the V H and the V L of the allergen-specific IgG can be isolated. Established methods for immortalizing human B cells by EBV transformation or by fusion with myeloma cells (such as NSO cells), or by the combination of these procedures, can be used for making immortalized cells. The EBV transformation procedure for making B cell clones was recently summarized in step-by-step format by Tosato, G. in Current Protocols in Immunology, eds. Coligan, J.E., et al, § 7.22.1, John Wiley and Sons, New York (1991). Similarly, the step-by-step procedure for preparing hybridomas, which can be used on murine or human lymphocytes, is described by Yokoyama, W.M. ibid, at § 2.5. These procedures also describe methods for screening the immortalized B cell clones to determine if they secrete antibodies with the desired antigen specificity, for the sequential subcloning of the B cell clones, and for the production of the antibodies. Example 2 describes the design and use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ETJSAs) for the detection and measurement of allergen-specific IgG and IgA. An alternative method to identify and isolate of the genes encoding the allergen-specific antibodies is to employ the "N H N combinatorial library" methodology. The B cells from the peripheral blood of donors are first isolated. The individual N H and N L libraries are prepared by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques using degenerate oligonucleotide primers covering the 5' ends of the N regions. The N H and N L fragments are then incorporated into one expression vector, in order to be coexpressed and to form antibody binding domains. Several expression systems which use unique screening procedures have been developed. A method that expresses the combined N H /V L library in bacteriophage λ vector and presents it in the form of Fab fragments in the lysates of E. coli colonies (for subsequent immunochemical screening procedures) was described in detail by Barbas, C.F. and Learner, R.A., in Methods: Companion Methods Enzymol 2: 119-124 (1991). A method which expresses the N H /N L on the surface of a filamentous phage fd, which can be isolated with antigen-coupled affinity matrices, was described by McCafferty J. et al, in Nature 348: 552-554 (1990). For achieving the biological effect of excluding inhaled or contacted allergens, both allergen-specific IgA and IgG will function well. However, since IgA is the dominant isotype at the mucosal surfaces, the preferred allergen-specific antibodies for mucosal applications are IgA isotype. The methods for cloning the restriction enzyme genomic DΝA fragments containing N H and of N of allergen-specific IgG antibodies, linking those fragments to the genomic DΝA segments of human a and K (or λ), the transfection of the DΝA into non-producer myeloma cells, such as ΝSO or SP2/0 cells, the screening of the transfectants for the secretion of allergen-specific IgA, and the sequential cloning for the selection of stable secretors, are carried out in the same manner as for preparing transfectomas secreting chimeric antibodies. These methods have been described by various investigators in detail, and are well known in the art. See, e.g. , Morrison, S.L. e al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 81: 6851-6855 (1984); Liou, R.S. et al , J. Immunol. 143: 3967-3975 (1989). IgA exists in both monomeric and dimeric forms. The IgA in circulation is mostly monomeric, whereas the IgA secreted to the mucous or other external fluids is mostly dimeric. The dimeric form has an extra J chain (15,000 daltons) and a secretory component (70,000 daltons), both of which are linked covalently to the o. chains of the IgA molecule. The J chain is produced by the same cells that produce the IgA and form the linkage between the two monomeric IgA molecules. The secretory component is synthesized by epithelial cells and is linked to the Fc of the IgA-J chain dimer as it passes through the epithelial cells of the mucosa. Since the dimeric IgA is more stable than the monomeric IgA in the mucous fluids, it is preferred to use dimeric IgA for in vivo therapeutic use. In order to produce the dimeric form of IgA, the myeloma host cell must also be transfected with the gene encoding the J chain, along with the genes for the recombinant .and K (or λ) chains. The host cell will then produce the dimeric IgA. The monomeric or dimeric human monoclonal IgA antibodies are probably the most native and the most acceptable foreign antibody molecules that can be introduced to the mucosal surfaces. These molecules are expected to achieve the "immune exclusion" function and prevent allergenic molecules from entering the mucosal tissue. The immune system has evolved such that the complexes formed by the foreign allergenic molecules and the IgA will not be taken up by the mucosal epithelial cells. The immune complexes on the nasal linings are excreted as the mucous excretion is expelled externally through the nostrils. The immune complexes and other inhaled particles on the mucosal surfaces of the tracheal and bronchial airways will be expelled into the mouth. The mucous that enters the mouth will be mixed with the saliva, swallowed, and digested by the gastrointestinal tract. In order to achieve better adsorbing and clearing of allergenic molecules from the mucous fluids on the mucosal surfaces, and to prevent any uptake of the complexed allergen by the mucosal epithelial cells, the allergen-specific IgA or its antigen-binding sites, such as F(ab') 2 , Fab, or Fv, can be conjugated to polymer backbones or microbeads. Allergen- specific IgG and its fragments could also be used in these conjugates. Suitable polymers include dextran, agarose, cellulose, and other polymeric substances that are known to be inert, non-allergenic, and non- immunogenic. After chemical modification to generate active sites, the polymer backbone can provide sites for the coupling of a large number of antibody molecules. The microbeads are preferably in the range of 0.1-10 μm in diameter and made of the polymers mentioned above. Suspensions of these microbeads can be made homogeneous with gentle shaking, and hence are suitable for application to the affected mucosal tissues. The modes of application for the allergen-specific monoclonal antibodies depends on several factors. For determining whether an allergen-specific preparation is suitable, the patient needs to be diagnosed to deteπnine whether the particular allergen is a major allergy-inducing molecule for him. If a patient is sensitive to several allergenic molecules, a preparation containing multiple IgA monoclonal antibodies each specific to one of the allergens may be used. As discussed above, the amount of allergen entering the mucosal surfaces in most cases is very small. However, the mucous secretions are being excreted by the mucosal tissues constantly. This suggests that the solution or suspension containing allergen-specific immunoglobulins (IgA or IgG) should be applied in small quantities but at frequent intervals. It is estimated that for each individual application to the nasal linings, eyes, or ears, amounts of 1-50 μg of immunoglobulin per nostril, eye, or ear will be sufficient. Depending on the individual's rate of secretion from the nose and from the eyes, the preparation may be applied about every two to every six hours. The frequency of application can be reduced if a decongestant is concurrently used. Because the areas of the mucosal surfaces involved in allergic asthma are much larger, more immunoglobulin will need to be applied to these surfaces for asthma treatment. The preparation can be applied to the nasal linings, eyes, and ears with a dropper, preferably one which delivers 1-2 drops of the solution to each nostril, an eye or an ear. The concentration of the immunoglobulin is in the range of 20 to 1000 g/ml. The solution can be packaged in 2-5 ml vials and stored in the refrigerator. Once opened, the vial should be used in one week. For asthma treatment, the solution or suspension containing about the same concentration of allergen-specific immunoglobulin can be administered to the lower parts of the airway using a metered dose inhaler. The allergen-specific IgA and IgG, and the related conjugates with polymers and microbeads, can also be used in manufacturing pure and safe allergenic substances, which can be used in various diagnostic assays and in desensitization immunotherapy. The allergen-specific antibodies can be adsorbed onto an affinity column for purifying the responsible, specific allergens from the crude extracts of allergenic substances, such as ragweeds, grass and tree pollens, house dusts, and cat and dog dander. The purified allergens can be used to make allergen extracts. The purified allergens are better antigens than the crude extracts for diagnostic assays and for desensitization immunotherapy . The purified allergen-specific IgA and IgG can be also used as standards in diagnostic assays for measuring allergen-specific antibodies in the patients receiving immunotherapy. These assays are useful in monitoring the efficacy of the immunotherapy. Example 1: Selection of blood donors producing IgG specific for Der p I Patients who had a high sensitivity to house dust mites and who have received or are receiving desensitization immunotherapy with mite extract can be identified in an allergy clinic, for example, Allergy Asthma Immunology Associates of Texas in Houston, TX, directed by Dr. Thomas R. Woehler. A protocol for performing studies on patients' blood samples has been approved by the institutional review board overseeing that clinic. The sera from the patients will be tested for IgG specific for Der p I in an immunology clinical laboratory, for example, Reference Laboratory for Dermatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology in the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD), which runs Derp I-specific IgG assays routinely. The sera are also assayed for Der p I-specific IgG using the EOS A described in Example 2 below. The patients with high serum titers of Derp I-specific IgG will be recruited as donors of blood. The blood will be used for the isolation of the antigen-specific immunoglobulin-producing B cell clones. Example 2: Establishing an ELISA for Der p I-specific IgG and IgA The cDNA for Derp I is cloned using a routine PCR method from a sample of house mites purchased from Commonwealth Serum Laboratories, Parkville, Australia. The sequence of the cDNA has been published, and is known by those skilled in the art. Chua, K. Y. et al. J. Exp. Med. 167: 175-182 (1988). The sequences of the oligonucleotide primers for PCR can be readily designed from the available cDNA sequence. The cDNA can then be expressed in abundant quantities in one of several commercially available systems. A preferred expression system is one that uses the expression vector derived from nuclear polyhedron protein gene of the insect virus baculovirus (Autographa califomica). The virus can be grown in the insect cells, sf9 cells, from Sprodoptera frugiperda. Luckow, N.A. and Summers, M.D. Virology 167: 31 (1989). This expression system has been packaged into a convenient kit (designated "Max Bac Baculovirus Express System") and is sold by Invitrogen (San Diego, CA). After an adequate quantity of the Derp I is prepared, the purified protein will be used as the solid-phase antigen for an ELISA to detect and assay human IgG or IgA in culture supernatants of immortalized B cell clones or transfectomas. A preferred format for the ELISA employs biotin-labeled goat IgG anti-human IgG and goat IgG anti-human IgA, and horseradish peroxidase-conjugated avidin. Harlow,E. and Lane, D. Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, pp. 553-612. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (1988). The ELISA may also be used to quantitate Derp I- specific IgG in human sera. Example 3: Making Amb a 1-specific IgA 1. Establishment of cell lines from patient PBLs. A total of 16 blood samples were collected from 15 patients who had been immunized with allergens including ragweed extracts. Purified PBLs were first immortalized by transformation with EBN and then fusion with mouse myeloma cell line 653. Culture supernatants from the resultant clones were screened by ELISA using plastic coated Amb a 1 protein (prepared by Greer Laboratory to 95% purity) and horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-human IgG (Fc) antibody. A total of 13 cell lines were expanded and further characterized by subcloning. A single cell subclone AL 16-5.2, secreting Amb al -specific IgG4,κ antibody was chosen for class-switching to IgAl , by recombinant DNA techniques. 2. Cloning of the AL 16-5.2 heavy and light chain genes. Total RNA was prepared form the AL 16-5.2 cells and first strand cDNA was prepared using oligo dT primers. When the first strand cDNA was used as the template, and the 5' and 3' K light chain primers (Table 1) were used in PCR, an amplified band of the expected size was noted. The DNA sequence of several subclones containing this amplified DNA fragment was determined. The nucleotide sequence and its deduced amino acid sequence are shown in SEQ ID NO:l. When PCR was carried out using oligonucleotide primer sets derived from the leader or framework regions of the human H-chain V genes as the 5' primers, and the oligonucleotide derived from the human C region as the 3 ' primer, no DNA fragment of the expected size for V H was amplified. The V H gene of AL 16-5.2 cells was cloned by anchored PCR as follows. Double-stranded cDNA of AL 16-5.2 was prepared using oligo Notl-CGl (Table 1) as the primer. Annealed adaptors (Table 1) were added to both 5' and 3' termini of the cDNA. Adaptors 3' to the C region were removed by Not I digestion. Digested product was used as the template in PCR with the adaptor primer as the 5' primer and CG2 as the 3' primer (Table I). The reaction mixture was again amplified in a second PCR with oligo ANC as the 5 ' primer and CG3 as the 3' primer. DNA fragments between 500 and 650 bp in length were purified and subcloned into puc 19. Colonies were hybridized with γ- 32 p labelled oligo CG4 probe (Table I). Positive clones with full length CDNA inserts were analyzed by DNA sequencing. All four oligonucleotides, Notl-CGl, CG2, CG3, and CG4, were derived from the consensus regions of the four human IgG subclasses. The nucleotide sequence of the V H gene and its deduced amino acid sequence are shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. Comparison of the deduced AL 16-5.2 L-chain sequence with human V region sequences indicated that the AL 16-5.2 L-chain is a member of the human V κ DI subgroup. The AL 16-5.2 H-chain sequence reveals that it belongs to the human V H DI subgroup. 3. Construction of expression vectors. The AL 16-5.2 V κ gene was inserted into our TB102 hollow vector which contained the Ig promotor, enhancer elements, and the leader sequences derived from the H-chain locus of the high-producing murine hybridoma TB102 cells. DNA fragments containing the promotor, enhancer, and the leader of the TB102 H-chain locus, and the coding sequence of the AL 16-5.2 V κ gene was cloned into a vector containing the human CK region and the neo gene to give the K light chain expression plasmid, pSN neo 16-5.2 N κ - h C κ . Similarly, the DΝA fragment containing the coding sequence of the AL 16-5.2 N H gene and the TB102 flanking sequences was cloned into a vector containing human Cγl region and the gpt gene to give the γ heavy chain expression plasmid, pSN2 gpt 16-5.2N H -h Cγl. 4. Generation of cell lines secreting Ambal -binding IgA. Linearized plasmid DΝAs of both K light chain and y heavy chain expression vectors were introduced into mouse myeloma ΝSO cells by electroporation. Transfected cells were selected in growth medium containing 0.15 mg/ml G418 0.1 μg/ l mycophenolic acid, and 50 μg/ml xanthine for both K and γ-chain plasmid DΝA uptake. Supernatants of transfectants were tested for the production of Amb a 1 -binding IgA by EI S A using plastic-coated Amb al and horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-human IgA antibody. Culture supernatants from several cell lines will be used to prepare purified IgA for further analysis. Table 1. Design of synthetic oligonucleotide primers for (A) light chain and (B) heavy chain cloni-ig (A) Kappa Light Chain 5' primer (SEQ ID NO:3) GGGAATTCATGGACATG(AG)(AG)(AG)(AGT)(CI CC(ACT)(ACG)G(CT)(GT)CA(CG)CTT * * Nucleotides in parenthesis indicate that either nucleotide can be present, due to degeneracy 3' primer (SEQ ID NO:4) CCAAGCTTCATCAGATGGCGGGAAGAT (B) Gamma Heavy Chain Annealled adaptor (SEQ ID NO:5) AATTCGAACCCCTTCG Adaptor primer (SEQ ID NO:6) AATTCGAACCCCTTCG Notl-CGl (SEQ ID NO:7) TGCGGCCGCTGCTGAGGGAGTAGA CG2 (SEQ ID NO: 8) AGGTGTGCACGCCGCTGGTC CG3 (SEQ ID NO:9) CAAGCTTCCACGACACCGTCACCGG CG4 (SEQ ID NO: 10) GCCCTGGGCTGCCTGGTCAAGGACTACTTC It should be understood that the terms, expressions, and examples herein are exemplary only and not limiting, and those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. All such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. SEQUENCE LISTING (1) GENERAL INFORMATION: (i) Applicant: Chang, Tse Wen (ii) Title of Invention: ALLERGEN-SPECIFIC IgA MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES AND RELATED PRODUCTS FOR ALLERGY TREATMENT (iii) Number of Sequences: 10 (iv) Correspondence Address: (A) Addressee: Tanox Biosystems, Inc. (B) Street: 10301 Stella Link Rd. (C) City: Houston (D) State: Texas (E) Country: USA (F) ZIP: 77025 (v) Computer Readable Form (A) Medium Type: 3.5" Hi Density Diskette (B) Computer: IBM PS/2 (C) Operating System: DOS, Version 3.30 (D) Sofware: WordPerfect 5.1 (vi) Current application data: (A) Application Number: (B) Filing date: (C) Classification: unknown (vii) Prior Application Data: (A) Application Number: (B) Filing Date: (viii) Attorney/Agent Information: (A) Name: Mirabel, Eric P. (B) Registration Number: 31,211 (C) Reference/Docket Number: TNX92-3 (ix) Telecommunication Information: (A) Telephone: 713-664-2288 (B) Telefax: 713-664-8914 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:l: (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 325 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: double stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:l GAA ATT GTG TTG ACG CAG TCT CCA GGC ACC CTG TCT TTG TCT 42 Glu lie Val Leu Thr Gin Ser Pro Gly Thr Leu Ser Leu Ser 5 10 CCA GGG GAA AGA GCC ACC CTC TCC TGC AGG GCC AGT CAG ACT 84 Pro Gly Glu Arg Ala Thr Leu Ser Cys Arg Ala Ser Gin Thr 15 20 25 GTT AGC AGC AAC TAC TTA GCC TGG TAC CAG CAC AAA CCT GGC 126 Val Ser Ser Asn Tyr Leu Ala Trp Tyr Gin His Lys Pro Gly 30 35 40 CAG GCT CCC AGG CTC CTC ATC TAT GCT ACA TCC ATA AGG TCA 168 Gin Ala Pro Arg Leu Leu lie Tyr Ala Thr Ser lie Arg Ser 45 50 55 TCT GGC ATC CCA GAC AGG TTC ACT GGC AGT GGG TCT GGG ACA GAC 213 Ser Gly lie Pro Asp Arg Phe Thr Gly Ser Gly Ser Gly Thr Asp 60 65 70 TTC ACT CTC ACC ATC AGC AGA CTG GAG CCT GAA GAT TTT GCA GTG 258 Phe Thr Leu Thr lie Ser Arg Leu Glu Pro Glu Asp Phe Ala Val 75 80 85 TAT TAC TGT CAG CAG TTT CGT AAC TCA CAG TGG ACG TTC GGC CAA 303 Tyr Tyr Cys Gin Gin Phe Arg Asn Ser Gin Trp Thr Phe Gly Gin 90 95 100 GGG ACC AAG GTT GAA ATC AAA C 325 Gly Thr Lys Val Glu lie Lys Arg 105 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:2: (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 376 nucleotides OB) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: double stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO: 2 GAG GAG CAG GTG GTG GAG TCT GGG GGA GGC CAG GTC AAG CCG GGG 45 Glu Glu Gin Val Val Glu Ser Gly Gly Gly Gin Val Lys Pro Gly 5 10 15 GGG TCC CTG AGA CTC TCC TGT GCA GCC TCT GGA TTC AAT TTC ACC 90 Gly Ser Leu Arg Leu Ser Cys Ala Ala Ser Gly Phe Asn Phe Thr 20 25 30 AGC TAC AGC ATG AAC TGG GTC CGC CAG GCT CCA GGG AAG GGG CTG 135 Ser Tyr Ser Met Asn Trp Val Arg Gin Ala Pro Gly Lys Gly Leu 35 40 45 GAG TGG GTC GCA TCA ATT ACG AGC AGA AGT ACT TAC ACC TTC TAC 180 Glu Trp Val Ala Ser lie Thr Ser Arg Ser Thr Tyr Thr Phe Tyr 50 55 60 GCA GAC TCA TTG AAG GGC CGG TTC ACC ATC TCC AGA GAC AAC GCC 225 Ala Asp Ser Leu Lys Gly Arg Phe Thr lie Ser Arg Asp Asn Ala 65 70 75 AAG AAC TCT CTC TTT CTG CAA ATG AAC AGC CTG AGA GCC GAG GAC 270 Lys Asn Ser Leu Phe Leu Gin Met Asn Ser Leu Arg Ala Glu Asp 80 85 90 ACG GCT GTT TAT TAC TGT GCG AGA GTA TTG ATC TTT GAC TCA AAC 315 Thr Ala Val Tyr Tyr Cys Ala Arg Val Leu lie Phe Asp Ser Asn 95 100 105 AAC TTT TAT TAC TAC TAC ATG GAC GTC TGG GGC AAA GGG ACC ACG 360 Asn Phe Tyr Tyr Tyr Tyr Met Asp Val Trp Gly Lys Gly Thr Thr 110 115 120 GTC GCC GTC TCC TCA G 376 Val Ala Val Ser Ser 125 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:3 (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 35 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: single stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:3 GGGAATTCAT GGACATGAAA ACCCAAGCGC ACCTT 35 (2) Information for SEQ ID N0:4: (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 27 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: single stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:4 CCAAGCTTCA TCAGATGGCG GGAAGAT 27 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:5: (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 16 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: single stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:-5 AATTCGAACC CCTTCG 16 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:6: (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 24 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: single stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:6 TGCGGCCGCT GCTGAGGGAG TAGA 24 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:7: (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 24 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: single stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:7 TGCGGCCGCT GCTGAGGGAG TAGA 24 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:8: (i)^Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 20 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: single stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:8 AGGTGTGCAC GCCGCTGGTC 20 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:9: (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 25 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: single stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:9 CAAGCTTCCA CGACACCGTC ACCGG 25 (2) Information for SEQ ID NO:10: (i) Sequence Characteristics: (A) Length: 30 nucleotides (B) Type: nucleic acid (C) Strandedness: single stranded (D) Topology: Linear (xi) Sequence Description: SEQ ID NO:10 GCCCTGGGCT GCCTGGTCAA GGACTACTTC 30

Claims: What is Claimed is: 1. A pharmaceutical suspension or solution of allergen-specific IgA, suitable for application to mucosal tissues. 2. A pharmaceutical suspension or solution of claim 1, in which the allergen is Amb a I, Derp I, Derf I, Canfl, or Fel d I. 3. A pharmaceutical suspension or solution of claim 1, further including water and preservatives. 4. A pharmaceutical solution of claim 3, further including surfactants. 5. A conjugate comprising a polymer backbone and a plurality of covalently conjugated allergen-specific binding molecules. 6. A conjugate of claim 5, in which the polymer is dextran, agarose, or cellulose. 7. A conjugate of claim 5, in which the allergen-binding molecules are allergen-specific IgA or IgG, or the F(ab') 2 , Fab, or Fv fragments thereof. 8. A conjugate of claim 5, in which the allergen is Amb a I, Der p I, Derf I, Canfl, or Fel d I. 9. A pharmaceutical preparation comprising a polymer backbone and a plurality of covalently conjugated allergen-specific binding molecules. 10. The pharmaceutical preparation of claim 9 further including water, surfactants and preservatives.

Inventors: CHANG TSE WEN, CHANG, TSE, WEN
Applicants: TANOX BIOSYSTEMS INC, TANOX BIOSYSTEMS, INC.
Application year: 1993
Main classification: A61K39
IPC codes: A61K38, A61K39, A61K47, A61P37, C07K16, C07K17, C12N15, C12P21