Abstract:
The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to methods of effecting local and systemic immunization against HIV while protecting cells (e.g., mucosal dendritic and epithelial cells) from viral challenge. The invention further relates to compounds (e.g., nucleic acids encoding polypeptides that can elicit an immune response and/or protect cells against viral challenge) and compositions suitable for use in such methods.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/749,596, filed Dec. 13, 2005, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates, in general, to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and, in particular, to methods of effecting local and systemic immunization against HIV while protecting cells (e.g., mucosal dendritic and epithelial cells) from viral challenge. The invention further relates to compounds (e.g., nucleic acids encoding polypeptides that can elicit an immune response and/or protect cells against viral challenge) and compositions suitable for use in such methods. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The first antibodies that are made in acute HIV-1 infection are against the CD4 binding site (Moore et al, J. Virol. 68(8) 5142 (1994)), the CCR5 co-receptor binding site (Choe et al, Cell 114(2):161-170 (2003)), and the V3 loop (Moore et al, J. Acquir. Immun. Def. Syn. 7(4):332 (1994)). However, these antibodies do not control HIV-1 and are easily escaped (Burton et al, Nature Immun. 5:233-236 (2004), Wei et al, Nature 422(6929):307-312 (2003)). Neutralizing antibodies against autologous virus develop fifty to sixty days after infection, but antibodies capable of neutralizing heterologous HIV-1 strains do not arise until after the first year of infection (Richman et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100(7):4144-4149 (2003), Wei et al, Nature 422(6929):307-312 (2003)). 
         [0004]    Egelhofer et al (J. Virol. 78:568 (2004)) have developed a gene therapy approach to inhibiting entry into cells of a broad spectrum of HIV-1 variants. The method involves introduction into cells of a retroviral vector expressing a membrane-anchored fusion inhibitory peptide derived from the C-terminal heptad repeat of the HIV-1 gp41 transmembrane glycoprotein. Entry into cells expressing the gp41-derived peptide is inhibited at the level of membrane fusion. 
         [0005]    The present invention provides a method of effecting local and systemic immunization against HIV while protecting mucosal cells (e.g., rectal or vaginal mucosal cells), or other cells, from viral challenge during the time required for development of an immune response. The invention also provides nucleic acids, and vectors comprising same, that encode polypeptides that can elicit an immune response and/or protect viral-challenged cells. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The invention relates to methods of effecting local and systemic immunization against HIV while protecting certain cell types, for example, vaginal and rectal cells, from viral challenge. In accordance with the invention, cell protection can be effected using a gene therapy approach. The invention further relates to compounds and compositions suitable for use in such methods. 
         [0007]    Objects and advantages of the present invention will be clear from the description that follows. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIGS. 1A-1E : To utilize gene (nucleic acid) inserts including those listed below as HIV-1 vaccine immunogens, these genes (nucleic acids) can be codon optimized, cloned into plasmids for generating DNA vaccines, recombinant adenoviruses, recombinant mycobacteria and recombinant vaccinia viruses and as well as for production of recombinant proteins. For expressing these inserts, except the full-length gp160 constructs, a leader sequence can be included: 
           [0000]    “TCTAGAGCCGCCATGCGCGTGCGCGGCATCCAGCGCAACTGCCAGCACCTGTGGCG CTGGGGCACCCTGATCCTGGGCATGCTGATGATCTGCTCCGCCGCC” , derived from the sequence that encodes for the N-terminus of CON-S Env (MRVRGIQRNCQHLWRWGTLILGMLMICSAA), as protein synthesis initiation and maturation signal.  FIG. 1A . CON-S env01 gp41.  FIG. 1B . A.con.env03 gp41.  FIG. 1C . B.con.env03 gp41.  FIG. 1D . C.con.env03 gp41. FIG.  1 E.JRFL.env gp41. 
           [0009]      FIGS. 2A-2E .  FIG. 2A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔF.  FIG. 2B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔF.  FIG. 2C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔF.  FIG. 2D . C.con.env03 gp41ΔF.  FIG. 2E . JRFL.env gp41ΔF. 
           [0010]      FIGS. 3A-3E . FIG.  3 A—CON-S env01 gp41ΔFHR-1.  FIG. 3B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-1.  FIG. 3C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-1.  FIG. 3D . C.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-1.  FIG. 3E . JRFL.env gp41ΔFHR-1. 
           [0011]      FIGS. 4A-4E .  FIG. 4A . CON-S env01 HR-2TMCyt.  FIG. 4B . A.con.env03 HR-2TMCyt.  FIG. 4C . B.con.env03 HR-2TMCyt.  FIG. 4D  C.con.env03 HR-2TMCyt.  FIG. 4E . JRFL.env HR-2TMCyt. 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5A-5E .  FIG. 5A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔFHR-2ID.  FIG. 5B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-2ID.  FIG. 5C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-2ID.  FIG. 5D  C.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-2ID.  FIG. 5E . JRFL.env gp41ΔFHR-2ID. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6A-6E .  FIG. 6A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔFCyt.  FIG. 6B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔFCyt.  FIG. 6C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔFCyt.  FIG. 6D . C.con.env03 gp41ΔFCyt. FIG.  6 E—JRFL.env gp41ΔFCyt. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7A-7E .  FIG. 7A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔFCyt.  FIG. 7B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔFCyt.  FIG. 7C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔFCyt.  FIG. 7D . C.con.env03 gp41ΔFCyt. FIG.  7 E-—JRFL.env gp41ΔFCyt. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8A-8E .  FIG. 8A . CON-S env01 HR-2TM.  FIG. 8B . A.con.env03 HR-2TM.  FIG. 8C . B.con.env03 HR-2TM.  FIG. 8D  C.con.env03 HR-2TM.  FIG. 8E . JRFL.env HR-2TM. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 9A-9E .  FIG. 9A . CON-S env01 HR-1TM.  FIG. 9B . A.con.env03 HR-1TM.  FIG. 9C . B.con.env03 HR-1TM.  FIG. 9D  C.con.env03 HR-1TM.  FIG. 9E . JRFL.env HR-1TM. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 10A-10E .  FIG. 10A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔFHR-2Cyt.  FIG. 10B . A.con.env03 gpΔ41FHR-2Cyt.  FIG. 10C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-2Cyt.  FIG. 10D . C.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-2Cyt.  FIG. 10E . JRFL.env gp41ΔFHR-2Cyt. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 11A-11E .  FIG. 11A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔTMCyt.  FIG. 11B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔTMCyt.  FIG. 11C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔTMCyt:  FIG. 11D  C.con.env03 gp41ΔTMCyt.  FIG. 11E . JRFL.env gp41ΔTMCyt. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 12A-12E .  FIG. 12A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔFTMCyt.  FIG. 12B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔFTMCyt.  FIG. 12C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔFTMCyt.  FIG. 12D  C.con.env03 gp41ΔFTMCyt.  FIG. 12E . JRFL.env gp41ΔFTMCyt. 
           [0020]      FIGS. 13A-13E .  FIG. 13A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔFHR-1TMCyt.  FIG. 13B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-1TMCyt.  FIG. 13C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-1TMCyt.  FIG. 13D  C.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-1TMCyt.  FIG. 13E . JRFL.env gp41ΔFHR-1TMCyt. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 14A-14E .  FIG. 14A . CON-S env01 HR-2.  FIG. 14B . A.con.env03 HR-2.  FIG. 14C . B.con.env03 HR-2.  FIG. 14D  C.con.env03 HR-2.  FIG. 14E . JRFL.env HR-2. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 15A-15E .  FIG. 15A . CON-S env01 HR-1.  FIG. 15B . A.con.env03 HR-1.  FIG. 15C . B.con.env03 HR-1.  FIG. 15D  C.con.env03 HR-1.  FIG. 15E . JRFL.env HR-1. 
           [0023]      FIGS. 16A-16E .  FIG. 16A . CON-S env01 p41ΔFTMCy.  FIG. 16B . A.con.env03 p41ΔFTMCy.  FIG. 16C . B.con.env03 p41ΔFTMCy.  FIG. 16D  C.con.env03 p41ΔFTMCy.  FIG. 16E . JRFL.env p41ΔFTMCy. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 17A-17E .  FIG. 17A . CON-S env01 gp41ΔFHR-2TMCyt.  FIG. 17B . A.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-2TMCyt.  FIG. 17C . B.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-2TMCyt.  FIG. 17D  C.con.env03 gp41ΔFHR-2TMCyt.  FIG. 17E . JRFL.env gp41ΔFHR-2TMCyt. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 18A-18K .  FIG. 18A . CON-S env160.  FIG. 18B . CON-T Env 160.  FIG. 18C . A.con.Env03.  FIG. 18D  B.con.Env03.  FIG. 18E . C.con.Env03.  FIG. 18F . JRFL Env 160.  FIG. 18G  00KE-MSA4076-A (Subtype A).  FIG. 18H . QH0515.1g gp160 (Subtype B).  FIG. 18I . DU123.6 gp160 (Subtype C).  FIG. 18J . 97CNGX2F_AE (Subtype AE — 01).  FIG. 18K . DRCBL-F (Subtype G). 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    The present invention combines vaccination using, for example, one or more immunogens set forth in  FIGS. 1-18  (or chimeras (e.g., HIV-2 envelop sequences containing HIV-1 MPER sequences) such as those described by Bibollet-Ruche and by Shaw at the AIDS Vaccine meeting in Montreal Sep. 8, 2005, (www.aidsvaccine05.org)), or nucleic acids encoding same, with a gene therapy approach that protects cells (e.g., rectal or vaginal mucosal cells) from viral challenge. 
         [0027]    In the gene therapy aspect of the present invention, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a membrane-anchored peptide that inhibits HIV-1 entry into the cells at the level of membrane fusion can be introduced into the cells to be protected. The nucleic acid can be present in a vector, e.g., a viral vector. Administration of the vector is effected under conditions such that, upon introduction into the cells, the nucleic acid is expressed so that the cells display on their surface the fusion inhibitor. An administration regimen can be selected that ensures maintenance of the protective effect until such time as an effective immune response has been developed. 
         [0028]    Examples of suitable membrane-anchored peptides include those set forth in the attached figures that comprise a transmembrane domain and a fusion inhibitory peptide. When nucleic acids encoding such peptides are administered, the nucleic acids are advantageously codon optimized. Appropriate vectors include those described below. 
         [0029]    The vaccination aspect of the invention can be effected using one or more immunogens set forth in  FIGS. 1-18 , or nucleic acids (advantageously codon optimized) encoding same. Appropriate immunization strategies can be established by one skilled in the art (see, for example, strategies described in PCT/US04/30397). 
         [0030]    The immunogen of the invention can be formulated with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and/or adjuvant (such as alum) using techniques well known in the art. Suitable routes of administration to effect immunization include systemic (e.g. intramuscular, subcutaneous, or intranasal). Suitable routes of administration to effect cell protection can vary with the cell type targeted for protection (for example, when mucosal cells are targeted for protection, administration can be, for example, vaginal or rectal). 
         [0031]    The immunogens of the invention (peptide or nucleic acid) can be chemically synthesized and purified using methods which are well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan. The immunogens can also be synthesized by well-known recombinant DNA techniques. Nucleic acids encoding the immunogens of the invention can be used as components of, for example, a DNA vaccine wherein the encoding sequence is administered as naked DNA or, for example, a minigene encoding the immunogen can be present in a viral vector. The encoding sequence can be present, for example, in a replicating or non-replicating adenoviral vector, an adeno-associated virus vector, an attenuated mycobacterium tuberculosis vector, a Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vector, a vaccinia or Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vector, another pox virus vector, recombinant polio and other enteric virus vector,  Salmonella  species bacterial vector,  Shigella  species bacterial vector, Venezuelean Equine Encephalitis Virus (VEE) vector, a Semliki Forest Virus vector, a VSV vector or a Tobacco Mosaic Virus vector. The encoding sequence, can also be expressed as a DNA plasmid with, for example, an active promoter such as a CMV promoter. Other live vectors can also be used to express the sequences of the invention. Expression of the immunogen of the invention can be induced in a patient&#39;s own cells, by introduction into those cells of nucleic acids that encode the immunogen, preferably using codons and promoters that optimize expression in human cells. Examples of methods of making and using DNA vaccines are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,580,859, 5,589,466, and 5,703,055. 
         [0032]    The composition of the invention comprises an immunologically effective amount of the immunogen of this invention, or nucleic acid sequence encoding same, in a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system. The compositions can be used for prevention and/or treatment of immunodeficiency virus infection. The compositions of the invention can be formulated using adjuvants, emulsifiers, pharmaceutically-acceptable carriers or other ingredients routinely provided in vaccine compositions. Optimum formulations can be readily designed by one of ordinary skill in the art and can include formulations for immediate release and/or for sustained release, and for induction of systemic immunity and/or induction of localized mucosal immunity (e.g, the formulation can be designed for vaginal or rectal administration, e.g. as a suppository). The present compositions can be administered by any convenient route including subcutaneous, intranasal, oral, intramuscular, or other parenteral or enteral route, depending on the effect sought. The immunogens (or encoding nucleic acids) can be administered as a single dose or multiple doses. Optimum immunization schedules can be readily determined by the ordinarily skilled artisan and can vary with the patient, the composition and the effect sought. Adjuvants suitable for use in the present invention include those described in PCT/US05/37384. 
         [0033]    The invention contemplates the direct use of both the immunogen of the invention and/or nucleic acids encoding same and/or the immunogen expressed as minigenes in the vectors indicated above. For example, a minigene encoding the immunogen can be used as a prime and/or boost. 
         [0034]    The invention includes any and all amino acid sequences disclosed herein and, where applicable, CF and CFI forms thereof, as well as nucleic acid sequences encoding same (and nucleic acids complementary to such encoding sequences). 
         [0035]    All documents and other information sources cited above are hereby incorporated herein by reference.