EP1140141A2 - Methodes de traitement du cancer et de mediation de la chimiotaxie des cellules dendritiques - Google Patents

Methodes de traitement du cancer et de mediation de la chimiotaxie des cellules dendritiques

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Publication number
EP1140141A2
EP1140141A2 EP99968968A EP99968968A EP1140141A2 EP 1140141 A2 EP1140141 A2 EP 1140141A2 EP 99968968 A EP99968968 A EP 99968968A EP 99968968 A EP99968968 A EP 99968968A EP 1140141 A2 EP1140141 A2 EP 1140141A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
slc
seq
polypeptide
tumor
activity
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
EP99968968A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Keting Chu
Hong Xin
Vivien W. F. Chan
Srinivas Kothakota
Lewis T. Williams
Jill A. Winter
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Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics Inc
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Chiron Corp
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Publication of EP1140141A2 publication Critical patent/EP1140141A2/fr
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • A61K38/19—Cytokines; Lymphokines; Interferons
    • A61K38/195—Chemokines, e.g. RANTES
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • A61K38/19—Cytokines; Lymphokines; Interferons
    • A61K38/20—Interleukins [IL]
    • A61K38/2013—IL-2
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00

Definitions

  • the invention relates to chemokines useful in the treatment of cancer and hyperproliferative cell growth, and for the modulation of immune responses.
  • Chemokines constitute a group of over 30 small (8-12kDa), heparin-binding cytokines with common structural features that mediate leukocytes migration into sites of inflammation and immune responses. In addition, some chemokines have been shown to have other biological activity such as the modulation of hemopoiesis, angiogenesis, suppression of apoptosis, and HIV-1 absorption. Most chemokines contain four conserved cysteine residues and are grouped into four major subfamilies, CXC, CC, C and CX,C, based on the position of their conserved cysteine residues. In CC chemokines, the two amino terminal cysteine residues are contiguous.
  • CC chemokines are generally chemotactic to monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and/or lymphocytes with variable selectivity.
  • SLC secondary lymphoid chemokine
  • TCA4 thymus-derived chemotactic agent 4
  • SLC has been reported to be chemotactic to lymphocytes, with preferential activity toward na ⁇ ve T cells, but is not chemotactic to monocytes or neutrophils. Nagira et al. (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272: 19518-19524; and Gunn et al. (1998) Proc Natl AcadSci USA 95:258. In addition, SLC was recently shown to have angiostatic activity in a rat corneal micropocket model of angiogenesis. Soto et al. (1998) Proc Natl AcadSci USA 95:8205.
  • SLC is primarily expressed in lymphoid tissues such as lymph nodes, Peyer's patches, appendix, spleen and the lymphatic endothelium of multiple organs, and also in HEV endothelial cells. It has been postulated that SLC plays a major role in the recruitment of lymphocytes into secondary lymphoid organs, such as Peyer's patches and lymph nodes. See Pachynski et al. (1998) J. Immunol. 161 :952-956. Various applications of cytokines for the treatment of cancer and hyperproliferative disorders have been attempted.
  • the introduction of autologous tumor cells transfected with cytokine genes such as IL-2 or GM-CSF has induced protective T-cell responses to tumors.
  • cytokine genes such as IL-2 or GM-CSF
  • the invention described herein relates to novel methods of using the cytokine SLC in the treatment of cancer and hyperproliferative disorders.
  • the methods of the invention relate to novel use of SLC in the modulation of primary immune responses. Every immune response is a complex and intricately regulated sequence of events involving several cell types. It is triggered when an antigen enters the body and encounters a specialized class of cells called antigen-presenting cells (APCs). These APCs capture a minute amount of the antigen and display it in a form that can be recognized by antigen-specific helper T lymphocytes.
  • the helper T (T H ) cells become activated and, in turn, promote the activation of other classes of lymphocytes, such as B cells or cytotoxic T cells. The activated lymphocytes then proliferate and carry out their specific effector functions, which, in many cases successfully activate or eliminate the antigen.
  • the lymphocytes and APCs communicate with one another through direct contact or by secreting regulatory cytokines, activation molecules, and can indirectly communicate through other cells.
  • the contact between an APC and an antigen-specific T H cell also has effects on the APC.
  • One of the most important effects is that the APC may begin to release a cytokine called interleukin-l (IL-1).
  • IL-1 increases surface expression of class II MHC proteins and of various adhesion molecules, thereby strengthening binding of the T H cell, and enhancing antigen presentation.
  • the T H cell is activated to release cytokines and other growth and differentiation factors.
  • APC antigen-presenting cell
  • APCs There are three major classes of cells that function as APCs. These classes are macrophages, dendritic cells, and B cells. Dendritic cells are most potent among antigen presenting cells and are believed to be indispensable to the initiation of a primary immune response (Lanzavecchia (1993) Science 260:931; and Grabbe et al. (1995) Immunol Today 16:111). Dendritic cells (DC) are dedicated antigen-presenting cells that stimulate T cell- dependent immune responses (Banchereau et al. (1998) Nature 392, 6673:245; Hart, D.N.J.
  • Chemokines such as C5a, fMLP SDF-1, MCP-3, MCP-4, RANTES, MlPl ⁇ , MlPl ⁇ , MIP-5, and MDC have been reported to induce the migration of immature DC in vitro (Sozzani et al. (1995) J. Immunol. 155, 7:3292; Morelli et al. (1996) Immunology 89, 7:126; Xu et al. (1996) J. Leukoc. Biol. 60, 3:365; Sozzani et al. (1997) J. Immunol. 159, :1993; Godiska et al. (1997) J. Exp. Med. 185, 9: 1595).
  • the present invention provides methods for the modulation of immune responses through the manipulation of dendritic cells (DC).
  • DC dendritic cells
  • the invention provides a method of treating cancer or hyperproliferative disorder in a mammalian subject, comprising: administering a therapeutically effective amount of an SLC to said subject.
  • SLCs useful in the methods of the invention include SLC polypeptides, variants and fragments and related nucleic acids. The methods of the invention are useful in the treatment of cancer and hyperproliferative disorders.
  • the invention provides methods for modulating dendritic cell function in a mammal, said method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an SLC agent to said mammal, said agent selected from the group consisting of: SLC polypeptides, SLC polypeptide variants, SLC polypeptide fragments, polynucleotides encoding SLC polypeptides, variants and fragments, anti-SLC antibodies and ligands for the CCR7 receptor.
  • SLC polypeptides selected from the group consisting of: SLC polypeptides, SLC polypeptide variants, SLC polypeptide fragments, polynucleotides encoding SLC polypeptides, variants and fragments, anti-SLC antibodies and ligands for the CCR7 receptor.
  • Such methods can be used to increase or decrease an immune response, particularly a primary immune response, in a mammal.
  • the methods are particularly useful in the prevention of graft rejection and in the treatment of autoimmune disease.
  • the methods may be
  • Figure 1 cDNA and amino acid sequences of human SLC (SEQ ID NO:l and SEQ ID NO:2, respectively). The arrow between amino acid residues 23 and 24 indicates the predicted cleavage site of the signal sequence.
  • Figure 2. cDNA and amino acid sequences of mouse SLC (SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:4, respectively).
  • FIG. 3 SLC and ELC but not RANTES induced chemotaxis of mature DC.
  • (a-b) Migration of human monocyte-derived DC matured with MCM (black bars) or TNFD (striped bars) compared to untreated immature cells (white bars), in response to the indicated concentrations (in ng/ml) of (a) SLC or (b) ELC. The percent migration (+/- SE) is based on the number of cells added to the top chamber,
  • Chemotactic index is the ratio of the number of cells in the bottom chamber in the test case to the number of cells in the absence of the chemokine.
  • PT pertussis toxin
  • FIG. 4 Calcium mobilization in MCM-treated mature DC induced by SLC and ELC.
  • DC (a) without or (b-e) with MCM-treatment were loaded with Fluo AM. The chemokines were added at the times indicated by the arrows and the calcium responses analyzed by flow cytometry.
  • a-c Calcium responses to 500 ng/ml of SLC, ELC or RANTES.
  • d-e Dose dependent calcium responses induced by 500, 150, 50. 15, 5 and 1.5 ng/ml of (d) SLC or (e) ELC.
  • f-g MCM-treated DC were loaded with Fluo-3AM and calcium mobilization was analyzed by flow cytometry.
  • Concentration of the chemokines added were: (f) 100 ng/ml SLC, 500 ng/ml ELC, (g) 500 ng/ml ELC, 100 ng/ml SLC. These results are representative of two or more independent experiments.
  • RNA was prepared from DC after 8 days of culture, either untreated (-) or treated with MCM (+) from days 5-8.
  • First strand cDNA were synthesized and used in semi -quantitative PCR analysis. PCR products from 30 cycles of amplification were visualized on an ethidium-bromide stained 2% agarose gel. Molecular weight markers (in kb) are shown to the left of the gels. The annealing temperatures for all PCR reactions were 55°C except for CCR5, CCR6, CCR9, CXCR3. CXCR5, CX,CR1 , which were at 60°C. These results are representative of 7 or more experiments using three independent pairs of cDNA.
  • Figure 6 Effect of peritumor administration of SLC on survival of mice injected subcutaneously with B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells.
  • Figure 7 Effect of peritumor administration of SLC on primary tumor growth of B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells injected subcutaneously into mice.
  • Figure 8 Effect of peritumor administration of SLC on primary tumor growth of B16-BL6 mouse melanoma cells at Day 13.
  • Figure 9. Effect of SLC in combination with IL-2 on subcutaneous B 16-BL6 tumor growth in mice.
  • Lymphoid-Tissue Chemokine inhibits the growth of tumors and is chemotactic for mature Dendritic Cells (DC). While the invention is not limited by the mechanism proposed herein, it is believed that SLC inhibits tumor growth and hyperproliferative disorder by mediating immunological responses and by inhibiting angiogenesis. In particular, SLC acts as a chemoattractant for DC, na ⁇ ve T cells and activated T cells. While it has previously been shown that SLC inhibits bFGF or VEGF-induced angiogenesis in a rat cornea model, this is the first report demonstrating the antitumor activity of SLC in vivo.
  • the invention is directed to a method of treating cancer or hype ⁇ roliferative cell growth in a mammalian subject, comprising: administering a therapeutically effective amount of an SLC to said subject.
  • SLC polypeptide or protein is meant a Secondary Lymphoid-Tissue Chemokine.
  • SLC includes naturally occurring mammalian SLCs. and variants and fragments thereof, as defined below.
  • the SLC is of human or mouse origin.
  • Most preferably the SLC is human SLC.
  • Human SLC has been cloned and sequenced. Nagira et al. (1997) J Biol Chem 272: 19518; the contents of which are inco ⁇ orated by reference.
  • the cDNA and amino acid sequences of human SLC are shown in Figure 1 (SEQ ID NO:l and SEQ ID NO:2, respectively).
  • the signal sequence of human SLC is cleaved to yield the mature form, representing residues 24 to 134 of SEQ ID NO:2 (SEQ ID NO:5).
  • Mouse SLC has also been cloned and sequenced. Hromas et al. (1997) J Immunol 159:2554; Hedrick et al. ( ⁇ 991) J Immunol 759:1589; and Tanabe et al. (1997) J Immunol 759:5671 ; the contents of which are inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • the cDNA and amino acid sequences of mouse SLC are shown in Figure 2 (SEQ ID NO:3 and SEQ ID NO:4, respectively).
  • the signal sequence of mouse SLC is cleaved to yield the mature form, representing residues 24 to 133 of SEQ ID NO:2 (SEQ ID NO:6).
  • SLC polypeptide also includes variants and fragments of the SLCs of SEQ ID NO:5 and 6.
  • SLC polypeptides and variants will have at least 70% sequence identity with the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:4 or SEQ ID NO:5. Methods for determining the percent sequence identity are discussed below.
  • SLC polypeptide variant refers to a polypeptide derived from the SLC protein of SEQ ID NO: 5 or 6 by deletion or addition of one or more amino acids to the N- terminal and/or C-terminal end of the native protein; deletion or addition of one or more amino acids at one or more sites in the native protein; or substitution of one or more amino acids at one or more sites in the native protein.
  • Such variants include mutants, fragments, allelic variants, homologous orthologs, and fusions of native SLC polypeptide sequences.
  • SLC polypeptides, SLC polypeptide variants and SLC fragments useful in the methods of the invention may be modified by glycosylation, phosphorylation, substitution of non-natural amino acid analogs and the like.
  • SLC variants will have at least 70%, generally at least 75%, 80%, 85%, preferably about 90% to 95% or more, and more preferably about 98% or more sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6.
  • a variant of the SLC proteins useful in the methods of the invention may differ from the polypeptides of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6 by as few as 1-33 amino acid residues, as few as 1-30, as few as 1-20, as few as 1-15, as few as 1-10, such as 6-10, as few as 5, as few as 4, 3, 2, or even 1 amino acid residue. Methods for calculating identity and similarity are known in the art.
  • a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence at least 95% "identical" to a reference amino acid sequence is intended that the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide is identical to the reference sequence except that the polypeptide sequence may include up to five amino acid alterations per each 100 amino acids of the reference amino acid sequence. These alterations of the reference sequence may occur at the amino or carboxy terminal positions of the reference amino acid sequence or anywhere between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually among residues in the reference sequence or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference sequence.
  • the determination of percent identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm.
  • the percentage sequence identity between two polypeptide sequences is determined using the BESTFIT computer program (Wisconsin Sequence Analysis Package, Version 8 for Unix, Genetics Computer Group, University Research Park, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis. 5371 1), using the default settings.
  • BESTFIT Garnier Fluorescence Analysis Program
  • the parameters are set, of course, such that the percentage of identity is calculated over the full length of the reference amino acid sequence and that gaps in homology of up to 5% of the total number of amino acid residues in the reference sequence are allowed.
  • SLC variants useful in the methods of the invention may be obtained by amino acid substitutions, deletions, truncations, and insertions.
  • Preferred SLC polypeptide variants have one or more conservative amino acid substitutions of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5 or 6.
  • conservative amino acid substitutions may be made at one or more amino acid residues.
  • substitutions are made at nonessential amino acid residues.
  • a “nonessential” amino acid residue is a residue that can be altered from the wild-type sequence of an SLC protein (e.g., the sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6) without altering the one of the biological activities, whereas an "essential" amino acid residue is required for a given biological activity.
  • a “conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art.
  • amino acids with basic side chains e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine
  • acidic side chains e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid
  • uncharged polar side chains e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine
  • nonpolar side chains e.g..
  • beta-branched side chains e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine
  • aromatic side chains e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine.
  • the SLC variants useful in the methods of the invention may be isolated from naturally occurring variants, isolated after mutagenesis or recombinant manipulation, or be synthetically produced.
  • Naturally occurring allelic variants can be identified with the use of well-known molecular biology techniques, such as, for example, with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybridization techniques. Methods for such manipulations are generally known in the art.
  • variants of the SLC proteins can be prepared by mutagenesis or recombinant manipulations. Methods for mutagenesis and nucleotide sequence alterations are well known in the art. See, for example, Kunkel (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 52:488-492; Kunkel et al.
  • polypeptides useful in the methods of the invention encompass both naturally occurring proteins as well as variations and modified forms thereof. Such variants will continue to possess the desired SLC activity. Obviously, the mutations that will be made in the DNA encoding the variant must not place the sequence out of reading frame and preferably will not create complementary regions that could produce secondary mRNA structure. See, EP Patent Application Publication No. 75,444.
  • SLC polypeptide fragment is intended a portion of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6. As used herein, SLC polypeptide fragments will retain at least 30% of the dendritic cell chemoattractant activity, the anti-tumor activity, or the angiostatic activity of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6.
  • an SLC fragment will comprise at least 10 contiguous amino acid residues of polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6.
  • SLC polypeptide fragments may range from at least 10 contiguous amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6, about 15, about 20, about 25. about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, and up to 1 10-1 1 contiguous amino acid residues of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6.
  • Variant SLC proteins and SLC polypeptide fragments useful in the methods of the present invention must possess SLC biological activity.
  • a "SLC variant" will exhibit at least 30% of a dendritic cell-chemoattractant activity, tumor inhibitory activity or angiostatic activity of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:5 or 6. More typically, variants exhibit more than 60% of at least one of these activities; even more typically, variants exhibit more than 80% of at least one of these activities.
  • the deletions, insertions, and substitutions of the protein sequences useful herein are not expected to produce radical changes in the characteristics of the protein.
  • the effect will be evaluated by routine screening assays. That is. the dendritic cell chemoattractant activity can be evaluated by standard chemotaxis assays, such as the one described in Example 2, below, and by other chemotaxis assays known to those skilled in the art. See. for example, Rubbert et al, (1998) J Immunol 160:3933 and Nagira et al. (1997) J Biol Chem 272:19518; herein inco ⁇ orated by reference. Similarly, angiostatic activity can be measured in egg chorioallantoic membrane or rodent cornea models of angiogenesis.
  • Anti-tumor activity may be determined using implantation of tumor cells in non-human mammalian subjects, as described in Examples 6 and 7.
  • Amino acids which are involved in binding of the SLC to dendritic cells are essential for chemotactic activity to SLC to dendritic cells.
  • Such amino acids can be identified by methods known in the art. Such methods include alanine-scanning mutagenesis, molecular evolution (Crameri et al. (1996) Nat. Biotechnol. 14(3 ):3 ⁇ 5- 319; Crameri et al. (1998) Nature 75:288-291 ; Patten et al. (1997) Cwrr. Opin. Biotechnol. 8:124-133; Stemmer, W.P. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • the methods of the invention are useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders and cancers, and are particularly useful in the treatment of solid tumors.
  • Types of solid tumors that may be treated according to the methods of the invention include, but are not limited to, melanoma, breast cancer, tumors of the head and neck, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, urinary tract cancers, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, bone cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, metastases of the above, and metastases of unknown primary origin.
  • Hype ⁇ roliferative disorders that may be treated by the methods of the invention include, but are not limited to, prostatic hyperplasia, proliferative breast diseases, proliferative retinopathy and pigmented skin lesions.
  • Angiogenesis or development of new blood vessels, is implicated in a host of diseases including tumorigenesis, metastasis and tumor growth, retinopathies, neovascular ocular disorders, and postangioplasty or postatherectomy restenosis (Bicknell et al. (1996) Curr. Opin. Oncol. 5:60-65; Gariano et al. (1996) Survey Ophthalmol. 40:481-490; and Wilcox, J.N. (1993) Am. J. Cardiol. 72:88E-95E).
  • the methods of the invention are useful in suppressing angiogenesis particularly angiogenesis involved in cancer, tumorigenesis, metastasis and tumor growth.
  • the invention provides a method for the treatment of cancer or a hype ⁇ roliferative disorder in a mammalian subject, comprising: administering a therapeutically effective amount of an SLC to said subject.
  • the SLC may be administered directly by introducing a SLC polypeptide, SLC variant or SLC fragment into or onto the subject.
  • the SLC may be produced in situ following the administration of a polynucleotide encoding a SLC polypeptide, SLC variant or SLC fragment may be introduced into the subject.
  • Methods of introducing and expressing polynucleotides in mammalian subjects are known to those skilled in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to gene therapy methods.
  • the administration of SLC comprises introducing a SLC polynucleotide into a mammal.
  • SLC polynucleotides useful in the methods of the invention include, but are not limited to: a) the polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO: 1 or 3 ; b) a polynucleotide having at least 70% sequence identity with the polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:l or 3; c) a polynucleotide having at least 70% sequence identity with the coding region of the polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:l or 3.
  • the invention comprises a method for modulating dendritic cell function in a mammal, said method comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an SLC agent to said mammal, said agent selected from the group consisting of: SLC polypeptides, SLC polypeptide variants, SLC polypeptide fragments, polynucleotides encoding SLC polypeptides, variants and fragments. anti- SLC antibodies and ligands for the CCR7 receptor.
  • the present invention recognizes that secondary lymphoid chemokine (SLC) is chemotactic to mature DC as well as other immune cells including T cells. While the invention is not bound by any mechanism, it is believed that SLC is involved in binding and guiding the migration of DC and other cells to secondary lymphoid organs. It is recognized that the SLC agents of the invention may exert an effect on another aspect of the immune cascade described herein. Thus, by “modulation of dendritic cell function” is intended modulation of receptor binding or dendritic cell activity as well as downstream effects on the immune response and modulation of T cell function. Given its chemotactic activity to both mature DC and T cells, SLC may serve as an important co-localization signal for these cells, mediating the initiation of immune responses.
  • SLC secondary lymphoid chemokine
  • compositions of the invention find use in mediating recruitment of leukocytes into sites of inflammation and immune responses, particularly, the chemotaxis of dendritic and other cells.
  • the compositions of the invention furthermore are useful in preventing proliferation of tumor cells, and tumor progression, preventing hype ⁇ roliferative cell growth, inhibiting angiogenesis, and generally for the treatment of cancer.
  • immunotherapeutic intervention is intended modulation of an immune response; suppression of an immune response, for example, in preventing graft rejection; prevention and treatment of autoimmune diseases; enhancing an immune response; inhibiting neoplastic or tumor growth; inhibiting angiogenesis; and the like.
  • compositions of the invention can be used to promote, enhance, upregulate, or initiate an immune response, or alternatively, can be used to suppress or downregulate an immune response.
  • dendritic cells are involved in initiating the immune response, the compositions of the invention can be used to prevent a primary immune response.
  • primary immune response is intended the onset or initiation of the immune cascade as described above. Such a response can be prevented at least by blocking the capturing and presenting of antigens as well as the transporting of antigens through the body to stimulate T cells.
  • the SLC agents of the invention comprise native SLC polypeptides, native SLC nucleic acid sequences, polypeptide and nucleic acid variants, antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, and other components that are capable of blocking the immune response through manipulation of SLC expression, activity and receptor binding.
  • Such components include, for example, proteins or small molecules that interfere with or enhance SLC promoter activity; proteins or small molecules that attract transcription regulators; polynucleotides, proteins or small molecules that stabilize or degrade SLC mRNA; proteins or small molecules that interfere with receptor binding; and the like.
  • any means of suppressing or enhancing SLC activity for example, by interfering with receptor binding, interfering with SLC promoter activity, interfering with gene expression, mRNA stability, or protein stability, etc., can be used to modulate the primary immune response and are encompassed by the invention.
  • the amino acid and DNA sequence of SLC are known in the art. See. for example. Pachynski et al. ( 1998) J. Immunol. 161 :952; Yoshida et al. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273:11 18, Nagira et al. ( 1998) Eur. J. Immunol. 25: 1516- 1523 ; Nagira et al. ( 1997) J. Biol. Chem. 2 7 2: 19518. All of which are herein incorporated by reference.
  • SLC variants that retain SLC activity, can be utilized to enhance the immune response, prevent tumor progression, prevent hype ⁇ roliferative cell growth, and the like. It is recognized that some SLC variants or derivatives may retain the ability to bind with receptor, but will not retain chemotactic activity or the activity essential for initiation of the immune response. Thus, such variants or derivatives will be useful to suppress the immune response. Methods for selecting polypeptides that are capable of suppressing the immune response yet binding chemotactic cells through the SLC receptor are available in the art. Assay systems such as those set forth in the experimental section can be utilized. Combinatorial chemistry approaches can be used to determine SLC variants or derivatives which may be useful to suppress the immune response.
  • Suitable SLC polypeptides can be SLC variants, SLC fragments, analogues, and derivatives.
  • analogues is intended analogues of either SLC or an SLC fragment that comprise a native SLC sequence and structure having one or more amino acid substitutions, insertions, or deletions.
  • Peptides having one or more peptoids (peptide mimics) are also encompassed by the term analogues (WO 91/04282).
  • derivatives is intended any suitable modification of SLC, SLC fragments, or their respective analogues, such as glycosylation, phosphorylation, or other addition of foreign moieties, so long as the desired activity is retained.
  • SLC polypeptides or variants thereof of the invention may be utilized to produce antibodies specific for SLC polypeptides and variants thereof.
  • Antibodies may be polyclonal or monoclonal. An intact antibody, or a fragment thereof, such as Fab or F(ab') 2 as well as ScFV can be utilized.
  • Methods for making or selecting antibodies are known in the art. See, for example, Kohler and Milstein (1975) Nature 256:495-497 (hybridoma technique); Cole et al. (1985), Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, Inc.
  • chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies can be produced by recombinant DNA techniques, for example, as described in EPA 171,496; EPA 184,187; WO 86/01533; WO 87/02671 ; Better et al. (1988) Science 240: 1041 ; Liu et al.
  • the antibodies can be applied in a therapeutic context in which treatment involves inhibiting SLC function.
  • An antibody can be used, for example, to block SLC binding.
  • Antibodies can be prepared against specific fragments containing sites required for function e.g. binding.
  • Anti-antibodies such as anti-idiotypic antibodies, can also be prepared wherein such anti-antibodies are capable of binding receptor and preventing SLC activation of the immune response. Such antibodies are also useful in a therapeutic context in which inhibition of SLC activity is desired.
  • SLC agents of the invention also comprise polynucleotides encoding the SLC polypeptide, derivatives, analogues, variants, or fragments thereof.
  • compositions further comprise variant polynucleotides and fragments thereof, such "variant polynucleotides” include those that encode the SLC polypeptide but differ from the native sequence due to the degeneracy of the genetic code.
  • Variant nucleotide sequences also include synthetically derived nucleotide sequences that have been generated, for example, by using site-directed mutagenesis.
  • nucleotide sequence variants of the invention will have at least about 70%, preferably at least about 80%, more preferably about 90 to 95% or more, and most preferably about 98% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID ⁇ O:l or 3.
  • Polynucleotides of the invention may be naturally occurring, such as allelic variants, homologs, orthologs, or may be constructed by recombinant DNA methods or by chemical synthesis. Alternatively, the variant polypeptides may be non-naturally occurring and made by techniques known in the art. including mutagenesis. Polynucleotide variants may contain nucleotide substitutions, deletions, inversions and insertions.
  • Polynucleotide sequences of the invention include antisense nucleotides.
  • Antisense technology utilizes nucleic acid base-pair recognition and achieves a high degree of specificity in modulating gene expression.
  • small, synthetic oligonucleotides resembling single-stranded DNA are used intracellularly to hybridize the coding sequences in a specific messenger RNA (mRNA) target by Watson-Crick base pairing.
  • mRNA messenger RNA
  • Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides have been recognized as a major class of potential pharmaceuticals.
  • Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) used in the invention are capable of complementary binding to the SLC mRNA and modulating SLC activity.
  • the sequences of the ODNs used as antisense molecules can be substantially complementary to any portion of the SLC mRNA sequences or SLC promoter regions.
  • the antisense sequences are not identical or complementary to a sequence for another mRNA or to a rRNA or tRNA.
  • ODNs are about 40% to about 100% complementary, preferably about 50% to about 85%, more preferably about 60% to about 80%) complementary to a portion of the selected SLC sequence.
  • the ODNs sequence can be designed to be significantly complementary, that is about 80%> to about 100% complementary to the SLC mRNA sequence adjacent to the translation initiation codon AUG.
  • the length of the ODNs can range from about 10 nucleotides to about 300 nucleotides, preferably from about 10 nucleotides to about 100 nucleotides, and more preferably from about 15 nucleotides to about 50 nucleotides.
  • Methods are generally available in the art for expression of the polynucleotides of the invention. See, for example, Sambrook et al. Cold Spring Harbor, NY, (1989).
  • a variety of expression vectors can be used to express the polynucleotides of the invention. Vectors containing the appropriate polynucleotide can be introduced into host cells for propagation and expression using well-known techniques.
  • the protein and small molecule agents discussed above can be identified by methods available in the art. For example, as discussed above, using combinatorial chemistry or phage display approaches peptides can be generated at random and selected for receptor binding or the ability to modulate SLC activity.
  • SLC polynucleotides encoding said polypeptides, variants and fragments, and the SLC agents useful in the methods of the invention can be inco ⁇ orated into pharmaceutical compositions suitable for administration into a subject.
  • Subjects include mammals, e.g. humans, dogs, cattle, horses, etc.
  • Such compositions typically comprise at least one SLC polypeptide, SLC polypeptide variant, SLC polypeptide fragment, SLC polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide, variant or fragment, an SLC agent, or a combination thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • Methods for formulating the SLC compounds of the invention for pharmaceutical administration are known to those of skill in the art. See, for example. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 19 th Edition, Gennaro (ed.) 1995, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, PA.
  • pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is intended to include any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and abso ⁇ tion delaying agents, and the like, compatible with pharmaceutical administration.
  • the use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active compound, such media can be used in the compositions of the invention. Supplementary active compounds can also be inco ⁇ orated into the compositions.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
  • the route of administration will vary depending on the desired outcome. Generally for initiation of an immune response, injection of the agent at or near the desired site of inflammation or response is utilized. Alternatively other routes of administration may be warranted depending upon the disease condition. That is, for suppression of neoplastic or tumor growth, injection of the pharmaceutical composition at or near the tumor site is preferred. Alternatively, for prevention of graft rejection, systemic administration may be used. Likewise, for the treatment or prevention of autoimmune diseases systemic administration may be preferred. Examples of routes of systemic administration include parenteral, e.g., intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (e.g., inhalation), transdermal (topical), transmucosal, and rectal administration.
  • parenteral e.g., intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (e.g., inhalation), transdermal (topical), transmucosal, and rectal administration.
  • Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as EDTA; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
  • the parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.
  • compositions suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion.
  • suitable carriers include physiological saline, bacteriostatic water, Cremophor ELTM
  • the carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • the proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in the composition.
  • Prolonged abso ⁇ tion of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays abso ⁇ tion, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound (e.g., a protein or antibody) in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
  • the active compound e.g., a protein or antibody
  • dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle which contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.
  • the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying which yields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filteredsolution thereof.
  • Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets.
  • the agent can be contained in enteric forms to survive the stomach or further coated or mixed to be released in a particular region of the Gl tract by known methods.
  • the active compound can be inco ⁇ orated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules.
  • Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash. wherein the compound in the fluid carrier is applied orally and swished and expectorated or swallowed.
  • Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition.
  • the tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.
  • a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin
  • an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch
  • a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes
  • a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide
  • Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
  • penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation.
  • penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, for example, for transmucosal administration, detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives.
  • the active compounds are prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulateddelivery systems.
  • a controlled release formulation including implants and microencapsulateddelivery systems.
  • Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially from Alza Co ⁇ oration and Nova Pharmaceuticals,Inc.
  • Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522.811.
  • Dosage unit form refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the subject to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.
  • the specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on the unique characteristics of the active compound and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active compound for the treatment of individuals.
  • the nucleic acid molecules of the invention can be inserted into vectors and used as gene therapy vectors.
  • Gene therapy vectors can be delivered to a subject by, for example, intravenous injection, local administration (U.S. 5, 328,470), implantation ' or by stereotactic injection (see e.g., Chen et al, PNAS 9 :3054-3057 (1994)).
  • Vectors for expression in mammalian hosts are disclosed in Wu et ⁇ /. (1991)J. Biol. Chem. 265:14338; Wu and Wu (1988)J. Biol. Chem. 263: 14621 ; and Zenke et ⁇ /. (1990) roc. Nat 7. Acad. Sci.
  • the pharmaceutical preparation of the gene therapy vector can include the gene therapy vector in an acceptable diluent, or can comprise a slow release matrix in which the gene delivery vehicle is imbedded.
  • the pharmaceutical preparation can include one or more cells which produce the gene delivery system.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can be delivered via slow- release formulation or matrix comprising SLC protein or DNA constructs suitable for expression of SLC protein into or around a site within the body.
  • a transient lymph node can be created at a desired implant location to attract dendritic cells and T cells initiating an immune response.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions can be included in a container, pack, or dispenser together with instructions for administration. That result can be reduction and/or alleviation of the signs, symptoms, or causes of a disease or any other desired alteration of a biological system.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprising SLC polypeptides, SLC polypeptide variants, SLC polypeptide fragments, polynucleotides encoding said SLC polypeptides, variants and fragments, as well as SLC agents, as defined above, are administered in therapeutically effective amounts.
  • the "therapeutically effective amount” refers to a nontoxic dosage level sufficient to induce a desired biological result.
  • Amounts for administration may vary based upon the desired activity, the diseased state of the mammal being treated, the dosage form, method of administration, patient factors such as age, sex, and severity of disease. It is recognized that a therapeutically effective amount is provided in a broad range of concentrations. Such range can be determined based on binding assays, chemotaxis assays, and in vivo assays.
  • compositions will comprise from about 0.1 ng/ml to about 1 mg/ml; from about 1 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, 50 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, 200 ng/ml, 300 ng/ml, 400 ng/ml, 500 ng/ml to about 600 ng/ml, 700 ng/ml, 800 ng/ml, 900 ng/ml, 1 ⁇ g/ml, 10 ⁇ g/ml, 100 ⁇ g/ml, 200 ⁇ g/ml, 300 ⁇ g/ml, 400 ⁇ g/ml, 500 ⁇ g/ml, 900 ⁇ g/ml, 1 mg/ml.
  • compositions can be used for injection at a particular target site (injection of about 20 ⁇ l, 500 ⁇ l from 30 ⁇ l, 40 ⁇ l, 50 ⁇ l, 75 ⁇ l, 100 ⁇ l, to about 200 ⁇ l, 300 ⁇ l, 400 ⁇ l, 500 ⁇ l, 1 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml, 4 ml, 5 ml and up to about 10 ml), or alternatively for other administration.
  • Regimens of administration may vary. A single injection or multiple injections of the agent may be used. Likewise, expression vectors can be used at a target site for continuous expression of the agent. Such regimens will vary depending on the severity of the disease and the desired outcome.
  • an SLC or SLC composition is injected directly into the tumor or into a peritumor site.
  • peritumor site is meant a site less than about 15 cm from an outer edge of the tumor.
  • SLC administration may be to one or more sites.
  • SLC administration is at multiple sites within a tumor and/or surrounding a tumor.
  • the cancer or hype ⁇ roliferative cell growth is surgically removed before and/or after administration of the SLC.
  • the invention comprises a method of treating a cancer, tumor, or hype ⁇ roliferative disorder, comprising: (a) administering said SLC to the site of cancer, tumor, or hype ⁇ roliferative cell growth; (b) surgically removing said cancer or hype ⁇ roliferative cell growth; and (c) administering said SLC to the site of surgical removal.
  • the SLC compositions of the invention may be co-administered or co- formulated with other agents that may participate in the inhibition of cancer, angiogenesis, hype ⁇ roliferative cell growth or the modulation of an immune response.
  • the IL- 2 is recombinant human IL-2.
  • the recombinant IL-2 is Proleukin 1 (Chiron Corp., Emeryville, CA).
  • Preferred routes of administration of IL-2 include, but are not limited to, IV, SQ, oral, mucosal, intranasal. dermal, i.p., intra-tumor and peritumor routes of administration.
  • IL-2 is administered by IV or SQ to humans.
  • Proleukin may be obtained in a lyophilized powder for IV(SQ) injection containing 22 million IU/Vial. To prepare for injection. 1.2 ml sterile water is added to the vial to make 18 million IU/ml (or 1.3 mg protein /ml). This solution is stable at room temperature for 48 hours. Albumin must be added to D5W before addition of Proleukin. Add 1 ml of 5% albumin (or 0.2ml of 25% albumin) to each 50ml of D5 W to make D5W with 0.1% albumin. Final dose can be diluted to 5-60 meg Protein ml in D5W with 0.1% Albumin (see above)
  • PE-conjugated anti-human CCR6 antibodies were purchased from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, MN).
  • PE-conjugated anti-human CD la, CD 14 and fluorescein isothiocyante (FITC)-conjugated anti-human CD86, CD40 and HLA-DR antibodies were obtained from Pharmingen (San Diego, CA).
  • PE- conjugated anti-human CD83 was obtained from Immunotech/Coulter (Miami, FL).
  • DC peripheral blood monocytes as previously described (Bender et al. (1996) J. Immunol Methods 6:121). Buffy coats from healthy donors were obtained from the Blood Center of the Pacific (San Francisco. CA). CD14 ' monocytes were isolated by negative depletion using Monocyte Isolation Kits along with MACS columns (Miltenyi Biotec, Auburn, CA). Cells were cultured at 0.6x10 6 per ml in medium (RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) (Summit. Inc., Fort Collins. CO).
  • FCS fetal calf serum
  • rhGM-CSF granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
  • rhIL-4 granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
  • Fresh culture medium with cytokines was added every two days.
  • Monocyte- conditioned medium (MCM) was prepared as previously described (Bender et al (1996) J. Immunol. Methods 796: 121) and was added to DC cultures at 30% on either the 5 th or 6 th day following culture initiation for 3 additional days.
  • cells were matured using 50 ng/ml recombinant human TNF . (Cetus. Emeryville. CA) instead of MCM. Expression of surface markers upon MCM-treatment was analyzed by flow cytometry. Chemotaxis assays
  • CCR2 (f: CCCTTATTTTCCACGAGGATGG, SEQ ID NO:8, r: CGCTTGGTGATGTGCTTTCG, SEQ ID NO:9, 407 bp. U03905).
  • CCR3 (f: TGAGACTGAAGAGTTGTTTG, SEQ ID NO: 10, r: ATTGATAGGAAGAGAGAAGG. SEQ ID NO: l 1, 280 bp, U51241 ).
  • CCR4 (f: CAGCTCCCTGGAAATCAACATTC, SEQ ID NO: 12. r: CAGTCTTGGCAGAGCACAAAAAGG, SEQ ID NO: 13, 369 bp, X85740).
  • CCR5 (f: CCAAAAGCACATTGCCAAACG, SEQ ID NO: 14, r: ACTTGAGTCCGTGTCACAAGCC, SEQ ID NO: 15, 136 bp, X91492).
  • CCR6 (f: ATCCTGCCAGAGCGAAAAGC, SEQ ID NO: 16, r: CATTGTCGTTATCTGCGGTCTCAC, SEQ ID NO: 17, 248 bp, U68032).
  • CCR7 (f: TGCCATCTACAAGATGAGCT, SEQ ID NO: 18, r: GGTGCTACTGGTGATGTTGA, SEQ ID NO: 19, 492 bp, L08176).
  • CCR8 (f: TCTGAAGATGGTGTTCTACA, SEQ ID NO:20, r: ACTTTTCACAGCTCTCCCTA, SEQ ID NO:21, 486 bp, U45983).
  • CCR9 (f: GCATGGGACCATTTGGAAGC, SEQ ID NO:22, r: CAGTCATTTCCTCTTGGGCAGTAAG, SEQ ID NO:23, 478 bp, Y12815).
  • CXCR1 (f: CCTTCTTCCTTTTCCGCCAG, SEQ ID NO:24, r: AAGTGTAGGAGGTAACACGATGACG, SEQ ID NO:25, 512 bp, L19591).
  • CXCR2 (f: CTTTTCCGAAGGACCGTCTACTC, SEQ ID NO:26, r: TGTGCCCTGAAGAAGAGCCAAC, SEQ ID NO:27, 545 bp, M73969).
  • CXCR3 (f: AATACAACTTCCCACAGGTG, SEQ ID NO:28, r: CAAGAGCAGCATCCACATCC, SEQ ID NO:29, 391 bp, X95876).
  • CXCR4 (f: GCTGTTGGCTGAAAAGGTGGTC, SEQ ID NO:30, r: CACCTCGCTTTCCTTTGGAGA, SEQ ID NO-31 , 538 bp, X71635).
  • CXCR5 (f: ACGTTGCACCTTCTCCCAAGAG, SEQ ID NO:32. r: AGAGAGCCATTCAGCTTGCAGG, SEQ ID NO:33, 299 bp, X68149).
  • Bonzo (f: TTACCATGACGAGGCAATTTCC, SEQ ID NO:34, r: ATAACTGGAACATGCTGGTGGC, SEQ ID NO:35, 484 bp, af007545).
  • V28 (f: TGAATGCCTTGGTGACTACCCC, SEQ ID NO:36, r: GGAGAAATCAACGTGGACTGAGC, SEQ ID NO:37, 456 bp, U20350).
  • GPR5 (f: CTCCTCAATATGATCTTCTCCAT, SEQ ID NO:38, r: TCTGCAGAAACAGGGTGAA. SEQ ID NO:39, 438 bp, L36149).
  • GPR-9-6 (f: GCCATGAGAGCACATACTTG, SEQ ID NO:40, r: GCAGATGTCAATGTTGGTGGA. SEQ ID NO:41, 441 bp. U45982).
  • GAPDH primers were from Clontech (Palo Alto, CA, #5406). For each PCR reaction, 0.5 ⁇ g of cDNA was used in 25 ⁇ l reactions containing 10 mM Tris. 1.5mM MgCl 2 , 50 mM KC1, pH 8.3. 1.25 U Taq DNA polymerase (Boehringer Mannheim). 0.2 mM dNTP and 50 pmol of each primer. PCR reactions were carried out at 94°C. 1 minute. 60°C, 1 minute, 72°C, 1 minute for 30 cycles and analyzed on 2% agarose gels. Some PCR reactions were carried out with a 1 -minute annealing step at 55°C instead of 60°C.
  • each pair of primers for their respective gene was confirmed by cloning each of the PCR products into pCR2.1-TOPO (Invitrogen; Carlsbad, CA) and sequence verified (data not shown).
  • light Cycler Idaho Technology, Idaho Falls, ID: Optimal light cycling conditions were used for these semi-quantitative PCR reactions.
  • Each light cycling reaction (10 ⁇ l) contained: 50mM Tris-HCl pH 8.3, 2.5mM MgCl 2 , 250 ⁇ g/ml bovine serum albumin (BSA), 0.2mM dNTP's, 1U DNA Taq Polymerase, 0.1 pmol of each primer, and 1 :5000 SYBR Green I (Molecular Probes).
  • the Light Cycler program consists of one normalization cycle (65°C to 85°C to 95°C, hold 20 seconds), followed by 45 cycles of: denaturation (95°C for 5 seconds), annealing (3°C below T m for 2 seconds) and extension (72°C for 30 seconds). The 45 cycles are followed by a single "Big Melt” step (60°C for 5 seconds, 95°C for 5 seconds and 32°C for 20 seconds).
  • Each pair of primers have 2°C or less difference in T m and generate a product within the optimal range (100-500 bp) for SYBR Green I dye quantification.
  • the sequences and annealing temperatures of the primers used are: CCR1 (58°C), CCR2 (62°C), CCR3 (62°C), CCR4 (60°C), CCR5 (58°C), CCR6 (same as RT-PCR, 60°C), CCR7 (58°C) and actin (57°C). Because actin amplifications gave similar profiles for both the immature and mature DC cDNA samples, actin was used as a reference and all CCR samples were evaluated as to their abundance with respect to the actin of that cDNA sample.
  • Immature DC were derived from monocytes isolated from human peripheral blood using GM-CSF and IL-4. To generate mature DC, we treated the cells with monocyte-conditioned media (MCM) or TNF ⁇ . MCM-treatment induced significant upregulation of markers associated with DC maturation such as CD86, CD83 and MFIC class II surface expression.
  • MCM-treatment induced significant upregulation of markers associated with DC maturation such as CD86, CD83 and MFIC class II surface expression.
  • the mean fluorescence channels for DC without or with MCM-treatment were 417 and 3624 for CD86, 186 and 721 for CD83, 667 and 790 for CD40, 202 and 132 for CD 14, 2401 and 2413 for CD la and 1242 and 3106 for HLA- DR respectively.
  • ELC a chemokine expressed in secondary lymphoid organs
  • the mouse homologue of MDC was also found to be expressed in the T cell area of the lymph node adjacent to the B cell follicles (Tang et al. (1998) J. eukoc. Biol. 64:81).
  • BLC is expressed in the follicles of Peyer's patches, the spleen and lymph nodes (Gunn et al. (1998) Nature 397:799).
  • CCR4 and CXCR5 may allow DC to sense additional chemokines guiding them for entry into secondary lymphoid organs.
  • DC attracts naive T cells by secreting chemokines such as DC-CK1, initiating immune responses.
  • Randolph et al. Science (1998) 282:480) reported that the differentiation of monocytes into DC upon traversing endothelial monolayers, a culture system that mimics the in vivo movement of DC from tissues into lymphatic vessels.
  • cDNA samples from immature (-MCM) or mature (+MCM) DC were used in light cycle PCR reactions as described in Materials and Methods.
  • the amount of product for each PCR reaction is calculated from the incorporation of fluorescent dye, SYBR green, and represented as a percentage of the amount of actin product obtained from the same cDNA sample. Results are expressed as the fold change upon addition of MCM.
  • the mouse melanoma cell line, B 16-BL6, was used to establish subcutaneous tumors in 6-8 week old pink-skinned female BDF-1 mice (Charles River Laboratories, Boston, Massachusetts).
  • B16-BL6 cells were maintained as monolayers in EMEM media (Bio-Whittaker, Walkersville, MD) containing 10% fetal bovine serum and 20 mM L-glutamine (Sigma, St. Louis, MO). Cells were harvested by treatment with trypsin for 1 -2 minutes and then washed with media. The cells were resuspended in media at a concentration of 5 x 10 6 cells/ml for subsequent injection into mice.
  • the effect of SLC on tumor growth was assessed.
  • Recombinant mouse SLC was produced using a baculovirus expression system and was purified on S 1 and heparin columns.
  • Purified mouse SLC was diluted into PBS, pH 7.4 prior to injection. All injections of SLC were administered subcutaneously at days 3 and 4 in two 0.02 ml injections per day, for a total injection volume of 0.04 ml per day.
  • the SLC injection was a different site each time, and each site was approximately 3 mm away from the edge of tumor.
  • the concentrations of SLC injected ranged from 0.025-250 ⁇ g/ml in PBS.
  • PBS was used as a negative control, and 10 mg/ml.
  • dacarbazine (DTIC; Sigma, catalog # D2390) was used as a positive control for inhibition of tumor growth. Some mice were sacrificed at two or four days after SLC injection. All remaining mice were sacrificed after tumor volume reached 4000 mm 3 . Tissue specimens were collected immediately after sacrificing, embedded in OCT gel (Sakura Finetek) and frozen in the dry ice pre-cold 2-Methylbutane.
  • the tumor and surrounding tissue were analyzed for the presence of immune cells by immunofluorescence staining.
  • Na ⁇ ve T cells were detected at two days after SLC injection with nodule formation at 100 ⁇ g/ml SLC.
  • na ⁇ ve T cells were not detected two days after SLC injection in the PBS control, nor in mice treated with 250 ⁇ g/ml SLC.
  • activated T cells with nodule formation were detected in mice treated with 100 ⁇ g/ml SLC, but not in mice treated with PBS or 250 ⁇ g/ml SLC.
  • activated T cell tumor infiltration was detected in tumors treated with 10 and 100 ⁇ g/ml SLC, but not in tumors treated with PBS or 250 ⁇ g/ml SLC.
  • dendritic cells were detected in a dose dependent manner with nodule formation at SLC concentrations of 10 ⁇ g/ml and 100 ⁇ g/ml. Dendritic cells were not detected in the negative PBS controls or in tumor sites treated with 250 ⁇ g/ml SLC. Macrophages were detected in both SLC and PBS treated tumors. In contrast, B cells, NK cell neutrophils, basophils and eosinophils were not detected in SLC nor PBS treated tumor sites.
  • B16-B16 mouse melanoma cells were prepared and injected subcutaneously in to BDF-1 mice on day 0 as described in Example 6.
  • SLC (0.25 ⁇ g/ml or 2.5 ⁇ g/ml in two 0.02 ml injections per day) was administered on days 3 and 4 as described above.
  • Treatment with 0.2 ml 0.01% DTIC in 0.05N HC1, administered by i.p. injection on days 3-9 was performed as the positive control.
  • IL-2 was prepared for injection as follows. 16.8 ml 1.1 mg/ml IL-2 (ProleukinTM, Chiron co ⁇ oration, Emeryville, CA) was added to 0.74 ml 5% human serum albumin (HAS) and 19.44 ml 5% dextrose. IL-2 was administered daily by IV injection in 0.2 ml on days 3-9.

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Abstract

L"invention est basée sur l"observation suivante : la chimiokine lymphoïde secondaire (SLC) inhibe la croissance des tumeurs in vivo et cette chimiokine est particulièrement puissante vis-à-vis des cellules dendritiques. L"invention concerne donc une méthode de traitement du cancer ou des troubles hyperprolifératifs chez un sujet mammifère, consistant : à administrer une dose thérapeutiquement efficace d"une chimiokine SLC audit sujet. Les chimiokines lymphoïdes secondaires utiles pour les méthodes selon l"invention comprennent des polypeptides, des variants, et des fragments SLC ainsi que des acides nucléiques associés. Les méthodes selon l"invention sont utiles pour le traitement du cancer et des troubles hyperprolifératifs. En outre, l"invention concerne des méthodes permettant de moduler la fonction des cellules dendritiques chez un mammifère, méthode qui consiste à administrer audit mammifère une dose thérapeutiquement efficace d"un agent SLC, cet agent étant sélectionné dans le groupe constitué des polypeptides SLC, de variants de polypeptides SLC, de fragments de polypeptides SLC, d"anticorps anti-SLC et de ligands du récepteur CCR7. Ces méthodes peuvent être utilisées pour accroître ou restreindre une réponse immunitaire, notamment une réponse immunitaire primaire, chez un mammifère. Les méthodes sont particulièrement utiles dans le cadre de la prévention des rejets de greffe et dans celui du traitement des maladies auto-immunes. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, ces méthodes peuvent être utilisées pour développer une réponse immunitaire.
EP99968968A 1998-12-31 1999-12-28 Methodes de traitement du cancer et de mediation de la chimiotaxie des cellules dendritiques Ceased EP1140141A2 (fr)

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US7005509B1 (en) 1995-02-17 2006-02-28 Incyte Corporation Chemokine PANEC-1 polynucleotides and compositions and methods related thereto
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AU2715700A (en) 2000-07-31

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