EP0830367A1 - Ligands de cytokines a acide nucleique et d'une affinite elevee - Google Patents

Ligands de cytokines a acide nucleique et d'une affinite elevee

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Publication number
EP0830367A1
EP0830367A1 EP96919214A EP96919214A EP0830367A1 EP 0830367 A1 EP0830367 A1 EP 0830367A1 EP 96919214 A EP96919214 A EP 96919214A EP 96919214 A EP96919214 A EP 96919214A EP 0830367 A1 EP0830367 A1 EP 0830367A1
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Prior art keywords
ligand
cytokine
purified
seq
naturally occurring
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German (de)
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EP0830367A4 (fr
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Diane Tasset
Nikos Pagratis
Sumedha Jayasena
Larry Gold
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Gilead Sciences Inc
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Nexstar Pharmaceuticals Inc
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Priority claimed from US08/477,527 external-priority patent/US5972599A/en
Priority claimed from US08/481,710 external-priority patent/US6028186A/en
Application filed by Nexstar Pharmaceuticals Inc filed Critical Nexstar Pharmaceuticals Inc
Priority to EP08010881A priority Critical patent/EP2011503A3/fr
Publication of EP0830367A1 publication Critical patent/EP0830367A1/fr
Publication of EP0830367A4 publication Critical patent/EP0830367A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N15/00—Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
    • C12N15/09—Recombinant DNA-technology
    • C12N15/11—DNA or RNA fragments; Modified forms thereof; Non-coding nucleic acids having a biological activity
    • C12N15/115—Aptamers, i.e. nucleic acids binding a target molecule specifically and with high affinity without hybridising therewith ; Nucleic acids binding to non-nucleic acids, e.g. aptamers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N2310/00—Structure or type of the nucleic acid
    • C12N2310/10—Type of nucleic acid
    • C12N2310/16—Aptamers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N2310/00—Structure or type of the nucleic acid
    • C12N2310/30—Chemical structure
    • C12N2310/32—Chemical structure of the sugar
    • C12N2310/322—2'-R Modification

Definitions

  • Described herein are methods for identifying and preparing high-affinity nucleic acid ligands to cytokines.
  • the method utilized herein for identifying such nucleic acid ligands is called SELEX, an acronym for Systematic Evolution ofLigands by Exponential enrichment.
  • This invention specifically includes methods for the identification ofhigh affinity nucleic acid ligands ofthe following cytokines: IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, TNF ⁇ , and RANTES.
  • RNA ligands to IFN-gamma, IL-4,IL-10, and TNF ⁇ are also disclosed.
  • DNA ligands to RANTES are also disclosed.
  • oligonucleotides containing nucleotide derivatives chemically modified at the 2'-positions ofpyrimidines are useful as
  • Cytokines are a diverse group ofsmall proteins that mediate cell
  • Cytokines can be subdivided into several groups, including the
  • immune/hematopoietins interferons, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related molecules, and the chemokines.
  • Representative immune/hematopoietins include erythropoietin (EPO), granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), granulocyte
  • G-CSF colony-stimulating factor
  • LIF leukemia inhibition factor
  • OSM oncostatin-M
  • CNTF cilary neurotrophic factor
  • GH growth hormone
  • PRL prolactin
  • IL interferon
  • IFN interferons
  • TNF family members include TNF ⁇ , interferon (IFN) ⁇ , gp 39 (CD40-L), CD27-L, CD30-L, and nerve growth factor (NGF).
  • chemokines include platelet factor (PF)4, platelet basic protein (PBP), gro ⁇ , MIG, ENA-78, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)l ⁇ , MIP1 ⁇ , monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, 1-309, HCl4, C10, Regulated on Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed, and Secreted (RANTES), and IL-8.
  • PF platelet factor
  • PBP platelet basic protein
  • MIG macrophage inflammatory protein
  • MIP1 ⁇ macrophage inflammatory protein
  • MIP1 ⁇ monocyte chemoattractant protein
  • MCP monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, 1-309, HCl4, C10, Regulated on Activation, Normal T-cell Expressed, and Secreted (RANTES), and IL-8.
  • IFN-gamma IFN-gamma
  • IFN-gamma is amemberofafamily ofproteins related bytheirabilityto protect cells fromviral infection. This family has been divided into three distinct classes based on avariety ofcriteria, IFN-alpha (originally known as Type I IFN orLeukocyte IFN), IFN-beta (also originally known as Type I IFN orFibroblast IFN) and IFN-gamma (originallyknown as Type II IFN orImmune IFN). IFN-gamma is unrelatedto the Type I interferons at both the genetic and protein levels (Gray et al., 1982). The human and murine IFN-gammaproteins display a strict species specificity intheir abilityto bindto and activate humanandmurine cells. This is due at least inpartto theirmodest homologies atboththe cDNA and amino acid levels (60% and40% respectively).
  • IFN-gamma is produced by a unique set of stimuli and only by T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
  • the human andmurine genes forIFN-gamma are 6 kb in size, and each contain four exons and three introns. These genes have been localized to human chromosome 12 (12q24.1) andmurine chromosome 10. Activation ofthe human gene leads to the transcription ofa 1.2 kb mRNAthat encodes a 166 amino acid polypeptide (Derynck etal., 1982).
  • the humanprotein contains a23 residue amino terminal hydrophobic signal sequence which getsproteolytically removed, giving riseto amature 143 residue positively charged polypeptide with apredicted molecularmass of 17 kDa.
  • IFN-gamma major histocompatibility
  • IFN-gamma Another major physiologic role for IFN-gamma is its ability to activate human macrophage cytotoxicity (Schreiber and Celada, 1985). Therefore, IFN-gamma is the primary cytokine responsible for inducing nonspecific cell-mediated mechanisms ofhost defense toward a variety ofintracellular and extracellular parasites and neoplastic cells (Bancroft et al., 1987). This activation is a result ofseveral distinct functions of
  • IFN-gamma IFN-gamma has been shown to effect the differentiation ofimmature myeloid precursors into mature monocytes (Adams and Hamilton, 1984). IFN-gamma promotes antigen presentation in macrophages, through the induction ofMHC class II expression as described above, but also by increasing levels ofseveral intracellular enzymes important for antigen processing (Allen and Unanue, 1987). Macrophage cell surface proteins such as ICAM-1 are upregulated by IFN-gamma, thus enhancing the functional results ofthe macrophage-T cell interaction during antigen presentation (Mantovani and Dejana, 1989).
  • IFN-gamma activatesthe production ofmacrophage derived cytocidal compounds such as reactive oxygen- and reactive nitrogen-intermediates andtumornecrosis factor-a (TNF-a) (Ding etal., 1988). IFN-gamma also reduces the susceptibility ofmacrophagepopulationsto microbial infections.(Bancroftetal., 1989). Animal models have beenused to study the role ofIFN-gammainthe clearance of microbial pathogens. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodiesto IFN-gammawere injected into mice before infectingthemwith sublethal doses ofvarious microbial pathogens.
  • TNF-a reactive oxygen- and reactive nitrogen-intermediates andtumornecrosis factor-a
  • IFN-gamma also enhances othermacrophage immune response effectorfunctions. IFN-gamma
  • FcgRI Fc receptors onmonocytes/macrophages
  • complement activity Itdoesthis intwo ways, i) bypromotingthe synthesis ofavariety ofcomplementproteins (ie., C2, C4, and FactorB) by macrophages and fibroblasts, and ii) byregulating the expression ofcomplement receptors onthe mononuclearphagocyte plasma membrane (Strunk et al., 1985).
  • avariety ofcomplementproteins ie., C2, C4, and FactorB
  • IFN-gamma also exerts its effects on other cells ofthe immune system. It regulates immunoglobulinisotype switching onB cells (Snapperand Paul, 1987).
  • CTLs cytolytic T cells
  • the T HI clones through theirproduction ofIFN-gamma, are well suited to induce enhanced microbicidal and antitumor activity in macrophages as detailed above (enhanced cellularimmunity), while the Th2 clones make products (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-13) that are well adapted to act in helping B cells develop into antibody-producing cells (enhanced humoral immunity).
  • the role played by IFN-gamma at this crucial nexus ofT cell effector function is fundamental to the success or failure ofthe immune response.
  • IFN-gamma plays a major role in promoting inflammatory responses both directly, and indirectly through its ability to enhance TNF- ⁇ production.
  • cells leave the circulation and migrate to the point ofinfection. During this process they must first bind to and then extravasate through vascular endothelium.
  • IFN-gamma and TNF- ⁇ can promote the expression ofoverlapping sets ofcell adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, E-selectin, and others) that play an important role in this process (Pober etal., 1986; Thornhill etal., 1991).
  • IAM-1 cell adhesion molecules
  • IFN-gamma Excessive production ofIFN-gamma may play a role in autoimmune disorders (for review see Paul and Seder, 1994 and Steinman, 1993). The mechanism for this may involve excessive tissue damage due to aberrant or enhanced expression ofclass I and class II MHC molecules or the role ofan excessive T H1 cellular response.
  • a role for IFN-gamma and the tissue-damaging effects ofimmune responses mediated by T Hl -like cells has been suggested in autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis (Feldmann, 1989), juvenile diabetes (Rapoport etal., 1993), myasthenia gravis (Gu etal., 1995), severe inflammatory bowel disease (Kuhn etal., 1993), and multiple sclerosis (Traugott, 1988).
  • Interleukin-4 is a remarkably pleiotropic cytokine first identified in 1982 as a B cell growth factor (BCGF) (Howard etal., 1982). In that same year, IL-4 was identified as an IgGl enhancing factor (Isakson etal., 1982). Because ofthe effect IL-4 has on B cells, it was first called BCGF-1, later termed BSF-1 (B-cell stimulatory factor-1), and in 1986 it was given the name IL-4.
  • BCGF-1 B cell growth factor-1
  • BSF-1 B-cell stimulatory factor-1
  • IL-4 can be regarded as theprototypic member ofafamily ofimmune
  • IL-4 family recognition-induced lymphokines designatedthe "IL-4 family” (forareview see Paul, 1991). This family consists ofIL-4, IL-5, IL-3, and granulocyte-macrophage
  • GM-CSF colony-stimulating factor
  • IL-4R ismediatedthroughbindingto cell surfacereceptors
  • ThemurineIL-4R(Mosely etal., 1989; Haradaetal., 1990), andthehumanIL-4R(Idzerdaetal., 1990; Galizzi etal., 1990) have beencloned, sequenced, and characterized.
  • the superfamily also includes receptors for factors believed to normally function outsidethe immune and hematopoietic systems, including receptors forgrowth hormone (GH), prolactin, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), IL-6, IL-11, and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNF) (forareview see Kishimoto etal., 1994).
  • GH receptor forgrowth hormone
  • LIF leukemia inhibitory factor
  • IL-6 IL-6
  • IL-11 ciliary neurotrophic factor
  • CNF ciliary neurotrophic factor
  • a general first step in the signaling processes ofimmune and hematopoietic cytokines may be ligand-induced dimerization ofreceptorcomponents whose cytoplasmic regions interact to initiate a downstream signaling cascade.
  • the IL-4 receptor has a long putative intracellular domain (553 amino acids in mouse, 569 in human) with no known consensus sequences for kinase activity or for nucleotide-binding regions.
  • IL-4 is as a B lymphocyte activation and differentiation factor (Rabin etal., 1985; Oliver etal., 1985). The protein was first isolated based on this activity. In this regard, IL-4 activates production ofIgGl (Vitetta et al, 1985), but is also responsible for isotype switching in B cells from production ofIgG to IgE immunoglobulins (Coffinan etal., 1986; Lebman and Coffman, 1988, Del Prete et al, 1988). The effect ofIL-4 on the in vivo regulation ofIgE has been clearly.
  • the IL-4 mediated up-regulation ofIgGl may play a role in the inflammation cascade.
  • IgGl has recently been shown to form immune complexes which bind to the cellular receptors for the Fc domain ofimmunoglobulins (FcRs) leading to an
  • IL-4 transgenic mice have been produced that hyperexpress IL-4 (Tepper etal., 1990). These mice have elevated levels ofserum IgGl and IgE and they develop allergic inflammatory disease. These findings demonstrate the critical role IL-4 plays in the humoral immune response.
  • IL-4 Another major physiologic role for IL-4 is as a T lymphocyte growth factor (Hu-Li etal., 1987; Spits etal., 1987). IL-4 enhances the proliferation ofprecursors of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) and their differentiation into active CD8 + CTLs (Widmer and Grabstein, 1987; Trenn, 1988). IL-4 appears to augmentthe IL-2 driveninduction of CTLs.
  • lymphokine-activatedkiller (LAK) cells Higuchi etal, 1989
  • MHC majorhistocompatibility complex
  • IL-4 has been shownto affectnonlymphoid hematopoietic cells in avariety of ways. IL-4 has been shownto modulate monocyte/macrophage growth (Mclnnes and Rennick, 1988; Jansen etal, 1989) while enhancing theirdifferentiation and cytotoxic activity for certaintumor cells (Crawford,etal., 1987; Te Velde etal., 1988). IL-4 also has activity as a stimulant ofmastcell growth (Mosmannetal., 1986; Brown etal, 1987), and increases production andrecruitment ofeosinophils (Tepperetal, 1989).
  • IL-4 alone or in conjunctionwith othercytokines canpromote the expression ofa variety ofcell-surface molecules onvarious cell types with diverse implications for disease. Specifically, IL-4 can interactwithtumornecrosis factor (TNF) to selectively enhance vascular cell adhesionmolecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression contributing to T cell extravasationat sites ofinflammation (Briscoe etal, 1992). IL-4 alone orincombination withTNF orIFN-gammahas been shownto increase both MHC antigen and
  • IgGl immune complexes bindto the cellularreceptors forthe Fc domain ofimmunoglobulins (FcRs) leading to an inflammatory response.
  • FcRs Fc domain ofimmunoglobulins
  • Inhibition of IL-4 andthe subsequentreduction inIL-4 mediated IgGl expression may prove efficacious against immune complex inflammatory disease states.
  • inhibitory ligands to IL-4 might also prevent the IL-4 mediated overexpression ofVCAM-1, thus attenuating the ability ofT cellsto extravasate at sites ofinflammation.
  • An inhibitory oligonucleotide ligand to IL-4 could be clinically effective against allergy and allergic asthma.
  • GVHD graft-versus-host disease
  • systemic autoimmunities include clinical and serological manifestations ofhuman systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  • SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
  • Several murine models of SLEhave been developed (Gleichmann et al., 1982; vanRappard-van DerVeen et al., 1982), andthe induction ofsystemic GVHD inmice has been described (Via et al., 1988).
  • Two recent studies have shown in vivo efficacy ofamouse monoclonal antibody to IL-4 in preventing GVHD and SLE inthese murine model systems (Umland et al., 1992;
  • T H2 type ofresponse to infection A variety ofmicrobicidal infections are characterized by depressed cellularbut enhancedhumoral immune responses, which suggests aT H2 type ofresponse to infection. This T H2 phenotype is characterized by T cell secretionofIL-4, as detailed earlier. IL-4 blocks the microbicidal activity ofIFN-gammaactivated macrophages infighting
  • IL-10 is acytokineproducedbythe Th2 cells, but not Thl cells, and inhibits synthesis ofmost ofall cytokines producedby Thl cells butnot Th2 cells (Mosmann et al., 1991). Inadditionto the effect on CD4 + cells with Thl phenotype, IL-10 also inhibits CD8 + T cells with "Thl-like" phenotype.
  • IL-10 is apotent suppressor ofmacrophage activation. Itcan suppress the productionofproinflammatory cytokines, including TNF ⁇ , IL-1, IL-6, IL-8 andIFN-gamma. Overall, these results suggest thatIL-10 is apotent macrophage deactivatorand an effective anti-inflammatory reagent. In addition, IL-10 prevents the IFN- g -induced synthesis ofnitric oxide, resultingin decreased resistance to intracellularparasites (Gazzinelli et al., 1992).
  • IL-10 and mIL-10 Bothhuman andmouse (hIL-10 and mIL-10, respectively) have been cloned and expressed (Moore et al., 1990; Vieira et al., 1991). Thetwo cDNAs exhibit high degree of nucleotide sequencehomology (>80%)throughoutand encode very similar openreading frames (73% amino acidhomology). Bothproteins are expressed as noncovalent homodimers that are acid labile (Moore et al., 1993). Whethermonomers are equally bioactive is not clearyet. Based onthe primary structure IL-10 has been categorized into the four a-helix bundle family ofcytokines (Shanafelt et al.,1991).
  • hIL-10 has been shownto be active on mouse cells (Moore et al., 1993) but notvice versa.
  • hIL-10 is an 18 kDapolypeptide with no detectable carbohydrate; however, inmIL-10 there is one N-linked glycosylation.
  • the recombinanthIL-10 has been expressed in CHO cells, COS7 cells, mouse myelomacells, the baculovirus expression system and E. coli.
  • the rIL-10 expressed inthese systems have indistinguishable biological behavior (Moore et al.,1993).
  • Parasitic infectionoftenleadsto polarized immune response ofeitherThl orTh2 type which can mediate protection or susceptibility.
  • the outcome ofaparasitic infection depends onthe nature of theparasite and the host. The best understood example is Leishmaniamajor infection in mice.
  • L. major is aprotozoanparasite that establishes an intracellular infection in macrophages, where itis mainly localized in phagolysosomes.
  • Activated macrophages can efficiently destroy the intracellularparasite and thus parasitic protection is achieved by macrophage activation.
  • Nonactivated macrophages do not kill these organisms.
  • IL-10 IL-10 is strongly increased in mice infected with various pathogens such as Leishmania major, Schistosoma mansoni, Trypanosoma cruzi and Mycobacterium Leprae (Sher etal.,1992; Salgame etal., 1991, Heinzel etal., 1991).
  • Th2-type responses may be important in controlling the tissue damage mediated by Thl cells during the response to an intracellular infectious agent. Keeping some Th1 cells functioning in a predominantly Th2 environment can help abrogate damaging effects of Thl by secreting IL-10 and IL-4.
  • Thl/Th2 One extreme ofthespectrum ofThl/Th2 is reflected in transgenic mice lacking the IL-10 gene (Kuhn etal., 1993). The IL-10 deficient mouse is normal with respect to its development ofT and B cell subsets. However these mice develop chronic enterocolitis (or inflammatory bowel disease) due to chronic
  • IL-12 can also inducethe development of theThl subset.
  • Lysteria monocytogen an intracellulargram-positive bacterium, infection inantibody T cell receptortransgenic mice as amodel ithas been shownthatIL-10 can block the production ofIL-12 from macrophages (Hsieh et al.,1993).
  • anIL-10-antagonist will tip the Thl/Th2 populationpredominantlyto Th2 type environmentby 1, preventing the inhibition of the production of Thl cytokines 2 by allowingtheproductionofacytokine that induces the development ofThl subset.
  • Th2 response seems to be mediated by high levels of IL-10 but not withIL-4, the level ofwhich goes downto normal inthese individuals.
  • An anti-IL-10 reagent may serve as apotentialtherapeutic in shiftingthe Th2 responseto Thl inAIDS patients to offer protection.
  • TNF ⁇ is an extracellularcytokine and acentral mediator of the immune and inflammatory response (Beutler et al., 1989; Vassalli, 1992). It is ahomo-trimer (Smith et al, 1987, Eck et al., 1988), andhas a subunit size of17 kD. It circulates at concentrations ofless than 5 pg/ml inhealthy individuals (Dinarello et al., 1993) and itcan go as high as 1000 pg/ml inpatients with sepsis syndrome (Casey et al., 1993).
  • the human TNF ⁇ is nonglycosylated, whereas in some other species (notably the mouse) glycosylation occurs on a single N-linked site inthe mature protein, butthe sugarmoiety is not essential for biological activity (Beutler et al., 1989).
  • Thehuman TNF ⁇ is acidic withapH of5.3 (Aggarwal et al., 1985).
  • Each TNF ⁇ subunit consists ofan anti parallel ⁇ -sandwich and it participates in atrimer formation by an edge-to-face packing of ⁇ -sheets.
  • the structure of theTNF ⁇ trimer resemblesthe "jelly-roll" structural motifcharacteristic ofviral coat proteins (Jones etal., 1989).
  • TNF ⁇ is a relatively stable molecule and may be exposed to chaotropic agents such as urea, SDS, or guanidinium hydrochloride, and renatured with recovery ofas much as 50% ofthe initial biological activity.
  • chaotropic agents such as urea, SDS, or guanidinium hydrochloride
  • the TNF ⁇ renaturability may reflect the limited number ofinternal disulfide bonds (one per monomer) required for maintenance ofstructure (Beutler etal., 1989).
  • TNF ⁇ Another related molecule, TNF ⁇ , has the same bioactivity as TNFa.
  • both hTNF ⁇ and hTNF ⁇ bind to the same receptors with comparable affinities.
  • TNF ⁇ mediates its bioactivity through binding to cell surface receptors.
  • the TNF ⁇ receptors are found on the surface ofvirtually all somatic cells tested (Vassalli, 1992).
  • Two distinct TNF ⁇ receptors have been characterized ofapparent molecular weights 55kD (p55 TNF ⁇ -Rl) and 75kD (p75 TNF ⁇ -R2) (Hohmann etal., 1989;
  • TNF ⁇ has diverse activities, and thus is implicated in several diseases as follows:
  • Soluble-TNF ⁇ -receptor (p55)-IgG-Fc fusions were found to protect mice from endotoxic shock, even when administered lhr after endotoxin infusion. The same immunoadhesin was also effective against listeriosis in mice (Haak-Frendscho etal., 1994). Another immunoadhesin based on the p75 receptor was also shown to be effective in lethal endotoxemia and it was functioning
  • TNF ⁇ antagonists may protect cancer or AIDS infected patients from cachexia.
  • TNF ⁇ reduces the production ofthe inflammatory cytokine, IL-1 in synovial cells (Brennanetal., 1989).
  • TNF ⁇ is an inducer of collagenase, the major destructive protease in rheumatoid arthritis (Brennan etal., 1989).
  • Anti-TNF ⁇ antibodies were found to amelioratejoint disease in murine collagen-induced arthritis (Williams etal., 1992).
  • Transgenic mice carrying the hTNF ⁇ gene develop arthritis which can be prevented by in vivo administration ofa monoclonal antibody against hTNF ⁇ (Kefferetal., 1991).
  • TNF ⁇ has been implicated in the acute phase ofgraft-versus-host disease and in renal allograft rejection. Antagonists ofTNF ⁇ may then be able to prevent these life-threatening conditions.
  • Anti-TNF ⁇ antibodies have been found to delay graft rejection in experimental animals (Piguet, 1992). Also, injection ofanti-TNF ⁇ antibodies during the acute phase ofGVHR reduces mortality, and the severity ofintestinal, epidermal, and alveolar lesions (Piguet, 1992). Clinical trials ofthe efficacy ofanti-TNF ⁇ antibody in human bone marrow transplantation are underway.
  • TNF ⁇ induces proteins that bind to kB-like enhancer elements and thus takes part in the control ofNF-kB-inducible genes (Lenardo etal., 1989; Lowenthal etal., 1989; Osborn etal., 1989).
  • the antiviral activity ofTNF ⁇ at least in part is mediated by the interaction of NF-kB with a virus-inducible element in the ⁇ -interferon gene (Goldfeld etal., 1989; Visvanathan etal., 1989).
  • TNF ⁇ appears to activate human immunodeficiency virus type I (Duh etal., 1989; Folks etal., 1989). Therefore, TNF ⁇ antagonists may prove useful in delaying the activation ofthe AIDS virus and may work in conjunction with other treatments in the cure ofAIDS.
  • TNF ⁇ levels have been found in the brain and the cerebrospinal fluid ofParkinsonian patients (Mogi etal., 1994). This report speculates that elevated TNF ⁇ levels may be related to neuronal degeneration associated with the disease.
  • RANTES is a small (MW 8-kD) highly basic (pl ⁇ 9.5) chemokine that belongs to the CC group (Schall, 1991; Baggiolini etal., 1994). It does not appear to be glycosylated (Schall, 1991) and is a chemoattractant for monocytes (Schall etal., 1990; Wang etal., 1993; Wiedermann etal., 1993), basophils (Bischoffet al, 1993; Kunaetal., 1993), eosinophils (Rotetal., 1992), and CD4 + /UCHL1 + T lymphocytes which are thought to be prestimulated or primed helper T cells involved in memory T cell function (Schall etal., 1990).
  • RANTES is not only a chemoattractant but it also stimulates cells to release their effectors leading to tissue damage.
  • RANTES causes histamine release from basophils (Kunaetal., 1992; Kunaetal., 1993; Alam etal., 1993). It also causes the secretion ofeosinophil basic peptide (Alam etal., 1993) and the production ofoxygen free radicals (Rot etal., 1992) by eosinophils.
  • RANTES mRNA is expressed late (3 to 5 days) after activation ofresting T cells, whereas in fibroblasts, renal epithelial and mesangial cells, RANTES mRNA is quickly up-regulated by TNF ⁇ stimulation (Nelson etal., 1993).
  • Monocytes carry a G-protein coupled receptor that binds RANTES with estimated Kd of400 pM, but also MCAF and MlP-la with lower affinities (estimated Kd of6 and 1.6 nM respectively) (Wang et al., 1993).
  • Areceptormolecule has been cloned from neutrophils that canbind RANTES with a lower affinity ofabout 50 nM (Gao et al., 1993).
  • RANTES antagonists may have therapeutic application in inflammation. Blockage ofthe chemoattractant and effector cell activationproperties of RANTES would block local inflammationandtissue damage. The mechanism ofaction ofthe RANTES antagonistwill bethe inhibition ofRANTES bindingto cell surface receptors.
  • RANTES is chemoattractant formonocytes, basophils, eosinophils and memory lymphocytes. Basophils are the major source ofmediators such as histamine and peptido-leukotrienes, and are an essential element ofthe late-phase responses to allergens inhypersensitivity diseases. These cells are also involved in otherinflammatory pathologies, including certain autoimmune reactions, parasitic infections and inflammatory bowel diseases. Inthese conditions, basophil recruitement and activation is independent ofIgE. Numerous reports have accumulated overthe years that describe the effects ofa group ofelusive stimuli operationally called "histamine-releasing factors.” A large number ofthese elusive stimuli may well be contributedby RANTES.
  • Eosinophiles also are important in allergic inflamation, andtogetherwith lymphocytes, form prominent infiltrates inthe bronchial mucosa ofpatients with asthma. They are believedto be the cause ofepithelial damage and the characteristic airway hyper-reactivity.
  • the recruitement of lymphocytes of the Th2 type, which comigrate with eosinophiles into sites oflate-phasereactions, is animportant source ofother
  • RANTES with its effects onmonocytes, basophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes appears to be apotent stimulatorofeffector-cell accumulation and activation in chronic inflammatory diseases and inparticular, allergic inflammation.
  • RANTES The recruitement system ofinflammatory cells has some redundancy built into it.
  • RANTES has some unique properties. It is a more potent chemoattractant than MCP-1 and MIP-1 a , while MCP-1 is more potent stimulatorofhistamine release from basophils (Baggiolini et al., 1994).
  • RANTES causes the production ofoxygen radicals by eosinophiles while MIP-1 a cannot (Rot et al., 1992).
  • RANTES is as potent as C5a in the recruitement ofeosinphiles, but not as potent a trigger ofthe eosinophil oxydation burst (Rot et al., 1992).
  • C5a is a very potent chemoattractant: however, it lacks the specificity ofRANTES. It attracts not only basophils and eosinophils but also neutrophils. Since the eosinophils, but not the neutrophils, are important in the pathophysiology ofsome inflammatory conditions, such as the allergen-induced late-phase reaction and asthma, specific chemoattractants such as RANTES are expected to be involved.
  • RANTES expression has been found in interstitial mononuclear cells and proximal tubular epithelial cells in human kidney transplants undergoing rejection.
  • Antibody staining revealed the presence ofRANTES not only within the interstitial infiltrate and renal tubular epithelial cells but also in high abundance in inflamed endothelium (Wiedermann etal., 1993). Based on these results a haptotactic mechanism was postulated. Haptotaxis is defined as cell migration induced by
  • Human rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts express mRNA for RANTES and IL-8 after stimulation with TNFa and IL-l ⁇ (Rathanaswami etal., 1993). There is a differential regulation ofexpression ofIL-8 and RANTES mRNA. Cycloheximide enhanced the mRNA levels for IL-8 and RANTES after stimulation with IL-l ⁇ but reduced the levels ofRANTES mRNA after stimulation with TNF ⁇ .
  • IL-4 down-regulates and IFN-gamma enhances the TNF ⁇ and IL-l ⁇ induced increase in RANTES mRNA, whereas the induction ofIL-8 mRNA by TNF ⁇ or IL-l ⁇ was inhibited by IFN-gamma and augmented by IL-4.
  • RANTES has also been implicated in atherosclerosis and possibly in
  • RANTES levels were elevated inpelvic fluids fromwomen with endometriosis, andthese levels correlate withthe severity ofthe disease.
  • the murine RANTES has been cloned (Schall etal, 1992). Sequence analysis revealed 85% amino acid identity between the human andmouseproteins. The humanandmurine RANTES exhibit immune crossreactivity. Boyden chamberchemotaxis experiments reveal some lack ofspecies specificity inmonocyte chemoattractantpotential, as recombinant muRANTES attracts humanmonocytes in adose-dependent fashion in vitro. Also, hRANTES transfection into mouse tumorcell lines produce tumors in which the secretion of hRANTES by those tumors correlates with increased murine monocyte infiltration in vivo (Schall et al., 1992).
  • SELEX Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment
  • the SELEX method involves selection from a mixture ofcandidate
  • the SELEX method includes steps ofcontacting the mixture with the target under conditions favorable for binding, partitioning unbound nucleic acids from those nucleic acids which have bound specifically to target molecules, dissociating the nucleic acid-target complexes, amplifying the nucleic acids dissociated from the nucleic acid-target complexes to yield a ligand-enriched mixture ofnucleic acids, then reiterating the steps ofbinding, partitioning, dissociating and amplifying through as many cycles as desired to yield highly specific, high affinity nucleic acid ligands to the target molecule.
  • the SELEX method encompasses the identification of high-affinity nucleic acid ligands containing modified nucleotides conferring improved characteristics on the ligand, such as improved in vivo stability or improved delivery characteristics. Examples of such modifications include chemical substitutions atthe ribose and/orphosphate and/orbase positions. SELEX-identified nucleic acid ligands containing modified nucleotides are described inUnited States Patent Application SerialNo.08/117,991, filed September 8, 1993, entitled "High Affinity Nucleic Acid Ligands Containing Modified Nucleotides," that describes oligonucleotides containing nucleotide derivatives chemically modified at the 5- and 2'-positions of pyrimidines. United States Patent Application Serial No.
  • Nucleophilic Displacement describes oligonucleotides containing various 2'-modified pyrimidines.
  • the SELEXmethod encompasses combining selected oligonucleotides with other selected oligonucleotides and non-oligonucleotide functional units as described inUnited States PatentApplication Serial No.08/284,063, filed August 2, 1994, entitled
  • the present invention includes methods ofidentifying and producing nucleic acid ligands to cytokines and the nucleic acid ligands so identified and produced.
  • RNA sequences are provided that are capable ofbinding specifically to IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ .
  • DNA sequences are provided that are capable ofbinding specifically to RANTES.
  • RNA ligand sequences shown in Tables 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 12 (SEQ ID NOS:7-73; 79-185; 189-205; 209-255).
  • a method ofidentifying nucleic acid ligands and nucleic acid ligand sequences to a cytokine comprising the steps of(a) preparing a candidate mixture ofnucleic acids, (b) contacting the candidate mixture ofnucleic acids with a cytokine, (c) partitioning between members ofsaid candidate mixture on the basis ofaffinity to the cytokine, and (d) amplifying the selected molecules to yield a mixture of nucleic acids enriched for nucleic acid sequences with a relatively higher affinity for binding to the cytokine.
  • a method ofidentifying nucleic acid ligands and nucleic acid ligand sequences to a cytokine selected from the group consisting of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, TNF ⁇ , and RANTES comprising the steps of(a) preparing a candidate mixture ofnucleic acids, (b) contacting the candidate mixture ofnucleic acids with said cytokine, (c) partitioning between members ofsaid candidate mixture on the basis ofaffinity to said cytokine, and (d) amplifying the selected molecules to yield a mixture ofnucleic acids enriched for nucleic acid sequences with a relatively higher affinity for binding to said cytokine.
  • the present invention includes the RNA ligands to IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ identified according to the above-described method, including those ligands shown in Tables 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 12 (SEQ ID NOS:7-73; 79-185; 189-205; 209-255). Also included are RNA ligands to IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ that are substantially homologous to any ofthe given ligands and that have substantially the same ability to bind IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ and inhibit the function of
  • IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ are nucleic acid ligands to IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ thathave substantially the same structural form as the ligands presented herein and thathave substantially the same ability to bind IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ and inhibit the function of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, andTNF ⁇ .
  • the present invention also includes modified nucleotide sequences based on the nucleic acidligands identified herein andmixtures of the same. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the SELEXprocess maybe defined by the following series ofsteps:
  • a candidate mixture ofnucleic acids ofdiffering sequence is prepared.
  • the candidate mixture generally includes regions offixed sequences (i.e., each of the members of the candidate mixture contains the same sequences inthe same location) andregions of randomized sequences.
  • the fixed sequenceregions are selected either: (a) to assist inthe amplification steps describedbelow, (b) to mimic a sequence knownto bind to the target, or(c) to enhance the concentration ofa given structural arrangement ofthe nucleic acids in the candidate mixture.
  • the randomized sequences can be totally randomized (i.e., the probability of finding a base at any position being one in four) oronly partially
  • the candidate mixture is contacted with the selected target under conditions favorable for binding between the target and members ofthe candidate mixture. Under these circumstances, the interaction between the target and the nucleic acids ofthe candidate mixture can be considered as forming nucleic acid-target pairs between the target and those nucleic acids having the strongest affinity for the target.
  • nucleic acids with the highest affinity for the target are partitioned from those nucleic acids with lesser affinity to the target. Because only an extremely small number ofsequences (and possibly only one molecule ofnucleic acid) corresponding to the highest affinity nucleic acids exist in the candidate mixture, it is generally desirable to set the partitioning criteria so that a significant amount ofthe nucleic acids in the candidate mixture (approximately 5-50%) are retained during partitioning.
  • nucleic acids selected during partitioning as having the relatively higher affinity to the target are then amplified to create a new candidate mixture that is enriched in nucleic acids having a relatively higher affinity for the target.
  • the newly formed candidate mixture contains fewer and fewer weakly binding sequences, and the average degree ofaffinity ofthe nucleic acids to the target will generally increase.
  • the SELEX process will yield a candidate mixture containing one or a small number ofunique nucleic acids representing those nucleic acids from the original candidate mixture having the highest affinity to the target molecule.
  • the SELEX Patent Applications describe and elaborate on this process in great detail. Included are targets that can be used in the process; methods for partitioning nucleic acids within a candidate mixture; and methods for amplifying partitioned nucleic acids to generate enriched candidate mixture.
  • the SELEX Patent Applications also describe ligands obtained to a number oftarget species, including both protein targets where the protein is and is not a nucleic acid binding protein.
  • the nucleic acid ligands described herein can be complexed with a lipophilic compound (e.g., cholesterol) or attached to or encapsulated in a complex comprised of lipophilic components (e.g., a liposome).
  • a lipophilic compound e.g., cholesterol
  • the complexed nucleic acid ligands can enhance the cellular uptake ofthe nucleic acid ligands by a cell for delivery ofthe nucleic acid ligands to an intracellular target U.S.
  • nucleic acid ligands identified by such methods are useful for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
  • Therapeutic uses include thetreatment orpreventionofdiseases ormedical conditions inhumanpatients.
  • Diagnostic utilization may include both in vivo or in vitro diagnostic applications.
  • the SELEX method generally, and the specific adaptations of the SELEX method taught and claimed herein specifically, areparticularly suited fordiagnostic applications.
  • SELEX identifies nucleic acid ligands thatare able to bindtargets with high affinity and with surprising specificity. These characteristics are, ofcourse, the desiredproperties one skilled in the art would seek in a diagnostic ligand.
  • the nucleic acid ligands of the present invention may be routinely adapted for diagnosticpurposes according to any numberoftechniques employed by those skilled in the art. Diagnostic agents need only be able to allowthe userto identify thepresence ofa giventarget at aparticular locale orconcentration. Simplythe ability to form binding pairs withthe targetmaybe sufficienttotriggerapositive signal fordiagnostic purposes. Those skilled inthe art would also be ableto adapt any nucleic acid ligand byprocedures known in the art to incorporate a labeling tag in order to track the presence of such ligand. Such atag could be used in anumber ofdiagnostic procedures.
  • the nucleic acid ligands to cytokines described herein may specifically be used for identification of the cytokine proteins.
  • SELEX provides high affinity ligands of a target molecule. This represents a singularachievementthat is unprecedented inthe field ofnucleic acids research.
  • the present invention applies the SELEX procedure to the specific target.
  • the experimental parameters used to isolate and identify the nucleic acid ligands to cytokines are described.
  • the nucleic acid ligand (1) binds to the target in a mannercapable of achieving the desired effect on the target; (2) be as small as possible to obtain the desired effect; (3) be as stable as possible; and (4) be a specific ligand to the chosen target. In most situations, it is preferred that the nucleic acid ligand have the highest possible affinity to the target.
  • Cytokines are a diverse group ofsmall proteins that mediate cell signaling/communication. Cytokines include immune/ hematopoietins (e.g.,EPO, GM-CSF, G-CSF, LIF, OSM, CNTF, GH, PRL, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12), interferons (e.g.,IFN ⁇ , IFN ⁇ , IFN-gamma), TNF-related molecules
  • cytokines are derived from T-lymphocytes.
  • RNA with specific high affinity for the cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, hTNF ⁇ , and RANTES from degenerate libraries containing 30 or 40 random positions (40N for IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10 and RANTES; 30N for hTNF ⁇ ) (Tables 1, 5, 9, 11, and 16).
  • This invention includes the specific RNA ligands to IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ shown in Tables 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 12 (SEQ ID NOS:7-73; 79-185; 189-205; 209-255), identified by the methods described in Examples 1, 3, 5, 7, and 12.
  • This invention further includes RNA ligands to IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ which inhibit the function of IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ .
  • This invention further includes DNA ligands to
  • RANTES which inhibit the function ofRANTES.
  • the scope ofthe ligands covered by this invention extends to all nucleic acid ligands ofIFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, TNF a, and RANTES modified and unmodified, identified according to the SELEX procedure. More specifically, this invention includes nucleic acid sequences that are substantially homologous to the ligands shown in Tables 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 12 (SEQ ID NOS:7-73;
  • substantially homologous it is meant a degree ofprimary sequence homology in excess of 70%, most preferably in excess of 80%.
  • SEQ IDNOS:7-73; 79-185; 189-205; 209-255 shows that sequences with little orno primary homology may have substantially the same ability to bindIFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ .
  • this invention also includes nucleic acid ligands thathave substantially the same structure and abilityto bind
  • IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ asthe nucleic acid ligands shown in Tables 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, and 12 (SEQ IDNOS:7-73; 79-185; 189-205; 209-255).
  • Substantiallythe same ability to bindIFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ means thatthe affinity is within one ortwo orders ofmagnitude ofthe affinity of the ligands described herein. It is well withinthe skill ofthose ofordinary skill in the artto determine whether agiven sequence— substantiallyhomologous to those specificallydescribedherein— has substantially the same ability to bind IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF ⁇ .
  • This invention also includes the ligands as described above, wherein certain chemical modifications are made in orderto increase the in vivo stability of the ligand or to enhance ormediate the delivery ofthe ligand.
  • modifications include chemical substitutions at the sugarand/orphosphate and/or base positions ofagiven nucleic acid sequence. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/117,991, filed September 9, 1993, entitled High Affinity Nucleic Acid Ligands Containing Modified Nucleotides whichis specifically incorporatedhereinbyreference.
  • Othermodifications are knownto one ofordinary skill in the art. Suchmodifications may be made
  • the nucleic acid ligandsto IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-10,TNF ⁇ , and RANTES described herein are useful as pharmaceuticals.
  • This invention also includes a method ofinhibiting cytokine function by administration of a nucleic acid ligand capable ofbinding to acytokine.
  • compositions of the nucleic acid ligands may be administered parenterally by injection, although other effective administration forms, such as intraarticular injection, inhalant mists, orally active formulations, transdermal iontophoresis or suppositories, are also envisioned.
  • One preferred carrier is physiological saline solution, but it is contemplated that other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may also be used.
  • the carrier and the ligand constitute a physiologically-compatible, slow release formulation.
  • the primary solvent in such a carrier may be either aqueous or non-aqueous in nature.
  • the carrier may contain other pharmacologically-acceptable excipients for modifying or maintaining the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, clarity, color, sterility, stability, rate ofdissolution, or odor of the formulation.
  • the carrier may contain still other pharmacologically-acceptable excipients for modifying or maintaining the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, clarity, color, sterility, stability, rate ofdissolution, or odor of the formulation.
  • the carrier may contain still other pharmacologically-acceptable excipients for modifying or maintaining the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, clarity, color, sterility, stability, rate ofdissolution, or odor of the formulation.
  • the carrier may contain still other pharmacologically-acceptable excipients for modifying or maintaining the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, clarity, color, sterility, stability, rate ofdissolution, or odor of the formulation.
  • the carrier may
  • excipients for modifying or maintaining the stability, rate of dissolution, release, or absorption ofthe ligand.
  • excipients are those substances usually and customarily employed to formulate dosages for parental administration in either unit dose or multi-dose form.
  • the therapeutic composition may be stored in sterile vials as a solution, suspension, gel, emulsion, solid, or dehydrated or lyophilized powder. Such formulations may be stored either in a ready to use form or requiring reconstitution immediately prior to administration.
  • the manner ofadministering formulations containing nucleic acid ligands for systemic delivery may be via subcutaneous,
  • intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal or vaginal or rectal suppository intramuscular, intravenous, intranasal or vaginal or rectal suppository.
  • EXAMPLE 1 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES FOR 2-NH 2 AND 2'- F-MODIFIED LIGANDS TO IFN-GAMMA
  • Example 2 provides general procedures followed and incorporated in Example 2 for the evolution ofnucleic acid ligands to IFN-gamma.
  • the DNA template 40N7 was designedto contain 40 randomnucleotides, flanked by 5' and 3' regions of fixed sequence (Table 1; SEQ ID NO:1).
  • the fixed regions include DNA primer annealing sites forPCRand cDNA synthesis as well as the consensus T7 promoter region to allow in vitro transcription.
  • Single-stranded DNAprimers andtemplates were synthesized and amplified into double-strandedtranscribable templates by PCR.
  • Preparation ofthe initial pool ofRNA molecules involvedPCR amplification of1000 pmoles ofsingle-stranded template (Table 1; SEQ ID NO:l) and 2500 pmoles of both the 5'- (5P7; SEQ ID NO:2) and 3'- (3P7; SEQ ID NO:3) primers. These were incubated in a reaction mixture containing 50 mM KCl , 10 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.3), 3 mM MgCl 2 , 0.5 mM of each dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP.
  • Taq DNA Polymerase Perkin-Elmer, Foster City CA
  • the reaction was cycled 10 times at 93°C for 30 sec, 53oC for 30 sec, and 72°C for 1 minto denature, anneal, and extend, respectively, theprimers and template.
  • the PCRproduct was purified using QIAquick-spin PCR purification columns (QIAGEN Inc., Chatsworth CA) as specified by the manufacturer.
  • spermidine 0.002% TritonX-100, 4% PEG 8000, 0.5 ⁇ M ⁇ - 32 P-ATP, 5 U/ ⁇ l T7 RNA Polymerase (Davanloo et al., 1984), and concentrations ofothernucleotides as follows, 1) forthe 2'FSELEX: 1 mM ATP and GTP, 3 mM 2'F-CTP and 2'F-UTP, 2) for the
  • 2'F/NH 2 SELEX 1 mM ATP, GTP, and 2'NH,-UTP and 3 mM 2'F-CTP, and 3) for the 2'NH 2 SELEX: 1 mM ATP, GTP, 2'NH 2 -CTP, and 2'NH 2 -UTP.
  • These incubations were performed in a 37°C incubator for between 6 hrs and overnight.
  • the RNA was purified by gel purification and elution. To expedite the process, for rounds 11, 12, and 14-17 the RNA was purified using Bio-Spin 6 chromatography columns (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules CA) according to manufacturer's specifications.
  • RNA was pre-filtered prior to all rounds of SELEX except rounds 1, 2, 4, 6, 14, and 16.
  • the pre-filtration step involved bringing the RNA up to 200 ⁇ l in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), modified to contain ImM Mg 2+ ions, (138 mM NaCl, 2.7 mM KCl, 8.1 mM Na 2 HPO 4 , 1.1 mM KH 2 PO 4, ImM MgCl 2 , pH 7.4), (mPBS), and passing this RNA solution through three filter discs (0.45 ⁇ m, nitrocellulose/ cellulose acetate, Millipore Corporation, Bedford MA) pre-wetted with mPBS.
  • PBS phosphate buffered saline
  • RNA For initial binding, 1000 pmoles ofRNA were incubated with human IFN-gamma protein in binding buffer, (mPBS plus 0.01% human serum albumin (HSA)), for 5-10 min at 37°C to allow binding to occur.
  • Human recombinant IFN-gamma used in this SELEX procedure was purchased from two different sources. The first three rounds ofboth the 2'F and 2'F/NH 2 SELEX were performed with protein obtained from Upstate Biotechnology, Lake Placid NY. The subsequent rounds ofthese two SELEX procedures as well as the entire 2'NH 2 SELEX were performed with protein obtained from Genzyme Inc.,
  • the 2'F and 2'F/NH 2 SELEX procedures used 0.2 ⁇ m pore size pure nitrocellulose filters (Scleicher & Schuell, Keene NH) for the first two rounds of SELEX. All subsequent rounds ofthese two SELEX procedures and the entire 2'NH 2 SELEX were performed with 0.45 ⁇ m pore size nitrocellulose/cellulose acetate mixed matrix filters (Millipore Corporation, BedfordMA). Filterdiscswereplaced into a vacuum manifold andwetted with 5 ml ofmPBS buffer. The IFN-gamma/RNA binding mix was aspiratedthroughthe filter discs whichwere immediately washed with 5 ml of mPBS buffer.
  • this washing step was modifiedto include washing of the filter discs with 15 ml 0.5 M ureafollowedby 20 ml mPBS buffer.
  • Bound RNA was isolated from filters by extraction in a solution of400 m1 phenol (equilibrated in Tris-Cl, pH 8.0)/300 m 17 M urea (freshly prepared). The filters were bathed inthe phenol/urea solution atroomtemperature for 30 min and at 95°C for2 min. The RNAwas phenol/chloroform extracted and ethanol precipitated with20 mg tRNA.
  • RNA was reversetranscribed into cDNA by addition of 50 pmoles DNA primer, 0.4 mMeachofdNTPs, and 1 U/ ⁇ lAMVreversetranscriptase (AMV RT) (Life Sciences, Inc., St. Russia FL) in buffer containing 50 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.3), 60 mM NaCl, 6 mM Mg(OAc) 2 , 10 mM DTT.
  • AMV RT U/ ⁇ lAMVreversetranscriptase
  • the cDNA was PCR amplified by addition of 250 pmoles of both the 5' (5P7; SEQ ID NO:2) and 3' (3P7; SEQ ID NO:3) primer in reaction conditions identical to those detailed above.
  • the numberofcycles of PCR required to amplifythe cDNA was carefully calculated for eachround of SELEX so that 250 pmoles double-stranded DNA template would be used to initiate the next round of SELEX.
  • Kds equilibrium dissociation constants
  • P-labeled-RNA was incubated with serial dilutions ofIFN-gamma in binding buffer for 5-10 min at 37°C to allow binding to occur. Binding mixes were centrifuged as described above to remove aggregates, aspirated through the filter discs, and then immediately washed with 5 ml mPBS buffer. The filter discs were dried and counted in a liquid.scintillation counter (Beckmann Instruments, Palo Alto CA). Equilibrium dissociation constants were determined by least square fitting ofthe data points using the KaleidagraphTM graphics program (Synergy Software, Reading PA). Many ligands and evolved RNA pools yield biphasic binding curves. Biphasic binding can be described as the binding oftwo affinity species that are not in equilibrium. Biphasic binding constants were calculated according to standard procedures. Kds were determined by least square fitting ofthe data points using the KaleidagraphTM graphics program.
  • RNA molecules were reverse transcribed to cDNA and made double-stranded by PCR amplification with primers containing recognition sites for the restriction endonucleases Hind III (Table 1; 5' primer 5P7H; SEQ ID NO:4) and Bam HI (Table 1; 3' primer 3P7B; SEQ ID NO:5). Using these restriction sites the DNA sequences were inserted directionally into the pUC19 vector. These recombinant plasmids were transformed into Epicurian coli JM109 competent cells (Stratagene, La Jolla CA). Plasmid DNA was prepared with the PERFECTprepTM plasmid DNA kit (5 ⁇ rime->3 prime, Boulder CO). Plasmid clones were sequenced using a PCR sequencing protocol (Adams etal., 1991) using PCR sequencing primer pUC19F30 (SEQ ID NO:6).
  • RNA transcribed with T7 RNA polymerase was gel purified by UV shadowing. The 5'-end of20 pmoles ofeach RNA was dephosphorylated in a reaction mixture containing 20 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.0), 10 mM MgCl 2 and 0.1 U/ ⁇ l shrimp alkaline phosphatase (SAP), (United States Biochemical, Cleveland OH) by incubating for 20 RNA transcribed with T7 RNA polymerase was gel purified by UV shadowing. The 5'-end of20 pmoles ofeach RNA was dephosphorylated in a reaction mixture containing 20 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.0), 10 mM MgCl 2 and 0.1 U/ ⁇ l shrimp alkaline phosphatase (SAP), (United States Biochemical, Cleveland OH) by incubating for
  • RNA truncates were analyzed on a high-resolution denaturing 12% polyacrylamide gel. To orient the sequences, a ladder of radioactively labeled ligands terminating with G-residues was generated by RNase T1 digestion ofend-labeled RNA.
  • the T1 digest was carried out in a reaction mixture containing 7 M urea, 20 mM sodium citrate (pH 5.0), 1 mM EDTA and 5 units RNase T1 (Boehringer Mannheim, Indianapolis IN) by incubating for 5 min at 50°C.
  • T7 promoter (5'-TAATACGACTCACTATAG-3'; fragment of SEQ ID NO:2) and the sequence ofthe truncated ligand were annealed to form a double-stranded template for transcription ofeach truncated ligand.
  • Human lung carcinoma cells (A549; ATCC) were plated in 24-well plates at a density of5 X 10' cells/well in RPMI 1640 plus 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and incubated overnight or until confluent. The cells were washed 3 times with PBS. Growth media was replaced with 200 ⁇ l RPMI 1640 plus 0.2% human serum albumin/0.02% sodium azide/20 mM Hepes, pH 7.4 together with increasing amounts (20 pg/ml-100 ng/ml) of 125 I-IFN-gamma (New England Nuclear) with or without an excess (200 fold) of unlabeled IFN-gamma. Incubations were carried out at 4°C with shaking for 2 hrs.
  • FBS fetal bovine serum
  • the cells were washed 2 times with cold PBS to remove free IFN and detached with 0.5% SDS.
  • the cells were incubated for 2 hr at 4°C as above with 30 pM 125 I-IFN-gamma and increasing concentrations (1.01-500 nM) ofcompetitor oligonucleotide.
  • Cell-associated oligonucleotide For competition with oligonucleotide, the cells were incubated for 2 hr at 4°C as above with 30 pM 125 I-IFN-gamma and increasing concentrations (1.01-500 nM) ofcompetitor oligonucleotide.
  • Three libraries ofRNAs modified at the 2' position ofpyrimidines 1) 2'F incorporating 2'F-CTP and 2'F-UTP, 2) 2'F/NH 2 incorporating 2'F-CTP and 2'NH 2 -UTP and 3) 2'NH 2 incorporating 2'NH 2 -CTP and 2'NH 2 -UTP were used in simultaneous SELEX protocols to generate a diverse set ofhigh-affinity modified RNA ligands to human IFN-gamma.
  • Each ofthese libraries contained between 10 13 -10 14 molecules with a variable region of40 nucleotides
  • the template and primers used for the SELEX and the conditions ofthe SELEX, as described in Example 1, are summarized in Tables 1 and 2, respectively.
  • the random modified RNA pools bound human IFN-gamma with approximate Kds ofgreater than 0.7 ⁇ M.
  • the approximate Kds ofthe evolving pools had improved to, 1) 70 nM for the 2'F SELEX, 2) 115 nM for the 2'F/NH 2 SELEX, and 3) 20 nM for the 2'NH 2 SELEX.
  • the approximate Kds ofthe RNA pools after 17 rounds ofSELEX were 1) 410 nM for the 2'F SELEX, 2) 175 nM for the 2'F/NH 2 SELEX, and 3) 85 nM for the 2'NH 2 SELEX. These Kds did not shift further in subsequent rounds.
  • RNA from the 17th round was reverse transcribed, amplified and cloned.
  • the sequences of 32 of the 2'F, 40 of the 2'NH 2 , and 11 ofthe 2'F/NH 2 individual clones were determined (Table 3; SEQ IDNOS:7-65). The sequences were analyzed for conserved sequences and aligned by this criterion (Table 3).
  • the 2'F sequences fell into 2 groups with 9 orphan sequences. Group 12'F RNAs werethe mostabundant, representing 18 of 32 sequences, while group 22'F RNAsrepresented 5 of 32 sequences.
  • the 2'NH 2 sequences fell into 2 groups with 25 of 402'NH 2 RNAs in group 1 and 15 of 402'NH 2 RNAs ingroup 2. The 2'F/NH 2 sequences were ofa single group.
  • the Kds ofindividualRNAswithineachgroup were determinedbynitrocellularose filterbinding as described above.
  • the Kds were determined using either amonophasic or biphasic least squares fit of the data.
  • Example 4 provides general procedures followed and incorporated in Example 4 for the evolution ofnucleic acid ligands to IL-4.
  • 2'F modified CTP and UTP were prepared according to the method ofPieken etal., 1991.
  • 2'NH 2 modified CTP and UTP were prepared according to the method ofMcGee et al., U.S. Patent Application No.08/264,029, filed June 22, 1994, which is incorporated herein by reference (see also McGee et al.1995).
  • DNA oligonucleotides were synthesized by Operon Technologies (Alameda CA).
  • the SELEX procedure has been described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,270,163 (see also Tuerk and Gold, 1990; Gold et al, 1993). Three SELEX procedures were performed to evolve high affinity ligands to IL-4. Each SELEX procedure utilized RNA pools containing pyrimidines modified at the 2' position as follows, 1) 2'F-CTP and 2'F-UTP referred to as 2'F, 2) 2'F-CTP and 2'NH 2 -UTP referred to as 2'F/NH 2 , and 3) 2'NH 2 -CTP and 2'NH 2 -UTP referred to as 2'NH 2 .
  • the DNA template 40N8 was designed to contain 40 random nucleotides, flanked by 5' and 3' regions offixed sequence (Table 5; SEQ ID NO:74).
  • the fixed regions include DNA primer annealing sites for PCR and cDNA synthesis as well as the consensus T7 promoter region to allow in vitro transcription.
  • Single-stranded DNA primers and templates were synthesized and amplified into double-stranded transcribable templates by PCR.
  • Preparation ofthe initial pool ofRNA molecules involved PCR amplification of 1000 pmoles ofsingle-stranded template (Table 5; SEQ ID NO:74) and 2500 pmoles ofboth the 5' (5P8; SEQ ID NO:75) and 3' (3P8; SEQ ID NO:76) primers. These were incubated in a reaction mixture containing 50 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.3), 3 mM MgCl 2 , 0.5 mM ofeach dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP.
  • Taq DNA Polymerase (Perkin-Elmer, Foster City CA) at 0.1 U/ ⁇ l was added and the reaction incubated at 97°C for 3 min to denature the template and primers. Following the initial denaturing step, the reaction was cycled 7 times at 93°C for 30 sec, 53°C for 30 sec, and 72°C for 1 minto denature, anneal, and extend, respectively, the primers and template. To get an accurate concentration ofdouble-stranded PCR product forthe initial round ofSELEX, the PCR product was purifiedusing QIAquick-spin PCRpurification columns (QIAGEN Inc., Chatsworth CA) as specifiedbythe manufacturer.
  • QIAquick-spin PCRpurification columns QIAGEN Inc., Chatsworth CA
  • spermidine 0.002% TritonX-100, 4% PEG 8000, 0.5 ⁇ M ⁇ - 32 P 2'OH ATP, 5 U/ ⁇ l T7 RNA Polymerase (Davanloo et al., 1984), and concentrations of other nucleotides as follows, 1) for the 2'F SELEX: 1 mM ATP and GTP, 3 mM 2'F-CTP and 2'F-UTP, 2) for the 2'F/NH 2 SELEX: 1 mM ATP, GTP, and 2'NH 2 -UTP and 3 mM 2'F-CTP, and 3) for the 2'NH 2 SELEX: 1 mMATP, GTP, 2'NH 2 -CTP, and 2'NH 2 -UTP.
  • the RNA was pre-filteredpriorto all rounds ofSELEX exceptrounds 1,2,4, 6, 14, and 16.
  • the pre-filtration step involvedbringing the RNA up to 200 ⁇ l inphosphate buffered saline (PBS), modifiedto contain 1 mM Mg 2+ ions, (138 mMNaCl, 2.7 mM KCl,
  • RNA solution 8.1 mMNa 2 HPO 4 , 1.1 mM KH 2 PO 4, ImM MgCl 2 , pH 7.4), (mPBS), andpassing this RNA solution through three filter discs (0.45 ⁇ m, nitrocellulose/ cellulose acetate, Millipore Corporation, Bedford MA) pre-wetted with mPBS.
  • RNA For initial binding, 1000 pmoles of RNA were incubated with human IL-4 protein inbinding buffer, (mPBS plus 0.01%human serum albumin (HSA)), for 5-10 min at 37 °C to allowbinding to occur.
  • Human recombinant IL-4 used in this SELEX procedure was purchased from R&D Systems, Minneapolis MN. Foreach round of SELEX the concentration ofRNA and protein was carefully chosen to provide optimum stringency. Preliminary experiments had shown that IL-4 had a tendency to aggregate at high protein concentrations.
  • IL-4/ RNA complexes were separated fromunbound RNAby nitrocellulose filterpartitioning described below.
  • the 2'F and 2'F/NH 2 SELEX procedures used 0.2 ⁇ m pore sizepure nitrocellulose filters (Scleicher & Schuell, KeeneNH) forthe first two rounds of SELEX. All subsequent rounds of these two SELEX procedures and the entire 2'NH 2 SELEX were performed with 0.45 ⁇ m pore size nitrocellulose/cellulose acetate mixed matrix filters (Millipore Corporation, BedfordMA). Filter discs were placed into a vacuummanifold andwetted with 5 ml ofmPBS buffer. The IL-4/RNA binding mix was aspiratedthroughthe filterdiscs whichwere immediatelywashedwith 5 ml of mPBS buffer.
  • this washing step was modifiedto include washing ofthe filter discs with 15 ml 0.5 M urea followed by 20 ml mPBS buffer.
  • Bound RNA was isolated from filters by extraction in a solution of 400 ⁇ l phenol (equilibrated in Tris-Cl, pH 8.0)/ 300 ⁇ l 7 M urea (freshly prepared). The filters were bathed inthe phenol/urea solution atroom temperature for 30 min and at 95°C for 2 min. The RNA was phenol/chloroform extracted and ethanol precipitatedwith 20 ⁇ g tRNA.
  • RNA was reversetranscribed into cDNA by addition of50 pmoles DNA primer, 0.4 mM each ofdNTPs, and 1 U/ ⁇ l AMV reverse transcriptase (AMV RT) (Life Sciences, Inc., St. Louis FL) inbuffercontaining 50 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.3), 60 mM NaCl, 6 mM Mg(OAc) 2 , 10 mMDTT. Thereaction was incubatedat 37°C for30 min then48°C for 30 minthen 70°C for 10 min, to ensure the melting of secondary structure present inthe isolated RNA.
  • AMV RT AMV reverse transcriptase
  • the cDNA was PCR amplified by addition of250 pmoles ofboththe 5' (5P8; SEQ IDNO:75) and 3' (3P8; SEQ ID NO:76) primer in reaction conditions identical to those detailed above.
  • the number ofcycles of PCR required to amplify the cDNA was carefully calculated for eachround ofSELEX so that 250 pmoles double-stranded DNA template would be used to initiate the next round of SELEX.
  • Kds Equilibrium Dissociation Constants
  • Kds equilibrium dissociationconstants
  • Binding mixes were centrifuged as described above to remove aggregates, aspirated throughthe filterdiscs, and then immediately washed with 5 ml mPBS buffer. The filter discs were dried and countedin aliquid scintillation counter (Beckmann Instruments, Palo Alto CA). Equilibrium dissociation constants were determinedby least square fitting of the datapoints using the KaleidagraphTM graphics program (Synergy Software, Reading PA). Many ligands and evolved RNA pools yieldbiphasic binding curves. Biphasic binding canbe describedas the binding oftwo affinity species that are not in equilibrium. Biphasicbinding constantswere calculatedaccording to standardprocedures. Kds were determined by least square fitting of the data points using the KaleidagraphTM graphics program.
  • RNA molecules were reverse transcribed to cDNA and made double-stranded by PCR amplification with primers containing recognition sites forthe restriction endonucleases Hindlll (Table 5; 5' primer 5P8H; SEQ ID NO:77) and Bam HI (Table 5; 3' primer 3P8B; SEQ IDNO:78). Usingthese restriction sites the DNA sequences were inserted directionally into the pUC19 vector. These recombinant plasmids were transformed into Epicurian coli JM109 competentcells (Stratagene, La Jolla CA). Plasmid DNA was prepared with the PERFECTprepTM plasmid DNA kit (5 prime—>3 prime, Boulder CO). Plasmid clones were sequenced using a PCR sequencing protocol (Adams et al., 1991) using PCR sequencing primer pUC19F30 (SEQ ID NO:6). E. Ligand Truncation
  • RNA transcribed with T7 RNA polymerase was gel purified by UV shadowing. The 5'-end of20 pmoles ofeach RNA was dephosphorylated in a reaction mixture containing 20 mM Tris-Cl (pH 8.0), 10 mM MgCl 2 and 0.1 U/ ⁇ l shrimp alkaline phosphatase (SAP), (United States Biochemical, Cleveland OH) by incubating for 30 min at 37°C. Alkaline phosphatase activity was destroyed by incubating for 30 min at 70°C.
  • RNA was subsequently 5'-end labeled in a reaction mixture containing 50 mM Tris-Cl (pH 7.5), 10 mM MgCl 2 , 5 mM DTT, 0.1 mM EDTA, 0.1 mM spermidine, 0.75 m M g - 32 P-ATP and 1 U/ ⁇ l T4 polynucleotide kinase (New England Biolabs, Beverly MA) by incubating for-30 min at 37°C.
  • Tris-Cl pH 7.5
  • 10 mM MgCl 2 5 mM DTT
  • 0.1 mM EDTA 0.1 mM spermidine
  • 0.75 m M g - 32 P-ATP 0.75 m M g - 32 P-ATP
  • T4 polynucleotide kinase New England Biolabs, Beverly MA
  • 3'-end-labeling of20 pmoles ofeach RNA was performed in a reaction mixture containing 50 mM Tris-Cl (pH 7.8), 10 mM MgCl 2 , 10 mM b -mercaptoethanol, 1 mM ATP, 0.9 ⁇ M (5'- 32 P)pCp and 1 U/ ⁇ l T4 RNA ligase (New England Biolabs, Beverly MA) by incubating for 18 hrs at 4°C. 5'- and 3'- end-labeled RNAs were gel band purified on a 12%, 8M urea, polyacrylamide gel.
  • RNA truncates were analyzed on a high-resolution denaturing 12% polyacrylamide gel. To orient the sequences, a ladder ofradioactively labeled ligands terminating with G-residues was generated by RNase Tl digestion ofend-labeled RNA.
  • the T1 digest was carried out in a reaction mixture containing 7 M urea, 20 mM sodium citrate (pH 5.0), 1 mM EDTA and 5 units RNase Tl (Boehringer Mannheim, Indianapolis IN) by incubating for 5 min at 50°C.
  • HumanT-cell lymphomacells (H-9; ATCC) were cultured in suspension inRPMI 1640 + 10% FCS. Cells were washed two times withPBS andresuspended (5.0 x 10 5 cells) in 200 ⁇ l media containing RPMI 1640+ 0.02% human serum albumin/0.2%Na azide/20 mM HEPES, pH 7.4 for 2 hr at4°C in 1.5 ml polypropylene tubes (Eppendorf, W. Germany) with various amounts of 125 I-rIL-4 in the presence or absence of a 200-fold excess ofunlabeledcytokine. Following incubation, thetubeswere spun(150 x g, 5 min, 4°C) and the supernatant was aspirated.
  • the cell pellet was resuspended in200 ⁇ l RPMI-HSA.100 ⁇ l aliquots were centrifugedthrough acushion ofan equal volume of phthalate oils (dibutyl/dioctyl, 1:1 v/v). The tube was rapidly frozen in dry ice/ethanol and the tip containing the cell pellet was cut off and placed in a vial for gamma counting. The data was corrected for nonspecific binding and the affinity of 125 I-IL-4 was determined by Scatchard analysis.
  • oligonucleotide For competition with oligonucleotide, orneutralizing antibody (R & D Systems), the cells were incubated for 2 hr at 4° as above with 0.7 nM 125 I-IL-4 and increasing concentrations (0.01-500 nM) of competitor oligonucleotide. Cell-associated 125 I-IL-4 was determined as above.
  • RNAs modified at the 2'position ofpyrimidines 1) 2'F incorporating 2'F-CTP and2'F-UTP, 2) 2'F/NH 2 incorporating 2T-CTP and 2"NH 2 -UTP and 3) 2'NH 2 incorporating 2'NH 2 -CTP and2'NH 2 -UTP were used in simultaneous SELEX protocolsto generate adiverse set of high-affinity modified RNA ligandsto human IL-4.
  • Each ofthese libraries contained between 10 13 - 10 14 molecules with avariable region of 40 nucleotides.
  • the template and primers used forthe SELEX andthe conditions ofthe SELEX, as described inExample 3 are summarized in Tables 5 and 6, respectively.
  • the approximate Kds of the evolving pools had improved to, 1) 30 nM for the 2'F SELEX, and 2) 55 nM for the 2'F/NH 2 SELEX.
  • Binding curves performed on 2'NH 2 RNA from an earlier round had shown an approximate Kd of 100 nM, however, difficulties with background reduction in this SELEX led to an apparent Kd after round 17 of 1 ⁇ M. It was felt that despite this "masking" due to background, the high affinity unique sequence 2'NH 2 RNAs were still in the pool after round 17. These Kds did not shift further in subsequent rounds.
  • the RNA pools after 8 rounds ofSELEX did not bind mouse IL-4, while there was a significant improvement in binding after 8 rounds for the human protein (data not shown).
  • PCR product from the final round ofSELEX was sequenced as detailed above and found to be non-random.
  • RNA from the 17th round was reverse transcribed, amplified, and cloned.
  • the sequences of41 ofthe 2'F, 57 ofthe 2'NH 2 , and 30 ofthe 2'F/NH 2 individual clones were determined (Table 7; SEQ ID NOS:79-177).
  • the sequences were analyzed for conserved sequences and aligned by this criterion (Table 7).
  • the 2'F sequences fell into a single group representing 29 of41 sequences.
  • the remaining 12 clones were categorized as orphans due to their lack ofsequence homology with the primary group or to each other.
  • the 2'NH 2 sequences fell into 2 distinct groups ofsequences.
  • Group 1 which represented 21 of 57 sequences were shown to bind to IL-4.
  • the other group, representing 35 of57 sequences were shown to bind to nitrocellulose filters.
  • the presence ofsuch a large number ofnitrocellulose filter binding RNAs was not a surprise as these sequences were cloned from a pool with high background binding.
  • These nitrocellulose binding RNAs are identified by the presence ofa direct repeat ofthe sequence GGAGG.
  • a single orphan 2'NH 2 sequence was also found.
  • the 2'F/NH 2 sequences were more heterogeneous with sequences falling into 3 groups.
  • RNAs in group 1 and 2 bound to IL-4, while the 3rd group bound to nitrocellulose filters.
  • the clones in the nitrocellulose filter binding group also contained a single or repeat ofthe sequence GGAGG. It should be noted that this sequence is also found in the 3'-fixed region (underlined in Table 7).
  • the Kds ofindividual RNAs within each group were determined by nitrocellularose filter binding as described in Example 3 above.
  • the Kds were determined using a monophasic least squares fit ofthe data.
  • Minimal sequence requirements forhigh-affinity binding of the best clones were determinedby 5' and3' boundary experiments as described inExample 3.
  • the truncated RNAs weretranscribed from double-strandedtemplates containingthe T7 promoter and the truncated sequence. Forthose successful transcriptions, the Kd of the truncated ligand was determined.
  • the sequence of the truncated ligands andtheirKds, both for full-length and forthetruncate (ifdetermined) are shown in Table 8 (SEQ IDNOS:178-185).
  • oligonucleotide was similarto that seenby aneutralizing antibodyto IL-4.
  • Example 6 provides general procedures followed and incorporated in Example 6 forthe evolution of nucleic acid ligands to IL-10.
  • DNA sequences were synthesized byusing cyanoethyl phosphoramidite under standard solidphase chemistry.2'-F CTP and2'-F UTP were purchased from United States Biochemicals. Human IL-10 was bought from either Bachem or R&D Systems.
  • Neutralizing anti-human IL-10 monoclonal antibody, murine IL-10 and ELISA detection kit forhuman IL-10 were purchased from R &D Systems.
  • polyacrylamide gel under denaturing conditions were amplified by four cycles of polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
  • PCR products were transcribed in vitro by T7 RNA polymerase (1000 U) in 1 mL reaction consisting of2 mM each of ATP and GTP, 3 mM each of 2'-F CTP and 2'-F UTP, 40 mM Tris-HCl (pH 8.0), 12 mM MgCl 2 , 1 mM Spermidine, 5 mM DTT, 0.002% TritonX-100 and 4% polyethelene glycol (w/v) for 10 - 12 hr.
  • the full-length transcription products (SEQ ID NO: 186) were purified on 8% denaturingpolyacrylamide gels, suspended in TBS buffer [100 mM Tris-HCl, (pH 7.5) 150 mM NaCl) (binding buffer), heated to 70 °C, chilled on ice, then incubated with IL-10 at 37°C for 10 min.
  • TBS buffer 100 mM Tris-HCl, (pH 7.5) 150 mM NaCl
  • RNA forthe nextround ofselection RNA forthe nextround ofselection.
  • concentration ofIL-10 was decreased gradually from 5 ⁇ Mto 500 nMto progressively increase selective pressure.
  • the selectionprocess was repeateduntil the affinity of the enriched RNApool for IL-10 was substantially increased.
  • cDNA was amplified by PCRwithprimers that introduced BamHI and Hind III restriction sites at 5' and 3' ends, respectively. PCR products were digested with BamHI and Hind III and cloned into pUC 18 thatwas digested withthe same enzymes. Individual clones were screened and sequenced by standardtechniques.
  • RNAtranscripts were prepared by including [ ⁇ - 32 P]ATP in T7
  • RNA polymerase transcription reactions Full-lengthtranscripts were purified on 8% denaturing polyacrylamide gels to ensure size homogeneity. Gel-purified RNA was diluted to a concentration of ⁇ 5 nM in TEM buffer, heatedto 80 °C then chilled on ice to facilitate secondary structure formation. RNA concentrations were kept lower than 100 pM in binding reactions. Briefly, equal amounts of RNA were incubated with varying amounts ofIL-10 in 50 ⁇ L ofTEM buffer for 10 min at 37°C. RNA-protein mixtures were passed through pre-wet nitrocellulose filters (0.2 ⁇ ) and the filters were immediately washed with 5 mL of binding buffer. Radioactivity retained on filters was determined by liquidscintillation counting.
  • Sandwich ELISA was carried outby using commercially available ELISA kit for quantitative determination of hIL- 10 (from R&D systems) according to manufacturer's instructions. Varying amounts ofRNA 43, randompool RNA and anti-hIL-10 monoclonal antibody (from R&D Systems) were incubated with 125 pg/mL hIL-10 at roomtemperature for 10 minbefore addedto microtiterwells. EXAMPLE 6.2'-F-MODIFIED RNA LIGANDS TO IL-10
  • the Kd ofsequence 43 forbinding to IL-10 is 213 nM.
  • the ligand 43 does not bind to other cytokines such as interferon g and IL-4, indicating the specificity ofSELEX-derived RNA sequence.
  • Human IL-10 (hIL-10) and mouse IL-10 (mIL-10) have high degree ofsequence homology at the cDNA and amino acid level (73% amino acid homology) and hIL-10 has been shown to active on mouse cells.
  • ligand 43 does not bind to mIL-10 with high affinity.
  • RNA 43 similar to the random pool RNA (used as a control) did not show any inhibition ofIL-10 binding to anti-IL-10 antibody on the plate (data not shown). These data suggest that the evolved RNA ligand does not bind to the site at or near that recognized by the neutralizing antibody.
  • the soluble anti-ILlO that was used in the assay as a control behaved as expected, competing for binding with the same antibody on the solid phase.
  • hTNF ⁇ Recombinant human TNF ⁇
  • mTNF ⁇ murine TNF ⁇
  • hTNF ⁇ recombinant human TNF ⁇
  • sTNF-R2 soluble human TNF receptor 2
  • AMV resverse transcriptased were from Life Sciences (St. Russia, FL).
  • RNasin ribonuclease inhibitor, and Taq DNA polymerase was from Promega (Madison, WI).
  • Ultrapure nucleotide triphosphates were from Pharmacia (Piscataway, NJ). 125 -I-TNF ⁇ , ⁇ - 32 P-ATP, and ⁇ - 32 P-ATP were from DuPont NEN Research Products (Boston, MA).
  • U937 cells were from ATCC (catalog number CRL1593). Oligonucleotides were obtained from Operon, Inc. (Alameda, CA). Nitrocellulose/cellulose acetate mixed matrix (HA), 0.45 ⁇ mfilters were from Millipore (Bedford, MA). Chemicals were at least reagent grade andpurchased from commercial sources.
  • the SELEX procedure has been described in the SELEX Patent Application (see also Tuerk and Gold, 1990; Gold etal, 1993).
  • the starting RNA contained 30 random nucleotides, flankedby 5' and 3' constantregions forprimer anealing sites for cDNA synthesis and PCR amplification (Table 11; SEQ ID NO:206).
  • the single stranded DNA molecules were convertedto double strandedby PCRamplification.
  • PCR conditions were 50 mM KCl, 10 mM Tris-HCl, pH9, 0.1% Triton X-100, 3 mM MgCl 2 , 0.5 mM of each dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP, 0.1 units/ ⁇ l Taq DNA polymerase and 1 nM each of the 5' and 3' primers.
  • hTNF ⁇ was spotted on a nitrocellulose filter (Millipore, HA 0.45 ⁇ m) and following 5 min air drying over filter paper, the nitrocellulose filter was incubated in a 24- well microtiter plate with 1-2X10 -6 M radiolabeled RNA for 30 min at room
  • RNA boundto the immobilized protein was recovered by phenol/urea extraction and was then reverse transcribed into cDNA by AMV reverse transcriptase at 48°C for 60 min in 50 mM Tris-HCl pH8.3, 60 mM NaCl, 6 mM
  • DPBS Phosphate-Buffered Saline
  • calcium and magnesium Life Technologies, Gaithersburg, MD, Cat. No 21300-025
  • the protein-RNA complexes were partitioned by filtering through nitrocellulose/cellulose acetated mixed matiix, 0.45 ⁇ m pore size filter disks (Millipore, Co., Bedford, MA). Nitrocellulose filterbound RNA was recovered by phenol/ureaextraction. The partitioned RNA was thenreverse transcribed and PCR amplified as above and used to initiate the next SELEX cycle.
  • the binding reactions were filtered throughnitrocellulose/cellulose acetated mixedmatrix, 0.45 ⁇ mpore size filter disks (Millipore, Co., Bedford, MA). For filtration, the filters were placed onto a vacuum manifold and wetted by aspirating 5 ml of DPBS. The binding reactions were aspirated throughtthe filters and following a 5 ml wash, the filters were counted in a scintilation counter (Beckmann). Nitrocellulose partitionsing was used for SELEX and for
  • RNA ligands to TNF ⁇ bind monophasically.
  • the average retention efficiency forRNA-TNF ⁇ complexes onnitrocellulose filters is 0.1-0.2.
  • the K D s were determinedby least square fitting of the data points using the software Kaleidagraph (Synergy Software, Reading, PA).
  • RNA ligands were incubated in 50 ⁇ l ofbinding medium (PBS with 0.5 mM Mg ++ , 0.2% BSA, 0.02% sodium azide, 1U/ ⁇ l RNasin) for 15 min at 4°C with serially diluted competitors at 10 -4 to 10 -11 M, and 1x10 4 / ⁇ l U937 cells.
  • binding medium PBS with 0.5 mM Mg ++ , 0.2% BSA, 0.02% sodium azide, 1U/ ⁇ l RNasin
  • Nonspecific binding was determined by inclusion of a 200-fold molar excess of unlabeled TNF.
  • Ki inhibition constants
  • the 6ARNA ligand was 5' end labeledwith ⁇ - 32 P-ATP using T4 polynucleotide kinase.5' boundaries were established using 3' end labeled ligand with ⁇ - 32 P-pCp and T4 RNA ligase.
  • the radiolabeled RNA ligand was incubated withhTNF ⁇ at 5, 25, and 125 nM, and the protein bound RNA was isolated by nitrocellulose partitioning. The RNA truncates were analyzed on ahighresolution denaturingpolyacrylamide gel.
  • Nitrocellulose filterbinding couldnot detect any interaction of hTNF ⁇ with randomRNA even athighprotein concentrations.
  • the binding curves were completely flat evenupto 10 ⁇ M hTNF ⁇ andRNA upto l ⁇ M andthe estimated dissociation constant (K D ) is greaterthan 10 -3 M. No buffer conditions were found that improved the interaction of hTNF ⁇ and random RNA.
  • RNAbinding occurred only when the filterwas previously spotted with hTNF ⁇ and andthendried, butnot ifthe filterwas spotted with hTNF ⁇ andthenplaced wet inthe incubation chamber.
  • the protein containing filter was incubated inBB (see Example 7) with labeled RNA, then washed, autoradiographed andthebound RNA was recoveredby phenol-ureaextraction.
  • BB BB
  • RNA concentration was at 2x10 -6 M.
  • two different filters containing about 500 and 100pmoles of hTNF ⁇ monomer were incubated inthe same chamber containing amplifiedRNA fromtheprevious round at about 2x10 -6 M. Only the RNA fromthe high protein filter was carried to the nextround.
  • RNA fromround 15 had ahigher affinity forhTNF ⁇ with an estimated Kd of 5x10 -5 M, representing apossible 100 fold improvement overtherandomRNA.
  • Kd 5x10 -5 M
  • RNA fromround 15 had ahigher affinity forhTNF ⁇ with an estimated Kd of 5x10 -5 M, representing apossible 100 fold improvement overtherandomRNA.
  • RNA from round 15 of the A-SELEX was evolved using B-SELEX conditions (see below) for 6 more rounds. We designated this as C-SELEX.
  • C-SELEX The affinity of the evolved population at the end of
  • RT-PCR amplified cDNA from round 23 ofA-SELEX and round 6 ofC-SELEX were cloned and sequenced as described in Example 7.
  • 37 clones were sequenced from A-SELEX and 36 cloned from C-SELEX. From the total of73 sequences, 48 were unique (Table 12; SEQ ID NOS:209-255).
  • a unique sequence is defined as one that differs from all others by three or more nucleotides. Ofthe 47 unique clones, 18 clones could bind to hTNF ⁇ with Kd better than 1 ⁇ M (Table 12).
  • the best ligand, 25A, (SEQ ID NO:233) binds with affinity dissociation constant at about 40 nM. Ifit is assumed that the random RNA binds with a dissociation constant ofgreater than 10 -3 M, then the affinity of25A is at least four to five orders ofmagnitude better than the starting pool.
  • the members ofthe class II can be folded in stem-loop structures with internal bulges and asymmetric loops. Linear sequence alignment did not reveal any significant conserved sequences.
  • EXAMPLE 10 Effect of 2'F Pyrimidine Modification on the Binding and Inhibitory Activities of the hTNF ⁇ Ligands
  • Recombinant human RANTES was purchased from Genzyme (Cambridge, MA).
  • Taq DNA polymerase was Perkin Elmer (Norwalk, CT).
  • T4 polynucleotide kinase was purchased from New England Biolabs (Beverly, MA).
  • Ultrapure nucleotide triphosphates were purchased form Pharmacia (Piscataway, NJ).
  • Affinity purified streptavidin (Cat. No 21122) was from Pierce (Rockford, IL).
  • Oligonucleotides were obtained from Operon, Inc. (Alameda, CA).
  • Nitrocellulose/cellulose acetate mixed matrix (HA), 0.45 ⁇ m filters were purchased form Millipore (Bedford, MA). Chemicals were at least reagent grade and purchased from commercial sources.
  • the DNA template contained 40 random nucleotides, flanked by 5' and 3' constant regions for primer anealing sites for PCR (Table 16; SEQ ID NOS:256-258).
  • Primer 3G7 (SEQ ID NO:258) has 4 biotin residues in its 5' end to aid in the purification ofsingle stranded DNA (ssDNA).
  • 105 pmoles ofsynthetic 40N7 ssDNA were 5' end labelled using T4 polynucleotide kinase in a 25 ⁇ l reaction containing 70 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.6, 10 mM MgCl 2 , 5 mM DTT, 39.5 pmoles of g - 32 P-ATP (3000 Ci/mmol), and 16 units kinase, for 1 h at 37°C.
  • the kinased DNA was then purified on an 8% polyacrilamide, 7M urea, denaturing gel and then mixed with gel purified unlabeled 40N7 to achieve about 5,000 cpm/pmol specific activity.
  • HBSS Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution
  • HBSS Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution
  • Two SELEX experiments were performed, one with normal salt concentration and the other with 300 mM NaCl.
  • the high salt concentration was achieved by adding additional NaCl to the HBSS.
  • the protein-DNA complexes were partitioned from unbound DNA by filtering through HA nitrocellulose 0.45 ⁇ m.
  • Nitrocellulose filter bound DNA was recovered by phenol/urea extraction. The partitioned
  • DNA was PCR amplified in 50 mM KCl, 10mM Tris-HCl, pH9, 0.1% Triton X-100, 3mM MgCl 2 , 1 mM ofeach dATP, dCTP, dGTP, and dTTP, with 0.1 units/ ⁇ l Taq DNA polymerase.
  • the 3G7 and 5G7 primers were present at 2 ⁇ M.
  • the 5G7 primer was 5'-end labeled before use described above.
  • the PCR product was ethanol precipitated and then reacted with affinity purified streptavidin at a molar ratio 1:10 DNA to streptavidin in 10 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5, 50 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 0.05% sodimm azide.
  • affinity purified streptavidin was addedandthe strands were denaturedby incubating at 85°C for 1.5 min.
  • the denatured strands were then electophoresed in an 8% polyacrylamide, 7M urea gel andthenonshifted bandwas excised andpurified fromthe crushed gel.
  • the purified ssDNA was thenused forthe next SELEX cycle.

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Abstract

Cette invention concerne des procédés d'identification et de préparation de ligands de cytokines à acide nucléique et d'une affinité élevée, ainsi que les ligands obtenus à l'aide de ces procédés.
EP96919214A 1995-06-07 1996-06-04 Ligands de cytokines a acide nucleique et d'une affinite elevee Withdrawn EP0830367A4 (fr)

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US08/477,527 US5972599A (en) 1990-06-11 1995-06-07 High affinity nucleic acid ligands of cytokines
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BUDINGER T F ET AL: "New approaches to targeting arthritis with radiopharmaceuticals." THE JOURNAL OF RHEUMATOLOGY. SUPPLEMENT. CANADA FEB 1995, vol. 43, February 1995 (1995-02), pages 62-67, XP001098388 ISSN: 0380-0903 *
JELLINEK D ET AL: "INHIBITION OF RECEPTOR BINDING BY HIGH-AFFINITY RNA LIGANDS TO VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR" BIOCHEMISTRY, AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY. EASTON, PA, US, vol. 34, no. 33, 30 August 1994 (1994-08-30), pages 10450-10456, XP001084739 ISSN: 0006-2960 *
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