EP0904293A1

EP0904293A1 - An interleukin-5 antagonist

Info

Publication number: EP0904293A1
Application number: EP97921538A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Angel Lopez; Matthew Vadas; Frances Shannon; Stan Bastiras; Allan William Hey
Original assignee: Medvet Science Pty Ltd; Bresagen Ltd
Current assignee: Medvet Science Pty Ltd; Hospira Adelaide Pty Ltd
Priority date: 1996-05-24
Filing date: 1997-05-23
Publication date: 1999-03-31
Also published as: JP2001511641A; NZ332946A; CA2256368A1; AUPO005496A0; WO1997045448A1; EP0904293A4

Abstract

The present invention relates to modified and variant forms of Interleukin-5 molecules capable of antagonizing or reducing the activity of IL-5 and their use in ameliorating, abating or otherwise reducing the aberrant effects caused by native or mutant forms of IL-5.

Description

AN INTERLEUKIN-5 ANTAGONIST

The present invention relates to modified and variant forms of Interleuk.in-5 molecules capable of antagonizing or reducing the activity of IL-5 and their use in ameliorating, abating or otherwise reducing the aberrant effects caused by native or mutant forms of IL-5.

Sequence Identity Numbers (SEQ ID NOs.) for the nucleotide and amino acid sequences referred to in the specification are defined following the description.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or integer or group of elements or integers but not the exclusion of any other element or integer or group of elements or integers.

The rapidly increasing sophistication of recombinant DNA technology is greatly facilitating research and development in the medical and allied health fields. This is particularly important in the area of haemopoietic growth factor research where a number of disease conditions are predicated on the aberrant effects of native or mutant forms of growth factors.

One particularly important haemopoietic growth factor is IL-5. This molecule is a lymphokine secreted by T-cells and mast cells and is a disulfide-linked homodimeric glycoprotein. The human form of this molecule comprises 114 amino acids per monomer. IL-5 consists of a bundle of four α-helices in an up-up, down-down array. The phenomenon of D-helix swapping whereby one bundle is built up of three helices coming from one monomer and a fourth helix which is contributed by the second monomer is unique to IL-5. The IL-5 molecule also contains two short anti-parallel β-strands located between helices A and B and helices C and D.

Human and murine IL-5 receptors comprise two different chains, the α and β-subunits. Human IL-5 binds to the α-subunit but the binding affinity is increased upon association with the β-chain The β-chain is shared by other cytokines such as GM-CSF and 1L-3

IL-5 is a haemopoietic growth factor with selectivity for production and activation of human eosinophils There is a need, therefore, to develop antagonists of IL-5 to act as therapeutic agents for chronic asthma or other disease states with demonstrated eosinophiha oi other conditions associated with IL-5 It is also important for the IL-5 antagonist not to interfere with the activities of other cytokines, such as GM-CSF or LL-3

Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention contemplates a modified IL-5 comprising a sequence of amino acids within a first α-helix wherein one or more exposed amino acids in said first α-hehx having acidic or acidic-like properties are substituted with a basic amino eicid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue

The IL-5 which is subject to modification is generally of mammalian origin such as from humans, primates, livestock animals (eg sheep, cows, pigs, horses), laboratory test animals (eg mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits), companion animals (eg dogs, cats) and captive wild animals (eg kangaroos, foxes, deer) Most preferably, the IL-5 is of human origin The modified IL-5 of the present invention may be glycosylated or unglycosylated and does not interfere with GM-CSF or IL-3 activity

Even more particularly, the present invention is directed to a modified human LL-5 molecule comprising a sequence of amino acids wherein Glu at amino acid position 13 (or its equivalent position) in a first α-hehx is replaced by Arg or Lys or a chemical equivalent or derivative thereof An alternative substitution may also be made using non-acidic amino acid residues such as but not limited to Gin and Asn or their chemical equivalent or derivatives A "derivative" may be a naturally occurring or synthetic amino acid residue

[n accordance with the present invention, it is proposed that the modified IL-5 molecules defined above act as antagonists of the native form of IL-5 The term "modified" is considered herein synonymous with terms such as "variant", "derivative" and "mutant". The present invention is particularly directed to a modified IL-5 which exhibits specific antagonism of LL-5 mitogenic effects such as observed in vitro. The modified LL-5 molecules may be glycosylated or unglycosylated and do not interfere with GM-CSF or LL- 3 activity.

Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention is directed to an IL-5 antagonist said antagonist comprising an IL-5 molecule having an amino acid sequence in its first α-helix wherein one or more exposed amino acids in said first α-helix having acidic or acidic-like properties are substituted with a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue

More particularly, the present invention provides an antagonist of IL-5 said antagonist comprising an IL-5 molecule with Gin at position 13 (or its equivalent position) in a first α- helix substituted by Arg or Lys or a chemical equivalent or derivative thereof. An alternatively substitution may also be made using non-acidic amino acid residues such as but not limited to Gin and Asn or their chemical equivalents or derivatives.

The modified IL-5 molecule of the present invention is preferably in recombinant or synthetic form and, with the exception of the amino acid substitution(s) in the first α-helix, the amino acid sequence of the IL-5 may be the same as the naturally occurring molecule

(i.e. native molecule) or may carry single or multiple amino acid substitutions, deletions and/or additions to the native amino acid sequence. It is then referred to as a "mutant" IL-5.

The structure of the first α-helix of IL-5 has been determined at 2.4 angstrom resolution by X-ray crystallography and comprises amino acid residues 7 to 27 or their equivalents (see

Milburn et al. Nature 363: 172-176, 1993). The modified LL-5 of the present invention may or may not comprise a leader sequence.

The nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequence for the modified IL-5 having Arg in position 13 is shown in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2 and Figure 1. The leader sequence is shown ES ammo acids 1 to 6 (Met His Tyr His His His [SEQ ID NO 3]) Consequently, amino acids 7 to 27 are shown as amino acids 13-33 in SEQ ID NOs 1 and 2 and in Figure 1 Reference to amino acids 7 to 27 is taken as amino acid residue numbers in a molecule without a leader sequence The amino acid sequence for amino acids 7 to 27 is shown as SEQ ID NO 4 except that amino acid 13 is represented as Xaa In accordance with the present invention Xaa is preferably a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue

Preference to "unglycosylated form" herein means that the molecule is completely unglycosylated such as when expressed in recombinant form in a prokaryotic organism (e g h colή Alternatively, a glycosylation-deficient mammalian cell may be used or complete deglycosylation may occur in vitro using appropriate enzymes Different glycosylation patterns are encompassed by the present invention such as when recombinant molecules are produced in different mammalian cells

An "exposed" amino acid is taken herein to refer to an amino acid on a solvent-exposed or oater portion of an α-hehx compared to those amino acids orientated towards the inside of the molecule

An acidic amino acid includes, for example, Glu and Asp Preferred basic amino acids are Arg and Lys Preferred non-acidic amino acids are Gin and Asn

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a modified IL-5 characterised by (I) comprising a sequence of amino acids within a first α-helix,

(n) having one or more exposed ammo acids in said α-helix which have acidic or acidic-like properties being substituted by a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue, (in) being in recombinant or synthetic form, and (iv) being capable of antagonising IL-5 mitogenic activity in vitro In a related embodiment, the present invention provides an LL-5 antagonist characterised by: (i) comprising a sequence of amino acids within a first α-helix; (ii) having one or more exposed amino acids in said α-helix which have acidic or acidic-like properties being substituted by a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue,

(iii) being in recombinant or synthetic form; and

(iv) being capable of antagonising IL-5 mitogenic activity in vitro.

The IL-5 mutant may be in glycosylated or unglycosylated form.

This aspect of the present invention is predicated in part on the finding that a mutation in amino acid 13 (Glu) of human (h) IL-5 to Arg results in the hIL-5 variant being capable of antagonising IL-5 mitogenic effects in vitro. This variant is referred to herein as "IL-5 Arg¹³" or "E13 R" . Such a variant would be unable to bind to high affinity receptors but would still able to fully bind the low affinity α chain of the IL-5 receptor. Importantly, the IL-5 Arg¹³ mutant acts as an antagonist, preventing the stimulatory effect of native IL- 5. A particularly important use of the IL-5 Arg¹³ antagonist is in reducing or otherwise antagonising IL-5-mediated stimulation and activation of eosinophils in vivo or in vitro. The antagonist may also be able to antagonise effects caused by a mutated, endogenous IL-5. The present invention extends to a range of other IL-5 mutants such as IL-5 Lys¹³, IL-5 Gin¹³ and IL-5 Asn¹³ as well as functionally equivalent mutants. The nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequence for IL-5 Arg¹³ (E13R) are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2. The present invention extends, in a particularly preferred embodiment, to an isolated polypeptide having an amino acid sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or a genetic sequence encoding same having a nucleotide sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.

By way of a shorthand notation, both single and three letter abbreviations are used for amino acid residues in the subject specification and these are defined in Table 1. Where a specific amino residue is referred to by its position in IL-5, a single or three letter amino acid abbreviation is used with the residue number given in superscript (eg. Xaa", wherein Xaa is the amino acid residue) and "n" is the residue number in the molecule.

Table 1

Amino acid Three- letter Corresponding abbreviation single-letter abbreviation

Alanine Ala A

Arginine Arg R

Asparagine Asn N

Aspartic acid Asp D

Cysteine Cys C

Glutamine Gin Q

Glutamic acid Glu E

Glycine Gly G

Histidine His H

Isoleucine He I

Leucine Leu L

Lysine Lys K

Methionine Met M

Phenyiaianine Phe F

Proline Pro P

Serine Ser S

Threonine Thr T

Tryptophan Trp W

Tyros ine Tyr Y

Valine Val V

The present invention is exemplified using IL-5 Arg¹³. This is done, however, with the understanding that the present invention extends to all other IL-5 variants having antagonistic properties to IL-5 in vitro or against eosinophils in vitro or in vivo. According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an IL-5 variant comprising an amino acid sequence in the first α-helix of said IL-5:

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Xaa Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala | SEQ ID No. 4J;

wherein Xaa is a basic or non-acidic amino acid residue preferably selected from the group consisting of Arg, Lys, Gin and Asn and wherein said variant IL-5 acts as an antagonist for at least one property of the corresponding native IL-5 The amino acid sequence defined by SEQ ID NO-4 corresponds to amino acid residues 7 to 27 of human IL-5 Preferably, Xaa is Xaa" wherein n is amino acid position 13 of human IL-5 Preferably Xaaⁿ is Arg¹³ or its equivalent

In a related embodiment, the present invention contemplates an IL-5 antagonist comprising a polypeptide or chemical equivalent thereof comprising amino acids 7 to 27 of the first α- helix of human LL-5 with the proviso that one or more exposed amino acids in said first α- helix having acidic or acidic-like properties are substituted by a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue.

Preferably, the acidic or acidic-like amino acid residue if Glu or Asp and is replaced by Arg, Lys, Gin or Asn

More preferably, the acidic or acidic-like amino acid residue is replaced by Arg

Most preferably, the amino acid sequence of the modified IL-5 is as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to an IL-5 antagonist comprising a modified IL-5 molecule having the following amino acid sequence in its first α-helix Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Xaa Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO:4]

wherein Xaa is Arg; or an IL-5 molecule having a single or multiple mutation in its first α-helix giving functionally similar antagonistic properties to the mutation wherein Xaa is Arg.

In respect of the latter embodiment, the mutation in the LL-5 molecule may be a single or multiple amino acid substitution, deletion and/or addition or may be an altered glycosvlation pattern amongst other mutations. Preferably, the IL-5 antagonist comprises an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.

The IL-5 antagonists of the present invention and in particular IL-5 Arg¹³ are useful inter alia in the treatment of allergy, some myeloid leukemias (such as eosinophilic myeloid leukaemia), idiopathic eosinophilic syndrome, allergic inflammations such as asthma, rhinitis and skin allergies by preventing or reducing IL-5-mediated activation of eosinophils. These and other conditions are considered herein to result from or be facilitated by the aberrant effects of an endogenous native LL-5 or an endogenous naturally mutated IL-5.

The present invention, therefore, contemplates a method of treatment comprising the administration to a mammal of an effective amount of a modified LL-5 as hereinbefore defined and in particular LL-5 Arg¹³ for a time and under conditions sufficient for effecting said treatment.

Preferably, the treatment is in respect of the treatment of allergy, some myeloid leukemias (such as eosinophilic myeloid leukaemia), idiopathic eosinophilic syndrome, allergic inflammations such as asthma, rhinitis and skin allergies.

Generally, the mammal to be treated is a human, primate, livestock animal, companion animal or laboratory test animal. Most preferably, the mammal is a human. A single modified IL-5 may be administered or a combination of variants of the same IL-5 For example, a range of IL-5 variants could be used such as a combination selected from two or more of LL-5 Arg¹³, IL-5 Lys¹³, IL-5 Gin¹³ and IL-5 Asn^π The IL-5 variants of the present invention are particularly useful in treating eosinophiha and conditions resulting therefrom such as asthma Administration is preferably by intravenous administration but a range of other forms of administration are contemplated by the present invention including via an implant device or other form allowing sustained release of the IL-5 variant, in a nebuliser form or nasal spray Modified forms of IL-5 permit entry following topical application are also encompassed by the present invention

In addition to the modifications to IL-5 contemplated above, the present invention further provides a range of other derivatives of IL-5

Such derivatives include fragments, parts, portions, mutants, homologues and analogues of the LL-5 polypeptide and corresponding genetic sequence Derivatives also include single or multiple amino acid substitutions, deletions and/or additions to LL-5 or single or multiple nucleotide substitutions, deletions and/or additions to the genetic sequence encoding IL-5 Derivatives also contemplated modifications to resident nucleotides Alteration of the nucleotides may result in a corresponding altered amino acid sequence or altered glycosylation patterns amongst other effects "Additions" to amino acid sequences or nucleotide sequences include fusions with other peptides, polypeptides or proteins or fusions to nucleotide sequences Reference herein to "IL-5" includes reference to all derivatives thereof including functional derivatives or IL-5 immunologically interactive derivatives All such derivatives would be in addition to the modifications to the first α-hehx contemplated above Accordingly, such derivatives would be to LL-5 Arg¹³, IL-5 Lys¹³, IL- 5 Gin¹³ or IL-5 Asn¹³

Analogues of IL-5 contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, modification to side chains, incorporating of unnatural amino acids and/or their derivatives during peptide, polypeptide or protein synthesis and the use of crosslinkers and other methods which impose conformational constraints on the proteinaceous molecule or their analogues

The present invention further contemplates chemical analogues of IL-5 capable of acting as antagonists or agonists of IL-5 or which can act as functional analogues of IL-5 Chemical analogues may not necessarily be derived from IL-5 but may share certain conformational similarities Alternatively, chemical analogues may be specifically designed to mimic certain physiochemical properties of IL-5 Chemical analogues may be chemically synthesised or may be detected following, for example, natural product screening

Other derivatives contemplated by the present invention include a range of glycosylation variants from a completely unglycosylated molecule to a fully glycosylated molecule and from a naturally glycosylated molecule to molecules with an altered glycosylation pattern Altered glycosylation patterns may result from expression of recombinant molecules in different host cells

All these types of modifications may be important to stabilise the modified IL-5 molecules if administered to an individual or when used as a diagnostic reagent The modifications may also add, complement or otherwise facilitate the antagonistic properties of the modified IL-5 molecules

Reference herein to a "modified" IL-5, therefore, includes reference to an IL-5 with an altered amino acid sequence in the first α-hehx as well as, where appropriate, a range of glycosylation variants, amino acid variations in other parts of the molecule, chemical modifications to the molecule as well as fusion molecules

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the modified IL-5 molecules as hereinbefore defined or combinations thereof

Accordingly, the present invention contemplates a pharmaceutical composition comprising a a modified IL-5, said modified IL-5 comprising a sequence of amino acids with a first α- hehx wherein one or more exposed amino acids in said first α-hehx having acidic or acidic- hke properties are substituted with a basic amino acid residue or non-acidic amino acid lesidue, said composition further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents

In a related embodiment, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a modified human IL-5 or a mammalian homologue thereof said modified LL-5 comprising a sequence of amino acids in a first α-hehx of

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Xaa Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO 4]

wherein Xaa is a basic non-acidic amino acid residue preferably selected from Arg, Lys, Gin and Asn, said composition further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents Preferably, Xaa is Xaa" where n is amino acid position 13 Preferably, Xaa is Arg

In another related embodiment, the present invention contemplates a pharmaceutical composition capable of antagonising IL-5, said composition comprising a modified IL-5 having an amino acid sequence in its first α-hehx

wherein Xaa is selected from Arg, Lys, Gin and Asn

Preferably, Xaa is Arg

The pharmaceutical compositions may also contain other pharmaceutically active molecules including other LL-5 variants The modified IL-5 molecule and other components in a pharmaceutical composition are referred to below as "active agents" or "active compounds".

The pharmaceutical forms 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 dispersions. It must be stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage and must be preserved against the contaminating action of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. The carrier can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, mannitol glycine or suitable mixtures thereof. The preventions of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thirmerosal and the like. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars or sodium chloride. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by the use in the compositions of agents delaying absorption.

Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the active compounds in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various of the other ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating the various sterilized active ingredient into a sterile vehicle which contains the basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and the freeze-drying technique which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from previously sterile-filtered solution thereof. Mannitol glycine is a particularly useful formulation especially when the modified IL-5 molecules are given as an intravenous drip.

The present invention also extends to forms suitable for inhaling such as a nasal spray as well as in nebulizer form. Alternatively, sustained release compositions may be formulated as well as a range of implant devices. When suitably modified, the molecules may also be given as a cream, lotion or gel. A suitable carrier for a cream, lotion or gel includes a polyol such as but not limited to glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol and the like.

Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents include any and all solvents, dispersion media, and antibacterial and antifungal agents. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutical active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredient, use thereof in the therapeutic compositions is contemplated by the present invention. Supplementary active ingredients can also be incorporated into the compositions.

It is especially advantageous to formulate parenteral compositions in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. Dosage unit form as used herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the mammalian subjects to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active material calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier. The specification for the novel dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on (a) the unique characteristics of the active material and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and (b) the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an active material for the treatment of disease in living subjects having a diseased condition involving or facilitated by aberration of IL-5 molecules or levels of IL-5.

The principal active ingredient is compounded for convenient and effective administration in effective amounts with a suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in dosage unit form as hereinbefore disclosed. A unit dosage form can, for example, contain the principal active compound in amounts ranging from 0.5 μg to about 2000 mg. Expressed in proportions, the active compound is generally present in from about 0.5 μg to about 2000 mg/ml of carrier. In the case of compositions containing supplementary active ingredients, the dosages are determined by reference to the usual dose and manner of administration of the said ingredients.

The pharmaceutical composition may also comprise genetic molecules such as a vector capable of transfecting target cells where the vector carries a nucleic acid molecule capable of modulating modified IL-5 expression or modified IL-5 activity The vector may, for example, be a viral vector

Still another aspect of the present invention is directed to antibodies to the modified IL-5 molecules and their derivatives Such antibodies may be monoclonal or polyclonal and may be specifically raised to modified IL-5 or derivatives thereof In the case of the latter, a modified IL-5 or its derivatives may first need to be associated with a carrier molecule The antibodies and/or recombinant modified IL-5 or its derivatives of the present invention are particularly useful as therapeutic or diagnostic agents

For example, a modified IL-5 and its derivatives can be used to screen for naturally occurring antibodies to IL-5 These may occur, for example in some autoimmune diseases Alternatively, specific antibodies can be used to screen for a modified or mutant IL-5 Techniques for such assays are well known in the art and include, for example, sandwich assays and ELISA Knowledge of LL-5 levels may be important for diagnosis of certain cancers or a predisposition to cancers or for monitoring certain therapeutic protocols when modified IL-5 molecules are employed

Antibodies to modified IL-5 of the present invention may be monoclonal or polyclonal Alternatively, fragments of antibodies may be used such as Fab fragments Furthermore, the present invention extends to recombinant and synthetic antibodies and to antibody hybrids A "synthetic antibody" is considered herein to include fragments and hybrids of antibodies The antibodies of this aspect of the present invention are particularly useful for immunotherapy and may also be used as a diagnostic tool for assessing apoptosis or monitoring the program of a therapeutic regimen

For example, specific antibodies can be used to screen for modified IL-5 proteins The latter would be important, for example, as a means for screening for levels of modified LL-5 in a cell extract or other biological fluid or purifying modified IL-5 made by recombinant means from culture supernatant fluid. Techniques for the assays contemplated herein are known in the art and include, for example, sandwich assays and ELISA.

It is within the scope of this invention to include any second antibodies (monoclonal, polyclonal or fragments of antibodies or synthetic antibodies) directed to the first mentioned antibodies discussed above. Both the first and second antibodies may be used in detection assays or a first antibody may be used with a commercially available anti-immunoglobulin antibody. An antibody as contemplated herein includes any antibody specific to any region of modified IL-5.

Both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are obtainable by immunization with the enzyme or protein and either type is utilizable for immunoassays. The methods of obtaining both types of sera are well known in the art. Polyclonal sera are less preferred but are relatively easily prepared by injection of a suitable laboratory animal with an effective amount of modified IL-5 or antigenic parts thereof, collecting serum from the animal, and isolating specific sera by any of the known immunoadsorbent techniques. Although antibodies produced by this method are utilizable in virtually any type of immunoassay, they are generally less favoured because of the potential heterogeneity of the product.

The use of monoclonal antibodies in an immunoassay is particularly preferred because of the ability to produce them in large quantities and the homogeneity of the product. The preparation of hybridoma cell lines for monoclonal antibody production derived by fusing an immortal cell line and lymphocytes sensitized against the immunogenic preparation can be done by techniques which are well known to those who are skilled in the art.

Another aspect of the present invention contemplates a method for detecting modified LL-5 in a biological sample from a subject said method comprising contacting said biological sample with an antibody specific for modified IL-5 or its derivatives or homologues for a time and under conditions sufficient for an antibody-modified IL-5 complex to form, and then detecting said complex. The present invention also contemplates genetic assays such as involving PCR analysis to detect a modified IL-5 gene or its derivatives Alternative methods include direct nucleotide sequencing or mutation scanning such as single stranded conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) as well as specific ohgonucleotide hybridisation

The present invention extends to nucleic acid molecules encoding a modified IL-5 of the present invention Such nucleic acid molecules may be DNA or RNA When the nucleic acid molecule is in DNA form, it may be genomic DNA or cDNA RNA forms of the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention are generally mRNA

Although the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention are generally in isolated form, they may be integrated into or hgated to or otherwise fused or associated with other genetic molecules such as vector molecules and in particular expression vector molecules Vectors and expression vectors are generally capable of replication and, if applicable, expression in one or both of a prokaryotic cell or a eukaryotic cell Preferably, prokaryotic cells include L coh, Bacillus sp and Pseudomonas sp Preferred eukaryotic cells include yeast, fungal, mammalian and insect cells

Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention contemplates a genetic construct comprising a vector portion and a mammalian and more particularly a human modified LL-5 gene portion, which modified IL-5 gene portion is capable of encoding an modified IL-5 polypeptide or a functional or immunologically interactive derivative thereof

Preferably, the modified IL-5 gene portion of the genetic construct is operably linked to a promoter on the vector such that said promoter is capable of directing expression of said modified IL-5 gene portion in an appropriate cell

In addition, the modified LL-5 gene portion of the genetic construct may comprise all or part of the gene fused to another genetic sequence such as a nucleotide sequence encoding glutathione-S-transferase or part thereof - 1 !

Accordingly, another aspect of the present invention contemplates an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides encoding or complementary to a sequence encoding a modified IL-5, said modified IL-5 comprising a sequence of amino acids with a first α-helix wherein one or more exposed amino acids in said first α-helix having acidic or acidic-like properties are substituted with a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue

Preferably the sequence of nucleotides encodes a human modified IL-5 or a mammalian homologue which comprises a sequence of amino acids in a first α-helix of

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Xaa Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO.4]

wherein Xaa is a basic or non-acidic amino acid residue preferably selected from Arg, Lys, Gin and Asn and wherein said modified IL-5 exhibits antagonism of IL-5 induced mitogenic effects Preferably, Xaa is Xaa" where n is amino acid position 13 Preferably, Xaa is Arg

The present invention extends to such genetic constructs and to prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells comprising same

The present invention further contemplates the use of a modified LL-5 as hereinbefore defined in the manufacture of a medicament in the treatment of allergy, some myeloid leukemias (such as eosinophilic myeloid leukaemia), idiopathic eosinophilic syndrome, allergic inflammations such as asthma, rhinitis and skin allergies.

Tne present invention is further described by reference to the following non-limiting

Examples and/or Figures.

In the Figures Figure 1 is (a) a diagrammatic representation of the IL-5 E13R bacterial expression plasmid pPP3 1 and (b) DNA/amino acid sequence of MHYH₃-IL-5 (E13R) The E13R mutation is circled

Figure 2 is a graphical representation showing the titration E13R for its ability to antagonise IL-5-medιated proliferation of TFl 8 cells

"^♦" IL-5 WT -O- IL-5 E13R -■- WT@ 3ng/ml+E13R

Figure 3A shows the titration of E13R for its ability to antagonise IL-5-medιated proliferation of TF l -8 cells This figure also shows that E13R exhibits no detectable agonist activity

-+- LL-5 WT

-O- IL-5 E 13R

-*^~ IL-5 + LL-5 E13R

Figure 3B shows the failure of E13R to antagonise LL-3-medιated proliferation of TFl 8 cells

-•- IL-5 -O- IL-5 E13R -»- LL-3 + IL-5 E13R

Figure 3C shows the failure of E13R to antagonise GM-CSF-mediated proliferation of TFl 8 cells

→- GM -^ IL-5 E13R -m~ GM + IL-5 E13R

Figure 4 is a graphical representation showing the titration of IL-3 for its mitogenic effects on TF l 8 cells and the failure of high levels of E13R to interfere with this activity

-*_ IL-5 WT

-O- IL-3

-■- E13R@ 100ng/ml+IL3

Figure 5 is a graphical representation showing TF l 8 proliferation assay for IL-5

-•- IL-5 WT -O- IL-5 E13R -m- WT IL5@3ng/ml+E13R

-O- WT IL5 (HI)

V/T IL-5 (HI) was prepared in inclusion bodies in bacteria, dimerized in 2M urea, purified by reverse phase HPLC, concentrated in buffer exchange in PBS It was never dried down

LL-5 WT was prepared in the same way as WT IL-5 (HI) but after concentration, the preparation was dried down and dissolved in 25mM glycine and 1 25 mg/ml of mannitol

Figure 6 is a graphical representation showing the titration of GM-CSF for its mitogenic effects on TFl 8 cells and the failure of high levels of El 3R to interfere with this activity

» LL-5 WT -O- GM _m E 13R@ 1 OOOng/ml+GM Figure 7 is a graphical representation showing that E13R inhibits IL-5 induced eosinophil antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity

-O- E13R+IL-5 — #- E13R+GM-CSF

In the absence of GM-CSF and IL-5, the %⁵¹Cr-release was 4%

Figure 8 is a graphical representation showing that E13R inhibits IL-5 induced eosinophil colony formation

"O- E13R+IL-5

-"•"- E13R+GM-CSF

No eosinophil colonies were detected absent of GM-CSF and TL-5

EXAMPLE 1

Production of a charge-reversal mutant of interleukin 5(IL-5) with

IL-5-antagonistic properties

The inventors expressed and purified a charge-reversal mutant of IL-5 in which the glutamate residue at position 13 (El 3) is replaced by an arginine residue (R) |E13RJ. This mutant, E13R, shows specific antagonism of IL-5 mitogenic effects in vitro. In order to maximise expression, this protein is presently being expressed as a fusion protein with the leader sequence MHYH₃ (MHYHHH) ISEQ ID NO: 3]. The leader sequence comprises amino acids 1 to 6 in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2. However, there is no reason to believe that removal of this leader sequence (or its replacement by another leader sequence) will affect the antagonistic effects of E13R. A diagrammatic representation of MHYH₃ and the sequence of E13R is shown in Figure 1. The nucleotide and corresponding amino acid sequence of E13R is represented in SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2.

EXAMPLE 2

Production of a bacterial expression plasmid encoding MHYH₃IL-5 (E13R) Human IL-5 E13R mutant coding sequence was derived from IL-5 wild-type sequence, by site-specific mutagenesis.

Codon 13 was changed to an Arg codon

CAG => CGT The additional codon changes listed here were based on bacterial codon preferences to promote translational efficiency in E. coli, and did not lead to amino acid changes.

codon 82 CAA *^■* CAG codon 83 AAA =» AAG codon 84 AAA =» AAG codon 90 AGA =► CGT codon 91 CGG — CGT codon 92 AGA =* CGT codon 97: CTA =» CTG codon 110: GAG -» GAA codon 112: ATA =► ATC codon 113 ATA =» ATC

5 codon 115 AGT → TCC.

The mutant DNA fragment was modified by polymerase chain reaction using primers to generate a sequence encoding the leader MHYH₃ at the 5' end, and a stop codon at the 3' end. The amplified fragment was subcloned into the plasmid pEC611 to generate the 10 expression plasmid pPP31 , containing the trc promoter.

EXAMPLE 3 Production, isolation and refolding of MHYH₃ IL-5 (E13R)

Fermentation is by the Fed-Batch method. Escherichia coli MM294/pACYCLacI^q 15 transformed with the E13R-expressing plasmid pPP31 is grown in minimal medium at 37 °C. The pH is held constant at pH 7.0 during bacterial growth by the addition of NH₄OH. Expression of IL-5 (E13R) is induced at high cell density (OD^^O) either by addition of IPTG or by feeding with lactose. Induction continues for 5 hours (not including lag phase) with the protein being expressed as insoluble inclusion bodies (IBs). 20 Cells are lysed by high pressure homogenization. A primary separation of IBs from cellular debris is done by differential centrifugation, after which the IBs are washed and homogenized one more time. A final centrifugation step isolates IBs of sufficient cleanliness for refolding.

25 The conditions for fermentation, induction, isolation and refolding are as follows:

1. FERMENTATION A. Inoculation

1. Escherichia coli MM294/pACYClacI^q carrying pPP31 was streaked out from a 30 80 °C glycerol stock onto a minimal medium plate containing ampicillin (lOOμg/ml) and kanamycin (30μg/ml) and grown overnight at 37°C. 2. Multiple colonies were assessed for IL-5 (E13R) expression levels by microscopic examination of 20ml shake flask cultures containing inducer, or by colony size on agar plates with or without inducer, in this instance with IPTG.

5 3. The selected single colony from an agar plate was transferred into 20ml of nitrogen-πch minimal medium (2) containing amplicilhn (100 μg/ml) -I- kanamycin (30 μg/ml). The culture was grown at 37°C overnight with agitation.

4. An amount of 10L of C2 was sterilised in a 22 L fermenter and inoculated to a 10 very low density with overnight culture. Growth was at 37°C and a pH of 7.0 was maintained by the addition of NH₄OH or H₂S0₄.

5 Agitation was manually controlled and aeration automatically controlled with oicygen saturation levels remaining above 10% v/v p0₂. Following depletion of glucose at 15 16-20 hours the cell mass was fed with a concentrated glucose solution containing additional salts. Nutrient feed flow rate was determined by pH or oxygen saturated levels.

B. Induction

1. At an optical density of A₆₀₀ = > 20 the recombinant expression of E13R 20 antagonist was induced, in this instance by changing to a lactose based nutrient feed.

Induction continued for 5 hours at 37°C, pH 7.0. Samples were removed at immediately preceding induction and each hour post-induction and examined by microscopy for the presence of IB, their size being determined by disc centrifugation.

25 2. The culture was stored overnight at 4° C.

2. PRIMARY ISOLATION OF IL-5 (E13R) INCLUSION BODIES 1. Homogenization - Step 1

The culture was passed five times through a Gaulin 30CD homogemzer at 13,500 psi, 30 with homogenate being cooled between passes. Homogenate was then diluted with an equal volume of RO H₂0.

The IB size was redetermined by disc centrifugation.

2. Centrifugation - Step 1

The homogenate was centrifuged in a Westfalia SB-7 separator with a constant speed of 9,210 rpm at a flow rate determined by IB size.

The concentrate collected from this first step was diluted to ≤2.5 % w/v.

3. Homogenization - Step 2

The IB suspension was passed once through a Gaulin 30CD homogenizer at 13,500 psi.

The IB size was again determined by disc centrifugation.

4. Centrifugation - Step 2

The homogenate was centrifuged in a Westfalia SA-1 separator with a constant speed of 9,700 rpm at a flow rate determined by IB size.

For refolding, IBs are initially dissolved in 6M Guanidine-HCl, containing 5-10mM dithiothretiol and buffered to pH 9.5. Reduced IL-5 monomers of MHYH₃IL-5(E13R) are then purified from non-reduced protein by Size Exclusion Chromatography (eg. Superose 12 [Pharmacia]) in 6M Guanidine-HCl, containing 5mM dithiothreitol and buffered to pH 9.5. The purified reduced monomer is then refolded into dimers by dilution into 2M urea buffered to pH 9.5 at a final protein concentration of 0.01-0. 1 mg/ml. Purification of correctly folded dimers is by reversed phase chromatography on a High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) using a suitable column (eg. Brownlee butyl-silica employing 0.1 % v/v trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in water as Buffer A and 0.1 % v/v TFA in acetonitrile as Buffer B). Purified, correctly folded protein can be recovered in biological buffers after lyophilization from HPLC buffers in the presence of mannitol and glycine, added as bulking excipient agents. The identity of the purified protein can be confirmed using mass spectrometry and N-terminal sequencing.

EXAMPLE 4 Assay for Il-5-antagonistic activity

The biological assay for IL-5 antagonism by E13R uses incorporation of radiolabelled thymidine to detect IL-5-ιnduced cellular proliferation The cell line used, TFl .8, is a subline of TFl , a human erythroleukemic cell line which expresses the receptors for IL-3 and GM-CSF. TFl .8 differs from TFl in that it has been selected for expression of the IL-5 receptor. Stimulation of TFl .8 proliferation by IL-5 is inhibited by 50% in the presence of a 30-fold excess of E13R, and abolished in the presence of a 300-fold excess (Figure 2). However, stimulation of TFl .8 proliferation by IL3 or GM-CSF is unaffected by the presence of E13R These results demonstrate that E13R is a specific and potent antagonist of IL-5 The ³H-thymιdιne assay was conducted as follows:

Wash cells 24hrs, prior to assay (1500rpm/5mιn/RT) and resuspend them in cytokine free medium.

Dilute standards and samples to concentrations required, in culture medium mentioned above (range between lOOOng/ml-lpg/ml as example). Dilutions were done in triplicate.

Aliquot dilutions of appropriate standards (GM-CSF, IL-3, IL-5, etc.) and samples in lOOul final volumes, in sterile 96 well, flat bottom microtitre plates.

Check viability ot washed cells and resuspend cells to a concentration of 5 x 10⁴ cells/well.

Each cell contains lOOul of diluted standard/sample + lOOul resuspended cells Plates are incubated @ 37 ^DC for 72 hrs, in a humidified C0₂ incubator (48 hrs, for TF-1 & TFl .8 cells).

Pulse cells with ³H-Thymidine (1/20 dilution of stock, then add lOul/well) 0.5uCl/well.

Incubate plates @ 37°C for 5 hrs in a humidified C0₂ incubator.

Harvest contents of each well onto filterpaper using cell harvester and determine the radioactivity incorporated into the DNA, by liquid scintillation counting.

The results are shown in Figures 2 to 6. The results show that E13R specifically antagonises IL-5 activity but does not interfere with GM-CSF or IL-3 activity. In particular, the Figures show that E13R does not antagonise TFl .8 cell proliferation induced by IL-3 nor does it antagonise TFl .8 cell proliferation induced by GM-CSF.

EXAMPLE 5 hIL-5 Lys¹³

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Lys Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO 5]

EXAMPLE 6 hIL-5 Arg¹³ Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Arg Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO 6]

EXAMPLE 7 hIL-5 Gin¹³ Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Gin Thr Leu Ala Leu La Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO 7]

EXAMPLE 8 hIL-5 Asn¹³ Thr Ser Ala La Val Lys Asn Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO 8]

EXAMPLE 9 Antagonistic properties of E13R on eosinophils An antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assay was used to determine the effect of E13R on eosinophil function This assay measures the ability of eosinophils to kill target cells radiolabelled with chromium and expressing a certain antibody recognized by the eosinophils (Vadas et al J Immunol 130 795, 1983) Blood was collected from a healthy donor and eosinophils were prepared by metπzamide gradient separation of leukocytes after removal of red cells with dextran (Vadas et al J Immunol 122 1228, 1979) The eosinophil purity exceeded 95% The eosinophils were then incubated with the target cells at a ratio of 100 eosinophils per target cell, and a fixed dose of either GM-CSF (10 ng/ml) or IL-5 (10 ng/ml) and a titration of E13R Figure 7 shows that E13R dose- dependently antagonised LL-5-ιnduced ADCC, but had no effect on GM-CSF-induced ADCC Values are mean and sem of triplicates

EXAMPLE 10

Effect of E13R on proliferation and differentiation of eosinophilic progenitors

Bone marrow was collected from a healthy donor and subjected to density centrifugation (Lymphoprep ) The mononuclear cells were plated in agar supplemented with a fixed dose of either GM-CSF (10 ng/ml) or IL-5 (10 ng/ml) and a titration of E13R The cells were allowed to grow at 37°C for 2 weeks The agar plates were then fixed in gluteraldehyde before the plates were stained with Luxol Fast Blue to detect eosinophilic colonies Figure 8 shows that E13R dose-dependently antagonized the colony-promoting effects of LL-5, while E13R had no effect on GM-CSF stimulation of eosinophilic colony formation Values are mean and sem of triplicates

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described It is to be understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications. The invention also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

SEQUENCE LISTING

(1 ) GENERAL INFORMATION:

(i) APPLICANT : (Other than US)

BRESAGEN LIMITED and MEDVET SCIENCE PTY LTD

(ii) TITLE OF INVENTION: "AN INTERLEUKIN-5 ANTAGONIST"

(iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 8

(iv) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS:

(A) ADDRESSEE: Davies Collison Cave

(B) STREET: 1 Little Collins Street

(C) CITY: Melbourne

(D) STATE: Victoria

(E) COUNTRY: Australia

(F) ZIP: 3000

(v) COMPUTER READABLE FORM:

(A) MEDIUM TYPE: floppy disc

(B) COMPUTER: IBM PC compatible

(C) OPERATING SYSTEM: PC-DOS/MS-DOS

(D) SOFTWARE: Patentln Release #1.0, Version #1.25

(vii) CURRENT APPLICATION DATA:

(A) APPLICATION NUMBER: INTERNATIONAL PCT

(B) FILING DATE:

(vii) PRIOR APPLICATION DATA:

(A) APPLICATION NUMBER: PO0054

(B) FILING DATE: 24-MAY-1996

(viii) ATTORNEY/AGENT INFORMATION:

(A) NAME: HUGHES, DR E JOHN L

(C) REFERENCE/DOCKET NUMBER: EJH/EK

(ix) TELECOMMUNICATION INFORMATION:

(A) TELEPHONE: +61 3 9254 2777

(B) TELEFAX: +61 3 9254 2770 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 1

(i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 377 base pairs

(B) TYPE: nucleic acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS ^• single

(D) TOPOLOGY, linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (genomic) (ix) FEATURE:

(A) NAME/KEY: CDS

(B) LOCATION: 4..366

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 1

CAT ATG CAC TAT CAC CAT CAC ATC CCC ACA GAA ATT CCC ACA AGT GCA 48

Met His Tyr His His His lie Pro Thr Glu lie Pro Thr Ser Ala 1 5 10 15

TTG GTG AAA CGT ACC TTG GCA CTG CTT TCT ACT CAT CGA ACT CTG CTG 96

Leu Val Lys Arg Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu 20 25 30

ATA GCC AAT GAG ACT CTG AGG ATT CCT GTT CCT GTA CAT AAA AAT CAC 144

He Ala Asn Glu Thr Leu Arg He Pro Val Pro Val His Lys Asn His 35 40 45

CAA CTG TGC ACT GAA GAA ATC TTT CAG GGA ATA GGC ACA CTG GAG AGT 192

Gin Leu Cys Thr Glu Glu He Phe Gin Gly He Gly Thr Leu Glu Ser

50 55 60

CAA ACT GTG CAA GGG GGT ACT GTG GAA AGA CTA TTC AAA AAC TTG TCC 240

Gin Thr Val Gin Gly Gly Thr Val Glu Arg Leu Phe Lys Asn Leu Ser

65 70 75

TTA ATA AAG AAA TAC ATT GAC GGC CAG AAG AAG AAG TGT GGA GAA GAA 288

Leu He Lys Lys Tyr He Asp Gly Gin Lys Lys Lys Cys Gly Glu Glu

80 85 90 95

CGT CGT CGT GTA AAC CAA TTC CTG GAC TAC CTG CAA GAG TTT CTT GGT 336

Arg Arg Arg Val Asn Gin Phe Leu Asp Tyr Leu Gin Glu Phe Leu Gly 100 105 110

GTA ATG AAC ACC GAA TGG ATC ATC GAA TCC TGATGAAGCT T 377

Val Met Asn Thr Glu Trp He He Glu Ser

115 120 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO 2

(l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS

(A) LENGTH 121 amino acids

(B) TYPE ammo acid (D) TOPOLOGY linear

(ii) MOLECULE TYPE protein

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO 2

Met His Tyr His His Hiε He Pro Thr Glu He Pro Thr Ser Ala Leu 1 5 10 15

Val Lys Arg Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He 20 25 30

Ala Asn Glu Thr Leu Arg He Pro Val Pro Val His Lys Asn His Gin 35 40 45

Leu Cys Thr Glu Glu He Phe Gin Gly He Gly Thr Leu Glu Ser Gin 50 55 60

Thr Val Gin Gly Gly Thr Val Glu Arg Leu Phe Lys Asn Leu Ser Leu 65 70 75 80

He Lys Lys Tyr He Asp Gly Gin Lys Lys Lys Cys Gly Glu Glu Arg 85 90 95

Arg Arg Val Asn Gin Phe Leu Asp Tyr Leu Gin Glu Phe Leu Gly Val 100 105 110

Net Asn Thr Glu Irp He He Glu Ser 115 120

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO 3

(l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS

(A) LENGTH 6 amino acids

(B) TYPE amino acid (D) TOPOLOGY linear

[π) MOLECULE TYPE peptlde

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO 3

Met His Tyr His His His 5

2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO (ι) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS

(A) LENGTH 21

(B) TYPE ammo acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS single

(D) TOPOLOGY linear U..J MOLECULE TYPE polypeptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Xaa Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu

5 10 15

Leu He Ala 20

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO

(I SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS

(A) LENGTH 21

(B) TYPE amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS single

(D) TOPOLOGY linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE polypeptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Lya Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu 5 10 15

Leu He Ala 20

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO 6 d) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS

(A) LENGTH 21

(B) TYPE amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS single

(D) TOPOLOGY linear (n) MOLECULE TYPE polypeptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION SEQ ID NO 6

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Arg Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu 5 10 15

Leu He Ala 20

(2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO 7

(l SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS

(A) LENGTH 20

(B) TYPE amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY; linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: polypeptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO. 7:

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Gin Thr Leu Ala Leu La Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu

5 10 15

He Ala 20

12) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO. 8

(l) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS:

(A) LENGTH: 21

(B) TYPE: amino acid

(C) STRANDEDNESS: single

(D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: polypeptide

(xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO.

Thr Ser Ala La Val Lys Asn Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu 5 10 15

He Ala 20

Claims

1 A modified ιnterleukιn-5 (IL-5) comprising a sequence of amino acids with a first α-helix wherein one or more exposed amino acids in said first α-helix having acidic or acidic-like properties are substituted with a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue and wherein said modified IL-5 acts as an antagonist of IL-5

2 A modified IL-5 according to claim 1 wherein the IL-5 subject to modification is of mammalian origin

3 A modified IL-5 according to claim 2 wherein the IL-5 subject to modification is of human origin

4 A modified IL-5 according to claim 3 wherein the modification is a substitution of Glu at amino acid position 13 or equivalent position for Arg or Lys or a chemical equivalent or derivative thereof

5 A modified IL-5 according to claim 3 wherein the modification is a substitution of Glu at amino acid position 13 or equivalent position for Gin or Asn or a chemical equivalent or derivative thereof

6 A modified human IL-5 or a mammalian homologue thereof comprising a sequence of amino acids in a first α-hehx of:

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Xaa Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO:4J

wherein Xaa is a basic or non-acidic amino acid residue preferably selected from Arg, Lys, Gin and Asn and wherein said modified IL-5 exhibits antagonism of IL-5 induced mitogenic effects

7. A modified human IL-5 or mammalian homologue thereof according to claim 6 wherein Xaa is Arg.

8. A modified human IL-5 or mammalian homologue thereof according to claim 6 wherein Xaa is Lys.

9. A modified human IL-5 or mammalian homologue thereof according to claim 6 wherein Xaa is Gin.

IC. A modified human IL-5 or mammalian homologue thereof according to claim 6 wherein Xaa is Asn.

1 1. An IL-5 antagonist comprising an IL-5 molecule with a modification to the amino acid sequence in its first α-helix wherein amino acid residue 13 is substituted by a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue.

12. An IL-5 antagonist according to claim 1 1 wherein amino acid residue 13 is selected from Arg, Lys, Gin and Asn.

13. An IL-5 antagonist according to claim 1 1 or 12 comprising an amino acid sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2.

14. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a modified IL-5, said modified IL-5 comprising a sequence of amino acids with a first α-helix wherein one or more exposed amino acids in said first α-helix having acidic or acidic-like properties are substituted with a basic amino acid residue or non-acidic amino acid residue, said composition further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents.

15. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 14 wherein the IL-5 subject to modification is of mammalian origin.

16 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 15 wherein the IL-5 subject to modification is of human origin.

17 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 16 wherein the modification is a substitution of Glu at amino acid position 13 or equivalent position for Arg or Lys or a chemical equivalent or derivative thereof.

18 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 16 wherein the modification is a substitution of Glu at amino acid position 13 or equivalent position for Gin or Asn or a chemical equivalent or derivative thereof

19 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 17 comprising a modified IL-5 having an amino acid sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO.2

20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a modified human IL-5 or a mammalian homologue thereof said modified IL-5 comprising a sequence of amino acids in a first α- hehx of

wherein Xaa is a basic or non-acidic ammo acid residue preferably selected from Arg, Lys, Gin and Asn, said composition further comprising one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and/or diluents

21 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 20 wherein Xaa of the IL-5 is Arg.

22 A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 20 wherein Xaa of the IL-5 is Lys

23. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 20 wherein Xaa of the IL-5 is

Gin.

24. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 20 wherein Xaa of the IL-5 is Asn.

25. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 20 wherein the modified IL-5 comprises an amino acid sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2.

26. A method of treatment of a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of a modified IL-5 for a time and under conditions sufficient for effecting said treatment, said modified IL-5 comprising a sequence of amino acids within a first α-helix wherein one or more exposed amino acids in said first α-helix having acidic or acidic-like properties are substituted with a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue.

27. A method according to claim 26 wherein the IL-5 subject to modification is of mammalian origin.

28. A method according to claim 27 wherein the IL-5 subject to modification is of human origin.

29. A method according to claim 20 wherein the modification is a substitution of Glu at amino acid position 13 or equivalent position for Arg or Lys or a chemical equivalent or derivative thereof.

30. A method according to claim 20 wherein the modification is a substitution of Glu at amino acid position 13 or equivalent position for Gin or Asn or a chemical equivalent or derivative thereof.

31. A method of treatment of a mammal comprising administering to said mammal an effective amount of a modified IL-5 for a time and under conditions sufficient for effecting said treatment said modified IL-5 comprising a sequence of amino acids in a first α-helix of:

Thr Ser Ala Leu Val Lys Xaa Thr Leu Ala Leu Leu Ser Thr His Arg Thr Leu Leu He Ala [SEQ ID NO:4]

wherein Xaa is a basic or non-acidic amino acid residue preferably selected from Arg, Lys, Gin and Asn and wherein said modified IL-5 exhibits antagonism of IL-5 induced mitogenic effects.

32. A method according to claim 31 wherein the Xaa of the IL-5 is Arg.

33. A method according to claim 31 wherein the Xaa of the IL-5 is Lys.

34. A method according to claim 31 wherein the Xaa of the IL-5 is Gin.

35. A method according to claim 31 wherein the Xaa of the IL-5 is Asn.

36. A method according to claim 26 or 31 comprising the administration of a modified IL-5 having an amino acid sequence substantially as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2.

37. A method for producing recombinant protein, said method comprising introducing a genetic construct capable of expressing a nucleotide sequence to produce said recombinant protein into a cell, subjecting the cell to conditions to permit the expression of said nucleotide sequence, collecting the expressed recombinant protein in the form of inclusion bodies and subjecting said inclusion bodies to dissolution in a chaotropic agent under conditions of high pH sufficient to disperse and partially unfold said recombinant protein, dilute said unfolded recombinant protein and subjecting same to refolding conditions and then purifying said refolded recombinant protein.

38. A method according to claim 37 wherein the chaotropic agent is urea.

39. A method according to claim 38 wherein the recombinant protein is a modified IL- 5 comprising a sequence of amino acids with a first α-helix wherein one or more exposed amino acids in said first α-helix having acidic or acidic-like properties are substituted with a basic amino acid residue or a non-acidic amino acid residue and wherein said modified IL-5 acts as an antagonist of IL-5.

40. A method according to claim 38 wherein the modified IL-5 comprises a sequence of amino acids in a first α-helix of:

41. A method according to claim 37 wherein the nucleotide sequence further encodes for a leader sequence fused to said recombinant protein.

42. A method according to claim 41 wherein the leader sequence is the amino acid sequence Met His Tyr His His His.