EP0998300A1 - Procedes et compositions permettant de moduler la sensibilite aux corticosteroides - Google Patents

Procedes et compositions permettant de moduler la sensibilite aux corticosteroides

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Publication number
EP0998300A1
EP0998300A1 EP98912929A EP98912929A EP0998300A1 EP 0998300 A1 EP0998300 A1 EP 0998300A1 EP 98912929 A EP98912929 A EP 98912929A EP 98912929 A EP98912929 A EP 98912929A EP 0998300 A1 EP0998300 A1 EP 0998300A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
subject
corticosteroid
oxo
agent
administered
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98912929A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Les Sekut
Adam Carter
Tariq Ghayur
Subhashis Banerjee
Daniel E. Tracey
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BASF SE
Original Assignee
BASF SE
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Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/820,692 external-priority patent/US6054487A/en
Application filed by BASF SE filed Critical BASF SE
Publication of EP0998300A1 publication Critical patent/EP0998300A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
    • C07K16/24—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against cytokines, lymphokines or interferons
    • C07K16/244—Interleukins [IL]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/33—Heterocyclic compounds
    • A61K31/395—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins
    • A61K31/40—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having five-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. sulpiride, succinimide, tolmetin, buflomedil
    • A61K31/4015—Heterocyclic compounds having nitrogen as a ring hetero atom, e.g. guanethidine or rifamycins having five-membered rings with one nitrogen as the only ring hetero atom, e.g. sulpiride, succinimide, tolmetin, buflomedil having oxo groups directly attached to the heterocyclic ring, e.g. piracetam, ethosuximide
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/56—Compounds containing cyclopenta[a]hydrophenanthrene ring systems; Derivatives thereof, e.g. steroids
    • A61K31/57—Compounds containing cyclopenta[a]hydrophenanthrene ring systems; Derivatives thereof, e.g. steroids substituted in position 17 beta by a chain of two carbon atoms, e.g. pregnane or progesterone
    • A61K31/573—Compounds containing cyclopenta[a]hydrophenanthrene ring systems; Derivatives thereof, e.g. steroids substituted in position 17 beta by a chain of two carbon atoms, e.g. pregnane or progesterone substituted in position 21, e.g. cortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone or aldosterone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • A61K38/177—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
    • A61K38/1793—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants for cytokines; for lymphokines; for interferons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K45/00—Medicinal preparations containing active ingredients not provided for in groups A61K31/00 - A61K41/00
    • A61K45/06—Mixtures of active ingredients without chemical characterisation, e.g. antiphlogistics and cardiaca
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P11/00—Drugs for disorders of the respiratory system
    • A61P11/06—Antiasthmatics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P29/00—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P3/00—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism
    • A61P3/08—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for glucose homeostasis
    • A61P3/10—Drugs for disorders of the metabolism for glucose homeostasis for hyperglycaemia, e.g. antidiabetics
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
    • A61P37/02—Immunomodulators
    • A61P37/06—Immunosuppressants, e.g. drugs for graft rejection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P9/00—Drugs for disorders of the cardiovascular system
    • A61P9/02—Non-specific cardiovascular stimulants, e.g. drugs for syncope, antihypotensives

Definitions

  • Standard therapy for a variety of immune and inflammatory disorders includes administration of corticosteroids, which have the ability to suppress immunologic and inflammatory responses.
  • Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of disorders such as asthma, autoimmune diseases (e.g. , rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus) and transplant rejection (for reviews on corticosteroids, see e.g., Truhan, A. P. et al. (1989) Annals of Allergy 62:375-391 ; Baxter, J.D. ( 1992) Hospital Practice 27: 111 - 134;
  • Corticosteroids are also used topically in the treatment of various dermatological disorders, such as contact dermatitis, psoriasis vulgaris, lichen planus, keloids and urticaria pigmentosa (for a review, see Sterry, W. (1992) Arch. Dermatol. Res. 284 (Suppl.):S27-S29).
  • corticosteroids While therapeutically beneficial, the use of corticosteroids is associated with a number of side effects, ranging from mild to possibly life threatening.
  • Complications associated with prolonged and/or high dose steroid usage include musculoskeletal effects (e.g., osteoporosis, myopathy, aseptic necrosis of bone), ophthalmic effects (e.g., posterior subcapsular cataracts), gastrointestinal effects (e.g., ulcers, pancreatitis, nausea, vomiting), cardiovascular effects (e.g., hypertension, atherosclerosis), central nervous system effects (e.g., pseudotumor cerebri, psychiatric reactions), dermatological effects (e.g., hirsutism, redistribution of subcutaneous fat, impaired wound healing, thinning of the skin) and suppression of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (see e.g., Truhan, A.P.
  • corticosteroid therapy attempts to use corticosteroid therapy to treat septic shock in humans have met with disappointing results and thus corticosteroids are not generally recommended as adjunctive therapy in severe sepsis or septic shock (see e.g., Putterman, C. (1989) Israeli Med. Sci. 25:332-338; Bone, R.C. and Brown, R.C. (1990) in Vincent, J.L. (ed.) "Update in Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine 10", Heidelberg: Springer Verlag, p. 121).
  • Other disorders that often exhibit resistance to corticosteroid treatment include inflammatory bowel disease (see e.g., Hibi, T. et al. (1995) J. Gastroenterol.
  • a steroid rebound effect is characterized by the worsening of the inflammatory condition(s) being treated upon cessation of steroid therapy. Methods and compositions that can be used to ameliorate the steroid rebound effect are still needed.
  • This invention provides methods and compositions for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject.
  • the methods and compositions of the invention can be used to reverse steroid resistance in a subject, to thereby allow the subject to be treated with corticosteroids.
  • the methods and compositions of the invention also can be used to increase steroid sensitivity in a subject, to thereby achieve therapeutic effectiveness of corticosteroid treatment at lower dosages (e.g., to avoid harmful side effects of high doses of corticosteroids or to allow treatment of steroid-dependent diseases with lower doses).
  • the methods and compositions of the invention can be used to ameliorate the steroid rebound effect when a subject undergoing corticosteroid treatment is taken off corticosteroids.
  • an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ in a subject is administered to the subject in combination with a corticosteroid such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject.
  • the target which is antagonized can be, for example, a cytokine or enzyme that regulates IFN- ⁇ production or a cell that regulates IFN- ⁇ production.
  • the agent is administered at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IFN- ⁇ production in the subject.
  • the agent and the corticosteroid are administered at the same time, the agent is administered first and then the corticosteroid is administered or the corticosteroid is administered first and then the agent is administered.
  • the methods can be applied to prophylactic and therapeutic regimens of corticosteroid treatment.
  • the method involves administration of an agent that is an IL-18 antagonist.
  • the IL-18 antagonist is administered at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IL-18 activity in the subject.
  • the IL-18 antagonist can act, for example, at the level of IL-18 synthesis, IL-18 cytokine activity or IL-18 interaction with an IL-18 receptor.
  • the IL-18 antagonist is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an Interleukin- 1 ⁇ Converting Enzyme (ICE) inhibitor.
  • the IL-18 antagonist is an antibody, antibody fragment or engineered binding protein that binds to IL-18 or an IL-18 receptor.
  • the method involves administration of an agent that is an Interleukin- 12 (IL-12) antagonist.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is administered at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IL-12 activity in the subject.
  • the IL-12 antagonist can act, for example, at the level of IL-12 synthesis, IL-12 cytokine activity or IL-12 interaction with an IL-12 receptor.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is an antibody, antibody fragment or engineered binding protein that binds to IL-12 or an IL-12 receptor.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is an agent that stimulates production of cyclic AMP (cAMP) in cells that produce IL-12. Examples of agent that can be used to stimulate cAMP include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonists.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is a STAT4 inhibitor.
  • the method involves administration of an agent that depletes or eliminates NK cells and NK-like cells (referred to herein as an "NK cell antagonist") from the subject.
  • the NK cell antagonist is administered at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IFN- ⁇ production in the subject.
  • Preferred NK cell antagonists are antibodies specific for NK/NK-like cells that deplete these cells in vivo. Examples of preferred antibodies for use as NK cell antagonists are anti-asialo-GMl antibodies and NKl.l antibodies.
  • Another aspect of the invention pertains to a method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject, wherein an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably ICE, is administered to the subject together with a corticosteroid, such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject.
  • an inhibitor of a caspase family protease preferably ICE
  • Yet another aspect of the invention pertains to a method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject, wherein an NK cell antagonist (e.g., an anti- NK/NK-like cell antibody) is administered to the subject together with a corticosteroid, such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject.
  • an NK cell antagonist e.g., an anti- NK/NK-like cell antibody
  • Still another aspect of the invention pertains to a method for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject, wherein a subject in need of modulation of responsiveness to a corticosteroid is selected and an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ in the subject is administered to the subject such that responsiveness of the subject to a corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject.
  • the agent is administered to the subject at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IFN- ⁇ production in the subject.
  • the subject that is selected can be, for example, a subject that is steroid resistant prior to treatment, a steroid-responsive subject in whom steroid sensitivity is to be increased or a subject to be taken off steroids in whom the steroid rebound effect is to be ameliorated.
  • compositions for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in a subject comprising an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ in the subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • a composition of the invention comprises an IL-18 antagonist (such as inhibitor of a caspase family protease, preferably an ICE inhibitor, or an anti- IL-18 or anti- IL-18 receptor monoclonal antibody), a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • a composition of the invention comprises an IL-12 antagonist (e.g., an anti-IL-12 or anti-IL-12 receptor monoclonal antibody, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor, a beta-2 agonist, a STAT4 inhibitor), a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • a composition of the invention comprises an NK-cell antagonist (e.g., an anti-NK/NK-like cell antibody), a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention can be formulated for administration via a preferred route of administration for achieving a desired therapeutic effect.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for topical administration.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for administration by inhalation.
  • the methods and compositions of the invention can be used in the treatment of any disease or disorder in which it is desirable to modulate steroid responsiveness.
  • the methods and compositions of the invention are used to treat a subject suffering from septic shock.
  • the methods and compositions of the invention are used to treat a subject suffering from Crohn's disease.
  • the methods and compositions are used to treat a subject suffering from asthma.
  • the methods and compositions are used to treat a subject suffering from an autoimmune disease or disorder.
  • the methods and compositions are used to treat a subject suffering from graft-versus-host disease or transplant rejection.
  • the methods and compositions are used to treat a subject suffering from an acute inflammatory disorder.
  • the methods and compositions are used to treat a subject suffering from a chronic inflammatory disorder.
  • Figure 1 is a bar graph showing serum TNF ⁇ levels (in ng/ml) in wild type and ICE-deficient (ICE KO) mice treated with vehicle alone or dexamethasone (4 mg/kg) 30 minutes after LPS in the LPS/R. acnes septic shock model, demonstrating that the ICE- deficient mice, but not wild type mice, exhibit suppression of TNF ⁇ production and hence are steroid responsive.
  • Figure 2 is a bar graph showing serum TNF ⁇ levels (in ng/ml) in wild type (solid bars) and ICE-deficient (hatched bars) mice pretreated with vehicle alone or decreasing amounts of dexamethasone (0.05, 0.005 or 0.0005 mg/kg) in the LPS/R. acnes septic shock model, demonstrating that the ICE-deficient mice maintain steroid responsiveness to decreasing steroid dosages in contrast to the wild type mice.
  • Figure 3 is a bar graph showing LPS-induced serum IL-12 (in pg/ml ) in B6 mice pretreated with vehicle alone or with the phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor, rolipram, demonstrating that treatment with the phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor inhibits production of IL-12.
  • Figure 4 is a bar graph showing serum TNF ⁇ levels (in ng/ml) in B6 mice treated with vehicle alone (saline) or an ICE inhibitor (Ac-YVAD-CHO), in combination with dexamethasone treatment, in the LPS/R. acnes septic shock model.
  • Figure 5 is a bar graph showing serum IL-6 levels (in ng/ml) in B6 mice treated with vehicle alone (saline) or an ICE inhibitor (Ac-YVAD-CHO), in combination with dexamethasone treatment, in the LPS/R. acnes septic shock model.
  • Figure 6 is a bar graph showing serum IL-1 ⁇ levels (in ng/ml) in B6 mice treated with vehicle alone (saline) or an ICE inhibitor (Ac-YVAD-CHO), in combination with dexamethasone treatment, in the LPS/R. acnes septic shock model.
  • This invention is based, at least in part, upon the discovery that ICE deficient mice, in contrast to wild type control mice, are responsive to corticosteroids after LPS challenge in a septic shock model (see Example 1). Moreover, the ICE deficient mice show increased sensitivity to low doses of corticosteroids compared to wild type control mice, when corticosteroid treatment is given before LPS challenge in the septic shock model (see Example 2).
  • the invention further is based, at least in part, upon the discovery that depletion of NK NK-like cells in LPS-challenged wild type mice leads to substantially decreased IFN- ⁇ production (compared to control untreated mice) and to substantially increased survival rates (see Example 10).
  • interferon- ⁇ interferon- ⁇
  • ICE and other caspase family proteases can cleave the precursor form of IL-18 to its mature, active form (see Example 4).
  • the ability to confer corticosteroid responsiveness by inhibiting ICE activity in a subject is thought to result from inhibition of IL- 18 processing by ICE such that production of mature IL-18 is inhibited, thereby leading to decreased production of IFN- ⁇ in the subject.
  • IL-18 in conjunction with IL-12 stimulates NK/NK-like cells to make more IFN- ⁇ .
  • NK/NK-like cells are thought to form a positive feedback loop in the production of IFN- ⁇ , which can be downmodulated by depletion or elimination of the NK/NK-like cells.
  • the invention broadly provides methods and compositions for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids in which a target that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ is antagonized in a subject.
  • This target that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ , and which is antagonized can be IL-18 (which can be antagonized, for example, indirectly by inhibiting ICE activity or directly by use of an anti-IL-18 antibody).
  • another factor that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ such as IL-12, can be antagonized to thereby modulate corticosteroid responsiveness in the subject.
  • an agent that depletes or eliminates NK/NK-like cells to thereby inhibit IFN- ⁇ production can be used to modulate corticosteroid responsiveness in the subject.
  • corticosteroid refers to a class of therapeutic agents useful in treatment of inflammatory conditions, including those resulting from infection, transplant rejection and autoimmune disorders.
  • Corticosteroids include those that are naturally occurring, synthetic, or semi-synthetic in origin, and are characterized by the presence of a steroid nucleus of four fused rings, for example, as found in cholesterol, dihydroxycholesterol, stigmasterol, and lanosterol structures.
  • Corticosteroid drugs include cortisone, cortisol, hydrocortisone (1 l ⁇ l7-dihydroxy-21-(phosphonooxy)-pregn-4-ene3,20- dione disodium), dihydroxycortisone, dexamethasone (21-(acetyloxy)-9-fluoro-l 1 ⁇ ,17- dihydroxy-16 ⁇ -methylpregna-l,4-diene-3,20-dione), and highly derivatized steroid drugs such as beconase (beclomethasone dipropionate, which is 9-chloro-l l ⁇ , 17,21, trihydroxy- 16 ⁇ -methylpregna-l, 4 diene-3, 20-dione 17,21 -dipropionate).
  • Other examples of corticosteroids include flunisolide, prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, deflazacort and betamethasone.
  • target that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ is intended to include chemical factors (e.g., cytokines, enzymes and the like) and cells that directly or indirectly control the synthesis of IFN- ⁇ in a subject.
  • factors that regulate the production of IFN- ⁇ include IL-18 (see e.g., Okamura, H. et al. (1995) Nature 378:88-91; Ushio, S. et al. (1996) J. Immunol. 156:4274-4279) and interleukin- 12 (IL-12)(see e.g., Schoenhaut, D. et al. (1992) J. Immunol. 148:3433; PCT Publication WO 90/05147; European Patent Application EP 433 827 A2).
  • cells that regulate IFN- ⁇ production include NK and NK-like cells.
  • agents that "antagonize" a factor are intended to include agents that inhibit the activity of the factor and agents that downregulate (i.e., inhibit) the synthesis or production of the factor.
  • IL-18 refers to a cytokine having an amino acid sequence as disclosed in Okamura, H. et al. (1995) Nature 378:88-91 (mouse) or Ushio, S. et al. (1996) J. Immunol. 156:4274-4279 (human), and other mammalian homologues thereof.
  • the cytokine IL-18 has also been referred to in the art as Interferon ⁇ Inducing Factor (I GIF) and IL-l ⁇ .
  • I GIF Interferon ⁇ Inducing Factor
  • IL-18 antagonist is intended to include agents that inhibit the synthesis or production of IL-18, agents that inhibit the activity of IL-18 once synthesized, agents that inhibit the interaction of IL- 18 with an IL- 18 receptor and agents that inhibit the activity of an IL-18 receptor.
  • IL-18 antagonists include inhibitors of caspase family proteases (e.g., ICE inhibitors) and antibodies, antibody fragments and engineered binding proteins that bind to either IL-18 or an IL-18 receptor.
  • IL-12 interleukin- 12
  • IL-12 refers to a cytokine having an amino acid sequence as disclosed in Schoenhaut, D. et al. (1992) J Immunol. 148:3433, PCT
  • IL-12 antagonist is intended to include agents that inhibit the synthesis or production of IL-12, agents that inhibit the activity of IL-12 once synthesized, agents that inhibit the interaction of IL-12 with an IL-12 receptor and agents that inhibit the activity of an IL-12 receptor.
  • IL-12 antagonists include antibodies, antibody fragments and engineered binding proteins that bind to either IL-12 or an IL-12 receptor, agents that stimulate intracellular production of c AMP in cells that produce IL-12 (such as phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors or beta-2 agonists) and agents that inhibit STAT4.
  • caspase family protease is intended to include members of the caspase proteases as described in Alnemri, E. et al.
  • a "caspase family protease” is intended to include any protein that shares greater than 20% amino acid sequence identity with ICE in the active domains of the protease (i.e., active domains of the plO and p20 subunits of ICE), contains the peptide sequence glutamine-alanine-cysteine-X-glycine (QACXG), wherein the cysteine (C) is the catalytically active cysteine residue and X denotes any amino acid, and contains the sequence serine-histidine-glycine (SHG), located N-terminal to the QACXG motif, in which the histidine (H) is the catalytically essential histidine residue.
  • Caspase family proteases typically demonstrate a strong preference for hydrolysis of peptide bonds immediately following an acidic amino acid (i.e., aspartic acid or glutamic acid).
  • Caspase family proteases are known in humans and other organisms including mice and Caenorhabditis elegans. Examples of caspase family proteases include, for example, Ich-1 (Wang, L. et al. (1994) Cell 78:739-750); ICH-2 (Kamens, J. et al. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270:15250-15256); Mch2 (Fernandes-Alnemri, T. et al. (1995) Cancer Res. 55:2737-2742); CPP32 (Fernandes-Alnemri, T. et al. (1994) J. Biol. Chem.
  • ICE interleukin- l ⁇ converting enzyme
  • ICE inhibitor is intended to include chemical agents that inhibit the proteolytic activity of ICE.
  • Examples of ICE inhibitors are known in the art, including, for example, agents disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,585,357 (pyrazolyl derivatives); U.S. Patent No. 5,677,283 (pyrazolyl derivatives); U.S. Patent No. 5,656,627 (inhibitors comprising a hydrogen bonding group, a hydrophobic group and an electronegative group); U.S. Patent No. 5,411,985 (gamma-pyrone-3 -acetic acid compounds); U.S. Patent No. 5,430,128 (tripeptidyl derivatives); U.S. Patent No. 5,434,248 (tripeptidyl compounds); U.S.
  • Patent No. 5,565,430 N,N'-diacylhydrazinoacetic acid compounds
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,416,013 peptidyl derivatives
  • PCT Publication WO 94/21673 alpha-ketoamide derivatives
  • PCT Publication WO 97/22619 N-acylamino compounds
  • PCT Publication WO 97/22618 amino acid or di- or tripeptide amide derivatives
  • PCT Publication WO 95/35308 inhibitors comprising a hydrogen bonding group, a hydrophobic group and an electronegative group
  • PCT Publication WO 93/14777 peptidyl derivatives
  • PCT Publication WO 93/16710 peptidyl derivatives
  • PCT Publication WO 95/05152 substituted ketone derivatives
  • PCT Publication WO 94/03480 peptidyl 4-amino-2, 2- difluoro-3-oxo-l, 6-hexanedioic acid derivatives
  • Additional preferred ICE inhibitors for use in the methods of the invention include sulfonamide substituted aspartic acid ICE inhibitors having the formula I:
  • Rl is hydrogen, Cj.Cgalkyl, or benzyl;
  • R 2 is -CHO, -COR , or -CN; each R a is independently hydrogen or C ⁇ -Cgalkyl;
  • X is a bond, CH 2 , CHR 5 , NH, NR 5 , or O;
  • R3 is aryl, substituted-aryl, heteroaryl, substituted-heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted-cycloalkyl, heterocycle, or substituted-heterocycle;
  • Y is absent, NR 5 , CO, S, O, SO 2 , -O(CHR 5 ) n -, CHR 5 , NR 5 CO, NCR 5 , CONR 5 , OCHR 5 , CHR O, SCHR 5 , CHR 5 S, SO 2 NR 5 , Ci -C 6 alkyl, NR 5 SO 2 , CH 2 CHR 5 ,
  • R4 is absent, aryl, substituted-aryl, Cj-Cgalkyl, heteroaryl , substituted-heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, Ci -Cgalkyl, substituted-cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, or substituted- heterocycloalkyl; each R 5 is independently hydrogen, Ci -Cgalkyl, aryl, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, or -(CH ) n cycloalkyl; each n is independently 0 to 5, m is 1 or 2, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • R 2 is CHO.
  • R* is hydrogen. In another embodiment of the invention, R a is hydrogen.
  • X is a bond
  • R is phenyl or substituted phenyl.
  • Y is a bond
  • Y is O. In another embodiment of the invention, Y is CH 2 .
  • R ⁇ is phenyl or substituted phenyl.
  • R 2 is CHO, R a is H, R* is hydrogen, X is a bond, R ⁇ and R4 are phenyl or substituted phenyl, and Y is a bond, CH 2 , or O.
  • m is 1 and R 5 is hydrogen.
  • Other preferred sulfonamide substituted ICE inhibitors have the Formula II
  • Rl is hydrogen, Cj-Cgalkyl, or benzyl
  • R is -CHO, -COR a , or -CN; each R a is independently hydrogen or C ⁇ galkyl;
  • X is a bond, CH 2 , CHR 5 , NH, NR 5 , or O;
  • Y is a bond, NR 5 , CO, S, O, SO 2 , CHR 5 , NR 5 CO, CONR 5 , OCHR 5 , CHR 5 O,
  • each R 5 is independently hydrogen, Cj-Cgalkyl, aryl, or -(CH 2 ) n aryl; each n is independently 0 to 5; m is 1 or 2;
  • Each Z is independently hydrogen, or an aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycle, or substituted heterocycle group that is fused to the phenyl group that contains Z as a substituent;
  • R D , R c , Rd, and R e are each independently hydrogen, C ⁇ -C6alkyl, Cj-C ⁇ alkoxy, -OH, Cj-Cg thioalkoxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, dialkylamino
  • -CO 2 alkyl -SO3H, -CHO, -COalkyl, -CONH-alkyl, -CONHRq, -CON(alkyl) 2 , -(CH 2 ) n -NH 2 , -(CH 2 ) n -NH-alkyl, -NHRQ, -NHCORq , -(CH 2 ) n OH, -(CH 2 ) n CONH 2 , or -(CH 2 ) n CO 2 H; and R Q is hydrogen or Cj-Cgalkyl, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • Rl is hydrogen
  • R 2 is CHO.
  • R a is hydrogen.
  • X is a bond.
  • Y is a bond, O, or CH 2 .
  • R D and R c are hydrogen.
  • R D , R c , and R" are hydrogen and R e is C1.C alkyl.
  • R D or R c is located at the para position of the phenyl ring with respect to X and R ⁇ or R c is -OCH3.
  • m is 1 and R 5 is hydrogen.
  • Preferred compounds include: 3-(Biphenyl-2-sulfoamino)-4-oxo-butyric acid; 3-(2-Benzyl-benzenesulfonylamino)-4-oxo-butyric acid;
  • ICE inhibitors include compounds of the Formula III
  • Rl is hydrogen, Ci -C alkyl, or benzyl;
  • R 2 is -CHO, -COR a , or -CN; each R a is independently hydrogen or C ⁇ -Cgalkyl;
  • X is a bond, CH , CHR 5 , NH, NR 5 , or O;
  • R 5 is hydrogen, Ci .Cgalkyl, aryl, or -(CH 2 ) n aryl; each n is independently 0 to 5;
  • m is 1 or 2;
  • Z is absent, or an aryl, substituted aryl, heteroaryl, substituted heteroaryl, cycloalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, heterocycle, or substituted heterocycle group that is fused to the phenyl group that contains Z as a substituent;
  • R i , R ⁇ are each independently hydrogen, Ci -C6alkyl, hydroxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, dialkylamino
  • R is hydrogen or C]-Cgalkyl, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • R* is ortho to X on the phenyl ring, and RE is hydrogen.
  • Z is hydrogen, m is 1, R 5 is hydrogen, and R a is hydrogen.
  • the compound is 3-benzenesulfonylamino-4-oxo-butyric acid.
  • sulfonamide ICE inhibitors that can be used in the invention are compounds of Formula IV:
  • R ⁇ is hydrogen
  • R 4 is C ⁇ -C 6 alkyl
  • R 5 and R" are each independently hydrogen, C!-C 6 alkyl
  • R 7 is C!-C 6 alkyl
  • A is alanine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, glycine, tyrosine, serine, threonine, tryptophan, cysteine, methionine, valine, asparagine, glutamine, aspartic acid, lysine, glutamic acid, arginine, or histidine;
  • R 2 is -(CH 2 ) n -Z;
  • fluorenyl substituted fluorenyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, or substituted cycloalkyl, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • Rl is
  • Rl is N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl
  • R 7 is -(CH 2 ) n aryl.
  • R is
  • n 0, and R 7 is -CH 2 aryl.
  • R 2 is -(CH 2 ) n aryl.
  • aryl is phenyl or naphthyl.
  • R 2 is -(CH 2 ) n - cycloalkyl.
  • Rl is N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl
  • R 2 is
  • R 2 is
  • sulfonamide ICE inhibitors include compounds of the Formula V
  • R 2 is -CH 2 CH 2 - aryl, -CH 2 - cycloalkyl, -CH 2 CH - cycloalkyl, or -CH 2 CH 2 - heteroaryl;
  • R a is -(CH 2 ) n - aryl or -(CH 2 ) n heteroaryl;
  • RP is aryl or heteroaryl
  • R c is -CH 2 aryl or aryl
  • Rd is hydrogen or Cj-Cg alkyl
  • R e is -CH 2 aryl or -CH 2 heteroaryl; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • R* is N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl-N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl
  • R e is -(CH 2 ) n aryl.
  • aryl is phenyl or naphthyl.
  • R D is aryl
  • Preferred compounds include:
  • sulfonamide ICE inhibitors include compounds of the Formula VI:
  • R a is -(CH ) n - aryl or -(CH ) n heteroaryl
  • R D is aryl or heteroaryl
  • R c is -CH 2 aryl or aryl
  • R" is hydrogen or Ci -C6 alkyl
  • R e is -CH 2 aryl or -CH 2 heteroaryl; and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • Rl is
  • R ⁇ is
  • R e is -(CH 2 ) n aryl.
  • aryl is phenyl or naphthyl.
  • R" is aryl
  • the above-described compounds of Formulas IV, V or VI can be prepared generally by converting the appropriate starting sulfonamide 1 to Boc sulfonamide 2 using a reagent such as di-tert-butyl dicarbonate. Boc sulfonamide 2 may then be reacted with the appropriately substituted aspartic acid bromomethylketone ⁇ tert-butyl ester 3 in the presence of a base, followed by treatment with acid to give the desired product 4.
  • Scheme 1
  • compounds of Formulas IV, V or VI can be prepared generally by reaction of the appropriately substituted aspartic acid aldehyde 1 with nitromethane in the presence of a base such as potassium tert-butoxide to give nitro alcohol 2. Reduction of 2 to the amine 3, followed by reaction with the appropriate sulfonyl chloride gives 4 which may be oxidized to the ketone 5 with a reagent such as Dess Martin periodinane or by a Swern oxidation. Acidic deprotection of the t-butyl ester with HCl or trifluoroacetic acid gives the desired product 6.
  • each R is independently hydrogen or Cj-Cgalkyl; 3 R is hydrogen, C]-C 6 alkyl, -(CH ) n aryl, -(CH ) n heteroaryl, -(CH 2 ) p -X-aryl, or
  • R 4 is C r C 6 alkyl, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, -(CH 2 ) n heteroaryl, -(CH 2 ) j -X-aryl, or -(CH 2 ) j -X-heteroaryl;
  • R and R are each independently hydrogen, Cj-C 6 alkyl, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, -(CH 2 ) n heteroaryl, - (CH 2 ) j -X-aryl, or -(CH 2 ) j -X-heteroaryl;
  • R 7 is C r C 6 alkyl, -(CH 2 ) p aryl, -(CH 2 ) p heteroaryl, -(CH 2 ) j -X-aryl, or -(CH 2 ) j -X-heteroaryl; each n is independently 0 to 6; each p is independently 1 to 6; each j is independently 2 to 6; each m is 0 to 2;
  • A is alanine, valine, serine, threonine, glutamic acid, lysine, arginine, histidine, glutamine, or alpha amino butyric acid;
  • R is hydrogen, Cj-C
  • Q is Cj-Cgalkyl, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, -(CH 2 ) n heteroaryl, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • each R is hydrogen. In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula VII, R is
  • R is -(CH 2 ) n aryl.
  • Q is -(CH 2 ) n phenyl or - (CH 2 ) n naphthyl.
  • R is hydrogen or methyl
  • Q is -CH 2 -phenyl, -CH 2 - naphthyl, -CH 2 CH 2 -phenyl, or -CH 2 CH 2 -naphthyl.
  • hydroxamate ICE inhibitor compounds include compounds having the Formula VIII
  • each g is independently hydrogen, C r C 6 alkyl, Cj-C 6 alkoxy, -(CH 2 ) n CO 2 R, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, aryl, -(CH 2 ) n heteroaryl, or -heteroaryl;
  • U is O or CH 2 ;
  • R ! is
  • each R is independently hydrogen or Cj -C 6 alkyl
  • R is hydrogen, C r C 6 alkyl, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, -(CH 2 ) n heteroaryl, -(CH 2 ) p -X-aryl, or -(CH 2 ) p -X-heteroaryl;
  • R 4 is C,-C 6 alkyl, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, -(CH 2 ) n heteroaryl, -(CH 2 );-X-aryl, or -(CH 2 )j-X-heteroaryl;
  • R and R are each independently hydrogen, Cj-Cgalkyl, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, -(CH 2 ) n heteroaryl, -
  • R 7 is C r C 6 alkyl, -(CH 2 ) p aryl, -(CH 2 ) p heteroaryl, -(CH 2 ) j -X-aryl, or -(CH 2 ) j -X-heteroaryl; each n is independently 0 to 6; each p is independently 1 to 6; each j is independently 2 to 6; each m is 0 to 2;
  • A is alanine, valine, serine, threonine, glutamic acid, lysine, arginine, histidine, glutamine, or alpha amino butyric acid;
  • X is O or S, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • Z is
  • each g is hydrogen.
  • R is
  • R is -(CH 2 ) n -aryl.
  • R is -(CH 2 ) n -phenyl.
  • Z is
  • each g is hydrogen.
  • Preferred hydroxamate ICE inhibitor compounds include: 3-Benzyloxycarbonyl-amino-4-oxo-5-phenylacetylaminooxy-pentanoic acid; 3 -Benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5 -(2-oxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yloxy)-pentanoic acid; 3-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-5-(3,5-dioxo-10-oxa-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0 ' Jdec-8-en-4- yloxy)-4-oxo-pentanoic acid; 3-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-5-(2-oxo-2,3-dihydro-indol-l-yloxy)-4-oxo-pentanoic acid; 3-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-5-(7-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-oxo-octahydro-indol- 1 -yl
  • R 1 is R 3 OC(O)-, R 3 CO-, R 3 SO 2 -, R 5 N(R )CHR 6 CO- each R a is independently hydrogen, Ci -Cg alkyl, or -(CH 2 ) n aryl; R 2 is -(CRR) n -aryl,
  • each R is independently hydrogen, Ci -C ⁇ alkyl, halogen or hydroxy
  • X is O or S
  • R 3 is Ci-Cg alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,
  • each R' is independently C1 -C6 alkyl
  • each R b is independently hydrogen, C1-C alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl; arylalkyl, heteroarylalkyl, substituted arylalkyl, or substituted heteroarylalkyl; R4 is hydrogen,
  • R 5 is C ⁇ -C 6 alkyl-CO-
  • R ⁇ is hydrogen, C i -C alkyl, -(CH 2 ) n aryl, -(CH 2 ) n CO 2 R a , hydroxyl substituted C i -C 6 alkyl, or imidazole substituted C1-C alkyl; each n is independently 0 to 3, and the pharmaceutically acceptable, salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • R* is phenyl-CH -OC(O)-
  • Rl is phenyl-SO 2 -.
  • R ⁇ is CH3-OC(O)-.
  • R* is phenyl-CH 2 CH -CO-.
  • R 1 1 is
  • R . 1 is
  • R is phenyl-CH 2 -CO-.
  • R* is .
  • each R a is hydrogen.
  • R 2 is -(CH 2 ) n -phenyl.
  • R 2 is -(CH 2 ) n -naphthyl.
  • R 2 is -(CH 2 ) n -O-phenyl. In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula IX, R 2 is -(CH 2 ) n -O-naphthyl. In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula IX, R 2 is -(CH 2 ) n -S-phenyl. In another embodiment of the compounds of Formula IX, R 2 is-(CH 2 ) n -CH(phenyl) .
  • each R a is hydrogen; Rl is benzyloxycarbonyl; R 2 is aryl-X(CRR) n -, aryl-(CRR) n -, heteroaryl-(CRR) n -, or cycloalkyl-(CRR) n -; n is 1, 2, or 3; X is O or S; and R is hydrogen, methyl, or benzyl.
  • each R a is hydrogen;
  • Rl is benzyloxycarbonyl
  • R 2 is -(CH ) n -naphthyl
  • each R a is hydrogen
  • Rl is benzyloxycarbonyl; and R 2 is -CH 2 -naphthyl.
  • each R a is hydrogen; R 2 is benzyloxycarbonyl,
  • aspartate ester ICE inhibitor compounds that can be used in the invention include compounds of the Formula X:
  • each n is independently 0 to 3, and the pharmaceutically acceptable, salts, esters, amides, and prodrugs thereof.
  • Preferred aspartate ester ICE inhibitor compounds include the compounds:
  • the reagents should be mixed in dimethyl formamide (DMF), dimethylacetamide (DMA), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), acetonitrile or other appropriate solvent and stirred at room temperature for 8 to 24 hours.
  • the t-butyl ester protecting group can be removed in acidic media ,preferably trifluoroacetic acid, to produce the carbobenzoxy aspartyl esters shown in Scheme 1.
  • a mixture of an appropriately substituted acyloxymethyl ketone of a carbobenzoxy aspartyl t-butyl ester was hydrogenated with an equivalent of hydrochloric or other acid in the presence of a catalyst such as palladium on carbon to yield the amine salt.
  • the salt can be acylated with an appropriately substituted isocyanate, sulfonyl chloride, chloroformate or phenylpropionyl chloride to afford the N-substituted derivatives.
  • isocyantes, sulfonyl chlorides, or chloro formates can be purchased commercially or synthesized by methods described in the chemical literature.
  • the t-butyl ester protecting group can be removed in the final step using acidic media, preferably trifluoroacetic acid, to produce the acyloxy methylketone derivatives shown in Scheme 2.
  • the amine salt of the acyloxymethyl ketone of Z-Asp(Ot-Bu)OH was synthesized and treated with an appropriately substituted carboxylic acid and coupling reagent.
  • the coupling agent may be, but is not limited to, such reagents as 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), l-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-3-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDCI), 1,1' -carbonyldiimidazole (CDI), l,l'-carbonylbis(3-methylimidazolium) triflate (CBMIT), isobutylchloroformate, benzotriazol- 1 -yloxytris(dimethylamino)-phosphonium hexafluorophosphate (BOP), 2-(3,4-dihydro-4-oxo-l,2,3-benzotriazin-3-yl)-l, 1,
  • 1 -Hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate should be added to the reaction to improve yield and limit isomerization and base, preferably an amine such as trimethyl amine or methyl morpholine should be added as an acid scavenger.
  • the resulting amide product was treated with acidic media, preferably trifluoroacetic acid, to remove the t-butyl ester and produce the final products as described in Scheme 3.
  • the amine salt of the acyloxymethyl ketone of Cbz-Asp(OtBu)OH was synthesized and treated with an appropriately substituted acid chloride or acid fluoride to generate an amide product.
  • the acid chlorides were purchased commercially or were prepared by treating carboxylic acids with agents such as thionyl chloride, phosphorous tribromide, or oxalyl chloide/DMF.
  • the acid fluorides were prepared by treating a carboxylic acid with cyanuric fluoride.
  • the penultimate amide product was treated with acidic media preferably trifluoroacetic acid to remove the t-butyl ester and afford the final products as described in Scheme 4.
  • the hydrochloride salt of H-Asp(OtBu)OMe was treated with an appropriately substituted carboxylic acid and coupling reagent.
  • 1 -Hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate should be added to the reaction to improve yield and limit isomerization and base, preferably an amine such as trimethyl amine or methyl morpholine should be added as an acid scavenger.
  • the resulting amide product was treated with an alkaline reagent such as sodium hydroxide to hydrolyze the methyl ester to the carboxylic acid.
  • the resulting acid was treated with a chloroformate such as isobutylchloroformate, followed by diazomethane and then hydrobromic acid to afford the methyl bromo ketone.
  • the hydrochloride salt of H-Asp(OtBu)OMe was treated with an appropriately protected amino acid and coupling reagent.
  • 1 -Hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate should be added to the reaction to improve yield and limit isomerization and base, preferably an amine such as trimethyl amine or methyl morpholine should be added as an acid scavenger.
  • the resulting amide product was treated with an alkaline reagent such as sodium hydroxide to hydrolyze the methyl ester to the carboxylic acid.
  • the Cbz-amine protecting group was removed using standard catalytic hydrogenation conditions and coupling of another protected amino acid can proceed as described above. This process was repeated until the peptide was the desired length.
  • the resulting peptide product was treated with an alkaline reagent such as sodium hydroxide to hydrolyze the methyl ester to the carboxylic acid.
  • the resulting acid was subsequently treated with a chloroformate such as isobutylchloroformate, followed by diazomethane and then hydrobromic acid to afford the methylbromo ketone.
  • a chloroformate such as isobutylchloroformate
  • diazomethane diazomethane
  • hydrobromic acid to afford the methylbromo ketone.
  • Treatment of the methylbromo ketone with an appropriately substituted carboxylic acid and a base such as potassium fluoride produced the desired acyloxymethyl ketones which were deprotected with trifluoroacetic acid to afford the final compounds as described in Scheme 6.
  • the appropriately substituted acyloxymethyl ketone of a protected amino acid was synthesized.
  • the Cbz-amine protecting group was removed using standard catalytic hydrogenation conditions, and the amine product was treated with an appropriately substituted carboxylic acid and a coupling reagent.
  • 1 -Hydroxybenzotriazole hydrate should be added to the reaction to improve yield and limit isomerization and base, preferably an amine such as trimethyl amine or methyl morpholine should be added as an acid scavenger.
  • the penultimate amide product was treated with acidic media preferably trifluoroacetic acid to remove the t-butyl ester and afford the final products as described in Scheme 7.
  • Trans- 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride was treated with the amine salt of an appropriately substituted acyloxymethyl ketone of aspartyl t-butyl ester in the presence of pyridine and 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) to yield the amide product.
  • the carboxylic acid can be functionalized with appropriately substituted amines or alcohols and standard coupling reagents to afford amide and ester products.
  • the penultimate product was treated with acidic media, preferably trifluoroacetic acid, to remove the t-butyl ester and afford the final products as described in Scheme 8.
  • Methyl methacrylate was treated with the anion of an appropriately substituted sulfide to afford the Michael adduct which was hydrolyzed in basic media such as sodium hydroxide to produce the carboxylic acid.
  • the amide intermediate is treated with an oxidizing agent which may be, but is not limited to, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, potassium monoperoxysulfate, or sodium perborate to obtain the desired oxidized product.
  • an oxidizing agent which may be, but is not limited to, m-chloroperbenzoic acid, potassium monoperoxysulfate, or sodium perborate.
  • the t-butyl ester of the penultimate intermediate was deprotected in acidic media, preferably trifluoroacetic acid, to afford the final compounds as described in Scheme 9.
  • a 4-substituted-2-oxazolidinone chiral auxiliary as described by Evans, et al., J. Org. Chem., 1985;50:1830 was mixed with a base, such as but not limited to, n-butyl lithium followed by treatment with an appropriately substituted acid chloride or other activated carboxylic acid to afford the N-acylated product.
  • a base such as, but not limited to, sodium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide and t-butyl bromoacetate to produce the alkylated chiral product.
  • the chiral auxiliary was removed using lithium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide to obtain the chiral acid.
  • the product can be elaborated in one of two ways.
  • the allyl ester was removed with phenylsilane and tetrakis(triphenyl-phosphine)palladium or other Pd(0) catalyst to obtain the carboxylic acid, and the acid was converted to the methylbromo ketone and subsequently to the acyloxymethyl ketone.
  • the penultimate intermediate was subjected to catalytic hydrogenation to remove the benzyl ester and afford the final amide products as described in Scheme 10.
  • the allyl ester is removed using phenylsilane and tetrakistetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium or other Pd(0) catalyst to obtain the carboxylic acid.
  • This acid is converted to the methylbromo ketone and subsequently to the acyloxymethyl ketone.
  • Removal of the t-butyl ester of the acyloxymethyl ketone with trifluoroacidic acid and subsequent conversion of the resulting carboxylic acid to the ester resulted in a new ester product.
  • the esterification can be accomplished using a variety of literature techniques which includes but is not limited to treatment of the carboxylic acid with an appropriately substituted alcohol in the presence of a coupling reagent.
  • the penultimate intermediate was subjected to catalytic hydrogenation to remove the benzyl ester and afford the final ester products as described in Scheme 10.
  • the appropriately substituted S-acetyl mercapto carboxylic acid was treated with benzyl bromide and l,8-diazobicyclo[5.4.0Jundec-7-ene (DBU) to produce the benzyl ester which was subsequently reacted with chlorine gas to yield the sulfonyl chloride.
  • the sulfonyl chloride was treated with N,N-bis(p-methoxybenzyl)amine to afford the sulfonamide which was subjected to catalytic hydrogenation to obtain the intermediate carboxylic acid.
  • the acid was activated using cyuranic fluoride which was then mixed with the amine salt of H- Asp(Ot-Bu)OMe to produce the amide product.
  • the methyl ester was hydrolyzed with sodium hydroxide, and the carboxylic acid was elaborated to the acyloxymethyl ketone.
  • the p-methyoxybenzyl protecting groups of the sulfonamide were removed using oxidizing conditions preferably, but not limited to eerie ammonium nitrate, and the t-butyl ester protecting group was removed in acidic media preferably with trifluoroacetic acid to afford the desired sulfonamide products as described in Scheme 11.
  • alkyl means a straight or branched chain hydrocarbon.
  • Representative examples of alkyl groups are methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, butyl, tert-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, and hexyl.
  • alkoxy means an alkyl group attached to an oxygen atom.
  • Representative examples of alkoxy groups include methoxy, ethoxy, tert-butoxy, propoxy, and isobutoxy.
  • halogen includes chlorine, fluorine, bromine, and iodine.
  • aryl means an aromatic hydrocarbon. Representative examples of aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl.
  • heteroatom includes oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
  • heteroaryl means an aryl group wherein one or more carbon atom of the aromatic hydrocarbon has been replaced with a heteroatom.
  • heteroaryl groups include furan, thiophene, pyrrole, thiazole, pyridine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, benzofuran, indole, coumarin, quinoline, isoquinoline, and naphthyridine.
  • cycloalkyl means a cyclic alkyl group. Examples of cycloalkyl groups include cyclopropane, cyclobutane, cyclopentane, and cyclohexane.
  • heterocycle means a cycloalkyl group on which one or more carbon atom has been replaced with a heteroatom.
  • heterocycles include piperazine, morpholine, and piperidine.
  • the aryl, heteroaryl, or cycloalkyl groups may be substituted with one or more substituents, which can be the same or different.
  • substituents include alkyl, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, hydroxy, halogen, trifluoromethyl, amino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, -NO 2 , -CN, -CO 2 H, -CO 2 alkyl, -SO 3 H, -CHO, -COalkyl, -CONH 2 , -CONH-alkyl, -CONHRq, -CON(alkyl) 2 , -(CH 2 ) n -NH 2 , -OH, -CF3, -OC ⁇ -C 6 alkyl, - (CH 2 ) n -NH-alkyl, -NHR , -NHCORq, phenyl, -(CH 2 ) n OH, -(CH 2 ) n C(O)NH 2 , or -(CH 2 ) n CO 2 H, where n is 1 to 5 and R°l is hydrogen or alkyl.
  • phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor is intended to refer to agents that inhibit the activity of the enzyme phosphodiesterase IV.
  • phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors include 4-arylpyrrolidinones, such as rolipram (see e.g., Sekut, L. et al. (1995) Clin. Exp. Immunol. 100:126-132), nitraquazone (see e.g., Van Wauwe, J. et al. (1995) Inflamm. Res. 44:400-405), denbufylline, tibenelast (see e.g., Banner, K.H. et al. (1996) Br. 1 Pharmacol.
  • 4-arylpyrrolidinones such as rolipram (see e.g., Sekut, L. et al. (1995) Clin. Exp. Immunol. 100:126-132), nitraquazone (see e.g., Van Wauwe, J. et al. (1995
  • beta-2 agonist is intended to refer to agents that stimulate the beta-2 adrenergic receptor.
  • beta-2 agonists are known in the art and include salmeterol (see e.g., Sekut, L. et al. (1995) Clin. Exp. Immunol. 99:461-466), fenoterol and isoproterenol (see e.g., Severn, A. et al. (1992) J Immunol. 148:3441-3445).
  • STAT4 is intended to refer to a transcription factor involved in IL-12 responses (see e.g., Thierfelder, W.E. et al.
  • the term “STAT4 inhibitor” refers to an agent that inhibits the activity of the STAT4 transcription factor such that responses to IL-12 are inhibited.
  • the term “antibody” as used herein refers to immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active determinants of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site which specifically binds (immunoreacts with) an antigen.
  • the term “antibody” is further intended to include bispecific and chimeric molecules having at least one antigen binding determinant derived from an antibody molecule.
  • the H and L chains of an Fv fragment are encoded by separate genes, a synthetic linker can be made that enables them to be made as a single protein chain
  • antibody fragment refers to an active fragment of an antibody that retains the ability to bind (immunoreact with) an antigen.
  • antibody fragments include: a Fab fragment consisting of the Vj ⁇ , Vj-j, Cj ⁇ and Cj- jj domains; an Fd fragment consisting of the Vj-j and Cj- domains; an Fv fragment consisting of the VL and Vj-j domains of a single arm of an antibody; a dAb fragment (Ward et al, 1989 Nature 341 :544-546 ) consisting of a V -j domain; an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR); and an F(ab') 2 fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab' fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region.
  • Fab fragment consisting of the Vj ⁇ , Vj-j, Cj ⁇ and Cj- jj domains
  • an Fd fragment consisting of the Vj-j and Cj- domains
  • an Fv fragment consisting of the VL and Vj-j domains of a single arm of an antibody
  • engineered binding protein as used herein is intended to include molecules derived from an antibody or other binding molecule (e.g., a receptor or ligand) that retain a desired binding specificity but that have been engineered by recombinant DNA techniques and/or are expressed using recombinant DNA techniques.
  • engineered binding proteins include soluble and truncated forms of receptors, dimers of receptors (e.g., p40 IL-12 receptor dimers), and modified or mutated forms of antibodies, ligands or receptors selected using combinatorial libraries (e.g., phage display library techniques).
  • NK cell antagonist as used herein is intended to include antibodies, antibody fragments and engineered binding proteins that are capable of depleting NK/NK- like cells when administered to a subject.
  • NK cell antagonists include anti- asialo-GMl antibodies and NKl.l antibodies.
  • steroid resistant disease and steroid resistant subject as used herein are intended to refer to diseases and subjects that do not respond significantly to corticosteroid therapy prior to treatment in accordance with the methods of the invention. Steroid resistance is also referred to as steroid refractoriness.
  • immunoinflammatory disease or disorder is intended to include inflammatory diseases and disorders in which immune cells and/or cytokines are involved in the pathophysiology of the disease or disorder.
  • acute inflammatory disorder is intended to include disorders, and episodes of disorders, characterized by rapid onset of symptoms associated with an inflammatory response and relatively short duration of symptoms, whereas a “chronic inflammatory disorder” is intended to include disorders characterized by the continued presence of symptoms associated with an inflammatory response and ongoing duration of symptoms.
  • the invention provides a method for modulating responsiveness to a corticosteroid in a subject, comprising administering to the subject: an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of interferon- ⁇ (IFN- ⁇ ) in the subject, the agent being administered at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit production of IFN- ⁇ in the subject; and a corticosteroid, such that responsiveness of the subject to the corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject.
  • the method involves administration of an agent that is an IL-18 antagonist.
  • the IL-18 antagonist is administered to the subject at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IL-18 activity in the subject.
  • the IL-18 antagonist can act, for example, by inhibiting IL-18 synthesis in the subject, by inhibiting IL-18 cytokine activity in the subject, by inhibiting interaction of IL-18 with an IL-18 receptor or by inhibiting the activity of an IL-18 receptor.
  • the IL-18 antagonist is an inhibitor of a caspase family protease.
  • Caspase family proteases and in particular ICE, process the precursor form of IL-18 to the mature (i.e., active) form (see e.g., Example 4). Accordingly, although not intending to be limited by mechanism, a caspase family protease inhibitor is thought to antagonize IL-18 activity by inhibiting the processing of IL-18 from its precursor form to its mature (i.e., active) form.
  • a preferred caspase family protease inhibitor for use in the methods of the invention is an ICE inhibitor.
  • caspase family proteases that are capable of cleaving precursor IL-18 to mature IL-18 (such as Ich-2 (caspase-4) and ICE re ⁇ III (caspase-5)), can be inhibited.
  • Chemical agents that can inhibit the activity of ICE and other caspase family proteases are known in the art, including peptidyl derivatives, azaaspartic acid analogs and gamma-pyrone-3 -acetic acid (see e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,411,985, U.S. Patent No. 5,430,128, U.S. Patent No. 5,434,248, U.S. Patent No. 5,565,430, U.S. Patent No. 5,416,013, PCT Publication WO 94/00154, PCT Publication WO 93/16710, PCT Publication WO 93/14777, PCT Publication WO
  • a dosage range for an inhibitor of ICE and other caspase family proteases is from about 0.05 to about 150 mg/kg body weight/day.
  • the IL-18 antagonist is an antibody, antibody fragment, or engineered binding protein that binds IL-18 or an IL-18 receptor.
  • binding agents can be prepared by standard methods known in the art for making poly- and monoclonal antibodies and recombinant binding proteins and are described further in, for example, European Patent Application 692 536, European Patent Application 712 931, PCT Publication WO 97/24441 and PCT Publication WO 97/44468.
  • the method of the invention involves administration of an agent that is an IL-12 antagonist.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is administered to the subject at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IL-12 activity in the subject.
  • the IL-12 antagonist can act, for example, by inhibiting IL-12 synthesis in the subject, by inhibiting IL-12 cytokine activity in the subject, by inhibiting interaction of IL-12 with an IL-12 receptor or by inhibiting the activity of an IL-12 receptor.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is an antibody, antibody fragment, or engineered binding protein that binds IL-12 or IL-12 receptor.
  • a preferred IL-12 antagonist is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody.
  • IL-12 antagonist is a ⁇ 40 homodimer (see e.g., Gillessen, S. et al. (1995) Eur. J Immunol 25:200-206; Gately, M.K. et al.
  • IL-12 antagonist is a low affinity form of an IL-12 receptor, as described in European Patent Application EP 638 644 and U.S. Patent No. 5,536,657.
  • Nonlimiting examples of IL-12 antagonists for use in the methods of the invention include mono- and polyclonal antibodies and fragments thereof, chimeric antibodies and fragments thereof, soluble IL-12 receptors and fragments thereof, reactive peptides or fragments thereof, chemically or genetically modified peptides of IL-12, subunits of IL-12 and fragments thereof, homopolymers of IL-12 subunits and fragments thereof, and small organic molecules designed to inhibit the bioactivity of IL-12 or IL-12 receptors.
  • IL-12 antagonists including: (i) species that bind IL-12 or biologically active fragments thereof, and (ii) species that interfere with the binding of IL-12 to receptors or other binding proteins, have been described in the art (see e.g., PCT Publication WO 95/24918 by Leonard et al, the contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference; see also Presky, D.H et al. (1995) Res. Immunol. 146:439-445 .
  • an IL-12 antagonist used in the method of the invention is an agent that stimulates cyclic AMP (cAMP) production in cells that produce IL-12.
  • cAMP cyclic AMP
  • Production of IL-12 has been shown to be inhibited by increased intracellular production of cAMP (see e.g., van der Pouw Kraan et al. (1995) J. Exp. Med. 111:775-779).
  • agents that can be used to stimulate intracellular cAMP production include phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors and beta-2 agonist. As demonstrated in Example 3, administration of a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor in a septic shock model inhibits LPS- induced IL-12 production.
  • Suitable phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors for use in the methods of the invention include rolipram, denbufylline, tibenelast, nitraquazone and CP-80633.
  • beta-2 agonists for use in the methods of the invention include salmeterol, fenoterol and isoproterenol.
  • the exact dosage and regimen for administering a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor or a beta-2 agonist will necessarily depend upon the needs of the subject being treated, the type of treatment, the efficacy of the compound and the degree of disease severity in the subject. However, a nonlimiting example of a dosage range for phosphodiesterase IV inhibitors or beta-2 agonists is from about 0.05 to about 150 mg/kg body weight/day.
  • an agent that stimulates cyclic AMP (cAMP) production e.g. , a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor or a beta-2 agonist
  • cAMP cyclic AMP
  • a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor or a beta-2 agonist is administered systemically (e.g., orally or intravenously) to inhibit production of IL-12 systemically by monocytes and macrophages.
  • an IL-12 antagonist used in the method of the invention is a STAT4 inhibitor.
  • STAT4 is a transcription factor that has been shown to be involved in IL- 12 responses (see e.g., Thierfelder, W.E. et ⁇ l. (1996) Nature 382:171-174; Kaplan, M.H. et al. (1996) Nature 382:174-177). Accordingly, IL-12 responses in a subject can be inhibited through administration of a STAT4 inhibitor.
  • PCT Publication WO 96/40093 discloses biphenyl derivatives for antagonizing IL-12 induced immune responses. Such biphenyl derivatives can be used as IL-12 antagonists in the methods of the invention.
  • the method of the invention involves administration of an agent that is an NK cell antagonist.
  • the NK cell antagonist is administered to the subject at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IFN- ⁇ activity in the subject.
  • the NK cell antagonist is an antibody, antibody fragment, or engineered binding protein that specifically binds to NK/NK-like cells such that the cells are depleted or eliminated in a subject.
  • preferred NK cell antagonists bind to specific surface markers present on NK/NK-like cells.
  • Particular preferred NK cell antagonists are anti-asialo-GMl antibodies and NKl .l. antibodies, which have been shown to be effective in depleting NK/NK-like activity from a subject (see Example 10; Axelsson, L-G. et al. (1996) Inflamm. Res. 45:181-191; Heremans, H. et al. (1994) Eur. 1 Immunol 24:1155-1160).
  • antibodies that target surface markers that identify NK/NK-like cells include antibodies reactive with Fc-IgG receptors B73.1 and Leu 1 1 (CD16) (Lancer, L.L. et al.
  • NK cell-specific surface antigens, and antibodies thereto, that have been described include the DX1 antigen (see PCT Publication WO 95/02611), the PEN5-alpha and PEN5-beta glycoprotein pair (see PCT Publication WO 95/06247) and the NKB1 antigen (see PCT Publication WO 95/20604).
  • the exact dosage and regimen for administering an NK cell antagonist will necessarily depend upon the needs of the subject being treated, the type of treatment, the efficacy of the compound and the degree of disease severity in the subject. However, a nonlimiting example of a dosage range for anti-NK/NK-like cell antibodies is from about 0.01 to about 150 mg/kg body weight/day.
  • a single dosage of antibody may be sufficient to deplete or eliminate NK/NK-like cell activity or, alternatively, multiple dosages may be given as needed to deplete or eliminate NK/NK-like cell activity.
  • the NK antagonist is administered by an intravenous or intraperitoneal route.
  • an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of interferon- ⁇ is administered to a subject in combination with one or more corticosteroids.
  • the term "in combination with" a corticosteroid is intended to include simultaneous administration of the agent and the corticosteroid, administration of the agent first, followed by the corticosteroid and administration of the corticosteroid first, followed by the agent. Any of the therapeutically useful corticosteroids known in the art can be used in the methods of the invention.
  • Corticosteroids are typically classified by the duration of their tissue effects: short acting compounds (e.g., beclomethasone, flunisolide, hydrocortisone, cortisone), intermediate acting compounds (e.g., prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, deflazacort) and long-acting compounds (e.g. , dexamethasone, beta methasone).
  • short acting compounds e.g., beclomethasone, flunisolide, hydrocortisone, cortisone
  • intermediate acting compounds e.g., prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, deflazacort
  • long-acting compounds e.g. , dexamethasone, beta methasone.
  • One or more corticosteroids can be administered to the subject by a route and at a dosage effective to achieve the desired therapeutic results.
  • Suitable routes of delivery include intravenous administration, oral administration, topical administration, administration by inhalation (e.g., bronchial administration), and local injection (e.g., intra-joint).
  • the exact dosage and regimen for administering a corticosteroid to the subject will necessarily depend upon the needs of the subject being treated, the type of treatment, the efficacy of the compound and the degree of disease severity in the subject.
  • a nonlimiting example of a dosage range for corticosteroids is from about 0.05 mg/day to about 1 gm/day, depending upon the particular corticosteroid used.
  • Certain preferred dosage regimens utilize alternate day administration (e.g., high dose intravenous pulse therapy).
  • Corticosteroid formulations suitable for administration are well known in the art and commercially available.
  • dexamethasone acetate, 16 mg/ml aqueous suspension is suitable for intramuscular injection in the treatment of rheumatoid, dermatological, ophthalmic, gastrointestinal, hematologic, neoplastic, allergic conditions and collagen disorders.
  • dosages include 0.8 mg, 1.6 mg, 4 mg and 16 mg of dexamethasone per injection.
  • Hydroxycortisone is available as a sterile aqueous solution for intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous injection and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent for conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, acute and chronic bursitis.
  • the preferred initial dosages can be from 15 mg to 250 mg per human subject per day.
  • Preferred dosages are oral or parenteral, and can be administered in half the daily dosage, administered twice per day, or other multiples.
  • Hydrocortisone injection can be added to sodium chloride injection or dextrose injection and administered by intravenous drip. Hydrocortisone valerate, 0.2% by weight, is formulated as a cream for topical use under the name Westcort.
  • Preferred dosages comprise application to affected areas several times daily as thin films.
  • Beconase (beclomethasone) is available for inflammation of the nasal passages and sinuses, for example, as 8.4 mg for 200 metered spray doses in a 0.042%) aqueous suspension, delivered in metered doses of 100 mg containing 42 ⁇ g per metered dose, such that daily nasal delivery consists of preferably 42 ⁇ g per nostril, 84 ⁇ g per nostril, 168 ⁇ g per nostril, 336 ⁇ g per nostril, 672 ⁇ g per nostril, or 1,344 ⁇ g per nostril.
  • aqueous medium in suspension with microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, dextrose, benzalkonium chloride, polysorbate 80, and 0.25% v/w phenylethyl alcohol. Additional propellants and media are included in some formulations.
  • an agent of the invention is coadministered with a corticosteroid
  • the agent is administered systemically to regulate IFN- ⁇ production systemically while the corticosteroid is administered either locally or systemically.
  • the phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor or beta-2 agonist is administered systemically, such as intravenously or orally, and the corticosteroid is administered either systemically or locally.
  • use of a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor or a beta-2 agonist in combination with a corticosteroid for the treatment of asthma is specifically excluded from the scope of the invention.
  • the methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immunological disorders.
  • the subject to be treated is suffering from septic shock (i.e., the methods of the invention allow for corticosteroids to be used in the treatment of septic shock).
  • the subject to be treated is suffering from Crohn's disease.
  • the subject to be treated is suffering from asthma.
  • the subject to be treated is suffering from graft- versus-host disease or transplant rejection.
  • the subject to be treated is suffering from an autoimmune disease.
  • the subject to be treated is suffering from an immunoinflammatory disease or disorder.
  • immunoinflammatory diseases and disorders include asthma, adult respiratory distress syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), multiple sclerosis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, autoimmune arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), inflammatory pulmonary syndrome, pemphigus vulgaris, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune meningitis, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune thyroiditis, dermatitis (including atopic dermatitis and eczematous dermatitis), psoriasis, Sjogren's Syndrome (including keratoconjunctivitis sicca secondary to Sjogren's Syndrome), alopecia areata, allergic responses due to arthropod bite reactions,
  • the subject to be treated is suffering from an acute inflammatory disorder.
  • acute inflammatory disorders including graft versus host disease, transplant rejection, septic shock, endotoxemia, Lyme arthritis, infectious meningitis (e.g., viral, bacterial, Lyme disease-associated), an acute episode of asthma and acute episodes of an autoimmune disease.
  • the subject to be treated is suffering from a chronic inflammatory disorder.
  • chronic inflammatory disorder which can be treated include asthma, rubella arthritis, and chronic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
  • agents that antagonize a particular target that regulates IFN- ⁇ in the subject may be preferred for the treatment of a particular disorder.
  • disorders in which IFN- ⁇ is preferentially or predominantly produced by NK cells preferably are treated using an agent that antagonizes IL-18 (such as an ICE inhibitor) or directly antagonizes the NK cells (i.e., an NK cell antagonist, such as an anti-NK/NK-like cell antibody), in combination with a corticosteroid.
  • disorders in which IFN- ⁇ is preferentially or predominantly produced by T cells preferably are treated using an agent that antagonizes IL-12 (e.g., an anti-IL-12 antibody or an agent that stimulates intracellular production of cAMP), in combination with a corticosteroid.
  • an agent that antagonizes IL-12 e.g., an anti-IL-12 antibody or an agent that stimulates intracellular production of cAMP
  • it may be beneficial to use both an IL-18 antagonist and an IL-12 antagonist e.g., in the treatment of disorders in which IFN- ⁇ production is contributed by both T cells and NK cells).
  • the agent and the corticosteroid are administered to the subject in need of treatment according to standard routes of drug delivery well known in the art, the particular route and dosage of the agent and the corticosteroid being selected depending upon the needs of the subject being treated, the type of treatment, the efficacy of the compound and the degree of disease severity in the subject.
  • the agent and the corticosteroid are administered at an "effective therapeutic dose", which means that amount of the therapeutic composition which, when administered to a subject produces an amelioration of a disorder in comparison to those subjects which have not been administered the drug.
  • One of ordinary skill in the art can determine and prescribe the effective amount of the therapeutic agents and corticosteroid required.
  • the agents and corticosteroids of the invention are administered to subjects in biologically compatible forms suitable for pharmaceutical administration in vivo to produce a desired therapeutic response.
  • biologically compatible form suitable for administration in vivo is meant a form of the drug to be administered in which any toxic effects and side effects are outweighed by the therapeutic effects of the composition.
  • an agent of the invention that antagonizes a target that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ in a subject is administered to the subject at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IFN- ⁇ production in the subject.
  • an IL-12 antagonist or IL-18 antagonist of the invention is administered to a subject at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit IL-12 activity or IL-18 activity, respectively, in the subject.
  • Animal models of inflammatory and immunological disorders that are accepted in the art as being models of human disease can be used to evaluate various therapeutic regiments of the invention.
  • the P.acnesl FS model of septic shock described in the Examples can be used to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic regimens for the treatment of septic shock.
  • Numerous animal models of autoimmune disease are known in the art and can be applied to the methods herein to evaluate the efficacy of therapeutic regimens, nonlimiting examples of which include experimental colitis (see e.g., Neurath, M.F. et al. (1995) J. Exp. Med. 182:1281-1290), experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (see e.g., Leonard, J.P. et al.
  • ICE deficient mice can be used as a model of complete inhibition of ICE activity.
  • Such ICE -/- mice have been described in the art (see e.g., Li, P., et al. (1995) Cell 80:401-411 and PCT Publication No. WO 96/12025).
  • the methods of the invention are useful for modulating corticosteroid responsiveness in a variety of clinical settings.
  • the methods of the invention are used to reverse steroid resistance in a subject, as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject.
  • the methods of the invention are used to increase steroid sensitivity in a subject, as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject.
  • the corticosteroid is administered to a subject according to a schedule that reduces the dosage of the corticosteroid over time and the method ameliorates a steroid rebound effect associated with administration of reduced dosages of the corticosteroid.
  • the ability of the methods of the invention to increase steroid sensitivity may therefore allow for the use of corticosteroid therapy in clinical situations in which such therapy previously has been contraindicated.
  • use of the methods of the invention may allow for corticosteroid therapy in patients that previously could not be treated because of detrimental side effects of corticosteroid therapy, such as young children (e.g., in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), patients with uncontrolled diabetes and patients with hypertension.
  • Another aspect of the invention pertains to a method for modulating responsiveness to a corticosteroid in a subject, comprising: selecting a subject in need of modulation of responsiveness to a corticosteroid; and administering to the subject an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of interferon- ⁇ (IFN- ⁇ ) in the subject, the agent being administered at a dosage and by a route sufficient to inhibit production of IFN- ⁇ in the subject, such that responsiveness of the subject to a corticosteroid is modulated as compared to when a corticosteroid alone is administered to the subject.
  • IFN- ⁇ interferon- ⁇
  • the subject that is selected for treatment according to the method can be, for example a subject that is resistant to a corticosteroid prior to administration of the agent.
  • the subject that is selected for treatment can be a subject that is responsive to a corticosteroid prior to administration of the agent but that exhibits increased sensitivity to the corticosteroid after administration of the agent.
  • One examples of such a subject is a patients suffering from a steroid dependent disorder, which disorder can be treated with lower doses of corticosteroids when treated in accordance with the methods of the invention.
  • a subject is a patient for whom steroid therapy has been contraindicated due to side effects when the corticosteroid is administered alone but who can tolerate a lower dosage of corticosteroid when the corticosteroid is administered in accordance with the methods of the invention .
  • the subject that is selected for treatment according to the method can be a subject undergoing corticosteroid therapy but in whom corticosteroid therapy is to be stopped, such that administration of the agent ameliorates a steroid rebound effect in the subject.
  • Agents for antagonizing a target that regulates production of IFN- ⁇ in the subject are as described hereinbefore.
  • the pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of interferon- ⁇ (IFN- ⁇ ) in the subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • the target that is antagonized can be, for example, IL-18, IL-12, or NK cells (i.e., the pharmaceutical composition can comprise an IL-18 antagonist, an IL-12 antagonist or an NK cell antagonist, as described hereinbefore, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier).
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises an inhibitor of a caspase family protease, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • an inhibitor of caspase family protease examples include an ICE inhibitor.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises an IL-12 antagonist, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • IL-12 antagonists are described hereinbefore.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor.
  • the IL-12 antagonist is a beta-2 agonist.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention comprises an NK cell antagonist, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • NK cell antagonists are described hereinbefore.
  • the anti-NK cell antagonist is an anti-NK/NK-like cell antibody, preferably an anti-asialo-GMl antibody or an NKl .l antibody.
  • the term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is intended to include any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible with pharmaceutical administration.
  • the use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active compound, use thereof in the compositions is contemplated. Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
  • solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid; buffers such as acetates, citrates or phosphates and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. pH can be adjusted with acids or bases, such as hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide.
  • the parenteral preparation can be enclosed in ampoules, disposable syringes or multiple dose vials made of glass or plastic.
  • compositions suitable for injectable use include sterile aqueous solutions (where water soluble) or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersion.
  • suitable carriers include physiological saline, bacteriostatic water, Cremophor EL ⁇ M (BASF, Parsippany, NJ) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
  • the composition must be sterile and should be fluid to the extent that easy syringability exists. 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, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyetheylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof.
  • the proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants.
  • Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be achieved by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like.
  • isotonic agents for example, sugars, polyalcohols such as mannitol, sorbitol, sodium chloride in the composition.
  • Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent which delays absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
  • Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the active compound in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization.
  • dispersions are prepared by incorporating the active compound into a sterile vehicle which contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above.
  • the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying which yields a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof.
  • Oral compositions generally include an inert diluent or an edible carrier. They can be enclosed in gelatin capsules or compressed into tablets. For the purpose of oral therapeutic administration, the active compound can be incorporated with excipients and used in the form of tablets, troches, or capsules. Oral compositions can also be prepared using a fluid carrier for use as a mouthwash, wherein the compound in the fluid carrier is applied orally and swished and expectorated or swallowed. Pharmaceutically compatible binding agents, and/or adjuvant materials can be included as part of the composition.
  • the tablets, pills, capsules, troches and the like can contain any of the following ingredients, or compounds of a similar nature: a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin; an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes; a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide; a sweetening agent such as sucrose or saccharin; or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, methyl salicylate, or orange flavoring.
  • a binder such as microcrystalline cellulose, gum tragacanth or gelatin
  • an excipient such as starch or lactose, a disintegrating agent such as alginic acid, Primogel, or corn starch
  • a lubricant such as magnesium stearate or Sterotes
  • a glidant such as colloidal silicon dioxide
  • the active compounds are prepared with carriers that will protect the compound against rapid elimination from the body, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • a controlled release formulation including implants and microencapsulated delivery systems.
  • Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Methods for preparation of such formulations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The materials can also be obtained commercially from Alza Corporation and Nova Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Liposomal suspensions (including liposomes targeted to infected cells with monoclonal antibodies to viral antigens) can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These may be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522,811.
  • compositions of the invention can be formulated for administration by a particular route of administration, such as oral administration, intravenous administration, ophthalmic administration, and the like.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated for topical administration.
  • an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of interferon- ⁇ (IFN- ⁇ ) in the subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be formulated into a cream, salve, ointment and the like suitable for application to the skin.
  • a pharmaceutical composition of the invention is formulated for administration by inhalation.
  • an agent which antagonizes a target that regulates production of interferon- ⁇ (IFN- ⁇ ) in the subject, a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be formulated into a nasal spray or an inhalant to allow for delivery of the therapeutic agents to the nasal or sinus passages or the lungs (e.g., the bronchial passages) by inhalation.
  • IFN- ⁇ interferon- ⁇
  • a corticosteroid and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be formulated into a nasal spray or an inhalant to allow for delivery of the therapeutic agents to the nasal or sinus passages or the lungs (e.g., the bronchial passages) by inhalation.
  • ICE-deficient mice ICE-deficient mice
  • ICE +/+ mice wild type mice
  • the responsiveness of the animals to corticosteroid treatment was determined by monitoring the levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF ⁇ in the sera of the mice.
  • ICE-deficient and wild type mice first were sensitized with Propionibacterium acnes cell wall material (1 mg per mouse) to induce low grade inflammation and six days later were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 ⁇ g per mouse in 0.1 ml of saline i.v.). Thirty minutes after LPS administration, the mice were treated with the corticosteroid dexamethasone (4 mg/kg per mouse in 0.5 ml 95% saline/0.5% ethanol, i.p.). Control mice were treated with vehicle alone. All mice were bled 90 minutes after LPS administration and the serum samples were analyzed for the presence of TNF ⁇ by standard ELISA.
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • Example 2 the effect of inhibiting ICE activity on steroid sensitivity in septic shock was examined.
  • the same LPS/R. acnes model of septic shock described in Example 1 was used, except that ICE deficient and wild type mice were pretreated with vehicle or a corticosteroid 15 minutes prior to challenge with LPS.
  • the responsiveness of the animals to corticosteroid treatment again was determined by monitoring the levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF ⁇ in the sera of the mice.
  • ICE-deficient and wild type mice first were sensitized with Propionibacterium acnes cell wall material (1 mg per mouse) to induce low grade inflammation and six days later were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 ⁇ g per mouse in 0.1 ml of saline i.v.). Fifteen minutes prior to LPS challenge, the animals were treated with decreasing amounts of the corticosteroid dexamethasone (0.05, 0.005 or 0.0005 mg/kg per mouse in 0.5 ml 95% saline/0.5% ethanol, i.p.). Control mice were treated with vehicle alone. All mice were bled 90 minutes after LPS administration and the serum samples were analyzed for the presence of TNF ⁇ by standard ELISA.
  • LPS lipopolysaccharide
  • mice were pretreated with vehicle or Rolipram (30 mg/kg in 0.5 ml 0.1 % methyl cellulose, i.p.) 15 minutes prior to challenge with LPS (10 ⁇ g/mouse, i.v.).
  • LPS 10 ⁇ g/mouse, i.v.
  • mice were bled and serum levels of IL-12 were determined by standard ELISA.
  • Figure 3 Mice pretreated with Rolipram had 70% lower serum IL-12 levels than mice pretreated with vehicle alone.
  • a CPP32 (5 ⁇ g/ml) cleaved proIL-18 but generated a 12 kDa and a 10 kDa fragment instead of the expected 18 kDa fragment.
  • the Mch3 precursor expressed in E. coli does not undergo autocatalysis to generate an active protease. Addition of ICE was required to initiate Mch3 autocatalysis and generate an active Mch3 protease. Partial cleavage of proIL-18 by Mch3 is mediated by the presence of ICE in the Mch3 preparation.
  • Patients who present in a clinical setting with septic shock are administered agent selected from an ICE inhibitor, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor (e.g., rolipram, 30 mg/kg) and an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody, together with a corticosteroid (e.g., high dose methylprednisolone, 1 gm/day, i.v.).
  • agent selected from an ICE inhibitor, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor (e.g., rolipram, 30 mg/kg) and an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody, together with a corticosteroid (e.g., high dose methylprednisolone, 1 gm/day, i.v.).
  • the corticosteroid and the agent can be administered simultaneously, or alternatively, the agent can be administered before or after corticosteroid administration. Patients are also treated with appropriate antibiotic therapy.
  • Patients who are to receive a kidney transplant are administered an agent selected from ICE inhibitor, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor (e.g., rolipram, 30 mg/kg) and an anti- IL-12 monoclonal antibody together with a corticosteroid (e.g., oral prednisone, 25-75 mg/day).
  • a corticosteroid e.g., oral prednisone, 25-75 mg/day.
  • Treatment preferably is begun prior to receipt of the donated kidney (e.g. , drug administration may begin 24 hours prior to receipt of the donated kidney), with dosages to be repeated as needed (e.g., every 12 hours).
  • the corticosteroid and the agent can be administered simultaneously, or alternatively, the agent can be administered before or after corticosteroid administration.
  • Patients are also treated with additional immunosuppressive therapy (such as cyclosporin A treatment or OKT3 antibody treatment) so that immune rejection and inflammatory response are simultaneously suppressed.
  • Patients with asthma, allergic rhinitis inflammation or rheumatoid arthritis who are undergoing treatment with a corticosteroid inhalant or with systemic corticosteroids, and who are to enter a scheduled withdrawal from steroid treatment, are administered an agent selected from an ICE inhibitor, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor (e.g., rolipram, 30 mg/kg) and an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody.
  • Patients are preferably treated prior to the tapering or discontinuance of steroid treatment to ameliorate the steroid rebound effect that can result from cessation of steroid therapy.
  • patients can be treated with additional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
  • EXAMPLE 8 Treatment of an Acute Episode of an Autoimmune Disease
  • Patients suffering from an acute flare-up of an autoimmune disease such as inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease) are administered an agent selected from ICE inhibitor, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor (e.g., rolipram, 30 mg/kg) and an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody together with a corticosteroid (e.g., oral prednisone, 25-75 mg/day).
  • ICE inhibitor e.g., rolipram, 30 mg/kg
  • an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody e.g., oral prednisone, 25-75 mg/day.
  • corticosteroid and the agent can be administered simultaneously, or alternatively, the agent can be administered before or after corticosteroid administration.
  • Patients can also be treated with additional immunosuppressive therapy to control the acute flare up of the autoimmune disease.
  • EXAMPLE 9 Treatment of a Chronic Autoimmune Disease
  • Patients suffering from chronic autoimmune disease such as Crohn's disease are administered an agent selected from ICE inhibitor, a phosphodiesterase IV inhibitor (e.g., rolipram, 30 mg/kg) and an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody together with a corticosteroid (e.g., oral prednisone, 25-75 mg/day).
  • ICE inhibitor e.g., rolipram, 30 mg/kg
  • an anti-IL-12 monoclonal antibody e.g., oral prednisone, 25-75 mg/day.
  • corticosteroid and the agent can be administered simultaneously, or alternatively, the agent can be administered before or after corticosteroid administration.
  • Patients can also be treated with additional immunosuppressive therapy to control the autoimmune disease.
  • EXAMPLE 10 Inhibition of IFN- ⁇ Production by Elimination of NK Cells
  • shock was induced in mice by high dose LPS treatment (40 mg/kg LPS administered intravenously).
  • LPS treatment 40 mg/kg LPS administered intravenously.
  • the effect of depleting NK cells on the production of various cytokines in the mice and on mortality was examined by administering an anti- asialo-GMl antibody (anti-ASGMl) intravenously 10 minutes prior to LPS administration.
  • Control animals received Rabbit IgG.
  • the effect of ASGM1 treatment on production of IL- 1 ⁇ , TNF ⁇ and IFN- ⁇ , as well as on mortality, is summarized below in Table 2:
  • Antibodies 6 1647 ⁇ 482 5453 ⁇ 1 103 363 ⁇ 108 90 (n 10)
  • EXAMPLE 11 Effect of an ICE Inhibitor and Corticosteroid in Septic Shock Model
  • the LPS/R. acnes model of septic shock described in Examples 1 and 2 was used to examine the effect of an ICE inhibitor in combination with a corticosteroid.
  • B6 mice were implanted with a 24 hour osmotic pump containing the ICE inhibitor acetyl-tyrosine-valine-alanine-aspartic acid-CHO (Ac-YVAD-CHO) (100 mg/kg), or a vehicle control, subcutaneously 18 hours before LPS injection.
  • LPS was injected intravenously (0.01 ⁇ g/mouse or 10 ⁇ g/mouse) at time zero. All mice were injected with 5 mg/kg of dexamethasone intraperitoneally 30 minutes after LPS injection.
  • the responsiveness of the animals to corticosteroid treatment was determined by monitoring the levels of the inflammatory cytokine TNF ⁇ , as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin- 1 ⁇ (IL-1 ⁇ ), in the sera of the mice. All mice were bled 90 minutes after LPS administration and the serum samples were analyzed for the presence of TNF ⁇ , IL-6 and IL-1 ⁇ by standard methods.
  • N-(Phenylmethoxy)-benzeneacetamide [(0.760 g, 3.15 mmol), prepared by the method of Hearn M.T.W. and Ward A.D. (Aust. J. Chem.. 1969;22:1731)J was taken up in 10 mL of CH 3 CN and treated with dimethylarnino-pyridine (DMAP) (50 mg) and di-tert- butyl dicarbonate (0.824 g, 3.78 mmol). The reaction was allowed to stir under Argon for 12 hours, then diluted with ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and washed with 3M K 2 S 2 O 5
  • DMAP dimethylarnino-pyridine
  • EtOAc ethyl acetate
  • Step B 1,1-Dimethylethyl (phenylacetyl)(phenyl-methoxy)carbamate (810 mg, 2.37 mmol) was dissolved in 75 mL of dry THF and 90 mg of 5% Pd/BaSO 4 was added. The reaction was treated with H 2 (20 psi) for 20 hours. The reaction was filtered through Celite and concentrated to obtain 588 mg (99%) of 1,1 -dimethyl -ethyl hydroxy- (phenylacetyl)carbamate as an oil. No further purification was done.
  • 1 HNMR(400MHz, CDC1 3 ) a 8.22 [s, IH] , 7.31 [m, 5H] , 4.24 [s, 2H], 1.55 [s, 9HJ.
  • Step C (S)-5-Bromo-4-oxo-3-[[(phenylmethoxy)-carbonylJamino]-pentanoic acid, 1,1- dimethylethyl ester [(297 mg, 0.742 mmol), prepared according to the procedure of Dolle R.E., et al., (J. Med. Chem., 1994;37:563-4)], 1 , 1 -dimethy lethyl hydroxy(phenyl- acetyl)carbamate (187 mg, 0.742 mmol) and KF (104 mg, 1.85 mmol) were combined in 5 mL dimethylformamide (DMF) and allowed to stir under Ar for 12 hours.
  • DMF dimethylformamide
  • Step D 3-Benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-phenylacetylaminooxy-pentanoic acid, 1,1 dimethylethyl ester (208 mg, 0.365 mmol) was taken up in 3 mL of 1:1 trifluoroacetic acid
  • Step A Prepared from 1 -hydroxy-2-pyrrolidinone [Biswas A. and Miller M.J. (Heterocycles, 1987;26:2849)J in the manner describe above, Step C to give 3- benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-(2-oxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yloxy)-pentanoic acid, 1,1- dimethy lethyl ester (74%).
  • Step B Prepared from 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-(2-oxo-pyrrolidin-l-yloxy)- pentanoic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester in the manner described above, Step D to afford 3- benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-(2-oxo-pyrrolidin- 1 -yloxy)-pentanoic acid (72%).
  • Step A Prepared from 3a,4,7,7a-tetrahydro-2-hydroxy-4,7-epoxy-lH-isoindole-l,3(2H)- dione [Narita M., Teramoto T, Okawara M (Bull. Chem. Soc. Jap., 1971 ;44:1084)J in the manner described above, Step C, to afford 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-5-(3,5-dioxo-10- oxa-4-aza-tricyclo[5.2.1.0 ' ]dec-8-en-4-yloxy )-4-oxo-pentanoic acid, 1,1-dimethylethyl ester (64%).
  • Step B Prepared from 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-5-(3,5-dioxo-10-oxa-4-aza- tricyclo[5.2.1.0 ' Jdec-8-en-4-yloxy)-4-oxo-pentanoic acid, 1 , 1 -dimethylethyl ester in the manner described above, Step C to give 3-benzyloxy-carbonylamino-4-oxo-5- phenylacetylaminooxy-pentanoic acid (78%).
  • IR thin film
  • MS APCI, MeOH) 445 (M + ⁇ H). Elemental Analysis:
  • Step B Prepared from octahydro-l-hydroxy-2-oxo-lH-indole-7-acetic acid, methyl ester in the manner described above, Step C, to afford 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-5-(7- methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-oxo-octahydro-indol- 1 -yloxy)-4-oxo-pentanoic acid, 1,1- trimethylethyl ester as a glassy oil (45%).
  • Step C Prepared from 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-5-(7-methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-oxo- octahydro-indol-l-yloxy)-4-oxo-pentanoic acid, 1,1-trimethylethyl ester in the manner described above, step D to afford 3-benzyloxy-carbonylamino-5-(7- methoxycarbonylmethyl-2-oxo-octahydro-indol-l-yloxy)-4-oxo-pentanoic acid (45%), mp 55-58°C.
  • Step B (2-Benzyloxyimino-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid ethyl ester (4.66 g, 16.1 mmol) was taken up in 15 mL of acetic acid (AcOH) and NaBH 3 CN and stirred for 72 hours. Reaction was poured into NaHCO 3 and extracted into EtOAc (3x30 mL). The combined organic layers were washed once with brine, dried over Na 2 SO 4 , filtered, and concentrated. The clear oil was dissolved in 50 mL of MeOH and K 2 CO 3 (5.55 g, 40.2 mmol) was added and the reaction stirred for 12 hours. The reaction was concentrated, the residue taken up in CHCI 3 , filtered, and concentrated.
  • Step C Prepared from cis-(2-benzyloxyamino-cyclohexyl)-acetic acid ethyl ester in the manner described above, Step B to give cis-l-hydroxy-octahydro-indol-2-one (85%), mp 85-86°C.
  • Step D Prepared from cis-l-hydroxy-octahydro-indol-2-one in the manner described above step C to afford 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-(2-oxo-octahydro-indol-l-yloxy)- pentanoic acid, 1,1 dimethylethyl ester (41%).
  • IR (thin film) 2933, 1723, 1516, 1367 cm '1 . Elemental Analysis:
  • Step E Prepared from 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-(2-oxo-octahydro-indol-l- yloxy)-pentanoic acid, 1,1- dimethylethyl ester in the manner described above, Step D to afford 3-benzyloxycarbonylamino-4-oxo-5-(2-oxo-octahydro-indol- 1 -yloxy)-pentanoic acid (72%).
  • reaction mixtures were diluted with 2 mL of ethyl acetate followed by 2 mL of deionized water. Two milliliters of liquid was withdrawn from the middle of the vial and injected rapidly back in twice. The vials were allowed to sit for 30 minutes and the organic layer was withdrawn from the upper half of the vial. Twice more, 2 mL of ethyl acetate was added, mixed, and separated. The combined organic layers were evaporated under a steady stream of nitrogen overnight.
  • the crude residue from the reactions were dissolved in 3 to 4 mL of 40% TFA in methylene chloride.
  • the vials were agitated to ensure complete dissolution in a fume hood without caps. After 2 hours the vials were again placed under a steady stream of nitrogen overnight.
  • the crude reaction mixture was taken up in 1 mL of chloroform (MeOH was sometimes added to complete dissolution).
  • the solutions were applied to 500- ⁇ preparative silica gel TLC plates and then eluted with 20% acetone in methylene chloride with 1% to 2% acetic acid. The product bands were visualized by UV absorption, scraped from the plate, and the silica gel washed with methanol into a tared vial.
  • the vials were placed under a stream of nitrogen overnight.
  • the weighed purified products were then diluted to 10 mM in 25% methanol in chloroform and aliquoted to plates for both analytical analysis and biological evaluation.
  • the solutions were allowed to evaporate in the fume hood over 72 hours.

Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à un procédé visant à moduler la sensibilité aux corticostéroïdes chez un sujet. Conformément à ce procédé, on administre audit sujet un agent qui s'oppose à une cible qui régule la production de IFN-η, ainsi qu'un corticostéroïde de sorte que la sensibilité du sujet au corticostéroïde est modulée en comparaison de ce qu'elle est lorsque le corticostéroïde est administré seul. Selon une réalisation, ledit agent est un antagoniste de IL-18. Selon une autre réalisation, ledit agent est un antagoniste de l'interleukine-12 (IL-12). Selon encore une autre réalisation, l'agent est un antagoniste des cellules NK. Selon une réalisation préférée, l'agent est un inhibiteur d'une protéase de la famille des caspases, de préférence un inhibiteur de l'enzyme de conversion de l'interleukine-1β (ICE). Dans d'autres réalisations préférées, l'agent est un anticorps monoclonal anti-IL-12 ou un anticorps anti-asialo-GM1 ou un anticorps NK1.1. D'autres agents préférés incluent les inhibiteurs de phosphodiestérase IV et des béta-2 agonistes. Les procédés de cette invention s'avèrent utiles au traitement d'une pluralité de maladies et troubles inflammatoires et immunologiques. Cette invention se rapporte également à des compositions pharmaceutiques comportant un agent qui s'oppose à une cible qui régule la production d'IFN-η chez un sujet, à un corticostéroïde et à un excipient pharmaceutiquement acceptable. Une composition préférée comprend un inhibiteur de ICE, un corticostéroïde et un excipient pharmaceutiquement acceptable.
EP98912929A 1997-03-18 1998-03-12 Procedes et compositions permettant de moduler la sensibilite aux corticosteroides Withdrawn EP0998300A1 (fr)

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US08/820,692 US6054487A (en) 1997-03-18 1997-03-18 Methods and compositions for modulating responsiveness to corticosteroids
US820692 1997-03-18
US1634698A 1998-01-30 1998-01-30
US16346 1998-01-30
PCT/US1998/004916 WO1998041232A2 (fr) 1997-03-18 1998-03-12 Procedes et compositions permettant de moduler la sensibilite aux corticosteroides

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