EP1325123A1 - Inhibition de la stenose ou de la restenose au moyen d'antagonistesde la p-selectine - Google Patents

Inhibition de la stenose ou de la restenose au moyen d'antagonistesde la p-selectine

Info

Publication number
EP1325123A1
EP1325123A1 EP00963389A EP00963389A EP1325123A1 EP 1325123 A1 EP1325123 A1 EP 1325123A1 EP 00963389 A EP00963389 A EP 00963389A EP 00963389 A EP00963389 A EP 00963389A EP 1325123 A1 EP1325123 A1 EP 1325123A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
psgl
selectin
amino acid
protein
soluble
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Withdrawn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
EP00963389A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP1325123A4 (fr
Inventor
Anjali Kumar
Robert G. Schuab
Jean-Francois Tanguay
Yahye Merhi
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Institut de Cardiologie de Montreal
Genetics Institute LLC
Montreal Heart Inst
Original Assignee
Institut de Cardiologie de Montreal
Genetics Institute LLC
Montreal Heart Inst
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Institut de Cardiologie de Montreal, Genetics Institute LLC, Montreal Heart Inst filed Critical Institut de Cardiologie de Montreal
Publication of EP1325123A1 publication Critical patent/EP1325123A1/fr
Publication of EP1325123A4 publication Critical patent/EP1325123A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • C07K14/705—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
    • C07K14/7056—Lectin superfamily, e.g. CD23, CD72
    • C07K14/70564—Selectins, e.g. CD62
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • C07K14/705—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2319/00—Fusion polypeptide

Definitions

  • Coronary artery disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the Western world. The disease is typically manifested in intravascular stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion (blockage) due to atherosclerotic plaque.
  • Percutaneous transluminal coronary balloon angioplasty PTCA
  • PCTA percutaneous transluminal method of decreasing stenosis within a blood vessel.
  • PTCA has an immediate success rate of more than 95%, but long term success remains limited by restenosis in 20-50% of patients within six months after intervention (Bult, H. (2000) Trends in Pharmacological Sciences 21 :274- 279). Stent implantation may improve the clinical outcome of PTCA, however, restenosis still remains a major clinical challenge. Indeed, restenosis is the single most significant problem in interventional cardiology and costs the health care system in excess of $1 billion per year.
  • Remodeling is an adaptive process that occurs in response to chronic changes in hemodynamic conditions and may involve changes in many processes, such as cell growth, cell death, cell migration, and changes in extracellular matrix composition, that lead to a compensatory adjustment in vessel diameter and lumen area.
  • the blood vessel is thought to remodel itself in response to long-term changes in flow, such that the lumen area is modified to maintain a predetermined level of shear stress (Kumar, et al. (1997) Circulation 96(12):4333-4342 and Orrego, et al. (1999) Cardiologia 44(7)621).
  • Inflammatory reactions such as activation of granulocytes and neutrophils and platelet accumulation occur after PCTA.
  • P-selectin rapidly appears on the cell surface of platelets when they are activated, mediating calcium-dependent adhesion of neutrophils or monocytes to platelets.
  • P-selectin is also found in the Weibel-Palade bodies of endothelial cells; upon its release from these vesicles P-selectin mediates early binding of neutrophils to histamine-or thrombin-stimulated endothelium.
  • selectins have been implicated in mediating interactions between endothelial cells and leukocytes in what is known as "leukocyte rolling," which is generally believed to be the prerequisite for firm adhesion and subsequent transendothelial migration of leukocytes into tissues (Moore, (1998) Leuk Lymphoma 29(1-2):1-15).
  • leukocyte rolling is generally believed to be the prerequisite for firm adhesion and subsequent transendothelial migration of leukocytes into tissues.
  • Selectins are believed to mediate adhesion through specific interactions with ligands present on the surface of target cells, e.g., platelets.
  • the ligands of selectins are comprised at least in part of a carbohydrate moiety (e.g., sialyl Lewis" (sLe x ) and sialyl Lewis 3 (sLe a )).
  • P-selectin binds to carbohydrates containing the non-sialated form of the Lewis x blood group antigen and with higher affinity to sialyl Lewis x .
  • P-selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 (PSGL-1), a high-affinity P-selectin ligand, is expressed by leukocytes and platelets and mediates cell adhesion between these cell types (U.S. Patent Number 5,843,707 and U.S. Patent Number 5,827,817).
  • the present invention provides methods and compositions for the modulation, (e.g., prevention, inhibition, and treatment) of stenosis and restenosis.
  • the present invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that P-selectin antagonism by P-selectin antagonists, including P-selectin ligand molecules, anti-P-selectin antibodies, and anti-P-selectin ligand antibodies inhibit cellular adhesion, e.g., platelet-leukocyte adhesion at the site of vascular injury, inhibit neointimal formation, and modulate vascular remodeling when administered to a subject with vascular injury or cardiodisease.
  • P-selectin moelcules of the invention are referred to herein as P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand-1 (PSGL-1) molecules.
  • P-selectin antagonists e.g., PSGL-1 molecules, anti-P-selectin antibodies, and anti-P-selectin ligand antibodies
  • PSGL-1 molecules e.g., PSGL-1 molecules
  • anti-P-selectin antibodies e.g., anti-P-selectin antibodies
  • anti-P-selectin ligand antibodies are useful agents in the modulation of stenosis and restenosis.
  • the invention provides a method for modulating stenosis and restenosis in a subject having vascular injury or cardiodisease, comprising administering a P-selectin antagonist.
  • the P-selectin antagonist is a P-selectin ligand protein.
  • the P-selectin antagonist comprises a soluble P-selectin ligand protein, or a fragment thereof having P-selectin ligand activity, e.g., soluble PSGL-1 or a soluble recombinant PSGL fusion protein, e.g., rPSGL-Ig.
  • the P-selectin antagonist comprises an anti-P-selectin antibody or an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody.
  • the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • stenosis and restenosis are characterized by constrictive vascular remodeling.
  • stenosis and restenosis are characterized by neointimal formation.
  • the subject is a mammal, e.g., a human.
  • the P-selectin antagonist is administered to the subject prior to vascular injury.
  • Vascular injury may result from, for example, coronary artery surgery, carotid artery surgery, angioplasty, e.g., percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), or implantation of one or more stents.
  • PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
  • the methods of the invention includes the administration of a soluble P-selectin ligand protein comprising at least a portion of an extracellular domain of a P-selectin ligand protein, for example, amino acid 42 to 60, 42 to 88, 42 to 118, 42 to 189, 42 to 310, or 42 to 316 of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the protein comprises a soluble P-selectin ligand protein comprising at least an extracellular domain of a P-selectin ligand protein, for example, amino acids 21-316 of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ Dl NO:2.
  • the invention provides that the soluble protein comprises an Fc portion of an immunoglobulin, e.g., human IgG.
  • the soluble protein comprises a soluble P-selectin ligand protein comprising the amino acid sequence from amino acid 42 to amino acid 60 of SEQ ID NO:2 fused at its C-terminus to the Fc portion of an immunoglobulin.
  • the soluble protein comprises a soluble P-selectin ligand protein comprising the amino acid sequence from amino acid 42 to amino acid 88 of SEQ ID NO:2 fused at its C-terminus to the Fc portion of an immunoglobulin.
  • the amino acid sequence is fused through a.linking sequence.
  • Another aspect of the invention provides a method for modulating leukocyte recruitment in a subject comprising administering a P-selectin antagonist, e.g., a PSGL-1, anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, or an anti-P-selectin antibody.
  • a P-selectin antagonist e.g., a PSGL-1, anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, or an anti-P-selectin antibody.
  • Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method for inhibiting cell to cell adhesion in a subject comprising administering a P-selectin antagonist, e.g., soluble PSGL-1, an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, or an anti-P-selectin antibody.
  • the adhesive cells are selected from the group consisting of leukocytes, platelets, and endothelial cells.
  • a further aspect of the invention provides a method for inhibiting cell adhesion to blood vessels in a subject comprising administering a P-selectin antagonist, e.g., soluble PSGL-1, an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, or an anti-P-selectin antibody, thereby inhibiting cell adhesion to blood vessels.
  • a P-selectin antagonist e.g., soluble PSGL-1, an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, or an anti-P-selectin antibody
  • the adhesive cells are selected from the group consisting of leukocytes, platelets and endothelial cells.
  • the invention provides a method for identifying a compound capable of modulating stenosis or restenosis comprising assaying the ability of the compound to modulate PSGL-1 protein activity.
  • the ability of the compound to modulate PSGL-1 polypeptide activity is determined by detecting a decrease in intercellular adhesion.
  • cellular adhesion may involve leukocytes, endothelial cells, or platelets.
  • the ability of the compound to modulate PSGL-1 polypeptide activity is determined by detecting positive vascular remodeling after vascular injury.
  • the ability of the compound to modulate PSGL-1 polypeptide activity is determined by detecting a reduction of neointimal formation.
  • Figure 1 is a graph depicting platelet adhesion to deeply damaged arterial segments at 1 and 4 hours and at 1 and 4 weeks post-angioplasty in control and rPSGL-Ig-treated pigs.
  • Figure 2 is a graph depicting neutrophil adhesion to deeply damaged arterial segments at 1 and 4 hours and 1 and 4 weeks post-angioplasty in control and rPSGL-Ig- treated pigs.
  • Figure 3 is a graph illustrating the correlation between vascular stenosis and normalized external elastic lamina (EEL) surface in control and rPSGL-Ig-treated pig arteries at 4 weeks.
  • EEL normalized external elastic lamina
  • Figure 4 is a graph illustrating the correlation between vascular stenosis and neointimal surface area in control and rPSGL-Ig-treated pig arteries at 4 weeks.
  • Figure 5 is a graph depicting the external elastic lu ina (EEL) surface and residual lumen in control and rPSGL-Ig-treated pig arteries at 1 and 4 weeks.
  • Figure 6 depicts the morphology of arterial sections and expression of P-selectin by neoendothelium at 4 weeks in control and rPSGL-Ig-treated pig arteries.
  • the present invention provides methods and compositions for the modulation, e.g., treatment, inhibition, or prevention of stenosis or restenosis, in vivo, by administration of P- selectin antagonists, e.g., P-selectin ligand molecules, anti-P-selectin antibodies, and anti-P- selectin ligand antibodies.
  • P- selectin antagonists e.g., P-selectin ligand molecules, anti-P-selectin antibodies, and anti-P- selectin ligand antibodies.
  • P-selectin ligand molecules used in the methods of the invention are referred to herein as P-Selectin Glycoprotein Ligand -1 (PSGL-1) molecules.
  • the P-selectin antagonists of the methods of the invention can be used to modulate cell-cell adhesion, e.g., platelet-leukocyte adhesion, neointimal formation, and vascular remodeling in a subject where the subject has vascular injury resulting from cardiovascular disease, e.g., arteriosclerosis, or non-pathologic vascular intervention, e.g., PCTA or stent implantation, and are, accordingly, useful in modulating stenosis or restenosis.
  • the P-selectin antagonists of the methods of the invention can be used to modulate restenosis in a subject where the subject has vascular injury and subsequently undergoes vascular intervention, such as angioplasty or stent implantation.
  • antagonism of P-selectin by a P-selectin ligand, an anti-P-selectin antibody, or an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody inhibits both platelet and neutrophil adhesion to damaged arterial segments, thereby modulating restenosis (see Example 2 and Figures 1 and 2).
  • Interaction between platelets and leukocytes, e.g., intercellular adhesion is also inhibited by the P-selectin antagonists of the invention.
  • administering a P-selectin antagonist to a subject with vascular injury results in a larger residual lumen and a larger external elastic lumina (EEL) post-injury (see Table 2 in Example 2 and Figures 5 and 6), compared to a control, thereby positively impacting vascular remodeling.
  • EEL elastic lumina
  • restenosis is modulated, e.g., prevented, inhibited, or treated, by administration of a P-selectin antagonist (see Examples 2).
  • P-selectin antagonism inhibits neointimal formation.
  • a subject who has prior vascular injury and is undergoing stent implantation is treated by the administration of a P-selectin antagonist to thereby inhibit neotintimal formation in the subject. Accordingly, stenosis and restenosis are inhibited (see Example 3).
  • a "P-selectin antagonist” includes any agents which are capable of antagonizing P-selectin, e.g., by inhibiting interaction between P-selectin and a P-selectin ligand protein, e.g., by inhibiting interaction of P-selectin expressing platelets with PSGL expressing leukocytes.
  • P-selectin antagonists include anti-P-selectin antibodies, anti-P-selectin ligand antibodies, P-selectin ligand molecules, e.g. PSGL-1, or fragments thereof having P-selectin ligand activity as well as small molecules.
  • the P-selectin ligand is soluble.
  • PSGL-1 activity As used interchangeably herein, "P-selectin ligand activity,” "PSGL-1 activity,” “biological activity of PSGL-1” or “functional activity of PSGL-1,” includes an activity exerted by a PSGL-1 protein, polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule on a PSGL-1 responsive cell, e.g., platelet, leukocyte, or endothelial cell, as determined in vivo, or in vitro, according to standard techniques.
  • PSGL-1 activity can be a direct activity, such as an association with a PSGL-1-target molecule e.g., P-selectin.
  • a "substrate” or “target molecule” or “binding partner” is a molecule, e.g.
  • a PSGL-1 target molecule can be a non-PSGL-1 molecule or a PSGL-1 protein or polypeptide.
  • target molecules include proteins in the same signaling path as the PSGL-1 protein, e.g., proteins which may function upstream (including both stimulators and inhibitors of activity) or downstream of the PSGL-1 protein in a pathway involving regulation of P-selectin binding.
  • a PSGL-1 activity is an indirect activity, such as a cellular signaling activity mediated by interaction of the PSGL-1 protein with a PSGL-1 target molecule.
  • the biological activities of PSGL-1 are described herein, and include, for example, one or more of the following activities: 1) binding to or interacting with P-selectin; 2) modulating P-selectin binding; 2) modulating intercellular adhesion, e.g., platelet-leukocyte adhesion and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion;
  • modulating cell migration e.g., leukocyte recruitment to platelets and endothelial cells
  • stenosis includes the process of arterial narrowing.
  • Restenois includes the process of arterial re-narrowing following initially successful vascular intervention.
  • Stenosis and restenosis are characterized by neointimal formation (e.g., intimal thickening), and constrictive vascular remodeling in response to vascular injury such as that resulting from percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) or other initially successful intervention (restenosis), or in response to vascular injury resulting from pathogenic stimuli, e.g., vascular or cardiovascular disease (stenosis).
  • PTCA percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty
  • restenosis vascular injury resulting from pathogenic stimuli, e.g., vascular or cardiovascular disease
  • Vascular remodeling is an adaptive process of structural changes in vascular wall structures, and involves changes in many processes, such as cell growth, cell death, cell migration, intercellular adhesion, and changes in extracellular matrix composition, that lead to a compensatory adjustment in vessel diameter and lumen area.
  • vascular remodeling refers to a loss of lumen area by a combination of reduction in vessel diameter and neointimal thickening (e.g., constrictive vascular remodeling).
  • positive vascular remodeling includes an increase in the lumen area of a vessel, or an increase in vessel diameter.
  • Positive vascular remodeling also includes a lack of constrictive vascular remodeling, e.g., a decrease in lumen area of a vessel or a decrease in vessel diameter, after vascular injury caused by vascular intervention or vascular disease.
  • a subject who may be at risk for stenosis is one who suffers from a cardiovascular disease or disorder.
  • a subject who may be at risk for restenosis is one who is undergoing cardiovascular or general vascular procedures or intervention such as angioplasty of any vessel, e.g., carotid, femoral, coronary, etc.; surgical revascularization, e.g., balloon angioplasty, laser angioplasty, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), coronary artery bypass grafting, rotational atherectomy or coronary artery stents, or other intervention, surgical or non-surgical, which may cause vascular injury.
  • Administration of a P-selectin antagonist to modulate restenosis may be prior to injury, during the intervention procedure, or after the injury or intervention has occurred. In a preferred embodiment, administration of the P-selectin antagonist is prior to surgical intervention.
  • PGSL-1 is a glycoprotein which acts as a ligand for P- selectin on endothelial cells and platelets.
  • the DNA sequence of PSGL-1 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:l.
  • the complete amino acid sequence of the PSGL-1 i.e., the mature peptide plus the leader sequence, is characterized by the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid 1 to amino acid 402.
  • the mature PSGL-1 protein is characterized by the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acid 42 to amino acid 402.
  • a "soluble PSGL-1 protein,” or a “soluble P-selectin ligand protein,” refers to a soluble P-selectin ligand glycoprotein, e.g., soluble PSGL-1, or a fragment thereof having a P-selectin ligand activity, which includes a carbohydrate comprising sLe .
  • Soluble P-selectin ligand proteins used in the methods of the invention preferably include at least an extracellular domain of PSGL-1, e.g., about amino acid 21 to about amino acid 316 of SEQ ID NO:2.
  • Other soluble forms of the P-selectin ligand molecules are characterized by the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 from amino acids 42 to 310.
  • soluble forms of the P-selectin ligand molecules of the methods of the invention may be fused through "linker" sequences to the Fc portion of an immunoglobulin, e.g. , an IgG molecule (see Example 1 D).
  • the soluble P-selectin ligand protein is a chimeric molecule which is comprised of the extracellular domain of a PSGL-1 protein molecule, a carbohydrate comprising sLe , and is fused through linker sequences to the Fc portion of human IgG. This soluble form of PSGL-1 is referred to herein as soluble rPSGL-Ig.
  • the methods of the invention encompass the use of nucleic acid molecules that differ from the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l due to degeneracy of the genetic code and thus encode the same PSGL-1 proteins as those encoded by the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l.
  • an isolated nucleic acid molecule included in the methods of the invention has a nucleotide sequence encoding a protein having an amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the methods of the invention further include the use of allelic variants of human PSGL-1, e.g., functional and non-functional allelic variants.
  • Functional allelic variants are naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants of the human PSGL-1 protein that maintain a PSGL-1 activity as described herein, e.g., P-selectin binding. Functional allelic variants will typically contain only conservative substitution of one or more amino acids of SEQ ID NO:2, or substitution, deletion or insertion of non-critical residues in non-critical regions of the protein.
  • Non-functional allelic variants are naturally occurring amino acid sequence variants of the human PSGL-1 protein that do not have a PSGL-1 activity.
  • Non- functional allelic variants will typically contain a non-conservative substitution, deletion, or insertion or premature truncation of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, or a substitution, insertion or deletion in critical residues or critical regions of the protein.
  • a non-conservative substitution, deletion, or insertion or premature truncation of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 or a substitution, insertion or deletion in critical residues or critical regions of the protein.
  • the methods of the invention include the use of isolated P-selectin ligand proteins, e.g. PGSL-1 proteins, and biologically active portions thereof, as well as polypeptide fragments suitable for use as immunogens to raise anti-P-selectin ligand antibodies.
  • native PSGL-1 proteins can be isolated from cells or tissue sources by an appropriate purification scheme using standard protein purification techniques.
  • PSGL-1 proteins are produced by recombinant DNA techniques.
  • a PSGL-1 protein or polypeptide can be synthesized chemically using standard peptide synthesis techniques.
  • a "biologically active portion" of a PSGL-1 protein includes a fragment of a PSGL-1 protein having a PSGL-1 activity.
  • Biologically active portions of a PSGL-1 protein include peptides comprising amino acid sequences sufficiently identical to or derived from the amino acid sequence of the PSGL-1 protein, e.g., the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, which include fewer amino acids than the full length PSGL-1 proteins, and exhibit at least one activity of a PSGL-1 protein.
  • biologically active portions comprise a domain or motif with at least one activity of the PSGL-1 protein (e.g., a fragment containing amino acids 42 to 60 of SEQ Dl NO:2 is capable of interacting with P-selectin).
  • a biologically active portion of a PSGL-1 protein can be a polypeptide which is, for example, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300 or more amino acids in length.
  • Biologically active portions of a PSGL-1 protein can be used as targets for developing agents which modulate a PSGL-1 activity.
  • the PSGL-1 protein used in the methods of the invention has at least an extracellular domain of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or P-selectin binding fragment of the extracellular domain of PSGL-1, or an extracellular domain of SEQ ID NO:2.
  • the PSGL-1 protein is substantially identical to SEQ ID NO:2, and retains the functional activity of the protein of SEQ ID NO:2, yet differs in amino acid sequence due to natural allelic variation or mutagenesis, as described in detail in subsection II below.
  • the PSGL- 1 protein used in the methods of the invention is a protein which comprises an amino acid sequence at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identical to SEQ ID NO:2.
  • sequences are aligned for optimal comparison purposes (e.g., gaps can be introduced in one or both of a first and a second amino acid or nucleic acid sequence for optimal alignment and non-identical sequences can be disregarded for comparison purposes).
  • the length of a reference sequence aligned for comparison purposes is at least 30%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 60%, and even more preferably at least 70%, 80%, or 90% of the length of the reference sequence (e.g., when aligning a second sequence to the PSGL-1 amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 having 1600 amino acid residues, at least 480, preferably at least 640, more preferably at least 800, even more preferably at least 960, and even more preferably at least 1120, 1280, or 1440 or more amino acid residues are aligned).
  • the amino acid residues or nucleotides at corresponding amino acid positions or nucleotide positions are then compared.
  • amino acid or nucleic acid “identity” is equivalent to amino acid or nucleic acid "homology”).
  • the percent identity between the two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences, taking into account the number of gaps, and the length of each gap, which need to be introduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences.
  • the comparison of sequences and determination of percent identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm.
  • the percent identity between two amino acid sequences is determined using the Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. 48:444-453 (1970)) algorithm which has been incorporated into the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at http://www.gcg.com), using either a Blosum 62 matrix or a PAM250 matrix, and a gap weight of 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4 and a length weight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
  • the percent identity between two nucleotide sequences is determined using the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at http://www.gcg.com), using a NWSgapdna.CMP matrix and a gap weight of 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80 and a length weight of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.
  • the percent identity between two amino acid or nucleotide sequences is determined using the algorithm of E. Meyers and W. Miller (Comput. Appl. Biosci. 4:11-17 (1988)) which has been incorporated into the ALIGN program (version 2.0 or 2.0U), using a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12 and a gap penalty of 4.
  • PSGL-1 chimeric or fusion proteins may also use PSGL-1 chimeric or fusion proteins.
  • a PSGL-1 "chimeric protein” or “fusion protein” comprises a PSGL-1 polypeptide operatively linked to a non-PSGL-1 polypeptide.
  • a "PSGL-1 polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a PSGL-1 molecule
  • a “non-PSGL-1 polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide having an amino acid sequence corresponding to a protein which is not substantially homologous to the PSGL-1 protein, e.g., a protein which is different from the PSGL-1 protein and which is derived from the same or a different organism.
  • a PSGL-1 fusion protein can correspond to all or a portion of a PSGL-1 protein.
  • a PSGL-1 fusion protein comprises at least one biologically active portion of a PSGL-1 protein, e.g., an extracellular domain of PSGL-1 or P-selectin binding fragment thereof.
  • a PSGL-1 fusion protein comprises at least two biologically active portions of a PSGL-1 protein.
  • the term "operatively linked" is intended to indicate that the PSGL-1 polypeptide and the non-PSGL-1 polypeptide are fused in-frame to each other.
  • the non-PSGL-1 polypeptide can be fused to the N-terminus or C- terminus of the PSGL-1 polypeptide.
  • the fusion protein is a recombinant soluble form of
  • this fusion protein is a PSGL-1 protein containing a heterologous signal sequence at its N-terminus.
  • expression and/or secretion of PSGL-1 can be increased through use of a heterologous signal sequence.
  • the soluble PSGL-1 fusion proteins used in the methods of the invention can be incorporated into pharmaceutical compositions and administered to a subject in vivo.
  • the soluble PSGL-1 fusion proteins can be used to affect the bioavailability of a PSGL-1 substrate, e.g., P-selectin.
  • the PSGL-1 -fusion proteins used in the methods of the invention can be used as immunogens to produce anti-P-selectin ligand antibodies in a subject, to purify P- selectin ligands and in screening assays to identify molecules which inhibit the interaction of a P-selectin ligand molecule with a P-selectin molecule.
  • a PSGL-1 chimeric or fusion protein used in the methods of the invention is produced by standard recombinant DNA techniques.
  • DNA fragments coding for the different polypeptide sequences are ligated together in-frame in accordance with conventional techniques, for example by employing blunt-ended or stagger-ended termini for ligation, restriction enzyme digestion to provide for appropriate termini, filling- in of cohesive ends as appropriate, alkaline phosphatase treatment to avoid undesirable joining, and enzymatic ligation.
  • the fusion gene can be synthesized by conventional techniques including automated DNA synthesizers.
  • PCR amplification of gene fragments can be carried out using anchor primers which give rise to complementary overhangs between two consecutive gene fragments which can subsequently be annealed and reamplified to generate a chimeric gene sequence (see, for example, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, eds. Ausubel et l. John Wiley & Sons: 1992).
  • anchor primers which give rise to complementary overhangs between two consecutive gene fragments which can subsequently be annealed and reamplified to generate a chimeric gene sequence
  • many expression vectors are commercially available that already encode a fusion moiety (e.g., a GST polypeptide).
  • a PSGL-1 -encoding nucleic acid can be cloned into such an expression vector such that the fusion moiety is linked in-frame to the PSGL-1 protein.
  • the present invention also pertains to the use of variants of the PSGL-1 proteins which function as either PSGL-1 agonists (mimetics) or as PSGL-1 antagonists.
  • Variants of the PSGL-1 proteins can be generated by mutagenesis, e.g. , discrete point mutation or truncation of a PSGL-1 protein.
  • An agonist of the PSGL-1 proteins can retain substantially the same, or a subset, of the biological activities of the naturally occurring form of a PSGL- 1 protein.
  • An antagonist of a PSGL-1 protein can inhibit one or more of the activities of the naturally occurring form of the PSGL-1 protein by, for example, competitively modulating a PSGL-1 -mediated activity of a PSGL-1 protein.
  • variants of a PSGL-1 protein which function as either PSGL-1 agonists (mimetics) or as PSGL-1 antagonists can be identified by screening combinatorial libraries of mutants, e.g., truncation mutants, of a PSGL-1 protein for PSGL-1 protein agonist or antagonist activity.
  • a variegated library of PSGL-1 variants is generated by combinatorial mutagenesis at the nucleic acid level and is encoded by a variegated gene library.
  • a variegated library of PSGL-1 variants can be produced by, for example, enzymatically ligating a mixture of synthetic oligonucleotides into gene sequences such that a degenerate set of potential PSGL-1 sequences is expressible as individual polypeptides, or alternatively, as a set of larger fusion proteins (e.g., for phage display) containing the set of PSGL-1 sequences therein.
  • libraries of fragments of a PSGL-1 protein coding sequence can be used to generate a variegated population of PSGL-1 fragments for screening and subsequent selection of variants of a PSGL-1 protein.
  • a library of coding sequence fragments can be generated by treating a double stranded PCR fragment of a PSGL-1 coding sequence with a nuclease under conditions wherein nicking occurs only about once per molecule, denaturing the double stranded DNA, renaturing the DNA to form double stranded DNA which can include sense/antisense pairs from different nicked products, removing single stranded portions from reformed duplexes by treatment with SI nuclease, and ligating the resulting fragment library into an expression vector.
  • an expression library can be derived which encodes N-terminal, C-terminal and internal fragments of various sizes of the PSGL-1 protein.
  • REM Recursive ensemble mutagenesis
  • the methods of the present invention further include the use of anti-PSGL-1 antibodies and anti-P-selectin antibodies.
  • An isolated PSGL-1 protein, or P-selectin protein, or a portion or fragment thereof can be used as an immunogen to generate antibodies that bind PSGL-1 or P-selectin using standard techniques for polyclonal and monoclonal antibody preparation.
  • a full-length PSGL-1 protein or P-selectin protein can be used or, alternatively, antigenic peptide fragments of PSGL-1 or P-selectin can be used as immunogens (Johnston et al. Cell 56 : 1033-1044 1989).
  • the antigenic peptide of PSGL-1 comprises at least 8 amino acid residues of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 and encompasses an epitope of PSGL-1 such that an antibody raised against the peptide forms a specific immune complex with the PSGL-1 protein.
  • the antigenic peptide comprises at least 10 amino acid residues, more preferably at least 15 amino acid residues, even more preferably at least 20 amino acid residues, and most preferably at least 30 amino acid residues.
  • Preferred epitopes encompassed by the antigenic peptide are regions of PSGL-1 that are located on the surface of the protein, e.g., hydrophilic regions, as well as regions with high antigenicity.
  • a PSGL-1 or P-selectin immunogen is typically used to prepare antibodies by immunizing a suitable subject, (e.g., rabbit, goat, mouse, or other mammal) with the immunogen.
  • An appropriate immunogenic preparation can contain, for example, recombinantly expressed PSGL-1 protein or P-selectin protein or a chemically synthesized PSGL-1 or P-selectin polypeptide.
  • the preparation can further include an adjuvant, such as Freund's complete or incomplete adjuvant, or similar immunostimulatory agent.
  • antibody refers to immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, i.e., molecules that contain an antigen binding site which specifically binds (immunoreacts with) an antigen, such as a PSGL-1 or P-selectin.
  • immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules include F(ab) and F(ab') 2 fragments which can be generated by treating the antibody with an enzyme such as pepsin.
  • the invention provides polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies that bind PSGL-1 molecules.
  • monoclonal antibody or “monoclonal antibody composition”, as used herein, refers to a population of antibody molecules that contain only one species of an antigen binding site capable of immunoreacting with a particular epitope of PSGL-1.
  • a monoclonal antibody composition thus typically displays a single binding affinity for a particular PSGL-1 protein with which it immunoreacts.
  • Polyclonal anti-PSGL-1 antibodies can be prepared as described above by immunizing a suitable subject with a PSGL-1 immunogen.
  • the anti-PSGL-1 antibody titer in the immunized subject can be monitored over time by standard techniques, such as with an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using immobilized PSGL-1.
  • ELISA enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
  • the antibody molecules directed against PSGL-1 can be isolated from the mammal (e.g., from the blood) and further purified by well known techniques, such as protein A chromatography to obtain the IgG fraction.
  • antibody-producing cells can be obtained from the subject and used to prepare monoclonal antibodies by standard techniques, such as the hybridoma technique originally described by Kohler and Milstein (1975) Nature 256:495-497) (see also, Brown et al. (1981) J. Immunol. 127:539-46; Brown et al. (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255:4980-83; Yeh et al. (1916) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 76:2927-31; and Yeh et al. (1982) Int. J.
  • an immortal cell line typically a myeloma
  • lymphocytes typically splenocytes
  • the culture supernatants of the resulting hybridoma cells are screened to identify a hybridoma producing a monoclonal antibody that binds PSGL-1.
  • the immortal cell line e.g., a myeloma cell line
  • the immortal cell line is derived from the same mammalian species as the lymphocytes.
  • murine hybridomas can be made by fusing lymphocytes from a mouse immunized with an immunogenic preparation of the present invention with an immortalized mouse cell line.
  • Preferred immortal cell lines are mouse myeloma cell lines that are sensitive to culture medium containing hypoxanthine, aminopterin and thymidine ("HAT medium").
  • HAT medium culture medium containing hypoxanthine, aminopterin and thymidine
  • Any of a number of myeloma cell lines can be used as a fusion partner according to standard techniques, e.g., the P3-NSl/l-Ag4-l, P3- x63-Ag8.653 or Sp2/O-Agl4 myeloma lines. These myeloma lines are available from ATCC.
  • HAT-sensitive mouse myeloma cells are fused to mouse splenocytes using polyethylene glycol ("PEG").
  • PEG polyethylene glycol
  • Hybridoma cells resulting from the fusion are then selected using HAT medium, which kills unfused and unproductively fused myeloma cells (unfused splenocytes die after several days because they are not transformed).
  • Hybridoma cells producing a monoclonal antibody of the invention are detected by screening the hybridoma culture supernatants for antibodies that bind PSGL-1, e.g., using a standard ELISA assay.
  • a monoclonal anti-PSGL-1 antibody can be identified and isolated by screening a recombinant combinatorial immunoglobulin library (e.g. , an antibody phage display library) with PSGL- 1 to thereby isolate immunoglobulin library members that bind PSGL-1.
  • Kits for generating and screening phage display libraries are commercially available (e.g., the Pharmacia Recombinant Phage Antibody System, Catalog No. 27-9400-01; and the Stratagene SurfZAPTM Phage Display Kit, Catalog No. 240612). Additionally, examples of methods and reagents particularly amenable for use in generating and screening antibody display library can be found in, for example, Ladner et al.
  • recombinant anti-PSGL-1 antibodies such as chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies, comprising both human and non-human portions, which can be made using standard recombinant DNA techniques, are within the scope of the methods of the invention.
  • Such chimeric and humanized monoclonal antibodies can be produced by recombinant DNA techniques known in the art, for example using methods described in Robinson et al. International Application No. PCT/US86/02269; Akira, et al. European Patent Application 184,187; Taniguchi, M., European Patent Application 171,496; Morrison et al. European Patent Application 173,494; Neuberger et al. PCT International Publication No.
  • An anti-PSGL-1 antibody can be used to detect PSGL-1 protein (e.g., in a cellular lysate or cell supernatant) in order to evaluate the abundance and pattern of expression of the PSGL-1 protein.
  • Anti-PSGL-1 antibodies can be used diagnostically to monitor protein levels in tissue as part of a clinical testing procedure, e.g., to, for example, determine the efficacy of a given treatment regimen. Detection can be facilitated by coupling (i.e., physically linking) the antibody to a detectable substance. Examples of detectable substances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials, luminescent materials, bioluminescent materials, and radioactive materials.
  • suitable enzymes include horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, ⁇ -galactosidase, or acetylcholinesterase;
  • suitable prosthetic group complexes include streptavidin/biotin and avidin biotin;
  • suitable fluorescent materials include umbelliferone, fluorescein, fluorescein isothiocyanate, rhodamine, dichlorotriazinylamine fluorescein, dansyl chloride or phycoerythrin;
  • an example of a luminescent material includes luminol;
  • bioluminescent materials include luciferase, luciferin, and aequorin,
  • radioactive material examples include I, I, S or J H. II. Isolated Nucleic Acid Molecules Used in the Methods of the Invention
  • the coding sequence of the isolated human PSGL-1 cDNA and the amino acid sequence of the human PSGL-1 polypeptide are shown in SEQ ID NOs:l and 2, respectively.
  • the PSGL-1 sequence is also described in U.S. Patent Numbers 5,827,817, 5,840,679, and 5,843,707, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • nucleic acid molecules that encode PSGL-1 proteins or biologically active portions thereof, as well as nucleic acid fragments sufficient for use as hybridization probes to identify PSGL-1 -encoding nucleic acid molecules (e.g., PSGL-1 mRNA) and fragments for use as PCR primers for the amplification or mutation of PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecules.
  • nucleic acid molecule is intended to include DNA molecules (e.g., cDNA or genomic DNA) and RNA molecules (e.g., mRNA) and analogs of the DNA or RNA generated using nucleotide analogs.
  • the nucleic acid molecule can be single-stranded or double-stranded, but preferably is double-stranded DNA.
  • a nucleic acid molecule used in the methods of the present invention e.g., a nucleic acid molecule having the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a portion thereof, can be isolated using standard molecular biology techniques and the sequence information provided herein. Using all or portion of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 as a hybridization probe, PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecules can be isolated using standard hybridization and cloning techniques (e.g., as described in Sambrook, J., Fritsh, E. F., and Maniatis, T.
  • nucleic acid molecule encompassing all or a portion of SEQ ID NO:l can be isolated by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using synthetic oligonucleotide primers designed based upon the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.
  • a nucleic acid used in the methods of the invention can be amplified using cDNA, mRNA or, alternatively, genomic DNA as a template and appropriate oligonucleotide primers according to standard PCR amplification techniques.
  • oligonucleotides corresponding to PSGL-1 nucleotide sequences can be prepared by standard synthetic techniques, e.g. , using an automated DNA synthesizer.
  • the isolated nucleic acid molecules used in the methods of the invention comprise the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l, a complement of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l, or a portion of any of these nucleotide sequences.
  • a nucleic acid molecule which is complementary to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 is one which is sufficiently complementary to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l such that it can hybridize to the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l thereby forming a stable duplex.
  • an isolated nucleic acid molecule used in the methods of the present invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is at least about 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more identical to the entire length of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:l or a portion of any of this nucleotide sequence.
  • nucleic acid molecules used in the methods of the invention can comprise only a portion of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:l, for example, a fragment which can be used as a probe or primer or a fragment encoding a portion of a PSGL-1 protein, e.g., a biologically active portion of a PSGL-1 protein.
  • the probe/primer typically comprises substantially purified oligonucleotide.
  • the oligonucleotide typically comprises a region of nucleotide sequence that hybridizes under stringent conditions to at least about 12 or 15, preferably about 20 or 25, more preferably about 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 75 consecutive nucleotides of a sense sequence of SEQ ID NO:l of an anti-sense sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or of a naturally occurring allelic variant or mutant of SEQ ID NO : 1.
  • a nucleic acid molecule used in the methods of the present invention comprises a nucleotide sequence which is greater than 100, 100-200, 200-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-600, 600-700, 700-800, 800-900, 900-1000, 1000-1100, 1100-1200, 1200-1300, 1300-1400, 1400-1500, 1500-1600, or more nucleotides in length and hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions to a nucleic acid molecule of SEQ ID NO:l.
  • hybridizes under stringent conditions is intended to describe conditions for hybridization and washing under which nucleotide sequences that are significantly identical or homologous to each other remain hybridized to each other.
  • the conditions are such that sequences at least about 70%, more preferably at least about 80%, even more preferably at least about 85% or 90% identical to each other remain hybridized to each other.
  • stringent conditions are known to those skilled in the art and can be found in Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Ausubel et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (1995), sections 2, 4 and 6.
  • stringent hybridization conditions includes hybridization in 4X sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC), at about 65-70°C (or hybridization in 4X SSC plus 50% formamide at about 42-50°C) followed by one or more washes in IX SSC, at about 65-70° C.
  • SSC sodium chloride/sodium citrate
  • a preferred, non-limiting example of highly stringent hybridization conditions includes hybridization in IX SSC, at about 65-70°C (or hybridization in IX SSC plus 50% formamide at about 42-50°C) followed by one or more washes in 0.3X SSC, at about 65-70° C.
  • a preferred, non-limiting example of reduced stringency hybridization conditions includes hybridization in 4X SSC, at about 50-60°C (or alternatively hybridization in 6X SSC plus 50% formamide at about 40-45°C) followed by one or more washes in 2X SSC, at about 50-60°C. Ranges intermediate to the above-recited values, e.g., at 65-70°C or at 42- 50°C are also intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
  • SSPE lxSSPE is 0.15M NaCl, 1 OmM NaH 2 PO 4 , and 1.25mM EDTA, pH 7.4
  • SSC lxSSC is 0.15M NaCl and 15mM sodium citrate
  • the hybridization temperature for hybrids anticipated to be less than 50 base pairs in length should be 5-10°C less than the melting temperature (T m ) of the hybrid, where T m is determined according to the following equations. For hybrids less than 18 base pairs in length, T m (°C) - 2(# of A + T bases) + 4(# of G + C bases).
  • additional reagents may be added to hybridization and/or wash buffers to decrease non-specific hybridization of nucleic acid molecules to membranes, for example, nitrocellulose or nylon membranes, including but not limited to blocking agents (e.g., BSA or salmon or herring sperm carrier DNA), detergents (e.g., SDS), chelating agents (e.g., EDTA), Ficoll, PVP and the like.
  • blocking agents e.g., BSA or salmon or herring sperm carrier DNA
  • detergents e.g., SDS
  • chelating agents e.g., EDTA
  • Ficoll e.g., Ficoll, PVP and the like.
  • an additional preferred, non-limiting example of stringent hybridization conditions is hybridization in 0.25-0.5M NaH 2 PO 4 , 7% S ⁇ )S at about 65°C, followed by one or more washes at 0.02M NaH 2 PO 4 , 1% SDS at 65°C, see e.g., Church and Gilbert (1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:1991-1995, (or alternatively 0.2X SSC, 1% SDS).
  • the probe further comprises a label group attached thereto, e.g., the label group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme co-factor.
  • the label group can be a radioisotope, a fluorescent compound, an enzyme, or an enzyme co-factor.
  • Such probes can be used as a part of a diagnostic test kit for identifying cells or tissue which misexpress a PSGL-1 protein, such as by measuring a level of a PSGL-1 -encoding nucleic acid in a sample of cells from a subject e.g., detecting PSGL- 1 mRNA levels or determining whether a genomic PSGL-1 gene has been mutated or deleted.
  • the methods of the present invention may use non-human orthologues of the human
  • PSGL-1 protein Orthologues of the human PSGL-1 protein are proteins that are isolated from non-human organisms and possess the same PSGL-1 activity.
  • the methods of the present invention further include the use of nucleic acid molecules comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:l or a portion thereof, in which a mutation has been introduced.
  • the mutation may lead to amino acid substitutions at "non-essential” amino acid residues or at "essential” amino acid residues.
  • a "non- essential” amino acid residue is a residue that can be altered from the wild-type sequence of PSGL-1 (e.g., the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2) without altering the biological activity, whereas an "essential" amino acid residue is required for biological activity.
  • amino acid residues comprising fragments which are capable of interacting with P-selectin or which are capable of inhibiting P-selectin-mediated intercellular adhesion or cellular migration are not likely to be amenable to alteration.
  • Mutations can be introduced into SEQ ID NO:l by standard techniques, such as site- directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis.
  • conservative amino acid substitutions are made at one or more predicted non-essential amino acid residues.
  • a "conservative amino acid substitution” is one in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art.
  • amino acids with basic side chains e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine
  • acidic side chains e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid
  • uncharged polar side chains e.g., asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine
  • nonpolar side chains e.g., glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan
  • beta-branched side chains e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine
  • aromatic side chains e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine
  • a predicted nonessential amino acid residue in a PSGL-1 protein is preferably replaced with another amino acid residue from the same side chain family.
  • mutations can be introduced randomly along all or part of a PSGL-1 coding sequence, such as by saturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screened for PSGL-1 biological activity to identify mutants that retain activity. Following mutagenesis of SEQ ID NO: 1 the encoded protein can be expressed recombinantly and the activity of the protein can be determined using the assay described herein.
  • antisense nucleic acids of the invention can be designed according to the rules of Watson and Crick base pairing.
  • the antisense nucleic acid molecule can be complementary to the entire coding region of PSGL-1 mRNA, but more preferably is an oligonucleotide which is antisense to only a portion of the coding or noncoding region of PSGL-1 mRNA.
  • the antisense oligonucleotide can be complementary to the region surrounding the translation start site of PSGL-1 mRNA.
  • An antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 nucleotides in length.
  • an antisense nucleic acid of the invention can be constructed using chemical synthesis and enzymatic ligation reactions using procedures known in the art.
  • an antisense nucleic acid e.g., an antisense oligonucleotide
  • an antisense nucleic acid can be chemically synthesized using naturally occurring nucleotides or variously modified nucleotides designed to increase the biological stability of the molecules or to increase the physical stability of the duplex formed between the antisense and sense nucleic acids, e.g., phosphorothioate derivatives and acridine substituted nucleotides can be used.
  • modified nucleotides which can be used to generate the antisense nucleic acid include 5-fluorouracil, 5-bromouracil, 5-chlorouracil, 5- iodouracil, hypoxanthine, xantine, 4-acetylcytosine, 5-(carboxyhydroxylmethyl) uracil, 5- carboxymethylaminomethyl-2-thiouridine, 5-carboxymethylaminomethyluracil, dihydrouracil, beta-D-galactosylqueosine, inosine, N6-isopentenyladenine, 1- methylguanine, 1-methylinosine, 2,2-dimethylguanine, 2-methyladenine, 2-methylguanine, 3-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, N6-adenine, 7-methylguanine, 5- methylaminomethyluracil, 5-methoxyaminomethyl-2-thiouracil, beta-D-mannosylqueosine, 5'-methoxy
  • the antisense nucleic acid can be produced biologically using an expression vector into which a nucleic acid has been subcloned in an antisense orientation (i.e., RNA transcribed from the inserted nucleic acid will be of an antisense orientation to a target nucleic acid of interest, described further in the following subsection).
  • the PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecules used in the methods of the present invention can be modified at the base moiety, sugar moiety or phosphate backbone to improve, e.g., the stability, hybridization, or solubility of the molecule.
  • the deoxyribose phosphate backbone of the nucleic acid molecules can be modified to generate peptide nucleic acids (see Hyrup B. et al. (1996) Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry 4 (1): 5-23).
  • peptide nucleic acids refer to nucleic acid mimics, e.g., DNA mimics, in which the deoxyribose phosphate backbone is replaced by a pseudopeptide backbone and only the four natural nucleobases are retained.
  • the neutral backbone of PNAs has been shown to allow for specific hybridization to DNA and RNA under conditions of low ionic strength.
  • the synthesis of PNA oligomers can be performed using standard solid phase peptide synthesis protocols as described in Hyrup B. et al. (1996) supra; Perry-O'Keefe et al. (1996) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 93:14670-675.
  • PNAs of PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecules can be used in the therapeutic and diagnostic applications described herein.
  • PNAs can be used as antisense or antigene agents for sequence-specific modulation of gene expression by, for example, inducing transcription or translation arrest or inhibiting replication.
  • PNAs of PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecules can also be used in the analysis of single base pair mutations in a gene, (e.g., by PNA-directed PCR clamping); as 'artificial restriction enzymes' when used in combination with other enzymes, (e.g., SI nucleases (Hyrup B. et al. (1996) supra)); or as probes or primers for DNA sequencing or hybridization (Hyrup B. et al.
  • PNAs of PSGL-1 can be modified, (e.g., to enhance their stability or cellular uptake), by attaching lipophilic or other helper groups to PNA, by the formation of PNA-DNA chimeras, or by the use of liposomes or other techniques of drug delivery known in the art.
  • PNA-DNA chimeras of PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecules can be generated which may combine the advantageous properties of PNA and DNA.
  • DNA recognition enzymes e.g., RNAse H and DNA polymerases
  • PNA-DNA chimeras can be linked using linkers of appropriate lengths selected in terms of base stacking, number of bonds between the nucleobases, and orientation (Hyrup B. et al. (1996) supra).
  • the synthesis of PNA-DNA chimeras can be performed as described in Hyrup B. et al. (1996) supra and Finn PJ. et al. (1996) Nucleic Acids Res. 24 (17): 3357-63.
  • a DNA chain can be synthesized on a solid support using standard phosphoramidite coupling chemistry and modified nucleoside analogs, e.g., 5'-(4-methoxytrityl)amino-5'-deoxy-thymidine phosphoramidite, can be used as a between the PNA and the 5' end of DNA (Mag, M. et al. (1989) Nucleic Acid Res. 17: 5973-88). PNA monomers are then coupled in a stepwise manner to produce a chimeric molecule with a 5' PNA segment and a 3' DNA segment (Finn P.J. et al. (1996) supra).
  • modified nucleoside analogs e.g., 5'-(4-methoxytrityl)amino-5'-deoxy-thymidine phosphoramidite
  • chimeric molecules can be synthesized with a 5' DNA segment and a 3' PNA segment (Peterser, K.H. et al. (1975) Bioorganic Med. Chem. Lett. 5: 1119-11124).
  • the oligonucleotide used in the methods of the invention may include other appended groups such as peptides (e.g., for targeting host cell receptors in vivo), or agents facilitating transport across the cell membrane (see, e.g., Letsinger et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:6553-6556; Lemaitre et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • oligonucleotides can be modified with hybridization-triggered cleavage agents (See, e.g., Krol et al. (1988) Bio-Techniques 6:958- 976) or intercalating agents. (See, e.g., Zon (1988) Pharm. Res. 5:539-549).
  • the oligonucleotide may be conjugated to another molecule, (e.g., a peptide, hybridization triggered cross-linking agent, transport agent, or hybridization-triggered cleavage agent).
  • the methods of the invention include the use of vectors, preferably expression vectors, containing a nucleic acid encoding a PSGL-1 protein (or a portion thereof).
  • vector refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it has been linked.
  • vector refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid to which it has been linked.
  • plasmid refers to a circular double stranded DNA loop into which additional DNA segments can be ligated.
  • viral vector is a type of vector, wherein additional DNA segments can be ligated into the viral genome.
  • vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors).
  • Other vectors e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors
  • certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of genes to which they are operatively linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as "expression vectors”.
  • expression vectors of utility in recombinant DNA techniques are often in the form of plasmids.
  • plasmid and "vector” can be used interchangeably as the plasmid is the most commonly used form of vector.
  • the invention is intended to include such other forms of expression vectors, such as viral vectors (e.g., replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses), which serve equivalent functions.
  • viral vectors e.g., replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses
  • the recombinant expression vectors to be used in the methods of the invention comprise a nucleic acid of the invention in a form suitable for expression of the nucleic acid in a host cell, which means that the recombinant expression vectors include one or more regulatory sequences, selected on the basis of the host cells to be used for expression, which is operatively linked to the nucleic acid sequence to be expressed.
  • "operably linked" is intended to mean that the nucleotide sequence of interest is linked to the regulatory sequence(s) in a manner which allows for expression of the nucleotide sequence (e.g., in an in vitro transcription/translation system or in a host cell when the vector is introduced into the host cell).
  • regulatory sequence is intended to include promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements (e.g., polyadenylation signals). Such regulatory sequences are described, for example, in Goeddel (1990) Methods Enzymol. 185:3-7. Regulatory sequences include those which direct constitutive expression of a nucleotide sequence in many types of host cells and those which direct expression of the nucleotide sequence only in certain host cells (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory sequences). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector can depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed, the level of expression of protein desired, and the like.
  • the expression vectors of the invention can be introduced into host cells to thereby produce proteins or peptides, including fusion proteins or peptides, encoded by nucleic acids as described herein (e.g., PSGL-1 proteins, mutant forms of PSGL-1 proteins, fusion proteins, and the like).
  • the recombinant expression vectors to be used in the methods of the invention can be designed for expression of P-selectin ligand proteins in prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells.
  • PSGL-1 proteins can be expressed in bacterial cells such as E. coli, insect cells (using baculovirus expression vectors), yeast cells, or mammalian cells. Suitable host cells are discussed further in Goeddel (1990) supra.
  • the recombinant expression vector can be transcribed and translated in vitro, for example using T7 promoter regulatory sequences and T7 polymerase.
  • Fusion vectors add a number of amino acids to a protein encoded therein, usually to the amino terminus of the recombinant protein.
  • Such fusion vectors typically serve three purposes: 1) to increase expression of recombinant protein; 2) to increase the solubility of the recombinant protein; and 3) to aid in the purification of the recombinant protein by acting as a ligand in affinity purification.
  • a proteolytic cleavage site is introduced at the junction of the fusion moiety and the recombinant protein to enable separation of the recombinant protein from the fusion moiety subsequent to purification of the fusion protein.
  • enzymes, and their cognate recognition sequences include Factor Xa, thrombin and enterokinase.
  • Typical fusion expression vectors include pGEX (Pharmacia Biotech Inc; Smith, D.B. and Johnson, K.S. (1988) Gene 67:31-40), pMAL (New England Biolabs, Beverly, MA) and pRIT5
  • GST glutathione S-transferase
  • Purified fusion proteins can be utilized in PSGL-1 activity assays, (e.g., direct assays or competitive assays described in detail below), or to generate antibodies specific for PSGL-1 proteins.
  • a nucleic acid of the invention is expressed in mammalian cells using a mammalian expression vector.
  • mammalian expression vectors include pCDM8 (Seed, B. (1987) Nature 329:840) and pMT2PC (Kaufman et al. (1987) EMBOJ. 6:187-195).
  • the expression vector's control functions are often provided by viral regulatory elements.
  • commonly used promoters are derived from polyoma, Adenovirus 2, cytomegalovirus and Simian Virus 40.
  • suitable expression systems for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells see chapters 16 and 17 of Sambrook, J. et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nded, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989.
  • the recombinant mammalian expression vector is capable of directing expression of the nucleic acid preferentially in a particular cell type (e.g., tissue-specific regulatory elements are used to express the nucleic acid).
  • the methods of the invention may further use a recombinant expression vector comprising a DNA molecule of the invention cloned into the expression vector in an antisense orientation. That is, the DNA molecule is operatively linked to a regulatory sequence in a manner which allows for expression (by transcription of the DNA molecule) of an RNA molecule which is antisense to PSGL-1 mRNA.
  • Regulatory sequences operatively linked to a nucleic acid cloned in the antisense orientation can be chosen which direct the continuous expression of the antisense RNA molecule in a variety of cell types, for instance viral promoters and/or enhancers, or regulatory sequences can be chosen which direct constitutive, tissue specific, or cell type specific expression of antisense RNA.
  • the antisense expression vector can be in the form of a recombinant plasmid, phagemid, or attenuated virus in which antisense nucleic acids are produced under the control of a high efficiency regulatory region, the activity of which can be determined by the cell type into which the vector is introduced.
  • a high efficiency regulatory region the activity of which can be determined by the cell type into which the vector is introduced.
  • Another aspect of the invention pertains to the use of host cells into which a PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecule of the invention is introduced, e.g., a PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecule within a recombinant expression vector or a PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecule containing sequences which allow it to homologously recombine into a specific site of the host cell's genome.
  • host cell and "recombinant host cell” are used interchangeably herein. It is understood that such terms refer not only to the particular subject cell but to the progeny or potential progeny of such a cell. Because certain modifications may occur in succeeding generations due to either mutation or environmental influences, such progeny may not, in fact, be identical to the parent cell, but are still included within the scope of the term as used herein.
  • a host cell can be any prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell.
  • a PSGL-1 protein can be expressed in bacterial cells such as E. coli, insect cells, yeast or mammalian cells (such as Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) or COS cells). Other suitable host cells are known to those skilled in the art.
  • Vector DNA can be introduced into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells via conventional transformation or transfection techniques.
  • transformation and transfection are intended to refer to a variety of art-recognized techniques for introducing foreign nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) into a host cell, including calcium phosphate or calcium chloride co-precipitation, D ⁇ A ⁇ -dextran-mediated transfection, lipofection, or electroporation. Suitable methods for transforming or transfecting host cells can be found in Sambrook et al. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual. 2nd, ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, 1989), and other laboratory manuals.
  • a host cell used in the methods of the invention can be used to produce (i.e., express) a PSGL-1 protein.
  • the invention further provides methods for producing a PSGL-1 protein using the host cells of the invention.
  • the method comprises culturing the host cell of the invention (into which a recombinant expression vector encoding a PSGL-1 protein has been introduced) in a suitable medium such that a PSGL-1 protein is produced.
  • the method further comprises isolating a PSGL-1 protein from the medium or the host cell.
  • the present invention provides for both prophylactic and therapeutic methods of treating a subject, e.g., a human, at risk of (or susceptible to) stenosis or restenosis, including constrictive vascular remodeling and neointimal formation, as a result of vascular injury, e.g. injury from PTCA (restenosis) or pathologic injury, e.g., cardiovascular disease (stenosis).
  • vascular injury e.g. injury from PTCA (restenosis) or pathologic injury, e.g., cardiovascular disease (stenosis).
  • PTCA restenosis
  • pathologic injury e.g., cardiovascular disease
  • stenosis stenosis
  • treatments may be specifically tailored or modified, based on knowledge obtained from the field of pharmacogenomics.
  • “Pharmacogenomics,” as used herein, refers to the application of genomics technologies such as gene sequencing, statistical genetics, and gene expression analysis to drugs in clinical development and on the
  • another aspect of the invention provides methods for tailoring a subject's prophylactic or therapeutic treatment with either the P-selectin antagonists of the present invention or P-selectin ligand modulators according to that individual's drug response genotype.
  • Pharmacogenomics allows a clinician or physician to target prophylactic or therapeutic treatments to patients who will most benefit from the treatment and to avoid treatment of patients who will experience toxic drug-related side effects.
  • the invention provides a method for modulating, e.g., inhibiting, stenosis or restenosis in a subject by administering to the subject an agent which modulates PSGL-1 expression or PSGL-1 activity, e.g., modulates P-selectin binding, modulates intercellular adhesion, e.g., platelet-leukocyte adhesion and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion, or modulates cell migration, e.g., leukocyte recruitment to platelets and endothelial cells, modulates restenosis, modulates vascular remodeling, and modulates neointimal formation.
  • an agent which modulates PSGL-1 expression or PSGL-1 activity e.g., modulates P-selectin binding
  • modulates intercellular adhesion e.g., platelet-leukocyte adhesion and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion
  • cell migration e.g., leukocyte recruitment to platelets and endothelial cells
  • Subjects at risk for stenosis or restenosis can be identified by, for example, any or a combination of the diagnostic or prognostic assays described herein.
  • subjects at risk for stenosis are those individuals who suffer from cardiovascular disease.
  • subjects who are at risk for restenosis include those who are undergoing cardiovascular and general vascular procedures or intervention such as surgical revascularization, stenting, PCTA or other intervention, surgical or non-surgical, which causes vascular injury.
  • Cardiovascular diseases and disorders which place a subject at risk for stenosis and make them a target for treatment with the P-selectin antagonists of the invention include arteriosclerosis, ischemia reperfusion injury, arterial inflammation, rapid ventricular pacing, coronary microembolism, tachycardia, bradycardia, pressure overload, aortic bending, vascular heart disease, atrial fibrilation, Jervell syndrome, Lange-Nielsen syndrome, long- QT syndrome, congestive heart failure, sinus node dysfunction, angina, heart failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, cardiomyopathy, e.g., dilated cardiomyopathy and idiopathic cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, coronary artery spasm, and arrhythmia.
  • arteriosclerosis arteriosclerosis
  • ischemia reperfusion injury arterial inflammation, rapid ventricular pacing
  • coronary microembolism tachycardia
  • a prophylactic or theraputic agent e.g., an anti-P-selectin antibody, an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, or soluble P-selectin ligand
  • a prophylactic or theraputic agent e.g., an anti-P-selectin antibody, an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, or soluble P-selectin ligand
  • the agent may be administered to a subject with prior vascular injury caused by vascular or cardiovascular disease who is undergoing vascular intervention resulting in further vascular injury.
  • a P-selectin antagonist e.g., an anti-P-selectin antibody, an anti-P-selectin ligand antibody, soluble P-selectin ligand, soluble PSGL-1 or soluble rPSGL-Ig
  • the soluble P-selectin antagonists of the invention can be administered to a subject using pharmaceutical compositions suitable for such administration.
  • Such compositions typically comprise the agent (e.g., protein or antibody) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • 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 used in the therapeutic methods of the invention is formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration.
  • routes of administration include parenteral, e.g., intravenous, intradermal, subcutaneous, oral (e.g., inhalation), transdermal (topical), transmucosal, and rectal administration.
  • Solutions or suspensions used for parenteral, intradermal, or subcutaneous application can include the following components: a sterile diluent such as water for injection, saline solution, fixed oils, polyethylene glycols, glycerine, propylene glycol or other synthetic solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl parabens; antioxidants such as ascorbic acid or sodium bisulfite; chelating agents such as 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 ELTM (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 manitol, sorbitol, and 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 agent that modulates PSGL-1 activity (e.g., a fragment of a soluble PSGL-1 protein) 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 compounds are delivered in the form of an aerosol spray from pressured container or dispenser which contains a suitable propellant, e.g., a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer.
  • a suitable propellant e.g., a gas such as carbon dioxide, or a nebulizer.
  • Systemic administration can also be by transmucosal or transdermal means.
  • penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation.
  • penetrants are generally known in the art, and include, for example, for transmucosal administration, detergents, bile salts, and fusidic acid derivatives.
  • Transmucosal administration can be accomplished through the use of nasal sprays or suppositories.
  • the active compounds are formulated into ointments, salves, gels, or creams as generally known in the art.
  • the agents that modulate PSGL-1 activity can also be prepared in the form of suppositories (e.g., with conventional suppository bases such as cocoa butter and other glycerides) or retention enemas for rectal delivery.
  • the agents that modulate PSGL-1 activity 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 can also be used as pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. These can be prepared according to methods known to those skilled in the art, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,522,811.
  • Dosage unit form refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the subject to be treated; each unit containing a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier.
  • the specification for the dosage unit forms of the invention are dictated by and directly dependent on the unique characteristics of the agent that modulates PSGL-1 activity and the particular therapeutic effect to be achieved, and the limitations inherent in the art of compounding such an agent for the treatment of subjects.
  • Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of such agents can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD50 (the dose lethal to 50% of the population) and the ED50 (the dose therapeutically effective in 50% of the population).
  • the dose ratio between toxic and therapeutic effects is the therapeutic index and can be expressed as the ratio LD50/ED50.
  • Agents which exhibit large therapeutic indices are preferred. While agents that exhibit toxic side effects may be used, care should be taken to design a delivery system that targets such agents to the site of affected tissue in order to minimize potential damage to uninfected cells and, thereby, reduce side effects.
  • the data obtained from the cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in humans.
  • the dosage of such PSGL-1 modulating agents lies preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED50 with little or no toxicity.
  • the dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.
  • the therapeutically effective dose can be estimated initially from cell culture assays.
  • a dose may be formulated in animal models to achieve a circulating plasma concentration range that includes the IC50 (i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of symptoms) as determined in cell culture.
  • IC50 i.e., the concentration of the test compound which achieves a half-maximal inhibition of symptoms
  • levels in plasma may be measured, for example, by high performance liquid chromatography.
  • a therapeutically effective amount of protein or polypeptide ranges from about 0.001 to 30 mg/kg body weight, preferably about 0.01 to 25 mg/kg body weight, more preferably about 0.1 to 20 mg/kg body weight, and even more preferably about 1 to 10 mg/kg, 2 to 9 mg/kg, 3 to 8 mg/kg, 4 to 7 mg/kg, or 5 to 6 mg/kg body weight.
  • an effective dosage ranges from about 0.001 to 30 mg/kg body weight, preferably about 0.01 to 25 mg/kg body weight, more preferably about 0.1 to 20 mg/kg body weight, and even more preferably about 1 to 10 mg/kg, 2 to 9 mg/kg, 3 to 8 mg/kg, 4 to 7 mg/kg, or 5 to 6 mg/kg body weight.
  • treatment of a subject with a therapeutically effective amount of a protein, polypeptide, or antibody can include a single treatment or, preferably, can include a series of treatments.
  • a subject is treated with antibody, protein, or polypeptide in the range of between about 0.1 to 20 mg/kg body weight, one time per week for between about 1 to 10 weeks, preferably between 2 to 8 weeks, more preferably between about 3 to 7 weeks, and even more preferably for about 4, 5, or 6 weeks.
  • the effective dosage of antibody, protein, or polypeptide used for treatment may increase or decrease over the course of a particular treatment. Changes in dosage may result and become apparent from the results of diagnostic assays as described herein.
  • the present invention encompasses agents which modulate expression or activity.
  • An agent may, for example, be a small molecule.
  • small molecules include, but are not limited to, peptides, peptidomimetics, amino acids, amino acid analogs, polynucleotides, polynucleotide analogs, nucleotides, nucleotide analogs, organic or inorganic compounds (i.e,.
  • heteroorganic and organometallic compounds having a molecular weight less than about 10,000 grams per mole, organic or inorganic compounds having a molecular weight less than about 5,000 grams per mole, organic or inorganic compounds having a molecular weight less than about 1,000 grams per mole, organic or inorganic compounds having a molecular weight less than about 500 grams per mole, and salts, esters, and other pharmaceutically acceptable forms of such compounds. It is understood that appropriate doses of small molecule agents depends upon a number of factors within the ken of the ordinarily skilled physician, veterinarian, or researcher.
  • the dose(s) of the small molecule will vary, for example, depending upon the identity, size, and condition of the subject or sample being treated, further depending upon the route by which the composition is to be administered, if applicable, and the effect which the practitioner desires the small molecule to have upon the nucleic acid or polypeptide of the invention.
  • Exemplary doses include milligram or microgram amounts of the small molecule per kilogram of subject or sample weight (e.g., about 1 microgram per kilogram to about 500 milligrams per kilogram, about 100 micrograms per kilogram to about 5 milligrams per kilogram, or about 1 microgram per kilogram to about 50 micrograms per kilogram).
  • appropriate doses of a small molecule depend upon the potency of the small molecule with respect to the expression or activity to be modulated. Such appropriate doses may be determined using the assays described herein.
  • an animal e.g., a human
  • a physician, veterinarian, or researcher may, for example, prescribe a relatively low dose at first, subsequently increasing the dose until an appropriate response is obtained.
  • the specific dose level for any particular animal subject will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the age, body weight, general health, gender, and diet of the subject, the time of administration, the route of administration, the rate of excretion, any drug combination, and the degree of expression or activity to be modulated.
  • an antibody (or fragment thereof) may be conjugated to a therapeutic moiety such as a therapeutic agent or a radioactive metal ion.
  • Therapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, antimetabolites (e.g., methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine), alkylating agents (e.g., mechlorethamine, thioepa chlorambucil, melphalan, carmustine (BSNU) and lomustine (CCNU), cyclothosphamide, busulfan, dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C, and cis-dichlorodiamine platinum (II) (DDP) cisplatin), anthracyclines (e.g., daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin) and doxorubicin), antibiotics (e.g., dactinomycin (formerly actinomycin), bleomycin, mithramycin, and anthramycin (AMC)), and anti-mitotic agents (e.g.
  • the drug moiety can be used for modifying a given biological response, the drug moiety is not to be construed as limited to classical chemical therapeutic agents.
  • the drug moiety may be a protein or polypeptide possessing a desired biological activity.
  • proteins may include, for example, a toxin such as abrin, ricin A, pseudomonas exotoxin, or diphtheria toxin; a protein such as tumor necrosis factor, alpha- interferon, beta-interferon, nerve growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, tissue plasminogen activator; or biological response modifiers such as, for example, lymphokines, interleukin-1 ("IL-1"), interleukin-2 (“IL-2”), interleukin-6 (“IL-6”), granulocyte macrophase colony stimulating factor (“GM-CSF”), granulocyte colony stimulating factor (“G-CSF”), or other growth factors.
  • IL-1 interleukin-1
  • IL-2 interleukin-2
  • IL-6 inter
  • an antibody can be conjugated to a second antibody to form an antibody heteroconjugate as described by Segal in U.S. Patent No. 4,676,980.
  • the nucleic acid molecules used in the methods of the invention can be inserted into vectors and used as gene therapy vectors.
  • Gene therapy vectors can be delivered to a subject by, for example, intravenous injection, local administration (see U.S. Patent 5,328,470) or by stereotactic injection (see, e.g., Chen et al. (1994) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 91:3054- 3057).
  • the pharmaceutical preparation of the gene therapy vector can include the gene therapy vector in an acceptable diluent, or can comprise a slow release matrix in which the gene delivery vehicle is imbedded.
  • the pharmaceutical preparation can include one or more cells which produce the gene delivery system.
  • a physician or clinician may consider applying knowledge obtained in relevant pharmacogenomics studies in determining whether to administer a P-selectin antagonist, e.g., soluble PSGL-1, as well as tailoring the dosage and/or therapeutic regimen of treatment with an agent which modulates PSGL-1 activity.
  • a P-selectin antagonist e.g., soluble PSGL-1
  • Pharmacogenomics deals with clinically significant hereditary variations in the response to drugs due to altered drug disposition and abnormal action in affected persons. See, for example, Eichelbaum, M. et al. (1996) Clin. Exp.Pharmacol Physiol 23(10-11): 983-985 and Linder, M.W. et al. (1997) Clin. Chem. 43(2):254-266.
  • two types of pharmacogenetic conditions can be differentiated. Genetic conditions transmitted as a single factor altering the way drugs act on the body (altered drug action) or genetic conditions transmitted as single factors altering the way the body acts on drugs (altered drug metabolism). These pharmacogenetic conditions can occur either as rare genetic defects or as naturally-occurring polymorphisms.
  • G6PD glucose-6-phosphate aminopeptidase deficiency
  • a genome- wide association relies primarily on a high-resolution map of the human genome consisting of already known gene-related markers (e.g., a "bi-allelic” gene marker map which consists of 60,000-100,000 polymorphic or variable sites on the human genome, each of which has two variants).
  • gene-related markers e.g., a "bi-allelic” gene marker map which consists of 60,000-100,000 polymorphic or variable sites on the human genome, each of which has two variants.
  • Such a high-resolution genetic map can be compared to a map of the genome of each of a statistically significant number of patients taking part in a Phase II/III drug trial to identify markers associated with a particular observed drug response or side effect.
  • such a high resolution map can be generated from a combination of some ten million known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the human genome.
  • SNPs single nucleotide polymorphisms
  • a "SNP" is a common alteration that occurs in a single nucleotide base in a stretch of DNA. For example, a SNP may occur once per every 1000 bases of DNA.
  • a SNP may be involved in a disease process, however, the vast majority may not be disease-associated.
  • individuals Given a genetic map based on the occurrence of such SNPs, individuals can be grouped into genetic categories depending on a particular pattern of SNPs in their individual genome.
  • treatment regimens can be tailored to groups of genetically similar individuals, taking into account traits that may be common among such genetically similar individuals.
  • a method termed the "candidate gene approach" can be utilized to identify genes that predict drug response.
  • a gene that encodes a drug target e.g., a PSGL-1 protein of the present invention
  • all common variants of that gene can be fairly easily identified in the population and it can be determined if having one version of the gene versus another is associated with a particular drug response.
  • the activity of drug metabolizing enzymes is a major determinant of both the intensity and duration of drug action.
  • a method termed the "gene expression profiling" can be utilized to identify genes that predict drug response.
  • a drug e.g., a PSGL-1 molecule or P-selectin antagonist of the present invention
  • the gene expression of an animal dosed with a drug can give an indication whether gene pathways related to toxicity have been turned on.
  • the invention provides methods (also referred to herein as "screening assays") for identifying modulators, i.e., candidate or test compounds or agents (e.g., peptides, peptidomimetics, small molecules, ribozymes, or PSGL-1 antisense molecules) which bind to PSGL-1 proteins, have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on PSGL-1 expression or PSGL- 1 activity, or have a stimulatory or inhibitory effect on the expression or activity of a PSGL- 1 target molecule, e.g. P-selectin, or have an effect, e.g., inhibition of cellular migration or adhesion, on cells expressing a PSGL-1 target molecule, e.g., endothelial cells and platelets.
  • Compounds identified using the assays described herein may be useful for modulating stenosis and restenosis, constrictive vascular remodeling, neointimal formation, and cell adhesion and migration.
  • Candidate/test compounds include, for example, 1) peptides such as soluble peptides, including Ig-tailed fusion peptides and members of random peptide libraries (see, e.g., Lam, K.S. et al. (1991) Nature 354:82-84; Houghten, R. et al. (1991) Nature 354:84-86) and combinatorial chemistry-derived molecular libraries made of D- and/or L- configuration amino acids; 2) phosphopeptides (e.g., members of random and partially degenerate, directed phosphopeptide libraries, see, e.g., Songyang, Z. et al.
  • test compounds of the present invention can be obtained using any of the numerous approaches in combinatorial library methods known in the art, including: biological libraries; spatially addressable parallel solid phase or solution phase libraries; synthetic library methods requiring deconvolution; the 'one-bead one-compound' library method; and synthetic library methods using affinity chromatography selection.
  • the biological library approach is limited to peptide libraries, while the other four approaches are applicable to peptide, non-peptide oligomer or small molecule libraries of compounds (Lam, K.S. (1997) Anticancer Drug Des. 12:145). Examples of methods for the synthesis of molecular libraries can be found in the art, for example in: DeWitt et al. (1993) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
  • P-selectin activity include assays for cell adhesion using 5, Cr-labelled cells, e.g., leukocytes (as described in, for example, Kennedy et al (2000) Br J Pharmacology 130(1):95), and assays for cell migration, e.g., platelet, neutrophil and leukocyte migration (as described in, for example Kogaki et al. (1999) Cardiovascular Res 43(4):968) and Bengtsson et al. (1999) ScandJClin Lab Invest 59(6):439).
  • leukocytes as described in, for example, Kennedy et al (2000) Br J Pharmacology 130(1):95
  • cell migration e.g., platelet, neutrophil and leukocyte migration (as described in, for example Kogaki et al. (1999) Cardiovascular Res 43(4):968) and Bengtsson et al. (1999) ScandJClin Lab Invest 59(6):439).
  • an assay is a cell-based assay in which a cell which expresses a PSGL- 1 protein or biologically active portion of the PSGL-1 protein that is believed to be involved in the binding of P-selectin (e.g., amino acid residues 42 to 60 of SEQ ID NO:2) is contacted with a test compound, and the ability of the test compound to modulate PSGL-1 activity is determined.
  • the biologically active portion of the PSGL-1 protein includes a domain or motif that is capable of interacting with P-selectin or inhibiting P-selectin mediated intercellular adhesion. Determining the ability of the test compound to modulate PSGL-1 activity can be accomplished by monitoring, for example, cell adhesion or cell migration.
  • the cell for example, can be of mammalian origin, e.g., an endothelial cell, or a leukocyte.
  • the ability of the test compound to modulate PSGL-1 binding to a substrate or to bind to PSGL-1 can also be determined. Determining the ability of the test compound to modulate PSGL-1 binding to a substrate can be accomplished, for example, by coupling the PSGL-1 substrate with a radioisotope or enzymatic label such that binding of the PSGL-1 substrate to PSGL-1 can be determined by detecting the labeled PSGL-1 substrate in a complex. Alternatively, PSGL-1 could be coupled with a radioisotope or enzymatic label to monitor the ability of a test compound to modulate PSGL-1 binding to a PSGL-1 substrate in a complex.
  • Determining the ability of the test compound to bind PSGL-1 can be accomplished, for example, by coupling the compound with a radioisotope or enzymatic label such that binding of the compound to PSGL-1 can be determined by detecting the labeled PSGL-1 compound in a complex.
  • PSGL-1 substrates can be labeled with 125i 5 35s ? 14 or 3jj s either directly or indirectly, and the radioisotope detected by direct counting of radioemmission or by scintillation counting.
  • compounds can be enzymatically labeled with, for example, horseradish peroxidase, alkaline phosphatase, or luciferase, and the enzymatic label detected by determination of conversion of an appropriate substrate to product.
  • a microphysiometer can be used to detect the interaction of a compound with PSGL-1 without the labeling of either the compound or the PSGL-1 (McConnell, H. M. et al. (1992) Science 257:1906-1912).
  • a "microphysiometer” e.g., Cytosensor
  • LAPS light- addressable potentiometric sensor
  • an assay of the present invention is a cell-free assay in which a PSGL-1 protein or biologically active portion thereof (e.g., a fragment of a PSGL-1 protein which is capable of binding P-selectin) is contacted with a test compound and the ability of the test compound to bind to or to modulate (e.g., stimulate or inhibit) the activity of the PSGL-1 protein or biologically active portion thereof is determined.
  • a PSGL-1 protein or biologically active portion thereof e.g., a fragment of a PSGL-1 protein which is capable of binding P-selectin
  • Preferred biologically active portions of the PSGL-1 proteins to be used in assays of the present invention include fragments which participate in interactions with non-PSGL-1 molecules, e.g., fragments with high surface probability scores. Binding of the test compound to the PSGL-1 protein can be determined either directly or indirectly as described above.
  • Determining the ability of the PSGL-1 protein to bind to a test compound can also be accomplished using a technology such as real-time Biomolecular Interaction Analysis (BIA) (Sjolander, S. and Urbaniczky, C. (1991) Anal. Chem. 63:2338-2345; Szabo et al. (1995) Cwrr. Opin. Struct. Biol. 5:699-705).
  • BIOA Biomolecular Interaction Analysis
  • BIA is a technology for studying biospecific interactions in real time, without labeling any of the interactants (e.g., BIAcore). Changes in the optical phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) can be used as an indication of real-time reactions between biological molecules.
  • binding of a test compound to a PSGL-1 protein, or interaction of a PSGL-1 protein with P-selectin in the presence and absence of a test compound can be accomplished in any vessel suitable for containing the reactants. Examples of such vessels include microtitre plates, test tubes, and micro-centrifuge tubes.
  • a fusion protein can be provided which adds a domain that allows one or both of the proteins to be bound to a matrix.
  • glutathione-S- transferase/PSGL-1 fusion proteins or glutathione-S-transferase/target fusion proteins can be adsorbed onto glutathione sepharose beads (Sigma Chemical, St. Louis, MO) or glutathione derivatized microtitre plates, which are then combined with the test compound or the test compound and either the non-adsorbed target protein or PSGL-1 protein, and the mixture incubated under conditions conducive to complex formation (e.g., at physiological conditions for salt and pH). Following incubation, the beads or microtitre plate wells are washed to remove any unbound components, the matrix is immobilized in the case of beads, and complex formation is determined either directly or indirectly, for example, as described above. Alternatively, the complexes can be dissociated from the matrix, and the level of PSGL-1 binding or activity determined using standard techniques.
  • a PSGL-1 protein or a P-selectin molecule can be immobilized utilizing conjugation of biotin and streptavidin.
  • Biotinylated PSGL-1 protein or P-selectin protein can be prepared from biotin-NHS (N-hydroxy- succinimide) using techniques known in the art (e.g., biotinylation kit, Pierce Chemicals, Rockford, IL), and immobilized in the wells of streptavidin-coated 96 well plates (Pierce Chemical).
  • antibodies which are reactive with PSGL-1 protein or P-selectin but which do not interfere with binding of the PSGL-1 protein to its target molecule can be derivatized to the wells of the plate, and unbound target or PSGL-1 protein is trapped in the wells by antibody conjugation.
  • Methods for detecting such complexes include immunodetection of complexes using antibodies reactive with the PSGL-1 protein or P-selectin, as well as enzyme-linked assays which rely on detecting an enzymatic activity associated with the PSGL-1 protein or P-selectin.
  • the PSGL-1 protein or fragments thereof can be used as "bait proteins" in a two-hybrid assay or three-hybrid assay (see, e.g. , U.S. Patent No. 5,283,317; Zervos et al. (1993) Cell 72:223-232; Madura etal. (1993) J Biol. Chem. 268:12046-12054; Bartel etal. (1993) Biotechniques 14:920-924; Iwabuchi et al.
  • PSGL-1 - binding proteins proteins which bind to or interact with PSGL-1
  • PSGL-1-bp proteins which bind to or interact with PSGL-1
  • PSGL-1-bp proteins which bind to or interact with PSGL-1
  • PSGL-1-bp proteins which bind to or interact with PSGL-1
  • PSGL-1-binding proteins are also likely to be involved in the propagation of signals by the PSGL- 1 proteins or PSGL-1 targets as, for example, downstream elements of a PSGL-1 -mediated signaling pathway.
  • PSGL-1 -binding proteins are likely to be PSGL-1 inhibitors.
  • the two-hybrid system is based on the modular nature of most transcription factors, which consist of separable DNA-binding and activation domains.
  • the assay utilizes two different DNA constructs.
  • the gene that codes for a PSGL-1 protein is fused to a gene encoding the DNA binding domain of a known transcription factor (e.g., GAL-4).
  • a DNA sequence, from a library of DNA sequences, that encodes an unidentified protein (“prey" or "sample”) is fused to a gene that codes for the activation domain of the known transcription factor.
  • the DNA-binding and activation domains of the transcription factor are brought into close proximity. This proximity allows transcription of a reporter gene (e.g., LacZ) which is operably linked to a transcriptional regulatory site responsive to the transcription factor. Expression of the reporter gene can be detected and cell colonies containing the functional transcription factor can be isolated and used to obtain the cloned gene which encodes the protein which interacts with the PSGL-1 protein.
  • a reporter gene e.g., LacZ
  • Expression of the reporter gene can be detected and cell colonies containing the functional transcription factor can be isolated and used to obtain the cloned gene which encodes the protein which interacts with the PSGL-1 protein.
  • the invention pertains to a combination of two or more of the assays described herein.
  • a modulating agent can be identified using a cell- based or a cell-free assay, and the ability of the agent to modulate the activity of a P-selectin ligand antagonist can be confirmed in vivo, e.g., in an animal such as an animal model for cardiovascular disease.
  • animals that may be used include non- recombinant, non-genetic animal models of restenosis or constrictive vascular remodeling such as, for example, rabbit, mouse, porcine, or rat models in which the animal has been subjected to vascular injury, e.g., balloon angioplasty, (as described in Razavi et al (1999) IntJRadiat Oncol Biol Phys 44(2):363-7), injection of a photoactive dye, e.g., rose bengal, (as described in Trieu et o/(2000) J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 35(4):595-605), coronary stents (as described in Baumbach et al (2000) Basic Res Cardiol 95(3):173-8), or vascular ligation (as described in Kumar et al (1997) Artheroscler Thromb Vase Biol.
  • vascular injury e.g., balloon angioplasty, (as described in Razavi et al (1999) IntJRadiat
  • the extent of modulation of restenosis and vascular remodeling can be measured, for example, by morphological analysis of the cardiovascular vessels prior to vascular injury and post- vascular injury.
  • PSGL-1 and P-selectin modulators can be identified where there has been positive vascular remodeling (e.g., lack of constrictive remodeling) and modulation of restenosis (e.g. prevention, inhibition or treatment).
  • a PSGL-1 modulator identified as described herein e.g., an antisense PSGL-1 nucleic acid molecule, a PSGL-1 -specific antibody, or a small molecule
  • a PSGL-1 modulator identified as described herein can be used in an animal model to determine the efficacy, toxicity, or side effects of treatment with such a modulator.
  • a PSGL-1 modulator identified as described herein can be used in an animal model to determine the mechanism of action of such a modulator.
  • the EcoRI adaptors used to generate the cDNA library from HL60 cells in Example I contain an Xbal restriction site (TCTAGA) (SEQ ID NO:3) just 5' of the beginning of SEQ ID NO: 1 as it is located in the pMT21 :PL85 plasmid.
  • TCTAGA Xbal restriction site
  • the pMT21 :PL85 plasmid was restricted with Xbal and with Hindi (which cleaves after nucleotide 944 of SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • the approximately 950 bp fragment thus generated containing all of the encoded extracellular segment of the ligand up to and including the codon for valine 295, was isolated and used to generate DNAs encoding soluble forms of the P-selectin ligand protein as set forth in sections A though D below.
  • the fragment was purified and ligated into mammalian expression vector pED between the Xbal and EcoRI sites, along with double stranded synthetic oligonucleotide DNA that recreated the codons from Asn 296 to Cys 310 and introduced a novel stop codon immediately following Cys 310.
  • the sequence of the oligos is as follows:
  • the resulting plasmid was designated pED.sPSL.QC, and the protein expressed from the plasmid was designated sPSL.QC.
  • the fragment was purified and ligated into the pED plasmid (Kaufman et al., 1991) between the Xbal and EcoRI sites, along with the double stranded synthetic oligonucleotide DNA that recreated the codons from Asn 296 to Gin 309 and introduced a novel stop codon immediately following Gin 309.
  • the sequence of the oligos is as follows:
  • Oligonucleotides encoding 14 amino acids including an epitope derived from the phage T7 major capsid protein were synthesized, creating a C-terminal fusion of the epitope "tag" with an additional 32 amino acids derived from the vector sequence.
  • plasmid pED.sPSL.T7 were duplexed and ligated with the large Xbal-EcoRI fragment of mammalian expression plasmid pED.
  • the resulting plasmid, pED.T7 was restricted with Xbal and Smal and ligated to the 950 bp Xbal-HincII fragment described above, resulting in plasmid pED.sPSL.T7.
  • the protein resulting from expression of pED.sPSL.T7 was designated sPSL.T7.
  • the plasmid DNA encoding a soluble, extracellular form of the P-selectin ligand protein fused to the Fc portion of human immunoglobulin IgGl was constructed as follows: the mammalian expression vector pED.Fc contains sequences encoding the Fc region of a human IgGl with a novel linker sequence enabling the fusion of coding sequences amino terminal to the hinge region via a unique Xbal restriction site. A three fragment ligation was performed: pED.Fc was restricted with Xbal and gel purified in linear form. The 950 bp fragment from pMT21 :PL85 described above comprised the second fragment. The third fragment consisted of annealed synthetic oligonucleotide DNAs having the following sequence:
  • the ligation products were grown as plasmid DNAs and individual clones having the correct configuration were identified by DNA sequencing.
  • the plasmid was designated pED.PSL.Fc.
  • the DNA coding region of the resulting soluble P-selectin ligand Fc fusion protein is shown in SEQ ID NO: 12.
  • EXAMPLE 2 EFFECT OF SOLUBLE P-SELECTIN GLYCOPROTEIN LIGAND-1 CHIMERA ON RESTENOSIS FOLLOWING ARTERIAL INJURY BY REPEAT ANGIOPLASTY IN PIGS
  • This example describes the effect of a soluble P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1) chimera (rPSGL-Ig) on restenosis following arterial injury by repeat carotid angioplasty.
  • the repeat carotid injury model is a clinically relevant double injury model in which the first angioplasty creates damage to the vessel similar to the vascular injury caused by vascular intervention or from a cardiovascular disease or disorder.
  • rPSGL-Ig is a recombinant soluble form of PSGL-1 fused to a human IgG (see Example ID).
  • Blood sampling, angiograms, 51 Cr-platelet and ⁇ n In-neutrophil injections were carried out at 1 hr, 4 hrs, 1 week, and 4 weeks after the second angioplasty. Blood sampling and angiograms were also carried out after the first angioplasty of carotid arteries, prior to the second angioplasty, and at the second angioplasty.
  • An evaluation of hematological parameters, hemodynamic parameters, activated clotting time (ACT), and platelet aggregation in whole blood after ADP (10 uM) stimulation was performed in the animals before treatment with the vehicle or rPSGL-Ig and after treatment with the vehicle or rPSGL-1. The hematological and hemodynamic parameters in control and rPSGL-Ig treated animals are illustrated in Table 1, below.
  • the residual lumen in deeply injured segments was 63% larger in the rPSGL-Ig treated pigs as compared to the control (6.1 + 0.6 vs. 3.8 + 0.1 mm 2 ).
  • the neointimal area in the rPGSL-Ig treated animals was slightly smaller than in the control (0.5 + 0.1 vs 0.7 + o.l mm 2 ).
  • the ratio of the external elastic lamina (EEL) surface in deeply injured to uninjured vessel segments was 1.5 + 0.1 in the rPGSL-Ig group vs. 0.9 + 0.05 in the control group (pO.Ol) which indicates a positive effect on compensatory remodeling (see Figures 5 and 6).
  • EEL External elastic lamina
  • IEL Internal elastic lamina Normalized: dilated / reference values * p ⁇ 0.005 vs control
  • Figure 6 illustrates the remodeling effect of treatment with rPSGL-Ig 4 weeks after the second angioplasty.
  • Treatment with rPSGL-Ig resulted in a larger lumen area and less neointimal formation, as compared to the control artery. Accordingly, treatment with rPSGL-Ig has resulted in the inhibition of restenosis, as compared to the control.
  • EXAMPLE 3 INHIBITION OF IN-STENT RESTENOSIS AND NEOINTIMAL FORMATION BY SOLUBLE P-SELECTIN GLYCOPROTEIN LIGAND-1 CHIMERA IN PIGS
  • This study describes the inhibition of neointimal formation and restenosis following stenting of coronary arteries after angioplasty.
  • Coronary angioplasty was performed resulting in injury to the LAD, LCX, and RCA coronary arteries of pigs. Two weeks following initial injury, stents were implanted at the injury-induced lesion site in 2 randomly selected vessels. Six pigs (control animals) received a vehicle (formulation buffer) and five pigs received rPSGL-1 (1 mg/kg). The vehicle and rPSGL-1 were administered as a single IV bolus, 15 minutes before stenting.
  • vascular lumen was similar in both control (3.0mm 2 ) and rPSGL-Ig (2.8mm 2 ) groups.
  • the overall cross sectional area of stented and reference sites was unchanged between groups.
  • in-stent residual lumen was reduced significantly by 49% to 1.6 + 0.4 mm 2 in control, whereas it remained statistically unchanged (3.2 + 0.5 mm2) in rPSGL-Ig treated animals, indicating significant inhibition of restenosis by rPSGL-Ig.
  • Neointimal area as a percentage of total cross sectional area was reduced by rPSGL-
  • Ig treatment (66.7 + 2.8 vs 52.4 + 4.9; p ⁇ 0.05). There was a 49% inhibition of neutrophil adhesion (p ⁇ 0.05), and a 39% reduction of platelet adhesion.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne des méthodes et des compositions destinées à la modulation de la resténose et de la sténose, lesquelles sont caractérisées par un remodelage vasculaire constrictif et une formation néo-intimale, chez un patient, au moyen de l'administration d'un antagoniste de la P-sélectine. L'invention concerne, en outre, des méthodes de modulation du recrutement des leucocytes, de l'adhésion intracellulaire et de l'adhésion cellulaire à des vaisseaux sanguins, chez un patient, par l'administration de ligand soluble de la P-sélectine, d'un anticorps de ligand anti-P-sélectine ou d'un anticorps anti-P-sélectine. L'invention concerne également des méthodes d'identification de composés capables de moduler la resténose.
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CN105777867A (zh) 2004-05-11 2016-07-20 艾比吉诺米克斯合作公司 诱导t细胞死亡的表位
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WO2009126556A1 (fr) 2008-04-08 2009-10-15 Glycomimetics, Inc. Inhibiteur de pan-sélectine avec activité pharmacocinétique améliorée
WO2012037034A1 (fr) 2010-09-14 2012-03-22 Glycomimetics, Inc. Antagonistes de l'e-sélectine
CN108892726A (zh) 2011-06-13 2018-11-27 艾比吉诺米克斯合作公司 抗psgl-1抗体及其用途
ES2655443T7 (es) 2011-12-22 2021-03-22 Glycomimetics Inc Compuestos antagonistas de E-selectina
EP2928476B1 (fr) 2012-12-07 2018-02-14 GlycoMimetics, Inc. Composés, compositions et procédés utilisant des antagonistes d'e-sélectine pour la mobilisation de cellules hématopoïétiques
HUE045542T2 (hu) 2014-12-03 2019-12-30 Glycomimetics Inc E-szelektinek és CXCR4 kemokin receptorok heterobifunkcionális inhibitorai
CA3009836A1 (fr) 2016-01-22 2017-07-27 Glycomimetics, Inc. Inhibiteurs glycomimetiques des lectines pa-il et pa-iil
US11291678B2 (en) 2016-03-02 2022-04-05 Glycomimetics, Inc Methods for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disease by inhibition of E-selectin
JP2019524791A (ja) 2016-08-08 2019-09-05 グリコミメティクス， インコーポレイテッド Ｅ−セレクチンの阻害剤もしくはｃｘｃｒ４の阻害剤との、またはｅ−セレクチンおよびｃｘｃｒ４両方のヘテロ二機能性阻害剤とのｔ細胞チェックポイント阻害剤の組み合わせ
AU2017341065B2 (en) 2016-10-07 2023-04-06 Glycomimetics, Inc. Highly potent multimeric E-selectin antagonists
EP3596096A1 (fr) 2017-03-15 2020-01-22 GlycoMimetics, Inc. Dérivés de galactopyranosyle-cyclohexyle utilisés en tant qu'antagonistes d'e-sélectine
WO2019108750A1 (fr) 2017-11-30 2019-06-06 Glycomimetics, Inc. Méthodes de mobilisation de lymphocytes infiltrant la moelle et leurs utilisations
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JP7455064B2 (ja) 2018-03-05 2024-03-25 グリコミメティクス， インコーポレイテッド 急性骨髄性白血病および関連状態を処置する方法
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