NZ501633A - Peptides and compounds that bind to the IL-5 receptor - Google Patents

Abstract

Described are peptides and peptide mimetics that bind to and the IL-5 receptor. Such peptides and peptide mimetics are useful in treating disorders that involve improper production of or response to IL-5 and/or the production and accumulation of eosinophils, such as asthma, as well as in diagnostic methods employing labelled peptides and peptide mimetics.

Description

PEPTIDES AND COMPOUNDS THAT 5 BIND TO THE IL-5 RECEPTOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides peptides and compounds that bind the interleukin 5 receptors (IL-5R), methods for assaying interleukin 5 10 (IL-5), and methods for inhibiting the binding of IL-5 to the IL-5R. The invention has application in the fields of biochemistry and medicinal chemistry and particularly provides IL-5 antagonists for use in the treatment of human disease interleukin-5 (IL-5 or IL5) is a lymphokine secreted by T cells and 15 mast cells having biological activities on B cells and eosinophils. In murine hematopoiesis, IL-5 is a selective signal for the proliferation and differentiation of the eosinophilic lineage. See Yamaguchi et al. (1988) T.Exp Med. 167:43-56. In this respect, IL-5 function"shows analogies with colony-stimulating factors for other myeloid lineages Also, human (h) IL-5 is very 20 potent in the activation of human eosinophils. See Lopez et al. (1988) T. F.xp. Med. 167:219-224 and Saito et al. (1988^ Proc. Nail. Acad. Sri. USA 85:228S-2292.

IL-5 mediates its activity through a cell membrane receptor-complex. This complex has been characterized physicochSnaically in both the murine and human system. Mouse pre-B cell lines depending on IL-5 for 25 their growth have been developed from bone marrow and are used for IL-5 receptor analysis. See Rolink et al. (1989) I. Exp. Med. 169:1693-1701. The human IL-5 receptor can be studied on a subclone of the promyelocyte cell line HL60 induced towards eosinophil differentiation. See Plaetinck et al. (1990) T Exp. Med. 172:683-691.

Printed from Mimosa Eosinophilic differentiation is initiated using sodium butyrate. Only high affinity (Kd = 30 pM) IL-5 binding sites can be found on these cells. However, cross-linking studies reveal the presence of two polypeptide chains involved in IL-5 binding, i.e., IL-5R-a and IL-5R-f} chains. Devos et al. 5 Canadian Patent Publication 2,058,003 describes a recombinant a chain of human IL-5R or parts thereof, DNA-sequences coding for such a receptor or parts thereof, and host cells transformed with such vectors. Takatsu et al. European Patent Publication 475,746 provides an isolated cDNA sequence codmg for murine and human IL-5 receptor.

A soluble human IL-5R-a chain can be used as an IL-5 antagonist in chronic asthma or other disease states with demonstrated eosinophilia. Eosinophils are white blood cells of the granulocytic lineage. Their normal function appears to be combating parasitic infections, particularly helminthis infections. However, their accumulation in tissues, a conditions referred to as 15 eosinophilia, is also associated with several disease states, most notably asthma. It is believed that the damage to the epithelial lining of the bronchial passages in severe asthmatic attacks is largely caused by the compounds released by degranulating eosinophils.

In U.S. Patent No. 5,096,704, there is specifically disclosed the use 20 of compounds which block the stimulatory effects of IL-5 in order to inhibit production and accumulation of eosinophils. The stimulatory effects of IL-5 were blocked by administering an effective amount of an antagonist to human interleukin-5, preferably using monoclonal antibodies or binding compositions derived therefrom by standard techniques. Monoclonal 25 antibodies were selected by their ability to inhibit IL-5 induced effects in standard IL-5 bioassays, such as the ability to stimulate the growth and development of eosinophils in in vitro colony forming assays, and the ability to augment in vitro proliferation of the in vivo passaged BCL1 lymphoma cells. The use of antibody fragments, e.g., Fab fragments, was also reported.

Printed from Mimosa Currently glucocorticoid steroids are the most effective drugs for treating the acute effects of allergic diseases, such as asthma. However, the long term use of steroids is associated with certain side effects. Moreover, the steroids apparently do not affect the production or accumulation of 5 granulocytic cells, such as eosinophils, in the afflicted tissues. The availability of alternative or complementary approaches to the treatment of disorders associated with eosinophilia would have important clinical utility.

The availability of cloned genes for IL-5R, including a soluble IL-5R derivative, facilitates the search for agonists and antagonists of these 10 important receptors. The availability of the recombinant receptor protein allows the study of receptor-ligand interaction in a variety of random and semi-random peptide diversity generation systems. These systems include the "peptides on plasmids" system described in U.S. Patent No. 5,270,170, the "peptides on phage" system described in U.S. patent application Serial No. 15 718,577, filed June 20, 1991, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,432,018) and in Cwirla et al., (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:6378-6382, and tke "very large scale immobilized polymer syntkesis" system described in U.S. Patent No. 5,143,854; PCT patent publication No. 90/15070, puklisked December 13, 1990; U.S. patent application Serial No. 624,120, filed December 6, 1990, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,489,678); Fodor et al., 20 15 Feb ruary 1991, Science 251:767-773: Dower an d Fodor (1991) Ann. Rep. Med. Cbem. 26 :271-180 ; and U.S. patent application Serial No. 805,727, filed December 6, 1991, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,424,186); eacb of tke foregoing patent applications and puklications is incorporated kerein ky reference.

Asthma has become the most common chronic disease in industrialized countries. Conventional methods and therapeutic agents may not be completely effective in the treatment of asthma or other immunomediated inflammatory diseases in all patient populations.

Moreover, there remains a need for compounds that bind to or otherwise interact with the IL-5R, both for studies of the important biological activities 3 intellectual property office of n.z. 1 6 AUG 2001 RECEIVED mediated by this receptor and for treatment of disease. The present invention provides such compounds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention is directed, in part, to the novel and unexpected discovery that defined low molecular weight peptides and peptide mimetics have strong binding properties to the IL-5 R. Accordingly, such peptides and peptide mimetics are useful for therapeutic purposes in treating conditions 10 mediated by IL-5 or involving improper production of or response to IL-5 and can be used to inhibit production and accumulation of eosinophils. These compounds will find particular use in the treatment of asthma. Thus, the present mvention also provides a method for treating a patient having a disorder that is susceptible to treatment with a IL-5 inhibitor receives, or is 15 administered, a therapeutically effective dose or amount of a compound of the present invention Peptides and peptide mimetics suitable for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes have an IC50 of about 2 mM or less, as determined by the binding affinity assay set forth in Example 3 below wherein a lower IC50 correlates to a stronger binding affinity to IL5-R. For pharmaceutical purposes, the peptides and pepfadomimetics preferably have an IC50 of no more than about 100 (im. In a preferred embodiment, the molecular weight of the peptide or peptide mimetic is from about 250 to about 5000 daltons When used for diagnostic purposes, the peptides and peptide 25 mimetics preferably are labeled with a detectable label and, accordingly, the peptides and peptide mimetics without such a label serve as intermediates in the preparation of labeled peptides and peptide mimetics.

Peptides meeting the defined criteria for molecular weight and binding affinity for IL-5R comprise ten or more ammo acids wherein the 4 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 amino acids are naturally occurring or synthetic (non-naturally occurring) amino acids. Peptide mimetics include peptides having one or more of the following modifications: peptides wherein one or more of the peptidyl [-C(0)NR-] 5 linkages (bonds) have been replaced by a non-peptidyl linkage such as a -CH2-carbamate linkage [-CH2-0C(0)NR-]; a phosphonate linkage; a -CH2-sulfonamide [-CH2-S(0)2NR-] linkage; a urea [-NHC(0)NH-] linkage; a -CH2-secondary amine linkage; or an alkylated peptidyl linkage [-C(0)NR6- where R6 is lower alkyl]; peptides wherein the N-terminus is derivatized to a -NRR1 group; to a -NRC(0)R group; to a -NRC(0)0R group; to a -NRS(0)2R group; to a -NHC(0)NHR group where R and R1 are hydrogen or lower alkyl with the proviso that R and R1 are not both hydrogen, to a succinimide group; to a 15 benzyloxycarbonyl-NH- (CBZ-NH-) group; or to a benzyloxycarbonyl-NH-group havmg from 1 to 3 substituents on the phenyl ring selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, chloro, and bromo; or peptides wherein the C terminus is derivatized to -C(0)R2 where R2 is selected from the group consisting of lower alkoxy, and -NR3R4 where R3 20 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl Accordmgly, preferred preferred peptides and peptide mimetics comprise a compound having: (1) a molecular weight of less than about 5000 daltons, and 25 (2) a binding affinity to IL-5R as expressed by an IC50 of no more than about 100 |im, wherein from zero to all of the -C(0)NH- linkages of the peptide have been replaced by a linkage selected from the group consisting of a Printed from Mimosa -CH20C(0)NR- linkage; a phosphorate linkage; a -CH2S(0)2NR- linkage; a -CH2NR- linkage; and a -C(0)NR6- linkage; and a -NHC(0)NH- linkage where R is hydrogen or lower alkyl and R6 is lower alkyl, further wherein the N-terminus of said peptide or peptide 5 mimetic is selected from the group consisting of a -NRR1 group; a -NRC(0)R group; a -NRC(0)0R group; a -NRS(0)2R group; a -NHC(0)NHR group; a sucdnimide group; a benzyloxycarbonyl-NH- group; and a benzyloxycarbonyi-NH- group having from 1 to 3 substituents on the phenyl ring selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, chloro, and bromo, where R 10 and R1 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl, and still further wherein the C-tenxunus of said peptide or peptide mimetic has the formula -C(0)R2 where R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, lower alkoxy, and -NRaR4 where R3 and R4 are 15 independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl and where the nitrogen atom of the -NR3R4 group can optionally be the amine group of the N-terminus of the peptide so as to form a cyclic peptide, and physiologically acceptable salts thereof.

In a related embodiment, the mvention is directed to a labeled 20 peptide or peptide mimetic comprising a peptide or peptide mimetic described as above having covalently attached thereto a label capable of detection.

More preferably, these peptides are ten to forty or more amino acid residues in length, preferably ten to twenty-five amino acid residues in length, and comprise a core sequence of amino acids. 25 CX1X2WX3RCX4X5C where Xi is G, I, V, or Y, X2 is D or E; X3 is A or V; X4 is Q or P; and X5 is A, E, K, M, N, S, or T, and dimers and oligomers thereof (SEQ ID NOl). Preferably, the core peptide comprises a sequence of amino acids: CX1X2WX3RCX4X5C Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 where Xi is V; X2 is E; X3 is A; X4 is P (SEQ ID NO:2). More preferably, the core peptide comprises either a sequence of amino acids: X6 X7 X8 V C Xi X2 W X3 R C X4 X5 C where X& is D, E, G, I, M, N, P, Q, S, V, or Y; X7 is G, V, or Y; and Xg is F, W, or 5 Y (SEQ ID NO:3), or a sequence of ammo acids: C Xi X2 W X3RC X4 X5 C X9 where X9 is E, I, K, L, M, a R, T, V, or Y (SEQ ID NO:4).

Preferably, the core peptide comprises a sequence of amino acids: X6X7X8VCX1X2WX3RCX4X5CX9 10 (SEQ ID NO:65). More preferably, X6 is D, E, G, N, P, or Q, X7 is G; and X9 is K, L, Q, R, or T (SEQ ID NO.5). Most preferably, X6 is D, N, or P; Xg is F or Y; and X9 is K, R, or T (SEQ ID NO:6).

Preferred peptides include those listed in the tables above Particularly preferred peptides include: DGYVCVEWARCPTCK (SEQ 15 IDNO.7), DGYVCVEWARCPMCT (SEQ ID NO:8); and D G F V C V E WARCPNCR (SEQ ID NO:9).

The invention also provides for pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the compounds described herein and a physiologically acceptable earner. These pharmaceutical compositions can be 20 ma variety of forms including oral dosage forms, as well as inhalable powders and solutions and injectable and infusible solutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THP. FIGURES 25 Figures 1A-C illustrates the construction of peptides-on-plasnuds libraries in vector pJS142. Figure 1A shows a restriction map and position of the genes The library plasmid includes the rrnB transcriptional terminator, the bla gene to permit selection on ampicillin, the M13 phage intragenic region (M23 JG) to permit rescue of single-stranded DNA, a plasmid 7 Printed from Mimosa replication origin (on), two lacOs ssequence, and the araC gene to permit positive and negative regulation of the araB promoter driving expression of the lac fusion gene. Figure IB shows the sequence of the cloning region at the 3' end of the lac I gene, including the Sfil and EagI sites used during library 5 construction. Figure 1C shows the ligation of annealed library oligonucleotides, ON-829 and CIN-830, to Sfil sites of pJS142 to produce a library. Singles spaces in the sequence indicate sites of ligation.

Figures 2A-B illustrate cloning into the pELM3 and pELM15 MBP vectors. Figure 2A shows the sequence at the 3' end of the malE fusion gene, 10 including the MBP coding sequence, the poly asparagine linker, the factor Xa protease cleavagge site, and the available clorung sites The remaining portions of the vectors are derived from pMALc2 (pELM3) and pMALp2 (pELM15), available from New England Biolabs. Figure 2B shows the sequence of the vectors after transfer of the BspEII-Scal library fragment into 15 Agel-Scal digested pELM3/pELM15. The transferred sequence includes the sequence encodmg the GGG peptide linker from the pJS142 library.

Figure 3A depicts a restriction map and position of the genes for the construction of headpiece dimer libraries in vector pCMG14 The library plasmid includes: the rrnB transcriptional terminator, the bla gene to permit 20 selection on ampicillin, the M13 phage intragenic region (Ml3 IG) to permit rescue of single-stranded DNA, a plasmid replication origin (ori), one lacOs ssequence, and the araC gene to permit positive and negative regulation of the araB promoter driving expression of the headpiece dimer fusion gene. Figure 3B depicts the sequence of the cloning region at the 3' end of the 25 headpiece dimer gene, including the Sfil and EagI sites used during library construction. Figure 3 C shows the ligation of annealed ON-1679, ON-829, and ON-830 to Sfil sites of pCMG14 to produce a library. Singles spaces in the sequence indicate sites of ligation.

Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS L Definitions and General Parameters The following definitions are set forth to illustrate and define 5 the meaning and scope of the various terms used to describe the invention herein.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable salts" refer to the non-toxic alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, and ammonium salts commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry including the sodium, potassium, lithium, calcium, 10 magnesium, barium, ammonium, and protamine zinc salts, which are prepared by methods well known in the art. The term also includes non-toxic acid addition salts, which are generally prepared by reacting the compounds of this invention with a suitable organic or inorganic acid. Representative salts include the hydrochloride, hydrobromide, sulfate, bisulfate, acetate, oxalate, 15 valerate, oleate, laurate, borate, benzoate, lactate, phosphate, tosylate, citrate, maleate, fumarate, succinate, tartrate, napsylate, and the like.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salt" refers to those salts which retain the biological effectiveness and properties of the free bases and which are not biologically or otherwise undesirable, formed with 20 inorganic acids such as hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid and the like, and organic acids such as acetic acid, propionic acid, glycolic acid, pyruvic acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, benzoic acid, cinnamic acid, mandelic acid, menthanesulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, 25 p-toluenesulfonic acid, salicylic acid and the like. For a description of pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts as prodrugs, see Bundgaard, H., supra.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable ester" refers to those esters which retain, upon hydrolysis of the ester bond, the biological effectiveness and 9 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 properties of the carboxylic acid or alcohol and are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. For a description of pharmaceutically acceptable esters as prodrugs, see Bundgaard, H., ed., (1985) Design of Prodrugs. Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam. These esters are typically formed from the 5 corresponding carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Generally, ester formation can be accomplished via conventional synthetic techniques. (See, e.g., March Advanced Organic Chemistry. 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York (1985) p 1157 and references cited therein, and Mark et al Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. John Wiley & Sons, New York (1980).) The alcohol component 10 of the ester will generally comprise (i) a C2-C12 aliphatic alcohol that can or can not contain one or more double bonds and can or can not contain branched carbon chains or (11) a C7-C12 aromatic or heteroaromatic alcohols.

This invention also contemplates the use of those compositions which are both esters as described herein and at the same time are the pharmaceutically 15 acceptable acid addition salts thereof.

"Pharmaceutically acceptable amide" refers to those amides which retain, upon hydrolysis of the amide bond, the biological effectiveness and properties of the carboxylic acid or amine and are not biologically or otherwise undesirable. For a description of pharmaceutically acceptable 20 amides as prodrugs, see Bundgaard, H, ed., (1985) Design of Prodrugs. Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam. These amides are typically formed from the corresponding carboxylic acid and an amine Generally, amide formation can be accomplished via conventional synthetic techniques. (See, eg, March Advanced Organic Chemistry. 3rd Ed., John Wiley & Sons, New York (1985) p. 25 1152 and Mark et al. Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. John Wiley & Sons, New York (1980).) This invention also contemplates the use of those compositions which are both amides as described herein and at the same time are the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 "Pharmaceutically or therapeutically acceptable carrier" refers to a earner medium which does not interfere with the effectiveness of the biological activity of the active ingredients and which is not toxic to the host or patient.

"Stereoisomer" refers to a chemical compound having the same molecular weight, chemical composition, and constitution as another, but with the atoms grouped differently. That is, certain identical chemical moieties are at different orientations in space and, therefore, when pure, has the ability to rotate the plane of polarized light. However, some pure 10 stereoisomers may have an optical rotation that is so slight that it is undetectable with present instrumentation. The compounds of the instant invention may have one or more asymmetrical carbon atoms and therefore include various stereoisomers. All stereoisomers are included within the scope of the mvention.

"Therapeutically- or pharmaceutically-effective amount" as applied to the compositions of the instant invention refers to the amount of composition sufficient to induce a desired biological result. That result can be alleviation of the signs, symptoms, or causes of a disease, or any other desired alteration of a biological system. In the present invention, the result will 20 typically involve a decrease in the immunological and/or inflammatory responses to infection or tissue injury.

Amino acid residues in peptides are abbreviated as follows: Phenylalanine is Phe or F; Leucine is Leu or L; Isoleucine is lie or I; Methionine is Met or M; Valine is Val or V; Serine is Ser or S; Proline is Pro 25 or P; Threonine is Thr or T; Alanine is Ala or A; Tyrosine is Tyr or Y; Histidine is His or H; Glutamine is Gin or Q; Asparagine is Asn or N; Lysine is Lys or K; Aspartic Acid is Asp or D, Glutamic Acid is Glu or E; Cysteine is Cys or C; Tryptophan is Trp or W, Arginine is Arg or R; and Glycine is Gly or G. 11 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 In addition to peptides consisting only of naturally-occurring amino acids, peptidomimetics or peptide analogs are also provided. Peptide analogs are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as non-peptide drugs with properties analogous to those of the template peptide. These types 5 of non-peptide compound are termed "peptide mimetics" or "peptidomimetics" (Fauchere, J. (1986) Adv. Drug Res. 15:29; Veber and Freidinger (1985) TINS p.392; and Evans et al. (1987) f. Med Chem. 2Q:1229, which are incorporated herein by reference). Peptide mimetics that are structurally similar to therapeutically useful peptides may be used to produce 10 an equivalent or enhanced therapeutic or prophylactic effect. Generally, peptidomimetics are structurally similar to a paradigm polypeptide (i.e., a polypeptide that has a biological or pharmacological activity), such as naturally-occurring receptor-binding polypeptide, but have one or more peptide linkages optionally replaced by a linkage selected from the group 15 consisting of: -CH2NH-, -CH2S-, -CH2-CH2-, -CH=CH- (c:s and trans), -COCH2-, -CH(OH)CH2", and -CH2SO-, by methods known in the art and further described in the following references: Spatola, A.F. in chemistry and Biochemistry of Amino Acids, peptides, and Proteins, B. Weinstem, eds., Marcel Dekker, New York, p. 267 (1983), Spatola, A.F., Vega Data (March 1983), 20 Vol. 1, Issue 3, peptide backbone modifications (general review); Morley, Trends Pharm Sci (1980) pp. 463-468 (general review); Hudson, D. et al., (1979) Int T Pept Prot Res 14 177-185 (-CH2NH-, CH2CH2-); Spatola et al., (1986) Life Sci 38 1243-1249 (-CH2-S); Hann (1982) I Chem. Soc .Perkin Trans I 307-314 (- CH-CH-, cis and trans), Almquist et al, (1980) f Med Chem 22-1392-1398 (-25 COCH2-); Jennings-White et al, (1982)Tetrahedron Lett 23:2533 (-COCH2-); Szelke et al, (1982) European Appln. EP 45665 CA: 2Z:39405 (1982) (-CH(OH)CH2-), Holladay et al., fl983)Tetrahedron Lett 24:4401-4404 (-C(OH)CH2"), and Hruby (1982) Life Sci 21:189-199 (-CH2-S-), each of which is incorporated herein by reference A particularly preferred non-peptide 12 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 linkage is -CH2NH-. Such peptide mimetics may have significant advantages over polypeptide embodiments, including, for example: more economical production, greater chemical stability, enhanced pharmacological properties (half-life, absorption, potency, efficacy, etc.), altered specificity (e.g., a broad-5 spectrum of biological activities), reduced antigenicity, and others. Labeling of peptidomimetics usually involves covalent attachment of one or more labels, directly or through a spacer (e.g., an amide group), to non-interfering position(s) on the peptidomimetic that are predicted by quantitative structure-activity data and/or molecular modeling. Such non-interfering positions 10 generally are positions that do not form direct contacts with the macromolecules(s) (e.g., immunoglobulin superfamily molecules) to which the peptidomimetic binds to produce the therapeutic effect. Derivitization (e.g., labeling) of peptidomimetics should not substantially interfere with the desired biological or pharmacological activity of the peptidomimetic. 15 Generally, peptidomimetics of receptor-binding peptides bind to the receptor with high affinity and possess detectable biological activity (i.e., are agonistic or antagonistic to one or more receptor-mediated phenotypic changes).

Systematic substitution of one or more amino acids of a consensus sequence with a D-anuno acid of the same type (e.g., D-lysine in 20 place of L-lysine) may be used to generate more stable peptides. In addition, constrained peptides comprising a consensus sequence or a substantially identical consensus sequence variation may be generated by methods known in the art (Rizo and Gierasch (1992) Ann. Rev. Biochem. 61: 387, incorporated herein by reference); for example, by adding internal cysteine residues capable 25 of forming intramolecular disulfide bridges which cyclize the peptide. 13 Printed from Mimosa II. Overview The present invention provides compounds that bind to the IL-5R. These compounds include "lead" peptide compounds and "derivative" compounds constructed so as to have the same or similar molecular structure or shape as the lead compounds but that differ from the lead compounds either with respect to susceptibility to hydrolysis or proteolysis and/or with respect to other biological properties, such as increased affinity for the receptor. The present invention also provides compositions comprising an effective IL-5R binding, IL-5 blocking compound, and more particularly a compound, that is useful for treating disorders associated with the overexpression of IL-5 or with the production and accumulation of eosinophils.

HI. Identification of peptides which bind IL-5R Peptides having a binding affinity to IL-5R can be readily identified by random peptide diversity generating systems coupled with an affinity enrichment process.

Specifically, random peptide diversity generating systems include tke "peptides on plasmids" system descriked in U.S. Patent Application serial No. 07/963,321, filed on Octoker 15, 1992, wkick is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/778,233, filed on Octoker 16, 1991, (now U.S. Patent No.5,270,l70) and tke "peptides on pkage" system descriked in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/718,577, filed on June 20, 1991, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,432,018); and in Cwirla et al., (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87:6378-6382; and No. 07/847,567, filed Marck 5, 1992, (now U.S. g LU Patent No. 5,841,439); tke " encoded syntketic likrary" (ESL) system I q descriked in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/946,239, filed ^ September 18, 1992, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,639,603); and tke "very I ^ large scale immokilized polymer syntkesis" (VLSIPS™) system descriked d in U.S. Patent No. 5,143,854; International Patent Application PCT Z 14 W090/15070; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/624,120, filed on December 6, 1990, (now U.S. Patent No.5,489,678); Fodor et al (1991) Science 251:767-773: Dower et al (1991) Ann. Rep. Med. Cliem. 26:271-280; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07/805,727, filed December 6, 1991, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,424,186) tbe disclosure of eacb of wbich are incorporated herein by reference in tbeir entirety.

Using die procedures described above, random peptides were generally designed to have a defined number of amino acid residues in length (e.g., 12). To generate the collection of oligonucleotides encoding the random peptides, the codon motif (NNK)x, where N is nucleotide A, C, G, or T (equimolar; depending on the methodology employed, other nucleotides can be employed), K is G or T (equimolar), and x is an integer corresponding to the number of amino acids in the peptide (e.g., 12) was used to specify any one of the 32 possible codons resulting from the NNK motif: 1 for each of 12 amino acids, 2 for each of 5 amino acids, 3 for each of 3 amino acids, and only one of the three stop codons. Thus, the NNK motif encodes all of the amino acids, encodes only one stop codon, and reduces codon bias.

In the systems employed, the random, peptides were presented either on the surface of a phage particle, as part of a fusion protein comprising either the pin or the pVm coat protein of a phage fd derivative (peptides on phage) or as a fusion protein with the LacI peptide fusion protein bound to a plasmid (peptides on plasmids).

The phage or plasmids, including the DNA encoding the peptides, were identified and isolated by an affinity enrichment process using immobilized IL-5R. The affinity enrichment process, sometimes called "panning," involves multiple rounds of incubating the phage or plasmids with the immobilized receptor, collecting the phage or plasmids that bind to the receptor (along with the accompanying DNA), and producing more of the intellectual property office of nz. 1 6 AUG 2001 RECEIVED phage or plasmids (along with the accompanying Lacl-peptide fusion protein) collected. The extracellular domain (ECD) of the a-chain of the IL-5R, the ECD of the p-chain of the IL-5R, the a-chain of the IL-5R, P-chain of the IL-5R, or the a/p-heterodimer can be used during panning.

After several rounds of affinity enrichment, the phage or plasmids and accompanying peptides were examined by ELISA to determine if the peptides bind specifically to IL-5 R. This assay was carried out similarly to the procedures used in the affinity enrichment process, except that after removing unbound phage, the wells were typically treated with rabbit anti-10 phage antibody, then with alkaline phosphatase (AP)-conjugated goat anti-rabbit antibody. The amount of alkaline phosphatase in each well was determined by standard methods. A similar ELISA procedure for use in the pepides on plasmids system is described in detail below.

By comparing test wells with control wells (no receptor), one can 15 determine whether the fusion proteins bind to the receptor specifically. The phage pools found to bind to IL-5R were screened in a colony lift probing format using bivalent IL-5R probes. This probe was constructed by pre-incubating radiolabeled Ab 179 with the receptor. The complex was subsequently purified over an immobilized Ab 179 affinity column to separate 20 the complex from free receptor.

Peptides found to bind specifically to the receptor were then tested for their ability to block the binding of IL-5 to its receptor using an ELISA format. Peptides found to both block and bind were then synthesized as the free peptide (no phage) and tested in an IL-5 blocking assay using 25 radiolabeled IL-5. The blocking assay was carried out in similar fashion to the ELISA , except that IL-5 was added to the wells before the fusion protein (the control wells were of two types: (1) no receptor; and (2) no IL-5). Fusion proteins for which the binding to the receptor was blocked by IL-5 contain 16 Printed from Mimosa peptides in the random peptide portion that are preferred compounds of the invention.

The immobilized a chain, P chain, and heterodimer, as well as the extracellular domains of the single chains of the IL-5 receptors were 5 produced in recombinant host cells. The DNA encoding IL-5R was obtained by PCR of cDNA from TF-1 cells using primers ob tamed from the published receptor sequences. See Murata (1992) T. Exp Med. 175-341-351 and Hayashida (1990) Proc Natl Acad. Sci USA 87:9655-9659. each of which is incorporated herein by reference. One useful form of IL-5R is constructed by expressing the 10 protein as a soluble protein inbaculovirus transformed host cells using standard methods; another useful form is constructed with a signal peptide for protein secretion and for glycophospholipid membrane anchor attachment. This form of anchor attachment is called "PIG-tailing". See Caras and Wendell (1989) Science 243:1196-1198 and Lm et al (1990) Science 249.677-15 679.

Usmg the PIG-tailing system, one can cleave the receptor from the surface of the cells expressing the receptor (e.g., transformed CHO cells selected for high level expression of receptor with a cell sorter) with phospholipase C. The cleaved receptor still comprises a carboxy terminal 20 sequence of ammo acids, called the "HPAP tail", from the signal protein for membrane attachment and can be immobilized without further purification The recombinant receptor protein can be immobilized by coating the wells of microtiter plates with an anti-HPAP tail antibody (Ab 179), blocking nonspecific binding with bovine serum albumin (BSA) m PBS, and then binding 25 cleaved recombinant receptor to the antibody. Using this procedure, one should perform the immobilization reaction in varying concentrations of receptor to determine the optimum amount for a given preparation, because different preparations of recombinant protein often contain different amounts of the desired protein. In addition, one should ensure that the 17 Printed from Mimosa immobilizing antibody is completely blocked (with IL-5R or some other blocking compound) during the affinity enrichment process. Otherwise, unblocked antibody can bind undesired phage during the affinity enrichment procedure. One can use peptides that bind to the immobilizing antibody to block unbound sites that remain after receptor immobilization to avoid this problem or one can simply immobilize the receptor directly to the wells of microtiter plates, without the aid of an immobilizing antibody.

When using random peptide generation systems that allow for multivalent ligand-receptor interaction, one must recognize that the density of the immobilized receptor is an important factor in determining the affinity of the ligands that can bind to the immobilized receptor. At higher receptor densities (e.g., each anti-receptor antibody-coated well treated with 0.25 to 0.5 15 fig of receptor), multivalent binding is more likely to occur than at lower receptor densities (e.g., each anti-receptor antibody-coated well treated with 0.5 to 1 ng of the receptor). If multivalent binding is occurring, then one will be more likely to isolate ligands with relatively lower affinity, unless one uses high densities of immobilized receptor to identify lead compounds and .uses 20 lower receptor densities to isolate derivative compounds with higher affinity for the receptor than the lead compounds.

To discriminate among higher affinity peptides, a monovalent •receptor probe frequently is used. This probe can be produced using protein kinase A to phosphorylate a kemptide sequence fused to the C-terminus of 25 the soluble receptor. The "engineered" form of the IL-5 receptor a and P chains are then expressed in host cells, typically CHO cells. Following PI-PLC harvest of the receptors, the receptor is labeled to high specific activity with 33p for use ^ a monovalent probe to identify high affinity ligands using colony lifts. 18 intellectual property office of n.z. 1 6 AUG 2001 RECEIVED WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 Preferred screening methods to facilitate identification of peptides which bind IL-5R involve first identifying lead peptides which bind the receptor and then making other peptides which resemble the lead peptides. Specifically, using a pin or pVHI-based peptides on phage system, a 5 random library can be screened to discover a phage that presents a peptide that binds to IL-5R. The phage DNAs are sequenced to determine the sequences of the peptides displayed on the surface of the phages. Examples of primary libraries which were produced and panned against immobilized IL-5R a ECD include: GGC(X)ioC(G4S)3 (SEQ ID N0:10); GGC(X)i2C(G4S)3 (SEQ ID 10 NO.ll); XXXC(X)5CXXX(G4S)3 (SEQ ID NO:12); XXXC(X)6CXXX(G4S)3 (SEQ ID NO: 13); XXXC(X)7CXXX(G4S)3 (SEQ ID NO:14); XXXC(X)sCXXX(G4S)3 (SEQ ID NO:15); XXXC(X)9CXXX(G4S)3 (SEQ ID NO:16); and XXXC(X)ioCXXX(G4S)3 (SEQ ID NO.17) wherein X represents random residue encoded by NNK; and (G4S)3 (SEQ ID NO.18) is a peptide linker. a-Chain specific clones and clones capable of specific binding to the P-chain of IL-5R were identified. The sequences of these peptides serve as the basis for the construction of other peptide libraries designed to contain a high frequency of derivatives of the initially identified peptides. These libraries can be synthesized so as to favor the production of peptides that differ 20 from the binding peptide in only a few residues. This approach involves the synthesis of an oligonucleotide with the binding peptide codmg sequence, except that rather than using pure preparations of each of the four nucleoside triphosphates in the synthesis, one uses mixtures of the four nucleoside triphosphates (i.e., 55% of the "correct" nucleotide, and 15% each of the other 25 three nucleotides is one preferred mixture for this purpose and 70% of the "correct" nucleotide and 10% of each of the other three nucleotides is another preferred mixture for this purpose) so as to generate derivatives of the binding peptide codmg sequence. 19 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 A variety of mutagenesis strategies were used to derivatize the lead peptides by making "mutagenesis on a theme" libraries, which included mutagenesis of the original coding sequences at 70:10:10:10 frequencies with 3 NNK codons on each terminus (panned for 3 rounds against the immobilized 5 extracellular domain (ECD) of the IL-5 receptor a chain (IL-5R a) in the presence of known binding peptide; alternatively, known binding peptide was included during the wash step); fixed-sliding libraries, such asXXXXXXXWRVPCG G (SEQ ID NO:19) andGGCWSGEXXXXXXX (SEQ ID N0:20) (panned for 3 rounds against the immobilized extracellular domain (ECD) of the IL-5 10 receptor a chain (IL-5R a) in the presence of known binding peptide; alternatively, known binding peptide was included during the wash step; screened by colony lift using a bivalent receptor probe of the IL-5R a chain complexed with mAb 179); and extended/mutagenized libraries.

In addition, the various phage libraries can be rescreened against 15 FL-5R a in the presence of known binding peptide or non-IL-5 competitive peptide during the final wash or at room temperature or 4°C to identify peptides of higher affinity. Pools of phage are then probed by colony lift using 32P labeled IL-5R a (as discussed above).

A plasmid library expressing peptides of the form: X3CX(5-10)CX3 20 (where X is a random residue encoded by an NNK codon and C is a fixed cysteine residue) was screened against the ECD of the IL-5 receptor a chain.

Clones were examined for receptor specific binding by LacI ELISA. The binding of all of the clones was blocked by preincubation of the receptor with 10 nM IL-5. The enriched pools of clones were transferred to a maltose 25 binding protein (MBP) fusion expression system and the MBP-peptide fusions were tested for receptor specific binding using an MBP ELISA that has been shown to be more selective for higher affinity peptides than the LacI ELISA.

This MBP ELISA identified one of the previously identified clones as well as a new clone, which was also competed by IL-5 for receptor binding. A LacI Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 ELISA was then performed in which the receptor was preincubated with 250 |iM of a known IL-5 binding peptide prior to the addition of the Lacl-peptide fusions. Binding of all but one of the clones tested was blocked by the peptide.

In addition, libraries with fixed amino acids, such as V E V C T R 5 SVATHSWVCGID (SEQ ID NO:21); XGYVCVEWARCQTCX (SEQ ID NO:22); XLRGCRERYMLCVSDX (SEQ ID NO:23); andRXX C12XXXXXXXXXXXXX(SEQIDNO:24) (lowercase = 70:10:10:10 nucleotide misincorporation; uppercase = fixed residue; X = random residue encoded by NNK; 1 = I, L, F, V, or M encoded by NTK codon, 2 = G, R, S, or C 10 encoded by NGT codon), were produced in using the affinity selective headpiece dimer display system and tested under standard and low receptor density conditions. Three of the libraries were 70:10:10:10 codon mutagenesis libraries and the fourth library was based on a common sequence motif seen in a number of plasmid derived clones. All of the libraries contained > 10^ 15 members. These libraries were panned against the IL-5R a ECD for four rounds, optionally with the addition of IL-5 during the washes. Pools of clones showing binding to the receptor were transferred from the headpiece dimer expression plasmid into a maltose binding protein (MBP) fusion expression system in order to probe for high affinity clones using 32p labeled 20 monovalent receptor probe in a colony lift assay.

The "peptides on plasmids" techniques was also used for peptide screening and mutagenesis studies and is described in greater detail in U.S. Patent no. 5,338,665, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. According to this approach, random peptides are fused at the C-terminus of LacI 25 through expression from a plasmid vector carrying the fusion gene. Linkage of the Lacl-peptide fusion to its encoding DNA occurs via the lacO sequences on the plasmid, forming a stable peptide-LacI-plasmid complex that can be screened by affinity purification (panning) on an immobilized receptor. The plasmids thus isolated can then be reintroduced into E. coli by electroporation 21 Printed from Mimosa to amplify the selected population for additional roimds of screenmg, or for the examination of individual clones.

In addition, random peptide screening and mutagenesis studies were performed using a modified C-terminal Lac-I display system in which 5 display valency was reduced ("headpiece dimer" display system). The libraries were screened and the resulting DNA inserts were cloned as a pool into a maltose binding protein (MBP) vector allowing their expression as a C-terminal fusion protein. Crude cell lysates from randomly picked individual MBP fusion clones were then assayed for IL-5 R binding in an ELISA format, 10 as discussed above.

Screening of the various phage and plasmid libraries described above yielded the IL-5 receptor binding peptides shown m Table 1 below, as well as others not listed herein.

Table 1 Peptide D G Y V c V E W A R C P T C K (SEO ID N):7) D G Y V c V E W A R C P K c X (SEO ID NO:25) D G Y V c G E W V X C P S c T (SEO ID NO:26) D G F V c V E w A R C P N c R (SEO ID NO:9) D G Y V c V E w A R C P M c T (SEO ID NO:8) D G Y V c V E w V R C P T c R (SEO ID NO:27) D G W V c V E w V R C 9 T c Y (SEO ID NO:28) E G Y V c V E w A R C p S c K (SEO ID NO:29) E G Y V c V E w A R C p S c V (SEQ ID NO:30) E G W V c V E w A R C p T c L (SEO ID NO:31) G G W V c V D w A R C p T c L (SEO ID NO:32) G G Y V c V E w A R C p S c 9 (SEO ID NO:33) I G W V c V E w A R C p A c K (SEO ID NO:34) M G W V c V E w A R C p T c L (SEO ID NO:35) N G Y V c V E w A R C p M c K (SEO ID NO:36) N G W V c V D w A R C p S c R (SEO ID NO:37) N G Y V c I E w A R C p S c R (SEQ ID NO:38) N G Y V c V E w A R C p s c I (SEQ ID NO:39) N G Y V c Y E w A R C p M c K (SEO ID NO:40) P G Y V c V D w A R C p E c R (SEO ID NO:41) 9 G Y V c V E w A R C p M c T (SEQ ID NO:42) 9 G Y V c V E w A R C p S c M (SEO ID NO:43) S G W V c V E w A R C p s c I (SEQ ID NO:44) V G Y V c V E w A R C p M c R (SEO ID NO:45) 22 Printed from Mimosa p G Y V C V D W A R C P M C K (se9 ID NO 46) p G Y V C V D W A R C P M C P (SEp ID NO 47) p G Y V C V E W A R C P A C K (se9 ID NO 48) p V Y V C V D W A R C P M C 9 (SEp ID NO 49) 9 G W V C V E W A R C P T C E (SE9 ID NO 50) V G Y V C V E W A R C P T C L (SEp ID NO 51) Y G Y V C V D W A R C P E C R (SEp ID NO 52) G Y V C V E W A R C 9 T C (SE9 ID NO:53) IC50 values for some additional representative peptides are given in the table below. A variety of methods can be used to evaluate IC50 5 values. For example, an [125-1] IL-5 binding assay was used to determine whether the peptides inhibit the binding of IL-5 to the extracellular domain of the IL-5 receptor a-chain, as described in Example 3 below. Alternatively, for some peptides, a microphysiometer assay was used to determine whether the peptide blocked the response of TF-1 cells to IL-5 (5 ng/ml), as described in 10 Example 2 below.

The IC50 value can be determined using the free peptide, which optionally can be C-temunally amidated, or can be prepared as an ester or other carboxy amide For peptides identified from peptides on plasmids libraries, the IC50 values were typically evaluated on both the parent MBP-15 fusion and the corresponding synthetic peptide. To recreate the exact sequence of the peptide displayed by the phage, the N-terminal and C-terminal amino acids of the synthetic peptides are often preceded by one or two glycine residues. These glycines are not believed to be necessary for binding or activity.

IC50 values are indicated symbolically by the symbols "+", and For examples, those peptides which showed IC50 values in excess of 100 H-M are indicated with a Those peptides which gave IC50 values of less than or equal to 100 |iM are given a while those which gave IC50 values of 500 nm or less are indicated with a Those peptides which 23 Printed from Mimosa PCT/G B97/01620 gave IC50 values at or near the cutoff point for a particular symbol are indicated with a hybrid designator, e.g., Those peptides for which IC50 values were not determined are listed as "N.D.".

Table 2 Peptide Affinity DGYVCVEWARCPTCK (SEQ ID NO:7) •H- DGYVCVEWARCPMCT (SEQ ID NO:8) -H- DGFVCVEWARCPNCR (SEQ ID NO:9) ++- The tables above illustrate that a preferred core peptide comprises a sequence of amino acids-10 CX1X2WX3RCX4X5C where Xi is G, I, V, or Y; X2 is D or E; X3 is A or V; X4 is Q or P; and X5 is A, E, K, M, N, S, or T (SEQ ID NO:l). Preferably, the core peptide comprises a sequence of amino acids: CX1X2WX3RCX4X5C 15 where Xi is V; X2 is E; X3 is A; X4 is P (SEQ ID NO:2). More preferably, the core peptide comprises either a sequence of amino acids: X6X7X8VCX1X2WX3RCX4X5C where X<j is D, E, G, I, M, N, P, Q, S, V, or Y; X7 is G, V, or Y; and X8 is F, W, or Y (SEQ ID NO:3); or a sequence of amino acids: 20 CX1X2WX3RCX4X5CX9 where X9 is E, I, K, L, M, Q, R, T, V, or Y (SEQ ID NO:4).

Preferably, the core peptide comprises a sequence of amino acids: X6 X7 X8 V C Xi X2 W X3 R C X4 X5 C X9 24 Printed from Mimosa - (SEQ ID NO:65). More preferably, Xs is D, E, G, N, P, or Q; X7 is G; and X9 is K, L, Q, R, or T (SEQ ID NO:5). Most preferably, X6 is D, N, or P; X8 is F or Y; and X9 is K, R, or T (SEQ ID NO:6) Preferred peptides include those listed in the tables above.

Particularly preferred peptides include: DGYVCVEWARCPTCK (SEQ ID NO:7); D G Y V C V E W A RC P M C T (SEQID NO:8); and D G F VC VE WARCPNCR (SEQ ID NO:9).

Peptides and peptidomimetics having an IC50 of greater than about 100 mM lack sufficient binding to permit use in either the diagnostic or 10 therapeutic aspects of this invention. Preferably, for diagnostic purposes, the peptides and peptidomimetics have an IC50 of about 2.5 mM or less and, for pharmaceutical purposes, the peptides and peptidomimetics have an IC50 of about 2 mM or less.

The binding peptide sequence also provides a means to 15 determine the minimum size of an IL-5R binding compound of the invention. Using the "encoded synthetic library" (ESL) system described in U.S. patent application Serial No. 946,239, filed September 18, 1992 (now U.S. Patent No. 5,639,603) or the' 'very large scale immobilized polymer synthesis" system described in U.S. Patent application Serial Nos. 2q 492,462, filed March 7, 1990 (now U.S. Patent No. 5,143,854); 624,120, filed December 6, 1990 (now U.S. Patent No. 5,489,678); and 805,727, filed December 6, 1991 (now U.S. Patent No. 5,424,186); one can not only determine the minimum size of a peptide with such activity, but one can also make all of the peptides that form the group of peptides that differ from the preferred motif (or the minimum size of that motif) in one, two, or more residues. This collection of peptides can then be screened for ability to bind to IL-5 receptor. These immobilized polymers synthesis systems or other peptide synthesis methods can also be used to synthesize truncation analogs, deletion analogs, substitution analogs, and combinations thereof all of the peptide compounds of the invention. intellectual property office of n.z. 1 6 AUG 2001 RECEIVED The peptides of the invention can be prepared by classical methods known in the art, for example, by using standard solid phase techniques. The standard methods include exclusive solid phase synthesis, partial solid phase synthesis methods, fragment condensation, dassiral 5 solution synthesis, and even by recombinant DNA technology. See, e.g., Merrifield (1963) I- Am. Chem. Soc. 85:2149, incorporated herein by reference. On solid phase, the synthesis is typically commenced from the C-terminal end of the peptide using an alpha-amino protected resin. A suitable starting material can be prepared, for instance, by attaching the required alpha-amino 10 acid to a chloromethylated resin, a hydroxymethyl resin, or a benzhydrylamine resm. One such chloromethylated resin is sold under the tradename BIO-BEADS SX-1 by Bio Rad Laboratories, Richmond, CA, and the preparation of the hydroxymethyl resin is described by Bodonszky et al, (1966) Chem. Ind. (London) 22:1597. The benzhydrylamine (BHA) resin has been 15 described by Pietta and Marshall (1970) Chem Commn. 650, and is commercially available from Beckman Instruments, Inc., Palo Alto, CA, in the hydrochloride form.

Thus, the compounds of the invention can be prepared by coupling an alpha-amino protected amino acid to the chloromethylated resin 20 with the aid of, for example, cesium bicarbonate catalyst, according to the method described by Gisin (1973) Helv. Chim. Acta 56:1467. After the imtial coupling, the alpha-amino protecting group is removed by a choice of reagents including trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) or hydrochloric acid (HC1) solutions in organic solvents at room temperature. 25 The alpha-amino protecting groups are those known to be useful in the art of stepwise synthesis of peptides. Included are acyl type protecting groups (e.g formyl, trifluoroacetyl, acetyl), aromatic urethane type protecting groups (e.g. benzyloxycarboyl (Cbz) and substituted Cbz), aliphatic urethane protecting groups (e.g t-butyloxycarbonyl (Boc), isopropyloxycarbonyl, 26 Printed from Mimosa cyclohexyloxycarbonyl) and alkyl type protecting groups (e.g. benzyl, triphenylmethyl). Boc and Fmoc are preferred protecting groups. The side chain protecting group remains intact during coupling and is not split off during the deprotection of the amino-terminus protecting group or during 5 coupling. The side chain protecting group must be removable upon the completion of the synthesis of the final peptide and under reaction conditions that will not alter the target peptide.

The side chain protecting groups for Tyr include tetrahydropyranyl, tert-butyl, trityl, benzyl, Cbz, Z-Br-Cbz, and 2,5-10 dichlorobenzyl. The side chain protecting groups for Asp include benzyl, 2,6-dichlorobenzyl, methyl, ethyl, and cyclohexyl. The side chain protecting groups for Thr and Ser include acetyl, benzoyl, trityl, tetrahydropyranyl, benzyl, 2,6-dichlorobenzyl, and Cbz. The side chain protecting group for Thr and Ser is benzyl. The side chain protecting groups for Arg include nitro, 15 Tosyl (Tos), Cbz, adamantyloxycarbonyl mesitoylsulfonyl (Mts), or Boc. The side chain protecting groups for Lys include Cbz, 2-chlorobenzyloxycarbonyl (2-Cl-Cbz), 2-bromobenzyloxycarbonyl (2-BrCbz), Tos, or Boc.

After removal of the alpha-amino protecting group, the remaining protected amino acids are coupled stepwise in the desired order. 20 An excess of each protected amino acid is generally used with an appropriate carboxyl group activator such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in solution, for example, in methylene chloride (CH2CI2), dimethyl formamide (DMF) mixtures.

After the desired amino acid sequence has been completed, the 25 desired peptide is decoupled from the resin support by treatment with a reagent such as trifluoroacetic acid or hydrogen fluoride (HF), which not only cleaves the peptide from the resin, but also cleaves all remaining side chain protecting groups. When the chloromethylated resin is used, hydrogen fluoride treatment results in the formation of the free peptide acids When 27 Printed from Mimosa the benzhydrylamine resin is used, hydrogen fluoride treatment results directly in the free peptide amide. Alternatively, when the chloromethylated resin is employed, the side chain protected peptide can be decoupled by treatment of the peptide resin with ammonia to give the desired side chain 5 protected amide or with an alkylamine to give a side chain protected alkylamide or dialkylamide. Side chain protection is then removed in the usual fashion by treatment with hydrogen fluoride to give the free amides, alkylamides, or dialkylamides.

In preparing the compounds of the invention, the resins used to 10 prepare the peptide acids are employed, and the side chain protected peptide is cleaved with base and the appropriate alcohol, i.e., methanol. Side chain protecting groups are then removed in the usual fashion by treatment with hydrogen fluoride to obtain the desired ester. These solid phase peptide synthesis procedures are well known in the art and further described in 15 Stewart, Solid Phase Peptide Syntheses (Freeman and Co., San Francisco, 1969).

These procedures can also be used to synthesize peptides in which amino acids other than the 20 naturally occurring, genetically encoded amino acids Eire substituted at one, two, or more positions of any of the 20 compounds of the invention. For instance, naphthylalanine can be substituted for tryptophan, facilitating synthesis. Other synthetic ammo acids that can be substituted into the peptides of the present invention include L-hydroxypropyl, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanyl, 3 amino acids such as L-3-hydroxylysyl and D-8-methylalanyl, L-a-methylalanyl, p amino acids, and 25 isoquinolyl. D amino acids and non-naturally occurring synthetic amino acids can also be incorporated into the peptides of the present invention.

One can replace the naturally occurring side chains of the 20 genetically encoded amino acids (or D amino acids) with other side chains, for instance with groups such as alkyl, lower alkyl, cyclic 4-, 5-, 6-, to 7-membered 28 Printed from Mimosa alkyl, amide, amide lower alkyl, amide di(lower alkyl), lower alkoxy, hydroxy, carboxy and the lower ester derivatives thereof, and with 4-, 5-, 6-, to 7-membered heterocyclic. In particular, proline analogs in which the ring size of the proline residue is changed from 5 members to 4,6, or 7 members can be 5 employed. Cyclic groups can be saturated or unsaturated, and if unsaturated, can be aromatic or non-aromatic.

The peptides typically are synthesized as the free acid but, as noted above, could be readily prepared as the amide or ester. One can also modify the amino and/or carboxy terminus of the peptide compounds of the 10 invention to produce other compounds of the invention. Amino terminus modifications include methylating (i.ev -NHCH3 or -NH(CH3)2), acetylating, adding a carbobenzoyl group, or blocking the amino terminus with any blocking group containing a carboxylate functionality defined by RCOO-, where R is selected from the group consisting of naphthyl, acridinyl, steroidyl, 15 and similar groups. Carboxy terminus modifications include replacing the free acid with a carboxamide group or forming a cyclic lactam at the carboxy terminus to introduce structural constraints.

Amino terminus modifications are as recited above and include alkylating, acetylating, adding a carbobenzoyl group, forming a succinimide 20 group, etc. Specifically, the N-terminal amino group can then be reacted as follows: (a) to form an amide group of the formula RC(0)NH- where R is as defined above by reaction with an acid halide [e.g., RC(0)C1] or acid anhydride. Typically, the reaction can be conducted by contacting about 25 equimolar or excess amounts (e.g., about 5 equivalents) of an acid halide to the peptide in an inert diluent (e.g, dichloromethane) preferably containing an excess (e.g, about 10 equivalents) of a tertiary amine, such as diisopropylethylamine, to scavenge the acid generated during reaction. Reaction conditions are otherwise conventional (e.g., room temperature for 29 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 minutes). Alkylation of the terminal amino to provide for a lower alkyl N-substitution followed by reaction with an acid halide as described above will provide for N-alkyl amide group of the formula RC(0)NR-; (b) to form a succinimide group by reaction with succinic 5 anhydride. As before, an approximately equimolar amount or an excess of succinic anhydride (e.g., about 5 equivalents) can be employed and the amino group is converted to the succinimide by methods well known in the art including the use of an excess (e.g., ten equivalents) of a tertiary amine such as diisopropylethylamine in a suitable inert solvent (e.g., dichloromethane). 10 See, for example, Wollenberg, et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,612,132 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is understood that the succinic group can be substituted with, for example, C2-C6 alkyl or -SR substituents which are prepared in a conventional manner to provide for substituted succinimide at the N-terminus of the peptide. Such alkyl 15 substituents are prepared by reaction of a lower olefin (C2-C6) with maleic anhydride in the manner described by Wollenberg, et al., supra, and -SR substituents are prepared by reaction of RSH with maleic anhydride where R is as defined above; (c) to form a benzyloxycarbonyl-NH- or a substituted 20 benzyloxycarbonyl-NH- group by reaction with approximately an equivalent amount or an excess of CBZ-C1 (i.e., benzyloxycarbonyl chloride) or a substituted CBZ-C1 in a suitable inert diluent (e.g., dichloromethane) preferably containing a tertiary amine to scavenge the acid generated during the reaction; (d) to form a sulfonamide group by reaction with an equivalent amount or an excess (e.g., 5 equivalents) of R-S(0)2C1 in a suitable inert diluent (dichloromethane) to convert the terminal amine into a sulfonamide where R is as defined above. Preferably, the inert diluent contains excess tertiary amine (e.g., ten equivalents) such as diisopropylethylamine, to Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/CB97/01620 scavenge the acid generated during reaction. Reaction conditions are otherwise conventional (e.g., room temperature for 30 minutes); (e) to form a carbamate group by reaction with an equivalent amount or an excess (e.g., 5 equivalents) of R-0C(0)C1 or R-0C(0)0QHrp- NO2 in a suitable inert diluent (e.g., dichloromethane) to convert the terminal amine into a carbamate where R is as defined above. Preferably, the inert diluent contains an excess (e.g., about 10 equivalents) of a tertiary amine, such as diisopropylethylamine, to scavenge any acid generated during reaction. Reaction conditions are otherwise conventional (e.g., room temperature for 10 30 minutes); and (f) to form a urea group by reaction with an equivalent amount or an excess (e.g., 5 equivalents) of R-N=C=0 in a suitable inert diluent (e.g., dichloromethane) to convert the terminal amme into a urea (i.e., RNHC(O)NH-) group where R is as defined above. Preferably, the inert diluent contains an excess (e.g., about 10 equivalents) of a tertiary amine, such as diisopropylethylamine. Reaction conditions are otherwise conventional (e.g., room temperature for about 30 minutes).

In preparing peptide mimetics wherein the C-terminal carboxyl group is replaced by an ester (i.e., -C(0)0R where R is as defined above), the 20 resins used to prepare the peptide acids are employed, and the side chain protected peptide is cleaved with base and the appropriate alcohol, e.g., methanol. Side chain protecting groups are then removed in the usual fashion by treatment with hydrogen fluoride to obtain the desired ester.

In preparing peptide mimetics wherein the C-terminal carboxyl 25 group is replaced by the amide -C(0)NR3R4, a benzhydrylamine resin is used as the solid support for peptide synthesis. Upon completion of the synthesis, hydrogen fluoride treatment to release the peptide from the support results directly in the free peptide amide (i.e., the C-terminus is -C(0)NH2). Alternatively, use of the chloromethylated resin during peptide synthesis 31 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 coupled with reaction with ammonia to cleave the side chain protected peptide from the support yields the free peptide amide and reaction with an alkylamine or a dialkylamine yields a side chain protected alkylamide or dialkylamide (i.e., the C-terminus is -QOJNRR1 where R and R1 are as defined 5 above). Side chain protection is then removed in the usual fashion by treatment with hydrogen fluoride to give the free amides, alkylamides, or dialkylamides.

In another alternative embodiment, the C-terminal carboxyl group or a C-terminal ester can be induced to cyclize by internal displacement 10 of the -OH or the ester (-OR) of the carboxyl group or ester respectively with the N-terminal amino group to form a cyclic peptide. For example, after synthesis and cleavage to give the peptide acid, the free acid is converted to an activated ester by an appropriate carboxyl group activator such as dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in solution, for example, in methylene 15 chloride (CH2CI2)/ dimethyl formamide (DMF) mixtures. The cyclic peptide is then formed by internal displacement of the activated ester with the N-terminal amine. Internal cyclization as opposed to polymerization can be enhanced by use of very dilute solutions. Such methods are well known in the art.

One can also cyclize the peptides of the invention, or incorporate a desamino or descarboxy residue at the terminii of the peptide, so that there is no terminal amino or carboxyl group, to decrease susceptibility to proteases or to restrict the conformation of the peptide. C-terminal functional groups of the compounds of the present invention include amide, amide lower alkyl, 25 amide di(lower alkyl), lower alkoxy, hydroxy, and carboxy, and the lower ester derivatives thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

One can also readily modify peptides by phosphorylation, and other methods for making peptide derivatives of the compounds of the present invention are described in Hruby et al, (1990) Biochem J. 268(2^:249- Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 262, incorporated herein by reference. Thus, the peptide compounds of the invention also serve as structural models for non-peptidic compounds with similar biological activity. Those of skill in the art recognize that a variety of techniques are available for constructing compounds with the same or similar 5 desired biological activity as the lead peptide compound but with more favorable activity than the lead with respect to solubility, stability, and susceptibility to hydrolysis and proteolysis. See Morgan and Gainor (1989) Ann. Rep Med. Chem. 24:243-252, incorporated herein by reference. These techniques include replacing the peptide backbone with a backbone composed 10 of phosphonates, amidates, carbamates, sulfonamides, secondary amines, and N-methylamino acids.

Peptide mimetics wherein one or more of the peptidyl linkages [-C(0)NH-] have been replaced by such linkages as a -CH2-carbamate linkage, a phosphonate linkage, a -CH2-sulfonamide linkage, a urea linkage, a secondary 15 amine (-CH2NH-) linkage, and an alkylated peptidyl linkage [-C(0)NR6- where R6 is lower alkyl] are prepared during conventional peptide synthesis by merely substituting a suitably protected amino acid analogue for the amino acid reagent at the appropriate point during synthesis.

Suitable reagents include, for example, amino acid analogues 20 wherein the carboxyl group of the amino acid has been replaced with a moiety suitable for forming one of the above linkages. For example, if one desires to replace a -C(0)NR- linkage in the peptide with a -CH2-carbamate linkage (-CH20C(0)NR-), then the carboxyl (-COOH) group of a suitably protected amino acid is first reduced to the -CH2OH group which is then converted by 25 conventional methods to a -0C(0)C1 functionality or a para-nitrocarbonate -0C(0)0-C6H4-p-N02 functionality. Reaction of either of such functional groups with the free amine or an alkylated amine on the N-terminus of the partially fabricated peptide found on the solid support leads to the formation Printed from Mimosa p?1€33 of a -CH20C(0)NR- linkage. For a more detailed description of the formation of such -CH2-carbamate linkages, sa Cho et al, Science, 261:1303-1305 (1993).

Similarly, replacement of an amido linkage in the peptide with a phosphonate linkage can he achieved in the manner set forth in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 07/943,805, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,359,115), 08/081,577, and 08/119,700 (now U.S. Patent No. 5,420,328), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein hy reference in their entirety.

Replacement of an amido linkage in the peptide with a -CH2-sulfonamide linkage can be achieved by reducing the carboxyl (-COOH) group of a suitably protected amino acid to the -CH2OH group and the hydroxyl group is then converted to a suitable leaving group such as a tosyl group by conventional methods. Reaction of the tosylated derivative with, for example, thioacetic acid followed by hydrolysis and oxidative chlorination will provide for the -CH2-S(0)2C1 functional group which replaces the carboxyl group of the otherwise suitably protected amino acid. Use of this suitably protected amino acid analogue in peptide synthesis provides for inclusion of an -CH2S(0)2NR- linkage which replaces the amido linkage in the peptide thereby providing a peptide mimetic. For a more complete description on the conversion of the carboxyl group of the amino acid to a -CH2S(0)2C1 group, see, for example, Chemistry & Biochemistry of Amino Acids, Peptides and Proteins, Boris Weinstein (ed.), VoL 7, pp. 267-357, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York (1983) which is incorporated herein by reference.

Replacement of an amido linkage in the peptide with a urea linkage can be achieved in the manner set forth in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 08/147,805 which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Secondary amine linkages wherein a -CH2NH- linkage replaces the amido linkage in the peptide can be prepared by employing, for example, a suitably protected dipeptide analogue wherein the carbonyl bond of the amido linkage has been reduced to a CH2 group by conventional methods. For 34 intellectual property office of n.z. 1 6 AUG 2001 RECEIVED WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 example, in the case of diglycine, reduction of the amide to the amine will yield after deprotection H2NCH2CH2NHCH2COOH which is then used in N-protected form in the next coupling reaction. The preparation of such analogues by reduction of the carbonyl group of the amido linkage in the 5 dipeptide is well known in the art.

The suitably protected amino acid analogue is employed in the conventional peptide synthesis in the same manner as would the corresponding amino acid. For example, typically about 3 equivalents of the protected amino acid analogue are employed in this reaction. An inert 10 organic diluent such as methylene chloride or DMF is employed and, when an acid is generated as a reaction by-product, the reaction solvent will typically contain an excess amount of a tertiary amine to scavenge the acid generated during the reaction. One particularly preferred tertiary amine is diisopropylethylamine which is typically employed in about 10 fold excess. 15 The reaction results in incorporation into the peptide mimetic of an amino acid analogue having a non-peptidyl linkage. Such substitution can be repeated as desired such that from zero to all of the amido bonds in the peptide have been replaced by non-amido bonds.

One can also cyclize the peptides of the invention, or incorporate 20 a desamino or descarboxy residue at the terminii of the peptide, so that there is no terminal amino or carboxyl group, to decrease susceptibility to proteases -or to restrict the conformation of the peptide. C-terminal functional groups of the compounds of the present invention include amide, amide lower alkyl, amide di(lower alkyl), lower alkoxy, hydroxy, and carboxy, and the lower ester 25 derivatives thereof, and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.

The compounds of the present invention may exist in a cyclized form with an intramolecular disulfide bond between the thiol groups of the cysteines . Alternatively, an intermolecular disulfide bond between the thiol groups of the cysteines can be produced to yield a dimenc (or higher Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 oligomeric) compound. One or more of the cysteine residues may also be substituted with a homocysteine. These intramolecular or intermolecular disulfide derivatives can be represented schematically as shown below: (CH2)m (CH2)n XS S< wherein m and n are independently 1 or 2.

Other embodiments of this invention provide for analogs of these disulfide derivatives in which one of the sulfurs has been replaced by a 10 CH2 group or other isostere for sulfur. These analogs can be made via an intramolecular or intermolecular displacement, using methods known in the art as shown below: Br H 36 Printed from Mimosa wherein p is 1 or 2. One of skill in the art will readily appreciate that this displacement can also occur using other homologs of the a-amino-y-butyric acid derivative shown above and homocysteine.

Alternatively, the amino-terminus of the peptide can be capped 5 with an alpha-substituted acetic acid, wherem the alpha substituent is a leaving group, such as an a-haloacetic acid, for example, a-chloroacetic acid, a-bromoacetic acid, or cx-iodoacetic acid. The compounds of the present invention can be cyclized or dimerized via displacement of the leaving group by the sulfur of the cysteine or homocysteine residue. See, e g., Barker et al. 3149, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In addition to the foregoing N-terminal and C-terminal modifications, the compounds of the invention, including peptidomimetics, 15 can advantageously be modified with or covalently coupled to one or more of a variety of hydrophilic polymers The corresponding derivative may have increased solubility and circulation half-lives and masked immunogenicity. Nonproteinaceous polymers suitable for use in accordance with the present invention include, but are not limited to, polyalkylethers as exemplified by 20 polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol; polylactic acid; polyglycohc acid; polyoxyalkenes; polyvinylalcohol; polyvinylpyrrolidone, cellulose and cellulose derivatives; dextran and dextran derivatives; etc. Generally, such hydrophilic polymers have an average molecular weight ranging from about 500 to about 100,000 daltons, more preferably from about 2000 to about 40,000 25 daltons, and even more preferably, from about 5,000 to about 20,000 daltons In preferred embodiments, such hydrophilic polymers have an average molecular weight of about 5,000 daltons, 10,000 daltons, or 20,000 daltons The compounds of the invention can be derivatized with or coupled to such polymers using any of the methods set forth in Zallipsky 30 (1995) Bioconjugate C.hem. 6-150-165: Monfardini et al (1995) Bunconjugate Chem. 6:62-69: U.S. Patent No. 4,640,835; U.S. Patent No. 4,496,689, U.S Patent No. 4,301,144; U.S Patent No 4,670,417; U.S. Patent No. 4,791,192; U.S Patent 37 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 No. 4,179,337 or WO 95/34326, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

In a presently preferred embodiment, the compounds of the present invention are derivatized with polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG is a 5 linear, water-soluble polymer of ethylene oxide repeating units with two terminal hydroxyl groups. PEGs are classified by their molecular weights which typically range from about 500 daltons to about 40,000 daltons. In a presently preferred embodiment, the PEGs employed have molecular weights ranging from 5,000 daltons to about 20,000 daltons. PEGs coupled to the 10 compounds of the present invention can be either branched or unbranched. See, e.g., Monfardini et al. (1995) Bioconjugate Chem. 6:62-69. PEGs are comemrcially availble from Shearwater Polymers Inc. (Huntsville, Alabama), Sigma Chemical Co., and other companies. Such PEGs include, but are not limited to, monomethyoxypolyethyle glycol (MePEG-OH); 15 monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-succinate (MePEG-S); monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-succinimidyl succmate (MePEG-S-NHS); monomethoxypolyethylene glycol amine (MePEG-MFL,); monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-tresylate (MePEG-TRES); and monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-imidazolyl-carbonyl (MePEG-IM).

Briefly, in one exemplar embodiment, the hydrophilic polymer which is employed, e.g., PEG, is preferably capped at one end by an unreactive protecting group, such as a methoxy or ethoxy. Thereafter, the polymer is activated at the other end by reaction with a suitable activating agent, such as cyanuric halide (e.g., cyanuric chloride, bromide, or fluoride), diimadozle, an 25 anhydride reagent (e.g., a dihalosuccinic anhydride, such as dibromosuccinic anhydride), acyl azide, p-diazoiumbenzyl ether), 3-(p-diazoniumphenoxy)-2-hydroxypropylether and the like. The activated polymer is then reacted with a compound of the present invention to produce a compound derivatized with a polymer. Alternatively, a functional group in the compounds of the 3 0 invention can be activated for reaction with the polymer, or the two groups can be jomed in a concerted coupling reaction using known coupling 38 Printed from Mimosa methods. It will be readily appreciated that the compounds of the invention can be derivatized with PEG using a myriad of other reaction schemes known to and used by those of skill in the art.

Using tke "very large scale immobilized polymer synthesis" 5 system described in U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 492, 462, filed March 7, 1990, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,143,854); 624,120, filed December 6, 1990, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,489,678); and 805,727, filed December 6, 1991, (now U.S. Patent No. 5,424,186); one can not only determine the minimum size of a peptide with such activity, j q one can also make all of the peptides that form the group of peptides that differ from the preferred motif (or the minimum size of that motif) in one, two, or more residues. This collection of peptides can then be screened for ability to bind to IL-5R. This immobilized polymer synthesis system or other peptide synthesis methods can also be used to synthesize every truncation j ^ analog and every deletion analog and every combination of truncation and deletion analog of all of the peptide compounds of the invention.

IV. In Vivo and In Vitro Testing The activity of the compounds of the present invention can be 2q evaluated in vivo in one of the numerous animal models of asthma. See Larson, "Experimental Models of Reversible Airway Obstruction", in The Lung: Scientific Foundations. Crystal, West et al., eds., Raven Press, New York, 1991; Warner et al. (1990) Am. Rev. Respir. Pis. 141:253-257. An ideal animal model would duplicate the chief clinical and physiological features of 25 human asthma, including: airway hyperresponsiveness to chemical mediators and physical stimuli; reversal of airway obstruction by drugs useful in human asthma (G-adrenergics, methylxanthines, corticosteroids, and the like); airway inflammation with infiltration of activated leukocytes; and chronic inflammatory degenerative changes, such 21s basement membrane thickening, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and epithelial damage. Species used historically as animal models include mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, and 39 intellectual property office of nz. 1 6 AUG 2001 RECEIVED WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 sheep. All have some limitations, and the proper choice of animal model depends upon the question which is to be addressed.

The initial asthmatic response can be evaluated m guinea pigs, and dogs, and particularly, with a basenji-greyhound cross strain which 5 develops nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness to numerous nonallergenic substances, such as methacholine and citric acid. Certain selected sheep exhibit a dual response after antigen challenge with Ascaris proteins. In dual responding animals, the initial asthmatic response (IAR) is followed by a late asthmatic response (LAR) at 6-8 hours post-exposure. Hypersensitivity to the 10 cholinergic agonist carbachol increases at 24 hours after antigen challenge in those animals which exhibit LAR.

The allergic sheep model can be used to evaluate the potential antiasthmatic effects of the compounds of the present mvention.

Administration of compositions comprising aerosolized solutions of the 15 compounds of the instant invention to allergic sheep prior to or following exposure to specific allergens will demonstrate that such compositions substantially lessen or abolish the late asthmatic response and consequent hyperresponsiveness.

The compounds of this invention are also useful for the 20 treatment of other immunomediated inflammatory disorders in which tryptase activity contributes to the pathological condition. Such diseases include inflammatory diseases associated with mast cells, such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis and other arthritic conditions, inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer and various 25 skin conditions.

The efficacy of the compounds of the instant invention for the treatment of the vast majority of immunomediated inflammatory disorders can be evaluated by either in vitro or in vtvo procedures. Thus, the antiinflammatory efficacy of the compounds of the instant invention can be 40 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 demonstrated by assays well known in the art, for example, the Reversed Passive Arthus Reaction (RPAR)-PAW technique (see, e.g., Ganguly et al. (1992) U.S. Patent No. 5,126,352). Assays for determining the therapeutic value of compounds in the treatment of various skin conditions, such as 5 hyperproliferative skin disease, are well known in the art, for example, the Arachidonic Acid Mouse Ear Test (id). The compounds of the instant invention can be evaluated for their antiulcer activity according to the procedures described in Chiu et al. (1984) Archives Internationales de Pharmacodynamic et de Therapie 270:128-140.

IV. In Vitro Uses The compounds of the mvention are useful in vitro as unique tools for understanding the biological role of IL-5, including the evaluation of 15 the many factors thought to influence, and be influenced by, the production of IL-5 and the receptor binding process The present compounds are also useful in the development of other compounds that bind to the IL-5R, because the present compounds provide important information on the relationship between structure and activity that should facilitate such development. > The compounds are also useful as competitive inhibitors or tracers in assays to screen for new IL-5 receptor blockers. In such assay embodiments, the compounds of the invention can be used without modification or can be modified in a variety of ways; for example, by labeling, such as covalently or non-covalently joining a moiety which directly or 25 indirectly provides a detectable signal. In any of these assays, the materials thereto can be labeled either directly or indirectly. Possibilities for direct labeling include label groups such as: radiolabels such as 1^51, enzymes (US Patent 3,645,090) such as peroxidase and alkaline phosphatase, and fluorescent labels (US Patent 3,940,475) capable of monitoring the change in fluorescence 41 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 intensity, wavelength shift, or fluorescence polarization. Possibilities for indirect labeling include biotinylation of one constituent followed by binding to avidin coupled to one of the above label groups. The compounds may also include spacers or linkers in cases where the compounds are to be attached to 5 a solid support.

Thus, the compositions and methods of the present invention also can be used in vitro for testing a patient's susceptibility to varying treatment regimens for disorders associated with the overproduction of IL-5 or an improper response to IL-5 using an in vitro diagnostic method whereby 10 a specimen is taken from the patient and is treated with a IL-5R binding, IL-5 blocking compound of the present invention to determine the effectiveness and amount of the compound necessary to produce the desired effect. The blocking compound and dosage can be varied. After the blocking compounds i are screened, then the appropriate treatment and dosage can be selected by the 15 physician and administered to the patient based upon the results Therefore, this mvention also contemplates use of a blocking compound of this invention in a variety of diagnostic kits and assay methods.

V. In Vivo Uses The compounds of the invention can also be administered to warm blooded animals, including humans, to block the bindmg of IL-5 to the IL-5R in vivo. Thus, the present invention encompasses methods for therapeutic treatment of IL-5 related disorders that comprise administering a 25 compound of the invention in amounts sufficient to block or inhibit the binding of IL-5 to the IL-5R in vivo. For example, the peptides and compounds of the invention can be administered to treat symptoms related to the overproduction of IL-5 or an improper response to IL-5. The 42 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/0I620 compositions and methods described herein will find use for the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of IL-5 related disorders.

According to one embodiment, the compositions of the present invention are useful for preventing or ameliorating asthma. In using the 5 compositions of the present mvention in a treatment of asthma, the compounds typically will be administered prophylactically prior to exposure to allergen or other precipitating factor, or after such exposure. The compounds of the instant invention are particularly useful in ameliorating the late-phase tissue destruction seen in both seasonal and perennial rhinitis. 10 Another aspect of the present invention is directed to the prevention and treatment of other immunomediated inflammatory disorders associated with mast cells such as urticaria and angioedema, and eczematous dermatitis (atopic dermatitis), and anaphylaxis, as well as hyperproliferative skin disease, peptic ulcers, and the like.

Accordingly, the present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising, as an active ingredient, at least one of the peptides or peptide mimetics of the invention in association with a pharmaceutical carrier or diluent. The compounds of this invention can be administered by oral, pulmonary, parental (intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous (IV) 20 or subcutaneous injection), inhalation (via a fine powder formulation). transdermal, nasal, vaginal, rectal, or sublingual routes of administration and can be formulated in dosage forms appropriate for each route of administration.

Typically, when the compounds of the instant invention are to 25 be used in the treatment of asthma, they will be formulated as aerosols. The term "aerosol" includes any gas-borne suspended phase of the compounds of the instant invention which is capable of being inhaled into the bronchioles or nasal passages. Specifically, aerosol includes a gas-borne suspension of droplets of the compounds of the instant invention, as may be produced in a 43 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 metered dose inhaler or nebulizer, or in a mist sprayer. Aerosol also includes a dry powder composition of a compound of the instant invention suspended in air or other carrier gas, which may be delivered by insufflation from an inhaler device, for example.

For solutions used in making aerosols of the present invention, the preferred range of concentration of the compounds of the instant invention is 0.1-100 milligrams (mg)/ milliliter (mL), more preferably 0.1-30 mg/mL, and most preferably, 1-10 mg/mL. Usually the solutions are buffered with a physiologically compatible buffer such as phosphate or bicarbonate. 10 The usual pH range is 5 to 9, preferably 6.5 to 7.8, and more preferably 7.0 to 7.6. Typically, sodium chloride is added to adjust the osmolarity to the physiological range, preferably within 10% of isotonic.

Suspensions of the compounds of the present mvention in hydrofluoronalkane propellants, especially 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane or 15 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, optionally in the presence of a surfactant and/or cosolvent (e.g., ethanol) in a pressurized canister may also be provided with a suitable delivery device for the treatment of the above mentioned respiratory disorders, especially asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Formulation of such solutions for creating aerosol inhalants is 20 discussed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, see also, Ganderton and Jones, Drug Delivery to the Respiratory Tract, Ellis Horwood (1987); Gonda (1990) Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems 6:273-313; and Raeburn et al. (1992) J. Pharmacol. Toxicol. Methods 27:143-159.

Solutions of the compounds of the instant invention may be 25 converted into aerosols by any of the known means routinely used for making aerosol inhalant pharmaceuticals. In general, such methods comprise pressurizing or providing a means of pressurizing a container of the solution, usually with an inert carrier gas, and passing the pressurized gas through a small orifice, thereby pulling droplets of the solution into the 44 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 mouth and trachea of the animal to which the drug is to be administered. Typically, a mouthpiece is fitted to the outlet of the orifice to facilitate delivery into the mouth and trachea.

In one embodiment, devices of the present invention comprise 5 solutions of the compounds of the instant invention connected to or contained within any of the conventional means for creating aerosols in asthma medication, such as metered dose inhalers, jet nebulizers, or ultrasonic nebulizers. Optionally such device may include a mouthpiece fitted around the orifice.

In an embodiment for the treatment of allergic rhinitis, a device may comprise a solution of a compound of the instant invention in a nasal sprayer.

A dry powder comprising a compound of the instant invention, optionally with an excipient, is another embodiment of the present 15 invention. This may be administered by a drug powder inhaler containing the above described powder.

The compounds of the inventions can also be used in the treatment of immunomediated inflammatory skin conditions, such as urticaria and angioedema, eczematous dermatitis, and hyperproliferative skin 20 disease, e.g., psoriasis, in mammals. As a result of the topical administration of a compound of the present invention, a remission of the symptoms can be expected. Thus, one affected by an immunomediated inflammatory skin condition can expect a decrease in scaling, erythema, size of the plaques, pruritus, and other symptoms associated with the skin condition. The dosage 25 of medicament and the length of time required for successfully treating each individual patient may vary, but those skilled in the art will be able to recognize these variations and adjust the course of therapy accordingly.

Also included within the invention are preparations for topical application to the skin comprising a compound of the present invention, 45 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 typically in concentrations in the range of from about 0.001% to 10%, together with a non-toxic, pharmaceutically acceptable topical carrier. These topical preparations can be prepared by combining an active ingredient according to this invention with conventional pharmaceutical diluents and carriers 5 commonly used in topical dry, liquid, cream and aerosol formulations.

Ointment may for example, be formulated with an aqueous or oily base with the addition of suitable thickening and/or gelling agents. Such bases may include water and/or an oil such as liquid paraffin or a vegetable oil such as peanut oil or castor oil. Thickening agents which may be used according to the 10 nature of the base include soft paraffin, aluminum stearate, cetostearyl alcohol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, woolfat, hydrogenated lanolin, beeswax, and the like.

Lotions may be formulated with an aqueous or oily base and will, in general, also include one or more of the following: stabilizing agents, 15 emulsifying agents, dispersing agents, suspending agents, thickening agents, coloring agents, perfumes, and the like.

Powders may be formed with the aid of any suitable powder base, e.g., talc, lactose, starch, and the like. Drops may be formulated with an aqueous base or non-aqueous base also comprising one or more dispersing 20 agents, suspending agents, solubilizing agents, and the like.

The topical pharmaceutical compositions according to this invention may also mclude one or more preservatives or bacteriostatic agents, e.g., methyl hydroxybenzoate, propyl hydroxybenzoate, chlorocresol, benzalkonium chlorides, and the like. The topical pharmaceutical 25 compositions also can contain other active ingredients such as antimicrobial agents, particularly antibiotics, anesthetics, analgesics, and antipruritic agents.

Solid dosage forms for oral administration include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid dosage forms, the active compound is admixed with at least one inert pharmaceutically acceptable 46 Printed from Mimosa carrier such as sucrose, lactose, or starch. Such dosage forms can also comprise, as is normal practice, additional substances other than inert diluents, e.g., lubricating agents such as magnesium stearate. In the case of capsules, tablets, and pills, the dosage forms may also comprise buffering 5 agents. Tablets and pills can additionally be prepared with enteric coatings.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, with the elixirs containing inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as water. Besides such inert diluents, compositions can also include adjuvants, such as 10 wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, and sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

Preparations according to this invention for parental administration include sterile aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, suspensions, or emulsions. Examples of non-aqueous solvents or vehicles are 15 propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils, such as olive oil and corn oil, gelatin, and injectable organic esters such as ethyl oleate. Such dosage forms may also contain adjuvants such as preserving, wetting, emulsifying, and dispersing agents. They may be sterilized by, for example, filtration through a bacteria retaining filter, by incorporating sterilizing agents mto the 20 compositions, by irradiating the compositions, or by heating the compositions. They can also be manufactured using sterile water, or some other sterile injectable medium, immediately before use.

Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration are preferably suppositories which may contain, in addition to the active substance, 25 excipients such as cocoa butter or a suppository wax. Compositions for nasal or sublingual administration are also prepared with standard excipients well known in the art. It should, of course, be understood that the compositions and methods of this invention can be used in combination with 47 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 other agents exhibiting the ability to modulate IL-5 synthesis, release, and/or binding and with other agents for the treatment of immunomediated inflammatory disorders, and particularly asthma. ^-Adrenergic agonists are especially useful in these combinations, because they provide symptomatic 5 relief of the initial asthmatic response, whereas the compounds of the present invention provide relief for the late asthmatic response. Preferred fi-adrenergic agonists in these solutions include any of the usual fi-agonists employed for the relief of asthma, such as albuterol, terbutaline, formoterol, fanoterol, or prenaline.

Other agents useful m combination with the compounds of the instant invention include anticholinergics, such as ipratropium bromide, and antiinflammatory corticosteroids (adrenocortical steroids) such as beclomethasone, triamcinolone, flurisolide, or dexamethasone.

The compositions containing the compounds can be 15 administered for prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatments. In therapeutic applications, compositions are administered to a patient already suffering from a disease, as described above, in an amount sufficient to cure or at least partially arrest the symptoms of the disease and its complications. An amount adequate to accomplish this is defined as "therapeutically effective 20 dose." Amounts effective for this use will depend on the severity of the disease and the weight and general state of the patient.

In prophylactic applications, compositions containing the compounds of the invention are administered to a patient susceptible to or otherwise at risk of a particular disease. Such an amount is defined to be a 25 "prophylactically effective dose." In this use, the precise amounts again depend on the patient's state of health and weight The quantities of the IL-5 blocking compound necessary for effective therapy will depend upon many different factors, including means of administration, target site, physiological state of the patient, and other 48 Printed from Mimosa medicants administered. Thus, treatment dosages should be titrated to optimize safety and efficacy. Typically, dosages used in vitro may provide useful guidance in the amounts useful for in situ administration of these reagents. Animal testing of effective doses for treatment of particular 5 disorders will provide further predictive indication of human dosage. Various considerations are described, e.g., in Gilman et al. (eds), (1990) Goodman and Gilman's: The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 8th ed., Pergamon Press; and Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences. (1985) 7th ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Penn.; each of which is hereby incorporated by 10 reference. effective in treating IL-5 mediated conditions when administered at a dosage range of from about 0 001 mg to about 10 mg/kg of body weight per day. The specific dose employed is regulated by the particular condition being treated, 15 the route of administration as well as by the judgement of the attending clinician depending upon factors such as the severity of the condition, the age and general condition of the patient, and the like. specifically described above, it will be appreciated that modifications and 20 variations of the invention are possible without departing from the spirit and intended scope of the invention.

The peptides and peptide mimetics of this invention are Although only preferred embodiments of the invention are ABBREVIATIONS DMEM DMEM/F12 ng/ml min Dulbecco's Minimal Essential Medium Dulbecco's Minimal Essential Medium / Hamm's F12 Medium nanogram / milliliter minutes 49 Printed from Mimosa ml ml/mg BSA PBS microliter microliter / milligram bovine serum albumin phosphate buffered saline hr hours EXAMPLE 1 Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis Various peptides of the invention were synthesized using the Merrifield solid phase synthesis techniques (see Steward and Young, Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis, 2d. edition (Pierce Chemical, Rockford, IL (1984) and Merrifield (1963) T. Am. Chem. Soc. 85:2149^ on a Milligen/Biosearch 9600 automated instrument or an Applied Biosystems Inc. Model 431A peptide synthesizer. The peptides were assembled using standard protocols of the 15 Applied Biosystems Inc. System Software version 1.01 Each coupling was performed for one-two hours with BOP (benzotriazolyl N-oxtrisdimethylaminophosphonium hexafluorophosphate) and HOBt (1-hydroxybenzotriazole). which is a cross-linked polystyrene resin with 5-(4'-Fmoc-aminomethyl-3,5'-dimethyoxyphenoxy)valeric acid as a linker. Use of PAL resin results in a carboxyl terminal amide functionality upon cleavage of the peptide from the resin. Upon cleavage, the HMP resin produces a carboxylic acid moiety at the C-terminus of the final product. Most reagents, resins, and protected amino 25 acids (free or on the resin) were purchased from Millipore or Applied Biosystems Inc. coupling procedure. Primary amine protection on ammo acids was achieved with Fmoc and side chain protection groups were t-butyl for serine, tyrosine, The resin used was HMP resin or PAL (Milligen/Biosearch), The Fmoc group was used for amino protection during the 50 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 asparagine, glutamic acid, and threonine; trityl for glutamine; Pmc (2,2,5,7,8-pentamethylchroma sulfonate) for arginine; N-t-butyloxycarbonyl for tiyptophan; N-trityl for histidine and glutamine; and S-trityl for cysteine.

Removal of the peptides from the resin and simultaneous 5 deprotection of the side chain functions were achieved by treatment with reagent K or slight modifications of it. Alternatively, in the synthesis of those peptides, with an amidated carboxyl terminus, the fully assembled peptide was cleaved with a mixture of 90% trifluoroacetic acid, 5% ethanedithiol, and 5% water, initially at 4°C, and gradually increasing to room temperature. The 10 deprotected peptides were precipitated with diethyl ether. In all cases, purification was by preparative, reverse-phase, high performance liquid chromatography on a Ci8 bonded silica gel column with a gradient of acetonitrile/water in 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid. The homogeneous peptides were characterized by Fast Atom Bombardment mass spectrometry or 15 electrospray mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis when applicable.

EXAMPLE 2 Binassavs Bioactivity of synthetic peptides and MBP-peptide fusions is 20 measured using a Cytosensor microphysiometer (Molecular Devices) to record the metabolic response of TF-1 cells (a human leukemia cell line) to IL-5 in the presence or absence of peptide. After overnight incubation without IL-5, these cells exhibited a robust increase in metabolic activity when IL-5 is added to the medium. This increase wass measured by the microphysiometer 25 as an increase in the rate of acidification of weakly buffered tissue culture medium.

TF-1 cells were seeded into microphysiometer chambers at a density of 1.5 x 10^ cells/chamber and grown overnight in DMEM tissue culture medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum , but lacking the 1 ng/ml 51 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 IL-5 (R&D Systems) that is required for long-term maintenance of these cells in culture. The chambers were then placed in the microphysiometer and incubated with weakly buffered DMEM/F12 medium containing 1% human serum albumin until a baseline rate of medium acidification was established. 5 Varying dilutions of test peptide were then introduced for 15 min. None of the peptides tested had any effect on the baseline acidification rate. IL-5 at 10 ng/ml was then introduced for 25 minutes in the continued presence of test peptide. The chambers were then flushed with fresh medium.

Typically, maximal response to IL-5 occurred within 20 min. of 10 the onset of IL-5 addition to the medium. In the absence of test peptide this response was typically a 1.5 to 2-fold increase in the rate of medium acidification. All peptides tested were able to reduce or completely block the response of the TF-1 cells to IL-5. Other, randomly chosen control peptides, at the same or higher concentrations, had no effect. The test peptides also had 15 no effect on the robust microphysiometer response of TF-1 cells to TNFa, indicating that the test peptides were exhibiting their effect by specifically antagonizing IL-5 action. The IC50 for test peptides was defined as that peptide concentration which gave a 50% reduction in the maximal IL-5 response when compared to the response to IL-5 alone.

EXAMPLE 3 Binding Affinity Binding affinities of synthetic peptides for IL-5Ra were measured in a competition binding assay using radio-iodinated IL-5. Immulon 4 25 (Dynatech) microtiter wells were coated with streptavidin (Sigma) by incubating 100 (xl of a 50 ng/ml solution in PBS for 30 min. at 37°. The wells were blocked with 200 jxl of 1 % BSA in PBS for 15 min. at 37°, followed by 100 Hi of biotinylated mAb 179 at 5 (Ag/ml in PBS. Soluble IL-5Ra was then immobilized in the wells by incubating 100 jxl of a solution of soluble receptor 52 Printed from Mimosa harvest diluted 1:5000 in PBS/0.1% BSA for 1 hr. at 4°. After washing away unbound receptor, 50 jil of various concentrations of test peptide diluted in PBS/0.1% BSA were added to the wells, followed by 50 jj.1 of a fixed concentration of [^I] IL-5 (Amersham). The binding reactions were 5 incubated at 4°C for 2 hr., then washed with PBS to remove unbound [125j] JL-5. Bound t125I] IL-5 was determined by g counting. Total binding was defined by the amount of [1^1] IL-5 bound in the absence of any competitor. Nonspecific binding was defined by the amount of [125j] IL-5 bound in the presence of 30 nM IL-5. Peptide binding data was analyzed to determine the 10 peptide concentration required to reduce specific [125l] IL-5 binding by 50% (IC50). Under the conditions described the IC50 values determined should be similar to the dissociation constant (Kd) of the peptides for IL-5Ra.

EXAMPLE 4 "Peptides on Plasmids" The pJS142 vector is used for library construction and is shown in Figure 1. Three oligonucleotide sequences are needed for library construction: ON-829 (5' ACC ACC TCC GG); ON-830 (5' TTA CTT AGT TA) (SEQ ID NO:54) and a library specific oligonucleotide of interest (5' GA GGT GGT {NNK}n TAA CTA AGT AAA GC) (SEQ ID NO:55), where {NNK}n denotes a random region of the desired length and sequence. The oligonucleotides can be 5' phosphorylated chemically during synthesis or after purification with polynucleotide kinase. They are then annealed at a 1:1:1 molar ratio and ligated to the vector.

The strain of E. coli which is preferably used for panning has the genotype: A(srl-recA) endAl nupG lon-11 sulAl HsdR17 A(ompT-fepC)266 AclpA319::kan Macl lac ZU118 which can be prepared from an E. coli strain from the E. coli Genetic Stock Center at Yale University (E. coli b/r, stock center designation CGSG6573) with genotype lon-11 sulAl. The above E. coli 53 Printed from Mimosa PCT/G B97/01620 strain is prepared for use in electroporation as described by Dower et al. (1988) Nucleic Acids Res. 1&6127, except that 10% glycerol is used for all wash steps. The cells are tested for efficiency using 1 pg of a Bluescript plasmid (Stratagene). These cells are used for growth of the original library and for 5 amplification of the enriched population after each round of panning.

Peptides on plasmids are released from cells for panning by gentle enzymatic digestion of the cell wall using lysozyme. After pelleting of the cell debris, the crude lysate can be used directly on most receptors. If some additional purification of the plasmid complexes is needed, a gel filtration 10 column can be used to remove many of the low molecular weight contaminants in the crude lysate.

Panning is carried out in a buffer (HEKL) of a lower salt concentration than most physiological buffers. The panning can be conducted in microtiter wells with a receptor immobilized on a nonblocking 15 monoclonal antibody (MAb) or by panning on beads or on columns. More specifically, in the first round of panning, 24 wells, each coated with receptor, can be used. For the second round, six wells coated with receptor (PAN sample) and 6 wells without receptor (NC sample) are typically used. Comparison of the number of plasmids in these two samples can give an 20 indication of whether receptor specific clones are being enriched by panning. "Enrichment" is defined as the ratio of PAN transformants to those recovered from the NC sample. Enrichment of 10 fold is usually an indication that receptor specific clones are present.

In later rounds of panning, it is useful to reduce the input of 25 lysate into the wells to lower nonspecific background binding of the plasmid complexes. In round 2, usually 100 ml of lysate per well is used. In round 3, 100 ml of lysate per well diluted with 1/10 m HEKL/BSA is used. For further rounds of panning, typically an input of plasmid transforming units of at least 1000 fold above the estimated remaining diversity is used. 54 Printed from Mimosa The binding properties of the peptides encoded by individual clones are typically examined after 3,4, or 5 rounds of panning, depending on the enrichment numbers observed. Typically, an ELISA that detects receptor specific binding by Lacl-peptide fusion proteins is used. LacI is normally a 5 tetramer and the minimum functional DNA binding species is a dimer. The peptides are thus displayed multivalently on the fusion protein. Assuming that a sufficient density of receptor can be immobilized in wells, the peptides fused to LacI will bind to the surface in a cooperative, multivalent fashion.

This cooperative binding permits the detection of binding events of low 10 intrinsic affinity. The sensitivity of this assay is an advantage in that initial hits of low affinity can be easily identified, but is a disadvantage in that the signal in the ELISA is not correlated with the intrinsic affinity of the peptides Fusion of the peptides to maltose bindmg protein (MBP) as described below permits testing in an ELISA format where signal strength is better correlated 15 with affinity.

See Figure 2.

DNA from clones of interest can be prepared in double stranded form using any standard miniprep procedure. The coding sequences of interesting single clones or populations of clones can be transferred to vectors 20 that fuse those sequences in frame with the gene encoding MBP, a protein that generally occurs as a monomer in solution The cloning of a library into pJS142 creates a BspEI restriction site near the beginning of the random coding region of the library. Digestion with BspEI and Seal allows the purification of a " 900 bp DNA fragment that can be subcloned into one of two vectors, 25 pELM3 (cytoplasmic) or pELM15 (periplasmic), which are simple modifications of the pMALc2 and pMALp2 vectors, respectively, available commercially from New England Biolabs. See Figure 2A-B. Digestion of pELM3 and pELM15 with Agel and Seal allows efficient cloning of the BspEI-Scal fragment from the pJS142 library. The BspEI and Agel ends are 55 Printed from Mimosa compatible for ligation. In addition, correct ligation of the Seal sites is essential to recreate a functional bla (Amp resistance) gene, thus lowering the level of background clones from undesired ligation events. Expression of the tac promoter-driven MBP-peptide fusions can then be induced with IPTG.

Lysates for the LacI or MBP ELISAs are prepared from individual clones by lysing cells using lysozyme and removing insoluble cell debris by centrifugation. The lysates are then added to wells containing immobilized receptor and to control wells without receptor. Binding by the LacI or MBP peptide fusions is detected by incubation with a rabbit polyclonal antiserum 10 directed against either LacI or MBP followed by incubation with alkaline phosphatase labeled goat anti rabbit second antibody. The bound alkaline phosphatase is detected with p-nitrophenyl phosphate chromagenic substrate.

EXAMPLE 5 "Headpiece Dimer" System A variant of the LacI peptides-on-plasmids technique utilizes a DNA binding protein called "headpiece dimer". DNA binding by the E. coli lac repressor is mediated by the approximately 60 amino acid "headpiece" 20 domain. The dimer of the headpiece domains that binds to the lac operator is normally formed by association of the much larger approximately 300 amino acid C-terminal domain. The "headpiece dimer" system utilizes headpiece dimer molecules containing two headpieces connected via short peptide linker. These proteins bind DNA with sufficient stability to allow association 25 of a peptide epitope displayed at the C-terminus of the headpiece dimer with the plasmid encoding that peptide.

The random peptides are fused to the C-terminus of the headpiece dimer, which binds to the plasmid that encoded it to make a peptide-headpiece dimer-plasmid complex that can be screened by panning. 56 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 The headpiece dimer peptides-on-plasmids system allows greater selectivity for high affinity ligands than the LacI system. Thus, the headpiece dimer system is useful for making mutagenesis libraries based on initial low-affinity hits, and selecting higher affinity variants of those initial sequences. 5 The libraries are constructed as with peptides on plasmids using headpiece dimer vector pCMG14 (see Figure 3). The presence of the lac operator is not required for plasmid bindmg by the headpiece dimer protein. The libraries were introduced into bacterial strain comprising E. coli (lon-11 sulAl hsdR17 (ompT-fepC) AclpA319::kan AlacI lac ZU118 A(srl-recA) 10 306::Tnl0 .and amplified under conditions of basal (A) promoter induction. Panning of headpiece dimer libraries is carried out by similar procedures to those used for LacI libranes, except that HEK buffer is used instead of HEKL buffer and elution of plasmids from the wells is performed with aqueous phenol instead of with IPTG. Sequences from headpiece dimer panning are 15 often characterized after transfer to the MBP vector so that they can be tested in the affinity sensitive MBP ELISA and also so that populations of clones can be screened by colony lifts with labeled receptor.

The disclosures in this application of all articles and references, 20 including patent documents, are incorporated herein by reference. 57 Printed from Mimosa SEQUENCE LISTING (1) GENERAL INFORMATION: (i) APPLICANT: Barrett, Ronald W.

England, Bruce Schatz, Peter Sloan, Derek Chen, Min-Jia (ii) TITLE OF INVENTION: Peptides and Compounds That Bind to the IL-5 Receptor (iii) NUMBER OF SEQUENCES: 65 (iv) CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS: (A) ADDRESSEE: Affymax Technologies, N.V.

(B) STREET: 4001 Miranda Ave.

(C) CITY: Palo Alto (D) STATE: California (E) COUNTRY. USA (F) ZIP: 94304 (v) COMPUTER READABLE FORM: (A) MEDIUM TYPE: Floppy disk (B) COMPUTER: IBM PC compatible (C) OPERATING SYSTEM: PC-DOS/MS-DOS (D) SOFTWARE: Patentln Release #1.0, Version #1.25 (vi) CURRENT APPLICATION DATA: (A) APPLICATION NUMBER: US 08/476,169 (B) FILING DATE: 07-JUN-1995 (C) CLASSIFICATION: (viii) ATTORNEY/AGENT INFORMATION: (A) NAME: Stevens, Lauren L.

(B) REGISTRATION NUMBER: 36,691 (C) REFERENCE/DOCKET NUMBER: 1088.2A (ix) TELECOMMUNICATION INFORMATION: (A) TELEPHONE: 415-496-2300 (Bj TELEFAX: 415-424-0832 58 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 1: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 10 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(2) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note- "Xaa is Gly, lie, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(3) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Asp or Glu." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(5) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala or Val." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(8) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Gin or Pro." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(9) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala, Glu, Lys, Met Asn, Ser or Thr." (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO'l: Cys Xaa Xaa Trp Xaa Arg Cys Xaa Xaa Cys 1 5 10 59 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:2: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 10 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(9) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala, Glu, Lys, Met, Asn, Ser or Thr." (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:2: Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Xaa Cys 1 5 10 60 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:3: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 14 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION :one-of(l) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Asp, Glu, Gly, lie, Met, Asn, Pro, Gin, Ser, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(2) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Gly, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(3) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Phe, Trp or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of{13) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala, Glu, Lys, Met, Asn, Ser or Thr." (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:3: Xaa Xaa Xaa Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Xaa Cys 1 5 10 61 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:4: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 11 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(9) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala, Glu, Lys, Met, Asn, Ser or Thr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(ll) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note- "Xaa is Glu, lie, Lys, Leu, Met, Gin, Arg, Thr, Val or Tyr." (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:4: Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Xaa Cys Xaa 1 5 10 62 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:5: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(l) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Asp, Glu, Gly, Asn, Pro or Gin." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(2) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Gly, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-ofp) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Phe, Trp or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(4) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Glu, lie, Lys, Leu, Met, Gin, Arg, Thr, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(13) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala, Glu, Lys, Met, Asn, Ser or Thr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION :one-of( 15) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Lys, Leu, Gin, Arg or Thr." (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:5: Xaa Gly Xaa Xaa Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Xaa Cys Xaa 15 10 15 63 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:6: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(l) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Asp, Asn or Pro." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(2) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note- "Xaa is Gly, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(3) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Phe or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(4) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Glu, He, Lys, Leu, Met, Gin, Arg, Thr, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(7) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Asp or Glu." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(9) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala or Val." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(12) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note- "Xaa is Gin or Pro." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION :one-of( 13) 64 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 ID) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala, Glu, Lys, Met, Asn, Ser or Thr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(15) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Lys, Arg or Thr." (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:6: Xaa Gly Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Trp Xaa Arg Cys Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa 15 10 15 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:7: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:7: Asp Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Thr Cys Lys 15 10 15 66 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:8: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B)TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:8: Asp Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Met Cys Thr 15 10 15 67 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:9: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:9: Asp Gly Phe Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Asn Cys Arg 15 10 15 68 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 10: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 29 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:10: Gly Gly Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Gly Gly 15 10 15 Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 25 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:l 1: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 31 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:l 1: Gly Gly Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys 15 10 15 Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 20 25 30 Printed from Mimosa PCT/G B97/01620 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 12: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 28 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:12: Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Gly Gly Gly 15 10 15 Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 20 25 71 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 13: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 29 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:13: Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Gly Gly 15 10 15 Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 20 25 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 14: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 30 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:14: Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Gly 15 10 15 Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 20 25 30 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO: 15: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 31 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:15: Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa 15 10 15 Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 20 25 30 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:16: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 32 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO: 16: Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa 15 10 15 Xaa Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 25 30 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:17: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 33 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:17: Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa 15 10 15 Xaa Xaa Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly 20 25 30 Ser Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:18: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:18: Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser Gly Gly Gly Gly Ser 15 10 15 77 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:19: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 14 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:19: Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Trp Arg Val Pro Cys Gly Gly 1 5 10 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:20: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 14 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:20: Gly Gly Cys Trp Ser Gly Glu Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa 1 5 10 79 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:21: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 18 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:21: Val Glu Val Cys Thr Arg Ser Val Ala Thr His Ser Trp Val Cys Gly 15 10 15 lie Asp 80 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:22: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B)TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:22: Xaa Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Gin Thr Cys Xaa 15 10 15 81 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:23: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 16 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:23: Xaa Leu Arg Gly Cys Arg Glu Arg Tyr Met Leu Cys Val Ser Asp Xaa 15 10 15 82 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:24: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 19 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(5) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is lie, Leu, Phe, Val or Met." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-ofl(6) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Gly, Arg, Ser or Cys." (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:24: Arg Xaa Xaa Cys Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa Xaa 15 10 15 Xaa Xaa Xaa 83 Printed from Mimosa PCT/G B97/01620 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:25: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:25: Asp Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Lys Cys Xaa 15 10 15 84 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:26" (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:26: Asp Gly Tyr Val Cys Gly Glu Trp Val Xaa Cys Pro Ser Cys Thr 15 10 15 85 Printed from Mimosa PCT7GB97/01620 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:27: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:27: Asp Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Val Arg Cys Pro Thr Cys Arg 15 10 15 86 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:28: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:28: Asp Gly Trp Val Cys Val Glu Trp Val Arg Cys Gin Thr Cys Tyr 15 10 15 87 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:29: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:29: Glu Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ser Cys Lys 15 10 15 88 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:30: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:30: Glu Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ser Cys Val 15 10 15 89 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:31: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:31: Glu Gly Trp Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Thr Cys Leu 15 10 15 90 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:32: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:32: Gly Gly Trp Val Cys Val Asp Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Thr Cys Leu 15 10 15 91 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:33: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:33: Gly Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ser Cys Gin 15 10 15 92 Printed from Mimosa PCT/G B97/01620 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:34: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:34: lie Gly Trp Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ala Cys Lys 15 10 15 93 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:35: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:35: Met Gly Trp Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Thr Cys Leu 15 10 15 94 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:36: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:36: Asn Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Met Cys Lys 15 10 15 95 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:37: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:37: Asn Gly Trp Val Cys Val Asp Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ser Cys Arg 15 10 15 96 Printed from Mimosa PCT/GB97/0I620 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:38: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:38: Asn Gly Tyr Val Cys He Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ser Cys Arg 15 10 15 97 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:39: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:39: Asn Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ser Cys lie 15 10 15 98 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:40: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:40: Asn Gly Tyr Val Cys Tyr Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Met Cys Lys 15 10 15 99 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:41: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:41 • Pro Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Asp Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Glu Cys Arg 15 10 15 100 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:42: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:42: Gin Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Met Cys Thr 15 10 15 101 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:43: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:43: Gin Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ser Cys Met 15 10 15 102 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:44: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:44: Ser Gly Trp Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ser Cys lie 15 10 15 103 Printed from Mimosa PCT/G B97/01620 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:45: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:45: Val Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Met Cys Arg 15 10 15 104 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:46: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:46: Pro Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Asp Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Met Cys Lys 15 10 15 105 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:47: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:47: Pro Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Asp Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Met Cys Gin 15 10 15 106 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:48: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:48: Pro Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Asp Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Ala Cys Lys 15 10 15 107 Printed from Mimosa PCT/G B97/01620 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:49: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:49: Pro Val Tyr Val Cys Val Asp Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Met Cys Gin 15 10 15 108 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:50: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:50: Gin Gly Trp Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Thr Cys Glu 15 10 15 109 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO :51: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:51: Val Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Thr Cys Leu 15 10 15 110 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:52: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:52: Val Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Asp Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Glu Cys Arg 15 10 15 111 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:53: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 13 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:53: Gly Tyr Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Gin Thr Cys 1 5 10 112 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:54: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 11 base pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (oligonucleotide) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:54: ACCACCTCCG G 11 113 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:55: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 11 base pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (oligonucleotide) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:55: TTACTTAGTT A 11 114 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:56: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 28 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:56: Leu Glu Ser Gly Gin Val Val His Gly Glu Gin Val Gly Gly Glu Ala 15 10 15 Ser Gly Ala Val Asn Gly Arg Gly Leu Ala Gly Gin 20 25 115 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:57: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 93 base pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: double (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (oligonucleotide) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:57: CTCGAGAGCG GGCAGGTGGT GCATGGGGAG CAGGTGGGTG GTGAGGCCTC CGGGGCCGTT 60 AACGGCCGTG GCCTAGCTGG CCAATAAGTC GAC 93 116 Printed from Mimosa PCT/G B97/01620 (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:58: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 20 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:58: Leu Glu Ser Gly Gin Val Val His Gly Glu Gin Val Gly Gly Glu Ala 15 10 15 Ser Gly Gly Gly 20 117 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:59: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 40 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:59: Gin Thr Asn Ser Ser Ser Asn Asn Asn Asn Asn Asn Asn Asn Asn Asn 15 10 15 Leu Gly lie Glu Gly Arg Thr Gly His Val Ala Arg Glu Phe Gly Ser 20 25 30 Ser Arg Val Asp Leu Gin Ala Ser 35 40 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:60: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 122 base pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: double (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (oligonucleotide) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:60: CAGACTAATT CGAGCTCGAA CAACAACAAC AATAACAATA ACAACAACCT CGGGATCGAG 60 GGAAGGACCG GTCACGTGGC CCGGGAATTC GGATCCTCTA GAGTCGACCT GCAGGCAAGC 120 TT 122 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:61: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 6 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:61: Gly Arg Thr Gly Gly Gly 1 5 120 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:62: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 28 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:62: Glu Ala Ala Met Ala Glu Leu Asn Tyr lie Pro Arg Ser Gin Glu Ala 15 10 15 Ser Gly Ala Val Asn Gly Arg Gly Leu Ala Gly Gin 20 25 121 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:63: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 93 base pairs (B) TYPE: nucleic acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: double (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: DNA (oligonucleotide) (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:63: GAAGCGGCGA TGGCGGAGCT GAATTACATT CCCCGGTCGC AGGAGGCCTC CGGGGCCGTT 60 AACGGCCGTG GCCTAGCTGG CCAATAAGTC GAC 93 122 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID NO:64: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 20 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID N0:64: Glu Ala Ala Met Ala Glu Leu Asn Tyr lie Pro Arg Ser Gin Glu Ala 15 10 15 Ser Gly Gly Gly 20 123 Printed from Mimosa (2) INFORMATION FOR SEQ ID N0:65: (i) SEQUENCE CHARACTERISTICS: (A) LENGTH: 15 amino acids (B) TYPE: amino acid (C) STRANDEDNESS: single (D) TOPOLOGY: linear (ii) MOLECULE TYPE: peptide (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(l) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Asp, Glu, Gly, lie, Met, Asn, Pro, Gin, Ser, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(2) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Gly, Val or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(3) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Phe, Trp or Tyr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION: one-of(13) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note= "Xaa is Ala, Glu, Lys, Met, Asn, Ser or Thr." (ix) FEATURE: (A) NAME/KEY: Region (B) LOCATION :one-of( 15) (D) OTHER INFORMATION: /note- "Xaa is Glu, lie, Lys, Leu, Met, Gin, Arg, Thr, Val or Tyr." (xi) SEQUENCE DESCRIPTION: SEQ ID NO:65: Xaa Xaa Xaa Val Cys Val Glu Trp Ala Arg Cys Pro Xaa Cys Xaa 15 10 15 124 Printed from Mimosa

Claims (22)

WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 We claim:

1. A compound that binds to IL-5 receptor, said compound comprising: 5 (1) a core sequence of amino acids: CX1X2WX3RCX4X5C where Xi is G, I, V, or Y; X2 is D or E; X3 is A or V; X4 is Q or P; and X5 is A, E, K, M, N, S, or T (SEQ ID NO:l), and dimers and oligomers thereof, having (a) a molecular weight of less than about 5000 daltons, and 10 (b) a bindmg affinity to IL5-R as expressed by an IC50 of no more than about 100 Jim, wherein from zero to all of the -C(0)NH- linkages of the peptide have been replaced by a linkage selected from the group consisting of a -CH20C(0)NR- linkage; a phosphonate linkage; a -CH2S(0)2NR- linkage; a -15 CH2NR- linkage; and a -C(0)NR6- linkage; and a -NHC(0)NH- linkage where R is hydrogen or lower alkyl and R6 is lower alkyl, further wherein the N-terminus of said peptide or peptide mimetic is selected from the group consisting of a -NRR1 group; a -NRC(0)R group; a -NRC(0)0R group; a -NRS(0)2R group; a -NHC(0)NHR group; a 20 succinimide group; a benzyloxycarbonyl-NH- group; and a benzyloxycarbonyl-NH- group having from 1 to 3 substituents on the phenyl ring selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, chloro, and bromo, where R and R1 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl, 25 and still further wherein the C-terminus of said peptide or peptide mimetic has the formula -C(0)R2 where R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, lower alkoxy, and -NR3R4 where R3 and R4 are independently selected fron\the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl 125 Printed from Mimosa WO 98/57991 PCT/GB97/01620 and where the nitrogen atom of the -NR3R4 group can optionally be the amine group of the N-terminus of the peptide so as to form a cyclic peptide, and physiologically acceptable salts thereof. 5

2. A compound as claimed in claim 1, wherein said compound comprises a sequence of amino acids* CX1X2WX3RCX4X5C where Xl is V; X2 is E; X3 is A; and X4 is P (SEQ ID NO:2). 10

3. A compound as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said compound comprises either a sequence of amino acids: X6X7X8VCX1X2WX3RCX4X5C where X6 is D, E, G, I, M, N, P, Q, S, V, or Y; X7 is G, V, or Y; and Xg is F, W, or Y (SEQ ID NO 3); or a sequence of amino acids- 15 CX1X2WX3RCX4X5CX9 where X9 is E, I, K, L, M, a R, T, V, or Y(SEQ ID NO:4).

4. A compound as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said compound comprises a sequence of amino acids: 20 X6X7 X8VCX1X2WX3RCX4X5CX9 (SEQ ID NO:65).

5. A compound as claimed m claim 3 or claim 4, wherein X(> is D, E, G, N, P, or Q; X7 is G; and X9 is K, L, Q, R, or T (SEQ ID NO:5) 25

6. A compound as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5, wherein X6 is D, N, or P; Xs is F or Y; and X9 is K, R, or T SEQ ID NO.6). 126 Printed from Mimosa , , i o 3 3

7. A compound as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said compound is selected from the group consisting of: DGYVCVEWA R C P T C K (SEQ ID NCh7); DGYVCVEWARCPMCT (SEQ ID NO:8); and DGFVCVEWARCPNCR (SEQ ID NO:9). 5

8. A compound as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said compound comprises a disulfide-linked dimer of the core sequence: CX1X2WX3RCX4X5C where Xi is G, I, V, or Y; X2 is D or E; X3 is A or V; X4 is Q or P; and X5 is A, E, 10 K, M, N, S, or T (SEQ ID NO:l).

^ 9. A compound as claimed in any preceding claims for use in medicine. 15

10. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

11. An aerosol composition for the treatment of immunomediated 20 inflammatory disorders comprising a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 in an aerosolized pharmaceutically acceptable carrier solution or ^ dry powder.

12. A composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said 25 inflammatory disorder of the respiratory tract is asthma.

13. A composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein said compound of any one of claims 1 to 8 is present in said, carrier solution in a concentration of from 0.1 to 30 mg/mL. 127 intellectual property office of n.z. 1 6 AUG 2001 RECEIVED

14. A composition as claimed in claim 11 further comprising a 0— adrenergic agonist compound. 5

15. A composition as claimed in claim 11 further comprising an antiinflammatory corticosteroid.

16. A composition as claimed in claim 11 further comprising ipratropium bromide.

17. An aerosol device comprising: a composition of any one of claims 11 to 16, and means for converting said solution or dry powder into an aerosol form suitable for inlialation.

18. The use of a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 for tke manufacture of a medicament for tke treatment of a disorder tkat involves improper production and accumulation of eosinopkils.

19. Tke use of a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 for tke manufacture of a medicament for tke treatment of an immunomediated inflammatory disorder of tke respiratory tract.

20. Tke use o f a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 for tke manufacture of a medicament for tke treatment of a disorder tkat involves improper production of or response to IL-5.

21. Tke use o f a compound as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8 for tke manufacture of a medicament for tke treatment of astkma.

22. A compound as claimed in claim 1, substantially as kereinkefore descriked. witk particular reference to Takle 1. . intellectual property 128 office of n.z. ' 6 AUG 2001 RECEIVED 20 25