US20150158948A9 - Bispecific anti-cxcr7 immunoglobulin single variable domains - Google Patents

Bispecific anti-cxcr7 immunoglobulin single variable domains Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20150158948A9
US20150158948A9 US14/008,011 US201214008011A US2015158948A9 US 20150158948 A9 US20150158948 A9 US 20150158948A9 US 201214008011 A US201214008011 A US 201214008011A US 2015158948 A9 US2015158948 A9 US 2015158948A9
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
single variable
immunoglobulin single
amino acid
seq
variable domain
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/008,011
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
US20140227270A1 (en
Inventor
Francis Descamps
David André Baptiste Maussang-Detaille
Maarten Van Roy
Regorius Leurs
Maria Gonzalez Pajuelo
Pascal Gerard Merchiers
Martine Smit
Catelijne Stortelers
Philippe Van Rompaey
Peter Vanlandschoot
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Ablynx NV
Original Assignee
Ablynx NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ablynx NV filed Critical Ablynx NV
Priority to US14/008,011 priority Critical patent/US20150158948A9/en
Assigned to ABLYNX N.V. reassignment ABLYNX N.V. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEURS, REGORIUS, SMIT, MARTINE, VAN ROMPAEY, PHILIPPE, STORTELERS, CATELIJNE, DESCAMPS, FRANCIS, VAN ROY, MAARTEN, MERCHIERS, PASCAL GERARD, VANLANDSCHOOT, PETER, MAUSSANG-DETAILLE, DAVID ANDRE BAPTISTE, PAJUELO, MARIA GONZALEZ
Publication of US20140227270A1 publication Critical patent/US20140227270A1/en
Publication of US20150158948A9 publication Critical patent/US20150158948A9/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
    • C07K16/28—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
    • C07K16/2866—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants against receptors for cytokines, lymphokines, interferons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P29/00—Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K2039/505—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies comprising antibodies
    • A61K2039/507—Comprising a combination of two or more separate antibodies
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/20—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by taxonomic origin
    • C07K2317/22—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by taxonomic origin from camelids, e.g. camel, llama or dromedary
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/30—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by aspects of specificity or valency
    • C07K2317/31—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by aspects of specificity or valency multispecific
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/30—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by aspects of specificity or valency
    • C07K2317/33—Crossreactivity, e.g. for species or epitope, or lack of said crossreactivity
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/50—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments
    • C07K2317/56—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments variable (Fv) region, i.e. VH and/or VL
    • C07K2317/569—Single domain, e.g. dAb, sdAb, VHH, VNAR or nanobody®
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/70—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by effect upon binding to a cell or to an antigen
    • C07K2317/76—Antagonist effect on antigen, e.g. neutralization or inhibition of binding
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2319/00—Fusion polypeptide
    • C07K2319/31—Fusion polypeptide fusions, other than Fc, for prolonged plasma life, e.g. albumin

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to biological materials and methods related to CXCR7 including polypeptides, nucleic adds encoding such polypeptides; methods for preparing such polypeptides; host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; compositions including pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides, such as for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
  • CXCR7 employed along with CXCR4 blockage
  • some small molecular inhibitors such as CCX733 or CCX266, siRNA and blocking antibodies
  • CCX733 or CCX266, siRNA and blocking antibodies clones Mab 11G8, Mab 9C4 see e.g., US20070167443; clone 358426 (R&D Systems); Mab 8F11 (Biolegend)
  • TN Hartmann et al., 2008 A crosstalk between intracellular CXCR7 and CXCR4 involved in rapid CXCL12-triggered integrin activation but not in chemokine-triggered motility
  • compounds (CCX733, CCX754) which can selectively block binding of CXCL11 and CXCL12 to CXR7, function like chemokine ligands with respect to homodimerization, i.e., they enhance CXCR7 homodimerization by 2.5 to 3.5 fold with significant increases (P ⁇ 0.05) first detected at 10 and 100 nM (K E Luker et al., 2009, Imaging chemokine receptor dimerization with firefly luciferase complementation, FASEB journal, 23, pages 823-834).
  • CXCR7 has been attributed a potential role in tumour development because its expression provides cells with a growth and survival advantage. It was recently demonstrated that CXCR7 promotes the growth of breast and lung tumours and enhances lung metastases (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2007 104:15735-15740). Moreover, CXCR7 expression is correlated with tumour aggressiveness in prostate cancer (J. Biol. Chem 2008 283:4283-4294). Administration of a small molecule antagonist to CXCR7 resulted in impediment of tumour growth in animal models, validating CXCR7 as target for development of novel cancer therapeutics (J. Exp. Med. 2006 203:2201-2213).
  • Head and neck cancers are among the most prevalent tumors in the world. Despite advances in the treatment of head and neck tumors, the survival of patients with these cancers has not markedly improved over the past several decades because of the inability to control and poor understanding of the regional and distant spread of this disease. Head and neck cancers consistently rank among the six most frequently diagnosed cancers in the world. Cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx alone account for some 300,000 new cases worldwide and little under 200,000 deaths annually. Over 90% of head and neck cancers are squamous cell carcinomas of the upper aerodigestive tract, including the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and paranasal sinuses. In addition, epithelial head and neck tumors can arise in the salivary and thyroid glands. Despite advances in our understanding and advances in the prevention and treatment of head and neck cancers, the survival of patients with head and neck cancers has not significantly improved over the past several decades.
  • WO2006/116319 and WO2008/048519 both note that the production of antibodies to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been notoriously difficult. Indeed, the generation of a conventional anti-CXCR7 antibody has been described only in a limited number of cases, e.g., in WO2006/116319 for conventional antibodies 11G8, 6E10 and in Zabel et al. for conventional antibody 8F11 (Zabel et al., 2009, Elucidation of CXCR7 mediated signalling events and inhibition of CXCR4 mediated tumor cell transendothelial migration by CXCR7 ligands. J Immunol.; 183 (5):3204-11). However, despite extensive research, it is unclear at present whether these or similar antibodies are suitable for a medical application.
  • the small molecule CCX771 blocks CXCL12 binding (cf. Carbajal et al; 2010 “Migration of engrafted neural stem cells is mediated by CXCL12 signaling through CXCR4 in a viral model of multiple sclerosis Proc Nati Aced Sci USA. 107:11068-11073), on the other hand it is described as a synthetic CXCR7 ligand CCX771, which also potently stimulates ⁇ -arrestin2 recruitment to CXCR7, with greater potency and efficacy than the endogenous chemokine ligands (Zabel et al.
  • CXCR7 is expressed on many human tumour cells but not on most healthy cells. In our tumour model systems we found that reduction or inhibition of CXCR7 by immunoglobulin single variable domains reduces or abolishes tumour formation in vivo.
  • Immunoglobulin sequences such as antibodies and antigen binding fragments derived there from (e.g., immunoglobulin single variable domains) are used to specifically target their respective antigens in research and therapeutic applications.
  • the generation of immunoglobulin single variable domains such as e.g., VHHs may involve the immunization of an experimental animal such as a Llama, construction of phage libraries from immune tissue, selection of phage displaying antigen binding immunoglobulin single variable domains and screening of said domains and engineered constructs thereof for the desired specificities (WO 94/04678).
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains such as e.g., dAbs can be generated by selecting phage displaying antigen binding immunoglobulin single variable domains directly from na ⁇ ve or synthetic libraries and subsequent screening of said domains and engineered constructs thereof for the desired specificities (Ward et al, Binding activities of a repertoire of single immunoglobulin variable domains secreted from Escherichia coli , Nature, 1989, Oct. 12; 341 (6242): 544-6); Holt et al., Trends Biotechnol., 2003, 21(11):484-490; as well as for example WO 06/030220, WO 06/003388 and other published patent applications of Domantis Ltd.).
  • the present invention relates to polypeptides that comprise or essentially consist of i) a first building block consisting essentially of one or more immunoglobulin single variable domain(s), wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domain(s) is (are) directed against CXCR7 and in particular against human CXCR7; and ii) a second building block consisting essentially of one or more (preferably one) immunoglobulin single variable domain(s), wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domain(s) is (are) directed against serum albumin and in particular against human serum albumin (and even more preferably wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domain is Alb8 (as herein defined)).
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; to methods for preparing such polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; to compositions, and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides, nucleic acids and/or host cells; and to uses of such polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells and/or compositions for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.
  • FIG. 1 shows an SDP-1 competition experiment using FACS.
  • FIG. 2 shows an Mab 11G8 competition experiment using FACS.
  • FIG. 3 shows an immunohistochemical analysis of CXCR7 expression in primary tumor sections.
  • FIG. 4 shows profiling of CXCR7 mRNA in head and neck cancer cell lines 11B, 22A, 22B, FaDu, OE and 93-VU-147 by qPCR.
  • FIG. 5 shows a [ 125 I]-CXCL12 competition experiment on head and neck cancer cell lines 11B, 22A, 22B, FaDu, OE and 93-VU-147 with ligand CXCL11, CXCL12, Nanobody 09404 and negative controls: no competitor (designated by “ ⁇ ”, indicating total binding (TB)); and CXCL10 (indicating a-specific competition).
  • FIG. 6 shows in vivo CXCR7 Nanobody therapy with 22A transplants in nude mice: “ ⁇ ” negative control (PBS); polypeptide constructs clone 060, clone 083, clone 085 and clone 093.
  • PBS negative control
  • FIG. 7 shows tumour volumes after 50 days of treatment with in viva CXCR7 Nanobody therapy with 22A transplants in nude mice: “ ⁇ ” negative control (PBS); polypeptide constructs clone 085 and clone 093.
  • FIG. 8 shows inhibition of SDF-1 binding to HEK293T hCXCR7 in presence of 2 mg/ml HSA.
  • Any amino acid substitutions applied to the polypeptides described herein may also be based on the analysis of the frequencies of amino acid variations between homologous proteins of different species developed by Schulz et al., Principles of Protein Structure, Springer-Verlag, 1978, on the analyses of structure forming potentials developed by Chou and Fasman, Biochemistry 13: 211, 1974 and Adv. Enzymol., 47: 45-149, 1978, and on the analysis of hydrophobicity patterns in proteins developed by Eisenberg et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 140-144, 1984; Kyte & Doolittle; J Molec. Biol. 157: 105-132, 1981, and Goldman et al., Ann. Rev.
  • the polypeptides of the present invention can generally be used to modulate, and in particular inhibit and/or prevent, binding of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) to CXCL12 (and/or CXCL11) and in particular human CXCL12 (NM — 000609) and/or in particular human CXCL11 (U66096), and thus to modulate, and in particular inhibit or prevent, the signalling that is mediated by CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and/or CXCL12 (and/or CXCL11) and in particular human CXCL12 (NM — 000609) and/or in particular human CXCL11 (U66096), to modulate the biological pathways in which CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) and/or CXCL12 (and/or CXCL11) and in particular human CXCL12 (NM — 000609) and/or in particular human CXCL11 (U66096) are involved, and
  • the polypeptides and compositions of the present invention can be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the present invention (herein also “diseases and disorders of the present invention”) and include, but are not limited to cancer, e.g., carcinomas, gliomas, mesotheliomas, melanomas, lymphomas, leukemias, adenocarcinomas, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, glioblastoma, leukemia, lymphoma, prostate cancer, and Burkitt's lymphoma, head and neck cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, cancer of the esophagus, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatobiliary cancer, cancer of the gallbladder, cancer of the small intestine, rectal cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, penile cancer, urethral cancer, testicular cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, uterine cancer,
  • brain and neuronal dysfunction such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis; kidney dysfunction, renal allograft rejection; nasal polyposis; rheumatoid arthritis; cardiac aliograft rejection; cardiac dysfunction; atherosclerosis; asthma; glomerulonephritis; contact dermatitis; inflammatory bowel disease; colitis; psoriasis; reperfusion injury; as well as other disorders and diseases described herein.
  • polypeptides and compositions of the present invention can be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases involving CXCR7 mediated metastasis, chemotaxis, cell adhesion, trans endothelial migration, cell proliferation and/or survival.
  • said “diseases and disorders of the present invention” can be defined as diseases and disorders that can be diagnosed, prevented and/or treated, respectively, by suitably administering to a subject in need thereof (i.e., having the disease or disorder or at least one symptom thereof and/or at risk of attracting or developing the disease or disorder) of either a polypeptide or composition of the invention (and in particular, of a pharmaceutically active amount thereof) and/or of a known active principle active against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or a biological pathway or mechanism in which CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is involved (and in particular, of a pharmaceutically active amount thereof).
  • the polypeptides of the present invention can be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the present invention which are characterized by excessive and/or unwanted CXCL12 and in particular human CXCL12 signalling mediated by CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or by the pathway(s) in which CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is involved (e.g., CXCL11/I-TAC-CXCR7 axis).
  • diseases and disorders of the present invention will again be clear to the skilled person based on the disclosure herein.
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention can for example be used to diagnose, prevent and/or to treat all diseases and disorders that are currently being diagnosed, prevented or treated with active principles that can modulate CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1)-mediated signalling, such as those mentioned in the prior art cited herein.
  • active principles that can modulate CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1)-mediated signalling, such as those mentioned in the prior art cited herein.
  • the polypeptides of the invention can be used to diagnose, prevent and/or to treat all diseases and disorders for which treatment with such active principles is currently being developed, has been proposed, or will be proposed or developed in future.
  • polypeptides of the present invention may be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of other diseases and disorders than those for which these known active principles are being used or will be proposed or developed; and/or that the polypeptides of the present invention may provide new methods and regimens for treating the diseases and disorders described herein.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains that are directed against CXCR7, in particular against CXCR7 from a warm-blooded animal, more in particular against CXCR7 from a mammal such as e.g., mouse, and especially against human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1); and to provide proteins and polypeptides comprising or essentially consisting of at least one such immunoglobulin single variable domain.
  • CXCR7 such as the diseases, disorders and conditions mentioned herein
  • the invention provides immunoglobulin single variable domains that are directed against (as defined herein) and/or can specifically bind (as defined herein) to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1); as well as compounds and constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise at least one such amino acid sequence.
  • the invention provides immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides that can bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an affinity (suitably measured and/or expressed as a K D -value (actual or apparent), a K A -value (actual or apparent), a k on -rate and/or a k off -rate, or alternatively as an IC 50 value, as further described herein) that is as defined herein; as well as compounds and constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise at least one such amino acid sequence.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains and/or polypeptides of the invention are such that they:
  • binding of the immunoglobulin single variable domains and/or polypeptides of the invention to (human) CXCR7 may result in displacing (human) CXCL11 and/or CXCL12 from (human) CXCR7 as described herein. It should further be appreciated that binding of the immunoglobulin single variable domains and/or polypeptides of the invention to (human) CXCR7 may result in inhibiting binding of (human) CXCL11 and/or CXCL12 to its cognate receptor, such as, (human) CXCR7 as described herein.
  • the invention provides:
  • amino acid sequences that are directed against (as defined herein) CXCR7 and that are capable of inhibiting or blocking (fully or partially, as further described herein) ligand binding, and in particular of inhibiting or blocking (fully or partially, as further described herein) the binding of SDF-1 to CXCR7 (as further described herein).
  • CXCR-7 binding amino acid sequences or “CXCR7 binding blocks”.
  • these CXCR7-binding amino acid sequences are ISVD's (as described herein), in which case they are also referred to as “CXCR7-binding ISVD's”.
  • any CXCR7-binding amino acid sequences, CXCR7-binding building blocks or CXCR7-binding ISVD's are such that they have blocking activity, i.e. block SDF-1 binding to CXCR7 partially, or completely, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by an Alphascreen assay or by a FACS competition assay (e.g. as described herein).
  • the blocking activity is determined by a FACS competition assay as described in Example 9.
  • the ISVD has a blocking activity or competition capacity in NIH3T3-hCXCR7 cells of blocking or competing SDF-1 binding to CXCR7 with an average Ki of less than 600 nMs, but preferably, 500 nMs, 400 nMs, 300 nMs, 200 nMs, 100 nMs or even less.
  • CXCR-7 binding amino acid sequences or “CXCR7 binding blocks” may (and preferably also are) be such that they are capable of inhibiting or blocking ⁇ -arrestin recruitment (see Example 15).
  • any CXCR7-binding amino acid sequences, CXCR7-binding building blocks or CXCR7-binding ISVD's are such that they have blocking activity, i.e. block or inhibit SDF-1 mediated CXCR7 signalling partially or completely, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by any suitable ⁇ -arrestin recruitment assay, as described herein.
  • the blocking activity or inhibiting capacity is determined by a ⁇ -arrestin assay as described in Example 15.
  • the ISVD has a blocking activity or an inhibition capacity of ligand (e.g.SDF-1) induced ⁇ -arrestin in the PathHunter eXpress ⁇ -arrestin assay (DiscoverX) with a % inhibition of ⁇ -arrestin recruitment of more than 25%, more than 30%, but preferably, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or even more.
  • a “14G03-like sequence”, “14G03-like ISVD”, “14G03-like building block” or “Group 2 ISVD” is an ISVD that comprises:
  • a 14G03-like sequence is an ISVD that has at least 70%, such at least 80%, for example at least 85%, such as at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence 14G03 (SEQ ED NO: 43).
  • the CDR's may be according to the specifically preferred aspect described above, and may in particularly (but without limitation) be INYMG (SEQ ID NO: 13) (CDR1); TLTSGGSTNYAGSVKG (SEQ ID NO: 23) (CDR2); and GGTLYDRRRFES (SEQ ID NO: 33) (CDR3).
  • the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in such a 14G03-like ISVD are preferably such that the resulting 14G03-like ISVD has blocking activity, e.g., block SDF-1 binding to CXCR7 partially or completely as described herein and/or reducing and/or inhibiting tumorigenesis in a xenograph model, and/or inhibits ⁇ -arrestin recruitment, and/or binds and/or recognizes amino acid residue M33, and optionally amino acid residue V32 and/or amino acid residue M37 in CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1), all as described herein.
  • any 14G03-like sequence may be a humanized and/or sequence optimized sequence, as further described herein.
  • an amino acid sequence or polypeptide of the invention will usually contain within its amino acid sequence one or more amino acid residues or one or more stretches of amino acid residues (i.e., with each “stretch” comprising two or amino acid residues that are adjacent to each other or in close proximity to each other, i.e., in the primary or tertiary structure of the amino acid sequence) via which the amino acid sequence of the invention can bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1), which amino acid residues or stretches of amino acid residues thus form the “site” for binding to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) (also referred to herein as the “antigen binding site”).
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains provided by the invention are preferably in essentially isolated form (as defined herein), or form part of a protein or polypeptide of the invention (as defined herein), which may comprise or essentially consist of one or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention and which may optionally further comprise one or more further immunoglobulin single variable domains (all optionally linked via one or more suitable linkers), and/or one or more further binding domains, binding units, amino acid sequences or other (functional) groups or moieties, that preferably also confer one or more desired properties to the constructs (some non-limiting examples of the same will become clear from the further description herein).
  • polypeptides or immunoglobulin single variable domains provided by the invention preferentially reduce tumorigenesis in vivo.
  • the invention provides constructs comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7. More preferably, said immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 are selected from variants of polypeptides and immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 as defined in section 1.5 in respect of Table B-2 infra (e.g., Group 2 immunoglobulin single variable domains), wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 may be the same or different.
  • said two immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 are chosen from 14G03-like ISVDs, such as 14G03, 08A05, 08A10, 07C03 and 07B11.
  • the invention provides constructs comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 are selected from variants of polypeptides and immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 which as defined in section 1.5 in respect of Table B-2 infra (e.g., Group 1 immunoglobulin single variable domains), wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 may be the same or different.
  • said two immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 are chosen from 01C10 (SEQ ID NO: 91), 01B12 (SEQ ID NO: 100), 01F11 (SEQ ID NO: 101) or 01B10 (SEQ ID NO: 102).
  • bispecific constructs comprising at least one Group 1 immunoglobulin single variable domain and at least one Group 2 ISVD are especially suitable for reducing tumour growth in vivo.
  • these constructs inhibit SDF-1 binding to CXCR7, inhibit tumour growth in vivo, as well as inhibit ⁇ -arrestin recruitment.
  • these constructs comprising at least one Group 1 ISVD and at least one Group 2 ISVD bind better to the target (see e.g., Example 17). This would result in a lower dose for inhibiting tumour growth.
  • the simultaneous inhibition of ⁇ -arrestin recruitment would result in a prolonged anti-tumorigenic effect.
  • the invention provides constructs comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7, wherein at least one of said immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 (i.e., a “first” immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7) is 01C10-like, such as for instance 01C10 (SEQ ID NO: 91), 01B12 (SEQ ID NO: 100), 01F11 (SEQ ID NO: 101) or 01B10 (SEQ ID NO: 102), or variants thereof as defined in section 1.5 in respect of Table B-2 infra (e.g., Group 1 immunoglobulin single variable domains), and wherein at least one immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 (i.e., a “second” immunoglobulin single variable domain against CXCR7) is selected from variants of polypeptides and immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 as defined in section 1.5 infra in respect of Table B-2 different from
  • said “first” immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 is 01C10 and said “second” immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR7 is chosen from the group consisting of 14G03-like, such as for instance, 14G03, 08A05, 08A10, 07C03 and 07B11.
  • Group 1 ISVDs or polypeptides can be characterized by binding/recognizing “Group 1 epitope”.
  • Group 1 ISVDs or polypeptides bind and/or recognize amino acid residue W19, and optionally amino acid residue S23 and/or amino acid residue D25 in CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • Group 1 epitope comprises amino acid residue W19, and optionally amino acid residue S23 and/or amino acid residue D25 in CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • Group 1 ISVDs is represented by inter cilia 01C10 (SEQ ID NO: 91), 01B12 (SEQ ID NO: 100), 01F11 (SEQ ID NO: 101) or 01B10 (SEQ ID NO: 102), apparently hitting an epitope distinct from Group 2 epitope;
  • Group 2 ISVDs or polypeptides can be characterized by binding/recognizing “Group 2 epitope”.
  • Group 2 ISVDs or polypeptides do not bind and/or recognize amino acid residue W19, amino acid residue S23 and/or amino acid residue D25 in CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • Group 2 ISVDs or polypeptides bind and/or recognize amino acid residue M33, and optionally amino acid residue V32 and/or amino acid residue M37 in CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • Group 2 epitope comprises amino acid residue M33, and optionally amino acid residue V32 and/or amino acid residue M37 in CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • Group 2 ISVDs are represented by 14G03-like ISVDs, such as for instance, 14G03 (09A04), 08A05, 08A10 and 07C03, apparently hitting an epitope distinct from Group 1.
  • Group 2 ISVDs inhibit ⁇ -arrestin recruitment, as defined herein; and
  • Group 3 ISVDs or polypeptides can be characterized by binding/recognizing (part of) “Group 1” epitope as well as (part of) “Group 2” epitope.
  • Group 3 ISVDs or polypeptides is represented by 07B11, apparently intermediary to Group 1 and Group 2.
  • epitope mapping of the present invention.
  • the present invention relates to polypeptides ISVDs, as well as (conventional) antibodies, or parts thereof, such as Fc, Fab, minibodies, etc., recognizing and/or binding W19, and optionally S23 and/or D25 in CXCR7.
  • anti-CXCR7/CXCR7 bispecific constructs may be suitably half-life extended (e.g., by pegylation, fusion to serum albumin, or fusion to a peptide or binding unit that can bind to a serum protein such as serum albumin, as further described herein), and thus may for example further comprise a serum-albumin binding peptide or binding domain (such as those described herein), optionally linked via one or more suitable spacers or linkers.
  • such further binding domains, binding units, amino acid sequences or other (functional) groups or moieties include one or more other immunoglobulin single variable domains, such as one or more (single) domain antibodies, dAb's or Nanobodies (e.g., a V HH , humanized V HH or camelized V H , such as a camelized human V H ), so as to provide a “bispecific” protein or polypeptide of the invention (i.e., a polypeptide of the invention that contains at least one—such as one or two—immunoglobulin single variable domain that is directed against CXCR7 and at least one—such as one or two—immunoglobulin single variable domain that is directed against another target).
  • a “bispecific” protein or polypeptide of the invention i.e., a polypeptide of the invention that contains at least one—such as one or two—immunoglobulin single variable domain that is directed against CXCR7 and at least one—
  • the constructs, proteins or polypeptides of the invention may have been provided with an increased half-life, for example by functionalisation and/or by including in the construct a moiety or binding unit that increases the half-life of the construct.
  • functionalisation, moieties or binding units will be clear to the skilled person and may for example include pegylation, fusion to serum albumin, or fusion to a peptide or binding unit that can bind to a serum protein such as serum albumin.
  • the serum-albumin binding peptide or binding domain may be any suitable serum-albumin binding peptide or binding domain capable of increasing the half-life of the construct (compared to the same construct without the serum-albumin binding peptide or binding domain), and may in particular be serum albumin binding peptides as described in WO 2008/068280 by applicant (and in particular WO 2009/127691 and WO 2011/095545, both by applicant), or a serum-albumin binding immunoglobulin single variable domain (such as a serum-albumin binding Nanobody; for example Alb-1 or a humanized version of Alb-1 such as Alb-8, for which reference is for example made to WO 06/122787).
  • the half-life of a construct or polypeptide of the invention can (and preferably is) suitably “tailored” for the intended (therapeutic and/or diagnostic) application and/or to obtain the best balance between the desired therapeutic and/or pharmacological effect and possible undesired side-effects.
  • a preferred aspect of the invention provides a “bispecific” polypeptide consisting essentially of one immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against human CXCR7 (or, alternatively, of two immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against human CXCR7, which may be the same or different, so as to provide—when they are the same or different—a “bivalent” polypeptide of the invention, or—when they are different—“biparatopic” polypeptide of the invention) and one immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against human serum albumin linked by a peptide linker (as defined herein), so as to provide a bispecific polypeptide of the invention, respectively, all as described herein.
  • a protein or polypeptide may also be in essentially isolated form (as defined herein).
  • an amino acid sequence such as a Nanobody of the invention or a polypeptide of the invention (such as a bivalent, biparatopic or bispecific polypeptide of the invention) may be suitably linked (again, chemically or via one or more suitable linkers or spacers) to a toxin or to a (cyto)toxic residue, moiety or payload.
  • suitable (cyto)toxic moieties, compounds, payloads or residues which can be linked to amino acids sequences or polypeptides of the invention to provide—for example—a cytotoxic compound (i.e., an antibody-drug conjugate or “ADC” based upon an amino acid sequence or polypeptide of the invention) will be clear to the skilled person.
  • cytotoxic amino acid sequences or polypeptides of the invention may in particular be useful/suitable for those applications in which it is intended to kill a cell that expresses the target against which the amino acid sequences or polypeptides of the invention are directed (e.g. in the treatment of cancer), or to reduce or slow the growth and/or proliferation such a cell.
  • (cyto)toxic polypeptides of the invention will either not be half-life extended or will have only a limited and/or tightly controlled half-life extension.
  • At least one amino acid sequence of the invention may be suitably linked to at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain that is directed against CXCR4, so as to provide a bispecific polypeptide of the invention that is directed against both CXCR7 and CXCR4.
  • At least one—such as one or two—amino acid sequences of the invention may be suitably linked to at least one such as one or two—immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR4.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains against CXCR4 are (or may be suitably chosen from)
  • anti-CXCR7/CXCR4 bispecific constructs may be suitably half-life extended (e.g., by pegylation, fusion to serum albumin, or fusion to a peptide or binding unit that can bind to a serum protein such as serum albumin, as further described herein), and thus may for example further comprise a serum-albumin binding peptide or binding domain (such as those described herein), optionally linked via one or more suitable spacers or linkers.
  • one specific but non-limiting aspect of the invention is a polypeptide that comprises one or two (and preferably one) immunoglobulin single variable domains (as defined herein, and preferably one or two Nanobodies) against CXCR7, one or two (and preferably one) immunoglobulin single variable domains (as defined herein, and preferably one or two Na nobodies) against CXCR4, and a peptide or immunoglobulin single variable domain against (human) serum albumin, optionally suitably linked via one or more spacers or linkers.
  • the above anti-CXCR7/CXCR4 bispecific constructs may also be suitably linked (again, chemically or via one or more suitable linkers or spacers) to a toxin or to a (cyto)toxic residue, moiety or payload (as further described herein).
  • a toxin or to a (cyto)toxic residue, moiety or payload (as further described herein).
  • cyto toxic bispecfic polypeptides of the invention will either not be half-life extended or will have only a limited and/or tightly controlled half-life extension.
  • the invention in its broadest sense also comprises derivatives of the amino acid sequences (e.g., Nanobodies) of the invention and of the polypeptides of the invention.
  • derivatives can generally be obtained by modification, and in particular by chemical and/or biological (e.g. enzymatical) modification, of the amino acid sequences (e.g., Nanobodies) of the invention and polypeptides of the invention and/or of one or more of the amino acid residues that form the Nanobodies of the invention.
  • such a modification may involve the introduction (e.g., by covalent linking or in another suitable manner) of one or more functional groups, residues or moieties into or onto the amino acid sequences (e.g., Nanobodies) of the invention and polypeptides of the invention, and in particular of one or more functional groups, residues or moieties that confer one or more desired properties or functionalities to the Nanobody of the invention.
  • one or more functional groups, residues or moieties into or onto the amino acid sequences (e.g., Nanobodies) of the invention and polypeptides of the invention, and in particular of one or more functional groups, residues or moieties that confer one or more desired properties or functionalities to the Nanobody of the invention.
  • Example of such functional groups will be clear to the skilled person.
  • such modification may comprise the introduction (e.g., by covalent binding or in any other suitable manner) of one or more functional groups that increase the half-life, the solubility and/or the absorption of the Nanobody of the invention, that reduce the immunogenicity and/or the toxicity of the Nanobody of the invention, that eliminate or attenuate any undesirable side effects of the Nanobody of the invention, and/or that confer other advantageous properties to and/or reduce the undesired properties of the Nanobodies and/or polypeptides of the invention; or any combination of two or more of the foregoing.
  • Such functional groups can generally comprise all functional groups and techniques mentioned in the general background art cited hereinabove as well as the functional groups and techniques known per se for the modification of pharmaceutical proteins, and in particular for the modification of antibodies or antibody fragments (including ScFv's and single domain antibodies), for which reference is for example made to Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th ed., Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. (1980).
  • Such functional groups may for example be linked directly (for example covalently) to a Nanobody of the invention, or optionally via a suitable linker, or spacer, as will again be clear to the skilled person.
  • One of the most widely used techniques for increasing the half-life and/or reducing the immunogenicity of pharmaceutical proteins comprises attachment of a suitable pharmacologically acceptable polymer, such as poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG) or derivatives thereof (such as methoxypoly(ethyleneglycol) or mPEG).
  • PEG poly(ethyleneglycol)
  • any suitable form of pegylation can be used, such as the pegylation used in the art for antibodies and antibody fragments (including but not limited to (single) domain antibodies and ScFv's); reference is made to for example Chapman, Nat. Biotechnol., 54, 531-545 (2002); by Veronese and Harris, Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev. 54, 453-456 (2003), by Harris and Chess, Nat. Rev. Drug. Discov, 2, (2003) and in WO 04/060965.
  • Various reagents for pegylation of proteins are also commercially available, for example from Nektar Therapeutics, USA.
  • site-directed pegylation is used, in particular via a cysteine-residue (see for example Yang et al., Protein Engineering, 16, 10, 761-770 (2003).
  • PEG may be attached to a cysteine residue that naturally occurs in a Nanobody of the invention
  • a Nanobody of the invention may be modified so as to suitably introduce one or more cysteine residues for attachment of PEG, or an amino acid sequence comprising one or more cysteine residues for attachment of PEG may be fused to the N- and/or C-terminus of a Na nobody of the invention, all using techniques of protein engineering known per se to the skilled person.
  • a PEG is used with a molecular weight of more than 5000, such as more than 10,000 and less than 200,000, such as less than 100,000; for example in the range of 20,000-80,000.
  • Another, usually less preferred modification comprises N-linked or O-linked glycosylation, usually as part of co-translational and/or post-translational modification, depending on the host cell used for expressing the Nanobody or polypeptide of the invention.
  • Yet another modification may comprise the introduction of one or more detectable labels or other signal-generating groups or moieties, depending on the intended use of the labelled Nanobody.
  • Suitable labels and techniques for attaching, using and detecting them will be clear to the skilled person, and for example include, but are not limited to, the fluorescent labels, phosphorescent labels, chemiluminescent labels, bioluminescent labels, radio-isotopes, metals, metal chelates, metallic cations, chromophores and enzymes, such as those mentioned on page 109 of WO 08/020,079.
  • Other suitable labels will be clear to the skilled person, and for example include moieties that can be detected using NMR or ESR spectroscopy.
  • Nanobodies and polypeptides of the invention may for example be used for in vitro, in viva or in situ assays (including immunoassays known per se such as ELISA, RIA, EIA and other “sandwich assays”, etc.) as well as in vivo diagnostic and imaging purposes, depending on the choice of the specific label.
  • chelating group for example to chelate one of the metals or metallic cations referred to above.
  • Suitable chelating groups for example include, without limitation, diethyl-enetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA).
  • DTPA diethyl-enetriaminepentaacetic acid
  • EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
  • Yet another modification may comprise the introduction of a functional group that is one part of a specific binding pair, such as the biotin-(strept)avidin binding pair.
  • a functional group may be used to link the Nanobody of the invention to another protein, polypeptide or chemical compound that is bound to the other half of the binding pair, i.e., through formation of the binding pair.
  • a Nanobody of the invention may be conjugated to biotin, and linked to another protein, polypeptide, compound or carrier conjugated to avidin or streptavidin.
  • such a conjugated Nanobody may be used as a reporter, for example in a diagnostic system where a detectable signal-producing agent is conjugated to avidin or streptavidin.
  • binding pairs may for example also be used to bind the Nanobody of the invention to a carrier, including carriers suitable for pharmaceutical purposes.
  • a carrier including carriers suitable for pharmaceutical purposes.
  • One non-limiting example are the liposomal formulations described by Cao and Suresh, Journal of Drug Targetting, 8, 4, 257 (2000).
  • Such binding pairs may also be used to link a therapeutically active agent to the Nanobody of the invention.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention as such preferably essentially consist of a single amino acid chain that is not linked via disulphide bridges to any other amino acid sequence or chain (but that may or may not contain one or more intramolecular disulphide bridges.
  • agent of the invention as described herein—may sometimes contain a disulphide bridge between CDR3 and CDR1 or FR2).
  • one or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention may be linked to each other and/or to other immunoglobulin single variable domains (e.g., via disulphide bridges) to provide peptide constructs that may also be useful in the invention (for example Fab′ fragments, F(ab′) 2 fragments, ScFv constructs, “diabodies” and other multispecific constructs.
  • peptide constructs that may also be useful in the invention (for example Fab′ fragments, F(ab′) 2 fragments, ScFv constructs, “diabodies” and other multispecific constructs.
  • amino acid sequence of the invention when intended for administration to a subject (for example for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes as described herein), it is preferably either an amino acid sequence that does not occur naturally in said subject; or, when it does occur naturally in said subject, is in essentially isolated form (as defined herein).
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention are preferably directed against human CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1); whereas for veterinary purposes, the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention are preferably directed against CXCR7 from the species to be treated, or at least cross-reactive with CXCR7 from the species to be treated.
  • amino acid sequence of the invention may optionally, and in addition to the at least one binding site for binding against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1), contain one or more further binding sites for binding against other antigens, proteins or targets.
  • the efficacy of the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention, and of compositions comprising the same, can be tested using any suitable in vitro assay, cell-based assay, in vivo assay and/or animal model known per se, or any combination thereof, depending on the specific disease or disorder involved.
  • suitable assays and animal models will be clear to the skilled person, and for example include ligand displacement assays (Burns et al, J. Exp. Med. 2006 4; 203(9):2201-13), beta arrestin recruitment assays (Zabel et al., J. Immunol. 2009 1; 183(5):3204-11), dimerization assays (Luker et al, Faseb J.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides that are directed against CXCR7 from a first species of warm-blooded animal may or may not show cross-reactivity with CXCR7 from one or more other species of warm-blooded animal.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides directed against human CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 may or may not show cross reactivity with CXCR7 from one or more other species of primates (such as, without limitation, monkeys from the genus Macaca (such as, and in particular, cynomolgus monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ) and/or rhesus monkeys ( Maraca mulatta )) and baboon ( Papio ursinus )) and/or with CXCR7 from one or more species of animals that are often used in animal models for diseases (for example mouse, rat, rabbit, pig or dog), and in particular in animal models for diseases and disorders associated with CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) (such as the species and animal models mentioned herein).
  • primates such as, without limitation, monkeys from the genus Macaca (such as, and in particular, cynomolgus monkeys ( Mac
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention that are cross-reactive with CXCR7 from multiple species of mammal will usually be advantageous for use in veterinary applications, since it will allow the same amino acid sequence or polypeptide to be used across multiple species.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides directed against CXCR7 from one species of animal can be used in the treatment of another species of animal, as long as the use of the immunoglobulin single variable domains and/or polypeptides provide the desired effects in the species to be treated.
  • the present invention is in its broadest sense also not particularly limited to or defined by a specific antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation (where applicable) of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) against which the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention are directed.
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides may or may not be directed against the CXCL11/CXCL12 interaction site and/or CXCR7/CXCR7 homodimerization site and/or CXCR4/CXCR7 heterodimerization site (or heterodimerization of CXCR7 to other chemokine receptor such as e.g. CXCR3), and are as further defined herein.
  • a polypeptide of the invention may contain two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention that are directed against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1). Generally, such polypeptides will bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) with increased avidity compared to a single amino acid sequence of the invention.
  • Such a polypeptide may for example comprise two immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention that are directed against the same antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation (where applicable) of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) (which may or may not be an interaction site); or comprise at least one “first” amino acid sequence of the invention that is directed against a first same antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation (where applicable) of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) (which may or may not be an interaction site), such as for instance Group 1 epitopes; and at least one “second” amino acid sequence of the invention that is directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation (where applicable) different from the first (and which again may or may not be an interaction site), such as for instance Group 2 epitopes.
  • polypeptides of the invention are directed against an interaction site (as defined herein), although the invention in its broadest sense is not limited thereto.
  • polypeptides of the invention may be formatted e.g., in a biparatopic way such as to combine monovalent building blocks directed against different epitopes as characterized in the experimental part (see Examples 9 to 17).
  • binding constants e.g., association and dissociation constants
  • binding constants of individual immunoglobulin single variable domains of a “bivalent” polypeptide are wholly favourable over the binding constants of the individual immunoglobulin single variable domains of a “biparatopic” polypeptide
  • the present invention demonstrates completely unexpectedly that a “biparatopic” polypeptide of the invention is more effective in biological assays, e.g., ⁇ -arrestin assay, than “bivalent” polypeptides.
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides may be such that they compete with the cognate binding partners, e.g., CXCL11 (also referred to as I-TAC) and/or CXCL12 (also referred to as SDF-1), for binding to CXCR7, and/or such that they (fully or partially) neutralize binding of the binding partner to the target.
  • cognate binding partners e.g., CXCL11 (also referred to as I-TAC) and/or CXCL12 (also referred to as SDF-1)
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention will generally bind to all naturally occurring or synthetic analogs, variants, mutants, alleles, parts and fragments of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1); or at least to those analogs, variants, mutants, alleles, parts and fragments of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) that contain one or more antigenic determinants or epitopes that are essentially the same as the antigenic determinant(s) or epitope(s) to which the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention bind to CXCR7 and in particular to human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention may bind to such analogs, variants, mutants, alleles, parts and fragments with an affinity and/or specificity that are the same as, or that are different from (i.e., higher than or lower than), the affinity and specificity with which the immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention bind to (wild-type) CXCR7.
  • CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 exists in a monomeric form and in one or more multimeric forms, e.g., in homodimeric as well in heterodimeric form with CXCR4, e.g., human CXCR4 (R M Maksym et al., supra; KE Luker et al.
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention i) only bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) in monomeric form, ii) only bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) in multimeric/dimeric (homo- and/or heterodimeric) form, or iii) bind to both the monomeric and the multimeric form.
  • the polypeptides of the invention prevent formation of homodimeric human CXCR7 complexes and/or heterodimeric human CXCR4/CXCR7 complexes.
  • the polypeptides of the invention do not induce (even at higher concentration such as 10 nM or less, 50 nM or less, 100 nM or less, or 500 nM or less) formation of homodimeric human CXCR7 complexes and/or heterodimeric human CXCR4/CXCR7 complexes.
  • the polypeptides of the invention may bind to the monomeric form with an affinity and/or specificity that are the same as, or that are different from (i.e., higher than or lower than), the affinity and specificity with which the immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention bind to the multimeric form.
  • CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 can associate with other proteins or polypeptides to form protein complexes (e.g., with CXCL12/SDF-1 or CXCL11/I-TAC)
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) in its non-associated state (and e.g. prevent the ligand binding), bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) in its associated state, or bind to both (preferably to the non-associated state).
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention may bind to such associated protein complexes with an affinity and/or specificity that may be the same as or different from (i.e., higher than or lower than) the affinity and/or specificity with which the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) in its non-associated state.
  • proteins or polypeptides that contain two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 may bind with higher avidity to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) than the corresponding monomeric amino acid sequence(s).
  • proteins or polypeptides that contain two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against different epitopes of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 may (and usually will) bind with higher avidity than each of the different monomers
  • proteins or polypeptides that contain two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 may (and usually will) bind also with higher avidity to a multimer (e.g. homodimer, heterodimer with CXCR4) of CXCR7 and in particular to a multimer (e.g. homodimer, heterodimer with human CXCR4) of human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention will at least bind to those forms of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) (including monomeric, multimeric, associated and different conformational forms) that are the most relevant from a biological and/or therapeutic point of view, as will be clear to the skilled person.
  • Such parts, fragments, analogs, mutants, variants, alleles and/or derivatives will usually contain (at least part of) a functional antigen-binding site for binding against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1); and more preferably will be capable of specific binding to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1), and even more preferably capable of binding to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an EC50 value, average Ki, IC 50 value concerning binding, migration, displacing and/or proliferation blocking and/or other measures for potency, as further described herein, e.g., in the experimental part) that is as defined herein and such parts, fragments, analogs, mutants, variants, alleles and/or derivatives may be more potent, more stable, more soluble and may have the same epitope.
  • fragments or polypeptides of the invention may also be provided by suitably combining (i.e. by linking or genetic fusion) one or more (smaller) parts or fragments as described herein.
  • V H 3 class immunoglobulin single variable domains with a high degree of sequence homology to human germline sequences of the V H 3 class, such as DP-47, DP-51 or DP-29
  • V H 3 class immunoglobulin single variable domains with a high degree of sequence homology to human germline sequences of the V H 3 class, such as DP-47, DP-51 or DP-29
  • the invention in its broadest sense generally covers any type of immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1), and for example also covers the immunoglobulin single variable domains belonging to the so-called “V H 4 class” (i.e., immunoglobulin single variable domains with a high degree of sequence homology to human germline sequences of the V H 4 class such as DP-78), as for example described in WO 07/118670.
  • V H 4 class immunoglobulin single variable domains with a high degree of sequence homology to human germline sequences of the V H 4 class such as DP-78
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains in particular V HH sequences and sequence optimized immunoglobulin single variable domains
  • V HH sequences and sequence optimized immunoglobulin single variable domains can in particular be characterized by the presence of one or more “Hallmark residues” (as described herein) in one or more of the framework sequences (again as further described herein).
  • an immunoglobulin single variable domain can be defined as an amino acid sequence with the (general) structure
  • FR1 to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4, respectively, and in which CDR1 to CDR3 refer to the complementarity determining regions 1 to 3, respectively.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising at least an immunoglobulin single variable domain that is an amino acid sequence with the (general) structure
  • FR1 to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4, respectively, and in which CDR1 to CDR3 refer to the complementarity determining regions 1 to 3, respectively, and in which:
  • sequences such as TERE (for example TEREL), TQRE (for example TQREL), KECE (for example KECEL or KECER), KQCE (for example KQCEL), RERE (for example REREG), RQRE (for example RQREL, RQREF or RQREW), QERE (for example QEREG), QQRE, (for example QQREW, QQREL or QQREF), KGRE (for example KGREG), KDRE (for example KDREV) are possible.
  • Some other possible, but less preferred sequences include for example DECKL and NVCEL. (4) With both GLEW at positions 44-47 and KERE or KQRE at positions 43-46.
  • positions 44-47 are GLEW, position 108 is always Q in (non-humanized) V HH sequences that also contain a W at 103.
  • the GLEW group also contains GLEW-like sequences at positions 44-47, such as for example GVEW, EPEW, GLER, DQEW, DLEW, GIEW, ELEW, GPEW, EWLP, GPER, GLER and ELEW.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains may be derived in any suitable manner and from any suitable source, and may for example be naturally occurring V HH sequences (i.e., from a suitable species of Camelid, e.g., llama) or synthetic or semi-synthetic VHs or VLs (e.g., from human),
  • Such immunoglobulin single variable domains may include “humanized” or otherwise “sequence optimized” VHHs, “camelized” immunoglobulin sequences (and in particular camelized heavy chain variable domain sequences, i.e., camelized VHs), as well as human VHs, human VLs, camelid VHHs that have been altered by techniques such as affinity maturation (for example, starting from synthetic, random or naturally occurring immunoglobulin sequences), CDR grafting, veneering, combining fragments derived from different immunoglobulin sequences, PCR assembly using overlapping primers, and similar techniques for engineering immunoglobulin sequences well known to the skilled person; or
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising one immunoglobulin single variable domain with amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of amino acid sequences with SEQ ID NOs: 39 to 43 and 91 as well as 99-102 (see Table B-3) and one immunoglobulin single variable domain with amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of moieties providing an increased half-life (see below).
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain with amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of amino acid sequences that essentially consist of 4 framework regions (FR1 to FR4, respectively) and 3 complementarity determining regions (CDR1 to CDR3, respectively), in which the CDR sequences of said amino acid sequences have at least 70% amino acid identity, preferably at least 80% amino acid identity, more preferably at least 90% amino acid identity, such as 95% amino acid identity or more or even essentially 100% amino acid identity with the CDR sequences of at least one of the immunoglobulin single variable domains of SEQ ID NOs: 39 to 43 and 91 as well as 99-102 (see Tables B-2 and 8-3).
  • This degree of amino acid identity can for example be determined by determining the degree of amino acid identity (in a manner described herein) between said amino acid sequence and one or more of the sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 39 to 43 and 91 as well as 99-102 (see Tables 8-2 and 8-3), in which the amino acid residues that form the framework regions are disregarded.
  • Such polypeptides and/or immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention may further provide the following:
  • polypeptides of the invention comprise or essentially consist of at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention are given in SEQ ID NOs: 39 to 43 and 91 as well as 99-102 (see Table B-3).
  • the invention relates to a compound or construct, and in particular to a protein or polypeptide (also referred to herein as a “compound of the invention” or “polypeptide of the invention”, respectively) that comprises or essentially consists of one or more (preferably one) immunoglobulin single variable domains directed to human CXCR7 (or suitable fragments thereof), and optionally further comprises one or more other groups, residues, moieties or binding units.
  • a protein or polypeptide also referred to herein as a “compound of the invention” or “polypeptide of the invention”, respectively
  • residues, moieties, binding units or immunoglobulin single variable domains may or may not provide further functionality to the amino acid sequence of the invention (and/or to the compound or construct in which it is present) and may or may not modify the properties of the amino acid sequence of the invention.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention can be used as “building blocks” to form polypeptides of the invention, i.e. by suitably combining them with other groups, residues, moieties or binding units, in order to form compounds or constructs as described herein (such as, without limitations, the biparatopic, bi/multivalent and bi/multispecific polypeptides of the invention described herein) which combine within one molecule one or more desired properties or biological functions.
  • the compounds or polypeptides of the invention can generally be prepared by a method which comprises at least one step of suitably linking the one or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention to the one or more further groups, residues, moieties or binding units, optionally via the one or more suitable linkers, so as to provide the compound or polypeptide of the invention.
  • Polypeptides of the invention can also be prepared by a method which generally comprises at least the steps of providing a nucleic acid that encodes a polypeptide of the invention, expressing said nucleic acid in a suitable manner, and recovering the expressed polypeptide of the invention. Such methods can be performed in a manner known per se, which will be clear to the skilled person, for example on the basis of the methods and techniques further described herein.
  • such further groups, residues, moieties or binding units may be one or more additional immunoglobulin single variable domains, such that the compound or construct is a (fusion) protein or (fusion) polypeptide.
  • said one or more other groups, residues, moieties or binding units are immunoglobulin sequences.
  • said one or more other groups, residues, moieties or binding units are chosen from the group consisting of domain antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains that are suitable for use as a domain antibody, single domain antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains that are suitable for use as a single domain antibody, “dAb's”, immunoglobulin single variable domains that are suitable for use as a dAb, or Nanobodies.
  • such groups, residues, moieties or binding units may for example be chemical groups, residues, moieties, which may or may not by themselves be biologically and/or pharmacologically active.
  • such groups may be linked to the one or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention so as to provide a “derivative” of an amino acid sequence or polypeptide of the invention, as further described herein.
  • compounds or constructs that comprises or essentially consists of one or more derivatives as described herein, and optionally further comprises one or more other groups, residues, moieties or binding units, optionally linked via one or more linkers.
  • said one or more other groups, residues, moieties or binding units are immunoglobulin single variable domains.
  • the one or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention and the one or more groups, residues, moieties or binding units may be linked directly to each other and/or via one or more suitable linkers or spacers.
  • the linkers may also be immunoglobulin single variable domains, so that the resulting compound or construct is a fusion (protein) or fusion (polypeptide).
  • the polypeptides of the invention have an increased half-life in serum (as further described herein) compared to the immunoglobulin single variable domain from which they have been derived.
  • an immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention may be linked (chemically or otherwise) to one or more groups or moieties that extend the half-life (such as PEG), so as to provide a derivative of an amino acid sequence of the invention with increased half-life.
  • a compound of the invention or a polypeptide of the invention may have an increased half-life, compared to the corresponding amino acid sequence of the invention.
  • Some preferred, but non-limiting examples of such compounds and polypeptides will become clear to the skilled person based on the further disclosure herein, and for example comprise immunoglobulin single variable domains or polypeptides of the invention that have been chemically modified to increase the half-life thereof (for example, by means of pegylation); immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention that comprise at least one additional binding site for binding to a serum protein (such as serum albumin); or polypeptides of the invention that comprise at least one amino acid sequence of the invention that is linked to at least one moiety (and in particular at feast one amino acid sequence) that increases the half-life of the amino acid sequence of the invention.
  • polypeptides of the invention that comprise such half-life extending moieties or immunoglobulin single variable domains will become clear to the skilled person based on the further disclosure herein; and for example include, without limitation, polypeptides in which the one or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention are suitably linked to one or more serum proteins or fragments thereof (such as (human) serum albumin or suitable fragments thereof) or to one or more binding units that can bind to serum proteins (such as, for example, domain antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains that are suitable for use as a domain antibody, single domain antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains that are suitable for use as a single domain antibody, “dAb's”, immunoglobulin single variable domains that are suitable for use as a dAb, or Nanobodies that can bind to serum proteins such as serum albumin (such as human serum albumin), serum immunoglobulins such as IgG, or transferrin; reference is made to the further description and references mentioned herein); polypeptides in
  • the compounds or polypeptides of the invention with increased half-life preferably have a half-life that is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, such as at least 5 times, for example at least 10 times or more than 20 times, greater than the half-life of the corresponding amino acid sequence of the invention per se.
  • the compounds or polypeptides of the invention with increased half-life may have a half-life e.g., in humans that is increased with more than 1 hours, preferably more than 2 hours, more preferably more than 6 hours, such as more than 12 hours, or even more than 24, 48 or 72 hours, compared to the corresponding amino acid sequence of the invention per se.
  • such compounds or polypeptides of the invention have a serum half-life e.g., in humans that is increased with more than 1 hours, preferably more than 2 hours, more preferably more than 6 hours, such as more than 12 hours, or even more than 24, 48 or 72 hours, compared to the corresponding amino acid sequence of the invention per se.
  • such compounds or polypeptides of the invention exhibit a serum half-life in human of at least about 12 hours, preferably at least 24 hours, more preferably at least 48 hours, even more preferably at least 72 hours or more.
  • compounds or polypeptides of the invention may have a half-life of at least 5 days (such as about 5 to 10 days), preferably at least 9 days (such as about 9 to 14 days), more preferably at least about 10 days (such as about 10 to 15 days), or at least about 11 days (such as about 11 to 16 days), more preferably at least about 12 days (such as about 12 to 18 days or more), or more than 14 days (such as about 14 to 19 days).
  • the invention provides a polypeptide of the invention comprising i) one CXCR7 binding immunoglobulin single variable domain as described herein; and ii) one or more (preferably one) serum albumin binding immunoglobulin single variable domain as described herein.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide of the invention comprising i) one or more CXCR7 binding immunoglobulin single variable domain as described herein; and ii) one or more (preferably one) serum albumin binding immunoglobulin single variable domain of SEQ ID NO: 2 (Table B-1).
  • the invention provides a polypeptide of the invention comprising i) one or more CXCR7 binding immunoglobulin single variable domain as described herein; and ii) one or more (preferably one) serum albumin binding immunoglobulin single variable domain with CDRs (defined according to the Kabat numbering) of SEQ ID NO: 2 (Table B-2, B-1).
  • proteins or polypeptides that comprise or essentially consist of a single immunoglobulin single variable domain will be referred to herein as “monovalent” proteins or polypeptides or as “monovalent constructs”.
  • Proteins and polypeptides that comprise or essentially consist of two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains (such as at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention or at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention and at least one other immunoglobulin single variable domain) will be referred to herein as “multivalent” proteins or polypeptides or as “multivalent constructs”, and these may provide certain advantages compared to the corresponding monovalent immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention.
  • a polypeptide of the invention comprises or essentially consists of at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention and at least one other binding unit (i.e. directed against another epitope, antigen, target, protein or polypeptide), which is preferably also a immunoglobulin single variable domain.
  • Such proteins or polypeptides are also referred to herein as “multispecific” proteins or polypeptides or as “multispecific constructs”, and these may comprise of two immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention, such as one immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against CXCR7 and one immunoglobulin single variable domain against serum albumin.
  • multispecific immunoglobulin single variable domains are the constructs of SEQ NOs: 44 to 48, 80-81, 83-85 and 88-89 as well as 131-140 (see Table B-4), as well as clones 009, 013, 018-029, 031-038, 044, 046, 048-053, 055-058, 060, 061, 063, 065, 068, 069, 072, 081-086 and 093 (Tables B-12 to 8-14).
  • a polypeptide of the invention comprises or essentially consists of at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention, optionally one or more further immunoglobulin single variable domains, and at least one other amino acid sequence (such as a protein or polypeptide) that confers at least one desired property to the immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention and/or to the resulting fusion protein.
  • fusion proteins may provide certain advantages compared to the corresponding monovalent immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention such as e.g. may provide an increased half-life.
  • the one or more immunoglobulin single variable domains and/or other immunoglobulin single variable domains may be directly linked to each other and/or suitably linked to each other via one or more linker sequences.
  • linkers Some suitable but non-limiting examples of such linkers will become clear from the further description herein.
  • the linker sequence joining the immunoglobulin single variable domains are SEQ ID NOs: 49 to 58—see Table B-5, or a combination of both, or as known in the art.
  • a polypeptide of the invention may for example be chosen from the group consisting of immunoglobulin single variable domains that have more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, more preferably more than 95%, such as 99% or more “sequence identity” (as defined herein) with one or more of the immunoglobulin single variable domains of SEQ ID NOs: 39 to 43 and 91 as well as 99-102 (see Table B-3), in which the polypeptides are preferably as further defined herein, i.e., in the preferred format of one immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against CXCR7 and one immunoglobulin singe variable domain directed against serum albumin.
  • a polypeptide of the invention may for example be chosen from the group consisting of polypeptides that have more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, more preferably more than 95%, such as 99% or more “sequence identity” (as defined herein) with one or more of the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 44 to 48 (see Table B-4).
  • biparatopic and bispecific polypeptides of the invention are given in SEQ ID NOs: 78 to 89 as well as SEQ ID NOs: 131-140, or clones 009, 013, 018-029, 031-038, 044, 046, 048-053, 055-058, 060, 061, 063, 065, 068, 069, 072, 081-086 and 093 (Tables B-12 to B-14).
  • the polypeptides of the invention may be formulated as a pharmaceutical preparation or composition comprising at least one polypeptide of the invention and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent or excipient and/or adjuvant, and optionally one or more further pharmaceutically active polypeptides and/or compounds.
  • a formulation may be in a form suitable for oral administration, for parenteral administration (such as by intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion), for topical administration, for administration by inhalation, by a skin patch, by an implant, by a suppository, etc. wherein which the parenteral administration is preferred.
  • Such suitable administration forms which may be solid, semi-solid or liquid, depending on the manner of administration—as well as methods and carriers for use in the preparation thereof, will be clear to the skilled person, and are further described herein.
  • a pharmaceutical preparation or composition will generally be referred to herein as a “pharmaceutical composition”.
  • a pharmaceutical preparation or composition for use in a non-human organism will generally be referred to herein as a “veterinary composition”.
  • the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition that contains at least one amino acid of the invention, at least one polypeptide of the invention or at least one polypeptide of the invention and at least one suitable carrier, diluent or excipient (i.e., suitable for pharmaceutical use), and optionally one or more further active substances.
  • polypeptides of the invention can be formulated and administered in any suitable manner known per se.
  • polypeptides of the invention may be formulated and administered in any manner known per se for conventional antibodies and antibody fragments (including ScFv's and diabodies) and other pharmaceutically active proteins.
  • Such formulations and methods for preparing the same will be clear to the skilled person, and for example include preparations suitable for parenteral administration (for example intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraluminal, intra-arterial or intrathecal administration) or for topical transdermal or intradermal) administration.
  • Preparations for parenteral administration may for example be sterile solutions, suspensions, dispersions or emulsions that are suitable for infusion or injection.
  • Suitable carriers or diluents for such preparations for example include, without limitation, those mentioned on page 143 of WO 08/020079.
  • the preparation is an aqueous solution or suspension.
  • polypeptides of the invention can be administered using gene therapy methods of delivery. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,346, which is incorporated by reference for its gene therapy delivery methods.
  • gene therapy methods of delivery e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,346, which is incorporated by reference for its gene therapy delivery methods.
  • primary cells transfected with the gene encoding an amino acid sequence polypeptide of the invention can additionally be transfected with tissue specific promoters to target specific organs, tissue, grafts, tumors, or cells and can additionally be transfected with signal and stabilization sequences for subcellularly localized expression.
  • polypeptides of the invention may be systemically administered, e.g., orally, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle such as an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. They may be enclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, may be compressed into tablets, or may be incorporated directly with the food of the patient's diet.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle such as an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier.
  • the polypeptides of the invention may be combined with one or more excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like.
  • Such compositions and preparations should contain at least 0.1% of the polypeptide of the invention.
  • compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and may conveniently be between about 2 to about 60% of the weight of a given unit dosage form.
  • amount of the polypeptide of the invention in such therapeutically useful compositions is such that an effective dosage level will be obtained.
  • polypeptides of the invention may be used in biodegradable polymeric drug delivery systems, slow release poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid formulations and the like (Hart et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jul. 16; (3): CD007294).
  • polypeptides of the invention such as a polypeptide consisting essentially of one monovalent anti-human CXCR7 immunoglobulin single variable domain and of one monovalent anti-human serum albumin immunoglobulin single variable domain linked by a GS linker, may have a beneficial distribution and kinetics profile in solid tumors compared to conventional antibodies such as e.g., IgG.
  • the tablets, troches, pills, capsules, and the like may also contain binders, excipients, disintegrating agents, lubricants and sweetening or flavoring agents, for example those mentioned on pages 143-144 of WO 08/020079.
  • a liquid carrier such as a vegetable oil or a polyethylene glycol.
  • Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the solid unit dosage form. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coated with gelatin, wax, shellac or sugar and the like.
  • a syrup or elixir may contain the polypeptides of the invention, sucrose or fructose as a sweetening agent, methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring such as cherry or orange flavor.
  • any material used in preparing any unit dosage form should be pharmaceutically acceptable and substantially non-toxic in the amounts employed.
  • the polypeptides of the invention may be incorporated into sustained-release preparations and devices.
  • Preparations and formulations for oral administration may also be provided with an enteric coating that will allow the constructs of the invention to resist the gastric environment and pass into the intestines. More generally, preparations and formulations for oral administration may be suitably formulated for delivery into any desired part of the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, suitable suppositories may be used for delivery into the gastrointestinal tract.
  • polypeptides of the invention may also be administered intravenously or intraperitoneally by infusion or injection. Particular examples are as further described on pages 144 and 145 of WO 08/020079.
  • the polypeptides of the invention may be applied in pure form, i.e., when they are liquids. However, it will generally be desirable to administer them to the skin as compositions or formulations, in combination with a dermatologically acceptable carrier, which may be a solid or a liquid. Particular examples are as further described on page 145 of WO 08/020079.
  • the concentration of the polypeptides of the invention in a liquid composition will be from about 0.1-25 wt-%, preferably from about 0.5-10 wt-%.
  • concentration in a semi-solid or solid composition such as a gel or a powder will be about 0.1-5 wt-%, preferably about 0.5-2.5 wt-%.
  • the amount of the polypeptides of the invention required for use in treatment will vary not only with the particular polypeptide selected but also with the route of administration, the nature of the condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient and will be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician or clinician. Also the dosage of the polypeptides of the invention varies depending on the target cell, tumor, tissue, graft, or organ.
  • the desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or as divided doses administered at appropriate intervals, for example, as two, three, four or more sub-doses per day.
  • the sub-dose itself may be further divided, e.g., into a number of discrete loosely spaced administrations.
  • An administration regimen could include long-term, daily treatment.
  • long-term is meant at least two weeks and preferably, several weeks, months, or years of duration. Necessary modifications in this dosage range may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using only routine experimentation given the teachings herein. See Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (Martin, E. W., ed. 4), Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. The dosage can also be adjusted by the individual physician in the event of any complication.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one diseases and disorders associated with CXCR7, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
  • prevention and/or treatment not only comprises preventing and/or treating the disease, but also generally comprises preventing the onset of the disease, slowing or reversing the progress of disease, preventing or slowing the onset of one or more symptoms associated with the disease, reducing and/or alleviating one or more symptoms associated with the disease, reducing the severity and/or the duration of the disease and/or of any symptoms associated therewith and/or preventing a further increase in the severity of the disease and/or of any symptoms associated therewith, preventing, reducing or reversing any physiological damage caused by the disease, and generally any pharmacological action that is beneficial to the patient being treated.
  • the subject to be treated may be any warm-blooded animal, but is in particular a mammal, and more in particular a human being.
  • the subject to be treated will in particular be a person suffering from, or at risk of, the diseases and disorders mentioned herein.
  • the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that is associated with CXCR7, with its biological or pharmacological activity, and/or with the biological pathways or signaling in which CXCR7 is involved, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of an amino acid sequence of the invention, of a Polypeptide of the invention, of a polypeptide of the invention, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
  • the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that can be treated by modulating CXCR7, its biological or pharmacological activity, and/or the biological pathways or signaling in which CXCR7 is involved, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
  • said pharmaceutically effective amount may be an amount that is sufficient to modulate CXCR7, its biological or pharmacological activity, and/or the biological pathways or signaling in which CXCR7 is involved; and/or an amount that provides a level of the polypeptide of the invention in the circulation that is sufficient to modulate CXCR7, its biological or pharmacological activity, and/or the biological pathways or signaling in which CXCR7 is involved.
  • the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that can be prevented and/or treated by administering a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, to a patient.
  • the method comprises administering a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same to a subject in need thereof.
  • the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that can be prevented and/or treated by inhibiting binding of CXCL12 and/or CXCL11 to CXCR7 in specific cells or in a specific tissue of a subject to be treated (and in particular, by inhibiting binding of CXCL12 and/or CXCL11 to CXCR7 in cancer cells or in a tumor present in the subject to be treated), said method comprising administering a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, to a subject in need thereof.
  • the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder chosen from the group consisting of the diseases and disorders listed herein, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
  • the invention relates to a method for immunotherapy, and in particular for passive immunotherapy, which method comprises administering, to a subject suffering from or at risk of the diseases and disorders mentioned herein, a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.
  • the amino acid sequences, polypeptides of the invention and/or the compositions comprising the same can be administered in any suitable manner, depending on the specific pharmaceutical formulation or composition to be used.
  • the polypeptides of the invention and/or the compositions comprising the same can for example be administered orally, intraperitoneally (e.g. intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or via any other route of administration that circumvents the gastrointestinal tract), intranasally, transdermally, topically, by means of a suppository, by inhalation, again depending on the specific pharmaceutical formulation or composition to be used.
  • the clinician will be able to select a suitable route of administration and a suitable pharmaceutical formulation or composition to be used in such administration, depending on the disease or disorder to be prevented or treated and other factors well known to the clinician.
  • the polypeptides of the invention and/or the compositions comprising the same are administered according to a regime of treatment that is suitable for preventing and/or treating the disease or disorder to be prevented or treated.
  • the clinician will generally be able to determine a suitable treatment regimen, depending on factors such as the disease or disorder to be prevented or treated, the severity of the disease to be treated and/or the severity of the symptoms thereof, the polypeptide of the invention to be used, the specific route of administration and pharmaceutical formulation or composition to be used, the age, gender, weight, diet, general condition of the patient, and similar factors well known to the clinician.
  • the treatment regimen will comprise the administration of one or more polypeptides of the invention, or of one or more compositions comprising the same, in one or more pharmaceutically effective amounts or doses.
  • the specific amount(s) or doses to be administered can be determined by the clinician, again based on the factors cited above.
  • the polypeptides of the invention will generally be administered in an amount between 1 gram and 0.01 microgram per kg body, weight per day, preferably between 0.1 gram and 0.1 microgram per kg body weight per day, such as about 1, 10, 100 or 1000 microgram per kg body weight per day, either continuously (e.g., by infusion), as a single daily dose or as multiple divided doses during the day.
  • the clinician will generally be able to determine a suitable daily dose, depending on the factors mentioned herein.
  • a single contiguous polypeptide of the invention will be used. In one embodiment two or more polypeptides of the invention are provided in combination.
  • polypeptides of the invention may be used in combination with one or more further pharmaceutically active compounds or principles, i.e., as a combined treatment regimen, which may or may not lead to a synergistic effect.
  • a combined treatment regimen which may or may not lead to a synergistic effect.
  • the clinician will be able to select such further compounds or principles, as well as a suitable combined treatment regimen, based on the factors cited above and his expert judgment.
  • polypeptides of the invention may be used in combination with other pharmaceutically active compounds or principles that are or can be used for the prevention and/or treatment of the diseases and disorders cited herein, as a result of which a synergistic effect may or may not be obtained.
  • examples of such compounds and principles, as well as routes, methods and pharmaceutical formulations or compositions for administering them will be clear to the clinician, and generally include the cytostatic active principles usually applied for the treatment of the tumor to be treated.
  • CXCR4 antagonists such as e.g., AMD3100, other chemokine receptor antagonists, taxol; gemcitobine; cisplatin; clAP inhibitors (such as inhibitors to cIAP1, cIAP2 and/or XIAP); MEK inhibitors including but not limited to, e.g., U0126, PD0325901; bRaf inhibitors including but not limited to, e.g., RAF265; and mTOR inhibitors including but not limited to, e.g., RAD001; VEGF inhibitors including but not limited to e.g.
  • Her 2 inhibitors including but not limited to e.g., trastuzumab and lapatinib; PDGFR, FGFR, src, JAK, STAT and/or GSK3 inhibitors; selective estrogen receptor modulators including but not limited to tamoxifen; estrogen receptor downregulators including but not limited to fulvestrant.
  • Specific contemplated combinations for use with the polypeptides of the invention for inflammatory conditions include, but are not limited to, e.g., interferon beta 1 alpha and beta, natalizumab; TNF alpha antagonists including but not limited to e.g., infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept; disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as e.g., methotrexate (MTX); glucocortioids including but not limited to e.g. hydrocortisone; Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including but not limited to e.g., ibuprofen, sulindac.
  • TNF alpha antagonists including but not limited to e.g., infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, etanercept
  • disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as e.g., methotrexate (MTX
  • two or more substances or principles When two or more substances or principles are to be used as part of a combined treatment regimen, they can be administered via the same route of administration or via different routes of administration, at essentially the same time or at different times (e.g., essentially simultaneously, consecutively, or according to an alternating regime).
  • the substances or principles When the substances or principles are to be administered simultaneously via the same route of administration, they may be administered as different pharmaceutical formulations or compositions or part of a combined pharmaceutical formulation or composition, as will be clear to the skilled person.
  • each of the substances or principles may be administered in the same amount and according to the same regimen as used when the compound or principle is used on its own, and such combined use may or may not lead to a synergistic effect.
  • the effectiveness of the treatment regimen used according to the invention may be determined and/or followed in any manner known per se for the disease or disorder involved, as will be clear to the clinician.
  • the clinician will also be able, where appropriate and on a case-by-case basis, to change or modify a particular treatment regimen, so as to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, to avoid, limit or reduce unwanted side-effects, and/or to achieve an appropriate balance between achieving the desired therapeutic effect on the one hand and avoiding, limiting or reducing undesired side effects on the other hand.
  • the treatment regimen will be followed until the desired therapeutic effect is achieved and/or for as long as the desired therapeutic effect is to be maintained. Again, this can be determined by the clinician.
  • the invention relates to the use of polypeptide of the invention in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for prevention and/or treatment of at least one of the diseases and disorders associated with CXCR7; and/or for use in one or more of the methods of treatment mentioned herein.
  • the subject to be treated may be any warm-blooded animal, but is in particular a mammal, and more in particular a human being. In veterinary applications, the subject to be treated includes any animal raised for commercial purposes or kept as a pet. As will be clear to the skilled person, the subject to be treated will in particular be a person suffering from, or at risk of, the diseases and disorders mentioned herein.
  • the invention relates to the use of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide encoding the same, in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that can be prevented and/or treated by administering a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide encoding the same, and/or a pharmaceutical composition of the same to a patient.
  • the invention relates to the use of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide encoding the same, in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases and disorders associated with CXCR7, and in particular for the prevention and treatment of one or more of the diseases and disorders listed herein.
  • the one or more polypeptide of the invention, or nucleotide encoding the same, and/or a pharmaceutical composition of the same may also be suitably combined with one or more other active principles, such as those mentioned herein.
  • the invention also relates to a composition (such as, without limitation, a pharmaceutical composition or preparation as further described herein) for use, either in vitro (e.g., in an in vitro or cellular assay) or in vivo (e.g., in an a single cell or multicellular organism, and in particular in a mammal, and more in particular in a human being, such as in a human being that is at risk of or suffers from a disease or disorder of the invention).
  • a composition such as, without limitation, a pharmaceutical composition or preparation as further described herein
  • in vitro e.g., in an in vitro or cellular assay
  • in vivo e.g., in an a single cell or multicellular organism, and in particular in a mammal, and more in particular in a human being, such as in a human being that is at risk of or suffers from a disease or disorder of the invention.
  • modulating generally means reducing or inhibiting the activity of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1), as measured using a suitable in vitro, cellular or in vivo assay (such as those mentioned herein).
  • CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 SEQ ID NO: 1
  • a suitable in vitro, cellular or in vivo assay such as those mentioned herein
  • at least 1%, preferably at least 5%, such as at least 10% or at least 25% for example by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or 90% or more, compared to activity of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) in the same assay under the same conditions but without the presence of the polypeptide of the invention.
  • Modulating may for example involve reducing or inhibiting the binding CXCR7 to one of its substrates or ligands and/or competing with natural ligands (CXCL11 and/or CXCL12), substrate for binding to CXCR7.
  • CXCL11 and/or CXCL12 natural ligands
  • the invention further relates to methods for preparing or generating the immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, products and compositions described herein. Some preferred but non-limiting examples of such methods will become clear from the further description herein.
  • these methods may comprise the steps of:
  • the set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains may be any suitable set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains.
  • the set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains may be a set, collection or library of immunoglobulin sequences (as described herein), such as a na ⁇ ve set, collection or library of immunoglobulin sequences; a synthetic or semi-synthetic set, collection or library of immunoglobulin sequences; and/or a set, collection or library of immunoglobulin sequences that have been subjected to affinity maturation.
  • the set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains may be a set, collection or library of heavy or light chain variable domains (such as VL-, VH- or VHH domains).
  • the set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains may be a set, collection or library of domain antibodies or single domain antibodies, or may be a set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains that are capable of functioning as a domain antibody or single domain antibody.
  • the set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains may be an immune set, collection or library of immunoglobulin sequences, for example derived from a mammal that has been suitably immunized with CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) or with a suitable antigenic determinant based thereon or derived therefrom, such as an antigenic part, fragment, region, domain, loop or other epitope thereof.
  • said antigenic determinant may be an extracellular part, region, domain, loop or other extracellular epitope(s).
  • the set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains may be displayed on a phage, phagemid, ribosome or suitable micro-organism (such as yeast), such as to facilitate screening.
  • suitable methods, techniques and host organisms for displaying and screening (a set, collection or library of) immunoglobulin single variable domains will be clear to the person skilled in the art, for example on the basis of the further disclosure herein. Reference is also made to the review by Hoogenboom in Nature Biotechnology, 23, 9, 1105-1116 (2005).
  • the method for generating immunoglobulin single variable domains comprises at least the steps of:
  • the method for generating an amino acid sequence directed against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 may comprise at least the steps of:
  • the set, collection or library of nucleic acid sequences encoding immunoglobulin single variable domains may for example be a set, collection or library of nucleic acid sequences encoding a na ⁇ ve set, collection or library of immunoglobulin sequences; a set, collection or library of nucleic acid sequences encoding a synthetic or semi-synthetic set, collection or library of immunoglobulin sequences; and/or a set, collection or library of nucleic acid sequences encoding a set, collection or library of immunoglobulin sequences that have been subjected to affinity maturation.
  • the method for generating an amino acid sequence directed against CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 may comprise at least the steps of:
  • the invention also relates to immunoglobulin single variable domains that are obtained by the above methods, or alternatively by a method that comprises the one of the above methods and in addition at least the steps of determining the nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence of said immunoglobulin sequence; and of expressing or synthesizing said amino acid sequence in a manner known per se, such as by expression in a suitable host cell or host organism or by chemical synthesis.
  • one or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention may be suitably humanized, camelized or otherwise sequence optimized (e.g. sequence optimized for manufacturability, stability and/or solubility); and/or the amino acid sequence(s) thus obtained may be linked to each other or to one or more other suitable immunoglobulin single variable domains (optionally via one or more suitable linkers) so as to provide a polypeptide of the invention.
  • nucleic acid sequence encoding an amino acid sequence of the invention may be suitably humanized, camelized or otherwise sequence optimized (e.g., sequence optimized for manufacturability, stability and/or solubility) and suitably expressed; and/or one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding an amino acid sequence of the invention may be linked to each other or to one or more nucleic acid sequences that encode other suitable immunoglobulin single variable domains (optionally via nucleotide sequences that encode one or more suitable linkers), after which the nucleotide sequence thus obtained may be suitably expressed so as to provide a polypeptide of the invention.
  • the invention further relates to applications and uses of the immunoglobulin single variable domains, compounds, constructs, polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, products and compositions described herein, as well as to methods for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment for diseases and disorders associated with CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • SEQ ID NO: 1 Some preferred but non-limiting applications and uses will become clear from the further description herein.
  • the invention also relates to the immunoglobulin single variable domains, compounds, constructs, polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, products and compositions described herein for use in therapy.
  • the invention also relates to the immunoglobulin single variable domains, compounds, constructs, polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, products and compositions described herein for use in therapy of a disease or disorder that can be prevented or treated by administering, to a subject in need thereof, of (a pharmaceutically effective amount of) an amino acid sequence, compound, construct or polypeptide as described herein.
  • the invention relates to the immunoglobulin single variable domains, compounds, constructs, polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, products and compositions described herein for use in therapy of cancer.
  • Polypeptides of the invention and immunoglobulin single variable domains may be altered in order to further improve potency or other desired properties.
  • an immunoglobulin single variable domain can be defined as a polypeptide with the formula 1:
  • FR1 to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4, respectively, and in which CDR1 to CDR3 refer to the complementarity determining regions 1 to 3, respectively.
  • CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences that occur in the same clone (i.e. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences that are mentioned on the same line or row in Table B-2) will usually be preferred (although the invention in its broadest sense is not limited thereto, and also comprises other suitable combinations of the CDR sequences mentioned in Table B-2).
  • CDR sequences and framework sequences that occur in the same clone i.e., CDR sequences and framework sequences that are mentioned on the same line or row in Table B-2
  • CDR sequences and framework sequences that are mentioned on the same line or row in Table B-2 will usually be preferred (although the invention in its broadest sense is not limited thereto, and also comprises other suitable combinations of the CDR sequences and framework sequences mentioned in Table B-2, as well as combinations of such CDR sequences and other suitable framework sequences, e.g., as further described herein).
  • each CDR can be replaced by a CDR chosen from the group consisting of immunoglobulin single variable domains that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity (as defined herein) with the mentioned CDR's; in which:
  • At least one of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences present is suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2; or from the group of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% “sequence identity” (as defined herein) with at least one of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, that have 3, 2 or only 1 “amino acid difference(s)” (as defined herein) with at least one of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • a CDR1 sequence is chosen from suitable CDR1 sequences (i.e. as defined herein)
  • a CDR2 sequence is chosen from suitable CDR2 sequences (i.e. as defined herein)
  • a CDR3 sequence is chosen from suitable CDR3 sequence (i.e. as defined herein), respectively.
  • the CDR sequences are preferably chosen such that the Nanobodies of the invention bind to CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) with an affinity (suitably measured and/or expressed as a EC50 value, or alternatively as an IC 50 value, as further described herein in various in vitro and/or in vivo potency or other assays) that is as defined herein.
  • At least the CDR3 sequence present is suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR3 sequences listed in Table B-2 or from the group of CDR3 sequences that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with at least one of the CDR3 sequences listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of the CDR3 sequences that have 3, 2 or only 1 amino acid difference(s) with at least one of the CDR3 sequences listed in Table B-2.
  • At least two of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences present are suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2 or from the group consisting of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with at least one of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, that have 3, 2 or only 1 “amino acid difference(s)” with at least one of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • At least the CDR3 sequence present is suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR3 sequences listed in Table B-2 or from the group of CDR3 sequences that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with at least one of the CDR3 sequences listed in Table B-2, respectively; and at least one of the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences present is suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2 or from the group of CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with at least one of the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, that have 3, 2 or only 1 amino acid difference(
  • all three CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences present are suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2 or from the group of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with at least one of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, that have 3, 2 or only 1 amino acid difference(s) with at least one of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • At least one of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences present is suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • At least one or preferably both of the other two CDR sequences present are suitably chosen from CDR sequences that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with at least one of the corresponding CDR sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of the CDR sequences that have 3, 2 or only 1 amino acid difference(s) with at least one of the corresponding sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • At least the CDR3 sequence present is suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR3 listed in Table B-2.
  • at least one and preferably both of the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences present are suitably chosen from the groups of CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, that have 3, 2 or only 1 amino acid difference(s) with at least one of the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention at least two of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences present are suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • the remaining CDR sequence present is suitably chosen from the group of CDR sequences that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with at least one of the corresponding CDR sequences listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of CDR sequences that have 3, 2 or only 1 amino acid difference(s) with at least one of the corresponding sequences listed in Table B-2.
  • the CDR3 sequence is suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR3 sequences listed in Table B-2, and either the CDR1 sequence or the CDR2 sequence is suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR1 and CDR2 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • the remaining CDR sequence present is suitably chosen from the group of CDR sequences that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with at least one of the corresponding CDR sequences listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of CDR sequences that have 3, 2 or only 1 amino acid difference(s) with the corresponding CDR sequences listed in Table B-2.
  • all three CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences present are suitably chosen from the group consisting of the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • a CDR in a immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention is a CDR sequence mentioned in Table B-2 or is suitably chosen from the group of CDR sequences that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 99% sequence identity with a CDR sequence listed in Table B-2; and/or from the group consisting of CDR sequences that have 3, 2 or only 1 amino acid difference(s) with a CDR sequence listed in Table B-2, that at least one and preferably both of the other CDR's are suitably chosen from the CDR sequences that belong to the same combination in Table B-2 (i.e., mentioned on the same line or row in Table B-2) or are suitably chosen from the group of CDR sequences that have at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 95%
  • a polypeptide of the invention can for example comprise a CDR1 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with one of the CDR1 sequences mentioned in Table B-2, a CDR2 sequence that has 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference with one of the CDR2 sequences mentioned in Table B-2 (but belonging to a different combination), and a CDR3 sequence.
  • Some preferred immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention may for example comprise: (1) a CDR1 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with one of the CDR1 sequences mentioned in Table B-2; a CDR2 sequence that has 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference with one of the CDR2 sequences mentioned in Table B-2 (but belonging to a different combination); and a CDR3 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with one of the CDR3 sequences mentioned in Table B-2 (but belonging to a different combination); or (2) a CDR1 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with one of the CDR1 sequences mentioned in Table 6-2; a CDR2 sequence, and one of the CDR3 sequences listed in Table B-2; or (3) a CDR1 sequence; a CDR2 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with one of the CDR2 sequence listed in Table B-2; and a CDR3 sequence that has 3, 2 or 1 amino acid differences with the CDR3 sequence mentioned in Table B-2 that belongs to the same combination as the CDR2 sequence.
  • Some particularly preferred immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention may for example comprise: (1) a CDR1 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with one of the CDR1 sequences mentioned in Table B-2; a CDR2 sequence that has 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference with the CDR2 sequence mentioned in Table B-2 that belongs to the same combination; and a CDR3 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with the CDR3 sequence mentioned in Table B-2 that belongs to the same combination; (2) a CDR1 sequence; a CDR2 listed in Table B-2 and a CDR3 sequence listed in Table B-2 (in which the CDR2 sequence and CDR3 sequence may belong to different combinations).
  • Some even more preferred immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention may for example comprise: (1) a CDR1 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with one of the CDR1 sequences mentioned in Table B-2; the CDR2 sequence listed in Table B-2 that belongs to the same combination; and a CDR3 sequence mentioned in Table B-2 that belongs to a different combination; or (2) a CDR1 sequence mentioned in Table B-2; a CDR2 sequence that has 3, 2 or 1 amino acid differences with the CDR2 sequence mentioned in Table B-2 that belongs to the same combination; and a CDR3 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with the CDR3 sequence listed in Table B-2 that belongs to the same or a different combination.
  • Particularly preferred immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention may for example comprise a CDR1 sequence mentioned in Table 6-2, a CDR2 sequence that has more than 80% sequence identity with the CDR2 sequence mentioned in Table B-2 that belongs to the same combination; and the CDR3 sequence mentioned in Table B-2 that belongs to the same combination.
  • the CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences present are suitably chosen from one of the combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences, respectively, listed in Table B-2.
  • CDR1 has a length of between 1 and 12 amino acid residues, and usually between 2 and 9 amino acid residues, such as 5, 6 or 7 amino acid residues; and/or (b) CDR2 has a length of between 13 and 24 amino acid residues, and usually between 15 and 21 amino acid residues, such as 16 and 17 amino acid residues; and/or (c) CDR3 has a length of between 2 and 35 amino acid residues, and usually between 3 and 30 amino acid residues, such as between 6 and 23 amino acid residues.
  • the invention relates to a immunoglobulin single variable domain in which the CDR sequences (as defined herein) have more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, more preferably more than 95%, such as 99% or more sequence identity (as defined herein) with the CDR sequences of at least one of the immunoglobulin single variable domains of SEQ ID NOs: 39 to 43 or 91 as well as 99-102 (see Table B-3).
  • Another preferred, but non-limiting aspect of the invention relates to humanized variants of the immunoglobulin single variable domains of SEQ ID NOs: 39 to 43 and 91 as well as 99-102 (see Table B-3), that comprise, compared to the corresponding native V HH sequence, at least one humanizing substitution (as defined herein), and in particular at least one humanizing substitution in at least one of its framework sequences (as defined herein).
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains that are mentioned herein as “preferred” (or “more preferred”, “even more preferred”, etc.) are also preferred (or more preferred, or even more preferred, etc.) for use in the polypeptides described herein.
  • polypeptides that comprise or essentially consist of one or more “preferred” immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention will generally be preferred, and polypeptides that comprise or essentially consist of one or more “more preferred” immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention will generally be more preferred, etc.
  • nucleic acid that encodes an amino acid sequence of the invention (such as an immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention) or a polypeptide of the invention comprising the same.
  • an amino acid sequence of the invention such as an immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention
  • polypeptide of the invention comprising the same.
  • nucleic acids of the invention such a nucleic acid may be in the form of a genetic construct, as defined herein. Specific embodiments of this aspect of the invention are provided in Table B-6, SEQ ID NOs: 59 to 63 and 73 to 77.
  • the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences of immunoglobulin single variable domain in which the sequences (as defined herein) have more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, more preferably more than 95%, such as 99% or more sequence identity (as defined herein) with the sequences of at least one of nucleic acid sequence of the immunoglobulin single variable domains of SEQ ID NOs: 59 to 63 and 73 to 77 (see Table B-6).
  • the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences that comprise the nucleic acid sequences of immunoglobulin single variable domain in which the sequences (as defined herein) have more than 80%, preferably more than 90%, more preferably more than 95%, such as 99% or more sequence identity (as defined herein) with the sequences of at least one of nucleic acid sequence of the immunoglobulin single variable domains of SEQ ID NOs: 59 to 63 and 73 to 77 (see Table B-6).
  • the invention relates to host or host cell that expresses or that is capable of expressing an amino acid sequence (such as an immunoglobulin single variable domain) of the invention and/or a polypeptide of the invention comprising the same; and/or that contains a nucleic acid of the invention.
  • an amino acid sequence such as an immunoglobulin single variable domain
  • a polypeptide of the invention comprising the same; and/or that contains a nucleic acid of the invention.
  • one particularly useful method for preparing a polypeptide of the invention generally comprises the steps of:
  • such a method may comprise the steps of:
  • a nucleic acid of the invention can be in the form of single or double stranded DNA or RNA, and is preferably in the form of double stranded DNA.
  • the nucleotide sequences of the invention may be genomic DNA, cDNA or synthetic DNA (such as DNA with a codon usage that has been specifically adapted for expression in the intended host cell or host organism).
  • the nucleic acid of the invention is in essentially isolated from, as defined herein.
  • the nucleic acid of the invention may also be in the form of, be present in and/or be part of a vector, such as for example a plasmid, cosmid or YAC, which again may be in essentially isolated form.
  • nucleic acids of the invention can be prepared or obtained in a manner known per se, based on the information on the immunoglobulin single variable domains for the polypeptides of the invention given herein, and/or can be isolated from a suitable natural source.
  • nucleotide sequences encoding naturally occurring V HH domains can for example be subjected to site-directed mutagenesis, so at to provide a nucleic acid of the invention encoding said analog.
  • nucleic acid of the invention also several nucleotide sequences, such as at least one nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide of the invention and for example nucleic acids encoding one or more linkers can be linked together in a suitable manner.
  • nucleic acids of the invention may for instance include, but are not limited to, automated DNA synthesis; site-directed mutagenesis; combining two or more naturally occurring and/or synthetic sequences (or two or more parts thereof), introduction of mutations that lead to the expression of a truncated expression product; introduction of one or more restriction sites (e.g. to create cassettes and/or regions that may easily be digested and/or ligated using suitable restriction enzymes), and/or the introduction of mutations by means of a PCR reaction using one or more “mismatched” primers, using for example a sequence of a naturally occurring form of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1) as a template.
  • SEQ ID NO: 1 sequence of a naturally occurring form of CXCR7 and in particular human CXCR7
  • the nucleic acid of the invention may also be in the form of, be present in and/or be part of a genetic construct, as will be clear to the person skilled in the art and as described on pages 131-134 of WO 08/020079 (incorporated herein by reference).
  • Such genetic constructs generally comprise at least one nucleic acid of the invention that is optionally linked to one or more elements of genetic constructs known per se, such as for example one or more suitable regulatory elements (such as a suitable promoter(s), enhancer(s), terminator(s), etc.) and the further elements of genetic constructs referred to herein.
  • suitable regulatory elements such as a suitable promoter(s), enhancer(s), terminator(s), etc.
  • Such genetic constructs comprising at least one nucleic acid of the invention will also be referred to herein as “genetic constructs of the invention”.
  • the genetic constructs of the invention may be DNA or RNA, and are preferably double-stranded DNA.
  • the genetic constructs of the invention may also be in a form suitable for transformation of the intended host cell or host organism, in a form suitable for integration into the genomic DNA of the intended host cell or in a form suitable for independent replication, maintenance and/or inheritance in the intended host organism.
  • the genetic constructs of the invention may be in the form of a vector, such as for example a plasmid, cosmid, YAC, a viral vector or transposon.
  • the vector may be an expression vector, i.e., a vector that can provide for expression in vitro and/or in vivo (e.g., in a suitable host cell, host organism and/or expression system).
  • a genetic construct of the invention comprises
  • the nucleic acids of the invention and/or the genetic constructs of the invention may be used to transform a host cell or host organism, i.e., for expression and/or production of the polypeptide of the invention.
  • Suitable hosts or host cells will be clear to the skilled person, and may for example be any suitable fungal, prokaryotic or eukaryotic cell or cell line or any suitable fungal, prokaryotic or eukaryotic organism, for example those described on pages 134 and 135 of WO 08/020079.; as well as all other hosts or host cells known per se for the expression and production of antibodies and antibody fragments (including but not limited to (single) domain antibodies and ScFv fragments), which will be clear to the skilled person.
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains, and polypeptides of the invention can for example also be produced in the milk of transgenic mammals, for example in the milk of rabbits, cows, goats or sheep (see for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,741,957, U.S. Pat. No. 6,304,489 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,992 for general techniques for introducing transgenes into mammals), in plants or parts of plants including but not limited to their leaves, flowers, fruits, seed, roots or turbers (for example in tobacco, maize, soybean or alfalfa) or in for example pupae of the silkworm Bombix mori.
  • immunoglobulin single variable domains, and polypeptides of the invention can also be expressed and/or produced in cell-free expression systems, and suitable examples of such systems will be clear to the skilled person.
  • Some preferred, but non-limiting examples include expression in the wheat germ system; in rabbit reticulocyte lysates; or in the E. coli Zubay system.
  • polypeptides based thereon can be prepared through expression in a suitable bacterial system, and suitable bacterial expression systems, vectors, host cells, regulatory elements, etc., will be clear to the skilled person, for example from the references cited above. It should however be noted that the invention in its broadest sense is not limited to expression in bacterial systems.
  • an (in vivo or in vitro) expression system such as a bacterial expression system
  • a bacterial expression system provides the polypeptides of the invention in a form that is suitable for pharmaceutical use
  • expression systems will again be clear to the skilled person.
  • polypeptides of the invention suitable for pharmaceutical use can be prepared using techniques for peptide synthesis.
  • preferred heterologous hosts for the (industrial) production of immunoglobulin single variable domains or immunoglobulin single variable domain-containing protein therapeutics include strains of E. coli, Pichia pastoris, S. cerevisiae that are suitable for large scale expression/production/fermentation, and in particular for large scale pharmaceutical GMP grade) expression/production/fermentation. Suitable examples of such strains will be clear to the skilled person. Such strains and production/expression systems are also made available by companies such as Richter Helm (Hamburg, Germany) or CMC Biologics (Soeborg, Denmark).
  • mammalian cell lines in particular Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, can be used for large scale expression/production/fermentation, and in particular for large scale pharmaceutical expression/production/fermentation.
  • CHO Chinese hamster ovary
  • either a human cell or cell line is used (i.e., leading to a protein that essentially has a human glycosylation pattern) or another mammalian cell line is used that can provide a glycosylation pattern that is essentially and/or functionally the same as human glycosylation or at least mimics human glycosylation.
  • prokaryotic hosts such as E. coli do not have the ability to glycosylate proteins, and the use of lower eukaryotes such as yeast usually leads to a glycosylation pattern that differs from human glycosylation. Nevertheless, it should be understood that all the foregoing host cells and expression systems can be used in the invention, depending on the desired polypeptide to be obtained.
  • the polypeptide of the invention is glycosylated. According to another non-limiting aspect of the invention, the polypeptide of the invention is non-glycosylated.
  • the polypeptide of the invention is produced in a bacterial cell, in particular a bacterial cell suitable for large scale pharmaceutical production, such as cells of the strains mentioned above.
  • the polypeptide of the invention is produced in a yeast cell, in particular a yeast cell suitable for large scale pharmaceutical production, such as cells of the species mentioned above.
  • the polypeptide of the invention is produced in a mammalian cell, in particular in a human cell or in a cell of a human cell line, and more in particular in a human cell or in a cell of a human cell line that is suitable for large scale pharmaceutical production, such as the cell lines mentioned hereinabove.
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains, and polypeptides of the invention when expression in a host cell is used to produce the immunoglobulin single variable domains, and the polypeptides of the invention, can be produced either intracellullarly (e.g., in the cytosol, in the periplasma or in inclusion bodies) and then isolated from the host cells and optionally further purified; or can be produced extracellularly (e.g., in the medium in which the host cells are cultured) and then isolated from the culture medium and optionally further purified.
  • intracellullarly e.g., in the cytosol, in the periplasma or in inclusion bodies
  • extracellularly e.g., in the medium in which the host cells are cultured
  • the polypeptide of the invention is an amino acid sequence, polypeptide that has been produced intracellularly and that has been isolated from the host cell, and in particular from a bacterial cell or from an inclusion body in a bacterial cell.
  • the amino acid sequence, or polypeptide of the invention is an amino acid sequence, or polypeptide that has been produced extracellularly, and that has been isolated from the medium in which the host cell is cultivated.
  • Some preferred, but non-limiting promoters for use with these host cells include those mentioned on pages 139 and 140 of WO 08/020079.
  • Some preferred, but non-limiting secretory sequences for use with these host cells include those mentioned on page 140 of WO 08/020079.
  • Suitable techniques for transforming a host or host cell of the invention will be clear to the skilled person and may depend on the intended host cell/host organism and the genetic construct to be used. Reference is again made to the handbooks and patent applications mentioned above.
  • a step for detecting and selecting those host cells or host organisms that have been successfully transformed with the nucleotide sequence/genetic construct of the invention may be performed. This may for instance be a selection step based on a selectable marker present in the genetic construct of the invention or a step involving the detection of the amino acid sequence of the invention, e.g., using specific antibodies.
  • the transformed host cell (which may be in the form or a stable cell line) or host organisms (which may be in the form of a stable mutant line or strain) form further aspects of the present invention.
  • these host cells or host organisms are such that they express, or are (at least) capable of expressing (e.g., under suitable conditions), a polypeptide of the invention (and in case of a host organism: in at least one cell, part, tissue or organ thereof).
  • the invention also includes further generations, progeny and/or offspring of the host cell or host organism of the invention that may for instance be obtained by cell division or by sexual or asexual reproduction.
  • the transformed host cell or transformed host organism may generally be kept, maintained and/or cultured under conditions such that the (desired) amino acid sequence, or polypeptide of the invention is expressed/produced. Suitable conditions will be clear to the skilled person and will usually depend upon the host cell/host organism used, as well as on the regulatory elements that control the expression of the (relevant) nucleotide sequence of the invention. Again, reference is made to the handbooks and patent applications mentioned above in the paragraphs on the genetic constructs of the invention.
  • suitable conditions may include the use of a suitable medium, the presence of a suitable source of food and/or suitable nutrients, the use of a suitable temperature, and optionally the presence of a suitable inducing factor or compound (e.g., when the nucleotide sequences of the invention are under the control of an inducible promoter); all of which may be selected by the skilled person.
  • a suitable inducing factor or compound e.g., when the nucleotide sequences of the invention are under the control of an inducible promoter
  • the immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention may be expressed in a constitutive manner, in a transient manner, or only when suitably induced.
  • amino acid sequence, or polypeptide of the invention may (first) be generated in an immature form (as mentioned above), which may then be subjected to post-translational modification, depending on the host cell/host organism used.
  • amino acid sequence, or polypeptide of the invention may be glycosylated, again depending on the host cell/host organism used.
  • the amino acid sequence, or polypeptide of the invention may then be isolated from the host cell/host organism and/or from the medium in which said host cell or host organism was cultivated, using protein isolation and/or purification techniques known per se, such as (preparative) chromatography and/or electrophoresis techniques, differential precipitation techniques, affinity techniques (e.g., using a specific, cleavable amino acid sequence fused with the amino acid sequence, or polypeptide of the invention) and/or preparative immunological techniques (i.e. using antibodies against the amino acid sequence to be isolated).
  • protein isolation and/or purification techniques known per se such as (preparative) chromatography and/or electrophoresis techniques, differential precipitation techniques, affinity techniques (e.g., using a specific, cleavable amino acid sequence fused with the amino acid sequence, or polypeptide of the invention) and/or preparative immunological techniques (i.e. using antibodies against the amino acid sequence to be isolated).
  • the screening methods involve screening an agent or a plurality of agents to identify one or more agents that interacts with (human) CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO:1), for example, by binding to a CXCR7 or a fragment thereof and preventing the polypeptides or ISVDs of the invention, such as, for instance, comprising any one of SEQ ID NOs: 39-48, 78-89, 91, 99-102 or 132-140, from binding to CXCR7 (SEQ ID NO: 1).
  • an agent binds CXCR7 with at least about 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 300, 500, or 1000 times the affinity of the agent for another protein.
  • the fragment of CXCR7 comprising the epitopes described herein (and optionally comprising further non-CXCR7 amino acids at the N and/or C termini) is no more than, e.g., 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 50, 40, 30, 20 or fewer amino acids.
  • the CXCR7 fragment is any fragment having less than all of the amino acids in the full length_CXCR7 polypeptide.
  • CXCR7 modulators are identified by screening for molecules that compete with the polypeptide or ISVD of the invention from binding to a CXCR7 polypeptide, or fragment thereof.
  • samples with CXCR7 are pre-incubated with a labeled polypeptides or ISVDs of the invention, such as, for instance, comprising any one of SEQ ID NOs: 39-48, 78-89, 91, 99-102 or 132-140 and then contacted with a potential competitor molecule.
  • Alteration e.g., a decrease
  • the quantity of polypeptide or ISVD bound to CXCR7 in the presence of a test compound indicates that the test compound is a potential CXCR7 modulator.
  • kits are also provided by the invention.
  • such kits may include any or all of the following: assay reagents, buffers, and the anti-CXCR7 polypeptides or ISVDs of the invention.
  • a therapeutic product may include sterile saline or another pharmaceutically acceptable emulsion and suspension base.
  • kits may include instructional materials containing directions (i.e., protocols) for the practice of the methods of this invention.
  • instructional materials typically comprise written or printed materials they are not limited to such. Any medium capable of storing such instructions and communicating them to an end user is contemplated by this invention.
  • Such media include, but are not limited to electronic storage media (e.g., magnetic discs, tapes, cartridges, chips), optical media (e.g., CD ROM), and the like.
  • Such media may include addresses to internet sites that provide such instructional materials.
  • Aspect O-1 Composition comprising at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain according to any of aspects A-1 to A-22, B-1 to B-7, C-1 to C-4, D-1 to D-6, E-1 to E-13, or at least one polypeptide according to any of aspects K-1 to K-4, or nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence according to aspects M-1 or M-2.
  • Amino acid sequences of immunoglobulin single variable sequences of the invention SEQ Name of ID clone NO: Amino acid sequences 07B11 39 EVQLVESGGNLVQAGGSLGLSCAASVSISSIHIMGWYRQ APGKQRDLVATITSGGSTAYADSVKGRFTVSKDNAKNTV YLQMDSLKPEDTSVYYCAAEVRNGVEGKWNHYWGQGTQV TVSS 07C03 40 EVQLVESGGOLVQAGESLTLSCAASGRTLSAYIMGWFRQ APGKEREFVAGIWSGGYTHLADSAKGRFSISRDNAKNTV YLQMNGLKPEDTAVYYCAAGLRGRQYSNWGQGTQVTVSS 08A05 41 EVQLVESGGGLVQAGDSLRLSCAASGLTFSNYDMGWFRQ APGKEREFVGASWWSGGAPYYSDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNT VYLQANSLRPEDTAVYYCAAKRLRSFASG
  • endotoxin-free pVAX1-CXCR7 plasmid was produced, dissolved to a concentration of 2 mg/mL in 0.9% saline and stored at ⁇ 20° C.
  • Four llamas (391, 395, 396 and 397) were immunized with 2 mg pVAX1-hCXCR7 via intradermal Jet injection (Akra DermoJet France) for four times with two weeks intervals.
  • the 4 animals received a boost with camel kidney (CAKE) cells (Nguyen et al. 2001. Adv. Immunol. 79: 261-296) (2 ⁇ 10 7 cells) stably expressing hCXCR7.
  • CAKE camel kidney
  • llamas Three llamas (385, 387 and 404) were immunized with four injections of 2 ⁇ 10 7 HEK293 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-hCXCR7 with two weeks intervals. From llamas 391, 395, 396 and 397, peripheral blood lymphocytes were collected 4 days and 10 days after the last DNA immunization and 3 days and 9 days after the cell boost. From llamas 385, 387 and 404, peripheral blood lymphocytes were collected 4 and 8 days after the final cell injection. Additionally, a biopsy of the palpable bow lymph node (LN) was collected from each llama via local surgery 3 days after the last cell boost. From all lymphocyte harboring immune tissues total RNA was extracted and used as template to prepare cDNA.
  • LN palpable bow lymph node
  • cDNA was prepared from the extracted total RNA samples (example 2) and used to amplify the cDNA repertoire via nested PCR as previously described (WO 02/085945 and WO 04/049794).
  • the PCR products were digested with SfiI (introduced via nested PCR in the FR1 primer region) and BstEII (restriction site naturally occurring in FR4) and following gel electrophoresis, the DNA fragment of approximately 400 bps was purified from gel.
  • the amplified cDNA repertoire was ligated into the corresponding restriction sites of SfiI-BstEII digested phage display vector (pAX50) to obtain a library after electroporation of Escherichia coli TG1.
  • This display vector allows the production of phage particles, expressing the individual VHHs (hereinforth also referred to as Nanobodies) as a fusion protein with a C-terminal Myc-His6-tag (hereinforth also TAG-1 or SEQ ID NO: 71) and with the geneIII product.
  • Phage from the above libraries were used for selections on hCXCR7 virus-like particles (VLP; Integral Molecular), intact CXCR7 expressing cells, membrane extracts from CXCR7 expressing cells and peptides.
  • VLP Integral Molecular
  • a first selection round 10 units of VLPs derived from hCXCR7 transfected HEK293 cells were coated in 96-well Maxisorp plate (Nunc) and blocked with low-fat milk powder (Marvell 4% in PBS). After 2 hours of incubation with rescued phage, trypsin elution (1 mg/ml) was allowed for 15 minutes at room temperature subsequent to 20 PBS washes. Protease activity was immediately neutralized by applying 16 mM protease inhibitor ABSF. The round 1 phage outputs were rescued and a second selection round was performed on 10 or 1 units of plate-immobilized hCXCR7 VLPs. The round 2 phage outputs selected on 10 or 1 units plate immobilized hCXCR7 VLPs were infected into TG1 cells and plated on agar plates (LB+Amp+2% glucose).
  • Nanobodies were sequenced and redundant Nanobodies (identical AA sequence) were removed. This resulted in the identification of 78 unique sequences, belonging to 45 distinct Nanobody B-cell lineages. Phage ELISA data for representative clones from distinct Nanobody B-cell lineages are represented in Table B-7 and indicate that the Nanobodies do bind to human CXCR7 on VIP. Notably, all Nanobodies were derived from PBLs after cell boost, except for Nanobody 01C10 (see Example 2). Evaluated against the other CXCR7 specific Nanobodies, Nanobody 01C10 was a notorious weak binder, which in first instance was used for comparative reasons (data not shown).
  • Nanobodies representing distinct Nanobody B-cell lineages were tested as periplasmic extracts for their binding to cell surface exposed CXCR7.
  • 5-fold dilutions of periplasmic extract were incubated with Hek293 hCXCR7 and Hek293 wt cells.
  • Binding of the Nanobodies was detected using mouse anti-myc (Serotec), followed by anti-mouse IgG-PE (Jackson Immununoresearch). Binding signals of selected Nanobody clones (mcf values and ratios of binding) are represented in Table B-8 and indicate that the Nanobodies do bind to cellular human CXCR7.
  • Nanobodies were recloned in E. coli expression vector pAX100 and expressed as C-terminal linked myc, His6 (hereforth also Tag-2 or SEQ ID NO: 72)-tagged proteins.
  • Various Nanobodies were also expressed as fusion proteins comprising Alb8 (Nanobody-linker-Alb8-myc-His6) (see sequences SEQ ID NOs: 44 to 48—Table B-4) or as tagless Nanobodies. Expression was induced by IPTG and allowed to continue for 4 h at 37° C. After spinning the cell cultures, periplasmic extracts were prepared by freeze-thawing the pellets. Nanobodies were purified from these extracts using immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) and a buffer exchange to D-PBS.
  • IMAC immobilized metal affinity chromatography
  • Nanobodies were evaluated in SDF-1 ligand displacement assays using stable NIH3T3-hCXCR7 cells. 24 h after seeding the cells, the cells were pre-incubated for 1 h at 4′C with a dilution series of purified monovalent Nanobodies and the corresponding C-terminal Tag-2 tagged fusion proteins to the human serum albumin binding Nanobody Alb8 (see Table B-4: SEQ ID NOs 44 to 48 wherein the polypeptides are all C-terminal tagged with Tag-2). Also reference molecules Mab 8F11 (Biolegend), Mab 11G8 (R&D) and unlabelled SDF-1 were included in the assay.
  • Radiolabeled [ 125 I]-CXCL12 was diluted and added to the cells to reach a final concentration of 75 ⁇ M and cells were incubated for 3 h at 4° C. After incubation, cells were washed twice, lysed with RIPA buffer and the 125 I signal was measured. Average Ki values and the percentage of displacement relative to the displacement of cold SDF-1, are shown in Table B-10. The competition of tested Nanobodies of Group 1 and Mab 8F11 is between 73 and 83%, relative to competition with unlabelled SDF-1.
  • This level of displacement correspond to a 100% blocking of the CXCR7 protein, as the remaining SDF-1 binding is believed not to be CXCR7 mediated, but due to the SDF-1 interaction with heparin sulfate proteoglycans. Fusion to the human serum albumin-binding Nanobody Alb8 has no significant effect on Ki values.
  • Nanobody 07C03 and Mab 8F11 Biolegend
  • SDF-1 The potency of Nanobody 07C03 and Mab 8F11 (Biolegend) to compete with SDF-1 was evaluated in competition FACS with HEK-hCXCR7 cells. Cells were incubated simultaneously with 4 nM biotinylated SDF-1 (R&D) and with diluted test molecules, for 2 h at 4° C. Binding of biotinylated SDF-1 was detected using streptavidin-PE. Competition curves are depicted in FIG. 1 . In this assay, Mab 8F11 and 07C03 competition is complete (>95%), relative to competition with unlabelled SDF-1, underscoring the complete inhibition of the SDF-1-CXCR7 interaction.
  • the minimal epitope of Mab 11G8 is known to be F14SDISWP20 located at the CXCR7 N-terminus (see e.g., WO2008/048519).
  • Cells were incubated simultaneously with 20 nM Mab 11G8 APC(R&D) and with diluted test molecules for 2 h at 4° C. Competition curves are depicted at FIG. 2 .
  • the level of competition with Mab 11G8 APC ranges from ⁇ 20 to 100%, suggesting that the respective Nanobody epitopes match to a high degree (high % of competition) with the Mab 11G8 epitope or to a low degree (low % of competition) or induce allosteric changes affecting the Mab 11G8 binding.
  • These data indicate that the selected Nanobodies bind to divergent, but probably overlapping epitopes.
  • Nanobodies 08A05, 08A10, 07C03, 07B11, 01C10 and 14G03, Mab 8F11 (Biolegend), Mab 11G8 (R&D) and Mab 9C4 (MBL) were further tested for competition with Alexa647-labelled 14603 in FACS analysis.
  • Nanobodies 08A05, 08A10, 07C03, 07B11, Mab 8F11, Mab 11G8 and Mab 9C4 compete with 14G03 binding to CXCR7, while 01C10 does not, suggesting that 01C10 hits an epitope distinct from the epitope(s) hit by the other selected Nanobodies.
  • Nanobodies were tested for their binding to a set of 10 point mutants of CXCR7 (S9A, F14Y, I17L, S18N, W19A, 523G, D25A, V32A, M33Q, N36T), which yielded information on the individual Nanobody epitopes.
  • CXCR7 CXCR7
  • the epitope included residue M33, while that of 01C10 did not.
  • the binding of 01C10 (and 07B11) was affected by the W19A mutation, while this mutation did not affect the binding of 08A05, 08A10, 07C03 and 14G03. Again, these data indicate that 01C10 hits a distinct epitope.
  • HEK293 cells transfected respectively with pcDNA3.1-hCXCR7 and pcDNA3.1-mCXCR7 were used to test cross-reactive binding of Nanobodies to mouse CXCR7 in FACS analysis.
  • Cells were incubated with 32 nM Mab 11G8 (R&D), Mab 9C4 (MBL), Mab 8F11 (Biolegend) or with 800 nM Nanobody for 2 h at 4° C.
  • Nanobody binding was detected using mouse anti-myc (Serotec) and anti-mouse IgG-PE (Jackson Immunoresearch) and Mab binding by goat anti-mouse IgG-PE (Jackson Immunoresearchy Nanobodies 08A10, 14G03, 07B11 and Mab9C4 are not cross-reactive to mouse CXCR7, Nanobodies 08A05 and 07C03 are partially cross-reactive with mouse CXCR7 and Mab 8F11, Mab 11G8 and 01C10 are cross-reactive with mouse CXCR7 (Table B-11).
  • Nanobodies 08A10, 14G03, 07B11, 08A05, 07CO 3 , 01C10 and Mab 9C4, Mab 8F11 and Mab 11G8 are all cross-reactive to cynomolgus CXCR7 (Table B-11).
  • Bivalent Nanobodies were constructed with one N-terminal CXCR7-specific building block (either 01C10, 14G03, 08A05, 08A10 or 07CO 3 but also even less potent building blocks like 08C02, 01C07, 01D04, which were not listed in the examples above) and a C-terminal human serum albumin (HSA)-specific building block (ALB8), providing the Nanobodies with an extended half-life in vivo.
  • Trivalent Nanobodies consisted of one more CXCR7-specific building block in order to improve the potency and efficacy of the Na nobody to displace SDF-1 from the receptor. Bivalent and trivalent Na nobodies were expressed with Tag-2 extension in Pichia.
  • Bivalent and trivalent Nanobodies were screened in the SDF-1 displacement assay as described in Example 9. Samples were incubated in the presence or absence of HSA to estimate the effect of HSA binding to the Nanobodies during the assay. While potencies of bivalent Nanobodies were dramatically lowered in the presence of HSA, they are much better conserved for trivalent Nanobodies (Table B-12).
  • the PathHunter eXpress ⁇ -arrestin assay (DiscoverX) was used to assess the antagonistic effect of trivalent Nanobodies on recruitment of ⁇ -arrestin.
  • a panel of 37 trivalent Nanobodies (clones) was screened at a 100 nM concentration in the assay. Results are ranked in Table B-13 on the basis of efficiency of inhibition. The most efficient trivalent molecules constitute combinations with 01C10, the Nanobody that hits a distinct epitope (cf. Example 11). These Nanobodies (clones) can bind in a double mode to one CXCR7 monomer
  • Nanobodies may be classified into 3 groups:
  • Nanobodies of Group 2 either monovalently or bivalently demonstrate superior binding and competition characteristics than the corresponding Nanobodies of Group 1
  • Nanobodies of Group 1 combined with Nanobodies of Group 2 gave wholly unexpectedly the best results in the ⁇ -arrestin recruitment assay.
  • Nanobodies were further characterized in the ⁇ -arrestin recruitment assay and potencies were assessed.
  • the assay was run in the presence and absence of HSA to estimate the effect of HSA binding to the Nanobody during the assay. Longer linkers preceding the ALB8 building block were evaluated to minimize sterical interference of HSA binding to the Nanobody (Table B-14).
  • Nanobodies were expressed without Tag-3 and characterized in both the ⁇ -arrestin recruitment assay and in the SDF-1 competition FACS in the presence of 2 mg/ml HSA (further essentially as described in Example 10) and potencies were assessed (Table B-15 and FIG. 8 ).
  • Constructs comprising “Group 2 ISVD”-“Group 2 ISVD” (represented by e.g.
  • constructs comprising “Group 2 ISVD”-“Group 1 ISVD” are more efficacious in SDF-1 displacement than constructs comprising “Group 1 ISVD”-“Group 1 ISVD” (represented by e.g., clone 093).
  • Competition with constructs comprising “Group 1 ISVD”-“Group 1 ISVD” is less effective.
  • Group 2 ISVDs are excellent SDF-1 displacers.
  • TMA Tissue Micro Array
  • Immunohistochemical staining of CXCR7-expressing tissue was performed as follows: (1) paraffin was removed from the tissue, tissues were dehydrated and washed; (2) endogenous peroxidase was inactivated by addition of 3% H2O2 in distilled water; (3) the specimen was dried upon washing; (4) unspecific binding was blocked by 10% BSA in PBS; (5) the anti-human/mouse CXCR7 monoclonal antibody (Biolegend, clone Mab 8F11) or an isotype control antibody (Biolegend, IgG2b) was incubated at a concentration of 25 ⁇ g/mL and subsequently the tissue was washed; (6) the secondary antibody goat anti-mouse biotinylated IgG (JacksonImmunoResearch) was incubated at a final concentration of 2.8 ⁇ g/mL and the tissue was washed afterwards; (7) the detection was performed with the ABC solution and peroxidase substrate of the Vectastain ABC kit (Ve
  • the TMA (170 tumor models) was evaluated semi-quantitatively using a Zeiss Axiovert 35 microscope. Photographs were taken with a Zeiss AxioCam MRc camera. All tumor samples were evaluated in duplicate. Staining was interpreted based on the proportion of positively-stained cells as well as on the signal intensity. Samples were grouped in the following categories: 0, no staining (antigen absent); 1, weak staining; 2, moderate staining; 3, strong staining.
  • FIG. 3 gives an overview of the scores assigned to the different tumor types.
  • Nine tumors did not show any CXCR7 expression (staining score 0) and for the rest of the xenograft tissues a weak or intermediate expression (scores 1 and 2) was found.
  • the majority of colon cancer tumors (19 out of 23 or 82.6%) and gastric cancer tumors (8 out of 12 or 66.7%) displayed no or only weak staining with a score of ⁇ 1, whereas all of the head and neck cancer tumors (7 out of 7 or 100%) tested showed a relatively high CXCR7 expression with a score of ⁇ 2.
  • CXCR7 staining was highly variable between the individual tumor models.
  • Cell line UM-SCC-11B (11B) was cultured from a biopsy of a primary laryngeal cancer, after the patient got chemotherapy.
  • Cell line UM-SCC-22A (22A) was derived from a primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.
  • Cell line UM-SCC-22B (22B) was derived from a metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.
  • HNSCC human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
  • mice All animal experiments were conducted according to the NIH principles of laboratory animal care and Dutch national law [“Wet op de Dierproeven” (Stb 1985, 336)], approved by the Dierexperimentencommissie from the VU University Medical Center and performed in compliance with the protocol FaCh 10-01. Head and neck cancer cells 22A were injected s.c. in the flanks of 8- to 10-week old female donor nude mice (Hsd, athymic nu/nu, Harlan laboratories). Xenograft tumors were grown to a size of 200-500 mm 3 , and were subsequently excised, cut in smaller pieces of equal size and transplanted s.c. in the flanks of recipient nude mice. When transplanted tumors properly engrafted, mice were injected i.p. bi-weekly with either PBS, or 1 mg bivalent Nanobody or 1.5 mg trivalent Nanobody.
  • Head and neck cancer cell lines were first tested for CXCR7 mRNA expression. Out of 6 cell lines tested, 4 cell lines showed mRNA expression of CXCR7, namely 22A, 22B, OE and 93-VU-147 cell lines ( FIG. 4 ).
  • CXCR7 mRNA is expressed in a wide range of tissues in humans. However, mRNA expression does not always correlate with cell surface expression of the protein. Therefore, in order to further assess the presence of CXCR7 protein, protein expression of CXCR7 was confirmed in a [ 125 I]-CXCL12 radioligand binding assay. CXCR7-specific expression was determined by displacing the radioligand with the cold chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL11, but not CXCL10. Additionally, the monovalent Nanobody 09A04 displaced [ 125 I]-CXCL12 to a similar extent than CXCL11 and CXCL12 ( FIG. 5 ).
  • CXCR7-expressing cell lines were used in a xenograft model in viva where tumour growth was measured.
  • the 22A cell line was chosen as xenograft tumour model since nude mice s.c. injected with 2 ⁇ 10 6 cells per flank allowed for xenograft tumor formation.
  • tumour transplantation we performed. First, donor nude mice were initially injected with 2 ⁇ 10 6 22A cells s.c. in their flanks. Tumours were grown to a size of 200-500 mm 3 and subsequently extracted, cut in smaller pieces of equal size, and transplanted s.c. in recipient nude mice.
  • mice When engrafted tumours started growing, mice were randomly distributed into five groups that were injected bi-weekly with 400 ul PBS without or with Nanobodies.
  • the constructs tested for therapy were clone 060, clone 083, clone 085 and clone 093.
  • Bivalent and trivalent Nanobodies were dosed at 1 and 1.5 mg per injection, respectively.
  • the control (PBS) and clone 060 and clone 083 groups grew tumors to a similar extent (no significant different sizes)( FIG. 6 ).
  • CXCR7 Nanobodies reduce head and neck cancer cell growth in viva.
  • Example 19 it has been demonstrated that CXCR7 Nanobodies are able to inhibit tumours as exemplified by head and neck cancers.
  • Nanobodies are also effective in other tumours in which CXCR7 is (over)-expressed than head and neck cancers.
  • GBM glioblastoma multiforme
  • GBM xenograph models can be used essentially as described, for instance, by Yi et al. (EGFR Gene Overexpression Retained in an Invasive Xenograft Model by Solid Orthotopic Transplantation of Human Glioblastoma Multiforme Into Nude Mice” Cancer Invest. 2011 29: 229-239).
  • the xenograph set up as described in Example 19 is employed, but using xenographs derived from primary tumours, which are obtained from patients who undergo surgical treatment. Cells derived from these tumours are injected into 4-6 weeks old, congenitally athymic nude mice, female, on Balb/c nu/nu background. Mice are maintained under specific pathogen-free barrier environment. For grafting and imaging, the mice are anesthetized intraperitoneally with a 0.10 mg ketamine hydrochloride solution per gram body weight. If necessary, the tumours are excised and retransplanted into other mice, as described in Example 19.
  • Tumour size is measured every 4 days.
  • the tumour size is measured by a caliper, and the tumour volume is calculated using the formula (length ⁇ width 2 )/2.
  • the development of the tumour volumes of the mice is followed for 30 days. At 30 days the mice are sacrificed. The tumours are weighed and fixed in 4% polyformaldehyde. The tumour sections are excised for immunohistochemical analysis.
  • tumours listed in FIG. 3 are tested similarly, either by xenographs of established cell lines or derived from primary tumours. Tumours having a high percentage of CXCR7 are preferred for initial testing.
  • Group 1 ISVDs were identified: 01C12 (SEQ ID NO: 99), 01B12 (SEQ ID NO: 100), 01F11 (SEQ ID NO: 101) and 01B10 (SEQ ID NO: 102) (Table B-3).
  • Example 19 it was demonstrated that CXCR7 Nanobodies reduce head and neck cancer cell growth in vivo.
  • mice received 1.5 mg of either clone 085 (Group 1 ISVD-Group 2 ISVD) or clone 093 (Group 1 ISVD-Group 1 ISVD).
  • mice are randomly distributed into 11 groups of 5 mice each that are injected bi-weekly with 400 ul PBS without or with the constructs.
  • the constructs tested for therapy are clone 085 and clone 093.
  • the dosing is according to the following scheme:
  • mice clone 085 1.5 mg 0.75 mg 0.375 mg 0.17 mg 0.085 mg clone 093 1.5 mg 0.75 mg 0.375 mg 0.17 mg 0.085 mg PBS (negative — — — — — control)
  • tumour size is measured every 4 days.
  • the tumour size is measured by a caliper, and the tumour volume is calculated using the formula (length ⁇ width 2 )/2.
  • the development of the tumour volumes of the mice is followed for 30 days. At 50 days the mice are sacrificed. The tumours are weighed and fixed in 4% polyformaldehyde. The tumour sections are excised for immunohistochemical analysis.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Proteomics, Peptides & Aminoacids (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
  • Rheumatology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Neurology (AREA)
  • Neurosurgery (AREA)
  • Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)
  • Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)
  • Preparation Of Compounds By Using Micro-Organisms (AREA)
  • Medicines That Contain Protein Lipid Enzymes And Other Medicines (AREA)
  • Medicines Containing Antibodies Or Antigens For Use As Internal Diagnostic Agents (AREA)
US14/008,011 2011-03-28 2012-03-28 Bispecific anti-cxcr7 immunoglobulin single variable domains Abandoned US20150158948A9 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/008,011 US20150158948A9 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-03-28 Bispecific anti-cxcr7 immunoglobulin single variable domains

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201161468250P 2011-03-28 2011-03-28
US201161540272P 2011-09-28 2011-09-28
US201261600263P 2012-02-17 2012-02-17
US14/008,011 US20150158948A9 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-03-28 Bispecific anti-cxcr7 immunoglobulin single variable domains
PCT/EP2012/055499 WO2012130874A1 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-03-28 Bispecific anti-cxcr7 immunoglobulin single variable domains

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20140227270A1 US20140227270A1 (en) 2014-08-14
US20150158948A9 true US20150158948A9 (en) 2015-06-11

Family

ID=45952494

Family Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/008,011 Abandoned US20150158948A9 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-03-28 Bispecific anti-cxcr7 immunoglobulin single variable domains
US13/937,718 Active 2034-12-20 US9994639B2 (en) 2011-03-28 2013-07-09 Biological materials related to CXCR7
US15/969,938 Abandoned US20180355048A1 (en) 2011-03-28 2018-05-03 Biological materials related to cxcr7

Family Applications After (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/937,718 Active 2034-12-20 US9994639B2 (en) 2011-03-28 2013-07-09 Biological materials related to CXCR7
US15/969,938 Abandoned US20180355048A1 (en) 2011-03-28 2018-05-03 Biological materials related to cxcr7

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (3) US20150158948A9 (ko)
EP (1) EP2691418A1 (ko)
JP (1) JP6181040B2 (ko)
CN (1) CN103917560B (ko)
AU (1) AU2012234284B2 (ko)
CA (1) CA2831415A1 (ko)
WO (1) WO2012130874A1 (ko)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017048699A3 (en) * 2015-09-14 2017-06-01 Galaxy Biotech Llc Highly potent monoclonal antibodies to angiogenic factors
CN111655296A (zh) * 2018-02-26 2020-09-11 埃博灵克斯股份有限公司 编码肽接头的经改良核苷酸序列
US11155619B2 (en) 2015-11-18 2021-10-26 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. PD1 and/or LAG3 binders

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9512236B2 (en) 2006-12-19 2016-12-06 Ablynx N.V. Amino acid sequences directed against GPCRS and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of GPCR-related diseases and disorders
US9212226B2 (en) 2008-05-16 2015-12-15 Ablynx N.V. Amino acid sequences directed against CXCR4 and other GPCRs and compounds comprising the same
WO2011117423A1 (en) 2010-03-26 2011-09-29 Ablynx N.V. Immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against cxcr7
JP6243850B2 (ja) * 2012-11-26 2017-12-06 学校法人近畿大学 抗がん剤による末梢神経障害の予防、治療、または軽減剤
ES2815572T3 (es) 2014-05-16 2021-03-30 Ablynx Nv Dominios variables de inmunoglobulina
NO2768984T3 (ko) 2015-11-12 2018-06-09
CA3014443A1 (en) * 2016-02-12 2017-08-17 Ablynx Nv Method for the production of immunoglobulin single variable domains
EP4119944A1 (en) * 2016-06-23 2023-01-18 Ablynx N.V. Improved pharmacokinetic assays for immunoglobulin single variable domains
WO2024133935A1 (en) 2022-12-23 2024-06-27 Ablynx Nv Protein-based conjugation carriers

Family Cites Families (59)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2919890B2 (ja) 1988-11-11 1999-07-19 メディカル リサーチ カウンスル 単一ドメインリガンド、そのリガンドからなる受容体、その製造方法、ならびにそのリガンドおよび受容体の使用
US5399346A (en) 1989-06-14 1995-03-21 The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Health And Human Services Gene therapy
SE509359C2 (sv) 1989-08-01 1999-01-18 Cemu Bioteknik Ab Användning av stabiliserade protein- eller peptidkonjugat för framställning av ett läkemedel
WO1992002551A1 (en) 1990-08-02 1992-02-20 B.R. Centre Limited Methods for the production of proteins with a desired function
WO1994004678A1 (en) 1992-08-21 1994-03-03 Casterman Cecile Immunoglobulins devoid of light chains
ATE198490T1 (de) 1993-06-09 2001-01-15 Unilever Nv Verfahren zur herstellung von fusionsproteinen, die scfv fragmente enthalten, in transformierten schimmelpilzen
US6091639A (en) 1993-08-27 2000-07-18 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Non-volatile semiconductor memory device and data programming method
EP0739981A1 (en) 1995-04-25 1996-10-30 Vrije Universiteit Brussel Variable fragments of immunoglobulins - use for therapeutic or veterinary purposes
WO1999042077A2 (en) 1998-02-19 1999-08-26 Xcyte Therapies, Inc. Compositions and methods for regulating lymphocyte activation
DK1068357T3 (da) 1998-03-30 2011-12-12 Northwest Biotherapeutics Inc Terapeutiske og diagnostiske anvendelser baseret på CXCR-4-genets rolle i tumorgenese
JP2003518075A (ja) 1999-12-24 2003-06-03 ジェネンテック・インコーポレーテッド 生理活性化合物の消失半減期延長のための方法及び組成物
US6741957B1 (en) 2000-07-21 2004-05-25 Daimlerchrysler Corporation Analytical tire model for vehicle durability and ride comfort analysis
US7018812B2 (en) 2000-11-03 2006-03-28 Duke University Modified G-protein coupled receptors
JP4336771B2 (ja) 2001-03-09 2009-09-30 モルフォシス アーゲー 血清アルブミン結合部分
GB0110029D0 (en) 2001-04-24 2001-06-13 Grosveld Frank Transgenic animal
US20060073141A1 (en) 2001-06-28 2006-04-06 Domantis Limited Compositions and methods for treating inflammatory disorders
US7871619B2 (en) 2001-11-30 2011-01-18 Chemocentryx, Inc. Compositions and methods for detecting and treating diseases and conditions related to chemokine receptors
US7442512B2 (en) 2001-11-30 2008-10-28 Chemocentryx, Inc. Compositions and methods for detecting and treating diseases and conditions related to chemokine receptors
US7253007B2 (en) 2001-11-30 2007-08-07 Chemocentryx, Inc. Compositions and methods for detecting and treating diseases and conditions related to chemokine receptors
KR100599789B1 (ko) 2001-12-03 2006-07-12 삼성에스디아이 주식회사 방열효율이 향상된 플라즈마 디스플레이 장치 및 그 제조방법
AU2002351896A1 (en) 2001-12-11 2003-06-23 Ablynx N.V. Method for displaying loops from immunoglobulin domains in different contexts
AU2003209059A1 (en) 2002-02-08 2003-09-02 Genetastix Corporation Human monoclonal antibodies against membrane proteins
US7211240B2 (en) 2002-03-01 2007-05-01 Bracco International B.V. Multivalent constructs for therapeutic and diagnostic applications
US20060002935A1 (en) 2002-06-28 2006-01-05 Domantis Limited Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor 1 antagonists and methods of use therefor
WO2004041865A2 (en) 2002-11-08 2004-05-21 Ablynx N.V. Stabilized single domain antibodies
AU2003286004A1 (en) 2002-11-08 2004-06-07 Ablynx N.V. Single domain antibodies directed against interferon- gamma and uses therefor
JP4603894B2 (ja) 2002-12-03 2010-12-22 ユセベ ファルマ ソシエテ アノニム 抗体産生細胞を同定するためのアッセイ
GB0228210D0 (en) 2002-12-03 2003-01-08 Babraham Inst Single chain antibodies
WO2004060965A2 (en) 2002-12-31 2004-07-22 Nektar Therapeutics Al, Corporation Hydrolytically stable maleimide-terminated polymers
GB0312481D0 (en) 2003-05-30 2003-07-09 Celltech R&D Ltd Antibodies
JP2007521234A (ja) 2003-08-12 2007-08-02 ウィリアム エム ヤーブロー 尋常性ざ瘡の治療薬及び使用方法
WO2005019824A1 (en) 2003-08-20 2005-03-03 Celltech R & D Limited Methods for obtaining antibodies
US7563443B2 (en) 2004-09-17 2009-07-21 Domantis Limited Monovalent anti-CD40L antibody polypeptides and compositions thereof
WO2006047417A2 (en) 2004-10-21 2006-05-04 University Of Florida Research Foundation, Inc. Detection of cannabinoid receptor biomarkers and uses thereof
WO2006089141A2 (en) 2005-02-18 2006-08-24 Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Antibodies against cxcr4 and methods of use thereof
AU2006238855B2 (en) 2005-04-21 2011-12-22 Chemocentryx, Inc. Reagents that bind CCX-CKR2
EP2365000A3 (en) * 2005-05-18 2013-01-16 Ablynx N.V. Improved nanobodiesTM against tumor necrosis factor-alpha
PL3415535T3 (pl) * 2005-05-20 2021-06-14 Ablynx N.V. Ulepszone Nanociała TM do leczenia zaburzeń, w których pośredniczy agregacja
WO2007042289A2 (en) 2005-10-11 2007-04-19 Ablynx N.V. Nanobodies™ and polypeptides against egfr and igf-ir
WO2007055823A2 (en) 2005-10-28 2007-05-18 Multispan, Inc. Gpcr expressing cell lines and antibodies
US7557213B2 (en) 2005-11-10 2009-07-07 Chemocentryx, Inc. Substituted quinolones and methods of use
CA2649009A1 (en) 2006-04-14 2007-10-25 Ablynx N.V. Dp-78-like nanobodies
US20070269422A1 (en) * 2006-05-17 2007-11-22 Ablynx N.V. Serum albumin binding proteins with long half-lives
AU2007285695B2 (en) 2006-08-18 2012-05-24 Ablynx N.V. Amino acid sequences directed against IL-6R and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with IL-6-mediated signalling
CA2663042A1 (en) 2006-09-08 2008-03-13 Ablynx N.V. Serum albumin binding proteins with long half-lives
US8088895B2 (en) * 2006-10-18 2012-01-03 Chemocentryx, Inc. Antibodies that bind CXCR7 epitopes
JP4810411B2 (ja) 2006-11-30 2011-11-09 東京応化工業株式会社 処理装置
CA2671581A1 (en) 2006-12-05 2008-06-12 Ablynx N.V. Peptides capable of binding to serum proteins
US9512236B2 (en) 2006-12-19 2016-12-06 Ablynx N.V. Amino acid sequences directed against GPCRS and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of GPCR-related diseases and disorders
EP2557090A3 (en) 2006-12-19 2013-05-29 Ablynx N.V. Amino acid sequences directed against GPCRs and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of GPCR-related diseases and disorders
CN102089325A (zh) 2008-04-17 2011-06-08 埃博灵克斯股份有限公司 能够结合血清白蛋白的肽，以及包含其的化合物、构建体和多肽
US9212226B2 (en) * 2008-05-16 2015-12-15 Ablynx N.V. Amino acid sequences directed against CXCR4 and other GPCRs and compounds comprising the same
WO2010010119A1 (en) 2008-07-22 2010-01-28 Ablynx Nv Amino acid sequences directed against multitarget scavenger receptors and polypeptides
EP2352764B1 (en) * 2008-10-14 2018-03-28 Ablynx N.V. AMINO ACID SEQUENCES TARGETING HUMAN CD4 and CXCR4, CCR5, TLR4, ALPHAV INTEGRIN, BETA3-INTEGRIN,BETA1-INTEGRIN, HUMAN ALPHA2-INTEGRIN, CD81, SR-BI, CLAUDIN-1, CLAUDIN-6 AND/OR CLAUDIN-9, RESPECTIVELY, AND NEUTRALIZING VIRAL ENTRY
HUE042919T2 (hu) * 2008-12-19 2019-07-29 Ablynx Nv Genetikai immunizáció sejthez kapcsolódó antigének - például P2X7, CXCR7 vagy CXCR4 - elleni immunglobulinok elõállítására
WO2010141986A1 (en) * 2009-06-09 2010-12-16 Mabdesign Pty Ltd Novel antibodies and uses therefor
CA2788993A1 (en) 2010-02-05 2011-08-11 Ablynx N.V. Peptides capable of binding to serum albumin and compounds, constructs and polypeptides comprising the same
WO2011117423A1 (en) * 2010-03-26 2011-09-29 Ablynx N.V. Immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against cxcr7
WO2011143231A2 (en) 2010-05-10 2011-11-17 The Broad Institute High throughput paired-end sequencing of large-insert clone libraries

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Brown et al., Tolerance of single, but not multiple, amino acid replacements in antibody VH CDR 2: a means of minimizing B cell wastage from somatic hypermutation? J. Immunology 156: 3285-3291, 1996. *
Vajdos et al., Comprehensive functional maps of the antigen-binding site of an anti-ErbB2 antibody obtained with shotgun scanning mutagenesis. J. Mol. Biol. 320:415-428, 2002. *

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017048699A3 (en) * 2015-09-14 2017-06-01 Galaxy Biotech Llc Highly potent monoclonal antibodies to angiogenic factors
US11155619B2 (en) 2015-11-18 2021-10-26 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. PD1 and/or LAG3 binders
US11168136B2 (en) 2015-11-18 2021-11-09 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. PD1 and/or LAG3 binders
US11168135B2 (en) 2015-11-18 2021-11-09 Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp. PD1 and/or LAG3 binders
CN111655296A (zh) * 2018-02-26 2020-09-11 埃博灵克斯股份有限公司 编码肽接头的经改良核苷酸序列

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20180355048A1 (en) 2018-12-13
AU2012234284A1 (en) 2013-03-28
CA2831415A1 (en) 2012-10-04
CN103917560A (zh) 2014-07-09
JP6181040B2 (ja) 2017-08-16
WO2012130874A1 (en) 2012-10-04
EP2691418A1 (en) 2014-02-05
JP2014511680A (ja) 2014-05-19
CN103917560B (zh) 2017-05-24
AU2012234284B2 (en) 2015-10-08
US9994639B2 (en) 2018-06-12
US20140227270A1 (en) 2014-08-14
US20140178390A1 (en) 2014-06-26

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US9758584B2 (en) Biological materials related to CXCR7
US20180355048A1 (en) Biological materials related to cxcr7
US10808032B2 (en) Biological materials related to HER3
US10100110B2 (en) Sequences directed against hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of cancers and/or tumors
JP2009529339A (ja) Ｉｌ−６を標的とするアミノ酸配列およびそれを含みｉｌ−６介在シグナル伝達に関連する疾患および疾病を治療するポリペプチド
AU2013201422A1 (en) Sequences directed against hepatocyte growth factor (HFG) and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of cancers and/or tumors
US10618964B2 (en) Nanobody against IL-6R
US20110282033A1 (en) Amino acid sequences directed against growth factor receptors and polypeptides comprising the same for the treatment of diseases and disorders associated with growth factors and their receptors
EP2820046A1 (en) Cx3cr1-binding polypeptides
WO2009135953A2 (en) Amino acid sequences directed against integrins and uses thereof
AU2015264802B2 (en) Biological materials related to HER3

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: ABLYNX N.V., BELGIUM

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:DESCAMPS, FRANCIS;MAUSSANG-DETAILLE, DAVID ANDRE BAPTISTE;VAN ROY, MAARTEN;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20131017 TO 20140123;REEL/FRAME:032106/0637

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: EXPRESSLY ABANDONED -- DURING EXAMINATION