US20230406954A1 - Therapeutic molecules - Google Patents

Therapeutic molecules Download PDF

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US20230406954A1
US20230406954A1 US18/343,126 US202318343126A US2023406954A1 US 20230406954 A1 US20230406954 A1 US 20230406954A1 US 202318343126 A US202318343126 A US 202318343126A US 2023406954 A1 US2023406954 A1 US 2023406954A1
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sequence
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US18/343,126
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Brian MCGUINNESS
Isabelle OSUCH
Chris Rossant
Mike ROMANOS
Nikki Royle
Thomas Sandal
Lorraine Thompson
Michele Writer
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Crescendo Biologics Ltd
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Crescendo Biologics Ltd
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Priority claimed from GBGB1600559.7A external-priority patent/GB201600559D0/en
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Priority to US18/343,126 priority Critical patent/US20230406954A1/en
Publication of US20230406954A1 publication Critical patent/US20230406954A1/en
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    • 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
    • C07K16/30—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants from tumour cells
    • C07K16/3069—Reproductive system, e.g. ovaria, uterus, testes, prostate
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Definitions

  • the invention relates to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) binding molecules, and the use of such binding molecules in the treatment of disease.
  • PSMA prostate specific membrane antigen
  • Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin-related malignancy in males in developed countries. It is estimated that one in six males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
  • prostate cancer has greatly improved following the use of serum-based markers such as the prostate specific antigen (PSA).
  • PSA prostate specific antigen
  • prostate tumour-associated antigens offer targets for tumour imaging, diagnosis, and targeted therapies.
  • PSMA prostate specific membrane antigen
  • a prostate tumour associated marker is such a target.
  • PSMA is a 750-residue type II transmembrane glycoprotein highly restricted to prostate secretory epithelial cell membranes. It is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells and in nonprostatic solid tumor neovasculature and expressed at lower levels in other tissues, including healthy prostate, kidney, liver, small intestine, and brain. PSMA expression increases with prostate disease progression and metastasis and its expression level has thus been correlated with tumour aggressiveness. Various immunohistological studies have demonstrated increased PSMA levels in virtually all cases of prostatic carcinoma compared to those levels in benign prostate epithelial cells.
  • PSMA has a 3-part structure: a 19-amino-acid internal portion, a 24-amino-acid transmembrane portion, and a 707-amino-acid external portion. It forms a noncovalent homodimer that possesses glutamate carboxypeptidase activity based on its ability to process the neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate and glutamate-conjugated folate derivatives. PSMA is rapidly and efficiently internalized by an endocytic pathway and rapidly recycles back to the membrane.
  • PSMA-specific mAb reported, murine mAb 7E11, was subsequently developed and commercialized as a diagnostic agent for tumour imaging (ProstaScint, Cytogen, Princeton, N.J.). However, this antibody recognizes an intracellular epitope of PSMA exposed upon cell death which limits its usefulness as an imaging agent for the detection of PSMA. More recently, mAbs such as J591 that recognize the extracellular portion of PSMA have been identified.
  • the aim of the present invention is to address the need of alternative antibody-based treatments for use in the treatment of prostate cancer.
  • the invention relates to single human heavy chain variable (V H ) domain antibodies conjugated to a toxin.
  • the invention relates also relates to binding molecules that bind human PSMA.
  • the invention also provides isolated single domain antibodies, in particular V H single domain antibodies, that bind to PSMA and that exhibit a number of desirable properties.
  • the binding is to human PSMA in its native form.
  • the binding molecules comprise at least one or consist of a single human heavy chain variable (V H ) domain antibody. No light chains are thus present.
  • the binding molecules of the invention consist of a single V H domain antibody and do not comprise further moieties.
  • the binding molecules comprise a single domain V H antibody that binds to human PSMA and further moieties.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single V H domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 3 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto or a binding molecule consisting of such single V H domain antibody.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single V H domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single V H domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single V H domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 303 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single V H domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a pharmaceutical composition
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising a binding molecule described herein and a pharmaceutical carrier.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a method for treating prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder comprising administering a therapeutically-effective amount of a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein for use as medicament.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein for use in the treatment of prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder.
  • the invention relates to an in vivo or in vitro method for reducing human PSMA activity comprising contacting human PSMA with a binding molecule described herein.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a binding molecule described herein.
  • the invention relates to a host cell comprising a nucleic acid or a construct described herein.
  • the invention in another aspect, relates to a method for producing a binding molecule described herein comprising expressing a nucleic acid encoding said binding molecule in a host cell and isolating the binding molecule from the host cell culture.
  • the invention relates to a kit comprising a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • the invention relates to a method for producing a binding molecule comprising at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain said method comprising
  • the invention relates to an isolated single V H domain antibody obtained or obtainable by a method described herein.
  • the invention relates to an isolated heavy chain only antibody comprising a V H domain that binds to human PSMA.
  • the invention relates to a transgenic rodent that produces a heavy chain only antibody described herein.
  • the invention relates to a biparatopic, bivalent or multispecific binding molecule comprising one or more single domain antibody described herein.
  • FIG. 1 Family 1 sequences. This Figure shows the full length V H sequence for single domain antibodies in family 1. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FR Framework
  • CDR complementarity determining regions
  • FIG. 2 Family 2 sequences. This Figure shows the full length V H sequence for single domain antibodies in family 2. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FR Framework
  • CDR complementarity determining regions
  • FIG. 3 Family 3 sequences. This Figure shows the full length V H sequence for single domain antibodies in family 3. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FR Framework
  • CDR complementarity determining regions
  • FIG. 4 Family 4 sequences. This Figure shows the full length V H sequence for single domain antibodies in family 4. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FR Framework
  • CDR complementarity determining regions
  • FIG. 8 Family 8 sequences. This Figure shows the full length V H sequence for single domain antibodies in family 8. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FR Framework
  • CDR complementarity determining regions
  • FIG. 15 Family 15 sequences. This Figure shows the full length V H sequence for single domain antibodies in family 15. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FR Framework
  • CDR complementarity determining regions
  • FIGS. 16 A- 16 C Binding of purified anti-PSMA V H in FMAT Mirrorball Assay.
  • FIG. 16 A ⁇ 1.1, ⁇ 3.1, ⁇ 2.10, ⁇ 2.1, FIG. 16 B ⁇ 2.1, ⁇ 2.13, ⁇ 2.17 ⁇ 2.15, ⁇ 2.12 ⁇ 2.22
  • FIG. 16 C single domain antibodies tested as shown by symbols from top to bottom ⁇ 1.8, ⁇ 1.10, ⁇ 1.11, ⁇ 1.12, 1.13, ⁇ 1.14, 1.16, ⁇ 1.17, 1.18.
  • FIG. 20 Killing of LNCap with anti-PSMA single domain antibodies.
  • sDAbs used symbols in legend from top to bottom: 1.1, 2.1, 7.1, 3.1, 12.1, 4.1.
  • FIGS. 21 A- 21 B Binding of anti-PSMA single domain antibodies to cynoPSMA CHO following heating to 40° C.
  • FIG. 21 A 2.1
  • FIG. 21 B 1.1.
  • FIGS. 22 A- 22 C Serum stability of anti-PSMA parent single domain antibodies at 37° C.
  • FIG. 22 A 2.1, FIG. 22 B : 1.1, FIG. 22 C : 3.1.
  • FIGS. 26 A- 26 E Comparison of PSMA+ tumor, PSMA-tumor and blood biodistribution at 5 min to 24 h.
  • FIG. 26 A 1.1
  • FIG. 26 B 2.1
  • FIG. 26 C 2.1 half life extended
  • FIG. 26 D benchmark mAb
  • FIG. 26 E HEL4 control.
  • FIGS. 28 A- 28 E Comparison of lungs, heart, liver, muscle and PSMA expressing (PSMA+) tumor biodistribution biodistribution at 5 min to 24 h.
  • FIG. 28 A 1.1
  • FIG. 28 B 2.1
  • FIG. 28 C 2.1 half life extended
  • FIG. 28 D benchmark mAb
  • FIG. 28 E HEL4 control.
  • FIGS. 29 A- 29 E Comparison of PSMA+ tumor to PSMA-tumor, blood or muscle ratios at 5 min to 24 h.
  • FIG. 29 A 1.1
  • FIG. 29 B 2.1
  • FIG. 29 C 2.1 half life extended
  • FIG. 29 D benchmark mAb
  • FIG. 29 E HEL4 control.
  • FIG. 30 Comparison of whole body activity from 5 min to 24 h.
  • FIG. 32 shows in vitro cytotoxicity of MMAE-conjugated V H on human cells stably expressing human PSMA protein at a 72 hour incubation time point.
  • Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performed according to manufacturer's specifications, as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein.
  • the nomenclatures used in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques are used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients.
  • the invention provides isolated PSMA binding molecules, in particular those comprising at least one single V H domain antibody, that bind human PSMA, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, as well as isolated nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors and isolated host cells for making such binding proteins and fragments. Also provided are methods of using the binding proteins disclosed herein to detect human PSMA, to inhibit human PSMA either in vitro or in vivo, and methods of treating disease.
  • isolated human anti-human PSMA binding molecules specifically those comprising, or consisting of, single V H domain antibodies that bind to human PSMA with high affinity a slow off rate.
  • the PSMA binding molecules of the invention bind to wild type human PSMA (accession NO. Q04609).
  • the sequence for the monomer is shown below (SEQ ID No.529).
  • the PSMA binding molecules of the invention bind to wild type human PSMA and/or cyno PSMA.
  • PSMA binding molecule PSMA binding protein
  • anti-PSMA single domain antibody or “anti-PSMA antibody” as used herein all refer to a molecule capable of binding to the human PSMA antigen.
  • PSMA binding molecule includes a PSMA binding protein.
  • the binding reaction may be shown by standard methods (qualitative assays) including, for example, a binding assay, competition assay or a bioassay for determining the inhibition of PSMA binding to its receptor or any kind of binding assays, with reference to a negative control test in which an antibody of unrelated specificity. Suitable assays are shown in the examples.
  • An antibody or binding molecule of the invention including a single domain antibody and multivalent or multispecific binding agent described herein, “which binds” or is “capable of binding” an antigen of interest, e.g. PSMA, is one that binds, i.e. targets, the PSMA antigen with sufficient affinity such that it is useful in therapy in targeting a cell or tissue expressing the antigen.
  • an antigen of interest e.g. PSMA
  • Binding molecules of the invention bind specifically to human PSMA.
  • binding to the PSMA antigen is measurably different from a non-specific interaction.
  • the single domain antibodies of the invention bind to human PSMA and also bind to cyno PSMA.
  • telomere binding or “specifically binds to” or is “specific for” a particular polypeptide or an epitope on a particular polypeptide target as used herein can be exhibited, for example, by a molecule having a KD for the target of at least about 10 ⁇ 4 M, alternatively at least about 10 ⁇ 5 M, alternatively at least about 10 ⁇ 6 M, alternatively at least about 10 ⁇ 7 M, alternatively at least about 10 ⁇ 8 M, alternatively at least about 10 ⁇ 9 M, alternatively at least about 10 ⁇ 10 M, alternatively at least about 10 ⁇ 11 M, alternatively at least about 10 ⁇ 12 M, or greater.
  • the term “specific binding” refers to binding where a molecule binds to a particular polypeptide or epitope on a particular polypeptide without substantially binding to any other polypeptide or polypeptide epitope.
  • the invention relates to an isolated single variable domain antibody, an isolated variable single domain or an isolated immunoglobulin single variable domain wherein said isolated single domain antibody, isolated variable single domain or isolated immunoglobulin single variable domain binds to human PSMA.
  • Binding molecules comprising at least one single domain antibody, variable single domain or immunoglobulin single variable domain are also within the scope of the invention. Fragments of the single domain antibody, variable single domain or immunoglobulin single variable domain that bind to human PSMA are also within the scope of the invention.
  • Single domain antibody, variable single domain or immunoglobulin single variable domain are all well known in the art and describe the single variable fragment of an antibody that binds to a target antigen. These terms are used interchangeably herein.
  • Single heavy chain variable domain antibodies do not comprise an immunoglobulin light chain.
  • preferred embodiments of the various aspects of the invention relate to single heavy chain variable domain antibodies/immunoglobulin heavy chain single variable domains which bind a PSMA antigen in the absence of light chain.
  • Human heavy chain single variable (V H ) domain antibodies are particularly preferred.
  • Human heavy chain single variable V H are commonly abbreviated as V H domains.
  • Single V H domains antibodies are also termed Humabody® herein. Humabody® is a registered trademark of Crescendo Biologics Ltd.
  • the isolated binding agents/molecules of the invention comprise or consist of at least one single domain antibody wherein said domain is preferably a human heavy chain variable domain.
  • the binding agents of the invention comprise or consist of at least one human immunoglobulin single variable heavy chain domain; they are devoid of V L domains.
  • Each single V H domain antibody comprises three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4.
  • the domain is a human variable heavy chain (V H ) domain with the following formula FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4.
  • the binding molecule includes an antigen binding fragment thereof.
  • isolated single domain antibody refers to a single domain antibody that is substantially free of other single domain antibodies, antibodies or antibody fragments having different antigenic specificities. Moreover, an isolated single domain antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material and/or chemicals.
  • the invention relates to an isolated binding molecule consisting of a single V H domain antibody or comprising at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding human PSMA.
  • the binding molecule may comprise at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding human PSMA comprising a CDR3 sequence as shown in any of FIGS. 1 to 15 and Tables 1 to 15 or a sequence with at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more sequence identity thereto.
  • said at least one single V H domain antibody comprises a set of CDRs1, 2 and 3 sequences selected from the sets of CDR1, 2 and 3 sequences as shown for any of the sdAbs of any of FIGS. 1 to 15 and 1 to 15 .
  • the single V H domain antibody is selected from any of the following single V H domain antibodies 1.1 to 1.20, 2.1 to 2.25, 3.1 to 3.24, 4.1 to 4.4, 5.1-5.2, 6.1 to 6.7, 7.1 to 7.8, 8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1, 12.1, 13.1, 14.1 or 15.1.
  • “Homology” generally refers to the percentage of amino acid residues in the candidate sequence that are identical with the residues of the polypeptide with which it is compared, after aligning the sequences and in some embodiments after introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent homology, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Thus, the percent homology between two amino acid sequences is equivalent to the percent identity between the two sequences. Neither N- or C-terminal extensions, tags or insertions shall be construed as reducing identity or homology. Methods and computer programs for the alignment are well known.
  • antibody broadly refers to any immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule, or antigen binding portion thereof, comprised of four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains, or any functional fragment, mutant, variant, or derivation thereof, which retains the essential epitope binding features of an Ig molecule.
  • Ig immunoglobulin
  • L light
  • each heavy chain is comprised of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as HCVR or V H ) and a heavy chain constant region.
  • the heavy chain constant region is comprised of three domains, C H 1, C H 2 and C H 3.
  • Each light chain is comprised of a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as LCVR or V L ) and a light chain constant region.
  • the light chain constant region is comprised of one domain, CL.
  • the V H and V L regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termed complementarity determining regions (CDR), interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework regions (FR).
  • CDR complementarity determining regions
  • FR framework regions
  • Each V H and V L is composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4.
  • Immunoglobulin molecules can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY), class (e.g., IgG 1, IgG2, IgG 3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or subclass.
  • type e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY
  • class e.g., IgG 1, IgG2, IgG 3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2
  • subclass e.g., IgG 1, IgG2, IgG 3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2
  • An antibody fragment is a portion of an antibody, for example as F(ab′) 2 , Fab, Fv, sFv and the like. Functional fragments of a full length antibody retain the target specificity of a full length antibody. Recombinant functional antibody fragments, such as Fab (Fragment, antibody), scFv (single chain variable chain fragments) and single domain antibodies (dAbs) have therefore been used to develop therapeutics as an alternative to therapeutics based on mAbs.
  • scFv fragments ( ⁇ 25 kDa) consist of the two variable domains, V H and V L . Naturally, V H and V L domain are non-covalently associated via hydrophobic interaction and tend to dissociate.
  • stable fragments can be engineered by linking the domains with a hydrophilic flexible linker to create a single chain Fv (scFv).
  • the smallest antigen binding fragment is the single variable fragment, namely the V H or V L domain. Binding to a light chain/heavy chain partner respectively is not required for target binding.
  • Such fragments are used in single domain antibodies.
  • a single domain antibody ( ⁇ 12 to 15 kDa) therefore has either the V H or V L domain.
  • the isolated binding molecules of the invention comprise or consist of at least one single domain antibody wherein said domain is a V H domain.
  • the binding molecules of the invention comprise or consist of at least one immunoglobulin single variable heavy chain domain antibody (sVD, sdAb or ISV) that has a V H domain, but is devoid of V L domains.
  • the binding molecule may comprise two or more single V H domain antibodies.
  • Such binding molecules may be monospecific or multispecific, monovalent or multivalent as explained in further detail below.
  • said extension comprises at least 1 alanine residue, for example a single alanine residue, a pair of alanine residues or a triplet of alanine residues.
  • extended V H domains are within the scope of the invention.
  • V H domains that comprise additional C or N-terminal residues for example linker residues and/or His tags, e.g., hexa-His (HHHHHH, SEQ ID No. 530) or myc tags. Additional residues of the vector may also be present, for example in addition to tags. Binding molecules used may have the additional residues
  • variable domain of the single domain antibodies of the invention is preferably a human variable domain (V H ).
  • a human V H domain includes a fully human or substantially fully human V H domain.
  • the term human V H domain also includes V H domains that are isolated from heavy chain only antibodies made by transgenic mice expressing fully human immunoglobulin heavy chain loci, in particular in response to an immunisation with an antigen of interest, for example as described in WO2016/062990 and in the examples.
  • a human V H domain can also include a V H domain that is derived from or based on a human V H domain amino acid or nucleic acid sequence encoding such V H domain.
  • variable heavy chain regions derived from or encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences include variable heavy chain regions derived from or encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences.
  • a substantially human V H domain or V H domain that is derived from or based on a human V H domain may include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced in vitro, e.g. by random or site-specific mutagenesis, or introduced by somatic mutation in vivo).
  • the term “human V H domain” therefore also includes a substantially human V H domain wherein one or more amino acid residue has been modified.
  • a substantially human V H domain the V H domain may include up to 10, for example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid modifications compared to a fully human sequence.
  • human V H domain or “substantially human V H domain”, as used herein, is not intended to include antibodies in which CDR sequences derived from the germline of another mammalian species, such as a mouse, have been grafted onto human framework sequences.
  • the term “human V H domain”, as used herein, is also not intended to include camelized V H domains, that is human V H domains that have been specifically modified, for example in vitro by conventional mutagenesis methods to select predetermined positions in the V H domains sequence and introduce one or more point mutation at the predetermined position to change one or more predetermined residue to a specific residue that can be found in a camelid V H H domain.
  • variable domain refers to immunoglobulin variable domains defined by Kabat et al., Sequences of Immunological Interest, 5 th ed., U.S. Dept. Health & Human Services, Washington, D.C. (1991). The numbering and positioning of CDR amino acid residues within the variable domains is in accordance with the well-known Kabat numbering convention.
  • a binding molecule of the invention in particular the single V H domain antibody, comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence and preferred sequences and/or parts thereof, such as CDRs, as defined herein.
  • CDR refers to the complementarity-determining region within antibody variable sequences. There are three CDRs in each of the variable regions of the heavy chain and the light chain, which are designated CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, for each of the variable regions.
  • CDR set refers to a group of three CDRs that occur in a single variable region capable of binding the antigen. The exact boundaries of these CDRs have been defined differently according to different systems. The system described by Kabat is used herein.
  • Kabat numbering”, “Kabat definitions” and “Kabat labeling” are used interchangeably herein.
  • single V H domain antibodies were isolated and grouped into 15 families based on sequence homology in the CDR3 sequence. Through a process of optimization, a panel of variant single V H domain antibodies with a CDR sequence derived from a parent CDR sequence were also generated to improve affinities to PSMA and/or improve potencies compared to the parent molecule.
  • Each single V H domain antibody has a set of CDR sequences (CDR1, 2 and 3) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 15 .
  • the invention thus provides variant V H single domain antibodies and binding molecules comprising such one or more variant that are a variants of parent molecules, in particular of a parent V H single domain antibody selected from sdAb 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1, 12.1, 13.1, 14.1 or 15.1 having one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions, insertions or other modifications, and which retains a biological function of the single domain antibody.
  • a variant V H single domain antibody can be sequence engineered.
  • Modifications may include one or more substitution, deletion or insertion of one or more codons encoding the single domain antibody or polypeptide that results in a change in the amino acid sequence as compared with the native sequence V H single domain antibody or polypeptide.
  • Amino acid substitutions can be the result of replacing one amino acid with another amino acid having similar structural and/or chemical properties, such as the replacement of a leucine with a serine, i.e., conservative amino acid replacements.
  • Insertions or deletions may optionally be in the range of about 1 to 5 amino acids. The variation allowed may be determined by systematically making insertions, deletions or substitutions of amino acids in the sequence and testing the resulting variants for activity exhibited by the full-length or mature native sequence.
  • a variant of a V H single domain antibody described herein has at least 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence homology to the non-variant molecule, preferably at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence homology.
  • one or more amino acid residues within the CDR regions of a single domain antibody of the invention can be replaced with other amino acid residues from the same side chain family and the altered antibody can be tested for retained function (i.e., the functions set forth in (c) through (I) above) using the functional assays described herein.
  • Optimisation techniques known in the art such as display (e.g., ribosome and/or phage display) and/or mutagenesis (e.g., error-prone mutagenesis) can be used.
  • display e.g., ribosome and/or phage display
  • mutagenesis e.g., error-prone mutagenesis
  • Another type of framework modification involves mutating one or more residues within the framework region, or even within one or more CDR regions, to remove T cell epitopes to thereby reduce the potential immunogenicity of the antibody.
  • the glycosylation of an antibody is modified.
  • an aglycoslated antibody can be made (i.e., the antibody lacks glycosylation).
  • Glycosylation can be altered to, for example, increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen.
  • Such carbohydrate modifications can be accomplished by, for example, altering one or more sites of glycosylation within the antibody sequence.
  • one or more amino acid substitutions can be made that result in elimination of one or more variable region framework glycosylation sites to thereby eliminate glycosylation at that site.
  • Such aglycosylation may increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single V H domain antibody comprising a family 1 or a family-1 like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, comprising a family 1 or family 1-like sequence.
  • the single V H domain antibody may include the sequence of the parent (1.1; SEQ ID NO. 4) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and sequences that are derived from the parent 1.1 through a process of optimization, for example sequences as shown as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • CDR sequences and full length V H sequences in family 1 are numbered according to Table 1 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 1 or family 1-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 3 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 3.
  • the family 1 or family-1 like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said human V H domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 3 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 3. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90% homology to SEQ ID NO. 3.
  • the V H domain comprises a CDR3 sequence comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO. 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75 or 79.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the CDR sequences of the V H domain are as shown for single V H domain antibodies 1.1 to 1.20 as in FIG. 1 or combinations thereof.
  • CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73 or 77
  • CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74 or 78
  • CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75 or 79.
  • the single V H domain antibody has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for clones 1.1 to 1.20 in FIG. 1 .
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises CDR1, 2 and 3 sequences wherein CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 1, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 2 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 3.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 5
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 6
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 7.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 9
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 10
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 11.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 13
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 17
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 18 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 19.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 21, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 22 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 23.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 25
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 26 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 27.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 29
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 30 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 31.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 33
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 34 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 35.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 37, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 38 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 39.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 41, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 42 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 43.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 46 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 47.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 49, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 50 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 51.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 53, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 54 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 55.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 57
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 58 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 59.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 61
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 62 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 63.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 65
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 66 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 67.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 69
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 70 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 71.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 73
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 74 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 75.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 77
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 78 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 79.
  • the single V H domain antibody has a V H domain that comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 4 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72 76 or 80.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, for example SEQ ID NO. 4, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 4 or a sequence which comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or amino acid substitutions in the framework regions as compared to SEQ ID NO. 4. In one embodiment, the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 32.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76 or 80 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a V H domain as shown in SEQ ID NO. 4 or a variant thereof wherein in said variant, residue 33 is T, 36 is L, residue 57 is D, residue 59 is N, R, A, D, H, residue 63 D, Y, residue 65 is V, residue 66 is A, and/or residue 67 is F, N, A, D, V, T, S, Y.
  • the V H domain is as shown in SEQ ID NO. 4 or a variant thereof wherein said variant includes the following changes compared to SEQ ID NO. 4
  • additional changes may be included.
  • the variants listed above do not include additional changes.
  • the family 1 or family 1-like binding molecules preferably have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC 50 and IC 50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • KD refers to the “equilibrium dissociation constant” and refers to the value obtained in a titration measurement at equilibrium, or by dividing the dissociation rate constant (Koff) by the association rate constant (Kon).
  • KA as used in this application refers to the affinity constant.
  • the association rate constant, the dissociation rate constant and the equilibrium dissociation constant are used to represent the binding affinity of an antibody to an antigen. Methods for determining association and dissociation rate constants are well known in the art.
  • fluorescence-based techniques offers high sensitivity and the ability to examine samples in physiological buffers at equilibrium.
  • Other experimental approaches and instruments such as a BIAcore® (biomolecular interaction analysis) assay and assays described in the examples can be used to test the binding molecules of the invention.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 2 or family-2 like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 2 or family 2-like sequence.
  • the single V H domain antibody may include sequences that are derived from the parent (2.1; SEQ ID NO. 84) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and V H sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 2.1 through a process of optimization, for example as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • CDR sequences and full length sequences of clones in family 2 are numbered according to Table 2 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 2 or family 2-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 83 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 83.
  • the family 2 or family-2 like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said human V H domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 83 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 83. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%.
  • the V H domain comprises a CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NO. 83, 87, 91, 95, 99, 103, 107, 111, 115, 119, 123, 127, 131, 135, 139, 143, 147, 151, 155, 159, 163, 167, 171, 175 or 179.
  • the V H domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 75 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 2 family 2-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 81 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the single V H domain antibody has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 2.1 to 2.25 in FIG. 2 .
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 81
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 82
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 83.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 85
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 86
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 87.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 89
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 90 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 91.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 93
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 94 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 97
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 98 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 99.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 101
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 102
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 103.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 104
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 105
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 106.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 108
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 109 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 110.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 112
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 117
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 118
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 119
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 121
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 122
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 123.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 125
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 127
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 127.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 129
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO.
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 134 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 135.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 137
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 138 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 139.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 140
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 141 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 142.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 144
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 145 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 146.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 148
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 149 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 150.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 152
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 153 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 154.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 157
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 158 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 159.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 161
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 162
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 163.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 165
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 166 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 167.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 169
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 173
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 174
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 175.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 177
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 178
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 179.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 84 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • homology is at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%.
  • CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 164, 168, 172, 176 or 180.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, for example SEQ ID NO. 84, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises SEQ ID NO. 84 or a variant thereof wherein the variant has the following amino acid substitutions compared to SEQ ID NO. 76: residue 34 is L, V, M, Q, T, F, residue 50 is H, V, L, I, residue 55 is E, K, A, L, residue 58 is R, residue 62 is E, P, R, S, A, residue 63 is E, residue 64 is N, K, P, L, G, S, residue 79 is K, residue is L, Q, residue 84 is K, A, residue is D.
  • additional changes may be included.
  • the variants listed above do not include additional changes.
  • the variant does not include a combination of the following changes: G55 ⁇ A55, S63 ⁇ N63, D99 ⁇ N99 together with P100 ⁇ T100; G34 ⁇ L34, G55 ⁇ K55 together with S63 ⁇ K63; G55 ⁇ T55, S63 ⁇ R63, D99 ⁇ G99 together with P100 ⁇ R100.
  • the family 2 or family 2-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC 50 and IC 50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • the V H domain comprises a CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NO. 183, 187, 191, 195, 199, 203, 207, 211, 215, 219, 223, 227, 231, 235, 239, 243, 247, 251, 255, 259, 263, 267, 271 or 275.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 183 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 3 or family 3-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 181 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 4 or family 4-like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 4 or family 4-like sequence.
  • These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (4.1, SEQ ID NO. 279) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and V H sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 4.1 through a process of optimization, for example as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • CDR sequences and full length sequences in family 4 are numbered according to Table 4 as shown below.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 4 or family 4-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 278 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 277 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the single V H domain antibody has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 4.1 to 4.4 in FIG. 4 .
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 277
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 278
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 279.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 281
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 282
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 283.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 285, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 286 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 287.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 289
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 290
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 291.
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 280 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% homology thereto.
  • homology is at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%.
  • CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 4 .
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 280, 284, 288 or 290.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 5 or family-5 like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 5 or family-5 sequence.
  • These include sequences that are derived from the parent (5.1; SEQ ID NO. 292) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and to V H sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 5.1 through a process of optimization, for example sequences as shown in FIG. 5 .
  • CDR sequences and full length sequences in family 5 are numbered according to Table 5 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 5 or family 5-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 295.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 5 or family-5 sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 294 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 293 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the invention relates to a V H domain which has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 5.1 to 5.2 in FIG. 5 .
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 293
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 294
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 295.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 297
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 298
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 299.
  • the family 5 or family-5 binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC 50 and IC 50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 317
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 318
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 319
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 321
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 322
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 323.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 325
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 326 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 327.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 329 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 329, 333, 337, 341, 345, 349, 353 or 357
  • CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 330, 334, 338, 342, 346, 350, 354 or 358
  • CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 331, 335, 339, 343, 347, 351, 355 or 359.
  • the single V H domain antibody has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 7.1 to 7.8 in FIG. 7 .
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 329
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 330
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 331.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 333
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 334
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 335.
  • CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 337
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 338
  • CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 339.
  • n CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 341
  • CDR2 is SEQ ID NO.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 8 or family 8-like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 8 or family 8-like sequence.
  • These include the parent sequence and sequences of clones that are derived from the parent (8.1, SEQ ID NO. 36) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and V H sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 8.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full length sequences of 8.1 in are numbered according to Table 8 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 8 or family 8-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 363.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 362 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 364 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the invention relates to a family 9 or family 9-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 367 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 367.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 365 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the CDR sequences of the V H domain are as shown for clone 9.1 as in FIG. 9 .
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 368 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 10 or family 10-like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 10 or family 10 sequence.
  • These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (10.1) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and V H sequences of or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 10.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full length sequences of 10.1 in are numbered according to Table 10 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 10 or family 10-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 371.
  • the family 10 or family 10-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said human V H domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 371. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the V H domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 371.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 10 or family 10-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 370 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 369 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the CDR sequences of the V H domain are as shown for clone 10.1 as in FIG. 10 .
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 372 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the family 10 or family 10-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC 50 and IC 50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 11 or family 11-like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 11 or family 11 sequence.
  • These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (11.1, SEQ ID NO. 376) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and V H sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 11.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 11.1 in are numbered according to Table 11 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 11 or family 11-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 375.
  • the family 11 or family 1-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said human V H domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 375. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the V H domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 375.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 11 or family 11-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 374 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 373 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the CDR sequences of the V H domain are as shown for sdAb 11.1 as in FIG. 11 .
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 376 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the invention relates to a family 12 or family 12-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 379 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 379.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 379 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 12 or family 12-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 377 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the CDR sequences of the V H domain are as shown for clone 12.1 as in FIG. 12 .
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 380 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the family 12 or family 12-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC 50 and IC 50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 13 or family 13-like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 13 or family-like 13 sequence.
  • These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent e (13.1, SEQ ID NO. 384) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and V H sequences of clones or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 13.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 13.1 in are numbered according to Table 13 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 13 or family 13-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 383 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 383.
  • the family 13 or family 13-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said human V H domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 383 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 383. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the V H domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 383.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 383 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 13 or family 13-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 381 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 384 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the family 13 or family 13-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC 50 and IC 50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 14 or family 14-like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 14 or family 14 sequence.
  • These include the parent sequence and sequences of clones that are derived from the parent (14.1) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and V H sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 14.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 14.1 in are numbered according to Table 14 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 14 or family 14-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 387 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 387.
  • the family 14 or family 14-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said human V H domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 387 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 387. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the V H domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 387.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 385 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 14 or family 14-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 386 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 387 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 385 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the CDR sequences of the V H domain are as shown for clone 14.1 as in FIG. 14 .
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 388 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the family 14 or family 14-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC 50 and IC 50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human V H domain comprising a family 15 or family 15-like sequence.
  • the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single V H domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 15 or family 15 sequence.
  • PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 15 or family 15 sequence.
  • These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (15.1) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and V H sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 15.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 15.1 in are numbered according to Table 15 as shown below.
  • the invention relates to a family 15 or family 15-like binding molecule comprising a human V H domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 391.
  • the family 15 or family 15-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said human V H domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 391. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the V H domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 391.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • the family 15 or family 15-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 390 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 389 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.
  • the CDR sequences of the V H domain are as shown for clone 15.1 as in FIG. 15 .
  • the V H domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 392 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • the V H domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas.
  • the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs.
  • the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • the family 15 or family 15-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC 50 and IC 50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a CDR3 sequence selected from a family 1 or family 1-like, family 2 or family 2-like, family 3 or family 3-like, family 4 or family 4-like, family 5 or family 5-like, family 6 or family 6-like, family 7 or family 7-like, family 8 or family 8-like, family 9 or family 9-like, family 10 or family 10-like, family 11 or family 11-like, family 12 or family 12-like, family 13 or family 13-like, family 14 or family 14-like or a family 15 or family 15-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and CDR2 sequence from another family listed herein.
  • a CDR3 sequence selected from a family 1 or family 1-like, family 2 or family 2-like, family 3 or family 3-like, family 4 or family 4-like, family 5 or family 5-like, family 6 or family 6-like, family 7 or family 7-like, family 8 or family 8-like, family 9 or family 9-like, family 10 or family 10-like, family 11 or family 11-like, family 12 or family 12-like, family
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 1 or family 1-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 2 to 15.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 2 or family 2-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1, 3 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 3 or family 3-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1, 2, 4 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 4 or family 4-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in Table 1 any of Tables 1 to 3, 5 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 5 or family 5-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 4, 6 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 6 or family 6-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 5, 7 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 7 or family 7-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 6, 8 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 8 or family 8-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 7, 9 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 9 or family 9-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 8, 10 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 10 family 10-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 4, 11 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 11 or family 11-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 10, 12 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 12 or family 12-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 11, 13 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 13 or family 13-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 12, 14 to 15.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the single V H domain antibody comprises a family 15 or family 15-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 14.
  • Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • the invention provides binding molecules, e.g. antibodies, antibody fragments or antibody mimetics that bind to the same epitope on human PSMA as any of the single domain antibodies of the invention (i.e., antibodies that have the ability to cross-compete for binding to PSMA with any of the single domain antibodies of the invention.
  • the single domain antibodies of the invention can thus be used as a reference antibody).
  • the reference antibody for cross-competition studies is single domain antibody 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1, 12.1, 13.1, 14.1 or 15.1.
  • Such cross-competing antibodies can be identified based on their ability to cross-compete with any of single domain antibodies described herein in standard PSMA binding assays.
  • the invention provides a binding agent capable of binding human PSMA wherein any one of the single domain antibodies described above displaces the binding agent in a competitive assay.
  • a binding molecule described herein may be provided as a fusion protein with one or more additional protein moiety.
  • the single domain antibody, described herein (a first moiety) may be provided as a fusion with a second moiety.
  • the second moiety may comprise a V H domain that is also specific for human PSMA thus providing a bivalent binding molecule.
  • the binding molecule is biparatopic.
  • Biparatopic binding molecules comprise antigen-binding moieties that bind to different epitopes.
  • Biparatopic binding molecules of the present invention can be constructed using methods known art.
  • two single domain antibodies of the invention may be connected, the two binding molecules may be from the same family or from different families of binding molecules of the invention.
  • a family 1 or family 1-like single V H domain antibody may be linked to a family 2 to 15 or family 2-like to 15-like single V H domain antibody, etc.
  • a V H as defined for single V H domain antibody 1.2 is connected to another single V H domain antibody selected from family 2 or family 3, for example to the single V H domain antibody as defined for clone 3.2.
  • Two or more single V H domain antibody may be connected by a linker, for example a polypeptide linker.
  • the second moiety may comprise a V H domain or another antibody fragment that is specific for a different antigen to provide a bispecific binding molecule.
  • the term “bispecific binding molecule” thus refers to a polypeptide that comprises a binding molecule as described herein which has a binding site that has binding specificity for PSMA, and a second polypeptide domain which has a binding site that has binding specificity for a second target, i.e., the bispecific binding molecule has specificity for two targets.
  • the first target and the second target are not the same, i.e. are different targets, e.g., proteins; both may be present on a cell surface.
  • a bispecific binding molecule as described herein can selectively and specifically bind to a cell that expresses (or displays on its cell surface) the first target and the second target.
  • the binding molecule comprises more than two antigen-binding moieties.
  • more than two moieties are joined together providing a multispecific binding molecule.
  • a multispecific polypeptide agent as described herein can in addition to binding PSMA bind one or more additional targets, i.e., a multispecific polypeptide can bind at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or more targets, wherein the multispecific polypeptide agent has at least two, at least, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or more target binding sites respectively.
  • the term “target” refers to a biological molecule (e.g., antigen, peptide, polypeptide, protein, lipid, carbohydrate) to which a polypeptide domain which has a binding site can selectively bind.
  • the target can be, for example, an intracellular target (such as an intracellular protein target) or a cell-surface target (such as a membrane protein, e.g., a receptor protein).
  • a target is a cell-surface target, such as a cell-surface protein.
  • the first cell-surface target and second cell-surface target are both present on a cell.
  • the target is an immunooncology target.
  • Multispecific antibodies of the present invention can be constructed using methods known art. If desired, bispecific or multispecific binding molecules can be linked to an antibody Fc region or fragment thereof, comprising one or both of C H 2 and C H 3 domains, and optionally a hinge region. For example, vectors encoding bispecific or multispecific binding molecules linked as a single nucleotide sequence to an Fc region or fragment thereof can be used to prepare such polypeptides.
  • the second moiety may serve to prolong the half-life of the binding molecule.
  • the second moiety may comprise a protein, for example and antibody, or part thereof that binds a serum albumin, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA) or mouse serum albumin (MSA).
  • the second moiety may comprise a V H domain that binds serum albumin, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA) or mouse serum albumin (MSA).
  • the second moiety may comprise a serum albumin, e.g. a human serum albumin (HSA) or a variant thereof such as HSA C34S.
  • binding molecule as described herein comprising a V H domain and an Fc domain, e.g., wherein the V H domain is fused to an Fc domain.
  • a binding molecule that comprises a second variable domain that specifically binds a second antigen, where the second antigen is an antigen other than human PSMA.
  • the second antigen may be a cluster of differentiation (CD) molecule or a Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class II molecule.
  • the binding molecule of the invention is labelled with a detectable or functional label.
  • a label can be any molecule that produces or can be induced to produce a signal, including but not limited to fluorescers, radiolabels, enzymes, chemiluminescers, a nuclear magnetic resonance active label or photosensitizers.
  • the binding may be detected and/or measured by detecting fluorescence or luminescence, radioactivity, enzyme activity or light absorbance.
  • the binding molecule of the invention is coupled to at least one therapeutic moiety, such as a drug, an enzyme or a toxin.
  • the therapeutic moiety is a toxin, for example a cytotoxic radionuclide, chemical toxin or protein toxin.
  • the PSMA binding molecule of the invention can be coupled to a radioactive isotope such as an ⁇ -, ⁇ -, or ⁇ -emitter, or a ⁇ - and ⁇ -emitter.
  • the toxin as sue din the various aspects and embodiments of the invention may be selected from calicheamicin, esperamicin, methotrexate, doxorubicin, melphalan, chlorambucil, ARA-C, vindesine, mitomycin C, cis-platinum, etoposide, bleomycin, 5-fluorouracil, estramustine, vincristine, etoposide, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, dolastatin 10, auristatin E and auristatin PHE.
  • the therapeutic moiety is an immunostimulatory or immunomodulating agent.
  • the invention thus provides an immunoconjugate comprising a single V H domain antibody described herein.
  • Toxin-conjugated forms of the PSMA binding molecules of the present invention preferably mediate specific cell killing of PSMA-expressing cells at picomolar concentrations.
  • the PSMA binding molecules of the invention are modified to increase half-life, for example by a chemical modification, especially by PEGylation, or by incorporation in a liposome or using a serum albumin protein.
  • the binding molecule of the invention is covalently modified.
  • covalently modified/covalent modification includes modifications of a binding molecule according to the present invention, e.g., of a specified sequence herein; with an organic proteinaceous or non-proteinaceous derivatizing agent, fusions to heterologous polypeptide sequences, and post-translational modifications.
  • Covalent modified polypeptides still have the functional properties described herein, for example the ability to bind the human PSMA or
  • Covalent modifications are generally introduced by reacting targeted amino acid residues with an organic derivatizing agent that is capable of reacting with selected side chains or terminal residues, or by harnessing mechanisms of post-translational modifications that function in selected recombinant host cells.
  • Certain post-translational modifications are the result of the action of recombinant host cells on the expressed polypeptide. Glutaminyl and asparaginyl residues are frequently post-translationally deamidated to the corresponding glutamyl and aspartyl residues. Alternatively, these residues are deaminated under mildly acidic conditions.
  • post-translational modifications include hydroxylation of proline and lysine, phosphorylation of hydroxyl groups of seryl, tyrosine or threonyl residues, methylation of the [alpha]-amino groups of lysine, arginine, and histidine side chains.
  • Covalent modifications include fusion proteins comprising a PSMA binding molecule according to the present invention, e.g., of a specified sequence and their amino acid sequence variants, such as immunoadhesins, and N-terminal fusions to heterologous signal sequences.
  • binding molecules of the invention have certain functional properties as further described below. These and other pharmacological activities of the binding molecules of the invention may be demonstrated in standard test methods for example as described in the art.
  • binding molecules of the invention can be internalised into a cell along with the prostate-specific membrane antigen. Binding molecules of the invention bind specifically to epitopes on the extracellular domain of human PSMA. In one embodiment, binding molecules of the invention specifically bind PSMA in its dimeric form. Binding molecules of the invention can be conjugated to a toxic moiety and used to ablate or kill PSMA-expressing prostatic or cancerous cells.
  • Binding molecules of the invention can bind live cells, such as a tumor cell or a prostate cell, such as human PSMA expressing CHO cells, LNCaP cells as shown in the examples (see examples 7b and Tables 18 and 19).
  • the present invention provides single domain antibodies that bind to PSMA with an EC50 value of between 100 nM and 100 pM, such as at an average EC50 value of 100 nM or less, even more preferably at an average EC50 value of 90 nM or less, such as less than 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 nM or even less, such as less than 4, 3, 2, or 1 nM or even less, such as less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 pM, or even less, such as less than 4 pM, preferably as measured in a FMAT binding assay.
  • EC50 values are shown in Table 19.
  • binding molecules of the invention are capable of binding specifically to human PSMA and to cynomolgus
  • IC 50 is the concentration of a binding member that reduces a biological response by 50% of its maximum.
  • IC 50 may be calculated by plotting % of maximal biological response as a function of the log of the binding member concentration, and using a software program to fit a sigmoidal function to the data to generate IC 50 values. Methods for measuring IC 50 are well known in the art. For example, to determine the IC 50 , a HIS ZAP Cell Killing assay may be employed to determine IC 50 . EC 50 designates the half maximal effective concentration.
  • the invention relates to a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody directed against PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said domain is a human V H domain and has an IC 50 of about 0.2 to about 1000 nM or more, for example 0.2 to 900, 0.2 to 800, 0.2 to 700, 0.2 to 600, 0.2 to 500, 0.2 to 400, 0.2 to 300, 0.2 to 200, 0.2 to 100, 0.2 to 50, 0.2 to 40, 0.2 to 30, 0.2 to 20, 0.2 to 10, 0.2 to 9, 0.2 to 8, 0.2 to 7, 0.2 to 6, 0.2 to 5, 0.2 to 4, 0.2 to 3, 0.2 to 2 or 0.2 to 1 when tested as described in the examples.
  • binding kinetics and affinity (expressed as the equilibrium dissociation constant, KD) of PSMA binding molecules of the invention for binding PSMA may be determined, e.g., using surface plasmon resonance such as BIAcore® or Octet, or KD may be estimated from pA2 analysis.
  • the molecules of the invention are very potent (i.e., EC50 values as measured, e.g., in the experimental part in the pM range).
  • the present invention provides a single domain antibody as described herein, wherein said sdAb binds to said PSMA with an average KD value of between 100 nM and 10 pM, such as at an average KD value of 90 nM or less, even more preferably at an average KD value of 80 nM or less, such as less than 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 nM or even less, such as less than 4, 3, 2, or 1 nM, such as less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 pM, or even less such, as less than 10 pM.
  • the KD is determined as shown in the examples (example 8b).
  • a binding molecule according to the invention has a binding affinity to PSMA with an affinity constant of at least about 10 7 M ⁇ 1 , preferably about 10 9 M ⁇ 1 , and more preferably, about 10 10 M ⁇ 1 to 10 11 M ⁇ 1 or higher.
  • a binding molecule according to the invention has a Kon of 1.00E+04 to 1.00E+6 (1/Ms).
  • a binding molecule according to the invention has Koff of 1.00E-03 to 1.00E-05 (1/s).
  • Binding molecules of the invention have shown excellent stability, including heat and serum stability (see examples). Furthermore, binding molecules of the invention show rapid tumor targeting as shown in the examples. Furthermore, binding molecules of the invention also show high specificity for human PSMA and low uptake in non-target tissues (see examples).
  • binding molecules of the invention show fast blood clearance. In one embodiment, binding molecules of the invention show low renal retention. In one embodiment, binding molecules can inhibit, e.g., competitively inhibit, the binding of another antibody e.g., J591, to human PSMA.
  • a binding molecule of the invention may have one or more property select from the following non-limiting list:
  • the present invention further provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a binding molecule of the present invention.
  • Nucleic acid may include DNA and/or RNA.
  • the present invention provides a nucleic acid that codes for a CDR or set of CDRs or a V H domain of the invention as defined above.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 393 to 410 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 1 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 4 to 80.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 413 to 437 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 2 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 84 to 180.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 438 to 461 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 3 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 184 to 276.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 4462, 463, 464 and 465 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 4 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 280 to 292.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 466 or 467 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 5 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 296 and 300.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 468 to 474 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 6 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 304 to 328.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 475 to 482 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 7 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 332 to 360.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 483 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 8 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 364.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 484 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 9 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 368.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 485 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 10 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 372.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 486 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 11 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 376.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 487 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 12 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 380.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 488 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 13 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 384.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 4899 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 14 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 388.
  • the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 490 as shown below which encode V H domains of family 15 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 392.
  • a nucleic acid according to the present invention may comprise DNA or RNA and may be wholly or partially synthetic or recombinantly produced.
  • Reference to a nucleotide sequence as set out herein encompasses a DNA molecule with the specified sequence, and encompasses a RNA molecule with the specified sequence in which U is substituted for T, unless context requires otherwise.
  • the invention relates to a nucleic acid construct comprising at least one nucleic acid defined above.
  • the construct may be in the form of a plasmid, vector, transcription or expression cassette.
  • the invention also relates to an isolated recombinant host cell comprising one or more nucleic acid construct as described above.
  • the host cell may be a bacterial, viral, mammalian or other suitable host cell.
  • the cell is an E. coli cell.
  • the cell is a yeast cell.
  • the cell is a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell.
  • Methods for preparing or generating the polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, products and compositions described herein using in vitro expression libraries can comprise the steps of:
  • the set, collection or library of amino acid sequences 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) amino acid sequences will be clear to the person skilled in the art (see for example Phage Display of Peptides and Proteins: A Laboratory Manual, Academic Press; 1st edition (Oct. 28, 1996) Brian K. Kay, Jill Winter, John McCafferty).
  • a binding molecule described herein, including a V H domain can be expressed in a transgenic rodent.
  • the transgenic rodent for example a mouse, may have a reduced capacity to express endogenous antibody genes.
  • the rodent has a reduced capacity to express endogenous light and/or heavy chain antibody genes.
  • the rodent may therefore comprise modifications to disrupt expression of endogenous light and/or heavy chain antibody genes so that no functional light and/or heavy chains are produced.
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing a human heavy chain only antibodies capable of binding human PSMA said method comprising
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing a binding molecule comprising at least one human immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding human PSMA wherein said domain is a human V H domain said method comprising
  • Further steps may include identifying a single V H domain antibody or heavy chain only antibody that binds to human PSMA, for example by using functional assays as shown in the examples.
  • Heavy chain only antibodies that bind to human PSMA or a single V H domain antibody that binds to human PSMA obtained or obtainable from these methods are also within the scope of the invention.
  • the invention also relates to a heavy chain only antibody that binds to human PSMA or a single V H domain antibody that binds to human PSMA obtained or obtainable from a mouse that is not capable of making functional endogenous light or heavy chains, for example through the method described above, and that has been immunised with a PSMA antigen.
  • the invention also relates to an isolated V H single domain antibody or an isolated heavy chain only antibody comprising a V H domain binding to PSMA comprising an amino acid product of or derived from a human V H germline sequence.
  • the heavy chain only antibody may be fully human or comprise mouse sequences.
  • the rodent is a mouse.
  • the mouse may comprise a non-functional endogenous lambda light chain locus.
  • the lambda light chain locus is deleted in part or completely or rendered non-functional through insertion, inversion, a recombination event, gene editing or gene silencing.
  • at least the constant region genes C1, C2 and C3 may be deleted or rendered non-functional through insertion or other modification as described above.
  • the locus is functionally silenced so that the mouse does not make a functional lambda light chain.
  • the mouse may comprise a non-functional endogenous kappa light chain locus.
  • the mouse does not make a functional endogenous kappa light chain.
  • the kappa light chain locus is deleted in part or completely or rendered non-functional through insertion, inversion, a recombination event, gene editing or gene silencing.
  • the locus is functionally silenced so that the mouse does not make a functional kappa light chain.
  • the mouse having functionally-silenced endogenous lambda and kappa L-chain loci may, for example, be made as disclosed in WO 2003/000737, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • the mouse may comprise a non-functional endogenous heavy chain locus.
  • the heavy chain locus is deleted in part or completely or rendered non-functional through insertion, inversion, a recombination event, gene editing or gene silencing.
  • the locus is functionally silenced so that the mouse does not make a functional heavy chain.
  • all 8 endogenous heavy chain constant region immunoglobulin genes are absent in the mouse, or partially absent to the extent that they are non-functional, or genes ⁇ , ⁇ 3, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2a, ⁇ 2b ands are absent and the flanking genes ⁇ and ⁇ are partially absent to the extent that they are rendered non-functional, or genes ⁇ , ⁇ , ⁇ 3, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2a, ⁇ 2b ands are absent and a is partially absent to the extent that it is rendered non-functional, or ⁇ , ⁇ 3, ⁇ 1, ⁇ 2a, ⁇ 2b, ⁇ and ⁇ are absent and ⁇ is partially absent to the extent that it is rendered non-functional.
  • deletion in part is meant that the endogenous locus gene sequence has been deleted or disrupted, for example by an insertion, to the extent that no functional endogenous gene product is encoded by the locus, i.e., that no functional product is expressed from the locus.
  • the locus is functionally silenced.
  • the mouse comprises a non-functional endogenous heavy chain locus, a non-functional endogenous lambda light chain locus and a non-functional endogenous kappa light chain locus.
  • the mouse therefore does not produce any functional endogenous light or heavy chains.
  • the mouse is a triple knockout (TKO) mouse.
  • the transgenic mouse may comprise a vector, for example a Yeast Artificial Chromosome (YAC) for expressing a heterologous heavy chain locus.
  • YACs are vectors that can be employed for the cloning of very large DNA inserts in yeast. As well as comprising all three cis-acting structural elements essential for behaving like natural yeast chromosomes (an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS), a centromere (CEN) and two telomeres (TEL)), their capacity to accept large DNA inserts enables them to reach the minimum size (150 kb) required for chromosome-like stability and for fidelity of transmission in yeast cells.
  • ARS autonomously replicating sequence
  • CEN centromere
  • TEL telomeres
  • the construction and use of YACs is well known in the art (e.g., Bruschi, C. V. and Gjuracic, K. Yeast Artificial Chromosomes, Encyclopedia of Life Sciences, 2002 Macmillan Publishers Ltd,
  • the YAC may comprise a plethora of human V H , D and J genes in combination with mouse immunoglobulin constant region genes lacking C H 1 domains, mouse enhancer and regulatory regions.
  • Transgenic mice can be created according to standard techniques as illustrated in the examples.
  • the two most characterised routes for creating transgenic mice are via pronuclear microinjection of genetic material into freshly fertilised oocytes or via the introduction of stably transfected embryonic stem cells into morula or blastocyst stage embryos. Regardless of how the genetic material is introduced, the manipulated embryos are transferred to pseudo-pregnant female recipients where pregnancy continues and candidate transgenic pups are born.
  • ES clones can be screened extensively before their use to create a transgenic animal.
  • pronuclear microinjection relies on the genetic material integrating to the host genome after its introduction and, generally speaking, the successful incorporation of the transgene cannot be confirmed until after pups are born.
  • Transgenic animals can be generated by multiple means including random integration of the construct into the genome, site-specific integration, or homologous recombination.
  • tools and techniques that can be used to both drive and select for transgene integration and subsequent modification including the use of drug resistance markers (positive selection), recombinases, recombination-mediated cassette exchange, negative selection techniques, and nucleases to improve the efficiency of recombination. Most of these methods are commonly used in the modification of ES cells. However, some of the techniques may have utility for enhancing transgenesis mediated via pronuclear injection.
  • the endogenous mouse immunoglobulin expression is silenced to permit sole use of the introduced transgene for the expression of the heavy-chain only repertoire that can be exploited for drug discovery.
  • Genetically-manipulated mice for example TKO mice that are silenced for all endogenous immunoglobulin loci (mouse heavy chain, mouse kappa chain and mouse lambda chain) can be used as described above.
  • the transfer of any introduced transgene to this TKO background can be achieved via breeding, (either conventional or with the inclusion of an IVF step to give efficient scaling of the process).
  • the oocytes may be derived from TKO donors.
  • ES cells from TKO embryos can be derived for use in transgenesis.
  • Triple knock-out mice into which transgenes have been introduced are referred to herein as TKO/Tg.
  • the mouse is as described in WO2016/062990.
  • the invention also relates to a rodent, preferably a mouse which expresses a human heavy chain locus and which has been immunized with a PSMA antigen.
  • the invention also relates to a rodent as described above, preferably a mouse which expresses a heavy chain only antibody comprising a human V H domain that binds to human PSMA.
  • a rodent as described above, preferably a mouse which expresses a heavy chain only antibody comprising a human V H domain that binds to human PSMA.
  • said rodent is not capable of making functional endogenous kappa and lambda light and/or heavy chains.
  • the human heavy chain locus is located on a transgene which can be as described above. Preferably, this comprises a human V gene locus and does not encode a functional C H 1 domain.
  • a pharmaceutical composition comprising a PSMA binding molecule according to the present invention and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • the binding molecule of the present invention or compositions can be administered by any convenient route.
  • the compounds may be administered by any route, including oral and parenteral administration.
  • Parenteral administration includes, for example, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intranasal, rectal, intravesical, intradermal, topical or subcutaneous administration.
  • Compositions can take the form of one or more dosage units.
  • the composition of the invention can be in the form of a liquid, e.g., a solution, emulsion or suspension.
  • the liquid can be useful for delivery by injection, infusion (e.g., IV infusion) or subcutaneously.
  • the liquid compositions of the invention can also include one or more of the following: sterile diluents such as water, saline solution, preferably physiological saline, Ringer's solution, isotonic sodium chloride, fixed oils such as synthetic mono or diglycerides, polyethylene glycols, glycerin, or other solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl paraben; and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose.
  • a composition can be enclosed in an ampoule, a disposable syringe or a multiple-dose vial made of glass, plastic or other material.
  • the amount of the binding molecule of the present invention that is effective/active in the treatment of a particular disorder or condition will depend on the nature of the disorder or condition, and can be determined by standard clinical techniques. In addition, in vitro or in vivo assays can optionally be employed to help identify optimal dosage ranges. The precise dose to be employed in the compositions will also depend on the route of administration, and the seriousness of the disease or disorder, and should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and each patient's circumstances.
  • compositions of the invention comprise an effective amount of a binding molecule of the present invention such that a suitable dosage will be obtained.
  • the correct dosage of the compounds will vary according to the particular formulation, the mode of application, and its particular site, host and the disease being treated. Other factors like age, body weight, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, condition of the host, drug combinations, reaction sensitivities and severity of the disease shall be taken into account. Administration can be carried out continuously or periodically within the maximum tolerated dose.
  • this amount is at least about 0.01% of a binding molecule of the present invention by weight of the composition.
  • compositions of the present invention are prepared so that a parenteral dosage unit contains from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight of the binding molecule of the present invention.
  • the composition can comprise from about typically about 0.1 mg/kg to about 250 mg/kg of the animal's body weight, preferably, between about 0.1 mg/kg and about 20 mg/kg of the animal's body weight, and more preferably about 1 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg of the animal's body weight.
  • compositions can take the form of suitable carriers, such aerosols, sprays, suspensions, or any other form suitable for use.
  • suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W. Martin.
  • compositions can be prepared using methodology well known in the pharmaceutical art.
  • a composition intended to be administered by injection can be prepared by combining a binding molecule of the present invention with water so as to form a solution.
  • a surfactant can be added to facilitate the formation of a homogeneous solution or suspension.
  • the invention furthermore relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer, comprising administering a binding molecule of the invention to a patient, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of a binding molecule and/or of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention.
  • the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention.
  • the invention also relates to a binding molecule of the invention for use in the treatment of disease.
  • the invention also relates to a binding molecule of the invention for use in the treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder.
  • Prostate cancer refers to all stages and all forms of cancer arising from the tissue of the prostate gland.
  • the invention also relates to the treatment of a disease characterized by aberrant expression of PSMA.
  • the invention relates to the use of a binding molecule of the invention in the treatment of disease. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a binding molecule of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder.
  • the binding molecules of the invention are also useful for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of cancer, in particular prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder.
  • a prostatic disorder refers to any disease that afflicts the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is dependent on the hormonal secretions of the testes. Expression of PSMA has been detected in other cancers, more specifically in the neovasculature associated with these cancers.
  • carcinomas including conventional (clear cell) renal cell, transitional cell of the bladder, testicular-embryonal, neuroendocrine, colon, and breast, and the different types of malignancies were found consistently and strongly to express PSMA in their neovasculature.
  • the binding molecule of the invention may be administered as the sole active ingredient or in combination with one or more other therapeutic and/or cytotoxic moiety.
  • the binding molecule may be conjugated to a toxic moiety.
  • the anti-PSMA binding molecule can be used in combination with existing therapies.
  • the single domain antibody is used in combination with an existing therapy or therapeutic agent, for example an anti-cancer therapy.
  • the invention also relates to a combination therapy comprising administration of a single domain antibody or pharmaceutical composition of the invention and an anti-cancer therapy.
  • the anti-cancer therapy may include a therapeutic agent or radiation therapy and includes gene therapy, viral therapy, RNA therapy bone marrow transplantation, nanotherapy, targeted anti-cancer therapies or oncolytic drugs.
  • therapeutic agents include other checkpoint inhibitors, antineoplastic agents, immunogenic agents, attenuated cancerous cells, tumor antigens, antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells pulsed with tumor-derived antigen or nucleic acids, immune stimulating cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IFNa2, GM-CSF), targeted small molecules and biological molecules (such as components of signal transduction pathways, e.g.
  • modulators of tyrosine kinases and inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases, and agents that bind to tumor-specific antigens including EGFR antagonists
  • an anti-inflammatory agent including a cytotoxic agent, a radiotoxic agent, or an immunosuppressive agent and cells transfected with a gene encoding an immune stimulating cytokine (e.g., GM-CSF), chemotherapy.
  • the single domain antibody is used in combination with surgery.
  • the binding molecule of the invention may be administered at the same time or at a different time as the other therapy, e.g., simultaneously, separately or sequentially.
  • the invention provides a kit for detecting prostate cancer for diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or monitoring comprising a binding molecule of the invention.
  • the kit may also comprise instructions for use.
  • the kits may include a labeled binding molecule of the invention as described above and one or more compounds for detecting the label.
  • the invention in another aspect provides a binding molecule of the invention packaged in lyophilized form, or packaged in an aqueous medium.
  • the invention also relates to detection methods using the binding molecule of the invention.
  • the human-PSMA-binding molecules, disclosed herein can be used to detect PSMA (e.g., in a biological sample, such as serum or plasma), using a conventional immunoassay, such as an enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), an radioimmunoassay (RIA) or tissue immunohistochemistry.
  • ELISA enzyme linked immunosorbent assays
  • RIA radioimmunoassay
  • tissue immunohistochemistry tissue immunohistochemistry
  • the invention also relates to in vitro or in vivo methods for diagnosing or monitoring progression of a cancer, in particular prostate cancer.
  • In vitro methods comprise detecting the presence of a PSMA protein in a test sample and comparing this with control sample from a normal subject or with a standard value or standard value range for a normal subject.
  • the sample may be selected from blood, plasma, serum, semen, urine or a tissue biopsy.
  • the method may include: (a) contacting the sample (and optionally, a reference, e.g., a positive and/or negative control sample) with a PSMA binding molecule of the invention and (b) detecting either the binding molecule bound to PSMA or unbound binding molecule in the sample, to thereby detect PSMA in the biological sample.
  • the binding molecule can be directly or indirectly labeled with a detectable substance to facilitate detection of the bound or unbound antibody. Suitable detectable substances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials, luminescent materials and radioactive materials.
  • In vivo methods may comprise detecting the presence of PSMA in vivo, for example by imaging in a subject.
  • a PSMA binding molecule of the invention is labeled to detect binding.
  • human PSMA can be assayed in biological fluids by a competition immunoassay utilizing PSMA standards labeled with a detectable substance and an unlabeled human PSMA binding molecule.
  • the biological sample, the labeled PSMA standards and the human PSMA binding molecule are combined and the amount of labeled PSMA standard bound to the unlabeled binding molecule is determined.
  • the amount of human PSMA in the biological sample is inversely proportional to the amount of labeled PSMA standard bound to the PSMA binding molecule.
  • human PSMA can also be assayed in biological fluids by a competition immunoassay utilizing PSMA standards labeled with a detectable substance and an unlabeled human PSMA binding molecule.
  • Binding molecules disclosed herein can be used to inhibit PSMA activity, e.g., in a cell culture containing PSMA, in human subjects or in other mammalian subjects having PSMA with which a binding molecule disclosed herein cross-reacts.
  • a method for inhibiting or increasing PSMA activity comprising contacting PSMA with a binding molecule disclosed herein such that PSMA activity is inhibited or increased.
  • a binding molecule disclosed herein can be added to the culture medium to inhibit PSMA activity in the culture.
  • the invention also relates to a method of ablating or killing a cell that expresses PSMA, e.g., a cancerous or non-cancerous prostatic cell.
  • Methods of the invention include contacting the cell, with PSMA binding molecule of the invention, in an amount sufficient to ablate or kill, the cell.
  • the methods can be used on cells in culture, e.g., in vitro or ex vivo.
  • mice carrying a heavy-chain antibody transgenic locus in germline configuration within a background that is silenced for endogenous heavy and light chain antibody expression were created as previously described (WO2004/076618 and WO2003/000737, Ren et al., Genomics, 84, 686, 2004; Zou et al., J. Immunol., 170, 1354, 2003). Briefly, transgenic mice were derived following pronuclear microinjection of freshly fertilised oocytes with a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) comprising a plethora of human V H , D and J genes in combination with mouse immunoglobulin constant region genes lacking C H 1 domains, mouse enhancer and regulatory regions.
  • YAC yeast artificial chromosome
  • Yeast artificial chromosomes are vectors that can be employed for the cloning of very large DNA inserts in yeast. As well as comprising all three cis-acting structural elements essential for behaving like natural yeast chromosomes (an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS), a centromere (CEN) and two telomeres (TEL)), their capacity to accept large DNA inserts enables them to reach the minimum size (150 kb) required for chromosome-like stability and for fidelity of transmission in yeast cells.
  • ARS autonomously replicating sequence
  • CEN centromere
  • TEL telomeres
  • the construction and use of YACs is well known in the art (e.g., Bruschi, C. V. and Gjuracic, K.
  • the transgenic founder mice were back crossed with animals that lacked endogenous immunoglobulin expression to create the Tg/TKO lines used in the immunisation studies described.
  • the immunisations used recombinant purified protein or Human Cell Line LNCap.
  • Recombinant human PMSA was purchased from R&D, (cat. no. 4234-ZN), while the LNCap cells were from Sigma Aldrich (cat. no. 89110211-1VL).
  • Tg/TKO mice aged 8-12 weeks of age each received a total of 50 ⁇ g of recombinant purified human PSMA protein, emulsified in Complete Freund's Adjuvant and delivered subcutaneously, or 10 million LNCap cells in PBS delivered intraperitoneally, followed by boosts of 1-10 ⁇ g of the recombinant protein, emulsified in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant, also administered subcutaneously, given at various intervals following the initial priming.
  • a final dose of the recombinant purified human PSMA protein antigen was administered intraperitoneally, in phosphate buffered saline, in the absence of adjuvant.
  • Alternative immunisation routes and procedures can also be employed.
  • DNA immunisations are often delivered intramuscularly or via a Genegun.
  • Transfected cells or membrane preparations from such cells are often, although not exclusively, administered intraperitoneally.
  • RNAlate® RNAlate
  • 1 ⁇ 2 of the spleen and 4 lymph nodes were processed separately.
  • the tissues were homogenised; following transfer of tissues to Lysing matrix D bead tubes (MP Bio. Cat. no. 116983001), 600 ⁇ l of RLT buffer containing ⁇ -mercaptoethanol (from Qiagen RNeas® kit cat. no. 74104) was added before homogenisation in a MP Bio Fastprep96 homogeniser (cat #116010500) at 1600 rpm for 60 seconds.
  • RNA samples were extracted using Qiagen RNeasy® kit (cat. no. 74104) following the manufacturer's protocol. Each RNA sample was then used to make cDNA using Superscript III RT-PCR high-fidelity kit (Invitrogen cat. no. 12574-035). For each spleen and lymphnodes RNA sample, 5 RT-PCR reactions were performed, each with V H _J/F (long) primer in combination with a primer for V H 1, V H 2, V H 3, V H 4 or V H 6 family. Details of the primers are below.
  • RT-PCR reactions were carried out in a thermal cycler using the following conditions:
  • V H products amplified for a given family from the 1 ⁇ 2 spleen and each of the 4 lymph nodes were then pooled for purification using Thermo/Fermentas GeneJet PCR purification kit (cat. no. K0702) which was used according to the manufacturer's instructions, with the products eluted in 50 ⁇ l of water.
  • the phagemid vector, pUCG3, was employed in these studies.
  • a PCR-based method was used to construct the V H phagemid libraries from the amplified V H sequences. The following procedure was used:
  • pUCG3-pHENAPmut4 SEQ ID No. 511 GGCCATGGCCGGCTGGGCCGCGAG pUCG3-pHENAPmut5mycHis SEQ ID No. 512 TCATCGAGGGTGGCGAGCGAACAAAAACTCATCTCAGAAG AATCTGAATCATCACACATCACACGGGAGCTAGACTGTTG AAAGTTGTTTAGCAAAACC
  • Phusion High fidelity PCR master mix with GC buffer (cat. no. F532L, NEB) was used for the PCR reactions which comprised the following reagents:
  • the PCR product (3152 bp) was gel purified using Fermentas GeneJet Gel purification kit (cat. no. K0691), according to the manufacturer's instructions, with final elution in 40 ⁇ l of elution buffer.
  • V H RT-PCR products were employed as megaprimers with the linearised pUCG3 to give phagemid products for transformation and library creation, based on the following reactions;
  • the various family V H /phagemid products were purified using Fermentas PCR purification kit (cat. no. K0702) according to the manufacturer's instructions with the final elution being in 25 ⁇ l H 2 O; this eluate was used for transformations of TG1 E. coli (Lucigen, cat. no. 60502-2) by electroporation using BioRad 2 ⁇ 0.2 cm cuvettes (BioRad cat. no. 165-2086) in a Bio-Rad GenePulser Xcell and pre-warmed recovery medium (Lucigen, proprietary mix).
  • Phage and cells were incubated on ice for 2 hours, mixing occasionally to prevent cell clumping. Unbound or weakly bound phage were removed by washing five times in ice-cold PBS. The phage were then allowed to internalise by incubating the cells in media at 37° C. before removing phage bound to the outside of the cells with a 5 minutes wash step in a low pH cell-stripping buffer at 4° C. The cells were then lysed to harvest internalised phage using trimethylamine. Both the stripped and internalised fractions were neutralised with Tris buffer before being used to infect E. coli . The phage outputs were analysed as described for panning selections on recombinant proteins.
  • V H from the different selections were screened in one or more of the following assays to identify specific V H capable of binding PMSA.
  • V H antibodies were identified by phage ELISA following published methods (Antibody Engineering, edited by Benny Lo, chapter 8, p 161-176, 2004). Phage ELISAs were performed against target protein and an unrelated antigen as control. In some cases, purified or crude extracts of V H domains were assayed by ELISA instead of using a phage ELISA. In these cases, bacterial periplasmic extracts or purified V H were used.
  • Small-scale bacterial periplasmic extracts were prepared from 1 ml cultures, grown in deep well plates. Starter cultures were used to inoculate 96-well deep well plates (Fisher, cat. no. MPA-600-030X) containing 2 ⁇ TY broth (Melford cat. no. M2130), supplemented with 0.1% (w/v) glucose+100 ⁇ g/ml ampicillin at 37° C. with 250 rpm shaking. When OD 600 had reached 0.6-1, V H production was induced by adding 100 ⁇ l of 2 ⁇ TY, supplemented with IPTG (final concentration 1 mM) and ampicillin and the cultures were grown overnight at 30° C. with shaking at 250 rpm. E.
  • coli were pelleted by centrifugation at 3200 rpm for 10 mins and supernatants discarded. Cell pellets were resuspended in 30-100 ⁇ l of ice cold extraction buffer (20% (w/v) sucrose, 1 mM EDTA & 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0) by gently pipetting. Cells were incubated on ice for 30 minutes and then centrifuged at 4500 rpm for 15 mins at 4° C. Supernatants were transferred to polypropylene plates and used, following incubation in Marvel/PBS blocking solution, in the ELISA.
  • the purified V H were obtained by using the V H C-terminal 6 ⁇ HIS tag for Ni-NTA affinity chromatographic purification of the periplasmic extracts.
  • V H were then eluted from the columns by the addition of 250 ⁇ l of PBS containing imidazole at a concentration of 250 mM.
  • Imidazole was then removed from the purified V H preparations by buffer exchange with NAP-5 columns (GE Healthcare, 17-0853-01) and then eluting with 1 ml of PBS. Yields of purified V H were estimated spectrophotometrically and purity was assessed using SDS PAGE.
  • anti-PSMA V H were purified from the supernatants of W3110 E. coli with pJExpress vector. For this procedure up to 400 ml cultures were grown at 37° C. with 250 rpm shaking in TB media before being induced overnight with 1 mM IPTG overnight. The resulting supernatants were harvested and V H purified on AKTA Pure using a Ni-Sepharose excel column (HiScale 16, GE Healthcare). Yields of purified V H were estimated spectrophotometrically and purity was assessed using SDS PAGE.
  • the binding ELISA for crude or purified V H was similar to the serum ELISA and phage ELISA, previously described, mostly differing in the final detection steps. Briefly, antigen was immobilised on Maxisorb plates (Nunc cat. no. 443404) by adding 50 ⁇ l volumes at 0.1-2 ⁇ g/ml in PBS and incubating at 4° C. overnight. Following coating, the antigen solution was aspirated and the plates were washed using PBS (prepared from PBS Tablets, Oxoid cat. no. BR0014G) supplemented with 0.05% Tween® 20 (Sigma cat. no. P1379), followed by washes with PBS without added Tween® 20.
  • PBS prepared from PBS Tablets, Oxoid cat. no. BR0014G
  • Tween® 20 Sigma cat. no. P1379
  • a solution of 3% skimmed milk powder (Marvel®) in PBS was added to the wells and the plate was incubated for at least one hour at room temperature.
  • Dilutions of periplasmic extract or purified V H in 3% Marvel®/PBS were prepared in polypropylene tubes or plates and incubated for at least one hour at room temperature prior to transfer to the blocked ELISA plate where a further incubation of at least one hour took place. Unbound protein was then washed away using repetitive washes with PBS/Tween followed by PBS.
  • a solution of HRP-conjugated anti-Myc Ab (Santa Cruz cat. no.
  • Periplasmic extracts from E. coli were screened for production of PSMA-binding-His-tagged V H using Fluorescence Microvolume Assay Technology (FMAT), a fluorescence-based platform that detects fluorescence localized to beads or cells settled at the bottom of microwells (Dietz et al., Cytometry 23:177-186 (1996), Miraglia et al., J. Biomol. Screening 4:193-204 (1999).
  • FMAT Fluorescence Microvolume Assay Technology
  • CHO TREX human and cynomolgus cell lines were generated in-house using full-length human and cynomolgus PSMA using standard procedures.
  • LnCAP cells were purchased from Sigma Aldrich.
  • Peripreps were tested by single point screening for the presence of V H that bound specifically to CHO human PSMA, CHO cyno PSMA and LnCAP cells with no binding to CHO parental cells in an FMAT Direct Binding Assay.
  • Cells were resuspended at 0.1 ⁇ 10 6 cells/ml in FMAT assay buffer (pH 7.4) containing PBS, 0.1% Bovine Serum Albumin, 0.01% Sodium Azide and 120 nM DRAQ5 (Thermo Scientific cat. no. 62251) added to the cell suspension.
  • Peripreps (10 ⁇ l) were transferred into 384 well black clear-bottomed assay plates (Costar cat. no.
  • V H purified via the terminal His tag were serially diluted in FMAT assay buffer then binding was measured as described above ( FIGS. 16 A- 16 C ). Improved variants show similar properties to the parent V H ( FIGS. 16 B and 16 C ).
  • the Table below shows the different CDR3 sequences of the V H families identified together with their binding characteristics.
  • FIG. 1 shows the sequences of clones 1.1 to 1.20 isolated as described herein above and grouped into a single family. Clones 1.8-1.20 are variants of 1.1.
  • FIG. 2 shows the sequences of clones 2.1 to 2.25 isolated as described herein above and grouped into a single family. Clones 2.2, 2.11-2.19, 2.22-2.25 are variants of 2.1.
  • FIG. 3 shows the sequences of clones 3.1 to 3.24 isolated as described herein above and grouped into a single family. Clones 3.20-3.25 are variants of 3.1.
  • V H for target antigen was confirmed by ELISA, following the methods described in Example 7(a). V H were tested for binding to PMSA and shown not to cross react with irrelevant proteins.
  • Binding kinetics of purified anti-PSMA V H antibodies were measured on a ForteBio Octet RED 384 instrument.
  • Recombinant PMSA was diluted to 20 ⁇ g/ml in sodium acetate buffer, pH 5 (ForteBio, cat. no. 18-1069) and coupled to ARG2G biosensors (ForteBio cat. no. 18-5092) using amine-coupling chemistry (NHS-EDC amine-coupling, ForteBio cat. nos. 18-1067 and 18-1033), followed by quenching in ethanolamine (ForteBio cat. no. 18-1071).
  • amine-coupling chemistry NHS-EDC amine-coupling, ForteBio cat. nos. 18-1067 and 18-1033
  • Binding kinetics of anti-PSMA V H antibodies were then determined by preparing each V H antibody in dilution series (typically 1:2 dilution series starting with 15 ⁇ g/ml, V H at the highest concentration), and then measuring binding of the different V H concentrations to the PSMA-coupled biosensors. V H binding kinetics were then determined from the (blank subtracted) sensorgram trace using 1:1 binding models and ForteBio Octet DataAnalysis software. Binding affinities from 1-150 nM and in the subnanomolar range were detected and examples of the Octet profiles are shown in FIGS. 17 A- 17 C and in the binding parameters thereof in Table 20 below.
  • V H (10 ⁇ l) were transferred into 384-well black clear-bottomed assay plates (Costar cat. no. 3655) and 10 ⁇ l of 40 nM pHrod® green labelled Anti-His antibody added followed by 20 ⁇ l DRAQ5 stained cells. Plates were incubated at 37° C. for 2 hr then equilibrated to room temperature. Fluorescence emission in the FL2 (502 nm-537 nm) and FL5 (677-800 nm) channels were measured on TTP Mirrorball plate reader following excitation at 488 nm and 640 nm. Data was gated on FL5 perimeter and peak intensity and the FL2 median mean fluorescence intensity of the gated data used for determination of V H internalization ( FIG. 18 ).
  • His-ZAP Advanced targeting Systems cat. No. 1T52 Internalization of His tagged PSMA binding V H was assessed using an anti-His antibody conjugated to saporin toxin (His-ZAP Advanced targeting Systems cat. No. 1T52).
  • the His-ZAP reagent binds to the V H and is internalized through the V H interaction with PSMA on the cell surface. Saporin toxin is released from the complex in the endosome and inactivates ribosomes eventually resulting in cell death.
  • CHO cells expressing human or cynomolgus PSMA 400 cells per well in a 30 ⁇ l volume were seeded into 384-well black clear-bottomed tissue culture-treated assay plates (Costar cat. no. 3712) in Hams F12 (Sigma cat. no. N6658) media containing 10% foetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 10 ⁇ g/ml blasticidin, 300 ⁇ g/ml Zeocin, penicillin/streptomycin, 1 ⁇ g/ml tetracycline and incubated overnight in a CO 2 incubator at 37° C. Purified V H were serially diluted in media then an equal volume of 40 nM His-ZAP added.
  • V H /His-ZAP samples (10 ⁇ l) were transferred to the cell assay plates and incubated for 48 hours in a CO 2 incubator at 37° C. His-ZAP control wells (cells with His-ZAP reagent) and background controls (media only) were set up on each plate for data normalization. Cell viability was determined following the 48 hour incubation using the Cell Titer-Glo Cell Viability assay (Promega cat. no. G7571) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Relative luminescent signal (RLU) was measured using the BMG PHERAstar plate reader. The data was normalized by subtraction of the RLU signal obtained in the absence of cells and expression as a percentage of the background-corrected signal of the His-ZAP control wells. Examples are given in FIGS. 19 A and 19 B .
  • V H from the different CDR3 families were tested for developability characteristics.
  • V H C-terminally His-Myc tagged
  • 3 nM biotinylated PSMA 3 nM biotinylated PSMA, 1.5 nM Streptavidin cryptate (Cisbio cat. no. 610SAKLA) and 10 nM Anti-Myc-Alexa Fluor-647 (AbD Serotec cat. no. MCA2200AF647) in a total assay volume of 10 ⁇ l in black 384-shallow-well plates (Costar cat. no. 3676) for a minimum of 3 hours at room temperature. Time-resolved fluorescent emission at 620 nm and 665 nm was measured following excitation at 337 nm on the BMG PHERAstar plate reader and the data obtained is shown in FIGS. 22 A- 22 C .
  • DSC Differential scanning calorimetry
  • V H were injected in mice (V H 1.1, V H 2.1 and V H 2.1 with half-life extension).
  • the mice contain PSMA positive (+) and PSMA negative ( ⁇ ) tumours. Studies were carried out as follows:
  • the half-life extended V H comprises an anti-mouse serum albumin (anti-MSA) V H with the following sequence:
  • the experiments show high levels of specific tumor targeting, faster penetration and greater accumulation of the injected dose to PSMA expressing (PSMA+) tumor, in particular compared to a control monoclonal IgG anti-PSMA antibody. This can be further improved by extending the half life of the V H . Furthermore, the data shows quick clearance of the naked Humabody® V H . The results are shown in FIGS. 24 A- 24 E to FIG. 30 .
  • MMAE-toxin-conjugated V H The ability of MMAE-toxin-conjugated V H to internalize into PSMA-expressing cells resulting in cell killing was determined using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay.
  • Human cells DU-145, ATCC HTB-81) stably expressing human PSMA or matched PSMA negative cells were seeded into 384-well black clear-bottomed tissue culture treated assay plates at 3000 cells per well in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% foetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-Glutamine, 1 ⁇ penicillin/streptomycin, and incubated overnight in a CO 2 incubator at 37° C. Cells were then incubated with serially-diluted MMAE-toxin-conjugated V H for 48 or 72 hours.
  • FIGS. 31 A- 31 F illustrates dose response curves obtained using a human-PSMA-expressing human cell line and the matched parent (i.e.
  • the anti-PSMA-MMAE-conjugated V H specifically killed PSMA positive cells with minimal cell killing observed for the PSMA negative control cell line.
  • the biparatopics that consist of two V H targeting different epitopes of the PSMA were more potent than the monovalent or bivalent PSMA V H constructs.
  • HDCs HumabodyTM Drug Conjugates
  • a stock solution of conjugation reagent, HiPEGTM val-cit-PAB-MMAE ( FIG. 33 ), was prepared in MeCN prior to performing conjugation reactions.
  • a solution of HumabodyTM (0.9 mg/mL in PBS; 20 mM EDTA, pH 7.5) was mixed gently with HiPEGTM val-cit-PAB-MMAE reagent (1.5 equiv. per HumabodyTM; 5% (v/v) final MeCN concentration) and incubated at 22° C. for 19 h. After 19 h, the conjugation reaction was mixed with an equal volume of 600 mM sodium phosphate buffer (150 mM NaCl; 20 mM EDTA), pH 7.5 and cooled to 4° C.
  • a stock solution of 1 mg/mL NaBH 4 solution was prepared in 0.1 M NaOH. Two aliquots each of NaBH 4 solution, (10 equiv. per reagent), were added to the cooled conjugation reaction with a 30 min interval between additions. After a further 30 min interval, the crude mixture was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) using a TOSOH ToyoPearl Phenyl-650S column. The sample was bound and washed onto the column using 50 mM sodium phosphate (2 M NaCl), pH 7 (buffer A) and eluted using a gradient of 50 mM sodium phosphate (20% v/v isopropanol), pH 7 (buffer B).
  • HIC hydrophobic interaction chromatography
  • Fractions containing the mono-loaded product were pooled and concentrated using Vivaspin20 concentrators fitted with 5 kDa MWCO PES membranes.
  • the concentrated fractions were buffer exchanged into DPBS using PD10 columns and the buffer exchanged material sterile filtered using 0.2 ⁇ m PVDF syringe filtration unit.
  • the HiPEG val-cit-PAB-MMAE moiety is attached via a C terminal His6-tag on a V H .
  • Two histidines are needed for attachment of each “payload” toxin molecule.
  • Positive control antibody Pro_006 is an anti-PSMA antibody composed of heavy and light chain sequences described within U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,330 and exemplified as antibody 006.
  • Conjugation 1 A solution of mAb Pro_006 (5.07 mg/mL) in reaction buffer (20 mM sodium phosphate, 150 mM NaCl; 20 mM EDTA, pH 7.5), was warmed to 40° C. for 15 min. TCEP (5 mM, 2 equiv. per mAb) was added to the mAb solution, mixed gently and incubated at 40° C. for 1 h. A stock solution of conjugation reagent, mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE ( FIG. 34 ) was prepared in DMF at 2.8 mM.
  • the reduced mAb was cooled to 22° C., diluted to 4.2 mg/mL with reaction buffer and mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE (5.25 equiv. per mAb) was added.
  • the conjugation mixture was incubated at 22° C. for 2 h.
  • the crude conjugation mixture was treated with 50 mM N-acetyl-L-cysteine (20 equiv. over reagent) at 22° C. for 30 min.
  • the reaction mixture was diafiltered against DPBS using a Vivaspin20 concentrator fitted with 30 kDa MWCO PES membranes.
  • the diafiltered ADC solution was buffer exchanged into DPBS using a Centripure P50 column.
  • Conjugation 2 A solution of mAb Pro_006 (5.07 mg/mL) in reaction buffer (20 mM sodium phosphate 150 mM NaCl; 20 mM EDTA), pH 7.5 was warmed to 40° C. for 15 min. TCEP (5 mM, 2.75 equiv. per mAb) was added to the mAb solution, mixed gently and incubated at 40 for 1 h. A stock solution of conjugation reagent, mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE ( FIG. 34 ) was prepared in DMF at 4.0 mM.
  • the reduced mAb was cooled to 22° C., diluted to 4.2 mg/mL with reaction buffer and mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE (7 equiv. per mAb) was added.
  • the conjugation mixture was incubated at 22° C. for 2 h.
  • the crude conjugation mixture was treated with 50 mM N-acetyl-L-cysteine (20 equiv. over reagent) at 22° C. for 30 min.
  • the reaction mixture was diafiltered against DPBS using a Vivaspin20 concentrator fitted with 30 kDa MWCO PES membranes.
  • the diafiltered ADC solution was buffer exchanged into DPBS using a Centripure P50 column.
  • ADC 1 (DAR 3.21) and ADC 2 (DAR 4.52) were mixed in a 4:1 mol ratio to prepare an ADC with intermediate DAR.
  • the resulting sample was sterile filtered using 0.2 ⁇ m PVDF syringe filtration unit.

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Abstract

The invention relates to binding molecules that bind specifically to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), in particular, single human variable heavy chain domain antibodies and related methods for treatment of cancer.

Description

    CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/508,583, filed on Oct. 22, 2021, which is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/069,497, filed on Jul. 11, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,236,174, which is a § 371 national phase application of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2017/050074, filed on Jan. 12, 2017, which claims priority to British Application No. 1600559.7, filed on Jan. 12, 2016, British Application No. 1605763.0, filed on Apr. 4, 2016, and British Application No. 1605770.5, filed on Apr. 4, 2016, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
    • STATEMENT REGARDING ELECTRONIC FILING OF A SEQUENCE LISTING
  • A Sequence Listing in XML format, submitted under 37 C.F.R. § 1.831-1.834, entitled 1553-2CT2_ST26.xml, 515,073 bytes in size, generated on Jun. 27, 2023 and filed electronically, is provided in lieu of a paper copy. This Sequence Listing is hereby incorporated by reference into the specification for its disclosures.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention relates to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) binding molecules, and the use of such binding molecules in the treatment of disease.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin-related malignancy in males in developed countries. It is estimated that one in six males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
  • Current treatments for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation, and adjuvant hormonal therapy. Although these therapies are relatively effective in the early stages of disease, the majority of patients initially diagnosed with localized prostate cancer ultimately relapse. Whilst chemotherapy is one of the most widely used approaches in combating advanced prostate cancer, its therapeutic efficacy is usually insufficient due to lack of specificity and associated toxicity. Lack of targeted delivery to prostate cancer cells is one of the primary obstacles in achieving feasible therapeutic effect. Consequently, there remains a critical need for strategies to increase the selectivity of anti-prostate cancer agents (Barve et al., J Control Release. 2014 Aug. 10; 0: 118-132).
  • The diagnosis of prostate cancer has greatly improved following the use of serum-based markers such as the prostate specific antigen (PSA). In addition, prostate tumour-associated antigens offer targets for tumour imaging, diagnosis, and targeted therapies. The prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a prostate tumour associated marker, is such a target.
  • PSMA is a 750-residue type II transmembrane glycoprotein highly restricted to prostate secretory epithelial cell membranes. It is highly expressed in prostate cancer cells and in nonprostatic solid tumor neovasculature and expressed at lower levels in other tissues, including healthy prostate, kidney, liver, small intestine, and brain. PSMA expression increases with prostate disease progression and metastasis and its expression level has thus been correlated with tumour aggressiveness. Various immunohistological studies have demonstrated increased PSMA levels in virtually all cases of prostatic carcinoma compared to those levels in benign prostate epithelial cells. Intense PSMA staining is found in all stages of the disease, including prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, late stage androgen-independent prostate cancer and secondary prostate tumours localized to lymph nodes, bone, soft tissue, and lungs. PSMA is thus widely used as a biomarker for prostate cancer cells.
  • PSMA has a 3-part structure: a 19-amino-acid internal portion, a 24-amino-acid transmembrane portion, and a 707-amino-acid external portion. It forms a noncovalent homodimer that possesses glutamate carboxypeptidase activity based on its ability to process the neuropeptide N-acetylaspartylglutamate and glutamate-conjugated folate derivatives. PSMA is rapidly and efficiently internalized by an endocytic pathway and rapidly recycles back to the membrane.
  • Antibody-based therapeutics have emerged as important components of therapies for an increasing number of human malignancies in such fields as oncology, inflammatory and infectious diseases. In most cases, the basis of the therapeutic function is the high degree of specificity and affinity the antibody-based drug has for its target antigen. Arming monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with drugs, toxins, or radionuclides is yet another strategy by which mAbs may induce a therapeutic effect. By combining the targeting specificity of an antibody with the tumour killing power of toxic effector molecules, immunoconjugates permit sensitive discrimination between target and normal tissue thereby resulting in fewer side effects than most conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.
  • Due to their size and other physical properties, however, mAbs have to be administered either intravenously (iv) or subcutaneously (sc) and therefore have a high systemic exposure. Thus, their route of delivery can often be suboptimal, resulting either in antibody binding to target antigen at non-disease locations (potentially compromising the healthy function of normal, non-disease tissue) or resulting in suboptimal PK/PD characteristics. Either outcome may result in a loss of efficacy and/or a compromised safety profile by virtue of the suboptimal route of administration.
  • The first PSMA-specific mAb reported, murine mAb 7E11, was subsequently developed and commercialized as a diagnostic agent for tumour imaging (ProstaScint, Cytogen, Princeton, N.J.). However, this antibody recognizes an intracellular epitope of PSMA exposed upon cell death which limits its usefulness as an imaging agent for the detection of PSMA. More recently, mAbs such as J591 that recognize the extracellular portion of PSMA have been identified.
  • The aim of the present invention is to address the need of alternative antibody-based treatments for use in the treatment of prostate cancer.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention relates to single human heavy chain variable (VH) domain antibodies conjugated to a toxin. The invention relates also relates to binding molecules that bind human PSMA. The invention also provides isolated single domain antibodies, in particular VH single domain antibodies, that bind to PSMA and that exhibit a number of desirable properties. In particular, the binding is to human PSMA in its native form. In preferred embodiments, the binding molecules comprise at least one or consist of a single human heavy chain variable (VH) domain antibody. No light chains are thus present. In one embodiment, the binding molecules of the invention consist of a single VH domain antibody and do not comprise further moieties. In another embodiment, the binding molecules comprise a single domain VH antibody that binds to human PSMA and further moieties. In preferred embodiments, the single VH domain is generated from a heavy chain only antibody produced in a transgenic rodent expressing human V gene loci and immunised with a PSMA antigen. Single domain antibodies of the invention bind a target in monovalent form. Single domain antibodies are smaller than conventional monoclonal antibody formats and the inventors have shown that such molecules facilitate high levels of specific tumor targeting, fast penetration and high accumulation in the tumor compared to a monoclonal antibody benchmark. The inventors have also shown that the single domain antibodies bind PSMA with high affinity, are very stable and expressed to high level. Furthermore, single VH domain antibodies of the invention are less immunogenic than murine antibodies and no humanization is required. These properties make the single VH domain antibodies particularly useful in different formats, for example conjugated to a toxin or half-life extending moiety. The compounds are thus useful in treating disease, in particular cancer. The inventors have demonstrated this by showing that the single VH domain antibodies can be used together with a toxin to kill cells by conjugating the toxin to the single VH domain antibody. In one aspect, the invention provides an immunoconjugate comprising a single VH domain antibody described herein. Aspects of the invention are further summarised below.
  • In a first aspect, the invention thus relates to a single VH domain antibody conjugated to a toxin. The invention also extends to the use of such conjugates in the treatment of disease, for example cancer, and to methods for administering such conjugates to a patient to treat a disease, for example a cancer.
  • In one aspect, the invention thus relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human heavy chain variable immunoglobulin domain (VH) comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 3, 83, 183, 279, 295, 303, 331, 363, 367, 371, 375, 379, 383, 387 or 391 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto. In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human heavy chain variable immunoglobulin domain (VH) comprising SEQ ID NO. 4, 84, 184, 280, 332, 364, 368, 372, 376, 380, 384, 388 or 392 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 3 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto or a binding molecule consisting of such single VH domain antibody.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 83 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 183 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 303 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 367 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 379 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 387 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90% or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule that competes for binding to human PSMA with a single VH domain antibody described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a binding molecule described herein and a pharmaceutical carrier.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for treating prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder comprising administering a therapeutically-effective amount of a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein for use as medicament.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein for use in the treatment of prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to an in vivo or in vitro method for reducing human PSMA activity comprising contacting human PSMA with a binding molecule described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for determining the presence of PSMA in a test sample by an immunoassay comprising contacting said sample with a binding molecule described herein and at least one detectable label.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a binding molecule described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a nucleic acid construct comprising a nucleic acid according described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a host cell comprising a nucleic acid or a construct described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a binding molecule described herein comprising expressing a nucleic acid encoding said binding molecule in a host cell and isolating the binding molecule from the host cell culture.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a kit comprising a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for producing a binding molecule comprising at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain said method comprising
      • a) immunising a transgenic mouse that expresses a nucleic acid construct comprising human heavy chain V genes and that is not capable of making functional endogenous light or heavy chains with an PSMA antigen,
      • b) generating a library from said mouse and
      • c) isolating VH domains from said libraries.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated single VH domain antibody obtained or obtainable by a method described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to an isolated heavy chain only antibody comprising a VH domain that binds to human PSMA.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a transgenic rodent that produces a heavy chain only antibody described herein.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a heavy chain only antibody comprising a VH domain that binds to human PSMA obtained or obtainable from a transgenic mouse which expresses human V, D and J and has been immunised with a PSMA antigen.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a biparatopic, bivalent or multispecific binding molecule comprising one or more single domain antibody described herein.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 . Family 1 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 1. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 2 . Family 2 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 2. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 3 . Family 3 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 3. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 4 . Family 4 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 4. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 5 . Family 5 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 5. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 6 . Family 6 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 6. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 7 . Family 7 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 7. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 8 . Family 8 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 8. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 9 . Family 9 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 9. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 10 . Family 10 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 10. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 11 . Family 11 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 11. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 12 . Family 12 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 12. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 13 . Family 13 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 13. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 14 . Family 14 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 14. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIG. 15 . Family 15 sequences. This Figure shows the full length VH sequence for single domain antibodies in family 15. Framework (FR) and complementarity determining regions (CDR) are labelled. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are highlighted in bold.
  • FIGS. 16A-16C. Binding of purified anti-PSMA VH in FMAT Mirrorball Assay. FIG. 16A ●1.1, ▪3.1, ▴2.10, ▾2.1, FIG. 16B ●2.1, ▴2.13, ▾2.17 ⋄2.15, ◯2.12 Δ2.22 FIG. 16C single domain antibodies tested as shown by symbols from top to bottom ●1.8, ▪1.10, ▴1.11, ▾1.12, 1.13, ◯1.14, 1.16, Δ1.17, 1.18.
  • FIGS. 17A-17C. Binding of purified anti-PSMA single domain antibodies to rhPSMA by Octet REDD 384, FIG. 17A: 2.1, FIG. 17B: 1.1, FIG. 17C: 3.1.
  • FIG. 18 . pHrodo® Green internalisation of purified anti-PSMA single domain antibodies. single domain antibodies used (symbols in legend from top to bottom): 2.20, 12.1, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 5.1, 9.1, 14.1, 10.1, 7.1.
  • FIGS. 19A-19B. Killing of cynoPSMA and human PSMA CHO with anti-PSMA single domain antibodies. FIG. 19A: 2.1, FIG. 19B: 1.1.
  • FIG. 20 . Killing of LNCap with anti-PSMA single domain antibodies. sDAbs used (symbols in legend from top to bottom): 1.1, 2.1, 7.1, 3.1, 12.1, 4.1.
  • FIGS. 21A-21B. Binding of anti-PSMA single domain antibodies to cynoPSMA CHO following heating to 40° C. FIG. 21A: 2.1, FIG. 21B: 1.1.
  • FIGS. 22A-22C. Serum stability of anti-PSMA parent single domain antibodies at 37° C. FIG. 22A: 2.1, FIG. 22B: 1.1, FIG. 22C: 3.1.
  • FIG. 23 . Serum stability of anti-PSMA variants single domain antibodies at 37° C.
  • FIGS. 24A-24E. in vivo imaging. Imaging 5 min to 24 h. FIG. 24A: benchmark mAb, FIG. 24B: 2.1, FIG. 24C: 2.1-MSA, FIG. 24D: 1.1, FIG. 24E: negative control.
  • FIGS. 25A-25E. in vivo imaging 24 h radiograph. FIG. 25A: benchmark mAb, FIG. 25B: 2.1, FIG. 25C: 2.1-MSA, FIG. 25D: 1.1, FIG. 25E: negative control.
  • FIGS. 26A-26E. Comparison of PSMA+ tumor, PSMA-tumor and blood biodistribution at 5 min to 24 h. FIG. 26A: 1.1, FIG. 26B: 2.1, FIG. 26C: 2.1 half life extended, FIG. 26D: benchmark mAb, FIG. 26E: HEL4 control.
  • FIGS. 27A-27E. Comparison of PSMA+ tumor, bladder and kidney biodistribution at 5 min to 24 h. FIG. 27A: 1.1, FIG. 27B: 2.1, FIG. 27C: 2.1 half life extended, FIG. 27D: benchmark mAb, FIG. 27E: HEL4 control.
  • FIGS. 28A-28E. Comparison of lungs, heart, liver, muscle and PSMA expressing (PSMA+) tumor biodistribution biodistribution at 5 min to 24 h. FIG. 28A: 1.1, FIG. 28B: 2.1, FIG. 28C: 2.1 half life extended, FIG. 28D: benchmark mAb, FIG. 28E: HEL4 control.
  • FIGS. 29A-29E. Comparison of PSMA+ tumor to PSMA-tumor, blood or muscle ratios at 5 min to 24 h. FIG. 29A: 1.1, FIG. 29B: 2.1, FIG. 29C: 2.1 half life extended, FIG. 29D: benchmark mAb, FIG. 29E: HEL4 control.
  • FIG. 30 . Comparison of whole body activity from 5 min to 24 h.
  • FIGS. 31A-31F. shows in vitro cytotoxicity of monomeric MMAE-conjugated VH (FIG. 31A and FIG. 31B), bivalent VH (FIG. 31C and FIG. 31D) and biparatopic VH (FIG. 31E and FIG. 31F) on human cells stably expressing human PSMA protein and matched parental cells (PSMA negative) at a 48 hour incubation time point.
  • FIG. 32 . shows in vitro cytotoxicity of MMAE-conjugated VH on human cells stably expressing human PSMA protein at a 72 hour incubation time point.
  • FIG. 33 . shows the HiPEG™ val-cit-PAB-MMAE reagent (MW=2805 g/mol) used to prepare Humabody™ drug conjugates (HDCs).
  • FIG. 34 . shows the Maleimidocaproyl-valine-citrulline-p-aminobenzoyloxycarbonyl-monomethyl auristatin E (mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE) conjugation reagent (MW=1317 g/mol) used to produce the Pro_006 control antibody drug conjugates (ADC).
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.
  • Generally, nomenclatures used in connection with, and techniques of, cell and tissue culture, pathology, oncology, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics and protein and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. The methods and techniques of the present disclosure are generally performed according to conventional methods well-known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification unless otherwise indicated. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989)). Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performed according to manufacturer's specifications, as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein. The nomenclatures used in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques are used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients.
  • The invention provides isolated PSMA binding molecules, in particular those comprising at least one single VH domain antibody, that bind human PSMA, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such binding molecules, as well as isolated nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors and isolated host cells for making such binding proteins and fragments. Also provided are methods of using the binding proteins disclosed herein to detect human PSMA, to inhibit human PSMA either in vitro or in vivo, and methods of treating disease. One aspect of the invention provides isolated human anti-human PSMA binding molecules, specifically those comprising, or consisting of, single VH domain antibodies that bind to human PSMA with high affinity a slow off rate.
  • The PSMA binding molecules of the invention bind to wild type human PSMA (accession NO. Q04609). The sequence for the monomer is shown below (SEQ ID No.529).
  • 1 MWNLLHETDS AVATARRPRW LCAGALVLAG GFFLLGFLFG
    WFIKSSNEAT NITPKHNMKA
    61 FLDELKAENI KKFLYNFTQI PHLAGTEQNF QLAKQIQSQW
    KEFGLDSVEL AHYDVLLSYP
    121 NKTHPNYISI INEDGNEIFN TSLFEPPPPG YENVSDIVPP
    FSAFSPQGMP EGDLVYVNYA
    181 RTEDFFKLER DMKINCSGKI VIARYGKVFR GNKVKNAQLA
    GAKGVILYSD PADYFAPGVK
    241 SYPDGWNLPG GGVQRGNILN LNGAGDPLTP GYPANEYAYR
    RGIAEAVGLP SIPVHPIGY
    301 DAQKLLEKMG GSAPPDSSWR GSLKVPYNVG PGFTGNFSTQ
    KVKMHIHSTN EVTRIYNVIG
    361 TLRGAVEPDR YVILGGHRDS WVFGGIDPQS GAAVVHEIVR
    SFGTLKKEGW RPRRTILFAS
    421 WDAEEFGLLG STEWAEENSR LLQERGVAYI NADSSIEGNY
    TLRVDCTPLM YSLVHNLTKE
    481 LKSPDEGFEG KSLYESWTKK SPSPEFSGMP RISKLGSGND
    FEVFFQRLGI ASGRARYTKN
    541 WETNKFSGYP LYHSVYETYE LVEKFYDPMF KYHLTVAQVR
    GGMVFELANS IVLPFDCRDY
    601 AVVLRKYADK IYSISMKHPQ EMKTYSVSFD SLFSAVKNFT
    EIASKFSERL QDFDKSNPIV
    661 LRMMNDQLMF LERAFIDPLG LPDRPFYRHV IYAPSSHNKY
    AGESFPGIYD ALFDIESKVD
    721 PSKAWGEVKR QIYVAAFTVQ AAAETLSEVA
  • In one embodiment, the PSMA binding molecules of the invention bind to wild type human PSMA and/or cyno PSMA. The terms “PSMA binding molecule”, “PSMA binding protein” “anti-PSMA single domain antibody” or “anti-PSMA antibody” as used herein all refer to a molecule capable of binding to the human PSMA antigen. The term “PSMA binding molecule” includes a PSMA binding protein. The binding reaction may be shown by standard methods (qualitative assays) including, for example, a binding assay, competition assay or a bioassay for determining the inhibition of PSMA binding to its receptor or any kind of binding assays, with reference to a negative control test in which an antibody of unrelated specificity. Suitable assays are shown in the examples.
  • An antibody or binding molecule of the invention, including a single domain antibody and multivalent or multispecific binding agent described herein, “which binds” or is “capable of binding” an antigen of interest, e.g. PSMA, is one that binds, i.e. targets, the PSMA antigen with sufficient affinity such that it is useful in therapy in targeting a cell or tissue expressing the antigen.
  • Binding molecules of the invention, including the single domain antibodies and multivalent or multispecific binding agents described herein, bind specifically to human PSMA. In other words, binding to the PSMA antigen is measurably different from a non-specific interaction. Preferably, the single domain antibodies of the invention bind to human PSMA and also bind to cyno PSMA. The term “specific binding” or “specifically binds to” or is “specific for” a particular polypeptide or an epitope on a particular polypeptide target as used herein can be exhibited, for example, by a molecule having a KD for the target of at least about 10−4 M, alternatively at least about 10−5 M, alternatively at least about 10−6 M, alternatively at least about 10−7 M, alternatively at least about 10−8 M, alternatively at least about 10−9 M, alternatively at least about 10−10 M, alternatively at least about 10−11 M, alternatively at least about 10−12 M, or greater. In one embodiment, the term “specific binding” refers to binding where a molecule binds to a particular polypeptide or epitope on a particular polypeptide without substantially binding to any other polypeptide or polypeptide epitope.
  • The invention provides isolated PSMA binding molecules that bind human PSMA, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations comprising such binding molecule, as well as isolated nucleic acids encoding such binding molecules, recombinant expression vectors and host cells comprising such nucleic acids for making such binding molecules. Also provided by the invention are methods of using the binding molecules disclosed herein to detect human PSMA, to inhibit human PSMA either in vitro or in vivo, and methods of treating disease. One preferred aspect of the invention provides isolated human anti-human PSMA binding molecules, specifically those comprising, or consisting of, at least one single human VH domain antibody that binds to human PSMA with high affinity, a slow off rate.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to an isolated single variable domain antibody, an isolated variable single domain or an isolated immunoglobulin single variable domain wherein said isolated single domain antibody, isolated variable single domain or isolated immunoglobulin single variable domain binds to human PSMA. Binding molecules comprising at least one single domain antibody, variable single domain or immunoglobulin single variable domain are also within the scope of the invention. Fragments of the single domain antibody, variable single domain or immunoglobulin single variable domain that bind to human PSMA are also within the scope of the invention.
  • The terms “single domain antibody, variable single domain or immunoglobulin single variable domain (ISV)” are all well known in the art and describe the single variable fragment of an antibody that binds to a target antigen. These terms are used interchangeably herein. Single heavy chain variable domain antibodies (VH) do not comprise an immunoglobulin light chain. As explained below, preferred embodiments of the various aspects of the invention relate to single heavy chain variable domain antibodies/immunoglobulin heavy chain single variable domains which bind a PSMA antigen in the absence of light chain. Human heavy chain single variable (VH) domain antibodies are particularly preferred. Human heavy chain single variable VH are commonly abbreviated as VH domains. Single VH domains antibodies are also termed Humabody® herein. Humabody® is a registered trademark of Crescendo Biologics Ltd.
  • Thus, in some preferred embodiments, the isolated binding agents/molecules of the invention comprise or consist of at least one single domain antibody wherein said domain is preferably a human heavy chain variable domain. Thus, in one aspect, the binding agents of the invention comprise or consist of at least one human immunoglobulin single variable heavy chain domain; they are devoid of VL domains.
  • Each single VH domain antibody comprises three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4. Thus, in one embodiment of the invention, the domain is a human variable heavy chain (VH) domain with the following formula FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4. In one embodiment of the invention, the binding molecule includes an antigen binding fragment thereof.
  • The term “isolated” single domain antibody refers to a single domain antibody that is substantially free of other single domain antibodies, antibodies or antibody fragments having different antigenic specificities. Moreover, an isolated single domain antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material and/or chemicals.
  • In one embodiment, the invention relates to isolated binding molecules capable of binding to human PSMA comprising a human heavy chain variable immunoglobulin domain (VH) comprising a CDR3 sequence as shown in any of FIGS. 1 to 15 with reference to Tables 1 to or a sequence with at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more sequence identity thereto. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises a set of CDR1, 2 and 3 sequences selected from the sets of CDR1, 2 and 3 sequences as shown for the any of the clones of any of FIGS. 1 to 15 with reference to Tables 1 to 15. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises a VH domain with a set of CDR1, 2 and 3 sequences selected from the sets of CDR1, 2 and 3 sequences as shown for the any of the clones of any of FIGS. 1 to 15 and Tables 1 to 15. In one embodiment, the binding molecule is a heavy-chain-only antibody (HCAb). In one embodiment, the heavy chain only antibody comprises human variable regions. In one embodiment, the HCAb lacks the C H1 domain. In one embodiment, the HCAb comprises murine C regions. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises at least one single VH domain antibody.
  • Thus, in a preferred aspect, the invention relates to an isolated binding molecule consisting of a single VH domain antibody or comprising at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding human PSMA.
  • In one embodiment, the binding molecule may comprise at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding human PSMA comprising a CDR3 sequence as shown in any of FIGS. 1 to 15 and Tables 1 to 15 or a sequence with at least 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95% or more sequence identity thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said at least one single VH domain antibody comprises a set of CDRs1, 2 and 3 sequences selected from the sets of CDR1, 2 and 3 sequences as shown for any of the sdAbs of any of FIGS. 1 to 15 and 1 to 15 . In another embodiment, the single VH domain antibody is selected from any of the following single VH domain antibodies 1.1 to 1.20, 2.1 to 2.25, 3.1 to 3.24, 4.1 to 4.4, 5.1-5.2, 6.1 to 6.7, 7.1 to 7.8, 8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1, 12.1, 13.1, 14.1 or 15.1.
  • In one embodiment, said sequence homology or identity is at least 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%.
  • “Homology” generally refers to the percentage of amino acid residues in the candidate sequence that are identical with the residues of the polypeptide with which it is compared, after aligning the sequences and in some embodiments after introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent homology, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Thus, the percent homology between two amino acid sequences is equivalent to the percent identity between the two sequences. Neither N- or C-terminal extensions, tags or insertions shall be construed as reducing identity or homology. Methods and computer programs for the alignment are well known.
  • The term “antibody”, broadly refers to any immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule, or antigen binding portion thereof, comprised of four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains, or any functional fragment, mutant, variant, or derivation thereof, which retains the essential epitope binding features of an Ig molecule. Such mutant, variant, or derivative antibody formats are known in the art. In a full-length antibody, each heavy chain is comprised of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as HCVR or VH) and a heavy chain constant region. The heavy chain constant region is comprised of three domains, C H1, C H2 and C H3. Each light chain is comprised of a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as LCVR or VL) and a light chain constant region. The light chain constant region is comprised of one domain, CL. The VH and VL regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termed complementarity determining regions (CDR), interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework regions (FR). Each VH and VL is composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4. Immunoglobulin molecules can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA and IgY), class (e.g., IgG 1, IgG2, IgG 3, IgG4, IgA1 and IgA2) or subclass.
  • An antibody fragment is a portion of an antibody, for example as F(ab′)2, Fab, Fv, sFv and the like. Functional fragments of a full length antibody retain the target specificity of a full length antibody. Recombinant functional antibody fragments, such as Fab (Fragment, antibody), scFv (single chain variable chain fragments) and single domain antibodies (dAbs) have therefore been used to develop therapeutics as an alternative to therapeutics based on mAbs. scFv fragments (˜25 kDa) consist of the two variable domains, VH and VL. Naturally, VH and VL domain are non-covalently associated via hydrophobic interaction and tend to dissociate. However, stable fragments can be engineered by linking the domains with a hydrophilic flexible linker to create a single chain Fv (scFv). The smallest antigen binding fragment is the single variable fragment, namely the VH or VL domain. Binding to a light chain/heavy chain partner respectively is not required for target binding. Such fragments are used in single domain antibodies. A single domain antibody (˜12 to 15 kDa) therefore has either the VH or VL domain.
  • In certain embodiments, the isolated binding molecules of the invention comprise or consist of at least one single domain antibody wherein said domain is a VH domain. Thus, in one aspect, the binding molecules of the invention comprise or consist of at least one immunoglobulin single variable heavy chain domain antibody (sVD, sdAb or ISV) that has a VH domain, but is devoid of VL domains. As further described herein, the binding molecule may comprise two or more single VH domain antibodies. Such binding molecules may be monospecific or multispecific, monovalent or multivalent as explained in further detail below.
  • Thus, in some preferred embodiments of the invention, the binding molecule does not comprise a light chain. In some embodiments, the binding molecule does not comprise heavy chain domains C H2 and C H3. In some embodiments, the binding molecule does not comprise a hinge region and heavy chain domains C H2 and C H3. In some embodiments, the binding molecule does not comprise heavy chain domains C H1, C H2, and C H3. In some embodiments the binding molecule does not comprise heavy chain domain C H1, a hinge region heavy chain domain C H2 and heavy chain domain C H3. In some embodiments the binding molecule does not comprise a light chain, a heavy chain domain C H1, a hinge region heavy chain domain C H2 and heavy chain domain C H3.
  • Each VH domain comprises three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4. Modifications to the VH framework may be made to improve binding properties. For example, the VH domain may comprise C or N-terminal extensions. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises C-terminal extensions of from 1 to 10, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 additional amino acids. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises C-terminal extensions of from 1 to 12 amino acid residues, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 additional amino acids of the C H1 domain. In one embodiment, said extension comprises at least 1 alanine residue, for example a single alanine residue, a pair of alanine residues or a triplet of alanine residues. Such extended VH domains are within the scope of the invention. Also within the scope of the invention are VH domains that comprise additional C or N-terminal residues, for example linker residues and/or His tags, e.g., hexa-His (HHHHHH, SEQ ID No. 530) or myc tags. Additional residues of the vector may also be present, for example in addition to tags. Binding molecules used may have the additional residues
  • (SEQ ID NO. 531)
    LEGGGSEQKLISEEDLNHHHHHHGS
  • According to the various aspects and embodiments of the invention, the variable domain of the single domain antibodies of the invention is preferably a human variable domain (VH). As used herein, a human VH domain includes a fully human or substantially fully human VH domain. As used herein, the term human VH domain also includes VH domains that are isolated from heavy chain only antibodies made by transgenic mice expressing fully human immunoglobulin heavy chain loci, in particular in response to an immunisation with an antigen of interest, for example as described in WO2016/062990 and in the examples. In one embodiment, a human VH domain can also include a VH domain that is derived from or based on a human VH domain amino acid or nucleic acid sequence encoding such VH domain. Thus, the term includes variable heavy chain regions derived from or encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences. A substantially human VH domain or VH domain that is derived from or based on a human VH domain may include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced in vitro, e.g. by random or site-specific mutagenesis, or introduced by somatic mutation in vivo). The term “human VH domain” therefore also includes a substantially human VH domain wherein one or more amino acid residue has been modified. For example, a substantially human VH domain the VH domain may include up to 10, for example 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid modifications compared to a fully human sequence. However, the term “human VH domain” or “substantially human VH domain”, as used herein, is not intended to include antibodies in which CDR sequences derived from the germline of another mammalian species, such as a mouse, have been grafted onto human framework sequences. Preferably, the term “human VH domain”, as used herein, is also not intended to include camelized VH domains, that is human VH domains that have been specifically modified, for example in vitro by conventional mutagenesis methods to select predetermined positions in the VH domains sequence and introduce one or more point mutation at the predetermined position to change one or more predetermined residue to a specific residue that can be found in a camelid VH H domain.
  • As used herein, the term VH or “variable domain” refers to immunoglobulin variable domains defined by Kabat et al., Sequences of Immunological Interest, 5th ed., U.S. Dept. Health & Human Services, Washington, D.C. (1991). The numbering and positioning of CDR amino acid residues within the variable domains is in accordance with the well-known Kabat numbering convention.
  • More particularly, the invention provides a single VH domain antibody or a binding molecule comprising one or more single VH domain antibody wherein said single VH domain antibody binds to human PSMA with an affinity, a Kon-rate, a Koff rate, KD and/or KA, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein, in particular in the examples. Assays suitable for measuring these values are also shown in the examples.
  • A binding molecule of the invention, in particular the single VH domain antibody, comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence and preferred sequences and/or parts thereof, such as CDRs, as defined herein.
  • The term “CDR” refers to the complementarity-determining region within antibody variable sequences. There are three CDRs in each of the variable regions of the heavy chain and the light chain, which are designated CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, for each of the variable regions. The term “CDR set” refers to a group of three CDRs that occur in a single variable region capable of binding the antigen. The exact boundaries of these CDRs have been defined differently according to different systems. The system described by Kabat is used herein. The terms “Kabat numbering”, “Kabat definitions” and “Kabat labeling” are used interchangeably herein. These terms, which are recognized in the art, refer to a system of numbering amino acid residues which are more variable (i.e., hypervariable) than other amino acid residues in the heavy and light chain variable regions of an antibody, or an antigen binding portion thereof (Kabat et al., (1971) Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 190:382-391 and Kabat, et al., (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242).
  • As described in more detail in the experimental part, single VH domain antibodies were isolated and grouped into 15 families based on sequence homology in the CDR3 sequence. Through a process of optimization, a panel of variant single VH domain antibodies with a CDR sequence derived from a parent CDR sequence were also generated to improve affinities to PSMA and/or improve potencies compared to the parent molecule. Each single VH domain antibody has a set of CDR sequences (CDR1, 2 and 3) as shown in FIGS. 1 to 15 .
  • In some embodiments, the invention thus provides variant VH single domain antibodies and binding molecules comprising such one or more variant that are a variants of parent molecules, in particular of a parent VH single domain antibody selected from sdAb 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1, 12.1, 13.1, 14.1 or 15.1 having one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions, insertions or other modifications, and which retains a biological function of the single domain antibody. Thus, a variant VH single domain antibody can be sequence engineered. Modifications may include one or more substitution, deletion or insertion of one or more codons encoding the single domain antibody or polypeptide that results in a change in the amino acid sequence as compared with the native sequence VH single domain antibody or polypeptide. Amino acid substitutions can be the result of replacing one amino acid with another amino acid having similar structural and/or chemical properties, such as the replacement of a leucine with a serine, i.e., conservative amino acid replacements. Insertions or deletions may optionally be in the range of about 1 to 5 amino acids. The variation allowed may be determined by systematically making insertions, deletions or substitutions of amino acids in the sequence and testing the resulting variants for activity exhibited by the full-length or mature native sequence. A variant of a VH single domain antibody described herein has at least 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence homology to the non-variant molecule, preferably at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence homology.
  • In one embodiment, the modification is a conservative sequence modification. As used herein, the term “conservative sequence modifications” is intended to refer to amino acid modifications that do not significantly affect or alter the binding characteristics of the antibody containing the amino acid sequence. Such conservative modifications include amino acid substitutions, additions and deletions. Modifications can be introduced into an antibody of the invention by standard techniques known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis. Conservative amino acid substitutions are ones in which the amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues having similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine, tryptophan), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine). Thus, one or more amino acid residues within the CDR regions of a single domain antibody of the invention can be replaced with other amino acid residues from the same side chain family and the altered antibody can be tested for retained function (i.e., the functions set forth in (c) through (I) above) using the functional assays described herein.
  • In some embodiments, the invention provides a VH single domain antibody that is a variant of a single domain antibody selected from those shown in Tables 1 to 15 that comprises one or more sequence modification and has improvements in one or more of a property such as binding affinity, specificity, thermostability, expression level, effector function, glycosylation, reduced immunogenicity, or solubility as compared to the unmodified single domain antibody. A skilled person will know that there are different ways to identify, obtain and optimise the antigen binding molecules as described herein, including in vitro and in vivo expression libraries. This is further described in the examples. Optimisation techniques known in the art, such as display (e.g., ribosome and/or phage display) and/or mutagenesis (e.g., error-prone mutagenesis) can be used. The invention therefore also comprises sequence optimised variants of the single domain antibodies described herein.
  • In one embodiment, modifications can be made to decrease the immunogenicity of the single domain antibody. For example, one approach is to revert one or more framework residues to the corresponding human germline sequence. More specifically, a single domain antibody that has undergone somatic mutation may contain framework residues that differ from the germline sequence from which the single domain antibody is derived. Such residues can be identified by comparing the single domain antibody framework sequences to the germline sequences from which the single domain antibody is derived. To return one or more of the amino acid residues in the framework region sequences to their germline configuration, the somatic mutations can be “backmutated” to the germline sequence by, for example, site-directed mutagenesis or PCR-mediated mutagenesis.
  • Another type of framework modification involves mutating one or more residues within the framework region, or even within one or more CDR regions, to remove T cell epitopes to thereby reduce the potential immunogenicity of the antibody. In still another embodiment, the glycosylation of an antibody is modified. For example, an aglycoslated antibody can be made (i.e., the antibody lacks glycosylation). Glycosylation can be altered to, for example, increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen. Such carbohydrate modifications can be accomplished by, for example, altering one or more sites of glycosylation within the antibody sequence. For example, one or more amino acid substitutions can be made that result in elimination of one or more variable region framework glycosylation sites to thereby eliminate glycosylation at that site. Such aglycosylation may increase the affinity of the antibody for antigen.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single VH domain antibody comprising a family 1 or a family-1 like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, comprising a family 1 or family 1-like sequence. The single VH domain antibody may include the sequence of the parent (1.1; SEQ ID NO. 4) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and sequences that are derived from the parent 1.1 through a process of optimization, for example sequences as shown as shown in FIG. 1 . CDR sequences and full length VH sequences in family 1 are numbered according to Table 1 as shown below.
  • TABLE 1
    This shows SEQ ID NOs. of family 1 CDR sequences and of
    family 1 full length VH sequences that are within the scope
    of the invention. Corresponding sequences are shown in
    FIG. 1. Family 1-like sequences are variants that have 
    certain percentage sequence identity with family 1
    sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    1.1 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 4
    NO. 1 NO. 2 3 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYAMS SIGENDG DGVH SFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYADS DGTTDYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKSMLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.2 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 8
    NO. 5 NO. 6 7 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYAMS SIGDNNN DGVH TFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGDN
    STEYADS NNSTEYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKSTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLSAEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTLV
    TVSS
    1.3 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 12
    NO. 9 NO. 10 11 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYAMS IGDNNNS DGVH SFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGDN
    TDYADSV NNSTDYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKSTLYLQ
    KG MNSLRAEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.4 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 16
    NO. 13 NO. 14 15 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYAMS IGDGTTYY DGVH TFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGDG
    ADSVKG TTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKSTLYLQMN
    SLRAEDTAVYYCAKDGVHWGQGTLVTV
    SS
    1.5 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 20
    NO. 17 NO. 18 19 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    TYAMS SIGENDR DGVH TFSTYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTYYVDS DRTTYYVDSVKGRFTISRDNSKSTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.6 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 24
    NO. 21 NO. 22 23 QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYAMS SIGDNNR DGVH TFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGDN
    TTYYADS NRTTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKSTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRAEDTAVYYCAKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.7 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 28
    NO. 25 NO. 26 27 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYAMS SIGDGTTY DGVH TFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGDG
    YADSVKG TTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKSTLYLQMN
    SLRAEDTAVYYCAKDGVHWGQGTLVTV
    SS
    1.8 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 32
    NO. 29 NO. 30 31 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYAMS SIGENDG DGVH SFSSYAMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYADS DGTTDYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.9 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 36
    NO. 33 NO. 34 35 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENDG DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYADS DGTTDYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.10 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 40
    NO. 37 NO. 38 39 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENNAT DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TDYADFV NATTDYADFVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    KG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.11 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 44
    NO. 41 NO. 42 43 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENND DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYADN NDTTDYADNVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.12 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 48
    NO. 45 NO. 46 47 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENNAT DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TDYADAV NATTDYADAVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    KG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.13 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 52
    NO. 49 NO. 50 51 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENNH DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYAAD NHTTDYAADVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.14 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 56
    NO. 53 NO. 54 55 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENNAT DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TDYADVV NATTDYADVVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    KG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.15 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 60
    NO. 57 NO. 58 59 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENNH DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYAAF NHTTDYAAFVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.16 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 64
    NO. 61 NO. 62 63 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENNH DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYADT NHTTDYADTVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.17 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 68
    NO. 65 NO. 66 67 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENND DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYADA NDTTDYADAVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.18 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 72
    NO. 69 NO. 70 71 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENNAT DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TDYAASV NATTDYAASVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    KG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.19 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 76
    NO. 73 NO. 74 75 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENND DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYAAY NDTTDYAAYVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
    1.20 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 80
    NO. 77 NO. 78 79 EVQLLESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGF
    SYALS SIGENNH DGVH SFSSYALSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSIGEN
    TTDYAAT NHTTDYAATVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQ
    VKG MNSLRVEDTAVYYCVKDGVHWGQGTL
    VTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 1 or family 1-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 3 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 3.
  • In one embodiment, the family 1 or family-1 like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 3 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 3. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90% homology to SEQ ID NO. 3.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 sequence comprising or consisting of an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO. 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75 or 79.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 1 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 2 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 3 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. For example, the CDR may be a CDR selected from those shown in FIG. 1 .
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 1 or a sequence with at least at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 2 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 3 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for single VH domain antibodies 1.1 to 1.20 as in FIG. 1 or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37, 41, 45, 49, 53, 57, 61, 65, 69, 73 or 77, CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30, 34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, 66, 70, 74 or 78 and CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 3, 7, 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, 31, 35, 39, 43, 47, 51, 55, 59, 63, 67, 71, 75 or 79.
  • In one aspect, the single VH domain antibody has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for clones 1.1 to 1.20 in FIG. 1 . Thus, in one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises CDR1, 2 and 3 sequences wherein CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 1, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 2 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 3. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 5, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 6 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 7. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 9, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 10 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 11. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 13, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 14 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 15. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 17, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 18 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 19. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 21, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 22 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 23. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 25, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 26 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 27. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 29, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 30 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 31. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 33, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 34 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 35. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 37, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 38 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 39. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 41, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 42 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 43. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 46 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 47. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 49, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 50 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 51. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 53, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 54 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 55. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 57, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 58 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 59. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 61, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 62 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 63. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 65, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 66 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 67. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 69, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 70 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 71. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 73, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 74 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 75. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 77, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 78 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 79.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody has a VH domain that comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 4 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72 76 or 80. In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, for example SEQ ID NO. 4, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 4 or a sequence which comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or amino acid substitutions in the framework regions as compared to SEQ ID NO. 4. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 32.
  • Thus, in one embodiment, the invention relates to a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60, 64, 68, 72, 76 or 80 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises a VH domain as shown in SEQ ID NO. 4 or a variant thereof wherein in said variant, residue 33 is T, 36 is L, residue 57 is D, residue 59 is N, R, A, D, H, residue 63 D, Y, residue 65 is V, residue 66 is A, and/or residue 67 is F, N, A, D, V, T, S, Y.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain is as shown in SEQ ID NO. 4 or a variant thereof wherein said variant includes the following changes compared to SEQ ID NO. 4
      • S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.8)
      • M34→L, D55→N, G56→H, S63→T and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.20)
      • M34→L, D55→N, S63→F and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.10)
      • M34→L, D55→N, G56→D, S63→F and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 11)
      • M34→L, D55→N, S63→A and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.12)
      • M34→L, D55→N, G56→H, S63→D and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.13)
      • M34→L, D55→N, S63→V and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.14)
      • M34→L, D55→N, G56→H, S63→F and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.15)
      • M34→L, D55→N, G56→H, S63→T and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.16)
      • M34→L, D55→N, G56→H, S63→T and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.17)
      • M34→L, D55→N, G56→D, S63→S and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.18)
      • M34→L, D55→N, S63→N and optionally S77→N and M78→T (as shown for 1.19).
  • In one embodiment, additional changes may be included. In another embodiment, the variants listed above do not include additional changes.
  • The family 1 or family 1-like binding molecules preferably have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples. The term “KD” as used in this application refers to the “equilibrium dissociation constant” and refers to the value obtained in a titration measurement at equilibrium, or by dividing the dissociation rate constant (Koff) by the association rate constant (Kon). “KA” as used in this application refers to the affinity constant. The association rate constant, the dissociation rate constant and the equilibrium dissociation constant are used to represent the binding affinity of an antibody to an antigen. Methods for determining association and dissociation rate constants are well known in the art. Using fluorescence-based techniques offers high sensitivity and the ability to examine samples in physiological buffers at equilibrium. Other experimental approaches and instruments such as a BIAcore® (biomolecular interaction analysis) assay and assays described in the examples can be used to test the binding molecules of the invention.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 2 or family-2 like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 2 or family 2-like sequence. The single VH domain antibody may include sequences that are derived from the parent (2.1; SEQ ID NO. 84) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 2.1 through a process of optimization, for example as shown in FIG. 2 . CDR sequences and full length sequences of clones in family 2 are numbered according to Table 2 as shown below.
  • TABLE 2 
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 2 CDR sequences and of 
    family 2 full length VH sequences that are within the scope 
    of the invention. Corresponding sequences are shown in
    FIG. 2. Family 2-like sequences are variants that
    have certain percentage sequence identity
    with Family 2 sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    2.1 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 84
    NO. 81 NO. 82 NO. 83 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMFIVVVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDGSN
    GSNKY LGESSSYD KYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADSV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.2 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 88
    NO. 85 NO. 86 NO. 87 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHVVVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDGSN
    GSNKY LGESSSYD KYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADSV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.3 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 92
    NO. 89 NO. 90 NO. 91 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH HISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAHISYDGSN
    GSNR LGELSSYD RYYAESVKGRFTISRENSKNTLSLQMNSLR
    YYAES FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGELSSYDFDI
    VKG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.4 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 96
    NO. 93 NO. 94 NO. 95 OVTLKESGGGVVQPGRSLKLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH VISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSN
    GSNR LGELSSYD RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLSLQMNSLR
    YYADS FEI AEDTAVYYCARDPAWGLRLGELSSYDFEI
    VKG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.5 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 100
    NO. 97 NO. 98 NO. 99 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH VISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSN
    GSNR LGELSSYD RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLSLQMNSLR
    YYADS FEI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGELSSYDFEI
    VKG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.6 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 104
    NO. 101 NO. 102 NO. 103 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH VISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSN
    GSNKY LGELSSYK KYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADSV FEI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGELSSYKFEI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.7 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 108
    NO. 105 NO. 106 NO. 107 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH LISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVALISYDGSN
    GSNKY LGEQSSYA KYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADSV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGEQSSYAFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.8 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 112
    NO. 109 NO. 110 NO. 111 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH VISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEVVVSVISYDGSN
    GSNKY LGEQSSYA KYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADSV FE TEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGEQSSYAFEI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.9 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 116
    NO. 113 NO. 114 NO. 115 EVQLLESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH VISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSN
    GSNKY LGEQSSYA KYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADSV FEI VEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGEQSSYAFEI
    KG RGQGTTVTVSS
    2.10 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 120
    NO. 117 NO. 118 NO. 119 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTF
    GYGMH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDGSN
    GSNR LGESSSYD RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKKTLSLQMNSLR
    YYADS FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    VKG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.11 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 124
    NO. 121 NO. 122 NO. 123 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGLH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGLHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDESNK
    ESNKY LGESSSYD YYAPSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRA
    YAPSV FDI EDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDIW
    KG GQGTMVTVSS
    2.12 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 128
    NO. 125 NO. 126 NO. 127 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDKSN
    KSNKY LGESSSYD KYYADKVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADKV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.13 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 132
    NO. 129 NO. 130 NO. 131 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGLH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGLHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDASNK
    ASNKY LGESSSYD YYADNVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRA
    YADNV FDI EDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDIW
    KG GQGTMVTVSS
    2.14 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 136
    NO. 133 NO. 134 NO. 135 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGVH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGVHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDASN
    ASNKY LGESSSYD KYYADNVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADNV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.15 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 140
    NO. 137 NO. 138 NO. 139 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGLH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGLHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDKSNK
    KSNKY LGESSSYD YYADKVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRA
    YADKV FDI EDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDIW
    KG GQGTMVTVSS
    2.16 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 144
    NO. 141 NO. 142 NO. 143 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGAH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGAHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDKSN
    KSNKY LGESSSYD KYYADKVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADKV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.17 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 148
    NO. 145 NO. 146 NO. 147 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHVAIVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDASN
    ASNKY LGESSSYD KYYADNVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADNV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.18 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 152
    NO. 149 NO. 150 NO. 151 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGQH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGQHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDASN
    ASNKY LGESSSYD KYYADNVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADNV FD AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.19 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 156
    NO. 153 NO. 154 NO. 155 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGFH YISYD DPAWGLR SGYGFFILWRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDASN
    ASNKY LGESSSYD KYYADNVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADNV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.20 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 160
    NO. 157 NO. 158 NO. 159 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH IISYDG DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAIISYDGSN
    SNRYY LGESSSYD RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLSLQMNSLR
    ADSVK FEI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGESSSYDFEI
    G WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.21 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 164
    NO. 161 NO. 162 NO. 163 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLKLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH VISYD DPAWGLR SGYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSN
    GSNR LGKLSSYD RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLSLQMNSLR
    YYADS FEI AEDTAVYYCAKDPAWGLRLGKLSSYDFEI
    VKG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.22 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 168
    NO. 165 NO. 166 NO. 167 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGTH YISYD DAAWGLR SGYGTHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDGSN
    GSNKY LGESSSYD KYYAAPVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YAAPV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDAAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.23 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 172
    NO. 169 NO. 170 NO. 171 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGTH YISYD DRAWGLR SGYGTHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDESN
    ESNKY LGESSSYD KYYASSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YASSV FDI AEDTAVYYCAKDRAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.24 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 176
    NO. 173 NO. 174 NO. 175 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGMH YISYD DTAWGLRL SGYGMFIVAIVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDESN
    ESNKY GESSSYDF KYYARLVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YARLV DI AEDTAVYYCAKDTAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI
    KG WGQGTMVTVSS
    2.25 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 180
    NO. 177 NO. 178 NO. 179 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFSF
    GYGLH YISYD DVAWGLR SGYGLHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAYISYDLSNK
    LSNKY LGESSSYD YYARGVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRA
    YARGV FDI EDTAVYYCAKDVAWGLRLGESSSYDFDIW
    KG GQGTMVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 2 or family 2-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 83 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 83.
  • In one embodiment, the family 2 or family-2 like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 83 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 83. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NO. 83, 87, 91, 95, 99, 103, 107, 111, 115, 119, 123, 127, 131, 135, 139, 143, 147, 151, 155, 159, 163, 167, 171, 175 or 179.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 75 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 2 family 2-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 81 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 82 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 83 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 81 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 82 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 83 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for sdAbs 2.1 to 2.25 as in FIG. 2 or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 81, 85, 89, 93, 97, 101, 105, 109, 113, 117, 121, 125, 129, 133, 137, 141, 145, 149, 153, 157, 161, 165, 169, 173 or 177, CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 82, 86, 90, 94, 98, 102, 106, 110, 114, 118, 122, 126, 130, 134, 138, 142, 146, 150, 154, 158, 162, 166, 170, 174 or 178 and CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 783, 87, 91, 95, 99, 103, 107, 111, 115, 119, 123, 127, 131, 135, 139, 143, 147, 151, 155, 159,163, 167, 171, 175 or 179.
  • In one aspect, the single VH domain antibody has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 2.1 to 2.25 in FIG. 2 . In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 81, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 82 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 83. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 85, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 86 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 87. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 89, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 90 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 91. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 93, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 94 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 95. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 97, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 98 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 99. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 101, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 102 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 103. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 104, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 105 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 106. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 108, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 109 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 110. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 112, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 113 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 115. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 117, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 118 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 119. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 121, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 122 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 123. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 125, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 127 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 127. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 129, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 130 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 131. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 133, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 134 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 135. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 137, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 138 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 139. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 140, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 141 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 142. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 144, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 145 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 146. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 148, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 149 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 150. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 152, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 153 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 154. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 157, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 158 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 159. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 161, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 162 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 163. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 165, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 166 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 167. In another embodiment CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 169, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 170 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 171. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 173, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 174 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 175. In another embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 177, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 178 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 179.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 84 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, homology is at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%. CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 2 . For example, the single VH domain antibody comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 164, 168, 172, 176 or 180.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, for example SEQ ID NO. 84, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises SEQ ID NO. 84 or a variant thereof wherein the variant has the following amino acid substitutions compared to SEQ ID NO. 76: residue 34 is L, V, M, Q, T, F, residue 50 is H, V, L, I, residue 55 is E, K, A, L, residue 58 is R, residue 62 is E, P, R, S, A, residue 63 is E, residue 64 is N, K, P, L, G, S, residue 79 is K, residue is L, Q, residue 84 is K, A, residue is D.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises or consists of a VH as shown in SEQ ID NO. 4 or a variant thereof wherein said variant includes the following changes compared to SEQ ID NO. 84:
      • 1) M34→L34, G55→A55 and S63→N63 (as shown for 2.13),
      • 2) G55→A55, G55→A55 and S63→N63 (as shown for 2.17),
      • 3) M34→L34, G55→K55 and S63→K63 (as shown for 2.15),
      • 4) G55→K55, and S63→K63 (as shown for 2.15) or
      • 5) M34→L34, G55→E55 and D62→S62 (as shown for 2.11).
  • In one embodiment, additional changes may be included. In another embodiment, the variants listed above do not include additional changes. In one embodiment, the variant does not include a combination of the following changes: G55→A55, S63→N63, D99→N99 together with P100→T100; G34→L34, G55→K55 together with S63→K63; G55→T55, S63→R63, D99→G99 together with P100→R100.
  • The family 2 or family 2-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 3 or family-3 like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 3 or family 3-like sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (3.1; SEQ ID NO. 184) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 3.1 through a process of optimization, for example sequences as as shown in FIG. 3 . CDR sequences and full-length sequences of clones in family 3 are numbered according to Table 3 as shown below.
  • TABLE 3
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 3 CDR sequences and of 
    family 3 full-length VH sequences that are within the 
    scope of the invention. Corresponding sequences are shown in
    FIG. 3. Family 3-like sequences are variants that have 
     certain percentage sequence identity 
    with Family 3 sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    3.1 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 184
    NO. 181 NO. 182 NO. 183 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMH FMTYD DRIVGGRV SYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAFMTYDGSN
    GSNR PDAFDI RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YYADS DEDTALYYCARDRIVGGRVPDAFDIWGQG
    VKG TMVTVSS
    3.2 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 188
    NO. 185 NO. 186 NO. 187 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FISYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFISYDGSNK
    GSNKY PDAFDI YYADSVKGRFTISKDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRA
    YADSV EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAFDIWGQGT
    KG MVTVSS
    3.3 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 192
    NO. 189 NO. 190 NO. 191 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FISYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVAFISYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAFDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRA
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAFDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.4 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 196
    NO. 193 NO. 194 NO. 195 EVQLVESGGGAVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMN\ANRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.5 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 200
    NO. 197 NO. 198 NO. 199 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV ISYGMNMRQAPGKGILDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.6 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 204
    NO. 201 NO. 202 NO. 203 EVQLLESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMMANRCAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.7 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 208
    NO. 205 NO. 206 NO. 207 QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV ISYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLHLQMDSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.8 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 212
    NO. 209 NO. 210 NO. 211 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG LVTVSS
    3.9 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 216
    NO. 213 NO. 214 NO. 215 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMN FISYD DRIVGARV ISYGMMANRCIAPGKGLEMAFISYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.10 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 220
    NO. 217 NO. 218 NO. 219 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV ISYGMMANRCIAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLFILQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.11 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 224
    NO. 221 NO. 222 NO. 223 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLHLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.12 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 228
    NO. 225 NO. 226 NO. 227 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.13 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 232
    NO. 229 NO. 230 NO. 231 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV ISYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.14 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 236
    NO. 233 NO. 234 NO. 235 EVQLVESGGGVVRPGGSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLHLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.15 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 240
    NO. 237 NO. 238 NO. 239 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLHLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.16 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 244
    NO. 241 NO. 242 NO. 243 EVQLLESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLHLQMNSLRP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.17 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 248
    NO. 245 NO. 246 NO. 247 EVOLLESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLKP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.18 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 252
    NO. 249 NO. 250 NO. 251 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPLI
    SYGMN FITYD DRIVGARV SYGMNWVRQAPGKGLDWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLKP
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
    3.19 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 256
    NO. 253 NO. 254 NO. 255 QVQLVESGGGWQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMH FMTYD DRIVGGRV ISYGMHWVRQAPGKGLDANAFMTYDGSN
    GSNR PDAFDI RYYADAVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YYADA AEDTAVYYCARDRIVGGRVPDAFDIWGQG
    VKG TMVTVSS
    3.20 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 260
    NO. 257 NO. 258 NO. 259 QVQLVESGGGWQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMH FQTYD DRIVGGRV ISYGMHWVRQAPGKGLDANAFQTYDGSN
    GSNR PDAFDI RYYADAVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YYADA AEDTAVYYCARDRIVGGRVPDAFDIWGQG
    VKG TMVTVSS
    3.21 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 264
    NO. 261 NO. 262 NO. 263 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMH FQTYD DRIVGGRV ISYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAFQTYDGSN
    GSNR PDAFDI RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YYADS AEDTAVYYCARDRIVGGRVPDAFDIWGQG
    VKG TMVTVSS
    3.22 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 268
    NO. 265 NO. 266 NO. 267 QVQLVESGGGWQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMH FQTYD DRIVGGRV ISYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAFQTYDASN
    ASNRY PDAFDI RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADSV AEDTAVYYCARDRIVGGRVPDAFDIWGQG
    KG TMVTVSS
    3.23 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 272
    NO. 269 NO. 270 NO. 271 QVQLVESGGGWQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SYGMH FQTYD DRIVGGRV ISYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAFQTYDASN
    ASNRY PDAFDI RYYADAVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    YADAV AEDTAVYYCARDRIVGGRVPDAFDIWGQG
    KG TMVTVSS
    3.24 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 276
    NO. 273 NO. 274 NO. 275 QVQLVESGGGWQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPL
    SY GMN FITYD DRIVGARV ISYGMNWVRQAPGKGLEWVAFITYDGSNR
    GSNR PDAYDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRA
    YYADS EDTAVYYCAKDRIVGARVPDAYDIWGQGT
    VKG MVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 3 or family 3-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 183 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 183.
  • In one embodiment, the family 3 or family 3-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 183 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 183. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NO. 183, 187, 191, 195, 199, 203, 207, 211, 215, 219, 223, 227, 231, 235, 239, 243, 247, 251, 255, 259, 263, 267, 271 or 275.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 183 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 3 or family 3-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 181 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 182 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 183 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 181 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 182 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 183 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for sdAbs 3.1 to 3.24 as in FIG. 3 or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 181, 185, 189, 193, 197, 201, 205, 209, 213, 217, 221, 225, 229, 233, 237, 241, 245, 249, 253, 257, 261, 265, 269 or 273, CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 182, 186, 190, 194, 198, 202, 206, 210, 214, 218, 222, 226, 230, 234, 238, 242, 246, 250, 254, 258, 262, 266, 270 or 274 and CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 183, 187, 191, 195, 199, 203, 207, 211, 215, 219, 223, 227, 231, 235, 239, 243 or 247, 251, 255, 259, 263, 267, 271 or 275.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a single VH domain antibody which has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 3.1 to 3.24 in FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 181, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 182 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 183. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 185, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 186 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 187. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 189, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 190 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 191. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 193, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 194 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 195. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 197, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 198 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 199. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 201, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 202 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 203. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 205, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 206 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 207. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 209, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 210 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 211. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 213, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 214 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 215. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 217, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 218 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 219. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 221, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 222 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 223. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 225, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 226 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 227. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 229, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 230 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 231. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 233, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 234 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 235. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 237, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 238 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 239. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 241, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 242 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 243. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 245, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 246 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 247. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 249, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 250 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 251. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 253, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 254 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 255. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 257, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 258 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 259. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 261, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 262 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 263. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 265, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 266 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 267. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 269, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 270 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 271. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 273, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 274 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 275.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 180 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, homology is at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%. CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 3 . For example, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 184, 188, 192, 196, 200, 204, 208, 212, 216, 220, 224, 228, 232, 236, 240, 244, 248, 252, 256, 260, 264, 268, 272 or 276.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 184, 188, 192, 196, 200, 204, 208, 212, 216, 220, 224, 228, 232, 236, 240, 244, 248, 252, 256, 260, 264, 268, 272 or 276, or a sequence with at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. CDR sequences of such sequences are listed below.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 3 or family 3-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 4 or family 4-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 4 or family 4-like sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (4.1, SEQ ID NO. 279) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 4.1 through a process of optimization, for example as shown in FIG. 4 . CDR sequences and full length sequences in family 4 are numbered according to Table 4 as shown below.
  • TABLE 4 
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 4 CDR sequences and of family 4 full-
    length VH sequences that are within the scope of the invention. 
    Corresponding sequences are shown in FIG. 4. Family 4-
    like sequences are variants that have certain percentage
    sequence identity with Family 4 sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    4.1 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 280
    NO. 277 NO. 278 NO. 279 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCVASGFPF
    SYGMH VISYDG ERIFGVLTP ISYGMHWVRQAPGKGREWVAVISYDGSN
    SNRYY DDFDI RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    ADSVK PEDTAVYYCAKERIFGVLTPDDFDIWGQGT
    G TVTVSS
    4.2 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 284
    NO. 281 NO. 282 NO. 283 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPF
    SYGMH VISYDG ERIFGVLTP ISYGMFRANRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSNR
    SNRYY DDFDI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    ADSVK EDTAVYYCAKERIFGVLTPDDFDIWGQGTT
    G VTVSS
    4.3 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 288
    NO. 285 NO. 286 NO. 287 EVQLLESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFPFI
    SYGMH VISYDG ERIFGVLTP SYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEVVVAVISYDGANR
    ANRYY DDFEI YYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLRP
    ADSVK EDTAVYYCAKERIFGVLTPDDFEIWGQGTT
    G VTVSS
    4.4 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 292
    NO. 289 NO. 290 NO. 291 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFTF
    SYGMH VISYDG ERIFGALTR TSYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAVISYDGSN
    SNRYY DDFDI RYYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNSLR
    ADSVK PEDTAVYYCAKERIFGALTRDDFDIWGQGT
    G TVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 4 or family 4-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 279.
  • In one embodiment, the family 4 or family 4-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 279. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NOs. 279, 282, 287 or 291.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 4 or family 4-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 277 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 278 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 277 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 278 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 279 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clones 4.1 to 4.4 as in FIG. 4 or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO., 277, 281, 285 or 289; CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 278, 282, 286 or 290 and CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 279, 283, 287 or 291.
  • In one aspect, the single VH domain antibody has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 4.1 to 4.4 in FIG. 4 . Thus, in one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 277, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 278 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 279. Thus, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 281, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 282 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 283. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 285, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 286 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 287. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 289, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 290 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 291.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 280 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, homology is at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%. CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 4 . For example, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 280, 284, 288 or 290.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 280, 284, 288 or 290, or a sequence with at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. CDR sequences of such sequences are listed below.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 4 or family 4-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 5 or family-5 like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 5 or family-5 sequence. These include sequences that are derived from the parent (5.1; SEQ ID NO. 292) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and to VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 5.1 through a process of optimization, for example sequences as shown in FIG. 5 . CDR sequences and full length sequences in family 5 are numbered according to Table 5 as shown below.
  • TABLE 5 
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 5 CDR sequences and of family 
    5 length VH sequences that are within the scope of 
    the invention. Corresponding sequences are shown in
    FIG. 5. Family 5-like sequences are variants that have 
    certain percentage sequence identity
    with Family 5-like sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    5.1 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 296
    NO. 293 NO. 294 NO. 295 QVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFT
    NYGMH IISYDG GLWPSDV FNNYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAIISYDGN
    NTKYYT TKYYTDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNS
    DSVKG LRVEDTAVYYCAKGLWPSDVWGQGTTVT
    VSS
    5.2 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 300
    NO. 297 NO. 298 NO. 299 EVQLVESGGGVVQPGRSLRLSCAASGFT
    NYGMH IISYDG GLWPSDV FNNYGMHWVRQAPGKGLEWVAIISYDGN
    NSKYY SKYYTDSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLYLQMNS
    TDSVK LRVEDTAVYYCAKGLWPSDVWGQGTTVT
    G VSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 5 or family 5-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 295.
  • In one embodiment, the family 5 or family 5-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 295. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NO. 295 and 299.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 5 or family-5 sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 293 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 294 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 293 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 294 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 295 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clones 5.1 and as in FIG. 5 or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 293 or 297, CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 294 or 2984 and CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 295 or 299.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a VH domain which has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 5.1 to 5.2 in FIG. 5 . Thus, in one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 293, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 294 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 295. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 297, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 298 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 299.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 296 or 300 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, homology is at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%. CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 5 . For example, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 296 or 300.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 5 or family-5 binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 6 or family 6-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 6 or family 6-like sequence. These include the parent (6.1; SEQ ID NO. 304) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and to VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 6.1 through a process of optimization, for example as shown in FIG. 3 . CDR sequences and full length sequences in family 6 are numbered according to Table 6 as shown below.
  • TABLE 6 
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 6 CDR sequences and of family 
    6 full-length VH sequences that are within the scope of 
    the invention. Corresponding sequences are shown in
    FIG 6. Family 6-like sequences are variants that 
    have certain percentage sequence identity
    with Family 6 sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    6.1 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 304
    NO. 301 NO. 302 NO. 303 QVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCTVSGGSI
    NSGYY FIYYNG DGDDYGDY SNSGYYWSWVRQHPGKDLEWIGFIYYNG
    WS SIHYNP SIHYNPSLKSRVIISVDTSKNQFSLKMNSV
    SLKS TAADTAVYYCARDGDDYGDYLRGQGTLV
    TVSS
    6.2 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 308
    NO. 305 NO. 306 NO. 307 QVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCTVSGGSI
    NSGYY FIYYNG DGDDYGDY SNSGMVSWIRQHPGKGLEWIGFIYYNG
    WS SIHYNP SIHYNPSLKSRVIISVDTSKNQFSLKMSSVT
    SLKS AADTAVYYCARDGDDYGDYLRGQGTLVT
    VSS
    6.3 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 312
    NO. 309 NO. 310 NO. 311 QVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCTVSGGSI
    NSGYY FIYYNG DGDDYGDY SNSGYYWSWVRQHPGKGLEWIGFIYYNG
    WS SIHYNP SIHYNPSLKSRVIISVDTSKNQFSLKLNSVT
    SLKS AADTAVYYCARDGDDYGDYLRGQGTLVT
    VSS
    6.4 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID  SEQ ID NO. 316
    NO. 313 NO. 314 NO. 315 QVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCTVSGGSI
    NSGYY FIYYNG DGDDYGDY SNSGMVSWIRQHPGKGLEWIGFIYYNG
    WS SIHYNP SIHYNPSLKSRVIISVDTSKNQFSLKLSSVT
    SLKS AADTAVYYCARDGDDYGDYLRGQGTLVT
    VSS
    6.5 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 320
    NO. 317 NO. 318 NO. 319 QVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCTVSGGSI
    NSGYY FIYYNG DGDDYGDY SNSGYYWSWVRQHPGKGLEWIGFIYYNG
    WS SIHYNP SIHYNPSLKSRVTISVDTSKNQFSLKMSSV
    SLKS TAADTAVYYCARDGDDYGDYLRGQGTLVT
    VSS
    6.6 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 324
    NO. 321 NO. 322 NO. 323 QVQLQESGPGLVKPSQTLSLTCTVSGGSI
    NSGYY FIYYNG DGDDYGDY SNSGYYWSWVRQHPGKGLEWIGFIYYNG
    WS SIHYNP SIHYNRSLKSRVTISVDTSKNQFSLKLNSV
    SLKS TAADTAVYYCARDGDDYGDYLRGQGTLVT
    VSS
    6.7 SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 328
    NO. 325 NO. 326 NO. 327 QVQLQESGPGLVKRSQTLSLTCTVSGGS1
    NSGYY FIYYNG DGDDYGDY SNSGYYWSWVRQHPGKGLEWIGFIYYNG
    WS SIHYNP SIHYNRSLKSRVTISVDTSKNQFSLKLSSV
    SLKS TAADTAVYYCARDGDDYGDYLRGQGTLV
    TVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 6 or family 6-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 303 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 303.
  • In one embodiment, the family 6 or family 6-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 303 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 303. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NO. 303, 307, 311, 315, 319, 323 or 327.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 303 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 6 or family 6-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 301 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 302 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 303 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 301 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO.302 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 303 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clones 6.1 to 6.7 as in FIG. 6 or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 301, 305, 309, 313, 317, 321, 325, CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 302, 306, 310, 314, 318, 322, 326 and CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 303, 307, 311, 315, 319, 323, 327.
  • In one aspect, single VH domain antibody which has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 6.1 to 6.7 in FIG. 6 . Thus, in one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 301, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 302 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 303. Thus, in one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 305, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 306 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 307. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 309, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 310 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 311. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 313, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 314 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 315. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 317, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 318 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 319. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 321, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 322 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 323. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 325, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 326 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 327.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 304 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, homology is at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%. CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 6 . For example, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 304, 308, 312, 316, 320, 324 or 328.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 304, 308, 312, 316, 320, 324 or 328 or a sequence with at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 6 or family 6-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 7 or family 7-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 7 or family 7-like sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences of clones that are derived from the parent (7.1) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and to VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 7.1 through a process of optimization, for example as shown in FIG. 7 . CDR sequences and full length sequences in family 7 are numbered according to Table 7 as shown below.
  • TABLE 7 
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 7 CDR sequences and of family 
    7 full-length VH sequences that are within the scope of 
    the invention. Corresponding sequences are shown in
    FIG. 7. Family 7-like sequences are variants that have 
    certain percentage sequence identity
    with Family 7 sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    7.1 SEQ ID NO. 329 SEQ ID NO. 330 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 332
    SYWMY NINHDGSEKYYV NO. 331 EVOLVESGGGLVQPG
    DSVKG DSLIVGERGY GSLRLSCAASGFTFS
    SYWMYWVRQAPGKG
    LEWVANINHDGSEKY
    YVDSVKGRFTISRDNA
    KNSLYLQMNSLRAED
    TAVYYCARDSLIVGER
    GMGQGTLVTVSS
    7.2 SEQ ID NO. 333 SEQ ID NO. 334 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 336
    SYWMY NINHDGSEKYYV NO. 335 EVQLVESGGGLVQPG
    DSVKG DNLIVGERGY GSLRLSCAASGFTFS
    SYWMYWVRQAPGKG
    LEWVANINHDGSEKY
    YVDSVKGRFTISRDNA
    KNSLYLQMNSLRAED
    TAVYYCARDNLIVGER
    GYWGQGTLVTVSS
    7.3 SEQ ID NO. 337 SEQ ID NO. 338 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 340
    SYWMY NINHGGSEKYYV NO. 339 EVQLVESGGGLVQPG
    DSVKG DSLIVGERGY GSLRLSCAASGFTFS
    SYWMYWVRQAPGKG
    LEWVANINHGGSEKY
    YVDSVKGRFTISRDNA
    KNSLYLQMNSLRAED
    TAVYYCARDSLIVGER
    GYWGQGTLVTVSS
    7.4 SEQ ID NO. 341 SEQ ID NO. 342 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 344
    SYWMY NINHQGSEKYYV NO. 343 EVQLVESGGGLVQPG
    DSVKG DSLIVGERGY GSLRLSCAASGFTFS
    SYWMYWVRQAPGKG
    LEWVANINHQGSEKY
    YVDSVKGRFTISRDNA
    KNSLYLQMNSLRAED
    TAVYYCARDSLIVGER
    GYWGQGTLVTVSS
    7.5 SEQ ID NO. 345 SEQ ID NO. 346 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 348
    SYWMY NINHPGSEKYYV NO. 347 EVQLVESGGGLVQPG
    DSVKG DSLIVGERGY GSLRLSCAASGFTFS
    SYWMYWVRQAPGKG
    LEWVANINHPGSEKY
    YVDSVKGRFTISRDNA
    KNSLYLQMNSLRAED
    TAVYYCARDSLIVGER
    GMGQGTLVTVSS
    7.6 SEQ ID NO. 349 SEQ ID NO. 350 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 352
    SYWMY NINHEGSEKYW NO. 351 EVQLVESGGGLVQPG
    DSVKG DSLIVGERGY GSLRLSCAASGFTFS
    SYWMYWVRQAPGKG
    LEWVANINHEGSEKY
    YVDSVKGRFTISRDNA
    KNSLYLQMNSLRAED
    TAVYYCARDSLIVGER
    GYWGQGTLVTVSS
    7.7 SEQ ID NO. 353 SEQ ID NO. 354 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 356
    SYWMY NINHIGSEKYYV NO. 355 EVQLVESGGGLVQPG
    DSVKG DSLIVGERGY GSLRLSCAASGFTFS
    SYWMYWVRQAPGKG
    LEWVANINHIGSEKYY
    VDSVKGRFTISRDNAK
    NSLYLQMNSLRAEDT
    AWYCARDSLIVGER
    GYWGQGTLVTVSS
    7.8 SEQ ID NO. 357 SEQ ID NO. 358 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 360
    SYWMY NINHDGSEKYYV NO. 359 EVQLVESGGGLVQPG
    DSVKG DTLIVGERGY GSLRLSCAASGFTFS
    SYWMYWVRQAPGKG
    LEWVANINHDGSEKY
    YVDSVKGRFTISRDNA
    KNSLYLQMNSLRAED
    TAVYYCARDTLIVGER
    GYWGQGTLVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 7 or family 7-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 331 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 331.
  • In one embodiment, the family 7 or family 7-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 331 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 331. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 selected from SEQ ID NO. 331, 335, 339, 343, 347, 351, 355 or 359.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 331 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 7 or family 7-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 329 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 330 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 331 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 329 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 330 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 331 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clones 7.1 to 7.8 as in FIG. 7 or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 329, 333, 337, 341, 345, 349, 353 or 357, CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 330, 334, 338, 342, 346, 350, 354 or 358 and CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 331, 335, 339, 343, 347, 351, 355 or 359.
  • In one aspect, the single VH domain antibody has combinations of CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 as shown for 7.1 to 7.8 in FIG. 7 . Thus, in one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 329, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 330 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 331. Thus, in one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 333, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 334 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 335. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 337, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 338 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 339. In one embodiment, n CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 341, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 342 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 343. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 345, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 346 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 347. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 349, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 350 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO.351. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 353, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 354 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 355. In one embodiment, CDR1 is SEQ ID NO. 357, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO. 358 and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO. 359.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 332 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, homology is at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%. CDR sequences of such sequences are shown in FIG. 7 . For example, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 332, 336, 340, 344, 348, 352, 356 or 360.
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 332, 336, 340, 344, 348, 352, 356, 360 or a sequence with at least 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 7 or family 7-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 8 or family 8-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 8 or family 8-like sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences of clones that are derived from the parent (8.1, SEQ ID NO. 36) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 8.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full length sequences of 8.1 in are numbered according to Table 8 as shown below.
  • TABLE 8
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 8 CDR sequences and of  
    family 8 full-length VH sequences that are within    
    the scope of the invention. Corresponding 
    sequences are shown in FIG. 8. Family 8-like 
    sequences are variants that have certain percentage sequence 
    identity with Family 8 sequences as set out herein.
    VH Full length
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 sequence
    8.1 SEQ ID NO. 361 SEQ ID NO. 362 SEQ ID NO. 363 SEQ ID NO. 364
    GYYWS EINHSGSTNY GPIPATAIPDAFD QVQLQQWGAGLLKP
    NPSLKS SETLSLTCAVYGGSFS
    GYYWSWIRQPPGKGL
    EWIGEINHSGSTNYNP
    SLKSRVTISVDTSKNQ
    FSLKLSSVTAADTAVY
    YCARGPIPATAIPDAF
    DIWGQGTMVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 8 or family 8-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 363.
  • In one embodiment, the family 8 or family 8-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 363. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 363.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 8 or family 8-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 361 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 362 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 361 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 362 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for sdAb 8.1 as in FIG. 8 .
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 364 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 8 or family 8-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 9 or family 9-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 9 or family 9 sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (9.1; SEQ ID NO. 368) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 9.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 9.1 in are numbered according to Table 9 as shown below.
  • TABLE 9 
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 9 CDR sequences and  
    of family 9 full-length VH sequences that are   
    within the scope of the invention. 
    Corresponding sequences are shown in
    FIG. 9. Family 9-like sequences are variants that 
    have certain percentage sequence identity
    with Family 9 sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    9.1 SEQ ID SEQ ID NO. 366 SEQ ID NO. 367 SEQ ID NO. 368
    NO. 365 DINHSGSTNYN DYGDSRSLFDY QVQLQQWGAGLLKPSETL
    GHYWS PSLKS SLTCAVYGGSFSGHYWS
    WIRQPPGKGLEWIGDINH
    SGSTNYNPSLKSRVTISVD
    TSKNQFSLKLSSVTAADTA
    VYYCVRDYGDSRSLFDY
    WGQGTLVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 9 or family 9-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 367 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 367.
  • In one embodiment, the family 9 or family 9-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 367 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 367. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 367.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 363 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 9 or family 9-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 365 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 366 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 367 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 365 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 366 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 367 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clone 9.1 as in FIG. 9 .
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 368 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 9 or family 9-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 10 or family 10-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 10 or family 10 sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (10.1) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences of or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 10.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full length sequences of 10.1 in are numbered according to Table 10 as shown below.
  • TABLE 10 
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 10 CDR sequences and of family 
    10 full-length VH sequences that are within the scope of the 
    invention. Corresponding sequences are shown in
    FIG 10. Family 10-like sequences are variants 
    that have certain percentage sequence
    identity with Family 10 sequences as set out herein.
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 VH Full length sequence
    10.1 SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 370 SEQ ID NO. 371 SEQ ID NO. 372
    369 FMSYDGSNKY GDYDFWSGY QVQLVESGGGLVQPG
    SYGMY YVDSVKG PDYD GSLRLSCAASGFTFSS
    YGMHMWVRQAPGKGLE
    WVAFMSYDGSNKYYV
    DSVKGRFTISRDNSKNT
    LYLQMNSLRAEDTAVY
    YCAKGDYDFWSGYPD
    YDMDVWGQGTTVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 10 or family 10-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 371.
  • In one embodiment, the family 10 or family 10-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 371. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 371.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 10 or family 10-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 369 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 370 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 369 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 370 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 371 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clone 10.1 as in FIG. 10 .
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 372 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 10 or family 10-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 11 or family 11-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 11 or family 11 sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (11.1, SEQ ID NO. 376) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 11.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 11.1 in are numbered according to Table 11 as shown below.
  • TABLE 11
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 11 CDR sequences and of family 11
    full-length VH sequences that are within the scope of the invention.
    Corresponding sequences are shown in FIG. 11. Family 11-like
    sequences are variants that have certain percentage sequence
    identity with Family 11 sequences as set out herein.
    VH Full length
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 sequence
    11.1 SEQ ID NO. 373 SEQ ID NO. 374 SEQ ID NO. 375 SEQ ID NO. 376
    SYGMY VISYDGSNKNY GGNALYSSG EVQLVESGGGLVKPGGS
    ADSVKG WPDD LRLSCAASGFNLISYGMY
    WVRQAPGKGLEWVAVIS
    YDGSNKNYADSVKGRFT
    ISRDNSKNTLFLQMNSLR
    VEDTAVYYCAKGGNALY
    SSGWPDDGFDIRGQGT
    MVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 11 or family 11-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 375.
  • In one embodiment, the family 11 or family 1-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 375. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 375.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 11 or family 11-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 373 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 374 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 373 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 374 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 375 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for sdAb 11.1 as in FIG. 11 .
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 376 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 11 or family 11-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 12 or family 12-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 12 or family 12-like sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (12.1, SEQ ID NO. 380) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 12.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 12.1 in are numbered according to Table 12 as shown below.
  • TABLE 12
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 12 CDR sequences and of family 12
    full-length VH sequences that are within the scope of the invention.
    Corresponding sequences are shown in FIG. 12. Family 12-like
    sequences are variants that have certain percentage sequence
    identity with Family 12 sequences as set out herein.
    VH Full length
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 sequence
    12.1 SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 378 SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 380
    377 VISYDGNSKYYAD 379 QVQLVESGGGVVQP
    NFGMH TVKG GLWPPMDV GRSLRLSCAASGFTF
    SNFGMHWARQAPGK
    GLEWVAVISYDGNSK
    YYADTVKGRFTISRDN
    SKNTLYLEMNSLRAD
    DTAVYYCAKGLWPPM
    DVRGQGTTVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 12 or family 12-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 379 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 379.
  • In one embodiment, the family 12 or family 12-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 379 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 379. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 379.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 379 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 12 or family 12-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 377 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 378 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 379 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 377 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 378 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 379 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clone 12.1 as in FIG. 12 .
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 380 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 12 or family 12-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples.
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 13 or family 13-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 13 or family-like 13 sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent e (13.1, SEQ ID NO. 384) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences of clones or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 13.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 13.1 in are numbered according to Table 13 as shown below.
  • TABLE 13
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 13 CDR sequences and of family 13
    full-length VH sequences that are within the scope of the invention.
    Corresponding sequences are shown in FIG. 13. Family 13-like
    are variants sequences that have certain percentage sequence
    identity with Family 13 sequences as set out herein.
    VH Full length
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 sequence
    13.1 SEQ ID NO. 381 SEQ ID NO. 382 SEQ ID NO. 383 SEQ ID NO. 384
    DYWMT NIKQDGSEKYY DRGGAVALY EVQLVESGGGSVQPG
    VDSVKG HNGMDM GSLRLSCAASGFTFSD
    YWMTWVRQVPGKGLE
    WVANIKQDGSEKYYVD
    SVKGRFTISRDNAKNSL
    YLQMNSLRAEDTAVYY
    CARDRGGAVALYHNG
    MDMGGQGTTVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 13 or family 13-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 383 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 383.
  • In one embodiment, the family 13 or family 13-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 383 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 383. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 383.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 383 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 13 or family 13-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 381 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 382 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 383 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 381 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 382 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 383 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clone 13.1 as in FIG. 13 .
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 384 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 13 or family 13-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 14 or family 14-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 14 or family 14 sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences of clones that are derived from the parent (14.1) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 14.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 14.1 in are numbered according to Table 14 as shown below.
  • TABLE 14
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 14 CDR sequences and of family 14
    full-length VH sequences that are within the scope of the invention.
    Corresponding sequences are shown in FIG. 14. Family 14-like
    sequences are variants that have certain percentage sequence
    identity with Family 14 sequences as set out herein.
    VH Full length
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 sequence
    14.1 SEQ ID NO. 385 SEQ ID NO. 386 SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 388
    SYDIN WMNPNSGNT 387 KCSWWSLGEVKKPGA
    GYAQKFQG GNGPGITGTT SVKVSCKASGYTFTSY
    DY DINWVRQATGQGLEW
    MGWMNPNSGNTGYAQ
    KFQGRVTMTRNTSISTA
    YMELSSLRSEDTAVYY
    CARGNGPGITGTTDYW
    GQGTLVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 14 or family 14-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 387 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 387.
  • In one embodiment, the family 14 or family 14-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 387 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 387. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 387.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 385 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 14 or family 14-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 385 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 386 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 387 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 385 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 386 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 387 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clone 14.1 as in FIG. 14 .
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 388 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 14 or family 14-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a human VH domain comprising a family 15 or family 15-like sequence. In one embodiment, the binding molecule comprises or consists of at least one single VH domain antibody capable of binding PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises a family 15 or family 15 sequence. These include the parent sequence and sequences that are derived from the parent (15.1) or a part thereof, for example a CDR3 sequence, and VH sequences or parts thereof that are derived from the parent 15.1 through a process of optimization, CDR sequences and full-length sequences of 15.1 in are numbered according to Table 15 as shown below.
  • TABLE 15
    This shows SEQ ID NOs of family 15 CDR sequences and of family 15
    full length VH sequences that are within the scope of the invention.
    Corresponding sequences are shown in FIG. 15. Family 15-like
    sequences are variants that have certain percentage sequence
    identity with Family 15 sequences as set out herein.
    VH Full length
    Name CDR1 CDR2 CDR3 sequence
    15.1 SEQ ID NO. 389 SEQ ID NO. 390 SEQ ID NO. SEQ ID NO. 392
    DYGMS GINWNGDRTGY 391 EVQLVESGGGVV
    ADSVKG ENVIVPAATY RPGGSLRLSCAA
    SGFTFDDYGMS
    WVRQAPGKGLE
    WVSGINWNGDRT
    GYADSVKGRFTIS
    RDNAKNSLYLQM
    NSLRAEDTALYY
    CGRENVIVPAATY
    WGQGTLVTVSS
  • In one aspect, the invention relates to a family 15 or family 15-like binding molecule comprising a human VH domain comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 391.
  • In one embodiment, the family 15 or family 15-like binding molecule comprises at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said human VH domain comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology to SEQ ID NO. 391. In one embodiment, homology is at least 90%. In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises a CDR3 of SEQ ID NO. 391.
  • In one embodiment, the single VH domain antibody comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable region CDR3 said CDR3 having the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence having at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the family 15 or family 15-like sequence comprises a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain and wherein said PSMA binding molecule comprises at least one antigen binding site comprising hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 389 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 390 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto, and said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence with at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% homology thereto.
  • In one embodiment, said CDR1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 389 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 390 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, said CDR3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO. 391 or a sequence with at least 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto. In one embodiment, the CDR sequences of the VH domain are as shown for clone 15.1 as in FIG. 15 .
  • In one embodiment, the VH domain comprises or consists of SEQ ID NO. 392 or a sequence with at least 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% homology thereto.
  • In another embodiment, the VH domain is selected from one of the sequences above, but comprises one or more amino acid substitutions, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 amino acid substitutions. In one embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the framework areas. In another embodiment, the one or more amino acid substitution is in one or more of the CDRs. In one embodiment, the amino acid substitutions are in the framework and CDR sequences.
  • The family 15 or family 15-like binding molecules have KD, Koff, KA, Kd, EC50 and IC50 values as further described herein and as shown in the examples
  • In one aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a CDR3 sequence selected from a family 1 or family 1-like, family 2 or family 2-like, family 3 or family 3-like, family 4 or family 4-like, family 5 or family 5-like, family 6 or family 6-like, family 7 or family 7-like, family 8 or family 8-like, family 9 or family 9-like, family 10 or family 10-like, family 11 or family 11-like, family 12 or family 12-like, family 13 or family 13-like, family 14 or family 14-like or a family 15 or family 15-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and CDR2 sequence from another family listed herein.
  • For example, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 1 or family 1-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 2 to 15.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 2 or family 2-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1, 3 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 3 or family 3-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1, 2, 4 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 4 or family 4-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in Table 1 any of Tables 1 to 3, 5 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 5 or family 5-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 4, 6 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 6 or family 6-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 5, 7 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 7 or family 7-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 6, 8 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 8 or family 8-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 7, 9 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 9 or family 9-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 8, 10 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 10 family 10-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 4, 11 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 11 or family 11-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 10, 12 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 12 or family 12-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 11, 13 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 13 or family 13-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 12, 14 to 15. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the single VH domain antibody comprises a family 15 or family 15-like CDR3 sequence combined with a CDR1 and a CDR2 sequence from one or two other families as shown in any of Tables 1 to 14. Various combinations are possible as would be appreciated by a skilled person.
  • In another aspect, the invention provides binding molecules, e.g. antibodies, antibody fragments or antibody mimetics that bind to the same epitope on human PSMA as any of the single domain antibodies of the invention (i.e., antibodies that have the ability to cross-compete for binding to PSMA with any of the single domain antibodies of the invention. The single domain antibodies of the invention can thus be used as a reference antibody). In preferred embodiments, the reference antibody for cross-competition studies is single domain antibody 1.1, 2.1, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 6.1, 7.1, 8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1, 12.1, 13.1, 14.1 or 15.1. Such cross-competing antibodies can be identified based on their ability to cross-compete with any of single domain antibodies described herein in standard PSMA binding assays. For example, BIAcore® analysis, ELISA assays or flow cytometry may be used to demonstrate cross-competition with the single domain antibodies of the current invention. In one embodiment, the invention provides a binding agent capable of binding human PSMA wherein any one of the single domain antibodies described above displaces the binding agent in a competitive assay.
  • A binding molecule described herein may be provided as a fusion protein with one or more additional protein moiety. For example, the single domain antibody, described herein (a first moiety) may be provided as a fusion with a second moiety.
  • The second moiety may comprise a VH domain that is also specific for human PSMA thus providing a bivalent binding molecule. In one embodiment, the binding molecule is biparatopic. Biparatopic binding molecules comprise antigen-binding moieties that bind to different epitopes. Biparatopic binding molecules of the present invention can be constructed using methods known art.
  • For example, to generate a bivalent binding molecule, two single domain antibodies of the invention may be connected, the two binding molecules may be from the same family or from different families of binding molecules of the invention. For example, a family 1 or family 1-like single VH domain antibody may be linked to a family 2 to 15 or family 2-like to 15-like single VH domain antibody, etc. In one embodiment of the invention, a VH as defined for single VH domain antibody 1.2 is connected to another single VH domain antibody selected from family 2 or family 3, for example to the single VH domain antibody as defined for clone 3.2. Two or more single VH domain antibody may be connected by a linker, for example a polypeptide linker. Suitable linkers, for example comprising linker include GS residues such as (Gly4Ser)n, where n=from 1 to 10, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10.
  • In another embodiment, the second moiety may comprise a VH domain or another antibody fragment that is specific for a different antigen to provide a bispecific binding molecule. As used herein, the term “bispecific binding molecule” thus refers to a polypeptide that comprises a binding molecule as described herein which has a binding site that has binding specificity for PSMA, and a second polypeptide domain which has a binding site that has binding specificity for a second target, i.e., the bispecific binding molecule has specificity for two targets. The first target and the second target are not the same, i.e. are different targets, e.g., proteins; both may be present on a cell surface. Accordingly, a bispecific binding molecule as described herein can selectively and specifically bind to a cell that expresses (or displays on its cell surface) the first target and the second target. In another embodiment, the binding molecule comprises more than two antigen-binding moieties.
  • In another embodiment, more than two moieties are joined together providing a multispecific binding molecule. A multispecific polypeptide agent as described herein can in addition to binding PSMA bind one or more additional targets, i.e., a multispecific polypeptide can bind at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or more targets, wherein the multispecific polypeptide agent has at least two, at least, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or more target binding sites respectively.
  • As used herein, the term “target” refers to a biological molecule (e.g., antigen, peptide, polypeptide, protein, lipid, carbohydrate) to which a polypeptide domain which has a binding site can selectively bind. The target can be, for example, an intracellular target (such as an intracellular protein target) or a cell-surface target (such as a membrane protein, e.g., a receptor protein). Preferably, a target is a cell-surface target, such as a cell-surface protein. Preferably, the first cell-surface target and second cell-surface target are both present on a cell. In one embodiment, the target is an immunooncology target.
  • Multispecific antibodies of the present invention can be constructed using methods known art. If desired, bispecific or multispecific binding molecules can be linked to an antibody Fc region or fragment thereof, comprising one or both of C H2 and C H3 domains, and optionally a hinge region. For example, vectors encoding bispecific or multispecific binding molecules linked as a single nucleotide sequence to an Fc region or fragment thereof can be used to prepare such polypeptides.
  • In one embodiment, the second moiety may serve to prolong the half-life of the binding molecule. The second moiety may comprise a protein, for example and antibody, or part thereof that binds a serum albumin, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA) or mouse serum albumin (MSA). The second moiety may comprise a VH domain that binds serum albumin, e.g., human serum albumin (HSA) or mouse serum albumin (MSA).
  • The second moiety may comprise a serum albumin, e.g. a human serum albumin (HSA) or a variant thereof such as HSA C34S. Further provided is binding molecule as described herein comprising a VH domain and an Fc domain, e.g., wherein the VH domain is fused to an Fc domain. Further provided is a binding molecule that comprises a second variable domain that specifically binds a second antigen, where the second antigen is an antigen other than human PSMA. The second antigen may be a cluster of differentiation (CD) molecule or a Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Class II molecule.
  • In one embodiment, the binding molecule of the invention is labelled with a detectable or functional label. A label can be any molecule that produces or can be induced to produce a signal, including but not limited to fluorescers, radiolabels, enzymes, chemiluminescers, a nuclear magnetic resonance active label or photosensitizers. Thus, the binding may be detected and/or measured by detecting fluorescence or luminescence, radioactivity, enzyme activity or light absorbance.
  • In still other embodiments, the binding molecule of the invention is coupled to at least one therapeutic moiety, such as a drug, an enzyme or a toxin. In one embodiment, the therapeutic moiety is a toxin, for example a cytotoxic radionuclide, chemical toxin or protein toxin. For example, the PSMA binding molecule of the invention can be coupled to a radioactive isotope such as an α-, β-, or γ-emitter, or a β- and γ-emitter.
  • The toxin as sue din the various aspects and embodiments of the invention may be selected from calicheamicin, esperamicin, methotrexate, doxorubicin, melphalan, chlorambucil, ARA-C, vindesine, mitomycin C, cis-platinum, etoposide, bleomycin, 5-fluorouracil, estramustine, vincristine, etoposide, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, dolastatin 10, auristatin E and auristatin PHE. In other embodiments, the therapeutic moiety is an immunostimulatory or immunomodulating agent.
  • In one aspect, the invention thus provides an immunoconjugate comprising a single VH domain antibody described herein.
  • Toxin-conjugated forms of the PSMA binding molecules of the present invention preferably mediate specific cell killing of PSMA-expressing cells at picomolar concentrations.
  • In another aspect, the PSMA binding molecules of the invention are modified to increase half-life, for example by a chemical modification, especially by PEGylation, or by incorporation in a liposome or using a serum albumin protein.
  • In one embodiment, the binding molecule of the invention is covalently modified. The term “covalently modified/covalent modification” includes modifications of a binding molecule according to the present invention, e.g., of a specified sequence herein; with an organic proteinaceous or non-proteinaceous derivatizing agent, fusions to heterologous polypeptide sequences, and post-translational modifications. Covalent modified polypeptides, e.g., of a specified sequence, still have the functional properties described herein, for example the ability to bind the human PSMA or, Covalent modifications are generally introduced by reacting targeted amino acid residues with an organic derivatizing agent that is capable of reacting with selected side chains or terminal residues, or by harnessing mechanisms of post-translational modifications that function in selected recombinant host cells. Certain post-translational modifications are the result of the action of recombinant host cells on the expressed polypeptide. Glutaminyl and asparaginyl residues are frequently post-translationally deamidated to the corresponding glutamyl and aspartyl residues. Alternatively, these residues are deaminated under mildly acidic conditions. Other post-translational modifications include hydroxylation of proline and lysine, phosphorylation of hydroxyl groups of seryl, tyrosine or threonyl residues, methylation of the [alpha]-amino groups of lysine, arginine, and histidine side chains. Covalent modifications, e.g., include fusion proteins comprising a PSMA binding molecule according to the present invention, e.g., of a specified sequence and their amino acid sequence variants, such as immunoadhesins, and N-terminal fusions to heterologous signal sequences.
  • The binding molecules of the invention have certain functional properties as further described below. These and other pharmacological activities of the binding molecules of the invention may be demonstrated in standard test methods for example as described in the art.
  • The binding molecules of the invention can be internalised into a cell along with the prostate-specific membrane antigen. Binding molecules of the invention bind specifically to epitopes on the extracellular domain of human PSMA. In one embodiment, binding molecules of the invention specifically bind PSMA in its dimeric form. Binding molecules of the invention can be conjugated to a toxic moiety and used to ablate or kill PSMA-expressing prostatic or cancerous cells.
  • Binding molecules of the invention can bind live cells, such as a tumor cell or a prostate cell, such as human PSMA expressing CHO cells, LNCaP cells as shown in the examples (see examples 7b and Tables 18 and 19). In a further aspect, the present invention provides single domain antibodies that bind to PSMA with an EC50 value of between 100 nM and 100 pM, such as at an average EC50 value of 100 nM or less, even more preferably at an average EC50 value of 90 nM or less, such as less than 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 nM or even less, such as less than 4, 3, 2, or 1 nM or even less, such as less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100 pM, or even less, such as less than 4 pM, preferably as measured in a FMAT binding assay. In particular, EC50 values are shown in Table 19. In one embodiment, binding molecules of the invention are capable of binding specifically to human PSMA and to cynomolgus monkey PSMA.
  • Potency is normally expressed as an IC50 value, in nM unless otherwise stated. In functional assays, IC50 is the concentration of a binding member that reduces a biological response by 50% of its maximum. IC50 may be calculated by plotting % of maximal biological response as a function of the log of the binding member concentration, and using a software program to fit a sigmoidal function to the data to generate IC50 values. Methods for measuring IC50 are well known in the art. For example, to determine the IC50, a HIS ZAP Cell Killing assay may be employed to determine IC50. EC50 designates the half maximal effective concentration.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to a binding molecule comprising or consisting of at least one immunoglobulin single domain antibody directed against PSMA, preferably human PSMA, wherein said domain is a human VH domain and has an IC50 of about 0.2 to about 1000 nM or more, for example 0.2 to 900, 0.2 to 800, 0.2 to 700, 0.2 to 600, 0.2 to 500, 0.2 to 400, 0.2 to 300, 0.2 to 200, 0.2 to 100, 0.2 to 50, 0.2 to 40, 0.2 to 30, 0.2 to 20, 0.2 to 10, 0.2 to 9, 0.2 to 8, 0.2 to 7, 0.2 to 6, 0.2 to 5, 0.2 to 4, 0.2 to 3, 0.2 to 2 or 0.2 to 1 when tested as described in the examples.
  • Additionally, binding kinetics and affinity (expressed as the equilibrium dissociation constant, KD) of PSMA binding molecules of the invention for binding PSMA may be determined, e.g., using surface plasmon resonance such as BIAcore® or Octet, or KD may be estimated from pA2 analysis. In particular, the molecules of the invention are very potent (i.e., EC50 values as measured, e.g., in the experimental part in the pM range).
  • In a further aspect, the present invention provides a single domain antibody as described herein, wherein said sdAb binds to said PSMA with an average KD value of between 100 nM and 10 pM, such as at an average KD value of 90 nM or less, even more preferably at an average KD value of 80 nM or less, such as less than 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5 nM or even less, such as less than 4, 3, 2, or 1 nM, such as less than 500, 400, 300, 200, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 pM, or even less such, as less than 10 pM. Preferably, the KD is determined as shown in the examples (example 8b).
  • In one embodiment, a binding molecule according to the invention has a binding affinity to PSMA with an affinity constant of at least about 107 M−1, preferably about 109 M−1, and more preferably, about 1010 M−1 to 1011 M−1 or higher. In one embodiment, a binding molecule according to the invention has a Kon of 1.00E+04 to 1.00E+6 (1/Ms). In one embodiment, a binding molecule according to the invention has Koff of 1.00E-03 to 1.00E-05 (1/s).
  • Binding molecules of the invention have shown excellent stability, including heat and serum stability (see examples). Furthermore, binding molecules of the invention show rapid tumor targeting as shown in the examples. Furthermore, binding molecules of the invention also show high specificity for human PSMA and low uptake in non-target tissues (see examples).
  • In one embodiment, binding molecules of the invention show fast blood clearance. In one embodiment, binding molecules of the invention show low renal retention. In one embodiment, binding molecules can inhibit, e.g., competitively inhibit, the binding of another antibody e.g., J591, to human PSMA.
  • In one embodiment, a binding molecule of the invention may have one or more property select from the following non-limiting list:
      • a) high-affinity binding to human and/or cynomolgus prostate-specific membrane antigen in its native form occurring on the surface of tumor cells,
      • b) internalization by a tumor cell,
      • c) low uptake in non-target tissues,
      • d) rapid tumor targeting,
      • e) binding strongly to LNCaP cells, but not or only minimally to cells which lack expression of prostate-specific membrane antigen and/or
      • f) binding to a unique epitope on PSMA.
  • The present invention further provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding a binding molecule of the present invention. Nucleic acid may include DNA and/or RNA. In one aspect, the present invention provides a nucleic acid that codes for a CDR or set of CDRs or a VH domain of the invention as defined above.
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 393 to 410 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 1 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 4 to 80.
  • (encodes VH domain 1.1)
    SEQ ID NO. 393
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCATGAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATGATGGTACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAGTAT
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.2)
    SEQ ID NO. 394
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGCAGTTATGCCATGAGCTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGATAATAATAATAGCACA
    GAGTACGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGGTTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAGCA
    CGCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGCGCCGAGGACACGGCCGTATATTACTGTGT
    GAAAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.3)
    SEQ ID NO. 395
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTTAGCAGTTATGCCATGAGCTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGATAATAATAATAGCACA
    GACTACGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGGTTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAGTA
    CGCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCCGTATATTACTGTGT
    GAAAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.4)
    SEQ ID NO. 396
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGCAGTTATGCCATGAGCTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGATGGAACCACATACTAC
    GCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGTTTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAGCACGCTGT
    ATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCCGTATATTACTGTGCGAAAGAT
    GGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.5)
    SEQ ID NO. 397
    GAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGCACTTATGCCATGAGCTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAAAATGATCGAACCACA
    TACTACGTAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGGTTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAGCAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCCGTATATTACTGTGCG
    AAAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.6)
    SEQ ID NO. 398
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGCAGTTATGCCATGAGCTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGATAATAATAGAACCACA
    TACTACGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGGTTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAGCA
    CGCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCCGTATATTACTGTGC
    GAAAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.7)
    SEQ ID NO. 399
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGCAGTTATGCCATGAGCTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGATGGAACCACATACTAC
    GCAGACTCCGTGAGGCCGGTTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAGCACGCTGT
    ATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCCGTATATTACTGTGCGAAAGAT
    GGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.8)
    SEQ ID NO. 400
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCATGAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATGATGGTACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.9)
    SEQ ID NO. 401
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACGATACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACAACGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.10)
    SEQ ID NO. 402
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACGCTACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACTTCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.11)
    SEQ ID NO. 403
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACGCTACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACGCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATA
    CGCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTG
    AAAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.12)
    SEQ ID NO. 404
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACGCTACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACGCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATA
    CGCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTG
    AAAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.13)
    SEQ ID NO. 405
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACCATACCACA
    GACTACGCAGCCGACGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATA
    CGCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTG
    AAAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.14)
    SEQ ID NO. 406
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACGCTACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACGTCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.15)
    SEQ ID NO. 407
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACCATACCACA
    GACTACGCAGCCTTCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.16)
    SEQ ID NO. 408
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACCATACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACACCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCWTGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.17)
    SEQ ID NO. 409
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACGATACCACA
    GACTACGCAGACGCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATA
    CGCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTG
    AAAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.18)
    SEQ ID NO. 410
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCATATTGGTGAGAATAACGCTACCACA
    GACTACGCAGCCTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.19)
    SEQ ID NO. 411
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCATATTGGTGAGAATAGATACCACA
    GACTACGCAGCCTACGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 1.20)
    SEQ ID NO. 412
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGTTTTAGCAGCTATGCCCTCAGTTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCAAGTATTGGTGAGAATAACCATACCACA
    GACTACGCAGCCACCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTCGAGGACACGGCCGTCTATTACTGTGTGA
    AAGATGGTGTCCACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 413 to 437 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 2 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 84 to 180.
  • (encodes VH domain 2.1)
    SEQ ID NO. 413
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.2)
    SEQ ID NO. 414
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.3)
    SEQ ID NO. 415
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCC
    AGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCACATATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAG
    ATACTATGCAGAATCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGAGAATTCCAAGAACA
    CGCTGTCTCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGC
    GAAAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTTATCGTCCTATGATTTTGACATTT
    GGGGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.4)
    SEQ ID NO. 416
    CAGGTCACCTTGAAGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAAA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTCTCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCG
    AGAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTTATCGTCCTATGATTTTGAAATCTG
    GGGCCAAGGGACAAGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.5)
    SEQ ID NO. 417
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    ACTGTCTCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTTATCGTCCTATGATTTTGAAATTTGG
    GGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.6)
    SEQ ID NO. 418
    GAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAAA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTATATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAACTATCGTCCTATAAATTTGAAATCTGG
    GGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.7)
    SEQ ID NO. 419
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCACTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGCAATCGTCCTATGCTTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.8)
    SEQ ID NO. 420
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGTCAGTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAACTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGCAATCGTCCTATGCTTTTGAAATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGTACAATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.9)
    SEQ ID NO. 421
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAAA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGCAATCGTCCTATGCTTTTGAAATCCGG
    GGCCAGGGGACAACGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.10)
    SEQ ID NO. 422
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAAGAC
    GCTGTCTCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCG
    AAAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCATATGATTTTGATATCTG
    GGGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.11)
    SEQ ID NO. 423
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCCTCCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGACGAGAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCACCCAGCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.12)
    SEQ ID NO. 424
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATAAGAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACAAGGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.13)
    SEQ ID NO. 425
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCCTCCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATGCGAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACAACGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.14)
    SEQ ID NO. 426
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCGTGCACTGGGTCCGCC
    AGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATGCGAGTAATAAA
    TACTATGCAGACAACGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGG
    GGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.15)
    SEQ ID NO. 427
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCCTCCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATAAGAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACAAGGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.16)
    SEQ ID NO. 428
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCGCGCACTGGGTCCGCC
    AGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATAAGAGTAATAAA
    TACTATGCAGACAAGGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGG
    GGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.17)
    SEQ ID NO. 429
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATGCGAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACAACGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.18)
    SEQ ID NO. 430
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCCAGCACTGGGTCCGCC
    AGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATGCGAGTAATAAA
    TACTATGCAGACAACGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGG
    GGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.19)
    SEQ ID NO. 431
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCTTCCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGATGCGAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAGACAACGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.20)
    SEQ ID NO. 432
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAGCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCC
    AGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAATTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAG
    ATACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACA
    CGCTGTCTCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGC
    GAAAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGAAATTT
    GGGGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.21)
    SEQ ID NO. 433
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAAA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTCTCTACAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGATCCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGAAATTATCGTCCTATGATTTTGAAATCTGG
    GGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 222)
    SEQ ID NO. 434
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCACGCACTGGGTCCGCC
    AGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGACGGGAGTAATAA
    ATACTATGCAGCCCCGGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACA
    CGCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGC
    GAAAGACGCGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCT
    GGGGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.23)
    SEQ ID NO. 435
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCACGCACTGGGTCCGCC
    AGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGACGAGAGTAATAAA
    TACTATGCATCCAGCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGACCGGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGG
    GGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.24)
    SEQ ID NO. 436
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGACGAGAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAAGGCTGGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGACACGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGGG
    GCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 2.25)
    SEQ ID NO. 437
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCTCCTTCAGTGGCTATGGCCTCCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCATATATATCATATGACCTGAGTAATAAAT
    ACTATGCAAGGGGGGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGACGTGGCCTGGGGATTACGTTTGGGGGAGTCATCGTCCTATGATTTTGATATCTGG
    GGCCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 438 to 461 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 3 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 184 to 276.
  • (encodes VH domain 3.1)
    SEQ ID NO. 438
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTATGACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCMATGAACAGCCTGAGAGATGAGGACACGGCTCTATATTACTGTGCGA
    GAGATCGTATAGTGGGAGGTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AATGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.2)
    SEQ ID NO. 439
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAAAT
    ATTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAAAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATAGTGGGAGCCAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.3)
    SEQ ID NO. 440
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCCTCATTAGCTATGGCATGAACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATAGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.4)
    SEQ ID NO. 441
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGCGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAG
    ACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCC
    AGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAG
    ATATTATGCAGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACA
    CGCTTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCG
    AAAGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGA
    CAATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.5)
    SEQ ID NO. 442
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.6)
    SEQ ID NO. 443
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.7)
    SEQ ID NO. 444
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTCATCTGCAAATGGACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAGA
    ATGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.8)
    SEQ ID NO. 445
    GAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAGGGAACC
    CTGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.9)
    SEQ ID NO. 446
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.10)
    SEQ ID NO. 447
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTCATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.11)
    SEQ ID NO. 448
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTCATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.12)
    SEQ ID NO. 449
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAGA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.13)
    SEQ ID NO. 450
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.14)
    SEQ ID NO. 451
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGTGTGGTACGGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTCATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.15)
    SEQ ID NO. 452
    GAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTCATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAGA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.16)
    SEQ ID NO. 453
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTCATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.17)
    SEQ ID NO. 454
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAAACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.18)
    SEQ ID NO. 455
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGACTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGAT
    ACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACG
    CTTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAAACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAA
    AGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAGA
    ATGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.19)
    SEQ ID NO. 456
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTATGACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACGCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    GAGATCGTATAGTGGGAGGTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AATGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.20)
    SEQ ID NO. 457
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTCAGACATATGATGGCAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACGCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    GAGATCGTATAGTGGGAGGTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AATGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.21)
    SEQ ID NO. 458
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTCAGACATATGATGGCAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    GAGATCGTATAGTGGGAGGTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AATGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.22)
    SEQ ID NO. 459
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTCAGACATATGATGCCAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACGCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    GAGATCGTATAGTGGGAGGTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AATGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.23)
    SEQ ID NO. 460
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGA
    TACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTTTATCTGCWTGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AATGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 3.24)
    SEQ ID NO. 461
    AGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGAC
    TCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTAATTAGCTATGGCATGAATTGGGTCCGCCAG
    GCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTATAACATATGATGGAAGTAATAGATA
    CTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACGC
    TTTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTATATTACTGTGCGAAA
    GATCGTATTGTGGGAGCTAGGGTCCCTGATGCTTATGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACAAT
    GGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 4462, 463, 464 and 465 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 4 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 280 to 292.
  • (encodes VH domain 4.1)
    SEQ ID NO. 462
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTC
    CTTGAGACTCTCCTGTGTAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTCATTAGCTATGGCA
    TGCACTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCGGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTT
    ATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGATACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCG
    ATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACGCTGTATCTGCAAATGA
    ACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTATTGTGCGAAAGAGAGG
    ATTTTTGGAGTGCTTACCCCTGATGATTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 4.2)
    SEQ ID NO. 463
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTC
    CCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTCATTAGCTATGGCA
    TGCACTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTT
    ATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGATACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCG
    ATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACGCTGTATCTGCAAATGA
    ACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAAAGAGAGG
    ATTTTTGGAGTGCTTACCCCTGATGATTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AACGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 4.3)
    SEQ ID NO. 464
    GAGGTGCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTC
    CCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCCCCTTCATTAGCTATGGCA
    TGCACTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTT
    ATATCATATGATGGAGCTAATAGATACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCG
    ATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACGCTGTATCTGCAAATGA
    ACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTATTGTGCGAAAGAGAGG
    ATTTTTGGCGTGCTTACCCCTGATGATTTTGAAATCTGGGGCCAAGGGAC
    AACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 4.4)
    SEQ ID NO. 465
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTC
    CCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTCACTAGCTATGGCA
    TGCACTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTT
    ATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAGATACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCG
    ATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACGCTGTATCTGCAAATGA
    ACAGCCTGAGACCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAAAGAGAGG
    ATTTTTTGGAGCGCTTACCCCTGATGATTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGA
    CAACGGTCACCGTCTCTTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 466 or 467 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 5 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 296 and 300.
  • (encodes VH domain 5.1)
    SEQ ID NO. 466
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTC
    CCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTCAATAACTATGGCA
    TGCACTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAATT
    ATATCATATGATGGAAATACTAAATATTATACAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCG
    ATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACGCTGTATCTGCAAATGA
    ATAGCCTGAGAGTTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAAAGGTTTA
    TGGCCTTCGGACGTCTGGGGCCAAGGGACCACGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
    (encodes VH domain 5.2)
    SEQ ID NO. 467
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTC
    CCTGAGACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTCAATAACTATGGCA
    TGCACTGGGTCCGCCAGGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAATT
    ATATCATATGATGGAAATAGTAAATATTATACAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCG
    ATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACACGCTGTATCTGCAAATGA
    ATAGCCTGAGAGTTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAAAGGTTTA
    TGGCCTTCGGACGTCTGGGGCCAAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 468 to 474 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 6 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 304 to 328.
  • (encodes VH domain 6.1)
    SEQ ID NO. 468 
    CAGGTGCAGCTACAGGAGTCGGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCACAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCACTGTCTCTGGTGGCTCCATCAGCAATAGTGGTTATTACTGGAGCTGGGT
    CCGCCAGCACCCAGGGAAGGACCTGGAGTGGATTGGGTTCATCTATTACAATGGGAGC
    ATCCACTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTTATCATATCAGTAGACACGTCTAAGAA
    CCAGTTCTCCCTGAAAATGAACTCTGTGACTGCCGCGGACACGGCCGTGTATTACTGTG
    CGAGAGACGGGGATGACTACGGTGACTACTTGAGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCG
    TCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 6.2)
    SEQ ID NO. 469 
    CAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAGTCGGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCACAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCACTGTCTCTGGTGGCTCCATCAGCAATAGTGGTTATTACTGGAGCTGGAT
    CCGCCAGCACCCAGGGAAGGGCCTGGAGTGGATTGGGTTCATCTATTACAATGGGAGC
    ATCCACTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTTATCATATCAGTAGACACGTCTAAGAA
    CCAGTTCTCCCTGAAAATGAGCTCTGTGACTGCCGCGGACACGGCCGTGTATTACTGTG
    CGAGAGACGGGGATGACTACGGTGACTACTTGAGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCG
    TCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 6.3)
    SEQ ID NO. 470 
    CAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAGTCGGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCACAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCACTGTCTCTGGTGGCTCCATCAGCAATAGTGGTTATTACTGGAGCTGGGT
    CCGCCAGCACCCAGGGAAGGGCCTGGAGTGGATTGGGTTCATCTATTACAATGGGAGC
    ATCCACTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTTATCATATCAGTAGACACGTCTAAGAA
    CCAGTTCTCCCTGAAACTGAACTCTGTGACTGCCGCGGACACGGCCGTGTATTACTGTG
    CGAGAGACGGGGATGACTACGGTGACTACTTGAGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCG
    TCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 6.4)
    SEQ ID NO. 471 
    CAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAGTCGGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCACAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCACTGTCTCTGGTGGCTCCATCAGCAATAGTGGTTATTACTGGAGCTGGAT
    CCGCCAGCACCCAGGGAAGGGCCTGGAGTGGATTGGGTTCATCTATTACAATGGGAGC
    ATCCACTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTTATCATATCAGTAGACACGTCTAAGAA
    CCAGTTCTCCCTGAAACTGAGCTCTGTGACTGCCGCGGACACGGCCGTGTATTACTGT
    GCGAGAGACGGGGATGACTACGGTGACTACTTGAGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACC
    GTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 6.5)
    SEQ ID NO. 472
    CAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAGTCGGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCACAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCACTGTCTCTGGTGGCTCCATCAGCAATAGTGGTTATTACTGGAGCTGGGT
    CCGCCAGCACCCAGGGAAGGGCCTGGAGTGGATTGGGTTCATCTATTACAATGGGAGC
    ATCCACTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTTACCATATCAGTAGACACGTCTAAGAA
    CCAGTTCTCCCTGAAAATGAGCTCTGTGACTGCCGCGGACACGGCCGTGTATTACTGTG
    CGAGAGACGGGGATGACTACGGTGACTACTTGAGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCG
    TCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 6.6)
    SEQ ID NO. 473 
    CAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAGTCGGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCACAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCACTGTCTCTGGTGGCTCCATCAGCAATAGTGGTTATTACTGGAGCTGGGT
    CCGCCAGCACCCAGGGAAGGGCCTGGAGTGGATTGGGTTCATCTATTACAATGGGAGC
    ATCCACTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTTACCATATCAGTAGACACGTCTAAGAA
    CCAGTTCTCCCTGAAACTGAACTCTGTGACTGCCGCGGACACGGCCGTGTATTACTGTG
    CGAGAGACGGGGATGACTACGGTGACTACTTGAGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCG
    TCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 6.7)
    SEQ ID NO. 474 
    CAGGTGCAGCTGCAGGAGTCGGGCCCAGGACTGGTGAAGCCTTCACAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCACTGTCTCTGGTGGCTCCATCAGCAATAGTGGTTATTACTGGAGCTGGGT
    CCGCCAGCACCCAGGGAAGGGCCTGGAGTGGATTGGGTTCATCTATTACAATGGGAGC
    ATCCACTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTTACCATATCAGTAGACACGTCTAAGAA
    CCAGTTCTCCCTGAAACTGAGCTCTGTGACTGCCGCGGACACGGCCGTGTATTACTGT
    GCGAGAGACGGGGATGACTACGGTGACTACTTGAGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACC
    GTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NOs. 475 to 482 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 7 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 332 to 360.
  • (encodes VH domain 7.1)
    SEQ ID NO. 475 
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTAGCTATTGGATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAATCACGATGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGCGC
    GAGAGATTCCCTTATAGTGGGAGAGAGGGGCTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCAC
    CGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 7.2)
    SEQ ID NO. 476 
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTAGCTATTGGATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAATCACGATGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGCGC
    GAGAGATAACCTTATAGTGGGAGAGAGGGGCTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCAC
    CGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 7.3)
    SEQ ID NO. 477 
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTAGCTATTGGATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAATCACGGGGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGCGC
    GAGAGATTCCCTTATAGTGGGAGAGAGGGGCTACT  
    (encodes VH domain 7.4)
    SEQ ID NO. 478 
    GGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTAGCTATTGGATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAATCACCAGGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGCGC
    GAGAGATTCCCTTATAGTGGGAGAGAGGGGCTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCAC
    CGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 7.5)
    SEQ ID NO. 479 
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTAGCTATTGGATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAATCACCCCGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGCGC
    GAGAGATTCCCTTATAGTGGGAGAGAGGGGCTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCAC
    CGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 7.6)
    SEQ ID NO. 480 
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTAGCTATTGGATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAATCACGAGGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGCGC
    GAGAGATTCCCTTATAGTGGGAGAGAGGGGCTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCAC
    CGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 7.7)
    SEQ ID NO. 481 
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTAGCTATTGGATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAATCACATCGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGCGC
    GAGAGATTCCCTTATAGTGGGAGAGAGGGGCTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCAC
    CGTCTCCTCA
    (encodes VH domain 7.8)
    SEQ ID NO. 482 
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTAGCTATTGGATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAATCACGATGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGCGC
    GAGAGATACCCTTATAGTGGGAGAGAGGGGCTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCAC
    CGTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 483 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 8 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 364.
  • SEQ ID NO. 483
    CAGGTGCAGCTACAGCAGTGGGGCGCAGGACTGTTGAAGCCTTCGGAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCGCTGTCTATGGTGGGTCCTTCAGTGGTTACTACTGGAGCTGGATCCGCCA
    GCCCCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGATTGGGGAAATCAATCATAGTGGAAGCACCAA
    CTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTCACCATATCAGTAGACACGTCCAAGAACCAGT
    TCTCCCTGAAGCTGAGCTCTGTGACCGCCGCGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGAG
    AGGCCCCATACCAGCCACTGCTATACCCGATGCTTTTGATATCTGGGGCCAAGGGACA
    ATGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 484 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 9 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 368.
  • SEQ ID NO. 484
    GAGGTGCAGCTACAGCAGTGGGGCGCAGGACTGTTGAAGCCTTCGGAGACCCTGTCC
    CTCACCTGCGCTGTCTATGGTGGGTCCTTCAGTGGTCACTACTGGAGCTGGATCCGCC
    AGCCCCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGATTGGGGACATAAATCATAGTGGAAGCACCAA
    CTACAACCCGTCCCTCAAGAGTCGAGTCACCATATCAGTAGACACGTCCAAGAATCAGT
    TCTCCCTGAAGCTGAGCTCTGTGACCGCCGCGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGTGAG
    AGACTACGGTGACTCCCGTAGCCTTTTTGACTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACC
    GTCTCTTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 485 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 10 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 372.
  • SEQ ID NO. 485
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTACAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTCAGTAGCTATGGCATGCACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCATTTATGTCATATGATGGCAGTAATAAA
    TACTATGTAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCG
    AAAGGCGATTACGATTTTTGGAGTGGTTACCCCGACTACGATATGGACGTCTGGGGCCA
    AGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 486 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 11 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 376.
  • SEQ ID NO. 486
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTGGTCAAGCCTGGAGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCAACTTGATTAGCTATGGCATGTACTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTTATATCATATGATGGAAGTAATAAA
    AACTATGCAGACTCCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAATAC
    GCTGTTTCTGCAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGTTGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGGGGGGAATGCCTTGTATAGCAGTGGCTGGCCCGATGATGGTTTTGATATCAGGGG
    CCAAGGGACAATGGTCACTGTCTCCTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 487 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 12 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 380.
  • SEQ ID NO. 487
    CAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCGTGGTCCAGCCTGGGAGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTCAGTAACTTTGGCATGCACTGGGCCCGCCA
    GGCTCCAGGCAAGGGACTGGAGTGGGTGGCAGTAATATCATATGATGGAAATAGTAAA
    TACTATGCAGACACCGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATTCCAAGAACAC
    GCTGTATCTGGAAATGAACAGCCTGAGAGCTGATGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    AAGGCCTATGGCCCCCAATGGACGTCAGGGGCCAAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCT
    CA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 488 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 13 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 384.
  • SEQ ID NO. 488
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTCGGTCCAGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTAGTGACTATTGGATGACCTGGGTCCGCCA
    GGTTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTGGCCAACATAAAGCAAGATGGAAGTGAGAA
    ATACTATGTGGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CACTATATCTGCAAATGAATAGCCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCTGTGTATTACTGTGCG
    AGAGATCGAGGAGGAGCAGTGGCCCTTTATCACAACGGTATGGACATGGGGGGCCAA
    GGGACCACGGTCACTGTCTCTTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 4899 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 14 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 388.
  • SEQ ID NO. 489
    GAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGTGAAGAAGCCTGGGGCCTCAGTGAAGGT
    CTCCTGCAAGGCTTCTGGATACACCTTCACCAGTTATGATATCAACTGGGTGCGACAGG
    CCACTGGACAAGGGCTTGAGTGGATGGGATGGATGAACCCTAACAGTGGTAACACAGG
    CTATGCACAGAAGTTCCAGGGCAGAGTCACCATGACCAGGAACACCTCCATAAGCACA
    GCCTACATGGAGCTGAGCAGCCTGAGATCTGAGGACACGGCCGTGTATTACTGTGCGA
    GAGGGAACGGGCCCGGTATAACTGGAACTACTGACTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGG
    TCACTGTCTCTTCA
  • In one aspect, the invention also relates to nucleic acid sequences comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 490 as shown below which encode VH domains of family 15 comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 392.
  • SEQ ID NO. 490
    GAGGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGTGTGGTACGGCCTGGGGGGTCCCTGAGA
    CTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACCTTTGATGATTATGGCATGAGCTGGGTCCGCCA
    AGCTCCAGGGAAGGGGCTGGAGTGGGTCTCTGGTATTAATTGGAATGGTGATCGTACC
    GGTTATGCAGACTCTGTGAAGGGCCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAACGCCAAGAACT
    CCCTGTATCTGCAAATGAACAGTCTGAGAGCCGAGGACACGGCCTTGTATTACTGTGG
    GAGAGAGAATGTTATAGTACCAGCTGCTACCTACTGGGGCCAGGGAACCCTGGTCACC
    GTCTCCTCA
  • A nucleic acid according to the present invention may comprise DNA or RNA and may be wholly or partially synthetic or recombinantly produced. Reference to a nucleotide sequence as set out herein encompasses a DNA molecule with the specified sequence, and encompasses a RNA molecule with the specified sequence in which U is substituted for T, unless context requires otherwise.
  • Furthermore, the invention relates to a nucleic acid construct comprising at least one nucleic acid defined above. The construct may be in the form of a plasmid, vector, transcription or expression cassette.
  • The invention also relates to an isolated recombinant host cell comprising one or more nucleic acid construct as described above. The host cell may be a bacterial, viral, mammalian or other suitable host cell. In one embodiment, the cell is an E. coli cell. In another embodiment, the cell is a yeast cell. In another embodiment, the cell is a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell.
  • Methods for preparing or generating the polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, products and compositions described herein using in vitro expression libraries can comprise the steps of:
      • a) providing a set, collection or library of nucleic acid sequences encoding amino acid sequences; and
      • b) screening said set, collection or library for amino acid sequences that can bind to/have affinity for PSMA and
      • c) isolating the amino acid sequence(s) that can bind to/have affinity for PSMA.
  • In the above methods, the set, collection or library of amino acid sequences 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) amino acid sequences will be clear to the person skilled in the art (see for example Phage Display of Peptides and Proteins: A Laboratory Manual, Academic Press; 1st edition (Oct. 28, 1996) Brian K. Kay, Jill Winter, John McCafferty).
  • A binding molecule described herein, including a VH domain, can be expressed in a transgenic rodent. The transgenic rodent, for example a mouse, may have a reduced capacity to express endogenous antibody genes. Thus, in one embodiment, the rodent has a reduced capacity to express endogenous light and/or heavy chain antibody genes. The rodent may therefore comprise modifications to disrupt expression of endogenous light and/or heavy chain antibody genes so that no functional light and/or heavy chains are produced.
  • The invention also relates to a method for producing a human heavy chain only antibodies capable of binding human PSMA said method comprising
      • a) immunising a transgenic rodent with an PSMA antigen wherein said rodent expresses a nucleic acid construct comprising unrearranged human heavy chain V genes and is not capable of making functional endogenous light or heavy chains,
      • b) isolating human heavy chain only antibodies.
  • The invention also relates to a method for producing a binding molecule comprising at least one human immunoglobulin single domain antibody capable of binding human PSMA wherein said domain is a human VH domain said method comprising
      • a) immunising a transgenic mouse with an PSMA antigen wherein said mouse expresses a nucleic acid construct comprising human heavy chain V genes and is not capable of making functional endogenous light or heavy chains,
      • b) generating a library of sequences comprising VH domain sequences from said mouse and
      • c) isolating sequences comprising VH domain sequences from said libraries.
  • Further steps may include identifying a single VH domain antibody or heavy chain only antibody that binds to human PSMA, for example by using functional assays as shown in the examples.
  • Heavy chain only antibodies that bind to human PSMA or a single VH domain antibody that binds to human PSMA obtained or obtainable from these methods are also within the scope of the invention.
  • The invention also relates to a heavy chain only antibody that binds to human PSMA or a single VH domain antibody that binds to human PSMA obtained or obtainable from a mouse that is not capable of making functional endogenous light or heavy chains, for example through the method described above, and that has been immunised with a PSMA antigen.
  • The invention also relates to an isolated VH single domain antibody or an isolated heavy chain only antibody comprising a VH domain binding to PSMA comprising an amino acid product of or derived from a human VH germline sequence. The heavy chain only antibody may be fully human or comprise mouse sequences.
  • In one embodiment, the rodent is a mouse. The mouse may comprise a non-functional endogenous lambda light chain locus. Thus, the mouse does not make a functional endogenous lambda light chain. In one embodiment, the lambda light chain locus is deleted in part or completely or rendered non-functional through insertion, inversion, a recombination event, gene editing or gene silencing. For example, at least the constant region genes C1, C2 and C3 may be deleted or rendered non-functional through insertion or other modification as described above. In one embodiment, the locus is functionally silenced so that the mouse does not make a functional lambda light chain.
  • Furthermore, the mouse may comprise a non-functional endogenous kappa light chain locus. Thus, the mouse does not make a functional endogenous kappa light chain. In one embodiment, the kappa light chain locus is deleted in part or completely or rendered non-functional through insertion, inversion, a recombination event, gene editing or gene silencing.
  • In one embodiment, the locus is functionally silenced so that the mouse does not make a functional kappa light chain.
  • The mouse having functionally-silenced endogenous lambda and kappa L-chain loci may, for example, be made as disclosed in WO 2003/000737, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • Furthermore, the mouse may comprise a non-functional endogenous heavy chain locus. Thus, the mouse does not make a functional endogenous heavy chain. In one embodiment, the heavy chain locus is deleted in part or completely or rendered non-functional through insertion, inversion, a recombination event, gene editing or gene silencing. In one embodiment, the locus is functionally silenced so that the mouse does not make a functional heavy chain.
  • For example, as described in WO 2004/076618 (hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety), all 8 endogenous heavy chain constant region immunoglobulin genes (μ, δ, γ3, γ1, γ2a, γ2b, ε and α) are absent in the mouse, or partially absent to the extent that they are non-functional, or genes δ, γ3, γ1, γ2a, γ2b ands are absent and the flanking genes μ and α are partially absent to the extent that they are rendered non-functional, or genes μ, δ, γ3, γ1, γ2a, γ2b ands are absent and a is partially absent to the extent that it is rendered non-functional, or δ, γ3, γ1, γ2a, γ2b, ε and α are absent and μ is partially absent to the extent that it is rendered non-functional. By deletion in part is meant that the endogenous locus gene sequence has been deleted or disrupted, for example by an insertion, to the extent that no functional endogenous gene product is encoded by the locus, i.e., that no functional product is expressed from the locus. In another embodiment, the locus is functionally silenced.
  • In one embodiment, the mouse comprises a non-functional endogenous heavy chain locus, a non-functional endogenous lambda light chain locus and a non-functional endogenous kappa light chain locus. The mouse therefore does not produce any functional endogenous light or heavy chains. Thus, the mouse is a triple knockout (TKO) mouse.
  • The transgenic mouse may comprise a vector, for example a Yeast Artificial Chromosome (YAC) for expressing a heterologous heavy chain locus. YACs are vectors that can be employed for the cloning of very large DNA inserts in yeast. As well as comprising all three cis-acting structural elements essential for behaving like natural yeast chromosomes (an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS), a centromere (CEN) and two telomeres (TEL)), their capacity to accept large DNA inserts enables them to reach the minimum size (150 kb) required for chromosome-like stability and for fidelity of transmission in yeast cells. The construction and use of YACs is well known in the art (e.g., Bruschi, C. V. and Gjuracic, K. Yeast Artificial Chromosomes, Encyclopedia of Life Sciences, 2002 Macmillan Publishers Ltd, Nature Publishing Group/www.els.net).
  • For example, the YAC may comprise a plethora of human VH, D and J genes in combination with mouse immunoglobulin constant region genes lacking C H1 domains, mouse enhancer and regulatory regions.
  • Alternative methods known in the art may be used for deletion or inactivation of endogenous mouse or rat immunoglobulin genes and introduction of human VH, D and J genes in combination with mouse immunoglobulin constant region genes lacking C H1 domains, mouse enhancer and regulatory regions.
  • Transgenic mice can be created according to standard techniques as illustrated in the examples. The two most characterised routes for creating transgenic mice are via pronuclear microinjection of genetic material into freshly fertilised oocytes or via the introduction of stably transfected embryonic stem cells into morula or blastocyst stage embryos. Regardless of how the genetic material is introduced, the manipulated embryos are transferred to pseudo-pregnant female recipients where pregnancy continues and candidate transgenic pups are born.
  • The main differences between these broad methods are that ES clones can be screened extensively before their use to create a transgenic animal. In contrast, pronuclear microinjection relies on the genetic material integrating to the host genome after its introduction and, generally speaking, the successful incorporation of the transgene cannot be confirmed until after pups are born.
  • There are many methods known in the art to both assist with and determine whether successful integration of transgenes occurs. Transgenic animals can be generated by multiple means including random integration of the construct into the genome, site-specific integration, or homologous recombination. There are various tools and techniques that can be used to both drive and select for transgene integration and subsequent modification including the use of drug resistance markers (positive selection), recombinases, recombination-mediated cassette exchange, negative selection techniques, and nucleases to improve the efficiency of recombination. Most of these methods are commonly used in the modification of ES cells. However, some of the techniques may have utility for enhancing transgenesis mediated via pronuclear injection.
  • Further refinements can be used to give more efficient generation of the transgenic line within the desired background. As described above, in preferred embodiments, the endogenous mouse immunoglobulin expression is silenced to permit sole use of the introduced transgene for the expression of the heavy-chain only repertoire that can be exploited for drug discovery. Genetically-manipulated mice, for example TKO mice that are silenced for all endogenous immunoglobulin loci (mouse heavy chain, mouse kappa chain and mouse lambda chain) can be used as described above. The transfer of any introduced transgene to this TKO background can be achieved via breeding, (either conventional or with the inclusion of an IVF step to give efficient scaling of the process). However, it is also possible to include the TKO background during the transgenesis procedure. For example, for microinjection, the oocytes may be derived from TKO donors. Similarly, ES cells from TKO embryos can be derived for use in transgenesis. Triple knock-out mice into which transgenes have been introduced are referred to herein as TKO/Tg. In one embodiment, the mouse is as described in WO2016/062990.
  • The invention also relates to a rodent, preferably a mouse which expresses a human heavy chain locus and which has been immunized with a PSMA antigen. The invention also relates to a rodent as described above, preferably a mouse which expresses a heavy chain only antibody comprising a human VH domain that binds to human PSMA. Various embodiments of this rodent are set out herein. For example, in one embodiment, said rodent is not capable of making functional endogenous kappa and lambda light and/or heavy chains. The human heavy chain locus is located on a transgene which can be as described above. Preferably, this comprises a human V gene locus and does not encode a functional C H1 domain.
  • In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a PSMA binding molecule according to the present invention and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The binding molecule of the present invention or compositions can be administered by any convenient route. The compounds may be administered by any route, including oral and parenteral administration. Parenteral administration includes, for example, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, intranasal, rectal, intravesical, intradermal, topical or subcutaneous administration. Compositions can take the form of one or more dosage units.
  • The composition of the invention can be in the form of a liquid, e.g., a solution, emulsion or suspension. The liquid can be useful for delivery by injection, infusion (e.g., IV infusion) or subcutaneously. The liquid compositions of the invention, whether they are solutions, suspensions or other like form, can also include one or more of the following: sterile diluents such as water, saline solution, preferably physiological saline, Ringer's solution, isotonic sodium chloride, fixed oils such as synthetic mono or diglycerides, polyethylene glycols, glycerin, or other solvents; antibacterial agents such as benzyl alcohol or methyl paraben; and agents for the adjustment of tonicity such as sodium chloride or dextrose. A composition can be enclosed in an ampoule, a disposable syringe or a multiple-dose vial made of glass, plastic or other material.
  • In specific embodiments, it can be desirable to administer one or more binding molecule of the present invention or compositions locally to the area in need of treatment, or by intravenous injection or infusion.
  • The amount of the binding molecule of the present invention that is effective/active in the treatment of a particular disorder or condition will depend on the nature of the disorder or condition, and can be determined by standard clinical techniques. In addition, in vitro or in vivo assays can optionally be employed to help identify optimal dosage ranges. The precise dose to be employed in the compositions will also depend on the route of administration, and the seriousness of the disease or disorder, and should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and each patient's circumstances.
  • The compositions of the invention comprise an effective amount of a binding molecule of the present invention such that a suitable dosage will be obtained. The correct dosage of the compounds will vary according to the particular formulation, the mode of application, and its particular site, host and the disease being treated. Other factors like age, body weight, sex, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, condition of the host, drug combinations, reaction sensitivities and severity of the disease shall be taken into account. Administration can be carried out continuously or periodically within the maximum tolerated dose.
  • Typically, this amount is at least about 0.01% of a binding molecule of the present invention by weight of the composition.
  • Preferred compositions of the present invention are prepared so that a parenteral dosage unit contains from about 0.01% to about 2% by weight of the binding molecule of the present invention.
  • For intravenous administration, the composition can comprise from about typically about 0.1 mg/kg to about 250 mg/kg of the animal's body weight, preferably, between about 0.1 mg/kg and about 20 mg/kg of the animal's body weight, and more preferably about 1 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg of the animal's body weight.
  • The present compositions can take the form of suitable carriers, such aerosols, sprays, suspensions, or any other form suitable for use. Other examples of suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in “Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences” by E. W. Martin.
  • The pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared using methodology well known in the pharmaceutical art. For example, a composition intended to be administered by injection can be prepared by combining a binding molecule of the present invention with water so as to form a solution. A surfactant can be added to facilitate the formation of a homogeneous solution or suspension.
  • The invention furthermore relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer, comprising administering a binding molecule of the invention to a patient, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of a binding molecule and/or of a pharmaceutical composition of the invention. In particular, the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of a binding molecule or a pharmaceutical composition of the invention.
  • The invention also relates to a binding molecule of the invention for use in the treatment of disease. The invention also relates to a binding molecule of the invention for use in the treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder. “Prostate cancer” refers to all stages and all forms of cancer arising from the tissue of the prostate gland. The invention also relates to the treatment of a disease characterized by aberrant expression of PSMA.
  • In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a binding molecule of the invention in the treatment of disease. In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of a binding molecule of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer, in particular prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder.
  • The binding molecules of the invention are also useful for the treatment, prevention, or amelioration of cancer, in particular prostate cancer or a prostatic disorder. A prostatic disorder refers to any disease that afflicts the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate gland is dependent on the hormonal secretions of the testes. Expression of PSMA has been detected in other cancers, more specifically in the neovasculature associated with these cancers. A wide range of carcinomas, including conventional (clear cell) renal cell, transitional cell of the bladder, testicular-embryonal, neuroendocrine, colon, and breast, and the different types of malignancies were found consistently and strongly to express PSMA in their neovasculature.
  • The binding molecule of the invention may be administered as the sole active ingredient or in combination with one or more other therapeutic and/or cytotoxic moiety. In one embodiment, the binding molecule may be conjugated to a toxic moiety.
  • In therapies of prostatic disorders, e.g., prostate cancer, the anti-PSMA binding molecule can be used in combination with existing therapies. In one embodiment, the single domain antibody is used in combination with an existing therapy or therapeutic agent, for example an anti-cancer therapy. Thus, in another aspect, the invention also relates to a combination therapy comprising administration of a single domain antibody or pharmaceutical composition of the invention and an anti-cancer therapy. The anti-cancer therapy may include a therapeutic agent or radiation therapy and includes gene therapy, viral therapy, RNA therapy bone marrow transplantation, nanotherapy, targeted anti-cancer therapies or oncolytic drugs. Examples of other therapeutic agents include other checkpoint inhibitors, antineoplastic agents, immunogenic agents, attenuated cancerous cells, tumor antigens, antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells pulsed with tumor-derived antigen or nucleic acids, immune stimulating cytokines (e.g., IL-2, IFNa2, GM-CSF), targeted small molecules and biological molecules (such as components of signal transduction pathways, e.g. modulators of tyrosine kinases and inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases, and agents that bind to tumor-specific antigens, including EGFR antagonists), an anti-inflammatory agent, a cytotoxic agent, a radiotoxic agent, or an immunosuppressive agent and cells transfected with a gene encoding an immune stimulating cytokine (e.g., GM-CSF), chemotherapy. In one embodiment, the single domain antibody is used in combination with surgery. The binding molecule of the invention may be administered at the same time or at a different time as the other therapy, e.g., simultaneously, separately or sequentially.
  • In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for detecting prostate cancer for diagnosis, treatment, prognosis or monitoring comprising a binding molecule of the invention. The kit may also comprise instructions for use. The kits may include a labeled binding molecule of the invention as described above and one or more compounds for detecting the label. The invention in another aspect provides a binding molecule of the invention packaged in lyophilized form, or packaged in an aqueous medium.
  • The invention also relates to detection methods using the binding molecule of the invention. Given their ability to bind to human PSMA, the human-PSMA-binding molecules, disclosed herein can be used to detect PSMA (e.g., in a biological sample, such as serum or plasma), using a conventional immunoassay, such as an enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), an radioimmunoassay (RIA) or tissue immunohistochemistry. In particular, the invention also relates to in vitro or in vivo methods for diagnosing or monitoring progression of a cancer, in particular prostate cancer. In vitro methods comprise detecting the presence of a PSMA protein in a test sample and comparing this with control sample from a normal subject or with a standard value or standard value range for a normal subject. The sample may be selected from blood, plasma, serum, semen, urine or a tissue biopsy.
  • The method may include: (a) contacting the sample (and optionally, a reference, e.g., a positive and/or negative control sample) with a PSMA binding molecule of the invention and (b) detecting either the binding molecule bound to PSMA or unbound binding molecule in the sample, to thereby detect PSMA in the biological sample. The binding molecule can be directly or indirectly labeled with a detectable substance to facilitate detection of the bound or unbound antibody. Suitable detectable substances include various enzymes, prosthetic groups, fluorescent materials, luminescent materials and radioactive materials.
  • In vivo methods may comprise detecting the presence of PSMA in vivo, for example by imaging in a subject. In this method, a PSMA binding molecule of the invention is labeled to detect binding.
  • As an alternative to labeling the binding molecule of the invention, human PSMA can be assayed in biological fluids by a competition immunoassay utilizing PSMA standards labeled with a detectable substance and an unlabeled human PSMA binding molecule. In this assay, the biological sample, the labeled PSMA standards and the human PSMA binding molecule are combined and the amount of labeled PSMA standard bound to the unlabeled binding molecule is determined. The amount of human PSMA in the biological sample is inversely proportional to the amount of labeled PSMA standard bound to the PSMA binding molecule. Similarly, human PSMA can also be assayed in biological fluids by a competition immunoassay utilizing PSMA standards labeled with a detectable substance and an unlabeled human PSMA binding molecule.
  • Binding molecules disclosed herein can be used to inhibit PSMA activity, e.g., in a cell culture containing PSMA, in human subjects or in other mammalian subjects having PSMA with which a binding molecule disclosed herein cross-reacts. In one embodiment, a method for inhibiting or increasing PSMA activity is provided comprising contacting PSMA with a binding molecule disclosed herein such that PSMA activity is inhibited or increased. For example, in a cell culture containing, or suspected of containing PSMA, a binding molecule disclosed herein can be added to the culture medium to inhibit PSMA activity in the culture.
  • Therefore, in one embodiment, the invention also relates to a method of ablating or killing a cell that expresses PSMA, e.g., a cancerous or non-cancerous prostatic cell. Methods of the invention include contacting the cell, with PSMA binding molecule of the invention, in an amount sufficient to ablate or kill, the cell. The methods can be used on cells in culture, e.g., in vitro or ex vivo.
  • Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. While the foregoing disclosure provides a general description of the subject matter encompassed within the scope of the present invention, including methods, as well as the best mode thereof, of making and using this invention, the following examples are provided to further enable those skilled in the art to practice this invention and to provide a complete written description thereof. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the specifics of these examples should not be read as limiting on the invention, the scope of which should be apprehended from the claims and equivalents thereof appended to this disclosure. Various further aspects and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the present disclosure.
  • All documents mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including references to gene accession numbers.
  • “and/or” where used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example “A and/or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein. Unless context dictates otherwise, the descriptions and definitions of the features set out above are not limited to any particular aspect or embodiment of the invention and apply equally to all aspects and embodiments which are described.
  • The invention is further described in the non-limiting examples.
    • EXAMPLES Example 1. Construction of Tg/TKO Mice
  • Mice carrying a heavy-chain antibody transgenic locus in germline configuration within a background that is silenced for endogenous heavy and light chain antibody expression (triple knock-out, or TKO) were created as previously described (WO2004/076618 and WO2003/000737, Ren et al., Genomics, 84, 686, 2004; Zou et al., J. Immunol., 170, 1354, 2003). Briefly, transgenic mice were derived following pronuclear microinjection of freshly fertilised oocytes with a yeast artificial chromosome (YAC) comprising a plethora of human VH, D and J genes in combination with mouse immunoglobulin constant region genes lacking C H1 domains, mouse enhancer and regulatory regions. Yeast artificial chromosomes (YACs) are vectors that can be employed for the cloning of very large DNA inserts in yeast. As well as comprising all three cis-acting structural elements essential for behaving like natural yeast chromosomes (an autonomously replicating sequence (ARS), a centromere (CEN) and two telomeres (TEL)), their capacity to accept large DNA inserts enables them to reach the minimum size (150 kb) required for chromosome-like stability and for fidelity of transmission in yeast cells. The construction and use of YACs is well known in the art (e.g., Bruschi, C. V. and Gjuracic, K. Yeast Artificial Chromosomes, Encyclopedia of Life Sciences, 2002, Macmillan Publishers Ltd., Nature Publishing Group/www.es.net). The transgenic founder mice were back crossed with animals that lacked endogenous immunoglobulin expression to create the Tg/TKO lines used in the immunisation studies described.
    • Example 2. Antigen for Immunisation
  • The immunisations used recombinant purified protein or Human Cell Line LNCap. Recombinant human PMSA was purchased from R&D, (cat. no. 4234-ZN), while the LNCap cells were from Sigma Aldrich (cat. no. 89110211-1VL).
    • Example 3. Immunisation Protocol
  • Briefly, Tg/TKO mice aged 8-12 weeks of age each received a total of 50 μg of recombinant purified human PSMA protein, emulsified in Complete Freund's Adjuvant and delivered subcutaneously, or 10 million LNCap cells in PBS delivered intraperitoneally, followed by boosts of 1-10 μg of the recombinant protein, emulsified in Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant, also administered subcutaneously, given at various intervals following the initial priming. A final dose of the recombinant purified human PSMA protein antigen was administered intraperitoneally, in phosphate buffered saline, in the absence of adjuvant. Alternative immunisation routes and procedures can also be employed. For example, different adjuvants or immune potentiating procedures may be used instead of Freund's adjuvant. DNA immunisations are often delivered intramuscularly or via a Genegun. Transfected cells or membrane preparations from such cells are often, although not exclusively, administered intraperitoneally.
    • Example 4. Serum ELISA
  • During and following immunisation, serum was collected from mice and checked for the presence of heavy-chain antibody responses to the immunogen by ELISA. Nunc Maxisorp plates (Nunc cat. no. 443404) were coated overnight at 4° C. with 50 μl/well of a 1 μg recombinant antigen/ml of PBS solution. Following decanting of the antigen solution, plates were washed using PBS (prepared from PBS Tablets, Oxoid cat. no. BR0014G) supplemented with 0.05% (v/v) Tween® 20 (Sigma P1379), followed by washes with PBS without added Tween 20. To block non-specific protein interactions, a solution of 3% (w/v) skimmed milk powder (Marvel®) in PBS was added to the wells and the plate was incubated for at least one hour at room temperature. Dilutions of serum in 3% Marvel™/PBS were prepared in polypropylene tubes or plates and incubated for at least one hour at room temperature prior to transfer to the blocked ELISA plate where a further incubation of at least one hour took place. Unbound protein was then washed away using repetitive washes with PBS/Tween 20 followed by PBS. A solution of biotin-conjugated, goat anti-mouse IgG, Fcgamma subclass 1 specific antibody (Jackson cat. no. 115-065-205), prepared in PBS/3% Marvel was then added to each well and a further incubation at room temperature for at least one hour took place. Unbound detection antibody was removed by repeated washing using PBS/Tween 20 and PBS. Neutravidin-HRP solution (Pierce cat. no. 31030) in 3% Marvel/PBS was then added to the ELISA plates and allowed to bind for at least 30 minutes. Following further washing, the ELISA was developed using TMB substrate (Sigma cat. no. T0440) and the reaction was stopped after 10 minutes by the addition of 0.5M H2SO4 solution (Sigma cat. no. 320501). Absorbances were determined by reading at an optical density of 450 nm. Alternative assays, such as ELISPOT assays, may also be used to check for immunisation induced heavy-chain antibody responses.
    • Example 5. Generation of Libraries from Immunised Mice
  • a) Processing Tissues, RNA Extraction and cDNA Manufacture
  • Spleen, inguinal and brachial lymph nodes were collected into RNAlate® from each immunised animal. For each animal, ½ of the spleen and 4 lymph nodes were processed separately. Initially, the tissues were homogenised; following transfer of tissues to Lysing matrix D bead tubes (MP Bio. Cat. no. 116983001), 600 μl of RLT buffer containing β-mercaptoethanol (from Qiagen RNeas® kit cat. no. 74104) was added before homogenisation in a MP Bio Fastprep96 homogeniser (cat #116010500) at 1600 rpm for 60 seconds. The tubes containing the homogenised tissues were transferred to ice and debris was pelleted by centrifugation at 1200 rpm for 5 minutes. A 400 μl sample of the supernatant was removed and used for RT-PCR. Initially, RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy® kit (cat. no. 74104) following the manufacturer's protocol. Each RNA sample was then used to make cDNA using Superscript III RT-PCR high-fidelity kit (Invitrogen cat. no. 12574-035). For each spleen and lymphnodes RNA sample, 5 RT-PCR reactions were performed, each with VH_J/F (long) primer in combination with a primer for V H1, V H2, V H3, V H4 or V H6 family. Details of the primers are below.
  • TABLE 16
    Primers for V10
    V1a/pelB GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTB
    (long) CAGCTGGTGCAGTCTGGGGCTGAGG SEQ ID No. 491
    V2/pelB GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGATC
    (long) ACCTTGAAGGAGTCTGG SEQ ID No. 492
    V3/pelB GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCSAGGTG
    (long) CAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGG SEQ ID No. 493
    V4- GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCC CAGGTG
    4/pelB CAGCTGCAGGAGTCGGG SEQ ID No. 494
    (long)
    V6/pelB GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTA
    (long) CAGCTGCAGCAGTCAGG SEQ ID No. 495
    VH_J/F CCGTGGTGATGGTGGTGATGGCTACCGCCACCCTCGAGTGARGAGACR
    (long) GTGACC SEQ ID No. 496
    Residues in bold have homology with pUCG3
  • TABLE 17
    Primers for V23
    VH1-2 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTG
    (long) CAGCTGGTGCAGTCTGGGGCTGAGG SEQ ID No. 497
    VH1-3 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTC
    (long) CAGCTCGTGCAGTCTGGGGCTGAGG SEQ ID No. 498
    VH1-18 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTT
    (long) CAGCTGGTGCAGTCTGGAGCTGAGG SEQ ID No. 499
    VH1-24 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTC
    (long) CAGCTGGTACAGTCTGGGGCTGAGG SEQ ID No. 500
    VH2 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGRTC
    (long) ACCTTGAAGGAGTCTGG SEQ ID No. 501
    VH3-7 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCGAGGT
    (long) GCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGG SEQ ID No. 502
    VH3-9 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCGAAGTG
    (long) CAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGG SEQ ID No. 503
    VH3-11 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTG
    (long) CAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGG SEQ ID No. 504
    VH3-23 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCGAGGT
    (long) GCAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGG SEQ ID No. 505
    VH3-23 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCGAGGTG
    (long) CAGCTGTTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGG SEQ ID No. 506
    VH4-4 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTG
    (long) CAGCTGCAGGAGTCGGG SEQ ID No. 507
    VH4-34 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTG
    (long) CAGCTACAGCAGTGGGGC SEQ ID No. 508
    VH6-1 GCCGCTGGATTGTTATTACTCGCGGCCCAGCCGGCCATGGCCCAGGTA
    (long) CAGCTGCAGCAGTCAGG SEQ ID No. 509
    VH_J/F CCGTGGTGATGGTGGTGATGGCTACCGCCACCCTCGAGTGARGAGAC
    (long) RGTGACC SEQ ID No. 510
    Residues in bold have homology with pUCG3
  • The code for the choice of nucleotide for degenerate primer is shown below.
  •
    R A, G
    Y C, T
    M A, C
    K G, T
    S C, G
    W A, T
    B C, G, T
    V A, C, G
    D A, G, T
    N A. C, G, T
  • Mastermixes were prepared for the RT-PCR reactions, based on the following tube reaction components:
      • 12.5 μl 2× reaction mix
      • 0.5 μl forward primer (10 μM)
      • 0.5 μl reverse primer (10 μM)
      • 0.5 μl enzyme mix
      • 500 ng-1 μg RNA
      • Up to 25 μl with water
  • The RT-PCR reactions were carried out in a thermal cycler using the following conditions:
      • 55° C. 20 min
      • 94° C. 2 min
      • 35 cycles of 94° C. 15 sec
        • 58° C. 30 sec
        • 68° C. 30 sec
      • 68° C. 5 min
      • Hold at 4° C.
  • Products in the range of 370 bp were confirmed by gel electrophoresis.
  • For each mouse, the VH products amplified for a given family from the ½ spleen and each of the 4 lymph nodes were then pooled for purification using Thermo/Fermentas GeneJet PCR purification kit (cat. no. K0702) which was used according to the manufacturer's instructions, with the products eluted in 50 μl of water.
  • a) Cloning into Phagemid Vector
  • The phagemid vector, pUCG3, was employed in these studies. A PCR-based method was used to construct the VH phagemid libraries from the amplified VH sequences. The following procedure was used:
  • A linearised version of pUCG3 was created using PCR; with the following primers:
  • pUCG3-pHENAPmut4 
    SEQ ID No. 511
    GGCCATGGCCGGCTGGGCCGCGAG
    pUCG3-pHENAPmut5mycHis
    SEQ ID No. 512
    TCATCGAGGGTGGCGAGCGAACAAAAACTCATCTCAGAAG
    AATCTGAATCATCACACATCACACGGGAGCTAGACTGTTG 
    AAAGTTGTTTAGCAAAACC
  • Phusion High fidelity PCR master mix with GC buffer (cat. no. F532L, NEB) was used for the PCR reactions which comprised the following reagents:
  •
    Phusion GC 2 × mix 25 μl
    pUCG3 5-10 ng
    Primers (10 μM) 1.25 μl of each
    DMSO 1.5 μl
    Nuclease-free H2O to final volume of
    50 μl
  • The cycling conditions used were:
  •
    98° C. 30 seconds
    10 cycles of
    98° C. 10 seconds
    58° C. 20 seconds
    68° C. 2 minutes, 30 seconds
    20 cycles of
    98° C. 10 seconds
    58° C. 20 seconds
    68° C. 3 minutes
    68° C. 5 minutes
     4° C. hold
  • The PCR product (3152 bp) was gel purified using Fermentas GeneJet Gel purification kit (cat. no. K0691), according to the manufacturer's instructions, with final elution in 40 μl of elution buffer.
  • The purified VH RT-PCR products were employed as megaprimers with the linearised pUCG3 to give phagemid products for transformation and library creation, based on the following reactions;
  •
    Phusion GC 2× mix 25 μl
    Linearised pUCG3
    800 ng
    VH PCR product 200 ng
    DMSO 1.5 μl
    Nuclease-free H2O to 50 μl final volume
  • PCR was performed as follows:
  •
    98° C. 30 sec
    98° C. 10 sec
    58° C. 20 sec {close oversize brace} 10 cycles
    72° C. 2 min
    72° C. 5 min
    Hold at 10° C.
  • The products of PCR were analysed on a 1% (w/v) agarose gel.
  • The various family VH/phagemid products were purified using Fermentas PCR purification kit (cat. no. K0702) according to the manufacturer's instructions with the final elution being in 25 μl H2O; this eluate was used for transformations of TG1 E. coli (Lucigen, cat. no. 60502-2) by electroporation using BioRad 2×0.2 cm cuvettes (BioRad cat. no. 165-2086) in a Bio-Rad GenePulser Xcell and pre-warmed recovery medium (Lucigen, proprietary mix). 22 μl of the purified products were added to 160 μl of cells for the electroporation, with 2 electroporations being performed for each VH/phagemid product at 2000v. Electroporated cells were pooled and recovered in 50 ml Falcon tubes incubated for 1 hour at 37° C. with shaking at 150 rpm. A 10-fold dilution series of an aliquot of the transformations was performed and plated in petri dishes containing 2×TY agar supplemented with 2% (w/v) glucose and 100 μg/ml ampicillin. Resulting colonies on these dishes were used to estimate the library size. The remainder of the transformation was plated on large format Bioassay dishes containing 2×TY agar supplemented with 2% (w/v) glucose and 100 μg/ml ampicillin. All agar plates were incubated overnight at 30° C. 10 ml of 2×TY broth was added to the large format bioassay dishes and colonies were scraped and OD 600 measured (OD of 1.0=5×108 cells/ml). Aliquots were stored at −80° C. in cryovials after addition of 50% (v/v) glycerol solution or used directly in a phage selection process.
    • Example 6. Selection Strategies for Isolation of PSMA Binders
  • Preparation of library phage stocks and phage display selections were performed according to published methods (Antibody Engineering, edited by Benny Lo, chapter 8, p 161-176, 2004). In most cases, phage display combined with a panning approach was used to isolate binding VH domains. However, a variety of different selection methods are well described in the art, including soluble selection and selections performed under stress (e.g. heat). Selections to promote internalising anti-PSMA VH were also conducted with monovalent and multivalent phage (patent US2009170792 (A1)—2009 Jul. 2). Briefly, blocked phage in ice-cold cell media were added to 4 ml ice-cold cell media containing 2.5×106 LnCAP cells. Phage and cells were incubated on ice for 2 hours, mixing occasionally to prevent cell clumping. Unbound or weakly bound phage were removed by washing five times in ice-cold PBS. The phage were then allowed to internalise by incubating the cells in media at 37° C. before removing phage bound to the outside of the cells with a 5 minutes wash step in a low pH cell-stripping buffer at 4° C. The cells were then lysed to harvest internalised phage using trimethylamine. Both the stripped and internalised fractions were neutralised with Tris buffer before being used to infect E. coli. The phage outputs were analysed as described for panning selections on recombinant proteins.
    • Example 7. Assays for Target Binding
  • VH from the different selections were screened in one or more of the following assays to identify specific VH capable of binding PMSA.
  • a) Binding ELISA
  • Following selections of the libraries, specific VH antibodies were identified by phage ELISA following published methods (Antibody Engineering, edited by Benny Lo, chapter 8, p 161-176, 2004). Phage ELISAs were performed against target protein and an unrelated antigen as control. In some cases, purified or crude extracts of VH domains were assayed by ELISA instead of using a phage ELISA. In these cases, bacterial periplasmic extracts or purified VH were used.
  • Small-scale bacterial periplasmic extracts were prepared from 1 ml cultures, grown in deep well plates. Starter cultures were used to inoculate 96-well deep well plates (Fisher, cat. no. MPA-600-030X) containing 2×TY broth (Melford cat. no. M2130), supplemented with 0.1% (w/v) glucose+100 μg/ml ampicillin at 37° C. with 250 rpm shaking. When OD 600 had reached 0.6-1, VH production was induced by adding 100 μl of 2×TY, supplemented with IPTG (final concentration 1 mM) and ampicillin and the cultures were grown overnight at 30° C. with shaking at 250 rpm. E. coli were pelleted by centrifugation at 3200 rpm for 10 mins and supernatants discarded. Cell pellets were resuspended in 30-100 μl of ice cold extraction buffer (20% (w/v) sucrose, 1 mM EDTA & 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0) by gently pipetting. Cells were incubated on ice for 30 minutes and then centrifuged at 4500 rpm for 15 mins at 4° C. Supernatants were transferred to polypropylene plates and used, following incubation in Marvel/PBS blocking solution, in the ELISA.
  • The purified VH were obtained by using the VH C-terminal 6×HIS tag for Ni-NTA affinity chromatographic purification of the periplasmic extracts. A starter culture of each VH was grown overnight in 5 ml 2×TY broth (Melford cat. no. M2103) supplemented with 2% (w/v) glucose+100 μg/ml ampicillin at 30° C. with 250 rpm shaking. 50 μl of this overnight culture was then used to inoculate 50 ml 2×TY supplemented with 2% (w/v) glucose+100 μg/ml ampicillin and incubated at 37° C. with 250 rpm shaking for approximately 6-8 hours (until OD 600=0.6-1.0). Cultures were then centrifuged at 3200 rpm for 10 mins and the cell pellets resuspended in 50 ml fresh 2×TY broth containing 100 μg/ml ampicillin+1 mM IPTG. Shake flasks were then incubated overnight at 30° C. and 250 rpm. Cultures were again centrifuged at 3200 rpm for 10 mins and supernatants discarded. Cell pellets were resuspended in 1 ml ice cold extraction buffer (20% (w/v) sucrose, 1 mM EDTA & 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0) by gently pipetting and then a further 1.5 ml of 1:5 diluted ice cold extraction buffer added. Cells were incubated on ice for minutes and then centrifuged at 4500 rpm for 15 mins at 4° C. Supernatants were transferred to 50 ml Falcon tubes containing imidazole (Sigma cat. no. I2399—final concentration 10 mM) and 0.5 ml of nickel agarose beads (Qiagen, Ni-NTA 50% soln, cat. no. 30210) pre-equilibrated with PBS buffer. VH binding to the nickel agarose beads was allowed to proceed for 2 hours at 4° C. with gentle shaking. The nickel agarose beads were then transferred to a polyprep column (BioRad cat. no. 731-1550) and the supernatant discarded by gravity flow. The columns were then washed 3 times with 5 ml of PBS+0.05% Tween® followed by 3 washes with 5 ml of PBS containing imidazole at a concentration of 20 mM. VH were then eluted from the columns by the addition of 250 μl of PBS containing imidazole at a concentration of 250 mM. Imidazole was then removed from the purified VH preparations by buffer exchange with NAP-5 columns (GE Healthcare, 17-0853-01) and then eluting with 1 ml of PBS. Yields of purified VH were estimated spectrophotometrically and purity was assessed using SDS PAGE.
  • Alternatively anti-PSMA VH were purified from the supernatants of W3110 E. coli with pJExpress vector. For this procedure up to 400 ml cultures were grown at 37° C. with 250 rpm shaking in TB media before being induced overnight with 1 mM IPTG overnight. The resulting supernatants were harvested and VH purified on AKTA Pure using a Ni-Sepharose excel column (HiScale 16, GE Healthcare). Yields of purified VH were estimated spectrophotometrically and purity was assessed using SDS PAGE.
  • The binding ELISA for crude or purified VH was similar to the serum ELISA and phage ELISA, previously described, mostly differing in the final detection steps. Briefly, antigen was immobilised on Maxisorb plates (Nunc cat. no. 443404) by adding 50 μl volumes at 0.1-2 μg/ml in PBS and incubating at 4° C. overnight. Following coating, the antigen solution was aspirated and the plates were washed using PBS (prepared from PBS Tablets, Oxoid cat. no. BR0014G) supplemented with 0.05% Tween® 20 (Sigma cat. no. P1379), followed by washes with PBS without added Tween® 20. To block non-specific protein interactions, a solution of 3% skimmed milk powder (Marvel®) in PBS was added to the wells and the plate was incubated for at least one hour at room temperature. Dilutions of periplasmic extract or purified VH in 3% Marvel®/PBS were prepared in polypropylene tubes or plates and incubated for at least one hour at room temperature prior to transfer to the blocked ELISA plate where a further incubation of at least one hour took place. Unbound protein was then washed away using repetitive washes with PBS/Tween followed by PBS. A solution of HRP-conjugated anti-Myc Ab (Santa Cruz cat. no. SC-40), prepared at 1:50 dilution in PBS/3% Marvel was then added to each well and a further incubation at room temperature for at least one hour took place. Unbound detection antibody was removed by repeated washing using PBS/Tween® and PBS. The ELISA was then developed using TMB substrate (Sigma cat. no. T0440) and the reaction was stopped after 10 minutes by the addition of 0.5M H2SO4 solution (Sigma cat. no. 320501). Absorbances were determined by reading at 450 nm.
  • b) FMAT Direct Cell Binding Assay
  • Periplasmic extracts from E. coli were screened for production of PSMA-binding-His-tagged VH using Fluorescence Microvolume Assay Technology (FMAT), a fluorescence-based platform that detects fluorescence localized to beads or cells settled at the bottom of microwells (Dietz et al., Cytometry 23:177-186 (1996), Miraglia et al., J. Biomol. Screening 4:193-204 (1999). CHO TREX human and cynomolgus cell lines were generated in-house using full-length human and cynomolgus PSMA using standard procedures. LnCAP cells were purchased from Sigma Aldrich.
  • Peripreps were tested by single point screening for the presence of VH that bound specifically to CHO human PSMA, CHO cyno PSMA and LnCAP cells with no binding to CHO parental cells in an FMAT Direct Binding Assay. Cells were resuspended at 0.1×106 cells/ml in FMAT assay buffer (pH 7.4) containing PBS, 0.1% Bovine Serum Albumin, 0.01% Sodium Azide and 120 nM DRAQ5 (Thermo Scientific cat. no. 62251) added to the cell suspension. Peripreps (10 μl) were transferred into 384 well black clear-bottomed assay plates (Costar cat. no. 3655) and 10 μl of 6 nM mouse Anti-His (Millipore cat. no. 05-949)/12 nM Goat Anti-Mouse Alexa Fluor-488 (Jackson Immunolabs cat. no. 115-545-071) mix added. The DRAQ5 stained cells (20 μl per well) were then added and the assay plates incubated for 2 hours at room temperature. Plates were read in the FL2 (502 nm-537 nm) and FL5 (677-800 nm) channels on the TTP Mirrorball plate reader following excitation at 488 nm and 640 nm. Data was gated on FL5 perimeter and peak intensity and the FL2 median mean fluorescence intensity of the gated data used for determination of VH binding.
  • For titrations, VH purified via the terminal His tag were serially diluted in FMAT assay buffer then binding was measured as described above (FIGS. 16A-16C). Improved variants show similar properties to the parent VH (FIGS. 16B and 16C). The Table below shows the different CDR3 sequences of the VH families identified together with their binding characteristics.
  • TABLE 18
    (prepared from phagemid and periprep)
    Cyno Human
    VH PSMA PSMA CHO
    CDR3 family rhPSMA CHO CHO parent LnCAP
    DPAWGLRLGESSSYDFDI VH3- Y Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No.513 30
    DRIVGGRVPDAFDI VH3- Y Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No.514 30
    ERIFGVLTPDDFDI  VH3- Y Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No.515 30
    GLWPSDV VH3- Y Y Y N Y
    516 30
    GLWPPMDV  VH3- Y Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No.517 30
    GDYDFWSGYPDYDMDV VH3- Y Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No.518 30
    GGNALYSSGWPDD VH3- Y Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No. 519 30
    DGVH VH3- Y Y (weak) Y N Y
    SEQ ID No.520 23
    ENVIVPAATY VH3- Y Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No.521 20
    DSLIVGERGY VH3- Y Y (weak) Y  N Y
    SEQ ID No. 522 07 (weak) (Weak)
    DRGGAVALYHNGMDM VH3- Y N Y N Y
    SEQ ID No. 523 07
    DYGDSRSLFDY VH4- N Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No. 524 34
    GPIPATAIPDAFDI VH4- N Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No. 525 34
    DGDDYGDY VH4- Y Y (Very Y N Y
    SEQ ID No. 526 41 Weak)
    GNGPGITGTTDY VH1- Y/N Y Y N Y
    SEQ ID No. 527 08
  • TABLE 19
    EC50 values for anti-PSMA VH binding to PSMA expressing cell lines.
    Values are in the picomolar range (prepared from purified VH)
    huPSMA CHO cynoPSMA CHO DU145 PSMA LNCap
    EC50 (M) (M) (M) (M)
    2.1 1.097E−10 3.667E−10 2.304E−10  6.07E−11
    2.18 1.044E−10 3.370E−10 2.496E−10  3.54E−11
    2.17 1.004E−10 3.082E−10 2.181E−10  1.13E−11
    2.15 9.212E−11 3.335E−10 1.663E−10  8.41E−11
    2.14 1.103E−10 4.269E−10 2.023E−10  3.32E−11
    2.22 1.232E−10 6.129E−10 2.293E−10  1.53E−10
    1.8 1.029E−10 3.099E−10 9.455E−11 1.473E−10
    1.10 7.182E−11 1.518E−10 6.699E−11 1.328E−10
    1.11 8.634E−11 2.168E−10 7.604E−11 1.189E−10
    1.12 5.023E−11 1.097E−10  4.15E−11 1.992E−10
    1.13 5.127E−11 1.154E−10 4.564E−11 3.862E−11
    1.14 5.884E−11  1.45E−10 5.201E−11 8.329E−11
    1.16 6.805E−11 1.458E−10 5.938E−11 7.539E−11
    1.17 3.338E−11 9.127E−11 3.099E−11 5.853E−11
    1.18 5.858E−11 1.237E−10 4.949E−11 4.239E−11
  • Sequencing
  • Each individual VH clone as identified above was sequenced from the phagemid and grouped based on VH germline and CDR3 amino acid similarity into separate families. Representative clones were further characterised. Variants, including germlined variants, were generated by standard methods of parent clones e.eg 1.1 and 2.1. FIG. 1 shows the sequences of clones 1.1 to 1.20 isolated as described herein above and grouped into a single family. Clones 1.8-1.20 are variants of 1.1. FIG. 2 shows the sequences of clones 2.1 to 2.25 isolated as described herein above and grouped into a single family. Clones 2.2, 2.11-2.19, 2.22-2.25 are variants of 2.1. FIG. 3 shows the sequences of clones 3.1 to 3.24 isolated as described herein above and grouped into a single family. Clones 3.20-3.25 are variants of 3.1.
    • Example 8—Characterisation of VH
  • a) Specificity of Anti-PMSA
  • The specificity of individual VH for target antigen was confirmed by ELISA, following the methods described in Example 7(a). VH were tested for binding to PMSA and shown not to cross react with irrelevant proteins.
  • b) Measurement of Binding Kinetics Using Octet
  • Binding kinetics of purified anti-PSMA VH antibodies were measured on a ForteBio Octet RED 384 instrument. Recombinant PMSA was diluted to 20 μg/ml in sodium acetate buffer, pH 5 (ForteBio, cat. no. 18-1069) and coupled to ARG2G biosensors (ForteBio cat. no. 18-5092) using amine-coupling chemistry (NHS-EDC amine-coupling, ForteBio cat. nos. 18-1067 and 18-1033), followed by quenching in ethanolamine (ForteBio cat. no. 18-1071). Binding kinetics of anti-PSMA VH antibodies were then determined by preparing each VH antibody in dilution series (typically 1:2 dilution series starting with 15 μg/ml, VH at the highest concentration), and then measuring binding of the different VH concentrations to the PSMA-coupled biosensors. VH binding kinetics were then determined from the (blank subtracted) sensorgram trace using 1:1 binding models and ForteBio Octet DataAnalysis software. Binding affinities from 1-150 nM and in the subnanomolar range were detected and examples of the Octet profiles are shown in FIGS. 17A-17C and in the binding parameters thereof in Table 20 below.
  • TABLE 20
    Kdis
    KD (nM) (1/s)
    2.1 1.64 4.56E−04
    1.1 2.44 1.54E−03
    3.1 3.78 4.52E−04
  • Further family members in particular variants of parent molecules were also tested as below using 1:2 dilution series starting with 0.375 μg/ml. Binding affinities from in the low nanomolar to picomolar range were detected as shown in Tables 21 and 22.
  • TABLE 21
    Family 1
    Clone KD (nM) Kdis (1/s)
    1.8 1.95 1.04E−03
    1.10 0.67 4.18E−04
    1.11 0.80 4.95E−04
    1.12 0.55 4.28E−04
    1.14 0.46 3.35E−04
    1.16 0.44 3.65E−04
    1.17 0.61 5.51E−04
    1.18 0.59 5.72E−04
  • TABLE 22
    Family 2
    Clone KD (nM) kdis (1/s)
    2.1 0.32 2.28E−04
    2.13 0.99 7.43E−04
    2.17 0.76 7.26E−04
    2.15 4.72 3.44E−03
    2.12 1.56 1.57E−03
    2.22 2.62 2.44E−03
  • Single domain antibodies purified from periplasmic extracts using Ni-NTA chromatography (via the C-terminal His-tag) were also tested. Results are shown in the Table below. Binding affinities from 1-150 nM and in the low nanomolar range were detected as shown in Table 23.
  • TABLE 23
    clone number KD (nM) Kdiss (1/s)
    4.1 45 1.4 × 10−2
    5.1 30 9.1 × 10−3
    12.1 3.9 1.37E−03
    10.1 95 1.85 × 10−3 
    11.1 26 0.00149
    7.1 41 4.783 × 10−4 
    13.1 4.2   6 × 10−4
    6.1 16 3.65 × 10−3 
    14.1 17 1.1 × 10−3
  • c) Measurement of Internalization of Cynomolgus PSMA-Binding VH Using Fluorescence Microvolume Assay Technolog Internalization of purified VH was measured using the pH-sensitive fluorescent dye pHrodo® green. Anti-His antibody (Millipore cat. no. 05-949) was labelled with pHrodo® Green STP ester (Molecular Probes cat. no. P35369) according to the manufacturer's instructions. All samples and reagents were prepared in internalization buffer (pH 7.4) containing PBS and Bovine Serum Albumin. CHO cells expressing cynomolgus PSMA were resuspended at 0.1×106 cells/ml and 120 nM DRAQ5 added to the cell suspension. VH (10 μl) were transferred into 384-well black clear-bottomed assay plates (Costar cat. no. 3655) and 10 μl of 40 nM pHrod® green labelled Anti-His antibody added followed by 20 μl DRAQ5 stained cells. Plates were incubated at 37° C. for 2 hr then equilibrated to room temperature. Fluorescence emission in the FL2 (502 nm-537 nm) and FL5 (677-800 nm) channels were measured on TTP Mirrorball plate reader following excitation at 488 nm and 640 nm. Data was gated on FL5 perimeter and peak intensity and the FL2 median mean fluorescence intensity of the gated data used for determination of VH internalization (FIG. 18 ).
  • Internalization of variants of single domain antibodies 1.1 and 1.2 was measured using the pH sensitive fluorescent dye pHrodo® green as described above except serially diluted VH were pre-incubated with pHrodo® green labelled Anti His antibody for 30 minutes at room temperature prior to addition of DRAQ5 stained CHO human PSMA clone 1A10 cells (20 μl). Plates were incubated for 2 hour at room temperature then fluorescent emission measured. Activity of the VH in the assay is shown in Table 24 below.
  • TABLE 24
    pH ® RodoGreen Internalization Assay
    Name human PSMA Average EC50 (M)
    1.8 5.0E−10
    1.10 6.4E−10
    1.11 3.7E−10
    1.12 5.7E−10
    1.14 4.4E−10
    1.16 4.8E−10
    1.17 2.9E−10
    1.18 3.1E−10
    2.1 8.0E−10
    2.13 5.8E−10
    2.17 8.0E−10
    2.15 7.2E−10
    2.12 5.3E−10
    2.22 6.7E−10
  • d) Measurement of Internalization of PSMA Binding VH Using the His-ZAP Assay
  • Internalization of His tagged PSMA binding VH was assessed using an anti-His antibody conjugated to saporin toxin (His-ZAP Advanced targeting Systems cat. No. 1T52). The His-ZAP reagent binds to the VH and is internalized through the VH interaction with PSMA on the cell surface. Saporin toxin is released from the complex in the endosome and inactivates ribosomes eventually resulting in cell death.
  • CHO cells expressing human or cynomolgus PSMA (400 cells per well in a 30 μl volume) were seeded into 384-well black clear-bottomed tissue culture-treated assay plates (Costar cat. no. 3712) in Hams F12 (Sigma cat. no. N6658) media containing 10% foetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 10 μg/ml blasticidin, 300 μg/ml Zeocin, penicillin/streptomycin, 1 μg/ml tetracycline and incubated overnight in a CO2 incubator at 37° C. Purified VH were serially diluted in media then an equal volume of 40 nM His-ZAP added. Following incubation for 30 minutes at 37° C. the VH/His-ZAP samples (10 μl) were transferred to the cell assay plates and incubated for 48 hours in a CO2 incubator at 37° C. His-ZAP control wells (cells with His-ZAP reagent) and background controls (media only) were set up on each plate for data normalization. Cell viability was determined following the 48 hour incubation using the Cell Titer-Glo Cell Viability assay (Promega cat. no. G7571) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Relative luminescent signal (RLU) was measured using the BMG PHERAstar plate reader. The data was normalized by subtraction of the RLU signal obtained in the absence of cells and expression as a percentage of the background-corrected signal of the His-ZAP control wells. Examples are given in FIGS. 19A and 19B.
  • For LnCAP assays, cells (2000 per well in a 100 μl volume) were seeded into 96-well TC-treated plates (Costar cat. No. 3340) in RPMI 1640 media containing 10% foetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-glutamine and penicillin/streptomycin. Purified VH were serially diluted in media, then an equal volume of 60 nM His-ZAP was added. Following incubation for 30 minutes at 37° C. the VH/His-ZAP samples (100 μl) were transferred to the cell assay plates and incubated for 96 hours in CO2 incubator at 37° C. Cell viability was measured using the Cell Titer-Glo Cell Viability assay and data analysed as described above. Examples are given in FIG. 20 .
  • The ability of variants of single domain antibodies 1.1 and 2.1 to internalize with a bound saporin conjugated anti His antibody, resulting in toxin mediated cell death, was determined. Assays were performed as described above except CHO human PSMA clone 1A10 cells were used for human PSMA assays and plates were incubated for 72 hours in a CO2 incubator at 37° C. prior to measurement of cell viability. Activity of the single domain antibodies tested in the assay is shown in Table 25 below.
  • TABLE 25
    human PSMA cyno PSMA
    Average EC50 (M) EC50 (M)
    1.8 2.6E−11 1.4E−09
    1.10 2.1E−11 1.3E−09
    1.11 1.4E−11 4.1E−10
    1.12 1.8E−11 9.7E−10
    1.14 1.7E−11 7.9E−10
    1.16 1.7E−11 4.2E−10
    1.17 1.5E−11 5.6E−10
    1.18 2.3E−11 4.8E−10
    2.1 1.4E−11 5.2E−11
    2.13 2.7E−11 8.0E−11
    2.17 3.5E−11 7.0E−11
    2.15 6.9E−11 1.6E−10
    2.12 1.6E−11 9.1E−11
    2.22 6.9E−11 1.8E−10
    • Example 9—Stability of VH
  • VH from the different CDR3 families were tested for developability characteristics.
  • a) Heat Stability: HPLC Size Exclusion Chromatography
  • Purified VH were subjected to size exclusion chromatography. Briefly, purified VH were stored in PBS buffer for 0-14 days at either 4° C. or 40° C., and then analysed at various time points using a Waters H-Class Bio UPLC containing a PDA detector (detection at 280 nm) with separation on a Waters ACQUITY BEH 125 Å SEC column. Samples were injected in 10 μl volumes and were run in a mobile phase containing 200 mM NaCl, 100 mM sodium phosphate, pH 7.4+5% propan-1-ol at a flow rate of 0.4 ml/min. Data were collected for 6 minutes and the percentage of monomer remaining after storage as compared to that present at the start (T=0) was calculated. Parent molecules showed high stability. Variants were also tested.
  • Concentration of samples varied: Monovalent 1.1 variants: 5.0 mg/ml
  • Monovalent 2.1 variants: 3.5 mg/ml
  • Results are shown in the Tables below.
  • TABLE 26
    % Area T0 Monomer 4° C. % Area T0 Monomer 40° C.
    Name
    0 4 7 14 0 1 4 7 14
    1.8 100.00 100.47 99.06 102.71 100.00 98.65 97.70 90.78 88.64
    1.10 100.00 100.75 99.74 101.47 100.00 97.73 94.35 82.99 85.89
    1.11 100.00 101.34 100.41 103.26 100.00 98.34 97.92 90.95 100.75
    1.12 100.00 100.97 103.69 110.61 100.00 97.62 97.03 87.86 100.99
    1.14 100.00 101.44 101.09 109.51 100.00 97.55 95.03 83.69 88.01
    1.16 100.00 101.44 100.84 107.00 100.00 97.24 93.57 82.10 88.46
    1.17 100.00 101.06 100.29 108.35 100.00 98.44 100.56 93.92 108.68
    1.18 100.00 100.36 101.41 106.39 100.00 98.38 98.70 88.09 95.31
  • TABLE 27
    % Area T0 Monomer 4° C. % Area T0 Monomer 40° C.
    Name
    0 4 7 14 0 1 4 7 14
    2.1 100.00 100.85 98.69 101.05 100.00 99.75 100.07 100.59 100.55
    2.13 100.00 103.11 100.91 99.78 100.00 99.80 99.92 100.30 100.34
    2.17 100.00 101.89 99.62 99.64 100.00 100.10 101.00 101.17 101.50
    2.15 100.00 102.20 99.85 99.20 100.00 99.46 100.23 100.28 101.03
    2.12 100.00 100.06 99.56 99.66 100.00 99.51 99.92 100.84 101.71
    2.22 100.00 100.76 99.91 100.48 100.00 99.12 99.88 100.23 102.02
  • Long term stability up to 35 days was also tested and showed a good profile.
  • b) Heat Stability: Mirror Ball
  • Purified VH samples were incubated for 0-8 days at 40° C. and then tested for binding to CHO cells expressing cynomolgus PSMA using the FMAT Direct Binding Assay as detailed in Examples 7(b) (FIGS. 21A and 21B).
  • c) Assessment of VH Serum Stability Using a Homogenous Time Resolved Fluorescence (HTRF) Assay.
  • Purified VH were mixed with cynomolgus monkey serum and incubated for 0-7 days at 37° C. Samples were then assessed for binding to PSMA using an HTRF assay. Briefly, PSMA (R&D Systems cat. no. 4234-ZN) was biotinylated using the Pierce EZ-Link Micro-Sulfo-NHS-LC-Biotinylation kit. (Thermo Scientific cat. no. 21935). For HTRF binding assays all samples and reagents were prepared in HTRF assay buffer containing PBS, 0.1% (w/v) BSA and 0.4M Potassium Fluoride. VH (C-terminally His-Myc tagged) were incubated with 3 nM biotinylated PSMA, 1.5 nM Streptavidin cryptate (Cisbio cat. no. 610SAKLA) and 10 nM Anti-Myc-Alexa Fluor-647 (AbD Serotec cat. no. MCA2200AF647) in a total assay volume of 10 μl in black 384-shallow-well plates (Costar cat. no. 3676) for a minimum of 3 hours at room temperature. Time-resolved fluorescent emission at 620 nm and 665 nm was measured following excitation at 337 nm on the BMG PHERAstar plate reader and the data obtained is shown in FIGS. 22A-22C.
  • In another experiment, purified VH were mixed with human serum for 0-7 days at 37° C. and then assessed for binding to huPSMA CHO 1A10 cells as described in examples' 7(b) FMAT Direct cell Binding Assay. Data obtained is shown in FIG. 23 and EC50 values are shown in Tables 28 and 29 below.
  • TABLE 28
    VH EC50
    2.1 Day 0 2.49E−10
    2.1 Day 1 2.54E−10
    2.1 Day 4 2.60E−10
    2.1 Day 7 3.01E−10
    2.17 Day 0 2.30E−10
    2.17 Day 1 2.10E−10
    2.17 Day 4 2.28E−10
    2.17 Day 7 2.38E−10
    2.15 Day 0 2.66E−10
    2.15 Day 1 4.97E−10
    2.15 Day 4 3.93E−10
    2.15 Day 7 3.76E−10
    2.22 Day 0 3.05E−10
    2.22 Day 1 2.91E−10
    2.22 Day 4 3.40E−10
    2.22 Day 7 3.28E−10
  • TABLE 29
    VH EC50
    1.8 Day 0 4.09E−10
    1.8 Day 1 4.86E−10
    1.8 Day 4 4.96E−10
    1.8 Day 7 5.42E−10
    1.11 Day 0 2.34E−10
    1.11 Day 1 2.08E−10
    1.11 Day 4 2.27E−10
    1.11 Day 7 2.78E−10
    1.16 Day 0 1.65E−10
    1.16 Day 1 2.43E−10
    1.16 Day 4 2.42E−10
    1.16 Day 7 2.36E−10
    1.17 Day 0 2.73E−10
    1.17 Day 1 2.53E−10
    1.17 Day 4 2.59E−10
    1.17 Day 7 2.74E−10
    1.18 Day 0 3.04E−10
    1.18 Day 1 3.11E−10
    1.16 Day 4 3.19E−10
    1.18 Day 7 3.13E−10
  • d) Assessment of VH Thermal Stability
  • Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was conducted using a MicroCal VP-Capillary DSC (Malvern). 300 μl of protein at 0.25 mg/ml in PBS was run using a scan rate of 60° C. per minute between 10 and 90° C. Data was analysed using the MicroCal software.
  • Results are shown in Table 30 below.
  • TABLE 30
    Name Tm (° C.) Tonset (° C.) T1/2 (° C.)
    2.1 73.91 70.12 2.5
    2.17 72.55 59.96 7.04
    2.15 63.62 46.37 11.75
    2.22 71.18 56.74 8.05
    1.1 63.92 54.86 4.02
    1.11 61.51 52.62 3.25
    1.16 60.02 48.77 5.19
    1.17 62.15 53.59 3.69
    1.18 60.34 51.44 3.69
    • Example 10 Imaging Studies in Mice
  • VH were injected in mice (VH1.1, VH2.1 and VH2.1 with half-life extension). The mice contain PSMA positive (+) and PSMA negative (−) tumours. Studies were carried out as follows:
      • ˜100 MBq of Tc-99m injected activity per mouse
      • SPECT/CT at 5 min, 30 min, 60 min, 3 hrs, 6 hrs & 24 hrs.
      • images shown for different time points
      • Post imaging ex vivo biodistribution and autoradiography
      • Negative control VH(αHEL4)
  • The half-life extended VH comprises an anti-mouse serum albumin (anti-MSA) VH with the following sequence:
  • (SEQ ID NO: 528)
    QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTFSSYAMSWVRQA
    PGKGLEWVATISDSGSSADYADSVKGRFTISRDNSKNTLY
    LQMNSLRAEDTAVYYCARGRYNWNPRALGIWGQGTMVTVSS
  • The experiments show high levels of specific tumor targeting, faster penetration and greater accumulation of the injected dose to PSMA expressing (PSMA+) tumor, in particular compared to a control monoclonal IgG anti-PSMA antibody. This can be further improved by extending the half life of the VH. Furthermore, the data shows quick clearance of the naked Humabody® VH. The results are shown in FIGS. 24A-24E to FIG. 30 .
    • Example 11 Potency of MMAE Toxin Conjugated to Immunoconjugates In Vitro
  • The ability of MMAE-toxin-conjugated VH to internalize into PSMA-expressing cells resulting in cell killing was determined using an in vitro cytotoxicity assay. Human cells (DU-145, ATCC HTB-81) stably expressing human PSMA or matched PSMA negative cells were seeded into 384-well black clear-bottomed tissue culture treated assay plates at 3000 cells per well in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% foetal bovine serum, 2 mM L-Glutamine, 1× penicillin/streptomycin, and incubated overnight in a CO2 incubator at 37° C. Cells were then incubated with serially-diluted MMAE-toxin-conjugated VH for 48 or 72 hours. Untreated control wells (cells in the absence of toxin-conjugated VH) and background control wells (media only) were set up on each plate for data normalization. Cell killing was determined following the incubation using the Cell Titer-Glo Cell Viability assay (Promega G7571) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Relative luminescent signal (RLU) was measured using the BMG PHERAstar plate reader. The data was normalized by subtraction of the RLU signal obtained in the background control wells then expressed as a % of the untreated control wells (% survival). FIGS. 31A-31F illustrates dose response curves obtained using a human-PSMA-expressing human cell line and the matched parent (i.e. non-transfected) PSMA negative cell line in a representative experiment (48 hour incubation). IC50 values and maximum % cell killing obtained for the MMAE-conjugated constructs are summarized in Table 31. Crescendo's Humabody® VH were conjugated to MMAE using HiPEG™ technology (WO 2009/047500; Cong et al., (2012) Bioconjugate Chem. 2012, 23, 248-263); the positive ADC control was generated using ThioBridge™ technology (WO 2016063006; WO 2005/007197; Balan et al., (2007) Bioconjugate Chem., 18, 61-76). The anti-PSMA-MMAE-conjugated VH specifically killed PSMA positive cells with minimal cell killing observed for the PSMA negative control cell line. The biparatopics that consist of two VH targeting different epitopes of the PSMA were more potent than the monovalent or bivalent PSMA VH constructs. The DU145 assay was performed with a 48 h and with a 72 h HDC incubation. This had an impact on the IC50 values measured and the % maximum kill, but was not expected to affect the ranking of the different HDC formats. For screening, a 48 h incubation was preferred for higher throughput. Using the 48 h incubation none of the constructs tested reached 100% cell kill (even at the highest concentrations tested). The maximum response levelled off at approx. 70-% (see Table 31). Table 32 shows the IC50 values and FIG. 32 illustrates the higher maximum % cell killing observed using a 72 hour incubation time (n=1 data).
  • TABLE 31
    Summary of in vitro cytotoxicity data obtained with the human-PSMA-expressing
    human cell line following a 48 hour incubation.
    Mean IC50 ± SD
    (nM), IC50
    Mean Max % Cell Toxin
    Construct DAR kill, (n number) (nM)
    HiPEG ™ A-His6 val-cit- Monovalent 2.1-myc- 1  1.2 ± 0.7 nM 1.16
    PAB-MMAE his Max cell kill 74%
    (n = 4)
    HiPEG ™ B-His6 val-cit- Monovalent 1.1-myc- 0.9  2.7 ± 2.5 nM 2.43
    PAB-MMAE his Max cell kill 73%
    (n = 4)
    HIPEG ™ C-His6 val-cit- Monovalent 3.1-myc- 1  5.2 ± 2.6 nM 5.21
    PAB-MMAE his Max cell kill 59%
    (n = 4)
    HiPEG ™ D-His6 val-cit- Monovalent HEL4-his >300 nM (n = 3)
    PAB-MMAE
    HiPEG ™ A-2-A-His6 Bivalent 2.1- 1 0.32 ± 0.2 nM 0.32
    val-cit-PAB-MMAE (G4S)6- Max cell kill 57%
    2.1 (n = 3)
    HiPEG ™ B-2-B-His6 Bivalent 1.1- 0.7 18 ± 8 nM 12.6
    val-cit-PAB-MMAE (G4S)6- (n = 3)
    1.1 Max cell kill 80%
    (Estimated)
    HiPEG ™ C-2-C-His6 Bivalent 3.1- 1  4.5 ± 2.4 nM 4.54
    val-cit-PAB-MMAE (G4S)6- Max cell kill 69%
    3.1 (n = 3)
    HiPEG ™ A-1-B-His6 Biparatopic 2.1- 1 0.67 ± 0.3 nM 0.67
    val-cit-PAB-MMAE (G4S)2- Max cell kill 75%
    1.1 (n = 4)
    HiPEG ™ A-2-B-His6 Biparatopic 2.1- 1 0.37 ± 0.1 nM 0.37
    val-cit-PAB-MMAE (G4S)6- Max cell kill 78%
    1.1 (n = 3)
    HiPEG ™ B-1-A-His6 Biparatopic 1.1- 1 0.13 ± 0.1 nM 0.13
    val-cit-PAB-MMAE (G4S)2- Max cell kill 79%
    2.1 (n = 3)
    HiPEG ™ B-2-A-His6 Biparatopic 1.1- 1 0.15 ± 0.1 nM 0.15
    val-cit-PAB-MMAE (G4S)6- Max cell kill 79%
    2.1 (n = 3)
    ThioBridge ™ anti- Control control 4  0.03 ± 0.02 nM 0.13
    PSMA val-cit-PAB- ADC ADC Max cell kill 82%
    MMAE (n = 3)
  • TABLE 32
    Summary of in vitro cytotoxicity data obtained with the human-PSMA-expressing
    human cell line following a 72 hour incubation.
    IC50 IC50 (toxin)
    Construct Format VH DAR (nM) nM
    HiPEG ™ A-His6 val-cit-PAB- monovalent 2.1-myc-his 1 0.55 0.55
    MMAE
    HiPEG ™ B-His6 val-cit-PAB- monovalent 1.1-myc-his 0.9 4.1 3.69
    MMAE
    HiPEG ™ A-2-A-His6 val-cit- bivalent 2.1-(G4S)6-2.1 1 0.19 0.19
    PAB-MMAE
    HiPEG ™ B-2-B-His6 val-cit- bivalent 1.1-(G4S)6-1.1 0.7 21 14.7
    PAB-MMAE
    HiPEG ™ A-2-B-His6 val-cit- biparatopic 2.1-(G4S)6-1.1 1 0.29 0.29
    PAB-MMAE
    HiPEG ™ B-1-A-His6 val-cit- biparatopic 1.1-(G4S)2-2.1 1 0.1 0.1
    PAB-MMAE
    ThioBridge ™ anti-PSMA val-cit- mAb Control ADC 4 0.042 0.168
    PAB-MMAE
  • The order of potency observed for the monovalent constructs was VH2.1>VH1.1>VH3.1.
    • Procedure for the Preparation of Humabody™ Drug Conjugates (HDCs)
  • A stock solution of conjugation reagent, HiPEG™ val-cit-PAB-MMAE (FIG. 33 ), was prepared in MeCN prior to performing conjugation reactions. A solution of Humabody™ (0.9 mg/mL in PBS; 20 mM EDTA, pH 7.5) was mixed gently with HiPEG™ val-cit-PAB-MMAE reagent (1.5 equiv. per Humabody™; 5% (v/v) final MeCN concentration) and incubated at 22° C. for 19 h. After 19 h, the conjugation reaction was mixed with an equal volume of 600 mM sodium phosphate buffer (150 mM NaCl; 20 mM EDTA), pH 7.5 and cooled to 4° C. A stock solution of 1 mg/mL NaBH 4 solution was prepared in 0.1 M NaOH. Two aliquots each of NaBH 4 solution, (10 equiv. per reagent), were added to the cooled conjugation reaction with a 30 min interval between additions. After a further 30 min interval, the crude mixture was purified by hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) using a TOSOH ToyoPearl Phenyl-650S column. The sample was bound and washed onto the column using 50 mM sodium phosphate (2 M NaCl), pH 7 (buffer A) and eluted using a gradient of 50 mM sodium phosphate (20% v/v isopropanol), pH 7 (buffer B). Fractions containing the mono-loaded product were pooled and concentrated using Vivaspin20 concentrators fitted with 5 kDa MWCO PES membranes. The concentrated fractions were buffer exchanged into DPBS using PD10 columns and the buffer exchanged material sterile filtered using 0.2 μm PVDF syringe filtration unit.
  • The HiPEG val-cit-PAB-MMAE moiety is attached via a C terminal His6-tag on a VH. Two histidines are needed for attachment of each “payload” toxin molecule. Humabody VH, DAR=1 species were purified for use in cytotoxicity studies, in some instances an exact DAR of 1 was not achieved (see table below). In the examples herein a single MMAE moiety was attached, but multiple payloads are possible (DARs >1).
  • Procedure for the Preparation of Control ADC with Drug:Antibody Ratio (DAR) of 3.5
  • Positive control antibody Pro_006 is an anti-PSMA antibody composed of heavy and light chain sequences described within U.S. Pat. No. 8,470,330 and exemplified as antibody 006.
  • Conjugation 1: A solution of mAb Pro_006 (5.07 mg/mL) in reaction buffer (20 mM sodium phosphate, 150 mM NaCl; 20 mM EDTA, pH 7.5), was warmed to 40° C. for 15 min. TCEP (5 mM, 2 equiv. per mAb) was added to the mAb solution, mixed gently and incubated at 40° C. for 1 h. A stock solution of conjugation reagent, mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE (FIG. 34 ) was prepared in DMF at 2.8 mM. The reduced mAb was cooled to 22° C., diluted to 4.2 mg/mL with reaction buffer and mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE (5.25 equiv. per mAb) was added. The conjugation mixture was incubated at 22° C. for 2 h. The crude conjugation mixture was treated with 50 mM N-acetyl-L-cysteine (20 equiv. over reagent) at 22° C. for 30 min. The reaction mixture was diafiltered against DPBS using a Vivaspin20 concentrator fitted with 30 kDa MWCO PES membranes. The diafiltered ADC solution was buffer exchanged into DPBS using a Centripure P50 column. The DAR of the sample was assessed by HIC (average DAR=3.21).
  • Conjugation 2: A solution of mAb Pro_006 (5.07 mg/mL) in reaction buffer (20 mM sodium phosphate 150 mM NaCl; 20 mM EDTA), pH 7.5 was warmed to 40° C. for 15 min. TCEP (5 mM, 2.75 equiv. per mAb) was added to the mAb solution, mixed gently and incubated at 40 for 1 h. A stock solution of conjugation reagent, mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE (FIG. 34 ) was prepared in DMF at 4.0 mM. The reduced mAb was cooled to 22° C., diluted to 4.2 mg/mL with reaction buffer and mc-val-cit-PAB-MMAE (7 equiv. per mAb) was added. The conjugation mixture was incubated at 22° C. for 2 h. The crude conjugation mixture was treated with 50 mM N-acetyl-L-cysteine (20 equiv. over reagent) at 22° C. for 30 min. The reaction mixture was diafiltered against DPBS using a Vivaspin20 concentrator fitted with 30 kDa MWCO PES membranes. The diafiltered ADC solution was buffer exchanged into DPBS using a Centripure P50 column. The DAR of the sample was assessed by HIC (average DAR=4.52).
  • Production of average DAR 3.5 ADC: ADC 1 (DAR 3.21) and ADC 2 (DAR 4.52) were mixed in a 4:1 mol ratio to prepare an ADC with intermediate DAR. The resulting sample was sterile filtered using 0.2 μm PVDF syringe filtration unit. The DAR of the sample was assessed by HIC (average DAR=3.45).

Claims (8)

1-73. (canceled)
74. A method for treating prostate cancer or a PSMA-expressing cancer comprising administering a therapeutically-effective amount of a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single human variable heavy chain domain (VH) antibody or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a binding molecule capable of binding human PSMA comprising a single human variable heavy chain domain (VH) antibody and a pharmaceutical carrier wherein said binding molecule comprises CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 sequences selected from:
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 81, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 82 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 83, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 85, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 86 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 87, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 89, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 90 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 91, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 93, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 94 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 95, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 97, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 98 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 99, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 101, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 102 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 103, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 105, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 106 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 107, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 109, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 110 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 111, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 113, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 114 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 115, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 1117, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 1118 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 119, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 121, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 122 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 123, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 125, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 126 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 127, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 129, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 130 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 131, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 133, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 134 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 135, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 137, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 138 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 139, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 141, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 142 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 143, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 145, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 146 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 147, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 149, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 150 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 151, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 153, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 154 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 155, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 157, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 158 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 159, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 161, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 162 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 163, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 165, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 166 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 167, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 169, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 170 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 171, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 173, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 174 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 175, or
a CDR1 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 177, a CDR2 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 178 and a CDR3 sequence comprising SEQ ID NO. 179.
75-92. (canceled)
93. The method according to claim 74, wherein said binding molecule comprises a VH domain comprising or consisting of SEQ ID NO. 84, 88, 92, 96, 100, 104, 108, 112, 116, 120, 124, 128, 132, 136, 140, 144, 148, 152, 156, 160, 164, 168, 172, 176 or 180.
94. The method according to claim 74, wherein said binding molecule comprises two or more single VH domain antibodies wherein at least one of the single VH domain antibodies binds specifically to PSMA.
95. The method according to claim 74, wherein said binding molecule is conjugated to a toxin, enzyme, radioisotope or other chemical moiety.
96. The method according to claim 74, wherein said binding molecule is obtained or obtainable from a mouse that does not produce any functional endogenous light or heavy chains.
97. The method according to claim 74, wherein said binding molecule is conjugated to a VH domain or an antibody fragment that is specific for an immunooncology target.
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