Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • C07K14/005—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from viruses
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K39/12—Viral antigens
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K39/12—Viral antigens
  • A61K39/145—Orthomyxoviridae, e.g. influenza virus
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
  • A61P31/12—Antivirals
  • A61P31/14—Antivirals for RNA viruses
  • A61P31/16—Antivirals for RNA viruses for influenza or rhinoviruses
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
  • A61P37/02—Immunomodulators
  • A61P37/04—Immunostimulants
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K2039/555—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies characterised by a specific combination antigen/adjuvant
  • A61K2039/55505—Inorganic adjuvants
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K2039/555—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies characterised by a specific combination antigen/adjuvant
  • A61K2039/55511—Organic adjuvants
  • A61K2039/55566—Emulsions, e.g. Freund's adjuvant, MF59
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2760/00—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA ssRNA viruses negative-sense
  • C12N2760/00011—Details
  • C12N2760/16011—Orthomyxoviridae
  • C12N2760/16111—Influenzavirus A, i.e. influenza A virus
  • C12N2760/16122—New viral proteins or individual genes, new structural or functional aspects of known viral proteins or genes
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2760/00—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA ssRNA viruses negative-sense
  • C12N2760/00011—Details
  • C12N2760/16011—Orthomyxoviridae
  • C12N2760/16111—Influenzavirus A, i.e. influenza A virus
  • C12N2760/16134—Use of virus or viral component as vaccine, e.g. live-attenuated or inactivated virus, VLP, viral protein

Definitions

• the present invention relates generally to an anti-viral formulation, and in particular relates to a peptide-based influenza vaccine formulation, more particularly to an avian influenza peptide-based vaccine formulation.
• Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus. The disease, which was first identified in Italy more than 100 years ago, occurs worldwide. Sixteen subtypes of influenza virus are known to infect birds, thus providing an extensive reservoir of influenza viruses potentially circulating in bird populations. To date, all known outbreaks of the highly pathogenic form have been caused by influenza A viruses of subtypes H5 and H7.
• H5N1 is of particular concern for several reasons. H5N1 mutates rapidly and has a documented propensity to acquire genes from viruses, thereby facilitating infection of other animal species. Indeed, its ability to cause severe disease in humans has now been documented. Laboratory studies have demonstrated that isolates from this virus have a high pathogenicity and can cause mortality in humans.
• Influenza viruses are genetically labile and well adapted to elude host defences. Influenza viruses lack mechanisms for the "proofreading” and repair of errors that occur during replication. As a result of these uncorrected errors, the genetic composition of the viruses changes as they replicate in humans and animals, and new antigenic variants emerge. These constant, permanent and usually small changes in the antigenic composition of influenza A viruses are known as antigenic "drift”. Influenza viruses are typed as A or B on the basis of relatively stable intracellular nucleoproteins and envelope associated matrix proteins. Virus subtypes are based on two proteins in the viral envelope, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which undergo constant antigenic change.
• HA hemagglutinin
• NA neuraminidase
• Influenza viruses have a second characteristic of great public health concern: influenza A viruses can swap or "re-assort” genetic materials between subtypes of any species resulting in novel subtypes. This reassortment process, known as antigenic "shift,” has resulted in worldwide pandemics in humans.
• Influenza pandemics have occurred, on average, three to four times each century when new virus subtypes have emerged that are readily transmitted from person to person. In the 20th century, the great influenza pandemic of 1918 -1919, which caused an estimated 40 to 50 million deaths worldwide, was followed by pandemics in 1957-1958 and 1968 -1969. Experts surmise that another influenza pandemic is inevitable and possibly imminent. Given the unpredictable behaviour of influenza viruses, neither the timing nor the severity of the next pandemic can be predicted with any certainty.
• variable B-cell epitopes and one variable T-cell epitope collectively represent the antigenic drift sites found on the hemagglutinin HA1 protein of Influenza A (subtype H5).
• Each of the B-cell variable epitopes represents a conformational epitope, and four of them are comprised of two discontinuous stretches of amino acids.
• the nonadjacent segments (stretches of amino acids) that are artificially joined together to represent the discontinuous epitopes are selected using the three-dimensional structure of A/duck/Singapore/3/97 hemagglutinin (PDB ID code: USM).
• the T-cell eptiope is represented by a linear peptide sequence which may also be lipidated.
• no effective peptide-based vaccine against avian influenza is commercially available.
• Current antiviral therapies may be clinically effective against influenza A virus strains in otherwise healthy adults and children; however, these therapies have limitations. Some of these drugs are expensive and supplies are limited.
• the vaccine composition must also change each year to account for changes in the virus circulating in the population due to antigenic drift. At least four months of development time is required to produce a new effective vaccine in significant quantities.
• a peptide mixture is synthesized comprising a plurality of peptides representative of the frequency with which different amino acids are found at variable residues of selected epitopes.
• the present invention provides a peptide-based anti-influenza formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 496 and analogues thereof.
• the present invention provides a peptide- based anti-influenza formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 248 and analogues thereof.
• the present invention provides a formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 496 and analogues thereof.
• the present invention provides a formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212, a formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 460, a formulation comprising peptides selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212, and b) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 460; a formulation comprising peptides selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 213 to 248, and b) SEQ ID NOs: 461 to 496; a formulation comprising peptides selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 248, and b) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 496; or a formulation comprising peptides selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 40, and b) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 288
• the formulation comprises at least one peptide sequence from at least one of the following groups: a)SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 24; b) SEQ ID NOs: 25 to 40; c) SEQ ID NOs: 41 to 64; d) SEQ ID NOs: 65 to 88; e) SEQ ID NOs: 89 to 120; f) SEQ ID NOs: 121 to 144; g) SEQ ID NOs: 145 to 176, h) SEQ ID NOs: 177 to 212; i) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 272; j) SEQ ID NOs: 273 to 288; k) SEQ ID NOs: 289 to 312; I) SEQ ID NOs: 313 to 336; m) SEQ ID NOs: 337 to 368; n) SEQ ID NOs: 369 to 392; o) SEQ ID NOs: 393 to 424; or p) SEQ ID NOs:
• the formulation comprises 2 n peptide sequences from at least one of the following groups: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 24; b) SEQ ID NOs: 25 to 40; c) SEQ ID NOs: 41 to 64; d) SEQ ID NOs: 65 to 88; e) SEQ ID NOs: 89 to 120; f) SEQ ID NOs: 121 to 144; g) SEQ ID NOs: 145 to 176, h) SEQ ID NOs: 177 to 212, i) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 272; j) SEQ ID NOs: 273 to 288; k) SEQ ID NOs: 289 to 312; I) SEQ ID NOs: 313 to 336; m) SEQ ID NOs: 337 to 368; n) SEQ ID NOs: 369 to 392; o) SEQ ID NOs: 393 to 424; or p) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 24; b) S
• the formulation can further comprise at least one peptide sequence from SEQ ID NOs: 213 to 248, or SEQ ID NOs: 461 to 496.
• a vaccine comprising the formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 496 and analogues thereof, together with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
• the vaccine can further comprise an adjuvant.
• the adjuvant is alum.
• the anti-viral formulation can be an anti-influenza formulation. More particularly, the anti-influenza formulation can be an avian anti-influenza formulation.
• the formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 496 and analogues thereof, for the preparation of a vaccine.
• the vaccine can be used for preventing or treating influenza in an animal in need thereof.
• the influenza is avian influenza.
• the present invention further relates to a method for inducing an immune response in humans or animals and conferring protection against avian influenza, or novel subtypes of influenza derived from avian influenza, which comprises administering to humans or other animals a peptide-based vaccine as described herein.
• a method for preparing an anti-viral formulation such as the anti-viral formulation as described herein.
• a method for preparing a peptide from SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212 comprising the steps of determining a linear sequence representative of primary sequences of discontinuous epitopes of an avian influenza viral protein, wherein the epitopes are in proximity to each other when the protein is in a folded conformation; and synthesizing a peptide representative of the linear sequence.
• a method for preparing a peptide mixture comprising any two peptide sequences from SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212 comprising the steps of: determining a linear sequence representative of primary sequences of discontinuous epitopes of an avian influenza viral protein, the epitopes being in proximity to each other when the protein is in a folded conformation; said discontinuous epitopes comprising variable residues, and synthesizing a peptide mixture including at least two different amino acids at a variable residue.
• the present invention relates generally to an anti-influenza vaccine comprising a mixture of peptides containing at least one hemagglutinin (HA) antigen of influenza virus.
• Hemagglutinin (HA) is a potent immunogen, and viral neutralizing antibodies are directed against the variable regions of HA.
• the isolated peptide mixture represents variants of multiple variable regions of hemagglutinin.
• an anti-viral formulation comprising a mixture of isolated peptides, said mixture being formulated on the basis of the variable region of the avian influenza virus HA protein and said isolated peptide mixture representing variants of a variable region of the HA or HA1 protein, wherein each of said variable regions comprising a plurality of variable amino acid residues, at least one of which is represented by two or more amino acids.
• the plurality of variable amino acid residues in the anti-viral formulation comprises three or more residues.
• One or more of said Avian influenza proteins can be an HA or HA1.
• Fig. 1 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V1 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 272).
• Fig. 2 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V2 peptide sequences (corresponding SEQ ID NOs: 273 to 288).
• Fig. 3 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V3 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 289 to 312).
• Fig. 4 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V4 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 313 to 336).
• Fig. 5 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V5 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 337 to 368).
• Fig. 6 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V6 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 369 to 392).
• Fig. 7 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V7 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 393 to 424).
• Fig. 8 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V8 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 425 to 460).
• Fig. 9 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V1 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 272).
• Fig. 10 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V2 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 273 to 288).
• Fig. 11 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V3 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 289 to 312).
• Fig. 12 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V4 peptide sequences
• FIG. 13 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V5 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 337 to 368).
• Fig. 14 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V6 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 369 to 392).
• Fig. 15 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V7 peptide sequences
• Fig. 16 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V8 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 425 to 460).
• Fig. 17 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude lipidated INFA-H5-1-V8 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 461 to 496).
• Fig. 18(a)-(h) shows the different variosite peptide sequences of the present invention, with variable residues beneath the consensus sequence.
• Fig. 18(a) is INFA-H5-1- V1 ;
• Fig. 18(b) is INFA-H5-1-V2;
• Fig. 18(c) is INFA-H5-1-V3;
• Fig. 18(d) is INFA-H5-1-V4;
• Fig. 18(e) is INFA-H5-1-V5;
• Fig. 18(f) is INFA-H5-1-V6;
• Fig. 18(g) is INFA-H5-1-V7:
• Fig. 18(h) is INFA-H5-1-V8.
• Fig. 18(i) shows different lipidated variosite peptide sequences based on the consensus sequence in Fig. 18(h).
• Fig. 19 illustrates induction of humoral immunity by a vaccine of the present invention after immunization.
• Fig. 20 illustrates a survival plot of vaccinated mice against challenge with H5N1.
• Fig. 21 shows induction of humoral immunity by INFA-01 P (INFA-HA-1 -(V1-V2)) versus INFA-02P (INFA-HA-1-(V1-V8)) after vaccination in mice as measured by HAI titres.
• Blue bar (bottom bar) INFA-01 P + montanide;
• Purple bar (middle bar) INFA-02P + montanide;
• Black bar (top bar) control.
• Fig. 22 shows a survival plot of mice, vaccinated by INFA-01P (INFA-HA-1-(V1-V2)), against challenge with H5N1.
• Black control; Blue - INFA-01P + montanide.
• the present invention provides an anti-influenza formulation, and, more specifically, a vaccine for Influenza A, including avian subtypes.
• the present invention provides a peptide-based anti-influenza formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 496 and analogues thereof.
• the present invention provides a peptide- based anti-influenza formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 248 and analogues thereof.
• the present invention provides a formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 496 and analogues thereof.
• the present invention provides a formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212, a formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 460, a formulation comprising peptides selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212, and b) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 460; a formulation comprising peptides selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 213 to 248, and b) SEQ ID NOs: 461 to 496; a formulation comprising peptides selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 248, and b) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 496; or a formulation comprising peptides selected from the group consisting of: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 40, and b) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 288
• the formulation comprises at least one peptide sequence from at least one of the following groups: a)SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 24; b) SEQ ID NOs: 25 to 40; c) SEQ ID NOs: 41 to 64; d) SEQ ID NOs: 65 to 88; e) SEQ ID NOs: 89 to 120; f) SEQ ID NOs: 121 to 144; g) SEQ ID NOs: 145 to 176, h) SEQ ID NOs: 177 to 212; i) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 272; j) SEQ ID NOs: 273 to 288; k) SEQ ID NOs: 289 to 312; I) SEQ ID NOs: 313 to 336; m) SEQ ID NOs: 337 to 368; n) SEQ ID NOs: 369 to 392; o) SEQ ID NOs: 393 to 424; or p) SEQ ID NOs:
• the formulation comprises 2 n peptide sequences from at least one of the following groups: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 24; b) SEQ ID NOs: 25 to 40; c) SEQ ID NOs: 41 to 64; d) SEQ ID NOs: 65 to 88; e) SEQ ID NOs: 89 to 120; f) SEQ ID NOs: 121 to 144; g) SEQ ID NOs: 145 to 176, h) SEQ ID NOs: 177 to 212, i) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 272; j) SEQ ID NOs: 273 to 288; k) SEQ ID NOs: 289 to 312; I) SEQ ID NOs: 313 to 336; m) SEQ ID NOs: 337 to 368; n) SEQ ID NOs: 369 to 392; o) SEQ ID NOs: 393 to 424; or p) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 24; b) S
• the formulation can further comprise at least one peptide sequence from SEQ ID NOs: 213 to 248 or SEQ ID NOs: 461 to 496.
• a vaccine comprising the formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 496 and analogues thereof, together with a pharmaceutically-acceptable diluent or carrier.
• the vaccine can further comprise an adjuvant.
• the adjuvant is alum.
• the anti-viral formulation can be an anti-influenza formulation. More particularly, the anti-influenza formulation can be an avian anti-influenza formulation.
• the formulation comprising at least one peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 496 and analogues thereof, for the preparation of a vaccine.
• the vaccine can be used for preventing or treating influenza in an animal in need thereof.
• the influenza is avian influenza.
• the present invention further relates to a method for inducing an immune response in humans or animals and conferring protection against avian influenza, or novel subtypes of influenza derived from avian influenza, which comprises administering to humans or other animals a peptide-based vaccine as described herein.
• a method for preparing an anti-viral formulation such as the anti-viral formulation as described herein.
• a method for preparing a peptide from SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212 comprising the steps of determining a linear sequence representative of primary sequences of discontinuous epitopes of an avian influenza viral protein, wherein the epitopes are in proximity to each other when the protein is in a folded conformation; and synthesizing a peptide representative of the linear sequence.
• a method for preparing a peptide mixture comprising any two peptide sequences from SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212 comprising the steps of: determining a linear sequence representative of primary sequences of discontinuous epitopes of an avian influenza viral protein, the epitopes being in proximity to each other when the protein is in a folded conformation; said discontinuous epitopes comprising variable residues, and synthesizing a peptide mixture including at least two different amino acids at a variable residue.
• the present invention relates generally to an anti-influenza vaccine comprising a mixture of peptides containing at least one hemagglutinin (HA) antigen of influenza virus.
• Hemagglutinin (HA) is a potent immunogen, and viral neutralizing antibodies are directed against the variable regions of HA.
• the isolated peptide mixture represents variants of multiple variable regions of hemagglutinin.
• an anti-viral formulation comprising a mixture of isolated peptides, said mixture being formulated on the basis of the variable region of the avian influenza virus HA protein and said isolated peptide mixture representing variants of a variable region of the HA or HA1 protein, wherein each of said variable regions comprising a plurality of variable amino acid residues, at least one of which is represented by two or more amino acids.
• the plurality of variable amino acid residues in the anti-viral formulation comprises three or more residues.
• One or more of said Avian influenza proteins can be an HA or HA1.
• the vaccine may be formulated with or without representing variation at specific residues for each peptide.
• the peptide formed may be referred to herein as a DiscotopeTM construct.
• a discotope construct is a linear sequence synthetic construct that approximates the position of primary sequence sections that compose discontinuous epitopes. The individual sections are constructed in sequence to elicit immune responses that recognize the discontinuous epitopes found in the original intact protein.
• Discontinuous epitopes are composed of two or more segments of the primary sequence of a protein that when properly folded come together and are bound by specific antibodies. They are not recognized by antibodies when the secondary structure is lost and therefore have not been represented by a continuous linear peptide.
• the formulation comprises a number of peptides, which may be collectively referred to herein as a DiscositeTM construct.
• Hemagglutinin is the major surface glycoprotein of influenza virus and a potent immunogen against which viral neutralizing antibodies are directed.
• Hemagglutinin is the major surface glycoprotein of influenza virus and a potent immunogen against which viral neutralizing antibodies are directed.
• the linear peptide epitopes in the cocktail mimic discontinuous epitopes on the HA protein surface.
• influenza vaccine formulations of the present invention comprise a cocktail of peptides that represent major epitopes of the HA protein.
• HA is the major envelope glycoprotein of influenza virus, and mediates the penetration of virus into host cells.
• the native HA is formed by the association of three HA monomers which, as a precondition of virus infectivity, are cleaved enzymatically into the amino-terminal HA1 and carboxy-terminal HA2.
• antigenic sites have been mapped by determining the amino acid changes of antigenic variants.
• the antigenic variations were mostly seen surrounding the receptor binding region of HA. including residues around the antibody inaccessible receptor binding pockets.
• Monoclonal antibodies to these antigenic sites neutralize influenza virus infectivity when the exact sequences are present. Both T and B cell epitopes are found on these sites.
• variable residue was defined as a position in which the occurrence of the most frequent amino acid at that position is less than 85% among all viral sequences examined.
• a plurality of variable amino acid residues may comprise three or more residues, with two or more different amino acids at each variable position.
• Part or all of the peptides comprising an influenza vaccine may be lipidated.
• Discontinuous epitopes are composed of two or more segments of the primary sequence of a protein that exist in close proximity when in a native, three-dimensional conformation. They are not recognized by antibodies when the secondary or tertiary structure is lost; thus, linear peptides cannot traditionally be used to represent discontinuous epitopes. Crystallographic data from influenza hemagglutinin was used to design linear sequences that represent at least five conformational epitopes.
• variable residues From each variable epitope, the peptide length is selected, and within the peptide, a plurality of variable residues is selected.
• Each variable residue has at least two optional amino acids, found naturally occurring in sequenced versions of the virus. In this way, a high degree of variability is represented.
• three or four variable residues may be represented in the mixture of peptides, each having two or more different amino acids represented in the sequenced database records for influenza variants. If two variable residues occur in a variable region, then 2 2 different peptides would be used in the mixture representing that particular region. If three or four variable residues are indicated in a hypervariable region, the number of peptides in the resulting mixture would be 2 3 and 2 4 , respectively.
• variable regions consist of A, B, C, and so on variable sites, with a, b, c, and so on different amino acids at respective site, the total number of peptides would be A a xB b xC c and so on.
• variable epitopes the proteins, variable epitopes, peptide lengths, and variable residues are selected, the synthesis of the peptide mixtures occurs, according to any acceptable method of peptide synthesis.
• Peptide mixtures are synthesized with each different peptide sequence represented in roughly equimolar quantities. However, there is no requirement to provide equimolar quantities of the individual peptides.
• Lipidation of peptides may be conducted by any conventional or acceptable route, as would be known to those of skill in the art. Peptides need not be lipidated, but it may be advantageous for certain peptides to be lipidated with any acceptable lipid, such as palmitic acid, so as to allow a peptide to pass through a cell membrane. Peptides incorporating lipid may benefit from placement of a KSS motif at the C-terminal. The peptides incorporating lipid may contain 1 or more lipid moieties, for example, two lipid moieties per peptide. Immunization with lipidated peptides may result in an enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response.
• CTL cytotoxic T lymphocyte
• Peptides in accordance with one aspect of the present invention form 8 groups derived from H5 antigenic sites on hemagglutinin. These groups are identified as INFA-H5-1-V1 , INFA-H5-1-V2, INFA- H5-1-V3, INFA-H5-1-V4, INFA-H5-1-V5, INFA-H5-1-V6, INFA-H5-1-V7 and INFA-H5-1-V8.
• the groups contain the following sequences:
• INFA-H5-1-V1 SEQ ID NOs 1-24 and SEQ ID NOs. 249-272
• INFA-H5-1-V3 SEQ ID NOs 41-64 and SEQ ID NOs. 289-312
• INFA-H5-1-V4 SEQ ID NOs 65-88 and SEQ ID NOs. 313-33
• INFA-H5-1-V6 SEQ ID NOs 121-144 and SEQ ID NOs. 369- 392
• Groups INFA-H5-1-V5 (SEQ ID NOs 89-120 and SEQ ID NOs. 337-368) and INFA- H5-1-V7 (SEQ ID NOs 145-176 and SEQ ID NOs. 393-424) consist of 32 peptide variants.
• Group INFA-H5-1-V2 (SEQ ID NOs 25-40 and SEQ ID NOs. 273-288) consists of 16 peptide variants.
• Group INFA-H5-1-V8 (SEQ ID NOs 177-212 and SEQ ID NOs. 425-460) consists of
• peptide variants 36 peptide variants.
• an additional residue such as a glycine residue
• Sequences corresponding to peptides having an additional glycine residue are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 496.
• the additional glycine residue has no material effect on the function of the peptide, and the presence of the glycine residue is merely a product of peptide synthesis which would be well understood to the person of ordinary skill in the art.
• peptides normally synthesized in this manner would represent typical examples of "analogues" (as described below) of peptides used in the preparation of formulations in accordance with one aspect of the present invention.
• Figs. 1 and 9 are related to peptide group INFA-H5-1-V1.
• Fig. 1 shows an analytical technique
• Figs. 2 and 10 are related to peptide group INFA-H5-1-V2.
• Fig. 2 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V2 peptides.
• Fig. 10 shows a MALDI- TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V2 peptides.
• Figs. 3 and 11 are related to peptide group INFA-H5-1-V3.
• Fig. 3 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V3 peptides.
• Fig. 11 shows a MALDI- TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V3 peptides.
• Figs. 4 and 12 are related to peptide group INFA-H5-1-V4.
• Fig. 4 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V4 peptides.
• Fig. 12 shows a MALDI- TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V4 peptides.
• Figs. 5 and 13 are related to peptide group INFA-H5-1-V5.
• Fig. 5 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V5 peptide.
• Fig. 13 shows a MALDI- TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V5 peptides.
• Figs. 6 and 14 are related to peptide group INFA-H5-1-V6.
• Fig. 6 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V6 peptides.
• Fig. 14 shows a MALDI- TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V6 peptides.
• Figs. 7 and 15 are related to peptide group INFA-H5-1-V7.
• Fig. 7 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V7 peptides.
• Fig. 15 shows a MALDI- TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V7 peptides.
• Figs. 8 and 16 are related to peptide group INFA-H5-1-V8.
• Fig. 8 shows an analytical HPLC chromatogram of crude INFA-H5-1-V8 peptide.
• Fig. 16 shows a MALDI- TOF spectrum of crude INFA-H5-1-V8 peptides.
• Fig. 17 shows a MALDI-TOF spectrum of crude lipidated INFA-H5-1-V8 peptide sequences (corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 213 to 248).
• SEQ ID NOs 213-248 are lipidated versions of SEQ ID NOs 177-212.
• Fig. 18 shows the variosites of the present invention, including variable amino acid residues.
• Fig. 18 (a) shows the peptides of group INFA-H5-1-V1.
• Fig. 18 (b) shows the peptides of INFA-H5-1-V2.
• Fig. 18 (c) shows the peptides of INFA-H5-1-V3.
• Fig. 18 (d) shows the peptides of INFA-H5-1-V4.
• Fig. 18 (e) shows the peptides of INFA-H5-1-V5.
• Fig. 18 (f) shows the peptides of INFA-H5-1-V6.
• Fig. 18 (g) shows the peptides of INFA-H5-1-V7.
• Fig. 18 (h) shows the peptides of INFA-H5-1-V8.
• a vaccine formulation is a cocktail of peptides that are used in the preparation of an influenza vaccine.
• the vaccine can comprise the cocktail of peptides and other substituents known in the art that would be found acceptable for inclusion. These substituents can include, but are not limited to, adjuvants, diluents and/or carriers.
• a peptide "analogue" can include a variant in which one or more residues are added, deleted, inserted or substituted, while having no material effect on the function of the peptide. That is, a peptide analogue in accordance with one aspect of the present invention should be capable of inducing an antibody or T-cell response to HA.
• a residue may be added or deleted from either end of the peptide, deleted from within the peptide, inserted within the peptide, or substituted for one or more of the residues within the peptide.
• one or more peptide residues may be added, deleted, inserted or substituted while still maintaining the function of the peptide. For example, as many as five or more residues may be added to or removed from either end of a peptide, or inserted into a peptide, and be considered a peptide analogue within the context of the present invention.
• a conservative substitution of one or more residues within a peptide may result in a peptide analogue.
• a conservative substitution includes a substitution of one amino acid residue with another amino acid residue having one or more similar chemical properties, such as polarity, charge, hydrophobicity, or aromaticity, for example.
• the vaccine formulations of the present invention are particularly suitable for preparing vaccines in the treatment of avian influenza. However, it will be appreciated that any combination of peptide sequences, or formulations comprising these peptide sequences, may be used in other influenza phenotypes.
• a vaccine of the present invention may be formulated from a peptide mixture with or without variation at specific residues within each peptide.
• the peptide formed is referred to herein as a consensus epitope.
• the formulation comprises a number of peptides, collectively referred to as a variable epitope or "variosite”.
• Peptide vaccines can be prepared with a pool of one or more peptide sequences from
• the vaccines may further comprise one or more lipidated peptides, including one or more peptides from SEQ ID NOs: 213 to 248 or SEQ ID NOs: 461 to 496.
• the vaccines may comprise one or more discotope constructs (peptides containing non-variable amino acid residues) or one or more discosite constructs (peptides containing variable amino acid residues).
• a discosite construct of the present invention is derived from one of these epitopes.
• a discosite construct formulation comprises one or more peptide sequences derived from the epitope containing the variable residues.
• Each discosite construct of the present invention represents 2 X possible peptide sequences based on x varied residues.
• the vaccine may be prepared by any methodology acceptable to one skilled in the art. For example, oligonucleotides encoding these peptides may be inserted in viral or non- viral vectors for delivery. Peptides may be synthesized individually in and mixed together to accomplish an acceptable formulation. Any variety of different modes by which these peptide antigens may be prepared is acceptable for use with the invention.
• the proteins selected may contain variable regions with selected variable amino acids that are characteristic of the variability found within the subtype of interest. This allows the vaccine to be subtype specific, which may have the advantage of better representing the antigenic variation among variants within said subtype.
• the final peptide formulation may comprise the different subtype specific formulations. For example, a vaccine formulated against avian flu could target variable residues particular to subtype H5 sequences. A vaccine formulated against human flu could target variable residues characteristic of subtypes 1 , 2 and/or 3 sequences.
• the proteins selected may contain variable regions with selected variable amino acids that are characteristic of the variability found within the species of interest.
• the vaccine may be species specific, which may have the advantage of better representing the antigenic variation among variants within said species.
• a vaccine formulated against avian flu could target variable residues particular to avian H5 sequences.
• a vaccine formulated against human flu could target variable residues characteristic of both, human and avian H5 sequences.
• the anti-INF vaccine may include the following isolated peptides: SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 40, SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 288, or peptide analogues thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• An exemplary anti-INF formulation may comprise one or more of, or all of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 40, SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 288, or peptide analogues thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• An exemplary anti-INF formulation may comprise one or more of, or all of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 40, SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 288, or peptide analogues thereof, in combination
• the formulation may also comprise one or more lipidated peptides of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212 or SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 460, such as, for example, one or more of SEQ ID NOs: 213 to 248 or SEQ ID NOs: 461 to 496 Although all peptides of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 212 or SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 460 may be used in combination as the vaccine formulation, sub-groups of these peptides could be used together according to the invention.
• a formulation may comprise at least one peptide sequence from at least one of the following groups: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 24; b) SEQ ID NOs: 25 to 40; c) SEQ ID NOs: 41 to 64; d) SEQ ID NOs: 65 to 88; e) SEQ ID NOs: 89 to 120; f) SEQ ID NOs: 121 to 144; g) SEQ ID NOs: 145 to 176, h) SEQ ID NOs: 177 to 212, i)SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 272; j) SEQ ID NOs: 273 to 288; k) SEQ ID NOs: 289 to 312; I) SEQ ID NOs: 313 to 336; m) SEQ ID NOs: 337 to 368; n) SEQ ID NOs: 369 to 392; o) SEQ ID NOs: 393 to 424; or p) SEQ ID NOs: 425 to 460
• a vaccine of the present invention may comprise a formulation comprising 2 ⁇ peptide sequences from at least one of the following groups: a) SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 24; b) SEQ ID NOs: 25 to 40; c) SEQ ID NOs: 41 to 64; d) SEQ ID NOs: 65 to 88; e) SEQ ID NOs: 89 to 120; f) SEQ ID NOs: 121 to 144; g) SEQ ID NOs: 145 to 176, h) SEQ ID NOs: 177 to 212, i) SEQ ID NOs: 249 to 272; j) SEQ ID NOs: 273 to 288; k) SEQ ID NOs: 289 to 312; I) SEQ ID NOs: 313 to 336; m) SEQ ID NOs: 337 to 368; n) SEQ ID NOs: 369 to 392; o) SEQ ID NOs: 393 to 424; or p) SEQ
• the peptides were synthesized by solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) using 9- fluoroenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) chemistry on PioneerTM automated peptide synthesizer, utilizing pre-loaded Fmoc protected NovaSynTM TGT resin (NovaBiochem) as described. Where variability at a given position is desired, mixture of two amino acids is placed at that position. This is repeated each time during the synthesis wherever the variability is desired.
• SPPS solid phase peptide synthesis
• Fmoc 9- fluoroenylmethoxycarbonyl
• the resin was taken out from synthesizer and washed on a sintered glass funnel several times with OMF, with 2-propanol and with dichloromethylene (DCM), and dried under high vacuum.
• the peptide mixtures are cleaved and deprotected by the addition of a solution containing TFA / water / phenol / thioanisole / EDT /TIS [82:5:5:5:2:1].
• the resin was incubated at room temperature for 4 hours. Cleavage mixture was then filtered under reduced pressure into a flask containing a 10-fold volume of cold ether. Resin was also rinsed twice with TFA into the same ether solution.
• Lipidation is performed as follows. Upon completion of the synthesis of a mixed peptide formulation on the synthesiser, the resin is removed from the column and placed into a vial. Dissolve 10 eq. of the Palmitic Acid, 10 eq. of TBTU and 10 eq. HOBT (all relative to the resin) in DMF (10 ml/0.1 mmol resin). Add the solution to the peptidyl resin in the vial. Add 20 eq. (relative to the resin) of the DIPEA. Adjust pH to 8-9 by adding DIPEA drop-wise. Seal the vial with a screw cap and shake the mixture overnight (at least 12 hours).
• Vaccine formulations comprising the peptide sequences of the present invention were tested in mice.
• the vaccines used are as follows: INF-01 P consists of two variosites INFA-H5-1-V1 and INFA-H5-1-V2 (SEQ ID NOs:
• INF-02P consists of 8 variosites INFA-H5-1-V1 to INFA-H5-1-V8 (SEQ ID NOs: 249- 460), also referred as AviFlu- ⁇ (Montanide), AviFlu(Montanide), AviFlu(Alum).
• INF-02L consist of 9 variosites INFA-H5-1-V1 to INFA-H5-1-V8L (SEQ ID NOs: 249- 496), also referred as AviFlu(Lipidated), AviFlu(Lipidated/Alum).
• Fig. 19 illustrates induction of humoral immunity by a vaccine of the present invention after immunization.
• Fig. 20 illustrates a survival plot of mice vaccinated with a vaccine of the present invention against challenge with H5N1.
• Fig. 21 shows induction of humoral immunity by INFA-01 P (INFA-HA-1-(V1-V2)) versus INFA-02P (INFA-HA-1-(V1-V8)) after vaccination in mice as measured by HAI titres.
• Fig. 22 shows a survival plot of mice, vaccinated by INFA-01 P (INFA-HA-1-(V1-V2)), against challenge with H5N1.

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