WO2010044506A2

WO2010044506A2 - Tmprss4-specific human antibody

Info

Publication number: WO2010044506A2
Application number: PCT/KR2008/006614
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young Woo Park; So-Young Choi; Young-Soon Jang; Ji Hyun Park; Eun-Jung Song; Jung Yu; Myung-Ho Sohn; Jae Won Jeon; Joon-Goo Jung; Sungsub Kim; Myeoung Hee Jang
Original assignee: Korea Research Institute Of Bioscience And Biotechnology
Priority date: 2008-10-16
Filing date: 2008-11-10
Publication date: 2010-04-22
Also published as: WO2010044506A3; JP2012505650A; US20110189087A1; KR101039751B1; EP2344533A2; EP2344533B1; KR20100042432A; US8501175B2; JP5484476B2; EP2344533A4

Abstract

The present invention relates to a transmembrane protease, serine (TMPRSS4) -specific human antibody, and more particularly to a human antibody including a complementarity determining region (CDR) and a framework region (FR) derived from a human antibody specifically bound to TMPRSS4. The TMPRSS4- specific human antibody expressed in the various kinds of cancer cells of the present invention may be used in diagnosis of the cancer, classification of the disease, visualization, treatment, and prognostic evaluation.

Description

[DESCRIPTION]

[invention Title]

TMPRSS4-SPECIFIC HUMAN ANTIBODY

[Technical Field]

The present disclosure relates to a transmembrane protease, serine 4 (TMPRSS4) -specific human antibody.

[Background Art] It has been confirmed that transmembrane protease, serine 4 (TMPRSS4) is significantly upregulated and expressed in lung cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, and gastric cancer and is overexpressed in most pancreatic cancer cell lines, and it has been proposed that due to its overexpression in malignant thyroid neoplasms, the gene be used as a marker for diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of these types of tumors (Kebebew E et al . , Ann Surg 242(3): 353- 361, 2005; Kebebew E et al . , Cancer 106 (12) :2592-2597, 2006) .

What biological functions TMPRSS4 performs in cancer have been revealed (Jung H et al . Oncogene 17; 27 (18) : 2635-2647, 2007) . This study suggests that TMPRSS4 is an important mediator for invasion, metastasis, migration, and adhesion of human cancer cells and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human epithelial cancer cells, and is a new potential target for cancer. Although much research has not been conducted on TMPRSS4, there is also a need for development of antibodies against TMPRSS4 as a target for cancer due to its potentialities as a strong and independent prognostic marker and as a target for inhibition of tumor invasion and metastasis .

Thus, the present inventors have selected 13 kinds of human antibodies specifically bound to TMPRSS4 expressing on the surface of a colorectal cancer cell line, confirmed that the human antibody has binding capacity similar to those of the conventional nonhuman-derived antibodies, and have made the present invention.

[Disclosure] [Technical Problem] One object of the present invention is to provide a TMPRSS4-specific human antibody.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of the human antibody or a fragment thereof, and an expression vector including the polynucleotide and a constant region of human heavy chain.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the human antibody or a fragment thereof, and an expression vector including the polynucleotide and a constant region of human light chain. Even another object of the present invention is to provide a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding the heavy chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof into a host cell .

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding the light chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof into a host cell.

Further another object of the present invention is to provide a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding the heavy chain of the human antibody or a fragment thereof and an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding the light chain or a fragment thereof simultaneously into a host cell.

Still further another object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing a TMPRSS4-specific human antibody by incubating the transformant. The present invention also provides a composition including the human antibody.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition including the human antibody.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for treating a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of the human antibody to a subject with the TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer .

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a composition including the human antibody, light or heavy chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof, and a radioactive isotope.

Even another object of the present invention is to provide an immunodetection method for detecting an ex vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, including contacting a composition for detection of the cancer with a cancer cell.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method for imaging an in vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, including administering a diagnostically effective amount of the composition for detection of the cancer to a subject.

Further another object of the present invention is to provide a method for prognostic evaluation of a cancer treatment using a composition for detection.

[Technical Solution] To achieve the objects, the present invention provides a TMPRSS4-specific human antibody including a heavy chain including a heavy chain variable region (V_H) including a heavy chain complementarity determining region (hereinafter, HCDR) 1 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 7 to 18, HCDR 2 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 19 to 31, and HCDR 3 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 32 to 44, or a fragment thereof; and a light chain including a light chain variable region (V_L) including a light chain complementarity determining region (hereinafter, LCDR) 1 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 58 to 70, LCDR 2 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 71 to 83, and LCDR 3 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 84 to 96, or a fragment thereof.

The present invention also provides a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof, and an expression vector including the polynucleotide.

The present invention also provides a polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof, and an expression vector including the polynucleotide.

The present invention also provides a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof into a host cell. The present invention also provides a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof into a host cell.

The present invention also provides a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof and an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof simultaneously into a host cell.

The present invention also provides a method for preparing a TMPRSS4-specific human antibody by incubating the transformant .

The present invention also provides a composition including the human antibody.

The present invention also provides a method for treating a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, including administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of the human antibody to a subject with the cancer.

The present invention also provides a composition including the human antibody, a light or heavy chain of the human antibody or an immnunologically active fragment thereof, and a radioactive isotope. The present invention also provides an immunodetection method for detecting an ex vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, including contacting a composition for detection of the cancer with a cancer cell. The present invention also provides a method for imaging an in vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method including:

1) administering a diagnostically effective amount of a composition for detection of the cancer to a subject; and

2) obtaining a detection image for the subject. The present invention also provides a method for treating an in vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method including:

1) intravenously administering a composition including the radioactive isotope to a subject;

2) detecting the composition of Step 1) to identify tumor cells; and

3) eliminating the tumor cells identified in Step 2) by surgical operation.

The present invention also provides a method for prognostic evaluation of a cancer patient, the method including:

1) intravenously administering a composition including the radioactive isotope to a patient whose tumor has been eliminated;

2) detecting the composition of Step 1) to identify tumor cells; and 3) judging that all tumor cells have been eliminated when tumor cells are not detected in step 2) .

[Advantageous Effect] The TMPRSS4-specific human antibody expressed in colorectal cancer cells of the present invention may be used in diagnosis of the TMPRSS4-overexpression cancers, classification of the diseases, visualization, treatment, and prognostic evaluation.

[Description of Drawings]

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a cleavage map of TMPRSS4-FLAG expression vector.

FIG. 2 is a photo illustrating results of a purified 2XFLAG-TMPRSS4 identified by SDS-PAGE. FIG. 3 is a group of drawings illustrating results of a purified TM-EK with FLAG removed, identified by SDS-PAGE: a: a schematic diagram of TM-EK construction; and b: a photo of a purified TM-EK, identified by SDS-PAGE. FIG. 4 is a group of graphs illustrating results of measurement of proteolytic activities of TMPRSS4. FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating results of phage screening in 1st to 3rd pannings.

FIG. 6 is a group of graphs illustrating results of screening of phage antibodies in the lst-3rd pannings, identified by SDS-PAGE: a: TMPS4-EK; and b: TMPS4-FLAG.

FIG. 7 is a photo illustrating results of diversity of monoclonal phage antibodies against TMPRSS4, identified by fingerprinting.

FIG. 8 is a list of sequences illustrating analysis results of polypeptides used in heavy chain and light chain CDRs of monoclonal phage antibodies against TMPRSS4 : a: heavy chain; and b: light chain.

FIG. 9 is a group of photos illustrating results comparing binding specificities of TMPRSS4 polyclonal antibody and a monoclonal antibody: a: polyclonal antibody; and b: monoclonal antibody.

FIG. 10 is a group of graphs illustrating results, confirming that a TMPRSS4 polyclonal antibody and monoclonal antibodies specifically bind to colorectal cancer cell lines: a: polyclonal antibody; b: monoclonal antibody T2-6G; c: monoclonal antibody T2-12A; and d: monoclonal antibody T1-9F.

FIG. 11 is a group of cleavage maps of pNATAB H vector and pNATAB L vector: a: pNATAB H vector; and b: pNATAB L vector.

FIG. 12 is a group of photos illustrating results of expressed and purified whole form IgGs, identified by Western blot a: monoclonal antibody T2-6C; and b: monoclonal antibodies T2-6G, T2-3A, and T2-8F.

FIG. 13 is a photo illustrating of purified monoclonal antibodies T2-6C and T2-6G, identified by SDS-PAGE.

FIG. 14 is a group of graphs illustrating results, confirming that TMPRSS4 polyclonal antibody and purified monoclonal antibodies T2-6C and T2-6G specifically bind to colorectal cancer cell lines: a: polyclonal antibody; b: monoclonal antibody T2-6C; and c: monoclonal antibody T2-6G.

FIG. 15 is a group of photos and a graph illustrating results, confirming that TMPRSS4 polyclonal antibodies inhibit the invasion of colorectal cancer cell line Colo205.

FIG. 16 is a group of photos and a graph illustrating results, confirming that monoclonal antibody T2-6C inhibits the invasion of colorectal cancer cell line Colo205.

FIG. 17 is a group of photos and a graph illustrating results, confirming that monoclonal antibody T2-6G inhibits the invasion of colorectal cancer cell line Colo205. FIG. 18 is a group of photos and a graph illustrating results, confirming that TMPRSS4 polyclonal antibody had effects on the migration of TMPRSS4-overexpressed cell line Colo205 and TMPRSS4-underexpressed cell line Sw480.

FIG. 19 is a group of photos and a graph illustrating results, confirming that monoclonal antibody T2-6C inhibits the migration of TMPRSS4-overexpressed cell line Colo205.

FIG. 20 is a group of photos and a graph illustrating results, confirming that monoclonal antibody T2-6G inhibits the migration of TMPRSS4-overexpressed cell line Colo205.

[Best Mode]

Features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood by the following detailed description of the present preferred embodiments by reference to the accompanying drawings. It is first noted that terms or words used herein should be construed as meanings or concepts corresponding with the technical sprit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe his own invention. Also, it should be understood that detailed descriptions of well-known functions and structures related to the present invention will be omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the important point of the present invention . Hereinafter, the terms of the present invention will be described.

"Variable region" means a region of an antibody molecule which specifically binds to an antigen and demonstrates modifications in sequence, which is exemplified by CDRl, CDR2 , and CDR3. Between the CDRs, there is a framework region (FR) which supports the CDR loop.

"Complementarity determining region" is a loop-shaped site involved in antigen recognition, and specificity of an antibody against antigen depends on modification in that site. "Panning" refers to a process of selecting only a phage expressing a peptide which binds to a target molecule (antibody, enzyme, cell-surface receptor, etc.) on the coat of the phage from a phage library displaying the peptide on the coat. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

The present invention provides TMPRSS4-specific human antibody including: a heavy chain including a heavy chain variable region (V_H) including a heavy chain complementarity determining region (hereinafter, HCDR) 1 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos . 7 to 18, HCDR 2 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 19 to 31, and HCDR 3 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 32 to 44, or a fragment thereof; and a light chain including a light chain variable region (V_L) including a light chain complementarity determining region (hereinafter, LCDR) 1 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 58 to 70, LCDR 2 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 71 to 83, and LCDR 3 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 84 to 96, or a fragment thereof.

Preferably, the heavy chain variable region has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 45 to 57, and the light chain variable region has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 97 to 109.

The antibody includes not only a whole antibody, but also a functional fragment of the antibody molecule. The whole antibody has a structure with two full-length light chains and two full-length heavy chains, and each light chain is linked to heavy chain by disulfide bond. The functional fragment of an antibody molecule indicates a fragment retaining a antigen- binding function, and examples of the antibody fragment include (i) Fab fragment consisting of light chain variable region (V_L) , heavy chain variable region (V_H) , light chain constant region (C_L) , and heavy chain 1^st constant region (C_Hi) ; (ii) Fd fragment consisting of V_H and C_Hi domains; (iii) Fv fragment consisting of V_L and V_H domains of a monoclonal antibody; (iv) dAb fragment consisting of V_H domain (Ward ES et al., Nature 341:544-546 (1989)); (v) separated CDR region; (vi) F(ab')2 fragment including two linked Fab fragments, as a divalent fragment; (vii) single chain Fv molecule (scFv) in which V_H and V_L domains are linked by a peptide linker to form an antigen binding site; (viii) bi-specific single chain Fv dimmer (PCT/US92/09965) , and (ix) multivalent or multi- specific diabody fragment (WO94/13804) prepared by gene fusion. In the present invention, a human antibody against TMPRSS4 was obtained as scFV by using phage display technology and screened as a mono phage clone. As a result, 13 kinds of TMPRSS4-specific monoclonal phages were obtained.

In a specific example of the present invention, the activity (see FIGs. 3 and 4) of TMPRSS4 (see FIGs. 1 and 2) obtained through recombinant technology was identified and used in preparation of monoclonal antibodies (see FIG. 5) and monoclonal antibodies. The TMPRSS4 was reacted with a library phage constructed from human naive scFV library cells having diversity, followed by panning and screening of monoclones strongly binding to the TMPRSS4 antigen (see Tables 2 & 3 and FIG. 6) . The selected monoclones were identified by fingerprinting (see FIG. 7) , followed by sequencing to identify CDR regions of V_H and V_L of the antibody (see Table 6 and FIG. 8). The Ig BLAST program of NCBI (/ /www. ncbi .nlm.nih.gov/igblast/) was used for identification of similarity between the antibody and a germ line antibody group (see Table 7) . As a result, 13 kinds of TMPRSS4- specific phage antibodies were obtained. The selected monoclonal antibodies had lower signal intensities than polyclonal antibodies. However, about 30 kDa of antigen proteins were detected clearly without any non-specific binding (see FIG. 9) , and TMPRSS4 was specifically recognized and bound in a TMPRSS4-overexpressed colorectal cell line (see FIG. 10) .

The present invention also provides a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof, and an expression vector including the polynucleotide. The present invention also provides a polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof, and an expression vector including the polynucleotide.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, TMPRSS4 obtained by recombinant technology was used to screen monoclones strongly binding to TMPRSS4 antigens (see Tables 2 & 3 and FIG. 6) . The selected monoclones were identified by fingerprinting (see FIG. 7), followed by sequencing to identify CDR regions of V_H and V_L of the antibody (see Table 6 and FIG. 8) . The identification of similarity between the antibody and a germ line antibody group was performed (see FIG. 7) . As a result, 13 kinds of TMPRSS4-specific phage antibodies were obtained. In the selected monoclonal antibodies, about 30 kDa of antigen proteins were detected clearly without any non-specific binding (see FIG. 9) , and TMPRSS4 was specifically recognized and bound in a TMPRSS4- overexpressed colorectal cell line (see FIG. 10) .

In the polynucleotide encoding a light and heavy chain of the human antibody of the present invention or a fragment thereof, due to degeneracy of the codon or in consideration of a preferred codon in an organism where light and heavy chains of the human antibody or a fragment thereof are to be expressed, various modifications may be made in a coding region within a scope that the amino acid sequences of light and heavy chains or a fragment thereof are not changed, and various changes or modifications may be made even in portions other than the coding region within a scope that the gene expression is not affected. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these modified genes are also included within the scope of the present invention. That is, one or more nucleotides may be modified by substitution, deletion, insertion, or a combination thereof as long as the polynucleotide of the present invention encodes a protein with an equivalent activity thereof, and they are also included in the present invention. The sequence of the polynucleotide may be a single or double chain, and a DNA or RNA (mRNA) molecule.

In preparation of the expression vector, an expression control sequence such as a promoter, a terminator, an enhancer, etc., a sequence for membrane targeting or secretion, etc. may be appropriately selected according to a kind of host cell in which light and heavy chains of the human antibody or a fragment thereof are to be produced, and may be variously combined according to its purpose.

The expression vector of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, a plasmid vector, a cosmid vector, a bacteriophage, and a viral vector. A suitable expression vector may include expression regulatory elements such as a promoter, an operator, an initiation codon, a stop codon, a polyadenylation signal, and an enhancer and a signal sequence or leader sequence for membrane targeting or secretion, and may be variously prepared according to its purpose. A promoter of the expression vector may be constitutive or inductive. Examples of the signal sequence for use may include, but is not limited to, a PhoA signal sequence and an QmpA signal sequence for genus Escherichia hosts; an α-amylase signal sequence and a subtilicin signal sequence for genus Bacillus hosts; an MFa signal sequence and an SUC2 signal sequence for yeast hosts; and an insulin signal sequence, an α-interferon signal sequence, and an antibody molecule signal sequence for animal cell hosts. In addition, the expression vector may include a selection marker for selecting host cells containing the vector, and a replication origin when it is a replicable expression vector.

The present invention also provides a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof into a host cell.

The present invention also provides a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof into a host cell.

The present invention also provides a transformant prepared by introducing an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of the human antibody or a fragment thereof and an expression vector including a polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the human antibody or a fragment thereof simultaneously into a host cell.

In a specific example of the present invention, genes encoding light and heavy chains of a monoclonal phage were obtained and linked to a vector, respectively, and then a whole human IgG antibody expressed by introducing the expression vectors simultaneously into a host cell was identified (see FIG. 12) . The human antibody in the form of whole IgG was purified (see FIG. 13), and then the binding capacity to TMPRSS4 was identified by FACS (see FIG. 14) .

The expression vector according to the present invention may be transformed into a suitable host cell, for example, E. coli or yeast cell, and the transformed host cell may be incubated to produce light and heavy chains of the human antibody of the present invention or a fragment thereof in mass quantities. Incubation methods and media conditions suitable for a kind of host cell may be easily chosen from those known to those skilled in the art. The host cell may be a prokaryote such as E. coli or Bacillus subtilis. In addition, it may be a eukaryotic cell derived from yeast such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, an insect cell, a vegetable cell, and an animal cell. More preferably, the animal cell may be an autologous or allogeneic animal cell. A transformant prepared through introduction into an autologous or allogeneic animal cell may be administered to a subject for use in cellular therapy for cancer. As for a method for introducing an expression vector into the host cell, it is possible to use any method if it is known to those skilled in the art.

Specifically, the present invention provides a method for preparing a TMPRSS4-specific human antibody, the method including: 1) incubating the transformant; and

2) purifying the human antibody from the medium.

As for the culture medium, it is desirable to select and use a culture medium suitable for the transformant among those known to those skilled in the art. As for the method for purifying human antibodies, it is possible to use any method known to those skilled in the art.

In a specific example of the present invention, genes encoding light and heavy chains of a monoclonal phage were obtained and linked to a vector, respectively, and then a whole human IgG antibody expressed by introducing the expression vectors simultaneously into a host cell was identified (see FIG. 12) . The human antibody in the form of whole IgG was purified by protein A-affinity chromatography

(see FIG. 13), and then the binding capacity to TMPRSS4 was identified by FACS (see FIG. 14) .

The present invention also provides a composition including the human antibody.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition including the human antibody. The pharmaceutical composition may be useful for prevention or treatment of a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer. The TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer is preferably one selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms, and includes all the TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancers.

In a specific example of the present invention, it was confirmed that TMPRSS4 monoclonal antibodies inhibited an invasion in colorectal cancer cell line more significantly by 50% or more than rabbit and human normal IgGs (see FIGs. 15, 16, and 17), and migration of colorectal cancer cell line caused by TMPRSS4 was inhibited by TMPRSS4-specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies (see FIGs. 18 and 19) . Furthermore, it was confirmed that the monoclonal antibody of the present invention caused the proliferation of TMPRSS4-overexpressed colorectal cancer cell line to be inhibited. Thus, the monoclonal antibody of the present invention may be used for prevention and treatment of TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancers.

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may selectively contain the TMPRSS4-specific human antibody or the transformant, and may additionally contain one or more effective ingredients exhibiting functions identical or similar to those of the ingredient. For administration, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be formulated by including one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers in addition to the effective ingredients described above. For example, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier includes saline solution, sterilized water, Ringer's solution, buffered saline solution, dextrose solution, maltodextrin solution, glycerol, ethanol, liposome, and at least one combination thereof, and other general additives such as antioxidants, buffer solution, bacteriostatic agents, etc. may be added if necessary. In addition, it may be formulated in the form of an injectable formulation such as aqueous solution, suspension, emulsion, etc. by additionally adding diluent, dispersing agent, surfactant, binder and lubricant, and antibodies and other ligands specific to a target cell may be used in combination with the carrier to be specifically reacted with the target cell. Furthermore, the composition may be preferably formulated according to each disease or ingredient using a suitable method in the art or a method which is taught in Remington's Pharmaceutical Science, Mack Publishing Company, Easton PA.

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be parenterally administered, and the parenteral administration is effected by subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection, intramuscular injection, or intrapleural injection. For parenteral administration, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be mixed with a stabilizer or buffer to prepare a solution or suspension, which may then be provided as ampoules or vials each containing a unit dosage form.

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be prepared in various forms according to the route of administration. For example, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be formulated to a sterilized aqueous solution or dispersion for injection, or may be prepared in a freeze-dried form through a freeze-drying technique. The freeze-dried pharmaceutical composition may be stored typically at about 4ºC and may be reconstituted with a stabilizer that may contain an adjuvant such as saline solution and/or HEPE.

In a method of the present invention, factors affecting the amount of the pharmaceutical composition to be administered include, but are not limited to, administration mode, administration frequency, specific disease under treatment, severity of disease, history of disease, whether the subject is under treatment in combination with other therapeutics, the subject's age, height, weight, health, and physical conditions. As the patient's weight under treatment increases, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may preferably be administered in increasing amounts .

The present invention also provides a method for treating a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method including administering a pharmaceutically active amount of the human antibody to a subject with the cancer.

The TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer is preferably one selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms, and includes all the TMPRSS4- overexpressed cancers.

In a specific example of the present invention, it was confirmed that TMPRSS4 monoclonal antibodies inhibited invasion, migration, and proliferation in a colorectal cancer cell line (see FIGs. 15 to 19). Thus, the monoclonal antibody of the present invention may be useful for prevention and treatment of TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancers.

The subject applicable in the present invention is a vertebrate, preferably a mammal, more preferably an experimental animal such as mouse, rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, dog, and cat, and most preferably a primate such as chimpanzee and gorilla.

The method for administering the human antibody of the present invention may be conducted by parenteral administration (for example, intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or local administration) according to the purpose of use, and preferably by intravenous administration.

In administration for solid cancer, local administration may be often preferable for rapid and facilitated access of the antibody. The dose may vary depending on weight, age, sex, and health condition of a patient, diet, administration time, administration method, excretion rate, and severity of disease. The single dose is in the range of 5 to 500 mg/nf, which may be administered daily or weekly. The effective amount may be controlled at the discretion of a doctor treating the patient.

The human antibody of the present invention may be used alone or in combination with surgery, hormone therapy, chemical therapy, and a biological response controller for treatment of a patient .

The present invention also provides a composition including the human antibody, light and heavy chains of the human antibody, or an immunologically active fragment thereof, and a radioactive isotope.

In a specific example of the present invention, it was confirmed that the monoclonal TMPRSS4 antibody specifically recognized TMPRSS4 and were bound to it in a TMPRSS4- overexpressed colorectal cell line (see FIG. 10) . Thus, the monoclonal antibody of the present invention may be useful as a composition for detection of a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer.

The composition may be useful for radioimmuno treatment and detection of a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer. The TMPRSS4- overexpressed cancer is preferably one selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms, and includes all the TMPRSS4- overexpressed cancers.

Examples of preferred radioactive isotopes include ³H, ¹¹C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁸F, ⁶⁴Cu, ⁷⁶Br, ⁸⁶Y, ^99mTc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²³I, ¹⁷⁷Lu, and a mixture or combination thereof. The radioactive isotope is characterized by the fact that it is bound to a human antibody and included in a carrier to which the human antibody is bound. The present invention also provides an immunodetection method for detecting an ex vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method including: contacting a composition including the radioactive isotope with cancer cells.

The TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer is preferably one selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms, and includes all the TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancers.

In a specific example of the present invention, it was confirmed that the monoclonal TMPRSS4 antibody specifically recognized TMPRSS4 and were bound to it in a TMPRSS4- overexpressed colorectal cell line (see FIG. 10) . Thus, the monoclonal antibody of the present invention may be useful as a composition for detection of a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer. The composition including the radioactive isotope may be bound to a solid substrate in order to facilitate the subsequent steps such as washing or separation of complexes. The solid substrate includes, for example, synthetic resin, nitrocellulose, glass substrate, metal substrate, glass fiber, microsphere, microbead, etc. The synthetic resin includes polyester, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polypropylene, PVDF, nylon, etc.

In addition, cancer cell may be appropriately diluted before it is contacted with the composition for detection. The present invention also provides a method for imaging a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method including 1) administering a diagnostically effective amount of a compound including the radioactive isotope to a subject; and 2) obtaining a detection image for the subject. The TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer is preferably one selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms, and includes all the TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancers. In a specific example of the present invention, it was confirmed that the monoclonal TMPRSS4 antibody specifically recognized TMPRSS4 and were bound to it in a TMPRSS4- overexpressed colorectal cell line (see FIG. 10) . Thus, the monoclonal antibody of the present invention may be useful as a composition for detection of a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer. The detection image is characterized by the fact that it is obtained by near-infrared light imaging, PET, MRl, or ultrasonic imaging.

The present invention also provides a method for treating an in vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method including:

2) detecting the composition of Step 1) to identify tumor cells; and 3) eliminating the tumor cells identified in Step 2) by surgical operation.

The TMPRSS4 overexpressed cancer is preferably one selected from the group consisting of, but not limited to, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms, and includes all the

TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancers.

In a specific example of the present invention, it was confirmed that TMPRSS4 monoclonal antibodies inhibited invasion, migration, and proliferation in a colorectal cancer cell line (see FIGs. 15 to 19) . Thus, the monoclonal antibody of the present invention may be useful for prevention and treatment of TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancers.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for prognostic evaluation of a cancer patient, the method including: 1) intravenously administering a composition including the radioactive isotope to a patient whose tumor has been eliminated;

2) detecting the composition of Step 1) to identify tumor cells; and

3) judging that all tumor cells have been eliminated when tumor cells are not detected in step 2) .

[Mode for Invention] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to examples.

However, the following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited thereto in any manner. <Example 1> Preparation of TMPRSS4 antigen protein <1-1> TMPRSS4 gene cloning

A plasmid (IRAU-61-E06; Clone ID: hMU011286) containing a human TMPRSS4 gene was provided from KUGI (Korean UniGene

Information) of the Center for Functional Analysis of Human Genome in Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and

Biotechnology. The plasmid was used as a template DNA. In order to express only the protease domain (aa205~434) of the

TMPRSS4, a forward primer (SEQ ID No. 1: 5'-

GAGGAGCATATGGATTATAAAGATCATGATATTGATTATAAAGATGATGATGATAAAGTGGT GGGTGGGGAGGAG-3' ) and a reverse primer (SEQ ID No. 2: 5'- GAGGAGCTCGAGCAGCTCAGCCTTCCAGAC-3') were used to amplify the gene under the following conditions. The gene was treated with MieI and Xhol, followed by subcloning into a pET21c

(Novagen, USA) using a ligase. PCR conditions are as follows: when a total reaction reagent was 50 μl, 100 ng of the template was introduced and a reaction at 94 ºC for 2 minutes, 30 cycles of reactions at 94ºC for 30 seconds, at 55ºC for 30 seconds, and at 72 °C for a half minutes, and at a reaction at 72 ºC for 10 minutes were performed to get a PCR product. Furthermore, the base sequence of the subcloned vector was identified (FIG. 1) .

<l-2> Expression and Purification of TMPRSS4 protein

The subcloned vector was transformed with BL21 (DE3) . The vector was inoculated in an LB (+amp) medium and incubated overnight, followed by dilution at 1:100 in 500 ml of LB (+amp) medium for inoculation. The mixture was additionally incubated at 37 ºC for 2 hours until OD reached 0.5 and treated with IPTG at a concentration of 1 mM, followed by incubation for 4 hours. E. coli was obtained through centrifugation at 5000 rpm for 10 minutes and suspended in 10 ml of Bug buster solution for 15 minutes, followed by centrifugation at 12000 rpm for 30 minutes to separate the mixture into an aqueous fraction and an insoluble fraction. SDS-PAGE analysis showed that TMPRSS4 protein was present in the insoluble fraction. The insoluble fraction was dissolved in 8 M urea solution (0.1 M NaH₂PO₄, 0.01 M TrisCl, pH 7.9), bound to 1 ml of Ni-NTA resin (Qiagen, USA) , washed with 10 ml of washing buffer (8 M urea, 0.1 M NaH₂PO₄, 0.01 M TrisCl, pH 5.9), and eluted with 5 iiiC of elution buffer (8 M urea, 0.1 M NaH₂PO₄, 0.01 M TrisCl, pH 4.5). The eluted TMPRSS4 protein (TMPS4-FLAG) was dialyzed with PBS (+10% glycerol) and electrophresized in a 10% SDS- PAGE gel, followed by coomassie staining to confirm that it was about 35 kDa in size (FIG. 2) . As shown in FIG. 3a, 1 in?, of the purified TMPS4-FLAG protein was reacted with 40 ng of enterokinase (NEB, USA) at room temperature for 6 hours. Ni-NTA resin was used to purify only TMPRSS4 (TM-EK) . The purified protein was electrophoresized in a 10% SDS-PAGE gel, followed by coomassie staining to confirm that it was about 31 kDa in size (FIG. 3b).

<Example 2> Measurement of enzyme activity by TMPRSS4 protein In order to measure a trypsin-like proteolytic activity in the extracellular domain of TMPRSS4, Boc-Gln-Ala-Arg-Amc

(t-butyloxycarbonylv(t-Boc) -Gln-Ala-Arg-7amido-4- methylcoumarin; B4153, Sigma, USA) as a fluorescent peptide trypsin substrate and Z-Phe-Arg-Amc (Z-Phe-Arg7-amido4- methylcoumarin hydrochloride; C9521, Sigma, USA) as a kallikrein substrate were each dissolved in substrate buffer

(50 mM tris, 10 mM CaCl₂, 1 U M ZnCl₂) at a concentration of

100 μ M and then mixed with TMPS4-FLAG protein (2.25 μg) .

Enterokinase (0.09 ng) was added into the mixture and a Victor3 plate reader (PerkinElmer, USA) was used to measure fluorescent signals produced by hydrolysis of peptide substrate at 380/460 nm .

As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, it was confirmed that hydrolysis of the substrate by trypsin-like activity of active TMPRSS4 (TM-EK) showed activities over time compared to a control group, and that TMPRSS4 was successfully synthesized as a target antigen.

<Example 3> Construction of library phage 2.7 x 10¹⁰ human naive scFv library cells having diversity were incubated in a medium (3 L) containing 2XYTCM

[17 g of Tryptone (CONDA, 1612.00), 10 g of yeast extract

(CONDA, 1702.00), 5 g of NaCl (Sigma, S7653-5 kg), 34 μg/ml of chloramphenicol (Sigma, C0857) ] , 2% glucose (Sigma, G5400) , and 5 mM MgCl₂ (Sigma, M2393) at 37°C for 2-3 hours

(OD_6O0=0.5~0.7) . Then, the cells were infected with helper phage, followed by incubation in a medium containing 2 x YTCMK

[2 XYT CM, 70 μg/ml of Kanamycin (Sigma, K1876) , 1 mM IPTG

(ELPISBIO, IPTG025)] at 30ºC for 16 hours. The incubated cells were centrifuged (4500 rpm, 15 min, 4ºC) to obtain a supernatant. The supernatant was treated with PEG (Fluka, 81253) and NaCl (Sigma, S7653) until the two reagents became 4% and 3%, respectively. The reactant was centrifuged again (8000 rpm, 20 min, 4°C) . The pellet was dissolved in PBS, which proceeded to centrifugation again (12000 rpm, 10 min,

4ºC). As a result, the supernatant containing library phage was obtained, which was transferred to a new tube and stored at 4ºC.

<Example 4> Preparation of polyclonal antibody

Abfrontier (Korea) was requested to use TMPS4-FLAG as an antigen. The antigen was injected three times into two rabbits to obtain a polyclonal antibody serum. Antigen specific affinity purification was again performed with the serum to obtain 1 ml of a polyclonal antibody specifically bound to TMPS4-FLAG at 2 mg/in<L The obtained polyclonal antibody was identified by 10% SDS-PAGE under non-reducing conditions.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 5, a purified antibody was identified. Subsequently, this was used as a positive control group .

<Example 5> Preparation of monoclonal antibody <5-l> Panning process An immunosorb tube (Nunc 470319) was coated with each of 30 βg of the purified TMPRSS4-antigens (TMPS4-FLAG and TM-EK) obtained in Example 2 using 4 ml of a coating buffer [1.59 g of Na₂CO₃ (Sigma, S7795) , 2.93 g of NaHCO₃ (Sigma, S8875) , 0.2 g of NaN₃ (Sigma, S2002)] at 4ºC for 16 hours with rotator. Then, the antigen was dissolved in PBS at room temperature for 2 hours, followed by blocking in the immunotube using skim milk [ (BD, 232100) -4% in IXPBS]. 2 ml of library phage constructed in Example 3 was added into the immunotube, followed by reaction at room temperature for 2 hours. The immunotube was washed five times with PBST (0.05%) and twice with PBS. After washing, antigen specific scFV-phage was eluted using 100 mM TEA (Sigma T-0886) . E. coli (XLl-blue, stratagene, 200249) was transfected with the eluted phage, followed by amplification. The 2nd and 3rd pannings was performed on the phage amplified at the first panning by the same manner as described above except that washing times with PBST were increased (2nd: 13 times, 3rd: 23 times) .

As a result, as shown in Table 1, it was confirmed that colony titer of the phage against the antigen was increased at least 100 times in the 3rd panning.

<5-2> Screening of phage antibody by phage ELISA <5-2-l> Identification of panning results Cell stocks obtained from the l^st-3^rd pannings and stored as frozen were dissolved in a medium containing 5 \\\i of 2XYTCM, 2% glucose, and 5 mM MgCl₂ to make OD₆₀₀ as 0.1. Then, the cells were incubated at 37ºC for 2-3 hours (OD₆₀₀=O .5-0.7) , which were infected with Ml helper phage. Then, the cells were incubated in a medium containing 2XYTCMK, 5 mM MgCl₂ and 1 mM IPTG at 30ºC for 16 hours. The incubated cells were centrifuged (4500 rpm, 15 min, 4ºC), and the supernatant was transferred to a new tube (1st ~ 3rd panning poly scFv-phage) . A 96-well immuno-plate (NUNC 439454) was coated with two kinds of antigens (100 ng/well) using a coating buffer at 4ºC for 16 hours, followed by blocking with skim milk dissolved in PBS (4%) . Each well of the 96-well immuno-plate was washed with 0.2 of PBS-tween20 (0.05%). 100 μl of the 1st - 3rd panning poly scFV-phage was added into each well, followed by reaction at room temperature for 2 hours. Again, each well was washed four times with 0.2 ml . of PBS-tween20 (0.05%). The secondary antibody anti-Ml3-HRP (Amersham 27-9421-01) was diluted at 1:2000, followed by reaction at room temperature for 1 hour. An OPD tablet (Sigma 8787-TAB) was added into a PC buffer [5.1 g of C₆H₈O₇H₂O (Sigma, C0706) , 7.3 g of Na₂HPO₄ (Sigma, S7907)] to make a substrate solution, which was added into each well by 100 ul /well, followed by color development for 10 minutes. The optical density was measured at 490 inn by using a spectrophotometer (MolecularDevice, USA) .

As a result, as shown in Figure 6, it was confirmed that binding capacities to the antigen were enhanced in the 3rd panning .

<5-2-2> Selection of monoclonal antibodies Colonies obtained from a polyclonal antibody group (the 3rd panning) having strong binding capacity were incubated in a 96-deep well plate (Bioneer, 90030) containing 1 ml of a medium supplemented with 2XYTCM, 2% glucose and 5 mM MgCl₂ at 37ºC for 16 hours. 100-200 ul of the solution was incubated in 1 of a medium supplemented with 2XYTCM, 5 mM MgCl₂, and 1 mM IPTG, which was loaded in a 96-deep well plate at 37 ºC for 2-3 hours, followed by inoculation at an initial OD₆₀₀ value of 0.1. The cells were infected with Ml helper phage (MOI=I: 20) and the infected cells were cultured in a medium supplemented with 2XYTCMK, 5 mM MgCl₂, and 1 mM IPTG at 30°C for 16 hours. The cultured cells were centrifuged (4500 rpm, 15 min, 4ºC) and a supernatant was obtained, to which 4% PEG 6000 and 3% NaCl were added. Upon completion of dissolving, reaction was induced in ice for 1 hour. The reactant was centrifuged (8000 rpm. 20 min, 4 ºC) and pellet was dissolved in PBS. Centrifugation (12000 rpm, 10 min, 4ºC) was performed again and a supernatant was obtained, from which the 3rd panning monoclonal scFv phage was obtained. The phage was transferred to a new tube and stored at 4ºC.

A 96-well immuno-plate was coated with the two antigens

(100 ng/well) at 4ºC for 16 hours, followed by blocking with skim milk dissolved in PBS (4%) . Each well of the 96-well immuno-plate was washed with 0.2 in-C of PBS-tween20 (0.05%). 100 βi of the 3rd panning monoclonal scFV-phage was added to each well, followed by reaction at room temperature for 2 hours. Each well was washed four times with 0.2 ml of PBS- tween20 (0.05%) . The secondary antibody anti-Ml3-HRP was diluted at 1:2000, followed by reaction at room temperature for 1 hour. The plate was washed with 0.2 ml of PBS-tween20 (0.05%), followed by color development. The optical density was measured at 490 ran.

As a result, a total of 50 monoclonal phages having strong binding capacities to each antigen (15 phages against TMPS4-FLAG (Table 2) and 35 phages against TMPS4-EK (Table 3; were selected.

<5-3> Identification of monoclonal phages and examination thereof

<5-3-l> Verification by fingerprinting

1 μl of the fifty monoclonal cells firstly selected, 0.2 μl of Taq DNA polymerase (Gendocs, Korea) (5 U/ul) , 0.2 μi of each forward primer (pelB5, SEQ. ID. No. 5: 5'-

CTAGATAACGAGGGCAAATCATG-3 ' ) and reverse primer (cla3, SEQ. ID.

No. 6: 5'-CGTCACCAATGAAACCATC-3') at 50 p/μl, 3 μl of 1OX buffer, 0.6 μl of 10 mM dNTP mix, and 24.8 μl of distilled water were mixed to perform a colony PCR (iCycler iQ, BIO-

RAD) . PCR conditions are as shown in Table 4.

[Table 4]

The colony PCR product was identified on a 1% agarose gel (Seakem LE, CAMERES 50004). 0.2 μl of BstNI

(Rochell288075001, 10 U /μl) was added to perform a reaction at

37 ºC for 2-3 hours. Reaction conditions are as shown in Table

5. The fragmented product was identified on an 8% DNA polyacrylamide gel .

As a result, as shown in Table 7, fragments of monoclonal phage antibodies digested by BstNI were proved to have diversity.

<5-3-2> Verification by base sequence analysis 50 kinds of the monoclonal phages were incubated in a medium (5 ml) supplemented with 2XYTCM, 2% glucose, and 5 mM MgCl₂ at 37ºC for 16 hours. A DNA purification kit (Nuclogen 5112) was used for the incubated monoclones to obtain a DNA, and then sequencing of the obtained DNA was performed by using a pelB5 primer of SEQ ID No. 5 (Solgent, Korea) . As a result, as shown in Table 6 and FIG. 8, CDR regions of V_H and V_L of the selected antibody were identified.

Similarity between the antibody and germ line antibody group was investigated by Ig BLAST program of NCBI

(//www.ncbi .nlm.nih.gov/igblast/) . As a result, 13 kinds of TMPRSS4 specific phage antibodies were obtained, and the result was summarized and presented in Table 7.

A. Four antibodies were obtained against antigen TMPS4-Flag

B. Nine antibodies were obtained against antigen TMPS4-EK besides the four antibodies obtained against antigen TMPS4- Flag

<Example 6> Analysis of characteristics of human antibody against TMPRSS4

<6-l> Western blot analysis of phage

Two sheets of 10% SDS-PAGE gel into which the antigen TMPRSS4-FLAG is loaded (0.1 - 200 ng/well) were electrophoresized at 100 V for 2 hours and transfered to NC membrane (Millipore Cat. No. HATFOOOlO) at 85 V for 2 hours, followed by blocking with skim milk dissolved in TBST (4%) at 4°C overnight. Subsequently, polyclonal α -TMPRSS4 antibody (1 mg/ml) constructed in Example 4 was diluted at 1:2000 in skim milk dissolved in TBST. A supernatant of the monoclonal phage antibody selected in Example 5 was diluted at 1:50 in skim milk dissolved in TBST, followed by reaction at room temperature for 1 and a half hours. The dilution was washed five times with TBST, each of anti-mouse IgG-HRP (Sigma) and anti-Ml3-HRP (Amersham bioscience) was used for dilution at 1:3000 in skim milk in TBST (4%), followed by reaction at room temperature for 30 minutes. Then, it was washed by the same manner. After washing, developments were performed (Intron, Cat. No. 12145) to compare amounts of antigen proteins which could be detected by a polyclonal antibody and a monoclonal phage antibody.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, the signal intensity in a TE-6C phage antibody was lower than that in a polyclonal antibody. However, about 30 KDa of antigen protein was obtained without any non-specific binding.

<6-2> Phage FACS analysis

Colorectal cancer cell line (colo205; ATCC) , known to overexpress TMPRSS4, was washed twice with PBS in a 100 mm plate. Am enzyme-free PBS-based buffer (Gibco) was added into the plate, followed by incubation at 37°C for 10 minutes. Subsequently, cells were collected by a scrapper and centrifuged at 1300 rpm for 3 minutes. The pellet was washed twice with a 2% PBF solution (lXPBS supplemented with 2% FBS) , followed by resuspension with 2% PBF solution at a concentration of ≥ 5 X 10⁵ cells. 100 βl of the monoclonal phage antibody of the present invention was concentrated 10 times by PEG, followed by dilution at 1:2. The dilution was mixed and stirred with the cells. The mixture was reacted in ice for 1 hour, followed by centrifugation at 1300 rpm at 4°C for 3 minutes to remove a supernatant. The precipitate was washed three times with 200 βl of a 2% PBF solution. 100 βl of anti-gδp antibody (Abeam) diluted at 1:200 in a 2% PBF solution was mixed and stirred with the resulting solution, followed by reaction in ice for 30 minutes. The reactant was centrifuged at 1300 rpm at 4ºC for 3 minutes for removal of a supernatant, followed by washing three times with 200 βl of a 2% PBF solution. 100 βl of FITC-linked anti-mouse IgG diluted at 1:1000 in a 2% PBF solution was mixed with each specimen, followed by reaction in ice for 30 minutes. After a washing was additionally performed, 500 μH of a 2% PBF solution was added into it. The mixture was transferred to a tube for FACS

(Falcon) and vortexed, followed by analysis of stained cells by flow cytometer (Beckman Coulter) . In each experiment, monoclonal phage antibodies were treated with a specimen under the same conditions and used as an internal control group.

WINMDI2.9 software (//facs. scripps.edu/software.html, The

Scripps Research Institute) was used to analyze the data. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, monoclonal phage antibodies T2-6G, T2-12A, ALC T1-9F, etc. specifically recognizing and bound to TMPRSS4 in a TMPRSS4 overexpressed colorectal cancer cell line were selected. Besides, T2-6C, T2-3A, T2-8F, etc. were selected, but only the results were not described in the specification.

<6-3> Analysis of whole IgG conversion

To covert monoclonal phage antibodies against TMPRSS4 into whole IgG vectors in phages, 1 ul of monoclonal DNA, 10 pmole/μl of each of heavy chain forward primer and reverse primer in Table 8, 5 μl of 1OX buffer, 1 ul of 10 roM dNTP mix, 0.5 ul of pfu DNA polymerase (Solgent, 2.5 U/μl) , and distilled water were mixed to perform a colony PCR (iCycler iQ, BIO- RAD) . In addition, light chain forward and reverse primers in Table 8 were used to perform a colony PCR by the same manner.

After a heavy chain gene obtained through PCR was purified with DNA-gel extraction kit (Qiagen) , 1 μi of pNATAB

H vector (FIG. Ha) (10 ng), 15 μi of heavy chain (100-200 ng), 2 μl of 1OX buffer, 1 μl of ligase (1 U/μl), and distilled water were mixed with the gene and left still at room temperature for 1-2 hours for linkage to the vector. The vector was left still in ice for 30 minutes along with a cell for transformation (XLl-blue) , followed by heat shock at 42 ºC for 90 sec for transfection. It was again left still in ice for 5 minutes and 1 ml of LB medium was injected, followed by incubation at 37 ºC for 1 hour. The mixture was smeared in LB Amp liquid medium, followed by incubation at 37 ºC for 16 hours . Single colony was inoculated into 5 ml of LB Amp liquid medium, followed by incubation at 37 °C for 16 hours. A DNA-prep kit (Nuclogen) was used for the medium to extract a DNA.

In addition, pNATAB L vector (FIG. lib) was used by the same manner to extract a DNA of the light chain. Sequencing of the obtained DNA was performed by using a CMV-proF primer (SEQ ID No. 3: AAA TGG GCG GTA GGC GTG) (Solgent) .

As a result, it was confirmed that the sequences of heavy and light chains of the 4 clone phages against TMPRSS4 converted into whole IgG were identical to those of the phage antibodies .

<6-4> Verification of whole IgG

40 fig of PEI (Cat# 23966, Polysciences, Inc) and 10 fig of each antibody heavy chain DNA and light chain DNA in the whole form were added into 293E cells (Invitrogen) for co- transfection to obtain a supernatant, which was identified by Western blot. Normal human IgG (Jacson Lab) was used as a control group . As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, it was confirmed that four clone phages were successfully converted into whole IgG form compared to a control group.

Protein A-affinity chromatography column (Pharmacia, GE, USA) was used to purify T2-6C and T2-6G whole form IgGs among the four clone phages (FIG. 13), and then binding capacities to TMPRSS4 were identified by FACS by the same manner as in Example 6-2 (FIG. 14) .

<Example 7> Study on effects of TMPRSS4 human antibodies on invasion and migration of colorectal cell line <7-l> Analysis of Colo205 cell invasion

Colo205 cells were collected with trypsin (Gibco 25300) , washed twice with RPMI invasion medium supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and 0.5% BSA, and suspended at a concentration of 2 X lOVinC in the invasion medium. Each of purified TMPRSS4 polyclonal antibody and monoclonal T2-6C antibody was diluted at 30 ng/50 in? and 75 ng/50 ml , respectively with the invasion media. Then, 50 μl of the cell suspension and 50 ul of TMPRSS4 antibody solution were mixed, followed by pre- incubation at 37 ºC for 2 hours. A 24-well transwell plate (8 μm pore size, costar 3422) was coated on the upper side of an insert at room temperature for 1 hour using a solution produced by dilution of matrigel (BD 354234) in 1 mg/ml of serum-free medium (RPMI, 10 mM HEPES) . After 1 hour, matrigel in the insert was removed and the insert was washed with serum-free medium. Subsequently, 600 μl of RPMI invasion medium supplemented with 5% FBS was placed into a chamber. Sterilized forceps were used to place the insert into a chamber including the medium. 100 μl of a mixture containing pre-reacted cells and antibodies was introduced into the insert and incubated in 37ºC/5% CO₂ for 24 hours. In order to measure cells invading through the matrigel, the upper side of the insert was cleaned with a swab dipped in PBS and the insert was placed into a chamber including 500 μi of 3.7% paraformaldehyde (Sigma HT50) , followed by immobilization at room temperature for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the insert was stained with 500 μl of 1% crystal violet (Sigma C3886)/100 mM NaBorate (Sigma S9640) , washed with water, and dried to count cells with a microscope of magnification x 100. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15, 16, and 17, it was observed that purified polyclonal and TMPRSS4 monoclonal antibodies (T2-6C and T2-6G) significantly inhibited invasion in Colo205, a colorectal cancer cell line by 50% or more than rabbit (FIG. 15) and human normal IGg (FIG. 16 and 17) antibodies. <7-2> Analysis of Colo205 cell migration

Colo205 and Sw480 (ATCC, CCL-228) cell lines known to overexpress and underexpress TMPRSS4, respectively were collected with trypsin, washed twice with RPMI migration medium supplemented with 10 mM HEPES and 0.5% BSA, and suspended at a concentration of 8 X 10⁵ml in the medium.

50 μl of the cell suspension and 50 ul of each of polyclonal TMPRSS4 antibody solutions diluted at three different concentrations (0, 1, and 2 μ M) and monoclonal T2- 6C and T2-6G antibodies (TMPRSS4 antibodies were diluted at

1000 ng/50 μl with migration medium) were each mixed, followed by pre-incubation at 37 ºC for 2 hours. A 24-well transwell plate was coated on the lower side of an insert at room temperature for 1 hour using 0.05% gelatin (Sigma G1393) . After 1 hour, matrigel in the insert was removed and the insert was washed with PBS. On completion of the process, 600 βi of RPMI migration medium supplemented with 5% FBS was placed into a chamber. Sterilized forceps were used to place the insert into a chamber. 100 ul of a mixture containing pre-reacted cells and antibodies was introduced into the insert and incubated in 37ºC/5% CO₂ for 24 hours. In order to measure the migration of cells, the upper side of the insert was cleaned with a swab dipped in PBS and the insert was placed into a chamber including 500 ul of 3.7% paraformaldehyde (Sigma HT50) , followed by immobilization at room temperature for 30 minutes. Subsequently, the insert was stained with 500 ul of 1% crystal violet/100 mM NaBorate, washed with water, and dried to count cells with a microscope of magnification X 100. As a result, as shown in 18, it was confirmed that the two colorectal cancer cell lines make a significant difference in migration, and that the migration caused by TMPRSS4 as a target antigen was inhibited by TMPRSS4-specific polyclonal antibodies. It was observed that purified monoclonal T2-6C (FIG. 19) and T2-6G (FIG. 20) antibodies as well as polyclonal antibodies against TMPRSS4 significantly inhibited invasion in Colo205, an overexpressed colorectal cancer cell line by 50% or more, respectively than human normal IGg.

<7-3> Analysis of Colo205 proliferation

Colo205 cells were collected with trypsin, washed twice with RPMI medium supplemented with 2% FBS, and suspended at a concentration of 2 X 10⁵/ml in serum-free medium (RPMI, 10 mM HEPES) . Purified TMPRSS4 antibodies diluted at 250, 500, and 1000 ng/40 ul , respectively in serum-free medium, 50 ul of the cell suspension, and 50 μl of TMPRSS4 T2-6C antibody solution were mixed, followed by pre-incubation at 37 °C for 2 hours. 10 jΛ of FBS was added into 90 ul of a mixture containing cells after the reaction and antibodies and introduced into a 96- well plate (100 μl/well) . Incubations were performed in 37 ºC /5% CO₂ for 24, 48, 72 hours, respectively. Each of 10 μl of PreMix WST-I cell proliferation solution (takara, MK400) was added into well at each time point, followed by reaction at 37 ºC for 2 hours. The optical density of each sample was measured at 440 nm on a VERSA max microplate reader.

As a result, it was confirmed that the purified TMPRSS4 T2-6C antibodies induced a significant inhibition of Colo205 cell proliferation (data not shown) .

<Example 8> Measurement of binding capacity

Binding capacities of antibodies against TMPRSS4 antigens were measured by ELISA and analyzed by GraphPad PRISM 4.0 program. As a result, it was confirmed that the binding constant value K_D was measured at about 1.03 X 10^-9 M.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims .

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim l]

A TMPRSS4-specific human antibody comprising a heavy chain comprising a heavy chain variable region (V_H) comprising a heavy chain complementarity determining region (HCDR) 1 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 7 to 18, HCDR 2 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 19 to 31, and HCDR 3 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 32 to 44, or a fragment thereof ; and a light chain comprising a light chain variable region (V_L) comprising a light chain complementarity determining region (LCDR) 1 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 58 to 70, LCDR 2 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 71 to 83, and LCDR 3 having an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 84 to 96, or a fragment thereof .

[Claim 2]

The human antibody as set forth in claim 1, wherein the heavy chain variable region has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 45 to 57. [Claim 3]

The human antibody as set forth in claim 1, wherein the light chain variable region has an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID Nos. 97 to 109.

[Claim 4]

A polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain of the human antibody of claim 1 or an immunologically active fragment thereof .

[Claim 5]

A polynucleotide encoding a light chain of the human antibody of claim 1 or an immunologically active fragment thereof .

[Claim 6]

An expression vector comprising the polynucleotide of claim 4.

[Claim 7]

An expression vector comprising the polynucleotide of claim 5.

[Claim 8] A transformant prepared by introducing the expression vector of claim 6 into a host cell. [Claim 9]

A transformant prepared by introducing the expression vector of claim 7 into a host cell .

[Claim 10]

A transformant prepared by introducing the expression vectors of claims 6 and 7 simultaneously into a host cell.

[Claim ll]

A method for preparing a TMPRSS4-specific human antibody, the method comprising:

1) incubating the transformant of claim 10; and

2) purifying the human antibody of claim 1 from the medium.

[Claim 12]

A composition comprising the human antibody of claim 1.

[Claim 13]

A pharmaceutical composition comprising the human antibody of claim 1.

[Claim 14] The pharmaceutical composition as set forth in claim 13, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is used to prevent or treat a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer.

[Claim 15] The pharmaceutical composition as set forth in claim 14, wherein the TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer is selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms .

[Claim 16]

The pharmaceutical composition as set forth in claim 13, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered in combination with chemotherapy.

[Claim 17]

A method for treating a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method comprising administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of the human antibody of claim 1 to a subject with the cancer .

[Claim 18]

The method as set forth in claim 17, wherein the TMPRSS4- overexpressed cancer is selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms. [Claim 19]

A composition comprising the human antibody of claim 1, a light or heavy chain of the human antibody or an immunologically active fragment thereof, and a radioactive isotope.

[Claim 20]

The composition as set forth in claim 19, wherein the composition is used for radioimmuno treatment or detection of a TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer.

[Claim 21]

The composition as set forth in claim 20, wherein the TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer is selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms .

[Claim 22]

The composition as set forth in claim 19, wherein the radioactive isotope is selected from the group consisting of ³H, ¹¹C, ¹⁴C, ¹⁸F, ⁶⁴Cu, ⁷⁶Br, ⁸⁶Y, ^99mTc, ¹¹¹In, ¹²³I, ¹⁷⁷Lu, and a mixture or combination thereof . [Claim 23]

The composition as set forth in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the radioactive isotope is bound to a human antibody or included in a carrier to which the human antibody is bound.

[Claim 24]

A immunodetection method for detecting an ex vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method comprising contacting the composition of claim 23 with a cancer cell.

[Claim 25]

A method for imaging an in vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method comprising: 1) administering a diagnostically effective amount of the composition of claim 19 to a subject; and

2) obtaining a detection image for the subject.

[Claim 26] The method as set forth in claim 25, wherein the TMPRSS4- overexpressed cancer is selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms. [Claim 27]

The method as set forth in claim 25, wherein the detection image is obtained by near-infrared light imaging, PET, MRi, or ultrasonic imaging.

[Claim 28]

A method for treating an in vivo TMPRSS4-overexpressed cancer, the method comprising:

1) intravenously administering a composition for detection of claim 21 to a subject;

2) detecting the composition of Step 1) to identify tumor cells; and

3) eliminating the tumor cells identified in Step 2) by surgical operation.

[Claim 29]

The method as set forth in claim 28, wherein the TMPRSS4- overexpressed cancer is selected from the group consisting of colorectal cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, and malignant thyroid neoplasms.

[Claim 30]

A method for prognostic evaluation of a cancer patient, the method comprising: 1) intravenously administering a composition of claim 19 to a patient whose tumor has been eliminated;

2) detecting the composition of Step 1) to identify tumor cells; and