WO2013013013A2 - Compositions and methods for producing modified glycoproteins - Google Patents

Compositions and methods for producing modified glycoproteins Download PDF

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WO2013013013A2
WO2013013013A2 PCT/US2012/047346 US2012047346W WO2013013013A2 WO 2013013013 A2 WO2013013013 A2 WO 2013013013A2 US 2012047346 W US2012047346 W US 2012047346W WO 2013013013 A2 WO2013013013 A2 WO 2013013013A2
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composition
cell
antibody
glycoprotein
glycans
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WO2013013013A3 (en
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Anthony Rossomando
John M. Maraganore
Gregory P. Thill
Brian Bettencourt
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Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
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    • C07K16/28Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
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    • C12N2310/3515Lipophilic moiety, e.g. cholesterol

Definitions

  • Glycosylation is the enzymatic process that attaches glycans to proteins, lipids, or other organic molecules. Glycosylation is a form of co-translational or post- translational modification. Glycans serve a variety of structural and functional roles in membrane and secreted
  • N-glycans are covalently attached to protein at asparagine residues (Asn; particularly an Asp which occurs in the sequence Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr/Cys, where Xaa represents any amino acid) by an N-glycosidic bond.
  • Asn asparagine residues
  • Xaa represents any amino acid
  • Ail N-glycans share a common core sugar sequence, Manal-6(Manal- 3)Man 1 ⁇ 4GlcN ⁇ 1 -4GlcN ⁇ 1 - [ Asn-X-Ser/Thr/Cys] , and are classified into three types: (1) oligomannose, in which only mannose residues are attached to the core; (2) complex, in which "antennae” initiated by N-acetylgiucosaminyltransferases (GlcNAcTs) are attached to the core; and (3) hybrid, in which only mannose residues are attached to the Manal-6 arm of the core and one or two antennae are on the Manal-3 arm.
  • nucleotide sugar precursors e.g., UDP-N-acetylgiucosamine, UDP-
  • N-acetylgalactosamine, CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid, UDP-galactose, GDP-fucose, etc. are generally synthesized in the cytosol and transported into the Golgi, where they are attached to the core oligosaccharide by glycosyltransferases. See, e.g., Sommers and Hirschberg, 1981 J.
  • Glycosyl transfer reactions typically yield a side product which is a nucleoside diphosphate or monophosphate, While monophosphates can be directly exported in exchange for nucleoside triphosphate sugars by an antiport mechanism, diphosphonucleosides (e.g., GDP) have to be cleaved by phosphatases (e,g. , GDPase) to yield nucleoside monophosphates and inorganic phosphate prior to being exported.
  • phosphatases e,g. , GDPase
  • Giycosyltransferases and mannosidases are located in the inner (luminal) surface of the ER and Golgi appara tus, which provides a catalytic surface for sequential processing of glycoproteins as they proceed through the ER and Golgi network. As a glycoprotein proceeds from synthesis in the ER to full maturation in the late Golgi or trans Golgi Network (TON), it is sequentially exposed to different glycosidases, mannosidases and giycosyltransferases such that a specific N-glycan structure may be synthesized.
  • TON trans Golgi Network
  • O-glycan biosynthesis is initiated by the addition of the monosaccharide GalNAc (from UDP-GalNAc) to serine and threonine residues catalyzed by a polypeptide GalNAc transferase (GalNAcT).
  • GalNAcT polypeptide GalNAc transferase
  • Many O-glycans are extended into long chains with variable termini that may be similar to the termini of N- glycans. However, O-glycans are less branched than most N-glycans and are commonly biantennary structures.
  • N-glycans can affect therapeutic efficacies of glycoproteins in many ways, such as pharmacokinetics (e.g., half life), physical stability, protein folding, solubility, susceptibility to proteases, trafficking, transport, compartmentaiization, secretion, recognition by other proteins or factors, or immunogeniciry. See, e.g., Jenkins et al. (1996) Nature Biotechnololy, 14:975-981; Ghaderi et al. (2010) Nature Biotechnololy, 28:863-867.
  • N-glycosylation status of the Fc region of the antibody heavy chain plays an important role in antibody dependent dell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).
  • ADCC antibody dependent dell mediated cytotoxicity
  • CDC complement dependent cytotoxicity
  • the in vention generally relates to compositions and methods for producing glycoproteins that have alter glycan structure and improved properties.
  • the glycoproteins are produced by modifying the glycosylation pathways in a host cell using an RNA effector molecule, such as an siR A.
  • Glycan-modified proteins produced using the methods described herein have improved properties, such as improved effector activity, improved pharmacokinetic properties, reduced immunogenicity in humans and the like.
  • Figure 1 shows examples of GO, G l, and G2 N-glycans.
  • the glycans are fucosylated
  • Figure 2 provides a schematic illustration of the glycosylation pathway in CHO cells.
  • Figure 3 provides a schematic illustration of fucosylation pathway in CHO ceils.
  • Figure 4 shows the growth curve and ceil viability of an exemplar ⁇ ' 3L bioreactor. siRNA. dosing days are indicated by the blue arrows.
  • Figure 5 shows the qPCR results that confirmed both Fut8 and GMD silencing over the time course of the bioreactor. Arrows indicate siRNA dosing days, RNAi- treated sample mRNA. levels were normalized to the mRNA levels in the untreated control bioreactor.
  • Figure 6 shows the detection of the conversion of fucosylated glycans to their a-fucQsyiated forms by CE-LIF.
  • RNAi-treated antibody samples are indicated in light blue and the untreated control antibody samples in dark blue.
  • the structures of the indicated glycoforms are represented below the graph.
  • Each antibody sample was analyzed four times by CE-LIF.
  • Figure 7 shows the detection of the conversion of fucosylated glycans to their a-fucosylated forms by LC-MS.
  • RNAi-treated antibody samples are indicated in light blue and the untreated control antibody samples in dark blue.
  • the structures of the indicated glycoforms are represented below the graph.
  • Each antibody sample was analyzed three times by LC-MS.
  • FIG. 8 shows that RNAi-treated CD20 antibody has improved FcyRJIIa binding affinity and capacity. An approximate two-fold improvement in both affinity and binding capacity was observed with the a-fucosylated CD20 antibody (square) compared to the non-RNAi treated control (triangle) and to rituximab (inverted triangle; Mabthera).
  • the CD20 control antibody and rituximab (a commercially available anti-CD20 antibody) had similar FcyRIHa characteristics.
  • Figure to the right of the curve is a schematic representation of the EI.JSA with expected results. Labels are indicated in figure.
  • FIG. 9 shows that RNAi-treated CD20 antibody has improved ADCC activity.
  • An approximate three-fold improvement in specific cell lysis was observed with the a- fueosylated CD20 antibody (square) compared to the non-RNAi treated control (triangle) and approximately a two-fold improvement over rituximab (inverted triangle; Mabthera).
  • the CD20 control antibody and rituximab had similar ADCC activity.
  • Figure to the right of the curve is a schematic representation of the ADCC. Labels are indicated in figure.
  • glycoproteins that have altered glycan structures can be produced on a commercial scale by transiently reducing the expression of target genes that encode enzymes or transporters that are involved in glycosylation pathways. Transient reduction of target genes in commercial scale bioreactors can be accomplished using RNA effector molecules, such as an siRNA. Glycoproteins produced in this way have improved properties.
  • siRNAs were used to transiently reduce the expression of enzymes and/or transporters that are involved in the fucosylation pathway in CHO cells. Significantly higher amount of afucosyiated monoclonal antibodies were produced upon addition of siRNAs to the cell culture, and the afucosyiated antibodies showed improved ADCC activity as compared to the corresponding fucosylated antibodies,
  • RNA effectors such as siRNAs
  • epitopes on glycans that are immunogenic in humans include, e.g., N- glycans that comprise a N-glycolylneuramiiiic acid (NeuSGc) residue, and the aGal epitope (galactose-alpha(l ,3)-gaiactose-beta(l ,4)N-acety!glucosamine-R; or Gal- f 1 ,3)-Gal-f3(l ,4)- GlcNAc-R; where R is the giycaii-protein structure).
  • N- glycans that comprise a N-glycolylneuramiiiic acid (NeuSGc) residue
  • the aGal epitope galactose-alpha(l
  • Glycoproteins that are immunogenic in humans are often present on glycoproteins that are produced in non-huma host ceils, such as CHO cells.
  • Glycoproteins that lack NeuSGc or aGal epitope can reduce the likelihood of adverse immune responses (such as anaphylactic responses) when a glycoprotein is administered to a human patient, and facilitate the clinical application of many therapeutic glycoproteins.
  • Reducing immunogenic! ty ca also preserve efficacy and potency of the glycoprotein, especially when the glycoprotein is intended for repeated (e.g., chronic) use.
  • RNA effectors such as siRNAs
  • RNA effectors can also be used to improve pharmacokinetic properties of glycoproteins, in general, maximal serum half life of a glycoprotein requires that its N-glycans terminate with a sialic acid cap (e.g., N- acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5 Ac)).
  • RNA effectors can be used to transiently reduce the expression of sialydases, which remove the terminal sialic acid (e.g., NeuSAc) cap from giycoprotein-glycans, thereby stabilizing the caped glycan and promoting a longer serum half life.
  • sialic acid cap e.g., N- acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5 Ac)
  • RNA effectors can be used to transiently reduce the expression of sialydases, which remove the terminal sialic acid (e.g., NeuSAc) cap from giycoprotein-glycans, thereby
  • the invention provides glycan-modified antibodies, or fusion proteins that comprise an Fc domain of an antibody, that have improved effector activities (such as ADCC).
  • the invention provides glycan-modified glycoproteins that have reduced immunogenicity in humans.
  • the invention provides glyean-modified glycoproteins that have an increased serum hal f life.
  • RNA effector molecule can be used to reduce the expression of a single gene that encodes a protein involved in a desired giycosylation reaction.
  • two or more different species of RNA. effector molecules may be used, to reduce expression of tw o or more genes that encode a proteins involved in a desired giycosylation reaction(s).
  • the glyean-modified glycoproteins described herein can be formulated into a pharmaceutical formulation that is suitable for in vivo administration.
  • the invention also relates to the use of the glycoproteins described herein, or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the glycoproteins, in therapy, and to the use of the glycoproteins, or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the glycoproteins, for the manufacture of a medicament for use in therapy.
  • antibody covers fully assembled immunoglobulins tha comprise two heavy chains and two light chains (e.g., human, humanized, chimeric antibodies), as well as an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody (e.g., Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv, scFv, single domain antibody) that may contain natural, or introduced giycosylation site(s).
  • an antibody e.g., Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv, scFv, single domain antibody
  • nucleotide sequence is “fully complementary” to another nucleotide sequence when there are no mismatched base pairs across the length of the shorter sequence.
  • a nucleotide sequence is "substantially complementary" to another nucleotide sequence when there are no more than 20% of the mismatched base pairs a cross the length of the shorter sequence (e.g., no more than 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 mismatched base pair(s) upon hybridization for a duplex up to 30 base pairs).
  • a dsRNA comprising one oligonucleotide 21 nucleotides in length and another oligonucleotide 23 nucleotides in length, wherein the longer oligonucleotide comprises a sequence of 21 nucleotides that is fully complementary to the shorter oligonucleotide, can yet be referred to as "fully complementary.”
  • Fc domain refers to the Fc region of an antibody, i.e., the antibody fragment that comprises the heavy-chain constant region 2 (C H 2) and the heavy-chain constant region (C R 3) of an IgA, IgD, and IgG, and heavy-chain constant regions 2, 3, and 4 (CH2-CH3-CH4) of IgE and IgM.
  • the Fc region of an antibody comprises a dimer of two CH2-CH3 (or CH2-CH3-CR4) chains.
  • the Fc region does not include the variable regions of the heavy and light chains, the heavy-chain constant region 1 (Cul), and the light-chain constant region 1 (Q_.l) of the immunoglobulin.
  • An Fc domain may further include the hinge region at the heavy-chain constant region,
  • Fc domain also compasses fragments of the Fc region of an antibody, such as the CH 2 domain, or the C H 3 domain.
  • fusion polypeptide refers to a single polypeptide in which the amino acid sequence is derived from at least two different naturally occurring proteins or polypeptide chains.
  • glycoform of a protein refers to a protein comprising a particular glycan structure or structures. It is recognized that a glycoprotein having more than one glycosylation site can have the same glycan species attached to each glycosylation site, or can have different glycan species attached to different glycosylation sites, in this manner, different patterns of glycan attachment yield different glycoforms of a glycoprotein.
  • a "GO glycoform” refers to a glycoform in which the N-glycan has the core structure of GlcNAc 2 Man 3 Glc Ac 2 , wherein no terminal galactose (Gal) residue is attached to either the two mannose arms.
  • a “Gl glycoform” or “GT glycoform” refers to a glycoform in which the N-glycan has the core structure of GlcNAc 2 Man 3 GlcNAc 2 , wherein one terminal galactose (Gal) residue is attached to one of the mannose arms.
  • G2 glycoform refers to a glycoform in which the N-glycan has the core stnicture of GlcNAc 2 Man 3 GlcNAc 2 , wherein one terminal galactose (Gal) residue is attached to each of two mannose arms.
  • Exampl es of GO, Gl (G! '), and G2 N-glycans are shown in Figure I .
  • the "imrnunogeniciiy" of a molecule refers to the ability of the molecule to induce a response by the immune system.
  • the immune response may be a cell or antibody- mediated response.
  • Irnmunogenieity may be determined by use of any suitable method known in the art, e.g. in vivo or in vitro irnmunogenieity test that quantifying the presence of antigen- specific antibodies or T-ceils.
  • reduced irnmunogenieity when referring to composition, means that the composition gives rise to a measurably lower immune response than a reference composition, as determined under comparable conditions. Reduced
  • irnmunogenieity can be demonstrated by showing, e.g., decreased amount of an immunogenic epitope (e.g., an a -Gal epitope) that is present in the composition; decreased binding affinity for an antibody; or lower antibody titers induced by the composition; as compared to a reference composition, determined under comparable conditions.
  • the reference composition may be a commercially available product (such as Rituximab, Cetuximab, Trastuzumab, Abatacept etc.),
  • a "large scale culture” refers to a culture that is at least about a 10 liter in size, (e.g., a volume of at least about 10L, least about 20L, least about SOL, least about 40L, at least about SOL, least about 60 L, least about 70L, least about SOL, least about 90L, at least about 100L, least about 150L, least about 2QQL, at least about 250L, least about 300L, least about 400L, at least about 500L, least about 600L, least about TOOL, least about 8001..
  • a 10 liter in size e.g., a volume of at least about 10L, least about 20L, least about SOL, least about 40L, at least about SOL, least about 60 L, least about 70L, least about SOL, least about 90L, at least about 100L, least about 150L, least about 2QQL, at least about 250L, least about 300L, least about 400L, at least about 500L, least about 600L, least about TOOL, least
  • the expression of the target gene in a host cell is "transiently" reduced by an RNA effector molecule when the RNA effector molecule reduces the expression level of the target gene for a defined period of time (e.g., at least about 24 hours, at least about 48 hours, at least about 72 hours, at least about 96 hours, etc), but the reduction in the expression level is not permanent, in other words, the RNA effector, or a nucleic acid constmct encoding the RNA effector, does not integrate into the genome of the host cell.
  • a defined period of time e.g., at least about 24 hours, at least about 48 hours, at least about 72 hours, at least about 96 hours, etc
  • the invention provides glycan-modified proteins that have improved effector activity, improved pharmacokinetic properties, or reduced immunogeniciry in humans.
  • Glycan-modified or "glycan modification” refer to a change in the glycan structure of a glycoprotein produced by a host cell in the presence of an RNA effector molecule that transiently reduces the expression of a target gene that encodes an enzyme or a transporter protein that is involved in a glycosylation pathway, as compared the glycan structure of the glycoprotein produced by the host cell under substantially the same conditions but in the absence of the RNA effector.
  • the invention provides glycan-modified antibodies, or fusion proteins that comprise the Fc domain of an antibody (Fc-fusion proteins), that have improved effector activity.
  • the invention provides a composition comprising an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules, or the fusion protein molecules, comprise a complex N-glycan; and (b) about 20% to about 100% of the N-giycans are afucosyl glycans.
  • about 25%» to about 100%» about 30%» to about 100%» , about 35% to about 100% , about 40% to about 100%, about 45% to about 100%, or about 50% to about 100%) of the N-glycans are afucosyl glycans.
  • the composition comprises an antibody.
  • the antibodies described herein are preferably monoclonal antibodies.
  • the antibodies can be monospecific, or polyspecific (e.g., bispecific).
  • the antibodies can be from any species, but preferably are humanized, human, or chimeric, ail of which are well-known in the art.
  • composition comprises a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody.
  • the Fc domain may be fused with an enzyme, a toxin, a ligand (e.g., a growth factor), a cytokine (e.g., a chemokine), etc.
  • the Fc fusion proteins may optionally comprise a linker.
  • the N-glycan is linked to the Fc domain of the antibody or the refusion protein.
  • Naturally-occurring antibody molecules have conserved N-linked glycosyiaiion at the Fc region of each of the two heavy chains.
  • an IgG mol ecule contains an N- 1 inked gl can covalently attached at the conserved Asn297 (Kabat numbering) in each of the CH2 domains in the Fc region.
  • the glycans found in the Fc region of serum IgGs are mostly biaiitennary complex glycans.
  • Variations of IgG glycosvlation patterns include attachment of terminal sialic acid, a third GicNAc arm (bisecting GlcNAc), terminal galactosylation, and a- l ,6-linked core fucosylation.
  • the N-glycans can contain zero (GO), one (Gl and Gl '), or two (G2) galactoses (see Figure 1 for examples of GO, Gl, and G2 glycans).
  • the exact pattern of glycosvlation depends on the stractural properties of IgG subcomponents, in particular, C H 2 and CH3 domains (see, e.g., Lund et al. (2000) Eur, J. Biochem., 267:7246-7257).
  • polyclonal IgG molecules bear N-linked glycans in the variable regions of the light and/or heavy chains. There N-linked glycans are attached at the Asn residue of the consensus motif Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr/Cys, where Xaa represents any amino acid).
  • the glycans in the Fab region of serum IgGs are mostly biantennary oligosaccharides that are extensively galactosylated, fucosylated, and substantially sialylated. See, e.g., Gary Walsh (ed.), Post-translational Modification of Protein Biopharmaceuticals, Wiley- CH, 1st edition (2009), Chapter 4, Antibodies.
  • Cetuximab (Erbitux®) contains an N-glycan at Asn 99 of the VH region. N-glycosylation at the Fab region can influence antigen binding affinity of the antibody.
  • compositions described herein may comprise a mixture of glycosylated and aglycosylated antibodies, or Fc-fusion proteins.
  • at least about 50%, and preferably, at least about 70% of antibody molecules, or Fc-fusion proteins comprise a complex N-glycan.
  • at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80% of the antibody molecules, or Fc-fusion proteins comprise a complex N-glycan.
  • the N-glycan is linked to the Fc domain of the antibody or the Fc-fusion protein.
  • the Fc domain of the antibodies or Fc-fu sion proteins described herein can be a naturally occurring Fc region of an antibody, which may optionally include the hinge region.
  • the Fc domain can a truncated form of a naturally occurring Fc region (e.g., CH2 domain only); a fusion form that comprising a naturally occurring Fc region fused with a heterologous sequence; a mutated form of a naturally occurring Fc domain (e.g., a Fc region having amino acid substitutions), addition(s), or deietion(s)); or a combination thereof.
  • Fc variants T256A, K290A, S298A, E333A, K334A, A339T have been described as having enhanced ADCC activity as compared to naturally occurring Fc sequences (see, e.g., Shields et al. (2001) J. Biol, Chem,, 276:6591-6604), Additional mutation variants of Fc regions are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0228856.
  • the Fc domain can be derived from the Fc region of IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE and IgM (including various isotypes, such as, IgGl, lgG2, IgG3, IgG4, JgAl, JgA2 etc).
  • the Fc domain is derived from IgG 1.
  • ADCC antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
  • NK natural killer
  • FcyRJil CD 16
  • binding of the Fc domain to Fc receptors on the NK cells is affected by the glycosylation state of the Fc domain.
  • the type of the N-glycan at the Fc domain also affects ADCC activity. Therefore, for an antibody composition, or a Fc-fusion protein composition, increasing the relative amount of afucosyl N-glycans can increase the binding affinity for an FcyRIII, or ADCC activity, of the composition.
  • the N-glyeosylated antibodies, or Fc-fusion proteins, as described herein, may comprise a mixture of fucosylated and afucosylated molecules.
  • afucosyl glycans from about 20% to about 100%, preferably, from about 40°/» to about 80% of the glycans are afucosyl glycans.
  • the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition described herein may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl 'and G2 glycoforms (e.g., at the Fc-lmked N-glycan).
  • from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0%s to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%), from about 0% to about 35%, from about 0%s to about 30% « of the N-glycans may be GO glycans.
  • from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0%s to about 65%», from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%», from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%, from about 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be Gl and Gl ' glycans.
  • N-glycans may be G2 glycans
  • the N-glycans of the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protem composition may also be any combination of the GO, Gl, Gl ', G2 profiles described above.
  • from about 20% to about 100% such as from about 25% to about 100%, from about 30% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 20% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 90%, from about 20% to about 85%, from about 20% to about 80°/», from about 25% to about 95%, from about 30% to about 90%, from about 35% to about 85%), or from about 40% to about 80%, of the GO N-glycans are afucosyl GO glycans.
  • Gl and Gl ' N-glycans are afucosyl Gl and Gl ' glycans.
  • G2 N-glycans are afucosyl G2 glycans.
  • the afucosyl N-glycans of the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition may also be any combination of the GO, Gl, Gl ', G2 profiles described above.
  • the glycan structure of the antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins described herein can be determined using art-known methods for analyzing glycan structures of glycoproteins, as described below,
  • Antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins having improved ADCC activity are useful for treating or preventing various diseases including cancers, inflammatory diseases, immune diseases such as autoimmune diseases, allergies and the like, circulator organ diseases (e.g., arteriosclerosis) and viral or bacterial infections.
  • the antibody or Fc-fusion protein binds to a cell-surface molecule, or a cell-surface associated molecule, such as a transmembrane receptor.
  • the antibody or Fc-fusion protein may bind to a soluble molecule that can associate with the cell surface, for example, with a cell-surface molecule, such as a ligand that binds to a transmembrane receptor.
  • Examples of the antibody which recognizes a tumor-related antigen include anti-GD2 antibody (Ohta et al., Anticancer Res., 13, 331-336, 1993), anti ⁇ GD3 antibody (Qhta et al,, Cancer Immunol. Immunother., 36, 260-266, 1993), anti-GM2 antibody (Nakamura et al., Cancer Res,, 54, 1511-1516, 1994), anti-HER2 antibody (Carter et al, Proc. Natl. Acad, Sci. USA, 89, 4285-4289, 1992), anti-CD52 antibody (Carter et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • anti-MAGE antibody Jungbluth et al., British J, Cancer, 83, 493-497, 2000
  • anti-HM124 antibody Ono et al., Molecular Immunol, 36, 387-395, 1999
  • anti-parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) antibody Ogata et al, Cancer, 88, 2909-2911 , 2000
  • anti- basic fibroblast growth factor antibody and anti-FGF8 antibody Matsuzaki et al., Proc. Natl.
  • Examples of the antibody which recognizes an allergy- or inflammation- related antigen include anti-interleukin 6 antibody (Abrams et al, Immunol. Rev., 121 , 5-24, 1992), anti-interleukin 6 receptor antibody (Sato et al., Molecular Immunol., 31, 371-381, 1994), anti-interleukin 5 antibody (Abrams et al, Immunol.
  • anti-interleukin 5 receptor antibody and anti-interleukin 4 antibody Biord et al., Cytokine, 3, 562-567, 1991
  • anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody Tempord et al., Hybridoma, 13, 183-190, 1994
  • anti-tumor necrosis factor receptor antibody Amrani et al., Molecular Pharmacol, 58, 237-245, 2000
  • anti-CCR4 antibody Campbell et al., Nature, 400, 776-780, 1999
  • anti-chemokine antibody Peri et al, J. Immuno.
  • anti-chemokine receptor antibody Wu et al., J. Exp. Med., 186, 1373-1381 , 1997) and the like.
  • the antibody which recognizes a circulatory organ disease-related antigen include anti-GpIIb/IIIa antibody (Co et al, J. Immunol., 152, 2968-2976, 1994), anti-platelet-derived growth factor antibody (Ferns et al., Science, 253, 1 129-1132, 1991), anti-platelet-derived growth factor receptor antibody (Shulman et al., J. Biol. Chem., 272, 17400-17404, 1997) and anti-blood coagulation factor antibody (Peter et al, Circulation, 101, 1158-1 164, 2000) and the like.
  • Examples of the antibody which recognizes a viral or bacterial infection- related antigen include anti-gpl 20 antibody (Tugarinov et al,, Structure, 8, 385-395, 2000), anti- CD4 antibody (Schulze-Koops et al, J. Rheumatology, 25, 2065-2076, 1998), anti-CCR4 antibody and anti-Vero toxin antibody ( amali et al,, J. Clin, Microbiol, 3, 396-399, 1999) and the like.
  • VEGF vascular endothelial growth factor
  • EGFR e.g., Cetuximab (Erbitux®)
  • HER2 e.g., Trastuzumah (Herceptin®)
  • CD20 e.g., Rituxirnab (Rituxan®)
  • Fc-fusion proteins that bind to TNFa e.g., Etanecept (Enbrel), which comprises the receptor-binding domain of a TNF receptor (p75)
  • CD 2 e.g., Alefacept
  • the invention provides a composition comprising an antibody that binds to CD20, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules comprise a complex N-glycan (e.g., linked to the Fc domain of the antibody); and (b) about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
  • CD20 is a transmembrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 35 kD located on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes (Valentine et al. (1989) J. Biol. Chem.
  • CD20 is found on the surface of greater than 90% of B cells from peripheral blood or lymphoid organs and is expressed during early pre-B ceil development and remains until plasma cell differentiation. Although CD20 is expressed on normal B ceils, this surface antigen is usually expressed at ver high levels on neoplastic B cells. More than 90% of B-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemias, and about 50% of pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias express this surface antigen. CD20 is not found on hematopoietic stem cells, pro-B cells, normal plasma cells, or other normal tissue (Tedder et al. (1985) i, Immunol. 135(2):973 ⁇ 979).
  • CD20 is expressed by malignant cells of B-cell origin, including B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CD20 is not expressed by malignancies of pre-B-ce ls, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. CD20 is therefore a good target for therapy of B-cell lymphoma, CLL, and other diseases in which B-cells are involved in the disease etiology. Other B-cell disorders include autoimmune diseases in which auto-antibodies are produced during the differentiation of B-cells into plasma cells.
  • CLL chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • CD20 has also been targeted by radioimmunotherapeutic agents to treat B-cell related diseases.
  • One treatment consists of anti-CD20 antibodies prepared in the form of radionuclides for treating B-cell lymphoma (e.g., ljl l-labeled anti-CD20 antibody), as well as a 9 Sr- labeled form for the palliation of bone pain caused by prostate and breast cancer metastases (Endo, Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1999, 26: 744-748).
  • Rituximab (Rituxan ⁇ ) is a commercially available recombinant
  • mouse/human IgGl chimeric monoclonal antibody in which variable domains of the hea vy and light chains of a murine anti-CD20 mAb are fused to the human constant regions of IgG l .
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Rituximab.
  • the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98°/», at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Rituximab; and the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab.
  • the anti-CD20 antibody composition may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g., at the Fc-linked N-glycan), as described above.
  • an antibody comprising an afucosylated N-glycan at the Fc region has an increased binding affinity for FcyRIII, as compared to a corresponding antibody (antibody having the same amino acid sequence) comprising a fucosylated N-glycan. Therefore, the antibody composition as described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated antibody, but less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
  • the anti- CD20 composition described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to Rituximab under substantially the same conditions.
  • anti-CD20 antibodies described herein may be used for treating Non- Hodgkins lymphoma.
  • the invention provides a composition comprising an antibody that binds to EGFR, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules comprise a complex N-glycan (e.g, linked to the Fc domain of the antibody); and (b) about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
  • EGFR also known as ErbB-1 and HER! in humans
  • EGF-family epidermal growth factor family
  • extracellular protein ligands (Herbst, 2004, Int. j. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 59 (2 Suppi):2! -6). Mutations affecting EGFR expression or activity can result in cancer. EGF receptors are over expressed in most epithelial malignancies including those of the colon and the rectum. The EGFR. is constitutively expressed in many normal epithelial tissues, including the skin and hair follicle.
  • Cetuximab (Erbitux ⁇ ) is a commercially available recombinant
  • mice/human IgGl chimeric monoclonal antibody in whic variable domains of the heavy and light chains of a murine anti-EG FR mAb (kno wn as 225) are fused to the human constant regions of IgGl .
  • Cetuximab has been approved for use in combination with radiation therapy for treating squamous ceil carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) or as a single agent in patients who have had prior platinum-based therapy. Cetuximab is also indicated for treatment of metastatic colon cancer in combination with irmotecan (Camptosar) a DNA topoisomerase blocker. Cetuximab is believed to function mainly by blocking the EGF binding to EGFR, thereby starving the tumor of needed growth factor.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab.
  • the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab; and the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab.
  • the anti- EGFR antibody composition may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl , Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g, at the Fc-linked N-glycan), as described above.
  • an antibody comprising an afucosylated N-glycan at the Fc region has an increased binding affinity for FcyRJII, as compared to a corresponding antibody (antibody having the same amino acid sequence) comprising a fucosylated N-glycan. Therefore, the antibody composition as described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated antibody, but less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
  • the anti- EGFR composition described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to Cetuximab under substantially the same conditions.
  • anti-EGFR antibodies described herein may be used for treating colorectal cancer or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
  • the invention provides a composition comprising an antibody that binds to HER2, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules comprise a complex N-glycan (e.g, linked to the Fc domain of the antibody); and (b) about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
  • HER2 also known as ErbB-2
  • ErbB-2 is a 185 kD transmembrane glycoprotein receptor that is encoded by the erbB2 gene.
  • HER2 is related to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, or HER1 in human), and is over expressed in about 25%» to 30% of human breast cancer (Slamon et al.. Science 235: 177-182 , (1987); Siamoii et al., Science 244:707-712 (1989)).
  • EGFR epidermal growth factor receptor
  • HER2 overexpression is commonly regarded as a predictor of a poor prognosis, especially in patients with primary disease that involves axillary lymph nodes (Slamon et al., (1987) and ( 1989), supra; Ravdin and Chamness, Gene 159: 19-27 (1995); and Hynes and Stern, Biochim Biophys Acta 1 198: 165-184 (1994)), and has been linked to sensitivity and/or resistance to hormone therapy and chemotherapeutic regimens, including C F
  • Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) is a humanized anti ⁇ ErbB2 monoclonal antibody (a humanized version of the murine anti-ErbB2 antibody 4D5, referred to as rhuMAb HER2). Trastuzumab has been clinically active in patients with ErbB2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancers that had received extensive prior anti-cancer therapy (Baselga et al., j. Clin. Oncol. 14:737-744 (1996)).
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% ⁇ identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab.
  • the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%>, at least 80%. at least 85%, at least 90%>, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%>, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the hea vy chain of Trastuzumab,
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%), at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab; and the hea vy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Trastuzumab,
  • the anti ⁇ HER2 antibody composition may comprise a mixture of GO, G l, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g, at the Fc-linked N-glycan), as described above.
  • an antibody comprising an afucosylated N-glycan at the Fc region has an increased binding affinity for FcyRIII, as compared to a corresponding antibody (antibody having the same amino acid sequence) comprising a fucosylated N-glycan. Therefore, the antibody composition as described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated antibody, but less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
  • the anti- HER2 composition described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to Trastuzumab under substantially the same conditions.
  • anti-HER2 antibodies described herein may be used for treating breast cancer
  • the invention provides a composition comprising a Fc-fusion protein that binds to B7, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules comprise a complex N-glycan (e.g., linked to the Fc domain of the fusion protein), and (b) about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
  • a complex N-glycan e.g., linked to the Fc domain of the fusion protein
  • B7 is a peripheral membrane protein found on activated antigen presenting cells (APC) that, when paired with either a CD28 or CD 1.52 (CTLA-4) surface protein on a T cell, can produce a costiraulatory signal to enhance or decrease the activity of a MHC-TCR signal between the APC and the T cell, respectively (see, e.g., Coico, et al. (2003) Immunology: A Short Course; Wiley-Liss. p. 131). Besides being present on activated APCs, B7 is also found on T-cells themselves (see, e.g., Taylor et al., J Immunol. 172 (1): 34-39), Binding of the B7 on T-cells to CTLA-4 causes inhibition of the activity of T-cells. There are two major types of B7 proteins, B7.1 and B7.2 or CD80 and CD86 respectively.
  • the Fc-fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4).
  • CTL-4 Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4
  • CTL A4 Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4
  • CD 152 Cluster of differentiation 152
  • CTLA4 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which is expressed on the surface of Helper T cells and transmits an inhibitory signal to T cells
  • CTLA4 is similar to the T-cell costimulatory protein CD28, and both molecules bind to CD80 and CD86 (B7) on antigen-presenting cells.
  • CTLA4 transmits an inhibitory signal to T ceils, whereas CD28 transmits a stimulatory signal.
  • Intracellular CTLA4 is also found in regulatory T cells and may be important to their function. T ceil activation through the T cell receptor and CD28 leads to increased expression of CTL A-4, an inhibitor ⁇ ' receptor for B7 molecules (CD80 and CD86).
  • the fusion protein comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%), at least 99%», or 100%) identical to Abatacept.
  • Orencia® is a soluble fusion protein that consisting of the extracellular domain of human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) linked to the modified Fc (hinge, CH2, and CH3 domains) portion of human immunoglobulin Gl ( IgGl ).
  • CTLA-4 cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4
  • IgGl human immunoglobulin Gl
  • the Fc-fusion protein composition may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g, at the Fc-linked N-glycan), as described above.
  • an Fc-fusion protein comprising an afucosylated N- glycan at the Fc region has an increased binding affinity for FcyRJ !I, as compared to a corresponding fusion protein (fusion protein having the same amino acid sequence) comprising a fucosylated N-glycan.
  • the Fc-fusion protein composition as described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated Fc-fusion protein, but less than 40% of the N-giycans are afucosylated.
  • ADCC antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
  • the Fc-fusion protein composition described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to Abatacept under substantially the same conditions.
  • RNA effectors such as siRNAs
  • immunogenic epitopes in humans include, e.g., glycans, such as N-giycans, that comprise a N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuSGc) residue, and the aGal epitope (galactose-alpha(l ,3)-galactose-beta( l,4)N-acetylglucosamine-R; or Gal-a(l,3)-Gai- P(l,4) ⁇ GlcNAe ⁇ R; where R is the glycan-protein structure).
  • glycans such as N-giycans, that comprise a N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuSGc) residue
  • aGal epitope galactose-alpha(l ,3)-galactose
  • compositions described herein may comprise a mixture of glycosylated and aglycosylated proteins.
  • at least about 50%, and preferably, at least about 70% of the proteins comprise a glycan.
  • at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80% of the protein molecules comprise a glycan.
  • the glycan is a complex N-glycan.
  • the invention provides a composition comprising a protein, wherein at least about 70% of the protein molecules comprise a glycan (e.g., a complex N- glycan); and wherein (a), the protein is produced by a cell that is not a human, ape, or Old World monkey cell; and at least about 40%) of the glycosylated molecules do not comprise the a-Gal epitope.
  • a glycan e.g., a complex N- glycan
  • Mammalian cells such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and rodent myeloma derived NS/0 and SP2/0 cells, are widely used for producing therapeutic glycoproteins.
  • glycoproteins produced by these cells often contain oligosaccharides terminated with a-galactose residues.
  • the a-galactose residues are linked to the penultimate galactose residues at a hydroxy! of the third sugar carbon position, a(l-3) linkage.
  • humans have up to 1 % of circulating antibodies (such as anti-aGal IgA, IgG, and IgM) directed against the enzymatic product of a 1 ,3 -galactosyltransferase ( Gal al-3Ga!pl-4Glc Ac), also called Gaiili antigen (Galili, U., Clark, M. R., Shohet, S. B., Buehler, J., and Macher, B. A. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84, 1369-1373), or aGal epitope.
  • Gaiili antigen Gaiili antigen
  • the invention provides compositions of glycoproteins in which at least about 20% of the glycosylated molecules do not comprise the a-Gal epitope. Preferably, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, of the glycosylated molecules do not comprise the a-Gal epitope.
  • the compositions described herein comprises glycoproteins in which at least about 40% of the glycans do not comprise the a-Gal epitope, and the composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated protein in which more than 40% of the glycans comprise the a-Gal epitope.
  • the invention provides a composition comprising a protem, wherein at least about 70% of the protein molecules comprise a glycan (e.g., a complex N- glycan); and wherein (a) the protein is produced by a non-human cell; and; (b) the glycans (e.g., complex N-glycans) of said protein molecules are characterized by a total sialic acid content that contain no more than about 20% of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc).
  • Sialic acids are 9-carbon backbone acidic sugars terminating the glycan chains of various glycoproteins and glycolipids at vertebrate cell surfaces.
  • N-acetylneurarmnic acid (Neu5 Ac) and its hydrox lated form NeuSGc are the two major Sialic acids in mammals, with the activated form CMP-NeuSAc serving as the precursor for synthesis of CMP-Neu5Gc, catalyzed by the enzyme CMP-NeuSAc hydroxylase (CMAH), encoded by the CMAH gene.
  • CMAH CMP-NeuSAc hydroxylase
  • This enzyme is specifically inactivated in humans, in contrast to other mammals studied to date, including old world primates and pigs fVarki A., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2010; 107(Suppl. 2): 8939-8946).
  • humans lack an alternative pathway for NeuSGc synthesis.
  • human immune system recognizes NeuSGc as foreign, resulting in a humoral response involving a polyclonal highly diverse antibody profile in all humans.
  • the invention provides compositions of glycoproteins in which the total sialic acid content of the glycans (e.g., complex N-glycans) contain no more than about 40% of NeuSGc, Preferably, the total sialic acid content of the glycans (e.g., complex N- glycans) contain no more than about 35%, no more than about 30%, no more than about 25%, no more than about 20%, no more than about 15%, or no more than about 10% of N euSGc.
  • the total sialic acid content of the glycans e.g., complex N-glycans
  • the total sialic acid content of the glycans contain no more than about 35%, no more than about 30%, no more than about 25%, no more than about 20%, no more than about 15%, or no more than about 10% of N euSGc.
  • the compositions described herein comprises glycoproteins in which the total sialic acid content of the glycans (e.g., complex N-glycans) contain no more than about 20% of NeuSGc, and the composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated protein, but the total sialic acid content of the glycans (e.g., complex N-glycans) contain more than about 20% of NeuSGc.
  • the total sialic acid content of the glycans e.g., complex N-glycans
  • any suitable glycoprotein may be modified according to the teachings of the invention to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes, such as the aGal and NeuSGc epitopes described above.
  • Preferred classes of glycoproteins include, e.g., antibodies or Fc- fusion proteins. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody; and wherein said N -glycan is linked to the Fc domain of the antibody molecules or the fusion protein.
  • the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition described herein may comprise a mixture of GO, G l, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g., at the Fc-linked N-glycan).
  • a mixture of GO, G l, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms e.g., at the Fc-linked N-glycan.
  • from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%, from about 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be Gl and Gl ' glycans.
  • N-glycans may be G2 glycans.
  • the N-glycans of the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition may also be any combination of the GO, Gl, Gl ', G2 profiles described above.
  • an antibody or Fc-fusion protein may be modified such tha it has both improved effector activity (e.g., ADCC activity), and reduced immunogenicity in humans.
  • two or more different species of RNA effector molecules may be added to a host cell culture. At least one RNA effector targets the fucosylation pathway to increase the amount of afucosylated antibody or Fc-fusion protein that is produced by the host ceils, and at least another RNA effector targets a-galactosyltransferase or CMAH to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes produced by the host cells.
  • the gl can structure of the antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins described herein can be determined using art-known methods for analyzing glycan structures of glycoproteins, as described below.
  • the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-EGFR antibody.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%>, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab.
  • the anti-EGFR antibody composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity as compared to Cetuximab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced amount of aGal epitope, NeuSGc epitope, or both).
  • the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-CD20 antibody.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%», at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Rituximab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab.
  • the anti-CD20 antibody composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity as compared to Rituximab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced amount of aGal epitope, NeuSGc epitope, or both).
  • the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-HER2 antibody.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%), at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%), at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%), at least 97%», at least 98%, at least 99%), or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Trastuzumab.
  • the anti ⁇ HER2 antibody composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity as compared to Trastuzumab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced amount of aGal epitope, NeuSGc epitope, or both).
  • the composition described herein comprises a Fc- fusion protein that binds to B7,
  • the Fc-fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4).
  • the fusion protein comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to Abatacept.
  • the Fc-fusion protein composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity as compared to Abatacept under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced amount of c/Gal epitope, NeuSGc epitope, or both).
  • the Fc- fusion proteins described herein may be used to for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
  • RNA effectors such as siRNAs
  • the invention provides a composition comprising a protein, wherein one or more glycans comprise a sialic acid cap (e.g., N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuSAc) ⁇ .
  • a sialic acid cap e.g., N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuSAc) ⁇ .
  • the serum half life of glycoproteins is dependent on the composition and structure of its N-glycans.
  • maximal serum half life of a glycoprotein requires that its N-glycans terminate with a sialic acid cap (e.g., N-acetylneuraminic acid (Ne 5Ac)).
  • RNA effectors can be used to transiently reduce the expression of sialidases that remove the terminal sialic acid (e.g., NeuSAc) cap from a glycoprotein.
  • the composition described herein has an increased serum half-life in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated protein in which the N-glycans does not comprise NeuSAc.
  • a glycoprotein may be modified such that it has both reduced immunogenicity in humans, and increased serum half-life.
  • two or more different species of RNA effector molecules may be added to a host cell culture. At least one RNA effector targets ⁇ -galactosyl transferase or CMAH to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes produced by the host cells, and at least another RNA effector targets a sialidase to increase the amount of sialic acid-capped N-glycans that are produced by the host cell.
  • any suitable glycoprotein may be modified accordingly to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes, such as the oiGal and NeuSGc epitopes described above.
  • Preferred classes of glycoproteins include, e.g., antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody; and wherein said antibody or fusion protein comprises a glycan, Preferably, the glycan is an N-glycan. Preferably, the N-glycan is linked to the antibody or Fc-fusion protein at the Fc domain.
  • the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition described herein may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g., at the Fc-linked N-glycan).
  • a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms e.g., at the Fc-linked N-glycan.
  • the N-glycans may be GO glycans.
  • from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%, from abou 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be G l and Gl ' glycans.
  • N-glycans may be G2 glycans.
  • the N-glycans of the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition may also be any combination of the GO, Gl , Gl ', G2 profiles described above.
  • the glycan structure of the antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins described herein can be determined using art-known methods for analyzing glycan structures of glycoproteins, as described below.
  • an antibody or Fc-fusion protein may be modified such that it has any combination of improved effector activity (e.g., ADCC activity), reduced immunogenicity in humans, or increased serum half life,
  • improved effector activity e.g., ADCC activity
  • reduced immunogenicity in humans e.g., reduced immunogenicity in humans
  • increased serum half life e.g., two or more different species of RNA effector molecules may he added to a host cell culture.
  • At least one RNA effector targets the fucosylation pathway to increase the amount of afucosylated antibody or Fc-fusion protein that is produced by the host cells, and ai least another RNA effector targets a sialidase to increase the amount of sialic acid-capped N-glycans that are produced by the host cell, or targets a- galactosyltransferase or CMAH to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes produced by the host cells.
  • three or more different species of RNA effector molecules may be added to a host cell culture, at least one targets the fucosylation pathway, at least one targets a sialidase, and at least one targets cx-gaiactosyltransferase or CMAH.
  • the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-EGFR antibody.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%), at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%) identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab,
  • the anti-EGFR antibody composition described herein has an increased serum half life as compared to Cetuximab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced hydrolysis of the sialic acid cap).
  • the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-CD20 antibody.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%), at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%), at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%>, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Rituximab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%), at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab.
  • the anti-CD20 antibody composition described herein has an increased serum half life as compared to Rituximab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced hydrolysis of the sialic acid cap).
  • the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-HER2 antibody.
  • the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Trastuzumab,
  • the anti-HER2 antibody composition described herein has an increased serum half life as compared to Trastuzumab under
  • the composition described herein comprises an Fc- fusion protein that binds to B7.
  • the Fc-fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4).
  • CTLA-4 Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4
  • the fusion protein comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to Abatacept.
  • the Fc-fusion protein composition described herein has an increased serum half life as compared to Abatacept under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced hydrolysis of the sialic acid cap),
  • the invention provides methods for producing giycan-modified glycoproteins, in particular on a large or commercial scale.
  • the method comprises culturing a host ceil in a large scale cell culture in the presence of an RNA effector that targets a gene that encodes an enzyme or a transporter protein that is involved in a glycosylation pathway.
  • the RNA effector transiently reduces the expression level of the target gene, thereby altering the glycosylation profile of a glycoprotein.
  • Avastin rMab Binds to the vascular Colorectal cancer CHO Genentech Product Class Mode of action Indication Cell Company line
  • VEGF vascular end factor
  • EPO erythropoietin
  • EGFR gro th factor
  • Herceptin rMab Binds to HER2+ Breast cancer CHO Genentech (Trastuzurnab) tumor cells, blocks
  • Remi cade rMab Binds to TNF and Crohn's disease & SP2/0 C e n tocor/ John so n (Infliximab) inhibits TNF action Rheumatoid arthritis & Johnson
  • Rituxan rMab Binds to the cluster of Non-Hodgkins CHO Genentech (Riitsximab) differentiation 20 lymphoma (IDEC)
  • Synagis rMab Targets an epitope in Respiratory syncytial NSO Medlmmune (Pahvizumab) the A antigenic site of virus
  • Tysabri rMab Binds to o4 integral of Multiple sclerosis (MS) CHO Biogen pie (Natalizumab) adhesion molecule
  • Vectibix rMab Binds to EGFR Colorectal carcinoma CHO Amgen
  • Zenapax rMab Binds to the a subunit Acute organ rejection SP2/0 Hoffmann-La (Daclizumab) (p55 a, CD25, or Tac Roche
  • the protein-hound N-glycan is subsequently remodeled in the ER and Golgi by a complex series of reactions catalyzed by membrane -bound glycosidases and glycosyltransierases. Many of these enzymes are extraordinarly sensitive to the physiological and biochemical state of the ceil in which the glycoprotein is expressed. Thus, the populations of sugars attached to each glycosylated asparagine in a mature glycoprotein will depend on the cell type in which the glycoprotein is expressed and on the physiological status of the cell, a status that may be regulated during development and differentiation and altered in disease.
  • Glycosylation is a nonlinear non-template driven process. Regulation of a particular glycan may be due to a number of orthogonal inputs such as precursor levels, donor levels, transferase levels etc, Figure 2 provides a schematic illustration of the glycosylation pathway in CHO cell line. Each one of the enzymes may be targeted by RNA effectors.
  • the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from die group consisting of: GDP-fucose transporter (GFT), solute carrier-35Cl (SLC35C1), solute carrier-35C2 (SLC35C2), SVIPDUI , and Ggtal; and (b) adding an effective amount of an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementar to a target gene of (a), and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
  • GFT GDP-fucose transporter
  • SLC35C1 solute carrier-35Cl
  • SLC35C2 solute carrier-35C2
  • SVIPDUI SVIPDUI
  • the host cell may further comprises a second target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase, UDP
  • glycosyltransferase UDP-Gal:pGlcNAcp 1 ,4-galactosyltransferase, UDP-galactose-ceramide gaiactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein O-fucosyltransferase, N- acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, O-GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N- acetylgrucosamine transferase, a-galactosidase, ⁇ -galactosidase, sialyltransferase, GMD dehydratase, FX epimerase, a-l,3-galactosyltransferase, mannosyl (a-l,3-)-glycoprotehi beta- 1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferas
  • RNA effector molecule to the large scale cell culture, wherein the RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: dolichyi-diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase, UDP glycosyltransferase, UDP-Gal: ⁇ 1 ,4-galactosyltransferase, UDP-galactose-ceraniide galactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein O-fucosyltransferase, N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, O-GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N-acetylgrucosamine transferase, a-galactosidase, ⁇ -galactosidase, sialyltransferase, GMD dehydratase
  • the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises at least two target genes, the target genes independently encode a protein selected from the group consisting of: dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccbaride-protein glycosyltransferase, UDP
  • glycosyltransferase UDP-Gal: GicNAc 1 ,4-galactosyltransferase, UDP-galactose-ceramide galactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein 0-fucosyltransfera.se, N- acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, O-GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N- acetylgrucosamine transferase, a-galactosidase, ⁇ -galactosidase, sialyltransferase, GMD dehydratase, FX epimerase, a-1 ,3-galactosyliransferase, mannosyl (a- 1 ,3 ⁇ -glycoprotein beta- 1 ,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferas
  • Table 2 provides exemplary target genes that encode an enzyme or a transporter protein of the glycosylation pathway.
  • Fu co sy Item sf eras e FUT (e.g., FUT1 to FUT12)
  • UDP glycosyltran sferase UGT (e.g., IJGTlal, UGTla2, UGTl aS, etc.)
  • Preferred genes that may he targeted for modifying the glycosyiation include FUT8, GMDS, TSTA3, ABO, CMAH, MGATl, MGAT4B, SLC35D1, TSTA3, SLC35C1, SLC35C2, NEU2, ST6GALNAC6, and UGGT1 .
  • the RNA. effector transiently reduces the expression of its target gene.
  • the nucleotide sequences of exemplary target genes from Chinese hamster and siRNA molecules that modulate the expression of these genes, are provided in the
  • the method further comprising harvesting said glycoprotein from said large scale culture.
  • the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising an afucosylated glycoprotein, comprising: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host ceil expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a protein tha is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-fucose transporter (GFT), solute carrier-35Cl (SLC35C1), and solute carrier-35C2 (SLC35C2); and (h) adding an effective amount of an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
  • GFT GDP-fucose transporter
  • SLC35C1 solute carrier-35C1
  • SLC35C2 solute carrier-35C2
  • the host cell may further comprises a second target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-mannose epimerase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransferase (Fut); and wherein step (b) further comprises adding an effective amount of a second R NA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RN A effector is substantially complementary to a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-mannose epimerase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransferase (Fut), and wherein said RNA effector reduces or pre vents the expression of said second target gene.
  • GMD GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase
  • FX GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy
  • the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising an afucosylated glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host ceil expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises at least two target genes that independently encode a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D- mannose epimerase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransferase (Fut); and (b) adding an effective amount of two or more RNA effector molecules to said large scale ceil culture, wherein each of said RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene of (a), and reduces or prevents the expression of its target gene,
  • GMD GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase
  • FX GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D- mannose epimerase-reductase
  • At least one of the target genes encodes a fucosyltransfera.se.
  • the target gene is selected from the group consisting of: Fut8, GMD, and TSTA3.
  • FIG. 3 provides a schematic illustration of fucosylation pathway in CHO cells.
  • Each one of the enzymes may be targeted by RNA effectors.
  • two or more of the enzymes or transporter proteins are targeted.
  • GMD, FX, GTF, and FutS Figure 3 are considered act sequentially along a metabolic pathway.
  • Fucose kinase, GFPP, GTF, and FutS Figure 3 are also considered act sequentially along a metabolic pathway.
  • any two of these four proteins may be targeted,
  • the two enzymes or transporter proteins do not have to act immediately one after another, as long as they align a metabolic pathway, such that a molecule is sequentially processed by the two enzymes or protein transporters (e.g., GMD and FutS are two enzymes act sequentially).
  • GMD and FutS are two enzymes act sequentially.
  • the glycoprotein is an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody.
  • Genes that may be targeted for modifying the fucosylation of N-glycans include, e.g., FutS (encodes Fucosyltransferase), GMD, 1ST A3, SLC35C1, SLC35C2, etc.
  • the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes ABO a- 1,3 galactosyltransferase; and (h) adding an effective amount an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of the target gene,
  • said glycoprotein has reduced immunogenicity in a human when compared to the same glycoprotein produced in the absence of said RNA effector molecule.
  • the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, with the proviso that said host cell is not a human, ape, or Old World monkey cell; wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a protein selected from the group consisting of ABO a-1 ,3
  • RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of the target gene.
  • the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, wherein said glycoprotein comprises a N-g!ycan, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale ceil culture, with the proviso that said host cell is not a human cell; wherein: (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH); and (b) adding an effecti ve amount of an RN A effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
  • CMAH CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase
  • the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, wherein said glycoprotein comprises a N-glycan, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture; wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a sialidase; and (b) adding an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene,
  • the sialidase is NEU2 siaiidase or a-N-acetyl-neuraminyl-2,3- beta-galactosyl- 1 ,3)-N-acetylgaIactosaminide a-2,6-sialyltransferase 6 (ST6GALNAC6).
  • RNA effectors may be used, such as the glycan modified glycoproteins show a combination of improved effector activities (such as ADCC), reduced immunogenicity in humans, or increased serum half life.
  • one RNA effector may target fucosyitransferase to reduce the level of fucosylation, and is used in combination with another RNA effector that targets a sialidase to reduce the hydrolysis of terminal sialic acid.
  • one RNA effector may target ABO a 1,3 gaiactosyltransferase or CMAH to reduce the level of immunogenic epitope, and is used in combination with another RNA effector that targets a siaiidase to reduce the hydrolysis of terminal sialic acid,
  • the invention provides a method for producing a glycoprotein, comprising: (a) culturing a host cell that expresses said glycoprotein in a large scale cell culture, wherein said host ceil expresses target genes that are necessary for the glvcosylation of said glycoprotein with two or more of N-glycolymeuraminic acid, fucose and galactose-a-1 ,3-galactose; (b) adding two or more RNA effector molecules to said large scale cell culture, wherein each of said RNA effectors are substantially complementary to said target genes, and cultivating the large scale culture for a sufficient period of time such that the expression of the target genes are reduced or inhibited in said host ceil, thereby producing a glycoprotein with reductions in two or more of N-glycolymeuraminic acid, fucose and galactose-a- 1,3 -galactose as compared to a glycoprotein expressed under the same conditions but in the absence of said
  • RNA effector molecules that are suitable for modifying glycosylation process of a host cell has been disclosed in detail in WO 2011/005786, and is described brief below.
  • RNA effector molecules are ribonucleotide agents that are capable of reducing or preventing the expression of a target gene within a host cell, or ribonucleotide agents capable of forming a molecule that can reduce the expression level of a target gene within a host cell.
  • the complementary region may be the coding region, the promoter region, the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR), and/or the 5'-UTR of the target gene,
  • at least 16 contiguous nucleotides of the RNA effector molecule are complementary to the target sequence (e.g., at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or more contiguous nucleotides of the RNA effector molecule are complementary to the target sequence).
  • the RNA effector molecules interact with RNA transcripts of target genes and mediate their selective degrada tion or otherwise prevent their translation.
  • RNA effector molecules can comprise a single RNA strand or more than one RNA strand.
  • RNA effector molecules include, e.g., double stranded RNA
  • dsRN A microRN A
  • rmRNA microRN A
  • antisense RNA promoter-directed RNA
  • pdRNA promoter-directed RNA
  • piRNA Piwi- interacting RNA
  • eiRNA expressed interfering RNA
  • shRNA short hairpin RNA
  • antagomirs decoy RNA, DNA, plasmids and ap amers.
  • the RN A effector molecule can be single- stranded or double-stranded.
  • a single-stranded RN A effector molecule can have double- stranded regions and a double-stranded RNA effector can have single-stranded regions.
  • the RNA effector molecules are double-stranded RNA, wherein the antisense strand comprises a sequence that is substantially complementary to the target gene.
  • RNA effector molecule e.g., within a dsRNA (a double-stranded ribonucleic acid) may be fully complementary or substantially complementary. Generally, for a duplex up to 30 base pairs, the dsRNA comprises no more than 5, 4, 3 or 2 mismatched base pairs upon hybridization, while retaining the ability to regulate the expression of its target gene.
  • the RNA effector molecule comprises a single- stranded oligonucleotide that interacts with and directs the cleavage of RNA transcripts of a target gene.
  • single stranded RNA effector molecules comprise a 5' modification including one or more phosphate groups or analogs thereof to protect the effector molecule from nuclease degradation.
  • the RNA effector molecule can be a single-stranded antisense nucleic acid having a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a "sense" nucleic acid of a target gene, e.g., the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule or a RNA sequence, e.g., a pre-mRNA, mRNA, miRNA, or pre-miRNA. Accordingly, an antisense nucleic acid can form hydrogen bonds with a sense nucleic acid target.
  • antisense nucleic acids can be designed according to the rules of Watson- Crick base pairing.
  • the antisense nucleic acid can be complementary to the coding or noncoding region of a RNA, e.g., the region surrounding the translation start site of a pre-mRNA or mRNA, e.g., the 5' UTR.
  • An antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 10 to 25 nucleotides in length (e.g., 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 nucleotides in length).
  • the antisense oligonucleotide comprises one or more modified nucleotides, e.g., phosphorothioate derivatives and/or acridine substituted nucleotides, designed to increase its biological stability of the molecule and/or the physical stability of the duplexes formed between the antisense and target nucleic acids.
  • Antisense oligonucleotides can comprise ribonucleotides only, deoxyribonucleotides only (e.g., oligodeoxynucleotides), or both deoxyribonucleotid.es and ribonucleotides.
  • an antisense agent consisting only of ribonucleotides can hybridize to a complementary RNA and prevent access of the translation machinery to the target RNA transcript, thereby preventing protein synthesis.
  • An antisense molecule including only deoxyribonucleotides, or deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides, can hybridize to a complementary RNA and the RNA target can be subsequently cleaved by an enzyme, e.g., RNAse H, to prevent translation.
  • the flanking RNA sequences can include 2'-0-methylated nucleotides, and phosphorothioate linkages, and the internal DNA sequence can include phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages.
  • the internal DNA sequence is preferably at least five nucleotides in length when targeting by RN AseH activity is desired.
  • the RNA effector comprises a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), wherein said dsRNA (a) comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand that are substantially complementary to each other; and (b) wherein said antisense strand comprises a region of complementarity that is substantially complementary to one of the target genes, and wherein said region of complementarity is from 10 to 30 nucleotides in length.
  • dsRNA double-stranded ribonucleic acid
  • RNA effector molecule is a double-stranded oligonucleotide .
  • the duplex region formed by the two strands is small, about 30 nucleotides or less in length.
  • dsRNA is also referred to as siRNA.
  • the siRNA may be from 15 to 30 nucleotides in length, from 10 to 26 nucleotides in length, from 17 to 28 nucleotides in length, from 18 to 25 nucleotides in length, or from 19 to 24 nucleotides in length, etc.
  • the duplex region can be of any length that permits specific degradation of a desired target RNA through a RISC pathway, but will typically range from 9 to 36 base pairs in length, e.g., 15 to 30 base pairs in length.
  • the duplex region may be 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 base pairs in length, or any sub-range there between, including, e.g., 15 to 30 base pairs, 15 to 26 base pairs, 15 to 23 base pairs, 15 to 22 base pairs, 15 to 21 base pairs, 15 to 20 base pairs, 15 to 19 base pairs, 15 to 18 base pairs, 15 to 17 base pairs, 18 to 30 base pairs, 18 to 26 base pairs, 18 to 23 base pairs, 18 to 22 base pairs, 18 to 21 base pairs, 18 to 20 base pairs, 19 to 30 base pairs, 19 to 26 base pairs, 19 to 23 base pairs, 19 to 22 base pairs, 19 to 21 base pairs, 19 to 20 base pairs, 20 to to 30 base pairs
  • the two strands forming the duplex structure of a dsRNA can be from a single RNA molecule having at least one self-complementary region, or can be formed from two or more separate RNA molecules. Where the duplex region is formed from two strands of a single molecule, the molecule can have a duplex region separated by a single stranded chain of nucleotides (a "hairpin loop") between the 3 '-end of one strand and the 5 '-end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure.
  • a single stranded chain of nucleotides a "hairpin loop"
  • the hairpin loop can comprise at least one unpaired nucleotide; in some embodiments the hairpin loop can comprise at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 20, at least 23 or more unpaired nucleotides.
  • the two substantially complementary strands of a dsRN A are formed by separate RNA strands, the two strands can be optionally covalently linked.
  • the connecting structure is referred to as a "linker.”
  • dsRNAs having a duplex structure of between 20 and 23, but specifically 21, base pairs have been hailed as particularly effective in inducing RNA
  • a double-stranded oligonucleotide can include one or more single-stranded nucleotide overhangs, which are one or more unpaired nucleotide that protrudes from the terminus of a duplex structure of a double-stranded oligonucleotide, e.g., a dsRNA,
  • a double- stranded oligonucleotide can comprise an o verhang of at least one nucleotide; alternatively the overhang can comprise at least two nucleotides, at least three nucleotides, at least four nucleotides, at least five nucleotides or more.
  • the overhang(s) can be on the sense strand, the antisense strand or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the ucleotidefs) of an overhang can be present on the 5' end, 3' end, or both ends of either an antisense or sense strand of a dsRNA.
  • At least one end of a dsRNA has a single-stranded nucleotide overhang of 1 to 4, generally 1 or 2 nucleotides.
  • the overhang can comprise a deoxyribonucleoside or a nucleoside analog. Further, one or more of the internucloside linkages in the overhang can be replaced with a phosphorothioate. In some embodiments, the overhang comprises one or more
  • deoxyribonucleoside or the overhang comprises one or more d ' T, e.g., the sequence 5'-dTdT-3' or 5'-dTdTdT-3 ⁇
  • overhang comprises the sequence 5'-dT*dT-3, wherein * is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.
  • RNA effector molecule as described herein can contain one or more mismatches to the target sequence.
  • a RNA effector molecule as described herein contains no more than three mismatches.
  • the antisense strand of the RNA effector molecule contains one or more mismatches to a target sequence, it is preferable that the mismatch(s) is (are) not located in the center of the region of complementarity, but are restricted to be within the last 5 nucleotides from either the 5' or 3' end of the region of complementarity.
  • the antisense strand generally does not contain any mismatch within the central 13 nucleotides.
  • dsRNA can be synthesized by standard methods known in the art as further discussed below, e.g., by use of an automated DNA synthesizer, such as are
  • the RNA effector molecule is a promoter-directed
  • RNA which is substantially complementary to a noncoding region of an rnRNA transcript of a target gene.
  • the pdRNA is substantially complementary to the promoter region of a target gene mRNA at a site located upstream from the transcription start site, e.g., more than 100, more than 200, or more tha 1 ,000 bases upstream from the transcription start site.
  • the pdRNA is substantially complementary to the 3'-UTR. of a target gene mRNA transcript.
  • the pdRNA comprises dsRNA of 18-28 bases optionally having 3' di- or tri-nucleotide overhangs on each strand
  • the pdRNA comprises a gapmer consisting of a single stranded polynucleotide comprising a DNA sequence which is substantially complementary ' to the promoter or the 3'-UTR of a target gene mRNA transcript, and flanking the polynucleotide sequences (e.g., comprising the 5 terminal bases at each of the 5' and 3' ends of the gapmer) comprises one or more modified nucleotides, such as 2' MQE, 2'OMe, or Locked Nucleic Acid bases (LNA), which protect the gapmer from cellular nucleases.
  • modified nucleotides such as 2' MQE, 2'OMe, or Locked Nucleic Acid bases (LNA), which protect the gapmer from cellular nucleases.
  • pdRNA can be used to selectively increase, decrease, or otherwise modulate expression of a target gene. Without being limited to theory, it is believed that pdRNAs modulate expression of target genes by binding to endogenous antisense RN A transcripts which overlap with noncoding regions of a target gene mRNA transcript, and recruiting Argonaute proteins (in the case of dsRNA) or host cell nucleases (e.g., RNase H) (in the case of gapmers) to selectively degrade the endogenous antisense RNAs.
  • Argonaute proteins in the case of dsRNA
  • RNase H host cell nucleases
  • the endogenous antisense RNA negatively regulates expression of the target gene and the pdRNA effector molecule activates expression of the target gene
  • pdRNAs can be used to selectively activate the expression of a target gene by inhibiting the negative regulation of target gene expression by endogenous antisense RN A.
  • the RNA effector molecule comprises an aptamer which binds to a non-nucleic acid ligand, such as a small organic molecule or protein, e.g., a transcription or translation factor, and subsequently modifies (e.g., inhibits) activity.
  • a non-nucleic acid ligand such as a small organic molecule or protein, e.g., a transcription or translation factor
  • An aptamer can fold into a specific staicture that directs the recognition of a targeted binding site on the non-nucleic acid ligand.
  • Aptamers can contain any of the modifications described herein.
  • the RNA effector molecule comprises an antagomir.
  • a tagomirs are single stranded, double stranded, partially double stranded or hairpin structures that target a microRNA.
  • An antagomir consists essentially of or comprises at least 10 or more contiguous nucleotides substantially complementary to an endogenous miRNA and more particularly a target sequence of an miRNA or pre-miRNA nucleotide sequence,
  • Antagomirs preferably have a nucleotide sequence sufficiently complementary to a miRNA target sequence of about 12 to 25 nucleotides, such as about 15 to 23 nucleotides, to allow the antagomir to hybridize to the target sequence.
  • the target sequence differs by no more than 1, 2, or 3 nucleotides from the sequence of the antagomir.
  • the antagomir includes a non-nucleotide moiety, e.g., a cholesterol moiety, which can be attached, e.g., to the 3' or 5' end of the oligonucleotide agent.
  • antagomirs are stabilized against nucleoiytic degradation by the incorporation of a modification, e.g., a nucleotide modification.
  • antagomirs contain a phosphorothioate comprising at least the first, second, and/or third intemucleotide l inkages at the 5' or 3' end of the nucleotide sequence.
  • antagomirs include a 2 '-modified nucleotide, e.g., a 2'-deoxy, 2'- deoxy-2' ⁇ fiuoro, 2'-Q-m.ethyl, 2'-0-methox.yethyl (2' ⁇ 0-MOE), 2'-0-ammopropyl (2' ⁇ Q ⁇ AP), 2'-()-dimethyiaminoethyi (2'-0-DMAOE), 2'-0-dimethylaminopropyl (2'-0-D AP), 2'-0- dimethyiaminoethyloxyethyi (2'-0-DMAEOE), or 2'-0-N-methylacetamido (2'-0-NMA).
  • antagomirs include at least one 2 '-O-methyl-modified nucleotide.
  • the UNA effector molecule is a promoter-directed
  • RNA which is substantially complementary to a noncoding region of an mRNA transcript of a target gene.
  • the pdRNA can be substantially complementary to the promoter region of a target gene mRNA at a site located upstream from the transcription start site, e.g., more than 100, more than 200, or more than 1 ,000 bases upstream from the transcription start site.
  • the pdRNA can substantially complementary to the 3'-UTR of a target gene mRN A transcript,
  • the pdRNA comprises dsRNA of 18 to 28 bases optionally having 3' di- or tri-nucleotide overhangs on each strand.
  • the dsRNA is substantially complementary to the promoter region or the 3'-UTR region of a target gene mRNA transcript.
  • the pdRN A comprises a gapmer consisting of a single stranded polynucleotide comprising a DNA sequence which is substantially complementary to the promoter or the 3'-
  • Expressed interfering RNA can be used to selectively increase, decrease, or otherwise modulate expression of a target gene.
  • the dsRNA is expressed in the first transfected cell from an expression vector.
  • the sense strand and the aniisense strand of the dsRNA can be transcribed from the same nucleic acid sequence using e.g., two convergent promoters at either end of the nucleic acid sequence or separate promoters transcribing either a sense or antisense sequence.
  • two plasmids can be cotransfected, with one of the plasniids designed to transcribe one strand of the dsRNA while the other is designed to transcribe the other strand.
  • Methods for making and using eiRNA effector molecules are known in the art. See, e.g., WO 2006/033756; U.S. Patent Pubs. No. 2005/0239728 and No. 2006/0035344.
  • the RNA effector molecule comprises a small single- stranded Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA effector molecule) which is substantially
  • Aubergine subclasses of Argonaute proteins A piRNA effector molecule ca be about 10 to 50 nucleotides in length, about 25 to 39 nucleotides in length, or about 26 to 31 nucleotides in length. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2009/0062228.
  • MicroRNAs are a highly conserved class of small RNA molecules that are transcribed from DNA in the genomes of plants and animals, but are not translated into protein. Pre-microRNAs are processed into miRNAs. Processed microRNAs are single stranded ⁇ 17 to 25 nucleotide (nt) RNA molecules that become incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and have been identified as key regulators of development, cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. They are believed to play a role in regulation of gene expression by binding to the 3 '-untranslated region of specific mRN As.
  • RISC RNA-induced silencing complex
  • MicroRN As cause post- transcriptional silencing of specific target genes, e.g., by inhibiting translation or initiating degradation of the targeted mRNA.
  • the miRNA is completely complementary with the target nucleic acid.
  • the miRNA has a region of noncomplementarity with the target nucleic acid, resulting in a "bulge" at the region of non- complementarity.
  • the region of noncomplementarity (the bulge) is flanked by regions of sufficient com lementarity, e.g., complete com lementarity, to allo w duplex formation.
  • the regions of complementarity are at least 8 to 10 nucleotides long (e.g., 8, 9, or 10 nucleotides long).
  • miRNA can inhibit gene expression by, e.g., repressing translation, such as when the miRNA is not completely complementary to the target nucleic acid, or by causing target RNA degradation, when the miRN A binds its target with perfect or a high degree of complementarity .
  • the RNA effector molecule can include an
  • RNA effector can target an endogenous miRNA which negatively regulates expression of a target gene, such that the RNA effector alleviates mi NA-based inhibition of the target gene.
  • the miRNA can comprise naturally occurring nucieobases, sugars, and covalent intemucleotide (backbone) linkages, or comprise one or more non-naturally-occurring features that confer desirable properties, such as enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for the endogenous miRNA target, and/or increased stability in the presence of nucleases, in some embodiments, an miRNA designed to bind to a specific endogenous mi RNA. has substantial complementarity, e.g., at least 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%» complementary, with at least 10, 20, or 25 or more bases of the target miRN A. Exemplary oligonucleiotde agents that target miRNAs and pre-miRNAs are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Pubs. No. 20090317907,
  • a miRN A or pre-miRNA can be 10 to 200 nucleotides in length, for example from 16 to 80 nucleotides in length.
  • Mature miRN As can have a length of 16 to 30 nucleotides, such as 21 to 25 nucleotides, particularly 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleotides in length.
  • miRNA precursors can ha ve a length of 70 to 100 nucleotides and can have a hairpin conformation.
  • miRNAs are generated in vivo from pre-miRNAs by the enzymes cDicer and Droslia.
  • miRNAs or pre-miRNAs can be synthesized in vivo by a cell-based system or can be chemically synthesized.
  • mi NAs can comprise modifications which impart one or more desired properties, such as superior stability, hybridization thermodynamics with a target nucleic acid, targeting to a particular tissue or cell-type, and/or cell permeability, e.g., by an
  • the RNA effector molecule Upon contact with a cell expressing the target gene, the RNA effector molecule inhibits the expression of the target gene by at least 10%, as assayed by, for example, a PGR or branched DNA (bDNA)-based method, or by a protein-based method, such as by western blot, Expression of a target gene in cell culture can be assayed by measuring target gene mRNA levels, e.g., by bDNA or TAQMAN® assay, or by measuring protein levels, e.g., by immunofluorescence analysis or quantitative immunobiot.
  • target gene mRNA levels e.g., by bDNA or TAQMAN® assay
  • protein levels e.g., by immunofluorescence analysis or quantitative immunobiot.
  • an RNA effector may bechemically modified to enhance stability or other beneficial characteristics.
  • Oligonucleotides can be modified to prevent rapid degradation of the oligonucleotides by endo- and exo-nucleases and avoid undesirable off-target effects.
  • the nucleic acids featured in the invention can be synthesized and/or modified by methods well established in the art, such as those described in CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN NUCLEIC ACID
  • Modifications include, for example, (a) end modifications, e.g., 5' end modifications (phosphorylation, conjugation, inverted linkages, etc.), or 3' end modifications (conjugation, DNA nucleotides, inverted linkages, etc.); (b) base modifications, e.g., replacement with stabilizing bases, destabilizing bases, or bases that base pair with an expanded repertoire of partners, removal of bases (abasic nucleotides), or conjugated bases; (c) sugar modifications (e.g., at the 2' position or 4' position) or replacement of the sugar; as well as (d) intemucleoside linkage modifications, including modification or replacement of the phosphodiesier linkages.
  • end modifications e.g., 5' end modifications (phosphorylation, conjugation, inverted linkages, etc.), or 3' end modifications (conjugation, DNA nucleotides, inverted linkages, etc.
  • base modifications e.g., replacement with stabilizing bases, destabilizing bases, or bases that
  • oligonucleotide compounds useful in this invention include, but are not limited to RNAs containing modified backbones or no natural intemucleoside linkages.
  • RNAs having modified backbones include, among others, those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the backbone.
  • Specific examples of oligonucleotide compoimds useful in this invention include, but are not limited to oligonucleotides containing modified or non-natural intemucleoside linkages.
  • Oligonucleotides having modified internucioside linkages include, among others, those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the intemucleoside linkage.
  • Modified intemucleoside linkages include (e.g., RNA backbones) mclude, for example, phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, phosphotriesters, animoalkylphosphotriesters, methyl and other alkyl phosphonates including 3'-alkylene phosphonates and chiral phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphoramidat.es including 3 '-amino phosphoramidate and aminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates,
  • thionoalkylphosphonates thionoalkylphosphotriesters, and boranophosphat.es having normal 3 '-5' linkages, 2'-5' linked analogs of these, and those) having inverted polarity wherein the adjacent pairs of nucleoside units are linked 3'-5' to 5'-3' or 2'-5' to 5 '-2'.
  • Various salts, mixed salts and free acid forms are also included.
  • both the sugar and the internucleoside linkage may be modified, i.e., the backbone, of the nucleotide units are replaced with novel groups.
  • One such oligomeric compound a RNA mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization properties, is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). See, e.g., U.S. Patents No. 5,539,082;
  • Modified oligonucleotides can also contain one or more substituted sugar moieties.
  • the RNA effector molecules e.g., dsRNAs, can include one of the following at the 2' position: H (deoxyribose); OH (ribose); F; 0-, S-, or N-alkyl; 0-, S-, or N-alkenyl; 0-, S- or N- alkynyl; or O-alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, aikenyl and alkynyl can be substituted, or unsubstituted Q to Go alkyl or C 2 to Cio aikenyl and alkynyl, Exemplary suitable modifications include G[(CH 2 ) ri Q] m C3 ⁇ 4, 0(CH 2 ) ri GCH 3 , 0(CH 2 ) ri NH 2 , 0(CH 2 ) n CH 3 , 0
  • oligonucleotides include one of the following at the 2' position: G to C 10 lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, aikaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, 8C3 ⁇ 4, OCN, CI, Br, CN, CF 3 , OCF 3 , SOCH3, SO :(. ' ! ! ;.
  • the modification includes a 2' ⁇ methoxyethoxy (2 -0- CH 2 CH 2 OCH 3 , also known as 2'-0-(2-methoxyethyl) or 2'-MOE) (Martin et al, 78 Helv.
  • Oligonucleotides can also have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyl moieties in place of the pentofuranosyl sugar.
  • Representative patents that teach die preparation of such modified sugar structures include, but are not limited to, U.S. Patents No, 4,981,957; No. 5,118,800;
  • An oligonucleotide e.g., a RNA effector molecule
  • nucleobases include the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine
  • Modified nucleobases include other synthetic and natural nucleobases such as inosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, nubularine, isoguanisine, tubercidine, 2-(halo)adenine, 2 ⁇ (alkyi)adenine, 2-(propyl)adenme, 2
  • (thio)uracil 4-(thio)uracii, 5 (methyl) 4 (thio)uraciL 5 (methylaminomethyl)-4 (thio)uracil, 5 (methyl) 2,4 (dithio) uracil, 5 (methylammomethyl)-2,4 (dithio)uracil, 5 (2-aminopropyl)uracil, 5-(alkyl)uracii, 5-(alkyny[)uracil, 5-(al[ylamino)uracil, 5 (aminoallyl)uracil,
  • 5-(cyanoalkyl)uracil 5-(dialkylaminoalkyl)uracil, 5 (dimethylaminoalkyl)uracii, 5-(halo)uracil, 5-(methoxy)uracil, uracil-5 oxyacetic acid, 5 (methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2-(thio)uracil,
  • Modified nucleobases also include natural bases that comprise conjugated moieties, e.g., a ligand.
  • the oligonucleotides can also be modified to include one or more locked nucleic acids (LNA).
  • LNA locked nucleic acids
  • a locked nucleic acid is a nucleotide having a modified ribose moiety in which the ribose moiety comprises an extra bridge connecting the 2' and 4' carbons. This structure effectively "locks" the ribose in the 3 -endo structural conformation.
  • the addition of locked nucleic acids to oligonucleotide molecules has been shown to increase oligonucleotide molecule stability in serum, and to reduce off-target effects. Elmen et al., 33 Nucl. Acids Res. 439-47 (2005); Mook et al, 6 Moi. Cancer Ther.
  • the oligonucleotides of a RNA effector molecule can be modified by a non-ligand group.
  • a number of non-1 igand molecules have been conjugated to oligonucleotides in order to enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the oligonucleotides, and procedures for performing such conjugations are available in the scientific literature.
  • Such non-ligand moieties have included lipid moieties, such as cholesterol (Kubo et al, 365 Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm.
  • a phospholipid e.g., di-hexadecyl- rac-glycerol or triethylammonium 1 ,2-di-0-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate
  • RNA conjugates ha ve been listed herein.
  • Typical conjugation protocols involve the synthesis of an oligonucleotide bearing an aminolinker at one or more positions of the sequence. The amino group is then reacted with the molecule being conjugated using appropriate coupling or activating reagents.
  • the conjugation reaction can be performed either with the RNA still bound to the solid support or following cleavage of the RNA, in solution phase. Purification of the RNA. conjugate by HPLC typically affords the pure conjugate.
  • RNA effector molecules to cells can be achieved in a number of different ways.
  • suitable delivery methods are well known in the art.
  • the skilled person is directed to WO 20.1 1/005786, which discloses exemplar ⁇ ' delivery methods can be used in this invention at pages 187-219, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • delivery can be performed directly by administering a composition comprising a RNA effector molecule, e.g., an siRNA, into cell culture.
  • delivery can be performed indirectly by administering into the cell one or more vectors that encode and direct the expression of the RNA effector molecule.
  • A. reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake may be used, for example, an emulsion, a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, a charged lipid, a liposome, an anionic lipid, a penetration enhancer, a transfection reagent or a modification to the RNA.
  • effector molecule for attachment e.g., a ligand, a targeting moiety, a peptide, a lipophilic group, etc.
  • RNA effector molecules can be delivered using a drug delivery system such as a nanoparticle, a dendrimer, a polymer, a liposome, or a cationic deliver ⁇ ' system.
  • a drug delivery system such as a nanoparticle, a dendrimer, a polymer, a liposome, or a cationic deliver ⁇ ' system.
  • Positively charged cationic delivery systems facilitate binding of a RNA effector molecule (negatively charged) and also enhance interactions at the negatively charged cell membrane to permit efficient cellular uptake.
  • Cationic lipids, dendrimers, or polymers can either be bound to RNA effector molecules, or induced to form a vesicle, liposome, or micelle that encases the RNA effector molecule. See, e.g., Kim et al., 129 J. Contr. Release 107-16 (2008).
  • the reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake used herein comprises a charged lipid as described in U.S. Application Ser. No, 61/267,419, filed 7 December 2009.
  • RNA effector molecules described herein can be encapsulated within liposomes or can form complexes thereto, in particular to cationic liposomes.
  • the RNA effector molecules can be complexed to lipids, in particular to cationic lipids.
  • Suitable fatty acids and esters include but are not limited to arachidonic acid, oleic acid, eicosaiioic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, iinoleiiic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, nionooiein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-moiiocaprate,
  • the RNA effector molecules are fully encapsulated in the lipid formulation (e.g., to form a SPLP, pSPLP, SNALP, or other nucleic acid-lipid particle).
  • SNALP refers to a stable nucleic acid- lipid particle: a vesicle of lipids coating a reduced aqueous interior comprising a nucleic acid such as a RNA effector molecule or a plasmid from which a RNA effector molecule is transcribed.
  • SNALPs are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Pubs. No, 2006/0240093, No, 2007/0135372; No. 2009/0291131 ; U.S.
  • SPLP refers to a nucleic aeid- lipid particle comprising plasmid DNA encapsulated within a lipid vesicle.
  • SNALPs and SPLPs typically contain a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, and a lipid that prevents aggregation of the particle (e.g., a PEG-lipid conjugate).
  • SPLPs include "pSPLP,” which include an encapsulated condensing agent-nucleic acid complex as set forth in WO 00/03683.
  • the particles in this embodiment typically have a mean diameter of about 50 nm to about 150 nm, or about 60 nm to about 130 nm, or about 70 nm to about 1 10 nm, or typically about 70 nm to about 90 nm, inclusive, and are substantially nontoxic.
  • the nucleic acids when present in the nucleic acid- lipid particles of the present invention are resistant in aqueous solution to degradation with a nuclease. Nucleic acid-lipid particles and their method of preparation are reported in, e.g., U.S. Patents No. 5,976,567; No. 5,981,501; No. 6,534,484; No. 6,586,410; No. 6,815,432; and WO 96/40964.
  • the lipid to RNA ratio (mass/mass ratio) (e.g., lipid to dsRNA ratio) can be in ranges of from about 1 : 1 to about 50: 1, from about 1 : 1 to about 25: 1, from about 3: 1 to about 15: 1 , from about 4: 1 to about 10: 1 , from about 5: 1 to about 9: 1, or about 6: 1 to
  • a cationic lipid of the formulation can comprise at l east one protonatable group having a p a of from 4 to 15.
  • the cationic lipid can be, for example, N,N-dioleyl-N,N- dimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), N,N-distearyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), N-(I-(2,3- dioleoyloxy)propyi)-N,N,N rimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP), N-(I- (2,3- dioleyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N- rimethylammoni m chloride (DOTMA), N,N-dimethyl-2,3- dioleyloxy propylamine (DODMA), 1 ,2-DiLinoleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropaiie
  • DODAC N,N-dioleyl-N,N- dimethylammoni
  • DLinAP 3-(N,N-DioleyIamino)- 1 ,2-propanedio
  • DOAP 1,2-Dilinoleyloxo-3-(2-N,N- dimeihylarmno)ethoxypropane
  • DLin-EG-DMA 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethy3.aminomethyl-[l,3]- dioxolane
  • DLin-K-DMA 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethy[aminoethyl-[l,3]-dioxolane, or a mixture thereof.
  • the cationic lipid can comprise from about 20 mol% to about 70 mol%, inclusive, or about 40 mol% to about 60 mol %, inclusive, of the total lipid present in the particle. In one embodiment, cationic lipid can be further conjugated to a ligand.
  • a non-cationic lipid can be an anionic lipid or a neutral lipid, such as distearoyl-phospbatidylcholine (DSPC), dioieoyiphosphatidyichoiine (DOPC), dipalmitoyl- phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), dipalmitoyl- phosphatidyl glycerol (DPPG), dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), palmitoyloleoyl- phosphatidylcholine (POPC), palmitoyloieoyl- phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), dioleoyl- phosphatidylethanol amine 4-(N-maleimidorn.ethyl)-cyclohexane-l- carboxylate (DOPE-mal), dipalmitoy 1 phosphatidyl ethanol ethanol
  • the non-cationic lipid can be from about 5 mol% to about 90 mol%, inclusive, of about 10 mol%, to about 58 moi%, inclusive, if cholesterol is included, of the total lipid present in the particle.
  • the lipid that inhibits aggregation of particles can be, for example, a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-lipid including, without limitation, a PEG-diacylglycerol (DAG), a PEG-dialkyloxypropyl (DAA), a PEG-phospholipid, a PEG-ceramide (Cer), or a mixture thereof.
  • PEG-DAA can be, for example, a PEG-dilauryloxypropyi (CI 2), a PEG- dimyristyloxypropyl (CI 4), a PEG-dipalmityloxypropyl (CI 6), or a PEG- distearyloxypropyl (CI 8).
  • the lipid that prevents aggregation of particles can be from 0 mol % to about 20 mol % or about 2 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle, in one embodiment, PEG lipid can be further conjugated to a ligand.
  • the nucleic acid-lipid particle further includes a steroid such as, cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol% to about 60 mol%, inclusive, or about 48 mol% of the total lipid present in the particle.
  • a steroid such as, cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol% to about 60 mol%, inclusive, or about 48 mol% of the total lipid present in the particle.
  • the lipid particle comprises a steroid, a PEG lipid and a cationic lipid of formula (I):
  • each Xa and Xb for each occurrence, is independently C I -6 alkylene;
  • m 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4; Y is absent, O, NR Z , or S; R 1 is alkyl alkenyl or alkynyl; each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents; and R 2 is H, alkyl alkenyl or alkynyl; each of which is optionally substituted each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents,
  • the lipidoid ND98-4HC1 (MW 1487) (Formula 2)
  • Cholesterol (Sigma-Aldrich), and PEG-Ceramide CI 6 (Avanti Polar Lipids) can be used to prepare lipid RNA effector molecule nanoparticles (e.g., LNP01 particles).
  • Stock solutions of each in ethanol can be prepared as follows: ND98, 133 mg/mL; Cholesterol, 25 mg mL, PEG- Ceramide C I 6, 100 mg/mL, The ND98, Cholesterol, and PEG-Ceramide C 16 stock solutions can then be combined in, e.g., a 42:48: 10 molar ratio.
  • the combined lipid solution can be mixed with aqueous RNA effector molecule (e.g., in sodium acetate pH 5) such that the final ethanol concentration is about 35% to 45% and the final sodium acetate concentration is about 100 roM to 300 mM, inclusive.
  • aqueous RNA effector molecule e.g., in sodium acetate pH 5
  • Lipid RNA effector molecule nanoparticles typically form spontaneously upon mixing.
  • the resultant nanoparticle mixture can be extruded through a polycarbonate membrane (e.g., 100 urn cut-off) using, for example, a thermobarrel extruder, such as Lipex Extruder (Northern Lipids, Inc). In some cases, the extrusion step can be omitted.
  • Ethanol removal and simultaneous buffer exchange can be accomplished by, for example, dialysis or tangential flow filtration.
  • Buffer can be exchanged with, for example, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at about pH 7, e.g., about pH 6,9, about pH 7,0, about pH 7.1, about pH 7.2, about pH 7.3, or about pH 7.4.
  • PBS phosphate buffered saline
  • the nucleic acid-iipid particle further includes a steroid such as, cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol% to about 60 mo!%, inclusive, or about 48 mol% of the total lipid present in the particle.
  • a steroid such as, cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol% to about 60 mo!%, inclusive, or about 48 mol% of the total lipid present in the particle.
  • LNP01 formulations are described elsewhere, e.g., WO 2008/042973.
  • the reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake used herein comprises a cationic lipid as described in e.g., U.S. Application Ser, No. 61/267,419, filed 7 December 2009, and U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/334,398, filed 13 May 2010.
  • the RNA effector molecule composition described herein comprises a cationic lipid as described in e.g., U.S. Application Ser, No. 61/267,419, filed 7 December 2009, and U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/334,398, filed 13 May 2010.
  • lipid comprisescomprises a cationic lipid selected from the group consisting of: “Lipid H”, “Lipid K”; “Lipid L”, “Lipid M”; “Lipid P”; or “Lipid R”, whose formulas are indicated as follows:
  • lipids described above such as, e.g., 8, P8 and L8 which refer to formulations comprising Lipid K, P, and L, respectively.
  • P8 and L8 which refer to formulations comprising Lipid K, P, and L, respectively.
  • Some exemplary lipid formulations for use with the methods and compositions described herein are found in e.g., Table 3:
  • the RNA effector molecule composition described herein further comprises a lipid formulation comprising a lipid selected from the group consisting of Lipid H, Lipid K, Lipid L, Lipid M, Lipid P, and Lipid R, and further comprises a neutral lipid and a sterol.
  • the lipid formulation comprises between approxima tely 25 mol % - 100 moi% of the lipid.
  • the lipid formulation comprises between 0 mol % - 50 mol% cholesterol.
  • the lipid formulation comprises between 30 mol% - 65 mol% of a neutral lipid.
  • the lipid formulation comprises the relative mol % of the components as listed in Table 4 as follows:
  • LNP1 1 formulations and MC3 comprising formulations are described, e.g., in U.S. Provisional Serial No. 61/244,834, filed September 22, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
  • Formulations prepared by either the standard or extrusion-free method can be characterized in similar manners.
  • formulations are typically characterized by visual inspection. They should be whitish translucent solutions free from aggregates or sediment. Particle size and particle size distribution of lipid-nanopartieles can be measured by light scattering using, for example, a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern, PA). Particles should be about 20-300 nm, such as 40-100 nm in size. The particle size distribution should be unimodai. The total dsRNA effector molecule concentration in the formulation, as well as the entrapped fraction, is estimated using a dye exclusion assay.
  • RNA-binding dye such as Ribogreen (Molecular Probes)
  • a formulation disrupting surfactant e.g. 0.5% Triton- XI 00.
  • the total RNA effector molecule in the formulation can be determined by the signal from the sample containing the surfactant, relative to a standard curve.
  • the entrapped fraction is determined by subtracting the "free" RNA effector molecule content (as measured by the signal in the absence of surfactant) from the total RN A effector molecule content.
  • Percen t entrapped RNA effector molecule is typically >85%.
  • the particle size is at least 30 nm, at least 40 nm, at least 50 nm, at least 60 nm, at least 70 nm, at least 80 nm, at least 90 nm, at least 100 nm, at least 1 10 nm, or at least 120 nm.
  • the suitable range is typically about at least 50 nm to about at least 110 nm, about at least 60 nm to about at least 100 nm, or about at least 80 nm to about at least 90 nm, inclusive,
  • Liposomes are unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles which have a membrane formed from a lipophilic material and an aqueous interior. The aqueous portion contains the composition to be delivered.
  • Cationic liposomes possess the advantage of being able to fuse to the cell wall.
  • Non-cationic liposomes although not able to fuse as efficiently with the cell wall, are taken up by macrophages in vivo.
  • lipid vesicles In order to cross intact cell membranes, lipid vesicles must pass through a series of fine pores, each with a diameter less than 50 nm, under the influence of a suitable transdermal gradient. Therefore, it is desirable to use a liposome which is highly deformable and able to pass through such fine pores.
  • liposomes obtained from natural phospholipids are biocompatible and biodegradable; liposomes can incorporate a wide range of water and lipid soluble drugs; and liposomes can protect encapsulated drugs in their internal compartments from metabolism and degradation. See, e.g., Wang et ai., DRUG DEL.IV.
  • Liposomes are useful for the transfer and delivery of active ingredients to the site of action. Because the liposomal membrane is structurally similar to biological membranes, when liposomes are applied to a tissue, the liposomes start to merge with the cellular membranes and as the merging of the liposome and ceil progresses, the liposomal contents are emptied into the cell where the active agent may act. Liposomal formulations have been the focus of extensive investigation as the mode of delivery for many drags.
  • liposomes present several advantages over other formulations, Such advantages include reduced side-effects related to high systemic absorption of the administered drug, increased accumulation of the administered drug at the desired target, and the ability to administer a wide variety of drugs, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, into the skin.
  • Liposomes fall into two broad classes. Cationic liposomes are positively charged liposomes which interact with the negatively charged polynucleotide molecules to form a stable complex. The positively charged polynucleotide/liposome complex binds to the negatively charged ceil surface and is internalized in an endosome. Due to the acidic pH within the endosome, the liposomes are ruptured, releasing their contents into the cell cytoplasm. Wang et ai,, 147 Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commuii., 980-85 (1987). [00224] Liposomes which are pH-sensitive or negatively-charged, entrap polynucleotide rather than complex wit it.
  • liposomal composition includes phospholipids other than naturally-derived phosphatidylcholine.
  • Neutral liposome compositions for example, can be formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC).
  • Anionic liposome compositions generally are formed from dimyristoyl
  • phosphatidylglyeerol while anionic fusogenic liposomes are formed primarily from dioleoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DOPE).
  • DOPE dioleoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine
  • Another type of liposomal composition is formed from phosphatidylcholine (PC) such as, for example, soybean PC, and egg PC.
  • PC phosphatidylcholine
  • Another type is formed from mixtures of phospholipid and/or phosphatidylcholine and/or cholesterol.
  • Liposomes also include "sterically stabilized" liposomes, a term which, as used herein, refers to liposomes comprising one or more specialized lipids that, when incorporated into liposomes, result in enhanced circulation lifetimes relative to liposomes lacking such specialized lipids.
  • sterically stabilized liposomes are those in which part of the vesicle-forming lipid portion of the liposome (A) comprises one or more glycolipids, such as monosialoganglioside GMl, or (B) is derivatized with one or more hvdrophilic polymers, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety.
  • PEG polyethylene glycol
  • antibodies can be conjugated to a polyakylene derivatized liposome (see e.g., PCT Application US 2008/0014255).
  • Klibanov et al. (268 FEBS Lett, 235 (1990)), described experiments demonstrating that liposomes comprising phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) derivatized with PEG or PEG stearate have significant increases in blood circulation half-lives.
  • DSPE distearoylphospbatidylethanolamine
  • PEG PEG
  • Liposomes having covale tly bound PEG moieties on their external surface are described in European Patent No. 0445131 Bl and WO 90/04384 to Fisher,
  • Liposome compositions containing 1-20 mol% of PE derivatized with PEG, and methods of use thereof, are described by Woodle et al. (U.S. Patents No. 5,013,556;
  • Liposomes comprising a number of other lipid-poiymer conjugates are disclosed in WO 91/05545 and U.S. Patent No. 5,225,212 and in WO 94/20073. Liposomes comprising PEG-modified ceramide lipids are described in WO 96/10391. U.S. Patents
  • liposomes can optionally be prepared to contain surface groups, such as antibodies or antibody fragments, small effector molecules for interacting with cell-surface receptors, antigens, and other like compounds, and these groups can facilitate delivery of liposomes and their contents to specific cell populations.
  • Such ligands ca be included in the liposomes by including in the liposomal lipids a lipid derivatized with the targeting molecule, or a lipid having a polar-head chemical group that can be derivatized with the targeting molecule in preformed liposomes.
  • a targeting moiety can be inserted into preformed liposomes by incubating the preformed liposomes with a ligand-polymer-lipid conjugate.
  • Lipids can be derivatized using a variety of targeting moieties, such as ligands, cell surface receptors, glycoproteins, vitamins (e.g., riboflavin) and monoclonal antibodies by covalently attaching the ligand to the free distal end of a hydrophilic polymer chain, which is attached at its proximal end to a vesicle-forming lipid.
  • targeting moieties such as ligands, cell surface receptors, glycoproteins, vitamins (e.g., riboflavin) and monoclonal antibodies
  • ligands e.g., cell surface receptors, glycoproteins, vitamins (e.g., riboflavin) and monoclonal antibodies
  • PEG hydrophilic polymer polyethyleneglycol
  • a number of liposomes comprising nucleic acids are known in the art, such as methods for encapsulating high molecular weight nucleic acids in liposomes.
  • WO 96/40062 discloses protein-bonded liposomes and asserts that the contents of such liposomes can include a dsRNA.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,665,710 to Rahman et al. describes certain methods of encapsulating oligodeoxynucleotid.es in liposomes.
  • WO 97/04787 to Love et al. discloses liposomes comprising dsRNAs targeted to the raf gene.
  • methods for preparing a liposome composition comprising a nucleic acid can be found in, e.g., U.S. Patents No. 6,011,020; No. 6,074,667; No. 6,1 10,490; No. 6,147,204;
  • Transfersomes are yet another type of liposomes, and are highly deformable lipid aggregates which are attractive candidates for drug delivery vehicles.
  • Transfersomes can be described as lipid droplets which are so highly deformable that they are easily able to penetrate through pores which are smaller than the droplet, Transfersomes are adaptable to the environment in which they are used, e.g., they are self-optimizing, self-repairing, frequently reach their targets without fragmenting, and often self-loading.
  • surface edge-activators usually surfactants
  • Encapsulated nanoparticles can also be used for delivery of RNA effector molecules.
  • encapsulated nanoparticles include those created using yeast cell wall particles (YCWP).
  • YCWP yeast cell wall particles
  • glucan-encapsulated siRNA particles are pay load delivery systems made up of a yeast cell wall particle (YCWP) exterior and a multilayered nanoparticle interior, wherein the multilayered nanoparticle interior has a core comprising a payload complexed with a trapping agent.
  • Glucan-encapsulated delivery systems such as those described in U.S. Patent Applications Ser. No. 12/260,998, filed October 29, 2008, can be used to deliver siRNA duplexes to achieve silencing in vitro and in vivo, ,
  • a host cell can be derived from a yeast, insect, amphibian, fish, reptile, bird, mammal or human, or can be a hybridoma cell.
  • Host cells can be unmodified cells or cell lines, or cell lines which have been genetically modified (e.g., to facilitate production of a biological product).
  • the host cell is a ceil line that has been modified to allow for growth under desired conditions, such as in serum-free media, in cell suspension culture, or in adherent cell culture.
  • a mammalian host cell can be advantageous where the glycoprotein is a mammalian glycoprotein, particularly if the glycoprotein is a biotberapeutic agent or is otherwise intended for administration to or consumption by humans.
  • the host ceil is a CHO cell, which is a cell line used for the expression of many recombinant proteins. Additional mammalian cell lines used commonly for the expression of recombinant proteins include 293HEK ceils, HeLa ceils, COS cells, NIH/3T3 cells, Jurkat Cells, NSO cells, and HUVEC cells.
  • the host cell is a CHO cell derivative that has been modified genetically to facilitate production of recombinant proteins.
  • various CHO cell strains have been developed which permit stable insertion of recombinant DNA into a specific gene or expression region of the cells, amplification of the inserted DNA, and selection of cells exhibiting high le vel expression of the recombinant protein.
  • CHO cell derivatives useful in methods provided herein include, but are not limited to, CHO-Kl cells, CHO-DUKX, CHO-DUKX Bl, CHO-DG44 ceils, CHO-ICAM-1 cells, and CHO-hlFNy cells, Methods for expressing recombinant proteins in CHO cells are known in the art and are described, e.g., in U.S. Patents No. 4,816,567 and No. 5,981,214.
  • Examples of human cell lines useful in methods provided herein include the cell lines 293T (embryonic kidney), 786-0 (renal), A498 (renal), A549 (alveolar basal epithelial), ACHN (renal), BT-549 (breast), BxPC-3 (pancreatic), CAKI-1 (renal), Capan-i (pancreatic), CCRF-CEM (leukemia), COLO 205 (colon), DLD-1 (colon), DMS 114 (small ceil lung), DU145 (prostate), EKVX (non-small cell lung), HCC-2998 (colon), HCT-15 (colon), HCT-1 16 (colon), HT29 (colon), S IT- 1080 (fibrosarcoma), HEK 293 (embryonic kidney), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), HL-60(TB) (leukemia), HOP-62 (non- small cell lung), HOP-
  • adenocarcinoma IG -OV1 (ovarian), IMR32 (neuroblastoma), Jurkat (T lymphocyte), K-562 (leukemia), KM 12 (colon), KM20L2 (colon), LANS (neuroblastoma), LNCap.FGC (Caucasian prostate adenocarcmoma), LOX IMV1 (melanoma), LXFL 529 (non-small cell lung), M 14 (melanoma), M19-MEL (melanoma), MALME-3M (melanoma), MCFIOA (mammary epithelial), MCI ' 7 (mammary), MDA-MB-453 (mammary epithelial), MDA-MB-468 (breast), MDA-MB-231 (breast), MDA-N (breast), MOLT-4 (leukemia), NCl/ADR-RES (ovarian), NCI- 1122.0 (non-small cell lung
  • non-human primate cell lines useful in methods provided herein include the cell lines monkey kidney (CVI-76), African green monkey kidney (VERO-76), green monkey fibroblast (COS-1), and monkey kidney (CVI) cells transformed by SV40 (COS- 7). Additional mammalian cell lines are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are catalogued at the American Type Culture Collection catalog (Manassas, VA).
  • rodent cell lines useful in methods provided herein include the ceil lines baby hamster kidney (BHK) (e.g., BHK21, BH TK), mouse Sertoli (TM4), buffalo rat liver (BRL 3A), mouse mammary tumor (MMT), rat hepatoma (HTC), mouse myeloma (NS0), murine hybridoma (Sp2/0), mouse thymoma (EL4), Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) and CHO cell derivatives, murine embryonic (NIH/3T3, 3T3 Li), rat myocardial (H9c2), mouse myoblast (C2C12), and mouse kidney (miMCD-3).
  • BHK baby hamster kidney
  • TM4 mouse Sertoli
  • BBL 3A buffalo rat liver
  • MMT mouse mammary tumor
  • HTC mouse myeloma
  • Sp2/0 murine hybridoma
  • EL4 mouse thymoma
  • CHO Chinese Ham
  • the host cell is a multipotent stem cell or progenitor cell.
  • multipotent cells useful in methods provided herein include murine embryonic stem (ES-D3) cells, human umbilical vein endothelial (HuVEC) cells, human umbilical artery smooth muscle (HuASMC) cells, human differentiated stem (HKB-I1) cells, human
  • hMSC mesenchymal stem
  • IPS induced piuripotent stem
  • the host cell is an insect cell, such as Sf9 cell line (derived from pupal ovarian tissue of Spodoptera frugiperda); Hi-5 (derived from Trichoplusia ni egg cell homogenates); or S2 ceils (from Drosophila melanogasier).
  • Sf9 cell line derived from pupal ovarian tissue of Spodoptera frugiperda
  • Hi-5 derived from Trichoplusia ni egg cell homogenates
  • S2 ceils from Drosophila melanogasier
  • the host cells are suitable for growth in suspension cultures.
  • Suspension-competent host cells are generally monodisperse or grow in loose aggregates without substantial aggregation, Suspension-competent host cells include cells that are suitable for suspension culture without adaptation or manipulation (e.g., hematopoietic cells, lymphoid cells) and cells that have been made suspension-competent by modification or adaptation of attachment-dependent cel ls (e.g., epithelial cel ls, fibroblasts).
  • the host ceil is an attachment dependent ceil which is grown and maintained in adherent culture.
  • human adherent ceil lines useful in methods provided herein include the ceil lines human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5 Y, IMR32, and LANS), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), human breast epithelial (MCFIOA), human embryonic kidney (293T), and human breast carcinoma (SK-BR3),
  • the host ceil is a cell line that has been modified to allow for growth under desired conditions, such as in serum-free media, in cell suspension culture, or in adherent cell culture.
  • the host cell can be, for example, a human Namalwa Burkitt lymphoma cell (BLcl-kar-Namalwa), baby hamster kidney fibroblast (BHK), CHQ cell, Murine myeloma cell (NSO, SP2/0), hybridoma cell, human embryonic kidney cell (293 HEK), human retina-derived cell (PER.C6® ceils, U.S. Patent No. 7,550,284), insect cell line (Sf9, derived from pupal ovarian tissue of Spodoptera frugiperda or Hi-5, derived from Trichoplusia ni egg cell homogenates; see also U.S. Patent No.
  • Madin-Darby canine kidney cell ( Mi X ' K h primary mouse brain cells or tissue, primary calf lymph cells or tissue, primary monkey kidney cells, embryonated chicken egg, primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF), Rhesus fetal lung cell (FRhL-2), Human fetal lung ceil (W!-38, MRC-5), African green monkey kidney epithelial cell (Vero, CV-1), Rhesus monkey kidney cell (LLC-MK2), or yeast cell.
  • Additional mammalia ceil lines commonly used for the expression of recombinant proteins include, but are not limited to, HeLa cells, COS cells, NIH/3T3 cells, Jurkat Cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) ceils.
  • Host cells can be unmodified or genetically modified (e.g., a cell from a transgenic animal).
  • CEFs from transgenic chicken eggs can have one or more genes essential for the IFN pathway, e.g., interferon receptor, STAT1, etc., has been disrupted, i.e., is a "knockout.”
  • IFN pathway e.g., interferon receptor, STAT1, etc.
  • the cell can be modified to allow for growth under desired conditions, e.g., incubation at 30°C.
  • the host cells may express the glycoprotein of interest endogenously, or alternatively, the host ceil may be engineered to express an exogenous glycoprotein.
  • a host cell may be transfected with one or more expression vectors that encode the glycoprotein.
  • the nucleic acid molecule encoding the glycoprotein may be transiently introduced into the host cell, or stably integrated into the genome of the host cell.
  • one or more recombinant expression vectors encoding the light and/or heavy chains of the antibody (or an antigen-binding fragment of the antibody) may be transfected, such that the light and/or heavy chains are expressed in the host cell.
  • the glycoprotein may be secreted into the medium in which the host cell is cultured, from which medium the glycoprotein can be recovered.
  • Standard recombinant DNA methodologies may be used to obtain a nucleic acid that encodes a glycoprotein, incorporate the nucleic acid into an expression vector and introduce the vector into a host cell, such as those described in Sambrook, et al. (eds), Molecular Cloning; A. Laboratory Manual, Third Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, (2001); Ausubel, F. M, et al, (eds. ) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons (1995).
  • a nucleic acid encoding the glycoprotein may be inserted into an expression vector or vectors such that the nucleic acids are operably linked to transcriptional and translational control sequences.
  • the expression vector and expression control sequences are generally chosen to be compatible with the expression host cell used.
  • nucleic acids encoding the light and heavy chain variable regions may be first obtained. These nucleic acids can be obtained by amplification and modification of human germline ligh t and heavy chain variable region genes using PCR. Germline DNA sequences for human heavy and light chain variable region genes are known in the art.
  • the expression vector may additionally carry regulatory sequences that control the expression of the
  • glycoprotein in a host cell such as promoters, enhancers or other expression control elements (e. g. , polyadenylation signals) that control the transcription or translation of the nucleic acid(s).
  • expression control elements e. g. , polyadenylation signals
  • Such regulatory sequences are known in the art (see, e.g., Goeddel, Gene Expression
  • Exemplary regulator ⁇ ' sequences for mammalian host cell expression include viral elements that direct high le vels of protein expression in mammalian cells, such as promoters and/or enhancers derived from
  • CMV cytomegalovirus
  • SV40 Simian Virus 40
  • adenovirus e. g. , the adenovirus major late promoter
  • AdMLP AdMLP
  • the recombinant expression vectors of the invention may carry additional sequences, such as sequences that regulate replication of the vector in host ceils (e, g. , origins of replication) and selectable marker genes.
  • the expression vector(s) encoding the glycoprotein may be transfected into a host cell by standard techniques, such as electroporation, calcium-phosphate precipitation, or DEAE-dextran trans fection. If desired, viral vectors, such as retro-viral vectors, may also be used to generate stable cell lines (as a source of a continuous supply of the glycoprotein).
  • the methods described herein can be applied to any size of cell culture flask and/or bioreactor.
  • the methods can be applied in bioreactors or cell cultures of 10 L, 30 L, 50 L, 100 L, 150 L, 200 L, 300 L, 500 L, 1000 L, 2000 L, 3000 L, 4000 L, 5000 L, 10,000 L or larger.
  • the cell culture size can range from 10 L to 5000 L, from 10 L to 10,000 L, from 10 I, to 20,000 L, from 10 I, to 50,000 L, from 40 I, to 50,000 L, from 100 L to 50,000 L, from 500 L to 50,000 L, from 1000 L to 50,000 L, from 2000 L to 50,000 L, from 3000 I, to 50,000 L, from 4000 L to 50,000 L, from 4500 L to 50,000 L, from 1000 L to 10,000 L, from 1000 L to 20,000 L, from 1000 L to 25,000 L, from 1000 L to
  • Media components include, e.g., buffer, amino acid content, vitamin content, salt content, mineral content, serum content, carbon source content, lipid content, nucleic acid content, hormone content, trace element content, ammonia content, co-factor content, indicator content, small molecule content, hydrolysate content and enzyme modulator content.
  • the growth medium is a chemically defined media such as Biowhittaker ⁇
  • POWERCHO® (Lonza, Basel, Switzerland), HYCLO E PF CHOTM (Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific), GlBCO® CD DG44 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA), Medium Ml 99 (Sigma- Aldrich), OPTTPROTM SFM (Gibco), etc).
  • RNA effector molecules are added to the cell culture to regulate the expression level (s) of target gene(s). If more than two or more RNA effector molecules are used, they may be provided at the same concentration, or different concentrations. The RNA effectors may be added simultaneously into the cell culture, or added at different times into the cell culture.
  • an effective amount of an RNA effector is added to the cell culture to allow sufficient reduction of the expression of a target gene, For example, an effecti ve amoun t of an RNA effector is added to the cell culture such that the expression level of its target gene is reduced by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85%.
  • RNA effector molecule in general, will be in the range of 0.001 to 200.0 milligrams per unit volume per day.
  • the RNA effector molecule may be provided in the range of 0.001 nM to 200 mM per day, generally in the range of 0.1 nM to 500 nM.
  • a dsRNA can be administered at 0.01 nM, 0.05 nM, 0.1 nM, 0.5 nM, 0.75 nM, 1 nM, 1.5 nM, 2 nM, 3 nM, 10 nM, 20 nM, 30 nM, 40 nM, 50 nM, 100 nM, 200 nM, 400 nM, or 500 nM per single dose.
  • the RNA effector molecule is administered a cell culture at a concentration less tha about 50nM,
  • the composition ca be added to the cell culture once daily, or the RNA effector molecule can be added as two, three, or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day or delivery through a controlled release formulation. In that case, the RNA effector molecule contained in each sub-dose must be correspondingly smaller in order to achieve the total daily dosage.
  • the dosage unit can also be compounded for delivery over several days, e.g., using a conventional sustained release formulation, which provides sustained release of the RN A effector mol ecule over a several-day-period.
  • the effect of a single dose on target gene transcript levels can be long-lasting, such that subsequent doses are administered at not more than 3-, 4-, or 5-day intervals, or at not more than 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-week intervals.
  • the administration of the RNA effector molecule may be ceased at least 6 hr, at least 12 hr, at least 18 hr, at least 36 hr, at least 48 hr, at least 60 hr, at least 72 hr, at least 96 hr, or at least 120 hr, or at least 1 week, before isolation of the biol ogical product.
  • contacting a host cell (e.g., in a large scale host cell culture) with a RNA effector molecule is complete at least 6 hr, at least 12 hr, at least 18 hr, at least 36 hr, at least 48 hr, at least 60 hr, at least 72 hr, at least 96 hr, or at least 120 hr, or at least 1 week, before isolation of the biological product.
  • a RNA effector molecule may be beneficial to provide to the host cell cultures in a way that a constant number (or at least a minimum number) of RNA effector molecules per each cell is maintained. Maintaining the levels of the RNA effector molecule as such can ensure that modulation of target gene expression is main tained even at high cell densities,
  • the amount of a RNA effector molecule can also be administered according to the cell density, In such embodiments, the RNA effector molecule(s) is added at a
  • the RNA effector molecule may be administered at a dose of at least 10 molecules per cell, at least 20 molecules per cell (molecules/cell), at least 30
  • molecules/cell at least 40 molecules/cell, at least 50 molecules/cell, at least 60 molecules/cell, at least 70 molecules/cell, at least 80 molecules/cell, at least 90 molecules/cell at least 100 molecules/cell, at least 200 molecules/cell, at least 300 molecules/cell, at least 400
  • molecules/cell at least 500 molecules/cell, at least 600 molecules/cell, at least 700
  • molecules/cell at least 2000 molecules/cell, at least 5000 molecules/cell or more, inclusive.
  • the RNA effector molecule is administered at a dose within the range of 10-100 molecules/cell, 10-90 molecules/cell, 10-80 molecules/cell, 10-70 molecules/cell, 10-60 molecules/ceil, 10-50 molecules/cell, 10-40 molecules/cell, 10-30 molecules/cell, 10-20 molecules/cell, 90-100 molecules/ceil, 80-100 molecules/ceil, 70-100 molecules/cell, 60-100 molecules/cell, 50-100 molecules/ceil, 40-100 molecules/cell, 30-100 molecules/cell, 20-100 molecules/cell, 30-60 molecules/cell, 30-50 molecules/cell, 40-50 molecules/cell, 40-60 molecules/ceil, or any range there between.
  • the RNA effector molecule is administered as a sterile aqueous solution, In one embodiment, the RNA effector molecule is formulated in a non-lipid formulation. In another embodiment, the RNA effector molecule is formulated in a cationic or non-cationic lipid formulation. In still another embodiment, the RNA effector molecule is formulated in a cell medium suitable for culturing a host cell (e.g., a serum-free medium).
  • a cell medium suitable for culturing a host cell e.g., a serum-free medium.
  • glycoproteins produced in accordance with the methods described herein can be harvested from host ceils, and purified using any suitable methods.
  • methods for purifying polypeptides by immune-affinity chromatography are known in the art. Ruiz-Arguello et al, J. Gen. Virol, 55:3677-3687 (2004).
  • Suitable methods for purifying desired glycoprotein including precipitation and various types of chromatography, such as hydrophobic interaction, ion exchange, affinity, chelating and size exclusion are well-known in the art.
  • Suitable purification schemes can be created using two or more of these or other suitable methods.
  • the glycoprotein can include a "tag" that facilitates purification, such as an epitope tag or a HIS tag.
  • Such tagged polypeptides can conveniently be purified, for example from conditioned media, by chelating chromatography or affinity chromatography.
  • the tag sequence may be cleaved post-purification.
  • normal phase liquid chromatography can be used to separate giycans and/or glycoproteins based on polarity.
  • Reverse-phase chromatography can be used, e.g., with derivatized sugars.
  • Anion-exchange columns can be used to purify sialylated, phosphorylated, and sulfated sugars.
  • Other methods include high pH anion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography can be used and is based on size separation.
  • Affinity based methods can be selected that preferentially bind certain chemical units and glycan structures.
  • Matrices such as m-aminophenylboronic acid,
  • M- aminophenyiboronic acid matrices can form a temporary covalent bond with any molecule (such as a carbohydrate) that contains a 1 ,2-cis-diol group. The covalent bond can be subsequently disrupted to elute the protein of interest.
  • Lectins are a family of carbohydrate-recognizing proteins that exhibit affinities for various monosaccharides. Lectins bind carbohydrates specifically and reversibly.
  • lectins Primary monosaccharides recognized by lectins include mannose/glucose, galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid (QProteome Glycoarray Handbook, Qiagen, September 2005, available at:
  • Lectin matrices can consist of a number of lectins with varying and/or overlapping specificities to bind glycoproteins with specific glycan compositions. Some lectins commonly used to purify glycoproteins include concavaiin A (often coupled to Sepharose or agarose) and Wheat Germ. Anti-glycan antibodies can also be generated by methods known in the art and used in affinity columns to hind and purify glycoproteins.
  • the glycan structure of the glycoproteins (such as antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins) described herein can be determined using art-known methods for analyzing glycan structures of glycoproteins, such as chromatography, mass spectrometry (MS), chromatography followed by MS, electrophoresis, electrophoresis followed by MS, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and any combinations thereof.
  • MS mass spectrometry
  • MS electrophoresis
  • NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
  • a preferred technique is Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS, or alternatively HPLC-MS).
  • an enzyme such as an N-glycanase (e.g, N-glycanase F, N- glycanase-A), can be used to cleave the N-glycan moiety from a glycoprotein.
  • exoglycosidases e.g., siaiidase, galactosida.se, hexosaminidase, fucosidase, mannosidase etc
  • siaiidase e.g., siaiidase, galactosida.se, hexosaminidase, fucosidase, mannosidase etc
  • acid hydrolysis e.g., trifluoroacetic acid
  • neutral saccharides e.g., galactose, mannose, fucose
  • amino saccharides e.g., N-acetylghicosamine
  • the cleaved or hydrolyzed saccharides can be analyzed using chromatography spectrometry, or electrophoresis methods described above.
  • glycan structure and composition can be analyzed by chromatography, including, e.g., liquid chromatography (LC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), amide column chromatography, or combinations thereof.
  • LC liquid chromatography
  • HPLC high performance liquid chromatography
  • UPLC ultra performance liquid chromatography
  • TLC thin layer chromatography
  • amide column chromatography or combinations thereof.
  • MS mass spectrometry
  • MALDI-MS matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry
  • FTMS Fourier transform mass spectrometry
  • IMS-MS ion mobility separation with mass spectrometry
  • ETD-MS electron transfer dissociation
  • electrophoresis including, e.g., capillar ⁇ ' electrophoresis (CE), CE-MS, gel electrophoresis, agarose gel electrophoresis, acrylamide gel electrophoresis, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by Western blotting using antibodies that recognize specific glycan structures, or combinations thereof.
  • CE capillar ⁇ ' electrophoresis
  • CE-MS capillar ⁇ ' electrophoresis
  • gel electrophoresis including, e.g., agarose gel electrophoresis, acrylamide gel electrophoresis, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by Western blotting using antibodies that recognize specific glycan structures, or combinations thereof.
  • SDS-PAGE SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
  • an N-glycan can be determined by two dimensional sugar chain mapping (see, e.g., Anal, Biochem,, 171 , 73 (1988); Biochemical Experimentation Methods 23-Methods for Studying Glycoprotein Sugar Chains (Japan Scientific Societies Press) edited by Reiko Takahashi (1989)).
  • Two dimensional sugar chain mapping is a method for deducing the structure of a saccharide chain by plotting the retention time or elution position of the saccharide chain by reverse phase chromatography as the X axis, and the retention time or elution position of the saccharide chain by normal phase chroma tography as the Y axis, respectively, and comparing them with such results of known sugar chains.
  • the structure deduced by two dimensional sugar chain mapping can be confirmed by mass spectrometry.
  • NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
  • I D-NMR one-dimensional NMR
  • 2D-NMR two- dimensional NMR
  • COSY- MR correlation spectroscopy magnetic-angle spinning N MR
  • TOCSY-NMR total correlated spectroscopy NMR
  • HSQC-NMR heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR
  • HMQC-N R rotational nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy NMR
  • ROESY-NMR nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy
  • NOE8Y-NMR nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy
  • Saccharide composition of a glycan can also be analyzed by fluorescence labeling.
  • acid-hydroiyzed glycans can be labeled with 2-aminopyridine and then analyzed by HPLC.
  • Immunological methods may also be used to determine the structures of N-glycan.
  • lectin molecules can bind to the carbohydrate moieties of glycoproteins. Therefore, a lectin that binds to a specific N-glycan can be used to identify the presence and quantity of such glycoforrns in a composition (e.g., by determining the amount of glycan-bound lectin using a secondary antibody).
  • lectins that can be used for identifying the glycan structure of an antibody, or a Fc-fusion protein, include, e.g., WGA (wheat-germ agglutinin derived from T. vulgaris), ConA
  • a lectin that specifically recognizes a complex N-glycan in which a fucose residue is linked to the N-acetylglucosarrrine in the reducing end of the N-glycan may be used.
  • Exemplary lectins include, e.g., Lens culinaris lectin LCA (lentil agglutinin derived from Lens culinaris), pea lectin PSA (pea lectin derived from Pisum sativum), broad
  • CE capillary electrophoresis
  • Techniques described herein may be combined with one or more o ther technologies for the detection, analysis, and or isolation of glycans or glycoproteins.
  • any combination of NMR, mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, 2-dimensioiial chromatography, SDS-PAGE, antibody staining, lectin staining, monosaccharide quantitation, capillary electrophoresis, fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE), micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), exoglycosidase or endoglycosidase treatments may be used. See, e.g., Anumula, Anal. Biochem. 350( 1): 1, 2006; Klein et al, Anal. Biochem,, 179: 162, 1989; Townsend, R.R. Carbohydrate Analysis, High Performance Liquid
  • oMALDI Qq-TOF MS desorption/ionization hybrid quadrupole-quadrupoie time-of-fight mass spectrometry
  • MS/MS tandem mass spectrometry
  • the N-linked glycans are released by treatment with N-glycanase F, reductively aminated with anthranilic acid, and fractionated, by normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC).
  • NP-HPLC normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography
  • the Xuorescent-labeled oligosaccharide pool and fractions are then analyzed by oMALDI Qq-TOF MS and MS/MS in negative ion mode.
  • Each fraction is further digested with an array of exoglycosidase mixtures, and subsequent MALD1 TOF MS analysis of the resulting produc ts yields informa tion about structural features of the glycan.
  • One exemplary saccharide composition analyzer is BioLC, manufactured by Dionex, which analyzes saccharide composition by HPAEC-PAD (high performance anion- exchange chromatography-pulsed amperometric detection).
  • the biological activity of the glycoprotein compositions described herein may be assessed using any art known method, Such biological activities include, e.g., binding affinity or specificity of a glycoprotein (e.g., antibody, or a iigand for a receptor), bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, etc. Additionally, therapeutic activity of a glycoprotein may be assessed (e.g., ADCC activity of an antibody, efficacy of a glycoprotein in decreasing severity or symptom of a disease or condition, or in delaying appearance of a symptom of a disease or condition).
  • a glycoprotein e.g., antibody, or a iigand for a receptor
  • therapeutic activity of a glycoprotein may be assessed (e.g., ADCC activity of an antibody, efficacy of a glycoprotein in decreasing severity or symptom of a disease or condition, or in delaying appearance of a symptom of a disease or condition).
  • glycoprotein preparations can be analyzed by any available method.
  • immunogenic! ty of a glycoprotein composition can be assessed, e.g., by determining in vitro by immunoassay (e.g., using an antibody that binds to a recognized immunogenic epitope, such as the otGal epitope, or Neu5Gc epitope), or by in vivo administration to determine whether the composition elicits an antibody response in a subject.
  • the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the glycoproteins (such as antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins) described herein.
  • compositions usually one or more pharmaceutical carrier(s) and/or excipient(s). A thorough discussion of such components is available in
  • Such carriers or additives include water, a pharmaceutical acceptable organic solvent, collagen, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, a carboxyvinyl polymer, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, polyacrylic sodium, sodium alginate, water-soluble dextran, carboxymethyl starch sodium, pectin, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, gum Arabic, casein, gelatin, agar, di glycerin, glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol.
  • Formulation of the pharmaceutical composition wil l vary according to the route of administration selected.
  • the glycoprotein can be lyophilized for storage and reconstituted in a suitable carrier prior to use. This technique has been shown to be effective with
  • aqueous carriers can be used to formulate suitable aqueous carriers.
  • compositions for administration such as plain water (e.g. w.f.i.) or a buffer e.g. a phosphate buffer, a Tris buffer, a borate buffer, a succinate buffer, a histidme buffer, or a citrate buffer.
  • Buffer salts will typically be included in the 5-20mM range.
  • compositions are preferably sterile, and may be sterilized by conventional sterilization techniques.
  • compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, and tonicity adjusting agents and the like, for example, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium lactate and the like.
  • pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may have a pH between 5.0 and 9.5, e.g. between 6.0 and 8.0.
  • compositions of the invention may include sodium salts (e.g. sodium chloride) to give tonicity.
  • a concentration of 10+2 mg/mi NaCl is typical e.g. about 9 mg/ml.
  • Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may have an osmolarity of between 200 mOsm/kg and 400 mOsm kg, e.g. between 240-360 mOsm/kg, or between 290-310 mOsm/kg.
  • the invention provide a method for treating Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectively amount of an anti-CD20 antibody as described herein.
  • the subject is preferably human.
  • the invention provide a method for treating cancer or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectively amount of an anti-EGFR antibody as described herein.
  • the subject is preferably human.
  • the invention provide a method for treating breast cancer, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectively amount of an anti-HER2 antibody as described herein.
  • the subject is preferably human.
  • the invention pro vide a method for treating breast cancer, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectively amount of an B7-binding Fc-fusion protein as described herein.
  • the subject is preferably human.
  • compositions described herein may be administered to a subject orally, topically, transdermally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, vaginally, rectally, or by intracranial injection.
  • parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intracisternal injection, or infusion techniques. Administration by intravenous, intradermal, intramusclar, intramammary, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, retrobulbar,
  • intrapulmonary injection and or surgical implantation at a particular site is contemplated as well.
  • injection especially intravenous, is preferred.
  • the amounts of a glycoprotein in a given dosage will vary according to the size of the individual to whom the therapy is being administered as well as the characteristics of the disorder being treated. In exemplary treatments, it may be necessary to administer about 1 mg/day, about 5 mg/day, about 10 mg/day, about 20 nig/day, about 50 nig/day, about 75 mg/day, about 100 mg/day, about 150 mg/day, about 200 mg/day, about 250 mg/day, about 400 mg/day, about 500 mg/day, about 800 mg/day, about 1000 mg/day, about 1600 mg/day or about 2000 mg/day.
  • the doses may also be administered based on weight of the patient, at a dose of 0.01 to 50 mg kg.
  • the glycoprotein may be administered in a dose range of 0.015 to 30 mg/kg, such as in a dose of about 0.015, about 0.05, about 0.15, about 0.5, about 1.5, about 5, about 15 or about 30 mg/kg.
  • Dosage can be by a single dose schedule or a multiple dose schedule.
  • Multiple doses will typically be administered at least 1 week apart (e.g., about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 16 weeks, etc.).
  • glycoprotein compositions described herein may be administered in combination with a second therapeutic agent.
  • a second therapeutic agent for example, for cancer treatment, a
  • chemotherapeutic agent may be used as the second agent,
  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs SAlDs
  • analgesiscs glucocorticoids
  • DMARDs disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs
  • examples of such therapeutic agents can be found, e.g., in WO 2008/1 6713.
  • kits that comprise the glycoprotein compositions described herein packaged in a manner that facilitates their use for therapy.
  • a kit includes a glycoprotein (e.g., an antibody or an Fc-fusion protein) as described herein, packaged in a container such as a sealed bottle or vessel, with a label affixed to the container or included in the package that describes use of the composition in practicing the method.
  • the kit can further comprise another container comprising a pharmaceutically- acceptable buffer, such as phosphate-buffered saline, Ringer's solution, or dextrose solution.
  • the composition is packaged in a unit dosage form.
  • the kit may further include a device suitable for administering the composition according to a specific route of administration or for practicing a screening assay.
  • the kit contains a label that describes use of the composition.
  • the invention provides kits for testing the effect of a RNA effector molecule or a series of RNA effector molecules on the production of a glycoprotein by the host cell, where the kits comprise a substrate having one or more assay surfaces suitable for cuituring cells under conditions that allow production of the glycoprotein.
  • the exterior of the substrate comprises wells, indentations, demarcations, or the like at positions corresponding to the assay surfaces.
  • the wells, indentations, demarcations, or the like retain fluid, such as cell culture media, over the assay surfaces.
  • the assay surfaces on the substrate are sterile and are suitable for cuituring host cells under conditions representative of the culture conditions during large-scale (e.g., industrial scale) production of the glycoprotein.
  • kits provided herein offer a rapid, cost-effective means for testing a wide-range of agents and/or conditions on the production of the glycoprotein, allowing the cell culture conditions to be established prior to full-scale production of the glycoprotein.
  • one or more assay surfaces of the substrate comprise a concentrated test agent, such as a RNA effector molecule, such that the addition of suitable media to the assay surfaces results in a desired concentration of the RNA effector molecule surrounding the assay surface.
  • a concentrated test agent such as a RNA effector molecule
  • the RNA effector molecules may be printed or ingrained onto the assay surface, or provided in a lyophilized form, e.g., within wells, such that the effector molecules can be reconstituted upon addition of an appropriate amount of media.
  • the RNA effector molecules are reconstituted by plating cells onto assay surfaces of the substrate.
  • kits provided herein further comprise cell culture media suitable for cuituring a cell under conditions allowing for the production of the glycoprotein of interest.
  • the media can be in a ready to use form or can be concentrated (e.g., as a stock solution), lyophilized, or provided in another reconstitutable form.
  • kits provided herein further comprise one or more reagents suitable for detecting production of the glycoprotein by the cell, cell culture, or tissue culture.
  • the reagent(s) are suitable for detecting a property of the cell, such as maximum cell density, cell viability, or the like, which is indicative of production of the desired glycoprotein,
  • the reagent(s) are suitable for detecting the glycoprotein or a property thereof, such as the in vitro or in vivo biological activity,
  • one or more assay surfaces of the substrate further comprise a carrier for which facilitates uptake of RNA effector molecules by cells.
  • Carriers for R A effector molecules are known in the art and are described herein.
  • the carrier is a lipid formulation such as LipofectamineTM transiection reagent (Inviirogen; Carlsbad, CA) or a related formulation. Examples of such carrier formulations are described herein.
  • the reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake comprises a charged lipid, an emulsion, a liposome, a cationic or non-cationic lipid, an anionic lipid, a transiection reagent or a penetration enhancer as described throughout the application herein.
  • the reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake comprises a charged lipid as described in U.S. Application Ser.
  • one or more assay surfaces of the substrate comprise a RNA effector molecule or series of RNA effector molecules and a carrier, each in concentrated form, such that plating test cells onto the assay surface(s) results in a concentration the RNA effector moiecule(s) and the carrier effective for facilitating uptake of the RN A effector molecule(s) by the cells and modulation of the expression of one or more genes targeted by the RNA effector molecules.
  • the substrate further comprises a matrix which facilitates 3 -dimensional cell growth and/or production of the glycoprotein by the cells.
  • the matrix facilitates anchorage-dependent growth of cells.
  • matrix materials suitable for use with various kits described herein include agar, agarose, methylcellulose, alginate hydrogel (e.g., 5% alginate + 5% collagen type I), chitosan, hydroactive hydrocolloid polymer gels, polyvinyl aicohol-hydrogel (PVA-H), polylactide-co- glycolide (PLGA), collagen vitrigei, PHEMA (poly(2-hydroxylmethacrylate)) hydrogels, PVP/PEQ hydrogels, BD PuraMatrixTM hydrogels, and copolymers of 2-methacryloyloxyettiyl phophorylcholine (MFC).
  • MFC 2-methacryloyloxyettiyl phophorylcholine
  • the substrate comprises a microarray plate, a biochip, or the like which allows for the high-throughput, automated testing of a range of test agents, conditions, and/or combinations thereof on the production of a glycoprotein by cultured ceils.
  • the substrate may comprise a 2-dimensional microarray plate or biochip having m columns and n rows of assay surfaces (e.g., residing within wells) which allow for the testing of m x n combinations of test agents and/or conditions (e.g., on a 24-, 96- or 384-well microarray plate).
  • the microarray substrates are preferably designed such that all necessary positive and negative controls can be carried out in parallel with testing of the agents and/or conditions.
  • kits provided herein allow for the selection or optimization of at least one factor for enhancing production of the biological product.
  • the kits may allow for the selection of a RNA effector molecule from among a series of candidate RN A effector molecules, or for the selection of a concentration or concentration range from a wider range of concentrations of a given RNA effector molecule.
  • the kits allow for selection of one or more RN A effector molecules from a series of candidate RNA effector molecules directed against a common target gene.
  • the kits allow for selection of one or more RNA effector molecules from a series of candidate RNA effector molecules directed against two or more functionally related target genes or two or more target genes of a common host cell glycosylation pathway.
  • kits that comprise one or more container that independently contain one or more RNA effector molecules and one or more suitable host cells.
  • glycan-modified anti-CD20 antibody based on Rituximab
  • RNAi technology RNAi technology
  • the glycan-modified antibody showed enhanced ADCC activity as compared to Rituxamb under substantially the same conditions
  • Rituximab (Rituxan ⁇ ) is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody for treating non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma (M I L ).
  • Rituximab is recombinantly produced in CHO cells, and has a heterogeneous mixture of glycoforais.
  • the response rate for Rituximab in NHL patients is about 50-60% and is significantly correlated with a FcyRIiia receptor polymorphism (Cartron et a!. (2002) Blood 99:754-758). About 90% of patients homozygous for valine at position 158 respond to
  • Rituximab treatment vviiereas patients hetero- or homozygous for phenylalanine at position 158 have a considerably lower response rate. It is believed that a lower affinity for FcyRIi ia F158 than for FcyRIiia VI 58 leads to lower ADCC activity. It has been shown that afucosyiated igGl has a higher affinity for FcyRIiia F158 (consequently higher ADCC activity) than the corresponding fucosylated IgGl (Shields et al. (2002) J. Biol. Chera. 277: 26733-26740). An afucosyiated Rituximab therefore would be a more potent therapeutic product regardless of the FcyRIi ia genotype.
  • Rituximab In addition to ADCC, Rituximab also mediates tumor cell killing through CDC (Cragg and Glennie (2004) Blood 103: 2738-2743). A correlation between the galactose content of Rituximab N-glycans and CDC activity has been documented. As the number of galactose residues increases from 0 to 2 moles/mole of heavy chain, the level of CDC activity increases from 80%) to 150%» of the maximum CDC activity of the antibody having I mole galactose/moie of heavy chain (FD A, 1997; see, IDEC BLA 97-0260 at
  • the Protein A eluate is dialyzed against 50 mM NaAcetate (pFI 5.0) and applied to a 50 riiL SP Sepharose column (GE Biosciences) that was pre-equilibrated using the same buffer. The column is washed with 10-15 column volumes using 50 mM NaAcetate (pH 5.0) and the protein eluted with 250 mM NaCl in the same buffer. Eluted protein is dialyzed against 20 mM phosphate (pH 6.5) and 100 mM NaCl. The protein concentration is determined at UV280 using a scanning spectrophotometer ranging from OD240 to OD320, Protein samples are aliquoted and stored at -20 degree Celsius until needed.
  • RNAi improves FcyRHIa binding to CD20 monoclonal antibody
  • a soluble HIS-tagged FcyRIIIa was utilized in a CD20 MAb binding ELISA to demonstrate RNAi targeting both fucosyltransferase and GMD-Dehydratase significantly decreases iucosylated CD20 MAb ( Figure 6 & 7) and improves both maximum receptor binding and receptor affinity ( Figure 8) by approximately two-fold.
  • RNAi improves CD20 antibody Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity
  • Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity is a cell-based immunity mechanism that promotes the specific lyses of target cel ls bound with antibody ( CD20 MAb) by effector cells (NK) through binding interactions with FcyRJDa on the surface of effector cells.
  • the target Cell line used in this study was Jeko-1 (Mantle cell lymphoma), Rituximab was used as a positive control.
  • Freshly-isolated human PBMCs were used as effector cells at an Effector to Target (E/T) cell ratio of 25: 1 .
  • the antibodies were tested in triplicate at 8 concentrations.
  • the RNAi -treated CD20 antibody gave approximately 70% specific cell lysis compared to 20- 30% lysis for both the control CD20 antibody and rituximab ( Figure 9).
  • RNAi is an effective means to modulate the glycan profile of therapeutic biologies to improve activity and decrease potential immunogemcity.
  • Appendix 1 nucleotide sequences of exemplar ⁇ ' target genes from Chinese Hamster
  • GATCAGCCGC TCTCAGAGCGACGNTTTCTACGTGAGGTGGATTACCTGGTGTGTGCAGATGTGGACATGAAGTTCAGTGAC
  • GAAACTAATAGCTAAATTCCTATTGG AGAGGACAGG NNNN N NNNNNNNNN NNNNNN N N N N

Abstract

The invention generally relates to compositions and methods for producing glycoproteins that have alter glycan structure and improved properties. The glycoproteins are produced by modifying the glycosylation pathways in a host cell using an RNA effector molecule, such as an siRNA. Glycan-modified proteins produced using the methods described herein have improved properties, such as improved effector activity, improved pharmacokinetic properties, reduced immunogenicity in humans and the like.

Description

COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING MODIFIED
GLYCOPROTEINS
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/510,437, filed July 21 , 2011, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/617,322, filed March 29, 2012, each of the foregoing applications is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Glycosylation is the enzymatic process that attaches glycans to proteins, lipids, or other organic molecules. Glycosylation is a form of co-translational or post- translational modification. Glycans serve a variety of structural and functional roles in membrane and secreted
[0003] N-glycans are covalently attached to protein at asparagine residues (Asn; particularly an Asp which occurs in the sequence Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr/Cys, where Xaa represents any amino acid) by an N-glycosidic bond. Following attachment of the saccharide moiety, further modifications may occur in vivo. Typically these modifications occur via an ordered sequence of enzymatic reactions, known as a cascade.
[0004] Ail N-glycans share a common core sugar sequence, Manal-6(Manal- 3)Man 1 ~4GlcN Αοβ 1 -4GlcN Αοβ 1 - [ Asn-X-Ser/Thr/Cys] , and are classified into three types: (1) oligomannose, in which only mannose residues are attached to the core; (2) complex, in which "antennae" initiated by N-acetylgiucosaminyltransferases (GlcNAcTs) are attached to the core; and (3) hybrid, in which only mannose residues are attached to the Manal-6 arm of the core and one or two antennae are on the Manal-3 arm.
[0005] Complex N-glycans often also comprise galactose, fucose, and terminal sialic acid residues. In humans, nucleotide sugar precursors (e.g., UDP-N-acetylgiucosamine, UDP-
N-acetylgalactosamine, CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid, UDP-galactose, GDP-fucose, etc.) are generally synthesized in the cytosol and transported into the Golgi, where they are attached to the core oligosaccharide by glycosyltransferases. See, e.g., Sommers and Hirschberg, 1981 J.
Ceil Biol. 91(2): A406-A406; Sommers and Hirschberg 1982 J. Biol. Chem.257( 18): 811-817;
Perez and Hirschberg 1987 Methods in Enzymoiogy 138: 709-715. Glycosyl transfer reactions typically yield a side product which is a nucleoside diphosphate or monophosphate, While monophosphates can be directly exported in exchange for nucleoside triphosphate sugars by an antiport mechanism, diphosphonucleosides (e.g., GDP) have to be cleaved by phosphatases (e,g. , GDPase) to yield nucleoside monophosphates and inorganic phosphate prior to being exported.
[ 0006] Giycosyltransferases and mannosidases are located in the inner (luminal) surface of the ER and Golgi appara tus, which provides a catalytic surface for sequential processing of glycoproteins as they proceed through the ER and Golgi network. As a glycoprotein proceeds from synthesis in the ER to full maturation in the late Golgi or trans Golgi Network (TON), it is sequentially exposed to different glycosidases, mannosidases and giycosyltransferases such that a specific N-glycan structure may be synthesized.
[0007] The modification of serine or threonine residues on proteins by addition of a GalNAc residue results in an O-linked oligosaccharide or O-glycan, O-glycan biosynthesis is initiated by the addition of the monosaccharide GalNAc (from UDP-GalNAc) to serine and threonine residues catalyzed by a polypeptide GalNAc transferase (GalNAcT). Many O-glycans are extended into long chains with variable termini that may be similar to the termini of N- glycans. However, O-glycans are less branched than most N-glycans and are commonly biantennary structures.
[0008] Many therapeutic proteins are glycosylated, including, for example, interferons (IFNs), erythropoietin (EPO), tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), antithrombin, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. The structures of N-glycans can affect therapeutic efficacies of glycoproteins in many ways, such as pharmacokinetics (e.g., half life), physical stability, protein folding, solubility, susceptibility to proteases, trafficking, transport, compartmentaiization, secretion, recognition by other proteins or factors, or immunogeniciry. See, e.g., Jenkins et al. (1996) Nature Biotechnololy, 14:975-981; Ghaderi et al. (2010) Nature Biotechnololy, 28:863-867.
[0009] For many antibodies, the N-glycosylation status of the Fc region of the antibody heavy chain (H-chain) plays an important role in antibody dependent dell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). The structure and extent of heterogeneity of these N-glycans are among the considerations in selecting a protein expression platform for a therapeutic antibody.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods for making glycoproteins, and for therapeutic glycoproteins that contain glycans that provide improved properties.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011 ] The in vention generally relates to compositions and methods for producing glycoproteins that have alter glycan structure and improved properties. The glycoproteins are produced by modifying the glycosylation pathways in a host cell using an RNA effector molecule, such as an siR A. Glycan-modified proteins produced using the methods described herein have improved properties, such as improved effector activity, improved pharmacokinetic properties, reduced immunogenicity in humans and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012 ] Figure 1 shows examples of GO, G l, and G2 N-glycans. In this figure, the glycans are fucosylated,
[0013] Figure 2 provides a schematic illustration of the glycosylation pathway in CHO cells.
[0014] Figure 3 provides a schematic illustration of fucosylation pathway in CHO ceils.
[0015] Figure 4 shows the growth curve and ceil viability of an exemplar}' 3L bioreactor. siRNA. dosing days are indicated by the blue arrows.
[0016] Figure 5 shows the qPCR results that confirmed both Fut8 and GMD silencing over the time course of the bioreactor. Arrows indicate siRNA dosing days, RNAi- treated sample mRNA. levels were normalized to the mRNA levels in the untreated control bioreactor.
[0017] Figure 6 shows the detection of the conversion of fucosylated glycans to their a-fucQsyiated forms by CE-LIF. RNAi-treated antibody samples are indicated in light blue and the untreated control antibody samples in dark blue. The structures of the indicated glycoforms are represented below the graph. Each antibody sample was analyzed four times by CE-LIF.
[0018] Figure 7 shows the detection of the conversion of fucosylated glycans to their a-fucosylated forms by LC-MS. RNAi-treated antibody samples are indicated in light blue and the untreated control antibody samples in dark blue. The structures of the indicated glycoforms are represented below the graph. Each antibody sample was analyzed three times by LC-MS.
[0019] Figure 8 shows that RNAi-treated CD20 antibody has improved FcyRJIIa binding affinity and capacity. An approximate two-fold improvement in both affinity and binding capacity was observed with the a-fucosylated CD20 antibody (square) compared to the non-RNAi treated control (triangle) and to rituximab (inverted triangle; Mabthera). The CD20 control antibody and rituximab (a commercially available anti-CD20 antibody) had similar FcyRIHa characteristics. Figure to the right of the curve is a schematic representation of the EI.JSA with expected results. Labels are indicated in figure.
[0020] Figure 9 shows that RNAi-treated CD20 antibody has improved ADCC activity. An approximate three-fold improvement in specific cell lysis was observed with the a- fueosylated CD20 antibody (square) compared to the non-RNAi treated control (triangle) and approximately a two-fold improvement over rituximab (inverted triangle; Mabthera). The CD20 control antibody and rituximab (a commercially available anti-CD20 antibody) had similar ADCC activity. Figure to the right of the curve is a schematic representation of the ADCC. Labels are indicated in figure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
1. OVERVIEW
[0021] As described herein, glycoproteins that have altered glycan structures can be produced on a commercial scale by transiently reducing the expression of target genes that encode enzymes or transporters that are involved in glycosylation pathways. Transient reduction of target genes in commercial scale bioreactors can be accomplished using RNA effector molecules, such as an siRNA. Glycoproteins produced in this way have improved properties. For example, as described and exemplified herein, siRNAs were used to transiently reduce the expression of enzymes and/or transporters that are involved in the fucosylation pathway in CHO cells. Significantly higher amount of afucosyiated monoclonal antibodies were produced upon addition of siRNAs to the cell culture, and the afucosyiated antibodies showed improved ADCC activity as compared to the corresponding fucosylated antibodies,
[0022] RNA effectors, such as siRNAs, can also be used to reduce the expression levels of enzymes or transporters that are involved in the production of immunogenic epitopes on glycans. Examples of epitopes on glycans that are immunogenic in humans include, e.g., N- glycans that comprise a N-glycolylneuramiiiic acid (NeuSGc) residue, and the aGal epitope (galactose-alpha(l ,3)-gaiactose-beta(l ,4)N-acety!glucosamine-R; or Gal- f 1 ,3)-Gal-f3(l ,4)- GlcNAc-R; where R is the giycaii-protein structure). Epitopes on glycans that are immunogenic in humans are often present on glycoproteins that are produced in non-huma host ceils, such as CHO cells. Glycoproteins that lack NeuSGc or aGal epitope can reduce the likelihood of adverse immune responses (such as anaphylactic responses) when a glycoprotein is administered to a human patient, and facilitate the clinical application of many therapeutic glycoproteins. Reducing immunogenic! ty ca also preserve efficacy and potency of the glycoprotein, especially when the glycoprotein is intended for repeated (e.g., chronic) use. f 0023] The serum half life of glycoproteins is also influenced by the composition and structure of its N-giycans, and RNA effectors, such as siRNAs, can also be used to improve pharmacokinetic properties of glycoproteins, in general, maximal serum half life of a glycoprotein requires that its N-glycans terminate with a sialic acid cap (e.g., N- acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5 Ac)). RNA effectors can be used to transiently reduce the expression of sialydases, which remove the terminal sialic acid (e.g., NeuSAc) cap from giycoprotein-glycans, thereby stabilizing the caped glycan and promoting a longer serum half life. By reducing the hydrolysis of terminal sialic acid from N-linked N-glycans, therapeutic efficacies of glycoproteins can be improved.
[0024] Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides glycan-modified antibodies, or fusion proteins that comprise an Fc domain of an antibody, that have improved effector activities (such as ADCC).
[0025] In another aspect, the invention provides glycan-modified glycoproteins that have reduced immunogenicity in humans. [0026] In another aspect, the invention provides glyean-modified glycoproteins that have an increased serum hal f life.
[0027] A single species of RNA effector molecule can be used to reduce the expression of a single gene that encodes a protein involved in a desired giycosylation reaction. Alternatively, two or more different species of RNA. effector molecules may be used, to reduce expression of tw o or more genes that encode a proteins involved in a desired giycosylation reaction(s).
[0028] The glyean-modified glycoproteins described herein can be formulated into a pharmaceutical formulation that is suitable for in vivo administration. The invention also relates to the use of the glycoproteins described herein, or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the glycoproteins, in therapy, and to the use of the glycoproteins, or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the glycoproteins, for the manufacture of a medicament for use in therapy.
[0029] Also provided are methods for producing glyean-modified glycoproteins, by treating a large scale host cell culture with RNA. effector molecules,
2. DEFINITIONS
[0030] The term "about", as used here, refers to +/- 10% of a value.
[0031] The term "antibody" covers fully assembled immunoglobulins tha comprise two heavy chains and two light chains (e.g., human, humanized, chimeric antibodies), as well as an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody (e.g., Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, Fv, scFv, single domain antibody) that may contain natural, or introduced giycosylation site(s).
[0032] The terms "complementary," "fully complementary" and "substantially complementary" are used herein to describe the base matching between the sense strand and the antisense strand of a double-stranded RNA. (dsRN A), or between the antisense strand of a RNA effector molecule and a target sequence. A nucleotide sequence is "fully complementary" to another nucleotide sequence when there are no mismatched base pairs across the length of the shorter sequence. A nucleotide sequence is "substantially complementary" to another nucleotide sequence when there are no more than 20% of the mismatched base pairs a cross the length of the shorter sequence (e.g., no more than 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 mismatched base pair(s) upon hybridization for a duplex up to 30 base pairs). Where two oligonucleotides are designed to form, upon hybridization, one or more single-stranded overhangs, such overhangs shall not be regarded as mismatches with regard to the determination of complementarity, For example, a dsRNA comprising one oligonucleotide 21 nucleotides in length and another oligonucleotide 23 nucleotides in length, wherein the longer oligonucleotide comprises a sequence of 21 nucleotides that is fully complementary to the shorter oligonucleotide, can yet be referred to as "fully complementary."
[0033] The term "Fc domain" refers to the Fc region of an antibody, i.e., the antibody fragment that comprises the heavy-chain constant region 2 (CH2) and the heavy-chain constant region (CR3) of an IgA, IgD, and IgG, and heavy-chain constant regions 2, 3, and 4 (CH2-CH3-CH4) of IgE and IgM. Typically, the Fc region of an antibody comprises a dimer of two CH2-CH3 (or CH2-CH3-CR4) chains. The Fc region does not include the variable regions of the heavy and light chains, the heavy-chain constant region 1 (Cul), and the light-chain constant region 1 (Q_.l) of the immunoglobulin. An Fc domain may further include the hinge region at the heavy-chain constant region, The term "Fc domain" also compasses fragments of the Fc region of an antibody, such as the CH2 domain, or the CH3 domain.
|0034] The term "fusion polypeptide" refers to a single polypeptide in which the amino acid sequence is derived from at least two different naturally occurring proteins or polypeptide chains.
[0035] The term "glycoform" of a protein refers to a protein comprising a particular glycan structure or structures. It is recognized that a glycoprotein having more than one glycosylation site can have the same glycan species attached to each glycosylation site, or can have different glycan species attached to different glycosylation sites, in this manner, different patterns of glycan attachment yield different glycoforms of a glycoprotein.
[0036] A "GO glycoform" refers to a glycoform in which the N-glycan has the core structure of GlcNAc2Man3Glc Ac2, wherein no terminal galactose (Gal) residue is attached to either the two mannose arms. A "Gl glycoform" or "GT glycoform" refers to a glycoform in which the N-glycan has the core structure of GlcNAc2Man3GlcNAc2, wherein one terminal galactose (Gal) residue is attached to one of the mannose arms. A "G2 glycoform" refers to a glycoform in which the N-glycan has the core stnicture of GlcNAc2Man3GlcNAc2, wherein one terminal galactose (Gal) residue is attached to each of two mannose arms. Exampl es of GO, Gl (G! '), and G2 N-glycans are shown in Figure I .
[0037] The "imrnunogeniciiy" of a molecule refers to the ability of the molecule to induce a response by the immune system. The immune response may be a cell or antibody- mediated response. Irnmunogenieity may be determined by use of any suitable method known in the art, e.g. in vivo or in vitro irnmunogenieity test that quantifying the presence of antigen- specific antibodies or T-ceils. The term "reduced irnmunogenieity", when referring to composition, means that the composition gives rise to a measurably lower immune response than a reference composition, as determined under comparable conditions. Reduced
irnmunogenieity can be demonstrated by showing, e.g., decreased amount of an immunogenic epitope (e.g., an a -Gal epitope) that is present in the composition; decreased binding affinity for an antibody; or lower antibody titers induced by the composition; as compared to a reference composition, determined under comparable conditions. The reference composition may be a commercially available product (such as Rituximab, Cetuximab, Trastuzumab, Abatacept etc.),
[0038 j A "large scale culture" refers to a culture that is at least about a 10 liter in size, (e.g., a volume of at least about 10L, least about 20L, least about SOL, least about 40L, at least about SOL, least about 60 L, least about 70L, least about SOL, least about 90L, at least about 100L, least about 150L, least about 2QQL, at least about 250L, least about 300L, least about 400L, at least about 500L, least about 600L, least about TOOL, least about 8001.. least about 900L, at least about 1000 L, at least about 2000 L, at least about 3000 L, at least about 4000 L, at least about 5000 L, at least about 6000 L, at least about 10,000 L, at least about 15,000 L, at least about 20,000 L, at least about 25,000 L, at least about 30,000 L, at least about 35,000 L, at least about 40,000 L, at least about 45,000 L, at least about 50,000 L, at least about 55,000 L, at least about 60,000 L, at least about 65,000 L, at least about 70,000 L, at least about 75,000 L, at least about 80,000 L, at least about 85,000 L, at least about 90,000 L, at least about 95,000 L, at least about 100,000 L, etc.).
[0039] The expression of the target gene in a host cell is "transiently" reduced by an RNA effector molecule when the RNA effector molecule reduces the expression level of the target gene for a defined period of time (e.g., at least about 24 hours, at least about 48 hours, at least about 72 hours, at least about 96 hours, etc), but the reduction in the expression level is not permanent, in other words, the RNA effector, or a nucleic acid constmct encoding the RNA effector, does not integrate into the genome of the host cell.
3. GLYCAN-MODIFIED PROTEINS
[0040] In one aspect, the invention provides glycan-modified proteins that have improved effector activity, improved pharmacokinetic properties, or reduced immunogeniciry in humans. "Glycan-modified" or "glycan modification" refer to a change in the glycan structure of a glycoprotein produced by a host cell in the presence of an RNA effector molecule that transiently reduces the expression of a target gene that encodes an enzyme or a transporter protein that is involved in a glycosylation pathway, as compared the glycan structure of the glycoprotein produced by the host cell under substantially the same conditions but in the absence of the RNA effector.
A. Glycan-Modifled Proteins That Have Improved Effector Activity
[0041] In one aspect, the invention provides glycan-modified antibodies, or fusion proteins that comprise the Fc domain of an antibody (Fc-fusion proteins), that have improved effector activity. For example, the invention provides a composition comprising an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules, or the fusion protein molecules, comprise a complex N-glycan; and (b) about 20% to about 100% of the N-giycans are afucosyl glycans. Preferably, about 25%» to about 100%», about 30%» to about 100%» , about 35% to about 100% , about 40% to about 100%, about 45% to about 100%, or about 50% to about 100%) of the N-glycans are afucosyl glycans.
[0042] In certain embodiment, the composition comprises an antibody. The antibodies described herein are preferably monoclonal antibodies. The antibodies can be monospecific, or polyspecific (e.g., bispecific). The antibodies can be from any species, but preferably are humanized, human, or chimeric, ail of which are well-known in the art.
[0043] In other embodiments, composition comprises a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody. For example, the Fc domain may be fused with an enzyme, a toxin, a ligand (e.g., a growth factor), a cytokine (e.g., a chemokine), etc. The Fc fusion proteins may optionally comprise a linker. [0044] Preferably, the N-glycan is linked to the Fc domain of the antibody or the refusion protein. Naturally-occurring antibody molecules have conserved N-linked glycosyiaiion at the Fc region of each of the two heavy chains. For example, an IgG mol ecule contains an N- 1 inked gl can covalently attached at the conserved Asn297 (Kabat numbering) in each of the CH2 domains in the Fc region. The glycans found in the Fc region of serum IgGs are mostly biaiitennary complex glycans. Variations of IgG glycosvlation patterns include attachment of terminal sialic acid, a third GicNAc arm (bisecting GlcNAc), terminal galactosylation, and a- l ,6-linked core fucosylation. The N-glycans can contain zero (GO), one (Gl and Gl '), or two (G2) galactoses (see Figure 1 for examples of GO, Gl, and G2 glycans). The exact pattern of glycosvlation depends on the stractural properties of IgG subcomponents, in particular, CH2 and CH3 domains (see, e.g., Lund et al. (2000) Eur, J. Biochem., 267:7246-7257).
[0045] In addition, about 15%-20% polyclonal IgG molecules bear N-linked glycans in the variable regions of the light and/or heavy chains. There N-linked glycans are attached at the Asn residue of the consensus motif Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr/Cys, where Xaa represents any amino acid). The glycans in the Fab region of serum IgGs are mostly biantennary oligosaccharides that are extensively galactosylated, fucosylated, and substantially sialylated. See, e.g., Gary Walsh (ed.), Post-translational Modification of Protein Biopharmaceuticals, Wiley- CH, 1st edition (2009), Chapter 4, Antibodies. For example, Cetuximab (Erbitux®) contains an N-glycan at Asn 99 of the VH region. N-glycosylation at the Fab region can influence antigen binding affinity of the antibody.
[0046] The compositions described herein may comprise a mixture of glycosylated and aglycosylated antibodies, or Fc-fusion proteins. Preferably, at least about 50%, and preferably, at least about 70% of antibody molecules, or Fc-fusion proteins, comprise a complex N-glycan. For example, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80% of the antibody molecules, or Fc-fusion proteins, comprise a complex N-glycan. Preferably, the N-glycan is linked to the Fc domain of the antibody or the Fc-fusion protein.
[0047] The Fc domain of the antibodies or Fc-fu sion proteins described herein can be a naturally occurring Fc region of an antibody, which may optionally include the hinge region. Alternatively, the Fc domain can a truncated form of a naturally occurring Fc region (e.g., CH2 domain only); a fusion form that comprising a naturally occurring Fc region fused with a heterologous sequence; a mutated form of a naturally occurring Fc domain (e.g., a Fc region having amino acid substitutions), addition(s), or deietion(s)); or a combination thereof. For example, Fc variants T256A, K290A, S298A, E333A, K334A, A339T have been described as having enhanced ADCC activity as compared to naturally occurring Fc sequences (see, e.g., Shields et al. (2001) J. Biol, Chem,, 276:6591-6604), Additional mutation variants of Fc regions are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 2004/0228856.
[0048] The Fc domain can be derived from the Fc region of IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE and IgM (including various isotypes, such as, IgGl, lgG2, IgG3, IgG4, JgAl, JgA2 etc). Preferably, the Fc domain is derived from IgG 1.
[0049] As described herein, reducing or inhibiting N-glycan fucosylation of antibodies, or Fc-fusion proteins, can enhance the antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). ADCC typically involves the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and is dependent on the recognition of antibody-coated cells by Fc receptors, most commonly CD 16 (FcyRJil)) on the surface of the NK cell. Binding of the Fc domain to Fc receptors on the NK cells is affected by the glycosylation state of the Fc domain. In addition, the type of the N-glycan at the Fc domain also affects ADCC activity. Therefore, for an antibody composition, or a Fc-fusion protein composition, increasing the relative amount of afucosyl N-glycans can increase the binding affinity for an FcyRIII, or ADCC activity, of the composition.
10050] The N-glyeosylated antibodies, or Fc-fusion proteins, as described herein, may comprise a mixture of fucosylated and afucosylated molecules. For example, from about 20% to about 100%, preferably, from about 40°/» to about 80% of the glycans are afucosyl glycans. For example, from about 20% to about 100%, from about 25% to about 100%, from about 30% to about 100%, from about 35% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 45% to about 100%), or from about 20% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosyl glycans. It is not required that all, or substantially all, of the N-glycosylated antibodies, or Fc- fusion proteins are afucosylated. In fact, as shown in Example 1 , significant enhancement in ADCC activity of a monoclonal antibody that binds to CD20 was achieve when about 48% of the N-glycans were afucosylated. f 0051] The antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition described herein may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl 'and G2 glycoforms (e.g., at the Fc-lmked N-glycan). For example, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0%s to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%), from about 0% to about 35%, from about 0%s to about 30%», of the N-glycans may be GO glycans. Alternatively or in addition, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0%s to about 65%», from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%», from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%, from about 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be Gl and Gl ' glycans. Alternatively or in addition, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%), from about 0% to about 55%, from about Q%> to about 50°/», from about 0%) to about 45%», from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0%» to about 35%, from about 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be G2 glycans, The N-glycans of the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protem composition may also be any combination of the GO, Gl, Gl ', G2 profiles described above.
[0052] Preferably, from about 20% to about 100%, such as from about 25% to about 100%, from about 30% to about 100%, from about 40% to about 100%, from about 20% to about 95%, from about 20% to about 90%, from about 20% to about 85%, from about 20% to about 80°/», from about 25% to about 95%, from about 30% to about 90%, from about 35% to about 85%), or from about 40% to about 80%, of the GO N-glycans are afucosyl GO glycans.
[0053] Alternatively or in addition, from about 0% to about 100%, such as from about 1 % to about 90%, from about 1% to about 80%, from about 1 % to about 70%, from about 1%» to about 60%», from about 1% to about 55%, from about 1%» to about 50%, from about 1% to about 45%, from about 1% to about 40%, from about 35%, of the Gl and Gl ' N-glycans are afucosyl Gl and Gl ' glycans.
[0054] Alternatively or in addition, from about 0% to about 100%, such as from about 1% to about 90%, from about 1% to about 80%, from about 1% to about 70%, from about 1 % to about 60%, from about 1% to about 55%, from about 1% to about 50%, from about 1% to about 45%, from about 1%) to about 40%), from about 35%, of the G2 N-glycans are afucosyl G2 glycans.
[0055] The afucosyl N-glycans of the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition may also be any combination of the GO, Gl, Gl ', G2 profiles described above. [0056] The glycan structure of the antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins described herein can be determined using art-known methods for analyzing glycan structures of glycoproteins, as described below,
[0057] Antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins having improved ADCC activity are useful for treating or preventing various diseases including cancers, inflammatory diseases, immune diseases such as autoimmune diseases, allergies and the like, circulator organ diseases (e.g., arteriosclerosis) and viral or bacterial infections. Preferably, the antibody or Fc-fusion protein binds to a cell-surface molecule, or a cell-surface associated molecule, such as a transmembrane receptor. If desired, the antibody or Fc-fusion protein may bind to a soluble molecule that can associate with the cell surface, for example, with a cell-surface molecule, such as a ligand that binds to a transmembrane receptor.
[0058] Examples of the antibody which recognizes a tumor-related antigen include anti-GD2 antibody (Ohta et al., Anticancer Res., 13, 331-336, 1993), anti~GD3 antibody (Qhta et al,, Cancer Immunol. Immunother., 36, 260-266, 1993), anti-GM2 antibody (Nakamura et al., Cancer Res,, 54, 1511-1516, 1994), anti-HER2 antibody (Carter et al, Proc. Natl. Acad, Sci. USA, 89, 4285-4289, 1992), anti-CD52 antibody (Carter et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89, 4285-4289, 1992), anti-MAGE antibody (Jungbluth et al., British J, Cancer, 83, 493-497, 2000), anti-HM124 antibody (Ono et al., Molecular Immunol, 36, 387-395, 1999), anti-parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) antibody (Ogata et al, Cancer, 88, 2909-2911 , 2000), anti- basic fibroblast growth factor antibody and anti-FGF8 antibody (Matsuzaki et al., Proc. Natl. Acad, Sci, USA, 86, 9911-9915, 1989), anti-basic fibroblast growth factor receptor antibody and anti-FGFS receptor antibody (Kuo et al,, J. Biol. Chem., 265, 16455-16463, 1990), anti-insulinlike growth factor antibody (Yao et al., J. Neurosci. Res,, 40, 647-659, 1995), anti-insulin-like growth factor receptor antibody (Yao et al., J. Neurosci. Res,, 40, 647-659, 1995), anti-PMSA antibody (Murphy et al., J. Urology, 160, 2396-2401 , 1998), anti-vascular endothelial cell growth factor antibody (Presta et al, Cancer Res., 57, 4593-4599, 1997), anti-vascular endothelial cell growth factor receptor antibody ( anno et al., Oncogene, 19, 2138-2146, 2000) and the like.
[0059] Examples of the antibody which recognizes an allergy- or inflammation- related antigen include anti-interleukin 6 antibody (Abrams et al, Immunol. Rev., 121 , 5-24, 1992), anti-interleukin 6 receptor antibody (Sato et al., Molecular Immunol., 31, 371-381, 1994), anti-interleukin 5 antibody (Abrams et al, Immunol. Rev., 127, 5-24, 1992), anti-interleukin 5 receptor antibody and anti-interleukin 4 antibody (Biord et al., Cytokine, 3, 562-567, 1991 ), anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody (Tempest et al., Hybridoma, 13, 183-190, 1994), anti-tumor necrosis factor receptor antibody (Amrani et al., Molecular Pharmacol, 58, 237-245, 2000), anti-CCR4 antibody (Campbell et al., Nature, 400, 776-780, 1999), anti-chemokine antibody (Peri et al, J. Immuno. Meth., 174, 249-257, 1994), anti-chemokine receptor antibody (Wu et al., J. Exp. Med., 186, 1373-1381 , 1997) and the like. Examples of the antibody which recognizes a circulatory organ disease-related antigen include anti-GpIIb/IIIa antibody (Co et al, J. Immunol., 152, 2968-2976, 1994), anti-platelet-derived growth factor antibody (Ferns et al., Science, 253, 1 129-1132, 1991), anti-platelet-derived growth factor receptor antibody (Shulman et al., J. Biol. Chem., 272, 17400-17404, 1997) and anti-blood coagulation factor antibody (Peter et al, Circulation, 101, 1158-1 164, 2000) and the like.
[0060] Examples of the antibody which recognizes a viral or bacterial infection- related antigen include anti-gpl 20 antibody (Tugarinov et al,, Structure, 8, 385-395, 2000), anti- CD4 antibody (Schulze-Koops et al, J. Rheumatology, 25, 2065-2076, 1998), anti-CCR4 antibody and anti-Vero toxin antibody ( amali et al,, J. Clin, Microbiol, 3, 396-399, 1999) and the like.
[0061 ] Several therapeutic antibodies and Fc fusion proteins are commercially available, such as antibodies that bind to VEGF (e.g., Bevacizumab (Avastin)), EGFR (e.g., Cetuximab (Erbitux®)), HER2 (e.g., Trastuzumah (Herceptin®)), and CD20 (e.g., Rituxirnab (Rituxan®)), and Fc-fusion proteins that bind to TNFa (e.g., Etanecept (Enbrel), which comprises the receptor-binding domain of a TNF receptor (p75)), CD 2 (e.g., Alefacept
(Amevive), which contains the CD2-binding domain of LFA-3), or B7 (Abatacept (Orencia®), which comprises the B7-binding domain of CTLA4).
[0062] All of the antibodies above can be modified according to the invention to improve ADCC activities.
(1), Glycan-modified anti-CD20 antibodies
[0063] In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising an antibody that binds to CD20, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules comprise a complex N-glycan (e.g., linked to the Fc domain of the antibody); and (b) about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
[0064] CD20 is a transmembrane protein with a molecular weight of approximately 35 kD located on pre-B and mature B lymphocytes (Valentine et al. (1989) J. Biol. Chem.
264(19): 11282-1 1287; and Einfield et al. (1988) EMBO J. 7(3):311-717). CD20 is found on the surface of greater than 90% of B cells from peripheral blood or lymphoid organs and is expressed during early pre-B ceil development and remains until plasma cell differentiation. Although CD20 is expressed on normal B ceils, this surface antigen is usually expressed at ver high levels on neoplastic B cells. More than 90% of B-cell lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemias, and about 50% of pre-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias express this surface antigen. CD20 is not found on hematopoietic stem cells, pro-B cells, normal plasma cells, or other normal tissue (Tedder et al. (1985) i, Immunol. 135(2):973~979).
[0065] CD20 is expressed by malignant cells of B-cell origin, including B-cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). CD20 is not expressed by malignancies of pre-B-ce ls, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. CD20 is therefore a good target for therapy of B-cell lymphoma, CLL, and other diseases in which B-cells are involved in the disease etiology. Other B-cell disorders include autoimmune diseases in which auto-antibodies are produced during the differentiation of B-cells into plasma cells.
[0066] In addition, CD20 has also been targeted by radioimmunotherapeutic agents to treat B-cell related diseases. One treatment consists of anti-CD20 antibodies prepared in the form of radionuclides for treating B-cell lymphoma (e.g., ljll-labeled anti-CD20 antibody), as well as a 9Sr- labeled form for the palliation of bone pain caused by prostate and breast cancer metastases (Endo, Gan To Kagaku Ryoho 1999, 26: 744-748).
[0067] Rituximab (Rituxan©) is a commercially available recombinant
mouse/human IgGl chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) in which variable domains of the hea vy and light chains of a murine anti-CD20 mAb are fused to the human constant regions of IgG l .
[0068] In certain embodiments, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Rituximab. Alternatively or in addition, the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab.
[0069] Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98°/», at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Rituximab; and the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab.
[0070] The anti-CD20 antibody composition may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g., at the Fc-linked N-glycan), as described above.
[0071] As described above, an antibody comprising an afucosylated N-glycan at the Fc region has an increased binding affinity for FcyRIII, as compared to a corresponding antibody (antibody having the same amino acid sequence) comprising a fucosylated N-glycan. Therefore, the antibody composition as described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated antibody, but less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosylated. Preferably, the anti- CD20 composition described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to Rituximab under substantially the same conditions.
[0072] The anti-CD20 antibodies described herein may be used for treating Non- Hodgkins lymphoma.
(2), Glycan-modified anti-EGFR antibodies
[0073] In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising an antibody that binds to EGFR, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules comprise a complex N-glycan (e.g, linked to the Fc domain of the antibody); and (b) about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
[0074] EGFR (also known as ErbB-1 and HER! in humans) is the cell-surface receptor for members of the epidermal growth factor family (EGF-family) of extracellular protein ligands (Herbst, 2004, Int. j. Radiat. Oncol. Biol. Phys. 59 (2 Suppi):2! -6). Mutations affecting EGFR expression or activity can result in cancer. EGF receptors are over expressed in most epithelial malignancies including those of the colon and the rectum. The EGFR. is constitutively expressed in many normal epithelial tissues, including the skin and hair follicle.
[0075] Cetuximab (Erbitux©) is a commercially available recombinant
mouse/human IgGl chimeric monoclonal antibody (mAb) in whic variable domains of the heavy and light chains of a murine anti-EG FR mAb (kno wn as 225) are fused to the human constant regions of IgGl . Cetuximab has been approved for use in combination with radiation therapy for treating squamous ceil carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) or as a single agent in patients who have had prior platinum-based therapy. Cetuximab is also indicated for treatment of metastatic colon cancer in combination with irmotecan (Camptosar) a DNA topoisomerase blocker. Cetuximab is believed to function mainly by blocking the EGF binding to EGFR, thereby starving the tumor of needed growth factor.
[0076] In certain embodiments, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab.
Alternatively or in addition, the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab.
[0077] Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab; and the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab.
[0078] The anti- EGFR antibody composition may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl , Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g, at the Fc-linked N-glycan), as described above.
[0079] As described herein, an antibody comprising an afucosylated N-glycan at the Fc region has an increased binding affinity for FcyRJII, as compared to a corresponding antibody (antibody having the same amino acid sequence) comprising a fucosylated N-glycan. Therefore, the antibody composition as described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated antibody, but less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosylated. Preferably, the anti- EGFR composition described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to Cetuximab under substantially the same conditions.
[0080] The anti-EGFR antibodies described herein may be used for treating colorectal cancer or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
(3), G!ycan-modified anti-HER2 antibodies f 0081] In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising an antibody that binds to HER2, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules comprise a complex N-glycan (e.g, linked to the Fc domain of the antibody); and (b) about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
[0082] HER2 (also known as ErbB-2) is a 185 kD transmembrane glycoprotein receptor that is encoded by the erbB2 gene. HER2 is related to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR, or HER1 in human), and is over expressed in about 25%» to 30% of human breast cancer (Slamon et al.. Science 235: 177-182 , (1987); Siamoii et al., Science 244:707-712 (1989)). HER2 overexpression is commonly regarded as a predictor of a poor prognosis, especially in patients with primary disease that involves axillary lymph nodes (Slamon et al., (1987) and ( 1989), supra; Ravdin and Chamness, Gene 159: 19-27 (1995); and Hynes and Stern, Biochim Biophys Acta 1 198: 165-184 (1994)), and has been linked to sensitivity and/or resistance to hormone therapy and chemotherapeutic regimens, including C F
(cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, and fluomracil) and anthracyclines (Baselga et al., Oncology 1 1 (3 Suppl 1 ):43~48 (1997)).
[0083] Trastuzumab (Herceptin®) is a humanized anti~ErbB2 monoclonal antibody (a humanized version of the murine anti-ErbB2 antibody 4D5, referred to as rhuMAb HER2). Trastuzumab has been clinically active in patients with ErbB2-overexpressing metastatic breast cancers that had received extensive prior anti-cancer therapy (Baselga et al., j. Clin. Oncol. 14:737-744 (1996)).
[0084] In certain embodiments, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%· identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab.
Alternatively or in addition, the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%>, at least 80%. at least 85%, at least 90%>, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%>, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the hea vy chain of Trastuzumab,
[0085] Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%), at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab; and the hea vy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Trastuzumab,
[0086] The anti~HER2 antibody composition may comprise a mixture of GO, G l, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g, at the Fc-linked N-glycan), as described above.
[0087] As described above, an antibody comprising an afucosylated N-glycan at the Fc region has an increased binding affinity for FcyRIII, as compared to a corresponding antibody (antibody having the same amino acid sequence) comprising a fucosylated N-glycan. Therefore, the antibody composition as described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated antibody, but less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosylated. Preferably, the anti- HER2 composition described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to Trastuzumab under substantially the same conditions.
[0088] The anti-HER2 antibodies described herein may be used for treating breast cancer,
(4). Glycan-modified B7-Bmdisig Molecule
[ 0089] In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a Fc-fusion protein that binds to B7, wherein the composition is characterized by: (a) (a) at least about 70% of the antibody molecules comprise a complex N-glycan (e.g., linked to the Fc domain of the fusion protein), and (b) about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosylated.
[0090] B7 is a peripheral membrane protein found on activated antigen presenting cells (APC) that, when paired with either a CD28 or CD 1.52 (CTLA-4) surface protein on a T cell, can produce a costiraulatory signal to enhance or decrease the activity of a MHC-TCR signal between the APC and the T cell, respectively (see, e.g., Coico, et al. (2003) Immunology: A Short Course; Wiley-Liss. p. 131). Besides being present on activated APCs, B7 is also found on T-cells themselves (see, e.g., Taylor et al., J Immunol. 172 (1): 34-39), Binding of the B7 on T-cells to CTLA-4 causes inhibition of the activity of T-cells. There are two major types of B7 proteins, B7.1 and B7.2 or CD80 and CD86 respectively.
[0091] In certain embodiments, the Fc-fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4).
[0092] CTL A4 (Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4) also known as CD 152 (Cluster of differentiation 152) is a protein that plays an important regulatory role in the immune system. In humans, the CTL.A4 protein is encoded by the CTLA4 gene (Dariavach P, et al,, Eur, J, Immunol. 18 (12): 1901-5). CTLA4 is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, which is expressed on the surface of Helper T cells and transmits an inhibitory signal to T cells, CTLA4 is similar to the T-cell costimulatory protein CD28, and both molecules bind to CD80 and CD86 (B7) on antigen-presenting cells. CTLA4 transmits an inhibitory signal to T ceils, whereas CD28 transmits a stimulatory signal. Intracellular CTLA4 is also found in regulatory T cells and may be important to their function. T ceil activation through the T cell receptor and CD28 leads to increased expression of CTL A-4, an inhibitor}' receptor for B7 molecules (CD80 and CD86).
[0093] In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%), at least 99%», or 100%) identical to Abatacept.
[0094 j Orencia® ( Abatacept) is a soluble fusion protein that consisting of the extracellular domain of human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) linked to the modified Fc (hinge, CH2, and CH3 domains) portion of human immunoglobulin Gl ( IgGl ). Abatacept can bind to B7 and is a selective costimuiation modulator as it inhibits the
costimulation of T cells.
[0095] The Fc-fusion protein composition may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g, at the Fc-linked N-glycan), as described above. [0096] As described above, an Fc-fusion protein comprising an afucosylated N- glycan at the Fc region has an increased binding affinity for FcyRJ !I, as compared to a corresponding fusion protein (fusion protein having the same amino acid sequence) comprising a fucosylated N-glycan. Therefore, the Fc-fusion protein composition as described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated Fc-fusion protein, but less than 40% of the N-giycans are afucosylated. Preferably, the Fc-fusion protein composition described herein has an increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to Abatacept under substantially the same conditions.
B. Glycan-Modified Proteins That Have Reduced Immunogenicity in Human
[0097] As described herein, RNA effectors, such as siRNAs, can also be used to reduce the expression levels of enzymes or transporters that are involved in the production of immunogenic epitopes. Examples of immunogenic epitopes in humans include, e.g., glycans, such as N-giycans, that comprise a N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuSGc) residue, and the aGal epitope (galactose-alpha(l ,3)-galactose-beta( l,4)N-acetylglucosamine-R; or Gal-a(l,3)-Gai- P(l,4)~GlcNAe~R; where R is the glycan-protein structure).
[0098] The compositions described herein may comprise a mixture of glycosylated and aglycosylated proteins. Preferably, at least about 50%, and preferably, at least about 70% of the proteins comprise a glycan. For example, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, or at least about 80% of the protein molecules comprise a glycan. Preferably, the glycan is a complex N-glycan.
(1). aGal Epitope
[0099] In another aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a protein, wherein at least about 70% of the protein molecules comprise a glycan ( e.g., a complex N- glycan); and wherein (a), the protein is produced by a cell that is not a human, ape, or Old World monkey cell; and at least about 40%) of the glycosylated molecules do not comprise the a-Gal epitope.
[00100] Mammalian cells, such as Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and rodent myeloma derived NS/0 and SP2/0 cells, are widely used for producing therapeutic glycoproteins. However, glycoproteins produced by these cells often contain oligosaccharides terminated with a-galactose residues. The a-galactose residues are linked to the penultimate galactose residues at a hydroxy! of the third sugar carbon position, a(l-3) linkage. Human, apes, and old-world monkey cells, however, do not express functional -gaiactosyltransferase (al-3GT), which participates in the glycosylation of cell membrane glycoconjugates in nonprimate mammals, prosimians, and Ne World monkeys. The absence of a 1-3 Gal epitopes from human cells is due to silencing of the gene for the enzyme a.1 ,3 galactosyltransferase (GGTA1 gene). As a result, humans have up to 1 % of circulating antibodies (such as anti-aGal IgA, IgG, and IgM) directed against the enzymatic product of a 1 ,3 -galactosyltransferase ( Gal al-3Ga!pl-4Glc Ac), also called Gaiili antigen (Galili, U., Clark, M. R., Shohet, S. B., Buehler, J., and Macher, B. A. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 84, 1369-1373), or aGal epitope. As such, there is a potential risk for clinical application of glycoprotein that are produced by non-human, non-ape, and non-Old World monkey cells.
[00101] Accordingly, the invention provides compositions of glycoproteins in which at least about 20% of the glycosylated molecules do not comprise the a-Gal epitope. Preferably, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, of the glycosylated molecules do not comprise the a-Gal epitope.
[00102] Preferably, the compositions described herein comprises glycoproteins in which at least about 40% of the glycans do not comprise the a-Gal epitope, and the composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated protein in which more than 40% of the glycans comprise the a-Gal epitope.
(2). N-gfycolylneuraminic acid
[00103] In another aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a protem, wherein at least about 70% of the protein molecules comprise a glycan (e.g., a complex N- glycan); and wherein (a) the protein is produced by a non-human cell; and; (b) the glycans (e.g., complex N-glycans) of said protein molecules are characterized by a total sialic acid content that contain no more than about 20% of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). [00104] Sialic acids are 9-carbon backbone acidic sugars terminating the glycan chains of various glycoproteins and glycolipids at vertebrate cell surfaces. N-acetylneurarmnic acid (Neu5 Ac) and its hydrox lated form NeuSGc are the two major Sialic acids in mammals, with the activated form CMP-NeuSAc serving as the precursor for synthesis of CMP-Neu5Gc, catalyzed by the enzyme CMP-NeuSAc hydroxylase (CMAH), encoded by the CMAH gene. This enzyme is specifically inactivated in humans, in contrast to other mammals studied to date, including old world primates and pigs fVarki A., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 2010; 107(Suppl. 2): 8939-8946). In addition, humans lack an alternative pathway for NeuSGc synthesis.
Accordingly, human immune system recognizes NeuSGc as foreign, resulting in a humoral response involving a polyclonal highly diverse antibody profile in all humans.
[00105] Accordingly, the invention provides compositions of glycoproteins in which the total sialic acid content of the glycans (e.g., complex N-glycans) contain no more than about 40% of NeuSGc, Preferably, the total sialic acid content of the glycans (e.g., complex N- glycans) contain no more than about 35%, no more than about 30%, no more than about 25%, no more than about 20%, no more than about 15%, or no more than about 10% of N euSGc.
[00106] Preferably, the compositions described herein comprises glycoproteins in which the total sialic acid content of the glycans (e.g., complex N-glycans) contain no more than about 20% of NeuSGc, and the composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated protein, but the total sialic acid content of the glycans (e.g., complex N-glycans) contain more than about 20% of NeuSGc.
(3), Glycan-modified antibodies and Fc-fusion proteins that have reduced immunogenicity in humans
[00107] Any suitable glycoprotein may be modified according to the teachings of the invention to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes, such as the aGal and NeuSGc epitopes described above. Preferred classes of glycoproteins include, e.g., antibodies or Fc- fusion proteins. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody; and wherein said N -glycan is linked to the Fc domain of the antibody molecules or the fusion protein. [00108] As described above, the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition described herein may comprise a mixture of GO, G l, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g., at the Fc-linked N-glycan). For example, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0%s to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%», from about 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be GO glycans. Alternatively or in addition, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%, from about 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be Gl and Gl ' glycans. Alternatively or in addition, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%), from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%>, from about 0% to about 35%, from about 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be G2 glycans. The N-glycans of the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition may also be any combination of the GO, Gl, Gl ', G2 profiles described above.
[00109] In addition, an antibody or Fc-fusion protein may be modified such tha it has both improved effector activity (e.g., ADCC activity), and reduced immunogenicity in humans. For example, two or more different species of RNA effector molecules may be added to a host cell culture. At least one RNA effector targets the fucosylation pathway to increase the amount of afucosylated antibody or Fc-fusion protein that is produced by the host ceils, and at least another RNA effector targets a-galactosyltransferase or CMAH to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes produced by the host cells.
[00110] The gl can structure of the antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins described herein can be determined using art-known methods for analyzing glycan structures of glycoproteins, as described below.
[00111] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-EGFR antibody. Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%>, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab. Preferably, the anti-EGFR antibody composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity as compared to Cetuximab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced amount of aGal epitope, NeuSGc epitope, or both).
[00112] One study reported that among 76 Cetuximab -treated subjects, 25 had a hypersensitivity reaction to the drug, In most subjects who had a hypersensitivity reaction, IgE antibodies that are specific for the aGal epitope were detected. Therefore, preferably, the anti- EGFR antibody composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared Cetuximab to under similar conditions. In addition, it has been reported that NeuSGc is present in Cetuximab (see, e.g. Ghaderi et al, Nature Biotechnology Vol. 28, 863-867 (2010)).
[00113] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-CD20 antibody. Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%», at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Rituximab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab. Preferably, the anti-CD20 antibody composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity as compared to Rituximab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced amount of aGal epitope, NeuSGc epitope, or both).
100114] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-HER2 antibody. Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%), at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%), at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%), at least 97%», at least 98%, at least 99%), or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Trastuzumab. Preferably, the anti~HER2 antibody composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity as compared to Trastuzumab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced amount of aGal epitope, NeuSGc epitope, or both). [00115] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a Fc- fusion protein that binds to B7,
[00116] In certain embodiments, the Fc-fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4).
[00117] In certain embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to Abatacept.
[00118] Preferably, the Fc-fusion protein composition described herein has reduced immunogenicity as compared to Abatacept under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced amount of c/Gal epitope, NeuSGc epitope, or both). The Fc- fusion proteins described herein may be used to for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
C. Glycan-Modifled Proteins That Have Increased Serum Half Life
[00119] As described herein, RNA effectors, such as siRNAs, can also be used to improve pharmacokinetic properties of glycoproteins. In another aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a protein, wherein one or more glycans comprise a sialic acid cap (e.g., N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuSAc)}.
[00120] The serum half life of glycoproteins is dependent on the composition and structure of its N-glycans. In general, maximal serum half life of a glycoprotein requires that its N-glycans terminate with a sialic acid cap (e.g., N-acetylneuraminic acid (Ne 5Ac)). RNA effectors can be used to transiently reduce the expression of sialidases that remove the terminal sialic acid (e.g., NeuSAc) cap from a glycoprotein. By reducing the hydrolysis of terminal sialic acid from N-linked N-glycans, therapeutic efficacies of glycoproteins can be improved.
[00121] Preferably, the composition described herein has an increased serum half-life in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated protein in which the N-glycans does not comprise NeuSAc.
[00122] In addition, a glycoprotein may be modified such that it has both reduced immunogenicity in humans, and increased serum half-life. For example, two or more different species of RNA effector molecules may be added to a host cell culture. At least one RNA effector targets α-galactosyl transferase or CMAH to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes produced by the host cells, and at least another RNA effector targets a sialidase to increase the amount of sialic acid-capped N-glycans that are produced by the host cell.
[00123] Any suitable glycoprotein may be modified accordingly to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes, such as the oiGal and NeuSGc epitopes described above. Preferred classes of glycoproteins include, e.g., antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody; and wherein said antibody or fusion protein comprises a glycan, Preferably, the glycan is an N-glycan. Preferably, the N-glycan is linked to the antibody or Fc-fusion protein at the Fc domain.
[00124] As described above, the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition described herein may comprise a mixture of GO, Gl, Gl ', and G2 glycoforms (e.g., at the Fc-linked N-glycan). For example, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%, from about 0%» to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be GO glycans. Alternatively or in addition, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%, from about 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%, from abou 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be G l and Gl ' glycans. Alternatively or in addition, from about 0% to about 70%, from about 0% to about 65%, from about 0% to about 60%. from abou 0% to about 55%, from about 0% to about 50%, from about 0% to about 45%, from about 0% to about 40%, from about 0% to about 35%), from about 0% to about 30%, of the N-glycans may be G2 glycans. The N-glycans of the antibody composition, or Fc-fusion protein composition may also be any combination of the GO, Gl , Gl ', G2 profiles described above.
[00125] The glycan structure of the antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins described herein can be determined using art-known methods for analyzing glycan structures of glycoproteins, as described below.
[00126] In addition, an antibody or Fc-fusion protein may be modified such that it has any combination of improved effector activity (e.g., ADCC activity), reduced immunogenicity in humans, or increased serum half life, For example, two or more different species of RNA effector molecules may he added to a host cell culture. At least one RNA effector targets the fucosylation pathway to increase the amount of afucosylated antibody or Fc-fusion protein that is produced by the host cells, and ai least another RNA effector targets a sialidase to increase the amount of sialic acid-capped N-glycans that are produced by the host cell, or targets a- galactosyltransferase or CMAH to reduce the amount of immunogenic epitopes produced by the host cells. If desired, three or more different species of RNA effector molecules may be added to a host cell culture, at least one targets the fucosylation pathway, at least one targets a sialidase, and at least one targets cx-gaiactosyltransferase or CMAH.
[00127] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-EGFR antibody. Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%), at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%) identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab, Preferably, the anti-EGFR antibody composition described herein has an increased serum half life as compared to Cetuximab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced hydrolysis of the sialic acid cap).
[00128] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-CD20 antibody. Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%), at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%), at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%>, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Rituximab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%), at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab. Preferably, the anti-CD20 antibody composition described herein has an increased serum half life as compared to Rituximab under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced hydrolysis of the sialic acid cap).
[00129] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises a protein that is an anti-HER2 antibody. Preferably, the light chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab; and/or the heavy chain of the antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to the heavy chain of Trastuzumab, Preferably, the anti-HER2 antibody composition described herein has an increased serum half life as compared to Trastuzumab under
substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced hydrolysis of the sialic acid cap).
[00130] In certain embodiments, the composition described herein comprises an Fc- fusion protein that binds to B7. In certain embodiments, the Fc-fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Preferably, the fusion protein comprises a sequence that is at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% identical to Abatacept. Preferably, the Fc-fusion protein composition described herein has an increased serum half life as compared to Abatacept under substantially the same conditions (for example, as a result of reduced hydrolysis of the sialic acid cap),
4. METHODS FOR MODIFYING PROTEIN GLYCOSYLATION
[00131] In one aspect, the invention provides methods for producing giycan-modified glycoproteins, in particular on a large or commercial scale. The method comprises culturing a host ceil in a large scale cell culture in the presence of an RNA effector that targets a gene that encodes an enzyme or a transporter protein that is involved in a glycosylation pathway. The RNA effector transiently reduces the expression level of the target gene, thereby altering the glycosylation profile of a glycoprotein.
[00132] Examples of commercially available glycoproteins that can be modified using the methods described herein are listed in Table 1.
Table 1
Product Class Mode of action Indication Cell Company line
Aranesp Erythropoiesis Regulates red blood Anemia CHO Amgen
(Darbepoetin stimulating cell production
alfa) protein
Arcaiyst IL-1 Trap Binds IL-Ιβ to prevent Cryopo rin - associated CHO Regeneron (Rilonacept) the interaction to cell periodic syndromes
surface receptors
Avastin rMab Binds to the vascular Colorectal cancer CHO Genentech Product Class Mode of action Indication Cell Company line
(Bevacizumab) endothelial growth
factor (VEGF) to
inhibit angiogenesis
Avonex Interferon Binds to type I Multiple sclerosis (MS) CHO Biogen Idee
(Interferon interferon receptors to
β-l ) activate two Jak
tyrosine kinases
Cerezyme Enzyme Engineered to have Gaucher Disease CHO G enzyme (Imiglucerase) manno s e - 1 erminat ed
oligosaccharide chains
thai are recognized by
endocytic
carbohydrate receptors
on macrophages.
Catalyzes hydrolysis
of glycolipid
glucocerebroside to
glucose and ceramide
i those macrophages
which accumulate
lipids in Gaucher
disease
Elaprase Enzyme Hydrolyzes the 2- Hunter syndrome HT- Shire
(Iduronate sulfate esters of 1080
sulfatase) terminal iduronate
sulfate residues from
the
glycosaminoglycans
dermatari sulfate and
heparan sulfate in the
lysosomes of various
cell types
Enbrei Fusion protein Mimics inhibitory Rheumatoid arthritis CHO Amgen (Etanercept) effects of naturally
occurring soluble TNF
receptors to reduce
inflammatory response
Epogen Er lhropoiesis eco mbi ant human Anemia CHO Amgen, Kirin (Epoetin alfa) stimulating erythropoietin
protein interacts with
erythropoietin (EPO)
receptors to stimulate
production of red
blood cells from bone
marrow stem cells
Erbstux i-Mab Binds to the Colorectal cancer SP2/0 Imclone/BMS (Cetuximab) extracellular domain
of the epidermal
gro th factor (EGFR)
preventing activation
of EGFR to impair cell
growth and
orolif erai ion
Herceptin rMab Binds to HER2+ Breast cancer CHO Genentech (Trastuzurnab) tumor cells, blocks
downstream HER2
Figure imgf000033_0001
Intereron - t roug t e n ucton Product Class Mode of action Indication Cell Company line
l a) of cell membrane
components of the
major
histocompati bility
complex
Remi cade rMab Binds to TNF and Crohn's disease & SP2/0 C e n tocor/ John so n (Infliximab) inhibits TNF action Rheumatoid arthritis & Johnson
Rituxan rMab Binds to the cluster of Non-Hodgkins CHO Genentech (Riitsximab) differentiation 20 lymphoma (IDEC)
(CD20) which is
expressed on B-cells,
Fc portion mediates
ADCC and CDC
Soliris rMab Binds to the Paroxysmal nocturnal CHO Alexion
(Eculizumab) complement protein hemoglobinuria
C5, inhibiting terminal
complement mediated
intravascular
hemolysis
Synagis rMab Targets an epitope in Respiratory syncytial NSO Medlmmune (Pahvizumab) the A antigenic site of virus
the F protein of
respiratory syncytial
virus fRSV
TNKase Enzyme Recombinant fibrin- Acute myocardial CHO Genetech
(Tenecteplase) specific plasminogen infarction
(tPA) activator
Tysabri rMab Binds to o4 integral of Multiple sclerosis (MS) CHO Biogen Idee (Natalizumab) adhesion molecule
VLA-4 and sterically
inhibits binding of
VLA-4 to VCAM-1
Vectibix rMab Binds to EGFR Colorectal carcinoma CHO Amgen
(Panitiimumab)
Zenapax rMab Binds to the a subunit Acute organ rejection SP2/0 Hoffmann-La (Daclizumab) (p55 a, CD25, or Tac Roche
subunit) of human IL- 2 receptor expressed
on the surface of
activated lymphocytes
A. Target Proteins for Modifying Glycosylation
[00133] The biosynthesis of all eukaryotic N-glycans begins on the cytoplasmic face of the Ell membrane with the transfer of GlcNAc-P from UDP-GlcNAc to the iipid-like precursor dolichol phosphate (Dol-P) to generate dolichol pyrophosphate N-acetylglucosamine (Dol-P-P-Glc Ac). Fourteen sugars are sequentially added to Dol-P before en bloc transter of the entire glycan to an Asn-X-Ser/Thr/Cys motif in a protein tha t is being synthesized and translocated through the ER membrane. The protein-hound N-glycan is subsequently remodeled in the ER and Golgi by a complex series of reactions catalyzed by membrane -bound glycosidases and glycosyltransierases. Many of these enzymes are exquisitely sensitive to the physiological and biochemical state of the ceil in which the glycoprotein is expressed. Thus, the populations of sugars attached to each glycosylated asparagine in a mature glycoprotein will depend on the cell type in which the glycoprotein is expressed and on the physiological status of the cell, a status that may be regulated during development and differentiation and altered in disease.
[00134] Glycosylation is a nonlinear non-template driven process. Regulation of a particular glycan may be due to a number of orthogonal inputs such as precursor levels, donor levels, transferase levels etc, Figure 2 provides a schematic illustration of the glycosylation pathway in CHO cell line. Each one of the enzymes may be targeted by RNA effectors.
[00135] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from die group consisting of: GDP-fucose transporter (GFT), solute carrier-35Cl (SLC35C1), solute carrier-35C2 (SLC35C2), SVIPDUI , and Ggtal; and (b) adding an effective amount of an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementar to a target gene of (a), and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
[00136] If desired, two or more genes may be targeted. For example, the host cell may further comprises a second target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase, UDP
glycosyltransferase, UDP-Gal:pGlcNAcp 1 ,4-galactosyltransferase, UDP-galactose-ceramide gaiactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein O-fucosyltransferase, N- acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, O-GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N- acetylgrucosamine transferase, a-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, sialyltransferase, GMD dehydratase, FX epimerase, a-l,3-galactosyltransferase, mannosyl (a-l,3-)-glycoprotehi beta- 1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGAT1), MGAT4B, SLC35D1, ST6GALNAC6, and glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyl)-2-epimerase; and step (b) may further comprise adding an effective amount of a second RNA. effector molecule to the large scale cell culture, wherein the RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: dolichyi-diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase, UDP glycosyltransferase, UDP-Gal: βΘΙοΝΑοβ 1 ,4-galactosyltransferase, UDP-galactose-ceraniide galactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein O-fucosyltransferase, N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, O-GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N-acetylgrucosamine transferase, a-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, sialyltransferase, GMD dehydratase, FX epimerase, a-l,3-galactosyltransferase, mannosyl (a-l,3-)-glycoprotehi beta- 1,2-N-acetylg!ucosaminyItransferase (MGA.T1), MGAT4B, SLC35D1 , ST6GALNAC6, and glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyl)-2-epimerase, and wherein said RNA effector reduces or prevents the expression of said second target gene.
[00137] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises at least two target genes, the target genes independently encode a protein selected from the group consisting of: dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccbaride-protein glycosyltransferase, UDP
glycosyltransferase, UDP-Gal: GicNAc 1 ,4-galactosyltransferase, UDP-galactose-ceramide galactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein 0-fucosyltransfera.se, N- acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, O-GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N- acetylgrucosamine transferase, a-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, sialyltransferase, GMD dehydratase, FX epimerase, a-1 ,3-galactosyliransferase, mannosyl (a- 1 ,3 ^-glycoprotein beta- 1 ,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGAT1), MGAT4B, SLC35D 1, ST6GALNAC6, and glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyl)-2-epimerase; and (b) adding an effective amount of two or more RNA effector molecules to said large scale cell culture, wherein each of said RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene of (a), and reduces or prevents the expression of its target gene. In certain embodiments, the host cell is a rodent cell, such as a CHO cell.
[00138] Table 2 provides exemplary target genes that encode an enzyme or a transporter protein of the glycosylation pathway.
Table 2
Protein Name Gene ssine
sialidase NEU2
a-N-acet l-neura!rtinyl-2,3-beta-galactosyl- ! ,3-N- ST6GALNAC6
ac etylgalacto saminid e a -2,6- sialylfrans fe ras 6
CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase CMAH α 1 , 3 ga iacto syl trans feras e ABO
GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase GMD
GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-tnaiM!ose epimerase -reductase FX
GDP-fucose transporter GFT
Fu co sy Item sf eras e FUT (e.g., FUT1 to FUT12)
solute carrier-35Cl SLC35C1
solute carrier-35C2 St G G2
dolichyl-diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase DADL RPN2, PN1, STT3A, STT3B, OST4,
DDOST
UDP glycosyltran sferase UGT (e.g., IJGTlal, UGTla2, UGTl aS, etc.)
UDP-Gali pGlcNAcP 1 ,4-galactosyliransferase B4GALT1 , B4GALT2, B4GALT3, B4GALT4,
B4GALT5, B4GALT6
UDP-galactose-ceramide galactosyltransferase UGT8A
protein O-fucosyltransferase POFUTl , POFUT2
N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase MGATl, MGAT4B
O-GlcNAc transferase OCT
oligosaccharyl transferase STT3A, STT3B, DAD1 , DDOST
O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase OGT
a-gaiactosidase GLA
p-galactosidase GLB1
sialyltransferase CMAH
GDP-fucose transporter GFT
GMD dehydratase GMDS
FX epimerase FX
a- 1 ,3 -galactosyltransferase A3GALT2
a- 1 ,6-mannosyl-glycoproiein 2-beta-N- MGAT2
ac ety Igluco saminy Itransf eras e
a-l,3-!rtanaosyl-glycoprotein 2-beta-N- MGATl
acetylghicosaminyltransferase
a-l ,3-mannosyl-glycoprotein 4-beta-N- MGAT4B
acetylglucosaminyltransferase B
Slc35dl soluie carrier family 35 SLC35D1
a-N-acetylgalactosaminide aipha-2,6-si alyltransferase 6 ST6GALNAC6
mannose-P-dolichol utilization defect 1 MPDU1
N-acetyllactosaminide a- 1 ,3 -galactosyltransferase Ggtal
[00139] Preferred genes that may he targeted for modifying the glycosyiation include FUT8, GMDS, TSTA3, ABO, CMAH, MGATl, MGAT4B, SLC35D1, TSTA3, SLC35C1, SLC35C2, NEU2, ST6GALNAC6, and UGGT1 .
[00140] In certain embodiments, the RNA. effector transiently reduces the expression of its target gene. The nucleotide sequences of exemplary target genes from Chinese hamster and siRNA molecules that modulate the expression of these genes, are provided in the
Appendices.
[00141] In certain embodiments, the method further comprising harvesting said glycoprotein from said large scale culture.
(1). Modification of Fucosylation pathways
[00142] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising an afucosylated glycoprotein, comprising: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host ceil expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a protein tha is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-fucose transporter (GFT), solute carrier-35Cl (SLC35C1), and solute carrier-35C2 (SLC35C2); and (h) adding an effective amount of an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
[00143] If desired, two or more genes may be targeted. For example, the host cell may further comprises a second target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-mannose epimerase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransferase (Fut); and wherein step (b) further comprises adding an effective amount of a second R NA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RN A effector is substantially complementary to a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-mannose epimerase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransferase (Fut), and wherein said RNA effector reduces or pre vents the expression of said second target gene.
[00144] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising an afucosylated glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host ceil expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises at least two target genes that independently encode a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D- mannose epimerase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransferase (Fut); and (b) adding an effective amount of two or more RNA effector molecules to said large scale ceil culture, wherein each of said RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene of (a), and reduces or prevents the expression of its target gene,
[00145] Preferably, at least one of the target genes encodes a fucosyltransfera.se.
[00146] In certain embodiment, the target gene is selected from the group consisting of: Fut8, GMD, and TSTA3.
[00147] Figure 3 provides a schematic illustration of fucosylation pathway in CHO cells. Each one of the enzymes may be targeted by RNA effectors. Preferably, two or more of the enzymes or transporter proteins are targeted. When two or more enzymes transporter proteins are targeted, it may be desirable that at least two enzymes or transporter proteins act sequentially along a metabolic pathway. For example, GMD, FX, GTF, and FutS (Figure 3) are considered act sequentially along a metabolic pathway. Similarly, Fucose kinase, GFPP, GTF, and FutS (Figure 3) are also considered act sequentially along a metabolic pathway. As such, any two of these four proteins may be targeted, By "sequentially," the two enzymes or transporter proteins do not have to act immediately one after another, as long as they align a metabolic pathway, such that a molecule is sequentially processed by the two enzymes or protein transporters (e.g., GMD and FutS are two enzymes act sequentially). By targeting two enzymes or transporter proteins act sequentially along a metabolic pathway, potential synergistic effect may be achieved.
[00148] Alternatively, it may be desirable that to target two or more enzymes or transporter proteins, each is involved in an alternative metabolic pathway that leads to the same product (see e.g., Figure 3, GMD in the de novo pathway, and fucose kinase in the salvage pathway). By targeting two enzymes or transporter proteins are involved in alternative metabolic pathways that lead to the same product, potential synergistic effect may be achieved.
[00149] In certain embodiments, the glycoprotein is an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody.
[00150] Genes that may be targeted for modifying the fucosylation of N-glycans include, e.g., FutS (encodes Fucosyltransferase), GMD, 1ST A3, SLC35C1, SLC35C2, etc.
(2), Reduction of Immunogenic Epitopes [00151] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes ABO a- 1,3 galactosyltransferase; and (h) adding an effective amount an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of the target gene, Preferably, said glycoprotein has reduced immunogenicity in a human when compared to the same glycoprotein produced in the absence of said RNA effector molecule.
100152] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, with the proviso that said host cell is not a human, ape, or Old World monkey cell; wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a protein selected from the group consisting of ABO a-1 ,3
galactosyltransferase and Ggtal ; and (b) adding an effective amount an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of the target gene.
[00153] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, wherein said glycoprotein comprises a N-g!ycan, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale ceil culture, with the proviso that said host cell is not a human cell; wherein: (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH); and (b) adding an effecti ve amount of an RN A effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
(3). Increasing Serum Half-Life
[00154] In one aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, wherein said glycoprotein comprises a N-glycan, the method comprises: (a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture; wherein (i) said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and (ii) said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a sialidase; and (b) adding an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene,
[00155] Preferably, the sialidase is NEU2 siaiidase or a-N-acetyl-neuraminyl-2,3- beta-galactosyl- 1 ,3)-N-acetylgaIactosaminide a-2,6-sialyltransferase 6 (ST6GALNAC6).
[00156] Two or more RNA effectors may be used, such as the glycan modified glycoproteins show a combination of improved effector activities (such as ADCC), reduced immunogenicity in humans, or increased serum half life. For example, one RNA effector may target fucosyitransferase to reduce the level of fucosylation, and is used in combination with another RNA effector that targets a sialidase to reduce the hydrolysis of terminal sialic acid. Alternatively, one RNA effector may target ABO a 1,3 gaiactosyltransferase or CMAH to reduce the level of immunogenic epitope, and is used in combination with another RNA effector that targets a siaiidase to reduce the hydrolysis of terminal sialic acid,
[00157] In another aspect, the invention provides a method for producing a glycoprotein, comprising: (a) culturing a host cell that expresses said glycoprotein in a large scale cell culture, wherein said host ceil expresses target genes that are necessary for the glvcosylation of said glycoprotein with two or more of N-glycolymeuraminic acid, fucose and galactose-a-1 ,3-galactose; (b) adding two or more RNA effector molecules to said large scale cell culture, wherein each of said RNA effectors are substantially complementary to said target genes, and cultivating the large scale culture for a sufficient period of time such that the expression of the target genes are reduced or inhibited in said host ceil, thereby producing a glycoprotein with reductions in two or more of N-glycolymeuraminic acid, fucose and galactose-a- 1,3 -galactose as compared to a glycoprotein expressed under the same conditions but in the absence of said two or more RNA effector molecules.
B. RNA effector molecules
[00158] RNA effector molecules that are suitable for modifying glycosylation process of a host cell has been disclosed in detail in WO 2011/005786, and is described brief below.
[00159] RNA effector molecules are ribonucleotide agents that are capable of reducing or preventing the expression of a target gene within a host cell, or ribonucleotide agents capable of forming a molecule that can reduce the expression level of a target gene within a host cell. A portion of a RNA effector molecule, wherein the portion is at least 10, at least 12, at least 15, at least 17, at least 1 8, at least 19, or at least 20 nucleotide long, is substantially complementary to the target gene. The complementary region may be the coding region, the promoter region, the 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR), and/or the 5'-UTR of the target gene, Preferably, at least 16 contiguous nucleotides of the RNA effector molecule are complementary to the target sequence (e.g., at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, or more contiguous nucleotides of the RNA effector molecule are complementary to the target sequence). The RNA effector molecules interact with RNA transcripts of target genes and mediate their selective degrada tion or otherwise prevent their translation.
[00160] RNA effector molecules can comprise a single RNA strand or more than one RNA strand. Examples of RNA effector molecules include, e.g., double stranded RNA
(dsRN A), microRN A (rmRNA), antisense RNA, promoter-directed RNA (pdRNA), Piwi- interacting RNA (piRNA), expressed interfering RNA (eiRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA), antagomirs, decoy RNA, DNA, plasmids and ap amers. The RN A effector molecule can be single- stranded or double-stranded. A single-stranded RN A effector molecule can have double- stranded regions and a double-stranded RNA effector can have single-stranded regions.
Preferably, the RNA effector molecules are double-stranded RNA, wherein the antisense strand comprises a sequence that is substantially complementary to the target gene.
[00161] Complementary sequences within a RNA effector molecule, e.g., within a dsRNA (a double-stranded ribonucleic acid) may be fully complementary or substantially complementary. Generally, for a duplex up to 30 base pairs, the dsRNA comprises no more than 5, 4, 3 or 2 mismatched base pairs upon hybridization, while retaining the ability to regulate the expression of its target gene.
[00162] In some embodiments, the RNA effector molecule comprises a single- stranded oligonucleotide that interacts with and directs the cleavage of RNA transcripts of a target gene. For example, single stranded RNA effector molecules comprise a 5' modification including one or more phosphate groups or analogs thereof to protect the effector molecule from nuclease degradation. The RNA effector molecule can be a single-stranded antisense nucleic acid having a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to a "sense" nucleic acid of a target gene, e.g., the coding strand of a double-stranded cDNA molecule or a RNA sequence, e.g., a pre-mRNA, mRNA, miRNA, or pre-miRNA. Accordingly, an antisense nucleic acid can form hydrogen bonds with a sense nucleic acid target.
[00163] Given a coding strand sequence (e.g., the sequence of a sense strand of a cDNA molecule), antisense nucleic acids can be designed according to the rules of Watson- Crick base pairing. The antisense nucleic acid can be complementary to the coding or noncoding region of a RNA, e.g., the region surrounding the translation start site of a pre-mRNA or mRNA, e.g., the 5' UTR. An antisense oligonucleotide can be, for example, about 10 to 25 nucleotides in length (e.g., 10, 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24 nucleotides in length). In some embodiments, the antisense oligonucleotide comprises one or more modified nucleotides, e.g., phosphorothioate derivatives and/or acridine substituted nucleotides, designed to increase its biological stability of the molecule and/or the physical stability of the duplexes formed between the antisense and target nucleic acids. Antisense oligonucleotides can comprise ribonucleotides only, deoxyribonucleotides only (e.g., oligodeoxynucleotides), or both deoxyribonucleotid.es and ribonucleotides. For example, an antisense agent consisting only of ribonucleotides can hybridize to a complementary RNA and prevent access of the translation machinery to the target RNA transcript, thereby preventing protein synthesis. An antisense molecule including only deoxyribonucleotides, or deoxyribonucleotides and ribonucleotides, can hybridize to a complementary RNA and the RNA target can be subsequently cleaved by an enzyme, e.g., RNAse H, to prevent translation. The flanking RNA sequences can include 2'-0-methylated nucleotides, and phosphorothioate linkages, and the internal DNA sequence can include phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages. The internal DNA sequence is preferably at least five nucleotides in length when targeting by RN AseH activity is desired.
[00164] In certain embodiments, the RNA effector comprises a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), wherein said dsRNA (a) comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand that are substantially complementary to each other; and (b) wherein said antisense strand comprises a region of complementarity that is substantially complementary to one of the target genes, and wherein said region of complementarity is from 10 to 30 nucleotides in length.
[00165] In some embodiments, RNA effector molecule is a double-stranded oligonucleotide . Typically, the duplex region formed by the two strands is small, about 30 nucleotides or less in length. Such dsRNA is also referred to as siRNA. For example, the siRNA may be from 15 to 30 nucleotides in length, from 10 to 26 nucleotides in length, from 17 to 28 nucleotides in length, from 18 to 25 nucleotides in length, or from 19 to 24 nucleotides in length, etc.
[00166] The duplex region can be of any length that permits specific degradation of a desired target RNA through a RISC pathway, but will typically range from 9 to 36 base pairs in length, e.g., 15 to 30 base pairs in length. For example, the duplex region may be 9, 10, 1 1 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 , 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 36 base pairs in length, or any sub-range there between, including, e.g., 15 to 30 base pairs, 15 to 26 base pairs, 15 to 23 base pairs, 15 to 22 base pairs, 15 to 21 base pairs, 15 to 20 base pairs, 15 to 19 base pairs, 15 to 18 base pairs, 15 to 17 base pairs, 18 to 30 base pairs, 18 to 26 base pairs, 18 to 23 base pairs, 18 to 22 base pairs, 18 to 21 base pairs, 18 to 20 base pairs, 19 to 30 base pairs, 19 to 26 base pairs, 19 to 23 base pairs, 19 to 22 base pairs, 19 to 21 base pairs, 19 to 20 base pairs, 20 to 30 base pairs, 20 to 26 base pairs, 20 to 25 base pairs, 20 to 24 base pairs, 20 to 23 base pairs, 20 to 22 base pairs, 20 to 21 base pairs, 21 to 30 base pairs, 21 to 26 base pairs, 21 to 25 base pairs, 21 to 24 base pairs, 21 to 23 base pairs, or 21 to 22 base pairs.
[00167] The two strands forming the duplex structure of a dsRNA can be from a single RNA molecule having at least one self-complementary region, or can be formed from two or more separate RNA molecules. Where the duplex region is formed from two strands of a single molecule, the molecule can have a duplex region separated by a single stranded chain of nucleotides (a "hairpin loop") between the 3 '-end of one strand and the 5 '-end of the respective other strand forming the duplex structure. The hairpin loop can comprise at least one unpaired nucleotide; in some embodiments the hairpin loop can comprise at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, at least 10, at least 20, at least 23 or more unpaired nucleotides. Where the two substantially complementary strands of a dsRN A are formed by separate RNA strands, the two strands can be optionally covalently linked. Where the two strands are connected covalently by means other than a hairpin loop, the connecting structure is referred to as a "linker."
[00168] It is known that dsRNAs having a duplex structure of between 20 and 23, but specifically 21, base pairs have been hailed as particularly effective in inducing RNA
interference. Elbashir et al, 20 EMBO 6877-88 (2001). [00169] A double-stranded oligonucleotide can include one or more single-stranded nucleotide overhangs, which are one or more unpaired nucleotide that protrudes from the terminus of a duplex structure of a double-stranded oligonucleotide, e.g., a dsRNA, A double- stranded oligonucleotide can comprise an o verhang of at least one nucleotide; alternatively the overhang can comprise at least two nucleotides, at least three nucleotides, at least four nucleotides, at least five nucleotides or more. The overhang(s) can be on the sense strand, the antisense strand or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the ucleotidefs) of an overhang can be present on the 5' end, 3' end, or both ends of either an antisense or sense strand of a dsRNA.
[00170] In one embodiment, at least one end of a dsRNA has a single-stranded nucleotide overhang of 1 to 4, generally 1 or 2 nucleotides.
[00171] The overhang can comprise a deoxyribonucleoside or a nucleoside analog. Further, one or more of the internucloside linkages in the overhang can be replaced with a phosphorothioate. In some embodiments, the overhang comprises one or more
deoxyribonucleoside or the overhang comprises one or more d'T, e.g., the sequence 5'-dTdT-3' or 5'-dTdTdT-3\ In some embodiments, overhang comprises the sequence 5'-dT*dT-3, wherein * is a phosphorothioate internucleoside linkage.
[00172] An RNA effector molecule as described herein can contain one or more mismatches to the target sequence. Preferably, a RNA effector molecule as described herein contains no more than three mismatches. If the antisense strand of the RNA effector molecule contains one or more mismatches to a target sequence, it is preferable that the mismatch(s) is (are) not located in the center of the region of complementarity, but are restricted to be within the last 5 nucleotides from either the 5' or 3' end of the region of complementarity. For example, for a 23-nucleotide RNA effector molecule agent RNA, the antisense strand generally does not contain any mismatch within the central 13 nucleotides.
[00173] The dsRNA can be synthesized by standard methods known in the art as further discussed below, e.g., by use of an automated DNA synthesizer, such as are
commercially available from, for example, Biosearch Technologies (Novato, CA).
[00174] In some embodiments, the RNA effector molecule is a promoter-directed
RNA (pdRNA) which is substantially complementary to a noncoding region of an rnRNA transcript of a target gene. In one embodiment, the pdRNA is substantially complementary to the promoter region of a target gene mRNA at a site located upstream from the transcription start site, e.g., more than 100, more than 200, or more tha 1 ,000 bases upstream from the transcription start site. In another embodiment, the pdRNA is substantially complementary to the 3'-UTR. of a target gene mRNA transcript. In one embodiment, the pdRNA comprises dsRNA of 18-28 bases optionally having 3' di- or tri-nucleotide overhangs on each strand, in another embodiment, the pdRNA comprises a gapmer consisting of a single stranded polynucleotide comprising a DNA sequence which is substantially complementary' to the promoter or the 3'-UTR of a target gene mRNA transcript, and flanking the polynucleotide sequences ( e.g., comprising the 5 terminal bases at each of the 5' and 3' ends of the gapmer) comprises one or more modified nucleotides, such as 2' MQE, 2'OMe, or Locked Nucleic Acid bases (LNA), which protect the gapmer from cellular nucleases.
[00175] pdRNA can be used to selectively increase, decrease, or otherwise modulate expression of a target gene. Without being limited to theory, it is believed that pdRNAs modulate expression of target genes by binding to endogenous antisense RN A transcripts which overlap with noncoding regions of a target gene mRNA transcript, and recruiting Argonaute proteins (in the case of dsRNA) or host cell nucleases (e.g., RNase H) (in the case of gapmers) to selectively degrade the endogenous antisense RNAs. In some embodiments, the endogenous antisense RNA negatively regulates expression of the target gene and the pdRNA effector molecule activates expression of the target gene, Thus, in some embodiments, pdRNAs can be used to selectively activate the expression of a target gene by inhibiting the negative regulation of target gene expression by endogenous antisense RN A. Methods for identifying antisense transcripts encoded by promoter sequences of target genes and for making and using promoter- directed RNAs are known, see, e.g., WO 2009/046397.
[00176] In some embodiments, the RNA effector molecule comprises an aptamer which binds to a non-nucleic acid ligand, such as a small organic molecule or protein, e.g., a transcription or translation factor, and subsequently modifies (e.g., inhibits) activity. An aptamer can fold into a specific staicture that directs the recognition of a targeted binding site on the non-nucleic acid ligand. Aptamers can contain any of the modifications described herein.
[00177] In some embodiments, the RNA effector molecule comprises an antagomir. A tagomirs are single stranded, double stranded, partially double stranded or hairpin structures that target a microRNA. An antagomir consists essentially of or comprises at least 10 or more contiguous nucleotides substantially complementary to an endogenous miRNA and more particularly a target sequence of an miRNA or pre-miRNA nucleotide sequence, Antagomirs preferably have a nucleotide sequence sufficiently complementary to a miRNA target sequence of about 12 to 25 nucleotides, such as about 15 to 23 nucleotides, to allow the antagomir to hybridize to the target sequence. More preferably, the target sequence differs by no more than 1, 2, or 3 nucleotides from the sequence of the antagomir. In some embodiments, the antagomir includes a non-nucleotide moiety, e.g., a cholesterol moiety, which can be attached, e.g., to the 3' or 5' end of the oligonucleotide agent.
[00178] In some embodiments, antagomirs are stabilized against nucleoiytic degradation by the incorporation of a modification, e.g., a nucleotide modification. For example, in some embodiments, antagomirs contain a phosphorothioate comprising at least the first, second, and/or third intemucleotide l inkages at the 5' or 3' end of the nucleotide sequence. In further embodiments, antagomirs include a 2 '-modified nucleotide, e.g., a 2'-deoxy, 2'- deoxy-2'~fiuoro, 2'-Q-m.ethyl, 2'-0-methox.yethyl (2'~0-MOE), 2'-0-ammopropyl (2'~Q~AP), 2'-()-dimethyiaminoethyi (2'-0-DMAOE), 2'-0-dimethylaminopropyl (2'-0-D AP), 2'-0- dimethyiaminoethyloxyethyi (2'-0-DMAEOE), or 2'-0-N-methylacetamido (2'-0-NMA). In some embodiments, antagomirs include at least one 2 '-O-methyl-modified nucleotide.
[00179] In some embodiments, the UNA effector molecule is a promoter-directed
RNA (pdRNA) which is substantially complementary to a noncoding region of an mRNA transcript of a target gene. The pdRNA can be substantially complementary to the promoter region of a target gene mRNA at a site located upstream from the transcription start site, e.g., more than 100, more than 200, or more than 1 ,000 bases upstream from the transcription start site. Also, the pdRNA can substantially complementary to the 3'-UTR of a target gene mRN A transcript, For example, the pdRNA comprises dsRNA of 18 to 28 bases optionally having 3' di- or tri-nucleotide overhangs on each strand. The dsRNA is substantially complementary to the promoter region or the 3'-UTR region of a target gene mRNA transcript. In another embodiment, the pdRN A comprises a gapmer consisting of a single stranded polynucleotide comprising a DNA sequence which is substantially complementary to the promoter or the 3'-
UTR of a target gene mRNA transcript, and flanking the polynucleotide sequences (e.g., comprising the five terminal bases at each of the 5 ' and 3' ends of the gapmer) comprising one or more modified nucleotides, such as 2'MOE, 2'OMe, or Locked Nucleic Acid bases (LNA), which protect the gapmer from cellular nucleases. [00180] Expressed interfering RNA (eiRNA) can be used to selectively increase, decrease, or otherwise modulate expression of a target gene. Typically, eiRNA, the dsRNA is expressed in the first transfected cell from an expression vector. In such a vector, the sense strand and the aniisense strand of the dsRNA can be transcribed from the same nucleic acid sequence using e.g., two convergent promoters at either end of the nucleic acid sequence or separate promoters transcribing either a sense or antisense sequence. Alternatively, two plasmids can be cotransfected, with one of the plasniids designed to transcribe one strand of the dsRNA while the other is designed to transcribe the other strand. Methods for making and using eiRNA effector molecules are known in the art. See, e.g., WO 2006/033756; U.S. Patent Pubs. No. 2005/0239728 and No. 2006/0035344.
[00181] In some embodiments, the RNA effector molecule comprises a small single- stranded Piwi-interacting RNA (piRNA effector molecule) which is substantially
complementary to a target gene, and which sel ectively binds to proteins of the Piwi or
Aubergine subclasses of Argonaute proteins, A piRNA effector molecule ca be about 10 to 50 nucleotides in length, about 25 to 39 nucleotides in length, or about 26 to 31 nucleotides in length. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2009/0062228.
[00182] MicroRNAs are a highly conserved class of small RNA molecules that are transcribed from DNA in the genomes of plants and animals, but are not translated into protein. Pre-microRNAs are processed into miRNAs. Processed microRNAs are single stranded ~17 to 25 nucleotide (nt) RNA molecules that become incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and have been identified as key regulators of development, cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. They are believed to play a role in regulation of gene expression by binding to the 3 '-untranslated region of specific mRN As. MicroRN As cause post- transcriptional silencing of specific target genes, e.g., by inhibiting translation or initiating degradation of the targeted mRNA. In some embodiments, the miRNA is completely complementary with the target nucleic acid. In other embodiments, the miRNA has a region of noncomplementarity with the target nucleic acid, resulting in a "bulge" at the region of non- complementarity. In some embodiments, the region of noncomplementarity (the bulge) is flanked by regions of sufficient com lementarity, e.g., complete com lementarity, to allo w duplex formation. For example, the regions of complementarity are at least 8 to 10 nucleotides long (e.g., 8, 9, or 10 nucleotides long). [00183] miRNA can inhibit gene expression by, e.g., repressing translation, such as when the miRNA is not completely complementary to the target nucleic acid, or by causing target RNA degradation, when the miRN A binds its target with perfect or a high degree of complementarity .In further embodiments, the RNA effector molecule can include an
oligonucleotide agent which targets an endogenous miRNA or pre-miRNA. For example, the RNA effector can target an endogenous miRNA which negatively regulates expression of a target gene, such that the RNA effector alleviates mi NA-based inhibition of the target gene.
[00184] The miRNA can comprise naturally occurring nucieobases, sugars, and covalent intemucleotide (backbone) linkages, or comprise one or more non-naturally-occurring features that confer desirable properties, such as enhanced cellular uptake, enhanced affinity for the endogenous miRNA target, and/or increased stability in the presence of nucleases, in some embodiments, an miRNA designed to bind to a specific endogenous mi RNA. has substantial complementarity, e.g., at least 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100%» complementary, with at least 10, 20, or 25 or more bases of the target miRN A. Exemplary oligonucleiotde agents that target miRNAs and pre-miRNAs are described, for example, in U.S. Patent Pubs. No. 20090317907,
No. 20090298174, No. 20090291907, No. 20090291906, No. 20090286969, No. 20090236225, No. 20090221685, No. 20090203893, No. 20070049547, No. 20050261218, No. 20090275729, No. 20090043082, No. 20070287179, No. 20060212950, No. 20060166910, No. 20050227934, No. 20050222067, No. 20050221490, No. 20050221293, No. 20050182005, and
No. 20050059005.
[00185] A miRN A or pre-miRNA can be 10 to 200 nucleotides in length, for example from 16 to 80 nucleotides in length. Mature miRN As can have a length of 16 to 30 nucleotides, such as 21 to 25 nucleotides, particularly 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleotides in length. miRNA precursors can ha ve a length of 70 to 100 nucleotides and can have a hairpin conformation. In some embodiments, miRNAs are generated in vivo from pre-miRNAs by the enzymes cDicer and Droslia. miRNAs or pre-miRNAs can be synthesized in vivo by a cell-based system or can be chemically synthesized. mi NAs can comprise modifications which impart one or more desired properties, such as superior stability, hybridization thermodynamics with a target nucleic acid, targeting to a particular tissue or cell-type, and/or cell permeability, e.g., by an
endocytosis-dependent or -independent mechanism. Modifications can also increase sequence specificity, and consequently decrease off-site targeting. [00186] Upon contact with a cell expressing the target gene, the RNA effector molecule inhibits the expression of the target gene by at least 10%, as assayed by, for example, a PGR or branched DNA (bDNA)-based method, or by a protein-based method, such as by western blot, Expression of a target gene in cell culture can be assayed by measuring target gene mRNA levels, e.g., by bDNA or TAQMAN® assay, or by measuring protein levels, e.g., by immunofluorescence analysis or quantitative immunobiot.
Figure imgf000050_0001
[00187] Optionally, an RNA effector may bechemically modified to enhance stability or other beneficial characteristics.
[00188] Oligonucleotides can be modified to prevent rapid degradation of the oligonucleotides by endo- and exo-nucleases and avoid undesirable off-target effects. The nucleic acids featured in the invention can be synthesized and/or modified by methods well established in the art, such as those described in CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN NUCLEIC ACID
CHEMISTRY (Beaucage et al., eds., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY). Modifications include, for example, (a) end modifications, e.g., 5' end modifications (phosphorylation, conjugation, inverted linkages, etc.), or 3' end modifications (conjugation, DNA nucleotides, inverted linkages, etc.); (b) base modifications, e.g., replacement with stabilizing bases, destabilizing bases, or bases that base pair with an expanded repertoire of partners, removal of bases (abasic nucleotides), or conjugated bases; (c) sugar modifications (e.g., at the 2' position or 4' position) or replacement of the sugar; as well as (d) intemucleoside linkage modifications, including modification or replacement of the phosphodiesier linkages. Specific examples of
oligonucleotide compounds useful in this invention include, but are not limited to RNAs containing modified backbones or no natural intemucleoside linkages. RNAs having modified backbones include, among others, those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the backbone. Specific examples of oligonucleotide compoimds useful in this invention include, but are not limited to oligonucleotides containing modified or non-natural intemucleoside linkages.
Oligonucleotides having modified internucioside linkages include, among others, those that do not have a phosphorus atom in the intemucleoside linkage.
[00189] Modified intemucleoside linkages include (e.g., RNA backbones) mclude, for example, phosphorothioates, chiral phosphorothioates, phosphorodithioates, phosphotriesters, animoalkylphosphotriesters, methyl and other alkyl phosphonates including 3'-alkylene phosphonates and chiral phosphonates, phosphinates, phosphoramidat.es including 3 '-amino phosphoramidate and aminoalkylphosphoramidates, thionophosphoramidates,
thionoalkylphosphonates, thionoalkylphosphotriesters, and boranophosphat.es having normal 3 '-5' linkages, 2'-5' linked analogs of these, and those) having inverted polarity wherein the adjacent pairs of nucleoside units are linked 3'-5' to 5'-3' or 2'-5' to 5 '-2'. Various salts, mixed salts and free acid forms are also included.
[00190] Representative patents that teach the preparation of the above phosphorus- containing linkages include, e.g., U.S. Patents No. 3,687,808; No. 4,469,863; No. 4,476,301; No. 5,023,243; No. 5,177,195; No, 5,188,897; No, 5,264,423; No, 5,276,019; No. 5,278,302; No. 5,286,717; No. 5,321, 131; No. 5,399,676; No. 5,405,939; No. 5,453,496; No. 5,455,233; No. 5,466,677; No. 5,476,925; No. 5,519,126; No. 5,536,821 ; No. 5,541,316; No. 5,550,1 1 1; No. 5,563,253; No. 5,571,799; No. 5,587,361; No. 5,625,050; No. 6,028,188; No. 6,124,445; No. 6,160,109; No. 6,169,170; No, 6,172,209; No, 6, 239,265; No. 6,277,603; No. 6,326,199; No. 6,346,614; No. 6,444,423; No. 6,531,590; No. 6,534,639; No. 6,608,035; No. 6,683,167; No. 6,858,715; No. 6,867,294; No. 6,878,805; No. 7,015,315; No. 7,041,816; No. 7,273,933; No. 7,321 ,029; and No. E39464.
[00191 ] Additionally, both the sugar and the internucleoside linkage may be modified, i.e., the backbone, of the nucleotide units are replaced with novel groups. One such oligomeric compound, a RNA mimetic that has been shown to have excellent hybridization properties, is referred to as a peptide nucleic acid (PNA). See, e.g., U.S. Patents No. 5,539,082;
No. 5,714,331 ; and No, 5,719,262. Further teaching of PNA. compounds can be found, for example, in Nielsen et al., 254 Science 1497-1500 (1991).
[00192] Modified oligonucleotides can also contain one or more substituted sugar moieties. The RNA effector molecules, e.g., dsRNAs, can include one of the following at the 2' position: H (deoxyribose); OH (ribose); F; 0-, S-, or N-alkyl; 0-, S-, or N-alkenyl; 0-, S- or N- alkynyl; or O-alkyl-O-alkyl, wherein the alkyl, aikenyl and alkynyl can be substituted, or unsubstituted Q to Go alkyl or C2 to Cio aikenyl and alkynyl, Exemplary suitable modifications include G[(CH2)riQ]mC¾, 0(CH2)riGCH3, 0(CH2)riNH2, 0(CH2)nCH3, 0(CH2)n0NH2, and 0(CH2)nON[(CH2)nCH3)]2, where n and m are from .1 to 10, inclusive. In some embodiments, oligonucleotides include one of the following at the 2' position: G to C10 lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl, aikaryl, aralkyl, O-alkaryl or O-aralkyl, SH, 8C¾, OCN, CI, Br, CN, CF3, OCF3, SOCH3, SO :(.'! ! ;. ONO2, N02, N3, NH2, heterocyeloalkyl, heteroeyeloalkaryl, aminoaikyiamino, polyalkylaniino, substituted silyl, a RNA cleaving group, a reporter group, an intercalaior, a group for improving the pharmacokinetic properties of an oligonucleotide (e.g., a RNA effector molecule), or a group for improving the pharmacodynamic properties of an oligonucleotide (e.g., a RNA effector molecule), and other substituents having similar properties, in some embodiments, the modification includes a 2'~methoxyethoxy (2 -0- CH2CH2OCH3, also known as 2'-0-(2-methoxyethyl) or 2'-MOE) (Martin et al, 78 Helv. Chim. Acta 486-504 ( 1995)), i.e., an alkoxy-alkoxy group. Another exemplary modification is 2'~ dimethylaminooxyethoxy, i.e., a 0(CH2 ')20N(CH3)2 group, also known as 2 -DMAOE, as described in examples herein below, and 2'-dirn.ethylaminoethoxyethoxy (also known in the art as 2'-0-dimethylaminoethoxyethyl or 2 -DMAEOE), i.e., 2,-0-CH2-0-CH2-N(CH2)2.
[00193] Other modifications include 2'-methoxy (2'-OCH3), 2'-ammopropoxy
(2'-OCi¾CH2CH2NH2) and 2'-fluoro (2'-F). Similar modifications can also be made at other positions on the oligonucleotide, particularly the 3' position of the sugar on the 3' terminal nucleotide or in 2'-5' linked oligonucleotide and the 5' position of 5' terminal nucleotide.
Oligonucleotides can also have sugar mimetics such as cyclobutyl moieties in place of the pentofuranosyl sugar. Representative patents that teach die preparation of such modified sugar structures include, but are not limited to, U.S. Patents No, 4,981,957; No. 5,118,800;
No. 5,319,080; No. 5,359,044; No. 5,393,878; No. 5,446, 137; No. 5,466,786; No. 5,514,785; No. 5,519,134; No. 5,567,81 1 ; No. 5,576,427; No. 5,591 ,722; No. 5,597,909; No. 5,610,300; No. 5,627,053; No. 5,639,873; No. 5,646,265; No. 5,658,873; No. 5,670,633; and
No. 5,700,920, certain of which are commonly owned with the instant application.
[00194] An oligonucleotide (e.g., a RNA effector molecule) can also include nucleobase (often referred to in the art simply as "base") modifications or substitutions. As used herein, "unmodified''' or "natural" nucleobases include the purine bases adenine (A) and guanine
(G), and the pyrimidine bases cytosine (C) and uracil (U). Modified nucleobases include other synthetic and natural nucleobases such as inosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, nubularine, isoguanisine, tubercidine, 2-(halo)adenine, 2~(alkyi)adenine, 2-(propyl)adenme, 2
(amino)adenine, 2-(aminoalkyll)adenine, 2 (aminopropyl }adenme, 2 (methylthio) N6
(isopentenyl)adenine, 6 (aikyl)adenirie, 6 (methyl)adenine, 7 (deaza)adenine, 8 (alkenyl)adenine,
8-(alkyl)adenine, 8 (aikynyl)adenine, 8 (amino)adenine, 8-(halo)adenine, 8-(hydroxyi)adenine, 8 (thioalkyl)adenine, 8-(thiol)adenine, N6-(isopenty[)adenine, N6 (methyl)adenine, N6, N6 (dimethyl)ademne, 2-(alkyl)guanine,2 (propyl)guanine, 6-(alkyl)guanine, 6 (methyl)guanine,
7 (alk l)guanine, 7 (methyl)guatiine, 7 (deaza)guanine, 8 (alkyl)guanine, 8-(alkenyI)guanine,
8 (alkynyl)guanine, 8~(ammo)guanine, 8 (halo)guanme, 8-(hydroxyl)guanine,
8 (thioalkyl)guanine, 8-(thiol)guanine, N (methyl)guanine, 2-(thio)cytosine, 3 (deaza) 5
(aza)cytosine, 3-(alkyl)cytosine, 3 (methyl)cytosine, 5-(alkyl)cytosine, 5-(alkynyl)cytosine, 5 (halo)cytosine, 5 (methyl)cytosine, 5 (propynyl)cytosine, 5 (propynyl)cytosine,
5 (trifluoroniethyl)cytosine, 6-(azo)cytosine. N4 (acetyl)cytosine, 3 (3 amino-3
carboxypropyl)uracil, 2-(thio)uracil, 5 (methyl) 2 (thio)uracil, 5 (niethylaminomethyl)-2
(thio)uracil, 4-(thio)uracii, 5 (methyl) 4 (thio)uraciL 5 (methylaminomethyl)-4 (thio)uracil, 5 (methyl) 2,4 (dithio) uracil, 5 (methylammomethyl)-2,4 (dithio)uracil, 5 (2-aminopropyl)uracil, 5-(alkyl)uracii, 5-(alkyny[)uracil, 5-(al[ylamino)uracil, 5 (aminoallyl)uracil,
5 (ammoalky])uraeil, 5 (guanidiniumalkyl)uracil, 5 (l ,3-diazole-l ~alkyl)uracil,
5-(cyanoalkyl)uracil, 5-(dialkylaminoalkyl)uracil, 5 (dimethylaminoalkyl)uracii, 5-(halo)uracil, 5-(methoxy)uracil, uracil-5 oxyacetic acid, 5 (methoxycarbonylmethyl)-2-(thio)uracil,
5 (methoxycarbonyl-methyl)uracil, 5 (propynyl)uracil, 5 (propynyl)uracil, 5
(trifluoromethyl)uracil, 6 (azo)uracil, dihydrouracil, N3 (niethyl)uracil, 5 -uracil (i.e.,
pseudouracil), 2 (thio)pseudouracii,4 (thio)pseudouracii,2,4-(dithio)psuedouracil,5- (aikyi)pseudouracii, 5-(methyl)pseudouracil, 5-(alk}4)-2-(thio)pseudouracil, 5-(methyl)-2- (thio)pseudouracil, 5-(alkyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil, 5-(methyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil, 5-(alkyl)-2,4 (dithio)pseudouracil, 5-(methyl)-2,4 (dithio)pseudouracil, 1 substituted pseudouracil,
1 substituted 2(thio)-pseudouracil, 1 substituted 4 (thio)pseudouracil, 1 substituted 2,4- (dithio)pseudouracii, 1 (aminocarbonylethylenyl)-pseudouracil, 1 (aminocarbonylethylenyl)- 2(thio)-pseudouracil, 1 (aminocarbonylethylenyl)-4 (thio)pseudouracil,
1 (aminocarbon ! ethylenyl')-2 ,4-(dithi o) seudouraci! , 1 (ammoa!k ! aminocarbonylethy ! eny 1)- pseudouracil, 1 (aniinoalkyla.rnino-carbonylethylenyl)-2(thio)-pseudouracil,
I (arninoaLkylaminocarbonylethylenyi)-4 (thio)pseudouracil,
1 iaminoalkylaminocarbonylethylenyl)-2,4-idithio)pseudouraciL l,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)- phenoxazin- 1 ~yl, 1 -(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin- 1 -yl, 1 ,3-(diaza)~2-(oxo)~phenthiazm~ 1 -yl, l-(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenthiazin- l-yl, 7 -substituted l,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin- l-yl, 7-substituted 1 -(aza)~2-(thio)-3-(aza)~phenoxa.zm- 1 -yl, 7-substituted 1 ,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)~ phenthiazin- 1 -yl, 7-substituted 1 -(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)-phenthiazin- 1 -yl,
7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)- 1 ,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-pherioxazin- 1 -yl, 7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)- 1 -(aza)-2- (thio)-3-(aza)-phenoxazin- 1 -yi, 7-(aminoalkylhydroxy)- 1 ,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin- 1 -yi, 7~(ammoa3ky3hydroxy)~ 1 -(aza)~2-(tbio)-3-(aza)-pbenthiazin- 1 -yl, 7-(guanidmiurnalkylhydroxy)- 1 ,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenoxazin- 1 -yi, 7-(guanidiniunialkylhydroxy)- 1 -(aza)-2-(thio)-3-(aza)- phenoxazin-l-yl, 7-(guanidiniumalkyl-hydroxy)-l,3-(diaza)-2-(oxo)-phenthiazin-l-yl,
7-(guanidiniimialkylhydroxy)- l-(aza)-2-(th^ l,3,5-(triaza)-2,6- (dioxa)-naphthalene. inosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, nubularine, tubercidine, isoguanisine, inosinyl, 2-aza-inosinyl, 7-deaza-inosinyl, nitroimidazolyl, mtropyrazoiyl, nitrobenzknidazolyl, nitroindazolyl, amino indolyl, pyrrolopyrimidinyl, 3 -(methyl)isocarbostyrilyl,
5- (methyi)isocarbostyrilyi, 3-(methyl)-7-(propynyl)isocarbostyrilyl, 7-(aza)indolyl, 6-(methyS)~ 7-(aza)indolyl, imidizopyridinyl, 9-(methyl)-imidizopyridinyl, pyrrolopyrizinyl, isocarbostyriiyl, 7-(propynyl)isocarbostyrilyl, propynyl-7-(aza)indolyl, 2,4,5-(trimethyl)phenyl,
4-(methyl)indolyl, 4,6-(dimethyl)indolyl, phenyl, napthaienyl, anthracenyi, phenanthracenyl, pyrenyl, stilbenyl, tetracenyl, pentacenyl, dilluorotoiyl, 4-(fluoro)-6~(methy])benzimidazole, 4-(methyi)benzimidazole, 6-(azo)thymine, 2-pyridinone, 5 nitroindoie, 3 nitropyrrole,
6- (aza)pyrimidine, 2 (amino)purine, 2,6-(diamino)purine, 5 substituted pyrimidines,
N2-substituted purines, N6-substituted purines, 06-substituted purines, substituted 1,2,4- triazoles, pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl, 6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl, para-substituted- 6-phenyl-pyrroio-pyrimidin-2-oti-3-yl, ortho-s bstituted-6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl, bis-ortho-substituted-6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl, para-(aminoalkylhydroxy)- 6- pbenyl-pyrro3.o-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl, ortho-(aminoaLkylhydroxy)- 6-phenyl-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2- on-3-yl, bis-ortho-(aminoalkylhydroxy)- 6-phenyi-pyrrolo-pyrimidin-2-on-3-yl,
pyridopyrimidin-3-yl, 2-oxo-7-amino-pyridopyrimidin-3-y3., 2-oxo-pyridopyrimidine-3-yl, or any O-alkylated or N-alkylated derivatives thereof. Modified nucleobases also include natural bases that comprise conjugated moieties, e.g., a ligand.
[00195] The oligonucleotides can also be modified to include one or more locked nucleic acids (LNA). A locked nucleic acid is a nucleotide having a modified ribose moiety in which the ribose moiety comprises an extra bridge connecting the 2' and 4' carbons. This structure effectively "locks" the ribose in the 3 -endo structural conformation. The addition of locked nucleic acids to oligonucleotide molecules has been shown to increase oligonucleotide molecule stability in serum, and to reduce off-target effects. Elmen et al., 33 Nucl. Acids Res. 439-47 (2005); Mook et al, 6 Moi. Cancer Ther. 833-43 (2007); Grunwelier et al., 31 Nucl. Acids Res. 3185-93 (2003); U.S. Patents No. 6,268,490; No. 6,670,461; No. 6,794,499;
No. 6,998,484; No. 7,053,207; No. 7,084,125; and No. 7,399,845.
[00196] In certain instances, the oligonucleotides of a RNA effector molecule can be modified by a non-ligand group. A number of non-1 igand molecules have been conjugated to oligonucleotides in order to enhance the activity, cellular distribution or cellular uptake of the oligonucleotides, and procedures for performing such conjugations are available in the scientific literature. Such non-ligand moieties have included lipid moieties, such as cholesterol (Kubo et al, 365 Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 54-61 (2007)); Letsinger et a!., 86 PNAS 6553 ( 1989)); choiic acid (Manoharan et al, 1994); a tiiioether, e.g., hexyl-S-tritylthiol (Manoharan et al., 1992; Manoharan et al, 1993); a thiocholesterol (Oberhauser et al., 1992); an aliphatic chain, e.g., dodecandiol or undecyl residues (Saison-Behmoaras et al., 1991; Kabanov et al., 259 FEBS Lett. 327 (1990); Svinarch.uk et al., 75 Biochimie 75 (.1993)); a phospholipid, e.g., di-hexadecyl- rac-glycerol or triethylammonium 1 ,2-di-0-hexadecyl-rac-glycero-3-H-phosphonate
(Manoharan et al, 1995); Shea et al, 18 Nucl. Acids Res, 3777 (.1990)); a polyamine or a polyethylene glycol chain (Manoharan et al., Nucleosides & Nucleotides, .1995); or adamantane acetic acid (Manoharan et al., Tetrahedron Lett., 1995); a paimityl moiety (Misiira et al, 1995); or an octadecylamine or hexylaniino-carbonyi-oxycholesterol moiety (Crooke et al., 1996). Representative United. States patents that teach the preparation of such RNA conjugates ha ve been listed herein. Typical conjugation protocols involve the synthesis of an oligonucleotide bearing an aminolinker at one or more positions of the sequence. The amino group is then reacted with the molecule being conjugated using appropriate coupling or activating reagents. The conjugation reaction can be performed either with the RNA still bound to the solid support or following cleavage of the RNA, in solution phase. Purification of the RNA. conjugate by HPLC typically affords the pure conjugate.
Delivery Methods of RNA Effector Molecules
100197] The delivery of RNA effector molecules to cells can be achieved in a number of different ways. Several suitable delivery methods are well known in the art. For example, the skilled person is directed to WO 20.1 1/005786, which discloses exemplar}' delivery methods can be used in this invention at pages 187-219, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, delivery can be performed directly by administering a composition comprising a RNA effector molecule, e.g., an siRNA, into cell culture. Alternatively, delivery can be performed indirectly by administering into the cell one or more vectors that encode and direct the expression of the RNA effector molecule.
[00198] A. reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake may be used, For example, an emulsion, a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, a charged lipid, a liposome, an anionic lipid, a penetration enhancer, a transfection reagent or a modification to the RNA.
effector molecule for attachment, e.g., a ligand, a targeting moiety, a peptide, a lipophilic group, etc.
[00199] For example, RNA effector molecules can be delivered using a drug delivery system such as a nanoparticle, a dendrimer, a polymer, a liposome, or a cationic deliver}' system. Positively charged cationic delivery systems facilitate binding of a RNA effector molecule (negatively charged) and also enhance interactions at the negatively charged cell membrane to permit efficient cellular uptake. Cationic lipids, dendrimers, or polymers can either be bound to RNA effector molecules, or induced to form a vesicle, liposome, or micelle that encases the RNA effector molecule. See, e.g., Kim et al., 129 J. Contr. Release 107-16 (2008). Methods for making and using catioiiic-RNA effector molecule complexes are well within the abilities of those skilled in the art. See e.g., Sorensen et al 327 J. Mol. Biol. 761-66 (2003); Verma et a!., 9 Clin. Cancer Res. 1291-1300 (2003); Arnold et al, 25 J. Hypertens. 197-205 (2007).
[00200] In one embodiment, the reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake used herein comprises a charged lipid as described in U.S. Application Ser. No, 61/267,419, filed 7 December 2009.
[00201] The RNA effector molecules described herein can be encapsulated within liposomes or can form complexes thereto, in particular to cationic liposomes. Alternatively, the RNA effector molecules can be complexed to lipids, in particular to cationic lipids. Suitable fatty acids and esters include but are not limited to arachidonic acid, oleic acid, eicosaiioic acid, lauric acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, iinoleiiic acid, dicaprate, tricaprate, nionooiein, dilaurin, glyceryl 1-moiiocaprate,
1 -dodecyiazacycloheptan-2-otie, an acylcarnitine, an acylcholine, or a CI -20 alkyl ester (e.g., isopropylmyristate IPM), moiioglyceride, diglyceride, or acceptable salts thereof.
[00202] In one embodiment, the RNA effector molecules are fully encapsulated in the lipid formulation (e.g., to form a SPLP, pSPLP, SNALP, or other nucleic acid-lipid particle). The term "SNALP" refers to a stable nucleic acid- lipid particle: a vesicle of lipids coating a reduced aqueous interior comprising a nucleic acid such as a RNA effector molecule or a plasmid from which a RNA effector molecule is transcribed. SNALPs are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Pubs. No, 2006/0240093, No, 2007/0135372; No. 2009/0291131 ; U.S. Patent Applications Ser. No. 12/343,342; No.12/424,367. The term "SPLP" refers to a nucleic aeid- lipid particle comprising plasmid DNA encapsulated within a lipid vesicle. SNALPs and SPLPs typically contain a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, and a lipid that prevents aggregation of the particle (e.g., a PEG-lipid conjugate). SPLPs include "pSPLP," which include an encapsulated condensing agent-nucleic acid complex as set forth in WO 00/03683. The particles in this embodiment typically have a mean diameter of about 50 nm to about 150 nm, or about 60 nm to about 130 nm, or about 70 nm to about 1 10 nm, or typically about 70 nm to about 90 nm, inclusive, and are substantially nontoxic. I n addition, the nucleic acids when present in the nucleic acid- lipid particles of the present invention are resistant in aqueous solution to degradation with a nuclease. Nucleic acid-lipid particles and their method of preparation are reported in, e.g., U.S. Patents No. 5,976,567; No. 5,981,501; No. 6,534,484; No. 6,586,410; No. 6,815,432; and WO 96/40964.
[00203] The lipid to RNA ratio (mass/mass ratio) (e.g., lipid to dsRNA ratio) can be in ranges of from about 1 : 1 to about 50: 1, from about 1 : 1 to about 25: 1, from about 3: 1 to about 15: 1 , from about 4: 1 to about 10: 1 , from about 5: 1 to about 9: 1, or about 6: 1 to
about 9: 1, inclusive,
[00204] A cationic lipid of the formulation can comprise at l east one protonatable group having a p a of from 4 to 15. The cationic lipid ca be, for example, N,N-dioleyl-N,N- dimethylammonium chloride (DODAC), N,N-distearyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), N-(I-(2,3- dioleoyloxy)propyi)-N,N,N rimethylammonium chloride (DOTAP), N-(I- (2,3- dioleyloxy)propyl)-N,N,N- rimethylammoni m chloride (DOTMA), N,N-dimethyl-2,3- dioleyloxy propylamine (DODMA), 1 ,2-DiLinoleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropaiie
(DLinDMA), l52-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N-dirnethylaminopropane (DLenDMA), 1 ,2- Dilinoleylcarbamoyloxy-3-dimethylammopropane (DLin-C-DAP), l,2-Dilinoleyoxy-3- (dimethylamino)acetoxypropane (DLin-DAC), l,2-Dilvnoleyoxy-3-morpholinopropane (DLin- MA), 1 ,2-Dilinoleoyl-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLinDAP), 1 ,2-Dilinoleylthio-3- dimethylaminopropane (DLin-8-D A), l-Linoleoyl-2-lmoleyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-2-DMAP), l,2-Dilinoleyloxy-3-trimethylammopropane chloride salt (DLin-TMA.Cl), l,2-DilinoIeoyl-3-trimethyiaminopropane chloride salt (DLin-TAP.CI), l,2-Dilinoleyloxy-3-(N- methylpiperazino)propane (DLin-MPZ), or 3-(N,N~Dilinoleylamino)~ 1 ,2-propanediol
(DLinAP), 3-(N,N-DioleyIamino)- 1 ,2-propanedio (DOAP), 1 ,2-Dilinoleyloxo-3-(2-N,N- dimeihylarmno)ethoxypropane (DLin-EG-DMA), 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethy3.aminomethyl-[l,3]- dioxolane (DLin-K-DMA), 2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethy[aminoethyl-[l,3]-dioxolane, or a mixture thereof. The cationic lipid can comprise from about 20 mol% to about 70 mol%, inclusive, or about 40 mol% to about 60 mol %, inclusive, of the total lipid present in the particle. In one embodiment, cationic lipid can be further conjugated to a ligand.
[00205] A non-cationic lipid can be an anionic lipid or a neutral lipid, such as distearoyl-phospbatidylcholine (DSPC), dioieoyiphosphatidyichoiine (DOPC), dipalmitoyl- phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), dioleoylphosphatidylglycerol (DOPG), dipalmitoyl- phosphatidyl glycerol (DPPG), dioleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE), palmitoyloleoyl- phosphatidylcholine (POPC), palmitoyloieoyl- phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE), dioleoyl- phosphatidylethanol amine 4-(N-maleimidorn.ethyl)-cyclohexane-l- carboxylate (DOPE-mal), dipalmitoy 1 phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DPPE), dimyristoylphosphoethanolamine (DMPE), distearoyl-phosphatidyl-ethanolamine (DSPE), 16-O-monomethyl PE, 16-O-dimethyl PE. 18-1- trans PE, 1 -stearoyl-2-oleoyl- phosphatidyethanolamine (SOPE), cholesterol, or a mixture thereof. The non-cationic lipid can be from about 5 mol% to about 90 mol%, inclusive, of about 10 mol%, to about 58 moi%, inclusive, if cholesterol is included, of the total lipid present in the particle.
[00206] The lipid that inhibits aggregation of particles can be, for example, a polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-lipid including, without limitation, a PEG-diacylglycerol (DAG), a PEG-dialkyloxypropyl (DAA), a PEG-phospholipid, a PEG-ceramide (Cer), or a mixture thereof. The PEG-DAA can be, for example, a PEG-dilauryloxypropyi (CI 2), a PEG- dimyristyloxypropyl (CI 4), a PEG-dipalmityloxypropyl (CI 6), or a PEG- distearyloxypropyl (CI 8). The lipid that prevents aggregation of particles can be from 0 mol % to about 20 mol % or about 2 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle, in one embodiment, PEG lipid can be further conjugated to a ligand.
[00207] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-lipid particle further includes a steroid such as, cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol% to about 60 mol%, inclusive, or about 48 mol% of the total lipid present in the particle. [00208] In one embodiment, the lipid particle comprises a steroid, a PEG lipid and a cationic lipid of formula (I):
Figure imgf000059_0001
formula (])
wherein each Xa and Xb, for each occurrence, is independently C I -6 alkylene;
n is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5; each R is independently H,
Figure imgf000059_0002
m is 0, 1 , 2, 3 or 4; Y is absent, O, NRZ, or S; R1 is alkyl alkenyl or alkynyl; each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents; and R2 is H, alkyl alkenyl or alkynyl; each of which is optionally substituted each of which is optionally substituted with one or more substituents,
[00209] In one example, the lipidoid ND98-4HC1 (MW 1487) (Formula 2),
Cholesterol (Sigma-Aldrich), and PEG-Ceramide CI 6 (Avanti Polar Lipids) can be used to prepare lipid RNA effector molecule nanoparticles (e.g., LNP01 particles). Stock solutions of each in ethanol can be prepared as follows: ND98, 133 mg/mL; Cholesterol, 25 mg mL, PEG- Ceramide C I 6, 100 mg/mL, The ND98, Cholesterol, and PEG-Ceramide C 16 stock solutions can then be combined in, e.g., a 42:48: 10 molar ratio. The combined lipid solution can be mixed with aqueous RNA effector molecule (e.g., in sodium acetate pH 5) such that the final ethanol concentration is about 35% to 45% and the final sodium acetate concentration is about 100 roM to 300 mM, inclusive. Lipid RNA effector molecule nanoparticles typically form spontaneously upon mixing. Depending on the desired particle size distribution, the resultant nanoparticle mixture can be extruded through a polycarbonate membrane (e.g., 100 urn cut-off) using, for example, a thermobarrel extruder, such as Lipex Extruder (Northern Lipids, Inc). In some cases, the extrusion step can be omitted. Ethanol removal and simultaneous buffer exchange can be accomplished by, for example, dialysis or tangential flow filtration. Buffer can be exchanged with, for example, phosphate buffered saline (PBS) at about pH 7, e.g., about pH 6,9, about pH 7,0, about pH 7.1, about pH 7.2, about pH 7.3, or about pH 7.4.
Figure imgf000060_0001
Formula 2
[00210] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid-iipid particle further includes a steroid such as, cholesterol at, e.g., about 10 mol% to about 60 mo!%, inclusive, or about 48 mol% of the total lipid present in the particle.
[00211] LNP01 formulations are described elsewhere, e.g., WO 2008/042973.
[00212] In one embodiment, the reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake used herein comprises a cationic lipid as described in e.g., U.S. Application Ser, No. 61/267,419, filed 7 December 2009, and U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/334,398, filed 13 May 2010. In various embodiments, the RNA effector molecule composition described herein
comprisescomprises a cationic lipid selected from the group consisting of: "Lipid H", "Lipid K"; "Lipid L", "Lipid M"; "Lipid P"; or "Lipid R", whose formulas are indicated as follows:
Figure imgf000060_0002
Figure imgf000061_0001
Lipid R
[00213] Also contempl ated herein are various formulations of the lipids described above, such as, e.g., 8, P8 and L8 which refer to formulations comprising Lipid K, P, and L, respectively. Some exemplary lipid formulations for use with the methods and compositions described herein are found in e.g., Table 3:
Figure imgf000061_0002
[00214] In another embodiment, the RNA effector molecule composition described herein further comprises a lipid formulation comprising a lipid selected from the group consisting of Lipid H, Lipid K, Lipid L, Lipid M, Lipid P, and Lipid R, and further comprises a neutral lipid and a sterol. In particular embodiments, the lipid formulation comprises between approxima tely 25 mol % - 100 moi% of the lipid. In another embodiment, the lipid formulation comprises between 0 mol % - 50 mol% cholesterol. In still another embodiment, the lipid formulation comprises between 30 mol% - 65 mol% of a neutral lipid. In particular
embodiments, the lipid formulation comprises the relative mol % of the components as listed in Table 4 as follows:
Figure imgf000061_0003
8 47.94 47.06 5
[00215] Additional exemplary lipid-siRNA formulations are as shown below in Table
TABLE 5: lipid-siRNA formulations
cationic lipid/non-cationic
Cationic Lipid lipid/cholesterol/PEG-lipid conjugate Process
Lipid :siRNA ratio
DLinDMA/DPPC/Cholesterol/PEG- l,2-Dilinolenyloxy-N,N- cDMA
SNALP
dimethylaminopropane (DLinDMA) (57.1/7.1/34.4/1.4)
Hpid:si NA ~ 7: l
XTC/DPPC/Cholesterol/PEG-cDMA
SNALP- 2,2-Dilit3oleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-
57.1/7.1/34.4/ L4
XTC [I ,3]-dioxolane (XTC) '
Sipid:siRNA ~ 7: 1
XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG
2 , 2 -Dilino ley 1-4 -d imetiiy lamino e thy 1-
L P05 57.5/7.5/31.5/3.5 Extrusion
[l ,3]-dioxolane (XTC) *
lipid:siRNA ~ 6: l
XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG
2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dsmethylaminoetbyl-
LNP06 57.5/7.5/31.5/3.5 Extrusion f l,3 j-dioxolane (XTC)
lipid:siRNA ~ 11 : 1
XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG
2 , 2 -D i 1 inoley 1 - 4 - di m ethy lamino ethyl■■ In-line
L P07 60/7.5/31/1.5,
[l,3]-dioxolane (XTC) mixing lipid:siR.NA ~ 6: l
XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG
2,2-Dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl- In-line
LNP08 60/7.5/31/1.5,
l ,3 j~dsoxolane (XTC) mixing
Hpid:siRNA— 11 : 1
XTC/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG
2,2-Dilit3oleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl- in-line
LNP09 50/10/38,5/1 ,5
[I ,3]-dioxolane (XTC) ' mixing
Lipid :siRNA 10: 1
(3aR,5s,6aS)-N,N-dimethyl-2,2- di ((9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9, 12- ALN100 DSPC/CholesteroL'PEG-DMG
in-line
LNP 10 dienyl )tetrahydro-3aH- 50/10/38,5/1 ,5
mixing cyclopenta[d ] [ 1 , 3 dio xo 1 - 5 am ins Lipid :siRNA 10: 1
(ALN100) " '
(6Z,9Z,28Z,31Z)-heptatriaconta- MC-3/DSPC/Cholesterol/PEG-DMG
in-line
L P11 6,9,28,3 l-tetraen-19-yl 4- 50/10/38.5/1.5
mixing (dimeth lamino )b utanoai e (MC 3 ) Lipid :siRNA 10: 1
l,r-(2-(4-(2-((2-(bis(2- hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)(2- Tech Gl /DSPC/CholestesOLTEG-DMG
In-line
LNP12 hydroxydodecyl)amino)ethyl)piperazin- 50/10/38.5/1.5
mixing l-y1)ethylazanediy1)didodecan-2-ol Lipid:siRNA 10: 1
(Tech Gl ) [00216] LNP09 formulations and XTC comprising formulations are described, e.g., in U.S. Provisional Serial No. 61/239,686, filed September 3, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[00217] LNP1 1 formulations and MC3 comprising formulations are described, e.g., in U.S. Provisional Serial No. 61/244,834, filed September 22, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
|0021S] LNP12 formulations and TechGl comprising formulations are described, e.g., in U.S. Provisional Serial No. 61/175,770, filed May 5, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[00219] Formulations prepared by either the standard or extrusion-free method can be characterized in similar manners. For example, formulations are typically characterized by visual inspection. They should be whitish translucent solutions free from aggregates or sediment. Particle size and particle size distribution of lipid-nanopartieles can be measured by light scattering using, for example, a Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern, PA). Particles should be about 20-300 nm, such as 40-100 nm in size. The particle size distribution should be unimodai. The total dsRNA effector molecule concentration in the formulation, as well as the entrapped fraction, is estimated using a dye exclusion assay. A sample of the formulated RNA effector molecule can be incubated with a RNA-binding dye, such as Ribogreen (Molecular Probes) in the presence or absence of a formulation disrupting surfactant, e.g., 0.5% Triton- XI 00. The total RNA effector molecule in the formulation can be determined by the signal from the sample containing the surfactant, relative to a standard curve. The entrapped fraction is determined by subtracting the "free" RNA effector molecule content (as measured by the signal in the absence of surfactant) from the total RN A effector molecule content. Percen t entrapped RNA effector molecule is typically >85%. For lipid nanoparticle formulation, the particle size is at least 30 nm, at least 40 nm, at least 50 nm, at least 60 nm, at least 70 nm, at least 80 nm, at least 90 nm, at least 100 nm, at least 1 10 nm, or at least 120 nm. The suitable range is typically about at least 50 nm to about at least 110 nm, about at least 60 nm to about at least 100 nm, or about at least 80 nm to about at least 90 nm, inclusive,
[00220] Liposomes are unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles which have a membrane formed from a lipophilic material and an aqueous interior. The aqueous portion contains the composition to be delivered. Cationic liposomes possess the advantage of being able to fuse to the cell wall. Non-cationic liposomes, although not able to fuse as efficiently with the cell wall, are taken up by macrophages in vivo. In order to cross intact cell membranes, lipid vesicles must pass through a series of fine pores, each with a diameter less than 50 nm, under the influence of a suitable transdermal gradient. Therefore, it is desirable to use a liposome which is highly deformable and able to pass through such fine pores.
[00221] Further advantages of liposomes include: liposomes obtained from natural phospholipids are biocompatible and biodegradable; liposomes can incorporate a wide range of water and lipid soluble drugs; and liposomes can protect encapsulated drugs in their internal compartments from metabolism and degradation. See, e.g., Wang et ai., DRUG DEL.IV.
PRINCIPLES & APPL. (John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, J, 2005); Rosoff, 1988. Important considerations in the preparation of liposome formulations are the lipid surface charge, vesicl e size and the aqueous volume of the liposomes,
[00222] Liposomes are useful for the transfer and delivery of active ingredients to the site of action. Because the liposomal membrane is structurally similar to biological membranes, when liposomes are applied to a tissue, the liposomes start to merge with the cellular membranes and as the merging of the liposome and ceil progresses, the liposomal contents are emptied into the cell where the active agent may act. Liposomal formulations have been the focus of extensive investigation as the mode of delivery for many drags. There is growing evidence that for topical administration, liposomes present several advantages over other formulations, Such advantages include reduced side-effects related to high systemic absorption of the administered drug, increased accumulation of the administered drug at the desired target, and the ability to administer a wide variety of drugs, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic, into the skin.
[00223] Liposomes fall into two broad classes. Cationic liposomes are positively charged liposomes which interact with the negatively charged polynucleotide molecules to form a stable complex. The positively charged polynucleotide/liposome complex binds to the negatively charged ceil surface and is internalized in an endosome. Due to the acidic pH within the endosome, the liposomes are ruptured, releasing their contents into the cell cytoplasm. Wang et ai,, 147 Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commuii., 980-85 (1987). [00224] Liposomes which are pH-sensitive or negatively-charged, entrap polynucleotide rather than complex wit it. Because both the polynucleotide and the lipid are similarly charged, repulsion rather than complex formation occurs. Nevertheless, some polynucleotide is entrapped within the aqueous interior of these liposomes, pH-sensitive liposomes have been used to deliver DNA encoding the thymidine kinase gene to cell monolayers in culture. Expression of the exogenous gene was detected in the target cells. Zhou et al, 19 J. Controlled Rel. 269-74 (1992).
[00225] One major type of liposomal composition includes phospholipids other than naturally-derived phosphatidylcholine. Neutral liposome compositions, for example, can be formed from dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) or dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). Anionic liposome compositions generally are formed from dimyristoyl
phosphatidylglyeerol, while anionic fusogenic liposomes are formed primarily from dioleoyl phosphatidyl ethanolamine (DOPE). Another type of liposomal composition is formed from phosphatidylcholine (PC) such as, for example, soybean PC, and egg PC. Another type is formed from mixtures of phospholipid and/or phosphatidylcholine and/or cholesterol.
100226] Liposomes also include "sterically stabilized" liposomes, a term which, as used herein, refers to liposomes comprising one or more specialized lipids that, when incorporated into liposomes, result in enhanced circulation lifetimes relative to liposomes lacking such specialized lipids. Examples of sterically stabilized liposomes are those in which part of the vesicle-forming lipid portion of the liposome (A) comprises one or more glycolipids, such as monosialoganglioside GMl, or (B) is derivatized with one or more hvdrophilic polymers, such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) moiety. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is thought in the art that, at least for sterically stabilized liposomes containing gangliosides, sphingomyelin, or PEG-derivatized lipids, the enhanced circulation half-life of these sterical ly stabilized liposomes deri ves from a reduced uptake into cells of the reticuloendothelial system (RES). Alien et al, 223 FEBS Lett. 42 (1987); Wu et al., 53 Cancer Res. 3765 (1993).
[00227] Various liposomes comprising one or more glycolipids are known in the art. Papahadjopoulos et al. (507 Ann. NY Acad. Sci. 64 (1987)), reported the ability of
monosialoganglioside GMl, galactocerebroside sulfate and phosphatidylinositol to improve blood half-lives of liposomes. These findings were expounded upon by Gabizon et al. (85 PNAS 6949 (1988)). U.S. Patent No. 4,837,028 and WO 88/04924, both to Allen et al., disclose liposomes comprising (1) sphingomyelin and (2) the ganglioside GM1 or a galactocerebroside sulfate ester. U.S. Patent No, 5,543,152 (Webb et al.) discloses liposomes comprising sphingomyelin. Liposomes comprising 1,2-sn-dimyristoylphosphatidylcholiiie are disclosed in WO 97/13499 (Lim et al).
|0022S] Many liposomes comprising lipids derivatized with one or more hydrophilic polymers, and methods of prepara tion thereof, are known in the art. Sunamoto et al. (53 Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 2778 ( 1980)) described liposomes comprising a nonionic detergent, 2C1215G, that contains a PEG moiety. Ilium et al. (167 FEBS Lett. 79 (1984)), noted that hydrophilic coating of polystyrene particles with polymeric glycols results in significantly enhanced blood half-lives. Synthetic phospholipids modified by the attachment of carboxylic groups of polyalkylene glycols (e.g., PEG) are described by Sears (U.S. Patent No, 4,426,330 and
No, 4,534,899). In addition, antibodies can be conjugated to a polyakylene derivatized liposome (see e.g., PCT Application US 2008/0014255). Klibanov et al. (268 FEBS Lett, 235 (1990)), described experiments demonstrating that liposomes comprising phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) derivatized with PEG or PEG stearate have significant increases in blood circulation half-lives. Blume et al. (1029 Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1029, (1990)}, extended such observations to other PEG-derivatized phospholipids, e.g., DSPE-PEG, formed from the combination of
distearoylphospbatidylethanolamine (DSPE) and PEG, Liposomes having covale tly bound PEG moieties on their external surface are described in European Patent No. 0445131 Bl and WO 90/04384 to Fisher,
[00229] Liposome compositions containing 1-20 mol% of PE derivatized with PEG, and methods of use thereof, are described by Woodle et al. (U.S. Patents No. 5,013,556;
No. 5,356,633) and Martin et al. (U.S. Patent No. 5,213,804; European Patent
No. 0 496813 Bl). Liposomes comprising a number of other lipid-poiymer conjugates are disclosed in WO 91/05545 and U.S. Patent No. 5,225,212 and in WO 94/20073. Liposomes comprising PEG-modified ceramide lipids are described in WO 96/10391. U.S. Patents
No, 5,540,935 and No. 5,556,948 describe PEG-containing liposomes that can be further derivatized with functional moieties on their surfaces. Methods and compositions relating to liposomes comprising PEG can be found in, e.g., U.S. Patents No. 6,049,094; No. 6,224,903; No. 6,270,806; No. 6,471 ,326; No. 6,958,241 . [00230] As noted above, liposomes can optionally be prepared to contain surface groups, such as antibodies or antibody fragments, small effector molecules for interacting with cell-surface receptors, antigens, and other like compounds, and these groups can facilitate delivery of liposomes and their contents to specific cell populations. Such ligands ca be included in the liposomes by including in the liposomal lipids a lipid derivatized with the targeting molecule, or a lipid having a polar-head chemical group that can be derivatized with the targeting molecule in preformed liposomes. Alternatively, a targeting moiety can be inserted into preformed liposomes by incubating the preformed liposomes with a ligand-polymer-lipid conjugate.
[00231] Lipids can be derivatized using a variety of targeting moieties, such as ligands, cell surface receptors, glycoproteins, vitamins (e.g., riboflavin) and monoclonal antibodies by covalently attaching the ligand to the free distal end of a hydrophilic polymer chain, which is attached at its proximal end to a vesicle-forming lipid. There are a wide variety of techniques for attaching a selected hydrophilic polymer to a selected lipid and activating the free, unattached end of the polymer for reaction with a selected ligand, and as noted above, the hydrophilic polymer polyethyleneglycol (PEG) has been studied widely. Allen et al., 1237 Biochem. Biophys. Acta 99-108 ( 1995); Zalipsky, 4 Bioconj. Chem. 296-99 (1993); Zalipsky et al, 353 FEBS Lett. 1-74 (1994): Zalipsky et al, Bioconj. Chem. 705-08 (1995); Zalipsky, in STEALTH LIPOSOMES (Lasic & Martin, eds, CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 1995),
[00232] A number of liposomes comprising nucleic acids are known in the art, such as methods for encapsulating high molecular weight nucleic acids in liposomes. WO 96/40062. U.S. Patent No. 5,264,221 to Tagawa et al. discloses protein-bonded liposomes and asserts that the contents of such liposomes can include a dsRNA. U.S. Patent No. 5,665,710 to Rahman et al. describes certain methods of encapsulating oligodeoxynucleotid.es in liposomes.
WO 97/04787 to Love et al. discloses liposomes comprising dsRNAs targeted to the raf gene. In addition, methods for preparing a liposome composition comprising a nucleic acid can be found in, e.g., U.S. Patents No. 6,011,020; No. 6,074,667; No. 6,1 10,490; No. 6,147,204;
No. 6,271 ,206; No. 6,312,956; No. 6,465,188; No. 6,506,564; No. 6,750,016; No. 7,1 12,337.
[00233] Transfersomes are yet another type of liposomes, and are highly deformable lipid aggregates which are attractive candidates for drug delivery vehicles. Transfersomes can be described as lipid droplets which are so highly deformable that they are easily able to penetrate through pores which are smaller than the droplet, Transfersomes are adaptable to the environment in which they are used, e.g., they are self-optimizing, self-repairing, frequently reach their targets without fragmenting, and often self-loading. To make transfersomes it is possible to add surface edge-activators, usually surfactants, to a standard liposomal composition.
[00234] Encapsulated nanoparticles can also be used for delivery of RNA effector molecules. Examples of such encapsulated nanoparticles include those created using yeast cell wall particles (YCWP). For example, glucan-encapsulated siRNA particles (GeRPs) are pay load delivery systems made up of a yeast cell wall particle (YCWP) exterior and a multilayered nanoparticle interior, wherein the multilayered nanoparticle interior has a core comprising a payload complexed with a trapping agent. Glucan-encapsulated delivery systems, such as those described in U.S. Patent Applications Ser. No. 12/260,998, filed October 29, 2008, can be used to deliver siRNA duplexes to achieve silencing in vitro and in vivo, ,
C. Cell Cultures
[00235] Methods described herein use host cells to produce glycoproteins having modified glycans. A host cell can be derived from a yeast, insect, amphibian, fish, reptile, bird, mammal or human, or can be a hybridoma cell. Host cells can be unmodified cells or cell lines, or cell lines which have been genetically modified (e.g., to facilitate production of a biological product). In some embodiments, the host cell is a ceil line that has been modified to allow for growth under desired conditions, such as in serum-free media, in cell suspension culture, or in adherent cell culture.
[00236] A mammalian host cell can be advantageous where the glycoprotein is a mammalian glycoprotein, particularly if the glycoprotein is a biotberapeutic agent or is otherwise intended for administration to or consumption by humans. In some embodiments, the host ceil is a CHO cell, which is a cell line used for the expression of many recombinant proteins. Additional mammalian cell lines used commonly for the expression of recombinant proteins include 293HEK ceils, HeLa ceils, COS cells, NIH/3T3 cells, Jurkat Cells, NSO cells, and HUVEC cells.
[00237] In some embodiments, the host cell is a CHO cell derivative that has been modified genetically to facilitate production of recombinant proteins. For example, various CHO cell strains have been developed which permit stable insertion of recombinant DNA into a specific gene or expression region of the cells, amplification of the inserted DNA, and selection of cells exhibiting high le vel expression of the recombinant protein. Examples of CHO cell derivatives useful in methods provided herein include, but are not limited to, CHO-Kl cells, CHO-DUKX, CHO-DUKX Bl, CHO-DG44 ceils, CHO-ICAM-1 cells, and CHO-hlFNy cells, Methods for expressing recombinant proteins in CHO cells are known in the art and are described, e.g., in U.S. Patents No. 4,816,567 and No. 5,981,214.
[00238] Examples of human cell lines useful in methods provided herein include the cell lines 293T (embryonic kidney), 786-0 (renal), A498 (renal), A549 (alveolar basal epithelial), ACHN (renal), BT-549 (breast), BxPC-3 (pancreatic), CAKI-1 (renal), Capan-i (pancreatic), CCRF-CEM (leukemia), COLO 205 (colon), DLD-1 (colon), DMS 114 (small ceil lung), DU145 (prostate), EKVX (non-small cell lung), HCC-2998 (colon), HCT-15 (colon), HCT-1 16 (colon), HT29 (colon), S IT- 1080 (fibrosarcoma), HEK 293 (embryonic kidney), HeLa (cervical carcinoma), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), HL-60(TB) (leukemia), HOP-62 (non- small cell lung), HOP-92 (non-small cell lung), HS 578T (breast), HT-29 (colon
adenocarcinoma), IG -OV1 (ovarian), IMR32 (neuroblastoma), Jurkat (T lymphocyte), K-562 (leukemia), KM 12 (colon), KM20L2 (colon), LANS (neuroblastoma), LNCap.FGC (Caucasian prostate adenocarcmoma), LOX IMV1 (melanoma), LXFL 529 (non-small cell lung), M 14 (melanoma), M19-MEL (melanoma), MALME-3M (melanoma), MCFIOA (mammary epithelial), MCI '7 (mammary), MDA-MB-453 (mammary epithelial), MDA-MB-468 (breast), MDA-MB-231 (breast), MDA-N (breast), MOLT-4 (leukemia), NCl/ADR-RES (ovarian), NCI- 1122.0 (non-small cell lung), NCI-H23 (non-small cell lung), NC1-H322M (non-small cell lung ), NCI-H460 (non-small cell lung), NCI-H522 (non-small cell lung), OVCAR-3 (ovarian), QVCAR-4 (ovarian), OVCAR-5 (ovarian), OVCAR-8 (ovarian), P388 (leukemia), P388/ADR (leukemia), PC-3 (prostate), PERC6® (El -transformed embryonal retina), RPMI-7951
(melanoma), RPMI-8226 (leukemia), RXF 393 (renal), RXF-631 (renal), Saos-2 (bone), SF-268 (CNS), SF-295 (C S), SF-539 (CNS), SHP-77 (small cell lung), SH-SY5Y (neuroblastoma), SK-BR3 (breast), SK-MEL-2 (melanoma), SK-MEL-5 (melanoma), SK-MEL-28 (melanoma), SK-OV-3 (ovarian), SN12K1 (renal), SN12C (renal), SNB-19 (CNS), SNB-75 (CNS) SNB-78 (CNS), SR (leukemia), SW-620 (colon), T-47D (breast), THP-1 (monocyte-derived
macrophages), TK-10 (renal), U87 (glioblastoma), U293 (kidney), U251 (CNS), UACC-257 (melanoma), UACC-62 (melanoma), UO-31 (renal), W138 (lung), and XF 498 (CNS). [00239] Examples of non-human primate cell lines useful in methods provided herein include the cell lines monkey kidney (CVI-76), African green monkey kidney (VERO-76), green monkey fibroblast (COS-1), and monkey kidney (CVI) cells transformed by SV40 (COS- 7). Additional mammalian cell lines are known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are catalogued at the American Type Culture Collection catalog (Manassas, VA).
100240] Examples of rodent cell lines useful in methods provided herein include the ceil lines baby hamster kidney (BHK) (e.g., BHK21, BH TK), mouse Sertoli (TM4), buffalo rat liver (BRL 3A), mouse mammary tumor (MMT), rat hepatoma (HTC), mouse myeloma (NS0), murine hybridoma (Sp2/0), mouse thymoma (EL4), Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) and CHO cell derivatives, murine embryonic (NIH/3T3, 3T3 Li), rat myocardial (H9c2), mouse myoblast (C2C12), and mouse kidney (miMCD-3).
[00241] In some embodiments, the host cell is a multipotent stem cell or progenitor cell. Examples of multipotent cells useful in methods provided herein include murine embryonic stem (ES-D3) cells, human umbilical vein endothelial (HuVEC) cells, human umbilical artery smooth muscle (HuASMC) cells, human differentiated stem (HKB-I1) cells, human
mesenchymal stem (hMSC) cells, and induced piuripotent stem (IPS) cells.
[00242] In some embodiments, the host cell is an insect cell, such as Sf9 cell line (derived from pupal ovarian tissue of Spodoptera frugiperda); Hi-5 (derived from Trichoplusia ni egg cell homogenates); or S2 ceils (from Drosophila melanogasier).
[00243] In some embodiments, the host cells are suitable for growth in suspension cultures. Suspension-competent host cells are generally monodisperse or grow in loose aggregates without substantial aggregation, Suspension-competent host cells include cells that are suitable for suspension culture without adaptation or manipulation (e.g., hematopoietic cells, lymphoid cells) and cells that have been made suspension-competent by modification or adaptation of attachment-dependent cel ls (e.g., epithelial cel ls, fibroblasts).
[00244] In some embodiments, the host ceil is an attachment dependent ceil which is grown and maintained in adherent culture. Examples of human adherent ceil lines useful in methods provided herein include the ceil lines human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5 Y, IMR32, and LANS), human cervical carcinoma (HeLa), human breast epithelial (MCFIOA), human embryonic kidney (293T), and human breast carcinoma (SK-BR3), [00245] In some embodiments, the host ceil is a cell line that has been modified to allow for growth under desired conditions, such as in serum-free media, in cell suspension culture, or in adherent cell culture. The host cell can be, for example, a human Namalwa Burkitt lymphoma cell (BLcl-kar-Namalwa), baby hamster kidney fibroblast (BHK), CHQ cell, Murine myeloma cell (NSO, SP2/0), hybridoma cell, human embryonic kidney cell (293 HEK), human retina-derived cell (PER.C6® ceils, U.S. Patent No. 7,550,284), insect cell line (Sf9, derived from pupal ovarian tissue of Spodoptera frugiperda or Hi-5, derived from Trichoplusia ni egg cell homogenates; see also U.S. Patent No. 7,041,500), Madin-Darby canine kidney cell ( Mi X 'K h primary mouse brain cells or tissue, primary calf lymph cells or tissue, primary monkey kidney cells, embryonated chicken egg, primary chicken embryo fibroblast (CEF), Rhesus fetal lung cell (FRhL-2), Human fetal lung ceil (W!-38, MRC-5), African green monkey kidney epithelial cell (Vero, CV-1), Rhesus monkey kidney cell (LLC-MK2), or yeast cell. Additional mammalia ceil lines commonly used for the expression of recombinant proteins include, but are not limited to, HeLa cells, COS cells, NIH/3T3 cells, Jurkat Cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) ceils.
[00246] Host cells can be unmodified or genetically modified (e.g., a cell from a transgenic animal). For example, CEFs from transgenic chicken eggs can have one or more genes essential for the IFN pathway, e.g., interferon receptor, STAT1, etc., has been disrupted, i.e., is a "knockout." See, e.g., Sang, 12 Trends Biotech. 415 (1994); Perry et al., 2 Transgenic Res. 125 (1993); Stern, 212 Curr Top Micro. Immunol. 195-206 (1996); Shuman, 47
Experientia 897 (1991 ). Also, the cell can be modified to allow for growth under desired conditions, e.g., incubation at 30°C.
[00247] The host cells may express the glycoprotein of interest endogenously, or alternatively, the host ceil may be engineered to express an exogenous glycoprotein. For example, a host cell may be transfected with one or more expression vectors that encode the glycoprotein. The nucleic acid molecule encoding the glycoprotein may be transiently introduced into the host cell, or stably integrated into the genome of the host cell. For example, in case of an antibody, one or more recombinant expression vectors encoding the light and/or heavy chains of the antibody (or an antigen-binding fragment of the antibody) may be transfected, such that the light and/or heavy chains are expressed in the host cell. If desired, the glycoprotein may be secreted into the medium in which the host cell is cultured, from which medium the glycoprotein can be recovered. [00248] Standard recombinant DNA methodologies may be used to obtain a nucleic acid that encodes a glycoprotein, incorporate the nucleic acid into an expression vector and introduce the vector into a host cell, such as those described in Sambrook, et al. (eds), Molecular Cloning; A. Laboratory Manual, Third Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, (2001); Ausubel, F. M, et al, (eds. ) Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons (1995). A nucleic acid encoding the glycoprotein may be inserted into an expression vector or vectors such that the nucleic acids are operably linked to transcriptional and translational control sequences. The expression vector and expression control sequences are generally chosen to be compatible with the expression host cell used.
[00249] For example, to express an antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, nucleic acids encoding the light and heavy chain variable regions may be first obtained. These nucleic acids can be obtained by amplification and modification of human germline ligh t and heavy chain variable region genes using PCR. Germline DNA sequences for human heavy and light chain variable region genes are known in the art.
[00250] In addition to the nucleic acid that encodes the glycoprotein, the expression vector may additionally carry regulatory sequences that control the expression of the
glycoprotein in a host cell, such as promoters, enhancers or other expression control elements (e. g. , polyadenylation signals) that control the transcription or translation of the nucleic acid(s). Such regulatory sequences are known in the art (see, e.g., Goeddel, Gene Expression
Technology: Methods in Enzyrnology 185, Academic Press (1990)). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the design of the expression vector, including the selection of regulatory sequences may depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be
transformed, the l evel of expression of protein desired, etc. Exemplary regulator}' sequences for mammalian host cell expression include viral elements that direct high le vels of protein expression in mammalian cells, such as promoters and/or enhancers derived from
cytomegalovirus (CMV) (such as the CMV promoter/enhancer). Simian Virus 40 (SV40) (such as the SV40 promoter/enhancer), adenovirus, (e. g. , the adenovirus major late promoter
(AdMLP) ) and polyoma virus.
[00251] In addition to sequences encoding the glycoprotein and regulator}' sequences, the recombinant expression vectors of the invention may carry additional sequences, such as sequences that regulate replication of the vector in host ceils (e, g. , origins of replication) and selectable marker genes.
[00252] The expression vector(s) encoding the glycoprotein may be transfected into a host cell by standard techniques, such as electroporation, calcium-phosphate precipitation, or DEAE-dextran trans fection. If desired, viral vectors, such as retro-viral vectors, may also be used to generate stable cell lines (as a source of a continuous supply of the glycoprotein).
100253] The methods described herein can be applied to any size of cell culture flask and/or bioreactor. For example, the methods can be applied in bioreactors or cell cultures of 10 L, 30 L, 50 L, 100 L, 150 L, 200 L, 300 L, 500 L, 1000 L, 2000 L, 3000 L, 4000 L, 5000 L, 10,000 L or larger. In some embodiments, the cell culture size can range from 10 L to 5000 L, from 10 L to 10,000 L, from 10 I, to 20,000 L, from 10 I, to 50,000 L, from 40 I, to 50,000 L, from 100 L to 50,000 L, from 500 L to 50,000 L, from 1000 L to 50,000 L, from 2000 L to 50,000 L, from 3000 I, to 50,000 L, from 4000 L to 50,000 L, from 4500 L to 50,000 L, from 1000 L to 10,000 L, from 1000 L to 20,000 L, from 1000 L to 25,000 L, from 1000 L to
30,000 L, from 15 L to 2000 L, from 40 L to 1000 L, from 100 L to 500 L, from 200 L to 400 L, or any integer there between.
100254] Media components include, e.g., buffer, amino acid content, vitamin content, salt content, mineral content, serum content, carbon source content, lipid content, nucleic acid content, hormone content, trace element content, ammonia content, co-factor content, indicator content, small molecule content, hydrolysate content and enzyme modulator content.
Preferably, the growth medium is a chemically defined media such as Biowhittaker©
POWERCHO® (Lonza, Basel, Switzerland), HYCLO E PF CHO™ (Thermo Scientific, Fisher Scientific), GlBCO® CD DG44 (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA), Medium Ml 99 (Sigma- Aldrich), OPTTPRO™ SFM (Gibco), etc).
D. Regulation of Host Cell Gene Expression.
[00255] One or more RNA effector molecules are added to the cell culture to regulate the expression level (s) of target gene(s). If more than two or more RNA effector molecules are used, they may be provided at the same concentration, or different concentrations. The RNA effectors may be added simultaneously into the cell culture, or added at different times into the cell culture. [00256] An effective amount of an RNA effector is added to the cell culture to allow sufficient reduction of the expression of a target gene, For example, an effecti ve amoun t of an RNA effector is added to the cell culture such that the expression level of its target gene is reduced by 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, or 85%.
100257] In general, a suitable dose of RNA effector molecule will be in the range of 0.001 to 200.0 milligrams per unit volume per day. For example, the RNA effector molecule may be provided in the range of 0.001 nM to 200 mM per day, generally in the range of 0.1 nM to 500 nM. For example, a dsRNA can be administered at 0.01 nM, 0.05 nM, 0.1 nM, 0.5 nM, 0.75 nM, 1 nM, 1.5 nM, 2 nM, 3 nM, 10 nM, 20 nM, 30 nM, 40 nM, 50 nM, 100 nM, 200 nM, 400 nM, or 500 nM per single dose. In one embodiment, the RNA effector molecule is administered a cell culture at a concentration less tha about 50nM,
[00258] The composition ca be added to the cell culture once daily, or the RNA effector molecule can be added as two, three, or more sub-doses at appropriate intervals throughout the day or delivery through a controlled release formulation. In that case, the RNA effector molecule contained in each sub-dose must be correspondingly smaller in order to achieve the total daily dosage. The dosage unit can also be compounded for delivery over several days, e.g., using a conventional sustained release formulation, which provides sustained release of the RN A effector mol ecule over a several-day-period.
[00259] The effect of a single dose on target gene transcript levels can be long-lasting, such that subsequent doses are administered at not more than 3-, 4-, or 5-day intervals, or at not more than 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-week intervals.
[ 00260] The administration of the RNA effector molecule may be ceased at least 6 hr, at least 12 hr, at least 18 hr, at least 36 hr, at least 48 hr, at least 60 hr, at least 72 hr, at least 96 hr, or at least 120 hr, or at least 1 week, before isolation of the biol ogical product. Thus in one embodiment, contacting a host cell (e.g., in a large scale host cell culture) with a RNA effector molecule is complete at least 6 hr, at least 12 hr, at least 18 hr, at least 36 hr, at least 48 hr, at least 60 hr, at least 72 hr, at least 96 hr, or at least 120 hr, or at least 1 week, before isolation of the biological product. [00261] Sometimes, it may be beneficial to provide a RNA effector molecule to the host cell cultures in a way that a constant number (or at least a minimum number) of RNA effector molecules per each cell is maintained. Maintaining the levels of the RNA effector molecule as such can ensure that modulation of target gene expression is main tained even at high cell densities,
100262] The amount of a RNA effector molecule can also be administered according to the cell density, In such embodiments, the RNA effector molecule(s) is added at a
concentration of at least 0.01 fmoi/106 ceils, at least 0.1 fmol/10fi cells, at least 0.5 fmoi/106 cells, at least 0,75 fmol/106 cells, at least 1 fmoi/106 ceils, at least 2 fmol/lO6 cells, at least 5 fmol/106 cells, at least 10 fmol/106 cells, at least 20 fmol/106 cells, at least 30 fmoi/106 ceils, at least 40 fmoi/106 ceils, at least 50 fmoi/106 cells, at least 60 fmol/106 cells, at least 100 fmol/106 cells, at least 200 fmol/106 cells, at least 300 fmol/106 cells, at least 400 fmol/106 cells, at least 500 fmol/106 cells, at least 700 fmol/106 cells, at least 800 fmol/106 cells, at least 900 fmol/106 cells, or at least 1 pmol/106 cells, or more,
[00263] For example, the RNA effector molecule may be administered at a dose of at least 10 molecules per cell, at least 20 molecules per cell (molecules/cell), at least 30
molecules/cell, at least 40 molecules/cell, at least 50 molecules/cell, at least 60 molecules/cell, at least 70 molecules/cell, at least 80 molecules/cell, at least 90 molecules/cell at least 100 molecules/cell, at least 200 molecules/cell, at least 300 molecules/cell, at least 400
molecules/cell, at least 500 molecules/cell, at least 600 molecules/cell, at least 700
molecules/cell, at least 800 molecules/cell, at least 900 molecules/cell, at least 1000
molecules/cell, at least 2000 molecules/cell, at least 5000 molecules/cell or more, inclusive.
[00264] In some embodiments, the RNA effector molecule is administered at a dose within the range of 10-100 molecules/cell, 10-90 molecules/cell, 10-80 molecules/cell, 10-70 molecules/cell, 10-60 molecules/ceil, 10-50 molecules/cell, 10-40 molecules/cell, 10-30 molecules/cell, 10-20 molecules/cell, 90-100 molecules/ceil, 80-100 molecules/ceil, 70-100 molecules/cell, 60-100 molecules/cell, 50-100 molecules/ceil, 40-100 molecules/cell, 30-100 molecules/cell, 20-100 molecules/cell, 30-60 molecules/cell, 30-50 molecules/cell, 40-50 molecules/cell, 40-60 molecules/ceil, or any range there between. [00265] In one embodiment, the RNA effector molecule is administered as a sterile aqueous solution, In one embodiment, the RNA effector molecule is formulated in a non-lipid formulation. In another embodiment, the RNA effector molecule is formulated in a cationic or non-cationic lipid formulation. In still another embodiment, the RNA effector molecule is formulated in a cell medium suitable for culturing a host cell (e.g., a serum-free medium).
E. Purification of Glycoproteins
100266] The glycoproteins produced in accordance with the methods described herein can be harvested from host ceils, and purified using any suitable methods. For example, methods for purifying polypeptides by immune-affinity chromatography are known in the art. Ruiz-Arguello et al, J. Gen. Virol, 55:3677-3687 (2004). Suitable methods for purifying desired glycoprotein including precipitation and various types of chromatography, such as hydrophobic interaction, ion exchange, affinity, chelating and size exclusion are well-known in the art. Suitable purification schemes can be created using two or more of these or other suitable methods. If desired, the glycoprotein can include a "tag" that facilitates purification, such as an epitope tag or a HIS tag. Such tagged polypeptides can conveniently be purified, for example from conditioned media, by chelating chromatography or affinity chromatography. Optionally, the tag sequence may be cleaved post-purification.
[00267] For example, normal phase liquid chromatography can be used to separate giycans and/or glycoproteins based on polarity. Reverse-phase chromatography can be used, e.g., with derivatized sugars. Anion-exchange columns can be used to purify sialylated, phosphorylated, and sulfated sugars. Other methods include high pH anion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography can be used and is based on size separation.
[00268] Affinity based methods can be selected that preferentially bind certain chemical units and glycan structures. Matrices such as m-aminophenylboronic acid,
immobilized lectins and antibodies can bind particular glycan structures. M- aminophenyiboronic acid matrices can form a temporary covalent bond with any molecule (such as a carbohydrate) that contains a 1 ,2-cis-diol group. The covalent bond can be subsequently disrupted to elute the protein of interest. Lectins are a family of carbohydrate-recognizing proteins that exhibit affinities for various monosaccharides. Lectins bind carbohydrates specifically and reversibly. Primary monosaccharides recognized by lectins include mannose/glucose, galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and sialic acid (QProteome Glycoarray Handbook, Qiagen, September 2005, available at:
http://wolfson.huji.acil/u^ or similar references, Lectin matrices (e.g., columns or arrays) can consist of a number of lectins with varying and/or overlapping specificities to bind glycoproteins with specific glycan compositions, Some lectins commonly used to purify glycoproteins include concavaiin A (often coupled to Sepharose or agarose) and Wheat Germ. Anti-glycan antibodies can also be generated by methods known in the art and used in affinity columns to hind and purify glycoproteins.
[00269] The interaction of a lectin or antibody with a ligand, such as a glycoprotein, allows for the formation of cross-linked complexes, which are often insoluble and can be identified as precipitates (Varki et al, ed., "Protein-Glycan Interactions" in Essentials of Glycobiology available at world wide web at
Figure imgf000077_0001
or similar references, In this technique, a fixed amount of lectin or antibody (receptor) is titrated with a glycoprotein or a glycan, and at a precise ratio of ligand to receptor, a precipitate is formed (Varki et al.). Such precipitation is highly specific to the affinity constant of the ligand to the receptor (Varki et al.), Another precipitation approach takes advantage of the fact that a complex between a lectin and a glycan can be "salted" out or precipitated by ammonium sulfate (Varki et al.),
F. Analysis of Glycoproteins
(1). Analysis of the structure ¾nd composition of N-linked glycans
[00270] The glycan structure of the glycoproteins (such as antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins) described herein can be determined using art-known methods for analyzing glycan structures of glycoproteins, such as chromatography, mass spectrometry (MS), chromatography followed by MS, electrophoresis, electrophoresis followed by MS, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and any combinations thereof. A preferred technique is Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS, or alternatively HPLC-MS).
[00271] For example, an enzyme, such as an N-glycanase (e.g, N-glycanase F, N- glycanase-A), can be used to cleave the N-glycan moiety from a glycoprotein. Further, exoglycosidases (e.g., siaiidase, galactosida.se, hexosaminidase, fucosidase, mannosidase etc) can be used cleave terminal glycosidic bonds from the non-reducing end of glycans. Alternatively, acid hydrolysis (e.g., trifluoroacetic acid) can be used to release neutral saccharides (e.g., galactose, mannose, fucose) or amino saccharides (e.g., N-acetylghicosamine) from a glycan. The cleaved or hydrolyzed saccharides can be analyzed using chromatography spectrometry, or electrophoresis methods described above.
[00272] For example, glycan structure and composition can be analyzed by chromatography, including, e.g., liquid chromatography (LC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), amide column chromatography, or combinations thereof.
[00273] Another method to analyze glycan structure and composition is mass spectrometry (MS), including, e.g., tandem MS, LC-MS, LC-MS/MS, matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS), ion mobility separation with mass spectrometry (IMS-MS), electron transfer dissociation (ETD-MS), or combinations thereof.
[00274] Another method to analyze glycan structure and composition is
electrophoresis, including, e.g., capillar}' electrophoresis (CE), CE-MS, gel electrophoresis, agarose gel electrophoresis, acrylamide gel electrophoresis, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) followed by Western blotting using antibodies that recognize specific glycan structures, or combinations thereof. For example, the structure of an N-glycan can be determined by two dimensional sugar chain mapping (see, e.g., Anal, Biochem,, 171 , 73 (1988); Biochemical Experimentation Methods 23-Methods for Studying Glycoprotein Sugar Chains (Japan Scientific Societies Press) edited by Reiko Takahashi (1989)). Two dimensional sugar chain mapping is a method for deducing the structure of a saccharide chain by plotting the retention time or elution position of the saccharide chain by reverse phase chromatography as the X axis, and the retention time or elution position of the saccharide chain by normal phase chroma tography as the Y axis, respectively, and comparing them with such results of known sugar chains. The structure deduced by two dimensional sugar chain mapping can be confirmed by mass spectrometry.
[00275] Another method to analyze glycan structure and composition is nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), including, e.g., one-dimensional NMR (I D-NMR), two- dimensional NMR (2D-NMR), correlation spectroscopy magnetic-angle spinning N MR (COSY- MR), total correlated spectroscopy NMR (TOCSY-NMR), heteronuclear single-quantum coherence NMR (HSQC-NMR), heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC-N R), rotational nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy NMR (ROESY-NMR), nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOE8Y-NMR), or combinations thereof.
[00276] Saccharide composition of a glycan can also be analyzed by fluorescence labeling. For example, acid-hydroiyzed glycans can be labeled with 2-aminopyridine and then analyzed by HPLC.
[00277] Immunological methods (e.g., antibody staining, lectin staining) may also be used to determine the structures of N-glycan. For example, lectin molecules can bind to the carbohydrate moieties of glycoproteins. Therefore, a lectin that binds to a specific N-glycan can be used to identify the presence and quantity of such glycoforrns in a composition (e.g., by determining the amount of glycan-bound lectin using a secondary antibody). Examples of lectins that can be used for identifying the glycan structure of an antibody, or a Fc-fusion protein, include, e.g., WGA (wheat-germ agglutinin derived from T. vulgaris), ConA
(cocanavalin A derived from C. ensiformis), RIC (a toxin derived from R. communis), L-PHA (leucoagglutinin derived from P. vulgaris), LCA (lentil agglutinin derived from L. culinaris), PSA (pea lectin derived from P. sativum), AAL (Aleuria auraiitia lectin), ACL (Amaranthus caudatus lectin), BPL (Bauhinia purpurea lectin), DSL (Datura stramonium lectin), DBA
(Dolichos bifloms agglutinin), EBL (elderberr balk lectin), ECL (Erythrina cristagalli lectin), EEL (Euonymus eoropaeus lecin), GNL (Galanthus nivalis lectin), GSL (Griff onia simplicifolia lectin), HP A (Helix pomatia agglutinin), HHL (Hippeastram hybrid lectin), jacalin, LTL (Lotus tetragonolobus lectin), LEL (Lycopersicon esculentum lectin), MAL (Maackia amurensis lectin), MPL (Maclura pomifera lectin), NPL (Narcissus pseudonarcissus lectin), PNA (peanut agglutinin), E-PHA (Phaseolus vulgaris erythroagglutiniii), PTL (Psopliocarpus tetragonolobus lectin), RCA (Ricinus communis agglutinin), STL (Solanum tuberosum lectin), SJA (Sophora japonica agglutinin), SBA (soybean agglutinin), UEA (Uiex europaeus agglutinin), WL (Vicia viilosa lectin) and WFA (Wisteria floribunda agglutinin).
[00278] For example, a lectin that specifically recognizes a complex N-glycan in which a fucose residue is linked to the N-acetylglucosarrrine in the reducing end of the N-glycan may be used. Exemplary lectins include, e.g., Lens culinaris lectin LCA (lentil agglutinin derived from Lens culinaris), pea lectin PSA (pea lectin derived from Pisum sativum), broad
7 bean lectin VFA (agglutinin derived from Vicia faba) and Aleuria aurantia lectin AAL (lectin derived from Aleuria aurantia).
[00279] Another method to analyze glycan structure and composition is by capillary electrophoresis (CE), which is described e.g., in Szabo et al., Electrophoresis, 2010 April; 31(8): 1389-1395. doi: 10.1002/elps.201000037,
[00280] Techniques described herein may be combined with one or more o ther technologies for the detection, analysis, and or isolation of glycans or glycoproteins. For example, any combination of NMR, mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography, 2-dimensioiial chromatography, SDS-PAGE, antibody staining, lectin staining, monosaccharide quantitation, capillary electrophoresis, fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE), micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC), exoglycosidase or endoglycosidase treatments may be used. See, e.g., Anumula, Anal. Biochem. 350( 1): 1, 2006; Klein et al, Anal. Biochem,, 179: 162, 1989; Townsend, R.R. Carbohydrate Analysis, High Performance Liquid
Chromatography and Capillary Electrophoresis, Ed. Z. El Rassi, pp 181-209, 1995. For example, Qian et al. (Analytical Biochemistry 364 (2007) 8-18) discloses a method for determining the structures of glycans using orthogonal matrix-assisted laser
desorption/ionization hybrid quadrupole-quadrupoie time-of-fight mass spectrometry (oMALDI Qq-TOF MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) in combination with exoglycosidase digestion. The N-linked glycans are released by treatment with N-glycanase F, reductively aminated with anthranilic acid, and fractionated, by normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC). The Xuorescent-labeled oligosaccharide pool and fractions are then analyzed by oMALDI Qq-TOF MS and MS/MS in negative ion mode. Each fraction is further digested with an array of exoglycosidase mixtures, and subsequent MALD1 TOF MS analysis of the resulting produc ts yields informa tion about structural features of the glycan.
[00281] One exemplary saccharide composition analyzer is BioLC, manufactured by Dionex, which analyzes saccharide composition by HPAEC-PAD (high performance anion- exchange chromatography-pulsed amperometric detection).
(2). Analysis of the activity of glycoproteins
[00282] The biological activity of the glycoprotein compositions described herein may be assessed using any art known method, Such biological activities include, e.g., binding affinity or specificity of a glycoprotein (e.g., antibody, or a iigand for a receptor), bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, etc. Additionally, therapeutic activity of a glycoprotein may be assessed (e.g., ADCC activity of an antibody, efficacy of a glycoprotein in decreasing severity or symptom of a disease or condition, or in delaying appearance of a symptom of a disease or condition).
100283] Methods of analyzing bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and
pharmacodynamics of glycoprotein therapeutics have been described. See, e.g., Weiner et al, /. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 15(5):571-9, 1997; Srinivas et al, /. Pharm. ScL 85(1): 1-4, 1996; and Srinivas et al, Pharm. Res. 14(7):911-6, 1997. Assays for measuring ADCC activity mediated by therapeutic antibodies are also known. See, e.g., Schnueriger A, et al., Mol. Immunol. (2011) 48( 12-13): 1512-7; Cancer immunology Immunotherapy, 36, 373 (1993); Cancer Research, 5A, 1511 (1994) , As would be understood to one of skill in the art, the particular biological activity or therapeutic activity that can be tested will vary depending on the particular glycoprotein or glycan structure.
[00284] The potential adverse activity or toxicity (e.g., propensity to cause
hypertension, immunogenicity/allergic reactions, thrombotic events, seizures, or other adverse events) of glycoprotein preparations can be analyzed by any available method. For example, immunogenic! ty of a glycoprotein composition can be assessed, e.g., by determining in vitro by immunoassay (e.g., using an antibody that binds to a recognized immunogenic epitope, such as the otGal epitope, or Neu5Gc epitope), or by in vivo administration to determine whether the composition elicits an antibody response in a subject.
5. PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION, AND KITS
A. Pharmaceutical Compositions
[00285] In one aspect, the invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the glycoproteins (such as antibodies or Fc-fusion proteins) described herein.
[00286] The pharmaceutical compositions usually one or more pharmaceutical carrier(s) and/or excipient(s). A thorough discussion of such components is available in
Gennaro (2000) Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy (20th edition). Examples of such carriers or additives include water, a pharmaceutical acceptable organic solvent, collagen, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, a carboxyvinyl polymer, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, polyacrylic sodium, sodium alginate, water-soluble dextran, carboxymethyl starch sodium, pectin, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, gum Arabic, casein, gelatin, agar, di glycerin, glycerin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol. Vaseline, paraffin, stearyl alcohol, stearic acid, human serum albumin (HSA), mannitol, sorbitol, lactose, a
pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant and the like. Formulation of the pharmaceutical composition wil l vary according to the route of administration selected.
[00287] Optionally, the glycoprotein can be lyophilized for storage and reconstituted in a suitable carrier prior to use. This technique has been shown to be effective with
conventional immunoglobulins. Any suitable lyoptiilization and reconstitution techniques can be employed. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that lyophilization and
reconstitution can lead to varying degrees of activity loss and that use levels may have to be adjusted to compensate.
[00288] A variety of aqueous carriers can be used to formulate suitable
pharmaceutical compositions for administration, such as plain water (e.g. w.f.i.) or a buffer e.g. a phosphate buffer, a Tris buffer, a borate buffer, a succinate buffer, a histidme buffer, or a citrate buffer. Buffer salts will typically be included in the 5-20mM range.
[00289] The pharmaceutical compositions are preferably sterile, and may be sterilized by conventional sterilization techniques.
[00290] The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, and tonicity adjusting agents and the like, for example, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sodium lactate and the like. Preferably, the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may have a pH between 5.0 and 9.5, e.g. between 6.0 and 8.0.
[00291 ] Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may include sodium salts (e.g. sodium chloride) to give tonicity. A concentration of 10+2 mg/mi NaCl is typical e.g. about 9 mg/ml. [00292] Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may have an osmolarity of between 200 mOsm/kg and 400 mOsm kg, e.g. between 240-360 mOsm/kg, or between 290-310 mOsm/kg.
B. Methods of Administration
[00293] In another aspect, the invention provide a method for treating Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectively amount of an anti-CD20 antibody as described herein. The subject is preferably human.
100294] In another aspect, the invention provide a method for treating cancer or head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectively amount of an anti-EGFR antibody as described herein. The subject is preferably human.
[00295] In another aspect, the invention provide a method for treating breast cancer, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectively amount of an anti-HER2 antibody as described herein. The subject is preferably human.
[00296] In another aspect, the invention pro vide a method for treating breast cancer, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effectively amount of an B7-binding Fc-fusion protein as described herein. The subject is preferably human.
[00297] The compositions described herein may be administered to a subject orally, topically, transdermally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, vaginally, rectally, or by intracranial injection. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intracisternal injection, or infusion techniques. Administration by intravenous, intradermal, intramusclar, intramammary, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, retrobulbar,
intrapulmonary injection and or surgical implantation at a particular site is contemplated as well. In certain embodiments, injection, especially intravenous, is preferred.
[00298] The amounts of a glycoprotein in a given dosage will vary according to the size of the individual to whom the therapy is being administered as well as the characteristics of the disorder being treated. In exemplary treatments, it may be necessary to administer about 1 mg/day, about 5 mg/day, about 10 mg/day, about 20 nig/day, about 50 nig/day, about 75 mg/day, about 100 mg/day, about 150 mg/day, about 200 mg/day, about 250 mg/day, about 400 mg/day, about 500 mg/day, about 800 mg/day, about 1000 mg/day, about 1600 mg/day or about 2000 mg/day. The doses may also be administered based on weight of the patient, at a dose of 0.01 to 50 mg kg. The glycoprotein may be administered in a dose range of 0.015 to 30 mg/kg, such as in a dose of about 0.015, about 0.05, about 0.15, about 0.5, about 1.5, about 5, about 15 or about 30 mg/kg.
100299] Dosage can be by a single dose schedule or a multiple dose schedule.
Multiple doses will typically be administered at least 1 week apart (e.g., about 2 weeks, about 3 weeks, about 4 weeks, about 6 weeks, about 8 weeks, about 10 weeks, about 12 weeks, about 16 weeks, etc.).
[00300] Standard dose-response studies, first in animal models and then in clinical testing, can reveal optima] dosages for particular diseases and patient populations.
[00301] The glycoprotein compositions described herein may be administered in combination with a second therapeutic agent. For example, for cancer treatment, a
chemotherapeutic agent may be used as the second agent, For treatment of autoimmune diseases, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( SAlDs), analgesiscs, glucocorticoids, disease- modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), may be used as die second agent. Examples of such therapeutic agents can be found, e.g., in WO 2008/1 6713.
C. Kits
[00302] In another aspect, the invention provides kits that comprise the glycoprotein compositions described herein packaged in a manner that facilitates their use for therapy. For example, such a kit includes a glycoprotein (e.g., an antibody or an Fc-fusion protein) as described herein, packaged in a container such as a sealed bottle or vessel, with a label affixed to the container or included in the package that describes use of the composition in practicing the method. The kit can further comprise another container comprising a pharmaceutically- acceptable buffer, such as phosphate-buffered saline, Ringer's solution, or dextrose solution. Preferably, the composition is packaged in a unit dosage form. The kit may further include a device suitable for administering the composition according to a specific route of administration or for practicing a screening assay. Preferably, the kit contains a label that describes use of the composition. [00303] In another aspect, the invention provides kits for testing the effect of a RNA effector molecule or a series of RNA effector molecules on the production of a glycoprotein by the host cell, where the kits comprise a substrate having one or more assay surfaces suitable for cuituring cells under conditions that allow production of the glycoprotein. In some
embodiments, the exterior of the substrate comprises wells, indentations, demarcations, or the like at positions corresponding to the assay surfaces. In some embodiments, the wells, indentations, demarcations, or the like retain fluid, such as cell culture media, over the assay surfaces.
[00304] In some embodiments, the assay surfaces on the substrate are sterile and are suitable for cuituring host cells under conditions representative of the culture conditions during large-scale (e.g., industrial scale) production of the glycoprotein. Advantageously, kits provided herein offer a rapid, cost-effective means for testing a wide-range of agents and/or conditions on the production of the glycoprotein, allowing the cell culture conditions to be established prior to full-scale production of the glycoprotein.
[00305] In some embodiments, one or more assay surfaces of the substrate comprise a concentrated test agent, such as a RNA effector molecule, such that the addition of suitable media to the assay surfaces results in a desired concentration of the RNA effector molecule surrounding the assay surface. In some embodiments, the RNA effector molecules may be printed or ingrained onto the assay surface, or provided in a lyophilized form, e.g., within wells, such that the effector molecules can be reconstituted upon addition of an appropriate amount of media. In some embodiments, the RNA effector molecules are reconstituted by plating cells onto assay surfaces of the substrate.
[00306] In some embodiments, kits provided herein further comprise cell culture media suitable for cuituring a cell under conditions allowing for the production of the glycoprotein of interest. The media can be in a ready to use form or can be concentrated (e.g., as a stock solution), lyophilized, or provided in another reconstitutable form.
[00307] In further embodiments, kits provided herein further comprise one or more reagents suitable for detecting production of the glycoprotein by the cell, cell culture, or tissue culture. In further embodiments, the reagent(s) are suitable for detecting a property of the cell, such as maximum cell density, cell viability, or the like, which is indicative of production of the desired glycoprotein, In some embodiments, the reagent(s) are suitable for detecting the glycoprotein or a property thereof, such as the in vitro or in vivo biological activity,
homogeneity, or structure of the glycoprotein.
[00308] In some embodiments, one or more assay surfaces of the substrate further comprise a carrier for which facilitates uptake of RNA effector molecules by cells. Carriers for R A effector molecules are known in the art and are described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the carrier is a lipid formulation such as Lipofectamine™ transiection reagent (Inviirogen; Carlsbad, CA) or a related formulation. Examples of such carrier formulations are described herein. In some embodiments, the reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake comprises a charged lipid, an emulsion, a liposome, a cationic or non-cationic lipid, an anionic lipid, a transiection reagent or a penetration enhancer as described throughout the application herein. In particular embodiments, the reagent that facilitates RNA effector molecule uptake comprises a charged lipid as described in U.S. Application Ser.
No. 61/267,419, filed on December 7, 2009.
[00309] In some embodiments, one or more assay surfaces of the substrate comprise a RNA effector molecule or series of RNA effector molecules and a carrier, each in concentrated form, such that plating test cells onto the assay surface(s) results in a concentration the RNA effector moiecule(s) and the carrier effective for facilitating uptake of the RN A effector molecule(s) by the cells and modulation of the expression of one or more genes targeted by the RNA effector molecules.
[00310] In some embodiments, the substrate further comprises a matrix which facilitates 3 -dimensional cell growth and/or production of the glycoprotein by the cells. In further embodiments, the matrix facilitates anchorage-dependent growth of cells. Non-limiting examples of matrix materials suitable for use with various kits described herein include agar, agarose, methylcellulose, alginate hydrogel (e.g., 5% alginate + 5% collagen type I), chitosan, hydroactive hydrocolloid polymer gels, polyvinyl aicohol-hydrogel (PVA-H), polylactide-co- glycolide (PLGA), collagen vitrigei, PHEMA (poly(2-hydroxylmethacrylate)) hydrogels, PVP/PEQ hydrogels, BD PuraMatrix™ hydrogels, and copolymers of 2-methacryloyloxyettiyl phophorylcholine (MFC). [00311] In some embodiments, the substrate comprises a microarray plate, a biochip, or the like which allows for the high-throughput, automated testing of a range of test agents, conditions, and/or combinations thereof on the production of a glycoprotein by cultured ceils. For example, the substrate may comprise a 2-dimensional microarray plate or biochip having m columns and n rows of assay surfaces (e.g., residing within wells) which allow for the testing of m x n combinations of test agents and/or conditions (e.g., on a 24-, 96- or 384-well microarray plate). The microarray substrates are preferably designed such that all necessary positive and negative controls can be carried out in parallel with testing of the agents and/or conditions.
[00312] In some embodiments, kits provided herein allow for the selection or optimization of at least one factor for enhancing production of the biological product. For example, the kits may allow for the selection of a RNA effector molecule from among a series of candidate RN A effector molecules, or for the selection of a concentration or concentration range from a wider range of concentrations of a given RNA effector molecule. In some embodiments, the kits allow for selection of one or more RN A effector molecules from a series of candidate RNA effector molecules directed against a common target gene. In further embodiments, the kits allow for selection of one or more RNA effector molecules from a series of candidate RNA effector molecules directed against two or more functionally related target genes or two or more target genes of a common host cell glycosylation pathway.
[00313] In another aspect, the invention provides kits that comprise one or more container that independently contain one or more RNA effector molecules and one or more suitable host cells.
EXEMPLIFICATION
[00314] The invention now being generally described, it will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples, which are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention.
EXAMPLE 1. GLYCAN-MODIFIED ANTI-CD20 ANTIBODY
[00315] In this Example, glycan-modified anti-CD20 antibody, based on Rituximab, was produced in a large scale culture using RNAi technology. The glycan-modified antibody showed enhanced ADCC activity as compared to Rituxamb under substantially the same conditions,
[00316] Rituximab (Rituxan©) is a chimeric anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody for treating non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphoma (M I L ). Rituximab is recombinantly produced in CHO cells, and has a heterogeneous mixture of glycoforais.
[00317] The response rate for Rituximab in NHL patients is about 50-60% and is significantly correlated with a FcyRIiia receptor polymorphism (Cartron et a!. (2002) Blood 99:754-758). About 90% of patients homozygous for valine at position 158 respond to
Rituximab treatment, vviiereas patients hetero- or homozygous for phenylalanine at position 158 have a considerably lower response rate. It is believed that a lower affinity for FcyRIi ia F158 than for FcyRIiia VI 58 leads to lower ADCC activity. It has been shown that afucosyiated igGl has a higher affinity for FcyRIiia F158 (consequently higher ADCC activity) than the corresponding fucosylated IgGl (Shields et al. (2002) J. Biol. Chera. 277: 26733-26740). An afucosyiated Rituximab therefore would be a more potent therapeutic product regardless of the FcyRIi ia genotype.
[00318] In addition to ADCC, Rituximab also mediates tumor cell killing through CDC (Cragg and Glennie (2004) Blood 103: 2738-2743). A correlation between the galactose content of Rituximab N-glycans and CDC activity has been documented. As the number of galactose residues increases from 0 to 2 moles/mole of heavy chain, the level of CDC activity increases from 80%) to 150%» of the maximum CDC activity of the antibody having I mole galactose/moie of heavy chain (FD A, 1997; see, IDEC BLA 97-0260 at
www.fda.gov/Cder/biologics/review/ritugenl 12697).
1. Bioreactor operation an dosrag for modifying a-fucosylation
Bioreactor preparation for cell seeding & growth
[00319] Inoculate bioreactor with exponentially growing Anti-CD20 CHO cells to an initial seeding density of approximately 0.6 x 106 cells/mL.
[00320] Sample bioreactor cultures daily for the following: 1) Growth (Viable Cell Density, Viability (Figure 4), and Total Cell Density) - lmL, 2) Metabolism (Glucose, gliitamine, glutamate, pH, and lactate)- ImL, 3) mRNA analysis fut8, GMD)- 0,5mL (Figure 5), and 4) Titer, product quality analysis (fucosylation)- 30-60 ml. after Day 6.
[00321] On day 3 and 6 feed with 5% each of CHO CD Efficient Feed media A and B, (Invitrogen, Catalog#'s Al 0234-01 and Al 0240-01, respectively). Starting daily on Day 7, add 1% RPMI amino acid solution (Sigma, Catalog# R7131). Add 1M glucose and gl tamax (invitrogen, Catalog# 35050-061 ) as necessary to maintain ~2-6g/L glucose and >0.5 mmol L glutamine.
2, Culture harvest & protein purification
[00322] Harvest culture at < 70% viability. Clarified culture supernatant is passed through a 50 ml. Protein A Sepharose (GE Biosciences) column. The resin washed with 20 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.) and the protein eluted with 0.1 M citrate (pH 3.0), Eluted protein is dialyzed against 20 mM phosphate (pH 6.5) and 100 mM NaCl. Protein is sufficiently pure at this point for glycan analysis. When further polishing of the protein product is desired, the Protein A eluate is dialyzed against 50 mM NaAcetate (pFI 5.0) and applied to a 50 riiL SP Sepharose column (GE Biosciences) that was pre-equilibrated using the same buffer. The column is washed with 10-15 column volumes using 50 mM NaAcetate (pH 5.0) and the protein eluted with 250 mM NaCl in the same buffer. Eluted protein is dialyzed against 20 mM phosphate (pH 6.5) and 100 mM NaCl. The protein concentration is determined at UV280 using a scanning spectrophotometer ranging from OD240 to OD320, Protein samples are aliquoted and stored at -20 degree Celsius until needed.
3. Glycan characterization of CD20 monoclonal antibody
[00323] Purified CD20 monoclonal antibody from siRNA-treated or untreated cells was subjected to both LC/MS and Capillary Electrophoresis - Laser-induced Fluorescence (CE- LIF) to determine the extent of fucose knockdown. Both detection methods yielded similar results with an approximate 70% increase in a-fucosylated glycans. Using CE-LIF detection, the GO glycoform had the largest increase with approximately 60% conversion from GO with fucose to without followed by Gl and G2 (Figure 6).
[00324] Similar results were obtained using the LC-MS method to quantitate the glyeoforms (Figure 7). A 70% increase in the a-fucosylated glycans was observed. Again, a- iucosylated GO had the largest increase with approximately 60% followed by Gl at 10%, A- fueosylated G2 was not detected by this method.
4. CD20 monoclonal antibody hioassays
RNAi improves FcyRHIa binding to CD20 monoclonal antibody
[00325] A soluble HIS-tagged FcyRIIIa was utilized in a CD20 MAb binding ELISA to demonstrate RNAi targeting both fucosyltransferase and GMD-Dehydratase significantly decreases iucosylated CD20 MAb (Figure 6 & 7) and improves both maximum receptor binding and receptor affinity (Figure 8) by approximately two-fold.
RNAi improves CD20 antibody Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity
100326] Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a cell-based immunity mechanism that promotes the specific lyses of target cel ls bound with antibody ( CD20 MAb) by effector cells (NK) through binding interactions with FcyRJDa on the surface of effector cells. The target Cell line used in this study was Jeko-1 (Mantle cell lymphoma), Rituximab was used as a positive control. Freshly-isolated human PBMCs were used as effector cells at an Effector to Target (E/T) cell ratio of 25: 1 . The antibodies were tested in triplicate at 8 concentrations. The RNAi -treated CD20 antibody gave approximately 70% specific cell lysis compared to 20- 30% lysis for both the control CD20 antibody and rituximab (Figure 9).
5. Conclusion
[00327] RNAi is an effective means to modulate the glycan profile of therapeutic biologies to improve activity and decrease potential immunogemcity. Targeting key enzymes required for de novo GDP-fucose synthesis, GDP-fucose transport, and/or fucosyiation with siRNA. duplexes added directly to bioreactors gives the bioprocessing engineer highly specific control over the amount of fucose present on therapeutic monoclonal antibodies improving product quality that is currently unavailable today.
EXAMPLE 2, siRNAs THAT TARGET FUT8, GMDS AND EU2
[00328] In this Example, activities of siRNAs targeting Fut8, GMDS, and Neu2 were determined. Table 6 shows the results. Table 6
Figure imgf000091_0001
Neu2 0 . 388030164 AGG ACUUUGUG CCUGGACC 2 1594
Neu2 0 . 218618546 AGAQAGACCACCC'uCUCAG 1595
Neu2 0 . 307993119 AACCGAAGCACQU'uGGGCC 1596
Neu2 0 . 47 07506 CUGAUUGAGGUACACACCC 2 1597
Neu2 0 . 08951285 UUUAUUAA GACUC UG C AA 2 1598
Neu2 0 . 119298165 UCUCCUGUCUGGAAUAGCG 1599
Neu2 0 . 236577331 UCUGCUUGUCAUACAAAGG 2 1600
Neu2 0 . 231697907 AAGUUUACUCACUACCUGG 2 1601
Neu2 0 . 104061837 UUUACUCACUACCUGGUUG 2 1602
Neu2 0 . 487300265 UGAUAUUQGCCCACGGACA 2 1603
Neu2 0 . 183124124 UCGUAGGACAAACAAAUCU 2 1604
Neu2 0 . 109973778 AGCAUUGAGAUAGACCACC 2 1605
Neu.2 0 . 436004637 UACAAGUUUACUCACUACC 2 1606
Neu2 0 . 191171874 GAUAUUUGCCCACGGACAG 2 1607
Neu2 0 . 444654675 UGCAGGACAGGG CAAGUCG 2 1608
Neu2 0 . 160950067 AGC CG'uGUGAC AU'uAAC C C 2 1609
Neu2 0 . 376798761 AUAGUGACAGCCGACACAC 1610
Neu2 0 . 2844 64194 GGAUAAUUUAUUAAGACUC 1611
Neu2 0 . 371159296 CUAGCAUUGAGAUAGACCA 2 1612
Neu2 0 . 171466235 AAUAGCGUCUCCUUCUGCA 16 3
Neu2 0 . 492536463 UC C G C GG C C AG C GGG 16 4
[00329] The specification is most thoroughly understood in light of the teachings of the references cited within the specification. The embodiments within the specification provide an illustration of embodiments of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention. The skilled artisan readily recognizes that many other embodiments are encompassed by the invention. All publications, patents, and sequences cited in this disclosure are incorporated by reference in their entirety. To the extent the materia! incorporated by reference contradicts or is inconsistent with this specification, the specification will supersede any such material The citation of any references herein is not an admission that such references are prior art to the present invention.
[00330] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following embodiments. Appendix 1 : nucleotide sequences of exemplar}' target genes from Chinese Hamster
Table 7
Figure imgf000093_0001
SEQ ID NO: 1: CH056727.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN G ATCTCAG GCCCATG GC
GACTTGCCCTGTCCTGCAGAAGGAGACGCTATTCCAGACAGGAGACTATGCTTACAGAATCCCTGCTCTGATCTACCTGTCAA
AGCAGAAGACCCTGCTGGCCTTTGCGGAAAAGCGTCTGACCAAGACAGATGAGCATGCAGATTTGTTTGTCCTACGAAGAGG
AAGCTACAATGCAGACACCCATCAGGTCCAGTGGCAAGCTGAGGAGGTGGTGACCCAAGCCTACCTGGAGGGCCACCGCTCC
ATGAGCCCATGTCCTTTGTATGACAAGCAGACAAGGACCCTTTTCCTTTTCTTCATCGCTGTCCGTGGGCAAATATCAGAACAC
CACCAGCTCCAGACTGGGGTTAATGTCACACGGCTATGCCACATCACCAGTACTGACCATGGGAAGACCTGGAGCGCTGTCCA
GGACCTTACAGATACCACCATTGGCAGCACCCATCAAGATTGGGCCACATTTGGCGTGGGTCCTGGGCACTGTCTGCAGCTGC
GAAACACAGCTGGGAGCCTGCTGGTCCCTGCTTATGCCTATCGGAAACAACCCCCTATCCATACACCTGCCCCCTCTGCCTTCT
GCTTCCTCAGCCATGACCATGGGAGCACATGGGAGCTGGGCCACTTTGTGTCCCAGAACTCGCTGGAGTGCCAGGTGGCTGA
G GTTG G CACTG G CG CTG AG AG G GTG GTCTATCTCA ATG CTAG G AG CTG CCTG G G AG CCAG G GTCCAG G CAC AAAGTCCTAA
CAGTGGCCTGGATTTCCAGGACAACCAGGTAGTGAGTAAACTTGTAGAGCCTCCCAAAGGCTGCCATGGAAGTGTGATTGCT
TTCCCCAACCCCACCTCAAAGGCAGATGCCTTAGATGTGTGGCTGCTCTATACCCACCCTACAGACTCCCGGAAGAGGACCAA
CCTGGGTGTGTACCTCAATCAGAAGCCACTGGACCCCACCACCTGGTCAGCTCCCACCCTGTTGGCAACAGGCATCTGTGCCT
ACTCGGACTTGCAGAACATGGGGCACGGCCCTGATGGCTCCCCGCAATTTGGGTGTCTGTATGAGTCAAATAACTATGAAGA
GATTGTTTTCCTCATGTTCACCCTGAAGCAAGCTTTCCCAGCAGTGTTTGGTGCCCAGTGATCTTGCTGCATGCGGCCCAAAGT GCTTCTGTGCTCAAAACACCCATCTCTCTTTGCTTCCAGCATCCTCTGGACTCTTGAGTCCAGCTCTTGGGTAACTTCCTCAGGA GAGCAGAGAATTTGGTCTCTTGACTCTCTGCAGCCTTATTGTTTCAGCCTCTGGTTCTCTTTTCAGCCCAGAAATCAAAGGAGC CTG G CTTTCCTCAG CCTG TTG G CAG G G CAG GTG G G G AC AGTATATATAG AG G CTG CCATTCTG CATGTCG GTTGTCACTATG C TAGTTTAACCTGCCTGTTTCCCCATGCCTAGTGTTTGAATGAGTATTAATAAAATATCCAACCCAGCC NNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNMNN
SEQ!D 0; 2: CH057849.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCGGCGGGGCCTGGGCGGCCAGAGCGGCG
CGGACCCCGGTTCTCGGCTCCCGGCGCCATGTGACGGGGTGCGGGGGCCGCGGGGGGCCGGGCGCTCCCCGGCGGAGGTG
TGACCCCACAACCCTGCCCCCCGGGCCACCTGCAGGACGCTGGCCTCTACCCNTCAGCAGACGCCGGAGAGAGATGAGTAGC
AACAAAGAGCAGCGGTCAGCAGTGTTTGTGGTCCTCTTTGCTCTCATCACCATCCTCATCCTCTACAGCTCCAACAGTGCCAAC
GAGGTCTTCCACTATGGCTCCCTGAGGGGCCGCACGCGTCGGCCTGTCAACCTCAAGAAGTGGAGTTTCTCCAGCGCCTACTT
CCCTATCCTCGGCAACAAGACGCTGCCNNCCAGGTGCAACCAATGTGTGATCATCACCAGCTCCAGCCACCTGCTGGGCACCA
AACTAGGCCCTGAGATTGAGCGGGCTGAGTGCACCATCCGCATGAACGATGCTCCCACCTCTGG ACTCGGCNGACGTCGG
CAACAAAACCACCTTCCGCGTAGTGGCCCATTCCAGTGTGTTCCGTGTGCTGCGGAAGCCCCAGGAATTTGTCAACCGGACCC
CTGAAACGGTGTTCATCTTCTGGGGACCCCCAAACAAGATGCAGAAGCCACAGGGCAGCCTCCTGCGTGTCATCCAGCGGGC
GGGCCTCATGTTCCCTAACATGGAGGCCTATGCCGT CTCCCACCCGCATGCAGCAGTTTGACGACCTCTTCCGGGGTGAGA
CGGGCAAGGACAGGGAAAAGTCCCATTCCTGGTTGAGCACAGGCTGGTTTACCATGGTGATTGCGGTGGAGTTGTGTGACCA
TGTGCACGTGTATGGCATGGTCCCTCCTGA ATTGCAGCCAGCGGCCCCGCCTGCAACGCATGCCATACCACTACTATGAGC
CCAAGGGGCCTGACGAGTGCGTCACCTACATCCAGAATGAGCACAGCCGTAAGGGCAATCACCACCGCTTCATCACCGAGAA
GAGGGTCTTCTCATCCTGGGCCCAGCTCTACGGCATCACCTTCTCCCACCCCTCCTGGACCTAGCCATCCTGTCCACCGATCTTG
GAGAGATAAAGGCAAAGTGGCTCTGGGCCGAACCATTTGACCTTGGCCATCTTCCAGCCAGTrCAGGTTGGCTGGAGTATTTC
CCAGCCAATCAAATCAGGGCCTTGATGAGGGTTTTTTTCCTTCCAGCCAGTGAGGGCTGGGGTTATCTCTTGTCCAATCAGGG
ATTTG G A ATCCTGTATG GTTTAATCG G GTGTCAG G G G GTCTTTCTTGTGTAATCAG G GTCTAAG CAAAGTCAATC AG G GTATA
GGGGGCTTTCTGAGTCAGTCTAAGACTCGGGTACTATCCTTTCCCAAAAGGCCTTGTGCCCGAACCCCAGGAATGGGCCCCAA
ATCATTTCCTCCTTAGCTGGGACAAAGAGGTCCTATCACAAGGATCTGGGGACTTGGTGTTGCCCCCACAGTTCCAGAATCAG
AGATACAGTACGGGGTAGGAACTGCCTGGAGGCCAGGCCAGAGAGTTTGTGGAGTTCTAGAAGTTGTAGGAAGGGCTGGG
AGGTGGAGGCGTGTGTCCAGGTCCTGGCTTCTTCCTGAGTGACCTTGAGCAAGCCCTCCTCTTTCTGGCGTGCTATAATGACAT
CACATTCCTGAGTGCAGACAGAGACCCTCACTCTATATTGTACTTAAGTGTAATTCCCCCATCGATCATCCCTCACTGGGGGAC
TCAGCTCCCTGGGAATGGGGAGCCTGGGGGGCCCTTATCCACCTTCTAGAAA TTAGGGTATTTTTGTGCAAGTGCCCCCAT
GGTTGGGGGATCCTGACAGAAATGGGGCAAACATGAAGCTGTTTCTCTAGCCCCTCAATCCAGCTGCCGTTAGCCTGGCTCTA
GAAAGGCCAGGCACCTCTTCCTACCCTCCAGCAGGAGGCATTCCCGCTGCCCAAGGAGCCTTTGGGATGAGGAAGGGGTATC
CCAGCCACACCAGGGCN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNTGGGGGAGCTAGCCAGCAGTGAGCCCTGCACAGCAAGGTAATGGGGGGGGCAGTGACAGCCCTAGATCTGGTTTTGTA ATGATTTATACAGAAATAAACACACCTAAGCCC
SEQiD Q; 3: CH069319.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNMNNMNNN CAACCTCAAGG AAGGG ATCAAT I H i ! iCGAAATAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N ^ ^ Nhi N ^ ^ Nhi N N A AG AACCTCTG CA AG CACCAG G G AG G CCTG TTCAT N N AAGACATCGAGG ATT TAGATGGAAGGTCCGTTAAATNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^^
AACCCTCCTAACCCCTGGGACTCTGATCCCAGG N NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNN N NNTGCCTGCATGGACCTCAAGTTGGGAGACAAGCGAATGGTATTTGACCCTTGGTTAATTGGCCNN N NNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNN N NGCTACATGAGCCTCCATCTGACTGGTTGGAGAGGCTGTGCAAAGCAGACCTCATTTATATCAGCCAC ATGCACTCAGNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG GCGTTCATCCTG AG ATGGACACATGCATTATCGNNNNNNNCAAAGGTCATAAAATACTCAACACAGTGGACTGCACCAGACCCAATGGGGGAAGG CTTCCTNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
GGAAAATTTACTG AGGAATGGAAAGCCCAN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
N N N N N GACCCGATTGCTGCGGGACCCTGATATATACCATCATCTGTTTTGGAATCATTTTCAGATAAAACTCCCTCTAAC
ACCACCCAACTGGAAGTCGTTCCTAATGCACTGTGATTAGTCTGGACCTGGTAAGTCCCAGGACCCCAGCCCAGAGGATGGTG
CCTGAACATTCAAGATGGGTCTCCCCTGCTTCGATAAACC1TTC GGAAACACTTTCATAGACACAGCCATAACTACCATTATTC
ATTGGCAGTGTCTTTTATTCAGAGATGGCAAACAATGCCCCCAAATCAAGAATTTGCTCTTAAATCTTGAACANN N NMNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN GTGGCTTGGTAGTATAGC
ATGTGCTTAGAGCATATGAGGCCCTGGGTTCCAACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACACCTGTAT
AACCCTAAATTCAN hi N ^ ^ Nhi N N ^ N N N ACCAAGG AAAGCCAAGAATG AG Nhi N ^N ^ N
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
GCGGCTCCCCACATN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N NCATAAGTTCTGTGACTCTAG AGAACCCTGACTAATACAN N N N N N N NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
N ^ ^ Nhi N ^ ^ Nhi N ^N ^ Nhi N N ^ Nhi NCAAATTTGAAATACACTTTATTAAGAATAAN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNMN NTAATCTTAATTAACAATATATGGGTGAGTAGAAAATCTTAAATTTN NN NNNMNNN NNNNNNMNNNNNNiNiN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NTTCCTCCCTCATG ATG CAGTTTTN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNN
SEQ!D NO: 4: CH052173.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNTCTCCTGTGTGCCTGAGACCTNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNACCCAGTAGGAACGATGTTCTTGTCTTGA
CTCCTTGGCTGGCTCCTATCATCTGGGANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NTTTGCTATCAAAAAGTATGTGGTGTTCCTTAAGCTGTTCCTN NNNNNNNNNNNNNN
N CTTCATGGTGGGACACAAGGTCACCTACTATGTCTTCACTGACCGTCCAGCCGATGTGCCN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCGATGGCAGGATGTGTCCATGCACAGGATGGAGAT
GATCAGCCGC TCTCAGAGCGACGNTTTCTACGTGAGGTGGATTACCTGGTGTGTGCAGATGTGGACATGAAGTTCAGTGAC
CACGTGGGTGTGGAGATTCTCTCANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCTGCACCCTGGCTTCTACAGTAGCAGCCGAGAGGCCTTTACC
TATGAGCGCCGGCN N NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NTGGGGGGTCAGTGCTAGAAGTGTACCATCTCACCAAGGCCTGCCATGAAGCTATGATGGAGGACAAGGCCAACGGCATTG
AG CCTGTGTG G CATG ATG AG AG CTATTTG AACAA ATACCTG CTTTACC ATAAG CC AACAAAG GTG CTGTCCCCAG AGTATGTG
TGGGACCAGAAGCTGCTGGGCTGGCCCTCCATCATGAAGAAGTTGAGATATGTGGCTGTACCCAAGAACCATCAGGCAATCA
GAAACTAATAGCTAAATTCCTATTGG AGAGGACAGG NNNN N NNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNN N N N N
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN CCCACCTCAG AGTCCAG CAG ACCCAGTATCACTTG GCTTACCACACACT
GAGCCCTGGAGTGGCAACCACCTTCAGCTCCNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
SEQID N0: 5: CH073348.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCACTCCGCCTTCCTCTCGGCCGCACGCTCACCCGCCNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NTACTTGGCAGAATTCCTGTTGGAGAAAGGGTACGAGGTCCATGGAATTGTACGGCG
ATCCAGTTCATTTAATACAGGTCGAATTGAACATTTATATAAGAATCCACAGGCTCATATTGAAGGAAACATGAAGTTGCACTA
TGGTGACCTCACCGACAGCACCTGCCTAGTAAAAATCATCAATGAAGTCAAACCTACAGAGATCTACAATCTTGGTGCCCAGA
GCCATGTCAAGATTTCCTTTGACTTAGCAGAGTACACTGCAGATGTTGATGGAGTTGGCACCTTGCGGCTTCTGGATGCAATT
AAGACTTGTGGCCTTATAAATTCTGTGAAGTTCTACCAGGCCTCAACTAGTGAACTGTATGGAAAAGTGCAAGAAATACCCCA
GAAAGAGACCACCCCTTTCTATCCAAGGTCGCCCTATGGAGCAGCCAAACTTTATGCCTATTGGATTGTAGTGAACTTTCGAGA
GGCTTATAATCTCTTTGCGGTGAACGGCATTCTCTTCAATCATGAGAGTCCTAGAAGAGGAGCTAATTTTGTTACTCGAAAAAT
TAGCCGGTCAGTAGCTAAGAT1TACCTTGGACAACTGGAATGTTTCAGTTTGGGAAATCTGGACGCCAAACGAGACTGGGGC
CATGCCAAGGACTATGTCGAGGCTATGTGGCTGATGTTACAAAATGATGAACCAGAGGACTTTGTCATAGCTACTGGGGAAG
TTCATAGTGTCCGTGAATTTGTTGAGAAATCATTCATGCACATTGGAAAGACCATTGTGTGGGAAGGAAAGAATGAAAATGA
AGTGGGCAGATGTAAAGAGACCGGCAAAATTCATGTGACTGTGGATCTGAAATACTACCGACCAACTGAAGTGGACTTCCTG
CAGGGAGACTGCTCCAAGGCGCAGCAGAAACTGAACTGGAAGCCCCGCGTTGCCTTTGACGAGCTGGTGAGGGAGATGGTG
CAAGCCGATGTGGAGCTCATGAGAACCAACCCCAACGCCTGAGCACCTCTACAAAAATTCGCGAGACATGGACTATGGTGCA
GAGCCAGCCAACCAGAGTCCAGCCACTCCTGAGACCATCGACCATAAACCCTCGACTGCCTGTGTCGTCCCCACAGCTGGGCC
ACAGGTTTGTGGGCACCAGGACGGGGACACTCCAGAGCTAAGGCCACTTCGCTTTTGTCAAAGGCTCCTCTGAATGATTTTGG
GAAATCAAGAAGmAAAATCACATACTCATTITACTTGAAAmTGTCA AGACAACTTAAATTmGAGTCTTGAGATTGT^
TTTCTCTTTTCTTATTAAATGATCTTTCTATGAACCA
SEQ!D 0: 6: CHO73003.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
N NGTGCAGCAACAATGGGTGAGCCCCAGGGATCCAGGAGGATCCTAGTGACAGGGGGCTCTGGACTGGTGGGCAGA
GCTATCCAGAAGGTGGTCGCAGATGGCGCTGGCTTACCCGGAGAGGAATGGGTGTTTGTCTCCTCCAAAGATGCAGATCTGA
CGGATGCAGCACAAACCCAAGCCCTGTTCCAGAAGGTACAGCCCACCCATGTCATCCATCTTGCTGCAATGGTAGGAGGCCTT
TTCCGGAATATCAAATACAACTTGGATTTCTGGAGGAAGAATGTGCACATCAATGACAACGTCCTGCACTCAGCTTTCGAGGT
GGGCACTCGCAAGGTGGTCTCCTGCCTGTCCACCTGTATCTTCCCTGACAAGACCACCTATCCTATTGATGAAA CAATG ATCCA
CAATGGTCCACCCCACAGCAGCAATTTTGGGTACTCGTATGCCAAGAGGATGATTGACGTGCAGAACAGGGCCTACTTCCAGC
AGCATGGCTGCACCTTCACTGCTGTCATCCCTACCAATGTCTTTGGACCTCATGACAACTTCAACATTGAAGATGGCCATGTGC
TGCCTGGCCTCATCCATAAGGTGCATCTGGCCAAGAGTAATGGTTCAGCCTTGACTGTTTGGGGTACAGGGAAACCACGGAG
GCAGTTCATCTACTCACTGGACCTAGCCCGGCTCTTCATCTGGGTCCTGCGGGAGTACAATGAAGTTGAGCCCATCATCCTCTC
AGTGGGCGAGGAAGATGAAGTCTCCATTAAGGAGGCAGCTGAGGCTGTAGTGGAGGCCATGGACTTCTGTGGGGAAGTCAC
TTTTGATTCAACAAAGTCAGATGGGCAGTATAAGAAGACAGCCAGCAATGGCAAGCTTCGGGCCTACTTGCCTGATTTCCGTT
TCACACCCTTCAAGCAGGCTGTGAAGGAGACCTGTGCCTGGTTCACCGACAACTATGAGCAGGCCCGGAAGTGAAGCATGGG
ACAAGCGGGTGCTCAGCTGGCAATGCCCAGTCAGTAGGCTGCAGTCTCATCATTTGCTTGTCAAGAACTGAGGACAGTATCCA
GCAACCTGAGCCACATGCTGGTCTCTCTGCCAGGGGGCTTCATGCAGCCATCCAGTAGGGCCCATGTCCATCCTTGGGGAAAG
GCCAGACCAACATTTTGCITGTCTGCTTCTGCCCAACCTCCATGTGTCCCTGCTGGNCTAGAAACCAATAAAATGGATTTTCAT
GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA SEQID O: 7: CH063353.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N NGACGGGCCCCTCTG AAGCGGTCCAGGATCCTGCGCA
TGGCGCTGACTGGAGGCTCTGCTGTCTCCGAGGAGTCAGAGAGCGGGAACAAGCCATTTCTGCTCCGGGCGCTGCAGATCGC
GCTGGTCGTCTCTCTCTACTGGGTCACCTCCATCTCCATGGTATTCCTCAACAAGTACCTGCTGGACAGCCCCTCCCTGCAGCTG
GATACCCCTATCTTTGTCACTTTCTACCAATGCCTGGTGACCTCTCTGCTGTGCAAGGGCCTCAGCACTCTGGCCACCTGCTGCC
CTGGCATGGTAGACTTCCCCACCCTGAACCTGGACCTTAAGGTGGCCCGAAGTGTGCTGCCGCTGTCAGTGGTCTTTATCGGC
ATGATAAGTTTCAATAACCTCTGCCTCAAGTACGTAGGGGTGGCCTTCTACAACGTGGGGCGCTCGCTCACCACCGTGTTCAA
TGTTCITCTGTCC ACCTGCTGCTCAAACAGACCAGTCGTCTATGCCCTGCTCACATGTGGCATCATCATTGGTGGTTTCTGG
CTGGGTATAGACCAAGAGGGAGCTGAGGGAACCNNNNNNNNNNNNGGCACCATCTTCGGGGTGCTGGCCAGCCTCTGCGT
CTCCCTC AATG CC ATCTATACCAAG AAG G TG CTCCCAG CAGTG G ACAAC AG CATCTG G CG CCTAACCTTCTATAACA ATGTCAA
TGCCTGTGTGCTCTTCTTGCCCCTGATGATAGTGCTGGGCGAGCTCCGTGCCCTCCTGGCCTTCACTCATCTGTACAGTGCCCA
CTTCTGGCTCATGATGACGCTGGGTGGCCTCTTCGGCTTTGCCATTGGCTATGTGACAGGACTGCAGATCAAATTCACCAGTCC
CCTGACCCACAATGTATCAGGCACAGCCAAGGCCTGTGCGCAGACAGTGCTGGCCGTGCTCTA ATGAAGAGACTAAGAGC
TTCCTGTGGTGGACAAGCAACCTGATGGTGCTGGGTGGCTCCTCAGCCTATACCTGGGTCAGGGGCTGGGAGATGCAGAAGA
CCCAAGAGGACCCCAGCTCCAAAGAGGGTGAGAAGAGTGCTATTGGGGTGTGAGCTTCTTCAGGGACCTGGGACTGAACCC
AAGTGGGGCCTACACAGCACTGAAGGCTTCCCATGGAGCTAGCCAGTGTGGCCCTGAGCAATACTGTTTACATCCTCCTTGGA
ATATGATCTAAGAGGAGCCAGGGTCTTTCCTGGTAATGTCAGAAAGCTGCCAAATCTCCTGTCTGCCCCATCTTGTTTTGGGAA
AACCCTACCAGGAATGGCACCCCTACCTGCCTCCTCCTAGAGCCTGTCTACCTCCATATCATCTCTGGGGTTGGGACCAGCTGC
AGCCTTAAGGGGCTGGATTGATGAAGTGATGTCTTCTACACAAGGGAGATGGGTTGTGATCCCACTATAGCTAGTGAAGGGA
GGGTAACCCCACATCTCTGGG NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
N ^ ^ Nhi N ^N ^ Nhi Nhi N ^ Nhi Nhi N ^N N AT G G CCATTCTG CCCTCTTCTGTGTG G ATG G GT A
TGNN NN NNNi\iNN!\iNNN NNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCCCCAACACCTCCATCTGCAGGCAGGAAGTGGAGTCCACTNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNhiNNhiNNN^NN N NCTGTCCATATCCTCATGCTGCAGAAGTACAGGCAAGCTCCTTTAAGCCTCATATAGGAACACTAGC
CTCACTCATGAGGGTTTTACTCCATGACCTGTCAACCTCAAAGCC1TCAACATGAGGACTCCAACGTAAATTTGGGGACAGAA
GCACTCAGACCATAACCCCAGCACCACACCCTCCTAACCTCAGGGTAGCTGTCATTCTCCTAGTCTCCTCTCTTGGGCCTTTAGA
ACCCCCATTTCCTTGGGGTAATGTCTGATGTTITTGTCCCTGTCATAAAAGATGGAGAGACTGTGTCCAGCCTTTGATTCCTACT
TCCTACAATCCCAGGTTCTAATGAAGTTTGTGGGGCCTGATGCCCTGAGTTGTATGTGATTTAATAATAAAAAAAATATAATAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
SEQID 0: 8: CHO73401.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN CTGCGTC
CAGCTAACCATGGGACAGTTTGGCTCTGGCCATCAGCCCCTTAGCCACCTTCAAGAGAAGCTCCTGTTCCTGCTGGCCCACGG
ATGGGGAGGTGGGCCCTGGACGTCGCCTTTGTGTGGAAGGCAGCTCTGACCCTGGGCCTGGTCCTCCTCTACTACTGCrrCTC
TATAGGCATCACCTTCTACAACAAATGGCTGACAAAGAGCITCCACTTTCCCCTCTTCATGACCATGCTGCACCTGGCCGTGAT
CTTCCTCTTCTCAGCCCTGTCCAGGGCGCTGGTTCAGTGCTCCAGCCACAGGGCCCGCGTGGTGCTCAGCTGGACTGATTACCT
CAGGAGAGTGGCCCCCACAGCACTGGCAACAGCACTTGATGTGGGCTTGTCCAACTGGAGCTTTCTTTACATCACTGTGTCAC
TGTACACAATGACCAAATCATCTGCCGTGCTCTTCATCCTGATCTTCTCTCTGATCTTCAAGCTGGAGGAGCTGCGTGCAGCCC
TGGTCCTGGTGGTCCTTCTCATCGCTGGGGGCCTCTTCATGTTTACCTATAAGTCCACACAGTTCAACGTGGAGGGCTTTGCCT
TAGTGCTGGGGGCGTCGTTCATCGGTGGCATCCGCTGGACCCTTACACAGATGCTTCTGCAGAAAGCTGACCTGGGCCTTCAG
AACCCTATCGACACCATGTTCCACCTGCAGCCGCTCATGTTTCTGGGTCTCITCCCGCTCTTTGCCGTATTTGAAGGTCTCCATTT
GTCCACCTCAGAGAAAATCTTCCGCTTCCAAGATGCAGGGCTGCTCCTGCGGGTTCTTGGGAGCCTCTTCCTTGGCGGGATTCT AGCCnTGGTCTGGGCTTCTCTGAGTTCCTCCTTGTGTCCAGAACATCCAGCCTCACTCTCTCCATCGCCGGCATCTTTAAGGAA GTCTGCACCCTGCTGTTGGCGGCTCACCTGCTGGGTGATCAGATCAGCCTCCTGAACTGGCTGGGCTTTGCCCTCTGCCTCTCT GGCATCTCCCTGCATGTGGCCCTCAAGGCCCTGC^^
GCGCTGACCTCGAGCTGCTGCTCCAGAGCAGCCAGCGGGAGGAAGAAGACGATGATTATTTTGTGACCTAGGGGCAACAAT GACCAGTCCGGG AGCAGCAGAAGCAGGCCGCACTGCTGGCAACTCTTGGTGG N NNMNNN NNNNNNMNNN NNiNiNNNM NNN^NN^NNNhiNNNNNN^NNNNNNhiNNN^NN^NNNhiNNNNNNi^NNNNNNhi G G AGTCG AG GCTCCTG CTCTTTCCT GTGGTGCTTGGTCCAAAAAGTGAATGACAGGCTCACCAGGAGCTGAACTGGCAGTGAAGGGAGCCGGTGACCTCTTCTCCAC TGTCACTCTGGCTCTGAGAGGCAGATAAATTTGACXJTGTGGTAGATCTCAGGTTATTGGGTTCAGACTGCAGGGCCTCTGGAA GGAGTCACGGAGAGACTGGGCCTCATCACCTGGACCGCAGCTrCCTCAGAGAGTAGATTTATTTATAGTTGAAGTAATGATTT CCTCCTCCACTGCCCAGTGTTGCCTGAGGCATGAGCACAAGGCAAGCCCTGGGGCCTGGCCTCTCCTCCGTTCCCTiNi NNNMN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN ATGCTCCTGTTTGTGCCCCAG ACCCCATCCTTGGGGCCACACTATGG ACCCACCN NNNN NAATAAATGGTGTTTGCTCAGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
SEQ!D 0: 9: CH055897.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
N NTTTTTGTATTTTTGTTTATTATAGACATTTTTATTTTATTTTTATTTTTTGTA NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NN NNNNNNNNNN NN NNNNNNN NN NNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNN NNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N NNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNN N NNNNNN NN NNNNNNNNN NNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N NNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNN N NNNNNN NN NNNNNNNNN NNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NN NNNNNNNNNN NN NNNNNNN NN NNNNNNNNNN NNN
SEQ!D NO: 10: CHO71860.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N NGCCCTCGCCGCCATTTCAAGACAGGGAGAGGTAGATGTCTAN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNTAGAACCATTCTTGCCAGTAGTGGCGGCAGTAGAAGTCAATTACCCCTTGTTCTATATCAAGAAGCTCCAGATGGCGTCTT
CCGTGGGCAACGTGGCCGACAGCACAGAACCAACGAAACGTATGCTTTCCTTCCAAGGGTTAGCTGAGTTGGCACATCGAGA
ATATCAGGCAGGAGATTTTGAGGCAGCTGAGAGACACTGCATGCAGCTCTGGAGACAAGAGCCTGACAATACTGGTGTCCTT
TTATTACTTTCATCTATACATTTCCAGTGTCGAAGGCTGGACAGATCTGCTCAGTTAGCACCTTGGCAATTAAACAGAATCCCC
TTCTAGCAGAAGCCTATTCGAATTTGGGGAATGTGTACAAGGAAAGAGGGCAGTTGCAGGAAGCGATTGAGCATTATCGACA
TGCCTTGCGGCTCAAGCCTGATTTCATTGATGGTTATATTAACCTGGCAGCAGCTTTGGTAGCAGCAGGTGACATGGAAGGAG
CAGTACAAGC TACGTC CTGC C1TCAGTACAATCCTGAT1TGTACTGTGTTCGCAGTGACCTGGGGAACCTGCTCAAAGCCC
TGGGTCGCTTGGAAGAAGCCAAGGCATGTTATTTGAAAGCAATTGAGACGCAACCAAACTTTGCAGTAGCTTGGAGTAATCTC
GGCTGTGTTTTCAATGCACAAGGGGAGATTTGGCTGGCAATTCATCACTTTGAAAAGGCTGTCACCCTTGACCCCAATTTTCTG
GATGC rATATCAATTTAGGAAATGTCTTGAAAGAGGCACGCATTmGACAGAGCTGTGGCAGCmTmCGTGCCTTAAGT
TTGAGCCCAAATCACGCTGTGGTGCANGGCAACCTGGCTTGTGTATACTATGAGCAAGGCCTAATAGACTTGGCCATCGATAC
CTACAGGAGAN NNNN NGAACTGCAGCCACATTTCCCCGATGCTTACTGCAACCTAGCAAATGCTCTCAAAGAGAAGGGCAGC
GTTGCTGAAGCAGAAGATTGTTATAACACAGCTC TCGTCTGTGTCCTACCCATGCAGACTCTTTGAATAACCTTGCCAATATC
AAACGGGAACAGGGCAATATTGAAGAGGCAGTCCGCCTATATCGCAAAGCATTAGAAGTCTTCCCAGAGTTTGCTGCTGCAC
ATTCCAATTTAGCAAGTGTACTGCAACAACAGGGCAAGCTGCAGGAAGCACTGATGCATTATAAGGAAGCCATAAGAATCAG
TCCTACATTTGCTGATGCTTACTCTAATATGGGAAACACTCTAAAGGAGATGCAAGATGTTCANGGAGCTTTGCAGTGTTATAC
TCGTGCCATTCAGATTAATCCTGCCTTTGCAGATGCACACAGCAATCTGGCTTCCATTCACAAGGATTCAGGGAATATCCCAGA
AG CAATAG CTTCTTACCG CACAG CTCTG AAACTTAAG CCTG ACTTTCCTG ATG CCTATTGTAACTTG G CTCATTG CTTG C AG ATT
GTCTGTGATTGGACAGACTATGATGAGCGAATGAAGAAATTGGTTAGTATTGTAGCTGAACAGCTAGAGAAGAATAGGCTGC
CITCTGTCCATCCTCAN AGTATGCTGTACCCTCTTTCTCATGGCTTCAGGAAGGCTATTGCAGAGAGGCACGGGAATCTC
TGCTTGGATAAGATTAATGTCCTTCATAAACCACCATATGAACATCCAAAAGACTTGAAACTCAGTGATGGACGATTGCGTGT
NNNNTATGTGAGTTCTGACmGGGAACCACCCTACTTCTCACCTTATGCAGTCTATTCCAGGCATGCACAATCCTGATAAGTT
TGAGGTGTTCTGCTATGCCCTGAGCCCGGATGATGGTACAAACTTCCGAGTGAAGGTGATGGCAGAAGCCAATCATTTCATTG
ATCTTTCTCAGATTCCATGCAATGGAAAAGCAGCNGACCGCATCCACCAGGATGGAATTCACATCCTTGTAAATATGAATGGG
TATACCAAGGGTGCTCGAAATGAGCTGTTTGCTCTTAGGCCAGCTCCTATTCAGGCGATGTGGCTGGGNTACCCTGGAACTAG
TGGTGCACTGTTCATGGATTATATCATCACTGATCAGGAAACTTCCCCAGCTGAAGTTGCAGAGCAGTATTCTGAAAAACTGG
CTTACATG CCCCA NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN AAC ATGTTCCCTCACCTAAAG AAAA AAG CAGTCATCG ATTTT
AAATCCAATGGGCACATTTATGACAATCGGATAGTCCTGAATGGCATCGATCTCAAAGCATTTCTTGATAGTCTACCAGATGTG AAGATTGTCAAGATGAAATGTCCTGATGGAGGTGACAATGCAGACAGCAGTAACACAGCTCTTAATATGCCTGTCATTCCCAT
GAACACGATTGCAGAAGCAGTTATTGAAATGATTAACAGAGGACAGATTCAGATAACAATTAATGGGTTCAGTATTAGCAAT
GGACTGGCAACTACACAGATCAATAATAAGGCTGCAACCGGAGAGGAGGTTCCCCGTACCATTATTGTAACCACCCGTTCCCA
GTACGGGCTACCAGAAGATGCCATTGTGTACTGTAACTTTAATCAGTTATATAAAATTGACCCTTCTACCCTACAGATGTGGGC
AAATATTCTGAAACGTGTACCTAATAGCGTGCTTTGGCTGTTGCGTTTTCCAGCAGTAGGAGAACCTAATATTCAACAATATGC
ACAAAATATGGGCCTTCCCCAGAACCGTATAATTTTTTCACCCGTGGCTCCTAAAGAGGAGCATGTCAGGAGAGGTCAGCTGG
CTGATGTCTGCCTGGACACTCCCTTGTGTAATGGGCACACTACAGGGATGGATGTTCTCTGGGCAGGAACACCCATGGTGACT
ATGCCAGGAGAGACTCTGGCCTCTCGGGTTGCAGCTTCTCAGCTTACTTGCCTAGGATGTCTTGAGCTCATTGCTAAAAGCAG
ACAAGAATATGAAGACATAGCTGTGAAATTGGGAACCGATTTAGAATACCTGAAGAAAATTCGTGGCAAAGTTTGGAAACAG
AGAATATCTAGCCCTTTGTTCAACACCAAACAATACACAATGGAATTAGAGCGACTCTATCTGCAGATGTGGGAGCATTATGC
AGCTGGCAACAAACCTGACCACATGATTAAGCCTGTTGAAGTCACTGAGTCAGCCTGAATAAAGACTGCGCACAGGAGAATT
N N N N N NN N N N N N N NN NTCAACCTTCTGGGGG AAAGGGAACTAGATAACATGCTTTGTGTGTATCTGTGTAGTTCTGTGTTG
CAGACGGATGATATATAATGATAATAGAATAGCACATTCAGACTTGCTTCCTGCATGATGGGGAGAGACAAGAAAGAAGAAA
TGCTATTCCACAAGGAATCTCTTAGAGTTnGCAGCAAACAGATGGTGCAGAGGTCTGGAAGGTCTGGTCTCCCTTGGTCTTC
CACGGGATGCTTAATGTGGAGGGGAGATAGAGATTAACCAGCCGTTTTGTGATGCCGTGGATTGATCGAGTCTTCTGATCCTT
TTTTTTT7T7TTATATTTTGGGTATTG
CTGAGGTTTTAAACTAAAATGTTGCTTCCTGTTTTAGTGTCTGAACTCTGACAGGGGACAGGGACCTTGCT
TATAGGTTTTATAAACCACTTGAGCCTATATCAGTCATTTTAGTGTTTGACCTAATGCTTGGCACTGTCAGTGCm
GATGACTTAAGAGTTTCAGCCTGTTTTACACACCCCAGCTCCCGTTAAATTCTCCTGTGACTGCTAACAAACCCATGTCTGCTT
TCAGACATCCCAGAGTGTTTCTCTTGAACACGCCATCTGGTGCCAAATGAAAATTCTTAGGAGTGAATATTAATCATGAAGGG
CACAGTTGTGGTACTGTTGTTGATAATAATTAGTTCTTTGTCTAATTTTTACCTATTTCACCAGTGTTTAAGCCCTTGACTGCCCC
TCCTATGCTGCTTCCAAAAGTGGTAGTGTGCTAAGATTTTT^
CTTCCTATTTCTTTCAGCAGAAATGAAATCCCAGGTAAGTATATAAGTATTCAAATGTTTGGTTAGTAAATTACAGTTCTCTCCG TACCTTAAATGGTGTTCACN N N N N NN N N N N N N NN N N N N N N N NN N N N N N N N NN N N N N N N N NN N N N N N N N NN N N N N N N N NTCTGGACITAGCTTCAAACTCTATGGATTCGGCCTTGGTAGGGAATTGTATTACTACITGGTTTAGAGTACAAGTTAGGC TTTATTTACCCTCCTGGAGCTTGAATTCTTGGTGGTTAAAAAAATGCATTTCAACATAGAGGGCTTGAGGCTTAAACAAAC CCGACATATGACTCTGTTTGTACTGCTCTACTGCACTTGGACTCT^
TATCTTTCCAAAGCACCTAGGCAGTGCACCTATTCTGTAGTTGCAGCTCTTGCCTGAATGTACCTTAGCTGACAAGTTATTGATA
ATTAAGACCTTGAATTTGTGATTCTTACTGCTATTTAAAACCTAAGCAAGGAGTCTCATGTGTGATTCTGAAGCAGAATTACAT
TATAATGAACTGTGTACCmAGTAATGTAAATCAAGGAACACCAGGGAmC rAAmATTTTTAACTGAATAAATATCAGTT
AAAG GTTG CCAG CATG GTTACAGGTAAACTG ATTTTCAAAATTCACTG AACTACTAAATGTGGG CTTG G ATAATAG ACCTCCA
GTGCCGCTATGGCTGTGATCTGTGGCCATITTACATAGCACATCAITCCTCCTATAGGGATGAACTITTTTCCCGGCACGAAAA
GTAGCCACTCTGGTTGTAGCTTTGCTTATTGTAACAGGCTTTTATTTCCAGGTAACATGTCTGTGGAAGACTTAATTCAGATAG
TTATAGATATTATTGGAAACTAATTTGTGTTTTTTTTCTATTATACTC GCTTTATTGAAAAAGTAAAGCATTTAAATTGTGCTCC
AGATATTCAGATGTTGTCTTGCGATCTTTAAACAATAAATGGATGATTTCCCCTTAA
SEQ ID NO: 11: CH064621.1
GATTGGTCCGCCCCGAGGGTAAACTTAAAAGCCCAGCTTAACTCGGTAAACTGAAGCAAAGAATTTCTATGACCATGAAGCTT
TTA AGTG GGGATCCGCGG CTG GTCTGTG AG CTTG CG CTTCGTCCCCTAGTCTTAGTTTTCTG G AGTATTCTTG G G ACCAAAG CA
CTGGACAACGGCTTGGCGCGGACTCCTACTATGGGCTGGCTGCACTGGGAACGTTTCATGTGCAACCTCGACTGCCAAGAAG
AGCCTGATGCCTGCATCAGTGAGCAGCTGTTCATGCAGATGGCAGACCTTATGGTCTCTGAGGGCTGGAAGGACGCAGGTTA
TGAATACCTCTGCATAGATGACTGTTGGATGGCTCCTGAAAGGGACTCAAAGGGCCGAOTCAGGCAGATCCCCAGCGCTfTC
CTAGTG G AATCCAG CACCTAG CT AATTATGTCCACAG CAAAG G ATTG AAG CTAG G AATTTATG CAG ATGTTG G G AAT AA AACC
TGTG CAG GTTTCCCTG G G AGTTTTG G GTACTATG ATATTG ATG CCCAG ACATTTG CTG ACTG G G GTGTAG ATCTG CTAAAATTT
GATGGTTGTCACTGTGACAGTGTGACGTCCTTGGCAGATGGTTATAAGTACATGTCCTTGGCCTTGAATAGGACTGGCAGAAG
CATTGTATACTCCTGTGAGTGGCCGCTTTATATGAGACCCTTTCATAAGCCCAATTATACAGATATCCAATATTATTGCAATTAC
TGGAGAAATTATGATGATATTTATGATTCCTGGGAAAGCATAAAGAATATCTTGGCCTGGACAACAGATAACCAGAAGGAGA
TTGTTGAAGTCGCTGGACCAGGGGGTTGGAATGACCCAGATATGTTAGTGATTGGCAACTTTGGCCTGAGTTGGGACCAGCA GGTAACACAGATGGCCCTCTGGGCTATCATGGCAGCTCCTCTACTCATGTCCAATGATCTCCGACAAATCAGCTCCCAAGCCAA
AGCTCTCCTTCAGAATGAAGATGTAATTGCTGTCAACCAAGACCCCTTGGGCAAGCAGGGGTACTGTTTTAGAAAGGAAAACA
AAATCGAAGTTTGGGAACGACCACTCTCAAATTTAGCCTGGGCTGTGGCTGTGAGAAACCTGCAGGAAATTGGTGGACCTCG
TTCTTACACCATCCAGGTGGC TCCCTTGGTCAAGGAATAGCCTGCAATCCTGGTTGCATCATCACACAGCTCCTCCCTGAGAA
AGTACAGCTAGGCTTCTATGAATGGACCGTAACCTTAAAAACTCGAATAAATCCCTCAGGCACTGTTCTGCTTCGACTAGAAA
GATAAACTANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
ΝΝΝί\ΙΝΝί\ΙΝΝΝ ΝΝΝί\ΙΝΝί\Ι^^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N NCAAGACAGGGTTTCTCCATATAGCCCTGGCTGTCCTGG AACT
CACTCTGTAGACCAGGATGGCClTGAATTTAGNNNNNCGCCTGCCrCAGCCTCCAAAGTGCTGGGATTAAAGGCCTGCGCCA
CCAACGCCCAGCCrnTTNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNG CATTG GTAG CACACG CCTTT AATCCTAG CACTTAG G AG G CA GAGGCAGCCGGNNNNNNTCTGAATTTGAGGCCAGCCTGGTCTACAGAGTTCCAGGACAGCCAGGGCTATACAGAGAAACCC TGTCTCAG G G G AAAAAAA N NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N N CAG CG GTTAAG AG G ATTG ACTG CTCTTCCAG AG G TCATG A GTTCAAGTCCCAGCAACCACATGGTGGCTCACAATAATCTGTAATGAGATCTGATGCCCTCTTCTGNN NNNNNNNNNNNNN ΝΝΝί\ΙΝΝί\ΙΝΝΝ ΝΝΝί\ΙΝΝί\Ι^^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN SEQ!D NO: 12: CH053916.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N NG ACTACAGCCGGG ACCGCTTCCTCAAGGATGGACAGCCATTCC
GGTACATCTCTGGAAGCATTCATTACTTCCGGATACCTCGCTTCTATTGGGAGGACCGGCTGCTGAAGATGAAGATGGCTGGG
CTGAACGCCATCCAGATGTACGTGCCCTGGAACTTTCATGAACCCCAGCCAGGACAATATGAGTTTTCTGGGGACCGTGACGT
GGAATATTTCATTCACCTGGCTCACAAGCTGGGGCTCCTGGTGATCCTGAGGCCAGGACCCTACATCTGTGCAGAGTGGGACA
TGGGAGGGTTACCTGCTTGGCTGCTAGAGAAAGAATCTATTGTTCTTCGATCTTCTGACCCAGACTACCTTGCAGCTGTGGATA
AATGGCTGACAGTCCTTCTGCCCAAGATGAAGCCTCTGCTCTACCAGAATGGAGGGCCGATTATAACTGTGCAGGTTGAGAAT
GAGTACGGCTCCTACTTTGCCTGTGATTATGACTACCTGCGTTTCCTGGCACACCGCTTCCGTTACCATCTGGGCAATGACGTC
CTTCTCTTCACCACCGATGGGGCGAATGAAAACTTCCTTCGGTGTGGCACCCTGCAGGGCCT ATGCCACAGTGGATTTTGG
AGCAGTCAAGAATATCACACAGGCTTTCCTAATCCAGAGGAAATTCGAACCCAAAGGACCTTTGATCAATTCTGAGTTCTATAC
TGGCTGGCTAGACCACTGGGGTGAACCCCATTACACAGTGAAGACTGAAATAGTGGCTGCCTCTCTCTATGACCTGCTTGCCC
GTGGGGCCAGTGTGAACTTGTACATGTTTATAGGTGGGACCAATTTTGCCTATTGGAATGGTGCCAACATTCCCTATGCAGCA
CAGCCCACCAGCTATGACTACGACGCCCCGCTGAGTGAGGCAGGGGACCTGACTGAGAAGTATTTTGCTCTTCGAAATGTCAT
CCAGAAGTTTAAAGATGTCCCAAAAGGTCCTATCCCTCCATCAACTCCCAAGTTCGCCTATGGAAAAGTTGCTCTGAGAAAGTT
CAAGACAGTGGCAGAAGCTCTGGACGTCCTGTGTCCCAATGGCCCCGTGAGAAGCCGCTACCCGCTGACATTCATCCAAGTTA
AACAGTATTTTGGGTATGTGCTGTACCGAACAACACTTCCTCAAGAATGCAATGGCTCGATGCCCATCTTCTCCTCACCCTTCA
ATGGTGTCCGTGACCGGGCTTATGTGGCTGTGGACGGGGTCCCCCAAGGAATCCTTGAGCGAAACCGTGTGATATCCCTGGA CATACAGGGGAAAGCTGGAGCCGTTCTGGACATTCTGGTGGAGAACATGGGACGTGTGAACTATGGCAGAGGCATAAATGA
TTTTAAGGGTTTGATTTCTAACATGACTCTTAACTTCAGTATTCTCACCAATTGGACAATCTTTCCACTGGACACTGAGGCTGCA
GTACGCACCCATCTTGGGGCCTGGGAGGCCCGTGATGAGGGCCACCACGATGGACGCTTGACCTTTGGCTCTTCGAACTTTAC
GCTCCCCACGTTTTATGTGGGCAACTTCTCCATTCCCTCGGGCATCCCAGATCTGCCGCAGGATACCTTCATTCAGTTTCCTGGA
TGGACCAAGGGTCAGGTGTGGATCAACGGCTTTAACCTTGGCCGATACTGGCCTGCACGGGGCCCACAGGTGACCTTGTTTG
TGCCCAGGCACATTCTGACGACGTCAGCCCCAAACAACATCACGGTGCTGGAGCTGGAACGCTCACCCTGCAGTGATGGGAC
CTCAGAGCTGTGTACCGTGGAGTTTGTCGACAGGCCGATTATTGGCAGGTCCCTGGCCATCAGCGGCCCTTTTCCAGATCGGT
CTC -XXAAGACTGGTGGCTGAACCCCCTC^
TGTCTCGATACAGTGGAAGGTGGATTTATCAGGTGTGTGTATCCTACCGGTGTCCCTACAGCAGTAGAGACATTGCCTGGCCT CCCACTCCTGTGGCCACCAGGAAGGCTGAAGGGAGTGG ACATCACAGG AACACACA NNNMNNN NN NNNMNNMNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
SEQiD NO; 13: CH071928.1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N AGCAGCCCTTCCCTGGCCAAGCAGGCGCCAAC NNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NN? viNNNP >iNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP v!NNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNP .iNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP -iNNNP m viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP -iNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP viNNNP w •iNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP vi NP •iNNNP vfNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNP .iNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP viNNNP viNNP >iNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP viNNNP MNP vi viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP •iNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP viNNNP ■iNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN P viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP viNNNP ■iNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNNNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNP •iNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNNP vi NP viNNNP viNNNNNNP •iNNNP viNNP viNNNP viNNN NN
SEQ !D NO: 14: CH068241.1
NNN NN NNN N G CCG GAG G G CCCG G G CG CTCG C AG G CCAGTCG CG G CTTGTCAG N N N N NTCG CCG CCG GAG CG G G G CG
AGGCTGCGGCGCTCGGTGTCGCCGNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGTGCTGCATGGA
GAGGACCGAGGCGACGCTGAGCCGCGGCTCGTAGCGGCGGGGCGGCTGCTGGAGCTGCAACTGCCAGAGAGGATGCGCGG
AGCCCGGGCGGCGCGAGGCCGTTGAGAGCCTTCGGGCCCCAGGACGCCGGGGCCCGGGATGAGTTAGCGAGGGCCGCCGC
GGGGGCCAG7TCCTAGGGCTACAGGCCAAGGCGACGGCGCCGCCCGCCCGCCCCTTCCGTGCAGAGGCCGCCAGCTGCTTTC
CGCGCCCGCGCTCCCGGCCCCGGAGACCATGAGGTTCCGCATCTACAAACGGAAGGTGCTGATCCTGACGCTCGTGGTGGCC
GCCTGCGGCTTCGTCCTCTGGAGCAGCAATGGGCGACAAAGGAAGAACGACGCCCTTGGCCCGCCGCTGCTGGACGCGGAG
CCCGTACGGGGTGCGGGCCACCTTGCTGTGTCCGTAGGCATCCGCAGGGTCTCAAACGAATCGGCCGCTCCTCTGGTTCCCGC
GGTCCCGCGGCCCGAGGTGGACAACCTAACGCTGCGGTACCGGTCGCTGGTGTACCAGTTGAACTTCGATCAGATGCTGAGG
AACGTCGGTGATGACGGCACCTGGCGCCCCGGGGAGCTGGTGCTGGTGGTCCAGGTGCATAACCGGCCGGAATACCTCAGG
CTGCTGCTAGACTCGCTTCGCAAAGCCCAGGGTATTCAGGAAGTCCTAGTCATCTTCAGCCATGACTTCTGGTCCGCAGAGAT
CAAC AGTCTG ATCTCCAG G GTG AACTTCTG CCCG GTTCTG CAAGTGTTCTTTCCATTCAG CATTCAG CTGTACCCG AGTG AGTT
TCCGGGTAGTGACCCCAGAGACTGCCCCAGAGACCTAAAGAAGAATGCAGCTCTGAAGTTGGGGTGCATCAATGCCGAATAC
CCTGACTCCTTTGGCCATTACAGAGAGGCCAAATTCTCGCAAACCAAACATCATTGGTGGTGGAAGCTGCACTTTGTGTGGGA
GAGAGTCAGAGTTCTTCAGGATTACACTGGCCTTATACTTTTCCTGGAAGAGGACCACTACTTAGCCCCAGACTTTTACCATGT
CTTCAAAAAGATGTGGAAGTTGAAGCAGCAGGAGTGTC GGGTGTGATGTCCTCTCCCTAGGGACCTACACTGCCAGTCGG
AGTTTCTATGGCATTGCTGACAAGGTAGATGTGAAAACTTGGAAATCCACAGAGCACAATATGGGGTTAGCCTTGACCCGAG
ATGCCTATCAGAAGTTGATCGAGTGCACAGACACTTTCTGTACTTATGATGATTATAACTGGGACTGGACTCTTCAATATTTGA
CTGTATCTTGTCTTCCTAAATTCTGGAAAGTCTTAGTTCCTCAAGCTCCGAGGATTTTTCATGCTGGAGA GTGGTATGCATCA
CAAGAAAACATGTAGGCCATCCACCCAGAGTGCCCAGATCGAGTCATTCTTAAATAATAACCAACAGTACATGTTTCCAGAAA
CTCTAGTTATCAGTGAGAAATTTTCTATGGCAGCCATTTCCCCACCTAGGAAAAATGGTGGGTGGGGAGATATTAGGGACCAT
GAACTCTGTAAAAGTTATAGAAGACTGCAGTGAAAACAAAAATCACAATTGCAAAAGAAAGATGACAGTCTTCTGTTTTTTAT
ATTTCTTTCAATGGGATATACAATTGAATAAAGGTATAGGAACTGGTTTCTGCTTTAATACACAGATTTCTTGTAACAGGTGTC
CAAATATATAGTAATCCTATTCAGTTAGTCTGAmAAAmCAAACTGAAATTrrCATTITGGGT TGGGmTAAAATTCAG
TCTATCTGCTTAAGGGTAATGATTTGATAATTATTGATTAGAAAAGGAAATTTTATTTAAATCGCATCTGTTAATCTTTCTATCT
AAAACTTTGTATACTTTTCCACTTTCAGAACTTATTTTAAGTACAGCAAGACTTATTTAAAACTGTCACAACAGTAAAAAGTATT
ACAAGAC ATTAGAGTATTGATGGGACAAACCCAGTGTCACTATTGAC TTTAT1TGGAGGAATTGTCTGACCGG1TTAATCAC
TCAGAAGTTCCGTTTGTTAAACGCCCTGTCAGAAGAGTCATTTCAGTATTGCTGATTCCTGTGCTATTGTGTTAAGATTTGCCTG
TGCTTTCAG(X:TTCATA( ACATGATTTATGTTGGAATGTATTTGGTTAATAAGAAAGTTTAAACACTGTTTTCACCTCAATGTA
6ΑΑΑΤΑαΑ6Τ66ΤΤΪΊ Ί1Ί"1Τ1ΊΊΊΤΪΊ ΤΑ6Τ6ΟΤ6ααΑΑΑΑΤΑΑΑΑΤΑαταΑΤΤΤ^αΑΤΑΑΑΑΤΤαα0ΤΑΑΤαΑΤΤ1Τ6αΑ6
AATCTTCTATTTGTATCAATAAAGGCATTCTAGGAGTTTTGAGAATGAAAAA SEQ!D NO: 15: CHO51082.1
GCCGGCGCCACCGCCGCCATGGCGGAAGTCCACAGACGTCAGCATGCTCCGGTTAAAGGAGAAGCCCCCGCGAAATCCTCCA
CACACAGAGATGAGGAGGAGCTGGGGATGGCGCCGGCCGAAACGCTGACGGTGTTCCTGAAGCTGCTGGCCGCCGGCTTCT
ACGGCGTGAGCTCCTTCCTCATCGTGGTGGTCAACAAGAGCGTGCTCACCAACTACAGATTTCCGTCCTCGCTATGTGTTGGG
CTTGGCCAGATGGTGGCCACGGTAGCAGTTCTCTGGGTGGGAAAGGCACTCAG i^NNNNN NAAGTTTCCTGACTTTGACAGA
AATGTACCTCGAAAGACGTTTCCACTACCTCTACTATATTTTGGGAACCAAATCACCGGACTGTTCAGCACAAAGAAACTGAAC
TTGCCCATGTTTACAGTTCTGAGAAGGTTCTCCATTCTGTTTACAATGTTTGCTGAAGGAGCTCTACTCAAGAAGACTTTTTCTT
GGGGTATTAAGATGACTGTATTTGCAATGATTATCGGAGCCTTTGTAGCTGCCAGCTCTGACrrGGCATTTGATCTGGAAGGA
TATGTTTTTATTTTGATCAATGATGTCCTGACAGCAGCAAATGGTGCATATGTGAAACAGAAGTTAGATTCGAAAGAGCTGGG
AAAGTATGGCCTGCTCTATTACAATGCACTGTTCATGATCCTTCCCACCATGGCCATTGCGTATTTCACAGGAGATGCACAAAA
GAATATATTAATAACTTATATTGGAATGGTCTTTGGTGGAGATTATATTTTCACATGGACAAATTTTATTGGCCTAAATATAAGT
ATTG CTG G AAG CCTG GTGTATTCTTAC ATCACTTTC ACTG AAG AG CAG CTG AG CAAACAGTC N NNNMNNN NNNNNNMNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N ATGCTAAC TATGTTTGAATTAATTTATATCAGACTGGAAAATGTTCTGGGTGGGTTTTAATTTATTTTT NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N ^ ^ Nhi CTTTTCTTTCTTTTCXrTTCTTTTC^
TTCTTCTTCTTCCTCCTCCTCCTCCTTCTTCTTCTCCTCCTCCTCTTCCTCCTTCTCNNCCTCCTCCTTCTCTTCCTCCTCCTTCTCTTC CTCCTN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N AGGG AGGAGTGATTGCCAGAGCTG GGTGGCATGGCN N NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNhiNNhiNNN^NN^NNNhiNNNNNN^NN GTCGG ACCTT AGTTG AAAG G ACACAAATG AAAG SEQ!D O: 16: CH057755..1
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN N ^ ^ Nhi N ^ NGTGACCCCGTGGAAGGCGCCGATTGTGTGGGAAGGCACTTATGACACAGCTCN NN N hiNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
GAGGTCG ACTTCCTCTTCTGCATGGACGTGG ATCAAGTCTTTCAAN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNi\iNNi\iNNN NNNNNNi\iNNN^ N CCTACTCACAT
TCTCAACCTCANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNN N NGTGGTTCTCAACCTGTGGGTCGCGACCCCTTTGGGGG NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN^
NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN
SEQID NO: 17: CHO70008..1
GCTGTCAGCCTCTGCCTGGCTCGCGCCGCCTTGCGCTTTCCCTCAGTCAGTGGCGCCGAAGGCTCCGTTAAGCAGCGGCCGCG GTTCCTGT7TCCGTTTCTTCCTCTCCCTTC AGTCG GGGAGTAG CATCCTCCAC NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGCGGCGGCGACGGGGGACGGCGCCGACCGCCTCGCTCCCGCCTCGGGTTGCTG CTCTGG GAGGCCATCTANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN NNMNNMNNN NNNMNNMNNN NNNN AG ACCCAG ATTCAAG CAATAAAAC ATTTCTCTG CAATACCATGTG GTTTTCTT
CAACATCATAATTCTATGGGGAGGAAGCATGTAGGATCCATGAAGCACAGGACATTCAAGCCTCCCGCCCGCGTCACCAGGA
AGATCTCTTTGTAAGAATAACCACAGTATTCCAGAGAGATTAGCCTGTCTGAAGCATTATGTGTTGAAGCAAAAGAAACTTATT
TTCCTGTGTGGCTAACTAGAACCAGAGTACAATGTTTCCAATTCTTTGAGCTCCAGGAAGATAGAACAGAGTTGAAACTCTGA
AAATGCGGGCATGGACTGGTTCCTGGCGTTGGATTATGCTCATTCTTTTTGCCTGGGGGACCTTATTGTTTTATATAGGTGGTC
ATTTGGTTCGAGATAATGACCACCCTGACCATTCTAGCAGAGAACTCTCCAAGATTCTTGCAAAGCTGGAGCGCTTAAAACAA
CAAAATGAAGACTTGAGGAGAATGGCTGAGTCTCTCCGAATACCAGAAGGCCCTATTGATCAGGGGACAGCTACAGGAAGA
GTCCGTGTTTTAGAAGAACAGCTTGTTAAGGCCAAAGAACAGATTGAAAATTACAAGAAACAAGCTAGGAATGATCTGGGAA
AGGATCATGAAATCTTAAGGAGGAGGATTGAAAATGGAGCTAAAGAGCTCTGG I H i ! I CTACAAAGTGAATTGAAGAAATT
AAAGAAATTAGAAGGAAACGAACTCCAAAGACATGCAGATGAAATTCTTTTGGATTTAGGACATCATGAAAGGTCTATCATG
ACAGATCTATACTACCTCAGTCAAACAGATGGAGCAGGTGAGTGGCGGGAAAAAGAAGCCAAAGATCTGACAGAGCTGGTC
CAGCGGAGAATAACATATCTGCAGAATCCCAAGGACTGCAGCAAAGCCAGAAAGCTGGTATGTAATATCAACAAAGGCTGTG
GCTATGGATGTCAACTCCATCATGTGGTTTACTGCTTCATGATTGCTTATGGCACCCAGCGAACACTCATCn'GGA
ATTGGCGCTATGCTACTGGAGGATGGGAGACTGTGTTTAGACCTGTAAGTGAGACATGCACAGACAGGTCTGGCCTCTCCAC
TGGACACTGGTCAGGTGAAGTGAAGGACAAAAATGTTCAAGTGGTCGAGCTCCCCATTGTAGACAGCCTCCATCCTCGTCCTC
Cn'ACTTACCCTTGGCTGTACCAGAAGACCTTGCAGATCGACTCCTGAGAGTCCATGGTGATCCTGCAGTGTGGTGGGTATCC
CAGTTTGTCAAATACTTGATCCGTCCACAACCTTGGCTGGAAAGGGAAATAGAAGAAACCACCAAGAAGCTTGGCTTCAAACA
TCCAGTTATTGGAGTCCATGTCAGACGCACTGACAAAGTGGGAACAGAAGCAGCCTTCCATCCCATTGAGGAATACATGGTAC
ACGTTGAAGAACATTTTCAGCTTCTCGAACGCAGAATGAAAGTGGATAAAAAAAGAGTGTATCTGGCCACTGATGACCCTTCT
TTGTTAAAGGAGGCAAAGACAAAGTACTCCAATTATGAATTTATTAGTGATAACTCTATTTCTTGGTCAGCTGGACTACACAAC
CGATACACAG/VATTCACTTCGGGGCGTGATCCTGGATA^
CCCAGGTCTGTAGGGTTGCTTATGAAATCATGCAAACACTGCATCCTGATGCCTCTGCAAACTTCCATTCTTTAGATGACATCT
ACTATTTTGGAGGCCAAAATGCCCACAACCAGATTGCAGTTTATCCTCACCAACCTCGAACTAAAGAGGAAATCCCCATGGAA
CCTGGAGATATCATTGGTGTGGCTGGAAACCATTGGAATGGTTACTCTAAAGGTGTCAACAGAAAACTAGGAAAAACAGGCC
TGTACCCTTCCTACAAAGTCCGAGAGAAGATAGAAACAGTCAAATACCCTACATATCCTGAAGCTGAAAAATAGAGATGGAGT
GTAAGAGATTAACAACAGAATTTAGTTCAGACCATCTCAGCCAAGCAGAAGACCCAGACTAACATATGGTTCATTGACAGACA
TGCTCCGCACCAAGAGCAAGTGGGAACCCTCAGATGCTGCACTGGTGGAACGCCTCTTTGTGAAGGGCTGCTGTGCCCTCAA
GCCCATGCACAGTAAAATAATGTACTCACACATAACATACAAATGGATTATTTTCTACTTTGCCCTTTAAATATTCTGTCCCCAT
GAAACAAACACTGCCACATTATGTAATTTAAGTGACACAGACGTTTTGTGTGAGACTTCAAACATGGTGCCTATATCTGAGAG
ACCTCTGTGATTTACTGAGAAGATGAGAACAGCTCCCTTCTGTGGGGAAGTTGGTGGTGGACTGGCCACTGAATTCACTGCAA
TCAACAGATTCAGAATGAGAATGGATGTTTTTCCTTTATATGGTTGTCTGGATTTTTTTTAAAGTAATTTCATCAGTTCAGTTCA
TCCACCTCATTAATAAATGAAGGAATATACCAATAAAATCAAATGAAATATTCACTGTCCATTAGGAAGTTTTATAAAACAATG
CCATGAACAAAAAATTCTTTAGTACTCAATGTTTCTGGACATTCTCTTTGATAACAAAAATAAATTTTAAAAAGG
Appendix 2: nucleotide sequences of exemplary siRNAs
Table 8.1
Figure imgf000109_0001
GGDUGUCACUAUGCQAGUU 92 A A C U A G C A U A G U G A C A A C C 93
UGG GGAC AGUAUAUAUAGA 94 U C UAU UAU C ϋ GU C C C CA 95
ACAACCAGGUAG'uGAGUAA 96 UUACUCACUACCUGGUUGU 97
GGCACAAAGUCCUAACAGU 98 ACUGUUAGGACUUUGUGCC 99
CAUGUCCUUUGUAUGACAA 100 U U G U C A U A C A A A G G A C A U G 101
UGAUCUACCUGUCAAAGCA 102 UGCUUUGACAGGUAGAUCA 103
AGUGUUUGAAUGAGUAUUA 104 UAAUACUCAUUCAAACACU 105
UG UCACUAUGCUAGUUUAA 106 f J U A C U A G C A U A G U G A C A 107
AC C C CA C CUC AAAGGC AGA 108 UCUGCCUUUGAGGUGGGGU 109
C CUG AUG GCUCCC C G CAAU 110 AUUGCGGGGAGCCAUCAGG 111
GAGGAAGCUACAAUGCAGA 112 UCUGCAUUGUAGCUUCCUC 113
CCUACAGACUCCCGGAAGA 114 UCUUCCGGGAGUCUGUAGG 115
CCUUAUUGUUUCAGCCUCU 116 A G A G G C U G A A A C A AU A A G G 117
Table 8.2
Figure imgf000110_0001
ACAAAGAGGUCCUAQCACA 166 U GO G A [J A G G A C C U C U U U GU 167
UAUUGUACuUAAGUGUAAU 68 AUUACACUUAAGUACAAUA 169
GACAGAAAUGGGGCAAACA 170 UGUUUGCCCCAUUUCUGUC 171
GCUGGUUUACCAUGGUGAU 172 AUCACCAUGGUAAACCAGC 173
CUAUAUUGUACUUAAGUGU 174 ACACUUAAGUAC AUAUAG 175
AGAGACCCUCACUCOAUAU 176 AUAUAGAGUGAGGGUCUCU 177
UCUAGAAACUUUAGGGUAU 178 AUACCCUAAAGUUUCUAGA 179
UGCCAUAC C AC UACUAUGA 180 UCAUAGUAGUGGUAUGGCA 181
GCCAGUUCAGGUUGGCUGG 182 CCAGCCAACCUGAACUGGC 183
C CAGGUG C AAC C AAUGUGU 184 AC CAUUGGUUGCACCUGG 185
GGAGAGAGAUGAGUAGCAA 186 UUGCUACUCAUCUCUCUCC 187
GCCCUGCACAGCAAGGUAA 188 UUACCUUGCUGUGC&GGGC 189
G C AUG C AG C AG UiJU G AC G A 190 UCGUCAAACUGCUGCAUGC 191
C AUGGUC C CUC CUGACUAU 192 AUAGUCAGGAGGGACCAUG 193
CGGGCUGAGUGCACCAUCC 194 GGAUGGUGCACUCAGCCCG 195
UCACUCUAUAUUGUACUUA 196 UAAGUACAAUAUAGAGUGA 197
CUGAGUCAGUCUAAGACUC 198 GAGUCUUAGACUGACUCAG 199
AGCAAAGUCAAUCAGGGUA 200 UACCCUGAUUGACUUUGCU 201
GGAGUUCUAGAAGUUGUAG 202 CUACAACUUCUAGAACUCC 203
GCAGCCUCCUGCGUGUCAU 204 A U G A C A C G C A G G A G G C U G C 205
GCGDCGGCCUGDCAACCUC 206 GAGGU [JGACAGGC C GAC GC 207
GGGUACU UG CUUUC C CAA 208 UUGGGAAAGGAUAGUACCC 209
CUGUAUGGUUUAAUCGGGU 210 AC C C GAUU AAC C AU AC G 211
CUAGAUCUGGUUUUGUAAU AU U A C A A A C C A G A U C U G 213
CAGAGAC C CU C ACUCUAU A 214 ϋ A U A G G U G G G G U CUC U G 215
CUCUAUAUUGUACUUAAGU 216 A C U U A A G U A C A A U A U A G A G 217
Table 8.3
Target gene SenseSeq SEQ ID No. An isSeq SEQ ID No.
Craah AAUCUUAAUUAACAAUAUA 218 UAUAUUGUUAAUUAAGATJU 219
GAATJUUGCUCUTJAAAUCUU 220 AAGAUUUAAGAGCAAAUTJC
GCAUGUGCUUAGAGCAUAU p AUAUGCUCUAAGCACAUGC
CUGUAUAACCCUAAAUUCA 224 UGAAUUUAGGGUUAUACAG 225
GUGAGUAGAAAAUCUUAAA 226 UUUAAGAUUUUC UACU C AC 227
GCGGGACCCUGAUAUAUAC 228 GUAUAUAUCAGGGUCCCGC 229
CAAUAUAUGGGUGAGUAGA 230 UCUAC UC AC C C AUAUAUUG 231
AUCrUUAAUUAACAAUAUAU 232 AUAUAUUGUUAAUUAAGAIJ 233
UCAAGAAUUUGCUCUUAAA 234 UUUAAGAGCLAAAUUCUUGA 235
UCAUAAAAUACUCAACACA 236 UGUGUUGAGUAUUUUAUGA 237
AAGCAGACCUCAUUUAUAU 238 AUAU AAAUG AGGUCUG CUU 239
GAG UAGAAAAUCUU AAAUU 240 AAUUUAAGAUUUUCUACUC 241 GGUGAGUAGAAAAUCUuAA 242 UUAAGAUUUUCUACUCACC 243
GCCAUA&CUACCAUUAUUC 244 GAAUAA'uGGUAGQUAUGGC 245
GGGUCUCCCCUGCUUCGAU 246 AUCGAAGCAGGGGAGACCC 247
GGUCAUAAAAUACUCAACA 248 UGUUG GUAUUUUAUGACC 249
CAUCUGUUUUGGAAUCAUU 250 AAUGAUUCCAAAACAGAUG 251
GGAGACAAGCGAAUGGUAU 252 AUACCAUUCGCUUGUCUCC 253
CAGAUAAAACUCCCUCUAA 254 UUAGAGGG GUUUUAUCUG 255
CUGGAAACACUUUCAUAGA 256 UCUAUGAAAGUGUUUCCAG 257
GUGUCUUUUAUUCAGAGAU 258 AUCUCUGAAUAAAAGACAC 259
GAAAAUDUACQGAGGAAUG 260 CAUUCCUCAGUAAAUUUUC 261
GAGACAAGCGAAUGGUAUU 262 AAUACCAUUCGC^JUGUCUC 263
CCUGUAUAACCCUAAAUUC 264 GAAUUUAGGGUUAUACAGG 265
CCAUCUGACUGGUUGGAGA 266 UCUCCAACCAGUCAGAUGG 267
AUAACUACCAUUAUUCAUU 268 AAUG AUAAUGGUAGUUAU 269
CUUAAUUAACAAUAUAUGG 270 CCAUAUAUUGUUAAUUAAG 271
CACACCQG'uAUAACCCUAA 272 UUAGGGUUAUACAGGUGUG 273
CCUGCUQCGAUAAACCUUU 274 AAAGGUiUAUCGAAGCAGG 275
GGACCCUGAUAUAUACCAU 276 AUGGUAUAUAUCAGGGUCC 277
AUAUAUGGGUGAGUAGAAA 278 UUUCUACUC CCC UAUAU 279
GUGCAAAGCAGACCUCAUU 280 AAUGAGGUCUGCUUUGCAC 281
AA GGUC UA AAUACUC 282 UGAGUAUUUUAUGACCUUU 283
CUUCGAUAAACCUUUCUGG 284 CCAGAAAGGUUUAUGG AG 285
UGAG'uAGAAAAUCUUAAAQ 286 AUUUAAGAUUUUCUACUCA 287
GAQAAAACUCCC'uCUAACA 288 UGUUAGAGGGAGUUUUAUC 289
AGGTJCAUAAAATJACUCAAC 290 GUUGAGUAUUUUAUGACCU 291
GUAGUAUAGCAUGUGCUUA ? 9 UAAGCACAUGCUAUACUAC 293
AGAAUUUGCUCUUAAAUCU 294 AGAUUUAAGAGCAAAUUCU 295
CAAGGAAGGGAUCAAUUUU 296 AAAAUUGAUGCCUUCCUUG 297
UGGGUGAGUAGAAAAUCUU 298 AAGAUUUUCUACUCACCCA 299
AUUUACUGAGGAAUGGAAA 300 UUUCCAUUCCUC GUAAAU 301
ACAAGCGAAUGGUAUU'uGA 302 UCAAAUACCAUUCGCUUGU 303
GUUCCAACAGACACACAGA 304 UGUGUGUGUGUGUTJGGAAC 305
CGUUCCUAAUGCACUGUGA 306 UCACAGUGCAUUAGGAACG 307
CCAUCUUGUAACGGUGAAU 308 AUUCACCGUUACAAGAUGG 309
CCCUGAU UAUACCAUCAU 310 AUGAUGGUAUAUAUCAGGG 311
CAUAACUACCAUUAUUCAU 312 AUGAAUAAUGGUAGUUAUG 313
AC CCUGUAUAACCCUAAA 314 UUUAGGGUUAUACAGGUGU 315
GAQGGAAGGUCCGUUAAAQ 316 AUUU ACGGACCUUCCAUG 317
Table 8.4
Figure imgf000112_0001
Abo GAACGAUGUUCUUGUCUUG 31 8 CAAGACAAGAACAUCGUUC 31 9
AUCAGAAACUAAUAGCUAA 32 0 UUAGCUAUUAGUUUCUGAU 32 1
AGAGCUAUUUGAACAAAUA 322 UAUUUGUUCAAAUAGCUCU 323
GCAUGAUGAGAGCUAUUUG 32 4 CAAAUAGCUCUCAUCAUGC 325
GGAACGAUGUUCUUGUCUU 32 6 AAGACAAGAACAUCGUUCC 327
CCAUCAUGAAGAAGUUGAG 32 8 CUCAACUUCUUCAUGAUGG 32 9
GGACAAGGCCAACGGCAUU 330 AAUGCCGUUGGCCUUGUCC 331
GAACCAUCAGGCAAUCAGA 332 UCUGAUUGCCUGAUGGUUC 333
CUAAUAGCUAAAUUCCUAU 334 AUAGGAAUUUAGCUAUUAG 335
AGGCCUGCCAUGAAGCUAU 33 6 AUAGCUUCAUGGCAGGCCU 337
CUGCUUUACCAUAAGCCAA 338 TrUGGCUUAUGGUAAAGCAG 33 9
ACACAAGGUCACCUACUAU 34 0 AUAGUAGGUGACCUUGUGU 34
CCGAGAGGCCUUUACCUAU 342 AUAG GUAAAGG C CUCUCGG 343
ACUAAUAGCUAAAUUCCUA 344 UAGGAAUUUAGCUAUUAGU 345
UCAGAAACUAAUAGCUAAA 34 6 UUUAGCU AUUAG UUU CUGA 347
GAAGAAGUUGAGAUAUGUG 34 8 C AC AUAU CUC AACUU CUUC 34 9
AGGCAAUCAGAAACUAAUA 350 UAUUAGUUUCUGAUUGCCU 351
GAAACUAAUAGCUAAAUUC 352 GAAUTJUAGCUAUTJAGUUUC 353
CCUACUATJGUCUUCACUGA 35 UCAGUGAAGACAUAGUAGG 355
GAGCUAUUUGAACAAAUAC 35 6 GUAUUUGUUCAAAUAG CUC 357
CCAUCAGGCAAUCAGAAAC 358 GUUUCUGAUUGCCUGAUGG 35 9
GGGACACAAGGUCACCUAC 3 60 GUAGGUG AC CUUGUG UC C C 3 61
GGC UGU AC C CAAGAAC C AU 3 62 AUGGUUCUUGGGUACAGCC 3 63
GAUGAGAGCUAUUUGAACA 3 64 UGUUCAAAUAGCUCUCAUC 3 6 5
CCCAAGAACCAUCAGGCAA 3 6 6 UUGCCUGAUGGUUCUUGGG 3 67
GCUAAAUUCCUAUUGGAGA 3 68 UCUCCAAUAGGAAUiroAGC 3 6 9
GUUCUUGUCUUGACUCCUU 37 0 AAGGAGUCAAGACAAGAAC 37 1
CGAUGUUCUUGUCUUGACU 372 AGUCAAGACAAGAACAUCG 373
UCAGGCAAUCAGAAACUAA 374 UUAG UUU CUGAUUGC CUGA 375
GU CAGUG CUAGAAG UGUAC 37 6 GUAC ACUUCUAG C ACUGAC 377
AGGUCACCUACUAUGUCUU 37 8 AAGACAUAGUAGGUGACCU 37 9
UAGCUAAAUUCCUAUUGGA 38 0 UCCAAUAGGAAUTJUAGCUA 38 1
AAUACCUGCUUUACCAUAA 382 UUAUGGUAAA'GCAGGUAUU 383
ACCAUCAGGCAAUCAGAAA. 38 4 UUUCUGAUUGCCUGAUGGU 385
AGUAUGUGGUGUUCCUUA 38 6 UUAAGGAA C AC C C UACU 387
UGGACAUGAAGUUCAGUGA 38 8 UC ACUGAACUU C AUG UC C A 38 9
AG UUGAGAUAUGUGGCUG U 3 90 ACAGCCACAUAUCUCAACU 3 91
GAGAGCUAUUUGAACAAAU 3 92 AUUUGUUCA ¾AUAGCUCUC 3 93
AAGCUAUGAUGGAGGACAA 3 94 TJuGUCCUCCAUCAUAGCUU 3 9 5
ACAAAUACCUGCUUUACCA 3 9 6 UGGUAAAGCAGGUAUUUGU 3 97
CUGCCAUGAAGCUAUGAUG 3 98 CAUCAUAGCUUCAUGGCAG 3 9 9
CCUGUGUGGCAUGAUGAGA 4 0 0 UCUC AUC AUGC C AC AC GG 4 0 1
C C AGC AG AC C C AGUAUC AC 4 02 GUGAUACUGGGUCUGCUGG 4 03
- I l l - UGAAC AAAUAC CUGCUUUA 404 UAAAGCAGGUAUUUGUUCA 405
UGAUGAGAGCUAUUQGAAC 406 GUUCAAAUAGCQC'uCAUCA 407
CCAGUAGGAACGAUGUUCU 408 AGAACAUCGUUCCUACUGG 409
UGAAGAAGUUGAGAUAUGU 410 ACAUAUCUCAACTJUCUUCA 411
GUAGGAACGAUGUUCUUGU 412 ACAAGA C UCGUUC CUAC 413
AUUCCUAUUGGAGAGGACA. 414 UGUC CUCUC CAAUAGGAAU 415
GGCAUGAUGAGAGCUAUUU 416 AAAUAGCUCUCAUCAUGCC 417
Table 8.5
Figure imgf000114_0001
GCUAAGG CCACUUCG CUUU 4 8 0 AAAG C G AAGUGG C CUU AG C 4 8 1
CUUCUGGA'uGCAAUQAAGA 4 82 UCUUAAUUGCAUCCAGAAG 4 83
CGGUCAGUAGCUAAGAUUU 4 84 AAAUC UUAGCUAC UGAC CG 4 85
AAUCAUGAGAGUCCUAGAA 4 8 6 UUCUAGGACUCUCAUGAUU 4 87
GGAGCUAAUUUUGUUACUC 4 8 8 GAGUAACAAAAUUAGCUCC 4 8 9
GGAUGCAAUUAAGACUUGU 4 90 ACAAGUCUUAAUUGCAUCC 4 91
GUAGCUAAGAUUUACCUUG 4 92 CAAGGUAAAUCUUAGCUAC 4 93
G C C CUAUGGAG C AG C C AAA 4 94 UUUGGCUGCUCCAUAGGGC 4 9 5
CAAUCAUGAGAG'uCCUAGA 4 9 6 UCUAGGAC UCUCAUGAUUG 4 97
GAUGUUACAAAAUGAUGAA 4 98 UUCAUCAUUUUGUAACAUC 4 9 9
AGUUCAUAGUGUCCGUGAA 50 0 UUCACGGACACUAUGAACU 50 1
GCGAUCCAGUUCAUUUAAU 502 AUUAAAUGAACUGGAUCGC 503
CCAAACUUUAUGCCUAUUG 504 C AU GGC AUAA GUUUGG 505
CU AC AAUCUUGGUG C C C AG 50 6 CUGGGCACCAAGAUUGUAG 507
GUUC AUAGUGUC CG UGAAU 50 8 AUUC ACGGAC AC UAUGAAC 50 9
GGUCAGQAGCUAAGAU'uUA 51 0 UAAAQCUUAGCUACUGACC 51 1
UGUCAC QAGACAAC ϋϋΑΆΑ 512 DUUAAG'uUGUCUAG'uGACA 513
AGAGGA'GCUAAUUUUGUUA 514 UAACAAAAmJAGCUCGUCU 515
CUGAAAUACUACCGACCAA 51 6 UUG'GUCGGUAGUAUUUCAG 517
Table 8.6
Figure imgf000115_0001
AUGAAACAAUGAUCCACAA 556 UUGUGGAUCAUUGUUUCAU 557
CAUCAAQGACAACGQCCUG 558 CAGGACGUUGUCAUUGAUG 559
GGCCUACUUGCCUGAUUUC 560 GAAA CAGGCAAGUAGGCC 561
CGGAGAGGAAUGGGUGUUU 562 AAACACCCAUUCCUCUCCG 563
GG GUAC AUGAAGUUGAG 564 CUCAACUUCAUUGUACUCC 565
GCGGGAGU CAAUGA GUU 566 AACUUCAUUGUACUCCCGC 567
GGCCAAG GU AUGGUUC 568 UGAACCAUUACUCUUGGCC 569
AGUCAGAUGGGCAGUAUAA 570 UUAUACUGCCCAUCUGACU 571
CCCCACAGCAGCAAUUUUG 572 CAAAAUUGCUGCUGUGGGG 573
GCAAUUUUGGGUACUCGUA 574 UACGAGUACCCAAAAUUGC 575
GGACCUCAUGAC CUUCA 576 UGAAGUUGUCAUGAGGUCC 577
CUACUUGCCUGAUUUCCGU 578 ACGGAAAUCAGGCAAGUAG 579
CGCAGAUGGCGCUGGCUUA 580 UAAGCCAGCGCCA.UCUGCG 581
GAUGAAACAAUGAUCCACA 582 UGUGGAUCAUUGUUUCAUC 583
UUGAUUCAACAAAGUCAGA 584 UCUGACUUUGUUGAAUCAA 585
GCUUCGGGCCUACUUGCCU 586 AGGCAAGUAGGCCCGAAGC 587
CAAGAGGAUGAUUGACGUG 588 CACGUCAAUCAUCCUCUUG 589
GGAGAACAGGGCCUACUUC 590 GAAGUAGGCCCUGUUCUGC 591
CGAGGAGGAUCCUAGUGAC 592 GUCACU GGAUCCUCCUGG 593
CAGUAGGGCCCAUGUCCAU 594 A.UGGACAUGGGCCCUACUG 595
G UGCAGCAC AACCCAAG 596 CUUGGGUUUGUGCUGCAUC 597
CGGAAGUGAAGCAUGGGAC 598 GUCCCAUGCUUCACUUCCG 599
CAGCAGCAAUUUUGGGUAC 600 GUACCCAAAAUUGCUGCUG 601
CUGGUUCACCGACAACUAU 602 AUAGUUGUCGGUGAACCAG 603
CCACGGAGGCAGUUCAUCU 604 AGAUGAACUGCCUCCGUGG 605
AGUUCAUCUACUCACUGGA 606 UCCAGUGAGUAGAUGAACU 607
GGAAGUCACUUUUGAUUCA 608 UGAAUCAAAAGUGACUUCC 609
AAACCACGGAGGCAGUUCA 610 UGAACUGCCUCCGUGGUUU 611
CAAUGAUCCACAAUGGUCC 612 GGACCAUUGUGGAUCAUUG 613
CCCUACCAAUGUCUUUGGA 614 UCCAAAGACAUUGGUAGGG 615
AUCAUUUGCUUGUCAAGAA 616 UUCUQGACAAGCAftAUGAU 617
Table 8.7
Figure imgf000116_0001
GGAAUAUGAU CUAAG AGGA 632 UC CUCUUAGAUC AUAUUC C 633
GGGACAGAAGCACUCAGAC 634 GUCUGAGUGCUUC UGU C C C 635
CCUCCAUCUCCAUGGUAUU 636 AAUACCAUGGAGAUGGAGG 637
UGUAUGUGAUUUAAUAAUA 638 UAUUATJUAAAUCACAUACA 639
GCAUGAUAAGUUUCAAUA 640 UUAUUGAAA CUUAUCAUGC 641
GGCAUGAUAAGUUUCAAUA 642 UAUUGAAACUUAUCAUGCC 643
GGGGUAAUGUCUGAUGUUU 644 AAC AUG G AC AUUAC C C C 645
GCUGGAUUGAUGAAGUGAU 646 AUCACUUCAUCAAUCCAGC 647
GCAUCAUCAUQGGUGGUUQ 648 AftACCACCAAUGADGAQGC 649
GCQCCUUUAAGCCUCAUAQ 650 AUAUGAGGCUUAAAGGAGC 651
C C CUG C C C AC AUGUAUC 652 GAUACAUUGUGGGUCAGGG 653
GCCCUGGCAUGGUAGACUU 654 AAGUCUACCAUGCCAGGGC 655
CCACAAUGUAUCAGGCACA 656 UGUGCCUGAUACAUUGUGG 657
CAGACCACUUCCUUCUAUG 658 C AUAG AAGGAAG UGGU CUG 659
GCAUCUGGCGCCUAACCUU 660 AAGG UUAGG C G C C AG AUG C 661
CGUAAAUUUGGGGACAGAA 662 UUCUGUC C C C AAUUU CG 663
C C CUGGCAUGGUAGACUU C 664 GAAG UCUAC C AUGC CAGGG 665
GGGUGAGAAGAGUGCUAUU 666 AAUAGCAGUCUUCUCACCC 667
C CUACUUC CUAC AAUC C C A 668 UGGGAUUGUAGGAAGUAGG 669
GCGC CUAAC CUUCUAUA C 670 GUUAUAGAAGGUUAGGCGC 671
GUCUUUAUCGG CAUG ΑϋΑΑ. 672 UUAUC AUG C CGAU AAG AC 673
GGCGCCUAACCUUCUAUAA 674 UUAU AG AAG GUU AGG C G C C 675
CUQC'uAUAACAA'uGUCAAQ 676 AUUGACAUUGUUAUAGAAG 677
AAUCCCAGGUUCUAAUGAA 678 UC UUAGAAC CU GGGAUU 679
CCUACCUGCUGCUCAAACA 680 UGUUUGAGCAGGAGGUAGG 681
AGGACUCCAACGUAAAUUU 682 AAAUUUA'C'GUUGGAGUCCU 683
AUG C CUGUC AAC CUC AAA 684 UUUG GGUUG C GGUC U 685
CUGGAUAC C C CUAUCUUUG 686 C AAAG AUAGGGGUAUC C AG 687
UUUUGUC C CUGUC AUAAAA 688 UUUUAUGACAGGGACAAAA 689
CUAAC C UUCU AUAAC AAUG 690 C AUUG UUAUAGAAGGUUAG 691
C CUUGGGGUAAUGUC UGAU 692 AUG AGAC UUAC C C C AAGG 693
GGCUCACUCAUGAGGGUUU 694 AAACCCUCAUGAGUGAGGC 695
AUAACAAUGUCAAUGCCUG 696 CAGGCAUUGACAUUGUUAU 697
AA C C CUAC C G GAAUGGC 698 UGCCAUUCCUGGUAGGGUU 699
CUGGCGCCUAACCUUCUAU 700 AUAGAAGGUUAGGCGCCAG 701
CAAUGUUCUUCUGU C CUAC 702 G UAGGAC AG AAGAAC AUUG 703
GG AC AAGC AAC CUGAUGG U 704 ACCAUCAGGUUGCUUGUCC 705
CUGAGUUGUAUGUGAUUUA 706 QAAAUCACAUACAACUCAG 707
UCCCACUAUAGCUAGUGAA 708 UUCACUAGCUAUAGUGGGA 709
GGGUCUUUCCUGGUAAUGU 710 AC UUAC CAGGAAAGAC C C 711
C C AUAUC AUCUCUGG GGUU 7 Ί ~} AAC C C C AGAG UG AUAUGG 713
GCCUUAAGGGGCUGGAUUG 714 C AAUC CAGC C C CUUAAGGC 715
CCGUGUUCAAUGUUCUUCU 716 AGAAGAACAUUGAACACGG 717 Table 8.8
Figure imgf000118_0001
GACAAAGAGCUUCCACUUU 794 AAAG UGGAAGC UCUUUGUC 795
AGGCAUGAGCACAAGGCAA 796 UUGCCUUGUGCUCAUGCCU 797
GCAACAAUGACCAGUCCGG 798 CCGGACUGGUCAUUGUUGC 799
GUUGAAGUAAUGAUUUCCU 800 AGGAAAUCAUUACUUCAAC 801
ACAUCACUGUGUCACUGUA 802 UACAGUGA CACAGUGAUGU 803
GUUC CUC CUUGUGUC C AG A 804 UCUGGACACAAGGAGGAAC 805
CAGAUAAAUUUGACGUGUG 806 CACACGUCAAAUUUAUCUG 807
GUGCUCAGCUGGACUGAUU 808 AAU C AGUC C AGCUGAG C AC 809
CCGCUCUUUGCCGUAUUUG 810 C AAAUAC GG C AAAG AG C GG 811
CUAACCAUGGGACAGUUUG 812 CAAACUG [JC C CAUGG QUAG 813
GGUGCUCAGCUGGACUGAU 814 AUCAGUCCAGCUGAGCACC 815
CACCUGCUGGGUGAUCAGA 816 UCUGAUC AC C GAGC AGGUG 817
Table 8.9
Figure imgf000119_0001
Table 8.10
Figure imgf000119_0002
GAAGAAAAUUCGUGGCAAA 860 UUUGCCACGAAUUUUCUUC 861
AAGUUAQUGAUAAUUAAGA 862 UCUQAAUUAUCAA'uAACUU 863
ACGGAUGAUAUAUAAUGAU 864 AUCAtfUAUAUAQCAUCCGU 865
UGAAGAAAUUGGUUAGUAU 866 AUACUAACCAAUrru CmJCA 867
CCCCGUACC UUAUUGUA 868 UUACAAUAAUGGUACGGGG 869
AGGAGAACCUAAUAUUCA 870 UUGAAUAUUAGGUUCUCCU 871
CAUUUAUGACAAUCGGAUA UAUCCGAUUGUC UA UG 873
CUAUUUAAAACCUAAGCAA 874 UUGCUUAGGUUUUAAAUAG 875
GAGA'uUAACCAGCCGUUUQ 876 AAAACGGCUGGUUAAUCUC 877
GAUUUGGCUGGCAAUUCAU 878 AUGAAUUGCCAGCCAAAUC 879
GAUGCUUACUCUAAUAUGG 880 CCAUAiJUAGAGUAAGCAUG 881
CCUAUAUCGCAAAGCAUUA 882 UAAUGCUtJUGGGAUAUAGG 883
GUACCUAAUAGCGUGCUUU AAAGCACGCUAUUAGGUAC 885
GGAAUUAGAGCGACUCUAU CO 886 AUAGAGUCGCUCUAAUUCC 887
CO
ACACC GGGAUUUCUUAAU 888 AUUAAGAAAUCCCUGGUGU 889
GGDUCCCCGUACCAUUAUU 890 AAUAA'uGGUACGGGGAACC 891
CACUGAQGCADUAUAAGGA 892 UCCUUAUAAUGCAUCAGUG 893
GGAAGCGAUUGAGCATJLJAU 894 AUAAUGGUCAAUCGCmJCC 895
C CUGUUC UGGAUUAUAU 896 AUAUAAUCCAUGAAGAGUG 897
GAUUGAGCAUUAUCGACAU 898 AUGUCGAUAAUGCUCAAUC 899
AAACAAACAAGCCGACAUA. 900 UAUGUCGGCUUGUUUGUUU 901
CCAACGAAACGUAUGCUUU 902 AAAGCAUACGUUUCGUUGG 903
AGCAAGGCCUAA'uAGACUQ 904 AAGUCUAQUAGGCCUQGCU 905
GUUUGUAGUGCUCUAUAUU 906 AAUAUAGAGCACUACAAAC 907
CUGGCUUGUGUAUACUAUG 908 CAUAGUAUACACAAGCCAG 909
GAACCGAUUUAGAAUACCU 910 AGGUAUUCTJAAAUCGGTJUC 911
CCACAAGGAAUCUCUUAGA 912 UCUAAGAGAUUCCUUGUGG 913
GGCUUGGAUAAUAGACCUC 914 GAGGUCUAUUAUCCAAGCC 915
CGCCUAUAUCGCAAAGCAU 916 AUGCUUUGCGAUAUAGGCG 917
AUGUUUGCUUUCAGGUAUU 918 AAUACCUGAAAGCAAACAU 919
GCCAAGGCAUGUUAQU'uGA 920 UCAAAUAACAUGCCUUGGC 921
GUUGCAGACGGAUGAUAUA 922 UAUAUCAUCCGUCUGCAAC 923
CGIJUAAATJLJGUCCUGUGAC 924 GUCACAGGAGAATJUUAACG 925
Table 8.1 1
Figure imgf000120_0001
GUUUUGGGUACUAUGAUAU 336 AUAUC AUAGUAC C CAAAAC 337
CAGCUAGGCUUCUAQGAAU 338 AUUCAUAGAAGCCUAGCUG 333
AGO AC AG C ϋ AGG CU QC ϋ AU 340 AUAGAAGCCUAGCUGUACU 341
GUCCUUGGCAGAUGGUUAU 342 AUAACCAUCUGCCAAGGAC 343
C C C CGAGGGUA AACUUAAA. 944 UUUAAGUUUAC C CUCGGGG 945
GCACUGGGAACGUUUCAUG 946 CAUGAAACGUUCCCAGUGC 947
CUAGCUAAUUAUGUCCACA 948 UGUGGACAUAAUUAGCUAG 949
GGGAGUUUUGGGUACUAUG 950 C AUAGUAC C C AAAACUC C C 951
GGAACGACCACUCUCAAAU 952 AUUUGAGAGUGGUCGUUCC 953
UUUCAUAAGCCCAAUUAUA 954 UAUAAUUGGGCUUAUGAAA 955
CAGGGGUACUGUUUUAGAA 956 UUCUAAAAC AGUAC C C CUG 957
CCAGAUAUGUUAGUGAUUG 958 CAAUCACUAACAUAUCUGG 959
GCUAGGAAUUUAUGCAGAU 960 AUCUGCAUAAAUUCCUAGC 961
GCAACUUUGGCCUGAGUUG 362 CAACUCAGGCCAAAGUUGC 363
GUUAUAAGUAC AUG UC CUU 364 AAGGACAUGUACUUAUAAC 365
GGUUAUAAGUACAUGLICCU 366 AGGACAUGUACUUAUAACC 367
CCCGAGGGUAAACUUAAAA 368 UUUUAAGUUUACCCUCGGG 369
CAAUAUUAUUGCAAUUACU 370 AGUAATJUGCAAUAAUAUUG 971
AUAUCCAAUAUUAUUGCAA 972 UUGCAAUAAUAUUGGAUAU 973
AUA C AGAUAUC C AAU AUUA. 974 UAAUAUUGGAUAUCUGUAU 975
CGCCCCGAGGG U AA A C UU 976 UAAGUUUACCCUCGGGGCG 977
CUAUGAUAUUG AUGC C G G 978 CUGGGCAUCAAUAUCAUAG 979
C C C UAGUCUUAGUUUUCUG 980 CAGAAAACUAAGACUAGGG 981
UGCAGAUGUUGGGAAUAAA 982 UUUAUUC C CAACAUCUGCA 983
CUUCGACUAGAAAGAUAAA 984 UrrUAUCUtroCUAGUCGAAG 985
CGCAGGUUAUGAAUACCUC 986 GAGGUAUUCAUAACCUGCG 987
GACUCAAAGGGCCGACUUC 988 GAAGUCGGCCCUUUGAGUC 989
AUAUGUUAGUG UUG G C AA 390 UUGC C AAUC ACUA AC AU U 331
GUUGGAAUGAC C CAGAUAU 332 AUAUCUGGGUCAUUCCAAC 333
GCUUAACUCGGUAAACUGA 334 UC AG UUU AC C GAG UUAAG C 335
C CAAUUAUAC AGAUAUC C A 336 UGGAUAUCUGUAUAAUUGG 337
UAGAUCUGCUAAAAUUUGA 338 UCAAAUUUUAGCAGAUCUA 339
GGGUAAACUUAAAAGC C G A 1000 UGGGCTrUUAAGUrru A C C C 1001
GC C CAAUUAUAC AGAUAUC 1002 GAUAUCUGUAUAAUUGGGC 1003
GC C C CGAGGGUAAACUUAA 1004 UUAAGUUUACCCUCGGGGC 1005
GUACUGUUUUAGAAAGGAA 1006 UUC CUUUC UAAAAC AG UAC 1007
AAUAUU AUUG C AAUUACUG 1008 CAGUAAUUG CAAUAAUAUU 1009
GACCCAGAUAUGUUAGUGA 1010 UCACUAACAUAUCUGGGUC 1011
ACAGCUAGGCUUCUAUGAA 1012 UUCAUAGAAGCCUAGCUGU 1013
CAGCACCUAGCUAAUUAUG 1014 CAUAAtrUAGCUAGGUGCUG 1015
UAUACAGAUAUCCAAUAUU 1016 AAUAUUGGAUAUCUGUAUA 1017
GGCAGCUCCUCUACUCAUG 1018 C AUG A GUAG AGG A G CUG C C 1019
GCUUUAUAUGAGAC C CUUU 1020 AAAG G GU CUC AUAUAAAG C 1021 AAUCCUGGUUGCAUCAUCA 1022 UGAUGAUGCAACCAGGAUU 1023
UAUUAUUGCAAUUACUGGA 1024 UCCAGUAADUGCAA'uAAUA 1025
Table 8.12
Figure imgf000122_0001
C CUUC AUUC AGUUUC CUGG 1098 CCAGGAAACUGAAUGAAGG 1099
GCAGUACGCACCCAUCUUG 1100 CAAGAUGGGUGCGUACUGC 1101
AGGGUUQGAUDUCUAACAU 1102 AUGUQAGAAAUCAAACCCU 1103
GAAGUAUUUUGCUCUUCGA 1104 UCGAAGAGCAAAAUACUUC 1105
UCAUC C AAGUUAAAC AGU 1106 UACUGUUUAACUUGGAUGA 1107
AGGUGGAUUUAUCAGGUGU 1108 C AC CUGAUAAAUC C C CU 1109
C CG C AGG UA C CUUC AUUC 1110 GAAUGAAGGUAUCCUGCGG 1111
C AG C C AGGAC AAUAUGAG U 1112 ACUCAUAUUGUCCUGGCUG 1113
AAQGGAGGGCCGAUUAUAA 1114 UAU AAUCGGC C CUC C AUU 1115
GGCACACCGCUUCCGUUAC 1116 G UAAC GG AAG C GGUGUG C C 1117
GGCUGGAGUACGCACCCAU 1118 AUGGGUG C GUA GUG C AG C C 1119
CAAUGA CGUC CUUCUCUUC 1120 GAAGAGAAGGAGGUCAUUG 121
GCUGUACCGAACAACACUU 1122 A GUG UUGUUC G G UAC AG C 123
UAAAUGAUUUUAAGGGUUU 1124 AAAC C CUU AAAAUC AUUUA 1125
Table 8.13
Figure imgf000123_0001
Table 8.14
Target gene SenseSeq SEQ ID No. AntisSeq SEQ ID No. gat2 GAUAAUUAUUGAUUAGAAA 1154 UTJUCUAAUCAAUAAUUATJC 1155
CUUTJCAAUGGGAUAUACAA 1156 UUGUAUAUC C CAUUGAAAG 1157
AC ACUGG C CUU U CUUUU 1158 A A G UAUA GG C C AGUGU 1159
AGUAC AG C AAGACUUAUUU 1160 AAAUAAGU CUUG CUGU ACU 1161
AUUGAAUAAAGGUAUAGGA 1162 UC CUAUAC CUUUAUUC AAU 1163 CAUUCUUAAAUAAUAACCA 1164 UGGUUAUUAUUUAAGAAUG 1165
AAAUUU UAUUUAAA QC G C A 1166 UGCGAU'uUAAAUAAAAUUU 1167
ACCUCAAUGUAGAAAUACA 1168 UGUAUUUCUACAUUGAGGU 1169
CAGAAGUTJCCGUUUGTJUAA 1170 UUAACAAACGGAACUUCUG 1171
CCUCAAGCUCCGAGGAUUU 1172 AAAUCCUCGGAGCUUGAGG 1173
AAGACUAUUAGAGUAUUG 1174 UCAAUACUCUAAUAGUCUU 1175
C UAAAAUUC C CUAAUC U 1176 AUGAUUAGGGAAUUUUAUG 1177
CUUCAAUAUUUGACUGUAU 1178 AUACAGUCAAAUAUUGAAG 1179
AGACACDUUCQG'uACUUAQ 1180 AUAAGUACAGAAAGUGUCU 1181
AAACUGUCACAACAGUAAA 1182 UUUACUGUUGUGACAGUUU 1183
CUGTJGCUAUUGTJGUUAAGA 1184 UCUUAACACAAUAGCACAG 1185
UUUTJCAUAAAATJUC C CUAA 1186 UUAGGGAAUUUUAUGAAAA 1187
AGUUGAA CUUCGAUCAG U 1188 AUCUGAUCGAAGUUCAACU 1189
GACUAUUAGAGUAUUGAUG 1190 CAUCAAUACUCUAAUAGUC 1191
CCAGAAACUCUAGUUAUCA 1192 UGAUAACUAGAGUUUCUGG 1193
CUUGUAACAGGUGUCCAAA 1194 UUUGGAC C CUG UUACAAG 1195
UUGAUAAUUAUUGAUUAGA 1196 UCUAAUCAAUAAQUAUCAA 1197
CCCGGUUCUGCAAGUGUUC 1198 GAACACUUGCAGAACCGGG 1199
UGUAUUUGGUUAAUAAGAA 1200 UUCUUAUtLAAC C AAAUAC A 1201
GCCCGGUUCUGCAAGUGUU 1202 AACACUUGCAGAACCGGGC 1203
AG CUAUUAG GUAUUGAU 1204 AUCAAUACUCUAAUAGUCU 1205
CAAUUGAAUAAAGGUAUAG 1206 CUAUACCUUUAUUCAAUUG 1207
GUUGGAAUGUAUUUGGUUA 1208 QAACCAAAQACAUUCCAAC 1209
C C AC CUU GCUGUGU C CGUA 1210 UACGGACACAGCAAGGUGG 1211
UGAUAAUUAUUGAUUAGAA 1212 UTJCUAAUCAAUAAUUAUCA 1213
ACUUCUGGUCCGCAGAGAU 121 AUCUCUGCGGACXIAGAAGU 1215
GGAGAUAUUAGGG C C AUG 1216 C AUGGUC C CUAAUAUCUC C 1217
C C AGUGUC ACU UUG ACUU 1218 AAGUC AAUAGUG C ACUGG 1219
C AAG AAAAC AUGUAG G C C A 1220 UGGCCUACAUGUUUUCUUG 1221
AAAACUG UC AC AAC AGUAA 1222 UUACUGUUGUGACAGUUUU 1223
CCUAGUCAUCUUCAGCCAU 1224 AUGGCUGAAGAUGACUAGG 1225
UCCCUAATJCAUUUUGCAGA 1226 UCUGCAAAAUGAUUAGGGA 1227
GCUGAUUCCUGUGCUAUUG 1228 CAAUAGCACAGGAAUCAGC 1229
CAGUUGAACUUCGAUCAG 1230 UCUGAUCGAAGUUCAACUG 1231
GUG GGUGGGGA G AUAUUAG 1232 CUAAU UCUC C C C AC C C AC 1233
GGG AGAUAUUAG GGAC C AU 1234 AUGGUC C C UAAU AUCUC C C 1235
UAUUCAGUUAGUCUGAUUA 1236 UAAUCAGACUAACUGAAUA 1237
ACACUUUCUGUACUUAUGA 1238 QCAUAAGUACAGAAAGQG'u 1239
AGGCCAAAUUCUCGCAAAC 1240 GTrOUGCGAGAAUiraGGCCU 1241
GCGACAAAGGAAGAACGAC 1242 GUCGUUCUUCCUUUGUCGC 1243
C G C A C C AAC AUG AUUG 1244 CAAUGAUGUUUGGUUUGCG 1245
AAUUCAGUCUAUCUGCUUA 1246 U AG C AG AU GA CUGAAUU 1247
GAAGUUG AUCGAGUG CACA 1248 UGUG C ACU CGAUC AACUUC 1249 GGAUUACACUGGCCUUAUA 1250 OAUAAGGCCAGUGUAAUCC 1251
GAAUAAAGGUAUAGGAACU 1252 AGUUCCUAU CCUUUAUUC 1253
Table 8.15
Figure imgf000125_0001
UUUAUUGGCCUAAAUAUAA 1326 UUAUAUUUAGGCCAAUAAA 1327
AGAAGUUAGAUϋCGAAAGA 1328 UCUUUCGAAUCUAACUUCU 1329
GUGUAUUCUUACAUCACUU 1330 AAGUGAUGUAAGAAUACAC 1331
GAAGGUUCUCCAUUCUGUU 1332 AACAGAAUGGAGAACCUUC 1333
GAUCUGGAAGGAUAUGUUU 133 AA CAUAUCCUUCCAGAUC 1335
CCUAAAUAUAAGUAUUGCU 1336 AGCAAUACUUAUAUUUAGG 1337
CAGGAGAUGC CAAA GA 1338 UUCUUUUGUGCAUCUCCUG 1339
GAGAUUAUAUUUUCACAUG 1340 CAUGUGAAAAUAUAAUCUC 1341
AAUUUUAUUGGCCUAAAUA 1342 UAUUUAGGCCAAUAAAAUU 1343
CGUGCUCACCAACUACAGA 1344 UCUGUAGUUGGUGAGCACG 1345
GCCAGAGCUGGGUGGCAUG 1346 CAUGCCACCCAGCUCUGGC 1347
CUGGAAGCCUGGUGUAUUC 1348 GAAUACACCAGGCUUCCAG 1349
GGUUCUCCAUUCUGUUUAC 1350 GUAAACAGAAUGGAGAACC 1351
UAUGUUUGAAUUAAUUUAU 1352 AUAAAUUAAUUCAAACAUA 1353
Table 8.16
Figure imgf000126_0001
GGUCGACUUCCUCUUCUGC 1402 GCAGAAGAGGAAGUCGACC 1403
UGUGGGAAGGCACUUAUGA 1404 UCAUAAGUGCCUUCCCACA 1405
GACGUGGAUCAAGUCUUUC 1406 GAAAGACUUGAUCCACGUC 1407
GUGUGGGAAGGCACUUAUG 1408 CAUAAGUGCCUUCCCACAC 1409
CAUGGACGUGGAUCAAGUC 1410 GACUUGAUCCACGUCCAUG 1411
CCGAUUGUGUGGGAAGGCA 1412 UGCCUUC:CACACAAUGGG 1413
GAAGGCACUUAUGACACAG 1414 CUGUGUCAUAAGUGCCUUC 1415
UCUGCAUGGACGUGGAUCA 1416 UGAUCCACGUCCAUGCAGA 1417
GCGCCGAUUGUGUGGGAAG 1418 CUUCCCACACAAUCGGCGC 1413
ACGUGGAUCAAGUCUUUCA 1420 UGAAAGACUUGAUCCACGU 1421
UGGAAGGCGCCGAUUGUGU 1422 ACACAAUCGGCGCCUUCCA 1423
AGCACGAGGUCGACUUCCU 1424 AGGAAGUCG CCUCGUGCU 1425
GAAGGCGCCGAUUGUGUGG 1426 CCACACAAUCGGCGCCUUC 1427
CGACUUCCUCϋϋCUGCAUG 1428 CAUGCAG GAGGAAGUCG 1429
CUUCUGCAUGGACGUGGAU 1430 AUCCACGUCCAUGCAGAAG 1431
CCCACAUCCAGCACGAGGU 1432 ACCUCGUGCUGGAUGUGGG 1433
ACAUCCAGCACGAGG CGA 1434 UCGACCUCGUGCUGGAUGU 1435
AGGUCGACUUCCUCUUCUG 1436 CAGAAGAGGAAGUCGAGCU 1437
GAUUGUGUGGGAAGGCACU 1438 AGUGCCUUCCCACACAAUC 1439
ACUUCCUCUUCUGCAUGGA 1440 UCCAUGCAGAAGAGGAAGU 14 1
ACGAGGUCGACUUCCUCUU 1442 AAGAGGAAGUCGACCUCGU 1443
UCUUCUGCAUGGACGUGGA 1444 UCC CGUCC UGC G GA 1445
GUGGAAGGCGCCGAUUGUG 1446 CACAAUCGGCGCCUUCCAC 1447
CUACUCACAUUCUCAACCU 1448 AGGUUGAGAAUGUGAGUAG 1449
UGUGGGUCGCGACCCCUUU 1450 AAAGGGGUCGCGAGCCACA 1451
CCUGUGGGUCGCGACCCCU 1452 AGGGGUCGCGACCCACAGG 1453
Table 8.17
Figure imgf000127_0001
CCCAUGCACAGUAAAAUAA 1478 UUAUUUUACUGUGCAUGGG 1479
GAAAUUAGAAGGAAACGAA 1480 UUCGUUUCCUUCUAAUUUC 1481
CUUUGUAAGAAUAACCACA 1482 UGUGGUUAUUCUUACAAAG 1483
GAACUCUCCAAGAUUCUUG 1484 CAAGAAUCUUGGAGAGUUC 1485
AGAUGACAUCUACUAUUUU 1486 AAAAUAGU GAUGUCAUCU 1487
CACUCAUCUUGGAAUCUCA 1488 UGAGAUUCCAAGAUGAGUG 1489
CAGU AAAU UGUACUC 1490 UGAGUACAUUAUUUUACUG 1491
CAUCAUAAUUCUAUGGGGA 1492 UCCCCAUAGAAUUAUGAUG 1493
AGAUAGAACAGAGUUGAAA 1494 UUUCAACUCUGUUCUAUCU 1495
GUACAAUGUUUCCAAUUCU 1496 AGAAUUGGAAACAUUGUAC 1497
CCAGCGAACACUCAUCUUG 1498 CAAGAUGAGUGUUCGCUGG 1499
GGCGUUGGAUUAUGCUCAU 1500 AUGAGCAUAAUCCAACGCC 1501
GAAACAAGCUAGGAAUGAU 1502 AUCAUUCCUAGCUUGUUUC 1503
CAUGGUACACGUUGAAGAA 1504 UUCUUCAACGUGUACCAUG 1505
GAUAGAAACAGUCAAAUAC 1506 GUAUUUGACUGUUUCUAUC 1507
UCACCAACCUCGAACUAAA 1508 UUUAGUUCGAGGUUGGUGA 1509
AAUUCUUUUGGAUUUAGGA 1510 UCCUAAAUCCAAAAGAAUU 1511
AUUAGUGAUAACUCUAUUU 1512 AAAUAGAGUUAUCACUAAU 1513
GGUUCCUGUUUCCGUUUCU 151 AGAAACGGAAACAGGAACC 1515
CAGAAUUGGCGCUAUGCUA 1516 UAGCAUAGCGCCAAUUCUG 1517
AUUCACUGCAAUCAACAGA 1518 UCUGUUGAUUGCAGUGAAU 1519
CUUCAAACAUCCAGUUAUU 1520 AAUAACUGGAUGUUUGAAG 1521
CUUGCAGAUCGACUCCUGA 1522 UCAGGAGUCGAUCUGCAAG 1523
ACUCACACAUAACAUACAA 1524 U UGUAUGUUAUGUGUGAGU 1525
UUAUGAAUUUAUUAGUGAU 1526 AUCACUAAUAAAUUCAUAA 1527
CAGAAAGCUGGUAUGUAAU 1528 AUUAL'AUACCAGL'UUUCUG 1529
GAGCGCUUAAAACA CAAA 1530 UUUGUUGUUUUAAGCGCUC 1531
AAUACAUGGUACACGUUGA 1532 UCAACGUGUACCAUGUAUU 1533
UGUACUCACACAUAACAUA 1534 UAUGUU UGUGUG GUACA 1535
CAUGAAAUCUUAAGGAGGA 1536 UCCUCCUUAAGAUUUCAUG 1537
GCUGGUAUGUAAUAUCAAC 1538 GUUGAUAUUACAUACCAGC 1539
GAAACAGUCAAAUACCCUA 1540 UAGGGUAUUUGACUGUUUC 1541
ACUUCCAUUCUUUAGAUGA 1542 UCAUCUAAAGAAUGGAAGU 1543
CUCACCAACCUCGAACUAA 1544 UUAGUUCGAGGUUGGUGAG 1545
AACAUAUGGUUCAUUGACA 1546 UGUCAAUGAACCAUAUGUU 1547
AUGAAUUUAUUAGUGAUAA 1548 UUAUCACUAAUAAAUUCAU 1549
GAGAUGGAGUGUAAGAGAU 1550 AUCUCUUACACUCCAUCUC 1551
CCAUCAUGUGGUUUACUGC 1552 GCAGUAAACCACAUGAUGG 1553

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. A composition comprising an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody,
(a) wherein at l east about 70% of the antibody or the fusion protein molecules comprise a complex N-glycan; and
(b) wherein about 40% to about 100% of the N-glycans are afucosy l glycans.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said N-glycans comprise a mixture of glycoforms, and wherein i abou t 20% to about 100% of the GO glycans are afucosyl GO glycans: or ii about 1 % to about 80% of the Gl and Gl ' glycans are afucosyl Gl and G 1 ' glycans; or iii about 1% to about 80% of the G2 glycans are afucosyl G2 glycans; or iv a combination of (i), (ii), or (iii).
3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein: i about 20% to about 100% of the GO glycans are afucosyl GO glycans; and ii about 1% to about 80% of the Gl and Gl ' glycans are afucosyl Gl and Gl ' glycans.
4. The composition of any one of claims 1 -3, wherein: i about 20% to about 100% of the GO glycans are aiucosyl GO glycans; ii about 1% to about 80% of the Gl and Gl ' glycans are afucosyl Gl and Gl ' glycans; and iii about 1% to about 80% of the G2 glycans are afucosyl G2 glycans.
5. The composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein said N-glycan is linked to the Fc domain of the antibody or the fusion protein,
6. The composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said composition comprises an antibody and wherein said antibody is an IgG.
7. The composition of claim 6, wherein said IgG is IgG 1.
8. The composition of any one of claims 5-7, wherein said composition comprises an antibody, and wherein said antibody is an anti-CD20 antibody.
9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the light chain of said antibody comprises a
sequence that is at least 90°/» identical to the light chain of Rituximab.
10. The composition of claim 8 or 9, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab.
1 1. The composition of any one of claims 8-10, wherein said composition has an increased binding affinity for an FcyRIII or increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated anti-CD20 antibody in which less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosyl glycans.
12. The composition of any one of claims 5-7, wherein said composition comprises an antibody, and wherein said antibody is an anti-EGFR antibody.
13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the light chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab.
14. The composition of claim 12 or 13, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab.
1 . The composition of any one of claims 12-14, wherein said antibody has an increased binding affinity for an FcyRIII or increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated anti-EGFR antibody in which less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosyl glycans.
16. The composition of any one of claims 5-7, wherein said composition comprises an antibody, and wherein said antibody is an anti-HER2 antibody.
17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the light chain of said an tibody comprises a
sequence that is at least 90% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab.
18. The composition of claim 16 or 17, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the hea vy chain of Trastuzumab.
19. The composition of any one of claims 16-18, wherein said antibody has an increased binding affinity for an Fey Rill or increased antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) acti vity as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosyla ted anti-HER2 antibody in which less than 40% of the N-glycans are afucosyl glycans.
20. The composition of any one of claims 1-19, wherein at least about 40% of the glycans of said antibody or fusion protein do not comprise the a-Gal epitope.
21. The composition of any one of claims 1-20, wherein the glycans of said antibody or fusion protein are characterized by a total sialic acid content that contain no more than about 20% of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuSGc),
22. The composition of any one of claims 1-21 , wherein one ore more of glycan molecules comprise N-acetyineuraminic acid (Neu5Ac).
23. A composition comprising a protein, wherein at least about 70% of the protein molecules comprise a glycan;
(a) wherein said protein is produced by a cell that is not a human, ape, or Old World monkey cell; and
(b) wherein at least about 40%) of the glycosylated molecules do not comprise the a-Gal epitope,
24. The composition of claim 23, wherein said composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated protein in which more than 40% of the glycosylated molecules comprise the a-Gal epitope.
25. The composition of claim 23 or 24, wherein said glycan is an N-glycan.
26. The composition of any one of claims 23-25, wherein said protein is an antibody.
27. The composition of claim 26 wherein said antibody is an IgG.
28. The composition of claim 27, wherein said IgG is IgGl .
29. The composition of any one of claims 26-28, wherein said antibody is an anti-CD20 antibody.
30. The composition of claim 29, wherein the light chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the light chain of Rituximab.
3 1. The composition of claim 29 or 30, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab.
32. The composition of any one of claim 29-31 , wherein said composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated anti-CD20 antibody in which more than 40% of the glycosylated molecules comprise the a-Gal epitope.
33. The composition of any one of claims 26-28, wherein said antibody is an anti-EGFR antibody.
34. The composition of claim 33, wherein the light chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab.
35. The composition of claim 33 or 34, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90%» identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab,
36. The composition of any one of claim 33-35, wherein said composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated anti-EGFR antibody in which more than 40% of the glycosylated molecules comprise the a-Gal epitope.
37. The composition of any one of claims 26-28, wherein said antibody is an anti-HER2 antibody,
38. The composition of claim 37, wherein the light chain of said antibody comprises a
sequence that is at least 90% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab.
39. The composition of claim 37 or 38, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the heavy chain of Trastuzumab.
40. The composition of any one of claim 37-39, wherein said composition has reduced
immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated anti-HER2 antibody in which more tha 40% of the glycosylated molecules comprise the a-Gal epitope,
41. The composition of any one of claims 23-25, wherein said protein is a fusion protein that binds to B7.
42. The composition of claim 1, wherein said fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTL A-4).
43. The composition of claim 41 or 42, wherein said fusion protein comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to Abatacept.
44. The composition of any one of claim 41-43, wherein said composition has reduced
immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated fusion protein in which more than 40%» of the glycosylated molecules comprise the a-Gal epitope,
45. A composition comprising a protein, wherem at least about 70% of the protein molecules comprise a glycan;
(a) wherein said protein is produced by a non-human cell; and (b) wherein the giycans of said protein molecules are characterized by a total sialic acid content that contain no more tha about 20% of N- glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). , The composition of claim 45, wherein said composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated protein in which the total sialic acid content of the giycans contain more than about 20% ofNeuSGc. , The composition of claim 45 or 46, wherein at least about 40% of the giycans do not comprise the a-Gal epitope. , The composition of any one of claims 45-47, wherein said giycans are N-glycans. , The composition of any one of claims 45-48, wherein said protein is an antibody. , The composition of claim 49 wherein said antibody is an IgG, , The composition of claim 50, wherein said IgG is IgG 1 , , The composition of any one of claims 49-51, wherein said antibody is an anti~CD20 antibody. , The composition of claim 52, wherein the light chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the light chain of Rituximab. , The composition of claim 52 or 53, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the heavy chain of Rituximab. , The composition of any one of claim 52-54, wherein said composition has reduced immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated anti-CD20 antibody in which the total sialic acid content of the giycans contain more than about 20%) of Neu5Gc. , The composition of any one of claims 49- 1, wherein said antibody is an anti-EGFR antibody,
57. The composition of claim 56, wherein the light chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the light chain of Cetuximab.
58. The composition of claim 56 or 57, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the heavy chain of Cetuximab,
59. The composition of any one of claim 56-58, wherein said composition has reduced
immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated anti-EGFR antibody in which the total sialic acid content of the glycans contain more than about 20% of NeuSGc,
60. The composition of any one of claims 49-51, wherein said antibody is an anti-HER2 antibody.
61. The composition of claim 60, wherein the light chain of said antibody comprises a
sequence that is at least 90% identical to the light chain of Trastuzumab.
62. The composition of claim 60 or 61, wherein the heavy chain of said antibody comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to the heavy chain of Trastuzumab.
63. The composition of any one of claim 60-62, wherein said composition has reduced
immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated anti-HER2 antibody in which the total sialic acid content of the glycans contain more than about 20°/» of Neu5Gc.
64. The composition of any one of claims 45-48, wherein said protein is a fusion protein that binds to B7.
65. The composition of claim 64, wherein said fusion protein comprises the extracellular domain of Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTL.A-4).
66. The composition of claim 64 or 65, wherein said fusion protein comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to Abatacept.
67. The composition of any one of claim 64-66, wherein said composition has reduced
immunogenicity in human, as compared to a composition comprising the same amount of the glycosylated fusion protein in which the total sialic acid content of the glycans contain more than about 20% of Neu5Gc.
The composition of any one of claims 45-67, wherein one or more of said glycan molecules comprise N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac).
The composition of any one of claims 45-68, wherein said protein is an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody, and wherem said glycan is an -linked complex glycan.
The composition of claim 69, wherem about 40% to about 100% of the complex N- glycans are afucosyl glycans.
A method for producing a composition comprising an afucosylated glycoprotein, comprising:
(a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein i said host ceil expresses the glycoprotein; and ii said host ceil comprises a target gene that encodes a protein that is
selected from the group consisting of: GDP-fucose transporter (GFT), solute carrier-35Cl (SLC35C1), and solute carrier-35C2 (SLC35C2); and
(b) adding an effective amount of an RNA effector molecule to said large scale ceil culture, wherein said RN A effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
The method of claim 71, wherein said host cell further comprises a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mannose 4,6- dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-mannose epinierase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransferase (Fut); and wherein step (b) further comprises: adding an effective amount of an RNA effector molecule to said large scale ceil culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary' to a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mamiose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-mar ose epimerase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransterase (Fut), and wherein said RNA effector reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
73. A method for producing a composition comprising an aiucosylated glycoprotein,
comprising:
(a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein i said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and ii said host cell comprises at least two target genes that independently
encode a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: GDP- mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4~keto-6~deoxy~D~marmos6 epimerase-reductase (FX), and Fucosyltransterase (Fut); and
(h) adding an effective amount of two or more RNA effector molecules to said large scale cell culture, wherein each of said RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene of (a), and reduces or prevents the expression of its target gene.
74. The method of any one of claims 71-73, wherein said RNA effector transiently reduces the expression of its target gene.
75. The method of any one of claims 71-74, further comprising harvesting said glycoprotein from said large scale culture.
76. The method of any one of claims 71-75, wherein said glycoprotein is an antibody or a fusion protein that comprises the Fc domain of an antibody.
77. The method of any one of claims 72-76, wherein at least one of the target genes encodes a fucosyltransferase.
78. The method of any one of claims 72-76, wherein the target gene is selected from the
group consisting of: Fut8, GMD, and TSTA3.
79. The method of any one of claims 71-78, wherein said RNA effector molecule is an si RNA.
80. The method of any one of claims 71-78, wherein said RNA effector molecule is a
shRNA.
81. The method of any one of claims 71-78, wherein said RN A effector molecule is an
antiseiise molecule.
82. The method of any one of claims 71-78, wherein said RNA effector molecule comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 23-2358.
83. A method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, comprising:
(a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein i said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and ii said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes an al ,3
galactosyltransfera.se; and
(h) adding an effective amount an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of the target gene.
84. The method of claim 83, wherein said glycoprotein has reduced immunogenicity in a human when compared to the same glycoprotein produced in the absence of said RNA effector molecule.
85. A method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, comprising:
(a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, with the proviso that said host cell is not a human, ape, or Old World monkey cell, wherein i said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and ii said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a protein selected from the group consisting of A BO al,3 galactosyltransferase and Gglal; and
(h) adding an effective amount of an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said target gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
The method of any one of claims 83-85, wherein said RNA effector transiently reduces the expression of its target gene.
The method of any one of claims 83-86, further comprising harvesting said glycoprotein from said large scale culture.
The method of any one of claims 83-87, wherein said RN A effector molecule is an siRNA.
The method of any one of claims 83-87, wherein said RN A effector molecule is a shRNA.
The method of any one of claims 83-87, wherein said RNA effector molecule is an antisense molecule.
The method of any one of claims 83-87, wherein said RNA effector molecule comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 23-2358.
92. A method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, comprising:
(a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, with the pro viso that said host cell is not a human cell, wherein: i said host ceil expresses the glycoprotein; and ii said host ceil comprises a target gene that encodes C P-N- acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH); and (b) adding an effective amount of an RNA effector molecule to said large scale ceil culture, wherein said RNA. effector is substantially complementary to said gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
93. The method of claim 92, wherein said RNA effector transiently reduces the expression of its target gene,
94. The method of claim 92 or 93, further comprising harvesting said glycoprotein from said large scale culture.
95. The method of any one of claims 71-92, wherein said host ceil further comprises a target gene that encodes a sialidase, and wherein step (b) further comprises: adding an RNA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RN A effector is substantially complementary to said gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
96. The method of claim 93, wherein said sialidase is NEU2 sialidase or a-N-acelyl- neuraminyl-2,3-beta-galactosyl- 1 ,3)-N-acetylgalaetosammide a-2,6-sialyltransferase 6 (ST6GALNAC6).
97. A method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, comprising:
(a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, with the pro viso that said host cell is not a human cell, wherem: i said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and ii said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a sialidase; and
(b) adding an effective amount of an RN A effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherem said RNA effector is substantially complementary to said gene, and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
98. The method of claim 97, wherein said sialidase is NEU2 sialidase or a-N-acetyl- neuraminyl~2,3~beta-galactosyl~ 1 ,3)-N-acetylgalactosaminide a-2,6-sialyltransferase 6 (ST6GALNAC6).
99. The method of claim 97 or 98, wherein said RNA effector transiently reduces the
expression of its target gene.
100. The method of claim 97 or 98, further comprising harvesting said glycoprotein from said large scale culture.
101 . The method of any one of claim 92-100, wherein said RNA effector molecule is an
siRNA.
102. The method of any one of claim 92-100, wherein said RNA effector molecule is a
sbR A.
103. The method of any one of claim 92-100, wherein said RN A effector molecul e is an
antisense molecule.
104. The method of any one of claim 92-100, wherein said RN A effector molecule comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 23-2358.
105. A method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, comprising:
(a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, wherein i said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and ii said host cell comprises a target gene that encodes a protein that is
selected from the group consisting of: GDP-fucose transporter (GFT), solute carrier-35Cl (SLC35C 1), solute carrier-35C2 (SLC35C2), MPDU1, and Ggtal; and
(h) adding an effective amount of an RN A effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene of (a), and reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene.
106. The method of claim 105, wherein said host cell further comprises a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: dolichyl- diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase, UDP glycosvltransferase, UDP- Gal : pGlcN Αοβ 1 ,4-galactos Itransferase, UDP-galactose-ceramide galactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein Q-fucosyltransferase, N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, O- GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N-acetylgrucosamine transferase, a-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, sialvitransferase, GMD dehydratase, FX epimerase, a-l,3-galactosyitransferase, mannosyl (a-l,3-)-glycoprotein beta-l,2-N- acetyiglucosaminyltransferase (MGATl), MGAT4B, SLC35D1, ST6GALNAC6, and glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyl)-2-epimerase; and wherein step (b) further comprises: adding an effective amount of an NA effector molecule to said large scale cell culture, wherein said RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene that encodes a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: dolichyl- diphosphooli gosaccharide-protein glycosy 1 transferase, UD P glycosyltransferase, UDP-Gal: GlcNAc i,4-gaiactosyltransferase, UDP-galactose-ceramide
galactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein O-fucosyltransferase, N- acetylgaiactosaminyltransferase, O-GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N-acetylgrucosamine transferase, a-galactosidase, β-gaiactosidase, sialvitransferase, GMD dehydratase, FX epimerase, a-1 ,3-galactosyltransferase, mannosyl (a- 1 ,3 ^-glycoprotein beta- 1 ,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGATl ), MGAT4B, SLC35D1, 8T6GALNAC6, and glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyl)-2- epimerase, and wherein said RNA effector reduces or prevents the expression of said target gene,
107. A method for producing a composition comprising a glycoprotein, comprising:
(a) culturing a host cell in a large scale cell culture, and wherein i said host cell expresses the glycoprotein; and ii said host cell comprises at least two target genes that independently
encode a protein that is selected from the group consisting of: dolichyl- diphosphooligosaccharide-protein glycosyltransferase, UDP
glycosyltransferase, UDP-Gal : βΰΙοΝ Αοβ 1 ,4-galactosy Itransferase, UDP- galactose-ceramide galactosyltransferase, fucosyltransferase, protein O- fucosyltransferase, N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, O-GlcNAc transferase, oligosaccharyl transferase, O-linked N-acetylgracosamme transferase, a-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, sialyltransferase, G D dehydratase, FX epimerase, a-l,3-galactosyltransferase, mannosyl (a- 1,3- )-glycoprotein beta- 1 ,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGAT 1 ), MGAT4B, SLC35D1, ST6GALNAC6, and glucosamine (UDP-N-acetyi)- 2-epimerase; and
(b) adding an effective amount of two or more RNA effector molecules to said large scale cell culture, wherein each of said RNA effector is substantially complementary to a target gene of (a), and reduces or prevents the expression of its target gene.
108. The method of any one of claims 105-107, wherein the target gene is selected from the group consisting of: FUT8, GMD8, TSTA3, ABO, CMAH, MGATl, MGAT4B, SLC35D1, TSTA3, SLC35C1, SLC35C2, NEU2, and ST6GALNAC6.
109. The method of any one of claims 105-108, wherein said RNA effector transiently
reduces the expression of its target gene.
1 10. The method of any one of claims 105-109, further comprising harvesting said
glycoprotein from said large scale culture.
1 1 1. The method of any one of claims 71-1 10, wherein in step (b), the RNA effector, or at least one of the RNA effectors is added to the large scale cell culture two or more times before harvesting the glycoprotein,
112. The method of any one of claims 72-78, 95-96, and 106-111 , wherein at least two of the RNA effectors are added simultaneously into the cell culture.
113. The method of any one of claims 72-78, 95-96, and 106-111, wherein at least two of the RNA effectors are added at different times into the cell culture.
1 14. The method of any one of claims 71 -1 13, wherein step (b) comprises cultivating the cell culture for at least about 6 hours after the addition of the RNA effectors.
. Ml -
1 15. The method of any one of claims 71-1 14, wherein the expression level(s) of the target gene(s) is (are) reduced from about 10% to about 85%.
116. The method of any one of claims 71-78, 83-87, 92-100, and 105-115, wherein the RNA effector, or at least one of the RNA effectors comprises a doubl e-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA), wherein said dsRNA:
(a) comprises a sense strand and an antisense strand that are substantially
complementary to each other; and
(b) wherein said antisense strand comprises a region of complementarity that is substantially complementary to one of the target genes, and wherein said region of complementarity is from 10 to 30 nucleotides in length.
117. The method of any one of claims 71-78, 83-87, 92-100, and 105-116, wherein the RNA effector, or at least one of the RNA effectors is an siRNA.
118. The method of claim 1 17, wherein the siRNA is from 15 to 30 nucleotides in length.
119. The method of claim 1 17 or 118, wherein the siRNA is from 17 to 28 nucleotides in length.
120. The method of any one of claims 117-119, wherein the siRNA is from 19 to 23
nucleotides in length.
121 . The method of any one of claims 71 -120, wherein the RNA effector, or at least one of the RNA effectors is formulated with a lipid.
122. The method of any one of claims 71-121, wherein the RNA effector, or at least one of the RNA effectors comprises a modified nucleotide.
123. The method of any one of claims 71-122 wherein said host cell is a mammalian cell.
124. The method of claim 123, wherein the mammalian cell is a rodent cell selected from the group consisting of: BHK21 cell, BHK(T -) cell, NS0 cell, Sp2/0 cell, EL4 cell, CHO cell CHO-Kl ceil, CHG-DUKX cell, CHG-DUKX Bl cell, CHO-DG44 cell, NIH/3T3 cell, 3T3-L1 cell, ES-D3 cell. H9c2 cell, C2C12 ceil, YB2/0 and miMCD 3 cell.
125. The method of claim 71-84 and 97-124, wherein the host cell is a human cell,
126. The method of claim 125, wherein the human cell is selected from the group consisting of: SH-SY5Y cell, IM 32 cell, LAN cell, S id . a cell, MCFIOA cell, 293T cell, SK-BR3 cell, HuVEC cell, HuASMC cell, HKB-I1 cell, hMSC cell, U293 cell, HE 293 cell, PERC6® cell, Jurkai cell, HT-29 cell, LNCaP.FGC cell, A549 ceil, MDA MB453 cell, HepG2 cell, THP-I cell, MCI 7 cell, BxPC-3 ceil, Capan-1 cell, DU145 ceil, and PC-3 cell.
127. The method of claim 123, wherein the ceil is selected from the group consisting of:
PER.C6 cell, HT-29 cell, LNCaP-FGC cell A549 cell, MDA MB453 cell, HepG2 cell, THP-1 cell, miMCD-3 cell, HE 293 cell, HeLaSS cell, MCF7 cell, Cos-7 cell, BxPC-3 cell, 1)1 : 145 ceil, Jurkai ceil, PC-3 cell, EB66 and Capan-1 cell.
128. A method for producing a glycoprotein, comprising:
(a) euituring a host cell thai expresses said glycoprotein in a large scale cell culture, wherem said host cell expresses target genes that are necessary for the glycosylation of said glycoprotein with two or more of N- glycolylneuraminic acid, fucose and galactose-a- 1 ,3-galactose;
(b) adding two or more RNA effector molecules to said large scale ceil culture, wherein each of said RNA effectors are substantially complementary' to said target genes, and cultivating the large scale culture for a sufficient period of time such that the expression of the target genes are reduced or inhibited in said host ceil, thereby producing a glycoprotein with reductions in two or more of N-giycolymeuraminic acid, fucose and galactose-a- 1 ,3-galactose as compared to a glycoprotein expressed under the same conditions but in the absence of said two or more RNA effector molecules.
129. The method of claim 128, further comprising harvesting said glycoprotein from said large scale cell culture,
130. A composition comprising a glycoprotein produced according to any one of claims 71- 129.
131. A cell comprising an RNA effector molecule substantially complementary to a target gene encoding a protein selected from the group consisting of: GDP-marmose 4,6- dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy-D-mannose epimerase-reductase (FX), GDP- fucose transporter (GFT), Fucosyltransferase (Fut), solute earrier-35Cl (8LC35C1 ), and solute carrier-35C2 (SLC35C2).
132. An RNA effector molecule substantially complementary to a target gene encoding a protein selected from the group consisting of: GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase (GMD), GDP-4-keto-6-deoxy~D-mannose epimerase-reductase (FX), GDP-fucose transporter (GFT), Fucosyltransferase (Fut), solute carrier-35Cl (SLC35C1), and solute carrier- 35C2 (SLC35C2).
133. The RNA effector molecule of claim 132, wherein said RN A effector molecule is an si RNA,
134. The RNA effector molecule of claim 132, wherein said RNA effector molecule is a shRNA.
135. The RNA effector molecule of claim 132, wherein said RNA effector molecule is an antisense molecule.
136. The RNA effector molecule of claim 132, wherein said RNA effector molecule
comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 18-1553.
137. A cell comprising an RNA effector molecule substantially complementary to a target gene encoding ABO a-1,3 galactosyStransferase.
138. An RNA effector molecule substantially complementary to a target gene encoding ABO a-1,3 galactosyStransferase or Ggtal .
139. The RNAi effector agent of claim 138, wherein the RNAi effector agent comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 18-1553.
140. An RNA effector molecule substantially complementary to a target gene encoding CMP- N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH).
141. The RNA effector molecule of claim 140, wherein the RNAi effector agent comprises sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO: 18-1553.
142. A ceil comprising an RNA effector molecule substantially complementary to a target gene encoding CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CM AH).
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