WO2013178783A1

WO2013178783A1 - P2x7 receptor antagonists and agonists

Info

Publication number: WO2013178783A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/061257
Authority: WO
Inventors: Owusu Danquah WELBECK; Friedrich Nolte; Catelijne Stortelers; Laeremans TOON
Original assignee: Ablynx N.V.
Priority date: 2012-06-01
Filing date: 2013-05-31
Publication date: 2013-12-05
Also published as: US20180244769A1; US10544216B2; JP2018162269A; AU2013269606A1; CN104507964B; AU2013269606B2; CA2875234A1; JP6681433B2; CN104507964A; US20150133637A1; US9908935B2; JP2015525211A; EP2855518A1; AU2018217239A1; JP6608698B2; AU2018217239B2

Abstract

The present invention relates to biological materials against P2X7 and more in particular to polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; to methods for preparing such polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; to compositions and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides, for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. In particular, the biological materials of the present invention inhibit the biological activity of the P2X7 receptor, such as activation by ATP.

Description

P2X7 RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS AND AGONISTS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to biological materials related to the P2X7 receptor and more in particular to polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; to methods for preparing such polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; to compositions and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides_., for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes.

BACKGROUND

Purine nucleotides are well established as extracellular signaling molecules. P2X receptors are ATP-gated cation channels that mediate fast excitatory transmission, e.g., in diverse regions of the brain and spinal cord. The P2X7 subtype has the unusual property of changing its ion selectivity during prolonged exposure to ATP, which results in progressive dilation of the channel pore and the development of permeability to molecules as large as 900 Da. The P2X7 receptor was originally described in cells of hematopoietic origin, including macrophages, microglia, and certain lymphocytes, and mediates the influx of Ca2+ and Na+ ions_., as well as the release of proinflammatory cytokines. P2X7 receptors may affect neuronal cell death through their ability to regulate the processing and release of interleukin-ΐβ, a key mediator in neurodegeneration, chronic inflammation, and chronic pain. Activation of P2X7 receptors provides an inflammatory stimulus, and P2X7 receptor-deficient mice have substantially attenuated inflammatory responses, including models of neuropathic and chronic inflammatory pain. Moreover, P2X7 receptor activity, by regulating the release of proinflammatory cytokines, may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. The P2X7 receptor may thus represent a critical communication link between the nervous and immune systems (Skaper et al. 2010 FASEB j. 24:337-345), The localisation of the P2X7 receptor to key celts of the immune system, coupled with its ability to release important inflammatory mediators from these cells suggests a potential role of P2X7 receptor antagonists in the treatment of a wide range of diseases including pain and neurodegenerative disorders, while providing a target for therapeutic exploitation. in cancer where apoptotic ceil death is an important mechanism of disease, P2X7 with its direct effect in apoptosis plays a significant role as it was shown in skin cancers and uterine epithelial cancers compared to normal tissues. Perhaps P2X7 will be of future use as biomarker to distinct normal from cancer uterine epithelial tissues.

Early apoptotic cell death to the retina in diabetes in rodent models has been linked to P2X7 activation in that part of the eye, suggesting a possible connection to diabetic microvascular injury.

It has been reported that P2X7 receptor polymorphisms may be linked to hypertension in a family based quantitative genetic association study, with a strong association of single nucleotide polymorphism rs591874 in the first intron of P2X7 and nocturnal diastolic blood pressure. P2X7 receptors are expressed in cells of the cardiovascular system and drugs affecting this signaling system may provide new therapies in hypertension and prevention of thrombotic events.

Expression of P2X7 receptors in healthy kidney is very little if any. In contrast, expression of P2X7 is increased in diseased renal tissue and immunohistochemistry of the glomeruli of two rodent models of kidney disease has shown that the predominant expression is in podocytes, endothelial and mesangial cells. A potential role for P2X7 receptors has been described for polycystic kidney disease and renal fibrosis.

Since ATP plays key roles in neurotransmission and neuromodulation, purine receptor subfamilies, including P2X7, have been involved in various pathological conditions. This pathophysiology of central nervous system (CNS) disorders includes brain trauma, ischemia, neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. When injury happens, large amounts of ATP are released in the extracellular environment which are important for triggering cellular responses to trauma, in this situation, expression levels of P2X4 and P2X7 changes which might stimulate the migration and chemotaxis of resting microglia to the site of damage. P2X7 plays an important role in controlling microglia proliferation and death.

Cerebral ischemia can produce and exacerbate problems to the CNS which include stroke and it is possible that the P2X7 receptor which is expressed on microglia, is involved in cortical damage as a consequence of glucose/oxygen deprivation,

Neuroinflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of a number of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Although the precise mechanism is obscure, dysregulafion of the signaling transduction pathway in microglia may enhance inflammation, leading to synaptic dysfunction and ultimately to neuronal cell death. The expression and function of the P2X7 receptor is significantly up-regulated in the post-mortem brain of Alzheimer's disease patients and various neurodegenerative disease animal models. This supports the role of the P2X7R pathway in the progression of neurodegeneration. Blocking P2X7R using brilliant blue G, a P2X7R antagonist that can cross the blood-brain barrier, has been shown to result in the amelioration of neuropathology in various animal models. Synaptic alterations and increased susceptibility to neuronal death are known contributors to Huntington's disease (HD) symptomatology. Decreased metabolism has long been associated with H D. Recent findings have demonstrated reduced neuronal apoptosis in Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila models of HD by drugs that diminish ATP production. Extracell ular ATP has been reported to elicit neuronal death through sti mulation of P2X7 receptors and hence, alteration in P2X7- mediated calcium permeability may contribute to H D synaptic dysfunction and increased neuronal a poptosis. Using mouse and cellular models of H D, increased P2X7-receptor level and altered P2X7- mediated calcium permeability in somata and terminals of HD neurons has been demonstrated and in vivo admi nistration of the P2X7-antagonist Brilliant Blue-G (BBG) to HD mice prevented neuronal apoptosis and attenuated body weight loss and motor-coordination deficits.

Taken together, these results raise the possibility for the P2X7R signaling pathway as therapeutic target for treating va rious neurodegenerative diseases including AD and H D.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immunogenic, relapsing, chronic inflammatory disease. There is a huge potential for biologies as therapeutics for MS. The first generation of cytokines ( I FN-y-la, I FN-y-lb) and antibodies (against CD52, CD49d, CD25, CD20) yielded both promising and disappointing results in the clinic, but it is clear that there still is high medical need for thera peutics that relieve inflammation by targeting lymphocytes via novel mechanisms of action or that target chronically activated microglia and macrophages.

Although well validated, ion channels represent an underexploited target class for the treatment of MS. Development of drugs against ion channels has been hampered because small molecule inhibitors in general lack specificity and affect relatives of the target and even unrelated proteins.

P2X7 receptor is expressed on myeloid cells as welt as on CNS glial cells, and P2X7 activation has been shown to increase both glial and T-celi activation. These properties suggest a role in the development of autoimmune diseases including MS. P2X7 deficiency in an a nimal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), was shown to result in compensatory changes leading to increased T-cel) cytokine production, and activated T-cells were detected in the brains of P2X7 null mice with no clinical signs. The greatly reduced incidence of disease suggested that an initiating event is absent in these mice a nd points to a role for astroglial P2X7 in development of EAE disease. iV!atute et al (J. Neuroscience 2007: 27(351:9525-9533} have shown that enhanced ATP signaling in vitro ami in vivo leads to oligodendrocyte death via P2X7 receptor-mediated Ca^" toxicity a nd that P2X7 receptors mediate tissue damage underlying the neurological deficits associated with well-established models of MS, In turn, the increased expression of P2X7 receptors i n axon tracts before lesions are formed in MS suggests that this feature constitutes a risk factor associated with newly forming lesions in this disease. Blockade of ATP P2X7 receptors therefore has potent neuroprotective properties, suggesting that this mechanism could be exploited TO halt the progression of tissue damage in MS,

P2X7 specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies have been described (Adriouch et al., 2005 "Probing the expression and function of the P2X7 purinoceptor with antibodies raised by genetic immunization" Cell Immunol 236:72 -77; Seman et al. 2003, NAD-i nduced T cell death : ADP-ribosyfation of cell surface proteins by ART2 activates the cytolytic P2X7 purinoceptor. Immunity 19:571-582), It was indicated that these anti bodies are useful tools for further characterization of the structure and function of P2X7. US patent application No 2010/0173799 describes Nanobodies that bind P2X7.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides polypeptides with improved prophylactic, therapeutic and/or pharmacological properties, in addition to other advantageous properties (such as, for example, improved ease of preparation, good stability, and/or red uced costs of goods), compared to the prior art amino acid sequences and a ntibodies. Based on extensive screening, characterization and combinatory strategies, the present inventors surprisingly observed that polypeptides comprising immunoglobulin single variable domains recognizing simila r epitopes had different cross-reactivities and modulating activities. In addition, the present invention provides multiva lent polypeptides comprising two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains that show improved properties for modulating P2X7 activity compared to the P2X7 neutralizing molecules described in the prior art. The inventors surprisingly observed that bivalent polypeptides comprising two P2X7-binding immunoglobulin single variable domains showed a significant increase in P2X7-mod ulating efficacy as compared to the P2X7 modulating capacity of their monovalent P2X7- binding building blocks alone or the prior art monoclonal antibody (mAb) L4. Moreover, bivalent, bispecific P2X7-binding building blocks showed improved detection sensitivity. For this purpose, the present invention in addition also makes available a number of highly advantageous immunoglobulin single variable domains that specifically bind P2X7 and/or that are capable of significantly modulating, inhibiting or neutralizing P2X7. Wholly unexpected, the present inventors identified agonists of the P2X7 receptor activity. These P2X7-bind ing immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides comprising the same form further aspects of the invention.

Furthermore, the polypeptides of the invention demonstrated a significant reduction of inflammation in in vivo models, in a rodent model of experimental nephritis we clearly demonstrated the successful treatment of antibody- mediated glomerulone hritis with P2X7 antagonists (cf. Exam le 3),

As further described herein, preferably, the amino acid sequences of the invention are immunoglobuli n single variable domains {"ISV's"). An immunoglobulin single variable domain is a n amino acid sequence that:

comprises an immunoglobulin fold or that, under suitable conditions {such as physiological conditions) is capable of forming an immunoglobulin fold [i.e., by folding), i.e., so as to form an im munoglobulin variable domain (such as, for example, a VH, VI or VHH domain); and that forms (or under such suitable conditions is capable of forming) an immunoglobulin variable domain that comprises a functional antigen binding activity (in the sense that it does not require an interaction with a nother immunoglobulin variable domain (such as a VH-VL interaction) to form a functional antigen binding site).

Amino acid sequences of the invention that are ISV's are also referred to herein as "ISV's of the invention". Some preferred examples of immunoglobulin single varia ble domains suitable for use in the invention will become clear from the further description herein, and for example comprise VHH's and/or (other) Nanobodies (preferred), such as humanized VHH's or camelized VH's, such as camelized human VH, dAb's and (single) domain antibodies.

As such, the ISV, polypeptides and compositions of the present invention can be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the present invention (herein also "diseases and disorders of the present invention") and include, but are not limited to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD), rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cancer, diabetes, nephritis, neuropathic pain, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases such as AD and HD, MS and cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and hypertension, ischemia, as well as other disorders and diseases described he rein. In particular, the polypeptides and compositions of the present invention can be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases involving P2X7 mediated disorders, including apoptosis.

Generally, said "diseases and disorders of the present invention" can be defined as diseases and disorders that can be diagnosed, prevented and/or treated, respectively, by suitably administe ring to a subject in need thereof [i.e., having the disease or disorder or at least one symptom thereof and/or at risk of attracting or developing the disease or disorder) of either a polypeptide or composition of the invention (and in particular, of a pharmaceutically active amount thereof) and/or of a known active principle active against P2X7 and in particula r human P2X7 (SEQ I D NO: 1-3) and its isoforms or a biological pathway or mechanism in which P2X7 and in particula r huma n P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms is involved (and in particular, of a pharmaceutically active amount thereof) .

In particular, the ISVs and polypeptides of the present invention can be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the present invention which are characterized by excessive and/or unwanted P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms gating mediated by ATP. Examples of such diseases and disorders of the present invention will again be clear to the skilled person based on the disclosure herein.

Thus, without being Iimited thereto, the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention can for example be used to diagnose, prevent and/or to treat all diseases and disorders that a re currently being diagnosed, prevented or treated with active principles that can modulate P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms -mediated gating, such as those mentioned in the diseases and prior art cited above. It is also envisaged that the polypeptides of the invention can be used to diagnose, prevent and/or to treat all diseases a nd disorders for which treatment with such active principles is currently being developed, has been proposed, or will be proposed or developed in the future. I n addition, it is envisaged that, beca use of their favourable properties as further described herein, the polypeptides of the present invention may be used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of other diseases and disorders than those for which these known active principles are being used or will be proposed or developed; and/or that the polypeptides of the present invention may provide new methods and regimens for treati ng the diseases and disorders described herein.

Other applications and uses of the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention will become clear to the skilled person from the further disclosure herein.

Generally, it is an object of the invention to provide pharmacologically active agents, as well as compositions comprising the same, that can be used in the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of diseases and/or disorders of the invention; and to provide methods for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of such diseases and disorders that involve the administration and/or use of such agents and compositions, In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide such pharmacologically active agents, compositions and/or methods that have certain advantages compared to the agents, compositions a nd/or methods that are currently used a nd/or known in the art. These advantages wili become clear from the further description below.

More in particular, it is an object of the invention to provide thera peutic proteins that can be used as pharmacologically active agents, as well as compositions comprising the same, for the diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment of d iseases and/or disorders of the invention and of the further diseases and disorders mentioned herein; and to provide methods for the diagnosis, prevention a nd/or treatment of such diseases and disorders that involve the administration a nd/or the use of such thera peutic proteins and compositions.

Accord ingly, it is a specific object of the present invention to provide immunoglobulin single variable domains that are directed against P2X7, in particular against P2X7 from a warm-blooded animal, more in particular against P2X7 from a mammal such as e. g., mouse, and especially against human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO : 1-3) or its isoforms; and to provide proteins a nd polypeptides comprising or essentially consisting of at least one such immunoglobuli n single variable domain.

In particular, it is a specific object of the present invention to provide such immunoglobulin single variable domains and such proteins and/or polypeptides that are suitable for prophylactic, the rapeutic and/or diagnostic use in a warm-blooded animal, and in particular in a mammal, and more in particular in a human being.

More in particula r, it is a specific object of the present invention to provide such immunoglobulin single variable domains and such proteins and/or polypeptides that can be used for the prevention, treatment, alleviation and/or diagnosis of one or more diseases, disorders or conditions associated with P2X7 and/or mediated by P2X7 (such as the diseases, disorders and conditions mentioned herein) in a warmblooded a nimal, in particular in a ma mmal, and more in particular in a human being.

It is also a specific object of the invention to provide such immunoglobulin single variable domains and such proteins and/or polypeptides that can be used in the preparation of pharmaceutical or veterinary compositions for the prevention a nd/or treatment of one or more diseases, disorders or conditions associated with and/or mediated by P2X7 (such as the diseases, disorders and conditions mentioned herein) in a warm-blooded animal, in particular in a mammal, and more in particular in a human being. In the invention, generally, these objects are achieved by the use of the immunoglobulin single va riable domains, proteins, polypeptides and compositions that are described herei n.

I n general, the invention provides immunoglobulin single variable domains that are directed against (as defined herein} and/or can specifically bind (as defined herein) to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms; as well as compounds and constructs, a nd in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise at least one such amino acid sequence or immunoglobulin single variable domain.

More in particular, the invention provides immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides that can bind to P2X7 and in pa rticular human P2X7 (SEQ I D NO: 1-3) or its isoforms with an affinity (suitably measured a nd/or expressed as a _D-va lue (actua l or apparent), a K_A-value (actual or apparent), a k_on-rate and/or a k_off-rate, as well as compounds and constructs, and in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise at least one such amino acid sequence or immunoglobulin single variable domain.

Also, the immunoglobulin single va riable domains and polypeptides that can bind to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO : 1-3) or its isoforms may be characterized by biological potency, suita bly measured and/or expressed as an IC₅₀ value, as further described and defined herein, for insta nce, such as by Alphascreen*; as well as compounds and constructs, a nd in particular proteins and polypeptides, that comprise at least one such amino acid sequence or immunoglobulin single variable domain. I n particular aspect, the immunoglobulin single variable domains a nd/or polypeptides of the invention are such that they bind to human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms with an IC50 of ΙΟΟη or lower, such as 50nM or lower, more preferably of 30 riM or lower, even more preferably of 20n or lower, most preferably of ΙΟη or lower, such as 5n , in an Alphascreen assay, it will be appreciated that binding of the immunoglobulin single variable domains a nd/or polypeptides of the invention to (huma n) P2X7 may result i n inhibiting the activity of extracellular ATP on P2X7 or displaci ng ATP from (human) P2X7 as described herein. It will further be appreciated that binding of the immunoglobulin single va ria ble domai ns and/or polypeptides of the invention to (human) P2X7 may- result in inhibiting gating, such as described herein.

The efficacy of the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention, and of compositions comprising the same, can be tested using any suitable in vitro assay, cell-based assay, in vivo assay and/or animal mode! known per se, or any combination thereof, depending on the specific disease or disorder involved. Suitable assays and animal models will be ciear to the skilled person, and for example include the assays and animal models used in the experimental part below and in the prior art cited herein. Some preferred technicai values for binding, displacing or other in vivo and/or in vitro potency of the immunoglobulin single variable domains or polypeptides of the invention to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms will become clear from the further description and examples herein.

For binding to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms, an amino acid sequence of the invention will usually contain within its amino acid sequence one or more amino acid residues or one or more stretches of amino acid residues {i.e., with each "stretch" comprising two or amino acid residues that are adjacent to each other or in dose proximity to each other, i.e., in the primary or tertiary structure of the amino acid sequence) via which the amino acid sequence of the invention can bind to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms, which amino acid residues or stretches of amino acid residues thus form the "site™ for binding to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 {SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms {also referred to herein as the "antigen binding site") .

Generally, when an amino acid sequence of the invention (or a compound, construct or polypeptide comprising the same) is intended for administration to a subject (for example for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes as described herein), it is preferably either an amino acid sequence that does iot occur naturally in said subject; or, when it does occur naturally in said subject, is in essentially isolated form (as defined herein).

It will also be clear to the skilled person that for pharmaceutical use, the immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention (as well as compounds, constructs and polypeptides comprising the same) are preferably directed against P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms; whereas for veterinary purposes, the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention are preferably directed against P2X7 from the species to be treated, or at least cross-reactive with P2X7 from the species to be treated.

Also, according to the invention, immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides that are directed against P2X7 from a first species of warm-blooded animal may or may not show cross-reactivity with P2X7 from one or more other species of warm-blooded animal. For example, immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides directed against human P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 fSEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms may or may not show cross reactivity with P2X7 from one or more other species of primates (such as, without limitation, monkeys from the genus Macaca (such as, a nd in pa rticular, cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicular is) and/or rhesus monkeys {Macaca mulatto}) and baboon (Papio ursinus)) a nd/or with P2X7 from one or more species of animals that are often used in animal models for diseases (for example mouse, rat, rabbit, pig or dog), a nd i n pa rticular in animal models for diseases and disorders associated with P2X7 and in particular huma n P2X7 (SEQ I D NO: 1-3} or its isoforms (such as the species and animal models mentioned herein). In this respect, it will be clear to the skilled person that such cross-reactivity, when present, may have advantages from a drug development point of view, since it allows the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides against P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms to be tested in such disease models.

More generally, immunoglobulin single varia ble domains and polypeptides of the invention that are cross-reactive with P2X7 from multiple species of mammal will usually be advantageous for use in veterinary applications, since it will allow the same amino acid sequence or polypeptide to be used across multiple species. Thus, it is also encompassed within the scope of the invention that immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides directed against P2X7 from one species of animal {such as immunoglobulin single va riable doma ins and polypeptides against human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms) can be used in the treatment of another species of animal, as long as the use of the immunoglobulin single variable domains and/or polypeptides provide the desired effects in the species to be treated .

The present invention is in its broadest sense also not particularly limited to or defi ned by a specific antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation (where applicable) of P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms against which the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention are directed. For example, the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides may or may not be directed against the ATP/P2X7 interaction site, and are as further defi ned herein.

As further described herein, a polypeptide of the invention may contai n two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention that are directed against P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ !D NO: 1-3) or its isoforms. Generally, such polypeptides will bind to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms with increased avidity compared to a single amino acid sequence of the invention. Such a polypeptide may for example comprise two immunoglobulin si ngle variable domains of the invention that are directed against the sa me a ntigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation (where applicable) of P2X7 and in pa rticular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1- 3) or its isoforms (which may or may not be an interaction site); or comprise at least one "first" amino acid sequence of the invention that is directed against a first antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or conformation (where applicable) of P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ I D NO: 1-3) or its isoforms (which may or may not be an interaction site); and at least one "second" amino acid sequence of the invention that is directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or conformation (where a pplicable) different from the first (and which again may or may not be an interaction site). Preferably, in such "biparatopic" polypeptides of the invention, at least one amino acid sequence of the invention is directed against an interaction site (as defined herein), a lthough the invention in its broadest sense is not limited thereto. For instance, polypeptides of the invention may be formatted e.g. in a biparatopic way such as to combine monovalent building blocks directed against different epitopes as characterized in the experimental part.

Also, when the target is part of a binding pair (for example, a receptor-ligand binding pair), the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides may be such that they compete with the cognate binding partners, e.g., ATP for binding to P2X7, and/or such that they {fully or partially) neutralize binding of the binding partner to the target.

It is also expected that the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention witi generally bind to ail naturally occurring or synthetic analogs, variants, mutants, alleles, parts and fragments of P2X7 and in particular huma n P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms; or at least to those analogs, varia nts, mutants, alleles, parts and fragments of P2X7 and in particular huma n P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms that contain one or more antigenic determinants or epitopes that are essentially the same as the antigenic determinant(s) or epltope s) to which the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention bind to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ I D NO: 1-3) or its isoforms. Again, in such a case, the immunoglobulin single varia ble domai ns and polypeptides of the invention may bi nd to such analogs, variants, mutants, alleles, parts and fragments with an affinity and/or specificity that a re the same as, or that are different from (i.e. higher than or lower than), the affinity and specificity with which the immunoglobulin single variable domai ns of the invention bind to (wild-type) P2X7. Since the P2X7 receptor probably functions as a multimeric form, e. g., a trimeric, and particularly a homotrimeric form, it is within the scope of the invention that the immunoglobulin singie variable domains and polypeptides of the invention i) only bind to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms in monomeric form, ii) only bind to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms in multimeric/trimeric form, or iii) bind to both the monomeric and the muttimeric form. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the polypeptides of the invention prevent formation of (homo)trimeric human P2X7 complexes.

Also, as will be clear to the skilled person, proteins or polypeptides that contain two or more immunoglobulin single varia ble domains directed against P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms, e.g., "biparatopic" polypeptides of the invention, may bind with higher avidity to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO : 1-3) or its isoforms than the corresponding monomeric amino acid sequence(s). For example, and without limitation, proteins or polypeptides that contain two or more immunoglobulin singie va ria ble domains directed against different epitopes of P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms may (and usually will) bind with higher avidity than each of the different monomers, and proteins or polypeptides that contain two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against P2X7 and in pa rticula r human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms may (and usually will) bind also with higher avidity to a multimer {e.g., (homo)trimer) of P2X7 and in particular to a multimer {e.g., (homo)trimer) of human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms.

Generally, immunoglobulin singie variable domains and polypeptides of the i nvention will at least bind to those forms of P2X7 and in part icuia r human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO; 1-3) or its isoforms (including monomeric, muttimeric, associated and different conformational forms) that are the most relevant from a biological and/or therapeutic point of view, as will be clear to the skilled person.

It is also within the scope of the invention to use parts, fragments, analogs, muta nts, variants, alleles a nd/or derivatives of the immunoglobulin single variable domains and polypeptides of the invention, a nd/or to use proteins or polypeptides comprising or essentially consisting of one or more of such parts, fragments, analogs, mutants, variants, alleles and/or derivatives, as long as these are suitable for the uses envisaged herein. Such parts, fragments, analogs, mutants, variants, alleles and/or derivatives will usua lly contain (at least part of) a functional antigen-binding site for binding against P2X7 a nd in pa rticular human P2X7 (SEQ I D NO: 1-3) or its isoforms; and more prefera bly will be capable of specific binding to P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO; 1-3) or its isoforms, a nd even more preferably capable of binding to P2X7 and in pa rticular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) or its isoforms with an ECSO value, average It, IC₅₀ value concerning binding, gating, shedding a nd/or other measures as further described herein, (e.g., in the experimental part) that is as defined herein a nd such parts, fragments, analogues, mutants, variants, alleles a nd/or derivatives may be more potent, more stable, more soluble and may have the same epitope. Some non-limiting examples of such parts, fragments, a nalogues, mutants, variants, alleles, derivatives, proteins and/or polypeptides will become clear from the further description herein. Additional fragments or polypeptides of the i nvention may also be provided by suitably combining (i.e., by linking or genetic fusion) one or more (smaller) parts or fragments as described herein.

Preferred multlparatopic (such as biparatopic) polypeptides of the invention comprise or essentially consist of two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains wherein, in at least one of the immunoglobulin single va riable domains, the CDR sequences have at least 70% amino acid identity, preferably at least 80% amino acid identity, more preferably at least 90% amino acid identity, such as 95% amino acid identity or more, or even essentially 100% amino acid identity with the CDR sequences of at least one of the immunoglobulin single variable domains with SEQ ID NO's: 6 19 (Ta ble B-3) .

In a preferred aspect, the multiparatopic (such as biparatopic) polypeptides of the invention comprise or essentially consist of two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains, wherein at least one of the immunoglobulin single variable domains cross-blocks the binding to P2X7 of at least one of the immunoglobulin single variable domains with SEQ ID NO's: 6-19 and/or is cross-blocked from binding to

P2X7 by at least one of the immunoglobulin single variable domains with SEQ. ID NO's: 8-19.

In a preferred aspect of the invention, the multiparatopic (such as biparatopic) polypeptides of the invention comprise or essentially consist of two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains, wherein a first immunoglobulin single varia ble domain is chosen from SEQ I D NO's: 6-19 a nd a second immunoglobulin single variable domain is chosen from SEQ ID NO's: 6-19, wherein the first immunoglobulin single variable domain and the second immunoglobulin single variable domain may be the same or different.

In a preferred aspect, each of the two or more immunoglobulin single va ria ble domains of the multiparatopic (such as biparatopic) polypeptide of the invention, that is directed against P2X7 belongs to a different epitope bin or family. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or essentially consisting of two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against P2X7, wherein each of the two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains that are directed against P2X7 belongs to a different epitope bi n . Immunoglobulin single variable domai ns that belong to a different epitope bin do preferably not cross-compete with each other for binding the target, P2X7. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or essentially consisting of two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains against P2X7. wherein the first immunoglobuiin single variable domain does not cross-block the binding to P2X7 of the second immunoglobuiin single variable domain and/or wherein the first immunoglobulin single variable is not cross-blocked from binding to P2X7 by the second immunoglobulin single variable domain.

Preferably, the polypeptide of the invention is selected from any of SEQ I D NOs: 118-124.

The multivalent, such as multiparatopic, polypeptides of the invention ca n generally be provided {and in particular, purposefully designed for a specific biological action) by suita bly linking (optionally via suitable linkers) or combi ning two or more ( monovalent) immunoglobulin single va riable domains (or by suitably linking or combining nucleotide sequences encoding such (monovalent) immunoglobulin single variable domains to provide a nucleic acid that encodes the desired multivalent construct, a nd then suitably expressing said multivalent construct). Thus, it is clear that the invention not only makes available the multivalent, prefera bly multiparatopic, polypeptides described herein, but also provides - by making availa ble the monovalent polypeptides described herein - the skilled person with a range of different "binding domains" or "binding units" that can be used as "building blocks" to provide a range of different multivalent, preferably multiparatopic (and in particular biparatopic) polypeptides (which may have different bi nding affinities, avidities, specificities, potencies and/or efficacies) through the use of suitable "building blocks" as descri bed herein

The immunoglobuiin single variable domains of the present invention may be coupled via Fc-tails, as known in the art, e.g., as detailed In Example 1.3. For instance, a coding seq uence of an ISV may be fused in frame with the coding sequence of an IgGl-Fc (" Nb-Fc"), cloned into a n expression vector and expressed (see e.g., Scheuplein et al. 2010 "A recombinant heavy chain a ntibody approach blocks ART2 mediated deletion of an i KT cell population that upon activation inhi bits autoimmune diabetes" J. Autoimmun 34: 145-54). Individual Nb-Fc's may be mixed, forming hornod imers and/or heterodimers. Alternatively, two individual Nb-Fc's - preferably two different Nb-Fc's - may be cloned in one expression vector a nd expressed.

The various immunoglobulin single variable domains and/or monovalent polypeptides of the invention (and/or nucleotide sequences and/or nucleic acids encoding the same) and their use of as "building blocks" in or for preparation of multivalent and/or multiparatopic polypeptides (or nucleotide sequences/nucleic acids encoding the same) form an aspect of the invention. The monovalent polypeptides of the invention may essentially consist of an immunoglobulin single variable domain selected from a light chain variable domain sequence {e.g., a V_L-sequence) and from a heavy chain variable domain sequence {e.g., a V_H-sequence). The monovalent polypeptides of the invention may essentially consist of an immunoglobulin single variable domain selected from a heavy chain variable domain sequence that is derived from a conventional four-chain antibody and from a heavy chain variable domain sequence that is derived from heavy chain antibody. The monovalent polypeptides of the invention may essentially consist of an immunoglobulin single variable domain selected from a domain antibody {or an amino acid that is suitable for use as a domain antibody), a single domain antibody (or an amino acid that is suitable for use as a single domain antibody), a "dAb" (or an amino acid that is suitable for use as a dAb) or a Nanobody (including but not limited to a V_HH). In a preferred aspect, the monovalent polypeptide of the invention essentially consists of a partially or fully humanized Nanobody, such as a partially or fully humanized VHH,

As described above, the invention also relates to the use of a monovalent polypeptide as described herein in preparing a multivalent, preferably multiparatopic polypeptide of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention relates to the use of a monovalent polypeptide of the invention as a binding domain or binding unit in preparing a multivalent polypeptide of the invention.

The invention further relates to a polypeptides (also referred to herein as a "polypeptide^} of the invention") that comprises or essentially consists of one or more monovalent polypeptide or one or more multivalent, preferably multiparatopic, polypeptide of the invention, and optionally further comprises one or more other groups, residues, moieties or binding units, optionally linked via one or more peptidic linkers. As will become clear to the skilled person from the further disclosure herein, such further groups, residues, moieties, binding units or amino acid sequences may or may not provide further functionality to the monovalent or multivalent, preferably multiparatopic, polypeptide of the invention and may or may not modify the properties of the monovalent or multivalent polypeptide of the invention. The invention also relates to nucleic acids or nucleotide sequences that encode a polypeptide of the invention. Such a nucleic acid will also be referred to herein as "nucleic acid(s) of the invention" and may for example be in the form of a genetic construct, as further described herein. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence that is in the form of a genetic construct.

Nucleic acids encoding a monovalent polypeptide of the invention can be linked to obtain a nucleic acid encoding a multivalent, preferably multiparatopic, polypeptide of the invention. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to the use of a nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence that encodes a monovalent polypeptide of the Invention for the preparation of a genetic construct that encodes a multivalent, preferably multiparatoplc, polypeptide of the invention.

The invention further relates to a host or host cell that expresses (or that under suitable circumstances is capa ble of expressing) a polypeptide of the invention; and/or that contains a nucleic acid of the invention. Some preferred but non-limiting examples of such hosts or host ceils will become clear from the further description herein.

The invention further relates to a composition containing or comprising at least one polypeptide of the invention and/or at least one nucleic acid of the invention, and optionally one or more further components of such compositions known per se, i. e., depending on the intended use of the composition, Such a composition may for example be a pharmaceutical composition (as described herein) or a veterinary composition . Some preferred but non-iimiting examples of such compositions will become clear from the further description herein.

The invention further relates to methods for preparing polypeptides, nucleic acids, host cells, and compositions described herein. In pa rticula r, the present invention relates to:

(I ) a n immunoglobulin single va riable domain that can bind P2X7, preferably human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) with a Kd of less than 50n M .

(II) The immunoglobulin single variable domain according to (I), wherein the immunoglobulin single variable domain comprises an amino acid sequence of formula 1: FR1 - CDR1 - FR2 - CDR2 - FR3 - CDR3 - FR4 ( 1); wherein FR1 to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4 and are framework regions (FRs) of an immunoglobulin single variable domain; and

- wherein CDR1 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ I D NOs: 34-47,

polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NOs: 34-47, and

- polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with SEQ I D NOs: 34-47; and

- wherei n CDR2 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ I D NOs: 82-75;

polypeptides that have at least 80% amino a id identity with SEQ ID NOs: 62-75;and

polypeptides that have 3, 2, or I amino acid difference with SEQ ID NOs: 62-75; and

- wherein CDR3 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ I D NOs: 90-103; polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with at least one of the immunoglobulin single variable domains of SEQ ID NOs: 90-103; and

polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with SEQ !D NOs; 90-103.

(III) The immunoglobulin single variable domain according to (II), wherein the framework regions (FRs) have a sequence identity of more than 80% with the FRs of SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

(IV) The immunoglobulin single variable domain according to (I), wherein the immunoglobulin single variable domain comprises an amino acid sequence with the formula 1;

FRl - CDRl - FR2 - CDR2 - FRS - CDR3 - FR4 (1);

wherein FRl to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4 and are framework regions of an immunoglobulin single variable domain; wherein CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 34, wherein CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 62; and wherein CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 90,

(V) The immunoglobulin single variable domain according to claim (I), wherein the immunoglobulin single variable domain comprises an amino acid sequence with the formula 1:

FRl - CDRl - FR2 - CD 2 - PR3 - CDR3 - FR4 (1);

wherein FRl to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4 and are framework regions of an immunoglobulin single variable domain; wherein CDRl is SEQ ID NO; 35_., wherein CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 63; and wherein

CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 91.

(VI) The immunoglobulin single variable domain according to (I), wherein the immunoglobulin single variable domain comprises an amino acid sequence with the formula 1:

FRl - CDRl - FR2 - CDR2 - FR3 - CDR3 - FR4 (1);

wherein FRl to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4 and are framework regions of an immunoglobulin single variable domain; wherein CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 40, wherein CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 68; and wherein CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 96.

(VII) A polypeptide comprising an immunoglobulin single variable domain according to any of (l)-(VI).

(VIII) The polypeptide according to (VII), wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 80% with SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

(IX) The polypeptide according to (VII) or (VIII), wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 80% with SEQ ID NOs: 6-19. The polypeptide according to any of (VII)-(IX), additionally comprising an immunoglobulin single variable domain binding human serum albumin such as e.g., Alb8 (SEQ ID NO: 126) or Albll (SEQ ID NO : 125).

The immunoglobuiin single variable domain according to a ny of (I)-(VI) or the polypeptide according to any of (VI I)-(X), wherein the IC50 in an Aiphascreen assay is 30n or lower.

The immunoglobulin single variable domain according to any of (l)-(VI) or the polypeptide according to any of (VII)-(X), wherein the IC50 in an Aiphascreen assay is 3n or lower.

A nucleic acid sequence encoding i) an immunoglobulin single variable domain according to any of (i)-(VI), (XI), or (XI I), or ii) a polypeptide according to any of (Vll)-(X),

A pharmaceutical composition comprising i) an immunoglobulin single variable domain according to any of (l)-(VI), (XI), or (XII), or ii) a polypeptide according to any o (VII)-(X); and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

An immunoglobulin single variable domain according to any of (l)-(VI), (XI), or (XII), or a polypeptide according to any of (VII)-(X), for use in treating P2X7 associated diseases_., including but not limiting to MS, IBD, neuropathic pain, epilepsy, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

A method for producing an immunoglobulin single variable domain according to any of (l)-(VI), (XI), or (XII), or a polypeptide according to any of (V!I)-(X), said method at least comprising the steps of:

a) expressing, in a suitable host cell or host organism or in another suita ble expression system, a nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence according to (XIII); optionally followed by: b) isolating and/or purifying said immunoglobulin single variable domain or said polypeptide .

Method for screening immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO:s 1-3) that comprises at least the steps of:

a ) providing a set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domai ns; and b) screening said set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains for immunoglobulin single variable domains that can bind to and/or have affi nity for P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO:s 1-3); and

c) isolating the amino acid sequertce(s) that ca n bind to and/or have affinity for P2X7 and in pa rticular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3). (XVIII) An immunoglobulin single variable domain that can bind P2X7 with a Kd of less than SOnfvl, wherein the binding of said immunoglobulin single variable domain to said P2X7 inhibits the activity of P2X7.

Other aspects, embodiments, advantages and applications of the invention will become dear from the further description herein. Several documents are cited throughout the text of this specification. Each of the documents cited herein '(including all patents, patent applications, scientific publications, manufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc), whether supra or infra, a re hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Nothing herein is to be construed as a n admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1. immunization scheme artel sample preparation and for llamas 405 and 418.

(A, B) Schematic diagram of immunization scheme and P2X7 cDNA expression vectors. Llamas were immunized with a DNA-prime > protein boost strategy (Koch-Nolte et al„ 2007 FASEB J . 21, 3490-3498). After 4 ballistic DNA immunizations, animals were boosted with HEK cells stably transfected with mP2X7 and h P2X7 and recombinant mP2X7 adsorbed on beads. Cocktails of cDNA constructs for mP2X7 and h P2X7 were adsorbed on 1 pm gold particles. Llamas received 12 shots each with 1 pg DNA/mg gold per immunization, a boost with HEK cells stably expressing mP2X7 (2 x 10⁷, pretreated for 15 min with Im ATP) or hP2X7 {3 x 10⁷), and a final boost with mouse P2X7 i mm u no- precipitated with HAN043 and HAN044 immobilized on AminoLink agarose beads (Pierce) (5 pg/50 μΙ beads). Phage libraries were generated from blood samples collected at the end of each phase of immunization ( PBL 1-6),

(C) FACS analyses of P2X7 expression levels on stably transfected HEK ceils used for immunization with Alexa647-conjugated mAbs HAN044 (anti-mP2X7) (Molier et al. 2007 Purinergic Signalling DO! 10, lQG'7/sl 13^.02-007-9084-9} and L4 (anti-hP2X7) (Buell et al. 1998 Blood, 92 pp 3521-3528). U n- transfected cells stai ned with the same antibodies were used as controls (grey histograms).

(D) SDS-PAG E analysis of bead-bound recombi nant mP2X7 used for immunization (IP, lane 4). mP2X7 (80 kd, red arrow) was immunoprecipitated from lysates of H EK cells stably transfected with mP2X7 (lysate, lane 1) using mAb HA 044 immobilized on agarose beads (a mi no-link, Pierce) (matrix, lane 5, control I P with beads only) . Figure 2. FACS analyses of selected Nbs for P2X7 binding.

Crude periplasma lysates with Nbs from the first (A) and second (B) selections were pre-incubated with FITC-conjugated anti-myc antibody and added to mixture of untransfected HEK cells and HEK_hP2X7 cells. Cells were washed and data collected by flow cytometry {FACS Caiibur). Positive clones show a bimodal staining {delineation of P2X7 positive cells from wt cells} whereas negative clones show a single peak. G rey histograms show unstained control cells.

Figure 3. FACS analyses of specificities of anti-hP2X7 Nbs.

HEK cells were co-transfected with expression constructs for GFP and either m P2X7, rP2X7, or hP2X7. 24 h post transfection cells were harvested by gentle trypsinization and i ncubated with Nb-Fc fusion proteins or mAb L4 as indicated on top. Bound antibodies were detected with Alexa647-conj ugated anti- mouse IgG. For control, untransfected HEK cells (wt) were subjected to the same staining procedures.

Figure 4. Cross-blockade analysis of anti-hP2X7 Nbs.

5 x 10^s H EK cells stably transfected with hP2X7 were incubated with 3 μ of respective unconjugated antibodies in 95 μΙ of complete DM EM for 15 min at room temperature. Without washing, 1 μΙ ("'250 ng) of Alexa Fluor 647-conjugated IcllS-Fc, 3c23-Fc or mAb L4 was added a nd incubation was continued at 4°C for 20 min. Cells were washed and analyzed by flow cytometry (FACS Caiibur, BD). FI, mean fluorescence intensity. Alexa 647-conjugates of b-Fc or mAb used for staining are indicated below the panel, Nb-Fc and mAb used for blocking are indicated on the top right. (Vehicle = medi um without blocking Abs).

Figure 5. Improved staining of P2X7 on primary leukocytes with a combination of hP2X7-specific Nbs Icll3-Fc and 3c23-Fc.

(A) 100 μΐ blood aliquots from a single donor were pre-incubated with a combination of 3 pg each of Icli3-Fc and 3c23-Fc ("blocked"). Pa rallel aliquots were incubated with 3 ug of 1067-Fc only ("unblocked"). After 30-min incubation at room tempe rature, a mastermix of conjugated antibodies was added: Icll3-Fc Alexa647 (~250 ng); 3c23-Fc Alexa647 (~250 ng); and anti-CD4 Pacific Blue. Cells were incubated on ice for 30 min for a ntibody staining. Erythrocytes were lysed by 10 min room temperature incubation with 2 ml Ix BD Lysis solution. Cells were washed once with 3 ml complete RPMI 5% FCS and analysed by flow cytometry (FACS Cantoll, BD) . Lymphocytes were gated based on low forwa rd scatter (FSC) vs. sideward scatter (SSC) (arrowhead). Black numbers indicate the percentage of cells in the respective quadrant. Left and right MFl values indicate the mean fluorescent intensity of CD4^" and CD4^* lymphocytes, respectively.

(B) FACS analyses of PBL from three different donors were performed as in (A), with an additional anti- CD8 Alexa488 staining mAb. Gating of granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes was based on FSC and SSC as indicated. Gating of CD4^" T cells, CD8⁺T cells and CD4 /CD8^" lymphocytes was based on cell surface staining of CD4 and CDS. Expression of P2X? is shown In a concatenate representation. Preincubation with unstained blocking and nonblocking Nb-Fc is indicated by {+) and (-), respectively, below the panels.

Figure 6. N s IcSl and 3c23 block ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells,

(A) HEK cells were transfected with cDNA constructs for CD62L only, or co-transfected with constructs for CD62L and hP2X7. 24b post transfection, cells were harvested and shedding of CD62L was induced by incubating cells for 60 min with 4 m ATP in complete DMEM medium at 37"C.

(B) In an ATP dose response assay, P2X7 and CD62L co-transfected cells were incubated with 0,25, 1, 2 or 4 mM ATP for 60 min at 37°C. Afiquots of cells were pre-incubated with 2 pg of Nb-Fc fusion proteins Ic81-Fc or 3c23-Fc or with a control Nb-Fc (anti-hCD38 1067-Fc) for 15 min at room temperature prior to a 60-min incubation with 2 mM or 4mM ATP. Cells were washed once with 150 μΙ of complete medium and stained for 30 min at 4°C to detect CD62L (MEL- 14 PE) and P2X7 (L4 AF647) expression. After a further wash, cells were analyzed by flow cytometry {FACS Cali ur, BD). Figure 7. Nbs 3c23 and IcSl block ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells.

HEK cells were co-transfected with cDNA constructs for GFP, CD62L and HP2X7. 24h post transfection, cells were harvested and pre-incubated for 15 min at RT in 80 μΙ of D EM medium with the indicated Nbs, titrated in 1:3 dilution steps. Highest and lowest Mb concentrations were 2.8 pg/mi and 4 ng/ml, ATP was added to final concentration of 4 mM. Cells were incubated for 60 min at 37°C and then stained for CD62L before flow cytometry. Mean fluorescence intensity (MFl) for CD62L cell surface staining was calculated after gating on GFP+ cells. ΙΟ» values were calculated at half-maximal CD62L MFl {marked with dotted red line (see Table 3). Figure 8. Nanobodies IcSl and 3c23 prevent ATP-induced externaiization of phosphatidylserlne by RPMI S226 ceils.

(A) P2X7 expression on RPM I 8226 cells was detected by staining 2x10^s celis with a cocktail of Aiexa647- conjugated Icll3-Fc and 3c23-Fc as in Figure 5. Grey histograms = cells pre-incubated with excess unconjugated Icll3-Fc a nd 3c23-Fc, open histograms = cells preincubated with excess control 1067- Fc,

( B) Cells were incubated for 60 min at 37°C with the indicated concentrations of ATP before staining for PS with APC -conjugated Annexin V.

(C) . RPMI S226 celts were pre-incubated with 0.5 pg of 1067- Fc, Icll3-Fc, IcSl-Fc, 3c23- Fc or mAb L4 for 15 min at room temperature, before addition of ATP to a fina l concentration of 0 {control) or 4 mM. Cells were further incubated at 37°C for 60 min and washed once with Annexin V staining buffer prior to staining with APC-conjugated Annexin V. Cells were analysed by flow cytometry f FACS Canto II, BD),

Figure 9. Nbs lc81 and 3c23 prevent P2X7-mediated ceil death of RPMI 8226 ceils.

RPM I 8226 celis (5xH ceils in 150 μΙ medium) were pre-incubated with 900 ng of respective Fc fusion proteins or mAb L4 for 10 mi n at room temperature. 150 μΙ ATP of a 4 mM stock was added also to final ATP concentration of 2 mM (1:2 dilution) and fi na l antibody concentration of 3 pg/ml . Cells were incubated at 37°C for 60 min or 24b, washed once in Annexin V staining buffer and stained for exposition of phosphatidylserlne with APC-conjugated Annexin V and cell death with propidium iodide. Data collection was carried out by flow cytometry ( FACS Canto II, BD).

Figure 10. Nbs IcSl and 3c23 block ATP-induced externaiization of PS and shedding of CD62L by human T celis.

100 μί aliquots of full blood from 3 donors were pre-incubated with 0.5 pg of 1067- Fc, Icll3- Fc, c81- Fc, 3c23-Fc or 1 pg of mAb L4 for 30-min at RT, before addition of 100 pi medium (untreated control) or an 8 mM ATP stock solution in complete medium. Ceils were incubated at 37T for 30 min, washed once with Annexin V staining buffer, and stained with a mastermix of anti- CD62L FITC, Annexin V-APC, anti-CD4 APC/Cy7, and anti-CD8 Pacific Blue for 60 min at RT. Erythrocytes were lysed by a 10 min incubation in 2 ml Ix BD Lysis solution. Cells were washed once with 1.5 ml Annexin V staining buffer and analysed by flow cytometry (FACS Cantol l, BD). CD4⁺ and CDS* T cells were gated seq uentially as in Figure 5 on the basis of low FSC and SSC, and staining for CD4 and CDS. Blood samples were from the same donors as those analyzed in Figure 5. Figure 11. Kinetic analyses of in vivo blockade/enhancement of P2X7 by systemically injected HLE-Nbs

(A) Splenocytes and liver ceils were prepared 2 h and 24 h after i.v. injection of half life extended Nbs (bi- specific for P2X7 and albumin) 13A7-13A7-Alb8 (20 ml 14D5-14D5-Alb8 (100 μ§), or a control Mb (100 μ§), Celts were co-stained with antibodies against CDS, CD4, CD25, and NK1.1 and analyzed by flow cytometry. Frequencies of Tregs (percentage of CD4+ cells) and of iNKT cells (percentage of CD3+ cells) were calculated with the FlowJo software. **P < 0.01, ***P < 0.001 (two-tailed Student's t-test).

(B) Shedding of CD27 was monitored by co-staining with anti-CD27 following treatment of cells ex vivo with 25 μ NAD+, or solvent (sol) (spleen: gated on CD4+ cells; liver: gated on CD3+ cells).

(C) Cells were prepared 2 h after injection of half life extended Nbs 13A7-13A7-Alb8, 8G11 8G11-Alb8, or a control Nb (200 ig i.v.) and were stained as in (a, b). Externalization of phosphatidylserine was monitored by co-staining with Annexin V following treatment of cells ex vivo with 250 μΜ ATP, 25 μΜ NAP+, or solvent (sol) (spleen: gated on CD4+ cells; liver; gated on CD3+ cells).

Figure 12. Systemic administration of Nb 13A7 alleviates, of Nb 14D5 potentiates disease parameters in antibody-induced glomerulonephritis.

Time course of treatments in the model of antibody-induced nephritis. Groups of 6 week old C57BL6 mice (n = 6) were injected i.v. with half-life extended Nbs 13A7-13A7-Aib8, 14D5-14D5-Alb8, or a control Nb (50 ng) 2 h before injection of anti-podocyte (AP) or pre-immune (PI) serum. Mice received additional injections of Nbs (25 μ§) every 3 days. Three days after the last Nb injection, mice were sacrificed and kidneys and serum were subjected to further analyses.

(A) Albumin in urine was quantified by ELISA, creatinine levels were determined by automated measurement.

(B) On the day of sacrifice, blood urea nitrogen, serum triglycerides and serum cholesterol levels were determined by automated measurement; IL-6 in serum and MCP-1 in urine were quantified by ELISA, Significance was assessed with the Mann Whitney U test.

(C) Splenocytes were incubated in the absence (PBS) or presence of NAD+ for 30 min and then stained for CD4, CD25, and CD27 before FACS analyses. Gating was performed on CD4+CD25+ Tregs. Tregs from mice treated with the P2X7 agonistic Nb 14D5 contained a lower proportion of CD27+ T cells, all of which were sensitive to NAD+-induced toss of CD27; Tregs from mice treated with the P2X7 antagonistic Nb 13A7 were resistant to NAD+-induced shedding of CD27.

(D) Kidney sections were stained with PAS (top). Tubular protein casts are marked by asterisks. (E) Kidney sections were stained with the DNA-staining dye draqS, a fluorochrome-conjugated mAb against the T cell marker CD3, and a fluorochrome-conjugated mAb against nephrin, a podocyte membrane protein at the renal filtration barrier (bottom). Podocyte nuclei are marked by asterisks. Kidney sections from mice treated with Nb 14D5 show stronger periglomerular infiltration of CD3+ T cells and disrupted staining for nephrin than mice treated with Nb 13A7 or the control Nb.

(F) Kidney sections were stained with draqS and fluorochrome conjugated mAbs against nephrin, the complement factor 3 (C3), and IgG before immunofluorescence microscopy. Sections from mice treated with AP serum (but not from mice treated with PI serum) show glomerular deposits of IgG and 3, The pattern of IgG deposits is regular in mice treated with Nb 13A7, but is partially disrupted in mice treated with the control Nb and strongly disrupted in mice treated with Nb 14D5.

Figure 13. Nb-Fc fusion proteins of Nbs 13A7 and 14D5 detect P2X7 on lymphocytes from lymph nodes, spleen and liver

Lymphocytes from lymph nodes, spleen or liver of wild type and P2X7-/- mice were co-stained with fluorochrome-conjugated mouse P2X7-specific 13A7-FC, 14D5-Fc or human P2X7-specific 3c23-Fc (negative control) and with antibodies against CD4, CD25, and N 1.1 before flow cytometry.

Figure 14. Nb 3e23 blocks ATP-induced Calcium influx in human RPMI 8226 lymphoma cells

RP I 8226 cells were loaded with the Ca²⁺ indicator Fluo-4. Real time flow cytometry analyses were performed (BD FACS Canto). Cells were washed and resuspended in PBS supplemented with Ca³⁺ and Mg²⁺ (Invitrogen) in the absence (solvent) or presence of the human P2X7-specific Nb 3c23-3c23 or mouse P2X7- speciric Nb 13A7-13A7 (negative control) and analyzed by flow cytometry (BD FACS-Canto). An infrared tamp was used to maintain a constant sample temperature of 37°C. After equilibration for 100 sec, ATP was added to a final concentration of 2 mM and incubation was continued for 100 sec before addition of ionomycin to a final concentration of 5 μΜ.

Figure 15. Nb 3c23 blocks ATP-induced release of IL-18 from human blood cells.

Aliquots of heparinized whole biood from four donors were incubated in the absence or presence of Nb 3c23-3c23 for 2h with LPS (1 pg/ml) before addition of ATP to a final concentration of 5 m and further incubation for lb at 37°C. Plasma was prepared by centrifugation of samples and ll-lfs levels in plasma were determined by ELISA (R&D Systems). ***P < 0.001 (One-way ANOVA). Figyre 16. Dose response analysis of Nb 3c23 blocking ATP-induced release of IL-Ιβ from human biood cells,

Atiquots of heparinized whole blood were incubated in the absence or presence of the indicated concentrations of Nb 3c23, 3c23-3c23, and 3c23Fc for 2h with LPS (1 ug/ml) before addition of ATP to a final concentration of 2 mM and further incubation for Ih at 37"C. Plasma was prepared by centrif ligation of cells and IL-lls levels in plasma were determined by ELISA (R&D Systems). Mouse P2X7- specific Nb 13A7 was used as a negative control.

Figure 17. Nb 13A7 blocks, Nb 14D5 potentiates ATP-induced calcium influx in HEK cells stably transfected with mouse P2X7

Real time flow cytometry analyses of mouse-P2X7 transfected HEK cells loaded with the Ca^2* indicator Fluo-4 in the presence of the mouse P2X7-specific Nb 14D5-14D5, Nb 13A7-13A7 or human P2X7-specific Nb 3c23-3c23 (negative control) at a concentration of Ipg/ml Nb. After equilibration for 60 sec. cells were exposed to extracellular ATP to a final concentration of 250 μΜ or 1 mM and, two minutes later, to the Ca^2* ionophore ionomycin at a concentration of 5 μΜ. An infrared lamp was used to maintain a constant sample temperature of 37°C.

Figure 18. Nb 13A7 reverses, Nb 14D5 induces and potentiates ATP-mediated calcium influx in HEK cells stably transfected with mouse P2X7

Real time flow cytometry analyses of mouse-P2X7 transfected HEK cells loaded with the Ca^ indicator fluo-4. After equilibration for 60 sec, cells were incubated with indicated concentrations of ATP for two minutes before treatment with mouse P2X7-specific Nb 14D5-14D5, Nb 13A7-13A7 or the human P2X7- specific Nb 3c23-3c23 to a final concentration of 2 ug ml Nb. An infrared lamp was used to maintain a constant sample temperature of 37X.

Figure 19. Nb 13A7 blocks, Mb 14D5 potentiates ATP-induced Calcium influx in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Mouse peritoneal macrophages were loaded with the Ca^2* indicator Fluo-4. Real time flow cytometry analyses were performed (BD FACS Canto). Cells were washed and resuspended in PBS supplemented with Ca^2* and Mg²⁺ (Invitrogen) in the absence (solvent) or presence of the P2X7-potentiating Nb 14D5 or the P2.X7-antagonizing Nb 13A7 (1 ug,/ 500 μΙ). An infrared lamp was used to maintain a constant sample temperature of 37"C. After equilibration for 120 sec. cells were exposed to the indicated concentrations of extracellular ATP and two minutes later to the Ca²* ionophore ionomycin to a final concentration of 1 uM.

Figure 20, Nb 13A7 blocks, Nb 14D5 potentiates the processing and secretion of IL-lB by peritoneal macrophages

Hepannized blood from wiidtype or P2X7-/- mice was incubated in the presence of monovalent Nbs (1 pg/ 200 μΙ) 14D5, 13A7, or solvent for 2 h with LPS (1 μg ml) before addition of ATP to the indicated final concentrations and further incubation for 30 min at 37°C,

a) Samples were centrifuged a nd I L-lB levels i n plasma were analyzed by ELISA (Biolegend).

b) Erythrocytes were lysed and blood leukocytes were stained in two steps, first with fluorochrome- conjugated mAbs specific for CDl lb, Ly-6C, and Ly-6G. Cells were then fixed (2 % PFA) and permeabilized (PBS containing 0.3% saponin and 0.1% BSA) before further staining for pro-IL-lB (e-Bioscience). Flow cytometry analyses were performed (BD FACS Canto) and gating was performed on CDllb+Ly-6C^hl monocytes.

Figure 21. Nb 13A7 blocks, Nbl4D5 potentiates shedding of CD62L by Yac-1 murine lymphoma cells in response to extracellular ATP or NAD^*

Cell surface expression of CD62L on mouse Yac-1 lymphoma cells was monitored by flow cytometry following treatment of cells for 20 min at 37°C with ATP or NAD^* in the presence of 13A7 (a), 14D5 (b), or a control Nb. The concentrations of ATP and NAD^" used were above (a) and below (b) the threshold for activation of P2X7 in these cells {100 μΜ and 20 μΜ in (a) and 30 μ.Μ and 1.5 μΜ in (b), respectively).

Figure 22. Nb 13A7 blocks, Nbl4D5 potentiates shedding of CD62L by primary mouse T cells in response to extracellular ATP or NAD^"

Flow cytometry analyses of splenocytes treated for 20 min at 37°C with 200 μΐνΐ ATP or 50 μΜ HAD* in the presence of 14D5 13A7, or a control Nb before staining for CD3 and CD62L Control cells were incubated in solvent (sol) at 4°C in the a bsence of ATP or NAD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Immunoglobulin sequences, such as antibodies and antigen binding fragments derived there from (e.g. immunoglobulin single variable domains) are used to specifically target their respective antigens in research and therapeutic applications. The generation of immunoglobulin single variable domains such as e. g., VHHs may involve the immunization of an experimental animal such as a Llama, construction of phage libraries from immune tissue, selection of phage displaying antigen binding immunoglobulin single variable domains and screening of said domains and engineered constructs thereof for the desired specificities {WO 94/04678) . Alternatively, similar immunoglobulin single variable domains such as e.g. dAbs can be generated by selecting phage displaying antigen binding immunoglobulin single variable domains directly from naive or synthetic libraries and subsequent screening of said domains and engineered constructs thereof for the desired specificities (Ward et al., Mature, 1989, 341: 544-6; Holt ef a I., Trends Biotechnol., 2003, 21( 11):484-49G; as well as for example WO 06/030220, WO 06/003388 and other published patent applications of Domantis Ltd.). Unfortunately, the use of monoclonal a nd/or heavily engineered antibodies also carries a high manufacturing cost and may result in suboptimal tumor penetration compared to other strategies.

The present invention relates to particular polypeptides, also referred to as "polypeptides of the invention" or "immunoglobulin single variable domain of the invention" or "ISV of the invention" that comprise or, more preferably, essentially consist of fi) a first buildi ng block consisting essentially of one immunoglobuli n single variable domain, wherein said immunoglobuli n single va riable domai n is directed against P2X7 and in particular against human P2X7; (it) optionally a second building block consisting essentially of or comprising an immunoglobulin single variable domain, wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domain is directed agai nst P2X7 and in particular against human P2X7; and (Hi) optionally a third building block, comprising or consisting essentially of an immunoglobulin single variable domain, wherein said immunoglobulin single varia ble domain is directed against serum albumin a nd in particula r against human serum albumin (and even more prefera bly wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domain is Alb8 or Albll (as herein defined)^'). Furthermore, the invention also relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides; to methods for preparing such polypeptides; to host cells expressing or capable of expressing such polypeptides; to compositions and in particular to pharmaceutical compositions that comprise such polypeptides, nucleic acids a nd/or host cells; and to uses of such polypeptides, nucleic acids, host ceils and/or compositions for prophylactic, therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. Other aspects, em bodiments, advantages and applications of the invention will become clear from the further description herein. In this study, various anti-P2X7 Nanobodies were developed and characterized for their potential in diagnosis a nd therapy of inflammatory diseases, including nephritis. Definitions

Unless indicated or defined otherwise, ail terms used have their usual meaning in the art, which will be clear to the skilled person. Reference is for example made to the standard handbooks, such as Sambrook et at. (Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2nd Ed,) Vols. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor La boratory Press, 1989), F. Ausubel et al, {Current protocols in molecular biology, Green Publishing and Wiley Interscience, New York, 19S7), Lewin (Genes li, John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y., 1985), Old et al . {Principles of Gene Manipulation : An I ntrod uction to Genetic Engineering (2nd edition) University of California Press, Berkeley, CA, 1981); Roitt et al. (Immunology (6th. Ed.) Mosby/Elsevier, Edinburgh, 2001), Roitt et al. (Roitt's Essentia l Immunology (10^th Ed.) Blackwe ll Publishing, U K, 2001), and ja neway et al. (Immunobiology (6th Ed.) Garland Science Publishing/Churchill Livingstone, New York, 2005), as well as to the general background art cited herein.

Unless indicated otherwise, all methods, steps, techniques and manipulations that are not specifically described in detail can be performed and have been performed in a manner known per se, as will be clear to the skilled person. Reference is for example again made to the standard handbooks and the general background art mentioned herein and to the further references cited therei n; as well as to for example the following reviews Presta (Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev, 58 (5-6): 640- 56, 2006), Levin a nd Weiss (tvtol, Biosyst 2(1) : 49-5?_., 2006), Irving et al . (J . Immunol, Methods 248(1-2) : 31-45, 2001), Schmitz et al, (Placenta 21 Suppl. A: $106-12, 2000), Gonzales et al, (Tumour Biol. 26(1): 31-43, 2005), which describe techniq ues for protein engineering, such as affinity maturation and other techniques for improving the specificity and other desired properties of proteins such as immunoglobulins.

The term "sequence" as used herein (for example in terms like "immunoglobulin sequence", "antibody sequence", "variable domain sequence", "V_HH sequence" or "protein sequence"), should generally be understood to include both the relevant amino acid sequence as well as nucleic acids or nucleotide sequences encoding the same, unless the context requires a more limited interpretation.

Amino acid residues will be indicated according to the standard three-tetter or one-letter amino acid code, Reference is made to Table A- 2 on page 48 of WO 08/020079.

A nucleic acid or a mino acid is considered to be "(in) (essentially) isolated (form)" - for example, compared to the reaction medium or cultivation medium from which it has been obtained - when it has been separated from at least one other component with which it is usually associated in said source or medium, such as another nucleic acid, another protein/polypeptide, another biological component or macromoiecule or at least one contaminant, impurity or minor component. I n particular, a nucleic acid or amino acid is considered "(essentially) isolated" when It has been purified at least 2-fold, in particular at least 10-fold, more in particular at least 100-fold, and up to 1000-fold or more. A nucleic acid or amino acid that is "in (essentially) isolated form" is preferably essentially homogeneous, as determined using a suita ble technique, such as a suitable chromatographical technique, such as polyacrylamide- gel electrophoresis.

When a nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence is said to "comprise" another nucleotide sequence or a mino acid sequence, respectively, or to "essentially consist of" another nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence, this may mean that the latter nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence has been i ncorporated into the first mentioned nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence, respectively, but more usually this generally means that the first mentioned n ucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence comprises within its sequence a stretch of nucleotides or amino acid residues, respectively, that has the same nucleotide sequence or amino acid sequence, respectively, as the latter sequence, irrespective of how the first mentioned sequence has actually been generated or obtained (which may for exa mple be by any suita ble method described herein). By means of a non-limiting example, when a polypeptide of the invention is said to comprise an immunoglobulin single variable domain, this may mean that said immunoglobulin single variable domain sequence has been incorporated into the sequence of the polypeptide of the i nvention, but more usually this generally mea ns that the polypeptide of the invention contains within its sequence the sequence of the immunoglobulin single variable domains irrespective of how said polypeptide of the Invention has been generated or obtained. Also, when a nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence is said to comprise another nucleotide sequence, the first mentioned nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence is preferably such that, when it is expressed into an expression product [e.g., a polypeptide), the amino acid sequence encoded by the latter nucleotide sequence forms part of said expression product (in other words, that the latter nucleotide sequence is in the same reading frame as the first mentioned, la rger nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence).

By "essentially consist of" is meant that the immunoglobulin single variable domain used in the method of the invention either is exactly the same as the polypeptide of the invention or corresponds to the polypeptide of the invention which has a limited number of amino acid residues, such as 1-20 amino acid resid ues, for example 1-10 amino acid residues and preferably 1-6 amino acid residues, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 amino acid residues, added at the amino terminal end, at the carboxy terminal end, or at both the amino terminal end and the carboxy terminal end of the immunoglobulin single variable domain. For the purposes of comparing two or more nucleotide sequences_., the percentage of "sequence identity" between a first nucleotide sequence and a second nucleotide sequence may be calculated by dividing [the number of nucleotides in the first nucleotide sequence that are identical to the nucleotides at the corresponding positions in the second nucleotide sequence] by [the total number of nucleotides in the first nucleotide sequence] and multiplying by [100%], in which each deletion, insertion, substitution or addition of a nucleotide in the second nucleotide sequence - compared to the first nucleotide sequence - is considered as a difference at a single nucleotide (position). Alternatively, the degree of sequence identity between two or more nucleotide sequences may be calculated using a known computer algorithm for sequence alignment such as NCBI Blast v2.0, using standard settings. Some other techniques, computer algorithms and settings for determining the degree of sequence identity are for example described in WO 04/037999, EP 0967284, EP 1085089, WO 00/55318, WO 00/78972, WO 98/49185 and GB 2357768. Usually, for the purpose of determining the percentage of "sequence identity" between two nucleotide sequences in accordance with the calcuiation method outlined hereinabove, the nucleotide sequence with the greatest number of nucleotides will be taken as the "first" nucleotide sequence, and the other nucleotide sequence will be taken as the "second" nucleotide sequence.

For the purposes of comparing two or more amino acid sequences, the percentage of "sequence identity" between a first amino acid sequence and a second amino acid sequence (also referred to herein as "amino acid identity") may be calculated by dividing [the number of amino acid residues in the first amino acid sequence that are identical to the amino acid residues at the corresponding positions in the second amino acid sequence] by [the total number of amino acid residues in the first amino acid sequence] and multiplying by [100%], in which each deletion, insertion, substitution or addition of an amino acid residue in the second amino acid sequence - compared to the first amino acid sequence - is considered as a difference at a single amino acid residue (position), i.e. as an "amino acid difference" as defined herein. Alternatively, the degree of sequence identity between two amino acid sequences may be calculated using a known computer algorithm, such as those mentioned above for determining the degree of sequence identity for nucleotide sequences, again using standard settings. Usually, for the purpose of determining the percentage of "sequence identity" between two amino acid sequences in accordance with the calculation method outlined hereinabove, the amino acid sequence with the greatest number of amino acid residues will be taken as the "first" amino acid sequence, and the other amino acid sequence will be taken as the "second" amino acid sequence. Also, in determining the degree of sequence identity between two amino acid sequences, the skilled person may take into account so-called "conservative" amino acid substitutions, which can generally be described as amino acid substitutions in which a n amino acid residue is re placed with another amino acid resid ue of similar chemica l structure and which has little or essentially no i nfluence on the function, activity or other biological properties of the polypeptide. Such conservative amino acid substitutions a re well known in the art, for example from WO 04/037999, G B 335768, WO 38/49135, WO 00/46383 and WO 01/09300; and (preferred) types and/or combinations of such substitutions may be selected on the basis of the pertinent teachings from WO 04/037999 as well as WO 98/49185 and from the further references cited therein. Such conservative substitutions preferably are substitutions in which one amino acid within the following groups (a) - (e) is substituted by another amino acid residue within the same group: (a) small aliphatic, nonpolar or slightly polar residues; Ala, Ser, Thr, Pro and Gly; (b) polar, negatively charged residues and their (uncharged) amides: Asp, Asn, Glu and Gin; (c) polar, positively charged residues: His, Arg and Lys; (d) large ali phatic, nonpolar residues: Met, Leu, lie, Val and Cys; and (e) aromatic resid ues: Phe, Tyr a nd Trp. Pa rticularly preferred conservative substitutions are as follows: Aia into Gly or into Ser; Arg into Lys; Asn into G in or i nto His; Asp into Glu; Cys into Ser; Gin into Asn; Glu into Asp; G ly into Ala or into Pro; H is into Asn or into Gin; He into Leu or into Val; Leu into He or into Val; Lys into Arg, into Gin or into Glu; Met into Leu, into Tyr or into l ie; Phe into Met, into Leu or into Tyr; Ser into Thr; Thr into Ser; Trp into Tyr; Tyr into Trp; a nd/or Phe into Va l, into lie or into Leu. Any amino acid substitutions applied to the polypeptides described herein may also be based on the analysis of the frequencies of amino acid variations between homologous proteins of different species developed by Schuiz et al. ("Principles of Protein Structure", Springer-Verlag, 1978), on the analyses of structure forming potentials developed by Chou and Fasma n (Biochemistry 13: 211, 1974; Adv. Enzymol ., 47: 45-149, 1978), and on the a nalysis of hydroph obi city patterns in proteins developed by Eisenberg et al. (Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. USA 81 : 140-144, 1984), Kyte a nd DooSittle (J. Molec. Biol. 157: 105-132, 1981), and Goldman et al. (Ann, Rev. Btophys. Chem. 15 : 321-353, 1986), a ll incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Information on the primary, seconda ry and tertiary structure of Nanobodies is given in the description herein and in the general background art cited above. Also, for this purpose, the crystal structure of a V_HH domain from a llama is for example given by Desmyter et al, (Nature Structural Biology, 3: 803, 1996), Spinelli et al . ( Natural Structural Biology, 3 : 752-757, 1996} and Decanniere et al. (Structure, 7 (4): 361, 1999). Further information about some of the amino acid residues that in conventional V_H domains form the V_H/V_L interface and potential ca melizing substitutions on these positions can be found in the prior art cited above,

Amino acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences are said to be "exactly the same" if they have 100% sequence identity (as defined herein) over thei r entire length;

When comparing two amino acid sequences, the term "amino acid difference" refers to an insertion, deletion or substitution of a single amino acid residue on a position of the first sequence, compared to the second seq uence; it being understood that two amino acid sequences can contain one, two or more such a mino acid differences, More particularly, in the amino acid sequences and/or polypeptides of the present invention, the term "amino acid difference" refers to an insertion, deletion or substitution of a single amino acid residue on 3 position of the CDR sequence specified in c), f) or i), compared to the CDR sequence of respectively a), d) or g); it being understood that the CDR seq uence of c), f) and i) can contain one, two or maximal three such ami no acid differences compared to the CDR sequence of respectively a), d) or g) {supra).

The "amino acid difference" can be any one, two or maximal three substitutions, deletions or insertions, or any combination thereof, that either improves the properties of the polypeptide of the invention or that at least do not detract too much from the desired properties or from the balance or combination of desired properties of the polypeptide of the i nvention. In this respect, the resulting polypeptide of the invention should at least bind P2X7 with the same, about the same, or a higher affinity compared to the polypeptide comprising the one or more CDR sequences without the one, two or maximal three substitutions, deletions or insertions, said affi nity as measured by surface plasmon resonance, in this respect, the amino acid sequence according to c), f) and/or i) may be an amino acid sequence that is derived from an amino acid sequence according to a), d) and/or g) respectively by mea ns of affinity maturation using one or more techniques of affinity maturation known per se (supra).

For example, and depending on the host organism used to express the polypeptide of the invention, such deletions and/or substitutions may be designed in such a way that one or more sites for post- translationa l modification (such as one or more glycosylation sites) are removed, as will be within the ability of the person skilled in the art.

The terms "epitope" and "antigenic determinant", which can be used i nterchangeably, refer to the part of a macromotecule, such as a polypeptide or protein, that is recognized by antigen-binding molecules, such as immunoglobulins, conventional anti bodies, immunoglobulin single variable domai ns and/or polypeptides of the invention, and more particularly by the antigen-binding site of said molecules. Epitopes define the minimum binding site for an immunoglobuli n, and thus represent the target of specificity of an immunoglobulin.

The pa rt of an antigen-binding molecule (such as an immu noglobulin, a conventional antibody, an immunoglobulin single variable domain and/or a polypeptide of the invention) that recognizes the epitope is called a "paratope".

A polypeptide (such as a n immunoglobulin, a n antibody, an immunoglobulin single va riable domain, a polypeptide of the invention, or generally an antigen binding molecule or a fragment thereof) that can "bind to" or "specifically bind to", that "has affinity for" and/or that "has specificity for" a certain epitope, antigen or protein (or for at least one pa rt, fragment or epitope thereof) is said to be "against" or "directed against" said epitope, antigen or protein or is a "bindi ng" molecule with respect to such epitope, antigen or protein, or is said to be "a nti' -epitope, "anti"-antigen or "a nti"-protein (e.g. "a nti"- P2X7) .

The term "specificity" has the meaning given to it in paragraph n) on pages 53-56 of WO 08/020079; and as mentioned therein refers to the number of different types of antigens or antigenic determinants to which a particular antigen-binding molecule or antigen-binding protein (such as an immunoglobulin single variable domain and/or a polypeptide of the invention} molecule can bind. The specificity of an antigen- binding protein can be determi ned based on affinity and/or avidity, as described on pages 53-56 of WO 08/020079 (incorporated herein by reference), which also describes some preferred techniques for measuring binding between an antigen-binding molecule (such as an immunoglobuli n single variable domain and/or polypeptide of the invention) and the pertinent antigen. Typically, antigen-binding proteins (such as the immunoglobulin single varia ble domains and/or polypeptides of the invention) will bind to their antigen with a dissociation constant (K_D) of 10^"5 to 10^"12 moles/liter or less, and preferably 10^' to Iff^'12 moles/liter or less and more preferably ID^"8 to Iff¹² moles/liter {i.e., with an association constant (K_A) of 10⁵ to ID¹² liter/ moles or more, and preferably 10 ' to 10¹² liter/moles or more a nd more preferably 10^b to 10^l2 liter/moles). Any K_D val ue greater tha n 10^'1 mo!/liter (or any K_A value lower than 10⁴ M^*1) liters/moi is generally considered to indicate non-specific binding. Preferably, a monovalent polypeptide of the invention will bind to the desired antigen with an affinity less than 500 nM, preferably less than 200 nM, more preferably less than 10 nM, such as e.g. between 10 and 5 nM or less. Specific binding of an antigen-binding protein to an a ntigen or antigenic determinant can be determined in any suitable ma nner known per se, including, for example, Scatchard analysis and/or competitive binding assays, such as radioimmunoassays ( RIA), enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and sandwich competition assays, and the different variants thereof known per se in the a rt; as well as the other techniq ues mentioned herein . As will be clear to the skilied person, a nd as described on pages 53-56 of WO 08/020079, the dissociation consta nt may be the actual or apparent dissociation constant. Methods for determining the dissociation constant will be clea r to the skilled person, and for example include the techniques mentioned on pages 53-56 of WO 08/020073.

An immunoglobulin single variable domain and/or polypeptide is said to be "specific for" a first target or a ntigen compared to a second target or antigen when it binds to the first antigen with an affinity (as described above, and suitably expressed as a K₀ value, K_A value, K_off rate a nd/or K_ori rate) that is at least 10 times, such as at least 100 times, and preferably at least 1000 times, and up to 10000 times or more better than the affinity with which immunoglobulin single variable domain and/or polypeptide binds to the second target or antigen. For example, the immunoglobulin single variable domain and/or polypeptide may bind to the first target or antigen with a K_D value that is at least 10 times less, such as at least 100 times less, and preferably at least 1000 times less, such as 10.000 times less or even less than that, than the K_D with which said im munoglobulin singie variable domain and/or polypeptide binds to the second target or antigen. Preferably, when an immunoglobulin single variable domain and/or polypeptide is "specific for" a first ta rget or antigen compared to a second target or antigen, it is directed against {as defined herein) said first target or antigen, but not directed against said second target or a ntigen.

The terms "(cross)-block", "(cross}-blocked", "(cross)-blockmg", "competitive binding", "(cross)- compete", "(cross)-competing" and "(cross)-competition" are used intercha ngeably herein to mean the ability of an immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain, polypeptide or other binding agent to interfere with the binding of other immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides or bind ing agents to a given ta rget. The extent to which a n immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain, polypeptide or other binding agent is able to interfere with the binding of another to the target, and therefore whether it can be said to cross-block according to the invention, can be determined using competition binding assays. One particula rly suitable quantitative cross-blocking assay uses a Biacore instrument which can measure the extent of interactions using surface plasmon resonance technology. Another suitable qua ntitative cross- blocking assay uses an ELISA-based approach to measure competition between immunoglobulins, a ntibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides or other binding agents in terms of their binding to the target. The following generally describes a suitable Biacore assay for determining whether an immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain, polypeptide or other binding agent cross-blocks or is capable of cross-blocking according to the invention. It will be appreciated that the assay can be used with any of the immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides or other binding agents described herein. The Biacore instrument (for example the Biacore 3000) is operated in line with the manufacturer's recommendations. Thus in one cross-blocking assay, the target protein (e.g., P2X7) is coupled to a CMS Biacore chip using standard amine coupling chemistry to generate a surface that is coated with the target. Typically 200-800 resonance units of the target would be coupled to the chip (an amount that gives easily measurable levels of binding but that is readily saturable by the concentrations of test reagent being used). Two test binding agents (termed A* and B*j to be assessed for their ability to cross- block each other are mixed at a one to one molar ratio of binding sites in a suitable buffer to create the test mixture. When calculating the concentrations on a binding site basis the molecular weight of a binding agent is assumed to be the total molecular weight of the binding agent divided by the number of target binding sites on that binding agent. The concentration of each binding agent in the test mix should be high enough to readily saturate the binding sites for that binding agent on the target molecules captured on the Biacore chip. The binding agents in the mixture are at the same molar concentration (on a binding basis) and that concentration would typically be between 1.00 and 1.5 micromolar (on a binding site basis). Separate solutions containing A* alone and B* alone are also prepared. A* and B* in these solutions should be In the same buffer and at the same concentration as in the test mix. The test mixture is passed over the target-coated Biacore chip and the total amount of binding recorded. The chip is then treated in such a way as to remove the bound binding agents without damaging the chip-bound target. Typically this is done by treating the chip with 30 m HC1 for 60 seconds. The solution of A* alone is then passed over the target-coated surface and the amount of binding recorded. The chip is again treated to remove all of the bound binding agents without damaging the chip-bound target. The solution of B* alone is then passed over the target-coated surface and the amount of binding recorded. The maximum theoretical binding of the mixture of A* and B* is next calculated, and is the sum of the binding of each binding agent when passed over the target surface alone. If the actual recorded binding of the mixture is less than this theoretical maximum then the two binding agents are said to cross-block each other. Thus, in general, a cross-blocking immunoglobulin, antibody immunoglobulin single variable domain, polypeptide or other binding agent according to the invention is one which will bind to the target in the above Biacore cross-blocking assay such that during the assay and in the presence of a second immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain, polypeptide or other bindi ng agent the recorded binding is between 80% and 0.1% (e.g., 80% to

4%) of the maximum theoretical binding, specifically between 75% and 0.1% (e. g., 75% to 4%) of the maximum theoretical binding, and more specifically between 70% and 0.1% (e.g., 70% to 4%) of maxim um theoretical binding fas just defined above} of the two immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunogiobulin single variable domains, polypeptides or binding agents in combination. The Biacore assay described above is a primary assay used to determine if immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptide or other binding agents cross-block each other accordi ng to the invention . On rare occasions pa rticular immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides or other binding agents may not bind to a target coupled via amine chemistry to a CMS Biacore chip (this usually occurs when the relevant binding site on the target is masked or destroyed by the coupling to the chip). I n such cases cross-blocking can be determined using a tagged version of the target, for example an N-terminal His-tagged version. I n this particular format, a n anti-H is antibody would be coupled to the Biacore chip a nd then the His-tagged target would be passed over the surface of the chip and captured by the anti-His a ntibody. The cross blocking analysis would be carried out essentially as described above, except that after each chip regeneration cycle, new His- tagged target would be loaded back onto the a nti-His antibody coated surface. In addition to the example given using N-terminal His-tagged ta rget, C-terminal His-tagged target could a lternatively be used. Furthermore, various other tags and tag binding protein combinations that are known in the art could be used for such a cross-blocking analysis (e.g. HA tag with anti-HA antibodies; FLAG tag with anti- FLAG a ntibodies; biotin tag with streptavidin).

The following generally describes an ELISA assay for determining whether an immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain, polypeptide or other binding agent directed agai nst a target {e.g., P2X7) cross-blocks or is capable of cross-blocking as defined herein. It will be appreciated that the assay can be used with any of the immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domai ns, polypeptides or other binding agents described herein. The general principal of the assay is to have an immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain, polypeptide or binding agent that is directed against the target coated onto the wells of an ELISA plate. An excess amount of a second, potentially cross-blocking, anti-ta rget immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide is added in sol ution {i.e., not bound to the ELISA plate). A limited amount of the target is then added to the wells. The coated immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide and the immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single varia ble domain or polypeptide in solution compete for binding of the limited number of target molecules. The plate is washed to remove excess target that has not been bound by the coated immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide and to also remove the second, solution phase immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide as well as any complexes formed between the second, solution phase immunoglobulin, antibody, immunogiobulln single variable domain or polypeptide and target. The amount of bound target is then measured using a reagent that is appropriate to detect the target. An immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide in solution that is able to cross-block the coated immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide will be able to cause a decrease in the number of target molecules that the coated immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide can bind relative to the number of target molecules that the coated immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide can bind in the absence of the second, solution phase, immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide. In the instance where the first immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide, e.g. an Ab-X, is chosen to be the immobilized immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide, it is coated onto the wells of the EL!SA plate, after which the plates are blocked with a suitable blocking solution to minimize non-specific binding of reagents that are subsequently added. An excess amount of the second immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide, i.e., Ab-Y, is then added to the ELISA plate such that the moles of Ab-Y target binding sites per well are at least 10 fold higher than the moles of Ab-X target binding sites that were used, per well, during the coating of the ELISA plate. Target is then added such that the moles of target added per well are at least 25-fold lower than the moles of Ab-X target binding sites that were used for coating each well. Following a suitable incubation period the ELISA plate is washed and a reagent for detecting the target is added to measure the amount of target specifically bound by the coated anti-target immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide {in this case Ab-X). The background signal for the assay is defined as the signal obtained in wells with the coated immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide (in this case Ab-X), second solution phase immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide (in this case Ab-Y), target buffer only (i.e., without target) and target detection reagents. The positive control signal for the assay is defined as the signal obtai ed in wells with the coated immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide (in this case Ab-X), second solution phase immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide buffer only (i.e. without second solution phase immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide), target and target detection reagents. The ELISA assay may be run in such a manner so as to have the positive control signal be at least 6 times the background signal. To avoid any artefacts (e.g. significantly different affinities between Ab-X and Ab-Y for the target) resulting from the choice of which immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single varia ble domain or polypeptide to use as the coating immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide and which to use as the second (competitor) immunoglobulin, a ntibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide, the cross-blocking assay may to be run in two formats: 1) format 1 is where Ab-X is the immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide that is coated onto the ELISA plate and Ab-Y is the competitor immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide that is in solution a d 2) format 2 is where Ab-Y is the immunoglobulin, a ntibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide that is coated onto the ELISA plate and Ab-X is the competitor immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide that is in solution. Ab-X and Ab-Y are defined as cross-blocking if, either in format 1 or in format 2, the solution phase anti-target immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single va riable domain or polypeptide is able to ca use a reduction of between 60% and 100%, specifically between 70% and 100%, a nd more specifically between 80% and 100%, of the target detection signal {i.e. the amount of target bound by the coated immunoglobuiin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide) as compa red to the target detection signal obtained in the absence of the solution phase anti- target immunoglobulin, antibody, immunoglobulin single variable domain or polypeptide {i.e., the positive control wells).

"Epitope binning" refers to the use of competitive binding assays or cross-blocking assays to identify pairs of immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides, or other binding agents that are, or a re not, capable of binding the target (e.g., P2X7) simultaneously thereby identifying immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides or other binding agents that bind to the same, or overlapping epitopes on the target.

An "epitope bin" as used in the present specification therefore is a family of immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides, or other binding agents having the sa me or overlapping binding specificity. As described above, the sorting of the immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides, or other bind ing agents into epitope bins is based on cross-competition (cross-blocking) of the immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides, or other binding agents for antigen binding. The cross-competition (cross-blocking) assay analyzes the simultaneous binding (pairing) of the immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin singie variable domains, polypeptides or other binding agents to the antigen and groups together immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin single variable domains, polypeptides, or other binding agents with similar pairing profiles, immunoglobulins, antibodies, immunoglobulin singie variable domains, polypeptides or other bi ndi ng agents with simila r profiles {i.e., belonging to the same epitope bin) may bind to the same, closely related and/or overlapping epitopes.

An amino acid sequence is said to be "cross- reactive" for two different antigens or antigenic determinants (such as e.g. serum albumin from two different species of mammal, such as e.g. human serum albumin and cyno serum albumin, such as e.g. P2X7 from different mammals) if it is specific for (as defined herein) both these different antigens or antigenic determinants. It is noted that as used herein 'can specifically bind to' and 'specifically binds to' are used synonymously and refer to the ability to specifically bind to the respectively indicated entity.

The term "P2X7" as used herein refers to proteins that form the (homo-)trimeric extracellular ATP-gated cation channel " P2X7 receptor", especially the proteins represented by SEQ I D NOs: 1-5, as well as all of its isoforrns, especially SEQ I D !MOs: 1-3 and its isoforms. The (human) isoforms include all splice variants, e.g., P2X7(b)-P2X7(k), as well as all singie nucleotide polymorphisms identified in the human P2X7 receptor, and including forms with alternative N termini and Trans Membrane Domain 1 (all as known in the art, see e.g. Cheewatrakootpong et al. (2005,1 Biochem, Biophys. Res, Commun. 332, 17-27 and Feng et al. f2006j J. Biol. Chem. 281, 17228-17237,;. Gating of the P2X7 receptor induces activation of the inflammasome and of the cell surface metalloprotease. The term "potency" of a pofypeptide of the invention, as used herein, is a function of the amount of polypeptide of the invention required for its specific effect to occur. It is measured simply as the inverse of the IC¾ for that polypeptide. It refers to the capacity of said polypeptide of the invention to neutralize P2X7 activity; such as to modulate, inhibit and/or prevent P2X7 activity, to modulate, inhibit and/or prevent triggering of tissue-damaging inflammation induced by P2X7 activity. The potency may be measured by any suitable assay known in the art or described herein, such as e.g. as described in the Example section.

In contrast, the "efficacy" of the polypeptide of the invention measures the maximum strength of the effect itself, at saturating polypeptide concentrations. Efficacy i ndicates the maximum response achievable from the polypeptide of the invention. It refers to the ability of a polypeptide to produce the desired {therapeutic) effect. In the context of the present invention, "modulating" or "to modulate" generally mea ns reducing or inhibiting as well as increasing, potentiating or enhancing the activity of P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3} and its isoforms, as measured using a suita ble in vitro, cellula r or in vivo assay {such as those mentioned herein). In particular, reducing or inhibiting as well as increasing or enhancing the activity of P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ I D NO : 1-3) and its isoforms, as measured using a suitable in vitro, cellular or in vivo assay (such as those mentioned herein), by at Ieast 1%, preferably at least 5%, such as at Ieast 10% or at Ieast 25%, for example by at Ieast 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at Ieast 80%, or 90% or more, compared to the activity of P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ, ID NO: 1-3) and its isoforms in the same assay under the same conditions but without the presence of the polypeptide of the invention.

Modulating may for example involve reducing or inhibiting the binding of extracellular ATP to P2X7 receptor or reducing or inhibiting NAD-dependent ADP-ri bosylation at Arg 125 of P2X7 receptor. Modulating may for example involve reducing or inhibiting gating by P2X7 receptor. Gating of the P2X7 receptor induces activation of the inflammasome, activation of cell surface metalloprotease, ecto- domain shedding by TACE, externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and/or apoptosis.

Alternatively, modulating may involve increasing, potentiati ng or enhancing gating by P2X7 receptor.

The "half-life" of a polypeptide of the invention can generally be defined as described in paragraph o) on page 57 of WO 08/020079 and as mentioned therein refers to the time taken for the serum concentration of the polypeptide to be reduced by 50%, in vivo, for example due to degradation of the polypeptide and/or clearance or sequestration of the polypeptide by natural mechanisms. The in vivo half-life of a polypeptide of the i nvention can be determined in any manner known per se, such as by pharmacokinetic analysis. Suita ble techniques will be clea r to the person skilled in the a rt, a nd may for example generally be as described in paragraph o) on page 57 of WO 08/020079. As also mentioned in paragraph o) on page 57 of WO 08/020079, the half-life can be expressed using parameters such as the tl/2-alpha, tl/2-beta and the area under the curve (AUG). Reference is for example made to the standard handbooks, such as Kenneth et al (Chemical Stability of Pharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Pharmacists, John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1986) and M Gibaldi and D Perron ("Pharmacokinetics", Marcel Dekker, 2nd Rev. Edition, 1982). The terms "increase in half-life" or "increased half-life" are also as defined in paragraph o) on page 57 of WO 08/020079 and in particular refer to an increase in the tl/2- beta, either with or without an increase in the tl/2-alpha and/or the AUC or both. Unless indicated otherwise, the term "immunoglobulin" - whether used herein to refer to a heavy chain antibody or to a conventional 4-chain antibody - is used as a general term to include both the full-size antibody, the individual chains thereof, as well as all parts, domains or fragments thereof (including but not limited to antigen-binding domains or fragments such as V_HH domains or V_H/V, domains, respectively}.

The term "domain" (of a polypeptide or protein) as used herein refers to a folded protein structure which has the ability to retain its tertiary structure independently of the rest of the protein. Generally, domains are responsible for discrete functional properties of proteins, and in many cases may be added, removed or transferred to other proteins without loss of function of the remainder of the protein and/or of the domain.

The term "immunoglobulin domain" as used herein refers to a globular region of an antibody chain (such as e.g., a chain of a conventional 4-chain antibody or of a heavy chain antibody), or to a polypeptide that essentially consists of such a globular region. Immunoglobuiin domains are characterized in that they retain the immunoglobulin fold characteristic of antibody molecules, which consists of a two-layer sandwich of about seven antiparallel beta-strands arranged in two beta-sheets, optionally stabilized by a conserved disulphide bond.

The term "immunoglobulin variable domain" as used herein means an immunoglobulin domain essentially consisting of four "framework regions" which are referred to in the art and herein below as "framework region 1" or "FR1"; as "framework region 2" or"FR2"; as "framework region 3" or "FR3"; and as "framework region 4" or "FR4", respectively; which framework regions are interrupted by three "complementarity determining regions" or "CDRs", which are referred to in the art and herein below as "complementarity determining region l"or "CDR1"; as "complementarity determining region 2" or "CDR2"; and as "complementarity determining region 3" or "CDR3", respectively. Thus, the general structure or sequence of an immunoglobulin variable domain can be indicated as follows: FR1 - CDR1 - FR2 - CDR2 - FR3 - CDR3 - FR4. It is the immunoglobulin variable domain(s) that confer specificity to an antibody for the antigen by carrying the antigen-binding site.

The term "immunoglobulin single variable domain", interchangeably used with "single variable domain", defines molecules wherein the antigen binding site is present on, and formed by, a single immunoglobulin domain. This sets immunoglobulin single variable domains apart from "conventional" immunoglobulins or their fragments, wherein two immunoglobulin domains, in particular two variable domains, interact to form an antigen binding site. Typically, in conventional immunoglobulins, a heavy chai n variable domain (VH) and a light chain variable domain (VL) inte ract to form an antigen binding site. I n this case, the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of both VH and VL will contribute to the antigen binding site, i.e. a total of 6 CDRs will be involved in antigen binding site formation.

In view of the above definition, the antigen-binding domain of a conventional 4-chain a ntibody (such as an igG, IgM, IgA, IgD or IgE molecule; known in the art) or of a Fab fragment, a F(ab')2 fragment, an Fv fragment such as a disulphtde linked Fv or a scFv fragment, or a diabody (all known in the art) derived from such conventional 4-chain antibody, would normally not be regarded as an immunoglobulin single variable domain, as, in these cases, binding to the respective epitope of an antigen would normally not occur by one (single) immunoglobulin domain but by a pair of (associating) immunoglobulin domains such as light and heavy chain variable domains, i.e., by a VH-VL pair of immunoglobulin domains, which jointly bind to an epitope of the respective antigen.

In contrast, immunoglobulin single variable domains are capable of specifically binding to a n epitope of the a ntigen without pairing with a n additional immunoglobulin variable domain. The binding site of an immunoglobulin single variable domain is formed by a single VH/VHH or VL domain. Hence, the antigen binding site of an immunoglobulin single variable domain is formed by no more than three CDRs.

As such, the single variable domain may be a light chain variable domain sequence (e.g., a VL-sequence) or a suitable fragment thereof; or a heavy chain variable domain seq uence (e.g., a VH-sequence or VH H sequence) or a suitable fragment thereof; as long as it is capable of forming a single antigen binding unit {i.e., a functional antigen binding unit that essentially consists of the single va riable domain, such that the single antigen binding domain does not need to interact with another variable domain to form a functional antigen binding unit).

I n one embodiment of the invention, the immunoglobulin single varia ble domains are heavy chain varia ble domain sequences (e. g., a VH-sequence); more specifically, the immunoglobulin single va riable domains can be heavy chain variable domain sequences that are derived from a conventional four-chain antibody or heavy chain variable domain sequences that are derived from a heavy chain antibody.

For example, the immunoglobulin single varia ble domai n may be a (single) domain a ntibody (or an amino acid that is suitable for use as a (single) domain antibody), a "dAb" or dAb (or an amino acid that is suitable for use as a dAb) or a Na nobody (as defined herein, and including but not limited to a VHH); other single variable domains, or any suitable fragment of any one thereof. In particular, the immunoglobulin single variable domain may be a Na nobody* {as defined herein) or a suitable fragment thereof. [Note: Nanobody^®, Nanobodies^® and Na noclone* are registered trademarks of Abiynx N.V,] For a general description of Nanobodies, reference is made to the further description below, as well as to the prior art cited herein, such as e.g. described in WO 08/020079 (page 16). "VHH domains", also known as VHHs, V„H domains, VHH antibody fragments, and VHH antibodies, have originally been described as the a ntigen binding immunoglobulin (variable) domain of "heavy chain a ntibodies" (i.e. of "antibodies devoid of light chains"; Hamers-Casterma n et al. Nature 363: 446-448, 1993). The term "VHH domain" has been chosen in order to distinguish these variable domains from the heavy chain variable domai ns that are present in conventional 4-chain antibodies (which are referred to herein as "V_H domains" or "VH domains") a nd from the light chain variable domains that are present in conventional 4-chain antibodies (which are referred to herein as "V_L domains" or "VL domains"). For a further description of VHH's and Nanobodies, reference is made to the review article by Muyldermans (Reviews in Molecular Biotechnology 74: 277-302, 2001), as well as to the following patent applications, which a re mentioned as genera! background art: WO 94/04678, WO 95/04079 and WO 96/34103 of the Vrije U niversiteit Brussel; WO 34/25591, WO 99/37681, WO 00/40968, WO 00/43507, WO 00/65057, WO 01/40310, WO 01/44301, EP 1134231 and WO 02/48193 of Unilever; WO 97/49805, WO 01/21817, WO 03/035694, WO 03/054016 and WO 03/055527 of the Viaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB); WO 03/050531 of Algonomics N.V. and Abiynx N.V,; WO 01/90190 by the National Research Council of Canada; WO 03/025020 (= EP 1 433 793) by the Institute of Antibodies; as well as WO 04/041867, WO 04/041862, WO 04/041865, WO 04/041863, WO 04/062551, WO 05/044858, WO 06/40153, WO 06/079372, WO 06/122786, WO 06/122787 and WO 06/122825, by Abiynx N.V. and the further published patent applications by Abiynx N.V. Reference is also made to the further prior art mentioned in these applications, and in particular to the list of references mentioned on pages 41-43 of the International application WO 06/040153, which list and references are incorporated herei n by reference. As described in these references, Nanobodies (in particular VH H sequences and partially humanized Nanobodies) can in particular be characterized by the presence of one or more "Hallmark residues" in one or more of the framework sequences. A further description of the Nanobodies, including humanization and/or cametization of Nanobodies, as well as other modifications, parts or fragments, derivatives or "Nanobody fusions", m ultivalent constructs (including some non-limiting examples of linker sequences) and different modifications to increase the half-life of the Nanobodies and their preparations can be found e .g. in WO 08/101985 and WO 08/142164. For a further general description of Nanobodies, reference is made to the prior art cited herein, such as e.g. described in WO 08/020079 (page 16}.

" Domain antibodies", also known as "Dab"s, " Domain Antibodies", a nd "dAbs" (the terms "Domain Antibodies" and "dAbs" being used as trademarks by the GiaxoSmithKiine group of companies) have been described in e.g. EP 0368684, Ward et al. (Nature 341: 544-546, 1989), Holt et al . (Tends in Biotechnology 21: 484-490, 2003) and WO 03/002609 as well as for example WO 04/068820, WO

06/030220, WO 06/003388 and other published patent applications of Domantis Ltd, Domain antibodies essentially correspond to the VH or VL domains of non-cameiid mammalians, in particular human 4-chain antibodies, in order to bind an epitope as a single a ntigen binding domain, i.e. without being paired with a VL or VH domain, respectively, specific selection for such antigen binding properties is required, e.g. by using libraries of human single VH or VL domain sequences. Domai n antibodies have, like VHHs, a molecular weight of approximately 13 to approximately 16 kDa and, if derived from fully huma n seq uences, do not require huma nization for e.g. therapeutic use in humans.

It should also be noted that, a lthough less preferred in the context of the present invention because they are not of mammalian origin, single variable domains can be derived from certain species of shark {for example, the so-called "IgNAR domains", see for example WO 05/18629).

Thus, in the meaning of the present invention, the term "immunoglobuli n single variable domain" or "single variable domain" comprises polypeptides which are derived from a non-human source, prefera bly a camelid, preferably a camelid heavy chain antibody. They may be humanized, as previously described. Moreover, the term comprises polypeptides derived from non-ca melid sources, e.g. mouse or human, which have been "camelized", as e.g. described in Davies and Riechman f FEBS 339 : 285-290, 1994; Biotechonol. 13 : 475-479, 1995; Prot. Eng. 9: 531-537, 1996) and Riechman and Muyidermans (J , Immunol. Methods 231: 25-38, 1999).

The amino acid residues of a VHH domain are numbered according to the general numbering for V_H domains given by Kabat et al. ("Sequence of proteins of immunological i nterest", US Public Health Services, NIH Bethesda, D, Publication No. 91), as applied to VH H domains from Camelids, as shown e.g. in Figure 2 of Riechmann and Muyidermans (J. Immunol, Methods 231 : 25-38, 1999). Alternative methods for numbering the a mino acid residues of V_H domains, which methods can also be applied in an analogous manner to VHH domains, a re known in the art. However, in the present description, claims and figures, the numbering according to Kabat applied to VHH domains as described above will be followed, unless indicated otherwise. It should be noted that - as is well known in the art for V_H domains and for VHH domains - the total number of amino acid residues in each of the CDRs may vary a nd may not correspond to the total number of amino acid residues indicated by the a bat numbering (that is, one or more positions according to the Kabat numbering may not be occupied in the actual sequence, or the actual sequence may contain more amino acid residues than the number allowed for by the Kabat numbering). This means that, generally, the numbering according to Kabat may or may not correspond to the actual num bering of the amino acid residues in the actual sequence. The total number of amino acid residues in a VH domain and a VH H domain will usually be in the range of from 110 to 120, often between 112 and 115. It should however be noted that smaller and longer sequences may also be suita ble for the purposes described herein.

Determination of CDR regions may also be done according to different methods. In the CDR determination according to Kabat, FR1 of a VHH comprises the ami no acid residues at positions 1-30, CDRl of a VH H comprises the amino acid residues at positions 31-35, FR2 of a VHH comprises the amino acids at positions 36-49, CDR2 of a VHH comprises the amino acid residues at positions 50-65, FR3 of a VHH comprises the amino acid residues at positions 6S-94, CDR3 of a VHH comprises the amino acid residues at positions 95-102, and FR4 of a VHH comprises the amino acid residues at positions 103-113.

CDR sequences may be determined according to Konterma nn and Dubel (Eds., Antibody Engineering, vol 2, Springer Verlag Heidelberg Berlin, Martin, Chapter 3, pp. 33-51, 2010). According to this method, FR1 comprises the amino acid residues at positions 1-25, CDRl comprises the amino acid residues at positions 26-35, FR2 comprises the amino acids at positions 36-49, CDR2 comprises the amino acid residues at positions 50-58, FR3 comprises the amino acid residues at positions 59-94, CDRS comprises the a mino acid residues at positions 95-102, and FR4 comprises the amino acid residues at positions 103- 113. immunoglobulin single variable domains such as Domain antibodies and Nanobodies (including VHH domains} can be subjected to humanization. In particular, humanized immunoglobulin single variable domains, such as Nanobodies (including VH H domains) may be immunoglobulin single varia ble domains that are as generally defined for in the previous paragraphs, but in which at least one amino acid residue is present (and in pa rticular, in at least one of the framework resid ues) that is and/or that corresponds to a huma nizing substitution (as defined herein). Potentially useful humanizing substitutions can be ascertained by compari ng the sequence of the framework regions of a naturally occurring V_HH sequence with the corresponding framework sequence of one or more closely related human V_H sequences, after which one or more of the potentially useful huma nizing substitutions (or combinations thereof) thus determined can be introduced into said V_HH sequence (in any manner known per se, as further described herei n) and the resulting humanized V_HH sequences can be tested for affinity for the target, for stability, for ease and level of expression, and/or for other desired properties. In this way, by mea ns of a limited degree of trial a nd error, other suitable humanizing substitutions (or suitable combinations thereof) can be determined by the skilled person based on the disclosure herein. Also, based on the foregoing, (the framework regions of) an immunoglobuiin single variable domain, such as a Nanobody (including VHH domains) may be partially humanized or fully huma nized.

Immunoglobuiin single variable domains such as Domain antibodies and Nanobodies (including VHH domains and humanized VHH domains), can also be subjected to affinity maturation by introducing one or more alterations in the amino acid sequence of one or more CDRs, which alterations result in an improved affinity of the resulting immunoglobulin single variable domain for its respective antigen, as compared to the respective parent molecule. Affinity-matured immunoglobulin single variable domain molecules of the invention may be prepared by methods known in the art, for example, as described by Marks et al. (Biotechnology 10:779-783, 1992), Barbas, et al. (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci, USA 91: 3309-3813, 1994), Shier et al. {Gene 169: 147-155, 1995), Yeiton et al. (Immunol. 155 : 1994-2004, 1995), Jackson et al. (J. Immunol. 154: 3310-9, 1995), Hawkins et al. (J. ol. Biol. 226: 889 896, 1992), Johnson and Hawkins (Affinity maturation of antibodies using phage display, Oxford University Press, 1996).

The process of designing/selecting and/or preparing a polypeptide, starting from an immunoglobulin single variable domain such as a Domain antibody or a Nanobody, is also referred to herein as "formatting" said immunoglobuli n single variable domain; and an immunoglobulin single variable domain that is made part of a polypeptide is said to be "formatted" or to be "in the format of" said polypeptide. Examples of ways in which an immunoglobuiin single variable domain can be formatted and examples of such formats will be clear to the skilled person based on the disclosure herein; and such formatted immunoglobulin' single variable domain form a further aspect of the i nvention.

For example, a nd without limitation, one or more immunoglobulin si ngle variable domains may be used as a "binding unit", "binding domain" or "building block" (these terms are used interchangeable) for the preparation of a polypeptide, which may optionally contain one or more further immunoglobulin single variable domains that can serve as a binding unit (i.e. against the same or another epitope on P2X7 and/or against one or more other antigens, proteins or targets than P2X7). Monovalent polypeptides comprise or essentially consist of only one binding unit (such as e.g. immunoglobulin single variable domains), Polypeptides that comprise two or more binding units (such as e.g. immunoglobulin single variable domains) will also be referred to herein as "multivalent" polypeptides, and the binding units/immunoglobulin single variable domains present in such polypeptides will also be referred to herein as being in a "multivalent format", for example a "bivalent" polypeptide may comprise two Immunoglobulin single variable domains, optionally linked via a linker sequence, whereas a "trivaient" polypeptide may comprises three immunoglobuiin single variable domains, optionally linked via two linker sequences; etc.

In a mu!tivalent polypeptide, the two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains may be the same or different, and may be directed against the same antigen or antigenic determinant (for example against the same part(s) or epitope(s) or against different parts or epitopes) or may alternatively be directed against different antigens or antigenic determinants; or any suitable combination thereof. Polypeptides that contain at least two binding units (such as e.g. immunoglobulin single variable domains) in which at least one binding unit is directed against a first antigen (i.e. P2X7) and at least binding unit is directed against a second antigen (i.e. different from P2X7) will also be referred to as "multispecific" polypeptides, and the binding units (such as e.g. immunoglobulin single variable domains) present in such polypeptides will also be referred to herein as being in a "multispecific format". Thus, for example, a "bispecific" polypeptide of the invention is a polypeptide that comprises at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against a first antigen {i.e. P2X7) and at least one further immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against a second antigen {i.e. different from P2X7), whereas a "trispecific" polypeptide of the invention is a polypeptide that comprises at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against a first antigen {i.e. P2X7), at least one further immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against a second antigen {i.e. different from P2X7) and at least one further immunoglobulin single variable domain directed against a third antigen (i.e. different from both P2X7 and the second antigen); etc.

" ulti aratopic polypeptides", such as e.g." biparatopic polypeptides" or "triparatopic polypeptides", comprise or essentially consist of two or more binding units that each have a different paratope (as will be further described herein; see chapter on multivalent polypeptides of the invention). P2X7

The ISVs and polypeptides of the present invention can generally be used to modulate, and in particular inhibit and/or prevent, binding of ATP to P2X7 or extracellular ATP mediated activation of P2X7, and in pa rticular human P2X7 (see Table B-2), a nd thus to modulate, and in particular inhibit or prevent, gating by P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3} and/or to modulate the biological mechanisms, responses and effects associated with such gating { P2X7 building blocks) . Preferably, the ISVs of the invention are chosen from the group consisting of lc81-like sequences, 3c23-like sequences, lcll3-like sequences, 13a7 like sequences and 14dS-like sequences.

The amino acid sequences provided by the invention are preferably i n essentially isolated form (as defined herein), or form part of a protein or polypeptide of the invention (as defined herein), which may comprise or essentially consist of one or more amino acid sequences of the invention and which may optionally further comprise one or more further amino acid seq uences {ali optionally linked via one or more suita ble linkers). For exa mple, and without limitation, the one or more amino acid sequences of the invention may be used as a binding unit in such a protein or polype ptide, which may optionally contain one or more further amino acid sequences that can serve as a binding unit (i.e. against one or more other targets than P2X7), so as to provide a monovalent, multivalent or multispeetfie polypeptide of the invention, respectively, all as described herein. Such a protein or polypeptide may also be in essentially isolated form (as defined herein).

The ami no acid sequences and polypeptides of the invention as such preferably essentially consist of a single amino acid chain that is not linked via disulphide bridges to any other amino acid sequence or chai n {but that may or may not contain one or more intramolecular disulphide bridges. For example, it is known that Nanobodies - as described herein - may sometimes contain a disulphide bridge between CDP.3 and CDR1 or FR2). However, it should be noted that one or more amino acid sequences of the invention may be linked to each other a nd/or to other amino acid sequences {e.g., via disulphide bridges) to provide peptide constructs that may also be useful in the invention {for example Fab' fragments, F(ab')₂ fragments, ScFv constructs, "diabodies" a nd other multispecific constructs. Reference is for example made to the review by Holliger a nd H udson, Nat Biotechnol. 2005 Sep; 23{ 9) : 1126-36),

Generally, when an amino acid sequence of the invention (or a compound, construct or polypeptide comprising the same) is intended for administration to a subject (for example for therapeutic and/or diagnostic purposes as described herein), it is preferably either an amino acid sequence that does not occur naturally in said subject; or, when it does occur naturally in said subject, i n essentially isolated form (as defined herei n).

Furthermore, an amino acid sequence of the invention may optionally, and in addition to the at least one binding site for binding against P2X7, contain one or more further binding sites for binding against other antigens, proteins or targets.

In the present description and claims, the following terms are defined as follows; ^s lC81-like sequences: a "lC81-//7ce sequence", "ICS ike ISV or "lC81-/fte building block" is defined as an ISV (as described herein) that comprises:

a} a CDR1 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence RTFSFSTSTMG {SEQ ID NO:34) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid seq uence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ ID NO:34); and/or

b) a CDR2 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence AI DWSDFN (SEQ ID NO:62) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence AIDWSDFN (SEQ ID NO:62); or (ill) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid seq uence AIDWSDFN (SEQ ID NO: 62); and/or

c) a CDR3 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO:90) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO :90); or (iii) an a mino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ I D NO:90);

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, and in which CDR 1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the ICSl-Iike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suita ble assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (as known in the art) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein) .

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HE cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the lC81-iike ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less tha n 250 nM, more preferably, less than 200 nM, 175 nM or even less, such as less than 150 M or 125 nM or even more preferably of less than HOnM; or is determined by an ATP-induced externaiization of phosphatidylse rine ( PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1,10.

Preferably, in such a ICSl-iike sequence, CDR1 and CDR2 are as defined under a) and b), respectively; or CDR1 and CD 3 are as defined under a) and c), respectively; or CDR2 and C.DR3 are as defined under b) and c), respectively. More preferably, in such a lC81-like sequence, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are all as defined under a), b) a nd c}, respectively. Again, in such an ICSl-iike seq uence, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the ICSl-iike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays) or by cell based assays (e.g., such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HE cells based assay, for insta nce, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the ICSl-iike ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 250 nM, more preferably, less than 200 nM, 175 nM or even less, such as less tha n 150 nM or 125 rtM or even more preferably of less than HOnM; or is determined by an ATP-induced externaiization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Exa mple 1.10.

For example, in such an ICSl-iike seq uence: CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ ID NO:34) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under b) and c), respectively); and/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence AIDWSDFN (SEQ I D NO:62)(with CDR1 and CDR3 being as defined under a) and c), respectively); and/or CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the a mino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO:90) (with CDR1 and CDR2 being as defined under a) and b), respectively). Particularly, when an ICSl-iike sequence is according to this aspect: CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid se uence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ ID NO:34) and CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence AIDWSDFN (SEQ I D NO:62)(with CDR3 being as defined under c) above); and/or CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ I D NO 4) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO:90)(wrt CDR2 being as defined under b) above); and/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the a mino acid sequence AIDWSDFN (SEQ ID NO;62) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence

HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO:90) (with CDR1 being as defined under a) a bove). Again, in such lC8Mike sequences, CDR1, CDR2 a nd GDR3 are preferably such that the lC81-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by a ny suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g., such as described herein),

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD52L in tra nsfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the lC81-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 250 nM, more preferably, less than 200 nM, 175 nM or even less, such as less than 150 nM or 125 n or even more preferably of less than llOr.M; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T ceils, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Exa mple 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells, for insta nce, such as described in Exa mple 1.10.

in a specifically preferred aspect, a "lC81-Hke sequence", "lC81-like ISV" or "ICSl-iike building block" is an ISV that comprises:

d) a CDR1 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ ID NO:34) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ I D NO:34); and/or

e) a CDR2 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence AIDWSDFN (SEQ ID NO:62) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 8S , for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence AIDWSDFN (SEQ I D NO:62); or (Hi) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence AIDWSDFN (SEQ I D NO:62) ; and/or

f) a CDR3 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO:90) or

(ii) an amino acid seq uence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more tha n 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO:90); or (iii) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO;90);

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, and in which CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 1C81 -like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays {e.g., such as described herein) or by ceil based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK ceils based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the lC81-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 250 nM, more preferably, less than 200 nM, 175 nM or even less, such as less than 150 nM or 125 nM or even more preferably of less than HOnM; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1,11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPM1 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

Preferably, In a lC81-iike sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect, CDR1 and CDR2 are as defined under d) and e), respectively; or CDR1 and CDR3 are as defined under d) and f), respectively; or CDR2 and CDR3 are as defined under e) and f), respectively. More preferably, in such a lC81-!ike sequence, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are all as defined under d), e) and f), respectively. Again, in such an lC81-like sequence, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the lC81 ike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays {e.g., such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the ICSl-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 250 nM, more preferabiy, less than 200 nM, 175 nM or even less, such as less than 150 nM or 125 nM or even more preferably of less than HOnM; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells, for insta nce, such as described in Example 1.10.

For example, in a ICSl-like sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect; CDR1 is the amino acid sequence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ ID N034} (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under e) and f), respectively); and/or CD 2 is the amino acid sequence AI DWSDFN (SEQ ID NO:62) (with CDR1 and CDR3 being as defined under d) and f}, respectively); and/or CDR3 is the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO :90)(with CDR1 and CDR2 being as defined under d) and e), respectively). Particularly, when an ICSl-like sequence is according to this aspect: CDR1 is the amino acid sequence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ ID NO:34) and CDR2 is the amino acid sequence AIDWSDFN (SEQ ID NO :62)(with CDR3 being as defined under f) above); and/or CDR1 is the amino acid sequence

RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ ID NQ:34) and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NG:9Q) (with CDR2 being as defined under e) above); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid sequence AI DWSDFN (SEQ ID NO:62) and CDR3 is HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO:90) (with CDR1 being as defined under d) above). Again, in such ICSl-like sequences, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the ICSl-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g., such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g., such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD82L in tra nsfected HE K cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the ICSl-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 250 nM, more preferably, less tha n 200 n M, 175 nM or even less, such as less than 150 nM or 125 nM or even more preferably of less than HOnM; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T ceils, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by huma n T ceils, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 celis, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

In a particularly preferred ICSl-like sequence: CDR1 is the amino acid sequence RTFSFSTSTMG (SEQ ID NO:34), CDR2 is the amino acid sequence AIDWSDFN {SEQ ID NO:62); and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NO:90).

I n all the ICSl-like sequence described in this section A), the framework sequences may be as further described herein. Preferably, the framework sequences are such that the framework sequences have at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90%, such as at least 95% sequence identity with the framework seq uences of 1C81 (which, for example, can be determined by determining the overall degree of sequence identity of a given seq uence with the sequence of 1C81 while disregarding the CD 's in the calculation). Again, the combi nation of CDR^'s and frameworks present in a given sequence are preferably such that the resulting ICSl-Iike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in trarisfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the lC81-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 250 nM, more preferably, less tha n 200 nM, 175 nM or even less, such as less than 150 nM or 125 nM or even more preferably of less than HOn M; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine ( PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedd ing of CD62L ( PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

In one specific aspect, a ICSl-Iike sequence is an ISV that has at least 70%·, such at least 80%, for example at least 85%, such as at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 6. For example, i n an ICSl-Iike sequence according to this aspect, the CDR's may be according to the specifically preferred aspect described above, and may in particularly (but without limitation) be

RTFSFSTST G (SEQ ID N0:34)(CPR1); A1DWSDFN (SEQ ID NO:62)(CDR2 ); and HSETRGGTRYFDRPSLYNY (SEQ ID NG:9Q) (CDR3). Again, preferably, the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in such a ICSl-Iike ISV a re preferably such that the resulting lCSl-f ike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herei n) .

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the lC81-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 250 nM, more preferably, less than 200 n M, 175 nM or even less, such as less than 150 nM or 125 nM or even more preferably of less than llOntvl; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylseri ne ( PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as descri bed in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-i nduced shedding of CD62 L {PS} by huma n T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

In one particular aspect, any lC81-like sequence may be a humanized and/or sequence optimized sequence, as further described herein.

3C23-like sequences: a "3C23-//*e sequence", "3C23-/fe ISV" or "3C23-//fe? building block" is defined as an ISV (as described herein) that comprises;

a) a CDR1 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence TFRHYAMG (SEQ ID NO:40) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) fas defined herein) with the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG (SEQ ID NO:40) ; and/or

b) a CDR2 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid seq uence AiSSYGST (SEQ. I D NO:68) or (ii) an a mino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more tha n 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence AISSYGST (SEQ ID NO:68); or (iii) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid seq uence AISSYGST {SEQ ID NO:68); and/or

c) a CDR3 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence DETLGAVPNFRLH E KYEYEY (SEQ I D NQ:96) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80% such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence DETLGAVPNFRLHEKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO:96); or (iii) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 8, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence DETLGAVPN FRLHEKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO :96);

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, and in which CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skil led in the a rt, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (as known in the art) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Prefera bly, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD82L in transfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1,7 or 1.8. Preferably, the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 100 nM, more preferably, less than 50 nM, 25 nM or even less, such as less than 20 nM or 15 nM, lOn , 8 nM or even more preferably of less than 5 M; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of PM1 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

Preferably, in such a 3C23-like sequence, CDR1 and CD 2 are as defined under a) and b), respectively; or CDR1 and CDR3 are as defined under a) and c), respectively; or CDR2 and CDR3 are as defined under b) and c), respectively. More preferably, in such a 3C23-like sequence, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are all as defined under a), b) and c), respectively. Again, in such an 3C23- tike sequence, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 3 C23- 1 ike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HE cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 100 nM, more preferably, less than 50 nM, 25 nM or even less, such as less than 20 nM or 15 nM, lOnM, 8 n or even more preferably of less than 5nM; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated eel! death of RPMI 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

For example, in such an 3C23-like sequence: CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG (SEQ ID NO:40) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under b) and c), respectively); and/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence AiSSYGST (SEQ ID NO:68) (with CDR1 and CDR3 being as defined under a) and c), respectively); and/or CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence DETLGAVPNFRLHFKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO:96) (with CDR1 and CDR2 being as defined under a) and b), respectively). Particularly, when an 3C23-like sequence is according to this aspect; CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG (SEQ ID NO:40) and CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence AISSYGST (SEQ ID NO:68) (with CDR3 being as defined under c) above); and/or CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG (SEQ ID NO:40) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence

DETLGAVPN FRLHEKYEYEY {SEQ ID NQ:96) (with CDR2 being as defined under b) above); and/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence AISSYGST {SEQ I D NO:68) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence DETLGAVPMFRLHEKYEYEY {SEQ ID NO:96) {with CDR1 being as defined under a) above). Again, in such 3C23-tike sequences, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by a ny suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by mea ns of Aiphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein} or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein) ,

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HE cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 100 nM , more preferably, less tha n 50 nM, 25 nM or even less, such as less than 20 nM or 15 nM, lOnM, 8 n or even more preferably of less than 5n M; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidyiserine { PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

In a specifically preferred aspect, a "3C23-like sequence", "3C23-like ISV" or "3C23-like building block" is an ISV that comprises:

d) a CDR1 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG {SEQ ID NO:40) or (ii) a n amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference{s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG (SEQ ID N0:40) ; and/or

e) a CDR2 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence AISSYGST {SEQ ID NQ:68) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%·, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence AISSYGST (SEQ ID NO;68); or (Hi) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence AISSYGST (SEQ ID NO:68); and/or

f) a CDR3 which is either (i) the amino acid seq uence DETLGAVPN FRLH EKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO:96) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% seq uence identity with the a mino acid sequence DETLGAVPN FRLH EKYEYEY (SEQ ID NQ:96); or (Hi) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 8, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the ami no acid sequence DETLGAVP FRLHEKYEYEY (SEQ I D NO:96);

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV a re as further described herein, and i n which CDRl, CDR2 and CDF3 are preferably such that the 3C23-like ISV has a modulati ng activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the a rt, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herei n) or by celi based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferabiy, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced sheddi ng of CD62L in tra nsfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1,8. Preferabiy, the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity with an ICSO of less than 100 n , more preferably, less tha n 50 n M, 25 nM or even less, such as less than 20 nM or 15 nM, ΙΟηΜ, 8 nM or even more preferably of less than 5nM; or is determined by an ATP-induced exte rna lization of phosphatidy!serine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described In Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPM I 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10,

Preferably, in a 3C23-iike sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect, CDRl and CDR2 a re as defined under d) and e), respectively; or CDRl and CDR3 are as defined under d) and f), respectively; or CDR2 and CDR3 are as defined under e) and f), respectively. More prefera bly, in such a 3C23- like seq uence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are all as defined under d), e) a nd f), respectively. Again, in such an 3C23-like sequence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for insta nce, by mea ns of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as descri bed herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay, for insta nce, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1.8. Preferably, the 3C23-tike ISV has a modulating activity with a n IC50 of less than 1O0 nM, more preferably, less than 50 nM, 25 nM or even less, such as less than 20 nM or 15 nM, ΙΟηΜ, 8 nM or even more preferably of less than 5nM; or Is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by hu man T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L ( PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMl

8226 cells, for instance_., such as described in Example 1.10.

For example, in a 3C23-Iike sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect: CDRl is the amino acid sequence RTFRHYA G (SEQ ID NO:40) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under e) and f), respectively); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid sequence A1SSYGST (SEQ ID NO:68) (with CDRl and CDR3 being as defined under d) and f), respectively); and/or CDR3 is the amino acid sequence DETLGAVPNFRLHEKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO:96) (with CDRl and CDR2 being as defined under d) and e), respectively). Particularly, when an 3C23-like sequence is according to this aspect: CDRl is the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG (SEQ ID NO:40) and CDR2 is the amino acid sequence AISSYGST (SEQ ID NO:68) (with CDR3 being as defined under f) above); and/or CDRl is the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG (SEQ ID NO:40) and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence DETLGAVPNFRLHEKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO :96) (with CDR2 being as defined under e) above); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid sequence AISSYGST and CDR3 is DETLGAVPNFRLHEKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO:96) (with CDRl being as defined under d) above). Again, in such 3C23-like sequences, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 3C23-like 1SV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1,8. Preferably, the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 100 nM, more preferably, less than 50 nM, 25 nM or even less, such as less than 20 nM or 15 nM, ΙΟηΜ, 8 nM or even more preferably of less than 5nM; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidy!serine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated ceil death of RPMl 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

in a particularly preferred 3C23-like sequence: CDRl is the amino acid sequence RTFRHYAMG (SEQ ID NO:40), CDR2 is the amino acid sequence AISSYGST (SEQ ID NO:68); and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence DETLGAVPNFRLHEKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO:96).

In all the 3C23-Iike sequence described in this section B), the framework sequences may be as further described herein. Preferably, the framework sequences are such that the framework sequences have at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90%, such as at least 95% sequence identity with the framework sequences of 3C23 (which, for example, can be determined by determining the overall degree of sequence identity of a given sequence with the seq uence of 3C23 while disregarding the CDR's in the calculation). Again, the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in a given sequence are preferably such that the resulting 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1,8. Preferably, the 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less than 100 nM, more preferably, less than 50 n M, 25 n M or even less, such as less than 20 nM or 15 nM, lOnM, 8 nM or even more preferably of less than 5n M; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-indueed shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI

8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1,10.

In one specific aspect, a 3C23-like sequence is an iSV that has at least 70%, such at least 80%, for example at least 85%, such as at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 6. For example, in an 3C23-like sequence according to this aspect, the CDR's may be according to the specifically preferred aspect described above, and may in particularly (but without limitation) be

RTFRHYAMG {SEQ I D NO:40) (CDR1); AISSY6ST (SEQ ID NO:68) (CD 2); and DETLGAVPNFRLHEKYEYEY (SEQ ID NO:98) (CDR3). Again, preferably, the combi nation of CDR's and frameworks present in such a 3C23-1ike ISV are preferably such that the resulting 3C23-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by ceil based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced sheddi ng of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay, for instance, such as described in Examples 1.7 or 1,8. Preferably, the 3C23-Iike ISV has a modulating activity with an IC50 of less tha n 100 nM, more preferably, less tha n 50 nM, 25 nM or even less, such as less than 20 nM or 15 n , lOnM, 8 nM or even more preferably of less than 5n M; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by huma n T cells, for i nstance, such as described in Example 1.11; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells, for instance, such as described in Example 1.10.

In one particular aspect, any 3C23-like sequence may be a humanized and/or sequence optimized sequence, as further described herein. lC113-like sequences: a "lC113-//^'te sequence", "lC113-/ifa? ISV or "lC113-//fe building block" is defined as an ISV (as described herein) that comprises:

a) a CDR1 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence IAFNYYSMS (SEQ I D NO:35) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid differertce(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence IAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NO:35); and/or

b) a CDR2 which comprises or essentially consists of either (1) the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%., for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63) ; or (tit) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, S, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63); and/or

c) a CDR3 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence RLR FEVSSNY (SEQ I D NO:91) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ I D NO:91) : or (ili) an amino acid seq uence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the a mino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91);

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, a nd in which CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 a re preferably such that the lCU3-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (as known in the a rt) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD52 L in tra nsferred HE cells based assay; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidyiserine (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L {PS) by human T cells; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells.

Preferably, in such a lC113-like sequence, CDRl and CDR2 are as defined under a) and b), respectively; or CDRl and CDR3 are as defined under a) and c), respectively; or CDR2 and CDR3 are as defined under b) and c), respectively. More preferably, in such a ICllB-iike sequence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are all as defined under a), b) and c), respectively. Again, in such an lC113-like sequence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the lC11 -like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HE cells based assay; or is determined by an ATP-induced externaiization of phosphatidylserme (PS) by human T cells; or Is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells.

For example, in such an lC113-like sequence: CDRl may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence lAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NO:35) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under b) and c), respectively); and/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63) (with CDRl and CDR3 being as defined under a) and c), respectively); and/or CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91) (with CDRl and CDR2 being as defined under a) and b), respectively). Particularly, when an lC113-like sequence is according to this aspect; CDRl may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence lAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NO:35) and CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63) (with CDR3 being as defined under c) above); and/or CDRl may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence lAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NQ:35) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID IMO:91) (with CDR2 being as defined under b) above); and/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NG:63) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid se uence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NOSl) (with CDRl being as defined under a) above). Again, in such lC113-like sequences, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the lC113-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein). Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidyiserine (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells,

In a specifically preferred aspect, a "lC113-like sequence", "lC113-like ISV" or "lC113-like building block" is an ISV that comprises:

d) a CDR1 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence IAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NO:35) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence IAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NO:35j; and/or

e) a CD 2 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT {SEQ ID NO:63); or (iit) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT; and/or

f) a CDR3 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91); or (iit) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91);

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, and in which CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the lCl^'13-Iike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the moduiating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidyiserine (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by prevention of P2X7~mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells.

Preferably, in a lC113-like sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect, CDR1 and CDR2 are as defined under d) and e), respectively; or CDR1 and CDP.3 are as defined under d) and f), respectively; or CDR2 and CDR3 are as defined under e) and f), respectively. More preferably, in such a ieil3-fike sequence, CDRl. CDR2 and CDR3 are all as defined under d), e) and f), respectively.

Again, in such an lC113-like sequence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the lC113-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidyiserine (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of PMI 8226 ceils.

For example, in a lC113-l»ke sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect: CDRl is the amino acid sequence lAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NO:35) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under e) and f), respectively); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63) (with CDRl and CDR3 being as defined under d) and f), respectively); and/or CDR3 is the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91) (with CDRl and CDR2 being as defined under d) and e), respectively). Particularly, when an lC113-iike sequence is according to this aspect: CDRl is the amino acid sequence lAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NQ:35) and CDR2 is the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63) (with CDR3 being as defined under f) above); and/or CDRl is the amino acid sequence lAFNYYSMS {SEQ ID NO:3S) and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91i (with CDR2 being as defined under e) above); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO:63) and CDR3 is RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91) (with CDRl being as defined under d) above). Again, in such lC113-like sequences, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the lC113-iike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidyiserine (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by prevention of P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells. In a particularly preferred lC113-like sequence; CDR1 is the amino acid sequence IAFNYYS S, CDR2 is the amino acid sequence DISPGGHT {SEQ (D NO:63); and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID N0:91).

In all the lCH3-like sequence described in this section C), the framework sequences may be as further described herein. Preferably, the framework sequences are such that the framework sequences have at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90%, such as at least 95% sequence identity with the framework sequences of 1C113 (which, for example, can be determined by determining the overall degree of sequence identity of a given sequence with the sequence of 1C113 while disregarding the CDR's in the calculation). Again, the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in a given sequence are preferably such that the resulting lC113-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays fe.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by human T cells; or is determined by prevention of P 2X7- mediated cell death of RP I 8226 cells.

In one specific aspect, a lC113-like sequence is an ISV that has at least 70%, such at least 80%, for example at least 85%, such as at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 6. For example, in an lC113-like sequence according to this aspect, the CDR's may be according to the specifically preferred aspect described above, and may in particularly (but without limitation) be IAFNYYSMS (SEQ ID NO:3S) (CDR1); DISPGGHT (SEQ ID NO;63) (CDR2); and RLRFEVSSNY (SEQ ID NO:91) (CDR3). Again, preferably, the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in such a lC113-like ISV are preferably such that the resulting lC113-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells based assay; or is determined by an ATP-induced externalization of phosphatidylserine {PS) by human T cells; or is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD62L (PS) by huma n T cells; or is determined by prevention of P2X7- mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 cells.

In one particular aspect, any lC113-like sequence may be a huma nized and/or sequence optimized seq uence, as further described herein.

13A7-iike sequences: a "13A7-//7ce sequence", "llM-iike ISV" or "13A7-//¾? building block" is defined as an ISV (as described herein) that comprises:

a) a CDR1 which comprises or essentially consists of either p) the amino acid seq uence YYD1G (SEQ ID NO:47) or pi) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence YYDIG (SEQ ID NO:47); and/or

b) a CDR2 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSV G (SEQ ID NO:75) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ. ID NO:75); or (iii) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference's) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO:75); and/or

c) a CDR3 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence GPLTKRRQCVPGDFS DF (SEQ I D NO: 103) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence GPLTKRRQCVPGDFSMDF (SEQ ID NO:103); or (iii) a n amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or i amino acid difference(s) (as defi ned herein) with the amino acid sequence GPLTKRRQCVPGDFSMDF {SEQ I D NO:103);

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, and in which CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determi ned by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the a rt, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (as known in the art), by cell based assays (as known in the art), by in vivo assays.

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externa!ization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 13A7-like ISVs, for instance, such as described in Example 2.3. Preferably, the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3, Preferably, in such a 13A7-like sequence, CDRl and CDR2 are as defined under a) and b), respectively; or CDRl and CDR3 are as defined under a) and c), respectively; or CDRl and CDR3 are as defined under b) and c}, respectively. More preferably, in such a 13A7-like sequence, CDRl, CDR2 a nd CDR3 are ail as defined under a}, b) and c), respectively. Again, in such an 13A7- !ike sequence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by mea ns of Alphascreen assays) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Prefera bly, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 13A7-like ISVs, for instance, such as described in Example 2.3. Preferably, the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-pod ocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

For example, in such an 13A7-tike sequence: CDRl may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence YYDIG (SEQ I D NO:47) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under b) and c), respectively); and/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ ID NQ:75) (with CDRl and CDR3 being as defined under a) and c), respectively); and/or CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence GPLTKRRQCVPGDFSM DF (SEQ ID NO: 103) (with CDRl and CDR2 being as defined under a) and b), respectively). Particularly, when an 13A7-li ke sequence is according to this aspect: CDRl may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence YYDIG (SEQ ID NQ:47) and CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ I D NO:75)

(with CDR3 being as defined under c) above); and/or CDRl may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence YYDIG (SEQ ID NQ:47) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence G PLTKRRQCVPGDFSMDF (SEQ ID NO:103) (with CDR2 being as defined under b) above); and/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence CRFTN DGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ. ID NO:75) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence G PLTKRRQCVPGDFSM DF (SEQ ID NO:103) (with CDRl being as defined under a) above). Again, in such 13A7-like sequences, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 13A7-like ISVs, for instance, such as described in Example 2.3. Preferably, the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

I n a specifically preferred aspect, a "13A7-Iike sequence", "13A7-llke ISV" or "13A7-like building block" is an ISV that comprises;

d) a CDRl which is either (i) the ami no acid sequence YYDIG (SECt I D NO:47) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence YYDIG (5EQ ID NO:47); and/or

e) a CDR2 which is either (i) the a mino acid sequence CRFTN DGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO:75) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid seq uence CRFTN DGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO:75); or (Hi) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO:75); and/or f) a CDR3 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence GPLTKRRQCVPGDFS DF (SEQ ID NO:103) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence GPLTKRRQCVPGDFSMDF (SEQ ID NQ:103); or (iii) an amino acid seq uence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence GPLTKRRQCVPGDFSMDF (SEQ ID NO :103) ;

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, and in which CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 a re prefera bly such that the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suita ble assay known to the person skilled in the a rt, such as, for instance, by means of Aiphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver ceils from mice injected with 13A7-like ISVs, for i nstance, such as described in Example 2.3. Preferably, the 13A7-iike ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in a n anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as descri bed in Example 3.

Preferably, in a 13A7-like sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect, CDRl and CDR2 are as defined under d) and e), respectively; or CDRl and CDR3 are as defi ned under d) and f), respectively; or CDR2 a nd CDR3 are as defined under e) and f), respectively. More preferably, in such a 13A7-like sequence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are all as defined under d), e) and f), respectively. Again, in such an 13A7-like sequence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreert assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen a nd liver cells from mice injected with 13A7-like ISVs, for instance, such as described in Example 2.3. Preferably, the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

For example, in a 13A7-like sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect: CDR1 is the amino acid sequence YYDIG (SEQ ID NO:47) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under e) and f), respectively); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid sequence C R FTN DG STAY A DSVKG (SEQ ID NQ:75) (with

CDRl and CDR3 being as defined under d) and f), respectively); and/or CDR3 is the amino acid seq uence GPLTKRRQCVPG DFSMDF (SEQ ID NO:103) (with CDRl and CDR2 being as defined under d) and e), respectively). Particularly, when an 13A7-!ike sequence is according to this aspect; CDRl is the amino acid sequence YYDIG (SEQ ID NO:47) and CDR2 is the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSVKG (with CDR3 being as defined under f) above); a nd/or CDRl is the amino acid sequence YYDIG (SEQ I D NQ:47) and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence GPLTKRRQCVPGDFSMDF (SEQ ID NO:103) (with CDR2 being as defined under e) above); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO :75) and CDR3 is GPLTKRRQCVPGDFSMDF (SEQ ID NO:103) (with CDRl being as defined under d) a bove). Again, in such 13A7-like sequences, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the :13A7-like ISV has a mod ulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 13A7-like ISVs, for instance, such as descri bed in Example 2.3. Preferably, the 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as descri bed in Example 3.

In a particularly preferred 13A7-like sequence: CDRl is the amino acid sequence YYDIG (SEQ ID NO:47), CDR2 is the amino acid sequence CRFTNDGSTAYADSVKG (SEQ I D NO:75); and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence G PLTKRRQCVPGDFSMDF (SEQ ID NQ: 103) ,

In all the 13A7-like sequence described in this section Dj, the framework sequences may be as further described herein. Preferably, the framework sequences are such that the framework sequences have at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90%, such as at least 95% sequence identity with the framework sequences of 13A7 (which, for example, can be determined by determining the overall degree of sequence identity of a given sequence with the sequence of 13A7 while disregarding the CD 's in the calculation). Again, the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in a given sequence are preferably such that the resulting 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

In one specific aspect, a 13A7-like sequence is an ISV that has at least 70%, such at least 80%, for example at least 85%, such as at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 6, For example, in an 13A7-like sequence according to this aspect, the CDR's may be according to the specifically preferred aspect described above, and may in particularly (but without limitation) be YYDIG (SEQ ID NO:47) (CDR1); CRFTNDGSTAYADSV G (SEQ ID NO:75) (CDR2); and GPITKRRQCVPGDFSMDF (SEQ ID NO:103) (CDR3). Again, preferably, the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in such a 13A7-like ISV are preferably such that the resulting 13A7-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

In one particular aspect, any 13A7-like sequence may be a humanized and/or sequence optimized sequence, as further described herein. 14D5-like sequences: a "14D5-/ te sequence", " D54ike ISV" or "14D5-// ce building block" is defined as an ISV (as described herein) that comprises: a) a CDRl which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO :46) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein} with the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO:46); and/or

b) a CDR2 which comprises or essentially consists of either (!) the amino acid sequence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ I D NO :74} or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74); or (iii) an a mino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ I D NO:74}; and/or

c) a CDR3 which comprises or essentially consists of either (i) the amino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ ID NO: 102) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ ID NO:102); or (Iii) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence RVRYDY;

in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, and in which CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for i nstance, by means of Alphascreen assays (as known in the art), by cell based assays (as known in the art), by in vivo assays.

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen a nd liver celis from mice injected with 14D5-like ISVs, for i nstance, such as described in Example 2,2. Preferably, the 14D5-iike ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

Preferably, in such a 14D5-like sequence, CDRl and CDR2 are as defined under a) and b), respectively; or CDRl and CDR3 are as defined under a) and c), respectively; or CDR2 and CDR3 are as defined under b) and c), respectively. More preferably, in such a 14D5-li ke sequence, CDRl, CDR2 a nd CDR3 a re all as defi ned under a), b) and c), respectively. Again, in such an 14D5 like sequence, CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by mea ns of Alphascreen assays) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 14D5-!ike ISVs, for i nstance, such as described in Example 2,2. Preferably, the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3,

For example, in such an 14D5-like seq uence; CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence SYA G (SEQ I D NO:46) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under b) and cj, respectively); a nd/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74) (with GDR1 and CDR3 being as defined under a) and c), respectively); and/or CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid seq uence RVRYDY (with CDR1 and CDR2 bei ng as defined under a) and b), respectively). Particularly, when an 14D5-iike sequence is according to this aspect: CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO :46) and CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ I D NO:74) (with CDR3 being as defi ed under c) a bove); and/or CDR1 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid seq uence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO:46) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ ID NO : 102) (with CDR2 bei ng as defined under b) above); a nd/or CDR2 may comprise or essentially consist of the a mino acid sequence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74) and CDR3 may comprise or essentially consist of the amino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ ID NQ:102) (with CDR1 being as defined under a) above). Again, in such 14D5Tike sequences, CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are preferably such that the 14D5-li ke ISV has a modulating activity., which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Aiphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-ind uced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 14D5-like ISVs, for Instance, such as described in Example 2.2, Preferably, the 14D5-iike ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte ind uced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

In a specifically preferred aspect, a "14D5-like sequence", "14D5-like ISV" or "14D5-like building block" is an ISV that com rises:

d) a CDR1 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NQ:46) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has only 3, 2 or 1 amino acid differenee(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO:46); a nd/or

e) a CDR2 which is either (i) the a mino acid sequence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74) or (ii) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74) ; or (iii) an amino acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s)

(as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence R1YTGGTAWYEDSV G (SEQ ID NO:74); and/or f) a CDR3 which is either (i) the amino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ I D NO:102 ) or (ti) an amino acid sequence that has at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 30% or more than 95% sequence identity with the amino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ I D NO:102); or { iii} an ami no acid sequence that has only 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 amino acid difference(s) (as defined herein) with the amino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ ID NO;102); in which the framework sequences present in such an ISV are as further described herein, and in which

CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 a re preferably such that the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for insta nce, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein} or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Prefera bly, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or mod ulating of PS extemalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 14D5-like ISVs, for instance, such as described in Example 2.2. Preferably, the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an a nti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

Prefera bly, in a 14DS-like sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect, CDRl and CDR2 are as defined under d) and e), respectively; or CDRl and CDR3 are as defi ned under d) and f), respectively; or CDR2 and CDR3 are as defined under e) and f), respectively. More preferably, in such a 14D5-like sequence, CDRl, CDRl and CDR3 are alt as defined under d), e) and f), respectively. Again, in such an 14D5-like sequence, CDRl, CDR2 a nd CDR3 are preferably such that the 14DS-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for insta nce, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS extemalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 14D5-like ISVs, for instance, such as described in Example 2.2. Preferably, the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

For example, in a 14D5-like sequence according to this specifically preferred aspect: CDRl is the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO:46) (with CDR2 and CDR3 being as defined under e) and f), respectively); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid seq uence RIYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74) (with CDRl and CDR3 being as defined under d) and f), respectively); and/or CDR3 is the amino acid sequence RVRYDY {SEQ I D NO:102) (with CDR1 and CDR2 being as defined under d) and e), respectively). Particularly, when an 14D5-like sequence is according to this aspect: CDR1 is the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO:46) a nd CDR2 is the amino acid sequence R I YTGGTAWYE DSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74) (with CDR3 being as defined under f) above); and/or CDR1 is the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO:46) and CDR3 is the a mino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ I D NO:102j (with CDR2 bei ng as defi ned under e) above); and/or CDR2 is the amino acid sequence Rf YTGGT WYE DSVKG (SEQ I D NQ:74) and CDR3 is RVRYDY (with CDR1 being as defined under d) above). Again, in such 14D5-like sequences, CDR1, CDR2 and CD R3 are preferably such that the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Atphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein) .

Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 14D5-like ISVs, for instance, such as described in Example 2.2. Preferably, the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

In a particularly preferred 14D5-like sequence: CDR1 is the amino acid sequence SYAMG (SEQ ID NO:46), CDR2 is the amino add sequence RIYTGGTAWYE DSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74); and CDR3 is the amino acid sequence RVRYDY (SEQ ID NO: 102) .

In all the 14DS-fike sequence described in this section E), the framework sequences may be as further described herein. Preferably, the framework sequences are such that the framework sequences have at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example at least 90%, such as at least 95% sequence identity with the framework sequences of 14D5 (which, for example, can be determined by determining the overall degree of sequence identity of a given sequence with the sequence of 14D5 while disregarding the CDR's in the calculation) . Agai n, the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in a given seq uence are prefera bly such that the resulting 14D5-Iike ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Atphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein).

Prefera bly, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 14D5-)ike ISVs, for i stance, such as described in Example 2,2. Preferably, the 14D5-iike ISV has a modulating activity which is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3. In one specific aspect, a 14D5-like sequence is an ISV that has at least 70%, such at least 80%, for example at least 85%, such as at least 90% or more than 95% sequence identity with SEQ ID NO: 6, For example, in an 14PS-like sequence according to this aspect, the CDR's may be according to the specifically preferred aspect described above, and may in particularly (but without limitation) be SYA G {SEQ ID NQ:46) (CDR1); RiYTGGTAWYEDSVKG (SEQ ID NO:74) (CDR2); and RVRYDY (SEQ ID NO:102) (CDR3). Again, preferably, the combination of CDR's and frameworks present in such a 14D5-like ISV are preferably such that the resulting 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity, which can be determined by any suitable assay known to the person skilled in the art, such as, for instance, by means of Alphascreen assays (e.g. such as described herein) or by cell based assays (e.g. such as described herein). Preferably, the modulating activity is determined by an ATP-induced shedding of CD27 or modulating of PS externalization of in spleen and liver cells from mice injected with 14D5-like ISVs, for instance, such as described in Example 2,2. Preferably, the 14D5-like ISV has a modulating activity which Is determined in an anti-podocyte induced nephritis model as described in Example 3.

In one particular aspect, any 14DS-like sequence may be a humanized and/or sequence optimized sequence, as further described herein.

As described in Example 1.5, the ISVs of the invention can be grouped into different epitope bins or families, by means of cross-blocking analyses as detailed herein. Group A ISVs are represented by lc81- like ISVs and lcll3-like ISVs, while Group B ISVs are represented by 3c23~ttke ISVs.

As described in Example 1.4, the ISVs of the invention can be grouped based on the presence or absence of cross-reactivity, "human-specific" ISVs are represented by 3c23-like ISVs and lcll3-like ISVs; "human/rat/mouse-specific" ISVs are represented by IcSl-like ISVs; "mouse-specific" ISVs are represented by 13A7-like ISVs and 14D5-iike ISVs .

Generally, immunoglobulin single variable domains {in particular V_HH sequences and sequence optimized immunoglobulin single variable domains) can in particular be characterized by the presence of one or more "Hallmark residues" (as described herein) in one or more of the framework sequences {again as further described herein).

Thus, generally, an immunoglobulin single variable domain can be defined as an amino acid sequence with the (general) structure

FR1 - CDR1 - FR2 - CDR2 - FR3 - CDR3 - FR4 in which FRl to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4, respectively, and in which CDRl to CDR3 refer to the compiementa rity determining regions 1 to 3, respectively.

In a preferred aspect, the invention provides polypeptides comprising at least an immunoglobulin single variable domain that is an amino acid sequence with the (general) structure

FRl - CDRl - FR2 - CDR2 - FR3 - CDR3 - FR4 in which FRl to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4, respectively, and in which CDRl to CDR3 refer to the complementa rity determining regions 1 to 3, respectively, and in which: i) at feast one of the amino acid residues at positions 11, 37, 44, 45, 47, 83, 84, 103, 104 and 108 according to the Kabat numbering are chosen from the Hallmark residues mentioned in Ta ble A-l below; and in which: it) said amino acid sequence has at least 80%, more preferably 90%, even more preferably 95% a mino acid identity with at least one of the immunoglobulin si ngle va riable domains as shown in WO 2009/138519 (see SEQ ID NO:s 1 to 125 in WO 2009/138519}, in which for the purposes of determining the degree of amino acid identity, the amino acid residues that form the COR sequences (indicated with X in the sequences) are disregarded; and in which: iii) the CDR sequences are generally as further defined herein {e.g. the CDRl, CDR2 and CDR3 in a combination as provided in Table ( B-2), note that the CDR definitions are calculated according to the Kabat numbering system).

Table A-i: Hallmark Residues In VHHs

(3) Usually as KERE or KQRE at positions 43-46, e.g. as KEREL, KEREF, KQREL, KQREF, KEREG, KQREW or KQREG at positions 43-47. Alternatively, also sequences such as TERE (for example TEREL), TQRE {for example TQREL), KECE (for example KEGEL or KECER), KQCE (for example KQCEL), RERE (for example REREG), RQRE (for example RQREL, RQREF or RQREW), QERE (for example QEREG), QQRE, (for example QQREW, QQREL or QQREF), KG RE (for example KGREG), KDRE (for example KDREV) are possible. Some other possible, but less preferred sequences include for example DECKL and NVCEL.

With both GLEW at positions 44-47 and KERE or KQRE at positions 43-46.

(5) Often as KP or EP at positions 83-84 of naturally occurring V_HH domains.

(6) In particular, but not exclusively, in combination with GLEW at positions 44-47.

(7} With the proviso that when positions 44-47 are GLEW, position 108 is always Q in (non-humanized) V_HH sequences that also contain a W at 103.

(8) The GLEW group also contains GLEW-like sequences at positions 44-47, such as for example 6VEW, EPEW,

GLER, DQEW, DLEW, GIEW, ELEW, GPEW, EWLP, GPER, GLER and ELEW. Again, such immunoglobulin single variable domains may be derived in any suitable manner and from any suitable source, and may for example be naturally occurring V_HH sequences (i.e. from a suitable species of Camelid, e.g. llama) or synthetic or semi-synthetic VHs or VLs (e.g. from human). Such immunoglobulin single variable domains may include "humanized" or otherwise "sequence optimized" VHHs, "camelized" immunoglobulin sequences (and in particular camelized heavy chain variable domain sequences, i.e. camelized VHs), as well as human VHs, human VLs, camelid VHHs that have been altered by techniques such as affinity maturation (for example, starting from synthetic, random or naturally occurring immunoglobulin sequences), CDR grafting, veneering, combining fragments derived from different immunoglobulin sequences, PGR assembly using overlapping primers, and similar techniques for engineering immunoglobulin sequences well known to the skilled person; or any suitable combination of any of the foregoing as further described herein.

The present invention provides stretches of amino acid residues (SEQ ID NO:s 34-47, SEQ ID NO:s 62-75 and SEQ ID NQ:s 90-103; Table B-l) that are particularly suited for binding to P2X7, These stretches of amino acid residues may be present in, and/or may be incorporated into, a polypeptide of the invention, in particular in such a way that they form (part of) the antigen binding site of the polypeptide of the invention. These stretches of amino acid residues have been generated as CDR sequences of heavy chain antibodies or V_HH sequences that were raised against the P2X7. These stretches of amino acid residues are also referred to herein as "CDR sequences of the invention" (i.e. as "CD 1 sequences of the invention", "CDR2 sequences of the invention" and "CDR3 sequences of the invention", respectively). It should however be noted that the invention in its broadest sense is not limited to a specific structural role or function that these stretches of amino acid residues may have in a polypeptide of the invention, as long as these stretches of amino acid residues allow the polypeptide of the invention to bind to P2X7 with a certain affinity and potency (as defined herein). Thus, generally, the invention in its broadest sense provides monovalent polypeptides (also referred to herein as "monovalent poiypeptide(s) of the invention") that are capable of binding to P2X7 with a certain specified affinity, avidity, efficacy and/or potency and that comprises one or more CDR sequences as described herein and, in particular a suitable combination of two or more such CDR sequences, that are suitably linked to each other via one or more further amino acid sequences, such that the entire polypeptide forms a binding domain and/or binding unit that is capable of binding to P2X7. It should however also be noted that the presence of only one such CDR sequence in a monovalent polypeptide of the invention may by itself already be sufficient to provide the monovalent polypeptide of the invention the capacity of binding to P2X7; reference is for example again made to the so-called "Expedite fragments" described in WO 03/050531. Thus, in a specific, but non-iimiting aspect, the monovalent polypeptide of the invention may comprise at least one stretch of amino acid resid ues that is chosen from the group consisting of:

CDR1 sequences:

a) SEQ I D NO:s 34-47;

b) stretches of amino acid seq uences that have at least 80% amino acid identity with at ieast one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:s 34-47;

c) stretches of amino acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at ieast one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:s 34-47;

and/or

CDR2. sequences:

d) SEQ I D NO :s 62-75;

e) stretches of amino acid sequences that have at Ieast 80% amino acid identity with at ieast one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:s 62-75;

f) stretches of amino acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at Ieast one of the amino acid seq uences of SEQ ID NO:s 62-75;

and/or

CDR3 sequences:

g) SEQ I D NQ :s 90-103;

h) stretches of amino acid sequences that have at ieast 80% amino acid identity with at Ieast one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NQ:s 90-103;

i) stretches of a mi no acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at least one of the amino acid seq uences of SEQ ID NO:s 90-103.

Monovalent polypeptides comprising one or more of the above specified stretches of amino acid resid ues show improved properties such as e.g. improved binding characteristics {suitably measured and/or expressed as a K_D-value (actual or appa rent), a K_A-value {actual or apparent), a k_0I1-rate a nd/or a k_ofrrate, or alternatively as an 1C₅₀ value, as further described herein), improved affinity and/or improved avidity for P2X7 a nd/or improved efficacy and/or potency for modulating P2X7.

More in particular, the monovalent polypeptides of the invention comprising one or more of the above specified stretches of amino acid residues can bind to protein P2X7 with an affinity (suitably measured and/or expressed as a K_D-value (actual or appa rent), a _A-value (actual or apparent), a k_on-rate and/or a kofprate, or alternatively as an IC₅₀ value, as further described herein) preferably such that they: bind to P2X7 with a dissociation constant ( ₀) of 1000 nM to 1 nM or less, preferably 100 nM to 1 n or less, more preferably 15 nM to 1 nM or even 10 nM to 1 nM or less;

and/or such that they:

bind to P2X7 with a k_on-rate of between 10^'"' IVI^'V¹ to about 10⁷ MPs⁴, preferably between 10⁵ fviV¹ and 10⁷ !vfV¹, more preferably about 10^{6 1} or more;

and/or such that they:

bind to P2X7 with a k_of, rate between lO ² s^"1 (t_1/2=0.69 s) and 10^"4 s^"1 (providing a near irreversible complex with a t_1/2 of multiple days), preferably between 10^"3 s^"1 and 10^" s^"1, or Sower.

Some preferred IC_S0 values for binding of the monovalent polypeptides of the invention to P2X7 will become clear from the further description and examples herein. Assays to determine the IC_S0 include binding in ELISA.

In particular, a monovalent polypeptide of the invention may be a monovalent polypeptide that comprises one antigen binding site, wherein said antigen binding site comprises at least one stretch of amino acid residues that is chosen from the group consisting of the CDRl sequences, CDR2 sequences and CDR3 sequences as described above (or any suitable combination thereof). In a preferred aspect, however, the monovalent polypeptide of the invention comprises more than one, such as two or more stretches of amino acid residues chosen from the group consisting of the CDRl sequences of the invention, the CDR2 sequences of the invention and/or the CDR3 sequences of the invention. Preferably, the monovalent polypeptide of the invention comprises three stretches of amino acid residues chosen from the group consisting of the CDRl sequences of the invention, the CDR2 sequences of the invention and the CDR3 sequences of the invention, respectively. The combinations of CDR's that are mentioned herein as being preferred for the monovalent polypeptides of the invention are listed in Table B-l.

It should be noted that the invention is not limited as to the origin of the monovalent polypeptide of the invention (or of the nucleic acid of the invention used to express it), nor as to the way that the monovalent polypeptide or nucleic acid of the invention is (or has been) generated or obtained, Thus, the monovalent polypeptides of the invention may be naturally occurring monovalent polypeptides (from any suitable species) or synthetic or semi-synthetic monovalent polypeptides.

Furthermore, it will also be clear to the skilled person that it is possible to "graft" one or more of the CDR's mentioned above onto other "scaffolds", including but not limited to human scaffolds or non- immunoglobulin scaffolds. Suitable scaffolds and techniques for such CDR grafting will be clear to the skilled person and are well known in the art, see for example US 7,180,370, WO 01/27160, EP 0605522, EP 0460167, US 7,054,297_., Nicaise et al. {Protein Science 13: 1882-1891, 2004), Ewert et al. (Methods 34: 184-199, 2004), Kettleborough et ai. (Protein Eng. 4: 773-783, 1991), O'Brien and Jones (Methods Mol. Biol 207: 81-100, 2003), Skerra (J. Mol. Recognit. 13: 167-187, 2000) and Saerens et ai. (J. Mol. Biol. 352: 597-607, 2005) and the further references cited therein. For example, techniques known per se for grafting mouse or rat CDR's onto hyman frameworks and scaffolds can be used in an analogous manner to provide chimeric proteins comprising one or more of the CDR sequences defined herein for the monovalent polypeptides of the invention and one or more human framework regions or sequences. Suitable scaffolds for presenting amino acid sequences will be clear to the skilled person, and for example comprise, without limitation, to binding scaffolds based on or derived from immunoglobulins (i.e. other than the immunoglobulin sequences already described herein), protein scaffolds derived from protein A domains (such as Affibodies'"), tendamistat, fibronectin, iipocalin, CTLA-4, T-cell receptors, designed ankyrin repeats, avimers and PDZ domains (Binz et al. Nat. Biotech., 23: 1257, 2005), and binding moieties based on DNA or RNA including but not limited to DNA or RNA aptamers (Utrich et al. Comb. Chem. High Throughput Screen 9: 619-32, 2006).

In said monovalent polypeptides of the invention, the CDR's may be linked to further amino acid sequences and/or may be linked to each other via amino acid sequences, in which said amino acid sequences are preferably framework sequences or are amino acid sequences that act as framework sequences, or together form a scaffold for presenting the CDR's,

According to a preferred, but non-limiting embodiment, the monovalent polypeptides of the invention comprise at least three CDR sequences linked to at least two framework sequences, in which preferably at least one of the three CDR sequences is a CDR3 sequence, with the other two CDR sequences being CDR1 or CDR2 sequences, and preferably being one CDR1 sequence and one CDR2 sequence. According to one specifically preferred, but non-limiting embodiment, the monovalent polypeptides of the invention have the structure FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4, in which CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 are as defined herein for the monovalent polypeptides of the invention, and FR1, FR2, FR3 and FR4 are framework sequences. In such a monovalent polypeptide of the invention, the framework sequences may be any suitable framework sequences, and examples of suitable framework sequences will be clear to the skilled person, for example on the basis the standard handbooks and the further disclosure and prior art mentioned herein. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a monova lent polypeptide against P2X7 which essentially consists of 4 framework regions (FR1 to FR4, respectively) and 3 complementarity determining regions (CDR1 to CDR3, respectively), in which:

CDR1 is chosen from the group consisting of:

a ) SEQ ID NOs: 34-47;

b) stretches of amino acid sequences that have at least 80% amino acid identity with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 34-47;

c) stretches of amino acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at least one of the amino add sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 34-47;

and/or

CPR2 is chosen from the group consisting of:

d) SEQ I D NO:s 62-75;

e) stretches of amino acid sequences that have at least 80% amino acid identity with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 62-75;

f) stretches of amino acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at least one of the amino acid seq uences of SEQ ID HQs: 62-75;

and/or

CDR3 is chosen from the group consisting of:

g) SEQ ID NO:s 90-103;

h) stretches of amino acid sequences that have at least 80% amino acid identity with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 90-103;

i) stretches of amino acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 90-103,

I n particular, according to this preferred but non-limiting aspect, the invention relates to a monovalent polypeptide against P2X7 which consists of 4 framework regions (FR1 to FR4 respectively) and 3 complementarity determining regions (CDRl to CDR3 respectively), in which:

CDR1 is chosen from the group consisting of:

a) SEQ I D NOs: 34-47;

b) stretches of amino acid sequences that have at least 80% amino acid identity with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ I D NOs: 34-47;

c) stretches of amino acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ I D NOs: 34-47; and

CDR2 is chosen from the group consisting of:

d) SEQ ID NO:s 62-75;

f) stretches of amino acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 62-75;

and

CD 3 is chosen from the group consisting of:

g) SEQ ID NO:s 90-103;

i) stretches of amino acid sequences that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 90-103.

The invention also relates to a monovalent polypeptide in which the CDR sequences have at least 70% amino acid identity, preferably at least 80% amino acid identity, more preferably at least 90% amino acid identity, such as 95% amino acid identity or more or even (essentially) 100% amino acid identity with the CDR sequences of at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:s 6-19, in one specific_., but non-iimiting aspect, the monovalent polypeptide of the invention may be a monovalent polypeptide that comprises an immunoglobulin fold or a monovalent polypeptide that, under suitable conditions (such as physiological conditions} is capable of forming an immunoglobulin fold (i.e. by folding). Reference is inter alia made to the review by Halaby et al, (J. Protein Eng. 12: 563-71, 1999). Preferably, when properly folded so as to form an immunoglobulin fold, the stretches of amino acid residues may be capable of properly forming the antigen binding site for binding P2X7. Accordingly, the framework sequences are preferably (a suitable combination of) immunoglobulin framework sequences or framework sequences that have been derived from immunogiobulin framework sequences (for example, by sequence optimization such as humanization or cameiization). For example, the framework sequences may be framework sequences derived from an immunoglobulin single variable domain such as a light chain variable domain (e.g. a V_L-sequence) and/or from a heavy chain variable domain (e.g. a V_H-sequence). In one particularly preferred aspect, the framework sequences are either framework sequences that have been derived from a V -sequence (in which said framework sequences may optionally have been partially or fully humanized) or are conventional V_H sequences that have been camelized ( as defined herein) .

The framework sequences may preferably be such that the monovalent polypeptide of the invention is a n imm unoglobulin single varia ble domain such as a Domain antibody (or an amino acid sequence that is suita ble for use as a domain antibody); is a single domain antibody (or an amino acid that is suitable for use as a single domain antibody); is a "dAb" (or a n amino acid that is suitable for use as a dAb); or is a Nanobody* (including but not limited to V_HH). Again, suitable framework sequences will be clear to the skilled person, for example on the basis the standard handbooks and the further disclosure and prior art mentioned herein.

In particular, the framework sequences present i n the monovalent polypeptides of the invention may contain one or more of Hallmark residues (as defined in WO 08/020079 (Tables A-3 to A-8)), such that the monovalent polypeptide of the invention is a Nanobody. Some preferred, but non-limiting examples of (suita ble combinations of) such fra mework sequences will become clea r from the further disclosure herein (see e.g. Ta ble B-l) . Generally, Nanobodies (in particular V_HH sequences a nd partially huma nized Nanobodies) can in particular be characterized by the presence of one or more "Hallmark residues" in one or more of the framework sequences (as e.g. further described in WO 08/020079, page 61, li ne 24 to page 98, line 3).

More in particular, a Nanobody can be a n immunoglobulin single variable domain and/or polypeptide with the (general) structure

FR1 - CDR1 - FR2 - CDR2 - F 3 - CDR3 - FR4 in which FR1 to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4, respectively, and in which CDR1 to CDR3 refer to the complementarity determining regions 1 to 3, respectively, and which:

i) have at least 80% amino acid identity with at least one of the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO:s

6-19 (see Table B-3), i n which for the purposes of determining the degree of amino acid identity, the amino acid residues that form the CDR sequences are disregarded. In this respect, reference is also made to Table B-l, which lists the framework 1 sequences (SEQ I D NO:s 20-33), framework 2 sequences (SEQ ID NO :s 48-61), framework 3 sequences (SEQ I D NO:s 76-89) and framework 4 sequences (SEQ ID NO:s 104-117) of the immunoglobulin single variable domains of SEQ ID NO :s 6- 19 (see Ta ble B-3); or

ii) combinations of framework sequences as depicted in Table B-l;

and in which: ίίί) preferably one or more of the amino acid resid ues at positions 11, 37, 44, 45, 47, 83, 84, 103, 104 and 108 according to the Kabat numbering are chosen from the Hallmark residues mentioned in Table A-3 to Table A-8 of WO 08/020079. in a preferred aspect, the present invention provides an immunoglobulin single variable domain or monovalent polypeptide that is selected from any of SEQ I D NO's: 6-19.

The present invention also provides monovalent polypeptides that belong to the same epitope bin as any one of the immunoglobulin single variable domains with SEQ ID NO's; 6-19. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to monovalent polypeptides directed against P2X7, that cross-blocks the binding to P2X7 of at least one of the im munoglobulin single variable domains with SEQ I D NO's: 6-19 and/or that are cross-blocked from binding to P2X7 by at least one of the immunoglobulin si ngle variable domains with SEQ (D NO's: 6-19.

Again, such monovalent polypeptides may be an immunoglobulin si ngle variable domai n derived in any suitable manner and from any suitable source, and may for example be naturally occurring V_HH sequences (i.e. from a suitable species of Camelid) or synthetic or semi-synthetic amino acid sequences, including but not limited to "humanized" (as defined herein) Nanobodies or VH H sequences, "camelized" (as defined herein) immunoglobulin sequences (and in particular camelized heavy chain variable domain sequences), as well as Nanobodies that have been obtained by techniques such as affinity maturation (for example, starting from synthetic, random or naturally occurring immunoglobulin sequences), CDR grafting, veneering, combining fragments derived from different immunoglobulin sequences, PCR assembly using overlapping primers, and similar techniques for engineering immunoglobulin sequences well known to the skilled person; or any suitable combination of any of the foregoing as further described herein. Also, when a n immunoglobulin single variable domai n comprises a V_HN sequence, said immunoglobulin single variable domain may be suitably humanized, as further described herein, so as to provide one or more further (pa rtia lly or fully) humanized immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention. Simila rly, when an immunoglobulin single varia ble domain comprises a synthetic or semisynthetic sequence (such as a partially huma nized sequence), said immunoglobulin single variable domain may optionally be further suitably humanized, again as described herein, agai n so as to provide one or more further (partially or fully) humanized immunoglobulin single variable domains of the invention. These monovalent polypeptides of the invention, and in pa rticular the immunoglobulin single variable domains comprising the CDR sequences of the invention are particularly suited for use as building block or binding unit for the prepa ration of multivalent polypeptides.

Accordingly, the monovalent polypeptides of the invention that bind P2X7 can be in essentially isolated form (as defined herein), or they may form part of a protein or polypeptide, which may comprise or essentially consist of one or more monovalent polypeptides that bind P2X7 and which may optionally further comprise one or more further amino acid sequences (all optionally linked via one or more suitable linkers). The present invention also relates to a protei n or polypeptide that comprises or essentially consists of one or more monovalent polypeptides of the invention (or suitable fragments thereof).

The one or more monovalent polypeptides of the invention are thus used as a binding unit or building block in such a protein or polypeptide, so as to provide a monovalent, multivalent or multiparatopic polypeptide of the invention, respectively, all as described herein. The present invention thus also relates to a polypeptide which is a monovalent construct comprising or essentially consisting of one monovalent polypeptide of the invention. The present invention thus a lso relates to a polypeptide which is a multivalent polypeptide, such as e.g. a bivalent or trivalent polypeptide comprising or essentially consisting of two or more monovalent polypeptides of the invention {for multivalent and multispecific polypeptides containing one or more VHH domains and their preparation, reference is also made to Conrath et al, J. Biol. Chem. 276: 7346-7350, 2001, as well as to for example WO 96/34103, WO 99/23221 and WO 2010/115998).

As will be clear from the further description above and herein, the amino acid sequences {or ISV's) of the invention can be used as "building blocks" to form polypeptides of the invention, i.e. by suitably combining them with each other, one or more with other amino acid sequences of the invention and/or with one or more other groups, residues, moieties or binding units, in order to form compounds or constructs as described herein (such as, without limitations, the biparatopic, bi/m univalent and bi/mult (s ecific polypeptides of the invention described herein) which combine within one molecule one or more desired properties or biological functions.

The blocking polypeptides or ISVs provided by the invention preferentially red uce inflammation, such as MS or nephritis. Accordingly, the present invention provides polypeptides comprising or essentially consisting of two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains each of which specifically bind to P2X7, preferably human P2X7 (herein referred to as "P2X7"). Such polypeptides are also referred to herein as "multivalent polypeptide(s) of the invention". The two or more immunoglobuli n single va riable domains may optionally be linked via one or more peptidic linkers.

Preferably, the multivalent polypeptide comprises two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against P2X7, wherein the "first" immunoglobulin single varia ble domain directed against P2X7 and the "second" immunoglobulin single variable domai n di rected against P2X7 have the same or a different paratope. The latter polypeptides are also referred to herein as "multiparatopic polypeptide(s) of the invention". Accord ingly, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising or consisting of two or more immunoglobulin single variable domains that are directed against P2X7, wherein the "first" immunoglobulin single va riable domain directed against P2X7 and the "second" immunoglobulin si ngle variable domain directed against P2X7 have different paratopes. Such polypeptides comprise or consist of two or more immunoglobulin single va riable domains that are directed against different epitopes on P2X7. More specifically, such polypeptides comprise at least one "first" immunoglobulin single variable domain that is directed against a first epitope on P2X7 and at least one "second" immunoglobulin single variable domain that is directed against a second epitope on P2X7 different from the first epitope on P2X7. Preferably, these multiparatopic polypeptides of the invention are biparatopic or triparatopic polypeptides (also referred to herein as "biparatopic polypeptide(s) of the invention" a nd "triparatopic polypeptide(s) of the invention"), as further defined herein. Particularly preferred bi paratopic polypeptides i n accordance with the invention are those shown in the Examples described herein and Table B-4.

Polypeptides of the invention that contain at least two Nanobodies, in which at least one Nanobody is directed against a first antigen (i .e. against P2X7} and at least one Nanobody is directed against a second antigen (i.e. different from P2X7), will also be referred to as "multispecific" polypeptides of the invention, and the Nanobodies present in such polypeptides will also be referred to herein as being in a "multispecific format". Thus, for example, a "bispecific" polypeptide of the invention is a polypeptide that comprises at least one Nanobody directed against a first a ntigen (i.e. P2X7) and at least one further Nanobody directed against a second antigen (i.e. different from P2X7), whereas a "trispecific" polypeptide of the invention is a polypeptide that comprises at least one Nanobody directed against a first antigen (i.e. P2X7), at least one further Nanobody directed against a second antigen (i.e. different from P2X7) and at least one further Nanobody directed against a third antigen (i.e. different from both P2X7, and the second antigen); etc. Accord i ngly, i n its simplest form, a bispecific polypeptide of the invention is a bivalent polypeptide of the invention (as defined herein), comprising a first Nanobody directed against P2X7, and a second Nanobody directed against a second antigen, in which said first and second Nanobody may optionally be linked via a linker sequence (as defined herein); whereas a trispecific polypeptide of the invention in its simplest form is a trivalent polypeptide of the invention (as defined herein), comprising a first Nanobody directed against P2X7, a second Nanobody directed against a second antigen and a thi rd Nanobody directed against a third antigen, in which said first, second and third Nanobody may optionally be linked via one or more, a nd in particula r one and more, in particular two, linker sequences.

Polypeptides of the invention that contain at least two Na nobodies which a re directed against P2X7, wherein at least one "first" Nanobody is directed against a first antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of P2X7 (e.g. hP2X7); and wherein at least one "second" Na nobody is directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of said P2X7 (e.g. hP2X74) different from the first, will also be referred to as "multiparatopic" polypeptides of the invention, and the Nanobodies present in such polypeptides will also be referred to herein as being in a "multipa ratopic format". Thus, for example, a "bipa retopic" polypeptide of the invention is a polypeptide that comprises at least one Nanobody directed against a first antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of a n antigen (i.e. P2X7) and at least one further Nanobody directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, pa rt, domain, subunit or confirmation of said antigen (i.e. same P2X7) different from the first, whereas a "triparatopic" polypeptide of the invention is a polypeptide that comprises at least one Nanobody directed against a first antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of an a ntigen (i.e. P2X7), at least one further Nanobody directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of said antigen (i.e, same P2X7) different from the first, and at least one further Nanobody directed against a third antigenic determi nant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of an a ntigen (i.e. same P2X7) but different from said first and said second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of said a ntigen ; etc.

Accordingly, in its simplest form, a biparatopic polypeptide of the invention is a bivalent polypeptide of the invention (as defined herein), comprising a first Nanobody directed against a first antigenic determinant, epitope, pa rt, domain, subunit or confirmation of P2X7, a nd a second Na nobody directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of said P2X7 different from the first, in which said first and said second Nanobody may optionally be linked via a linker seq uence (as defined herein); whereas a tripa ratopic polypeptide of the invention in its simplest form is a trivalent polypeptide of the invention (as defined herein), comprising a first Nanobody directed against a first antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of P2X7, a second Nanobody directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of said P2X7 different from the first, and a third Nanobody directed against a third antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation of the sa me P2X7 but different from said first and said second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or confirmation, in which said first, second and third Nanobody may optionally be linked via one or more, a nd in particular one and more, in particular two, linker sequences.

However, as will be clear from the description hereinabove, the invention is not limited thereto, in the sense that a multispecific polypeptide of the invention may comprise at least one Nanobody against P2X7, and any number of Nanobodies directed against one or more antigens different from P2X7.

Furthermore, although it is encompassed within the scope of the invention that the specific order or arrangement of the various Nanobodies in the polypeptides of the i nvention may have some influence on the properties of the final polypeptide of the Invention (including but not limited to the affinity, specificity or avidity for P2X7, or against the one or more other antigens), said order or arrangement is usually not critical and may be suitably chosen by the skilled person, optionally after some limited routine experiments based on the disclosure herein. Thus, when reference is made to a specific multivalent or multispecific polypeptide of the invention, it should be noted that this encompasses any order or a rrangements of the relevant Nanobodies, unless explicitly indicated otherwise.

Finally, it is also within the scope of the invention that the polypeptides of the invention contain two or more Nanobodies and one or more further amino acid sequences (as mentioned herein).

For multivalent and multispecific polypeptides containing one or more V_HH domains and their prepa ration, reference is also made to Conrath et al., J. Biol. Cnem., Vol. 276, 10, 7346-7350, 2001; Muyldermans, Reviews in Molecular Biotechnology 74 (2001), 277-302; as well as to for example WO 96/34103 and WO 99/23221. Some other examples of some specific multispecific and/or multivalent polypeptide of the invention can be found in the applications by Ablynx N .V. referred to herein.

The compounds or polypeptides of the invention can generally be pre pa red by a method which comprises at least one step of suitably linking the one or more amino acid sequences (or ISV's) of the invention to the one or more further groups, residues, moieties or binding units, optionally via the one or more suitable linkers, so as to provide the compound or polypeptide of the invention. Polypeptides of the invention can also be prepared by a method which generally comprises at least the steps of providing a nucleic acid that encodes a polypeptide of the invention, expressing said nucleic acid in a suitable manner, and recovering the expressed polypeptide of the invention. Such methods can be performed in a manner known per se, which will be clear to the skilled person, for example on the basis of the methods and techniques further described herein, It will be clear to the skilled person that the Nanobodies (or ISV's) that are mentioned herein as "preferred" (or "more preferred", "even more preferred", etc) are also preferred (or more preferred, or even more preferred, etc.) for use in the polypeptides described herein. Thus, polypeptides that comprise or essentially consist of one or more "preferred" Nanobodies (or ISV's) of the invention will generally be preferred, and polypeptides that comprise or essentially consist of one or more "more preferred" Nanobodies (or ISV's) of the invention will generally be more preferred, etc.

In one specific aspect of the invention, a Nanobody (or ISV) of the invention or a compound, construct or polypeptide of the invention comprising at least one Nanobody (or ISV) of the invention may have an increased half-life, compared to the corresponding amino acid sequence of the invention. Some preferred, but non-limiting examples of such Nanobodies (or ISV's), compounds and polypeptides will become clear to the skilled person based on the further disclosure herein, and for example comprise Nanobodies (or ISV's) sequences or polypeptides of the invention that have been chemically modified to increase the half-life thereof (for example, by means of pegylation); amino acid sequences of the invention that comprise at least one additional binding site for binding to a serum protein (such as serum albumin, see for example EP 0 368 684 Bl, page 4); or polypeptides of the invention that comprise at least one Nanobody (or ISV) of the i nvention that is linked to at least one moiety (and in particular at least one amino acid sequence) that increases the half-life of the Na nobody (^"or ISV) of the invention. Examples of polypeptides of the invention that comprise such half-life extending moieties or amino acid sequences will become clear to the skilled person based on the further disclosure herein; and for example include, without limitation, polypeptides in which the one or more Nanobodies (or ISV's) of the invention are suitable linked to one or more serum proteins or fragments thereof (such as serum albumin or suitable fragments thereof) or to one or more binding units that can bind to serum proteins (such as, for example, Nanobodies (or ISV's) or (single) domain antibodies that can bind to serum proteins such as serum albumin, serum immunoglobulins such as IgG, or transfernne); polypeptides in which a Nanobody (or ISV) of the invention is linked to an Fc portion (such as a huma n Fc) or a suitable part or fragment thereof; or polypeptides in which the one or more Na nobodies (or ISV's) of the invention are suitable linked to one or more small proteins or peptides that can bind to serum proteins (such as, without limitation, the proteins and peptides described in WO 91/01.743, WO 01/45746, WO 02/076489 and to the US provisional application of Abiynx N.V. entitled "Peptides capable of binding to serum proteins" of Ablynx N.V. filed on December 5, 2006 (see also PCT/EP/2007/063348).

Again, as will be clear to the skilled person, such Nanobodies (or ISV's), compounds, constructs or polypeptides may contain one or more additional groups, residues, moieties or binding units, such as one or more further amino acid sequences and in particular o e or more additional Nanobodies (or

ISV's} (i.e. not directed against P2X7}, so as to provide a tri- of muttl specific Nanobody (or ISV) construct.

Generally, the Nanobodies (or ISV's} of the invention (or compounds, constructs or polypeptides comprising the same) with increased half-life preferably have a half-life that is at least 1.5 times, preferably at least 2 times, such as at least 5 times, for example at least 10 times or more than 20 times, greater than the half-life of the corresponding amino acid sequence of the invention per se, for example, the Nanobodies (or ISV's), compounds, constructs or polypeptides of the invention with increased half- life may have a half-life that is increased with more than 1 hours, preferably more than 2 hours, more preferably more than 6 hours, such as more than 12 hours, or even more than 24, 48 or 72 hours, compared to the corresponding amino acid sequence of the invention per se. In a preferred, but non-limiting aspect of the invention, such Nanobodies (or ISV's), compound, constructs or polypeptides of the invention exhibit a serum half-life in human of at least about 12 hours, preferably at least 24 hours, more preferably at least 48 hours, even more preferably at least 72 hours or more. For example, compounds or polypeptides of the invention may have a half-life of at least 5 days (such as about 5 to 10 days), preferably at least 9 days (such as about 9 to 14 days), more preferably at least about 10 days (such as about 10 to 15 days), or at least about 11 days (such as about 11 to 16 days), more preferably at least about 12 days (such as about 12 to 18 days or more), or more than 14 days (such as about 14 to 19 days). in another one aspect of the invention, a polypeptide of the invention comprises one or more (such as two or preferably one) Nanobodies (or ISV's) of the invention linked (optionally via one or more suitable linker sequences) to one or more (such as two and preferably one) amino acid sequences that allow the resulting polypeptide of the invention to cross the blood brain barrier, in particular, said one or more amino acid sequences that allow the resulting polypeptides of the invention to cross the blood brain barrier may be one or more (such as two and preferably one) Nanobodies (or ISV's), such as the Nanobodies (or ISV's) described in WO 02/057445, of which FC44 (SEQ ID NO: 189 of WO 06/040153} and FC5 (SEQ ID NO: 190 of WO 06/040154) are preferred examples. Generally, for pharmaceutical use, ^' the polypeptides of the invention may be formulated as a pharmaceutical preparation or composition comprising at ieast one polypeptide of the invention and at Ieast one pharmaceutically accepta ble ca rrier, diluent or excipient and/or adjuvant, a nd optionally one or more further pharmaceutically active polypeptides a nd/or compounds. By means of non-limiting examples, such a formulation may be in a form suitable for oral administration, for parenteral administration (such as by intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous injection or intravenous infusion), for topical administration, for administration by inhalation, by a skin patch, by an implant, by a suppository, etc, wherein the parenteral administration is preferred. Such suitable administration forms - which may be solid, semi-solid or liquid, depending on the manner of administration - as well as Methods and carriers for use in the preparation thereof, will be clear to the skilled person, and are further described herei n. Such a pha rmaceutical preparation or composition will generally be referred to herein as a "pharmaceutical composition". A pharmaceutical preparation or composition for use in a non-human organism will generally be referred to herein as a "veterinary composition".

Thus, in a further aspect, the invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition that contains at Ieast one amino acid of the invention, at least one polypeptide of the invention or at least one polypeptide of the invention and at Ieast one suitable carrier, diluent or excipient (i.e., suitable for pharmaceutical use), and optionally one or more further active substances.

Generally, the polypeptides of the invention can be formulated and administered i n any suitable manner known per se. Reference is for example made to the general background art cited above (and in particular to WO 04/041862, WO 04/041863, WO 04/041865, WO 04/041867 and WO 08/020079) as well as to the standard handbooks, such as Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18^th Ed., Mack Publishing Company, USA (1990), Remington, the Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21st Edition, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins (2005); or the Handbook of Therapeutic Antibodies (S. Dubel, Ed .), Wiley, Weinheim, 2007 (see for example pages 252-255) . The polypeptides of the invention may be formulated and administered in any manner known per se for conventional antibodies a nd antibody fragments {including ScFv's and diabodies) and other pharmaceutically active proteins. Such formulations and Methods for preparing the same will be clear to the skilled person, and for example include preparations suitable for parenteral administration (e.g. intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraluminal, intra-arterial or intrathecal administration) or for topical (i.e., transdermal or i ntradermal) administration. Preparations for parenteral administration may for example be sterile solutions, suspensions, dispersions or emulsions that are suitable for infusion or injection. Suitable carriers or diluents for such preparations for example include, without limitation, those mentioned on page 143 of WO 08/020079. In one embodiment, the preparation is an aqueous solution or suspension. The polypeptides of the invention can be administered using methods of delivery known from gene therapy, see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,399,346, which is incorporated by reference for its gene therapy delivery methods. Using a gene therapy Method of delivery, primary cells transfected with the gene encoding an amino acid sequence, polypeptide of the invention can additionally be transfected with tissue specific promoters to target specific organs, tissue, grafts, tumors, or cells and can additionally be transfected with signal and stabilization sequences for subcellular^ localized expression.

Thus, the polypeptides of the invention may be systemically administered, e.g., orally, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle such as an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. They may be enclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, may be compressed into tablets, or may be incorporated directly with the food of the patient's diet. For oral therapeutic administration, the polypeptides of the invention may be combined with one or more excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, a d the like. Such compositions and preparations should contain at least 0.1% of the polypeptide of the invention. Their percentage in the compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and may conveniently be between about 2 to about 60% of the weight of a given unit dosage form. The amount of the polypeptide of the invention in such therapeutically useful compositions is such that an effective dosage level will be obtained.

For local administration at the site of tumor resection, the polypeptides of the invention may be used in biodegradable polymeric drug delivery systems, slow release poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) formulations and the like (Hart et al., Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2008 Jul 16; (3): CD007294). In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the polypeptides of the invention, such as a polypeptide consisting essentially of one monovalent anti-human P2X7 immunoglobulin single variable domain and of one monovalent anti-human serum albumin immunoglobulin single variable domain linked by a GS linker, may have a beneficial distribution and kinetics profile in solid tumors compared to conventional antibodies, such as, e.g. IgG. The tablets, troches, pills, capsules, and the like may also contain binders, excipients, disintegrating agents, lubricants and sweetening or flavoring agents, for example those mentioned on pages 143-144 of WO 08/020079. When the unit dosage form is a capsule, it may contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid carrier, such as a vegetable oil or a polyethylene glycol. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the solid unit dosage form. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coated with gelatin, wax, shellac or sugar and the like. A syrup or elixir may contain the polypeptides of the invention, sucrose or fructose as a sweetening agent, Methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring such as cherry or orange flavor. Of course, any material used in preparing any unit dosage form should be pharmaceutically acceptable and substantially non-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the polypeptides of the invention may be incorporated into sustained-release preparations and devices.

Preparations and formulations for oral administration may also be provided with an enteric coating that will allow the constructs of the invention to resist the gastric environment and pass into the intestines. More generally, preparations and formulations for oral administration may be suitably formulated for delivery into any desired part of the gastrointestinal tract In addition, suitable suppositories may be used for delivery into the gastrointestinal tract.

The polypeptides of the invention may also be administered intravenously or intraperitoneally by infusion or injection. Particular examples are as further described on pages 144 and 145 of WO 08/020079 or in PCT/EP2010/062975 (entire document).

For topical administration, the polypeptides of the invention may be applied in pure form, i.e., when they are liquids. However, it will generally be desirable to administer them to the skin as compositions or formulations, in combination with a dermatologic acceptable carrier, which may be a solid or a liquid.

Particular examples are as further described on page 145 of WO 08/020079,

Generally, the concentration of the polypeptides of the invention in a liquid composition, such as a lotion, will be from about 0.1-25 wt-%, preferably from about 0.5-10 wt-%. The concentration in a semisolid or solid composition such as a gel or a powder will be about 0.1-5 wt-%, preferably about 0.5-2.5 wt-%.

The amount of the polypeptides of the invention required for use in treatment will vary not only with the particular polypeptide selected but also with the route of administration, the nature of the condition being treated and the age and condition of the patient and will be ultimately at the discretion of the attendant physician or clinician. Also the dosage of the polypeptides of the invention varies depending on the target cell, tumor, tissue, graft, or organ. The desired dose may conveniently be presented in a single dose or as divided doses administered at a ppropriate intervals, for example, as two, three, four or more sub-doses per day. The sub-dose itself may be further divided, e.g., into a number of discrete loosely spaced administrations.

An ad ministration regimen could include long-term, daily treatment. By "long-term" is meant at least two weeks and preferably, several weeks, months, or years of duration. Necessary modifications in this dosage range may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using only routine experimentation given the teachings herein. See Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences ( Martin, E.W., ed. 4), Mack Publishi ng Co., Easton, PA. The dosage can also be adjusted by the individual physician in the event of any complication. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder associated with P2X7, said method comprisi ng administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the i nvention, a nd/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same.

In the context of the present invention, the term "prevention and/or treatment" not only comprises preventing and/or treating the disease, but also generally comprises preventing the onset of the disease, slowing or reversing the progress of disease, preventing or slowing the onset of one or more symptoms associated with the disease, reducing and/or alleviating one or more symptoms associated with the disease, reducing the severity and/or the duration of the disease and/or of any symptoms associated therewith and/or preventing a further increase in the severity of the disease and/or of any symptoms associated therewith, preventing, reducing or reversing any physiological damage caused by the disease, and generally any pharmacological action that is beneficial to the patient being treated.

The subject to be treated may be any warm-blooded animal, but is in particular a mammal, and more in particular a human being. As will be clear to the skilled person, the subject to be treated will in particular be a person suffering from, or at risk of, the diseases and disorders mentioned herein. The invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that is associated with P2X7, with its biological or pharmacological activity, and/or with the biological pathways or signa ling in which P2X7 is involved, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of an amino acid sequence of the invention, of a polypeptide of the invention and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same . In an embodiment, the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that can be treated by modulating P2X7, its biological or pharmacological activity, and/or the biological pathways or signaling in which P2X7is involved, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. In an embodiment, said pharmaceutically effective amount may be an amount that is sufficient to mod ulate P2X7, its biological or pharmacological activity, and/or the biological pathways or signaling in which P2X7is involved; and/or an amount that provides a level of the polypeptide of the invention in the circulation that is sufficient to modulate P2X7, its biological or pharmacological activity, and/or the biological pathways or signaling in which P2X7is involved.

In an embodiment the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that can be prevented a nd/or treated by administering a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, to a patient. In an embodiment, the method comprises administering a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same to a subject in need thereof.

In an embodiment the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that can be prevented and/or treated by inhibiting binding of ATP to P2X7 in specific cells or in a specific tissue of a subject to be treated (and in particular, by in hibiting binding of ATP to P2X7 in an MS patient), said method comprising administering a pha rmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same, to a subject in need thereof. in an embodiment, the invention relates to a method for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder chosen from the group consisting of the diseases and disorders listed herein, said method comprising administering, to a subject in need thereof, a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pha rmaceutical composition comprising the same.

In an embodiment, the invention relates to a method for immunotherapy, and in particular for passive immunothera py, which method comprises administeri ng, to a subject suffering from or at risk of the diseases and disorders mentioned herein, a pharmaceutically active amount of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide construct of the invention encoding the same, and/or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. In the above methods, the amino acid sequences, polypeptides of the invention and/or the compositions comprising the same can be administered in any suitable manner, depending on the specific pharmaceutical formulation or composition to be used. Thus, the polypeptides of the invention and/or the compositions comprising the same can for example be administered orally, intraperitoneal^ (e.g. intravenously, subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or via any other route of administration that circumvents the gastrointesti nal tract), intranasally, transdermal^, topically, by means of a suppository, by inhalation, again depending on the specific pha rmaceutical formulation or composition to be used. The clinician will be able to select a suitable route of administration and a suitable pharmaceutical formulation or composition to be used in such administration, depending on the disease or disorder to be prevented or treated and other factors well known to the clinician.

The polypeptides of the invention and/or the compositions comprising the same are administered according to a regime of treatment that is suitable for preventing and/or treating the disease or disorder to be prevented or treated. The clinician will generally be able to determine a suitable treatment regimen, depending on factors such as the disease or disorder to be prevented or treated, the severity of the disease to be treated and/or the severity of the symptoms thereof, the polypeptide of the invention to be used, the specific route of administration and pharmaceutical formulation or composition to be used, the age, gender, weight, diet, general condition of the patient, and similar factors well known to the clinician.

Generally, the treatment regimen will comprise the administration of one or more polypeptides of the invention, or of one or more compositions comprising the same, in one or more pharmaceutically effective amounts or doses. The specific amount(s) or doses to be administered can be determined by the clinician, again based on the factors cited above.

Generally, for the prevention and/or treatment of the diseases and disorders mentioned herein a nd depending on the specific disease or disorder to be treated, the potency of the specific polypeptide of the invention to be used, the specific route of administration and the specific pharmaceutical formulation or composition used, the polypeptides of the invention will generally be administered in an amount between 1 gram and 0.01 microgram per kg body weight per day, preferably between 0.1 gram and 0,1 microgram per kg body weight per day, such as about 1, 10, 100 or 1000 microgram per kg body weight per day, either continuously (e.g. by infusion), as a single daily dose or as multiple divided doses during the day. The clinician will generally be able to determine a suitable daily dose, depending on the factors mentioned herein. It will also be clear that in specific cases, the clinician may choose to deviate from these amounts, for example on the basis of the factors cited above and his expert judgment. Generally, some guidance on the amounts to be administered can be obtained from the amounts usually administered for comparable conventional antibodies or antibody fragments against the same target administered via essentially the same route, ta king into account however differences in affinity/avidity, efficacy, biodistribution, half-life and similar factors well known to the skilled person.

In an embodiment, a single contiguous polypeptide of the invention will be used . In one embodiment two or more polypeptides of the invention are provided in combination.

The polypeptides of the invention may be used in combination with one or more further pharmaceutically active compounds or principles, i.e., as a combined treatment regimen, which may or may not lead to a synergistic effect. Again, the clinician will be able to select such further compounds or principles, as well as a suitable combined treatment regimen, based on the factors cited above and his expert judgment.

I n particular, the polypeptides of the invention may be used in combination with other pharmaceutically active compounds or principles that are or can be used for the prevention and/or treatment of the diseases and disorders cited herein, as a result of which a synergistic effect may or may not be obtained. Examples of such compounds and principles, as well as routes, methods and pharmaceutical form ulations or compositions for administering them will be clear to the clinician.

The effectiveness of the treatment regimen used according to the invention may be determined and/or followed in any manner known per se for the disease or disorder involved, as wiii be clear to the clinicia n. The clinician will also be able, where a ppropriate and on a case-by-case basis, to change or modify a particula treatment regimen, so as to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, to avoid, limit or red uce unwanted side-effects, and/or to achieve an appropriate bala nce between achieving the desired therapeutic effect on the one hand and avoiding, limiting or reducing undesired side effects on the other hand . Generally, the treatment regimen will be followed until the desired thera peutic effect is achieved and/or for as long as the desired therapeutic effect is to be maintained. Again, this can be determined by the clinician.

In another aspect, the invention relates to the use of polypeptide of the invention in the preparation of a pha rmaceutical composition for prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease and disorder associated with P2X7; and/or for use in one or more of the methods of treatment mentioned herein. The subject to be treated may be any warm-blooded animal, but is m particular a mammal, and more in particular a human being. In veterinary applications, the subject to be treated includes any animal raised for commercial purposes or kept as a pet. As will be clear to the skilled person, the subject to be treated will in particula r be a person suffering from, or at risk of, the diseases and disorders mentioned herein.

The invention relates to the use of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide encoding the same, in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease or disorder that can be prevented and/or treated by administering a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide encoding the same, and/or a pharmaceutical composition of the same to a patient.

More in particular, the invention relates to the use of a polypeptide of the invention, or a nucleotide encoding the same, in the prepa ration of a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases and disorders associated with P2X7, and in particular for the prevention and treatment of one or more of the diseases and disorders listed herein.

Again, in such a pharmaceuticai composition, the one or more polypeptide of the invention, or nucleotide encoding the same, and/or a pharmaceutical composition of the same, may also be suitably combined with one or more other active principles, such as those mentioned herein.

The invention a lso relates to a composition (such as, without limitation, a pharmaceutical composition or preparation as further described herein) for use, either in vitro (e.g. in an in vitro or cellular assay) or in vivo (e.g. in an a single cell or multi-cellular orga nism, and in particular in a mammal, and more in particular in a human being, such as in a human being that is at risk of or suffers from a disease or disorder of the invention) .

The !SVs of the present invention ameliorate the effects of inflammation in a relevant experimental model of glomerulonephritis. Based on their mode of action, the ISVs and constructs of the present invention may be useful in the treatment of other P2X7 associated diseases, includi ng but not limiting to

MS, IBD, neuropathic pain, epilepsy, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

It is believed that, as the ISVs of the invention modulate P2X7 receptor function and are capable of antagonizing the effects of ATP at the P2X7 receptor, these compounds may also be useful in the treatment P2X7 associated d iseases, including neurodegene rative disease. Ne urodege nerative diseases include dementia, particularly degenerative dementia (such as senile dementia, dementia with tewy bodies, Alzheimer's disease, Pick's disease, H untingdon's chorea, Pa rkinson's disease and Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease, ALS, or motor neuron disease; in pa rticular Alzheimer's disease); vascular dementia (including m u It i- infarct dementia); as well as dementia associated with intracranial space occupying lesions; trauma; infections and related conditions (including HIV infection, meningitis and shingles); metabolism; toxins; anoxia a nd vitamin deficiency; and mild cognitive im pairment e.g. associated with ageing, particularly age associated memory impairment. The neurodegenerative disease, e.g. to be treated by the ISVS or constructs of the invention, can for example be degenerative dementia (in particular Alzheimer's disease), vascular dementia {in particular multi- i nfarct dementia ), or mild cognitive impai rment (MCI) e.g. MCI associated with ageing such as age associated memory impairment.

The combinations of the present invention may also be useful as neuroprotectants and in the treatment of neurodegeneration following trauma such as stroke, cardiac arrest, pulmonary bypass, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or the like.

It is believed that, as the ISVs of the invention mod ulate P2.X? receptor function and are ca pable of a ntagonizing the effects of ATP at the P2X7 receptor, these compounds may be useful in the treatment of pain, including acute pain, chronic pain, chronic articular pain, musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, inflammatory pain, visceral pain, pain associated with cancer, pain associated with migraine, tension headache and cl uster headaches, pain associated with functional bowel disorders, lower back and neck pain, pain associated with sprains and strains, sympathetically maintained pain; myositis, pain associated with influenza or other viral infections such as the common cold, pain associated with rheumatic fever, pain associated with myocardial ischemia, post-operative pain, cancer chemotherapy, headache, toothache and dysmenorrhea.

It is to be understood that reference to treatment includes both treatment of established symptoms and prophylactic treatment, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

According to a further aspect of the invention, we therefore provide a construct of iSV as defined herein for use in human or veterinary medicine and/or for use in thera py. According to another aspect of the invention, we provide a combination as defined herein for use i n the treatment or prevention (e.g. treatment) of a condition which is mediated by P2X7. The combi nation can be for use in the treatment or prevention (e.g. treatment) of pain, inflammation (e.g. MS, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis) or a neurodegenerative disease, in particular for use in the treatment of Inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain, visceral pain, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis; e.g. in. a mammal such as a human. According to a further aspect of the invention, we provide a method of treating a human or animal (e.g. rodent e.g. rat} subject, for example a human subject, suffering from a condition which is mediated by P2X7, for example a condition or disease disclosed herein (in particular pain, inflammation, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or a neurodegenerative disease, which comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of a combination as defined herein.

According to a further aspect of the invention we provide a method of treating a human or animal (e.g. rodent e.g. rat) subject, for example a human subject, suffering from pain, inflammation (e.g. MS, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis), or a neurodegenerative disease (more particularly rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, and/or pain such as inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain or visceral pain), which method comprises administering to said subject an effective amount of 3 construct or ISV as defined herein.

According to another aspect of the invention, we provide the use of a construct or an !SV as defined herein for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention (e.g. treatment) of a condition which is mediated by the action of P2X? receptors, for example a condition or disease- disclosed herein, e.g. in a mammal such as a human or rodent e.g. human or rat e.g. human. According to another aspect of the invention we provide the use of a combination as defined herein for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment or prevention (e.g. treatment) of pain (e.g. inflammatory pain, neuropathic pain or visceral pain), inflammation (e.g. MS, rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis), or a neurodegenerative disease; e.g. in a mamma! such as a human or rodent e.g. human or rat e.g. human.

Ir» order to use a combination as defined herein for the treatment of humans and other mammals it can optionally be formulated in accordance with pharmaceutical practice as a pharmaceutical composition. Therefore in another aspect of the invention there is provided a pharmaceutical composition comprising a combination as defined herein, adapted for use in human or veterinary medicine.

tn order to use a combination as defined herein in therapy, they it can optionally be formulated into a pharmaceutical composition in accordance with pharmaceutical practice. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises a combination as defined herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and optionally a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The invention will now be further described by means of the following non-limiting preferred aspects, examples and figures. ASPECTS

Al. A polypeptide comprising at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain that ca n bind P2X7 with a Kd of less than 50n for yse in treati ng P2X7 associated diseases, wherein the binding of said immunoglobulin single variable domain to said P2X7 inhibits the activity of P2X7.

A2. The polypeptide according to aspect Al, wherein said P2X7 associated disease is selected from the group consisting of MS, I BD, neuropathic pain, epilepsy, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

A3. The polypeptide according to aspect Al or A2, wherein said P2X7 is human P2X7.

A4. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects Al to A3, wherein said immunoglobulin single va riable domain binds SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO; 2 and/or SEQ ID NO: 3.

A5. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects Al to A4, wherein at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain comprises an amino acid sequence of formula 1: FRl - CDR1 - FR2 - CDR2 - FRS - CDR3 - FR4 {1); wherein FRl to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4 and are framework regions (FRs) of an immunoglobulin single va riable domain; and

- wherein CDR1 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ I D NOs: 34-47,

- polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NOs; 34-47,and

polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with SEQ ID NOs: 34-47; and

- wherei n CDR2 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ I D NOs: 62-75;

polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ I D NOs: 62-75;and

- polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with SEQ ID NOs; 62-75; and

- wherei n CDR3 is chosen from: the group consisting of:

SEQ ID NOs: 90-103;

polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NOs: 90-103; and

polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with SEQ ID NOs: 90-103.

A6. The polypeptide according to aspects A5 , wherein the framework regions (FRs) have a sequence identity of more than 80% with the FRs of SEQ ID NOs: 6-19. A7. The polypeptide according to aspect A5 or A6, wherein at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain is chosen from the group of immunoglobulin single variable domains, wherein:

- CD 1 is SEC" ID NO: 34, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 62; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 90;

CDR1 is SEQ I D NO: 35, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 63; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 91;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 40, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO- 68; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 96;

- CDR1 is SEQ ID NO; 36, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 64; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 92;

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 37, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO 65; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 93;

- CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 38, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 66; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 94;

CD 1 is SEQ ID NO: 39, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 67; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 95;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 41, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 69; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 97;

- CDR1 is SEQ !D NO: 42, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 70; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 98;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 43, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 71; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 99;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 44, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO- 72; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 100;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 45, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 73; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO : 101;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 46, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 74; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 102; and

- CDRl is SEQ I D NO: 47, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 75; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 103;

AS, The polypeptide according to any one of aspects A5 to A7, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising immunoglobulin single variable domains that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 80% with SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

A9. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects A5 to A7, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising immunoglobulin single variable domains that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 90% with SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

A10, The polypeptide according to any one of aspects Al to A9, comprising at least two immunoglobulin singie variable domains that can bi nd P2X7.

All. The polypeptide according to aspect A10, wherein at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains comprise an amino acid sequence of formula 1: FR1 - CDRl - FR2 - CDR2 - FR3 - CDR3 - FR4 (1); wherein FRl to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4 and are framework regions (FRs) of a n immunogiobuiin si ngle varia ble domain; and

- wherein CDR1 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ I D NOs: 34-47,

polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino add difference with SEQ ID NOs: 34-47; and

- wherein CDR2 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ ID NOs: 62-75;

polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ !D NOs: 62 75;and

- polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with SEQ ID NOs: 62-75; and

- wherein CD 3 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ ID NOs: 90-103;

polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NOs: 90-103; and polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with SEQ ID NOs: 90-103.

All, The polypeptide according to aspect All, wherein the framework regions (FRs) have a sequence identity of more than 80% with the FRs of SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

A13. The polypeptide according to aspect All or A12, wherein at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains are chosen from the group of immunogiobuiin single variable domains, wherein:

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 34_» CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 62; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 90;

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 35, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 63; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 91;

CDR1 is SEQ !D NO: 40, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 68; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 96;

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 36, CDR2 Is SEQ ID NO: 64; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 92;

- CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 37, CD 2 is SEQ ID NO: 65; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 93;

CDR1 is SEQ I D NO: 38, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 66; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 94;

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 39, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 67; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 95;

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 41, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 69; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 97;

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 42, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 70; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 98;

- CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 43, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 71; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 99;

CDR1 is SEQ I D NO; 44, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 72; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 100;

CDR1 is SEQ I D NO : 45, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 73; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 101; CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 46, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO; 74; and CD 3 is SEQ ID NO: 102; and

CDR1 is SEQ I D NO: 47, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 75; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 103;

A14. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects A10 to A13, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains that each have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 80% with SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

A15. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects A10 to A13, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains that each have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 90% with SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

A16. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects A10 to A15_; comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains that can bind P2X7, wherein said at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains that can bind P2X7 can be the same or different.

A17. The polypeptide according to any of aspects Al to A16 further comprising an immunoglobulin single variable domain binding human serum albumin such as e.g. Alb8 (SEQ ID NO: 126) or Albll (SEQ ID NO: 125).

A18. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects Al to A17, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 80% with SEQ ID NOs: 118-124.

A19. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects Al to A18, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 90% with SEQ ID NOs: 118-124. A20. The polypeptide according to a ny one of aspects Al to A19, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ I D NOs: 118-124. A21. A polypeptide comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains which are directed against P2X7, wherein

a) at least one first immunoglobulin single variable domain is directed agai nst a first antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or conformation of a P2X7; and wherein,

b) at least one second immunoglobuli n single variable domain is directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or conformation of said P2X7 different from the first antigenic determinant epitope, part, domain, subunit or conformation, respectively.

A22. The polypeptide according to any one of aspects Al to A21, wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domain consists of a domain antibody, an amino acid sequence that is suitable for use as a domain antibody, a single domain antibody, an amino acid sequence that is suitable for use as a single doma in antibody, a dAb, an amino acid sequence that is suitable for use as a dAb, a Nanobody, a VHH sequence, a humanized VHH sequence or a camelized VH sequence.

A23. The polypeptide according to a y of aspects Al to A22, wherein the IC50 in an Atphascreen assay is 30nM or lower.

A24. The polypeptide according to a ny of aspects Al to A23, wherein the IC50 in an Alphascreen assay is 3n or lower.

A25. The polypeptide according to any of aspects Al to A24, further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

A26. A method for producing a polypeptide according to any one of aspects Al to A25. said method at least comprising the steps of;

a) expressing, in a suitable host cell or host organism or in a nother suitable expression system, a nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide according to any one of aspects Al to A25; optionally followed by:

b) isolating a nd/or purifying said immunoglobu lin single variable domain or said polypeptide. A27. Method for screening immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO:s 1-3) that comprises at least the steps of:

a) providing a set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains; and

b) screening said set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single variable domains for immunoglobulin single va riable domains that can bind to and/or have affinity for P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ I D NO :s 1-3); and

c) isolating the amino acid sequence(s) that can bind to and/or have affinity for P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3) ,

A28. An immunoglobulin single variable domain that can bind P2X7 with a Kd of less than 50nM, wherein the binding of said immunoglobulin single variable domain to said P2X7 inhibits the activity of P2X7.

The entire contents of all of the references (including literature references, issued patents, published patent applications, and co-pending patent applications) cited throughout this application are hereby expressly incorporated by reference, in particular for the teaching that is referenced hereinabove.

Table Β-Γ. Preferred combinations of CDR sequences, preferred combinations of framework sequences, and preferred combinations of framework and CDR sequences,

{"ID" refers to the SEQ ID NO as used herein)

Table B-2 P2X7 sequences from various species ("ID" refers to the SEQ ID NO as used herein)

1

Prot ID spec D Sequence

PACCSCSDVFQYETNK\n^"RIQS NY6TIKWFFHVHFSYVCFALVSDKLYQ KEPVISSVHTKV G!AEVKEEIVENGV LVHSVFDTADVTFPLQGNSFFVMTNF

Ho LKTEGQEQRLCPEYPTRRTLCSSDRGC KGWMDPQS GIQTGRCWYEGNQ TCEVSAWCPIEAVEEAPRPALLNSAENFTVLI NNIDFPGHNYTTRNILPGLNIT mo CTFHKTQNPQCPIFRLGDIFRETGDNFSDVAIQGGI GIEIYWDCNLDRWFHHCRP YSFRRLDDKTTNVSLYPGYNFRYAKYYKENNVEKRTLIKVFGIRFOILVFG sap TGGKFDIIQLWYIGSTLSYFGWAVFIDFLIDTYSSNCCRSHIYPWC CCQPCVVNEmR KCESIVEPKPTL YVSFVDESHIR VNQQLLGRSLQDVKGQEVPRPA P 00 ien MDFTDLSRLPLAtHDTPPIPGQPEEIOLLRKEATPRSRDSPVWCQ

2553.3 s 1 RLRHCAYRCYATWRFGSQD ADFAILPSCCRWRIRKEFP SEGQYSGFKSPY

PACCSCSDVFQYETN VTRIQS NYGTtKWFFHVtlFSWCFALVSDKLYQR EPViSSVHTKVKGIAEV EEIVENGV LVHSVFDTADYTFPLQGNSFFVMT F

Ho LKTEGQEQRLCPEYPTRRTLCSSDRGCK GWMDPQSKGIQTGRCWHEGNQKTCEVSAWCPIEAVEEAPRPALLNSAENFTVLIKNNIDFPGHNYTTRNILPGLNI

AAH11 mo TCTFH T NPQCPIFRLGDIFRETGDNFSDVAIQGGI GIEfYWDCNLDRWFHHCHP YSFRRLDDKTTNVSLYPGYNFRYAKYY ENNVE RTLI VFGfRFDILVF 913,1 sap GTGG FDIIQLWYIGSTLSYFGLAAVFIDFLIDTYSSNCCRSHIYPWCKCCQPCWNEmR KCESlVEP PTLKYVSFVDESHIRMVNQQLLGRSLQDV GQEVPR H155Y, ien PA DFTDLSRLPI-ALHDTPPlPGQPEEiQLLRKEATPRSRDSPVWCQCGSCL^

H270R s 2 NSRLRHCAYRCYATWRFGSQD ADFAILPSCCRWRIR EFP SEGQYSGFKSPY

MPACCSCSOVFQYETNKVTRIQSMNYGTI WFFHVliFSYVCFALVSD LYQR EPVISSVHT VKGIAEVKEEIVENGVKKLVHSVFDTADYlFPLQGNSFFVfvlTNF

Ho LiaEGQEQRLCPEYPTRRTLCSSDRGCKKGWMDPQSKGIQTGRCVWEGNQKTCEVSAWCPIEAVEEAPRPALLNSAENFWLI NNIDFPGHNYTTRNILPGLNIT mo CTFHKTQNPQCPIFRLGDIFRETGDNFSDVAIQGG! GIEIYWDCNLDRWFHHCHPKYSFRRLDD TTNVSLYPGYNFRYAKYYKENNVE RTLIKVFG!RFDILVFG

20089_„ sap TGGKFDIIQLVWiGSTLSYFGLAWFIDFLIDTYSSNCCRSHIYP CKCCQPCVVNEYWR CESIVEPKPTLKYVSFVDESH!R VNQQLLGRSLQDV GQEVPRPA H155Y_ ien OFTDLSRLPLALHDTPPIPGQPEEIQLLR EATPRSRDSPVWCQCGSCLPSQLPESHRCLEELCCRKKPGAC1TTSELFR LVLSRHVLQFLLLYQEPLLALOVDSTNS

A348T s 3 RLRHCAYRCYATWRFG5QDMADFAILPSCCRWR1RKEFPKSEGQYSGF SPY

PACCSWNDVFQYETN \n^"R1QSTNYGTVKWVLH (VFSYISFALVSDKLYQR EPVISSVHT VKGIAEWENVTEGGVT LGH

mu NYV SEGQVQ CPEYPRRGAQCSSDRRCK GWMDPQSKGiaTGRCVPYOiaR TCEVSA CPTEEEKEAPRPALLRSAENF VLI NNIHFPGHNmRNiLPT s NGSCTFH AWDPQaiFRLGDfFQEAGENFTEVAVQGGIMGIEIYWDCNLDSWSHHCRPRYSFRRLDDKNMDESFVPGYNFRYAKYY ENNVEKRTLI AFGIR mu FDILVFGTGG FDIIQLWYIGSTLSYFGLATVCIDLLINTYSSAFCRSG PYC CCEPCWNEYmK CESIMEP PTLKYVSFVDEPHIR VDQQLLGKSLQVVKGQ

CAA08 scul EVPRPQMDFSDLSRLSLSLHDSPLTPGQSEEIQLLHEEVAPKSGDSPSWCQCGNCLPSRLPEQRRALEELCCRRKPGRCITTSKLFHKLVLSRDTLQLLLIYQDPLLVLG

853,1 us 4 EEATNSRLRHRAYRCYATWRFGSQOMADFAILPSCCRWRIR EFP TEGQYSGF YPY

MPACCSWNDVFQYETNKVTRIQSVNYGTfKWILHMWFSWSFAL SD LYQRKEPLiSSVHT V GVAEVTENVTEGGVT LVHGIFDTAD LPLQGNSFFVM

Rat TNYLKSEGQEQKLCPEYPSRGKQCHSDQGCI GWMDPQS GIQTGRC!PYDQ RKTCEIFAWCPAEEGKEAPRPALLRSAENFTVLIKNNIDFPGHNYTTRNfLPG tus NISCTFHKTWNPQCPIFRLGDiFQEIGENFTEVAVQGG!MGIE ^

nor DILVFGTGGKFDIIQLVVYIGSTLSYFGLATVCIDLIINTYASTCCRSRVYPSCKCCEP«VNEYYYR RCEPIVEP PTLKYVSFVDEPHIWMVDQQLLGKSLQDV GQE AA65 veg VPRPQTDFLEISRI^I^LHHSPPIPGQPEEMQLLQIEAVPRSRDSPDWCQCGNCLPSQLPENRRALEELCCRRKPGQCITTSELFS IVLSREALQLLLLYQEPLLALEG

131,1 icus 5 EAINSKLRHCAYRSYATWRFVSQD ADFAtLPSCCRWKIR EFPKTQGQYSGFKYPY

HI

Table B-3 Amino acid sequences of monovalent anti-P2X7 Nanobodies ("ID" refers to the SEQ ID NO as used herein)

Table B-4 multivalent polypeptides ("ID" refers to the SEQ ID NO as used herein)

1 Amino acid sequence

Name D

ALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPDY DDDD RS AEVQLVESGGGLVQPeGSLTLSCAASGIAFNm SWHRQAPGKQRTLVADiSPGGHTEYEDSVKGRFTiSRDNF NT pME

1 TLH NSLKPEDTAWFCAARLRFEVSSNYWGQGTQVTVSSLEPRDCGCKPCICWPEVSS

let 13- mlgGlFc_ 1 aTQPREEQFNSTFRSVSELPtMHQDWLNGKEF CRVNSAAFPA

LSF 8 MDTDGSYFVYS LNVQKSNWEAGNTFTCSVLHEGLHNHHTEKSLSHSPGKG

1 EVQLVESGGGLVQAGGSLRLSCAASGSPiSSYA GWYRQAPG PRELVARIWGGTA YEDSV GRFT!SRDNAQNTVYLQMNSLKSEDTAVYYCHGRVRYDYWGQGT

14D5- 1 QVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEVQLVESGGGLVQAGGSLRLSCAASGSPISSYAMGWYRQAPG PRELVAR!YTGGTAWYEDSVKG 14D5 9 R FTI S R D N AQNTV Y LQM N S L K5 E DTAV Y YC HGRVRYDYWG QGTQVTVSS

E¥QLVE5GGGLVQAGG5LRL5CAA56$P15SYAMGWYRQAPGKPREIVARIYTGG

1 QVWSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEVQLVESGGGLVQAGGSLRLSCAASGSPISSYAMGWYRQAPGKPRELVARIYTGGTAWYEDSV G

14D5

14D5- 2 RFTISRDNAQNTVYLQMNSLKSEDTAVYYCHGRVRYDYW

Alb8 0 SiSGSGSDTLYADSVKGRFTiSRDNA TTLYLQ NSLRPEDTAVYYCTIGGSLSRSSQGTLVTVSSAAAEQKLISEEDLNGAAHHHHHH

1 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGESLRLSCTASRF LDYYDIGWFRG^PG EREGVSCRFTNDGSTAYADSVKGRFTISRDIV HTVYLQ NSLQPEDTAVYYCAAGPLTKRRQO/PG

13A7- 2 DFSMDFWGEGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEVQLVESGGGLVQPGESLRLSCTASRFMLDYYDIGWFRQAPG EREGVSCRFTN

1 OGSTAYADS VKGRFTISRDI V HTVYLQM NSLQP E DTAVYYCAAG P LTKRRQCVPGDFS M D FWGEGTLVTVSS

EVQLVESGGGLVO.PGESLRLSCTASRFMLDYYDIGWFRQAPGKE EGVSCRFTNOGSTAYADSV GRFTISRDIVKH rVYLQM SLQPED l AVYYCAAGPL l KRRQCVPG

1 DFSMDF GEGTLVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEVQLVESGGGLVQPGESLRLSCTASRF LDYYDIGWFRQAPGKEREGVSCRFTN

1.W- 2 DGSTAYADSVKGRFTISRDIV HWYLQMNSLQPEDTAVYYCAAGPLTKRRQCVPGDFS DFVVGEGTLV SSGGGGSGGGSEVQLVESGGGLVQPGNSLRLSCAASGF 13A7-Alb8 2 TFSSFGMSWVRQAPGKGLEWVSSISGSGSDTLYADSV GRFTISRDNAKTTLYLQ NSL^

1 EVQLVESGGGLVQAGGSLRLSCAASGNFFRVNT AWYR APGKQRELVADSTRGDRTNYAD NGRFT!SRDNVRN YLQMNGLRPEDTAAYYCYAVIELGVLEPRDY 2

8G11- WGQGTQVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEVQLVESGGGLVQAGGSLRLSCAASGNFFRVNT AWYRQAPGKQRELVADITRGDRTN

8G11 3 YADTV N G R FTI S R D N V R N TVYLQfV! NGLRPEDTAAYYCYAViELGVLEPRDYW GQGTQVTVSS

EVQLVESGGGLVQAGGSLRLSCAASGNFFRVNTMAWYRQAPGKQRELVAOITRGORTNYAOTVNGRFTISRDNVRNmLQMNGLRPEDTAAYY AVIELGVLEPRDY

1 WGQGTQVTVSSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSEVQLVESGGGLVQAGGSLRLSCAASGNFFRVNTMAWYRQAPGKQRELVADITRGDRTN

8611- 86.11- 2 YADWNGRFTISRDNVRNWYLQMNGLRPEDIAAYYCYAVIEL^^

AtbS 4 RQAPGKGLEWVSSISGSGSDTLYADSVKGRFTISRDNA I I L\ LQMNSLRPEDTAVYYCTIGGSLSRSSQGTLVWSSAAAEQKLISEEDLNGAAHHHHHH

Table B-5 various amino acid sequences ("ID" refers to the SEQ ID MO as used herein)

Name ID Amino acid sequence

Aib-11 125 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGNSLRLSCAASGFTFSSFGMSWVRQAPG GLEWVSSISGSGSDTLYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKTTLYLQMNSLRPED

TAVYYCTI 6GSLS SSQGTLVTVSS

Alb 8 126 EVQLVESGGGLVQPGN5LRLSCAASGFTFSSFGMSWVRQAPG GLEV SSISGSGSDTLYADSVKGRFTISRDNA TTLYLQ NSLRPED

TAVYYCTIGGSLSRSSQGTLVTVSSAAAEQKLISEEDLNGAAHHHHHH

Tag-1 127 GAADYKDHDGDYKDHD!DYKDDDDKGAAHHHHHH

or

3xFLA

G-His₆

5GS 128 GGGGS

6GS 129 SGGSGGS

9GS 130 GGGGSGGGS

10GS 131 GGGGSGGGGS

15GS 132 GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS

18G5 133 GGGGSGGGGSGGGGGGGS

20GS 134 G6GGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGS

25GS 135 GGGGSGGGGSGG6GSGGGGSGGGGS

306S 136 GGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGS

35GS 137 GGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGS

VHH1 138 QVQLVESGGGLVQPGGSLRLSCAASGFTLDYYAIGWFRQAPGKEREGVSCiSSSDGSTYYADSVKGRFTISRDNAKNTVYLQMNSL PEO consen TAVYYCAA

sus

EXAMPLES

Example 1.1: Immunization of llamas 405 and 418 and construction of phage display libraries

Llamas were immunized by a DNA-pnme > protein boost strategy ( Koch-Nolte et al. 2007 Faseb J 21:3490-3499), Llamas were immunized per gene gun (Biorad) on shaved left and right flanks with cDNA constructs for mouse P2X7 (mP2X7) and human P2X7 (h P2X7) adsorbed on gold particles (1 urn, 12 shots each with 1μ§ DNA/'mg gold) and boosted with the same, 3 times in 2 -week intervals (Fig. 1). Three and 9 days post final DNA immunization, 100 ml peripheral blood each was collected. Total RNA was prepared from blood lymphocytes, the VH H repertoire was amplified by RT- PCR and cioned into the pAX50 phagemid, generating phage libraries PBL1 and PBL2. Llamas were further boosted once with HEK cells transfected to stably express mP2X7 or hP2X7 (Ad riouch et al., 2008 FASEB J. 22, 861-869) (2xl0⁷ HEK_mP2X7 and 3xl0⁷ HEK_hP2X7 cells, pretreated for 15 min with ImM ATP and then fixed in 2% paraformaldehyde for 10 min on ice). Four and 8 days later, peripheral blood was collected and phage libraries PBL3 and PBL4 were generated. A final boost was performed with purified bead-bound recombinant mP2X7 (5μ§/50μΙ beads) immunoprecipitated with aga rose-cou led mAbs HAN043 and HAN044 (Adriouch et ai. 2005, Moller et al. 2007) from HE K_mP2X7 cell lysates. Four and 10 days later phage libraries PBL5 and PBL6 were generated. RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA, the VHH repertoire was amplified by PCR and cloned into the pAXSO phagemid vector. Phages were amplified in TGI E. coii

Example 1.2: Selection, sequencing and initial characterization of human P2X7-specific Nbs

Selections of anti-hP2X7 Nanobodies (Nbs) were carried out with combined phage libraries PBL5 and PBLS, Two selections were carried out, each comprising two rounds of panning on hP2X7-expressing cells. In selection 1, phage libraries PBL5+6 (200 μΙ) were panned on mouse Yac- 1 lymphoma cells transfected to stably express human P2X7 (2.5xl0⁷ cells). Cell bound phages were eluted by trypsinization (15 min RT) and supernatants were used to amplify phage per re-infection in TGI £ coli. Rescued phages from the first round of selection (200 μΙ) were further panned on HEK cel ls stably transfected to express hP2X7 (2xl0⁷ cells). For each llama, clones were picked from round 2 (R2) only. Phagemids were prepared from each clone a nd sequenced with pAX50 sequencing primers. For expression of Nbs as single domain antibodies, pAXSO phagemid vectors were individually tra nsformed into HB2151 E. coli. Monovalent Nbs were expressed as soluble His6x tagged proteins and purified from periplasms lysates by immobilized metal affinity chromatography.

Sequencing results revealed 34 identical clones from the R2 selection of libra ries PBL5+6 of lla ma 405 {family a) (Ta ble 1). 41 clones were sequenced from the R2 selection of libraries PBL5+8 of liama 418, consisting of 3 different families {Table 1) of which 39 were identical (family b, lcll3). Test expression and binding analyses on HEK_hP2X7 cells showed that lc81 (family a) and lcll3 (family b) bind hP2X7 specifically, whereas 2 other selected clones ( lcl21 and 1x126) were non-binders ( Fig. 2A).

Hence, the identified clones were llama-specific. Nonetheless, even after two elaborated rounds of panning, non-binders were selected. Moreover, the results were severely skewed by the presence of apparently dominant phages.

Table 1: grouping of individual clones into families

Selection

I

family clone # in R2 Lama

a lc81 34x 405

b lcllS 39x 418

lcl2I lx

lcl26 Ix

Selection

II

family clone # in 2 Lama

a 3c22 4x 405

a 3c29 lx

c 3c23 lx

c 3c28 2x

3c31 lx

3c34 4x 418

3c39 4x

To increase the number and diversity of selected clones, a second selection was carried out using the same ceils as a bove : Yac-l_hP2X7 in Rl, a nd H EK_h P2X7 in R2. in order to prevent re-selection of the a pparently dominant phages, binding sites were saturated by pre-incubation of Yac-1 cells in Rl with excess of purified lc81 and lcil3 Nbs (0.7 μ§ per 2x10'^' cells) prior to panning. Although domina nt phages were counter-selected for, the second selection procedure did not reveal any other moderate to strong binders, in particular, sequencing of 8 clones from R2 of llama 418 library revealed clones belonging to 2 different families, each with 4 clones of identical sequences. Test expression and binding analyses on HE _hP2X7 ce!ls showed no (3c34) or only very weak binding (3c39) to H E _hP2X7 celis.

Sequencing of 10 clones from R2 of Hama 405 library revealed clones belonging to 3 different families, 5 of the 10 clones belonged to family a, i. e., the same family as lc81, albeit with slightly different amino acid sequences. Four of these had identical amino acid sequences. A further 3 clones consisting of 2 distinct sequences belonged to a new family (family c, 3c23 and 3c28). Test expression and binding a nalyses on HEK_hP2X7 celis showed that 3c23 { amily c) bound hP2X7 specifically, whereas one other selected clone (3c31) was a non-bi nder {Fig. 2B) .

These results corroborate the previous findings, that identifying any P2X7 binder is not straight forward.

Example 1,3: Reformatting of Nbs into bivalent molecules and production of recombinant proteins Homomeric and heteromeric dimers of Nbs lc81, lcl l3 and 3c23 were constructed by PCR, so as to insert a 35-GS linker (Sfil-Nb l-20GS-BamHI-15GS-Nb2-Notl) using long flanking primers. The VHH domains were also recloned as fusion proteins to the Fc-domain of mouse IgGl by PCR amplification with primers flanked by suitable restriction enzyme sites (5' BamH l, and 3' Xhol), into the eukaryotic expression vector pME (Scheuplein et a!., 2010). Monovalent and bivalent Nbs were expressed as soluble HisSx tagged proteins in H B2151 E.coli and purified from E.coli periplasma lysates by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Bivalent Nbs were expressed as N-terminally FLAG-tagged Nb-Fc fusion proteins in transiently transfected HEK cells. Five days after transfection, N b-Fc fusion proteins were purified from cell supematants by affinity chromatography on M 2 -anti- FLAG immobilized on agarose beads. Nbs and Nb-Fc fusion proteins were conjugated to Alexa647 according to the manufacturer's instructions (Pierce, Invitrogenj .

Example 1,4: FACS analyses of transfected HEK ceils confirm specificity of P2X7 Nbs in order to verify the specificity of the selected Nbs and to determine whether the Nbs would bind also to mouse P2X7 or rat P2X7, HEK cells were co-transfected with expression constructs for G FP and either hP2X7, mP2X7. or rP2X7. Twenty four hours post transfection cells were stained with Nb-Fc fusion proteins or mAb L4 before FACS analyses (Fig. 3). The results show that Nbs 3c23 (designated as WD3c23Fc in the figure) and lcll3 (designated as WDlcll3Fc in the figure) recognize hP2X7, but not rP2X7 or mP2X7, whereas Nb lc81 (designated as WDlc81Fc in the figure) specifically reacts with cells transfected with HP2X7, rP2X7, and mP2X7. By comparison, previously described Nbs 13A7 and 14D5 (WO 2010/070145) recognize mP2X7, but not hP2X7 or rP2X7, mAb L4 recognizes hP2X7 and rP2X7, but not mP2X7.

Unexpectedly, clones with different species specificity and cross- reactivity were identified and selected, although derived from the same immunisation and boosting strategy using mouse and human P2X7 DNA and P2X7 cells.

Example 1.5: Cross-blockade binding analyses show that N s lc81 (family a) and lcll3 (family b) share an overlapping binding site with the anti-hP2X7 mAb L4

Primary lymphocytes express low levels of P2X7. Combining antibodies recognizing different epitopes or using conformation independent antibodies would be of advantage for visualization of the purine receptor. To investigate whether the selected Nbs recognize overlapping epitopes, cross-blocking analyses were performed with un-conjugated Nb-Fc fusion proteins and Alexa647-conjugated mAb L4 and Nbs Icll3-Fc and 3c23-Fc {Fig, 4). HEK cells transfected to stably express high levels of hP2X7 were pre-incubated with saturating levels of either un-conjugated mAb 14, Nb Ic81-Fc, Nb Icll3-Fc, Nb 3c23- Fc, a control Nb (1067-Fc, anti-hCD38), or medium only (vehicle). Without washing, cells were stained with the indicated conjugated antibodies in amounts 10 times less than un-conjugated antibodies. in all cases the control Nb, 1067- Fc. did not affect staining by the Aiexa647-conjugated P2X7 mAb/Nbs. Staining with Alexa647 conjugated Icll3-Fc was completely blocked by unlabeled Icll3-Fc, Ic81-Fc and mAb L4 but not by 3c23-Fc. Concurrently, 3c23-Fc Alexa647 staining was completely abrogated by un- conjugated 3c23-Fc but was unaffected by the other antibodies. Finally, whereas binding of mAb L4 AF647 was unaffected by 3c23-Fc, staining was abrogated in the presence of un-conjugated L4 and Icll3-Fc. Ic81-Fc also blocked L4 AF647 staining, albeit incompletely.

In order to further assess the utility of Nb-Fc fusion proteins of Nbs 13A7 and 14D5, lymphocytes from lymph nodes, spleen or liver of wild type and P2X7^"'^'' mice were co-stained with fluorochrome-conjugated mouse P2X7-specific 13A7-Fc, 14D5™Fc or human P2X7-specific 3c23-Fc (negative control) and with antibodies against CD4, CD25, and NK1.1 before flow cytometry. Figure 13 demonstrates that Nb-Fc fusion proteins of Nbs 13A7 and 14D5 detect P2X7 on lymphocytes from lymph nodes, spleen and liver.

Hence, these Nbs are useful tools for monitoring expression of P2X7 on primary cells from lymph node, spleen and liver.

Example 1.6: Combination of epitope-independent Nbs permits visualization of P2X7 on human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes

Detection of the surface expression of P2X7 on primary lymphocytes is limited by the availability of suitable tools and the inherent low expression of the purine receptor on lymphocyte subsets (Bueli et al. 1998). Having shown that 3c23-Fc binds independently of Ic81-Fc a d Icll3-Fc, we tested whether a combination of the fluorochrome-l belled Nb-Fc fusion proteins would improve detection of P2X7 on lymphocyte and monocyte populations in human peripheral blood (Fig. 5). To this end, comparative staining of PBL from a single donor was performed with mAb L4 vs. Icll3- Fc, 3c23-Fc, or a combination of the latter two Nb-Fc fusion proteins. The results demonstrate that the combination of Nb-Fc fusion proteins yields improved detection sensitivity as compared to staining with mAb L4 alone (MFI 21 vs. 11 for CD4^* cells and MFI of 17 vs. 10 for CD cells) (Fig. 5A). In order to verify the specificity of the observed staining, blocking analyses were performed with a 10 fold excess of a combination of the same unlabeled Nb-Fc fusion proteins used for staining or a control

In order to validate the utility of combining Icll3-Fc and 3c23-Fc for detection of P2X7 in different donors, aliquots of full blood from three separate donors were stained by the same procedure (Fig. 5B). Monocytes, granulocytes, and lymphocytes were gated by FSC vs. SSC. CD4⁺ T cells, CDS^* T cells and CD4 /CDS^* lymphocytes (corresponding mainly to B cells) were gated on the basis of CD4 and CDS expression. Results are shown in a concatenate representation. The extent of specific staining was calculated as the fold increase In MFI of unblocked (-) vs. blocked (+} staining (Table 1.2). The results show specific staining of cell surface P2X7 in monocytes and all lymphocyte subsets, but not in granulocytes. The level of P2X7 expression can be ordered qualitatively as monocytes > CD4 > CDS > CD4-/CD8-.

Table 1.2. Signal-to-background ratio for the expression of P2X7 on human peripheral blood leukocytes. Mean fluorescence intensities were determined for each population of cells shown in Figure 5. Respective unblocked (-) versus blocked (+} quotients were calculated as fold increase of signal over background.

Example 1,7: Nbs lc81 and 3c23 block ATP-induced shedding of CD62L in transfected HE cells

We have previously shown that treatment of HEK cells co-transfected with P2X7 and CD62L (L-selectin) with ATP results in the P2X7-dependent shedding of CD62L (via P2X7-dependent activation of an endogenous metalloprotease). To determine whether the selected Nbs could block P2X7 function, CD62L shedding analyses were carried out with transfected HEK cells (Fig, 6). Cells were transfected with a cDNA expression construct for CD62L only, or co-transfected with constructs for CD62L and hP2X7 (Y155_T348). 24h post transfection, cells were harvested and shedding of CD62L was induced by incubation with ATP,

In HEK cells transfected with CD62L only, incubation with 4 mM ATP showed no effect on cell surface levels of CD62L (Fig. 6A). In HEK cells co-transfected with CD62L and HP2X7, in contrast, treatment with ATP induced shedding of CD62L in a dose-dependent manner (EC- 50 1,5 mM; Fig. 6B). Pre-incubation of the cells with Fc-fusion constructs of the Nbs lc81 or 3c23 prior to treatment with 2 mM or 4 mM ATP abrogated shedding of C062L, A control Fc fusion protein, 1067-Fc (anti-hCD38), did not affect shedding (Fig. 6B). Example 1.8: Nbs lc81 and 3c23 block shedding of CD62L in transfected HEK cells

The mouse rtiAb L4 has been reported to block P2X7 activation on human monocytes (Buell et al. 1998), In order to compare the blocking potencies of the selected Nbs, Nb-Fc fusion proteins, and mAb L4, comparative dose response assays were performed with transfected HEK cells (Fig. 7). To this end, HEK cells were co-transfected with GFP, CD62L and hP2X7, 24 h post transfection, cells were harvested by gentle trypsinization and incubated for 15 min at RT with the indicated amounts of Nb, Nb-Fc fusion protein, or mAb L4. Cells were further incubated for 60 min at 37°C in the absence or presence of 4 m(V1 ATP before staining for eel! surface CD62L and FACS analyses.

The results show complete blockade of CD62L shedding by a saturating dose of Nbs lc81 and 3c23, a partial blockade by a saturating dose of Nb lcll3 and mAb 14, and no blockade by a control Nb and Nb- Fc fusion protein. Titration analyses revealed that the bivalent Nb-Fc fusion proteins have improved molar inhibition potencies over their single domain counterparts: 3c23-Fc showed a 4-fold increase over 3c23 whereas Ic81-Fc was 20-fold more potent than lc81. Hence, based on the potency to block or potentiate ATP-induced shedding of CD62L, the anti-hP2X7 antibodies could be ordered as 3c23-Fc > 3c23 > Ic81-Fc > lc81 > lcll3~Fc > lcll3, mAb 14 in descending order of potency (Table 1.3).

Table 1.3. Calculated IC₅₀ values of anti-hP2X7 antibodies in the blockade of L-selectin shedding in transfected HEK cells, IC_S0 values were calculated from curves in Figure 7 with 700 fluorescent units of anti-CD62L marked as point of half maximal blockade {dotted red line). IC_W values could not be estimated for curves with maximal inhibition below threshold. \C_5I} values in nM were calculated taking respective average molecular weights into consideration, n/a - not applicable.

3c23 3c23Fc lc81 IcSlFc lcll3 lcll3Fc L4 2145 1067 Fc

10» {ng/ml] 40 50 1500 400 > 2800 > 2800 > 2800 > 2800 > 2800 (kOa) 15 80 15 80 15 80 150 15 80

IC₅₀ [nM] 2,7 0,6 100 5 > 185 > 35 > 19 n/a n/a Example 1.9: Nbs 3c23 and lc81 block ATP-mediated externalization of phosphatidylserine and cell death by RPMI 8226 lymphoma cells

RPM I 8226 is a human B-celi myeloma cell line which endogenously expresses P2X7 (Fig. 8A). This cell li ne responds to ATP treatment with the externalization of phosphatidylserine (PS) and cell death (irreversible uptake of propidium iodide) {Farrell et al. 2010 Biochimica et Blophysica Acta 1800 pp 1173- 1182). FACS analyses confirmed an ATP-dose dependent externalization of PS by RPMI 8226 celts (EC¾ 1.8 mM) (Fig. 8B). To test whether the selected Nbs could block ATP-induced activation of endogenously expressed P2X7, the capacity of Nbs to block the ATP-mediated PS-externalization by RPMI 8226 cells was investigated (Fig. 8C). To this end, RPMI 8226 cells were pre-incubated with the mAb L4, anti-hP2X7 Nb-Fc fusion proteins Icll3-Fc, Ic81-Fc, 3c23- Fc or with a control N b-Fc fusion protein 1067-Fc for 15 min at RT and then further incubated for 60 min at 37°C with 4 mM ATP, The extent of P2X7 activation was assayed by visualization of externalized phosphatidylserine with flyorochrome-labeled Annexin V (Fig. 8C). The results show nearly complete blockade of ATP-induced PS-externalization by Ic81-Fc a nd 3c23-Fc, whereas mAb 14 and the Icll3-Fc both only partially prevented PS-externalization, and complete lack of blockade by the control Nb-Fc fusion protein 1067-Fc.

Example 1.10: Nbs lc81 and 3c23 prevent P2X7-mediated cell death of RPMI 8226 ceils

It has previously been demonstrated that prolonged activation of P2X7 on RPMI 8226 cells by ATP results in cell death, as detected by irreversible uptake of propidium iodide (Farrell et al. 2010). It was next investigated whether P2X7 specific Nbs would prevent cell death. To this end, RPMI 8226 ceils were pre- incubated with respective antibodies prior to treatment with ATP for 60 min or 24 h. Cells were then washed and stained with Annexin V and propidium iodide to assess externalization of phosphatidylserine and cell death ( Fig. 9).

During the 60-min incubation with 2 mfvl ATP, mAb L4 and N b Icll3-Fc. both partially prevented exposition of phosphatidylserine as compared to the controls ( Fig. 9, upper panels). This partial blockade did not suffice to prevent cell death during an overnight incubation with ATP (Fig. 9, lower panels). In contrast, Nb-Fc fusion proteins Ic81-Fc and 3c23-Fc both completely blocked P2X7-mediated exposition of phosphatidylserine and cell death irrespective of the duration of ATP treatment ( Fig. 9 upper and lower panels). Example 1.11: Nbs lc81 and 3c23 block ATP-induced externaiization of PS and shedding of CD62L by human T cells

Having demonstrated that Nbs lc81 and 3c23 effectively block ATP-induced externaiization of PS by P I8226 lymphoma cells that endogenously express P2X7, we next investigated whether these Nbs could also block ATP-induced externalizatton of PS and shedding of CD62L by CD4^" T celis and CDS^4" T cells (Fig. 10). To this end, aliquots of full blood were pre-incubated for 30 min at RT with respective Nb-Fc fusion proteins or with mAb L4 prior to treatment with 4 mM ATP for 30 min at 37°C. Subsequently, cells were stained for CD62L expression and externaiization of PS (Annexin V) as readouts for P2X7 activation. T cells from the three donors responded ATP by CD62L shedding and Annexin V staining to different extents (Fig. 10), Whereas T cells from donors 1 and 2 showed weaker responses to ATP, cells from donor 3 responded strongly to P2X7 activation. In magnitude of P2X7 sensitivity, the donors can be ordered as donor 3 > donor 2 > donor 1. Response to ATP by CD4~ T ceils was comparable to CDS^* T cells in respective donors. Both mAb L4 and Icli3-Fc showed partial blockade of CD62L shedding and exposition of PS; the control antibody 1067-Fc did not affect ATP-mediated activation of P2X7. Nb-Fc proteins lc81- Fc and 3c23-Fc completely prevented ATP-mediated activation of P2X7.

Example 1.12: Nb 3c23 blocks ATP-induced Calcium influx in human RPMI 8226 lymphoma celis

RP I 8226 cells were loaded with the Ca^2" indicator Fluo-4, Real time flow cytometry analyses were performed (BD FACS Canto). Cells were washed and resuspended in PBS supplemented with Ca^2'* and Mg^:" (Invitrogen) in the absence (solvent) or presence of the human P2X7-specific Nb 3c23-3c23 or mouse P2X7 specific 1Mb 13A7-13A7 (negative control) and analyzed by flow cytometry (BD FACS-Canto). An infrared lamp was used to maintain a constant sample temperature of 37X, After equilibration for 100 sec, ATP was added to a final concentration of 2 mM and incubation was continued for 100 sec before addition of ionomycin to a final concentration of 5 μΜ, Figure 14 demonstrates that Nb 3c23 blocks ATP-induced Calcium influx in human RPMI 8226 lymphoma cells. Example 1.13: Nb 3c23 blocks ATP-induced release of IL-Ιβ from human blood cells.

Aiiquots of heparinized whole blood from four donors were incubated in the absence or presence of Mb 3c23-3c23 for 2h with LPS (1 ug/ml) before addition of ATP to a final concentration of 5 mM and further incubation for In at 37°C. Plasma was prepared by centrifugation of cells and IL-Ιβ levels in plasma were determined by ELISA (R&D Systems). * **P < 0.001 (One-way ANOVA). Figure 15 demonstrates that Nb 3c23 blocks ATP-induced release of IL-lK from human blood cells.

Example 1.14: Dose response analysis of Nb 3c23 blocking ATP-induced release of IL-lB from human blood cells. Aiiquots of heparinized whole blood were incubated in the absence or presence of the indicated concentrations of Nb 3c23, 3c23-3c23. and 3c23Fc for 2h with LPS (1 pg/ml) before addition of ATP to a final concentration of 2 mM and further incubation for In at 37°C. Plasma was prepared by centrifugation of cells and IL-lIs levels in plasma were determined by ELISA (R&D Systems). Mouse P2X7- specific Nb 13A7 was used as a negative control. Figure 16 depicts a dose response analysis of Nb 3c23 blocking ATP-induced release of IL-1B from human blood cells.

Example 1.15: Mouse Nb 13A? blocks and N 14D5 potentiates NAD+ and ATP-induced shedding of CD62L by the lymphoma cell line Yac-1

The functional effects of mouse P2X7-specific Nbs were further evaluated using P2X7-expressing murine cells. The lymphoma cell line Yac-1 endogenous!y expresses mouse P2X7 and the toxin related ecto-ADP- ribosyltransferase ART2.2. On these cells, P2X7 can be activated by extracellular ATP as well as by NAD+- dependent ADP-ribosylation of R125 catalyzed by ART2.2 (Adriouch et ai., 2008). Nb 13A7 blocked both NAD+-induced and ATP-induced shedding of CD62L by these cells; conversion into a bivalent format markedly enhanced the blocking potency of this Nb (Fig. 21). In contrast, Nb 14D5 potentiated ATP- and NAD+-induced shedding of CD62L by Yac-1 cells. Again, conversion into a bivalent format markedly enhanced the potency of this Nb (Fig. 1000b). Although binding of Nb 14D5 by itself did not induce gating of mouse P2X7, it lowered the threshold of gating for both ATP and NAD+ (WO 2010/070145). Similarly, Nb 13A7 effectively blocked and Nb 14D5 potentiated NAD+ and ATP-induced shedding of CD62L from primary T cells (Fig. 22). Nb 13A7 also effectively blocked ATP induced Ca2+ influx as well as ATP-induced processing and secretion of IL-Ιβ by peritoneal macrophages (see example 1.18 and 1,19 below). Example 1.16: Nb 13A7 blocks, Nb 14D5 potentiates ATP-induced calcium influx in HEK cells stably transfected with mouse P2X7

Real time flow cytometry analyses of mouse-P2X7 transfected HEK cells loaded with the Ca^2* indicator Fluo-4 in the presence of the mouse P2X7-specifie Nb 14D5-14D5, Nb 13A7-13A7 or human P2X7-specific Nb 3c23-3c23 (negative control). Cells were exposed to extracellular ATP to a final concentration of 250 μΜ or 1 m and, two minutes later, to the Ca ^" ionophore ionomycin at a concentration of 5 μΜ. As demonstrated in Figure 17, Nb 13A7 blocks, Nb 14D5 potentiates ATP-induced caicium infiux in HEK cells stably transfected with mouse P2X7.

Example 1.17: Nb 13A7 reverses, Nb 14D5 induces and potentiates ATP-mediated caicium infiux in HEK cells stably transfected with mouse P2X7

Real time flow cytometry analyses of mouse-P2X7 transfected HEK cells loaded with the Ca^2* indicator Fluo-4, Cells were incubated with indicated concentrations of ATP for two minutes before treatment with mouse P2X7-specific Nb 14D5-14D5, Nb 13A7 13A7 or the human P2X7-specific Nb 3c23-3c23. As demonstrated in Figure 18, Nb 13A7 reverses, Nb 14D5 induces and potentiates ATP-mediated calcium infiux in HEK cells stably transfected with mouse P2X7,

Example 1.18: Nb 13A7 blocks, Nb 14D5 potentiates ATP-induced Calcium influx in mouse peritoneal macrophages

Mouse peritonea! macrophages were loaded with the Ca^2* indicator Fluo-4, Real time flow cytometry analyses were performed (BD FACS Canto). Cells were washed and resuspended in PBS supplemented with Ca²* and Mg^{" ~} (tnvitrogen) in the absence (solvent) or presence of the P2X7-potentiating Nb 14D5 or the P2X7-antagonizing Nb 13A7 (1 pg/ 500 μΙ). An infrared lamp was used to maintain a constant sample temperature of 37°C. After equilibration for 120 sec, cells were exposed to the indicated concentrations of extracellular ATP and two minutes later to the Ca²⁺ ionophore ionomycin to a final concentration of 1 μΜ. As shown in Figure 19, Nb 13A7 blocks, Nb 14D5 potentiates ATP-induced Calcium influx in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Example 1.19: Nb 13A7 blocks, Nb 14D5 potentiates the processing and secretion of IL-lR by peritoneal macrophages

Heparinized blood from wildtype or P2X7 ' mice was incubated in the presence of monovalent Nbs (1 pg/

200 μΙ) 14DS, 13A7, or solvent for 2 h with LPS (1 pg/ml) before addition of ATP to the indicated final concentrations and further incubation for 30 min at 37"C, a) Samples were centrifuged and IL-Ιβ levels in plasma were analyzed by ELISA (Biotegend). b) Erythrocytes were lysed and blood leukocytes were stained in two steps, first with fluorochrome-conjugated mAbs specific for CDllb, Ly-6C, and Ly-6G. Ceils were then fixed (2 % PFA) and permeabilized (PBS containing 0.3% saponin and 0.1% BSA) before staining for pro-It-IB ie-Bioscience). Flow cytometry analyses were performed (BD FACS Canto) and gating was performed on CDllb⁺ty-6C^bl monocytes. As demonstrated in Figure 20, Nb 13A7 blocks, Nb 14D5 potentiates the processing and secretion of It-1R by peritoneal macrophages.

Example 120: Conclusion

Three different families of Nbs were selected from two llamas by panning on cells expressing human P2X7 (hP2X7) and confirmed for hP2X7 specificity. Families a (IcSl, llama 418) and b (1x113, llama 405) were selected by panning phage library on hP2X7-transfected Yac-1 and HEK cells sequentially. Family c (3c23, liama 405) was selected by masking IcSl and lcll3 epitopes with purified Nbs and repeating panning. Nbs were reformatted into bivalent constructs and Nb-Fc fusion proteins. Monovalent and bivalent His-tagged Nbs were expressed in £ coli and purified from periplasma iysates by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. FLAG-tagged Nb-Fc fusion proteins were expressed in HEK cells and were purified from HEK cell supernatants by affinity chromatography on immobilized anti-FLAG mAb 2. Specificity of Nbs was verified on HEK cells transfected with human P2X7, mouse P2X7, or rat P2X7, Epitope-specificity was tested by cross-blocking analyses with the selected Nbs and the anti-hP2X7 mAb L4. Nbs IcSl and lcll3 recognized an epitope shared with L4, Nb 3c23 recognizes a distinct, non- overlapping epitope. Combining Nbs with different epitopes permitted improved staining of cell surface P2X7 on human peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes. In particular, Nbs Icll3-Fc and 3c23-Fc are useful for monitoring expression of P2X7 on primary human blood cells. Potency of Nbs to block P 2X7 -dependent, ATP-induced shedding of L-selectin (CD62L) and externaiization of phosphatidylserine (PS) was tested on transfected HEK cells, human RPMI-8226 lymphoma cells, and primary human peripheral blood leukocytes. Nbs lc81 and 3c23 blocked ATP-induced activation of P2X7 more efficiently than mAb L4. Reformatted bivalent Nb-Fc fusion proteins of lc81 and 3c23 showed 5-20 fold enhanced potency to block activation of P2X7 tha n their monovalent counterparts. Examples 1.15 - to 1.19 show functional effects of the mouse specific Nbs on ATP-induced Calcium influx and ATP-induced release of

IL-lii, which mirror the results with the human P2X7-specific N bs (Examples 1.12 to 1.14). Example 1.20 shows that Nbs 13A7 a nd 14D5 are useful tools for monitoring expression of P2X7 on primary cells from lymph node, spleen and liver.

Example 2: ex-vivo and in-vivo blockade and activation of anti-mouse P2X7 Nanobodies in order to assess the capacity of the Nanobodies to modulate P2X7 after systemic injection in vivo, two regulatory T cell subsets previously shown to display high sensitivity to NAD⁴- and ATP-mediated gating of P2X7: CD4⁺CD25⁺ Tregs and iNKT cells were further ela borated (H ubert et al . 2010 J. Exp. Med. 207 pp 2561-2568; Scheuplein et al., 2010).

Example 2.1: methodology

Nanobodies were injected i ntravenously by the tail vein of mice. Mice were sacrificed l,5h and 24h later and analyzed for blockade or enhancement of P2X7 activation both in vivo and ex vivo.

Protocol set up: Wildtype C57bl/6 mice were injected with respective amounts of the Nanobody either by i.v. into tail vein, 1.5h or 24h post injection (ρ.ί,), mice were sacrificed and splenocytes a nd liver lymphocytes prepared as described in previous experiments. 200 μΐ of splenocyte or iiver leukocyte suspension were pelleted by centrifugation . Pellet was resuspended in 100 μΙ RPMI only, 25 μΜ NAD or 250 μΜ ATP in RPMI and incubated at 37°C for 15 min to induce P2X7 activation and compared with sample kept on ice without ex vivo P2X7 activation (4°C). After incubation, cells were washed in annexin V binding buffer a nd stained in annexin binding buffer.

Staining of primary cells from spleen and liver with fluorochrome-conjugated Nb 13A7 confirmed prominent expression of P2X7 by Tregs and iN KT ceils (see Example 1.5, Figure 13). Intravenous injection of these Nbs i nto mice resulted in effective staining of these regulatory T cells in lymph nodes, spleen and Iiver within 30 minutes after injection (data not shown) .

Example 2.2: In vivo activation of P2X7 by enhancing HLE-Nanobody 14D5 (14D5-14D5-Alb8)

Injections of the 14D5-14D5-A!b8 Nb, remarkably resulted in a twofold reduction in the fraction of Tregs recovered from the spleen and an even more dramatic reduction of iNKT cells recovered from the Iiver 2 h after injection (Fig. 11 a). Tregs numbers (as percentage of CD4+ cells) were down to 4% in mice injected with 14D5-14D5~Alb8 (n = 3) vs. 3% in mice injected with the 13A7- 13A7-Alb8 (n = 3) and 12% in the mouse injected with the Dummy- (n = 1). iNKT cell numbers (as percentage of CD3 positive cells) were down to 10% vs. 45% in mice treated with 13A7-13A7-Alb8 and 14D5-14D5-Alb8, respectively, and to 55% in the mouse treated with the Dummy-Nb. 24 h after injection, numbers of Tregs and iNKT cells showed partial recovery in mice injected with 14DS-14D5-Alb8, but were still below those of mice injected with 13A7-13A7-Alb8 or Dum-Alb8-Dum (Dummy-Nb). In a separate experiment, mice injected with the 8G11-8G11-A!b8 showed numbers of Tregs and iNKT ceils comparable to those of the Dummy- Nb injected mouse (Fig. 11c). The T cells recovered from the spleens of 14D5-14D5-Alb8 injected mice showed enhanced shedding of CD27 in response to a 15 min incubation at 37X with exogenous NAD as compared to mice injected with the Dummy-Nb (Fig. 11 b).

Thus, 14D5-14D5-Alb8 b potentiates mouse P2X7.

Example 2,3: In vivo blockade of P2X7 by antagonistic HLE-Nanobodies 8611 and 13A7 (8G11-8G11- Albg and 13A7-13A7-Alb8, respectively)

The results of functional assays performed on spleen and liver cells prepared 2 h after intraperitoneal injection of HLE-Nbs reveal blocking effects of both 8Gll-8Gll-A!bS and 13A7-13A7-Alb8 on P2X7 (Fig. 11c).

Injection of 13A7-13A7-Aib8 completely prevented the shedding of CD27 by splenic Tregs and partially blocked shedding of CD27 by liver iNKT cells in response to exogenous NAD added ex vivo (Fig, lib). Injection of 13A7-13A7-Alb8 also effectively blocked the externalization of phosphatidylserine by splenic Tregs and liver iNKT cells in response to to exogenous NAD added ex vivo (Fig. 11c), tn line with the in vitro results on Yac-1 lymphoma cells (see Example 1.15), 13A7-13A7-Alb8 was more effective in blocking P2X7 than 8G11-8G11-Alb8, despite the lower staining levels seen for 13A7 than for 8G11 with anti-myc. The results indicate that at 2 h after injection, the lowest dose of 13A7- 13A7-Alb8 (15pg) was still more effective than the highest dose of 8G11-8G11-Alb8 (200pg) and only slightly less effective than the highest dose of 13A7-13A7-Alb8 (200 pg). The results of kinetic analyses indicate similar functional effects of the blocking HLE-Nbs at 24 h after injection as compared to 2 h after injection (Fig. lib). Example 3, Assessment of anti-P2X7 Nanobodies in an inflammatory model Example 3.1: Methodology

The reformatted Nbs were tested for therapeutic potential in a mouse model of experimentally induced inflammation: anti-pod ocyte antibody ind uced glomerulonephritis. Previous studies had shown that P2X7-deficient mice develop milder forms of these diseases, leading to the hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of P2X7 in wildtype mice might mimic the beneficial effects of the genetic deletion of P2X7. Conversely, pha rmacological activation of P2X7 might potentiate these inflammatory responses,

Example 3.2: Antibody-induced nephritis

Systemic injections of serum from animals immunized with mouse podocytes cause a slowly progressing inflammation of the kidney. Appearance of al bumin in the urine {albuminuria} can be used as a read-out of damage to the glomerular filtration apparatus. Since the volume of urine can vary widely, depending mainly on the amount of fluid intake, it is common to normalize the concentration of albumin in urine to the concentration of creatinine. Disease progression is much slower than that of ConA-induced hepatitis. In wildtype mice, albuminuria usually is detectable from day 7-9 after serum injection. Animals usually succumb to disease and must be sacrificed at day 14-15 after serum injection.

To assess the potential therapeutic and/or proinflammatory effects of anti-P2X7 HLE-Nbs in the nephritis model, groups of 6 week old C57BL6 mice (n - 6) received 5 i njections of H LE-Nbs (an initial dose of 50 pg 2 h before injection of anti-podccyte serum (APN) and 25 pg each on days 3, 6, 9, and 12), Control mice received injections of pre-immune serum ( PI). Groups of 5-6 mice received injections with Dummy-Nb,

13A7-13A7-ALB8, or 14D5-14D5-ALBS, 24 h urine was collected in metabolic cages on day 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 21. Animals were sacrificed on day 15 or 21, kidneys and blood samples were collected and subjected to further analyses including determination of serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine,

Example 3,3; Nb 14D5 enhances, Nb 13D7 decreases disease parameters in a nephritis model

Albumin in urine was quantified by ELISA, creatinine levels were determined by automated measurement ( Fig, 12A), On the day of sacrifice, blood urea nitrogen, serum triglycerides and serum cholesterol levels were determined by automated measurement; 1L-6 in serum and MCP-1 in urine were quantified by EUSA. Significance was assessed with the Mann Whitney U test {Fig. 12B). The results of urine analyses show detectable proteinuria in animals treated with antipodocyte serum and the Dummy- Nb beginning at day 9 with steadily increasing urine albumin levels until the end of the experiment at day 15 or 21 Fig, 12A), Mice treated with the P2X7 antagonistic 13A7-13A7-ALB8 showed much lower urine albumin levels at the time of sacrifice than mice treated with the Dummy-Nb (Fig, 12). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05), In contrast, mice treated with the P2X7 enhancing 14D5-14D5- ALB8 developed detectable albuminuria already on day 3 after serum injection and continued to display significantly higher urine albumin levels than Dummy-Nb or 13A7-13A7-ALB8 treated mice throughout the course of the experiment. Consistent with a more severe nephritic syndrome in mice receiving the enhancing 14D5-14D5-ALB8, these mice also showed markedly higher levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol and creatinine on day 15 and 21, while mice treated with 13A7-13A7-ALB8 showed normal levels of these serum parameters.

Example 3,4: Nb 13A7 resists, Nb 14D5 induces and potentiates NAD^* induced shedding of CD27* T cells.

On the day of sacrifice (21 d after injection of anti-podocyte antibodies, 3 d after the last injection of Nanbodies), splenocytes were incubated in the absence (PBS) or presence of NAD^" for 30 min and then stained for CD4, CD25, and CD27 before FACS analyses. Gating was performed on CD4⁺CD2S* Tregs. Tregs from mice treated with the P2X7 agonistic Nb 14D5 contained a lower proportion of CD27^* T cells, all of which were sensitive to NAD^*-induced loss of CD27; Tregs from mice treated with the P2X7 antagonistic Nb 13A7 were resistant to NAD^'-induced shedding of CD27, These results indicate that splenic Tregs were still coated with P2X7-specific Nbs on the day of sacrifice.

Example 3.5: : Nb 14D5 enhances, Nb 13D7 decreases inflammatory kidney damage On the day of sacrifice {21 d after injection of anti-podocyte antibodies) Kidney sections were stained with Periodic Acid Sch^'rff stain (PAS) {Fig. 12D top). Tubular protein casts are marked by asterisks. Kidney sections were stained with the DNA-staining dye draq5, a fluorochrome-conjugated mAb against the T cell marker CD3, and a fluorochrome-conjugated mAb against nephrin, a podocyte membrane protein at the renal filtration barrier (Fig, 12E, bottom), Podocyte nuclei are marked by asterisks. Kidney sections from mice treated with Nb 14D5 show stronger perigiomerular infiltration of CD3^* T cells and disrupted staining for nephrin than mice treated with Nb 13A7 or the control Nb, Kidney sections were stained with draqS and fluorochrome conjugated mAbs against nephrin. the complement factor 3 (C3), a nd IgG before immunofluorescence microscopy (Fig. 12F). Sections from mice treated with AP serum (but not from mice treated with PI serum) show glomerular deposits of IgG and 3. The pattern of IgG deposits is regular in mice treated with N b 13A7, but is partially disrupted in mice treated with the control Nb a nd strongly disrupted i n mice treated with Nb 14D5,

Hence, animals treated with the P2X7-blocking Nb 13A7 showed little if any signs of kidney damage or of inflammation, whereas animals treated with the P2X7-potentiating Nb 14D5 showed aggravated inflammation and kidney damage: Albuminuria was significantly augmented in animals treated with Nb 14D5 or the control Nb but remained low in animals treated with Nb 13A7, Moreover, the former but not the latter showed clear histopatho gical signs of kidney damage consistent with a nephrotic syndrome, i.e. tubular protein casts, glomerular capillary occlusion, swelling of podocytes, disrupted nephrin staining at the filtration ba rrier and peritubular a nd periglomerular infiltration of inflammatory cells. Consistently, animals treated with the control Nb or with the P2X7-potentiating Nb 14D5 showed elevated concentrations of blood urea nitrogen, serum triglycerides, and cholesterol. Conversely, animals treated with the P2X7-blocking Hb 13A7 showed lower levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 in serum and MCP-1 in urine than animals treated with the P2X7-potentiating Nb 14D5. These results indicate that P2X7-blocking Nbs ca n ameliorate and that P2X7-potentiating Nbs can aggravate inflammatory kidney damage. Example 3.4: Discussion and Conclusions

The results of in vitro analyses with nucleotide-ind uced activation of P2X7 on the Yac-1 lymphoma cell line revealed similar functiona l potencies of bivalent and HLE-Nbs, The two P2X7-antagonistic HLE-Nbs 13A7 and 8G11 both showed more efficient blockade of NAD (ADP-ribosylation)-ind uced activation of P2X7 than of ATP-ind uced activation, with 13A7 consistently showing better blocking effectiveness than 8G 11. In case of the P2X7-enhancing 14D5 Nb, increasing the valency from monovalent to bivalent was accompanied by a markedly enhanced potency, while a further valency increase showed only a marginal further increase in potency.

Followi ng systemic injections of HLE-Nbs at high doses {100 ug per mouse, corresponding to 5 mg/kg), the three P2.X7-specific HLE-Nbs showed clearly detectable effects on P2X7 function on T cells i n spleen and liver, faithfully reca pitulating the effects observed with in vitro treatments of lymphoma cells, i.e., more efficient blockade by 13A7 than by 8G11 and a ma rked enhancement of P2X7 function by 14D5. Using anti-myc antibody, Nbs could be detected on the surface of splenic and liver T cells, with most prominent staining of the two subpopulations known to express highest levels of P2X7: Tregs (CD4+CD25+) in the spleen. in the spleen, 13A7 completely blocked P2X7-induced shedding of CD27 In response to low levels of NAD released during cell preparation, on both subpopulations of CD4+ helper T cells: the highly sensitive CD25+ population of Tregs as well as the less sensitive subpopulation of CD25-negative, naive CD4+ T cells ( Fig. 11). 13A7 also compietely protected both subpopulations against P2X7-induced shedding of CD27 in response to addition of higher concentrations of exogenous NAD. 13A7 further completely protected naive T cells, but only partially protected Tregs against P2X7-induced shedding of CD27 in response to addition of high concentrations of exogenous ATP. Time course analyses showed similar blocking activity at 24 h vs. 1,5 h after injection of 13A7. Titration analyses revealed little if any reduction of blocking activity of 13A7 when the dose was reduced from 200 pg to 15 pg per mouse.

An in vivo experiment revealed detectable effects of P2X7-specific HLE-Nbs also on P2X7 function and disease progression in a mouse model of experimentally ind uced nephritis. Effects were clearly evident in this nephritis model. The potent P2X7-antagonistic 13A7 HLE-Nb showed beneficial effects in this model, achieving statistical significance. The P2X7-enhancing 14D5 HLE-Nb significantly promoted disease progression in the nephritis model. In the nephritis model, mice treated with the potent antagonist 13A7 HLE -N b showed much lower levels of albumin in urine at the time of sacrifice (day 15 after injection of anti-podocyte serum) tha n mice treated with the Dummy-N b, with albumin se rving as an indicator of damage to the glomerular filtration apparatus. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In striki ng contrast, mice treated with the P2X7-enhancmg 14D5 HLE Nb had much higher levels of albuminuria, and higher levels of serum cholesterol and creatinine than mice treated with the Dummy-Nb, consistent with a more severe nephritic synd rome. These differences also were statistically significa nt (p < 0.05). Hence, systemic administration of antagonistic ISVs such as Nb 13A7 alleviates, and of agonistic ISVs such as Nb 14D5 potentiates disease parameters in a ntibody-induced glomerulonephritis.

Example 3.5; Perspectives

Taken together, the results of this project extension underscore the feasibility of using HLE N bs to manipulate the function of the P2X7 ion channel on T cells in vivo. The experiments with the mouse model of nephritis show that P2X7-blocking Nbs have therapeutically beneficial effects in dampening excessive inflammatory reactions in this and other diseases.

The finding that the P2X7 enhancing 14D5 HLE-Nb exacerbated the inflammatory response in the nephritis model shows that the Nbs can be used for enhancing desired inflammatory responses, e.g., in chronic infections with intracellular parasites such as Chlamydia and Toxoplasma, in which activation of P2X7 has been shown to have a beneficial effect.

Nbs in general provide numerous advantages over small molecule inhibitors, and these pertain also to Nbs directed against the P2X7 ion channel: tow toxicity, biodegradability, high specificity for an individual member of a larger protein family, and a variety of reformatting options.

Example 4: Assessment of anti-P2X7 Nanobodies in an MS model

The a nimal model of MS, experimental a utoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein ( OG) peptide residues 35-55 is induced in wildtype C578L6 mice. The diseased mice receive anti-P2X7 Nbs or Dummy-N b, Disease progression is monitored by appea rance of clinical signs, i mmunocytochemica! staining to assess brain inflammation and neuronal damage, and by measurement of Tcell cytokine production.

Example 4.1: Induction of EAE

EAE is actively ind uced in C57BL/6 mice using synthetic myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35- 55 (MOG35-55) as described (Matute et at., 2007). Mice are injected subcutaneously (two 100 ui injections into adjacent areas in one hind limb) with an emulsion of 300 pg MOG35-55 dissolved in 100 pL PBS, mixed with 100 pL CFA containing 500 pg of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Immediately after

MOG35-55 injection, the animals receive a n i.p. injection of pertussis toxin (PT, 200 ng in 200 pL PBS).

Two days later the mice receive a second PT injection, a nd 1 week later they receive a booster injection of MOG35-55. Clinical signs are scored on a 5 point scale; grade 0, no clinical signs; 1, limp tail and/or impaired righting; 2; paresis of one hind limb; 3; paresis of two hind limbs; 4; moribund; 5, death. Scoring is done at the same time each day by a blinded investigator. Example 4.2: Injection of anti-P2X7 Nanobodies

Nanobodies are injected intravenously by the tail vein concurrently with the MOG35-55 immunisation protocol. Groups of 5-6 mice receive injections with Dummy-Nb, 13A7-13A7-ALB8, or 14D5-14D5-ALB8 as described in Example 2.

Example 4.3: T-cell isolation and cytokine measurements

Splenocytes are isolated from OG35-55 immunized EAE mice at 4 days or 21 days after the booster MOG injection/Nb-injection. After lysis of red blood cells, splenocytes are plated into 24 well plates at a density of 2 ^χ 10^s cells per well in 400 μΙ RPMI media, and incubated with immunogen (0 or 25 \xg/m\ MOG 35-55 peptide). After 1 day, aiiquots of the media are assayed for levels of 1L-17 or IFNy by ELISA following recommended procedures. Each sample is assayed at least in triplicate, calculation of ng/ml cytokine is determined from standard curves, and the increase due to the presence of MOG peptide is determined. A semiquantitative analysis of 84 inflammatory molecules produced by activated splenocytes is carried out using the mouse cytokine antibody array III (e.g. RayBiotech) according to the manufacturer's protocols.

Example 4,4; Analysis for infiltrating cells

Mouse brains are perfused with saline and post fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde overnight. Dehydration of hemispheres, washes, drying and solidifying are according to standard protocols. Tissue is cut 8 pm thick, Sagital sections (8 or 10 μ ) are cut beginning from midline, and are mounted. Further preparation of the sections is according to standard protocols. Four serial sections from each animal are analyzed for the number of infiltrating ceils present in the region extending from the olfactory bulb to the dorsal third ventricle. Black and white images of all stained sections are obtained using the same exposure time with a 10x objective. Specific fields containing small round hematoxy!inophyiiic nuclei are defined, and contrast is adjusted so as to not count larger round cells presumably oligodendrocyte. Data is presented as number of cells per mm2.

Immunohistochemistry is used to detect T-cells, For this, frozen sections are stained using an anti-CD8 antibody. Sections are incubated in 3% BSA in PBS plus antibody overnight at 4°C, washed, and then developed with a secondary antibody labeled with FITC. Equivalents

The foregoing written specification is considered to be sufficient to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention. The present invention is not to be limited in scope by examples provided_; since the examples are intended as an illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the invention. Other functionally equivalent embodiments are within the scope of the invention. Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and fall within the scope of the appended claims. The advantages and objects of the invention are not necessarily encompassed by each embodiment of the invention.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A polypeptide comprising at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain that can bi nd P2X7 with a Kd of less than 50n for use in treating P2X7 associated diseases, wherein the binding of said immunoglobulin single variable domain to said P2X7 inhibits the activity of P2X7.

2. The polypeptide according to claim 1, wherein said P2X7 associated disease is selected from the group consisting of MS, IBD, neuropathic pain, epilepsy, stroke, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

3. The polypeptide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said P2X7 is human P2X7.

4. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said immunoglobulin single varia ble domain binds SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ I D NO: 2 and/or SEQ I D NO: 3.

5. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one immunoglobulin single variable domain comprises an amino acid sequence of formula 1: FRl - CDR1 - FR2 - CDR2 - FR3 -

CDR3 - FR4 (1); wherein FRl to FR4 refer to fra mework regions 1 to 4 and are framework regions (FRs) of an imm unogiobuiin single variable domain; and

- wherein CDR1 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ iD NOs: 34-47,

- polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NOs: 34-47,and

polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 ami no acid difference with SEQ I D NOs: 34-47; and

- wherein CDR2 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ I D NOs: 62-75;

- polypeptides that have 3, 2, or 1 amino acid difference with SEQ ID NOs: 82-75; and

- wherein CDR3 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ ID NOs: 90-103;

6. The polypeptide according to claim. 5, wherein the framework regions (FRs) have a sequence identity of more than 80% with the FRs of SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

7. The polypeptide according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one immunogtobulin single variable domain is chosen from the group of immunoglobulin single variable domains, wherein :

- CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 34, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 62; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 90;

CDRl is SEQ I D NO: 35, CDRl is SEQ I D NO: 63; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 91;

- CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 40_., CDR2 is SEQ I D HO: 68; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 96;

- CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 36, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 64; and CDR3 Is SEQ I D NO: 92;

- CDR1 is SEQ I D NO: 37, CDR2 is SEQ I D NO: 65; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 93;

- CDR1 Is SEQ ID NO: 38, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO; 66; and CD 3 is SEQ I D NO: 94;

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 39, CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 67; and CD 3 is SEQ ID NO: 95;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 41, CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 69; and CDR3 is SEQ I D NO: 97;

- CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 42, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 70; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 98;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO : 43, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 71; and CD 3 is SEQ ID NO: 99;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 44, CD 2 is SEQ ID NO: 72; and CD 3 is SEQ ID NO : 100;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 45, CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 73; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO : 101;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 46, CDRl is SEQ I D NO: 74; and CD 3 is SEQ I D NO; 102;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO : 47, CDRl is SEQ I D NO: 75; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 103;

8. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising immunoglobulin single variable domains that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 80% with SEQ I D NOs: 6-19.

9, The polypeptide according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising immunoglobulin single va riable domains that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more tha n 90% with SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

10, The polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains that can bind P2X7,

11. The polypeptide according to claim 10, wherein at least two i mmunoglobulin single variable domains comprise an amino acid sequence of formula 1: FR1 - CDRl - FR2 - CDRl - FR3 - CDR3 - FR4 (1); wherein FRl to FR4 refer to framework regions 1 to 4 and are framework regions (FRs) of an immunoglobulin single variable domain; and

- wherein CDRl is chosen from the group consisting of;

SEQ ID NOs 34-47,

- wherein CDR2 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ ID NOs: 82-75;

polypeptides that have at least 80% amino acid identity with SEQ ID NOs: 62~75;and

- wherein CDR3 is chosen from the group consisting of:

SEQ ID NOs: 90-103;

12. The polypeptide according to claim 11, wherein the framework regions fFRs) have a sequence identity of more than 80% with the FRs of SEQ ID NOs: 6-19,

13, The polypeptide according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains are chosen from the group of immunogiobuiin single variable domains, wherein:

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 34, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 62; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 90;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 35,. CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 63; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 91;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 40, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 68; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 96;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 36, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 64; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 92;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 37, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 65; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 93;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 38, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO; 66; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 94;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 39, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 67; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO; 95;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 41, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 69; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO; 97;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 42, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 70; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 98;

- CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 43, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 71; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 99;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 44, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 72; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 100;

CDRl is SEQ ID NO: 45, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO: 73; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 101; CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 46, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO : 74; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 102; and

CDR1 is SEQ ID NO: 47, CDR2 is SEQ ID NO : 75; and CDR3 is SEQ ID NO: 103;

14. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising at least two immunoglobulin singie variable domains that each have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 80% with SEQ ID NOs: 6-19.

15. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains that each have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 90% with SEQ ID

NOs: 8-19.

16. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 10 to 15, comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains that can bind P2X7, wherein said at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains that can bind P2X7 can be the same or different.

17. The polypeptide according to any of claims 1 to 16 further comprising a n immunoglobulin single variable domain binding human serum albumin such as e.g. AlbS (SEQ ID NO: 126) or Albll (SEQ ID NO: 125) .

18. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the polypeptide Is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides that have an amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 80% with SEQ I D NOs: 118-124.

19. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of polypeptides that have a n amino acid sequence with a sequence identity of more than 90% with SEQ ID NOs: 118-124.

20. The polypeptide accor ding to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the polypeptide is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 118-124.

21. A polypeptide comprising at least two immunoglobulin single variable domains which are directed against P2X7, wherein

a) at least one first immunoglobulin single va riable domain is directed against a first antigenic determina nt, epitope, pa rt, domain, subunit or conformation of a P2X7; and wherein,

b) at least one second immunoglobulin single variable domain is directed against a second antigenic determinant, epitope, part, domain, subunit or conformation of said P2X7 different from the first antigenic determi nant epitope, part, domain, subunit or conformation, respectively,

22. The polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein said immunoglobulin single variable domain consists of a domain antibody, an amino acid sequence that is suitable for use as a domain antibody, a single domain antibody, an amino acid sequence that is suita ble for use as a single domain antibody, a dAb, an amino acid sequence that is suitable for use as a dAb, a Nanobody, a VHH sequence, a humanized VHH sequence or a camelized VH sequence.

23. The polypeptide according to any of claims 1 to 22, wherein the IC50 in an Alphascree n assay is 30nM or lower.

24. The polypeptide according to any of claims 1 to 23, wherein the IC50 in an Alphascreen assay is 3nM or lower.

25. The polypeptide according to any of claims 1 to 24, further comprising a pharmaceutically accepta ble excipient.

26, A method for producing a polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 to 25, said method at least comprising the steps of:

a} expressing, in a suitable host cell or host orga nism or in another suitable expression system, a nucleic acid or nucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide according to any one of claims 1 to 25; optionally followed by:

b) isolating and/or purifying said immunoglobulin single variable domain or said polypeptide.

27. Method for screening immunoglobulin single variable domains directed against P2X7 and in particular huma n P2X7 (SEQ ID NO:s 1-3) that comprises at least the steps of:

a} providing a set, collection or library of immunogiobulin single varia ble domains; and

b) screening said set, collection or library of immunoglobulin single va riable domains for immunoglobulin single varia ble domains that can bind to and/or have affinity for P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 {SEQ D NO:s 1-3); and

c) isolating the amino acid sequence(s) that can bind to and/or have affinity for P2X7 and in particular human P2X7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3).

28, An immunogiobulin single variable domain that can bind P2X7 with a Kd of less than 50nM, wherein the binding of said immunoglobulin single variable domain to said P2X7 inhibits the activity of P2X7.