WO2014186842A1

WO2014186842A1 - Antibodies and uses thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2014186842A1
Application number: PCT/AU2014/050048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Charles Reay Mackay; Remy Michel ROBERT
Original assignee: Monash University
Priority date: 2013-05-22
Filing date: 2014-05-22
Publication date: 2014-11-27

Abstract

Provided herein are, inter alia, antibodies that specifically bind to epitopes within the inflammatory chemokine receptor CXCR3, and methods of using the antibodies. In exemplary embodiments, provided herein are antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to an epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, or within corresponding amino acid residues in another CXCR3 polypeptide.

Description

ANTIBODIES AN D USES THEREOF

FIELD OF THE I VENTION

(00011 The present invention relates generally to antibodies that specifically bind an epitope within CXCR3, and methods of using the antibodies. The present invention is also related to an epitope within CXCR3 and methods of using the epitope.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(0002| CXCR3 is an inflammatory chemokine receptor whose expression is associated with CD ^* Type- 1 helper (Thl) and CDS^' cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs). In addition to CXCR3 expression on effector CD and CD8 T cells, CXCR3 is also highly expressed on innate lymphocytes, such as natural killer (NK) cells and N T cells, and on plasmacytoid DCs and subsets of B cells. CXCR3 binds three chemokines: CXCL9 (also known as monokine induced by gammainterferon, IG). CXCLIO (imerferon-induced protein of 10 kDa, tP- 10) and CXCLI I (interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattraciant, l-TAC). The binding of CXCR3 to these ligands, which themselves are induced by inflammatory cytokines, mediates cell migration, thereby coordinating inflammation in the periphery.

|0003] Because of the expression of CXCR3 on effector cells, and its role in cell migration and inflammation, there is a need for improved molecules specific for CXCR3 that can be used to inhibit cell migration and/or inflammation. For example, migration of activated T-cells to the graft following transplantation results in donor organ damage and is a hallmark of acute and chronic rejection. A wide variety of immunosuppressive agents are available and routinely used in clinics to reduce the rejection episodes and to improve both short and long-term graft survival. However, their mode of action often results in a complete shut down of the immune system and their use relies on indefinite uptake. As such, they are typically associated with side effects such as opportunistic infections, lymphoproliferative disorders or cardiovascular diseases Accordingly, the development of more specific drugs able to induce transplantation tolerance and thus eliminate the constraint of high doses of continuous immunosuppressive agents is a major goal in the transplantation field. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

f0004| The present invention relates generally to antibodies that specifically bind an epitope within CXCR3, and methods of making and using the antibodies. The present invention is also related to an epitope within CXCRJ and methods of using the epitope

|0005| In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to an epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO.4. In one embodiment, the epitope is within amino acid residues 23 to 43; 23 to 42; 23 to 41 ; 23 to 40; 23 to 39; 23 to 38, 23 to 37; 23 to 36; 23 to 35; 23 to 34, 23 to 33: 23 to 32, 23 to 31 ; 23 to 30; 23 to 29;

24 to 44; 24 to 43; 24 to 42; 24 to 41 ; 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38; 24 to 37; 24 to 36; 24 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32; 24 to 31; 24 to 30; 24 to 29; 25 to 44; 25 to 43; 25 to 42:

25 to 41: 25 to 40; 25 to 39: 25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36: 25 to 35: 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31 ; 25 to 30; 26 to 44; 26 to 43; 26 to 42; 26 to 41 ; 26 to 40: 26 to 39; 26 to 38;

26 to 37; 26 to 36; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31 ; 27 to 44; 27 to 43; 27 to 42; 27 to 41; 27 to 40; 27 to 39; 27 to 38; 27 to 37; 27 to 36; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33:

27 to 32; 28 to 44; 28 to 43; 28 to 42; 28 to 41; 28 to 40; 28 to 39; 28 to 38; 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 28 to 32; 29 to 44; 29 to 43; 29 to 42; 29 to 41; 29 to 40; 29 to 39; 29 to 38; 29 to 37; 29 to 36; 29 to 35; 29 to 34; 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42; 30 to 41, 30 to 40; 30 to 39; 30 to 38; 30 to 37; 30 to 36; and/or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. In a further embodiment, the epitope consists of amino acid residues 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33: 25 to 32; 25 to 31, 25 to 30; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33. 26 to 32; 26 to 31; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32, 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ 10 NO.4

|0006| In another aspect, the present invention provides, an isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues 23 to 44 of SEQ ID NO:4 In one embodiment, the polypeptide consists of amino acid residues 23 to 43; 23 to 42: 23 to 41 : 23 to 40; 23 to 39; 23 to 38; 23 to 37; 23 to 36; 23 to 35, 23 to 34; 23 to 33; 23 to 32; 23 to 31; 23 to 30, 23 to 29; 24 to 44; 24 to 43; 24 to 42; 24 to 41 ; 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38; 24 to 37; 24 to 36; 24 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32: 24 to 31 , 24 to 30; 24 to 29; 25 to 44; 25 to 43; 25 to 42; 25 to 41 ; 25 to 40; 25 to 39; 25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36; 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31 ; 25 to 30, 26 to 44: 26 to 43, 26 to 42; 26 to ! , 26 to 40; 26 to 39; 26 to 38; 26 to 37;

26 to 36; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31 ; 27 to 44; 27 to 43; 27 to 42; 27 to 41, 27 to 40; 27 to 39; 27 to 38; 27 to 37; 27 to 36; 27 to 35, 27 to 34: 27 to 33, 27 to 32;

28 to 44; 28 to 43; 28 to 42; 28 to 41 ; 28 to 40; 28 to 39; 28 to 38; 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 28 lo 32, 29 to 44; 29 to 43, 29 to 42; 29 to 41; 29 to 40; 29 to 39,

29 to 38; 29 to 37; 29 to 36; 29 to 35; 29 to 34; 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42; 30 to 41; 30 to 40: 0 to 39; 30 to 38; 30 to 37; 30 to 36; and/or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO 4. In another embodiment, the polypeptide consists of amino acid residues 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 3; 25 to 32: 25 to 1; 25 to 30; 26 to 35: 26 to 34; 26 lo 33; 26 to 32: 26 to 31 ; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO.

|0007| The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the invention mat specifically bind to an epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 may comprise a CDR-HI comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.20 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 5%. 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID KO:20: a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ (D NO:21 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%. 85%. 90%, 9\%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO.21, a CDR-II3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0 22 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%.90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity lo SEQ ID NO:22; a CDR-LI : comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:23 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:23; a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.24 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%. 93%, 94%. 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:24: and a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.25 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID KO:25. In particular examples, the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments comprise a CDR-HI with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 20, a CDR-H2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 21; a CDR-H3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID O:22: a CDR-LI with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID N0.23; a CDR-L2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ JD N 24; and a CDR-L3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID O:25. f00 S| In some embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the invention that specifically bind to an epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO.4 comprise a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%.90·-·, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%.95%, 96%, 97%. 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13, and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15 In other embodiments, the antibodies and antigen- binding fragments comprise a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:41 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%. 96%. 97%. 98·*, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:41. and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID N042 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80% 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ tt> NO:42.

[OO09J In another aspect, the invention provides an isolated antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds to CXCR3, comprising a CDR-HI comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.20 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 985·, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:20; a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2l or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91? . 92?'o. 93%, 94%, 95%. 96%. 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.21, a CDR-H3 comprising die amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0 22 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:22; a CDR-LI : comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ Π> NO.23 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%.95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:23; a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:24 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%. 92%. 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%. 97%. 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 24; and a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.25 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:25.

10010) In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprises a CDR-Hl with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:20; a CDR-H2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO .21; a CDR-H3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:22; a CDR-LI with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 23. a CDR-L2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 24; and a CDR-L3 with a sequence of amino adds set forth in SEQ ID NO:25. For example, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment may comprise a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 0 91%, 92%.93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13, and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%. 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15. In other examples, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprises a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:4l or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0. I, and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 42 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%.98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.42.

100111 In some instances, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the invention are monoclonal antibodies or antigen-binding fragments of monoclonal antibodies. In one embodiment, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is multivalent. In further embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a chimeric or humanized antibody or antigen-binding fragment, fn particular embodiments, an antigen- binding fragment of the invention is a Fab fragment. Fab¹ fragment, F(ab'h fragment, Fv fragmen disulfide-linked Fv (dsFv , Fd fragment, Fd' fragment, single-chain Fv (scFv), single-chain Fab (scFab), domain antibody, diabody, triabody or tetiabody

|0012| The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the invention may exhibit antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity and/or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity.

[0013J In some embodiments, antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the invention are linked to one or more other moieties, such as, for example, a polymer, small molecule, peptide or polypeptide. In some instances, the moiety is a cytotoxic agent.

|0014) The present invention also provides isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the invention.

|0015| In one aspect, the invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 26, a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO. 27 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%. 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:27: and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO- 28 or a sequence of nucleotides having at feast or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%.93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28. In some examples, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO.12.

100I6| In another aspect, the invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91 , 92%. 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 7*"·. 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:29; a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO^* 30 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%. 92%. 93%. 94%. 95%. 96%. 97%. 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:30 and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%.95%, 96%, 97?/·.98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:31. In one embodiment, die nucleic acid molecule comprises a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%. 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14.

(0017| The invention also provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO 45 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:45; a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:46 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.46; and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID N0.47 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%. 93%. 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:47. In some examples, the nucleic acid molecule comprises a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:43 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%.98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:43.

|00I8| In another aspect, the invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule, comprising a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID N0.48 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID KO:48; a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID N0.49or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%. 97%. 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.49; and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%. 85%, 90%, 91%. 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:50. In one embodiment, the isolated nucleic acid molecule comprises a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:44 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91 , 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:44. [0019] The present invention also provides vectors comprising one or more nucleic acid molecules described herein, cells comprising one or more nucleic acid molecules or vectors described herein, and recombinant cells that produce any one or more antibodies or antigen-binding fragments described herein. The invention also provides compositions comprising one or more of the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments, nucleic acid molecules and/or vectors described herein.

[00201 In a further aspect, the invention is directed to a method tor depleting CXCR3^* cells in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the invention. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting the recruitment or migration of CXCR3^" cells to an inflammation site in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the invention. In some embodiments, the cells are CXCR3 /CD4^* T cells, CXCR3*/CD8~ T cells and/or CXCR3^*/B220 B cells. In further embodiments, the subject has received, is receiving or is to receive a graft or transplant.

(0021) In another aspect of the invention, provides is a method for inhibiting graft or transplant rejection in a subject that has received, is receiving or is to receive a graft or transplant comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein.

10022| In some embodiments of the methods of the invention, the graft is an allograft or xenograft, or the transplant is an allotransplant or xenotransplant. In particular examples, the graft or transplant is selected from among a heart, kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, pancreatic islets, brain tissue, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, cornea, skin, trachea, bone, bone marrow, muscle and bladder graft or transplant. In some instances, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is administered to the subject before, at the same time and/or after the subject has received the graft or transplant.

|0023| In one embodiment of the methods of the invention, the antibody or antigen- binding fragment is administered to the subject two or more times. In some examples, the methods further comprise administering to the subject one or more other therapeutic agents, such as a cytokine (<.'.#. interleukin 2), chemokine or antibody. In particular embodiments, the therapeutic agent is an immunosuppressive agent, such as. for example, a glucocorticoid, cyclosporins rapamycin. voclosporin. siroUmus, everolimus. tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, mizoribine, an S1P-R agonists, a malononitrilamide, an anti-CD3 antibody, an anti -CD25 antibody, an anti-CD52 antibody, an anti-CD20 antibody or an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody.

|0024| In a further aspect of the invention, provided is a method for measuring or detecting CXCR3 in a sample, comprising contacting the sample with an antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein and measuring or detecting binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment to d e CXCR3. The sample may comprise one or more cells expressing CXCR3. In some examples, the sample comprises blood, cells or tissue.

| 025| Also provided are uses of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the invention for the preparation of a medicament for depleting CXCRJ ^* cells: the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting the recruitment or migration of CXCR3^" cells to an inflammation site; and/or the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting graft rejection in a subject that has received, is receiving or is to receive a graft.

|0026| A further aspect of the invention provides an isolated peptide consisting of amino acid residues 23 to 44; 23 to 43; 23 to 42: 3 to 41, 23 to 40; 23 to 39; 23 to 38. 23 to 37; 23 to 36: 23 to 35; 23 to 34; 23 to 33; 23 to 32; 23 to 1: 23 to 30; 23 to 29; 24 to 44;

24 to 43; 24 to 42; 24 to 41; 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38; 24 to 37; 24 to 36; 24 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32; 24 to 31 ; 24 to 30; 24 to 29; 25 to 44; 25 to 43: 25 to 42; 25 to 41;

25 to 40; 25 to 39; 25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36; 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31 ; 25 to 30, 26 to 44: 26 to 43, 26 to 42; 26 to 41 , 26 to 40; 26 to 39; 26 to 38; 26 to 37;

26 to 36; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31; 27 to 44; 27 to 43; 27 to 42; 27 to 41; 27 to 40; 27 to 39, 27 to 38; 27 to 37, 27 to 36; 27 to 35, 27 to 34: 27 to 33; 27 to 32;

28 to 44; 28 to 43; 28 to 42; 28 to 41 ; 28 to 40; 28 to 39; 28 to 38; 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33: 28 to 32, 29 to 44; 29 to 43; 29 to 42; 29 to 41 ; 29 to 40; 29 to 39;

29 to 38; 29 to 37; 29 to 36; 29 to 35; 29 to 34; 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42; 30 to 41 ; 30 to 40; 30 to 39; 30 to 38; 30 to 37; 30 to 36; or 30 to 35 of SEQ ID NO:4, or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80V 85··. 90%, 91%, 92%, 93 . 9%, 95%, 96%, 97%. 98% or 99% sequence identity thereto. In some embodiments, the peptide is linked to a protein, peptide, synthetic polymer, adjuvant, or small molecule. f0027| In another aspect, the invention provides a method for inducing antibodies that specifically and or selectively bind to CXCR3, comprising administering to a subject one or more peptides of the invention.

|002S| In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for selecting antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically and/or selectively bind to CXCR3, comprising contacting a sample comprising antibodies or antigen-binding fragments with the peptide of the invention and selecting those antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that specifically bind to the peptide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029J Embodiments of the invention are described herein, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the following figures.

|0030| Figure 1 represents flow cytometry analysis of the binding properties of the C5 mAb. (A) C5 mAb recognizes LI.2 cells transfected with mouse CXCR3 (mCXCR3) or human CXCR3 (hCXCR3) but not untransfected LI.2 cells or mCXCR2 transfected cells B) 9C5 mAb binds mouse splenocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). (C) C5 mAb binds marmoset splenocytes.

|00311 Figure 2 represents the results of an EL1SA measuring binding of various anti-CXCR3 antibodies to Peptides 1-4.

|0032| Figure 3 shows an alignment of the N-terminal region of CXCR3 from human, rhesus macaque, marmoset, pig, dog, mouse and rat, and the regions spanoed by Peptides 1-4. Peptide 3 spans a highly conserved region (boxed)

(0033) Figure 4 represents flow cytometr analysis of splenocytes from mice intravenously injected with the 9C5 mAb at various concentrations. Splenocytes were isolated after 4 days and stained with anli-CD4. anli-CD8. anti-B220 and attti-mCXCR3 antibodies and analysed to assess in vivo depletion of CD8 /CXCR3^*; CD47CXCR3^* and B2207CXCR3* cells.

|0034| Figure 5 represents flow cytometry analysis of splenocytes from mice intravenously injected with 5 mgkg of the 9C5 mAb. Splenocytes were isolated after 24 or 36 days and stained with anti-CD4, anti-CD8, anli-B220 and anti-mCXCR3 antibodies and analysed to assess in Ww depletion of CD87CXCR3^*; CD47CXCR3^" and B220 CXCR3^* cells.

[0035J Figure 6 represents flow cytometry analysis of splenocytes from mice intravenously injected with 5 mgkg of the C5 mAb or an isotype control. Splenocytes were isolated after 4 days and stained with anti-CD44 and anti-CD62L antibodies, anti- B220 and anti-mCXCR3 antibodies. The left panel shows the typical localization of CXCR3^* cells; the middle panel shows cells from isotype control-treated mice and the right panel shows cells from 9C5-treated mice.

[0036| Figure 7 represents flow cytometry analysis of splenocytes from mice intravenously injected with saline, or 2 mg kg or 5 mg kg of the Fc-engineered chimeric C5«3MFc or 9C5-Fc-KO mAbs. After 4 days, spleens were harvested and CD47CXCR3^* lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry.

(0037) Figure 8 represents the results of pancreatic islet allograft transplantations in mice. BALB/c 2^A islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin- induced diabetic C57BL 6 H2^b mice. Graft rejection was assessed by measuring blood glucose level following or during various therapies as described below. Graft rejection was defined as an increase of blood glucose to > 16 mmol/ltter after a period of euglycemia. A) Mice were administered a single intravenous dose of 2 mg/kg 9C5 mAb or isotype control 4-5 hr prior to transplantation, or multiple doses on day 0, 7, 14, and 21. B) Recipient mice were intravenously administered 0, 035, 0.1 or 1 mg kg rapamyctn on the day of transplantation and every day thereafter for 7 days. C) Mice were intravenously administered 0.1 mg kg dose of rapamycin on days 0, 1, 2, , , 5. 6 and 7, and 2 mg kg C5 mAb or isotype control on day 0, 7, 14, and 21.

|0038| Figure 9 represents the results of flow cytometry analysis of the binding properties of the humanized 9C5 mAb (h C5 mAb) and the parental mouse 9CS antibody. Human CXCR 3 -transacted cells (LI.2 cells) were stained with the h C5 antibody (0.25 Mg/ml), the C5 antibody (0.25 μg ml) or an isotype control (1 μg/ml). Staining was detected with an anti-human Fc specific or an anti-mouse Fc specific PE conjugated antibody, followed by flow cytometry analysis.

|0039| Figure 10 Mean survival time of islet grafts. BALB/c H2^d islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL/6 H2^h mice. Mice were administered with a single dose of humanized 9C5 3MFc mAb (M). humanized 9C5 Fc-KO mAb (S) or isotype control antibody 4-5 h prior lo transplantation. Humanized 9C 3MFc mAb increased the mean survival time of islet grafts

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCES Table t

A* W

j » « J

SEQ ID NO. 1 Mouse CXCR3 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 2 Mouse CXCR3 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 3 Human CXCR3 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO. 4 Human CXC 3 ^amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 5 Human CXC 3 R292Q variant (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 6 Human CXCR3 A363T variant (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 7 Rat CXCR3 (amino acid)

SEQ Π) NO: 8 Pig CXCR3 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 9 Cow CXCR3 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 10 Rhesus macaque CXCR3 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO I t Dog CXCR3 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO. 12 9C5 mAb V» (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO. 13 9C5 mAb VH (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 14 9CS mAb \'L (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO . 15 9C5 mAb V_L (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO . 16 Peptide I (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO . 17 Peptide 2 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 18 Peptide 3 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 19 Peptide 4 (amino acid)

SBQ ID NO: 20 9C5 mAb CD -H) (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO . 21 9C5 mAb CDR-H2 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO. 22 9C5 mAb DR-H3 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 23 9C5 mAb CDR-L 1 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO : 24 9C5 mAb CDR-L2 (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 25 9C5 m b CDR-L3 (amino acid)

SEQ Π) NO. 26 9C5 mAb CDR-H1 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO. 27 9C5 mAb CDR-H2 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO. 28 9C5 mAb CDR-H3 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO. 29 9C5 mAb CDR-L1 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 30 9C5 mAb CDR-L2 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO . 31 9C5 mAb CDR-L3 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO. 32 Human IgGI CH (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO. 33 Human IgGI CH (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 34 Human kappa Ct (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 35 Human kappa Ci. (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 36 Human IgGI C_H S239D/A330L/I332E (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO. 37 Human IgGI CH S239D/A330L I332E (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO. 38 Human IgGI CH L234F/1.235E P3 IS (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO. 39 Human IgGI C„ L234F/L235E P3 1S (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 40 Human CXCR3 cDNA

SEQ ID NO: 41 Humanized 9C5 V'H (amino acid)

SEQ ID NO: 42 Humanized 9C5 V'tiamino acid)

SBQ ID NO: 43 Humanized 9C5 V_H (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO . 44 Humanized 9C5 V_L(nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO. 45 Humanized 9C5 CDR-HI (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 46 Humanized 90S CDR-H2 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 47 Humanized 9C5 CDR-H3 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 48 Humanized 9C5 CDR-I.I (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 49 Humanized 9C5 CDR-L2 (nucleic acid)

SEQ ID NO: 50 Humanized 9C5 CDR-I J (nucleic acid)

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(0040) The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e.. to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an antibody" means one antibody or more than one antibody.

|004l I In the context of this specification, the term "about" is understood to refer to a range of numbers that a person of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value in the context of achieving the same function or result.

|0042| Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps

|0043| As used herein, "antibody" refers to immunoglobulins and immunoglobulin fragments, whether natural or partially or wholly synthetically, such as recombinantly, produced, including any fragment thereof containing at least a portion of the variable region of the immunoglobulin molecule that retains the binding specificity ability of the full-length immunoglobulin. Hence, an antibody includes any protein having a binding domain that is homologous or substantially homologous to an immunoglobulin antigen- binding domain (antibody combining site). Antibodies include antibody fragments capable of binding antigen As used herein, the term antibody includes synthetic antibodies, recombinantly produced antibodies, multivalent antibodies (e.g., bivalent antibodies), human antibodies, non-human ami bodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, intrabodies, domain antibodies, and antibody fragments, such as, but not limited to, Fab fragments. Fab¹ fragments. F(ab')2 fragments. Fv fragments, disulftde-linked Fvs (dsFv), Fd fragments, Fd' fragments, single-chain Fvs (scFv), single-chain Fabs (scFabX diabodies, triabodies, tetrabodies or antigen-binding fragments of any of the above. Antibodies provided herein include members of any immunoglobulin type (e.g., IgG, IgM, IgD, IgE, IgA and IgY), any class {e.g. IgOl, IgC2, lgG3, lgG4, IgAI and lgA2) or subclass (e.g., lgG2 nd lgC2b).

(0044) As used herein, an "antigen-binding fragment" of an antibody includes any fragment of an antibody that retains the ability to bind to the same antigen as the antibody from which it is derived Typically, the antigen-binding fragment binds to the antigen with an affinity that is at least or about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%. 80%, 90%, 100%, or more of the binding affinity exhibited by the antibody Exemplary antigen-binding fragments include, but are not limited to. Fab fragments, Fab¹ fragments, Fiab'h fragments, Fv fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs (dsFvX Fd fragments, Fd' fragments, single-chain Fvs (scFv), single-chain Fabs (scFab), domain antibodies, diabodies, triabodies and tetrabodies.

(0045| As used herein, "binds" with respect to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof refers to the ability of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment to form one or more noncovalent bonds with a cognate antigen, by noncovalent interactions between the antibody combining siiefs) of the antibody and the antigen. The antigen can be an isolated antigen or can be presented in association with another entity, such as in the context of a polypeptide on the surface of a cell.

|0046| As used herein, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that ''specifically binds* to an antigen, such as CXCR3, is one that binds with an affinity constant (Ka) of about or at least lO'-IO" ^'1 (or a dissociation constant (Kd) of or about 10"* (1000 nM), 10^*' M (100 nM), 10^** M (10 nM), 10^** M (1 n ) or less), and possesses no discernible binding to any other antigen. Affinity constants can be determined by standard kinetic methodology for antibody reactions, for example, immunoassays (e.g. ELISA), or surface plasmon resonance (SP ). Instrumentation and methods for real time detection and monitoring of binding rates are known and are commercially available (e.g., Biacore 2000, Biacore AB, Upsala, Sweden and GE Healthcare Life Sciences).

f0047| As used herein, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that "selectively binds" to a target antigen has a Kd thai is greater for the target antigen relative to a non-target antigen by, e.g., at least two-fold, at least three-fold, at least four fold, at least five-fold, at least 10 fold, at least 50 fold, at least 100 fold, at least 1000, at least 10,000, or at least 100,000 fold. Thus, for example, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that selectively binds to CXCR3 may have a Kd for CXCR3 that is at least one-fold, at least two-fold, at least three-fold, at least four fold, at least five-fold, at least 10 told, at least 50 told, at least 100 fold, at least 1000. at least 10,000, or at least 100,000 fold greater than the Kd for, e.g. CXCR5.

(004SJ As used herein, a "complementarity-determining region" or "CDR" refers to one of a plurality of portions within each variable region of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment that together form an antigen-binding site of an antibody. Each variable region domain contains three CDRs, named CDR1, COR2 and COR3. Accordingly, the variable heavy chain comprises CDR-HI, CDR-H2 and CDR-H3. and the variable light chain comprises CDR-L I , CDR-L2 and CDR-L3. The three CDRs are non-contiguous along the linear amino acid sequence, but are proximate in the folded polypeptide. The CDRs are located within the loops that join the parallel strands of the beta sheets of the variable domain. One of skill in the art knows and can identify the CDRs based on Kabat or Chothia numbering (see e.g., Kabat, F. A. et at. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest. Fifth Edition, U S. Department of Health and Human Services. Nil 1 Publication No 91-3242, and Chothia, C. et a/. (1987) j MoT Biol. 196901-917).

|0049| By "isolated" is meant material that is substantially or essentially free from components that normally accompany it in its native state. For example, an "isolated polynucleotide", as used herein, refers to a polynucleotide, which has been purified from the sequences which flank it in a naturally occurring state, e g., a DNA fragment which has been removed from the sequences which are normally adjacent to the fragment. |0050| As used herein, CXC 3 (or chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3) refers to human and non-human CXCR3 polypeptides. Exemplary human CX R3 polypeptides include, but are not limited to, the CXCR3 polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. and variants thereof having at least or about 85%, Wi, 91°/·, 92%. 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity, including the natural variants set forth in SEQ ID NOS.5 and 6, comprising the mutations R292Q and A363T, respectively. Exemplary non- human CXCR3 polypeptides include, but are not limited to, mouse (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 2), rat (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 7), pig SEQ ID NO:8). cow («.#. SEQ ID NO:9), rhesus macaque (<t.g. SEQ ID NO.10), and dog (e.g. SEQ ID N0.711) CXCR3, and variants thereof having at least or about 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95V 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity thereto.

|00511 The terms "nucleic acid molecule" or "polynucleotide" as used herein designates raRNA. RNA, cR A, cDNA or DNA. The term "polynucleotide" typically refers to oligonucleotides greater than 30 nucleotides in length. A polynucleotide ^{^}variant" refers to polynucleotides displaying substantial sequence identity with a reference polynucleotide sequence or polynucleotides that hybridise with a reference sequence under stringent conditions that are defined hereinafter. These terms also encompass polynucleotides that are distinguished from a reference polynucleotide by the addition, deletion or substitution of at least one nucleotide. Accordingly, the term "variant" include polynucleotides in which one or more nucleotides have been added or deleted, or replaced with different nucleotides, m this regard, it is welt understood in the art that certain alterations inclusive of mutations, additions, deletions and substitutions can be made to a reference polynucleotide whereby the altered polynucleotide retains the biological function or activity of the reference polynucleotide. The terms "polynucleotide variant" and "variant" also include naturally occurring allelic variants.

|0052| "Polypeptide," "peptide" and "protein" are used interchangeably herein to refer to a polymer of amino acid residues and to variants and synthetic analogues of the same. Thus, these terms apply to amino acid polymers in which one or more amino acid residues is a synthetic non-naturally occurring amino acid, such as a chemical analogue of a corresponding naturally occurring amino acid, as well as to naturally-occurring amino acid polymers. A polypeptide "variant" refers to a polypeptide that is distinguished from a reference polypeptide by the addition, deletion or substitution of at least one amino acid. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide variant is distinguished from a reference polypeptide by one or more substitutions, which may be conservative or non-conservative. In certain embodiments, the polypeptide variant comprises conservative substitutions and, in this regard, it is well understood in the art that some amino acids may be changed to others with broadly similar properties without changing the nature of the activity of the polypeptide. Polypeptide variants also encompass polypeptides in which one or more amino acids have been added or deleted, or replaced with different amino acid residues.

|00S3| As used herein, the term "% identical" means that in a comparison of two sequences over a specified region the two sequences have the specified number of identical residues in the same position. The term "··· similar" has a similar meaning but in addition to the number of identical amino acids between the two sequences regard is also had to where the amino acids are not identical but are conservative substitutions. Percentage identity can be determined using known computer algorithms such as the "FAST A" program, using for example, the default parameters as in Pearson et at. Proc Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 8$: 2444 (1988) (other programs include the GCG program package (Devereux, J , et al., Nucleic Acids Research 12(1): 387 (1984)), BLASTP, BLASTS', FASTA (Atschul, S F , et al , J. Molec. Biol. 215:403 (1990): Guide to Huge Computers, Martin I. Bishop, ed., Academic Press, San Diego (1 94). and Carillo et al. SI AM J Applied Math 48: 1073 (1988)). For example, the BLAST function of the National Center for Biotechnology Information database can be used to determine identity. Other commercially or publicly available programs include DNAStar "MegAlign" program (Madison. WI) and the University of Wisconsin Genetics Computer Group (UWG) "Gap" program (Madison WI)). Percent identity of proteins and/or nucleic acid molecules can be determined, for example, by comparing sequence information using a GAP computer program (e ., Needleman et al. J. Mol. Biol. 48: 443 (1970), as revised by Smith and Waterman (Adv. Appl. Math. 2: 482 (1981 )). Briefly, a GAP program defines similarity as the number of aligned symbols {i.e.. nucleotides or amino acids) that are similar, divided by the total number of symbols in the shorter of the two sequences. Default parameters for the GAP program can include: ( I ) a unary comparison matrix (containing a value of 1 for identities and 0 for non identities) and the weighted comparison matrix of Gribskov et al. Nucl. Acids Res. 14: 674S (1986), as described by Schwartz and Dayhoff, eds., Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure, National Biomedical Research Foundation, pp 353-358 (1979); (2) a penalty of 3.0 tor each gap and an additional 0.10 penalty for each symbol in each gap; and (3) no penalty for end gaps.

[0054] The terms "graft" and "transplant" can be used interchangeably herein, and include reference to cell, tissue, organ and limb grafts, as well as reference to allografts and xenografts

|0055| The term "inhibiting" and variations thereof such as "inhibition" and "inhibits" as used herein means complete or partial inhibition, such as complete or partial inhibition of graft rejection, or complete or partial inhibition of cell migration, recruitment or accumulation. Further, inhibition may be permanent or temporary. The inhibition may be to an extent (in magnitude and or spatially), and or for a time, sufficient to produce the desired effect. For example, inhibition may be prevention, retardation, reduction or otherwise hindrance of graft rejection or cell migration, recruitment or accumulation. Such inhibition may be in magnitude and/or be temporal or spatial in nature.

|0056| Inhibition of graft rejection by an antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be assessed by any appropriate means as known to a skilled person. As understood by those in that art, the parameters used to measure graft rejection may vary depending on the type of graft. For example, rejection of pancreatic islet grafts can be assessed by measuring blood glucose levels. Rejection of heart grafts can be assessed by endomyocardial biopsy or intramyocardial electrocardiography (IMEG). In other examples, graft rejection can be assessed by measuring cell-free donor DNA in the blood (Snyder el al. (2011 ) PNAS 108:6229-6234). Graft rejection can be inhibited by at least or about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%. 30%, 35%. 40%. 45%, 50%, 55%. 60%, 65%, 70° o, 75%, 80%, 85%. 90%, 95% or more compared to the rejection observed in the absence of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention.

jO057| Inhibition of cell migration, recruitment or accumulation by an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention can be assessed by any method known to those skilled in an Such methods can include, for example, analysis of biopsies by immunohistochemistry. flow cytometry, RT-PCR etc, to assess the number of cells, such as CXCR3^" cells, in one or more population of cells or one or more locations with the body or within an organ. Cell migration, recruitment or accumulation can be inhibited by at least or about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%. 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%. 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more compared to the migration, recruitment or accumulation in the absence of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention.

(0058| As used herein, "depletion" with respect to CXCKT cells (/.«.'. cells expressing CXCR3) refers to die removal of these cells from a population of cells. Reference to depletion includes complete or partial depletion. Further, depletion may be permanent or temporary, and may be to varying extents in magnitude and/or spatially. Depletion may be the result of cell death, such as by apoptosts or necrosis. Depletion can be assessed by measuring the number of CXCR3^" cells in a population using any method known in the art (e.g. flow cytometry immunohistochemistry, etc.), before and after exposure to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention, or in the absence and presence of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention. Following exposure to an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present iovention, CXCR3^* cells can be depleted by at least or about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%. 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more.

f0059| As used herein the term "effective amount" includes within its meaning a non-toxic but sufficient amount of an agent to provide the desired effect. The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject or situation to situation depending on factors such as the activity of the agent (e.g. the antibody or antigen-binding fragment), the severity of the condition, disease or disorder, the mode of administration of the agent, the general state of the subject, the use of other agents, and so forth. Thus, it is not possible to specify an exact "effective amount". However, for any given case, an appropriate "effective amount" may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using only routine experimentation.

|0060| As used herein the terms "treating", "treatment", "preventing" and "prevention" refer to any and all uses which remedy a condition or symptoms, prevent the establishment of disorder, condition or disease, or otherwise prevent, hinder, retard, or reverse the progression of an disorder, condition or disease (such as graft rejection or inflammation) or other undesirable symptoms in any way whatsoever. Thus the terms "treating" and "preventing" and the like are to be considered in their broadest context For example, treatment does not necessarily imply that a patient is treated until total recovery. (0061| As used herein, a "subject" includes human and non-human animals, including, for example, livestock (such as cows, sheep, goat*, pigs horses and goats), companion animals (such as cats and dogs) and show or performance animals (such as horses).

|0062| Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the aspects and embodiments described herein are susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described h is to be understood thai the disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all of the steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said steps or features.

Antibodies that specifically bind CXCR3

|0063| The present invention is directed in part to isolated antibodies and antigen- binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to CXCR3. In particular, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments specifically bind to an N-terminal epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO 4 or within corresponding amino acid residues in another CXCR3 polypeptide, such as a CXCR3 polypeptide from another species or a variant of the CXCR3 polypeptide set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. Accordingly, provided are polypeptides that specifically bind to a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID N0.4

|0064| In some embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention specifically bind to an epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 43; 23 to 42; 23 to 41; 23 to 40; 23 to 39, 23 to 38; 23 to 37, 23 to 36; 23 to 35; 23 to 34: 23 to 33;

23 to 32; 23 to 31 ; 23 to 30; 23 to 29; 24 to 44; 24 to 43; 24 to 42; 24 to 41 ; 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38; 24 to 37; 24 to 36; 24 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32: 24 to 31; 24 to 30;

24 to 29; 25 to 44; 25 to 43; 25 to 42; 25 to 41 ; 25 to 40; 25 to 39; 25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36; 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31; 25 to 30; 26 to 44; 26 to 43; 26 to 42:

26 to 41 ; 26 to 40; 26 to 39; 26 to 38; 26 to 37; 26 to 36; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31; 27 to 44; 27 to 43; 27 to 42; 27 to 41; 27 to 40; 27 to 39; 27 to 38; 27 to 37;

27 to 36; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 44; 28 to 43; 28 to 42: 28 to 41 ; 28 to 40; 28 to 39; 28 to 38; 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34. 28 to 33: 28 to 32; 29 to 44: 29 to 43; 29 to 42; 29 to 41; 29 to 40; 29 to 39; 29 to 38; 29 to 37; 29 to 36; 29 to 35; 29 to 34: 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42; 30 to 41; 30 to 40; 30 to 39; 30 to 38; 30 to 37; 30 to 36: and/or 30 lo 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO 4, or corresponding residues of another CXCR3 polypeptide.

(0065| In further embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention specifically bind to an epitope or polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues 23 to 43; 23 to 42; 23 to 41 ; 23 to 40; 23 to 39; 23 to 38: 23 to 37; 23 to 36; 23 to 35; 23 to 34; 23 to 33; 23 to 32, 23 to 31 ; 23 to 30, 23 to 29; 24 to 44; 24 to 43. 24 to 42;

24 to 41; 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38; 24 to 37; 24 to 36: 4 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32; 24 to 31 ; 24 to 30; 24 to 29; 25 to 44, 5 to 43; 25 to 42, 25 to 41; 25 to 40; 25 to 39;

25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36; 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31 ; 25 to 30; 26 to 44; 26 to 43; 26 to 42; 26 to 41; 26 to 40; 26 to 39; 26 to 38; 26 to 37; 26 to 36; 26 to 35:

26 to 34: 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31; 27 to 44; 27 to 43: 27 to 42; 27 to 41; 27 to 40; 27 to 39; 27 to 38; 27 to 37; 27 to 36; 27 to 35; 27 to 34: 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 44; 28 to 43;

28 to 42; 28 to 41 ; 28 to 40; 28 to 39; 28 to 38; 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33: 28 to 32; 29 to 44; 29 to 43; 29 to 42; 29 to 41, 29 to 40; 29 to 39; 29 to 38; 29 to 37:

29 to 36: 29 to 35; 29 to 34; 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42: 30 to 41 ; 30 to 40; 30 to 39; 30 to 38; 30 to 37: 30 to 36; and/or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID N0.4, or corresponding residues of another CXCR3 polypeptide.

{0066] In particular embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention specifically bind to an epitope within amino acid residues 25 to 35:

25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31 ; 25 to 30; 26 to 35: 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 and or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO' 4 or corresponding residues of another CXCR3 polypeptide In further embodiments the antibodies and antigen- binding fragments of the present invention specifically bind to an epitope or polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32, 25 to 31, 25 to 30;

26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31 ; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 35; 28 to 34, 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 and/or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 or corresponding residues of another CXCR3 polypeptide.

|0067) The epitope recognized by the antibodies and antigen binding fragments of the present invention is highly conserved among species, such that the antibodies and antigen binding fragments recognize CXCR3 polypeptides across a range of species. including, but not limited to. human CXCR3, mouse CXCR3. and marmoset CXCR3. This species cross-reactivity provides significant advantages, as preclinical safety and efficacy studies can be performed in small animal models using antibodies with the same specificity as those intended tor use in humans.

|0068| The antibodies and antigen binding fragments of the present invention that specifically bind to CXCR3 can have a variety of activities. In some aspects, the antibodies and fragments thereof inhibit CXCR3 interaction with one or more ligands, including, but not limited to, CXCL9. CXCL10 and/or CXCLI 1. As a result, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention can inhibit migration of cells expressing CXCR3 (i.e. CXCR3⁴ cells). In further aspects, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments can facilitate depletion of CXCR3 cells. For example, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments can facilitate depletion of C04 CXCR3^* T cells, including activated and effector CD ^" T cells (CD47CXCR37CD44^/CD62I^,°*) and memory CD4^" T cells (CD47CXCR CD44^hi*^,,/CD62l ). The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments can also facilitate depletion of CD87CXCR3^" T ceils and/or B2207CXCR3^* B cells. Depletion can be effected by any means, including but not limited to, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and/or cytotoxicity mediated by a toxic moiety linked to the antibody or antigen- binding fragment thereof.

(0069) The antibodies of the present invention can be monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. In particular aspects, the antibodies are monoclonal. Further, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that specifically bind to CXCR3 can be of any immunoglobulin type (e.g., IgO. IgM, lgD, IgE, IgA and IgYX any class (e.g IgCH, IgG2. Ig03, IgG4. IgAI and IgA2) or any subclass (e.g , lgG2a and IgG2b). In embodiments of the invention that are directed to antigen-binding fragments that specifically bind to CXCR3, the antigen-binding fragments can be, for example, Fab fragments, Fab¹ fragments, F(ab')j fragments. Fv fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs (dsFv). Fd fragments, Fd' fragments, single-chain Fvs (scFv), single-chain Fabs (scFab), domain antibodies, diabodies, triabodies or tetrabodies. In some aspects, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention are mouse antibodies and antigen-binding fragments. In other aspects, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are human antibodies and antigen-binding fragments. Still further, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention can be chimeric, or can be humanized.

[0070) In some aspects, the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof are multivalent antibodies. Such multivalent antibodies can comprise a first binding domain comprising an anti-CXCR3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment described herein, and a second binding domain comprising the same or another anti-CXCR3 antibody or antigen- binding fragment, or comprising another antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is specific for a different epitope or antigen. Accordingly, the multivalent antibodies can be bivalent, bivalent, tetravalent, pemavalem, hexavaleitt, heptavalent, or of greater valency (i.e., containing 2, 3, , 5, 6, 7 or more antigen-binding sites). Such multivalent derivative antibodies can be monospecific bispecific. trispecific or of greater multispecifkity. In some examples, the multivalent antibodies are monospecific containing two or more antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to the same CXCR3 epitope described herein. In other examples, the multivalent antibodies are multi specific, containing two or more antigen-binding domains that specifically bind to two or more different epitopes. The two or more epitopes may both be within CXCR3 Alternatively, at least one epitope can be the CXCR3 epitope described herein and at least one epitope can be another epitope within CXCR3 or an epitope within another polypeptid

[0071] In particular embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present invention that specifically bind to CXCR3 comprise a CDR-HI comprising the amino acid sequence GFTFSYFA (SEQ ID NO.20) or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85··, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ Π) NO:20.

|0072| In some embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention comprise a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid ISGGGGNT (SEQ ID N0.2I) or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:21.

|0073) In further embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention comprise a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence VRQTYGGFCY (SEQ ID NO: 22) or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80··. 85·'·. 90··. 91··, 92V 93%. 94··. 95%. 96··, 97%, 98·/·, 99·'· or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:22.

[0074J In other embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention comprise a CDR-LI comprising the amino acid sequence KSLLHSNG1TY (SEQ ID NO 23) or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80··. 85·'·. 90%. 91··, 92V 93%. 94··. 95·'·. 96··, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO.23.

[0075J In some embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention comprise a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence QMS iSEQ ID NO 24) or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 66%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%. 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:24

[0076] In further embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention comprise a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence AQNLELPRT (SEQ ID N0.25) or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 5 96?'·, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:25

[0077] In particular embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present invention that specifically bind to CXCR3 comprise a CDR-HI comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.20 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93V 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:20, a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2l or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%. 92%, 93%, 94 ·, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98*'·, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.21; a CDR-II3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%. 92%, 93%, 94%, 5 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:22: a CDR-LI : comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.23 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92··, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 23; a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:24 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 66%. 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.24, and a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.25 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%\ 85%, 90 0, 91%, 92%, 93%\ 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:25.

(007$| In one embodiment, provided are antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that specifically bind to CXCR3 and that comprise a CDR-H1 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:20: a CDR-H2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO.21; a CDR-H3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 22, a CDR-L I with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:23; a CDR-L2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:24; and a CDR-L3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:25.

(0079| In particular aspects of the present invention, the antibodies and antigen- binding fragments comprise a variable heavy chain comprising the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%. 85%, 90%. 91% , 92%, 93%. 94%, 95%. 96%, 97%, 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13.

(0080| In further aspects, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments comprise a variable light chain comprising the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%.93%, 94%, 95%.96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15.

(00811 In particular embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments comprise a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 1%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO.13, and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15.

(0082| The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention also include those that comprise a variable heavy chain comprising the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID N0 4I or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%. 90·'·. 01··. 92%, 93··, 04%, 05%, 06%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:4l, and/or a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:42 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%. 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SBQ ID NO:42.

f0083| In some aspects, the antibodies and antigen binding fragments are mouse antibodies and comprise a mouse λ or light chain constant region, and or a mouse o, δ, e, γ or μ (i.e. IgA, IgD. IgE, IgG or Ig ) heavy chain constant regions.

(0084| In other aspects, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention are chimeric antibodies and antigen-binding fragments For example, provided are chimeric antibodies and antigen-binding fragments comprising mouse variable regions and human constant regions Non-limiting examples include chimeric antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that comprise a variable heavy chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%. 85%, 90%, 91%. 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13. In other examples, the chimeric antibodies and antigen-binding fragments comprise a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 15 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15. In particular examples, the chimeric antibodies and antigen- binding fragments comprise a variable heavy chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%. 96%. 97%. 98*0, 99% or more sequence identity to SFQ ID NO.13, and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15. These chimeric antibodies and antigen-binding fragments can further comprise a human constant region, such as a human λ or light chain constant region, and/or a human α, δ, c, γ or μ (i.e. IgA, IgD. IgE, IgG or IgM) heavy chain constant region.

|0085| The present invention also provides humanized antibodies and antigen- binding fragments that specifically bind to CXC 3. In particular examples, the humanized antibodies and antigen-binding fragments comprise a CDR-Hl comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:20 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 9!%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO.20; a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.21 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%\ 85%, 90%, 91%, 92··, 93%\ 94%, 95%. 96%. 97%. 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 21, a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%.95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:22; a CDR-LI : composing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.23 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:23; a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.24 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:24; a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.25 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.25; and human framework regions (FRs). In particular embodiments, the humanized antibodies and antigen binding fragments further comprise a human constant region, such as a human λ or κ light chain constant region, and/or a human o, δ, e, γ or μ (i.e. IgA, lgD, IgE, IgG or Ig ) heavy chain constant region. Non-limiting example, of humanized antibodies of the present invention include those that comprise a variable heavy chain comprising the sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:41 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%. 85%, 90%, 91%_*, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%.96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:41. and/or a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:42 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% , 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:42.

(0086| In particular embodiments, the antibodies and antigen binding fragments provided herein comprise modifications in the Fc region to increase ADCC activity. For example, the chimeric, humanized or human antibodies and antigen binding fragments can comprise a constant region from human IgGl that contains a triple mutation, S239D/A330L I332E in the CH2 portion (SEQ ID NO.32). In other examples, the antibodies and antigen binding fragments provided herein comprise modifications in the Fc region to decrease ADC!C activity. For example, in some embodiments, the chimeric, humanized or human antibodies and antigen binding fragments comprise a constant region from human IgGI that contains a triple mutation, L234F/L235E P331S in the lower hinge and CH2 portion (SEQ ID NO:34).

Methods of producing and assessing the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments

|008?| The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments provided herein that specifically bind to CXCR3 can be produced by any suitable method known in the art for the generation and preparation of antibodies, including immunization techniques, antibody library screening, chemical synthesis, recombinant techniques and expression, and any combination thereof.

Generation and identification of antibodies

|008S| In some aspects, antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that specifically bind to an N-terminal epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO.4 are generated using methods thai utilize a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human XCR3 set forth in SEQ JD NO.4, or comprising amino acid residues within this region, such as residues 25 to 35: 25 to 34, 25 to 33. 25 to 32. 25 to 31. 25 to 30. 26 to 35. 26 to 34. 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33: 27 to 32; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 29 to 35, 29 to 34 or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4

|0089| Any method known in the art to elicit antibodies to an antigen can be used to elicit antibodies to this region of CXCR3. Techniques for preparing monoclonal antibodies against antigens are well known in the art For example, monoclonal antibodies specific for an antigen can be obtained by injecting a non-human subject, such as a mouse, with the antigen, then obtaining antibody-producing cells from the animal. For example, the spleen can be removed to obtain B-lymphocytes or peripheral blood lymphocytes PBL) can be isolated. Alternatively, B lymphocytes can be isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of human subjects that have been administered the antigen. The B- lymphocytes from immunised animals are then fused with myeloma cells to produce hybridomas, which are cloned. Positive clones that produce antibodies specific for the antigen are selected using standard techniques (e.g. ELtSpot). The clones that produce antibodies to the antigen are then cultured and the secreted antibodies are isolated from the hybridoma cultures. Alternatively, nucleic acid encoding antibody light and heavy chains can be amplified from the B lymphocytes to produce a recombinant antibody library, which can then be screened for antibodies that are specific for the antigen using methods well known in the art (see e.g. Hoogenboom (2005) Nat Biotech 23: 1105-1 117).

10090] Monoclonal antibodies can be isolated and purified from hybridoma cultures or other compositions by a variety of well-established techniques including, but not limited to, affinity chromatography with Protein-A SEPHAROSEft, size-exclusion chromatography, and/or ion-exchange chromatography After the initial raising of antibodies to the immunogen, the antibodies can be sequenced and subsequently prepared by recombinant techniques.

(00911 In instances where mouse monoclonal antibodies are produced, such antibodies can be humanised or chimerised using methods well known to those skilled in the art. Chimeric antibodies are recombinant proteins in which the variable regions of a human antibody have been replaced by the variable regions of, for example, a mouse antibody. Murine immunoglobulin variable domains can be cloned from nucleic acid encoding the antibody and chimeric antibodies produced using techniques well known in the art.

|0092| Techniques for producing humanized monoclonal antibodies by transferring the CDRs from the heavy and light variable chains of a mouse or chimeric antibody into the corresponding variable domains of a human antibody also are well known in the art In some instances, further modifications are made in the human framework regions of the humanised antibody to increase affinity (see e.g. Tempest el al. (1991) Biotechnology 9.266-271). In other instances, humanized antibodies may be generated using the "Superhumanization^'' method described in international patent publication No. WO 2004/006955.

10093| Alternatively, animals that have been genetically engineered to produce human antibodies can be used to generate antibodies against a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID N0 , or comprising amino acid residues within this region, such as residues 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33, 25 to 32; 25 to 31 ; 25 to 30; 26 to 35; 26 to 34, 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 1 ; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 or 30 to 35 of the human XCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO. 4, using standard immunization protocols. Such mice are available commercially, for example, the XenoMouse® from Amgen (Thousand Oaks, CA) (described by Green et al , (1999) J. Immunol Methods 2 1 11-23).

|0094| In further aspects, antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that specifically bind to an N-terminal epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO 4 are selected by screening antibody libraries. Methods for generating and screening antibody libraries are well known in the art and can be used herein. For example, total RNA can be extracted from peripheral blood B lymphocytes and a cDNA library constructed by amplifying μ, γ and chain antibody repertoires. The cDNA library can then be used to make a display library. Exemplary of the display libraries for use in the described methods is a phage display library, in which antigen- binding fragments of antibodies, such as single chain Fv (scFv) fragments, are expressed on the surfaces of bacteriophages as fusion proteins with the bacteriophage coat protein. For display of antigen-binding fragments on phage, host cells capable of phage infection and packaging are transformed with phage vectors, typically phagemid vectors, containing polynucleotides encoding the antigen-binding fragments.

10095| Peptides are then used to select ligands by panning, a process well known to those of skill in the art. For example, a polypeptide comprising amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set form in SEQ ID NO:4, or comprising amino acid residues within this region, such as residues 25 to 35: 25 to 34; 25 to 33: 25 to 32; 25 to 1; 25 to 30; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32;

28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO. 4, can be incubated with the phage library for a sufficient time to permit binding. Following incubation, the peptide-library mixture is washed and non-binding library members are washed away. The remaining bound phage can be eluted using one of several well known edition methods. The selection methods are typically an iterative process with multiple rounds of panning. Such iteration permits identification of antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof with improved binding affinity. Generally, selected phage are used in multiple additional rounds of screening, by pooling the eluted phage, propagation of nucleic acids encoding the antigen-binding fragments in host cells, expression (e.g. phage display) of the selected antigen-binding fragments, and a subsequent round of panning. Multiple rounds, e.g. 2. 3, 4, 5, 6. 7, 8, or more rounds, of screening can be performed. Negative panning steps may also be used, for example to remove phage which bind to non-relevant molecules, such as the carrier protein components of a glycaii/carrier protein conjugate.

|00 6| Host cells can then be infected with selected phage, and individual clones can be picked and grown up for plasmid purification using any method known to one of skill in the an. The purified plasmid can be used for nucleic acid sequencing to identify the sequence of the nucleic acid encoding the antigen-binding fragment and. by extrapolation, the sequence of antigen-binding fragment, or can be used to transfect into any cell for expression, such as by not limited to, a mammalian expression system. Purified proteins also can be tested in subsequent in vitro or in vim assays for binding activity. If desired, the antigen-binding fragments, such as the scFv fragments, can be converted to Fab or full length IgQ molecules using standard methods well known in the art.

Nucleic acids and expression

|0097| In part, the present invention is also directed to nucleic acid molecules, including isolated nucleic acid molecules, encoding the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention. In particular aspects, therefore, provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding antibodies or antigen binding fragments comprising a CDR with a sequence of amino acids set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS. 20-25, or a CDR with a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%. 95%\ 96%. 97%. 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 20-25. In a particular embodiment, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 26-31, or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%\ 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to any one of SEQ ID NOS 26-31. In other embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOS: 45-50, or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%. 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to any one of SEQ IDNOS.45-50

10098) In one example, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding an antibody or antigen binding fragment comprising a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:20 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% , 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO.20: a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2l or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%. 92%, 93·'·, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.2I, and a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.22 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%. 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%. 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 22 In particular examples, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%. 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:26; a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90% 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.27, and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:28. In other examples, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92 , 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99ί Ό or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:45, a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%. 85%. 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:46; and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:47 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. * l%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 47

[0099J In another example, the present invention provides nucleic acid molecules encoding an antibody or antigen binding fragment comprising a CDR-LI : comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:23 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%. 90% 91%, 92%, 93%. 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:23, a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:24 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 24; and a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.25 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%. 90%, 1%, 92%, 93%, 94%. 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ 10 NO:25. In particular embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%. 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99 or more sequence identity to SEQ ID KO:29; a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%. 85%. 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:30; and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 1 , 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:31. In other embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 48 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80?'». 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.48; a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO. 30 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 48, and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:48 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97!'·, 98?'·, 9% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.48.

[00100| In further embodiments, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention encode a variable heavy chain region comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%. 85%. 90%, 9|%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13. In one example, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO 1 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%. 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12.

(00101J In further aspects, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention encode a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%.90%, 91%, 92%.93%, 94%, 95%.96%.97%, 98 .99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 . In one example, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO.14 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91 , 92%. 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 14.

|00102| The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention may also encode a variable heavy chain region comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:4l or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80% 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, %, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:4l. In one example, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:43 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%. 3 94%, 95%. 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID 0.43.

(001031 In other aspects, the nucleic acid molecules of the present invention encode a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID N0.42 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 1%, 92%\ 93%, 94%, 95%.96%, 97%, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:42. In one example, the nucleic acid molecules comprise a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID N0.44 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%.95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N044

|00104] Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof provided herein can be prepared using well-known recombinant techniques for manipulation of nucleic acid molecules. In some examples, methods, such as, but not limited to, recombinant DNA techniques, site directed mutagenesis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to generate nucleic acid molecules encoding modified antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof having a different amino acid sequence, for example, to create amino acid substitutions, deletions, and/or insertions.

[00105| In particular examples, one or more of the CDRs of an antibody or antigen- binding fragment thereof provided herein is inserted within framework regions using routine recombinant DNA techniques. The framework regions can be selected from naturally occurring or consensus framework regions, including human framework regions. Generally, the polynucleotide generated by the combination of the framework regions and CDRs encodes an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that maintains the antigen- binding specificity of the parent anti-CXCR3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. Alterations to the polynucleotide can be made to improve one or more properties of the encoded antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof and within the skill of the art. In some examples, one or more modifications of die polynucleotide can be made to produce amino acid substitutions within the framework regions, which, for example, improve binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof to its antigen.

(001061 The nucleic acid molecules of the present invention can be incorporated into suitable vectors and constructs for expression of the encoded antibody or antigen-binding fragment. Generally, nucleic acid encoding the heavy chain of an antibody is cloned into a vector and the nucleic acid encoding the light chain of an antibody is cloned into the vector. The genes can be clotted into a single vector for dual expression thereof, or into separate vectors. If desired, the vectors also can contain further sequences encoding additional constant region(s) or hinge regions to generate other antibody forms

|00107] Many expression vectors are available and known to those of skill in the art and can be used for expression of polypeptides. The choice of expression vector will be influenced by the choice of host expression system. Such selection is well within the level of skill of the skilled artisan. Exemplary expression systems include prokaryotic expression systems, and insect, yeast and mammalian cell expression systems. In general, expression vectors can include transcriptional promoters and optionally enhancers, translations! signals, and transcriptional and translational termination signals Expression vectors that are used for stable transformation typically have a selectable marker which allows selection and maintenance of the transformed cells. Tn some cases, an origin of replication can be used to amplify the copy number of the vector in the cells Antibodies and antigen-binding fragments produced from recombinant expression of the nucleic acids molecules, or produced by any other method described herein or known in the art, can be purified or isolated by any means known to a skilled artisan.

Ktotlifitxtrtmt ofmuibodies

100108] Any of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments provided herein can be further modified using methods well known in the art. For example, modifications can be made to increase binding, by for example, affinity maturation, or to decrease immunogenicity by removing predicted HC class Il-binding motifs. The therapeutic utility of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof described herein can be further enhanced by modulating their functional characteristics, such as ADCC. CDC, serum half-life, biodistribution and binding to Fc receptors or the combination of any of these. This modulation can be achieved by protein-engineering, glyco-engineering or chemical methods

[00109] Numerous methods for affinity maturation of antibodies are known in the art. Many of these are based on the general strategy of generating panels or libraries of variant proteins by mutagenesis followed by selection and or screening for improved affinity, such as by selection by panning methods described above. Mutagenesis is often performed at the DNA level, for example by error prone PCR. by gene shuffling, by use of mutagenic chemicals or irradiation, by use o 'mutator^* strains with error prone replication machinery or by somatic hypcrmutation approaches that harness natural affinity maturation machinery. Mutagenesis can also be performed at the NA level, for example by use of QP replicase Library-based methods allowing screening for improved variant proteins can be based on various display technologies such as phage, yeast, ribosome, bacterial or mammalian cells, and arc well known in the art. Affinity maturation can be achieved by more directed/predictive methods for example by site-directed mutagenesis or gene synthesis guided by findi gs from 3D protein modelling.

(00110] Methods of increasing ADCC and or CDC have been described and are well known in the art. For example, the elimination of fucose from sugar chains on an antibody enhances ADCC, thereby enhancing anti-tumour activity of the antibody of antigen- binding fragment thereof. This can be achieved by producing the antibodies from host cells that lack the FUT8 gene, the product of which is responsible for the fucose addition to sugar chains (i.e. PotelligentQ Cells). In other examples, mutations can be incorporated into the Fc portion of the antibody, as described above and in Example 5.

lOOtll I In further examples, the antibodies and antigen binding fragments may be linked to one or more moieties, such as by recombinant means to generate fusion polypeptides, or by conjugation or by other linking means to generate immuno-conjugates. Exemplary moieties include, but are not limited to, PEG moieties (i.e. to produce peglyated antibodies and antigen binding fragments that exhibit increased half-life and/or improved pharmacokinetic profiles), cytotoxic or cytostatic moieties (e.g. cytotoxic or cytostatic small molecules, peptides or polypeptides), detectable moieties (e.g. fluorescent dyes, luminescent or chemiluminesceni labels, radiolabels, radioisotopes, metallic ions, enzymes, colorimetric labels and magnetic beads), immunomodulattng agents, including immunosuppressive agents (e.g. cytokines, chemokines, glucocorticoids, alkylating agents, antimetabolites, cyciosporine, rapamycin and tacrolimus), and other polypeptide moieties, such as albumin to improve half-life. The antibodies and anUgen-binding fragments may also be glycoengineered to alter the gtycan structures on the antibodies and fragments.

Metltods of assessi g the antibodies

(00112| The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof provided herein can be characterized in a variety of ways well-known to one of skill in the art. For example, the anti-CXCR3 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof provided herein can be assayed for the ability to specifically bind to CXCR3, or the N-terminal epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of human CXCR3. Binding assays can be performed in solution, suspension or on a solid support. For example, target antigens can be immobilized to a solid support (e.g. a carbon or plastic surface, a tissue culture dish or chip) and contacted with antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. Unbound antibody or target protein can be washed away and bound complexes can then be detected. Binding assays can be performed under conditions to reduce nonspecific binding, such as by using a high ionic strength buffer (e.g , 03-04 M NaCl) with nonionic detergent (e.g. 0 \% Triton X-IOO or Tween 20) and/or blocking proteins (e.g. bovine serum albumin or gelatin). Negative controls also can be included in such assays as a measure of background binding. Binding affinities can be determined using Scatchard analysis, surface plasmon resonance, isothermal calorimetry, or other methods known to one of skill in the art. Exemplary immunoassays which can be used to analyze specific binding and cross- reactivity include, but are not limited to, competitive and non-competitive assay systems using techniques such as, but not limited to, western blots, radioimmunoassays, ELISA (enzyme linked immunosorbent assay), Meso Scale Discovery (MSD, Gaithersburg, Maryland), "sandwich" immunoassays, immunoprecipitation assays, ELISPOT. precipitin reactions, gel diffusion precipitin reactions, immunodiffusion assays, agglutination assays, complement-fixation assays, immuitoradioinetric assays, fluorescent immunoassays, and protein A immunoassays. In further examples, flow cytometry can be used to assess the ability of antibodies and antigen-binding fragments to recognize cells expressing CXCR3. fOOl 13] Binding specificity of the antibodies and fragments can be assessed using methods well known in the art, including those methods described below in Example 3. In particular examples, competition assays, such as competition ELlSAs, can be used to confirm that the antibodies and fragments thereof specifically bind to the same N-terminal epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of human CXCR3 as the 9C5 antibody described herei In such assays, for example, the antigen is incubated in the presence of a predetermined limiting dilution of a labelled antibody (e g., 50-70 % saturation concentration), and serial dilutions of an unlabeled competing antibody. Competition is determined by measuring the binding of the labelled antibody to the antigen for any decreases in binding in the presence of the competing antibody. Variations of such assays, including various labelling techniques and detection methods including, for example, radiometric, fluorescent, enzymatic and colorimetric detection, are known in the art.

(001141 The activity of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments can be assessed using a variety of in vilro and in vivo methods well known in the art, including those exemplified in the Examples below. The ability of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments to facilitate depletion of CXCR3^* cells in vivo can be assessed, for example, by administering the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments to a subject, such as a mouse. The depletion of CXCR3^' cells can then be determined by removing the spleen and isolating splenocytes, then staining the lymphocytes with appropriate antibodies to cell surface molecules, including CXCR3^", and visualizing the cell populations by flow cytometry In further examples, in vitro cbemotaxts assays can be used to assess the ability of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments to inhibit CXOU-medtated chemotaxis. Briefly. CXCR3 transfecled cells (e.g. LI.2 cells) can be added to the top chamber of a transwell plate with or without the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments, and CXCL9. CXCL10 and/or CXCL11 added to the bottom chamber. The number of cells that migrate to the bottom chamber can then be assessed by, for example, flow cytometry.

(00115| Small animal models also can be used to assess in vivo activities of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments. For example, the ability of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments to delay or prevent graft rejection can be assessed using the pancreatic islet allograft transplant model described in Example 7, below. Antibodies or antigen binding fragments can be administered to diabetic recipient mice receiving the graft before, during and/or after transplantation, and the graft survival monitored by assessing blood glucose levels. In other example, a murine cardiac allograft model can be used, in which donor aorta and pulmonary artery are anastomosed to the recipient abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava, respectively. Graft function is assessed by palpation in the recipient mice with or without administration of the antibodies or antigen- binding f agments.

Uses of the antibodies mid antigen-binding fragments

100116] The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention can be used in a variety of in vitro and in vivo methods In particular examples, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention, including antibodies and antigen- binding fragments that are fusion proteins or immunoconjugates. can bind a CXCR3 polypeptide and can be used to detect, measure, select, isolate and or purify a CXCR3 polypeptide or variants thereof or cells expressing CXCR3, and to study CXCR3 protein structure and function. The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention also can be used in diagnostic applications (e g., in vitro or ex vivo) and/or in therapeutic applications.

100117] The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments can be used to detect and/or measure the level of a CXCR3 polypeptide or CXCR3^" cells in a sample (e.g.. tissue or body fluid). In one example, a sample (e.g., tissue, cells and/or body fluid) is obtained from an individual and a suitable immunological method used to detect and or measure CXCR3 expression and/or CXCR3^" ceil number and location Suitable immunological methods for detecting or measuring CXCR3 expression include, but are not limited, to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELLS A), radioimmunoassay, immunohistology and flow cytometry.

|00118| Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of detecting or measuring CXCR3 in a sample, comprising contacting the sample with an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention under conditions suitable for binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment to the CXCR3 polypeptide, and detecting and or measuring binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment to the CXCR3 polypeptide. Binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof to the CXCR3 polypeptide indicates the presence of the CXCR3 polypeptide in the sample. In some examples, binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof to CXCR3 is assessed by detecting the antibody or antigen-binding fragment. For example, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment can have a detectable label, such as a fluorescent or chemiluminescent label that allows direct detection of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment. In other examples, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is detected indirectly, such as by using antibodies specific for the Fc region of the antibody or antigen- binding fragment. Samples can include, but are not limited to. blood, cells or tissue. Typically, the CXCR3 is expressed on a cell. Accordingly, the antibodies and antigen- binding fragments of the present invention can be used to detect or measure CXCR3^" cells in a sample, comprising contacting the sample with an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention under conditions suitable for binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment to a CXCR3~ cell, and detecting and/or measuring binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment to the CXCR3^* cell. In particular applications, an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the invention can be used to analyze normal versus inflamed tissues (e.g., from a human) for CXCR3~ cells to detect associations between disease (f graft rejection) and increased expression of a CXCR3 polypeptide in affected tissues.

Therapeutic uses

100119) In particular embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention are used in therapeutic methods. In some embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are used in methods to inhibit CXCR3 binding to one or more ligands, such as CXCL9, CXCL10 and/or CXCL1 I; inhibit migration, accumulation, recruitment or infiltration of CXCR3" cells, such as to a site of inflammation; and/or deplete CXCR3 cells. The CXCR.V cells include, but are not limited to, CXCR37CD4^* T cells, CXCR3 CD8^* T cells and CXCR37B220^" B cells

|00120] Accordingly, provided are methods for inhibiting the recruitment or migration of CXCR3^* cells to an inflammation site in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention. Inhibition can include inhibition of at least or about 20%. 25%, 30 , 35·'·, 40·'·. 45%, 50··, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% compared to the recruitment or migration of CXCR3^* cells to an inflammation site in the absence of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment. f0012l] Also provided are methods of depleting CXCR3^* cells in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an antibody or antigen- binding fragment of the present invention. Depletion of CXCR3^" cells can include depiction of at least or about 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%. 40%, 45%, 50%; 55%, 60%, 65%; 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or more.

(00122) In particular embodiments, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention can be used in methods for treating or preventing a disease, disorder or condition that is associated with CXCR3-niediated recruitment or migration of cells to an inflammation site, and or with the activity of CXCR3' cells. Exemplary diseases, disorders and conditions include, but are not limited to, inflammatory or allergic diseases and conditions, including systemic anaphylaxis or hypersensitivity responses, drug allergies, insect sting allergies: inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, ileitis and enteritis: sarcoidosis: vaginitis: psoriasis and inflammatory dermatoses such as dermatitis, ec/ema, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria, vasculitis (e.g.. necrotizing, cutaneous, and hypersensitivity vasculitis), spondyloarthropathies; scleroderma; respiratory allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, hypersensitivity lung diseases, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, interstitial lung diseases (ILD) (e.g., idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or ILD associated with rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions); autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, including diabetes metlthis and juvenile onset diabetes, glomerulonephritis and other nephritides, autoimmune thyroiditis, Behcet's syndrome, Sydenham's chorea, autoimmune autonomic neuropathy; and graft or transplant rejection, including allograft or allotransplant rejection, xenograft or xenotransplant rejection or graft-vcrsus-host disease.

100123) In particular embodiments, provided are methods for promoting graft or transplant survival in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention. Accordingly, also provided are methods for inhibiting or preventing graft or transplant rejection in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention. The subject is one who has already received, is currently receiving or will receive, the graft or transplant. Accordingly, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be administered before, at the same time, or after, the subject receives the graft or transplant, or at more than one of these times.

(00124) The methods of the present invention that are directed to promoting graft or transplant survival and/or inhibiting or preventing graft or transplant rejection in a subject are applicable to any type of graft or transplant, including but not limited to, cell, tissue, organ and limb grafts or transplants. Exemplary grafts and transplants include, but are not limited to. heart, kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, pancreatic islets, brain tissue, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, cornea, skin, trachea, bone, bone marrow, muscle, bladder or parts and/or combinations thereof. In particular embodiments die methods are for promoting the survival, or inhibiting the rejection, of solid organ transplants, such as kidney, heart, lung, liver, intestine and pancreas transplant

Formulations, dosages and modes of administration

(00125) The antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention that specifically bind to CXCR3 can be formulated for in vitro or in vivo use. For example, in some aspects, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are formulated for in vitro use, such as for use in /// vitro assays to detect CXCR3. In other examples, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are formulated for in vivo use, such as for administration to a subject.

(001261 In particular embodiments of the present invention, the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are formulated as pharmaceutical compositions and administered to a subject for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

100127) For hi vivo administration to a subject, compositions containing the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments are prepared in view of approval from a regulatory agency or otherwise prepared in accordance with generally recognized pharmacopeia for use in animals and in humans Compositions can contain, in addition to the antibody or antigen-binding fragment, a diluent such as lactose, sucrose, dicalcium phosphate, or carboxymethylcellulose; a lubricant, such as magnesium stearate, calcium stearate and talc, and a binder such as starch, natural gums, such as gum acaciagelatin, glucose, molasses, polvinylpyrrolidine, celluloses and derivatives thereof, povidone, crospovidones and other such binders known to those of skill in the art Suitable pharmaceutical excipients include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate. talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, and ethanol. A pharmaceutical composition, if desired, also can contain minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents, for example, acetate, sodium citrate, cyclodextrine derivatives, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine sodium acetate, triethanolamine oleate, and other such agents.

[00128] The compositions can be formulated for administration by any route The most appropriate route of administration can be determined by a person of skill in the art, taking into account the particular use, such as the particular disease, disorder or condition being treated. For example, the compositions can be formulated for parenteral, intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intracranial, intraorbital, ophthalmic, intraventricular, intranasal, or oral administration. In particular embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the anti-CXCR3 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments are in the form of liquid solutions or suspensions for intravenous administration. Also encompassed by the present invention are formulations for controlled release of anti- CXCR3 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments of the present invention.

(00129| The compositions comprising the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention are formulated with an amount or concentration of antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is suitable for the embodiments of the present invention, e.g. at therapeutically effective concentrations, such as to promote graft survival or inhibit graft rejection when administered to a subject. The compositions can be formulated for direct administration to a subject, or can be formulated as a concentrated composition that is subsequently diluted prior to use. fn particular embodiments, the compositions are in liquid form and are formulated with between about I ng mL to about 100 mg mL of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment, between about 10 ng/mL and about 10 mg mL. between about 100 ng mL and about 10 mg mL, between about 1 ug/mL and about 10 mg/mL, between about 10 ug mL and about 1 mgmL, or between about 100 ug mL and about 1 mg/mL of and antibody and antigen-binding fragment. The most suitable concentration to achieve the desired effect will depend on a number of factors and may be determined by those skilled in the art using routine experimentation.

|00130| The compositions comprising the anti-CXCR3 antibodies and antigen- binding fragments can also contain one or more additional active agents. For example, the compositions provided herein can include one or more other active agents useful in the treatment of a disease, condition or disorder that is to be treated by administration of the anti-CXCR3 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention. In particular embodiments, the compositions further comprise one or more other immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory agents, such as, for example, another antibody or antigen-binding fragments thereof, cytokine, chemokine, glucocorticoid, alkylating agent, antimetabolite, or calcineurin inhibitor. Non-limiting examples of immunosuppressive agents that can be included in the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, glucocorticoids, cyclosporine, rapamycin, voclosporin, strolimus. everolimus. tacrolimus, ntycophenolate mofetii, mycophenolic acid, mizoribine, S1P-R agonists such as FTY720, inalononitrtlamtdes such as F 778, anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies such as muromonab-CD3. anti -CD25 antibodies such as daclizumab and basiliximab, anti-CD52 antibodies such as alemhizumab: anti-CD20 antibodies such as rituximab, and anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies such as infliximab, etanercept and adalimumab.

100131] The compositions can be administered to a subject in the desired amount, such as an amount sufficient for diagnostic purposes or a therapeutically effective amount For example, the compositions can be administered in an amount to promote graft or transplant survival, or inhibit graft or transplant rejection. The precise amount or dose of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is administered to the subject depends on several factors, including, but not limited to, the activity of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment, the use of other therapeutic agents, the route of administration, the number of dosages administered, and other considerations, such as the weight, age and general state of the subject. Particular dosages can be empirically determined or extrapolated from, for example, studies in animal models or previous studies in humans

(00132) The pharmaceutical compositions containing the anti-CXCR3 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments of the present invention can be administered by any method and route understood to be suitable by a skilled artisan. Administration may be systemic, regional or local as determined by a skilled person on the basis of a variety of factors, including the condition, disease or disorder to be treated, activity of the therapeutic agent and state of die subject. For example, in some instances, regional administration may be most appropriate, as this provides the capability of delivering very high local concentrations of the desired agent to the required site and thus is suitable for achieving the desired therapeutic or preventative effect whilst avoiding exposure of other organs of the body to the compound and thereby potentially reducing side effects.

(001331 Exemplary routes of administration include, but are not limited to, intravenous (including by discrete injection, intravenous bolus or continuous infusion), intramuscular, intradermal, transdermal, parenteral, intracranial, intraarterial, intraorbital, subcutaneous, intranasal, oral, intraperitoneal or topical administration, as well as by any combination of any two or more thereof, formulated in a manner suitable for each route of administration. The anti-CXCR3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be administered once or more than once, such 2. 3. 4, 5, 6 or more times, daily, weekly, biweekly, monthly or any combination thereof.

(00134) In the particular methods provided herein, a composition comprising an ami- CXC 3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention is administered to a subject before, during and or after the subject has received a graft or transplant, such as an allograft or xenograft, or allotranspiant or xenotransplant. For example, a composition comprising the antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be administered to a subject at any time before, during and/or after the subject received a graft or transplant, such as I day before, 12 hours before, 2 hours before, at the same time, and/or 1 hour, 2 hours. 6 hours, 12 hours . 18 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days. 7 days, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks or more after the subject has received a graft or transplant, or any combination thereof

|0013S| In some embodiments of the present invention, the anti- XCR3 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments are administered to a subject in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. In embodiments where a subject is administered an anti-CXCR3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment and one or more other therapeutic agents, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment and the one or more other therapeutic agents can be in the same or different compositions, and can be administered by the same or different routes, at the same time or at different times.

(00136] In one embodiment, a subject about to receive, receiving or having received a graft or transplant can be administered an anti-€XCR3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention and another therapeutic agent. For example, the ami- CXCR3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment of the present invention may be administered in combination with an agent that induces or expands regulatory T cells (Treg cells), such as CD \'CD257Fox3p^" T cells. Exemplary agents include, but are not limited to, tnterleukin 2 (1L-2). In further examples, the anti-CXCR3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment may be administered in combination with an immunosuppressive agent, including but are not limited to, a glucocorticoid, cyclosportne, rapamycin, voclosporin, sirotimus, everolimus, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, roizoribine, SIP-R agonist such as FTY720, malononitrilamide such as FK778, anti-CD3 antibody such as muromonab-CD3, anti -CD25 antibody such as dacltzumab and basiliximab, anti- CDS2 antibody such as alemtuzumab, anti-CD20 antibody such as rituximab, and antitumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody such as infliximab, etanercept and adaliinumab. In such instances, the anti«CXCR3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment can be administered simultaneously with and/or sequentially to the other therapeutic agent.

Epitope peptides and uses thereof

(00J37] One aspect of the present invention is directed to isolated peptides comprising or consisting of the epitope to which the antibodies and antigen binding fragments described herein bind. Accordingly, provided herein are peptides comprising or consisting of amino acid residues 23 to 44 of SEQ ID NO:4 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80 , 85 . 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%, 9%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity to amino acid residues 23 to 44 of SEQ ID NO: 4. Also provided are peptides comprising or consisting of amino acid residues 23 to 43: 23 to 42; 23 to 41;

23 to 40; 23 to 39; 23 to 38; 23 to 37; 23 to 36; 23 to 35; 23 to 34; 23 to 33; 23 to 32; 23 to 31; 23 to 30; 23 to 29; 24 to 44; 24 to 43, 24 to 42; 24 to 41, 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38;

24 to 37; 24 to 36; 24 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32; 24 to 31 ; 24 to 30; 24 to 29; 25 to 44: 25 to 43; 25 to 42; 25 to 41; 25 to 40; 25 to 39, 25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36: 25 to 35:

25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31; 25 to 30; 26 to 44; 26 to 43; 26 to 42; 26 to 41; 26 to 40; 26 to 39; 26 to 38; 26 to 37; 26 to 36; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31 ;

27 to 44; 27 to 43; 27 to 42; 27 to 41 ; 27 to 40; 27 to 39; 27 to 38; 27 to 37; 27 to 36; 27 to 35: 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 44; 28 to 43; 28 to 42; 28 to 41: 28 to 40; 28 to 39:

28 to 38: 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 28 to 32; 29 to 44; 29 to 43; 29 to 42; 29 to 41 ; 29 to 40; 29 to 39; 29 to 38; 29 to 37; 29 to 36; 29 to 35; 29 to 34; 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42; 30 to 1 ; 30 to 40; 30 to 39; 30 to 38; 30 to 37; 30 to 36; and/or 30 to 35 of SEQ ID NO:4. or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%.92%, 93%, 9·/», 95%, 96%, 97%.98% or 99% sequence identity.

[00138J In particular embodiments, the peptides consist of amino acid residues 25 to 35, 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31; 25 to 30; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 1 ; 27 to 3S; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 and/or 30 to 35 of SEQ ID NO: 4.

100139] The peptides comprising or consisting of the epitope to which the antibodies and antigen binding peptides described herein bind can be fused, conjugated or otherwise linked to one or more other entities or molecules, including but not limited to, proteins, peptides, synthetic polymers, adjuvants, small molecule, dnigs and/or chemical entities. For example, the peptides can be associated with an affinity tag. such as a His tag, to facilitate purification. In other examples, the peptides can be associated with a detectable moiety, such as a fluorescent, bioluminescent or chemiluminescent molecule.

|00140| In particular examples, the peptides are associated with one or more carriers, such as to facilitate the generation of an immune response following administration of the peptide to a subject. For example, the peptides can be associated with a carrier protein, including, but not limited to. LH, OVA, BSA, thyroglobulin, tetanus toxoid, and CCH. In other examples, the peptides are associated with an adjuvant. Any adjuvant known in the art can be associated with the peptides described herein. Non-limiting examples of adjuvants include aluminium salts (e.g. aluminium hydroxide, aluminium phosphate and potassium aluminium sulfate (also referred to as Alum)), liposomes, virosomes, Freund's adjuvant and saponin-based adjuvants. Saponin-based adjuvants include saponins or saponin derivatives from, for example, Qmllaja saponaria, Panax ginseng Panax notoginseng, Panax quinqucfitlm^' m, Ptaty o bn grandiflornm, Polygala senega, Polygala temufttlia, Quillaja brasi/iem . Astragalus e bran ceus una' Achyranlhes biaentata. Exemplary saponin-based adjuvants include tscoms, iscom matrix, ISCOMATRIX™ adjuvant. Matrix M™ adjuvant. Matrix C™ adjuvant, Matrix Q™ adjuvant, AblSCO$- 100 adjuvant, AbISCO®-300 adjuvant, 1SCOPREP™, an 1SCOPREP™ derivative, adjuvant containing ISCOPREP™ or an ISCOPREP™ derivative. QS-21, a QS-21 derivative, and an adjuvant containing QS-21 or a QS21 derivative. The peptides also can be associated with immumodulatory agents, including for example, cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. (00141] Association of the peptides with other entities, such as carriers, can be achieved using any method known to those skilled in the art. Association can he by covalent bonding or non-covalent bonding, such as with hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, van der Waals forces, and hydrophobic interactions. In some examples, association is achieved by merely mixing the peptide with the other entity, such as an adjuvant. In further examples, die association is achieved by conjugation using methods well known to those skilled in the art.

(001421 The provided peptides can be used in in vitro or In vim methods. For example, the peptides can be used in methods to detect, identity, select or analyze antibodies specific for CXCR3. In particular examples, the peptides are used in selection methods to select antibodies specific for CXCR3. Such methods include panning techniques useful for screening antibody libraries to select antibodies specific for CXCR3. The peptides also can be used in affinity maturation techniques. Assays and techniques for detecting, identifying, selecting and analyzing antibodies are well know to those skilled in the art.

(00143] In further examples, the peptides are used to elicit antibodies specific for CXCR3. For example, the peptides can be administered to a subject, such as a small animal, thereby eliciting an antibody response to the peptide. The anti-CXCR3 antibodies elicited in the response can be isolated or punfied using well known methods. In particular examples, antibody producing cells are isolated from the subject to generate hybridomas, from which monoclonal antibodies specific for CXCR3 are produced. In particular embodiments, the peptide is linked to a carrier or adjuvant, such as described above, to enhance immunogemcity. Such methods of eliciting antibodies to an antigen are well known in the art, and any such method can be used with the peptides of the present invention.

(00144) Also provided are compositions comprising the peptides comprising or consisting of the epitope to which the antibodies and antigen binding fragments described herein bind.

(001451 The citation of any reference herein should not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as ''Prior An^** to the present application. Further, the reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

|001 6] The present disclosure is further described by reference to the following non- limiting examples.

EXAMPLES

Example 1. Generation of anti-CXCR3 antibodies

|0014?| Antibodies specific for CXCR3 were generated in CXCR3" knockout mice. Briefly, LI.2 cells (a murine pre-B cell line) were transfected with the mouse CXCR3 gene (SEQ ID NO.l) and CXCR3* knockout mice were immunized with the transfected LI 2 cells, by intraperitoneal injection, five times fortnightly, with one final intraveous boost (2 x 10^? cells per injection). B cells were isolated from the spleens of immunized mice and fused with myeloma cells to produce hybridomas. Hybridoma clones were then screened for reactivity with mouse and human CXCR3 using LI 2 cells transfected with mouse CXCR3 (SEQ ID NO: 1 ) and human CXCR3 (SEQ ID NO:40.

100148] Clone 9C5 was identified as being strongly reactive for both mouse and human CXCR3. Total R A from the CS hybridoma was used for synthesize cDNA for sequencing analysis. The variable region genes were amplified by RT-PCR using primers annealing to the mouse light (mlgCk) and heavy (mlg02a) constant regions, and the variable heavy chain (V_H) and variable light chain (V_L) genes were sequenced It was determined that the 9C5 mAb comprises a V_H region with a nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 and an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, and a VL region with a nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 and an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15.

Example 2. Characterization of the binding properties of 9C5 mAb

100149] The ability of the 9C5 mAb to specifically bind to CXCR3 from various species was assessed by flow cytometry. Briefly, isolated mouse and marmoset splenocytes, human peripheral blood lymphocytes and transfected and untransfeeted LI.2 cells were incubated with C5 mAb, and then whh a goat anti-mouse antibody conjugated to phycoerythrin (PE) Following washing, the cells were analysed by flow cytometry.

(001501 The 9C5 mAb was able to recognize LI.2 cells transfected with mouse CXCR3 (mCXCR3) or human CXCR3 (hCXCR3), but not untransfeeted 1-1 2 cells or cells transfected with other chemokine receptors (i.e. mCXCR2) (Figure 1A). The °CS mAb was also able to stain both mouse and marmoset splenocytes, as well as human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) derived from healthy donors (Figure IB and 1C).

Example 3. Epitope mapping of 9CS mAb

100151] Epitope mapping studies were performed to determine the region within CXCR3 that is recognized by 9CS mAb Initially, biotinylated peptides corresponding to the N-terminal region and the first, second and third extracellular loops of CXCR3 were used in an EL1SA. The results of this preliminary mapping study indicated that the 9 S mAb recognized the N-lerminal region of CX R3.

100152] Four overlapping biotinylated peptides spanning the entire N-terminal region of human CXCR3 were then synthesized and used in more defined 9CS mAb epitope mapping studies. Peptide 1 (MVLEVSDHQVLNDAEVAALLENF: SEQ ID NO. 16) corresponds to amino acid position 1-23 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO:4; Peptide 2 (NDAEV AA LLENFSSS YDVGENE. SEQ ID NO: 17) corresponds to amino acid position 12-33 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO:4: Peptide 3 (FSSSYDYGENESDSCCTSPPCP. SEQ ID NO. 18) corresponds to amino acid position 23-44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO 4; and Peptide 4 (ENESDSCCTSPPCPQDFSLN. SEQ ID NO. 19) corresponds to amino acid position 31- 50 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. Briefly, multiwell plates were coated with streptavidin and washed before the biotinylated peptides were added to separate wells and incubated to facilitate binding of the peptides to the plate. Different anti-mCXCR3 antibodies (4H8: clone CXCR3-173. BioLegend, and 6C5, clone 220803, R&D Systems, as well as anti-hCXCR3 antibodies (1C6, Pharmingen; humanized 6C5, R&D Systems; 5H6; and humanized 5H6 (both produced in this laboratory) were men tested in parallel with 9C5 mAb by adding the respective antibodies to the wells of the plate and incubating the plate An isotype control and buffer only were included as negative controls. Following washing, appropriate conjugated antibodies were added and the plates were incubated. The plates were washed again and binding of the antibodies to the immobilised peptides was visualised.

(001 3] As shown in Figure 2. the 9C5 mAb specifically recognized Peptide 3. while the other ami-CXCR.1 antibodies specifically recognized Peptide 1. Peptide 3 encompasses a highly conserved region between species (Figure 3), demonstrating why this antibody recognizes at least mouse, human and marmoset CXCR3.

Example 4. In vivtt effect of 9C5 mAb in mice

Depletion of X R3' cells

100154] To assess the effect of C5 mAb in vivo in C57/B16 mice, various concentrations ( S; 2; 5 and 10 mg/kg) of the 9C5 mAb were injected into the mice intravenously. Saline solution alone was injected into one group of mice as a negative control. The mice were sacrificed after 4 days and their spleens removed. Splenocytes were isolated and lymphocytes were stained using anti-CD4, anti-CD8 and anti-B220 antibodies conjugated with APC. Cells were also stained with the PE-coiijugated aiiti- mCXCR3 mAb from clone 4H8 (BioLegend) that recognizes a distinct epitope to °C5. Flow cytometry was then performed to visualize and quantify the number of CXCR3^" cells in the spleens of injected mice.

100155] As shown in the FACS plots (Figure 4), the C5 m b almost completely depleted CD47CXCR3 , CD8+/CXCR3^" and B220VCXCR3^* cells at a co ceutraHoit as low as 2 mg kg. Table 2 sets forth the percentage of various CXCR3^" cell subsets following the various treatments. Table 2.

Duration of depletion of CXCH3 ceils

100156] To determine the duration of depletion of CXCR3^* cells, C57/DI6 mice were injected intravenously with 5 mg/kg and the mice were sacrificed after 24 or 36 days and their spleens removed. The isolated splenocyles were stained with anti-CD4, anri-CD8. anti-B220 and anti-mCXCR3 antibodies as described above and sorted by flow cytometry. As shown in Figure 5, CXC 3 * cell depletion was maintained for more than 3 weeks

Depletion of effector cells

|00157] CXCR3 on C 4^" T-cells is mainly expressed by activated and effector CD4^* T-cells (CD44^hi«^,,/CD62^,m ) and memory CD4^* T-cells (CD44^,i«^,/CD62L^hi|h). while naive CD4+ T-cells (CD44^to,7CD62L^w,?,,) do not express this receptor. To ascertain whether the decrease in CXCR3^" cells after administration of 9C5 was due to the depletion of the population and not to the internalization of tlic receptor, the number of effector and memory CD4^" T-cells was monitored by flow cytometry both before, and 4 days after, injection with 5 mg kg 9C5 mAb or 5 mg kg of an isotype control niAb.

fOOlSS] As shown in Figure 6. a significant decrease in effector CD T-cells (CD44^h,8h/CD62^kwr) and memor>* CD4* T-cells (CD4 ^h,s,VCD62L^l"^β,,) was observed, reduced from 27.1?» in the isotype control sample to 13.5% in the sample obtained from 9C5-treated mice. This confirmed that the observed reduction in CXCR3^" cells shown in Figures 4 and S was due to the depletion of the target cells rather than the internalization of the receptor.

Example 5. Generation of chimeric 9C5 mAb

|00tS9| Chimeric 9C5 mAbs comprising the mouse V_M region set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 (nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12) fused to the human IgGI constant region set forth in SEQ ID N036 (nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.37), and the mouse V_L region set forth in SEQ ID NO^* 15 (nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.14) fused to the human kappa constant region set forth in SEQ ID N038 (nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N039) were generated using a human IgGI /Kappa mammalian expression system.

100160] Fc variants of the chimeric 9C5 antibody were generated by standard site directed mutagenesis techniques in order to enhance or decrease antibody-dependent cell- mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The triple mutation S239D/A330U1332E (known as "3M") was introduced into the Fc region to enhance ADCC, resulting in the chimeric 9CS- 3 Fc antibody having a C_H region set forth in SEQ ID N0:32 (nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:33). The triple mutation L234F/L235E/P33 IS was also introduced into the Fc region to reduce ADCC, resulting in the chimeric 9C5-Fc-KO antibody having a C_H region set forth in SEQ ID NO 34 (nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0:35).

Example 6. Characterization of chimeric 9C5-3MFc and 9C5-Fc-KO mAb

|0016l] The activities of 9C5-3MFc and 9C5-Fc-KO chimeric antibodies were analyzed as described above. Briefly, the antibodies were injected intravenously into C57/BI6 mice at 2 mg kg or 5 mg/kg After 4 days, the animals were sacrificed and the CD47CXCR3^" T<ell population was monitored by flow cytometry (Figure 7). The 9C5- 3MFc chimeric antibody was able to deplete the Thl cell population as efficiently as the parental mouse 9C5 lgG2a mAb. A significant decrease in CD47CXCR3^" T-cdl depletion occurred after injection of 9C5 Fc-KO chimeric antibody (see also Table 3, below) Table 3

1 % cells as a percentage of total cells following treatment

Example 7. In vivo effect of 9C5 mAb on pancreatic islet allografts

100162] Several studies have demonstrated that CXCR3 and CCR5. two receptors preferentially expressed by CD4^" Thl cells, as well as their corresponding liga ds, are present in various murine and human allografts Accordingly, experiments were performed to determine whether depletion of CXCR3⁴ cells using the 9C5 mAb, or would in a pancreatic islet allograft transplant model would result in immunosuppression and prolonged graft survival.

1001631 To induce diabetes, recipient mice (C57BL/6, H2*) were injected with 200 mg/kg streptozotocin in 10 mM citrate buffer, pH 4.2, and blood glucose levels (BGLs) were determined using ACCU-CHEC Advantage Mice with a blood glucose value >I6 mmol liter were selected as transplant recipients. Islets were prepared from the pancreata of donor (BALB/c, H2⁴) mice at a ratio of three pancreata per recipient. For the transplant, the kidney was accessed by a left-flank incision and brought into the wound by gentle blunt dissection. A small nick was made in the kidney capsule at the interior renal pole, and the islets were deposited through the nick toward the superior pole of the kidney. BGLs were analyzed on postoperative days (POD) I, 2, and 5, and then three times per week until rejection. Graft rejection was defined as an increase of blood glucose to >16 mmol liter after a period of euglycemia. Nephrectomy was performed at POO >100 to determine if the euglycemia was graft dependent

|00164| In a first set of experiments, the allograft recipients were intravenously administered 5mg kg of 9C5 mAb (one dose) or saline solution 4-5 hours prior to transplantation. It was observed that the single dose of 9C5mAb increased the mean survival time (MST) of islet grafts from 17 to 33 days (Figure 8A).

[00165] In a second set of experiments, 2 mg/kg 9C5 mAb or saline injections were administered weekly on day 0, 7. 1 , and 21 (multi-dose) after islet transplantation (5 mice per group). This weekly administration of C5 mAb increased MST to 35 days. Two out of seven recipients showed graft survival for > 100 days without further treatment. (Figure 8B)

(00166) In a third set of experiments, the allograft recipients were treated with rapamycin (1, 0.35. 0.1 or 0 mg kg) on the day of transplantation and every day thereafter for 7 days, or with a combination protocol of 0.1 mgkg rapamycin and 2 mg kg isotype control or 9C5 mAb on day 0, 7, 14, and 21. Recipient mice given 1 mg kg rapamycin on the day of transplantation and every day thereafter for 7 days, permanently accepted their grafts (>100 days survival). Gradual reduction of this dose from 0.35, 0.1 to 0 gave reduced MSTs of 43, 22 and 19 days, respectively (Figure 8B). Combining the homeopathic 0.1 mg/kg dose of rapamycin with 9C5 mAb at weekly intervals on days 0, 7, 14 and 21, a 50 % graft survival at 60 days was achieved.

Example 8_* Generation of humanized 9C5 mAb

(00167) Humanized 9C5 mAbs were generated by transferring the CDRs of the 9C5 mAb (CDR-H1: SEQ ID NO:20; CDR-H2: SEQ ID NO:2l; CDR-H3: SEQ ID NO:22; CDR-L1 SEQ ID NO:23; CDR-L SEQ ID NO.24; and CDR-L3. SEQ ID IMO.25) onto human framework regions using standard molecular techniques. I GT/V-QUEST and IMGT/Junctions analysis tools were used to identity human germline genes in which sequences from the variable regions of both the heavy and light chains were closely aligned with those of murine antibody. Framework sequences of these selected human germline genes were used as acceptor sequences for the mouse 9C5 CDRs (IGHV3 -23*04 and IGKV2-28*01 human genes according to I GT database). However, murine residues were retained in the critical "Vernier" zone. The humanized VH and VL genes, which were also codon optimized for expressed in CHO cells, were synthesized by Genescript.

(001681 Th^e nucleic acid sequence of the humanized 9C5 V_H gene is set forth in SEQ ID N043 and the nucleic acid sequence of the humanized 9C5 V_L gene is set forth in SEQ ID NO:44. The amino acid sequence of the V_H region of the humanized 9C5 mAb is set forth in SEQ ID N0. I and the amino acid sequence of die V_L region is set forth in SEQ ID NO:42.

[00169| The binding specificity of the humanized 9C5 antibody was assessed using flow cytometry. Briefly, human CXCR3 transfected cells (LI.2 cells) were stained with the humanized 9C5 antibody (0.25 pg ml), the mouse 9C5 antibody (0.25 pg/ml) or an isotype control (1 /ml). The antibody binding was revealed with Fc specific antibodies conjugated to PE. As shown in Figure 9. the humanized 9C5 antibody recognized human CXCR3.

|00170| BALB/c 112** islets were transplanted under the kidney capsule of streptozotocin-induced diabetic C57BL 6 H2^b mice. Mice were administered with a single dose (5 ing l g (i.v )) of humanized 9C5 3MFc mAb, humanized 9C5 Fc-KO mAb or isotype control antibody 4-5 h prior to transplantation. As shown in Figure 10. humanized 9C5 3MFc mAb (depleting antibody) increased the mean survival time of the islet grafts

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to an epitope within amino acid residues 23 to 44 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID O:4.

2. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 1, wherein the epitope is within amino acid residues 23 to 43; 23 to 42; 23 to 41; 23 to 40; 23 to 39, 23 to 38; 23 to 37; 23 to 36; 23 to 3S; 23 to 34; 23 to 33, 23 to 32; 23 to 31; 23 to 30; 23 to 29; 24 to 44;

24 to 43; 24 to 42; 24 to 41; 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38; 24 to 37; 24 to 36; 24 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32; 24 to 3t; 24 to 30; 24 to 29; 25 to 44; 25 to 43; 25 to 42; 25 to 41;

25 to 40; 25 to 39; 25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36; 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31 ; 25 to 30; 26 to 44; 26 to 43; 26 to 42; 26 to 41; 26 to 40; 26 to 39; 26 to 38; 26 to 37;

26 to 36; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31 ; 27 to 44; 27 to 43; 27 to 42; 27 to 41; 27 to 40; 27 to 39; 27 lo 38, 27 to 37; 27 to 36, 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32;

28 to 44; 28 to 43; 28 to 42; 28 to 41 ; 28 to 40; 28 to 39; 28 to 38; 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 28 to 32; 29 to 44; 29 to 43; 29 to 42; 29 to 41 ; 29 to 40; 29 to 39;

29 to 38; 29 to 37; 29 to 36; 29 to 35; 29 to 34; 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42; 30 to 1 ; 30 to 40; 30 to 39; 30 to 38; 30 to 37; 30 to 36; and/or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO.4

3. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim I or claim 2. wherein the epitope consists of amino acid residues 25 to 35; 25 to 34, 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31, 25 to 30; 26 to 35; 26 lo 34, 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31 ; 27 to 35; 27 to 34, 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 35, 28 to 34. 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO:4

4. An isolated antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to a polypeptide consisting of amino acid residues 23 to 44 of SEQ ID NO:4.

5. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 4, wherein die polypeptide consists of amino acid residues 23 to 43; 23 to 42; 23 to 41 ; 23 to 40; 23 to 39; 23 to 38; 23 to 37; 23 to 36; 23 to 35, 23 to 34; 23 to 33; 23 to 32; 23 to 31; 23 to 30; 23 to 29; 24 to 44;

24 to 43; 24 to 42; 24 to 41; 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38; 24 to 37; 24 to 36; 24 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32, 24 lo 31 ; 24 to 30, 24 to 29; 25 to 44, 25 to 43; 25 to 42, 25 to 41;

25 to 40; 25 to 39; 25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36; 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31; 25 to 30; 26 to 44; 26 to 43; 26 to 42; 26 to 41; 26 to 40; 26 to 39; 26 to 38; 26 to 37; 26 to 36; 26 lo 35; 26 lo 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31 ; 27 to 44; 27 to 43; 27 to 42; 27 to 41; 27 to 40; 27 to 39; 27 to 38; 27 to 37; 27 to 36; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32;

28 to 44; 28 to 43; 28 to 42; 28 to 41 ; 28 to 40; 28 to 39; 28 to 38; 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 28 to 32; 29 to 44; 29 to 43; 29 to 42; 29 to 41; 29 to 40; 29 to 39;

29 to 38; 29 to 37; 29 to 36; 29 to 35; 29 to 34; 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42; 30 to 41; 30 to 40, 30 to 39, 30 to 38, 30 to 37; 30 to 36; and/or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ! NO.4

6 The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the polypeptide consists of amino acid residues 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 1 ; 25 to 30; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31 ; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32, 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 29 to 35; 29 to 34 or 30 to 35 of the human CXCR3 set forth in SEQ ID NO 4

7. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims I to 6, comprising:

a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:20 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SF.Q ID NO.20;

a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.21 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%.91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:21 ;

a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%. 85%.90%, 91%.92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:22;

a CDR-L1: comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:23 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 1%, 92%.93%, 94%, 95%.96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.23;

a CDR-1.2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:24 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%.85%, 90%, 91%.92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 24; and a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.25 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 1%.92%, 93%, 94%.95%, 96%, 97%, 9S%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:25.

8. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising:

a CDR-H I with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20;

a CDR-H2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 21;

a CDR-H3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID N022;

a CDR-L1 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:23;

a CDR-L2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ JD NO.24; and a CDR-L3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:25.

9. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims I to 8, comprising:

a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 9 , 9l% 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, m, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13, and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ JD NO: 15 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%. 93%.94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15.

10. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising:

a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID N0.4I or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:41, and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 42 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:42.

11 An isolated antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that binds to CXCR3, comprising; a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:20 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 1%.92%, 93%, 94%.95%, 96%, 97%, 9S%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:20;

a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID N0.21 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%.91%, 92%.93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.21:

a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%. 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0 22;

a CDR-L1 : comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO.23 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%. 96%. 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:23;

a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO 24 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%.91%, 92%^", 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:24; and

a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO 25 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%. 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:25.

12. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 11 , comprising:

a CDR-H I with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:20:

a CDR-H2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID N021 ;

a CDR-H3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:22;

a CDR-L1 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:23;

a CDR-L2 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:24; and a CDR-L3 with a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID N0.25

13. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 11 or claim 12, comprising: a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO.13 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94% , 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13. and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO: IS or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80V 85%, 90 91 , 92%, 93%.94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 15.

14. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim ) 1 or claim 12. compri sing: a variable heavy chain comprising sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO:41 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85V 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%.94%, 95%, 96V 97%, 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 , and a variable light chain comprising a sequence of amino acids set forth in SEQ ID NO 42 or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85V 90%, 91%. 92V 93V 94%, 95V %%, 97V 98%, 99% or more sequence identit to SEQ ID N042

15. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the antibody is a monoclonal antibody.

16. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims I to 14, wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is multivalent.

17. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a chimeric or humanized antibody or antigen-binding fragment.

18. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims I to 17, wherein the wherein the fragment is selected from among a Fab fragment. Fab¹ fragment, F(ab')z fragment. Fv fragment, disulfide-linked Fv (dsFv). Fd fragment. Fa fragment, single-chain Fv (scFv). single-chain Fab (scFab), domain antibody, diabody, triabody and tetrabody .

19. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 18, that exhibits antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity.

20. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 19, that exhibits complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity.

21. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 19, that is linked to one or more other moieties.

22. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 21, wherein the one or more other moieties is elected from among a polymer, small molecule, peptide or polypeptide.

23. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment of claim 21, wherein the one or more other moieties is a cytotoxic agent.

24. An isolated nucleic acid molecule, encoding the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims I to 23.

25. An isolated nucleic acid molecule, comprising:

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.26;

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO^* 27 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%. 92%, 93%, 94%. 95%.96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 27; and

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, ?*, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 28

26. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 25, comprising a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%. 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12.

27. An isolated nucleic acid molecule, comprising:

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ (D NO: 29 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%. 95%.96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO'29;

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO. 30 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO.30, and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID O^* 31 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91·*, 92%. 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 9Π i, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:31.

28. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 27, comprising a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%. 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14.

29. An isolated nucleic acid molecule, comprising:

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID N0.45 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:45;

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID N0.46 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%. 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:46; and

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:47 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 47

30. The nucleic acid molecule of claim 29, comprising a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:43 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%. 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98°'·. 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO 43.

1. An isolated nucleic acid molecule, comprising:

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID N0.48 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%. 93%. 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N048;

a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:49or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%\ 95%. 96%, 97%. 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:49; and a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO.50 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91·*, 92%. 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 9Π i, 98%.99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:50.

32. The isolated nucleic acid molecule of claim 3), comprising a sequence of nucleotides set forth in SEQ ID NO:44 or a sequence of nucleotides having at least or at least about 80%, 85%. 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or more sequence identity to SEQ ID N0.44.

33 A vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 24 to 32

34. A cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 24 to 32 or the vector of claim 33

35. A recombinant cell that produces the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 23.

36. A composition comprising the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of anyone of claims 1 to 23 or the nucleic acid molecule of any one of claims 22 to 32.

37. A method for depleting CXCR3^" cells in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 23.

38. A method for inhibiting the recruitment or migration of CXCR3^* cells to an inflammation site in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 23.

39 The method of claim 30 or claim 31, wherein the cells are CXCR37CD4^" T cells, CXCR3 CD8^" T cells and/or CXCR37B220~ B cells.

40. The method of any one of claims 37 to 39, wherein the subject has received, is receiving or is to receive a graft or transplant.

41. A method for inhibiting graft or transplant rejection in a subject that has received, is receiving or is to receive a graft or transplant, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 21

42 The method of claim 40 or claim 41, wherein the graft is an allograft or xenograft, or die transplant is an allotransplant or xenotransplant.

43. The method of any one of claims 40 lo 42, wherein the graft or transplant is selected from among a heart, kidney, lung, liver, pancreas, pancreatic islets, brain tissue, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, cornea, skin, trachea, bone, bone marrow, muscle and bladder graft or transplant.

44. The method of any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the antibody or antigen- binding fragment is administered to the subject before, at the same time and/or after the subject has received the graft or transplant.

45 The method of any one of claims 37 to 44, wherein the antibody or antigen- binding fragment is administered to the subject two or more times.

46 The method of any one of claims 37 to 45, further comprising administering to the subject one or more other therapeutic agents.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein the therapeutic agent is a cytokine, chemokine or antibody.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the cytokine is interleukin 2.

49. The method of claim 46, wherein the therapeutic agent is an immunosuppressive agent.

50. l te method of claim 49, wherein the immunosuppressive agent is selected from among a glucocorticoid, cyclosporine, rapamycin, voclosporin, sirolimus, everolimus, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, mycophenolic acid, mizoribine, an S1P-R agonists, a malononitrilamide, an anti*CD3 antibody, an ami -CD25 antibody, an anti- CD52 antibody, an anti-CD20 antibody and an anti-tumor necrosis factor antibody.

51. Λ method for measuring or detecting CXCR3 in a sample, comprising contacting the sample with an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 23 and measuring or detecting binding of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment to the CXCR3.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the sample comprises one or more cells expressing CXCR3.

53. The method of claim 51 or 52, wherein the sample comprises blood, cells or tissue.

54. Use of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 23, tor the preparation of a medicament for depleting CXCR3" cells.

55. Use of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims I to 23, or the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting the recruitment or migration of CXCR3^" cells to an inflammation site.

56. Use of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment of any one of claims 1 to 23, for the preparation of a medicament for inhibiting graft rejection in a subject that has received, is receiving or is to receive a graft.

57. An isolated peptide, consisting of amino acid residues 23 to 44; 23 to 43; 23 to 42, 23 to 41 ; 23 to 40; 23 to 39; 23 to 38, 23 to 37; 23 to 36, 23 to 35; 23 to 34; 23 to 33;

23 to 32; 23 to 31; 23 to 30; 23 to 29; 24 to 44; 24 to 43; 24 to 42; 24 to 41; 24 to 40; 24 to 39; 24 to 38; 24 to 37; 24 to 36; 24 to 35; 24 to 34; 24 to 33; 24 to 32; 24 to 31 ; 24 to 30;

24 to 29. 25 to 44; 25 to 43; 25 to 42; 25 to 41; 25 to 40; 25 to 39; 25 to 38; 25 to 37; 25 to 36; 25 to 35; 25 to 34; 25 to 33; 25 to 32; 25 to 31; 25 to 30; 26 to 44; 26 to 43; 26 to 42:

26 to 41 ; 26 to 40; 26 to 39; 26 to 38; 26 to 37; 26 to 36; 26 to 35; 26 to 34; 26 to 33; 26 to 32; 26 to 31, 27 to 44: 27 to 43, 27 to 42; 27 to 41, 27 to 40; 27 to 39; 27 to 38: 27 to 37;

27 to 36; 27 to 35; 27 to 34; 27 to 33; 27 to 32; 28 to 44; 28 to 43; 28 to 42; 28 to 41 ; 28 to 40; 28 to 39; 28 to 38; 28 to 37; 28 to 36; 28 to 35; 28 to 34; 28 to 33; 28 to 32; 29 to 44; 29 to 43; 29 to 42; 29 to 41 ; 29 to 40; 29 to 39; 29 to 38; 29 to 37; 29 to 36; 29 to 35; 29 to 34. 30 to 44; 30 to 43; 30 to 42; 30 to 41; 30 to 40; 30 to 39, 30 to 38; 30 to 37; 30 to 36; or 30 to 35 of SEQ ID NO:4, or a sequence of amino acids having at least or about 80%, 85%, 90%. 1%, 92%, 93%, 9%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% sequence identity thereto.

58. The peptide of claim 57, that is linked to a protein, peptide, synthetic polymer, adjuvant, or small molecule.

59. A method for inducing antibodies that specifically and/or selectively bind to CXCR3, comprising administering to a subject the peptide of claim 57 or claim 58.

60. A method for selecting antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically and/or selectively bind to XCR3, comprising contacting a sample comprising antibodies or antigen-binding fragments with the peptide of claim 57 or claim 58, and selecting those antibodies and antigen-binding fragments that specifically bind to the peptide.