WO2017104783A1 - Anti-myostatin antibodies, polypeptides containing variant fc regions, and methods of use - Google Patents

Anti-myostatin antibodies, polypeptides containing variant fc regions, and methods of use Download PDF

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WO2017104783A1
WO2017104783A1 PCT/JP2016/087487 JP2016087487W WO2017104783A1 WO 2017104783 A1 WO2017104783 A1 WO 2017104783A1 JP 2016087487 W JP2016087487 W JP 2016087487W WO 2017104783 A1 WO2017104783 A1 WO 2017104783A1
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amino acid
seq
antibody
acid sequence
hvr
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PCT/JP2016/087487
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French (fr)
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Taichi Kuramochi
Tomoyuki Igawa
Hitoshi KATADA
Yuji Hori
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Chugai Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha
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Priority to KR1020177003241A priority Critical patent/KR101820637B1/ko
Priority to CN202210678733.5A priority patent/CN115028721A/zh
Application filed by Chugai Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha filed Critical Chugai Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority to MYPI2018702306A priority patent/MY189425A/en
Priority to KR1020187001235A priority patent/KR102501335B1/ko
Priority to KR1020247013912A priority patent/KR20240058997A/ko
Priority to KR1020237005092A priority patent/KR20230027321A/ko
Priority to CA3002422A priority patent/CA3002422C/en
Priority to AU2016372934A priority patent/AU2016372934B2/en
Priority to MX2018007145A priority patent/MX2018007145A/es
Priority to EP16875757.3A priority patent/EP3390443A4/en
Priority to BR112018011073A priority patent/BR112018011073A2/pt
Priority to CN201680072782.7A priority patent/CN108473562B/zh
Priority to EA201891420A priority patent/EA201891420A1/ru
Priority to RU2018125431A priority patent/RU2789884C2/ru
Priority to SG11201610812WA priority patent/SG11201610812WA/en
Publication of WO2017104783A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017104783A1/en
Priority to PH12018501280A priority patent/PH12018501280A1/en
Priority to HK18113798.7A priority patent/HK1254755A1/zh

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    • C07K16/22—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against growth factors ; against growth regulators
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    • C07K2317/94—Stability, e.g. half-life, pH, temperature or enzyme-resistance

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to anti-myostatin antibodies and methods of using the same.
  • the present invention also relates to polypeptides containing variant Fc regions and methods of using the same.
  • Myostatin also referred to as growth differentiation factor-8 (GDF8), is a secreted protein and is a member of the transforming growth factor- beta (TGF-beta) superfamily of proteins. Members of this superfamily possess growth-regulatory and morphogenetic properties (see, e.g., NPL 1, NPL 2, and PTL 1). Myostatin is expressed primarily in the developing and adult skeletal muscle and functions as a negative regulator of muscle growth.
  • GDF8 growth differentiation factor-8
  • TGF-beta transforming growth factor- beta
  • myostatin is synthesized as a large precursor protein containing an N-terminal propeptide domain, and a C-terminal domain considered as the active molecule (see, e.g., NPL 5; PTL 2).
  • Two molecules of myostatin precursor are covalently linked via a single disulfide bond present in the C-terminal growth factor domain.
  • Active mature myostatin (disulfide-bonded homodimer consisting of the C-terminal growth factor domain) is liberated from myostatin precursor through multiple steps of proteolytic processing.
  • a peptide bond between the N-terminal propeptide domain and the C-terminal growth factor domain, Arg266-Asp267 is cleaved by a furin-type proprotein convertase in both chains of the homodimeric precursor. But the resulting three peptides (two propeptides and one mature myostatin (i.e., a disulfide-bonded homodimer consisting of the growth factor domains)) remain associated, forming a noncovalent inactive complex that is referred to as "latent myostatin.” Mature myostatin can then be liberated from latent myostatin through degradation of the propeptide.
  • BMP1 bone morphogenetic protein 1 family of metalloproteinases cleave a single peptide bond within the propeptide, Arg98-Asp99, with concomitant release of mature, active myostatin, a homodimer (see, e.g., NPL 6).
  • the latent myostatin can be activated in vitro by dissociating the complex with either acid or heat treatment as well (see, e.g., NPL 7).
  • Myostatin exerts its effects through a transmembrane serine/threonine kinase heterotetramer receptor family, activation of which enhances receptor transphosphorylation, leading to the stimulation of serine/threonine kinase activity. It has been shown that the myostatin pathway involves an active myostatin dimer binding to the activin receptor type IIB (ActRIIB) with high affinity, which then recruits and activates the transphosphorylation of the low affinity receptor, the activin-like kinase 4 (ALK4) or activin-like kinase 5 (ALK5).
  • ActRIIB activin receptor type IIB
  • AK4 activin-like kinase 4
  • AK5 activin-like kinase 5
  • a number of disorders or conditions are associated with muscle wasting (i.e., loss of or functional impairment of muscle tissue), such as muscular dystrophy (MD; including Duchenne muscular dystrophy), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscle atrophy, organ atrophy, frailty, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcopenia, and cachexia resulting from cancer or other disorders, as well as renal disease, cardiac failure or disease, and liver disease.
  • MD muscular dystrophy
  • ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • COPD congestive obstructive pulmonary disease
  • sarcopenia sarcopenia
  • cachexia resulting from cancer or other disorders, as well as renal disease, cardiac failure or disease, and liver disease.
  • patients will benefit from an increase in muscle mass and/or muscle strength; however, there are presently limited treatments available for these disorders.
  • myostatin due to its role as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth, myostatin becomes a desirable target for therapeutic or prophylactic intervention for such disorders or conditions, or for monitoring the progression of such disorders or conditions.
  • agents that inhibit the activity of myostatin may be therapeutically beneficial.
  • NPL 4 muscle hypertrophy and hyperplasia
  • Myostatin negatively regulates muscle regeneration after injury and lack of myostatin in myostatin null mice results in accelerated muscle regeneration (see, e.g., NPL 9).
  • Anti-myostatin (GDF8) antibodies described in, e.g., PTL 3, PTL 4, PTL 5, PTL 6, and PTL 7, and PTL 8, PTL 9, and PTL 10 have been shown to bind to myostatin and inhibit myostatin activity in vitro and in vivo, including myostatin activity associated with the negative regulation of skeletal muscle mass.
  • Myostatin-neutralizing antibodies increase body weight, skeletal muscle mass, and muscle size and strength in the skeletal muscle of wild type mice (see, e.g., NPL 10) and the mdx mice, a model for muscular dystrophy (see, e.g., NPL 11; NPL 12).
  • these prior art antibodies are all specific for mature myostatin but not for latent myostatin, and the strategies described for inhibiting myostatin activity have utilized antibodies that can bind to and neutralize mature myostatin.
  • Antibodies are drawing attention as pharmaceuticals since they are highly stable in blood and have few side effects (see, e.g., NPL 13 and NPL 14). Almost all therapeutic antibodies currently on the market are antibodies of the human IgG1 subclass.
  • One of the known functions of IgG class antibodies is antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (hereinafter denoted as ADCC activity) (see, e.g., NPL 15).
  • ADCC activity antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity
  • the antibody Fc region must bind to an Fc gamma receptor (hereinafter denoted as Fc gamma R) which is an antibody-binding receptor present on the surface of effector cells such as killer cells, natural killer cells, and activated macrophages.
  • Fc gamma RIa CD64A
  • Fc gamma RIIa CD32A
  • Fc gamma RIIb CD32B
  • Fc gamma RIIIa CD16A
  • Fc gamma RIIIb CD16B
  • Fc gamma RIa, Fc gamma RIIa, and Fc gamma RIIIa are called activating Fc gamma R since they have immunologically active functions, and Fc gamma RIIb is called inhibitory Fc gamma R since it has immunosuppressive functions (see, e.g., NPL 17).
  • an activating Fc gamma R When an activating Fc gamma R is cross-linked with an immune complex, it phosphorylates immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activating motifs (ITAMs) contained in the intracellular domain or FcR common gamma-chain (an interaction partner), activates a signal transducer SYK, and triggers an inflammatory immune response by initiating an activation signal cascade (see, e.g., NPL 21).
  • ITAMs immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activating motifs
  • Fc gamma RIIb is the only Fc gamma R expressed on B cells (see, e.g., NPL 22). Interaction of the antibody Fc region with Fc gamma RIIb has been reported to suppress the primary immune response of B cells (see, e.g., NPL 23). Furthermore, it is reported that when Fc gamma RIIb on B cells and B cell receptor (BCR) are cross-linked via an immune complex in blood, B cell activation and antibody production by B cells is suppressed (see, e.g., NPL 24).
  • ITIM immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif contained in the intracellular domain of Fc gamma RIIb is necessary (see, e.g., NPL 25 and NPL 26).
  • SH2-containing inositol polyphosphate 5-phosphatase (SHIP) is recruited, transduction of other activating Fc gamma R signal cascades is inhibited, and inflammatory immune response is suppressed (see, e.g., NPL 27).
  • Fc gamma RIIb is also expressed on dendritic cells, macrophages, activated neutrophils, mast cells, and basophils.
  • Fc gamma RIIb inhibits the functions of activating Fc gamma R such as phagocytosis and release of inflammatory cytokines in these cells, and suppresses inflammatory immune responses (see, e.g., NPL 17).
  • Fc gamma RIIb knockout mice The importance of immunosuppressive functions of Fc gamma RIIb has been elucidated so far through studies using Fc gamma RIIb knockout mice.
  • humoral immunity is not appropriately regulated (see, e.g., NPL 29)
  • sensitivity towards collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is increased (see, e.g., NPL 30)
  • lupus-like symptoms are presented
  • Goodpasture's syndrome-like symptoms are presented (see, e.g., NPL 31).
  • Fc gamma RIIb regulatory inadequacy of Fc gamma RIIb has been reported to be related to human autoimmnue diseases.
  • the relationship between genetic polymorphism in the transmembrane region and promoter region of Fc gamma RIIb, and the frequency of development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) see, e.g., NPL 32, NPL 33, NPL 34, NPL 35, and NPL 36
  • SLE systemic lupus erythematosus
  • decrease of Fc gamma RIIb expression on the surface of B cells in SLE patients see, e.g., NPL 37 and NPL 38
  • Fc gamma RIIb is considered to play the role of controlling autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases through involvement in particular with B cells, and it is a promising target molecule for controlling autoimmune diseases and inflammatory diseases.
  • IgG1 mainly used as a commercially available therapeutic antibody, is known to bind not only to Fc gamma RIIb, but also strongly to activating Fc gamma R (see, e.g., NPL 39). It may be possible to develop therapeutic antibodies having greater immunosuppressive properties compared with those of IgG1, by utilizing an Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb binding, or improved Fc gamma RIIb-binding selectivity compared with activating Fc gamma R.
  • an antibody having a variable region that binds to BCR and an Fc with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb binding may inhibit B cell activation (see, e.g., NPL 40). It has been reported that crosslinking Fc gamma RIIb on B cells and IgE bound to a B-cell receptor suppresses differentiation of B cells into plasma cells, which as a result causes suppression of IgE production; and in human PBMC-transplanted mice, human IgG and IgM concentrations are maintained whereas the human IgE concentration is decreased (see, e.g., NPL 41).
  • an antibody having an Fc with improved Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is suggested to be promising as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases such as an autoimmune disease.
  • Fc gamma RIIb has been found to play an important role in the agonistic activity of agonist antibodies against the anti-TNF receptor superfamily. Specifically, it has been suggested that interaction with Fc gamma RIIb is required for the agonistic activity of antibodies against CD40, DR4, DR5, CD30, and CD137, which are included in the TNF receptor family (see, e.g., NPL 46, NPL 47, NPL 48, NPL 49, NPL 50, NPL 51 and NPL 52).
  • NPL 46 shows that the use of antibodies with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb binding enhances the anti-tumor effect of anti-CD40 antibodies. Accordingly, antibodies with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb are expected to have an effect of enhancing agonistic activity of agonist antibodies including antibodies against the anti-TNF receptor superfamily.
  • Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity was improved by adding alterations such as S267E/L328F, G236D/S267E, and S239D/S267E to an antibody Fc region.
  • the antibody introduced with the S267E/L328F mutation most strongly binds to Fc gamma RIIb, and maintains the same level of binding to Fc gamma RIa and Fc gamma RIIa type H in which a residue at position 131 of Fc gamma RIIa is His as that of a naturally-occurring IgG1.
  • antibodies with enhanced Fc gamma RIIa binding have been reported to enhance macrophage-mediated antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) (see, e.g., NPL 59).
  • ADCP antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis
  • antibodies themselves are considered to be also phagocytized at the same time.
  • antibodies are administered as pharmaceuticals, it is supposed that peptide fragments derived from the administered antibodies are likely to be also presented as an antigen, thereby increasing the risk of production of antibodies against therapeutic antibodies (anti-therapeutic antibodies). More specifically, enhancing Fc gamma RIIa binding will increase the risk of production of antibodies against the therapeutic antibodies, and this will remarkably decrease their value as pharmaceuticals.
  • Fc gamma RIIb on dendritic cells have been suggested to contribute to peripheral tolerance by inhibiting dendritic cell activation caused by immune complexes formed between antigens and antibodies, or by suppressing antigen presentation to T cells via activating Fc gamma receptors (see, e.g., NPL 60). Since Fc gamma RIIa is also expressed on dendritic cells, when antibodies having an Fc with enhanced selective binding to Fc gamma RIIb are used as pharmaceuticals, antigens are not readily presented by dendritic cells and such due to enhanced selective binding to Fc gamma RIIb, and risk of anti-drug antibody production can be relatively decreased. Such antibodies may be useful in that regard as well.
  • the value as pharmaceuticals will be considerably reduced when Fc gamma RIIa binding is enhanced, which leads to increased risk of thrombus formation via platelet aggregation and increased risk of anti-therapeutic antibody production due to an increased immunogenicity.
  • the aforementioned Fc variant with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb binding shows significantly enhanced type-R Fc gamma RIIa binding compared with that of a naturally-occurring IgG1. Therefore, its value as a pharmaceutical for patients carrying type-R Fc gamma RIIa is considerably reduced.
  • Types H and R of Fc gamma RIIa are observed in Caucasians and African-Americans with approximately the same frequency (see, e.g., NPL 61 and NPL 62). Therefore, when this Fc variant was used for treatment of autoimmune diseases, the number of patients who can safely use it while enjoying its effects as a pharmaceutical will be limited.
  • dendritic cells deficient in Fc gamma RIIb or dendritic cells in which the interaction between Fc gamma RIIb and the antibody Fc portion is inhibited by an anti-Fc gamma RIIb antibody dendritic cells have been reported to mature (see, e.g., NPL 63 and NPL 64). This report suggests that Fc gamma RIIb is actively suppressing maturation of dendritic cells in a steady state where inflammation and such are not taking place and activation does not take place.
  • Fc gamma RIIa is expressed on the dendritic cell surface in addition to Fc gamma RIIb; therefore, even if binding to inhibitory Fc gamma RIIb is enhanced and if binding to activating Fc gamma R such as Fc gamma RIIa is also enhanced, maturation of dendritic cells may be promoted as a result. More specifically, improving not only the Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity but also the ratio of Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity relative to Fc gamma RIIa-binding activity is considered to be important in providing antibodies with an immunosuppressive action.
  • Fc gamma RIIb plays an important role in the agonist antibodies mentioned above, enhancing their binding activity is expected to enhance the agonistic activity.
  • Fc gamma RIIa binding is similarly enhanced, unintended activities such as ADCC activity and ADCP activity will be exhibited, and this may cause side effects.
  • Fc gamma RIIb shares 93% sequence identity in the extracellular region with that of Fc gamma RIIa which is one of the activating Fc gamma Rs, and they are very similar structurally.
  • Fc gamma RIIa H type and R type, in which the amino acid at position 131 is His (type H) or Arg (type R), and yet each of them reacts differently with the antibodies (see, e.g., NPL 66). Therefore, the difficult problem may be producing an Fc region variant with enhanced selective Fc gamma RIIb binding as compared to each allotype of Fc gamma RIIa, which involves distinguishing highly homologous sequences between Fc gamma RIIa and Fc gamma RIIb.
  • Fc region variants have been identified so far, which has selective binding activity to Fc gamma RIIb as compared to Fc gamma RIIa, by conducting comprehensive amino acid modification analysis in the Fc region (see, e.g., PTL 16, PTL 17, PTL 18, PTL 19 and PTL 20).
  • incorporation of an antigen into cells can be promoted by modifying the charge of specified amino acid residues particularly in its CH3 domain to increase the antibody's pI (see, e.g., PTL 23). Also, it has been reported that modifying the charge of amino acid residues in the constant region (mainly CH1 domain) of an antibody to reduce pI can prolong the half-life of the antibody in plasma (see, e.g., PTL 24).
  • An objective of the invention is to provide anti-myostatin antibodies, polypeptides containing variant Fc regions, and methods of using the same.
  • the invention provides anti-myostatin antibodies and methods of using the same.
  • the invention also provides proteins containing a variant Fc region and methods of using the same.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to latent myostatin. In further embodiments, the antibody binds to an epitope within a fragment consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78). In some embodiments, an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention inhibits activation of myostatin. In further embodiments, the antibody blocks the release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin. In further embodiments, the antibody blocks the proteolytic release of mature myostatin. In further embodiments, the antibody blocks the spontaneous release of mature myostatin. In further embodiments, the antibody does not bind to mature myostatin.
  • the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 13. In further embodiments, the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody comprising a VH and a VL pair described in Table 13. In further embodiments, the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 2a. In further embodiments, the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody comprising a VH and a VL pair described in Table 2a. In further embodiments, the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 11a. . In further embodiments, the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody comprising a VH and a VL pair described in Table 11a.
  • the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 2a, 11a, or 13. In further embodiments, the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody comprising a VH and a VL pair described in Table 2a, 11a, or 13.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to latent myostatin with higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH. In some embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to latent myostatin with higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8. In some embodiments, an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to a polypeptide fragment consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78) with higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to the same myostatin epitope as an antibody described in Table 13 with a higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 13 with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8. In further embodiments, the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody comprising a VH and a VL pair described in Table 13 with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to the same myostatin epitope as an antibody described in Table 2a with a higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH. In some embodiments, the antibody binds to the same myostatin epitope as an antibody described in Table 2a with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody comprising a VH and a VL pair described in Table 2a with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 11a with a higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH.
  • the antibody binds to the same myostatin epitope as an antibody described in Table 11a with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody comprising a VH and a VL pair described in Table 11a with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 2a, 11a, or 13 with a higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH.
  • the antibody binds to the same myostatin epitope as an antibody described in Table 2a, 11a, or 13 with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • the antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody comprising a VH and a VL pair described in Table 2a, 11a, or 13 with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody provided herein.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody described in Table 13.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody comprising a VH and VL pair described in Table 13.
  • the antibody competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody described in Table 2a.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody comprising a VH and VL pair described in Table 2a.
  • the antibody competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody described in Table 11a.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody comprising a VH and VL pair described in Table 11a.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody described in Table 2a, 11a, or 13.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody comprising a VH and VL pair described in Table 2a, 11a, or 13.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody binds to latent myostatin with a higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH. In further embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to latent myostatin with a higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8. In further embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to a polypeptide fragment consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78) with higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention is a monoclonal antibody. In some embodiments, an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention is a human, humanized, or chimeric antibody. In some embodiments, an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention is an antibody fragment that binds to myostatin. In some embodiments, an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention is an antibody fragment that binds to latent myostatin. In some embodiments, an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention is an antibody fragment that binds to a polypeptide fragment consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78). In some embodiments, an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention is a full length IgG antibody.
  • a anti-myostatin antibody of the invention comprises: (a) (i) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence GVPAX 1 SX 2 GGDX 3 , wherein X 1 is Y or H, X 2 is T or H, X 3 is L or K (SEQ ID NO: 128), (ii) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence AGGYGGGX 1 YA, wherein X 1 is L or R (SEQ ID NO: 131), and (iii) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence IISX 1 AGX 2 X 3 YX 4 X 5 X 6 WAKX 7 , wherein X 1 is Y or H, X 2 is S or K, X 3 is T, M or K, X 4 is Y or K, X 5 is A, M or E, X 6 is S or E, X 7 is G or K (SEQ ID NO: 127); (b) (i)
  • the antibody of (b) further comprises a heavy chain variable domain framework FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 132-134; FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 135-136; FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137; and FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 138.
  • FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 132-134
  • FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 135-136
  • FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137
  • FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 138.
  • the antibody of (d), further comprises a light chain variable domain framework FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139; FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 140-141; FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 142-143; and FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144.
  • FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139
  • FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 140-141
  • FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 142-143
  • FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention comprises (a) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence GVPAX 1 SX 2 GGDX 3 , wherein X 1 is Y or H, X 2 is T or H, X 3 is L or K (SEQ ID NO: 128), (b) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence AGGYGGGX 1 YA, wherein X 1 is L or R (SEQ ID NO: 131), and (c) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence IISX 1 AGX 2 X 3 YX 4 X 5 X 6 WAKX 7 , wherein X 1 is Y or H, X 2 is S or K, X 3 is T, M or K, X 4 is Y or K, X 5 is A, M or E, X 6 is S or E, X 7 is G or K (SEQ ID NO: 127).
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention comprises (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence X 1 X 2 DIS, wherein X 1 is S or H, X 2 is Y, T, D or E (SEQ ID NO: 126), (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence IISX 1 AGX 2 X 3 YX 4 X 5 X 6 WAKX 7 , wherein X 1 is Y or H, X 2 is S or K, X 3 is T, M or K, X 4 is Y or K, X 5 is A, M or E, X 6 is S or E, X 7 is G or K (SEQ ID NO: 127), and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence GVPAX 1 SX 2 GGDX 3 , wherein X 1 is Y or H, X 2 is T or H, X 3 is L or K (SEQ ID NO: 128).
  • the antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain framework FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 132-134; FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 135-136; FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137; and FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:138.
  • FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 132-134
  • FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 135-136
  • FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137
  • FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:138.
  • the antibody additionally comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence X 1 X 2 SQX 3 VX 4 X 5 X 6 NWLS, wherein X 1 is Q or T, X 2 is S or T, X 3 is S or E, X 4 is Y or F, X 5 is D or H, X 6 is N, D, A or E (SEQ ID NO: 129); (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence WAX 1 TLAX 2 , wherein X 1 is S or E, X 2 is S, Y, F or W (SEQ ID NO: 130); and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence AGGYGGGX 1 YA, wherein X 1 is L or R (SEQ ID NO: 131).
  • a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence X 1 X 2 SQX 3 VX 4 X 5 X 6 NWLS, wherein X 1 is Q or T, X 2
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence X 1 X 2 SQX 3 VX 4 X 5 X 6 NWLS, wherein X 1 is Q or T, X 2 is S or T, X 3 is S or E, X 4 is Y or F, X 5 is D or H, X 6 is N, D, A or E (SEQ ID NO: 129); (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence WAX 1 TLAX 2 , wherein X 1 is S or E, X 2 is S, Y, F or W (SEQ ID NO: 130); and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence AGGYGGGX 1 YA, wherein X 1 is L or R (SEQ ID NO: 131).
  • the antibody further comprises a light chain variable domain framework FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139; FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 140-141; FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 142-143; and FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144.
  • FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139
  • FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 140-141
  • FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 142-143
  • FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable domain framework FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 132-134; FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 135-136; FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137; and FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 138.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention comprises a light chain variable domain framework FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139; FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 140-141; FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 142-143; and FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144.
  • FR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139
  • FR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 140-141
  • FR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 142-143
  • FR4 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144.
  • an isolated anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention comprises (a) a VH sequence having at least 95% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32-34, and 86-95; (b) a VL sequence having at least 95% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, 35-38, and 96-99; or (c) a VH sequence as in (a) and a VL sequence as in (b).
  • the antibody comprises a VH sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32-34, and 86-95.
  • the antibody comprises a VL sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, 35-38, and 96-99. In some embodimments, the antibody comprises a VH sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32-34, and 86-95. In further embodimments, the antibody comprises a VH sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32-34, and 86-95; and a VL sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, 35-38, and 96-99.
  • the invention also provides isolated nucleic acids encoding an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention.
  • the invention also provides host cells comprising a nucleic acid of the present invention.
  • the invention also provides a method of producing an antibody comprising culturing a host cell of the present invention so that the antibody is produced.
  • the invention provides a method of producing an anti-myostatin antibody comprising: (a) culturing a host cell of the present invention so that the antibody is produced; or (b) immunizing an animal against a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises the region corresponding to amino acids at positions 21 to 100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78).
  • the invention further provides a method of producing an anti-myostatin antibody.
  • the method comprises immunizing an animal against a polypeptide, wherein the polypeptide comprises the region corresponding to amino acids at positions 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78).
  • the invention also provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • Anti-myostatin antibodies of the present invention may be for use as a medicament.
  • the antibody is used in the manufacture of a medicament for: (a) treatment of a muscle wasting disease; (b) increasing mass of muscle tissue; (c) increasing strength of muscle tissue; or (d) reducing body fat accumulation.
  • anti-myostatin antibodies of the present invention may be for use in treating a muscle wasting disease.
  • Anti-myostatin antibodies of the present invention may be for use in increasing mass of muscle tissue.
  • Anti-myostatin antibodies of the present invention may be for use in increasing strength of muscle tissue.
  • Anti-myostatin antibodies of the present invention may be for use in reducing body fat accumulation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody provided herein has use in: (a) treating a muscle wasting disease; (b) increasing mass of muscle tissue; (c) increasing strength of muscle tissue; or (d) reducing body fat accumulation.
  • Anti-myostatin antibodies of the present invention may be used in the manufacture of a medicament.
  • the antibody is used in the manufacture of a medicament for: (a) treatment of a muscle wasting disease; (b) increasing mass of muscle tissue; (c) increasing strength of muscle tissue; or (d) reducing body fat accumulation.
  • the medicament is for treatment of a muscle wasting disease.
  • the medicament is for increasing mass of muscle tissue.
  • the medicament is for increasing strength of muscle tissue.
  • the medicament is for reducing body fat accumulation.
  • the invention also provides a method of treating an individual having a muscle wasting disease.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention.
  • the invention also provides a method of increasing mass of muscle tissue in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention to increase mass of muscle tissue.
  • the invention also provides a method of increasing strength of muscle tissue in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention to increase strength of muscle tissue.
  • the invention also provides a method of reducing body fat accumulation in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention to reduce body fat accumulation.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions and methods of making and using the same.
  • the invention provides Fc gamma RIIB-binding polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions and methods of using the same.
  • a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity of the present invention comprises at least one amino acid alteration in a parent Fc region.
  • the ratio of [KD value of the parent Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIb]/[KD value of the variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIb] is 2.0 or greater.
  • the ratio of [KD value of the parent Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIIa]/[KD value of the variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIIa] is 0.5 or smaller. In further embodiments, the ratio of [KD value of the parent Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIb]/[KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIb] is 2.0 or greater. In further embodiments, the ratio of [KD value of the parent Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIIa]/[KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIIa] is 0.5 or smaller.
  • the ratio of [KD value of the parent Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type H)]/[KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type H)] is 5.0 or smaller. In further embodiments, the ratio of [KD value of the parent Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type R)]/[KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type R)] is 5.0 or smaller. In another embodiment, the KD value of the variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIb is 1.0x10 -6 M or smaller.
  • the KD value of the variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIIa is 5.0x10 -7 M or greater. In another embodiment, the KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIb is 2.0x10 -6 M or smaller. In another embodiment, the KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIIa is 1.0x10 -6 M or greater. In another embodiment, the KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type H) is 1.0x10 -7 M or greater. In another embodiment, the KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type R) is 2.0x10 -7 M or greater.
  • a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity of the present invention comprises at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 295, 298, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises at least two amino acid alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: (i) position 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 295, 298, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, and 396; (ii) position: 231, 232, 235, 239, 268, 295, 298, 326, 330, and 396; or (iii) position 268, 295, 326, and 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises at least two amino acid alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 295, 298, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises at least two amino acid alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 235, 239, 268, 295, 298, 326, 330, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises at least two amino acid alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 268, 295, 326, and 330 according to EU numbering.
  • a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity of the present invention comprises at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of: (a) Asp, Glu, Phe, Gly, His, Ile, Lys, Leu, Met, Asn, Pro, Gln, Arg, Ser, Thr, Val, Trp, Tyr at position 231; (b) Ala, Asp, Glu, Phe, Gly, His, Ile, Lys, Leu, Met, Asn, Gln, Arg, Ser, Thr, Val, Trp, Tyr at position 232; (c) Asp at position 233; (d) Trp, Tyr at position 234; (e) Trp at position 235; (f) Ala, Asp, Glu, His, Ile, Leu, Met, Asn, Gln, Ser, Thr, Val at position 236; (g) Asp, Tyr at position 237; (h) Glu, Ile, Met, Gl
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of: (a) Gly, Thr at position 231; (b) Asp at position 232; (c) Trp at position 235; (d) Asn, Thr at position 236; (e) Val at position 239; (f) Asp, Glu at position 268; (g) Leu at position 295; (h) Leu at position 298; (i) Thr at position 326; (j) Lys, Arg at position 330, and (k) Lys, Met at position 396; according to EU numbering.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising an isoelectric point (pI)-increased variant Fc region and a method of using the same.
  • a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI comprises at least two amino acid alterations in a parent Fc region.
  • each of the amino acid alterations increases the isoelectric point (pI) of the variant Fc region compared with that of the parent Fc region.
  • the amino acid can be exposed on the surface of the variant Fc region.
  • a polypeptide comprises the variant Fc region and an antigen-binding domain.
  • antigen-binding activity of the antigen-binding domain changes according to ion concentration conditions.
  • the variant Fc region with increased pI of the present invention comprises at least two amino acid alterations of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 285, 311, 312, 315, 318, 333, 335, 337, 341, 342, 343, 384, 385, 388, 390, 399, 400, 401, 402, 413, 420, 422, and 431 according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with increased pI comprises Arg or Lys at each of the positions selected.
  • a variant Fc region of the present invention comprises amino acid alterations described in Tables 14-30.
  • a polypeptide comprises a variant Fc region of the present invention.
  • the parent Fc region is derived from human IgG1.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptpide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 229-381.
  • the invention also provides isolated nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention.
  • the invention also provides a host cell comprising the nucleic acid of the present invention.
  • the invention also provides a method of producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region comprising culturing the host of the present invention so that the polypeptide is produced.
  • the invention further provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • Figure 1 illustrates inhibition of proteolytic activation of latent myostatin by anti-latent myostatin antibody, as described in Example 3.
  • the activity of active myostatin released from latent myostatin by BMP1 protease was measured in the presence of anti-latent myostatin antibody, using HEK Blue Assay.
  • Figure 2 illustrates inhibition of spontaneous activation of latent myostatin by anti-latent myostatin antibody, as described in Example 4.
  • the activity of active myostatin released from latent myostatin by 37 degrees C incubation was measured in the presence of anti-latent myostatin antibody, using HEK Blue Assay.
  • Figure 3 illustrates binding of anti-latent myostatin antibody to propeptide domain, as described in Example 5.
  • Figure 4 illustrates Western Blot analysis against myostatin propeptide, as described in Example 6. Proteolytic cleavage of myostatin propeptide by BMP1 was assessed in the presence and absence of anti-latent myostatin antibody.
  • Figures 5A-5C illustrate BIACORE (registered trademark) sensorgrams of anti-latent myostatin antibody MST1032-G1m towards human latent myostatin (A), cynomolgus monkey latent myostatin (B), and mouse latent myostatin (C), as described in Example 7.
  • Figure 6A illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibody and anti-mature myostatin antibody on muscle mass and fat mass, as described in Example 8.
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibody (MST1032-G1m; described as MST1032 in the Figures) or anti-mature myostatin antibody (41C1E4) was administered to SCID mice, and full body lean mass (or lean body mass: LBM) was measured.
  • Figure 6B illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibody and anti-mature myostatin antibody on muscle mass and fat mass, as described in Example 8.
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibody (MST1032-G1m; described as MST1032 in the Figures) or anti-mature myostatin antibody (41C1E4) was administered to SCID mice, and change of full body fat mass from Day 0 to Day 14 was measured.
  • Figure 6C illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibody and anti-mature myostatin antibody on muscle mass and fat mass, as described in Example 8.
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibody (MST1032-G1m; described as MST1032 in the Figures) or anti-mature myostatin antibody (41C1E4) wasadministered to SCID mice, and gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscle mass was measured.
  • Figure 7A illustrates comparison of in vivo efficacy among several anti-myostatin antibodies, as described in Example 9.
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibody (MST1032-G1m; described as MST1032 in the Figures) or anti-mature myostatin antibody (41C1E4, REGN, OGD, or MYO-029) was administered to SCID mice, and full body lean mass was measured.
  • Figure 7B illustrates comparison of in vivo efficacy among several anti-myostatin antibodies, as described in Example 9.
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibody (MST1032-G1m; described as MST1032 in the Figures) or anti-mature myostatin antibody (41C1E4, REGN, OGD, or MYO-029) was administered to SCID mice, and grip strength was measured.
  • Figure 7C illustrates comparison of in vivo efficacy among several anti-myostatin antibodies, as described in Example 9.
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibody (MST1032-G1m; described as MST1032 in the Figures) or anti-mature myostatin antibody (41C1E4, REGN, OGD, or MYO-029) was administered to SCID mice, and change of full body fat mass from Day 0 to Day 14 was measured.
  • Figure 8 illustrates inhibition of proteolytic and spontaneous activation of latent myostatin by humanized anti-latent myostatin antibody, as described in Example 10.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates BIACORE (registered trademark) sensorgrams of histidine substituted variants of anti-latent myostatin antibody, as described in Example 11.
  • the antibody/antigen complexes were allowed to dissociate at pH7.4, followed by additional dissociation at pH5.8 (pointed by an arrow) to assess the pH-dependent interactions.
  • Antibodies tested in this experiment are: Ab001 (black solid curve), Ab002 (black short-dashed curve), Ab003 (black dotted curve), Ab004 (gray short-dashed curve), Ab005 (gray solid curve), Ab006 (gray long-dashed curve), and Ab007 (black long-dashed curve).
  • Figure 10 illustrates inhibition of proteolytic and spontaneous activation of latent myostatin by pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibodies, as described in Example 13.
  • the activity of active myostatin released from latent myostatin by BMP1 protease (proteolytic) or by 37 degrees C incubation without BMP1 (spontaneous) was measured in the presence of anti-latent myostatin antibodies, using HEK Blue Assay.
  • Antibodies MS1032LO01-SG1, MS1032LO02-SG1, MS1032LO03-SG1, and MS1032LO04-SG1 are described respectively as MSLO-01, MSLO-02, MSLO-03, and MSLO-04 in the Figure.
  • Figure 12 illustrates the time course of plasma myostatin concentration after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody in mice, as described in Example 15.
  • the effects of Fc gamma R-mediated cellular uptake of antibody/antigen complexes on myostatin clearance in vivo was assessed by comparing anti-myostatin antibodies with Fc gamma R binding (MS1032LO00-SG1) and anti-myostatin antibodies with abolished Fc gamma R binding (MS1032LO00-F760).
  • Figure 13 illustrates the time course of plasma myostatin concentration after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody in mice, as described in Example 16.
  • pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibody (MS1032LO01-SG1; described as MSLO1 in the Figure) or non pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibody (MS1032LO00-SG1; described as MSLO0 in the Figure) was administered to SCID mice, and full body lean mass (A), full body fat mass (B), quadriceps muscle mass (C), gastrocnemius muscle mass (D), and grip strength (E) were measured.
  • Figure 15 illustrates binding activity of anti-latent myostatin antibody MST1032 to latent myostatin and GDF11, as described in Example 19.
  • Figure 16 illustrates the inhibitory activity of anti-latent myostatin antibody MST1032 against proteolytic and spontaneous activation of GDF11, as described in Example 20.
  • the activity of active GDF11 released by BMP1 protease (proteolytic) or by 37 degrees C incubation without BMP1 (spontaneous) was measured in the presence of anti-latent myostatin antibody, using HEK Blue Assay.
  • Figure 17 illustrates inhibition of proteolytic activation of latent myostatin by anti-latent myostatin antibody, as described in Example 22.
  • the activity of active myostatin released from latent myostatin by BMP1 protease was measured in the presence of anti-latent myostatin antibody, using HEK Blue Assay.
  • Figure 18 illustrates the time course of plasma myostatin concentration after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibodies in mice, as described in Example 23.
  • the effects of pH dependency on myostatin clearance in vivo was assessed by comparing non-pH dependent anti-latent myostatin antibody (MS1032LO00-SG1) and different pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032LO01-SG1, MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO11-SG1, MS1032LO18-SG1, MS1032LO19-SG1, MS1032LO21-SG1 and MS1032LO25-SG1).
  • Figures 19A and 19B illustrate the time course of plasma myostatin concentration after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibodies in cynomolgus monkey, as described in Example 24.
  • (A) The effect of pH-dependency and Fc engineering on myostatin clearance in vivo was assessed by comparing non pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibody (MS1032LO00-SG1) and pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibodies with Fc engineering (MS1032LO06-SG1012, MS1032LO06-SG1016, MS1032LO06-SG1029, MS1032LO06-SG1031, MS1032LO06-SG1033, MS1032LO06-SG1034).
  • MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO11-SG1, and MS1032LO18-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and lean body mass (A)was measured.
  • Figure 20B, together with Figures 20A, 20C-20I illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032 variants) on lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, and body fat mass, as described in Example 25.
  • MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO19-SG1, and MS1032LO25-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and lean body mass (B) was measured.
  • Figure 20C together with Figures 20A-B, 20D-I, illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032 variants) on lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, and body fat mass, as described in Example 25.
  • MS1032LO01-SG, MS1032LO06-SG1, and MS1032LO11-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and lean body mass (C) was measured.
  • Figure 20D, together with Figures 20A-C, 20E-I illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032 variants) on lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, and body fat mass, as described in Example 25.
  • MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO11-SG1, and MS1032LO18-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and grip strength (D) was measured.
  • Figure 20E, together with Figures 20A-D, 20F-20I, illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032 variants) on lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, and body fat mass, as described in Example 25.
  • MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO19-SG1, and MS1032LO25-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and grip strength (E) was measured.
  • Figure 20F together with Figures 20A-E, 20G-I, illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032 variants) on lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, and body fat mass, as described in Example 25.
  • MS1032LO01-SG, MS1032LO06-SG1, and MS1032LO11-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and grip strength (F) was measured.
  • Figure 20G together with Figures 20A-F, 20H-I, illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032 variants) on lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, and body fat mass, as described in Example 25.
  • MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO11-SG1, and MS1032LO18-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and body fat mass (G) was measured.
  • Figure 20H, together with Figures 20A-G, 20I, illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032 variants) on lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, and body fat mass, as described in Example 25.
  • MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO19-SG1, and MS1032LO25-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and body fat mass (H) was measured.
  • Figure 20I illustrates in vivo efficacy of anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032 variants) on lean body mass (LBM), grip strength, and body fat mass, as described in Example 25.
  • MS1032LO01-SG, MS1032LO06-SG1, and MS1032LO11-SG1 were administered to Scid mice, and body fat mass (I) was measured.
  • Figure 21 illustrates inhibitory activity on latent myostatin activation by anti-latent myostatin antibodies, as described in Example 26.
  • FIG. 22A illustrates a schematic diagram of latent myostatin fragments of 100 amino acid each, designed for epitope mapping of anti-latent myostatin antibodies, as described in Example 26.
  • Figure 22B illustrates Western blotting analysis against GST tagged human latent myostatin fragments (GST-hMSTN) by an anti-GST antibody, as described in Example 26.
  • Each lane indicates: 1, GST-hMSTN 1-100aa; 2, GST-hMSTN 21-120aa; 3, GST-hMSTN 41-140aa; 4, GST-hMSTN 61-160aa; 5, GST-hMSTN 81-180aa; 6, GST-hMSTN 101-200aa; 7, GST-hMSTN 121-220aa; 8, GST-hMSTN 141-241aa; 9, GST control.
  • Figure 22C illustrates Western blotting analysis against GST tagged human latent myostatin fragments (GST-hMSTN) by anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MST1032, MST1538, MST1572, and MST1573), as described in Example 26.
  • Each lane indicates: 1, GST-hMSTN 1-100aa; 2, GST-hMSTN 21-120aa; 3, GST-hMSTN 41-140aa; 4, GST-hMSTN 61-160aa; 5, GST-hMSTN 81-180aa; 6, GST-hMSTN 101-200aa; 7, GST-hMSTN 121-220aa; 8, GST-hMSTN 141-241aa; 9, GST control; 10, human latent myostatin (100ng).
  • Figure 22D illustrates summarized results of Western blotting analysis and deduced epitope positions for anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MST1032, MST1538, MST1572, and MST1573), as described in Example 26.
  • Figure 23 illustrates an alignment of amino acid sequences of cynomolgus (cyno) Fc gamma RIIa1, Fc gamma RIIa2, Fc gamma RIIa3, Fc gamma RIIb, human Fc gamma RIIaH, Fc gamma RIIaR, and Fc gamma RIIb.
  • Squared regions indicate putative residues which interact with Fc domain.
  • Figure 24 illustrates the time course of total myostatin concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody with an Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced Fc variant in all human Fc gamma R transgenic mice, as described in Example 28.
  • Figure 25 illustrates the time course of antibody concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody with an Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced Fc variant in all human Fc gamma R transgenic mice, as described in Example 28.
  • the effects of Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced Fc variants on antibody pharmacokinetics were evaluated.
  • Figures 26A and 26B illustrate the time course of plasma myostatin concentration after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibodies in cynomolgus monkey, as described in Example 29.
  • FIG. 27A illustrates the time course of total myostatin concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody with a pI-increased Fc variant in human FcRn transgenic mice, as described in Example 30. The effects of pI-increased Fc variants on antigen elimination were evaluated.
  • Figure 27B illustrates the time course of antibody concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody with a pI-increased Fc variant in human FcRn transgenic mice, as described in Example 30. The effects of pI-increased Fc variants on antibody pharmacokinetics were evaluated.
  • Figure 28A illustrates the time course of total myostatin concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody with a pI-increased Fc variant in human FcRn transgenic mice, as described in Example 30. The effects of pI-increased Fc variants on antigen elimination were evaluated.
  • Figure 28B illustrates the time course of antibody concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody with a pI-increased Fc variant in human FcRn transgenic mice, as described in Example 30. The effects of pI-increased Fc variants on antibody pharmacokinetics were evaluated.
  • an excess of human normal immunogloblin were co-administered with the anti-myostatin antibody in order to mimic the situation of human plasma.
  • Figure 29 illustrates the time course of total myostatin concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody with an Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced Fc variant in human Fc gamma RIIb transgenic mice, as described in Example 31.
  • the effects of Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced Fc variants on antigen elimination through human Fc gamma RIIb were evaluated.
  • Figure 30 illustrates the time course of antibody concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of an anti-myostatin antibody with an Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced Fc variant in human Fc gamma RIIb transgenic mice, as described in Example 31.
  • Figure 31 illustrates results of cell imaging analysis of anti-myostatin antibodies with an Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced Fc variant, as described in Example 33. Each antibody was complexed with fluorescence-labelled myostatin and intracellular uptake of the antigen-antibody complex into cells expressing human Fc gamma RIIb was measured.
  • acceptor human framework for the purposes herein is a framework comprising the amino acid sequence of a light chain variable domain (VL) framework or a heavy chain variable domain (VH) framework derived from a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework, as defined below.
  • An acceptor human framework "derived from” a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework may comprise the same amino acid sequence thereof, or it may contain amino acid sequence changes. In some embodiments, the number of amino acid changes are 10 or less, 9 or less, 8 or less, 7 or less, 6 or less, 5 or less, 4 or less, 3 or less, or 2 or less.
  • the VL acceptor human framework is identical in sequence to the VL human immunoglobulin framework sequence or human consensus framework sequence.
  • Bind refers to the strength of the sum total of noncovalent interactions between a single binding site of a molecule (e.g., an antibody) and its binding partner (e.g., an antigen).
  • binding affinity refers to intrinsic binding affinity which reflects a 1:1 interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., antibody and antigen).
  • the affinity of a molecule X for its partner Y can generally be represented by the dissociation constant (Kd). Affinity can be measured by common methods known in the art, including those described herein. Specific illustrative and exemplary embodiments for measuring binding affinity are described in the following.
  • an “affinity matured” antibody refers to an antibody with one or more alterations in one or more hypervariable regions (HVRs), compared to a parent antibody which does not possess such alterations, such alterations resulting in an improvement in the affinity of the antibody for antigen.
  • HVRs hypervariable regions
  • anti-myostatin antibody and "an antibody that binds to myostatin” refer to an antibody that is capable of binding myostatin with sufficient affinity such that the antibody is useful as a diagnostic and/or therapeutic agent in targeting myostatin.
  • the extent of binding of an anti-myostatin antibody to an unrelated, non-myostatin protein is less than about 10% of the binding of the antibody to myostatin as measured, e.g., by a radioimmunoassay (RIA).
  • RIA radioimmunoassay
  • an antibody that binds to myostatin has a dissociation constant (Kd) of 1 micro M or less, 100 nM or less, 10 nM or less, 1 nM or less, 0.1 nM or less, 0.01 nM or less, or 0.001 nM or less (e.g., 10 -8 M or less, e.g., from 10 -8 M to 10 -13 M, e.g., from 10 -9 M to 10 -13 M).
  • Kd dissociation constant
  • an anti myostatin antibody binds to an epitope of myostatin that is conserved among myostatin from different species.
  • antibody herein is used in the broadest sense and encompasses various antibody structures, including but not limited to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), and antibody fragments so long as they exhibit the desired antigen-binding activity.
  • antibody fragment refers to a molecule other than an intact antibody that comprises a portion of an intact antibody that binds the antigen to which the intact antibody binds.
  • antibody fragments include but are not limited to Fv, Fab, Fab', Fab'-SH, F(ab') 2 ; diabodies; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody molecules (e.g., scFv); and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments.
  • an "antibody that binds to the same epitope” as a reference antibody refers to an antibody that blocks binding of the reference antibody to its antigen in a competition assay, and/or conversely, the reference antibody blocks binding of the antibody to its antigen in a competition assay.
  • An exemplary competition assay is provided herein.
  • chimeric antibody refers to an antibody in which a portion of the heavy and/or light chain is derived from a particular source or species, while the remainder of the heavy and/or light chain is derived from a different source or species.
  • the "class" of an antibody refers to the type of constant domain or constant region possessed by its heavy chain.
  • the heavy chain constant domains that correspond to the different classes of immunoglobulins are called alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma, and mu, respectively.
  • cytotoxic agent refers to a substance that inhibits or prevents a cellular function and/or causes cell death or destruction.
  • Cytotoxic agents include, but are not limited to, radioactive isotopes (e.g., At 211 , I 131 , I 125 , Y 90 , Re 186 , Re 188 , Sm 153 , Bi 212 , P 32 , Pb 212 and radioactive isotopes of Lu); chemotherapeutic agents or drugs (e.g., methotrexate, adriamycin, vinca alkaloids (vincristine, vinblastine, etoposide), doxorubicin, melphalan, mitomycin C, chlorambucil, daunorubicin or other intercalating agents); growth inhibitory agents; enzymes and fragments thereof such as nucleolytic enzymes; antibiotics; toxins such as small molecule toxins or enzymatically active toxins of bacterial, fungal,
  • Antibody effector functions refer to those biological activities attributable to the Fc region of an antibody, which vary with the antibody isotype. Examples of antibody effector functions include: C1q binding and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC); Fc receptor binding; antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC); phagocytosis; down regulation of cell surface receptors (e.g., B cell receptor); and B cell activation.
  • an "effective amount" of an agent refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired therapeutic or prophylactic result.
  • epitope includes any determinant capable of being bound by an antibody.
  • An epitope is a region of an antigen that is bound by an antibody that targets that antigen, and includes specific amino acids that directly contact the antibody.
  • Epitope determinants can include chemically active surface groupings of molecules such as amino acids, sugar side chains, phosphoryl or sulfonyl groups, and can have specific three dimensional structural characteristics, and/or specific charge characteristics.
  • antibodies specific for a particular target antigen will preferentially recognize an epitope on the target antigen in a complex mixture of proteins and/or macromolecules.
  • Fc receptor or “FcR” describes a receptor that binds to the Fc region of an antibody.
  • an FcR is a native human FcR.
  • an FcR is one which binds an IgG antibody (a gamma receptor) and includes receptors of the Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII, and Fc gamma RIII subclasses, including allelic variants and alternatively spliced forms of those receptors.
  • Fc gamma RII receptors include Fc gamma RIIA (an “activating receptor”) and Fc gamma RIIB (an “inhibiting receptor”), which have similar amino acid sequences that differ primarily in the cytoplasmic domains thereof.
  • Activating receptor Fc gamma RIIA contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in its cytoplasmic domain.
  • Inhibiting receptor Fc gamma RIIB contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) in its cytoplasmic domain.
  • ITAM immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif
  • ITIM immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif
  • FcRs are reviewed, for example, in Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 9:457-92 (1991); Capel et al., Immunomethods 4:25-34 (1994); and de Haas et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 126:330-41 (1995).
  • Other FcRs including those to be identified in the future, are encompassed by the term "FcR" herein.
  • Fc receptor or “FcR” also includes the neonatal receptor, FcRn, which is responsible for the transfer of maternal IgGs to the fetus (Guyer et al., J. Immunol. 117:587 (1976) and Kim et al., J. Immunol. 24:249 (1994)) and regulation of homeostasis of immunoglobulins. Methods of measuring binding to FcRn are known (see, e.g., Ghetie and Ward., Immunol. Today 18(12):592-598 (1997); Ghetie et al., Nature Biotechnology 15(7):637-640 (1997); Hinton et al., J. Biol. Chem.
  • Binding to human FcRn in vivo and serum half life of human FcRn high affinity binding polypeptides can be assayed, e.g., in transgenic mice or transfected human cell lines expressing human FcRn, or in primates to which the polypeptides with a variant Fc region are administered.
  • WO 2000/42072 (Presta) describes antibody variants with improved or diminished binding to FcRs. See also, e.g., Shields et al., J. Biol. Chem. 9(2):6591-6604 (2001).
  • Fc region herein is used to define a C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain that contains at least a portion of the constant region.
  • the term includes native sequence Fc regions and variant Fc regions.
  • a human IgG heavy chain Fc region extends from Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus of the heavy chain.
  • the C-terminal lysine (Lys447) or glycine-lysine (residues 446-447) of the Fc region may or may not be present.
  • EU numbering system also called the EU index, as described in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed. Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 1991.
  • Fc region-comprising antibody refers to an antibody that comprises an Fc region.
  • the C-terminal lysine (residue 447 according to the EU numbering system) or C-terminal glycine-lysine (residues 446-447) of the Fc region may be removed, for example, during purification of the antibody or by recombinant engineering of the nucleic acid encoding the antibody.
  • a composition comprising an antibody having an Fc region according to this invention can comprise an antibody with G446-K447, with G446 and without K447, with all G446-K447 removed, or a mixture of three types of antibodies described above .
  • FR Framework or "FR” refers to variable domain residues other than hypervariable region (HVR) residues.
  • the FR of a variable domain generally consists of four FR domains: FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4. Accordingly, the HVR and FR sequences generally appear in the following sequence in VH (or VL): FR1-H1(L1)-FR2-H2(L2)-FR3-H3(L3)-FR4.
  • full length antibody “intact antibody,” and “whole antibody” are used herein interchangeably to refer to an antibody having a structure substantially similar to a native antibody structure or having heavy chains that contain an Fc region as defined herein.
  • a “functional Fc region” possesses an “effector function” of a native sequence Fc region.
  • effector functions include C1q binding; CDC; Fc receptor binding; ADCC; phagocytosis; down regulation of cell surface receptors (e.g., B cell receptor; BCR), etc.
  • Such effector functions generally require the Fc region to be combined with a binding domain (e.g., an antibody variable domain) and can be assessed using various assays as disclosed, for example, in definitions herein.
  • host cell refers to cells into which exogenous nucleic acid has been introduced, including the progeny of such cells.
  • Host cells include “transformants” and “transformed cells,” which include the primary transformed cell and progeny derived therefrom without regard to the number of passages. Progeny may not be completely identical in nucleic acid content to a parent cell, but may contain mutations. Mutant progeny that have the same function or biological activity as screened or selected for in the originally transformed cell are included herein.
  • a "human antibody” is one which possesses an amino acid sequence which corresponds to that of an antibody produced by a human or a human cell or derived from a non-human source that utilizes human antibody repertoires or other human antibody-encoding sequences. This definition of a human antibody specifically excludes a humanized antibody comprising non-human antigen-binding residues.
  • a "human consensus framework” is a framework which represents the most commonly occurring amino acid residues in a selection of human immunoglobulin VL or VH framework sequences.
  • the selection of human immunoglobulin VL or VH sequences is from a subgroup of variable domain sequences.
  • the subgroup of sequences is a subgroup as in Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, NIH Publication 91-3242, Bethesda MD (1991), vols. 1-3.
  • the subgroup is subgroup kappa I as in Kabat et al., supra.
  • the subgroup is subgroup III as in Kabat et al., supra.
  • a “humanized” antibody refers to a chimeric antibody comprising amino acid residues from non-human HVRs and amino acid residues from human FRs.
  • a humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the HVRs (e.g., CDRs) correspond to those of a non-human antibody, and all or substantially all of the FRs correspond to those of a human antibody.
  • a humanized antibody optionally may comprise at least a portion of an antibody constant region derived from a human antibody.
  • a "humanized form" of an antibody, e.g., a non-human antibody refers to an antibody that has undergone humanization.
  • hypervariable region refers to each of the regions of an antibody variable domain which are hypervariable in sequence ("complementarity determining regions” or “CDRs") and/or form structurally defined loops ("hypervariable loops") and/or contain the antigen-contacting residues ("antigen contacts").
  • CDRs complementarity determining regions
  • hypervariable loops form structurally defined loops
  • antigen contacts Generally, antibodies comprise six HVRs: three in the VH (H1, H2, H3), and three in the VL (L1, L2, L3).
  • Exemplary HVRs herein include: (a) hypervariable loops occurring at amino acid residues 26-32 (L1), 50-52 (L2), 91-96 (L3), 26-32 (H1), 53-55 (H2), and 96-101 (H3) (Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987)); (b) CDRs occurring at amino acid residues 24-34 (L1), 50-56 (L2), 89-97 (L3), 31-35b (H1), 50-65 (H2), and 95-102 (H3) (Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 5th Ed.
  • 262 732-745 (1996)); and (d) combinations of (a), (b), and/or (c), including HVR amino acid residues 46-56 (L2), 47-56 (L2), 48-56 (L2), 49-56 (L2), 26-35 (H1), 26-35b (H1), 49-65 (H2), 93-102 (H3), and 94-102 (H3).
  • HVR residues and other residues in the variable domain are numbered herein according to Kabat et al., supra.
  • an “immunoconjugate” is an antibody conjugated to one or more heterologous molecule(s), including but not limited to a cytotoxic agent.
  • mammals include, but are not limited to, domesticated animals (e.g., cows, sheep, cats, dogs, and horses), primates (e.g., humans and non-human primates such as monkeys), rabbits, and rodents (e.g., mice and rats).
  • domesticated animals e.g., cows, sheep, cats, dogs, and horses
  • primates e.g., humans and non-human primates such as monkeys
  • rabbits e.g., mice and rats
  • rodents e.g., mice and rats.
  • the individual or subject is a human.
  • an “isolated” antibody is one which has been separated from a component of its natural environment.
  • an antibody is purified to greater than 95% or 99% purity as determined by, for example, electrophoretic (e.g., SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF), capillary electrophoresis) or chromatographic (e.g., ion exchange or reverse phase HPLC).
  • electrophoretic e.g., SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing (IEF), capillary electrophoresis
  • chromatographic e.g., ion exchange or reverse phase HPLC
  • nucleic acid refers to a nucleic acid molecule that has been separated from a component of its natural environment.
  • An isolated nucleic acid includes a nucleic acid molecule contained in cells that ordinarily contain the nucleic acid molecule, but the nucleic acid molecule is present extrachromosomally or at a chromosomal location that is different from its natural chromosomal location.
  • isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-myostatin antibody refers to one or more nucleic acid molecules encoding antibody heavy and light chains (or fragments thereof), including such nucleic acid molecule(s) in a single vector or separate vectors, and such nucleic acid molecule(s) present at one or more locations in a host cell.
  • monoclonal antibody refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical and/or bind the same epitope, except for possible variant antibodies, e.g., containing naturally occurring mutations or arising during production of a monoclonal antibody preparation, such variants generally being present in minor amounts.
  • polyclonal antibody preparations typically include different antibodies directed against different determinants (epitopes)
  • each monoclonal antibody of a monoclonal antibody preparation is directed against a single determinant on an antigen.
  • the modifier "monoclonal” indicates the character of the antibody as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by any particular method.
  • the monoclonal antibodies to be used in accordance with the present invention may be made by a variety of techniques, including but not limited to the hybridoma method, recombinant DNA methods, phage-display methods, and methods utilizing transgenic animals containing all or part of the human immunoglobulin loci, such methods and other exemplary methods for making monoclonal antibodies being described herein.
  • naked antibody refers to an antibody that is not conjugated to a heterologous moiety (e.g., a cytotoxic moiety) or radiolabel.
  • the naked antibody may be present in a pharmaceutical formulation.
  • Native antibodies refer to naturally occurring immunoglobulin molecules with varying structures.
  • native IgG antibodies are heterotetrameric glycoproteins of about 150,000 daltons, composed of two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains that are disulfide-bonded. From N- to C-terminus, each heavy chain has a variable region (VH), also called a variable heavy domain or a heavy chain variable domain, followed by three constant domains (CH1, CH2, and CH3).
  • VH variable region
  • VL variable region
  • the light chain of an antibody may be assigned to one of two types, called kappa (kappa) and lambda (lambda), based on the amino acid sequence of its constant domain.
  • a “native sequence Fc region” comprises an amino acid sequence identical to the amino acid sequence of an Fc region found in nature.
  • Native sequence human Fc regions include a native sequence human IgG1 Fc region (non-A and A allotypes); native sequence human IgG2 Fc region; native sequence human IgG3 Fc region; and native sequence human IgG4 Fc region as well as naturally occurring variants thereof.
  • package insert is used to refer to instructions customarily included in commercial packages of therapeutic products, that contain information about the indications, usage, dosage, administration, combination therapy, contraindications and/or warnings concerning the use of such therapeutic products.
  • Percent (%) amino acid sequence identity with respect to a reference polypeptide sequence is defined as the percentage of amino acid residues in a candidate sequence that are identical with the amino acid residues in the reference polypeptide sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN, Megalign (DNASTAR) software, or GENETYX (registered trademark) (Genetyx Co., Ltd.).
  • the ALIGN-2 sequence comparison computer program was authored by Genentech, Inc., and the source code has been filed with user documentation in the US Copyright Office, Washington D.C., 20559, where it is registered under US Copyright Registration No. TXU510087.
  • the ALIGN-2 program is publicly available from Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, California, or may be compiled from the source code.
  • the ALIGN-2 program should be compiled for use on a UNIX operating system, including digital UNIX V4.0D. All sequence comparison parameters are set by the ALIGN-2 program and do not vary.
  • the % amino acid sequence identity of a given amino acid sequence A to, with, or against a given amino acid sequence B is calculated as follows: 100 times the fraction X/Y; where X is the number of amino acid residues scored as identical matches by the sequence alignment program ALIGN-2 in that program's alignment of A and B, and where Y is the total number of amino acid residues in B.
  • pharmaceutical formulation refers to a preparation which is in such form as to permit the biological activity of an active ingredient contained therein to be effective, and which contains no additional components which are unacceptably toxic to a subject to which the formulation would be administered.
  • a “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to an ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation, other than an active ingredient, which is nontoxic to a subject.
  • a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier includes, but is not limited to, a buffer, excipient, stabilizer, or preservative.
  • myostatin may refer to any native myostatin from any vertebrate source, including mammals such as primates (e.g., humans) and rodents (e.g., mice and rats). Unless otherwise indicated, the term “myostatin” refers to a human myostatin protein having the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 and containing the terminal propeptide domain of human myostatin as shown in SEQ ID NO: 75 or 78. The term encompasses "full-length", unprocessed myostatin as well as any form of myostatin that results from processing in the cell.
  • the term also encompasses naturally occurring variants of myostatin, e.g., splice variants or allelic variants.
  • the amino acid sequence of an exemplary human myostatin is shown in SEQ ID NO: 1.
  • the amino acid sequence of an exemplary C-terminal growth factor domain of human myostatin is shown in SEQ ID NO: 2.
  • the amino acid sequence of an exemplary N-terminal propeptide domain of human myostatin is shown in SEQ ID NO: 75 or 78.
  • Active mature myostatin is a disulfide-bonded homodimer consisting of two C-terminal growth factor domains.
  • Inactive latent myostatin is a noncovalently-associated complex of two propeptides and the mature myostatin.
  • the antibodies of the invention bind inactive latent myostatin, but do not bind the mature active myostatin homodimer.
  • the antibodies of the invention bind an epitope within a fragement consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO:78), but do not bind the mature active myostatin homodimer.
  • SEQ ID NO:78 myostatin propeptide
  • the amino acid sequence of an exemplary cynomolgus monkey and murine myostatin (promyostatin) are shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 and 5, respectively.
  • the amino acid sequence of an exemplary C-terminal growth factor domain of cynomolgus monkey and murine myostatin are shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 and 6, respectively.
  • GDF-11 (BMP-11) is a closely related molecule to myostatin, both of which are members of TGF-beta superfamily. Similarly to myostatin, GDF11 is synthesized as a precursor polypeptide first, and then cleaved into an N-terminal prodomain and C-terminal mature GDF11.
  • the amino acid sequence of human GDF11 (precursor) is shown in SEQ ID NO: 81.
  • the amino acid sequence of C-terminal mature human GDF11 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 82.
  • amino acid sequence of an N-terminal prodomain of human GDF11 is shown in SEQ ID NO: 83 or 84.
  • Amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 3, 5, 78, 79, 80, 81, and 84 include a signal sequence. Amino acids 1-24 of them correspond to it and they are removed during processing in the cell.
  • treatment refers to clinical intervention in an attempt to alter the natural course of the individual being treated, and can be performed either for prophylaxis or during the course of clinical pathology. Desirable effects of treatment include, but are not limited to, preventing occurrence or recurrence of disease, alleviation of symptoms, diminishment of any direct or indirect pathological consequences of the disease, preventing metastasis, decreasing the rate of disease progression, amelioration or palliation of the disease state, and remission or improved prognosis.
  • antibodies of the invention are used to delay development of a disease or to slow the progression of a disease.
  • variable region refers to the domain of an antibody heavy or light chain that is involved in binding the antibody to antigen.
  • the variable domains of the heavy chain and light chain (VH and VL, respectively) of a native antibody generally have similar structures, with each domain comprising four conserved framework regions (FRs) and three hypervariable regions (HVRs).
  • FRs conserved framework regions
  • HVRs hypervariable regions
  • antibodies that bind a particular antigen may be isolated using a VH or VL domain from an antibody that binds the antigen to screen a library of complementary VL or VH domains, respectively. See, e.g., Portolano et al., J. Immunol. 150:880-887 (1993); Clarkson et al., Nature 352:624-628 (1991).
  • a “variant Fc region” comprises an amino acid sequence which differs from that of a native sequence Fc region by virtue of at least one amino acid modification (alteration), preferably one or more amino acid substitution(s).
  • the variant Fc region has at least one amino acid substitution compared to a native sequence Fc region or to the Fc region of a parent polypeptide, e.g., from about one to about ten amino acid substitutions, and preferably from about one to about five amino acid substitutions in a native sequence Fc region or in the Fc region of the parent polypeptide.
  • the variant Fc region herein will preferably possess at least about 80% homology with a native sequence Fc region and/or with an Fc region of a parent polypeptide, and most preferably at least about 90% homology therewith, more preferably at least about 95% homology therewith.
  • vector refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of propagating another nucleic acid to which it is linked.
  • the term includes the vector as a self-replicating nucleic acid structure as well as the vector incorporated into the genome of a host cell into which it has been introduced.
  • Certain vectors are capable of directing the expression of nucleic acids to which they are operatively linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as "expression vectors".
  • the invention is based, in part, on anti-myostatin antibodies and uses thereof.
  • antibodies that bind to myostatin are provided.
  • Antibodies of the invention are useful, e.g., for the diagnosis or treatment of a muscle wasting disease.
  • the invention is based, in part, on polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions and uses thereof.
  • polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are provided.
  • polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with increased pI are provided.
  • the polypeptides of the invention are antibodies. Polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the invention are useful, e.g., for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases.
  • the invention provides isolated antibodies that bind to myostatin.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to latent myostatin.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to the myostatin propeptide (human: SEQ ID NO: 75 or 78; cynomolgus monkey: SEQ ID NO: 76 or 79; mouse: SEQ ID NO: 77 or 80).
  • the antibody binds to an epitope within a fragment consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78). Propeptide is contained in latent myostatin as one of the components, as described above.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention inhibits activation of myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody blocks the release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin. It has been reported that mature myostatin is released via proteolytic and non-proteolytic processes from latent myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention may block the proteolytic and/or non-proteolytic release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin. In certain embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody blocks the proteolytic cleavage of latent myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody blocks access of a protease to latent myostatin (especially, to the proteolytic cleavage site (Arg98-Asp99) of latent myostatin).
  • the protease may be a BMP1/TLD family metalloprotease such as BMP1, TED, tolloid-like protein-1 (TLL-1), or tolloid-like protein-2 (TLL-2).
  • the anti-myostatin antibody blocks the non-proteolytic release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin.
  • the non-proteolytic release as used herein means a spontaneous release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin, which is not accompanied by the proteolytic cleavage of latent myostatin.
  • the non-proteolytic release includes, for example, a release of mature myostatin by incubating latent myostatin e.g., at 37 degrees C in the absence of a protease that cleaves the latent myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention does not bind to mature myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 2a.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody described in Table 2a.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody comprising a VH and VL pair described in Table 2a.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody competes for binding a fragment consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78) with an antibody described in Table 2a.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 11a or 13.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody competes for binding latent myostatin with an antibody described in Table 11a or 13. In some embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody competes for binding a fragment consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78) with an antibody described in Table 11a or 13. In some embodiments, an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to latent myostatin and inhibits the activation of myostatin.
  • the antibody (a) blocks the release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin; (b) blocks the proteolytic release of mature myostatin; (c) blocks the spontaneous release of mature myostatin; or (d) does not bind to mature myostatin; or binds to an epitope within a fragment consisting of amino acids 21-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78).
  • the antibody competes for binding latent myostatin with, or binds the same epitope as, an antibody comprising a VH and VL pair described in Tables 2a, 11a, or 13.
  • the antibody binds to latent myostatin with higher affinity at neutral pH (e.g., pH7.4) than at acidic pH (e.g., pH5.8).
  • the antibody is (a) a monoclonal antibody, (b) a human, humanized, or chimeric antibody; (c) a full length IgG antibody or (d) an antibody fragment that binds to latent myostatin or myostatin propeptide.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention does not bind to GDF11. In certain embodiments, an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention does not inhibit activation of GDF11. In certain embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody does not block the release of mature GDF11 from latent GDF11. The anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention does not block either proteolytic or non-proteolytic release of mature GDF11 from latent GDF11. In certain embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody does not block the proteolytic cleavage of latent GDF11.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody does not block access of a protease to latent GDF11 (especially, to the proteolytic cleavage site of latent GDF11).
  • the protease may be a BMP1/TLD family metalloprotease such as BMP1, TED, tolloid-like protein-1 (TLL-1), or tolloid-like protein-2 (TLL-2).
  • TLL-1 tolloid-like protein-1
  • TLL-2 tolloid-like protein-2
  • the non-proteolytic release includes, for example, a release of mature GDF11 by incubating latent GDF11 e.g., at 37 degrees C in the absence of a protease that cleaves the latent GDF11.
  • latent GDF11 e.g., at 37 degrees C
  • Most of the anti-myostatin antibodies known to date were not specific for myostatin. These antibodies have high affinity for other members of the TGF-beta superfamily, such as GDF11 and neutralize the biological activities of them.
  • GDF11 plays an important role during embryogenesis, and is responsible for homeotic transformation of the axial skeleton. Homozygous GDF11 knockout mice are perinatal lethal, mice with one wild type copy of the GDF11 gene are viable but have skeletal defects.
  • GDF11 plays an important role during embryogenesis, an antagonist that inhibits GDF11 poses theoretical safety risks that could present either as toxicity in treated patients or as reproductive toxicity in, e.g., women of childbearing potential.
  • an antagonist that inhibits GDF11 poses theoretical safety risks that could present either as toxicity in treated patients or as reproductive toxicity in, e.g., women of childbearing potential.
  • myostatin activity in treatments of myostatin-associated disorders for which it is desirable to increase muscle mass, size, strength, etc., particularly in women with childbearing potential.
  • the invention provides anti-myostatin antibodies that exhibit pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • pH-dependent binding means that the antibody exhibits "reduced binding to myostatin at acidic pH as compared to its binding at neutral pH” (for purposes of the present disclosure, both expressions may be used interchangeably).
  • antibodies "with pH-dependent binding characteristics” include antibodies that bind to myostatin with higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH.
  • the antibodies of the present invention bind to myostatin with at least 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or more times higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH.
  • the antibodies bind to myostatin (e.g., latent myostatin or propeptide myostatin) with higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • the antibodies bind to myostatin with at least 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or more times higher affinity at pH7.4 than at pH5.8.
  • an antigen is a soluble protein
  • the binding of an antibody to the antigen can result in an extended half-life of the antigen in plasma (i.e., reduced clearance of the antigen from plasma), since the antibody can have a longer half-life in plasma than the antigen itself and may serve as a carrier for the antigen. This is due to the recycling of the antigen-antibody complex by FcRn through the endosomal pathway in cell (Roopenian, Nat. Rev. Immunol. 7(9): 715-725 (2007)).
  • an antibody with pH-dependent binding characteristics which binds to its antigen in neutral extracellular environment while releasing the antigen into acidic endosomal compartments following its entry into cells, is expected to have superior properties in terms of antigen neutralization and clearance relative to its counterpart that binds in a pH-independent manner (Igawa et al., Nature Biotechnol. 28(11):1203-1207 (2010); Devanaboyina et al., mAbs 5(6):851-859 (2013); WO 2009/125825).
  • the “affinity” of an antibody for myostatin is expressed in terms of the KD of the antibody.
  • the KD of an antibody refers to the equilibrium dissociation constant of an antibody-antigen interaction. The greater the KD value is for an antibody binding to its antigen, the weaker its binding affinity is for that particular antigen. Accordingly, as used herein, the expression “higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH” (or the equivalent expression “pH-dependent binding") means that the KD of the antibody binding to myostatin at acidic pH is greater than the KD of the antibody binding to myostatin at neutral pH.
  • an antibody is considered to bind to myostatin with higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH if the KD of the antibody binding to myostatin at acidic pH is at least 2 times greater than the KD of the antibody binding to myostatin at neutral pH.
  • the present invention includes antibodies that bind to myostatin at acidic pH with a KD that is at least 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or more times greater than the KD of the antibody binding to myostatin at neutral pH.
  • the KD value of the antibody at neutral pH can be 10 -7 M, 10 -8 M, 10 -9 M, 10 -10 M, 10 -11 M, 10 -12 M, or less.
  • the KD value of the antibody at acidic pH can be 10 -9 M, 10 -8 M, 10 -7 M, 10 -6 M, or greater.
  • an antibody is considered to bind to myostatin (e.g., latent myostatin or propeptide myostatin) with a higher affinity at neutral pH than at acidic pH if the KD of the antibody binding to myostatin at pH5.8 is at least 2 times greater than the KD of the antibody binding to myostatin at pH7.4.
  • the provided antibodies bind to myostatin at pH5.8 with a KD that is at least 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or more times greater than the KD of the antibody binding to myostatin at pH7.4.
  • the KD value of the antibody at pH7.4 can be 10 -7 M, 10 -8 M, 10 -9 M, 10 -10 M, 10 -11 M, 10 -12 M, or less.
  • the KD value of the antibody at pH5.8 can be 10 -9 M, 10 -8 M, 10 -7 M, 10 -6 M, or greater.
  • the binding properties of an antibody for a particular antigen may also be expressed in terms of the kd of the antibody.
  • the kd of an antibody refers to the dissociation rate constant of the antibody with respect to a particular antigen and is expressed in terms of reciprocal seconds (i.e., sec -1 ).
  • An increase in kd value signifies weaker binding of an antibody to its antigen.
  • the present invention therefore includes antibodies that bind to myostatin with a higher kd value at acidic pH than at neutral pH.
  • the present invention includes antibodies that bind to myostatin at acidic pH with a kd that is at least 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or more times greater than the kd of the antibody binding to myostatin at neutral pH.
  • the kd value of the antibody at neutral pH can be 10 -2 1/s, 10 -3 1/s, 10 -4 1/s, 10 -5 1/s, 10 -6 1/s, or less.
  • the kd value of the antibody at acidic pH can be 10 -3 1/s, 10 -2 1/s, 10 -1 1/s, or greater.
  • the invention also includes antibodies that bind to myostatin (e.g., latent myostatin or propeptide myostatin) with a higher kd value at pH5.8 than at pH7.4.
  • myostatin e.g., latent myostatin or propeptide myostatin
  • the invention includes antibodies that bind to myostatin at pH5.8 with a kd that is at least 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or more times greater than the kd of the antibody binding to myostatin at pH7.4.
  • the kd value of the antibody at pH7.4 can be 10 -2 1/s, 10 -3 1/s, 10 -4 1/s, 10 -5 1/s, 10 -6 1/s, or less.
  • the kd value of the antibody at pH5.8 can be 10 -3 1/s, 10 -2 1/s, 10 -1 1/s, or greater.
  • a "reduced binding to myostatin at acidic pH as compared to its binding at neutral pH” is expressed in terms of the ratio of the KD value of the antibody binding to myostatin at acidic pH to the KD value of the antibody binding to myostatin at neutral pH (or vice versa).
  • an antibody may be regarded as exhibiting "reduced binding to myostatin at acidic pH as compared to its binding at neutral pH", for purposes of the present invention, if the antibody exhibits an acidic/neutral KD ratio of 2 or greater.
  • the pH5.8/pH7.4 KD ratio for an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention is 2 or greater.
  • the acidic/neutral KD ratio for an antibody of the present invention can be 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or greater.
  • the KD value of the antibody at neutral pH can be 10 -7 M, 10 -8 M, 10 -9 M, 10 -10 M, 10 -11 M, 10 -12 M, or less.
  • the KD value of the antibody at acidic pH can be 10 -9 M, 10 -8 M, 10 -7 M, 10 -6 M, or greater.
  • an antibody may be regarded as exhibiting "reduced binding to myostatin (e.g., latent myostatin) at acidic pH as compared to its binding at neutral pH", if the antibody exhibits an pH5.8/pH7.4 KD ratio of 2 or greater.
  • the pH5.8/pH7.4 KD ratio for the antibody can be 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or greater.
  • the KD value of the antibody at pH7.4 can be 10 -7 M, 10 -8 M, 10 -9 M, 10 -10 M, 10 -11 M, 10 -12 M, or less.
  • the KD value of the antibody at pH5.8 can be 10 -9 M, 10 -8 M, 10 -7 M, 10 -6 M, or greater.
  • a "reduced binding to myostatin at acidic pH as compared to its binding at neutral pH” is expressed in terms of the ratio of the kd value of the antibody binding to myostatin at acidic pH to the kd value of the antibody binding to myostatin at neutral pH (or vice versa).
  • an antibody may be regarded as exhibiting "reduced binding to myostatin at acidic pH as compared to its binding at neutral pH", for purposes of the present invention, if the antibody exhibits an acidic/neutral kd ratio of 2 or greater.
  • the pH5.8/pH7.4 kd ratio for an antibody of the present invention is 2 or greater.
  • the acidic/neutral kd ratio for an antibody of the present invention can be 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or greater.
  • the kd value of the antibody at neutral pH can be 10 -2 1/s, 10 -3 1/s, 10 -4 1/s, 10 -5 1/s, 10 -6 1/s, or less.
  • the kd value of the antibody at acidic pH can be 10 -3 1/s, 10 -2 1/s, 10 -1 1/s, or greater.
  • the pH5.8/pH7.4 kd ratio for an antibody of the present invention can be 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 400, 1000, 10000, or greater.
  • the kd value of the antibody at pH7.4 can be 10 -2 1/s, 10 -3 1/s, 10 -4 1/s, 10 -5 1/s, 10 -6 1/s, or less.
  • the kd value of the antibody at pH5.8 can be 10 -3 1/s, 10 -2 1/s, 10 -1 1/s, or greater.
  • the expression “acidic pH” means a pH of 4.0 to 6.5.
  • the expression “acidic pH” includes pH values of any one of 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, and 6.5.
  • the "acidic pH” is 5.8.
  • neutral pH means a pH of 6.7 to about 10.0.
  • the expression “neutral pH” includes pH values of any one of 6.7, 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 7.7, 7.8, 7.9, 8.0, 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 8.5, 8.6, 8.7, 8.8, 8.9, 9.0, 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 9.4, 9.5, 9.6, 9.7, 9.8, 9.9, and 10.0.
  • the "neutral pH” is 7.4.
  • KD values, and kd values, as expressed herein, may be determined using a surface plasmon resonance-based biosensor to characterize antibody-antigen interactions. (See, e.g., Example 7, herein.) KD values, and kd values can be determined at 25 degrees C or 37 degrees C.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to myostatin from more than one species. In further embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to myostatin from a human and non-human animal. In further embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to myostatin from human, mouse, and monkey (e.g., cynomolgus, rhesus macaque, marmoset, chimpanzee, or baboon).
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to latent myostatin from more than one species. In further embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to latent myostatin from a human and non-human animal. In further embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to latent myostatin from human, mouse, and monkey.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention binds to propeptide myostatin from more than one species. In further embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to propeptide myostatin from a human and non-human animal. In further embodiments, the anti-myostatin antibody binds to propeptide myostatin from human, mouse, and monkey.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody that forms an immune complex (i.e. antigen-antibody complex) with myostatin.
  • an immune complex i.e. antigen-antibody complex
  • two or more anti-myostatin antibodies bind to two or more myostatin molecules to form an immune complex. This is possible because myostatin exists as a homodimer containing two myostatin molecules while an antibody has two antigen-binding sites.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody may bind to the same epitope on a myostatin molecule or may bind to different epitopes on a myostatin molecule, much like a bispecific antibody.
  • the resulting immune complex can strongly bind to Fc receptors existing on cell surfaces due to avidity effects through the Fc regions of the antibodies in the complex and can then be taken up into the cell with high efficiency.
  • the above-mentioned anti-myostatin antibody capable of forming an immune complex containing two or more anti-myostatin antibodies and two or more myostatin molecules can lead to a rapid clearance of myostatin from plasma in a living body, via the strong binding to Fc receptors due to avidity effects.
  • an antibody with pH-dependent binding characteristics is thought to have superior properties in terms of antigen neutralization and clearance relative to its counterpart that binds in a pH-independent manner (Igawa et al., Nature Biotech. 28(11):1203-1207 (2010); Devanaboyina et al. mAbs 5(6):851-859 (2013); WO 2009/125825). Therefore, an antibody having both properties above, that is, an antibody which has pH-dependent binding characteristics and which forms an immune complex containing two or more antibodies with two or more antigens, is expected to have even more superior properties for highly accelerated elimination of antigens from plasma (WO 2013/081143).
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody comprising at least one, two, three, four, five, or six HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, 114-115, 126; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, 116-120, 127; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69, 122-124, 129; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, 125, 130; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, 131
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody comprising at least one, two, three, four, five, or six HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57
  • a HVR-H2 comprising the amino
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody comprising at least one, two, three, four, five, or six hypervariable regions (HVRs) selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs:114-115; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116-120; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 122-124; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 125; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • HVRs hypervariable regions
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody comprising at least one, two, three, four, five, or six HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody comprising at least one, two, three, four, five, or six HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 123; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody comprising at least one, two, three, four, five, or six HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 130; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from(a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, 114-115, 126; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, 116-120, 127; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128 and HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, 131.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128, HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, 131, and HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, 116-120, 127.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, 114-115, 126; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, 116-120, 127; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64 and HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, and HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 114-115; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116-120; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121 and HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121, HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, and HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116-120.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 114-115; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116-120; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63 and HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63, HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74, and HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128 and HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128, HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131, and HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69,122-124, 129; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, 125, 130; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, 131.
  • VL HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69,122-124, 129; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, 125, 130; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, 131.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69,122-124, 129; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, 125, 130; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, 131.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 122-124; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 125; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 122-124; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 125; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 123; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 123; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 130; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 130; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO 131.
  • an antibody of the invention comprises (a) a VH domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, 114,115,126 (ii) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, 116-120, 127, and (iii) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128; and (b) a VL domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69, 122-124, 129, (ii) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, 125,
  • an antibody of the invention comprises (a) a VH domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, (ii) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, and (iii) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64; and (b) a VL domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69, (ii) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, and (iii) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs:
  • an antibody of the invention comprises (a) a VH domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 114-115, (ii) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116-120, and (iii) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121; and (b) a VL domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 122-124, (ii) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 125, and (iii) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • an antibody of the invention comprises (a) a VH domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114, (ii) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and (iii) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63; and (b) a VL domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122, (ii) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, and (iii) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • an antibody of the invention comprises (a) a VH domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114, (ii) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and (iii) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63; and (b) a VL domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 123, (ii) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71, and (iii) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • an antibody of the invention comprises (a) a VH domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126, (ii) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127, and (iii) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128; and (b) a VL domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129, (ii) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 130, and (iii) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, 114-115, 126; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, 116-120, 127; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69, 122-124, 129; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, 125, 130; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, 131.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, 114-115; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, 116-120; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69, 122-124; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, 125; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 114-115; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116-120; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 121; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 122-124; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 125; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 123; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 130; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131.
  • any one or more amino acids of an anti-myostatin antibody as provided above are substituted at the following HVR positions: (a) in HVR-H1 (SEQ ID NO: 55), at positions 1, and 2; (b) in HVR-H2 (SEQ ID NO: 58), at positions 4, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 16; (c) in HVR-H3 (SEQ ID NO: 61), at positions 5, 7, and 11; (d) in HVR-L1 (SEQ ID NO: 65), at positions 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, and 9; (e) in HVR-L2 (SEQ ID NO:70), at positions 3, and 7; and (f) in HVR-L3 (SEQ ID NO:73), at position 8.
  • the one or more amino acid substitutions of an anti-myostatin antibody are conservative substitutions, as provided herein.
  • any one or more of the following substitutions may be made in any combination: (a) in HVR-H1 (SEQ ID NO: 55), S1H; Y2T, D, or E; (b) in HVR-H2 (SEQ ID NO: 58), Y4H; S7K; T8M or K; Y10K; A11M or E; S12E; G16K; (c) in HVR-H3 (SEQ ID NO: 61), Y5H; T7H; L11K; (d) in HVR-L1 (SEQ ID NO: 65), Q1T; S2T; S5E; Y7F; D8H; N9D or A or E; (e) in HVR-L2 (SEQ ID NO: 70), S3E; S7Y, F or W; and (f) in HVR-L3 (SEQ ID NO:
  • an anti-myostatin antibody can be humanized.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprises HVRs as in any of the above embodiments, and further comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprises HVRs as in any of the above embodiments, and further comprises a VH or VL comprising an FR sequence.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the following heavy chain and/or light chain variable domain FR sequences:
  • the FR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 132-134
  • FR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 135-136
  • FR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137
  • FR4 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 138.
  • FR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139
  • FR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 140-141
  • FR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 142-143
  • FR4 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 144.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody comprising at least one, two, three, four, five, or six HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 157-162; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 163-168; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 169-174; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 175-180; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 181-186; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 187-192.
  • HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 157-162
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 157-162; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 163-168; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 169-174.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 169-174.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 169-174 and HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 187-192.
  • the antibody comprises a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 169-174, HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 187-192, and a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 163-168.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 157-162; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 163-168; and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 169-174.
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 175-180; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 181-186; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 187-192.
  • the antibody comprises (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 175-180; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 181-186; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 187-192.
  • an antibody of the invention comprises (a) a VH domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VH HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 157-162, (ii) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 163-168, and (iii) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 169-174; and (b) a VL domain comprising at least one, at least two, or all three VL HVR sequences selected from (i) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 175-180, (ii) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 181-186, and (iii) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO
  • the invention provides an antibody comprising (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 157-162; (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 163-168; (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 169-174; (d) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 175-180; (e) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 181-186; and (f) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 187-192.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprises a heavy chain variable domain (VH) sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32-34, and 86-95.
  • VH heavy chain variable domain
  • a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VH sequence in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32-34, and 86-95, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VH comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from: (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, 114-115, 126, (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, 116-120, 127, and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64, 121, 128.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprises a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32, 33,and 34.
  • a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VH sequence in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32, 33, and 34, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VH comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from: (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55-57, (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58-60, and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61-64.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprises a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 86-95.
  • a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VH sequence in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 86-95, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VH comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from: (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 57, 114-115, 126, (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 116-120, 127, and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 63, 121, 128.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprises a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86.
  • a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VH sequence in SEQ ID NO: 86, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VH comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from: (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114, (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprises a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92.
  • a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VH sequence in SEQ ID NO: 92, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VH comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from: (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114, (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58, and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprising a VL having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, 35-38, and 96-99.
  • a VL sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VL sequence in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, 35-38, and 96-99, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VL comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69, 122-124, 129; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72, 125, 130; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74, 131.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprising a VL having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, 35, 36, 37, and 38.
  • a VL sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VL sequence in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, 35, 36, 37, and 38, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VL comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65-69; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70-72; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73-74.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprising a VL having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 96-99.
  • a VL sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VL sequence in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 96-99, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VL comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 122-124, 129; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 71, 125, 130; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74, 131.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprising a VL having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 96.
  • a VL sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VL sequence in SEQ ID NO: 96, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VL comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 122; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody is provided, wherein the antibody comprises a VL having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 97.
  • a VL sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • a total of 1 to 10 amino acids have been substituted, inserted and/or deleted in SEQ ID NO: 97.
  • the substitutions, insertions, or deletions occur in regions outside the HVRs.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VL sequence in SEQ ID NO: 97, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VL comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 123; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprising a VH as in any of the embodiments provided above, and a VL as in any of the embodiments provided above.
  • the antibody comprises the VH and VL sequences in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, 32-34, and 86-95 and any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, 35-38, and 96-99, respectively, including post-translational modifications of those sequences.
  • the antibody comprises the VH and VL sequences in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 13, 16-30, and 32-34 and any one of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 31, and 35-38, respectively, including post-translational modifications of those sequences.
  • the antibody comprises the VH and VL sequences in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 86-95 and any one of SEQ ID NOs: 96-99, respectively, including post-translational modifications of those sequences.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprising a VH as in any of the embodiments provided above, and a VL as in any of the embodiments provided above.
  • the antibody comprises the VH and VL sequences in SEQ ID NO: 86 and SEQ ID NO: 96, respectively, including post-translational modifications of those sequences.
  • the antibody comprises the VH and VL sequences in SEQ ID NO: 92 and SEQ ID NO: 97, respectively, including post-translational modifications of those sequences.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprises a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12, 145-150.
  • a VH sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VH sequence in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12, 145-150, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VH comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from: (a) a HVR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 55, 157-162, (b) a HVR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 163-168, and (c) a HVR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 61, 169-174.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprising a light chain variable domain (VL) having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 151-156.
  • VL sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but an anti-myostatin antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to myostatin.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody comprises the VL sequence in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 151-156, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
  • the VL comprises one, two or three HVRs selected from (a) a HVR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 65, 175-180; (b) a HVR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 70, 181-186; and (c) a HVR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 73, 187-192.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody comprising a VH as in any of the embodiments provided above, and a VL as in any of the embodiments provided above.
  • the antibody comprises the VH and VL sequences in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 12, 145-150 and any one of SEQ ID NOs: 14, 151-156, respectively, including post-translational modifications of those sequences.
  • Post-translational modifications include but are not limited to a modification of glutamine or glutamate in N-terminal of heavy chain or light chain to pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention comprises a VH as in any of the embodiments provided above and a heavy chain constant region comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 7, 9, 11, 193, 195-198, 227, 228, 229-381.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention comprises a VL as in any of the embodiments provided above, and a light chain constant region comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 10.
  • the invention provides an antibody that binds to the same epitope as an anti-myostatin antibody provided herein. In a further aspect, the invention provides an antibody that binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Table 2a. In a further aspect, the invention provides an antibody that binds to the same epitope as an antibody described in Tables 11a or 13. In certain embodiments, an antibody is provided that binds to an epitope within a fragment of myostatin propeptide consisting of amino acids 21-100 of SEQ ID NO: 78.
  • the antibody binds a myostatin propeptide fragment consisting of amino acids 21-80, 41-100, 21-60, 41-80, 61-100, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80, or 81-100, of SEQ ID NO: 78.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody is a monoclonal antibody, including a chimeric, humanized or human antibody.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody is an antibody fragment, e.g., a Fv, Fab, Fab', scFv, diabody, or F(ab') 2 fragment.
  • the antibody is a full length IgG antibody, e.g., an intact IgG1 or IgG4 antibody or other antibody class or isotype as defined herein.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody may incorporate any of the features, singly or in combination, as described in Sections 1-7 below.
  • an antibody provided herein has a dissociation constant (Kd) of 1 micro M or less, 100 nM or less, 10 nM or less, 1 nM or less, 0.1 nM or less, 0.01 nM or less, or 0.001 nM or less (e.g., 10 -8 M or less, e.g., from 10 -8 M to 10 -13 M, e.g., from 10 -9 M to 10 -13 M).
  • Kd dissociation constant
  • Kd is measured by a radiolabeled antigen binding assay (RIA).
  • RIA radiolabeled antigen binding assay
  • an RIA is performed with the Fab version of an antibody of interest and its antigen.
  • solution binding affinity of Fabs for antigen is measured by equilibrating Fab with a minimal concentration of ( 125 I)-labeled antigen in the presence of a titration series of unlabeled antigen, then capturing bound antigen with an anti-Fab antibody-coated plate (see, e.g., Chen et al., J. Mol. Biol. 293:865-881 (1999)).
  • MICROTITER registered trademark multi-well plates (Thermo Scientific) are coated overnight with 5 micro g/ml of a capturing anti-Fab antibody (Cappel Labs) in 50 mM sodium carbonate (pH9.6), and subsequently blocked with 2% (w/v) bovine serum albumin in PBS for two to five hours at room temperature (approximately 23 degrees C).
  • a non-adsorbent plate (Nunc #269620)
  • 100 pM or 26 pM [ 125 I]-antigen are mixed with serial dilutions of a Fab of interest (e.g., consistent with assessment of the anti-VEGF antibody, Fab-12, in Presta et al., Cancer Res.
  • the Fab of interest is then incubated overnight; however, the incubation may continue for a longer period (e.g., about 65 hours) to ensure that equilibrium is reached. Thereafter, the mixtures are transferred to the capture plate for incubation at room temperature (e.g., for one hour). The solution is then removed and the plate washed eight times with 0.1% polysorbate 20 (TWEEN-20 (registered trademark)) in PBS. When the plates have dried, 150 micro l/well of scintillant (MICROSCINT-20 TM ; Packard) is added, and the plates are counted on a TOPCOUNT TM gamma counter (Packard) for ten minutes. Concentrations of each Fab that give less than or equal to 20% of maximal binding are chosen for use in competitive binding assays.
  • TWEEN-20 registered trademark
  • Kd is measured using a BIACORE (registered trademark) surface plasmon resonance assay.
  • a BIACORE registered trademark
  • an assay using a BIACORE (registered trademark)-2000 or a BIACORE (registered trademark)-3000 (BIACORE (registered trademark), Inc., Piscataway, NJ) is performed at 25 degrees C with immobilized antigen CM5 chips at ⁇ 10 response units (RU).
  • carboxymethylated dextran biosensor chips (CM5, BIACORE (registered trademark), Inc.) are activated with N-ethyl-N'- (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) according to the supplier's instructions.
  • EDC N-ethyl-N'- (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride
  • NHS N-hydroxysuccinimide
  • Antigen is diluted with 10 mM sodium acetate, pH4.8, to 5 micro g/ml ( ⁇ 0.2 micro M) before injection at a flow rate of 5 micro l/minute to achieve approximately 10 response units (RU) of coupled protein. Following the injection of antigen, 1 M ethanolamine is injected to block unreacted groups.
  • an antibody provided herein is an antibody fragment.
  • Antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab', Fab'-SH, F(ab') 2 , Fv, and scFv fragments, and other fragments described below.
  • Fab fragment antigen binding protein
  • Fab' fragment antigen binding protein
  • Fv fragment antigen binding protein
  • scFv fragments fragment antigen binding protein fragments
  • other fragments described below For a review of certain antibody fragments, see Hudson et al. Nat. Med. 9:129-134 (2003).
  • scFv fragments see, e.g., Pluckthun, in The Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, vol. 113, Rosenburg and Moore eds., (Springer-Verlag, New York), pp. 269-315 (1994); see also, WO 1993/16185; and US Patent Nos. 5,571,894 and 5,587,458.
  • Diabodies are antibody fragments with two antigen-binding sites that may be bivalent or bispecific. See, for example, EP 404,097; WO 1993/01161; Hudson et al., Nat. Med. 9:129-134 (2003); and Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6444-6448 (1993). Triabodies and tetrabodies are also described in Hudson et al., Nat. Med. 9:129-134 (2003).
  • Single-domain antibodies are antibody fragments comprising all or a portion of the heavy chain variable domain or all or a portion of the light chain variable domain of an antibody.
  • a single-domain antibody is a human single-domain antibody (Domantis, Inc., Waltham, MA; see, e.g., US Patent No. 6,248,516 B1).
  • Antibody fragments can be made by various techniques, including but not limited to proteolytic digestion of an intact antibody as well as production by recombinant host cells (e.g., E. coli or phage), as described herein. 3. Chimeric and Humanized Antibodies
  • an antibody provided herein is a chimeric antibody.
  • Certain chimeric antibodies are described, e.g., in US Patent No. 4,816,567; and Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81:6851-6855 (1984)).
  • a chimeric antibody comprises a non-human variable region (e.g., a variable region derived from a mouse, rat, hamster, rabbit, or non-human primate, such as a monkey) and a human constant region.
  • a chimeric antibody is a "class switched" antibody in which the class or subclass has been changed from that of the parent antibody. Chimeric antibodies include antigen-binding fragments thereof.
  • a chimeric antibody is a humanized antibody.
  • a non-human antibody is humanized to reduce immunogenicity to humans, while retaining the specificity and affinity of the parental non-human antibody.
  • a humanized antibody comprises one or more variable domains in which HVRs, e.g., CDRs, (or portions thereof) are derived from a non-human antibody, and FRs (or portions thereof) are derived from human antibody sequences.
  • HVRs e.g., CDRs, (or portions thereof) are derived from a non-human antibody
  • FRs or portions thereof
  • a humanized antibody optionally will also comprise at least a portion of a human constant region.
  • some FR residues in a humanized antibody are substituted with corresponding residues from a non-human antibody (e.g., the antibody from which the HVR residues are derived), e.g., to restore or improve antibody specificity or affinity.
  • a non-human antibody e.g., the antibody from which the HVR residues are derived
  • Human framework regions that may be used for humanization include but are not limited to: framework regions selected using the "best-fit" method (see, e.g., Sims et al. J. Immunol. 151:2296 (1993)); framework regions derived from the consensus sequence of human antibodies of a particular subgroup of light or heavy chain variable regions (see, e.g., Carter et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:4285 (1992); and Presta et al. J. Immunol. 151:2623 (1993)); human mature (somatically mutated) framework regions or human germline framework regions (see, e.g., Almagro and Fransson, Front. Biosci.
  • an antibody provided herein is a human antibody.
  • Human antibodies can be produced using various techniques known in the art. Human antibodies are described generally in van Dijk and van de Winkel, Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 5:368-374 (2001) and Lonberg, Curr. Opin. Immunol. 20:450-459 (2008).
  • Human antibodies may be prepared by administering an immunogen to a transgenic animal that has been modified to produce intact human antibodies or intact antibodies with human variable regions in response to antigenic challenge.
  • Such animals typically contain all or a portion of the human immunoglobulin loci, which replace the endogenous immunoglobulin loci, or which are present extrachromosomally or integrated randomly into the animal's chromosomes. In such transgenic mice, the endogenous immunoglobulin loci have generally been inactivated.
  • Human antibodies can also be made by hybridoma-based methods. Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines for the production of human monoclonal antibodies have been described. (See, e.g., Kozbor J. Immunol., 133:3001 (1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1987); and Boerner et al., J. Immunol. 147:86 (1991).) Human antibodies generated via human B-cell hybridoma technology are also described in Li et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 103:3557-3562 (2006).
  • Additional methods include those described, for example, in US Patent No. 7,189,826 (describing production of monoclonal human IgM antibodies from hybridoma cell lines) and Ni, Xiandai Mianyixue 26(4):265-268 (2006) (describing human-human hybridomas).
  • Human hybridoma technology Trioma technology
  • Vollmers and Brandlein Histology and Histopathology 20(3):927-937 (2005)
  • Vollmers and Brandlein Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology 27(3):185-191 (2005).
  • Human antibodies may also be generated by isolating Fv clone variable domain sequences selected from human-derived phage display libraries. Such variable domain sequences may then be combined with a desired human constant domain. Techniques for selecting human antibodies from antibody libraries are described below. 5. Library-Derived Antibodies
  • Antibodies of the invention may be isolated by screening combinatorial libraries for antibodies with the desired activity or activities. For example, a variety of methods are known in the art for generating phage display libraries and screening such libraries for antibodies possessing the desired binding characteristics. Such methods are reviewed, e.g., in Hoogenboom et al. in Methods in Molecular Biology 178:1-37 (2000); O'Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, NJ, 2001) and further described, e.g., in the McCafferty et al., Nature 348:552-554; Clackson et al., Nature 352:624-628 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol.
  • repertoires of VH and VL genes are separately cloned by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and recombined randomly in phage libraries, which can then be screened for antigen-binding phage as described in Winter et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol. 12:433-455 (1994).
  • Phage typically display antibody fragments, either as single-chain Fv (scFv) fragments or as Fab fragments.
  • naive repertoire can be cloned (e.g., from human) to provide a single source of antibodies to a wide range of non-self and also self antigens without any immunization as described by Griffiths et al., EMBO J, 12:725-734 (1993).
  • naive libraries can also be made synthetically by cloning unrearranged V-gene segments from stem cells, and using PCR primers containing random sequence to encode the highly variable CDR3 regions and to accomplish rearrangement in vitro, as described by Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol. 227:381-388 (1992).
  • Patent publications describing human antibody phage libraries include, for example: US Patent No. 5,750,373, and US Publ. Nos. 2005/0079574, 2005/0119455, 2005/0266000, 2007/0117126, 2007/0160598, 2007/0237764, 2007/0292936, and 2009/0002360.
  • Antibodies or antibody fragments isolated from human antibody libraries are considered human antibodies or human antibody fragments herein. 6. Multispecific Antibodies
  • an antibody provided herein is a multispecific antibody, e.g., a bispecific antibody.
  • Multispecific antibodies are monoclonal antibodies that have binding specificities for at least two different sites. In certain embodiments, one of the binding specificities is for myostatin and the other is for any other antigen.
  • bispecific antibodies may bind to two different epitopes of myostatin. Bispecific antibodies may also be used to localize cytotoxic agents to cells which express myostatin. Bispecific antibodies can be prepared as full length antibodies or antibody fragments.
  • Multispecific antibodies include, but are not limited to, recombinant co-expression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs having different specificities (see, Milstein and Cuello, Nature 305:537 (1983)), WO 1993/08829, and Traunecker et al., EMBO J. 10: 3655 (1991)), and "knob-in-hole” engineering (see, e.g., US Patent No. 5,731,168).
  • Multi-specific antibodies may also be made by engineering electrostatic steering effects for making antibody Fc-heterodimeric molecules (WO 2009/089004A1); cross-linking two or more antibodies or fragments (see, e.g., US Patent No.
  • the antibody or fragment herein also includes a "Dual Acting FAb” or “DAF” comprising an antigen binding site that binds to myostatin as well as another, different antigen (see, US 2008/0069820, for example). 7. Antibody Variants
  • amino acid sequence variants of the antibodies provided herein are contemplated.
  • Amino acid sequence variants of an antibody may be prepared by introducing appropriate modifications into the nucleotide sequence encoding the antibody, or by peptide synthesis. Such modifications include, for example, deletions from, and/or insertions into and/or substitutions of residues within the amino acid sequences of the antibody. Any combination of deletion, insertion, and substitution can be made to arrive at the final construct, provided that the final construct possesses the desired characteristics, e.g., antigen-binding. a. Substitution, Insertion, and Deletion Variants
  • antibody variants having one or more amino acid substitutions are provided.
  • Sites of interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the HVRs and FRs.
  • Conservative substitutions are shown in Table 1 under the heading of "preferred substitutions.” More substantial changes are provided in Table 1 under the heading of "exemplary substitutions,” and as further described below in reference to amino acid side chain classes.
  • Amino acid substitutions may be introduced into an antibody of interest and the products screened for a desired activity, e.g., retained/ improved antigen binding, decreased immunogenicity, or improved ADCC or CDC.
  • Amino acids may be grouped according to common side-chain properties: (1) hydrophobic: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile; (2) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln; (3) acidic: Asp, Glu; (4) basic: His, Lys, Arg; (5) residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and (6) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe.
  • Non-conservative substitutions will entail exchanging a member of one of these groups for a member of another group.
  • substitutional variant involves substituting one or more hypervariable region residues of a parent antibody (e.g., a humanized or human antibody).
  • a parent antibody e.g., a humanized or human antibody
  • the resulting variant(s) selected for further study will have modifications (e.g., improvements) in certain biological properties (e.g., increased affinity, reduced immunogenicity) relative to the parent antibody and/or will have substantially retained certain biological properties of the parent antibody.
  • An exemplary substitutional variant is an affinity matured antibody, which may be conveniently generated, e.g., using phage display-based affinity maturation techniques such as those described herein. Briefly, one or more HVR residues are mutated and the variant antibodies displayed on phage and screened for a particular biological activity (e.g., binding affinity).
  • Alterations may be made in HVRs, e.g., to improve antibody affinity. Such alterations may be made in HVR "hotspots," i.e., residues encoded by codons that undergo mutation at high frequency during the somatic maturation process (see, e.g., Chowdhury, Methods Mol. Biol. 207:179-196 (2008)), and/or residues that contact antigen, with the resulting variant VH or VL being tested for binding affinity.
  • HVR "hotspots” i.e., residues encoded by codons that undergo mutation at high frequency during the somatic maturation process (see, e.g., Chowdhury, Methods Mol. Biol. 207:179-196 (2008)), and/or residues that contact antigen, with the resulting variant VH or VL being tested for binding affinity.
  • Affinity maturation by constructing and reselecting from secondary libraries has been described, e.g., in Hoogenboom et al.
  • affinity maturation diversity is introduced into the variable genes chosen for maturation by any of a variety of methods (e.g., error-prone PCR, chain shuffling, or oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis).
  • a secondary library is then created. The library is then screened to identify any antibody variants with the desired affinity.
  • Another method to introduce diversity involves HVR-directed approaches, in which several HVR residues (e.g., 4-6 residues at a time) are randomized. HVR residues involved in antigen binding may be specifically identified, e.g., using alanine scanning mutagenesis or modeling. CDR-H3 and CDR-L3 in particular are often targeted.
  • substitutions, insertions, or deletions may occur within one or more HVRs so long as such alterations do not substantially reduce the ability of the antibody to bind antigen.
  • conservative alterations e.g., conservative substitutions as provided herein
  • Such alterations may, for example, be outside of antigen contacting residues in the HVRs.
  • each HVR either is unaltered, or contains no more than one, two or three amino acid substitutions.
  • a useful method for identification of residues or regions of an antibody that may be targeted for mutagenesis is called "alanine scanning mutagenesis" as described by Cunningham and Wells (1989) Science, 244:1081-1085.
  • a residue or group of target residues e.g., charged residues such as arg, asp, his, lys, and glu
  • a neutral or negatively charged amino acid e.g., alanine or polyalanine
  • a crystal structure of an antigen-antibody complex may be analyzed to identify contact points between the antibody and antigen. Such contact residues and neighboring residues may be targeted or eliminated as candidates for substitution. Variants may be screened to determine whether they contain the desired properties.
  • Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and/or carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues.
  • terminal insertions include an antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue.
  • Other insertional variants of the antibody molecule include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the antibody to an enzyme (e.g., for ADEPT) or a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antibody. b. Glycosylation variants
  • an antibody provided herein is altered to increase or decrease the extent to which the antibody is glycosylated.
  • Addition or deletion of glycosylation sites to an antibody may be conveniently accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence such that one or more glycosylation sites is created or removed.
  • the carbohydrate attached thereto may be altered.
  • Native antibodies produced by mammalian cells typically comprise a branched, biantennary oligosaccharide that is generally attached by an N-linkage to Asn297 of the CH2 domain of the Fc region. See, e.g., Wright et al., TIBTECH 15:26-32 (1997).
  • the oligosaccharide may include various carbohydrates, e.g., mannose, N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc), galactose, and sialic acid, as well as a fucose attached to a GlcNAc in the "stem" of the biantennary oligosaccharide structure.
  • modifications of the oligosaccharide in an antibody of the invention may be made in order to create antibody variants with certain improved properties.
  • antibody variants having a carbohydrate structure that lacks fucose attached (directly or indirectly) to an Fc region.
  • the amount of fucose in such antibody may be from 1% to 80%, from 1% to 65%, from 5% to 65% or from 20% to 40%.
  • the amount of fucose is determined by calculating the average amount of fucose within the sugar chain at Asn297, relative to the sum of all glycostructures attached to Asn 297 (e. g. complex, hybrid and high mannose structures) as measured by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, as described in WO 2008/077546, for example.
  • Asn297 refers to the asparagine residue located at about position 297 in the Fc region (Eu numbering of Fc region residues); however, Asn297 may also be located about +/- 3 amino acids upstream or downstream of position 297, i.e., between positions 294 and 300, due to minor sequence variations in antibodies. Such fucosylation variants may have improved ADCC function. See, e.g., US Publ.Nos. US 2003/0157108 (Presta, L.); US 2004/0093621 (Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd).
  • Examples of publications related to "defucosylated” or “fucose-deficient” antibody variants include: US 2003/0157108; WO 2000/61739; WO 2001/29246; US 2003/0115614; US 2002/0164328; US 2004/0093621; US 2004/0132140; US 2004/0110704; US 2004/0110282; US 2004/0109865; WO 2003/085119; WO 2003/084570; WO 2005/035586; WO 2005/035778; WO 2005/053742; WO 2002/031140; Okazaki et al., J. Mol. Biol. 336:1239-1249 (2004); Yamane-Ohnuki et al., Biotech.
  • Examples of cell lines capable of producing defucosylated antibodies include Lec13 CHO cells deficient in protein fucosylation (Ripka et al., Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 249:533-545 (1986); US Pat Appl No US 2003/0157108 A1, Presta, L; and WO 2004/056312, Adams et al., especially at Example 11), and knockout cell lines, such as alpha-1,6-fucosyltransferase gene, FUT8, knockout CHO cells (see, e.g., Yamane-Ohnuki et al., Biotech. Bioeng. 87:614 (2004); Kanda et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng. 94(4):680-688 (2006); and WO 2003/085107).
  • Antibodies variants are further provided with bisected oligosaccharides, e.g., in which a biantennary oligosaccharide attached to the Fc region of the antibody is bisected by GlcNAc. Such antibody variants may have reduced fucosylation and/or improved ADCC function. Examples of such antibody variants are described, e.g., in WO 2003/011878 (Jean-Mairet et al.); US Patent No. 6,602,684 (Umana et al.); and US 2005/0123546 (Umana et al.). Antibody variants with at least one galactose residue in the oligosaccharide attached to the Fc region are also provided.
  • Such antibody variants may have improved CDC function.
  • Such antibody variants are described, e.g., in WO 1997/30087 (Patel et al.); WO 1998/58964 (Raju, S.); and WO 1999/22764 (Raju, S.).
  • c. Fc region variants are described, e.g., in WO 1997/30087 (Patel et al.); WO 1998/58964 (Raju, S.); and WO 1999/22764 (Raju, S.).
  • one or more amino acid modifications may be introduced into the Fc region of an antibody provided herein, thereby generating an Fc region variant.
  • the Fc region variant may comprise a human Fc region sequence (e.g., a human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4 Fc region) comprising an amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution) at one or more amino acid positions.
  • the invention contemplates an antibody variant that possesses some but not all effector functions, which make it a desirable candidate for applications in which the half life of the antibody in vivo is important yet certain effector functions (such as complement and ADCC) are unnecessary or deleterious.
  • In vitro and/or in vivo cytotoxicity assays can be conducted to confirm the reduction/depletion of CDC and/or ADCC activities.
  • Fc receptor (FcR) binding assays can be conducted to ensure that the antibody lacks Fc gamma R binding (hence likely lacking ADCC activity), but retains FcRn binding ability.
  • NK cells express Fc gamma RIII only, whereas monocytes express Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RII and Fc gamma RIII.
  • FcR expression on hematopoietic cells is summarized in Table 3 on page 464 of Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 9:457-492 (1991).
  • Non-limiting examples of in vitro assays to assess ADCC activity of a molecule of interest is described in US Patent No. 5,500,362 (see, e.g., Hellstrom, et al. Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci.
  • non-radioactive assays methods may be employed (see, for example, ACT1 TM non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay for flow cytometry (CellTechnology, Inc. Mountain View, CA); and CytoTox 96 (registered trademark) non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay (Promega, Madison, WI)).
  • PBMC peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • NK Natural Killer
  • ADCC activity of the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo, e.g., in an animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes et al. Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 95:652-656 (1998).
  • C1q binding assays may also be carried out to confirm that the antibody is unable to bind C1q and hence lacks CDC activity. See, e.g., C1q and C3c binding ELISA in WO 2006/029879 and WO 2005/100402.
  • a CDC assay may be performed (see, for example, Gazzano-Santoro et al., J. Immunol. Methods 202:163 (1996); Cragg et al., Blood 101:1045-1052 (2003); and Cragg, Blood 103:2738-2743 (2004)).
  • FcRn binding and in vivo clearance/half life determinations can also be performed using methods known in the art (see, e.g., Petkova et al., Int'l. Immunol. 18(12):1759-1769 (2006)).
  • Antibodies with reduced effector function include those with substitution of one or more of Fc region residues 238, 265, 269, 270, 297, 327 and 329 (US Patent No. 6,737,056).
  • Fc mutants include Fc mutants with substitutions at two or more of amino acid positions 265, 269, 270, 297 and 327, including the so-called "DANA" Fc mutant with substitution of residues 265 and 297 to alanine (US Patent No. 7,332,581).
  • an antibody variant comprises an Fc region with one or more amino acid substitutions which improve ADCC, e.g., substitutions at positions 298, 333, and/or 334 of the Fc region (EU numbering of residues).
  • alterations are made in the Fc region that result in altered (i.e., either improved or diminished) C1q binding and/or Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity (CDC), e.g., as described in US Patent No. 6,194,551, WO 1999/51642, and Idusogie et al., J. Immunol. 164:4178-4184 (2000).
  • CDC Complement Dependent Cytotoxicity
  • Antibodies with increased half lives and improved binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), which is responsible for the transfer of maternal IgGs to the fetus are described in US2005/0014934A1 (Hinton et al.). Those antibodies comprise an Fc region with one or more substitutions therein which improve binding of the Fc region to FcRn.
  • Such Fc variants include those with substitutions at one or more of Fc region residues: 238, 256, 265, 272, 286, 303, 305, 307, 311, 312, 317, 340, 356, 360, 362, 376, 378, 380, 382, 413, 424 or 434, e.g., substitution of Fc region residue 434 (US Patent No. 7,371,826). See also, Duncan, Nature 322:738-40 (1988); US Patent Nos. 5,648,260 and 5,624,821; and WO 1994/29351 concerning other examples of Fc region variants. d. Cysteine engineered antibody variants
  • cysteine engineered antibodies e.g., "thioMAbs”
  • one or more residues of an antibody are substituted with cysteine residues.
  • the substituted residues occur at accessible sites of the antibody.
  • reactive thiol groups are thereby positioned at accessible sites of the antibody and may be used to conjugate the antibody to other moieties, such as drug moieties or linker-drug moieties, to create an immunoconjugate, as described further herein.
  • any one or more of the following residues may be substituted with cysteine: V205 (Kabat numbering) of the light chain; A118 (EU numbering) of the heavy chain; and S400 (EU numbering) of the heavy chain Fc region.
  • Cysteine engineered antibodies may be generated as described, e.g., in US Patent No. 7,521,541. e. Antibody Derivatives
  • an antibody provided herein may be further modified to contain additional nonproteinaceous moieties that are known in the art and readily available.
  • the moieties suitable for derivatization of the antibody include but are not limited to water soluble polymers.
  • water soluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), copolymers of ethylene glycol/propylene glycol, carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly-1, 3-dioxolane, poly-1,3,6-trioxane, ethylene/maleic anhydride copolymer, polyaminoacids (either homopolymers or random copolymers), and dextran or poly(n-vinyl pyrrolidone)polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol homopolymers, polypropylene oxide/ethylene oxide co-polymers, polyoxyethylated polyols (e.g., glyce
  • Polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde may have advantages in manufacturing due to its stability in water.
  • the polymer may be of any molecular weight, and may be branched or unbranched.
  • the number of polymers attached to the antibody may vary, and if more than one polymer are attached, they can be the same or different molecules. In general, the number and/or type of polymers used for derivatization can be determined based on considerations including, but not limited to, the particular properties or functions of the antibody to be improved, whether the antibody derivative will be used in a therapy under defined conditions, etc.
  • conjugates of an antibody and nonproteinaceous moiety that may be selectively heated by exposure to radiation are provided.
  • the nonproteinaceous moiety is a carbon nanotube (Kam et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 102:11600-11605 (2005)).
  • the radiation may be of any wavelength, and includes, but is not limited to, wavelengths that do not harm ordinary cells, but which heat the nonproteinaceous moiety to a temperature at which cells proximal to the antibody-nonproteinaceous moiety are killed. 8.
  • the invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the variant Fc region comprises at least one amino acid residue alteration (e.g., substitution) compared to the corresponding sequence in the Fc region of a native or reference variant sequence (sometimes collectively referred to herein as a "parent" Fc region).
  • the variant Fc region of the invention has enhanced binding activity for monkey Fc gamma RIIb compared to the parent Fc region.
  • the monkey Fc gamma RIIb is cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO: 223).
  • the ratio of [KD value of a parent Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIb]/[KD value of a variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIb] can be 2.0 or greater, 3.0 or greater, 4.0 or greater, 5.0 or greater, 6.0 or greater, 7.0 or greater, 8.0 or greater, 9.0 or greater, 10 or greater, 15 or greater, 20 or greater, 25 or greater, 30 or greater, 40 or greater, or 50 or greater.
  • the variant Fc region has decreased binding activity for monkey Fc gamma RIIIa.
  • the ratio of [KD value of a parent Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIIa]/[KD value of a variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIIa] can be 0.50 or smaller, 0.40 or smaller, 0.30 or smaller, 0.20 or smaller, 0.10 or smaller, 0.09 or smaller, 0.08 or smaller, 0.07 or smaller, 0.06 or smaller, 0.05 or smaller, 0.04 or smaller, 0.03 or smaller, 0.02 or smaller, or 0.01 or smaller.
  • the monkey Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:223 (cynomolgus monkey).
  • the monkey Fc gamma RIIIa has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:224 (cynomolgus monkey).
  • the variant Fc region has enhanced binding activity for human Fc gamma RIIb.
  • the ratio of [KD value of a parent Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIb]/[KD value of a variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIb] can be 2.0 or greater, 3.0 or greater, 4.0 or greater, 5.0 or greater, 6.0 or greater, 7.0 or greater, 8.0 or greater, 9.0 or greater, 10 or greater, 15 or greater, 20 or greater, 25 or greater, 30 or greater, 40 or greater, or 50 or greater.
  • the variant Fc region has decreased binding activity for human Fc gamma RIIIa.
  • the ratio of [KD value of a parent Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIIa]/[KD value of a variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIIa] can be 0.50 or smaller, 0.40 or smaller, 0.30 or smaller, 0.20 or smaller, 0.10 or smaller, 0.09 or smaller, 0.08 or smaller, 0.07 or smaller, 0.06 or smaller, 0.05 or smaller, 0.04 or smaller, 0.03 or smaller, 0.02 or smaller, or 0.01 or smaller.
  • the human Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214.
  • the human Fc gamma RIIIa has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:215, 216, 217, or 218.
  • the variant Fc region has decreased binding activity for human Fc gamma RIIa (type H) than for human Fc gamma RIIb.
  • the ratio of [KD value of a parent Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type H)]/[KD value of a variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type H)] can be 5.0 or smaller, 4.0 or smaller, 3.0 or smaller, 2.0 or smaller, 1.0 or smaller, 0.9 or smaller, 0.8 or smaller, 0.7 or smaller, 0.6 or smaller, 0.5 or smaller, 0.4 or smaller, 0.3 or smaller, 0.2 or smaller, or 0.1 or smaller.
  • the variant Fc region has decreased binding activity for human Fc gamma RIIa (type R) than for human Fc gamma RIIb.
  • the ratio of [KD value of a parent Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type R)]/[KD value of a variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa (type R)] can be 5.0 or smaller,4.0 or smaller, 3.0 or smaller, 2.0 or smaller, 1.0 or smaller, 0.9 or smaller, 0.8 or smaller, 0.7 or smaller, 0.6 or smaller, 0.5 or smaller, 0.4 or smaller, 0.3 or smaller, 0.2 or smaller, or 0.1 or smaller.
  • the human Fc gamma RIIa (type H) has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:211. In certain embodiments, the human Fc gamma RIIa (type R) has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:210.
  • the ratio of [KD value of a parent Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIa]/[KD value of a variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIa] can be 2.0 or greater, 3.0 or greater, 4.0 or greater, 5.0 or greater, 6.0 or greater, 7.0 or greater, 8.0 or greater, 9.0 or greater, 10 or greater, 15 or greater, 20 or greater, 25 or greater, 30 or greater, 40 or greater, or 50 or greater.
  • monkey Fc gamma RIIa is selected from monkey Fc gamma RIIa1 (e.g., cynomolgus Fc gamma RIIa1 (SEQ ID NO:220)), monkey Fc gamma RIIa2 (e.g., cynomolgus Fc gamma RIIa2 (SEQ ID NO:221)), and monkey Fc gamma RIIa3 (e.g., cynomolgus Fc gamma RIIa3 (SEQ ID NO:222).
  • monkey Fc gamma RIIa1 e.g., cynomolgus Fc gamma RIIa1 (SEQ ID NO:220)
  • monkey Fc gamma RIIa2 e.g., cynomolgus Fc gamma RIIa2 (SEQ ID NO:221)
  • the KD value of the variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIb can be 1.0x10 -6 M or smaller, 9.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 8.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 7.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 6.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 5.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 4.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 3.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 2.0x10 -7 M or smaller, or 1.0x10 -7 M or smaller.
  • the KD value of the variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIIa can be 5.0x10 -7 M or greater, 6.0x10 -7 M or greater, 7.0x10 -7 M or greater, 8.0x10 -7 M or greater, 9.0x10 -7 M or greater, 1.0x10 -6 M or greater, 2.0x10 -6 M or greater, 3.0x10 -6 M or greater, 4.0x10 -6 M or greater, 5.0x10 -6 M or greater, 6.0x10 -6 M or greater, 7.0x10 -6 M or greater, 8.0x10 -6 M or greater, 9.0x10 -6 M or greater, or 1.0x10 -5 M or greater.
  • the KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIb can be 2.0x10 -6 M or smaller, 1.0x10 -6 M or smaller, 9.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 8.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 7.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 6.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 5.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 4.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 3.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 2.0x10 -7 M or smaller, or 1.0x10 -7 M or smaller.
  • the KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIIa can be 1.0x10 -6 M or greater, 2.0x10 -6 M or greater, 3.0x10 -6 M or greater, 4.0x10 -6 M or greater, 5.0x10 -6 M or greater, 6.0x10 -6 M or greater, 7.0x10 -6 M or greater, 8.0x10 -6 M or greater, 9.0x10 -6 M or greater, 1.0x10 -5 M or greater, 2.0x10 -5 M or greater, 3.0x10 -5 M or greater, 4.0x10 -5 M or greater, or 5.0x10 -5 M or greater.
  • the KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa can be 1.0x10 -7 M or greater, 2.0x10 -7 M or greater, 3.0x10 -7 M or greater, 4.0x10 -7 M or greater, 5.0x10 -7 M or greater, 6.0x10 -7 M or greater, 7.0x10 -7 M or greater, 8.0x10 -7 M or greater, 9.0x10 -7 M or greater, 1.0x10 -6 M or greater, 2.0x10 -6 M or greater, 3.0x10 -6 M or greater, 4.0x10 -6 M or greater, or 5.0x10 -6 M or greater.
  • the KD value of the variant Fc region for human Fc gamma RIIa can be 2.0x10 -7 M or greater, 3.0x10 -7 M or greater, 4.0x10 -7 M or greater, 5.0x10 -7 M or greater, 6.0x10 -7 M or greater, 7.0x10 -7 M or greater, 8.0x10 -7 M or greater, 9.0x10 -7 M or greater, 1.0x10 -6 M or greater, 2.0x10 -6 M or greater, 3.0x10 -6 M or greater, 4.0x10 -6 M or greater, or 5.0x10 -6 M or greater.
  • the KD value of the variant Fc region for monkey Fc gamma RIIa can be 1.0x10 -6 M or smaller, 9.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 8.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 7.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 6.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 5.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 4.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 3.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 2.0x10 -7 M or smaller, or 1.0x10 -7 M or smaller.
  • monkey Fc gamma RIIa can be selected from any one of monkey Fc gamma RIIa1, monkey Fc gamma RIIa2, and monkey Fc gamma RIIa3.
  • a pharmaceutical product to be developed is preferable to have cross-reactivity to both human and monkey in the target binding activity.
  • Fc gamma receptors refers to receptors that may bind to the Fc region of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 monoclonal antibodies, and practically means any member of the family of proteins encoded by the Fc gamma receptor genes.
  • this family includes Fc gamma RI (CD64) including isoforms Fc gamma RIa, Fc gamma RIb, and Fc gamma RIc; Fc gamma RII (CD32) including isoforms Fc gamma RIIa (including allotypes H131 (type H) and R131 (type R)), Fc gamma RIIb (including Fc gamma RIIb-1 and Fc gamma RIIb-2), and Fc gamma RIIc; and Fc gamma RIII (CD16) including isoforms Fc gamma RIIIa (including allotypes V158 and F158), and Fc gamma RIIIb (including allotypes Fc gamma RIIIb-NA1 and Fc gamma RIIIb-NA2), and any human Fc gamma Rs, Fc gamma R isoforms or alloform
  • Fc gamma RIIb1 and Fc gamma RIIb2 have been reported as splicing variants of human Fc gamma RIIb.
  • a splicing variant named Fc gamma RIIb3 has been reported (J Exp Med, 1989, 170: 1369-1385).
  • human Fc gamma RIIb includes all splicing variants registered in NCBI, which are NP_001002273.1, NP_001002274.1, NP_001002275.1, NP_001177757.1, and NP_003992.3.
  • human Fc gamma RIIb includes every previously-reported genetic polymorphism, as well as Fc gamma RIIb (Arthritis Rheum. 48:3242-3252 (2003); Kono et al., Hum. Mol. Genet. 14:2881-2892 (2005); and Kyogoju et al., Arthritis Rheum. 46:1242-1254 (2002)), and every genetic polymorphism that will be reported in the future.
  • Fc gamma RIIa there are two allotypes, one where the amino acid at position 131 of Fc gamma RIIa is histidine (type H) and the other where the amino acid at position 131 is substituted with arginine (type R) (Warrmerdam, J. Exp. Med. 172:19-25 (1990)).
  • the Fc gamma R includes human, mouse, rat, rabbit, and monkey-derived Fc gamma Rs but is not limited thereto, and may be derived from any organism.
  • Mouse Fc gamma Rs include Fc gamma RI (CD64), Fc gamma RII (CD32), Fc gamma RIII (CD16), and Fc gamma RIII-2 (CD16-2), and any mouse Fc gamma Rs, or Fc gamma R isoforms, but are not limited thereto.
  • the term “monkey Fc gamma R” or variation thereof, refers to cynomolgus Fc gamma RIIa1 (SEQ ID NO:220), Fc gamma RIIa2 (SEQ ID NO:221), Fc gamma RIIa3 (SEQ ID NO:222), Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223), or Fc gamma RIIIaS (SEQ ID NO:224).
  • the polynucleotide sequence of human Fc gamma RI is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 199 (NM_000566.3); the polynucleotide sequence of human Fc gamma RIIa is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 200 (BC020823.1) or SEQ ID NO:201 (NM_001136219.1); the polynucleotide sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 202 (BC146678.1) or SEQ ID NO:203 (NM_004001.3); the polynucleotide sequence of human Fc gamma RIIIa is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 204 (BC033678.1) or SEQ ID NO:205 (NM_001127593.1); and the polynucleotide sequence of human Fc gamma RIIIb is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 206 (BC128562.1).
  • the amino acid sequence of human Fc gamma RI is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 207 (NP_000557.1); the amino acid sequence of human Fc gamma RIIa is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 208 (AAH20823.1), SEQ ID NO:209, SEQ ID NO:210 or SEQ ID NO:211; the amino acid sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 212 (AAI46679.1), SEQ ID NO: 213 or SEQ ID NO:214; the amino acid sequence of human Fc gamma RIIIa is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215 (AAH33678.1), SEQ ID NO:216, SEQ ID NO:217 or SEQ ID NO:218; and the amino acid sequence of human Fc gamma RIIIb is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 219 (AAI28563.1).
  • the amino acid sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIa is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 220 (Fc gamma RIIa1), SEQ ID NO:221 (Fc gamma RIIa2) or SEQ ID NO:222 (Fc gamma RIIa3); the amino acid sequence of cynomolgus Fc gamma RIIb is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 223; and the amino acid sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIIa is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 224.
  • the invention provides polypeptides containing variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity compared to a corresponding reference Fc gamma RIIb-binding polypeptide.
  • the polypeptide of the invention comprises at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 295, 298, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprising at least two amino acid alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 295, 298, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprising an amino acid alteration at position 236 according to EU numbering.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprising at least two amino acid alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 235, 239, 268, 295, 298, 326, 330, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region comprises an amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 235, 239, 268, 295, 298, 326, 330, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region comprises an amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 268, 295, 326, and 330, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprising amino acid alterations of any one of the following (1)-(37): (1) positions 231, 236, 239, 268 and 330; (2) positions 231, 236, 239, 268, 295 and 330; (3) positions 231, 236, 268 and 330; (4) positions 231, 236, 268, 295 and 330; (5) positions 232, 236, 239, 268, 295 and 330; (6) positions 232, 236, 268, 295 and 330; (7) positions 232, 236, 268 and 330; (8) positions 235, 236, 268, 295, 326 and 330; (9) positions 235, 236, 268, 295 and 330; (10) positions 235, 236, 268 and 330; (11) positions 235, 236, 268, 330 and 396; (12) positions 235, 236, 268 and 396; (13) positions 236, 239, 268, 295, 298 and
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of: (a) Asp, Glu, Phe, Gly, His, Ile, Lys, Leu, Met, Asn, Pro, Gln, Arg, Ser, Thr, Val, Trp, Tyr at position 231; (b) Ala, Asp, Glu, Phe, Gly, His, Ile, Lys, Leu, Met, Asn, Gln, Arg, Ser, Thr, Val, Trp, Tyr at position 232; (c) Asp at position 233; (d) Trp, Tyr at position 234; (e) Trp at position 235; (f) Ala, Asp, Glu, His, Ile, Leu, Met, Asn, Gln, Ser, Thr, Val at position 236; (g) Asp, Tyr at position 237; (h) Glu, Ile, Met, Gln, Tyr at position 236; (
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises at least one amino acid alteration (e.g., substitution) selected from the group consisting of: (a) Gly, Thr at position 231; (b) Asp at position 232; (c) Trp at position 235; (d) Asn, Thr at position 236; (e) Val at position 239; (f) Asp, Glu at position 268; (g) Leu at position 295; (h) Leu at position 298; (i) Thr at position 326; (j) Lys, Arg at position 330; and (k) Lys, Met at position 396; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alteration e.g., substitution
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asn at position 236, Glu at position 268, Lys at position 330, and Met at position 396; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asn at position 236, Asp at position 268, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asn at position 236, Asp at position 268, Leu at position 295, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Thr at position 236, Asp at position 268, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asn at position 236, Asp at position 268, Leu at position 295, Thr at position 326, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Trp at position 235, Asn at position 236, Asp at position 268, Leu at position 295, Thr at position 326, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprising an amino acid alteration at position 238 according to EU numbering.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprising at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 234, 238, 250, 264, 267, 307, and 330 according to EU numbering.
  • the polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 234, 250, 264, 267, 307, and 330 according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprising amino acid alterations of any one of the following (1)-(9): (1) positions 234, 238, 250, 307 and 330; (2) positions 234, 238, 250, 264, 307 and 330; (3) positions 234, 238, 250, 264, 267, 307 and 330; (4) positions 234, 238, 250, 267, 307 and 330; (5) positions 238, 250, 264, 307 and 330; (6) positions 238, 250, 264, 267, 307 and 330; (7) positions 238, 250, 267, 307 and 330; (8) positions 238, 250 and 307; and (9) positions 238, 250, 307 and 330, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises at least one amino acid alteration (e.g., substitution) selected from the group consisting of: (a) Tyr at position 234; (b) Asp at position 238; (c) Val at position 250, (d) Ile at position 264; (e) Ala at position 267; (f) Pro at position 307; and (g) Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asp at position 238; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, and Pro at position 307; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ile at position 264, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ala at position 267, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Tyr at position 234, Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Tyr at position 234, Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ala at position 267, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ile at position 264, Ala at position 267, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Tyr at position 234, Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ile at position 264, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity comprises amino acid alterations (e.g., substitutions) of: Tyr at position 234, Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ile at position 264, Ala at position 267, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with increased isoelectric point (pI).
  • a variant Fc region described herein comprises at least two amino acid alterations in a parent Fc region.
  • each of the amino acid alterations increases the isoelectric point (pI) of the variant Fc region compared with that of the parent Fc region.
  • pI may be either a theoretical or an experimentally determined pI.
  • the value of pI can be determined, for example, by isoelectric focusing known to those skilled in the art.
  • the value of a theoretical pI can be calculated, for example, using gene and amino acid sequence analysis software (Genetyx, etc.).
  • the pI value may be increased, for example, at least by 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, or more, at least by 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or more, at least by 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, or more, or at least by 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 3.0 or more, as compared to before modification.
  • the amino acid for increased pI can be exposed on the surface of the variant Fc region.
  • an amino acid that can be exposed on the surface generally refers to an amino acid residue located on the surface of a polypeptide constituting a variant Fc region.
  • An amino acid residue located on the surface of a polypeptide refers to an amino acid residue whose side chain can be in contact with solvent molecules (which in general are mostly water molecules). However, the side chain does not necessarily have to be wholly in contact with solvent molecules, and when even a portion of the side chain is in contact with the solvent molecules, the amino acid is defined as an "amino acid residue located on the surface".
  • the amino acid residues located on the surface of a polypeptide also include amino acid residues located close to the surface and thereby can have an electric charge influence from another amino acid residue whose side chain, even partly, is in contact with the solvent molecules.
  • Those skilled in the art can prepare a homology model of a polypeptide for example, using commercially available softwares. Alternatively, it is possible to use methods known to those skilled in the art, such as X-ray crystallography.
  • the amino acid residues that can be exposed on the surface are determined, for example, using coordinates from a three-dimensional model using a computer program such as InsightII program (Accelrys). Surface-exposable sites may be determined using algorithms known in the technical field (for example, Lee and Richards (J. Mol. Biol.
  • a polypeptide comprises both the variant Fc region and an antigen-binding domain.
  • the antigen is a soluble antigen.
  • the antigen is present in biological fluids (for example, plasma, interstitial fluid, lymphatic fluid, ascitic fluid, and pleural fluid) of subjects.
  • the antigen may also be a membrane antigen.
  • antigen-binding activity of the antigen-binding domain changes according to ion concentration conditions.
  • ion concentration is not particularly limited and refers to hydrogen ion concentration (pH) or metal ion concentration.
  • metal ions refer to ions of group I elements except hydrogen, such as alkaline metals and the copper group elements, group II elements such as alkaline earth metals and zinc group elements, group III elements except boron, group IV elements except carbon and silicon, group VIII elements such as iron group and platinum group elements, elements belonging to subgroup A of groups V, VI, and VII, and metal elements such as antimony, bismuth, and polonium.
  • metal ions include, for example, calcium ion, as described in WO 2012/073992 and WO 2013/125667.
  • ion concentration condition may be a condition that focuses on differences in the biological behavior of an antigen-binding domain between a low ion concentration and a high ion concentration.
  • antigen-binding activity of an antigen-binding domain changes according to ion concentration conditions means that the antigen-binding activity of an antigen-binding domain changes between a low ion concentration and a high ion concentration (such an antigen-binding domain is referred to herein as "ion concentration-dependent antigen-binding domain").
  • the antigen-binding activity of an antigen-binding domain under a high ion concentration condition may be higher (stronger) or lower (weaker) than that under a low ion concentration condition.
  • ion concentration-dependent antigen-binding domains such as pH-dependent antigen-binding domains or calcium ion concentration-dependent antigen-binding domains
  • WO 2009/125825, WO 2012/073992, and WO 2013/046722 can be obtained by known methods, for example, described in WO 2009/125825, WO 2012/073992, and WO 2013/046722.
  • the antigen-binding activity of an antigen-binding domain under a high calcium ion concentration condition may be higher than under a low calcium ion concentration condition.
  • the high calcium ion concentration is not particularly limited to but may be a concentration selected between 100 micro M and 10 mM, between 200 micro M and 5 mM, between 400 micro M and 3 mM, between 200 micro M and 2 mM, between 400 micro M and 1 mM, or between 500 micro M and 2.5 mM, which is preferable to be close to the plasma (blood) concentration of calcium ion in vivo.
  • the low calcium ion concentration is not particularly limited to but may be a concentration selected between 0.1 micro M and 30 micro M, between 0.2 micro M and 20 micro M, between 0.5 micro M and 10 micro M, between 1 micro M and 5 micro M, or between 2 micro M and 4 micro M, which is preferable to be close to the concentration of calcium ion in early endosomes in vivo.
  • the ratio between the antigen-binding activities under a low calcium ion concentration condition and a high calcium ion concentration condition is not limited but the ratio of the dissociation constant (KD) under a low calcium ion concentration condition to the KD under a high calcium ion concentration condition, i.e., KD (low calcium ion concentration condition)/KD (high calcium ion concentration condition), is 2 or more, 10 or more, or 40 or more.
  • the upper limit of the ratio may be 400, 1000, or 10000, as long as such an antigen-binding domain can be produced by techniques known to those skilled in the art.
  • the dissociation rate constant (kd) can be used instead of the KD.
  • the ratio of the kd under a low calcium ion concentration condition to the kd under a high calcium ion concentration condition is 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, or 30 or more.
  • the upper limit of the ratio may be 50, 100, or 200, as long as the antigen-binding domain can be produced based on the common technical knowledge of those skilled in the art.
  • the antigen-binding activity of an antigen-binding domain under a low hydrogen ion concentration may be higher than under a high hydrogen ion concentration (acidic pH).
  • the acidic pH may be, for example, a pH selected from pH4.0 to pH6.5, selected from pH4.5 to pH6.5, selected from pH5.0 to pH6.5, or selected from pH5.5 to pH6.5, which is preferable to be close to the in vivo pH in early endosomes.
  • the acidic pH may also be, for example, pH5.8 or pH6.0. In particular embodiments, the acidic pH is pH5.8.
  • the neutral pH may be, for example, a pH selected from pH6.7 to pH10.0, selected from pH6.7 to pH9.5, selected from pH7.0 to pH9.0, or selected from pH7.0 to pH8.0, which is preferable to be close to the in vivo pH in plasma (blood).
  • the neutral pH may also be, for example, pH7.4 or pH7.0.
  • the neutral pH is pH7.4.
  • the ratio between the antigen-binding activities under an acidic pH condition and a neutral pH condition is not limited but the ratio of the dissociation constant (KD) under an acidic pH condition to the KD under a neutral pH condition, i.e., KD (acidic pH condition)/KD (neutral pH condition), is 2 or more, 10 or more, or 40 or more.
  • the upper limit of the ratio may be 400, 1000, or 10000, as long as such an antigen-binding domain can be produced by techniques known to those skilled in the art.
  • the dissociation rate constant (kd) can be used instead of the KD.
  • the ratio of the kd under an acidic pH condition to the kd under a neutral pH condition i.e., kd (acidic pH condition)/kd (neutral pH condition) is 2 or more, 5 or more, 10 or more, or 30 or more.
  • the upper limit of the ratio may be 50, 100, or 200, as long as the antigen-binding domain can be produced based on the common technical knowledge of those skilled in the art.
  • At least one amino acid residue is substituted with an amino acid residue with a side-chain pKa of 4.0-8.0, and/or at least one amino acid with a side-chain pKa of 4.0-8.0 is inserted in the antigen-binding domain, as described in WO 2009/125825.
  • the amino acid may be substituted and/or inserted at any site as long as the antigen-binding activity of the antigen-binding domain becomes weaker under an acidic pH condition than under a neutral pH condition as compared to before the substitution or insertion.
  • the site may be within the variable region or CDR.
  • amino acids that are substituted or inserted can be appropriately determined by those skilled in the art; and the number may be one or more.
  • Amino acids with a side-chain pKa of 4.0-8.0 can be used to change the antigen-binding activity of the antigen-binding domain according to the hydrogen ion concentration condition.
  • Such amino acids include, for example, natural amino acids such as His (H) and Glu (E), and unnatural amino acids such as histidine analogs (US2009/0035836), m-NO2-Tyr (pKa 7.45), 3,5-Br2-Tyr (pKa 7.21), and 3,5-I2-Tyr (pKa 7.38) (Heyl et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. 11(17):3761-3768 (2003)).
  • Amino acids with a side-chain pKa of 6.0-7.0 can also be used, which include, e.g., His (H).
  • preferable antigen-binding domains for the variant Fc region with increased pI are described and can be obtained by methods described in Japanese patent applications JP2015-021371 and JP2015-185254.
  • the variant Fc region with increased pI comprises at least two amino acid alterations of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 285, 311, 312, 315, 318, 333, 335, 337, 341, 342, 343, 384, 385, 388, 390, 399, 400, 401, 402, 413, 420, 422, and 431, according to EU numbering.
  • the variant Fc region with increased pI comprises at least two amino acid alterations of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 311, 341, 343, 384, 399, 400, 401, 402, and 413, according to EU numbering.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with increased pI comprising amino acid alterations of any one of the following (1)-(10): (1) positions 311 and 341; (2) positions 311 and 343; (3) positions 311, 343 and 413; (4) positions 311, 384 and 413; (5) positions 311 and 399; (6) positions 311 and 401; (7) positions 311 and 413; (8) positions 400 and 413; (9) positions 401 and 413; and (10) positions 402 and 413; according to EU numbering.
  • (1)-(10) (1) positions 311 and 341; (2) positions 311 and 343; (3) positions 311, 343 and 413; (4) positions 311, 384 and 413; (5) positions 311 and 399; (6) positions 311 and 401; (7) positions 311 and 413; (8) positions 400 and 413; (9) positions 401 and 413; and (10) positions 402 and 413; according to EU numbering.
  • a method for increasing the pI of a protein is, for example, to reduce the number of amino acids with a negatively charged side chain (for example, aspartic acid and glutamic acid) and/or to increase the number of amino acids with a positively charged side chain (for example, arginine, lysine and histidine) at a neutral pH condition.
  • Amino acids with a negatively charged side chain have a negative charge represented as -1 at a pH condition that is sufficiently higher than their side chain pKa, which is a theory well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the theoretical pKa for the side chain of aspartic acid is 3.9, and the side chain has a negative charge represented as -1 at a neutral pH condition (for example, in a solution of pH7.0).
  • amino acids with a positively charged side chain have a positive charge represented as +1 at a pH condition that is sufficiently lower than their side chain pKa.
  • the theoretical pKa for the side chain of arginine is 12.5, and the side chain has a positive charge represented as +1 at a neutral pH condition (for example, in a solution of pH7.0).
  • amino acids whose side chain has no charge at a neutral pH condition are known to include 15 types of natural amino acids, i.e., alanine, cysteine, phenylalanine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, asparagine, proline, glutamine, serine, threonine, valine, tryptophan, and tyrosine.
  • amino acids for increasing the pI may be unnatural amino acids.
  • a method for increasing the pI of a protein at a neutral pH condition can confer a charge alteration of +1 to a protein of interest, for example, by substituting amino acids with non-charged side chains for aspartic acid or glutamic acid (whose side chain has a negative charge of -1) in the amino acid sequence of the protein.
  • a charge alteration of +1 can be conferred to the protein, for example, by substituting arginine or lysine (whose side chain has a positive charge of +1) for amino acids whose side chain has no charge.
  • a charge alteration of +2 can be conferred at a time to the protein by substituting arginine or lysine (whose side chain has a positive charge of +1) for aspartic acid or glutamic acid (whose side chain has a negative charge of -1).
  • amino acids with a side chain having no charge and/or preferably amino acids having a positively charged side chain can be added or inserted into the amino acid sequence of the protein, or amino acids with a side chain having no charge and/or preferably amino acids with a negatively charged side chain present in the amino acid sequence of the protein can be deleted.
  • the N-terminal and C-terminal amino acid residues of a protein have a main chain-derived charge (NH 3 + of the amino group at the N-terminus and COO - of the carbonyl group at the C-terminus) in addition to their side chain-derived charges.
  • the pI of a protein can also be increased by performing to the main chain-derived functional groups some addition, deletion, substitution, or insertion.
  • substitution of an amino acid to increase the pI includes, for example, substitution of an amino acid whose side chain has no charge for an amino acid having a negatively charged side chain, substitution of an amino acid having a positively charged side chain for an amino acid whose side chain has no charge, and substitution of an amino acid having a positively charged side chain for an amino acid having a negatively charged side chain in the amino acid sequence of a parent Fc region, which are performed alone or in appropriate combinations.
  • the insertion or addition of an amino acid to increase the pI includes, for example, insertion or addition of an amino acid whose side chain has no charge, and/or insertion or addition of an amino acid having a positively charged side chain in the amino acid sequence of a parent Fc region, which are performed alone or in appropriate combinations.
  • the deletion of an amino acid to increase the pI includes, for example, deletion of an amino acid whose side chain has no charge, and/or deletion of an amino acid having a negatively charged side chain in the amino acid sequence of a parent Fc region, which are performed alone or in appropriate combinations.
  • natural amino acids used for increasing pI can be classified as follows: (a) an amino acid with a negatively charged side chain can be Glu (E) or Asp (D); (b) an amino acid whose side chain has no charge can be Ala (A), Asn (N), Cys (C), Gln (Q), Gly (G), His (H), Ile (I), Leu (L), Met (M), Phe (F), Pro (P), Ser (S), Thr (T), Trp (W), Tyr (Y), or Val (V); and (c) an amino acid with a positively charged side chain can be His (H), Lys (K), or Arg (R). In one embodiment, the amino acid insertion or substitution after modification is Lys (K) or Arg (R).
  • the invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity and increased pI.
  • a variant Fc region described herein comprises at least two amino acid alterations in a parent Fc region.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity and increased pI comprising at least three amino acid alterations comprising: (a) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 295, 298, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, and 396, according to EU numbering, and (b) at least two amino acid alterations of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 285, 311, 312, 315, 318, 333, 335, 337, 341, 342, 343, 384, 385, 388, 390, 399, 400, 401, 402, 413, 420, 422, and 431, according to EU numbering.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity and increased pI, and that comprise at least three amino acid alterations comprising: (a) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 235, 236, 239, 268, 295, 298, 326, 330, and 396, according to EU numbering, and (b) at least two amino acid alterations of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 311, 341, 343, 384, 399, 400, 401, 402, and 413, according to EU numbering.
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity and increased pI comprising amino acid alterations of any one of the following (1)-(9): (1) positions 235, 236, 268, 295, 311, 326, 330 and 343; (2) positions 236, 268, 295, 311, 326, 330 and 343; (3) positions 236, 268, 295, 311, 330 and 413; (4) positions 236, 268, 311, 330, 396 and 399; (5) positions 236, 268, 311, 330 and 343; (6) positions 236, 268, 311, 330, 343 and 413; (7) positions 236, 268, 311, 330, 384 and 413; (8) positions 236, 268, 311, 330 and 413; and (9) positions 236, 268, 330, 396, 400 and 413; according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity and increased pI comprising at least three amino acid alterations comprising: (a) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 234, 238, 250, 264, 267, 307, and 330, and (b) at least two amino acid alterations of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 285, 311, 312, 315, 318, 333, 335, 337, 341, 342, 343, 384, 385, 388, 390, 399, 400, 401, 402, 413, 420, 422, and 431, according to EU numbering.
  • the polypeptides comprise at least two amino acid alterations of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 311, 341, 343, 384, 399, 400, 401, 402, and 413, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the invention provides polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity and increased pI comprising amino acid alterations of any one of the following (1)-(16): (1) positions 234, 238, 250, 264, 307, 311, 330 and 343; (2) positions 234, 238, 250, 264, 307, 311, 330 and 413; (3) positions 234, 238, 250, 264, 267, 307, 311, 330 and 343; (4) positions 234, 238, 250, 264, 267, 307, 311, 330 and 413; (5) positions 234, 238, 250, 267, 307, 311, 330 and 343; (6) positions 234, 238, 250, 267, 307, 311, 330 and 413; (7) positions 234, 238, 250, 307, 311, 330 and 343; (8) positions 234, 238, 250, 307, 311, 330 and 413; (9) positions 238, 250, 264, 267, 307, 311, 330 and
  • the variant Fc region comprises amino acid alterations selected from any single alteration, combination of single alterations, or combination alterations described in Tables 14-30.
  • a polypeptide comprises a variant Fc region of the present invention.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody heavy chain constant region.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody heavy chain.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 229-381.
  • a "parent Fc region" as used herein refers to an Fc region prior to introduction of amino acid alteration(s) described herein.
  • Preferred examples of the parent Fc region include Fc regions derived from native antibodies.
  • Antibodies include, for example, IgA (IgA1, IgA2), IgD, IgE, IgG (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4), and IgM, or such.
  • Antibodies may be derived from human or monkey (e.g., cynomolgus, rhesus macaque, marmoset, chimpanzee, or baboon). Native antibodies may also include naturally-occurring mutations.
  • a plurality of allotype sequences of IgGs due to genetic polymorphism are described in "Sequences of proteins of immunological interest", NIH Publication No. 91-3242, and any of them may be used in the present invention.
  • the amino acid sequence at positions 356 to 358 may be either DEL or EEM.
  • Preferred examples of the parent Fc region include Fc regions derived from a heavy chain constant region of human IgG1 (SEQ ID NO: 195), human IgG2 (SEQ ID NO: 196), human IgG3 (SEQ ID NO: 197), and human IgG4 (SEQ ID NO: 198).
  • the parent Fc region is an Fc region derived from a heavy chain constant region SG1 (SEQ ID NO: 9). Furthermore, the parent Fc region may be an Fc region produced by adding an amino acid alteration(s) other than the amino acid alteration(s) described herein to an Fc region derived from a native antibody.
  • amino acid alterations performed for other purpose(s) can be combined in a variant Fc region described herein.
  • amino acid substitutions that improve FcRn-binding activity Hinton et al., J. Immunol. 176(1):346-356 (2006); Dall'Acqua et al., J. Biol. Chem. 281(33):23514-23524 (2006); Petkova et al., Intl. Immunol. 18(12):1759-1769 (2006); Zalevsky et al., Nat. Biotechnol.
  • polypeptides with the property of promoting antigen clearance which are described in WO 2011/122011, WO 2012/132067, WO 2013/046704 or WO 2013/180201, polypeptides with the property of specifc binding to a target tissue, which are described in WO 2013/180200, polypeptides with the property for repeated binding to a plurality of antigen molecules, which are described in WO 2009/125825, WO 2012/073992 or WO 2013/047752, can be combined with a variant Fc region described herein.
  • amino acid alterations disclosed in EP1752471 and EP1772465 may be combined in CH3 of a variant Fc region described herein.
  • amino acid alterations that decrease the pI of the constant region (WO 2012/016227) may be combined in a variant Fc region described herein.
  • amino acid alterations that increase the pI of the constant region (WO 2014/145159) may be combined in a variant Fc region described herein.
  • amino acid alterations that increase the pI of the constant region may be combined in a variant Fc region described herein.
  • alteration may include, for example, substitution at al least one position selected from the group consisting of 311, 343, 384, 399, 400, and 413 according to EU numbering.
  • substitution may be a replacement of an amino acid with Lys or Arg at each position.
  • Amino acid alterations of enhancing human FcRn-binding activity under acidic pH can also be combined in a variant Fc region described herein.
  • such alterations may include, for example, substitution of Leu for Met at position 428 and substitution of Ser for Asn at position 434, according to EU numbering (Zalevsky et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 28:157-159 (2010)); substitution of Ala for Asn at position 434 (Deng et al., Metab. Dispos. 38(4):600-605 (2010)); substitution of Tyr for Met at position 252, substitution of Thr for Ser at position 254 and substitution of Glu for Thr at position 256 (Dall'Acqua et al., J. Biol. Chem.
  • Such alterations may include, for example, at least one alteration selected from the group consisiting of substitution of Leu for Met at position 428, substitution of Ala for Asn at position 434 and substitution of Thr for Tyr at position 436. Those alterations may further include substitution of Arg for Gln at position 438 and/or substitution of Glu for Ser at position 440 (Japanese patent application numbers JP2015-021371 and JP2015-185254).
  • Two or more polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region described herein can be included in one molecule, wherein two polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions are associated, much like in an antibody.
  • the type of antibody is not limited, and IgA (IgA1, IgA2), IgD, IgE, IgG (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4), and IgM, or such can be used.
  • the two associated polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions may be polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions into which the same amino acid alteration(s) have been introduced (hereinafter, referred to as homologous variant Fc regions), or polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions into which different amino acid alteration(s) have been introduced, or alternatively polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions where amino acid alteration(s) have been introduced into only one of the Fc regions (hereinafter, referred as a heterologous polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions).
  • One of the preferable amino acid alterations is an alteration in the loop structure from positions 233 to 239 (EU numbering) in the CH2 domain of the Fc region, which is involved in binding with Fc gamma RIIb and Fc gamma RIIa.
  • an alteration is introduced in the loop structure of the CH2 domain of one of the Fc regions that enhances Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity and/or selectivity, and another alteration is introduced in the loop structure of the CH2 domain of the other Fc region that destabilizes it.
  • a technique of suppressing unintended association of homologous polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions by introducing electrostatic repulsion into the interface of the CH2 or CH3 domain of the Fc region can be applied, as described in WO 2006/106905.
  • amino acid residues in contact at the interface of the CH2 or CH3 domain of the Fc region include the residue at position 356 (EU numbering), the residue at position 439 (EU numbering), the residue at position 357 (EU numbering), the residue at position 370 (EU numbering), the residue at position 399 (EU numbering), and the residue at position 409 (EU numbering) in the CH3 domain.
  • the Fc region in which one to three pairs of amino acid residues selected from (1) to (3) shown below have the same charge can be produced: (1) amino acid residues at positions 356 and 439 (EU numbering) in the CH3 domain; (2) amino acid residues at positions 357 and 370 (EU numbering) in the CH3 domain; and (3) amino acid residues at positions 399 and 409 (EU numbering) in the CH3 domain.
  • heterologous polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions can be produced, wherein one to three pairs of amino acid residues selected from (1) to (3) indicated above have the same charge in the CH3 domain of the first Fc region, and the pairs of amino acid residues selected in the aforementioned first Fc region also have the same charge in the CH3 domain of the second Fc region, provided that the charges in the first and second Fc regions are opposite.
  • negatively-charged amino acid residues are preferably selected from glutamic acid (E) and aspartic acid (D), and positively-charged amino acid residues are preferably selected from lysine (K), arginine (R), and histidine (H).
  • association of polypeptides comprising an Fc region can be induced efficiently using strand-exchange engineered domain CH3 heterodimers (Davis et al., Prot. Eng. Des. & Sel., 23:195-202 (2010)). This technique can also be used to efficiently induce association between Fc region-containing polypeptides having different amino acid sequences.
  • heterodimerized antibody production techniques that use association of antibody CH1 and CL, and association of VH and VL, which are described in WO 2011/028952, can also be used.
  • polypeptides comprising homologous variant Fc regions are also usually produced as impurities.
  • polypeptides comprising heterologous variant Fc regions can be efficiently obtained by separating and purifying them from polypeptides comprising homologous variant Fc regions using known technologies.
  • a method has been reported to efficiently separate and purify heterodimerized antibodies from a homodimerized antibodies using ion exchange chromatography, by introducing amino acid alterations into the variable regions of the two types of antibody heavy chains to create a difference in isoelectric points between the homodimerized antibodies and the heterodimerized antibodies (WO 2007/114325).
  • Another method has been reported to purify heterodimerized antibodies using Protein A chromatography, by constructing a heterodimerized antibody comprising two types of heavy chains derived from mouse IgG2a that binds to Protein A and rat IgG2b that does not bind to Protein A (WO 1998/050431 and WO 1995/033844).
  • a heterodimerized antibody can be efficiently purified using Protein A chromatography, by substituting amino acid residues at positions 435 and 436 (EU numbering), which are located in the Protein A binding site of an antibody heavy chain, with amino acids such as Tyr or His, to yield different Protein A binding affinities.
  • amino acid alteration means any of substitution, deletion, addition, insertion, and modification, or a combination thereof.
  • amino acid alteration may be rephrased as amino acid mutation.
  • substitution to a different amino acid residue can be carried out with the objective of altering aspects such as (a)-(c) described below: (a) polypeptide backbone structure in the sheet-structure or helical-structure region; (b) electric charge or hydrophobicity at the target site; or (c) size of the side chain.
  • Amino acid residues are classified into the following groups based on their general side chain properties: (a) hydrophobic: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, and Ile; (b) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, and Gln; (c) acidic: Asp and Glu; (d) basic: His, Lys, and Arg; (e) residues that affect the chain orientation: Gly and Pro; and (f) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, and Phe.
  • Amino acid alterations are produced by various methods known to those skilled in the art. Such methods include the site-directed mutagenesis method (Hashimoto-Gotoh et al., Gene 152:271-275 (1995); Zoller, Meth. Enzymol. 100:468-500 (1983); Kramer et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 12: 9441-9456 (1984)); Kramer and Fritz, Methods Enzymol. 154: 350-367 (1987); and Kunkel, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:488-492 (1985)), the PCR mutation method, and the cassette mutation method, but are not limited thereto.
  • the number of amino acid alterations introduced into an Fc region is not limited. In certain embodiments, it can be 1, 2 or less, 3 or less, 4 or less, 5 or less, 6 or less, 8 or less, 10 or less, 12 or less, 14 or less, 16 or less, 18 or less, or 20 or less.
  • Amino acid modification includes post-translational modification.
  • a specific post-translational modification may be addition or deletion of a sugar chain.
  • the amino acid residue at position 297 (EU numbering) in the IgG1 constant region may be sugar chain-modified.
  • the sugar chain structure for the modification is not limited.
  • sialic acid may be added to the sugar chain of an Fc region (MAbs 2010 Sep-Oct, 2(5): 519-527).
  • antibodies expressed in eukaryotic cells comprise glycosylation in the constant region.
  • some type of sugar chain are normally added to antibodies expressed in cells such as naturally-occurring antibody-producing cells of mammals or eukaryotic cells transformed with an expression vector comprising a DNA encoding an antibody.
  • Eukaryotic cells shown here include yeast and animal cells.
  • CHO cells and HEK293 cells are representative animal cells used in transformation with an expression vector comprising an antibody-encoding DNA.
  • constant regions without glycosylation are also included in the present invention.
  • Antibodies whose constant region is not glycosylated can be obtained by expressing an antibody-encoding gene in prokaryotic cells such as Escherichia coli.
  • polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention may be chemically modified with various molecules such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cytotoxic substances. Methods for such chemical modification of a polypeptide are established in the art.
  • PEG polyethylene glycol
  • the invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • an antibody is a chimeric antibody, or a humanized antibody. The origin of an antibody is not particularly limited, but examples include a human antibody, a mouse antibody, a rat antibody, and a rabbit antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • variable regions of antibodies that comprise a variant Fc region provided herein and the protein binding motifs of Fc fusion proteins comprising a variant Fc region can recognize any antigen.
  • antigens that can be bound by such antibodies and fusion proteins include, but are not limited to ligands (cytokines, chemokines, and such), receptors, cancer antigens, MHC antigens, differentiation antigens, immunoglobulins, and immune complexes partly containing immunoglobulins.
  • cytokines that can be bound by an antibody or fusion protein containing a variant Fc region of the invention, and/or recombinantly fused with a polypeptide comprising a disclosed variant Fc region include but are not limited to, interleukins 1 to 18, colony stimulating factors (G-CSF, M-CSF, GM-CSF, etc.), interferons (IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, etc.), growth factors (EGF, FGF, IGF, NGF, PDGF, TGF, HGF, etc.), tumor necrosis factors (TNF-alpha and TNF-beta), lymphotoxin, erythropoietin, leptin, SCF, TPO, MCAF, and BMP.
  • G-CSF colony stimulating factors
  • M-CSF M-CSF, GM-CSF, etc.
  • chemokines that can be bound by an antibody or fusion protein containing a variant Fc region of the invention, and/or recombinantly fused with a polypeptide comprising a disclosed variant Fc region include but are not limited to, CC chemokines such as CCL1 to CCL28, CXC chemokines such as CXCL1 to CXCL17, C chemokines such as XCL1 to XCL2, and CX3C chemokines such as CX3CL1.
  • receptors that can be bound by an antibody or fusion protein containing a variant Fc region of the invention, and/or recombinantly fused with a polypeptide comprising a disclosed variant Fc region include but are not limited to, receptors belonging to receptor families such as the hematopoietic growth factor receptor family, cytokine receptor family, tyrosine kinase-type receptor family, serine/threonine kinase-type receptor family, TNF receptor family, G protein-coupled receptor family, GPI anchor-type receptor family, tyrosine phosphatase-type receptor family, adhesion factor family, and hormone receptor family.
  • receptor families such as the hematopoietic growth factor receptor family, cytokine receptor family, tyrosine kinase-type receptor family, serine/threonine kinase-type receptor family, TNF receptor family, G protein-coupled receptor family, GPI anchor-type receptor family, tyrosine phosphatase
  • Examples of specific receptors belonging to the above-mentioned receptor families include human or mouse erythropoietin (EPO) receptors (Jones et al., Blood 76(1):31-35 (1990); D'Andrea et al., Cell 57(2):277-285 (1989)), human or mouse granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) receptors (Fukunaga et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • EPO erythropoietin
  • G-CSF granulocyte-colony stimulating factor
  • PDGF platelet-derived growth factor
  • IFN interferon-alpha and beta receptors
  • human or mouse leptin receptors human or mouse growth hormone (GH) receptors, human or mouse interleukin (IL)-10 receptors, human or mouse insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I receptors, human or mouse leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) receptors, and human or mouse ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) receptors.
  • Cancer antigens are antigens that are expressed as cells become malignant, and they are also called tumor-specific antigens. Abnormal sugar chains that appear on cell surfaces or protein molecules when cells become cancerous are also cancer antigens, and they are also called sugar-chain cancer antigens.
  • cancer antigens that can be bound by an antibody or fusion protein containing a variant Fc region of the invention include but are not limited to, GPC3 which is a receptor belonging to the GPI anchor-type receptor family mentioned above, and is also expressed in several cancers including liver cancer (Midorikawa et al., Int. J. Cancer 103(4):455-465 (2003)), as well as EpCAM which is expressed in several cancers including lung cancer (Linnenbach et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86(1):27-31 (1989)), CA19-9, CA15-3, and sialyl SSEA-1 (SLX).
  • GPC3 which is a receptor belonging to the GPI anchor-type receptor family mentioned above
  • MHC antigens are roughly classified into MHC class I antigens and MHC class II antigens.
  • MHC class I antigens include HLA-A, -B, -C, -E, -F, -G, and -H
  • MHC class II antigens include HLA-DR, -DQ, and -DP.
  • differentiation antigens that can be bound by an antibody or fusion protein containing a variant Fc region of the invention, and/or recombinantly fused with a polypeptide comprising a disclosed variant Fc region include but are not limited to, CD1, CD2, CD4, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD8, CD10, CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD13, CD14, CD15s, CD16, CD18, CD19, CD20, CD21, CD23, CD25, CD28, CD29, CD30, CD32, CD33, CD34, CD35, CD38, CD40, CD41a, CD41b, CD42a, CD42b, CD43, CD44, CD45, CD45RO, CD48, CD49a, CD49b, CD49c, CD49d, CD49e, CD49f, CD51, CD54, CD55, CD56, CD57, CD58, CD61, CD62E, CD62L, CD62P, CD64, CD69, CD71, CD73, CD95, CD
  • Immunoglobulins include IgA, IgM, IgD, IgG, and IgE.
  • Immune complexes include a component of at least any of the immunoglobulins.
  • antigens that can be bound by an antibody or fusion protein containing a variant Fc region of the invention, and/or recombinantly fused with a polypeptide comprising a disclosed variant Fc region include but are not limited to, 17-IA, 4-1BB, 4Dc, 6-keto-PGF1a, 8-iso-PGF2a, 8-oxo-dG, A1 adenosine receptor, A33, ACE, ACE-2, activin, activin A, activin AB, activin B, activin C, activin RIA, activin RIA ALK-2, activin RIB ALK-4, activin RIIA, activin RIIB, ADAM, ADAM10, ADAM12, ADAM15, ADAM17/TACE, ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAMTS, ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, addressin, aFGF, ALCAM, ALK, ALK-1, ALK-7, alpha-1-antitrypsin,
  • one or more amino acid residue alterations are allowed in the amino acid sequences constituting the variable regions as long as their antigen-binding activities are maintained.
  • altering a variable region amino acid sequence there is no particularly limitation on the site of alteration and number of amino acids altered.
  • amino acids present in CDR and/or FR can be altered appropriately.
  • the binding activity is preferably maintained without particular limitation; and for example, as compared to before alteration, the binding activity may be 50% or more, 80% or more, and 100% or more.
  • the binding activity may be increased by amino acid alterations.
  • the binding activity may be 2-, 5-, 10-times higher or such than that before alteration.
  • Alteration of amino acid sequence may be at least one of amino acid residue substitution, addition, deletion, and modification.
  • the modification of the N-terminal glutamine of a variable region into pyroglutamic acid by pyroglutamylation is a modification well known to those skilled in the art.
  • antibodies described herein may comprise the variable regions in which the glutamine is modified to pyroglutamic acid.
  • Antibody variable regions described herein may have any sequences, and they may be antibody variable regions of any origin, such as mouse antibodies, rat antibodies, rabbit antibodies, goat antibodies, camel antibodies, humanized antibodies produced by humanizing these non-human antibodies, and human antibodies. Furthermore, these antibodies may have various amino acid substitutions introduced into their variable regions to improve their antigen binding, pharmacokinetics, stability, and immunogenicity. Variable regions may be able to bind antigens repeatedly due to their pH dependency in antigen binding (WO 2009/125825).
  • kappa chain and lambda chain are present in antibody light-chain constant regions, and either one is acceptable. Furthermore, they may have some amino acid alterations such as substitutions, deletions, additions, and/or insertions.
  • polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions described herein may be made into Fc fusion proteins by linking to other proteins such as physiologically active peptides.
  • Such fusion proteins may be a multimer of at least two polypeptides comprising the variant Fc regions.
  • the other proteins include receptors, adhesion molecules, ligands, and enzymes, but are not limited thereto.
  • Fc fusion proteins include proteins fused with an Fc region to a receptor that binds to a target molecule, including TNFR-Fc fusion protein, IL1R-Fc fusion protein, VEGFR-Fc fusion protein, and CTLA4-Fc fusion protein (Economides et al,. Nat. Med. 9(1):47-52 (2003); Dumont et al., BioDrugs. 20(3):151-60 (2006)).
  • proteins to be fused may be other molecules that have a target-binding activity, for example, scFvs (WO 2005/037989), single-domain antibodies (WO 2004/058821; WO 2003/002609), antibody-like molecules (Davinder, Curr. Op. Biotech.
  • Antibodies may be produced using recombinant methods and compositions, e.g., as described in US Patent No. 4,816,567.
  • isolated nucleic acid encoding an anti-myostatin antibody described herein is provided.
  • isolated nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region or a parent Fc region described herein is provided.
  • Such nucleic acid may encode an amino acid sequence comprising the VL and/or an amino acid sequence comprising the VH of the antibody (e.g., the light and/or heavy chains of the antibody).
  • one or more vectors comprising such nucleic acid are provided.
  • a host cell comprising such nucleic acid.
  • a host cell comprises (e.g., has been transformed with): (1) a vector comprising a nucleic acid that encodes an amino acid sequence comprising the VL of the antibody and an amino acid sequence comprising the VH of the antibody, or (2) a first vector comprising a nucleic acid that encodes an amino acid sequence comprising the VL of the antibody and a second vector comprising a nucleic acid that encodes an amino acid sequence comprising the VH of the antibody.
  • the host cell is eukaryotic, e.g., a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell or lymphoid cell (e.g., a Y0, NS0, and Sp20 cell).
  • a method of making an anti-myostatin antibody comprises culturing a host cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding the antibody, as provided above, under conditions suitable for expression of the antibody, and optionally recovering the antibody from the host cell (or host cell culture medium).
  • a method of making a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region or a parent Fc region comprises culturing a host cell comprising the nucleic acid(s) encoding a polypeptide such as, an antibody, Fc region, or variant Fc region, as provided above, under conditions suitable for expression of the polypeptide, and optionally recovering the polypeptide from the host cell (or host cell culture medium).
  • nucleic acids encoding an antibody e.g., as described above, is isolated and inserted into one or more vectors for further cloning and/or expression in a host cell.
  • nucleic acid encoding an Fc region is isolated and inserted into one or more vectors for further cloning and/or expression in a host cell.
  • Such nucleic acid may be readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of the antibody).
  • Suitable host cells for cloning or expression of antibody-encoding vectors include prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells described herein.
  • antibodies may be produced in bacteria, in particular when glycosylation and Fc effector function are not needed.
  • For expression of antibody fragments and polypeptides in bacteria see, e.g., US Patent Nos. 5,648,237, 5,789,199, and 5,840,523. (See also, Charlton, Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 248 (B.K.C. Lo, ed., Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2003), pp. 245-254, describing expression of antibody fragments in E. coli.)
  • the antibody may be isolated from the bacterial cell paste in a soluble fraction and can be further purified.
  • eukaryotic microbes such as filamentous fungi or yeast are suitable cloning or expression hosts for antibody-encoding vectors, including fungi and yeast strains whose glycosylation pathways have been "humanized,” resulting in the production of an antibody with a partially or fully human glycosylation pattern. See Gerngross, Nat. Biotech. 22:1409-1414 (2004), and Li et al., Nat. Biotech. 24:210-215 (2006).
  • Suitable host cells for the expression of glycosylated antibody are also derived from multicellular organisms (invertebrates and vertebrates). Examples of invertebrate cells include plant and insect cells. Numerous baculoviral strains have been identified which may be used in conjunction with insect cells, particularly for transfection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells.
  • Plant cell cultures can also be utilized as hosts. See, e.g., US Patent Nos. 5,959,177, 6,040,498, 6,420,548, 7,125,978, and 6,417,429 (describing PLANTIBODIES TM technology for producing antibodies in transgenic plants).
  • Vertebrate cells may also be used as hosts.
  • mammalian cell lines that are adapted to grow in suspension may be useful.
  • Other examples of useful mammalian host cell lines are monkey kidney CV1 line transformed by SV40 (COS-7); human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells as described, e.g., in Graham et al., J. Gen Virol. 36:59 (1977)); baby hamster kidney cells (BHK); mouse sertoli cells (TM4 cells as described, e.g., in Mather, Biol. Reprod.
  • monkey kidney cells (CV1); African green monkey kidney cells (VERO-76); human cervical carcinoma cells (HELA); canine kidney cells (MDCK; buffalo rat liver cells (BRL 3A); human lung cells (W138); human liver cells (Hep G2); mouse mammary tumor (MMT 060562); TRI cells, as described, e.g., in Mather et al., Annals N.Y. Acad. Sci. 383:44-68 (1982); MRC 5 cells; and FS4 cells.
  • Other useful mammalian host cell lines include Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, including DHFR - CHO cells (Urlaub et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
  • Antibodies with pH-dependent characteristics may be obtained using screening methods and/or mutagenesis methods e.g., as described in WO 2009/125825.
  • the screening methods may comprise any process by which an antibody having pH-dependent binding characteristics is identified within a population of antibodies specific for a particular antigen.
  • the screening methods may comprise measuring one or more binding parameters (e.g., KD or kd) of individual antibodies within an initial population of antibodies both at acidic and neutral pH.
  • the binding parameters of the antibodies may be measured using, e.g., surface plasmon resonance, or any other analytic method that allows for the quantitative or qualitative assessment of the binding characteristics of an antibody to a particular antigen.
  • the screening methods may comprise identifying an antibody that binds to an antigen with an acidic/neutral KD ratio of 2 or greater. In further embodiments, the screening methods may comprise identifying an antibody that binds to an antigen with a pH5.8/pH7.4 KD ratio of 2 or greater. Alternatively, the screening methods may comprise identifying an antibody that binds to an antigen with an acidic/neutral kd ratio of 2 or greater. In further embodiments, the screening methods may comprise identifying an antibody that binds to an antigen with a pH5.8/pH7.4 kd ratio of 2 or greater.
  • the mutagenesis methods may comprise incorporating a deletion, substitution, or addition of an amino acid within the heavy and/or light chain of the antibody to enhance the pH-dependent binding of the antibody to an antigen.
  • the mutagenesis may be carried out within one or more variable domains of the antibody, e.g., within one or more HVRs (e.g., CDRs).
  • the mutagenesis may comprise substituting an amino acid within one or more HVRs (e.g., CDRs) of the antibody with another amino acid.
  • the mutagenesis may comprise substituting one or more amino acids in at least one HVR (e.g., CDR) of the antibody with a histidine.
  • "enhanced pH-dependent binding” means that the mutated version of the antibody exhibits a greater acidic/neutral KD ratio, or a greater acidic/neutral kd ratio, than the original "parent" (i.e., the less pH-dependent) version of the antibody prior to mutagenesis.
  • the mutated version of the antibody has an acidic/neutral KD ratio of 2 or greater.
  • the mutated version of the antibody has a pH5.8/pH7.4 KD ratio of 2 or greater.
  • the mutated version of the antibody has an acidic/neutral kd ratio of 2 or greater.
  • the mutated version of the antibody has a pH5.8/pH7.4 kd ratio of 2 or greater.
  • a protein that is immunogenic in the species to be immunized e.g., keyhole limpet hemocyanin, serum albumin, bovine thy
  • Animals are immunized against the antigen, immunogenic conjugates, or derivatives by combining, e.g., 100 micro g or 5 micro g of the protein or conjugate (for rabbits or mice, respectively) with 3 volumes of Freund's complete adjuvant and injecting the solution intradermally at multiple sites.
  • the animals are boosted with 1/5 to 1/10 the original amount of peptide or conjugate in Freund's complete adjuvant by subcutaneous injection at multiple sites.
  • Seven to 14 days later the animals are bled and the serum is assayed for antibody titer. Animals are boosted until the titer plateaus.
  • the animal is boosted with the conjugate of the same antigen, but conjugated to a different protein and/or through a different cross-linking reagent.
  • Conjugates also can be made in recombinant cell culture as protein fusions.
  • aggregating agents such as alum are suitably used to enhance the immune response.
  • Monoclonal antibodies are obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical except for possible naturally occurring mutations and/or post-translational modifications (e.g., isomerizations, amidations) that may be present in minor amounts.
  • the modifier "monoclonal” indicates the character of the antibody as not being a mixture of discrete antibodies.
  • the monoclonal antibodies may be made using the hybridoma method first described by Kohler et al., Nature 256(5517):495-497 (1975).
  • a mouse or other appropriate host animal such as a hamster
  • lymphocytes may be immunized in vitro.
  • the immunizing agent will typically include the antigenic protein or a fusion variant thereof.
  • PBLs peripheral blood lymphocytes
  • spleen cells or lymph node cells are used if non-human mammalian sources are desired.
  • the lymphocytes are then fused with an immortalized cell line using a suitable fusing agent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell (Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, Academic Press (1986), pp. 59-103).
  • Immortalized cell lines are usually transformed mammalian cells, particularly myeloma cells of rodent, bovine and human origin. Usually, rat or mouse myeloma cell lines are employed.
  • the hybridoma cells thus prepared are seeded and grown in a suitable culture medium that preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival of the unfused, parental myeloma cells.
  • the culture medium for the hybridomas typically will include hypoxanthine, aminopterin, and thymidine (HAT medium), which are substances that prevent the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells.
  • HGPRT hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase
  • Preferred immortalized myeloma cells are those that fuse efficiently, support stable high-level production of antibody by the selected antibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a medium such as HAT medium.
  • preferred are murine myeloma lines such as those derived from MOPC-21 and MPC-11 mouse tumors available from the Salk Institute Cell Distribution Center, San Diego, California USA, and SP-2 cells (and derivatives thereof, e.g., X63-Ag8-653) available from the American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Virginia USA.
  • Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines also have been described for the production of human monoclonal antibodies (Kozbor et al. J. Immunol. 133(6):3001-3005 (1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, pp. 51-63 (1987)).
  • Culture medium in which hybridoma cells are growing is assayed for production of monoclonal antibodies directed against the antigen.
  • the binding specificity of monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridoma cells is determined by immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding assay, such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
  • RIA radioimmunoassay
  • ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
  • binding affinity may be determined by the Scatchard analysis of Munson, Anal. Biochem. 107(1):220-239 (1980).
  • the clones may be subcloned by limiting dilution procedures and grown by standard methods (Goding, supra). Suitable culture media for this purpose include, for example, D-MEM or RPMI-1640 medium.
  • the hybridoma cells may be grown in vivo as tumors in a mammal.
  • the monoclonal antibodies secreted by the subclones are suitably separated from the culture medium, ascites fluid, or serum by conventional immunoglobulin purification procedures such as, for example, protein A-Sepharose, hydroxyapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, or affinity chromatography.
  • Antibodies may be produced by immunizing an appropriate host animal against an antigen.
  • the antigen is a polypeptide comprising a full-length myostatin.
  • the antigen is a polypeptide comprising latent myostatin.
  • the antigen is a polypeptide comprising a myostatin propeptide.
  • the antigen is a polypeptide comprising the region corresponding to the amino acids at positions 21 to 100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78).
  • the antigen is a polypeptide comprising amino acids at positions 21-80, 41-100, 21-60, 41-80, 61-100, 21-40, 41-60, 61-80, or 81-100 of myostatin propeptide (SEQ ID NO: 78).
  • antibodies produced by immunizing an animal against the antigen may incorporate any of the features, singly or in combination, as described in "Exemplary Anti-myostatin Antibodies" above.
  • An Fc region may be obtained by re-eluting the fraction adsorbed onto protein A column after partially digesting IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4 monoclonal antibodies or such using a protease such as pepsin.
  • the protease is not particularly limited as long as it can digest a full-length antibody so that Fab and F(ab')2 will be produced in a restrictive manner by appropriately setting the enzyme reaction conditions such as pH, and examples include pepsin and papain.
  • the present invention provides a method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity in comparison with a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region, which comprises introducing at least one amino acid alteration to the parent Fc region.
  • the produced polypeptide is an antibody.
  • an antibody is a chimeric antibody, or a humanized antibody.
  • the produced polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the production method comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region; (b) introducing at least one amino acid alteration to the parent Fc region within the polypeptide; (c) measuring the monkey Fc gamma RIIb-binding activities of the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region and the polypeptide comprising the Fc region in step (b); and (d) selecting a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced monkey Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity in comparison with the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region.
  • the production method comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region; (b) introducing at least one amino acid alteration to the parent Fc region within the polypeptide; (c) measuring the monkey Fc gamma RIIIa-binding activities of the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region and the polypeptide comprising the Fc region in step (b); and (d) selecting a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with decreased monkey Fc gamma RIIIa-binding activity in comparison with the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region.
  • the production method comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region; (b) introducing at least one amino acid alteration to the parent Fc region within the polypeptide; (c) measuring the human Fc gamma RIIb-binding activities of the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region and the polypeptide comprising the Fc region in step (b); and (d) selecting a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced human Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity in comparison with the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region.
  • the production method comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region; (b) introducing at least one amino acid alteration to the parent Fc region within the polypeptide; (c) measuring the human Fc gamma RIIIa-binding activities of the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region and the polypeptide comprising the Fc region in step (b); and (d) selecting a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with decreased human Fc gamma RIIIa-binding activity in comparison with the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region.
  • the production method comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region; (b) introducing at least one amino acid alteration to the parent Fc region within the polypeptide; (c) measuring the human Fc gamma RIIa (type H)-binding activities of the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region and the polypeptide comprising the Fc region in step (b); and (d) selecting a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with decreased human Fc gamma RIIa (type H)-binding activity in comparison with the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region.
  • the production method comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region; (b) introducing at least one amino acid alteration to the parent Fc region within the polypeptide; (c) measuring the human Fc gamma RIIa (type R)-binding activities of the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region and the polypeptide comprising the Fc region in step (b); and (d) selecting a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with decreased human Fc gamma RIIa (type R)-binding activity in comparison with the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region.
  • At least one amino acid is altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 295, 298, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • one amino acid is altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, at position 236.
  • At least two amino acids are altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, the alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239, 264, 266, 267, 268, 271, 295, 298, 325, 326, 327, 328, 330, 331, 332, 334, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • At least two amino acids are altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, the alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 231, 232, 235, 239, 268, 295, 298, 326, 330, and 396, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • At least two amino acids are altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, the alterations comprising: (a) one amino acid alteration at position 236, and (b) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 268, 295, 326, and 330, according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • amino acids are altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, at positions of any one of the following (1)-(37): (1) at positions 231, 236, 239, 268 and 330; (2) at positions 231, 236, 239, 268, 295 and 330; (3) at positions 231, 236, 268 and 330; (4) at positions 231, 236, 268, 295 and 330; (5) at positions 232, 236, 239, 268, 295 and 330; (6) at positions 232, 236, 268, 295 and 330; (7) at positions 232, 236, 268 and 330; (8) at positions 235, 236, 268, 295, 326 and 330; (9) at positions 235, 236, 268, 295 and 330; (10) at positions 235, 236, 268 and 330; (11) at positions 235, 236, 268, 330 and 396; (12) at positions 235, 23, 236,
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • an amino acid alteration in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is selected at each position from the group consisting of: (a) Asp, Glu, Phe, Gly, His, Ile, Lys, Leu, Met, Asn, Pro, Gln, Arg, Ser, Thr, Val, Trp, Tyr at position 231; (b) Ala, Asp, Glu, Phe, Gly, His, Ile, Lys, Leu, Met, Asn, Gln, Arg, Ser, Thr, Val, Trp, Tyr at position 232; (c) Asp at position 233; (d) Trp, Tyr at position 234; (e) Trp at position 235; (f) Ala, Asp, Glu, His, Ile, Leu, Met, Asn, Gln, Ser, Thr, Val at position 236; (g) Asp,
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • an amino acid alteration in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is selected at each position from the group consisting of: (a) Gly, Thr at position 231; (b) Asp at position 232; (c) Trp at position 235; (d) Asn, Thr at position 236; (e) Val at position 239; (f) Asp, Glu at position 268; (g) Leu at position 295; (h) Leu at position 298; (i) Thr at position 326; (j) Lys, Arg at position 330, and (k) Lys, Met at position 396; according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223). In certain embodiments, the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asn at position 236, Glu at position 268, Lys at position 330, and Met at position 396; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asn at position 236, Asp at position 268, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asn at position 236, Asp at position 268, Leu at position 295, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Thr at position 236, Asp at position 268, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asn at position 236, Asp at position 268, Leu at position 295, Thr at position 326, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Trp at position 235, Asn at position 236, Asp at position 268, Leu at position 295, Thr at position 326, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • At least one amino acid is altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 234, 238, 250, 264, 267, 307, and 330 according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • one amino acid is altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, at position 238.
  • At least two amino acids are altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, the alterations comprising: (i) one amino acid alteration at position 238, and (ii) at least one amino acid alteration of at least one position selected from the group consisting of: 234, 250, 264, 267, 307, and 330 according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • amino acids are altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity, at positions of any one of the following (1)-(9): (1) at positions 234, 238, 250, 307 and 330; (2) at positions 234, 238, 250, 264, 307 and 330; (3) at positions 234, 238, 250, 264, 267, 307 and 330; (4) at positions 234, 238, 250, 267, 307 and 330; (5) at positions 238, 250, 264, 307 and 330; (6) at positions 238, 250, 264, 267, 307 and 330; (7) at positions 238, 250, 267, 307 and 330; (8) at positions 238, 250 and 307; and (9) at positions 238, 250, 307 and 330; according to EU numbering.
  • an amino acid alteration in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is selected at each position from the group consisting of: (a) Tyr at position 234; (b) Asp at position 238; (c) Val at position 250; (d) Ile at position 264; (e) Ala at position 267; (f) Pro at position 307; and (g) Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asp at position 238; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, and Pro at position 307; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ile at position 264, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ala at position 267, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Tyr at position 234, Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Tyr at position 234, Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ala at position 267, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ile at position 264, Ala at position 267, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Tyr at position 234, Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ile at position 264, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity are: Tyr at position 234, Asp at position 238, Val at position 250, Ile at position 264, Ala at position 267, Pro at position 307, and Lys at position 330; according to EU numbering.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of cynomolgus monkey Fc gamma RIIb (SEQ ID NO:223).
  • the Fc gamma RIIb has the sequence of human Fc gamma RIIb (e.g., SEQ ID NOS:212, 213, or 214).
  • the present invention provides a method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI in comparison with a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region, which comprises introducing at least two amino acid alterations to the parent Fc region.
  • the production method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region comprises the following steps: (a) preparing a polypeptide comprising a parent Fc region; (b) introducing at least two amino acid alterations to the parent Fc region within the polypeptide; (c) measuring the pI's of the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region and the polypeptide comprising the Fc region in step (b); and (d) selecting a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI in comparison with the corresponding polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region.
  • At least two amino acids are altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI, of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 285, 311, 312, 315, 318, 333, 335, 337, 341, 342, 343, 384, 385, 388, 390, 399, 400, 401, 402, 413, 420, 422, and 431, according to EU numbering.
  • the produced polypeptide comprises a variant Fc region with increased pI, which comprises at least two amino acid alterations of at least two positions selected from the group consisting of: 311, 341, 343, 384, 399, 400, 401, 402, and 413, according to EU numbering.
  • amino acids are altered in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI, at positions of any one of the following (1)-(10): (1) at positions 311 and 341; (2) at positions 311 and 343; (3) at positions 311, 343 and 413; (4) at positions 311, 384 and 413; (5) at positions 311 and 399; (6) at positions 311 and 401; (7) at positions 311 and 413; (8) at positions 400 and 413; (9) at positions 401 and 413; and (10) at positions 402 and 413; according to EU numbering.
  • (1)-(10) (1) at positions 311 and 341; (2) at positions 311 and 343; (3) at positions 311, 343 and 413; (4) at positions 311, 384 and 413; (5) at positions 311 and 399; (6) at positions 311 and 401; (7) at positions 311 and 413; (8) at positions 400 and 413; (9) at positions 401 and 413; and (10) at
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI are: Arg at position 400 and Lys at position 413; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI are: Arg at position 311 and Lys at position 413; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI are: Arg at position 311 and Arg at position 399; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI are: Arg at position 311 and Arg at position 343; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI are: Arg at position 311 and Arg at position 413; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI are: Arg at position 311, Arg at position 343, and Arg at position 413; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI are: Arg at position 311, Arg at position 384, and Arg at position 413; according to EU numbering.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned method for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with increased pI are selected from Lys or Arg at each position.
  • amino acid alterations in the above-mentioned production methods are selected from any single alteration, combination of single alterations, or combination alterations described in Tables 14-30.
  • the following additional steps can be included in the above-mentioned methods for producing a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region, when the polypeptide further comprises an antigen-binding domain: (e) assessing pharmacokinetic of the antigen in plasma, after administration of the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region and the polypeptide comprising the variant Fc region in animals such as mice, rats, rabbits, dogs, monkeys, and humans; and (f) selecting a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region with enhanced ability of antigen elimination from plasma in comparison with the polypeptide comprising the parent Fc region.
  • Anti-myostatin antibodies provided herein may be identified, screened for, or characterized for their physical/chemical properties and/or biological activities by various assays known in the art.
  • Variant Fc regions provided herein may be identified, screened for, or characterized for their physical/chemical properties and/or biological activities by various assays described herein or otherwise known in the art. 1. Binding assays and other assays
  • an antibody of the invention is tested for its antigen binding activity, by known methods such as ELISA, Western blot, BIACORE (registered trademark), etc.
  • a polypeptide comprising an variant Fc region of the invention is tested for its Fc receptor binding activity, by known methods such as BIACORE (registered trademark), etc.
  • competition assays may be used to identify an antibody that competes for binding to myostatin with any anti-myostatin antibody described herein.
  • a competing antibody when such a competing antibody is present in excess, it blocks (e.g., reduces) the binding of a reference antibody to myostatin by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75% or more.
  • binding is inhibited by at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or more.
  • such a competing antibody binds to the same epitope (e.g., a linear or a conformational epitope) that is bound by an anti-myostatin antibody described herein (e.g., an anti-myostatin antibody described in Tables 2a, 11a, or 13).
  • the reference antibody has a VH and a VL pair described in Table 2a, 11a, or 13.
  • Detailed exemplary methods for mapping an epitope to which an antibody binds are provided in Morris (1996) "Epitope Mapping Protocols," in Methods in Molecular Biology vol. 66 (Humana Press, Totowa, NJ).
  • immobilized latent myostatin or myostatin propeptide is incubated in a solution comprising a first labeled antibody that binds to the myostatin and a second unlabeled antibody that is being tested for its ability to compete with the first antibody for binding to the myostatin.
  • the second antibody may be present in a hybridoma supernatant.
  • immobilized myostatin is incubated in a solution comprising the first labeled antibody but not the second unlabeled antibody. After incubation under conditions permissive for binding of the first antibody to the myostatin, excess unbound antibody is removed, and the amount of label associated with immobilized myostatin is measured.
  • binding assays for determining the binding activity of a polypeptide containing a variant Fc region towards one or more Fc gamma R family members are described herein or otherwise known in the art.
  • binding assays include but are not limited to BIACORE (registered trademark) analysis, which utilizes the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomena, Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogeneous Assay (ALPHA) screening, ELISA, and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) (Lazar et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (2006) 103(11): 4005-4010).
  • BIACORE registered trademark
  • analysis can be used to evaluate whether the binding activity of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region is enhanced, or maintained or decreased with respect to a particular Fc gamma R family member, for example, by observing whether there is a decrease or an increase in the dissociation constant (KD) value obtained from sensorgram analysis, where various Fc gamma Rs are subjected to interaction as an analyte with polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region immobilized or captured onto the sensor chip using known methods and reagents (such as Protein A, Protein L, Protein A/G, Protein G, anti-lamda chain antibodies, anti-kappa chain antibodies, antigenic peptides, antigenic proteins).
  • KD dissociation constant
  • Alterations in binding activity can also be determined by comparing changes in the resonance unit (RU) value on the sensorgram before and after the one or more types of Fc gamma Rs are subjected to interaction as analytes with the captured polypeptides comprising the variant Fc region.
  • Fc gamma R can be immobilized or captured onto the sensor chips, and the polypeptides comprising the variant Fc region are used as an analyte.
  • one of the substances (the ligand) in observation of an interaction is immobilized onto a gold thin film on a sensor chip, and by shining light from the reverse side of the sensor chip so that total reflection takes place at the interface between the gold thin film and glass, a portion of reduced reflection intensity is formed in part of the reflected light (SPR signal).
  • SPR signal reflected light
  • the position of the SPR signal shifts as a result of this change in refractive index (on the other hand, the signal position returns when this binding dissociates).
  • the BIACORE (registered trademark) system indicates the amount of shift mentioned above, or more specifically the time variable of mass by plotting the change in mass on the sensor chip surface on the ordinate as the measurement data (sensorgram).
  • the amount of analyte bound to the ligand trapped on the sensor chip surface is determined from the sensorgram.
  • Kinetic parameters such as association rate constants (ka) and dissociation rate constants (kd) are determined from the curves of the sensorgram, and the dissociation constants (KD) are determined from the ratio of these constants.
  • BIACORE registered trademark
  • An example of the method for measuring inhibition is described in Lazar et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 103(11):4005-4010 (2006).
  • ALPHA screening is performed by ALPHA technology which uses two beads, a donor and an acceptor, based on the following principles.
  • Luminescent signals are detected only when molecules bound to donor beads physically interact with molecules bound to the acceptor beads, and the two beads are in close proximity to each other.
  • Laser-excited photosensitizer in the donor beads converts ambient oxygen to excited-state singlet oxygen. Singlet oxygen is dispersed around the donor beads, and when it reaches the adjacent acceptor beads, chemiluminescent reaction is induced in the beads, and light is ultimately emitted.
  • the molecules bound to the donor beads do not interact with the molecules bound to the acceptor beads, the chemiluminescent reaction does not take place because singlet oxygen produced by the donor beads does not reach the acceptor beads.
  • a biotinylated polypeptide complex is bound to the donor beads, and Fc gamma receptor tagged with glutathione S transferase (GST) is linked to the acceptor beads.
  • GST glutathione S transferase
  • the polypeptide complex comprising a parent Fc region interacts with the Fc gamma receptor and produces 520-620 nm signals.
  • the polypeptide complex comprising an untagged variant Fc region competes with the polypeptide complex comprising a parent Fc region for interaction with the Fc gamma receptor. Relative binding activities can be determined by quantifying the decrease in fluorescence observed as a result of the competition.
  • Biotinylation of polypeptide complexes such as antibodies using Sulfo-NHS-biotin and such is well known.
  • the method of expressing the Fc gamma receptor and GST in a cell carrying a fusion gene produced by fusing a polynucleotide encoding the Fc gamma receptor in frame with a polynucleotide encoding GST in an expressible vector, and performing purification using a glutathione column is appropriately adopted as a method for tagging an Fc gamma receptor with GST.
  • the obtained signals are preferably analyzed, for example, by fitting them to a one-site competition model which uses a non-linear regression analysis using software such as GRAPHPAD PRISM (GraphPad, San Diego).
  • a variant Fc region with decreased Fc gamma R-binding activity refers to an Fc region which binds to Fc gamma R with essentially weaker binding activity than a parent Fc region when assays are performed using substantially the same amount of a corresponding parent Fc region and a variant Fc region.
  • a variant Fc region with enhanced Fc gamma R-binding activity refers to an Fc region which binds to Fc gamma R with essentially stronger binding activity than a corresponding parent Fc region when assays are performed using substantially the same amount of a parent Fc region and a variant Fc region.
  • a variant Fc region with maintained Fc gamma R-binding activity refers to an Fc region that binds to Fc gamma R with binding activity equivalent to or essentially not different from that of a parent Fc region when assays are performed using substantially the same amount of the corresponding parent Fc region and the polypeptide containing the variant Fc region.
  • the binding activities of an Fc region towards various Fc gamma Rs were enhanced or decreased can be determined from the increase or decrease in the amount of binding of the various Fc gamma Rs to the Fc region, which were determined according to the above-mentioned measurement method.
  • the amount of binding of the various Fc gamma Rs to the Fc region can be evaluated as a value obtained by dividing the difference in the RU values of sensorgrams that changed before and after interaction of various Fc gamma Rs as the analyte with the Fc region, by the difference in the RU values of sensorgrams that changed before and after capturing the Fc regions to the sensor chips.
  • enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity preferably means, for example, that the ratio of [KD value of a parent Fc region for Fc gamma RIIb]/[KD value of a variant Fc region for Fc gamma RIIb] in the KD values measured by the above-mentioned measurement method preferably becomes 2.0 or greater, 3.0 or greater, 4.0 or greater, 5.0 or greater, 6.0 or greater, 7.0 or greater, 8.0 or greater, 9.0 or greater, 10 or greater, 15 or greater, 20 or greater, 25 or greater, 30 or greater, 35 or greater, 40 or greater, 45 or greater, or even 50 or greater, 55 or greater, 60 or greater, 65 or greater, 70 or greater, 75 or greater, 80 or greater, 85 or greater, 90 or greater, 95 or greater, or 100 or greater.
  • the KD value (mol/L) of a variant Fc region decribed herein for Fc gamma RIIb is preferably less than that of a parent Fc region for Fc gamma RIIb, and may be, for example, 2.0x10 -6 M or smaller, 1.0x10 -6 M or smaller, 9.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 8.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 7.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 6.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 5.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 4.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 3.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 2.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 1.0x10 -7 M or smaller, 9.0x10 -8 M or smaller, 8.0x10 -8 M or smaller, 7.0x10 -8 M or smaller, 6.0x10 -8 M or smaller, 5.0x10 -8 M or smaller.
  • a variant Fc region with enhanced binding selectivity to Fc gamma RIIb compared to Fc gamma RIIa refers to an Fc region where: (a) Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is enhanced, and Fc gamma RIIa-binding activity is maintained or decreased; (b) Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is enhanced and Fc gamma RIIa-binding activity is also enhanced, but the degree of enhancement of Fc gamma RIIa-binding activity is lower than the degree of enhancement of Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity; or (c) Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is decreased and Fc gamma RIIa-binding activity is also decreased, but the degree of decrease of Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is less than the degree of decrease of Fc gamma RIIa-binding activity.
  • Whether or not a variant Fc region has improved binding selectivity for Fc gamma RIIb rather than for Fc gamma RIIa can be determined, for example, by comparing the ratio of the KD value for Fc gamma RIIa to the KD value for Fc gamma RIIb of the variant Fc region (the ratio of [KD value of the variant Fc region for Fc gamma RIIa]/[KD value of the variant Fc region for Fc gamma RIIb]), with the ratio of the KD value for Fc gamma RIIa to the KD value for Fc gamma RIIb of the parent Fc region (the ratio of [KD value of the parent Fc region for Fc gamma RIIa]/[KD value of the parent Fc region for Fc gamma RIIb]), which were determined according to the above-mentioned examples.
  • the variant Fc region when the KD ratio for the variant Fc region is greater than that of the parent Fc region, the variant Fc region can be determined to have an improved binding selectivity for Fc gamma RIIb rather than for Fc gamma RIIa in comparison with the parent Fc region.
  • the Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity is likely to correlate with binding activity to Fc gamma RIIa (type R) than to Fc gamma RIIa (type H) since the amino acid sequence of Fc gamma RIIb shares higher identity with Fc gamma RIIa (type R) than Fc gamma RIIa (type H).
  • variant Fc region of the present invention has higher binding activity against Fc gamma RIIb and lower binding activity against Fc gamma RIII (such as Fc gamma RIIIa or Fc gamma RIIIb) compared to those of a parent Fc region, the variant Fc region can be said to be Fc gamma RIIb-specific.
  • assays are provided for identifying anti-myostatin antibodies having biological activity.
  • Biological activity may include, e.g., inhibiting the activation of myostatin, blocking the release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin, inhibiting the proteolytic cleavage of latent myostatin, blocking the access of a protease to latent myostatin, etc.
  • Antibodies having such biological activity in vivo and/or in vitro are also provided. In certain embodiments, an antibody of the invention is tested for such biological activity.
  • whether a test antibody inhibits the cleavage of latent myostatin is determined by detecting the cleavage product of latent myostatin (myostatin) using a method known in the art such as electrophoresis, chromatography, immunoblot analysis, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), or mass spectrometry, after a protease that can cleave latent myostatin is contacted with the latent myostatin in the presence or absence of the test antibody (see, for example, Thies et al., Growth Factors 18(4):251-259 (2001)).
  • a method known in the art such as electrophoresis, chromatography, immunoblot analysis, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), or mass spectrometry
  • the test antibody is identified as an antibody that can inhibit the cleavage of latent myostatin.
  • whether a test antibody blocks access of a protease to latent myostatin is determined by methods for the detection of protein interactions between the protease and latent myostatin, e.g., ELISAs or BIACORE (registered trademark).
  • a decreased interaction between the protease and latent myostatin is detected in the presence of (or following contact with) the test antibody, the test antibody is identified as an antibody that can block access of the protease to latent myostatin.
  • whether a test antibody blocks the release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin is determined by detecting mature myostatin activity, for example, the activity of binding to a myostatin receptor, or the activity of mediating signal transduction in a cell expressing a myostatin receptor (e.g., ActRIIb).
  • Cells useful for such an assay can be those that express an endogenous myostatin receptor, for example, L6 myocytes, or can be those that are genetically modified, transiently or stably, to express a transgene encoding a myostatin receptor, for example, an activin receptor such as an activin type II receptor (Thies et al, Supra).
  • Binding of myostatin to a myostatin receptor can be detected using a receptor binding assay.
  • Myostatin mediated signal transduction can be detected at any level in the signal transduction pathway, for example, by examining phosphorylation of a Smad polypeptide, examining expression of a myostatin regulated gene including a reporter gene, or measuring proliferation of a myostatin-dependent cell.
  • the test antibody is identified as an antibody that can block the release of mature myostatin from latent myostatin.
  • Inhibition of myostatin activation can also be detected and/or measured using the methods set forth and exemplified in the working examples. Using assays of these or other suitable types, test antibodies can be screened for those capable of inhibiting the activation of myostatin. In certain embodiments, inhibition of myostatin activation includes at least a 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% or greater decrease in myostatin activation in the assay as compared to a negative control under similar conditions. In some embodiments, it refers to the inhibition of myostatin activation of at least 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% or greater.
  • assays for identifying anti-myostatin antibodies that form an immune complex i.e., an antigen-antibody complex
  • an immune complex i.e., an antigen-antibody complex
  • Antibodies having such biological activity in vivo and/or in vitro are also provided.
  • an antibody of the invention is tested for such biological activity.
  • an immune complex is evaluated by a method such as size exclusion (gel filtration) chromatography, ultracentrifugation, light scattering, electron microscope, or mass spectrometry (Mol. Immunol. 39:77-84 (2002), Mol. Immunol. 47:357-364 (2009)).
  • a method such as size exclusion (gel filtration) chromatography, ultracentrifugation, light scattering, electron microscope, or mass spectrometry.
  • formation of an immune complex is evaluated by a method such as, ELISA, FACS, or SPR (surface plasmon resonance assay; for example, using BIACORE (registered trademark)) (Shields et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276(9):6591-6604 (2001); Singh et al., J. Immunol. Methods 50:109-114 (1982); Suzuki et al., J. Immunol. 184(4):1968-1976 (2010); Luo et al., mAbs 1(5):491-504 (2009)).
  • a method such as, ELISA, FACS, or SPR (surface plasmon resonance assay; for example, using BIACORE (registered trademark)) (Shields et al., J. Biol. Chem. 276(9):6591-6604 (2001); Singh et al., J. Immunol. Methods 50:109-114 (1982); Suzuki et al., J.
  • an immune complex containing two or more antibodies and two or more antigens can bind more strongly to an Fc receptor or a complement component than an antibody or antigen alone can.
  • the test antibody is identified as an antibody that can form an immune complex containing two or more antibodies and two or more molecules of myostatin.
  • formation of an immune complex is evaluated by administering a test antibody to an animal (e.g., a mouse) and measuring the clearance of antigen from plasma.
  • an antibody which forms an immune complex containing two or more antibodies with two or more antigens is expected to accelerate the elimination of antigens from plasma. Therefore, where an accelerated elimination of myostatin from plasma is observed in a test antibody-administered mouse compared to in a reference antibody-administered mouse, the test antibody is identified as an antibody that can form an immune complex containing two or more antibodies and two or more molecules of myostatin more efficiently than the reference antibody.
  • the invention provides immunoconjugates comprising an anti-myostatin antibody herein conjugated to one or more cytotoxic agents, such as chemotherapeutic agents or drugs, growth inhibitory agents, toxins (e.g., protein toxins, enzymatically active toxins of bacterial, fungal, plant, or animal origin, or fragments thereof), or radioactive isotopes.
  • cytotoxic agents such as chemotherapeutic agents or drugs, growth inhibitory agents, toxins (e.g., protein toxins, enzymatically active toxins of bacterial, fungal, plant, or animal origin, or fragments thereof), or radioactive isotopes.
  • the invention provides immunoconjugates comprising a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region herein conjugated to one or more cytotoxic agents, such as chemotherapeutic agents or drugs, growth inhibitory agents, toxins (e.g., protein toxins, enzymatically active toxins of bacterial, fungal, plant, or animal origin, or fragments thereof), or radioactive isotopes.
  • cytotoxic agents such as chemotherapeutic agents or drugs, growth inhibitory agents, toxins (e.g., protein toxins, enzymatically active toxins of bacterial, fungal, plant, or animal origin, or fragments thereof), or radioactive isotopes.
  • an immunoconjugate is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) in which an antibody is conjugated to one or more drugs, including but not limited to a maytansinoid (see US Patent Nos. 5,208,020, 5,416,064 and EP Patent EP 0 425 235 B1); an auristatin such as monomethylauristatin drug moieties DE and DF (MMAE and MMAF) (see US Patent Nos. 5,635,483 and 5,780,588, and 7,498,298); a dolastatin; a calicheamicin or derivative thereof (see US Patent Nos.
  • ADC antibody-drug conjugate
  • drugs including but not limited to a maytansinoid (see US Patent Nos. 5,208,020, 5,416,064 and EP Patent EP 0 425 235 B1); an auristatin such as monomethylauristatin drug moieties DE and DF (MMAE and MMAF) (see US Patent Nos. 5,635,483 and
  • an immunoconjugate comprises an antibody as described herein conjugated to an enzymatically active toxin or fragment thereof, including but not limited to diphtheria A chain, nonbinding active fragments of diphtheria toxin, exotoxin A chain (from Pseudomonas aeruginosa), ricin A chain, abrin A chain, modeccin A chain, alpha-sarcin, Aleurites fordii proteins, dianthin proteins, Phytolaca americana proteins (PAPI, PAPII, and PAP-S), momordica charantia inhibitor, curcin, crotin, sapaonaria officinalis inhibitor, gelonin, mitogellin, restrictocin, phenomycin, enomycin, and a tricothecene.
  • an enzymatically active toxin or fragment thereof including but not limited to diphtheria A chain, nonbinding active fragments of diphtheria toxin, exotoxin A
  • an immunoconjugate comprises an antibody as described herein conjugated to a radioactive atom to form a radioconjugate.
  • a variety of radioactive isotopes are available for the production of radioconjugates. Examples include At 211 , I 131 , I 125 , Y 90 , Re 186 , Re 188 , Sm 153 , Bi 212 , P 32 , Pb 212 and radioactive isotopes of Lu.
  • the radioconjugate When used for detection, it may comprise a radioactive atom for scintigraphic studies, for example tc99m or I123, or a spin label for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging (also known as magnetic resonance imaging, mri), such as iodine-123 again, iodine-131, indium-111, fluorine-19, carbon-13, nitrogen-15, oxygen-17, gadolinium, manganese and iron.
  • NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
  • Conjugates of an antibody and cytotoxic agent may be made using a variety of bifunctional protein coupling agents such as N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio) propionate (SPDP), succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl) cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC), iminothiolane (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters (such as dimethyl adipimidate HCl), active esters (such as disuccinimidyl suberate), aldehydes (such as glutaraldehyde), bis-azido compounds (such as bis (p-azidobenzoyl) hexanediamine), bis-diazonium derivatives (such as bis-(p-diazoniumbenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (such as toluene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (such as
  • a ricin immunotoxin can be prepared as described in Vitetta et al., Science 238:1098 (1987).
  • Carbon-14-labeled 1-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylene triaminepentaacetic acid (MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent for conjugation of radionucleotide to the antibody. See WO 1994/11026.
  • the linker may be a "cleavable linker" facilitating release of a cytotoxic drug in the cell.
  • an acid-labile linker, peptidase-sensitive linker, photolabile linker, dimethyl linker or disulfide-containing linker (Chari et al., Cancer Res. 52:127-131 (1992); US Patent No. 5,208,020) may be used.
  • the immunoconjugates or ADCs herein expressly contemplate, but are not limited to such conjugates prepared with cross-linker reagents including, but not limited to, BMPS, EMCS, GMBS, HBVS, LC-SMCC, MBS, MPBH, SBAP, SIA, SIAB, SMCC, SMPB, SMPH, sulfo-EMCS, sulfo-GMBS, sulfo-KMUS, sulfo-MBS, sulfo-SIAB, sulfo-SMCC, and sulfo-SMPB, and SVSB (succinimidyl-(4-vinylsulfone)benzoate) which are commercially available (e.g., from Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, IL., U.S.A).
  • SVSB succinimidyl-(4-vinylsulfone)benzoate
  • any of the anti-myostatin antibodies provided herein is useful for detecting the presence of myostatin in a biological sample.
  • the term "detecting" as used herein encompasses quantitative or qualitative detection.
  • a biological sample comprises a cell or tissue, such as serum, whole blood, plasma, biopsy sample, tissue sample, cell suspension, saliva, sputum, oral fluid, cerebrospinal fluid, amniotic fluid, ascites fluid, milk, colostrum, mammary gland secretion, lymph, urine, sweat, lacrimal fluid, gastric fluid, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, ocular lens fluid or mucus.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody for use in a method of diagnosis or detection.
  • a method of detecting the presence of latent myostatin or myostatin propeptide in a biological sample comprises contacting the biological sample with an anti-myostatin antibody as described herein under conditions permissive for binding of the anti-myostatin antibody to myostatin, and detecting whether a complex is formed between the anti-myostatin antibody and myostatin.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody is used to select subjects eligible for therapy with an anti-myostatin antibody, e.g., where myostatin is a biomarker for selection of patients.
  • Exemplary disorders that may be diagnosed using an antibody of the invention include but are not limited to, muscular dystrophy (MD; including Duchenne muscular dystrophy), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscle atrophy, organ atrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome, frailty, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcopenia, cachexia, muscle wasting syndromes, HIV-induced muscle wasting, type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, metabolic syndrome (including syndrome X), insulin resistance (including resistance induced by trauma, e.g., bums or nitrogen imbalance), adipose tissue disorders (e.g., obesity, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, etc.), osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis, and metabolic bone disorders (including low bone mass, premature gonadal failure, androgen suppression, vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, and anorexia nervosa).
  • MD muscular dystrophy
  • ALS amyotroph
  • labeled anti-myostatin antibodies include, but are not limited to, labels or moieties that are detected directly (such as fluorescent, chromophoric, electron-dense, chemiluminescent, and radioactive labels), as well as moieties, such as enzymes or ligands, that are detected indirectly, e.g., through an enzymatic reaction or molecular interaction.
  • Exemplary labels include, but are not limited to, the radioisotopes 32 P, 14 C, 125 I, 3 H, and 131 I, fluorophores such as rare earth chelates or fluorescein and its derivatives, rhodamine and its derivatives, dansyl, umbelliferone, luceriferases, e.g., firefly luciferase and bacterial luciferase (US Patent No.
  • luciferin 2,3-dihydrophthalazinediones, horseradish peroxidase (HRP), alkaline phosphatase, beta-galactosidase, glucoamylase, lysozyme, saccharide oxidases, e.g., glucose oxidase, galactose oxidase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, heterocyclic oxidases such as uricase and xanthine oxidase, coupled with an enzyme that employs hydrogen peroxide to oxidize a dye precursor such as HRP, lactoperoxidase, or microperoxidase, biotin/avidin, spin labels, bacteriophage labels, stable free radicals, and the like.
  • HRP horseradish peroxidase
  • lactoperoxidase lactoperoxidase
  • microperoxidase biotin/avidin
  • spin labels bacteriophage labels, stable
  • compositions of an anti-myostatin antibody as described herein are prepared by mixing such antibody having the desired degree of purity with one or more optional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980)), in the form of lyophilized formulations or aqueous solutions.
  • compositions of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region as described herein are prepared by mixing such polypeptide having the desired degree of purity with one or more optional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers in the form of lyophilized formulations or aqueous solutions.
  • Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are generally nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include, but are not limited to: buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride; benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arg
  • Exemplary pharmaceutically acceptable carriers herein further include insterstitial drug dispersion agents such as soluble neutral-active hyaluronidase glycoproteins (sHASEGP), for example, human soluble PH-20 hyaluronidase glycoproteins, such as rHuPH20 (HYLENEX (registered trademark), Baxter International, Inc.).
  • sHASEGP soluble neutral-active hyaluronidase glycoproteins
  • rHuPH20 HYLENEX (registered trademark), Baxter International, Inc.
  • Certain exemplary sHASEGPs and methods of use, including rHuPH20 are described in US Publ. Nos. 2005/0260186 and 2006/0104968.
  • a sHASEGP is combined with one or more additional glycosaminoglycanases such as chondroitinases.
  • Exemplary lyophilized antibody formulations are described in US Patent No. 6,267,958.
  • Aqueous antibody formulations include those described in US Patent No. 6,171,586 and WO 2006/044908, the latter formulations including a histidine-acetate buffer.
  • the formulation herein may also contain more than one active ingredients as necessary for the particular indication being treated, preferably those with complementary activities that do not adversely affect each other.
  • active ingredients are suitably present in combination in amounts that are effective for the purpose intended.
  • Active ingredients may be entrapped in microcapsules prepared, for example, by coacervation techniques or by interfacial polymerization, for example, hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatin-microcapsules and poly-(methylmethacylate) microcapsules, respectively, in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example, liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles and nanocapsules) or in macroemulsions.
  • colloidal drug delivery systems for example, liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles and nanocapsules
  • Sustained-release preparations may be prepared. Suitable examples of sustained-release preparations include semipermeable matrices of solid hydrophobic polymers containing the antibody, which matrices are in the form of shaped articles, e.g., films, or microcapsules.
  • the formulations to be used for in vivo administration are generally sterile. Sterility may be readily accomplished, e.g., by filtration through sterile filtration membranes. G. Therapeutic Methods and Compositions
  • any of the anti-myostatin antibodies provided herein may be used in therapeutic methods.
  • any of the polypeptpides comprising an variant Fc region provided herein may be used in therapeutic methods.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody for use as a medicament is provided.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody for use in treating a muscle wasting disease is provided.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody for use in a method of treatment is provided.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in a method of treating an individual having a muscle wasting disease comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the anti-myostatin antibody.
  • the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in increasing mass of muscle tissue.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in a method of increasing mass of muscle tissue in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the anti-myostatin antibody to increase mass of muscle tissue.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in increasing strength of muscle tissue.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in a method of increasing strength of muscle tissue in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the anti-myostatin antibody to increase strength of muscle tissue.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in reducing body fat accumulation.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in a method of reducing body fat accumulation in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the anti-myostatin antibody to reduce body fat accumulation.
  • An "individual” according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • An anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention may exhibit pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in enhancing the clearance of myostatin from plasma.
  • the invention provides an anti-myostatin antibody for use in a method of enhancing the clearance of myostatin from plasma in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the anti-myostatin antibody to enhance the clearance of myostatin from plasma.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody with pH-dependent binding characteristics enhances the clearance of myostatin from plasma, compared to a conventional anti-myostatin antibody which does not have pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody with a pH-dependent binding characteristic between binding at pH5.8 and pH7.4 enhances the clearance of myostatin from plasma, compared to a conventional anti-myostatin antibody which does not have pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • An "individual” according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides the use of an anti-myostatin antibody in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the medicament is for treatment of a muscle wasting disease.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of treating a muscle wasting disease comprising administering to an individual having a muscle wasting disease an effective amount of the medicament.
  • the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • the medicament is for increasing mass of muscle tissue.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of increasing mass of muscle tissue in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to increase mass of muscle tissue.
  • the medicament is for increasing strength of muscle tissue.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of increasing strength of muscle tissue in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to increase strength of muscle tissue.
  • the medicament is for reducing body fat accumulation.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of reducing body fat accumulation in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to reduce body fat accumulation.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • An anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention may exhibit pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • the medicament is for enhancing the clearance of myostatin from plasma.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of enhancing the clearance of myostatin from plasma in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to enhance the clearance of myostatin from plasma.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody with pH-dependent binding characteristics enhances the clearance of myostatin from plasma, compared to a conventional anti-myostatin antibody which does not have pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody exhibits different pH-dependent binding characteristics between pH5.8 and pH7.4.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides a method for treating a muscle wasting disease.
  • the method comprises administering to an individual having such a muscle wasting disease an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody provided herein.
  • the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • the "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • the invention provides a method for increasing mass of muscle tissue in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody provided herein to increase mass of muscle tissue.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides a method for increasing strength of muscle tissue in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody provided herein to increase strength of muscle tissue.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides a method for reducing body fat accumulation in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody provided herein to reduce body fat accumulation.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • An anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention may exhibit pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • the invention provides a method for enhancing the clearance of myostatin from plasma in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of an anti-myostatin antibody provided herein to enhance the clearance of myostatin from plasma.
  • an anti-myostatin antibody with pH-dependent binding characteristics enhances the clearance of myostatin from plasma, compared to a conventional anti-myostatin antibody which does not have pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • the anti-myostatin antibody exhibits different pH-dependent binding characteristics between pH5.8 and pH7.4.
  • an "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising any of the anti-myostatin antibodies provided herein, e.g., for use in any of the above therapeutic methods.
  • a pharmaceutical formulation comprises any of the anti-myostatin antibodies provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • a pharmaceutical formulation comprises any of the anti-myostatin antibodies provided herein and at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for treatment of a muscle wasting disease.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for increasing mass of muscle tissue.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for increasing strength of muscle tissue.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for reducing body fat accumulation.
  • An anti-myostatin antibody of the present invention may exhibit pH-dependent binding characteristics.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for enhancing the clearance of myostatin from plasma.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is administered to an individual having a muscle wasting disease.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides methods for preparing a medicament or a pharmaceutical formulation, comprising mixing any of the anti-myostatin antibodies provided herein with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, e.g., for use in any of the above therapeutic methods.
  • the methods for preparing a medicament or a pharmaceutical formulation further comprise adding at least one additional therapeutic agent to the medicament or pharmaceutical formulation.
  • a muscle wasting disease is selected from the group consisting of muscular dystrophy (MD; including Duchenne muscular dystrophy), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), muscle atrophy, organ atrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome, frailty, congestive obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sarcopenia, cachexia, muscle wasting syndromes, HIV-induced muscle wasting, type 2 diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, metabolic syndrome (including syndrome X), insulin resistance (including resistance induced by trauma, e.g., burns or nitrogen imbalance), adipose tissue disorders (e.g., obesity, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, etc.), osteoporosis, osteopenia, osteoarthritis, and metabolic bone disorders (including low bone mass, premature gonadal failure, androgen suppression, vitamin D deficiency, secondary hyperparathyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, and anorexia nervosa).
  • MD muscular dystrophy
  • ALS amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
  • any of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein may be used in therapeutic methods.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a polypeptide comprising any of the polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions provided herein, e.g., for use in therapeutic methods.
  • a pharmaceutical formulation comprises a polypeptide comprising any of the polypeptides comprising variant Fc regions provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • a pharmaceutical formulation comprises a polypeptide comprising any of the variant Fc regions provided herein and at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use as a medicament is provided.
  • a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in treating a disorder is provided.
  • a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of treatment is provided.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of treating an individual having a disorder comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein.
  • the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the medicament is for treatment of a disorder.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of treating a disorder comprising administering to an individual having the disorder to be treated an effective amount of the medicament.
  • the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides a method for treating a disorder.
  • the method comprises administering to an individual having such a disorder an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region.
  • the method further comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein, for use in a therapeutic method such as any of the therapeutic methods described herein.
  • a pharmaceutical formulation comprises a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • a pharmaceutical formulation comprises a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein and at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for treatment of a disorder.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is administered to an individual having a disorder.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in suppressing the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of suppressing the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to suppress the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for suppressing the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of suppressing the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to suppress the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides a method for suppressing the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to suppress the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for suppressing the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils.
  • Polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention can suppress the activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells, and/or basophils. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this suppressed activation is the result of the selective binding of the provided variant Fc regions to Fc gamma RIIb without activating activating Fc gamma R.
  • B cell activation includes proliferation, IgE production, IgM production, and IgA production.
  • the suppressed activation of B cells is the result of the ability of the provided variant Fc regions on polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention to crosslink Fc gamma RIIb with IgE to suppress IgE production of B cells, with IgM to suppress IgM production of B cells, and with IgA to suppress IgA production.
  • suppressive effects similar to those mentioned above are exhibited by directly or indirectly cross-linking Fc gamma RIIb with molecules that are expressed on B cells and comprise the ITAM domain inside the cell or interact with the ITAM domain such as BCR, CD19, and CD79b.
  • activation of mast cells includes proliferation, activation by IgE, and degranulation. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the suppressed activation of mast cells is the result of the ability of the provided variant Fc regions on polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention to directly or indirectly cross-link Fc gamma RIIb with IgE receptor molecules that are expressed on mast cells and comprise the ITAM domain or interact with the ITAM domain such as Fc epsilon RI, DAP12, and CD200R3. As used herein, “activation of basophils” includes proliferation and degranulation of basophils.
  • the suppressed activation of basophils is the result of the ability of the provided variant Fc regions on polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention to directly or indirectly cross-link Fc gamma RIIb with molecules on the cell membrane, which comprise the ITAM domain inside the cell or interact with the ITAM domain.
  • activation of dendritic cells includes proliferation and degranulation of dendritic cells.
  • the suppressed activation of dendritic cells is the result of the ability of the provided variant Fc regions on polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention to directly or indirectly cross-link Fc gamma RIIb with molecules on the cell membrane, which comprise the ITAM domain inside the cell or interact with the ITAM domain.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein for use in treating an immunological inflammatory disease.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of treating an immunological inflammatory disease in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to treat an immunological inflammatory disease.
  • the "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for treating an immunological inflammatory disease.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of treating an immunological inflammatory disease in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to treat immunological inflammatory diseases.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • the invention provides a method for treating an immunological inflammatory disease in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to treat immunological inflammatory diseases.
  • an "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising any of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region provided herein.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for treating an immunological inflammatory disease.
  • polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention can suppress activation of B cells, mast cells, dendritic cells and/or basophils
  • administration of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention as a result can treat or prevent immunological inflammatory diseases.
  • the treated immunological inflammatory disease is selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune blistering diseases, autoimmune adrenocortical disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, megalocytic anemia, autoimmune atrophic gastritis, autoimmune neutropenia, autoimmune orchitis, autoimmune encephalomyelitis, autoimmune receptor disease, autoimmune infertility, chronic active hepatitis, glomerulonephritis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, Paget's disease, osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, uveitis, acute and chronic spondylitis, gouty arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), psoriasis, Crohn's disease, Basedow's disease, juvenile diabetes, Addison's disease, myas
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in treating or preventing an autoimmune diseases which may be caused by or associated with the production of antibodies against autoantigens (autoantibodies).
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of treating or preventing an autoimmune disease which may be caused by, or associated with, the production of antibodies against an autoantigen (autoantibody) in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to treat or prevent the autoimmune disease.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for treating or preventing an autoimmune disease which may be caused by or associated with production of antibodies against autoantigens (autoantibodies).
  • the medicament is for use in a method of treating or preventing an autoimmune disease which may be caused by or associated with production of antibodies against autoantigens (autoantibodies) in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to treat or prevent the autoimmune disease.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • the invention provides a method for treating or preventing an autoimmune disease which may be caused by or associated with production of antibodies against autoantigens (autoantibodies) in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to treat or prevent the autoimmune disease.
  • an "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising any of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region provided herein.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for treating or preventing an autoimmune disease which may be caused by or associated with production of antibodies against an autoantigen (autoantibodies).
  • the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention can treat or prevent an autoimmune disease which may be caused by or associated with production of antibodies against an autoantigen (autoantibodies) by suppressing production of those autoantibodies.
  • autoantibodies an autoantigen of myasthenia gravis
  • Use of a fusion molecule of an antibody Fc portion with AchR has been reported to suppress proliferation of B cells which express AchR-recognizing BCR, and induce apoptosis (J. Neuroimmunol 227: 35-43 (2010)).
  • a fusion protein formed between a variant Fc region of the present invention and an antigen recognized by an autoantibody enables crosslinking of Fc gamma RIIb with BCR for that autoantigen on a B cell, which causes suppression of proliferation of the B cells and/or causes induction of apoptosis of the B cells.
  • an autoimmune disease that can be treated or or prevented is selected from the group consisting of Guillain-Barre syndrome, myasthenia gravis, chronic atrophic gastritis, autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, autoimmune pancreatitis, aortitis syndrome, Goodpasture's syndrome, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, megaloblastic anemia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, autoimmune neutropenia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Basedow's disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, primary hypothyroidism, idiopathic Addison's disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, chronic discoid lupus erythematosus, localized scleroderma, pemphigus, pemphigoid, herpes gestationis, linear IgA bullous dermatosis, epiderm
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in treating a disease associated with a deficiency of a biologically essential protein.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of treating a disease associated with a deficiency of a biologically essential protein in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to treat the disease.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for treating a disease associated with a deficiency of a biologically essential protein.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of treating a disease associated with a deficiency of a biologically essential protein in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to treat the disease.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • the invention provides a method of treating a disease associated with a deficiency of a biologically essential protein in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to treat the disease.
  • an "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising any of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region provided herein.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for treating a disease associated with a deficiency of a biologically essential protein.
  • a fusion protein comprising such a protein and a variant Fc region of the present invention enables crosslinking between Fc gamma RIIb and BCR that recognizes the protein on B cells, which causes suppression of antibody production against the protein.
  • the protein to be supplemented is selected from the group consisting of Factor VIII, Factor IX, TPO, EPO, alpha-iduronidase, iduronate sulfatase, A-type heparan N-sulfatase, B type alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase, C type acetyl CoA: alpha-glucosaminidase acetyltransferase, D type N-acetylglucosamine 6-sulfatase, galactose 6-sulfatase, N-acetylgalactosamine 4-sulfatase, beta-glucuronidase, alpha-galactosidase, acidic alpha-galactosidase, and glucocerebrosidase.
  • proteins may be supplemented for diseases such as hemophilia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, renal anemia, and lysosomal disease (mucopolysaccharidosis, Fabry's disease, Pompe disease, and Gaucher's disease), without being limited thereto.
  • diseases such as hemophilia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, renal anemia, and lysosomal disease (mucopolysaccharidosis, Fabry's disease, Pompe disease, and Gaucher's disease), without being limited thereto.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in treating a viral infection.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of treating a viral infection in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to treat a viral infection.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for treating a viral infection.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of treating a viral infection in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to treat a viral infection.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • the invention provides a method for treating a viral infection in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to treat a viral infection.
  • an "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising any of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region provided herein.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for treating a viral infection.
  • Anti-virus antibodies that comprise a variant Fc region of the present invention can suppress antibody-dependent enhancement observed with conventional anti-virus antibodies.
  • Antibody-dependent enhancement is a phenomenon where a virus bound to an antibody is phagocytosed via activating Fc gamma Rs so that infection of the virus to a cell is enhanced. Binding of anti-dengue-virus antibodies to Fc gamma RIIb has been reported to play an important role in suppressing antibody-dependent enhancement (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 108:12479-12484, (2011)).
  • Crosslinking Fc gamma RIIb molecules by an immune complex of the anti-dengue-virus antibodies and dengue virus inhibits Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, resulting in the suppression of antibody-dependent enhancement.
  • viruses include dengue virus (DENV1, DENV2, DENV3, and DENV4) and HIV, but are not limited thereto.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in preventing or treating arteriosclerosis.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of preventing or treating arteriosclerosis in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to prevent or treat arteriosclerosis.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for preventing or treating arteriosclerosis.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of preventing or treating arteriosclerosis in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to prevent or treat arteriosclerosis.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • the invention provides a method for preventing or treating arteriosclerosis in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to prevent or treat arteriosclerosis.
  • an "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising any of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region provided herein.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for preventing or treating arteriosclerosis.
  • Antibodies against oxidized LDL, i.e., a cause for arteriosclerosis, comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention can prevent Fc gamma RIIa-dependent adhesion of inflammatory cells. It has been reported that while anti-oxidized LDL antibodies inhibit the interaction between oxidized LDL and CD36, anti-oxidized LDL antibodies bind to endothelial cells, and monocytes recognize their Fc portion in an Fc gamma RIIa-dependent or Fc gamma RI-dependent manner (Immunol. Lett. 108:52-61, (2007)). Using antibodies comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention may inhibit Fc gamma RIIa-dependent binding and suppress monocyte adhesion by Fc gamma RIIb-mediated inhibitory signals.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in preventing or treating cancer.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of preventing or treating cancer in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to prevent or treat cancer.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region provided herein in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for preventing or treating cancer.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of preventing or treating cancer in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to prevent or treat cancer.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • the invention provides a method for preventing or treating cancer in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to prevent or treat cancer.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • an "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising any of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region provided herein. .
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for preventing or treating cancer.
  • agonist antibodies comprising a variant Fc region of the present invention are useful for treatment or prevention of cancer.
  • a variant Fc region of the present invention enhances the agonistic activity of antibodies against, for example, receptors of the TNF receptor family such as, CD120a, CD120b, Lymphotoxin beta receptor, CD134, CD40, FAS, TNFRSF6B, CD27, CD30, CD137, TNFRSF10A, TNFRSF10B, TNFRSF10C, TNFRSF10D, RANK, Osteoprotegerin, TNFRSF12A, TNFRSF13B, TNFRSF13C, TNFRSF14, Nerve growth factor receptor, TNFRSF17, TNFRSF18, TNFRSF19, TNFRSF21, TNFRSF25, and Ectodysplasin A2 receptor, and can be used for treating or preventing cancer.
  • receptors of the TNF receptor family such as, CD120a, CD120b, Lymphotoxin beta receptor, CD134, CD40, FAS, TNFRSF6B, CD27, CD30, CD
  • agonistic activity is also enhanced for antibodies against other molecules, which exhibit agonistic activity through interaction with Fc gamma RIIb.
  • a variant Fc region of the present invention into an antibody against a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) such as Kit, which suppresses cell proliferation upon crosslinking with Fc gamma RIIb, the inhibitory effect of the antibody against cell proliferation may be enhanced.
  • RTK receptor tyrosine kinase
  • the invention provides a method for preventing or treating a cancer including but not limited to a member seclected from: small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pulmonary adenocarcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung), large intestine cancer, rectal cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, renal cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, thyroid cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, peritoneal cancer, mesothelioma, squamous cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, head and neck cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, salivary gland tumor, thymoma, skin cancer, basal cell tumor, malignant melanoma, anal cancer, penile cancer, testicular cancer, Wilms' tumor, acute myeloid leukemia (including acute myeloleukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, acute prom
  • Antibodies which have been modified to have enhanced binding activity to Fc gamma Rs including Fc gamma RIIb by modification of at least one amino acid residue can promote antigen elimination from the plasma, as described or suggested in, for example, WO 2013/047752, WO 2013/125667, WO 2014/030728, or WO 2014/163101.
  • an antibody having an increased Fc gamma R-binding activity under a neutral pH condition is rapidly taken up into cells together with its antigen complexed with the antibody, and as a result, antigen elimination from plasma can be promoted when the antibody is administered in vivo.
  • Antibodies which have been modified to have an increased pI by modification of at least one amino acid residue that can be exposed on the antibody surface can be incorporated more rapidly into cells or can promote antigen elimination from the plasma, as described or suggested in, for example, WO 2007/114319, WO 2009/041643, WO 2014/145159, or WO 2012/016227.
  • biological fluids for example, plasma
  • the pH of biological fluids is in a neutral pH range.
  • the net positive charge of a pI-increased antibody is increased due to the increased pI, and as a result the antibody is more strongly attracted by physicochemical Coulomb interaction to the endothelial cell surface that has a net negative charge compared to an antibody not having an increased pI. That means, via such non-specific binding, uptake into cells of the antibody complexed with its antigen is enhanced, which results in enhancement of antigen elimination from plasma.
  • enhancement of antigen elimination from plasma means, for example, that the rate of antigen elimination from plasma is increased as compared to that when a polypeptide comprising a corresponding Fc region that has not been so modified has been administered.
  • the increase of antigen elimination from plasma can be assessed, for example, by measuring the concentration of the antigen in plasma.
  • Various methods for measuring antigen concentration in plasma are known in the art.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in promoting elimination of an antigen from plasma.
  • the invention provides a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region for use in a method of promoting elimination of an antigen from plasma in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to promote elimination of an antigen from plasma.
  • the polypeptide further comprises an antigen-binding domain.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments is preferably a human.
  • the invention provides the use of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region in the manufacture or preparation of a medicament.
  • the polypeptide is an antibody.
  • the polypeptide is an Fc fusion protein.
  • the medicament is for promoting elimination of an antigen from plasma.
  • the medicament is for use in a method of promoting elimination of an antigen from plasma in an individual comprising administering to the individual an effective amount of the medicament to promote elimination of an antigen from plasma.
  • it is preferable that the polypeptide further comprises an antigen-binding domain.
  • An "individual" according to any of the above embodiments may be a human.
  • the invention provides a method for promoting elimination of an antigen from plasma in an individual.
  • the method comprises administering to the individual an effective amount of a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region to promote elimination of an antigen from plasma.
  • the polypeptide further comprises an antigen-binding domain.
  • an "individual" is a human.
  • the invention provides pharmaceutical formulations comprising any of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region provided herein.
  • the pharmaceutical formulation is for promoting elimination of an antigen from plasma.
  • the polypeptide further comprises an antigen-binding domain.
  • an antibody having a variant Fc region of the present invention enhances antigen elimination from plasma, for example, by at least 1.1-fold, 1.25-fold, 1.5-fold, 1.75-fold, 2.0-fold, 2.25-fold, 2.5-fold, 2.75-fold, 3.0-fold, 3.25-fold, 3.5-fold, 3.75-fold, 4.0-fold, 4.25-fold, 4.5-fold, 4.75-fold, 5.0-fold, 5.5-fold, 6.0-fold, 6.5-fold, 7.0-fold, 7.5-fold, 8.0-fold, 8.5-fold, 9.0-fold, 9.5-fold, or 10.0-fold or more, when the antibody is administered in vivo.
  • the invention provides methods for preparing a medicament or a pharmaceutical formulation, comprising mixing any of the polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region provided herein with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, e.g., for use in any of the above therapeutic methods.
  • the methods for preparing a medicament or a pharmaceutical formulation further comprise adding at least one additional therapeutic agent to the medicament or pharmaceutical formulation.
  • Antibodies of the invention can be used either alone or in combination with other agents in a therapy.
  • an antibody of the invention may be co-administered with at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the invention can be used either alone or in combination with other agents in a therapy.
  • a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region of the invention may be co-administered with at least one additional therapeutic agent.
  • combination therapies noted above encompass combined administration (where two or more therapeutic agents are included in the same or separate formulations), and separate administration, in which case, administration of the antibody or polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region of the invention can occur prior to, simultaneously, and/or following, administration of the additional therapeutic agent or agents.
  • the administration of the anti-myostatin antibody and the administration of an additional therapeutic agent occur within about one month, or within about one, two or three weeks, or within about one, two, three, four, five, or six days, of each other.
  • the administration of the polypeptide comprising the variant Fc region and the administration of an additional therapeutic agent occur within about one month, or within about one, two or three weeks, or within about one, two, three, four, five, or six days, of each other.
  • An antibody or a polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region of the invention can be administered by any suitable means, including parenteral, intrapulmonary, and intranasal, and, if desired for local treatment, intralesional administration.
  • Parenteral infusions include intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous administration. Dosing can be by any suitable route, e.g., by injections, such as intravenous or subcutaneous injections, depending in part on whether the administration is brief or chronic.
  • Various dosing schedules including but not limited to single or multiple administrations over various time-points, bolus administration, and pulse infusion are contemplated herein.
  • Antibodies or polypeptides comprising a variant Fc region of the invention can be formulated, dosed, and administered in a fashion consistent with good medical practice.
  • Factors for consideration in this context include the particular disorder being treated, the particular mammal being treated, the clinical condition of the individual patient, the cause of the disorder, the site of delivery of the agent, the method of administration, the scheduling of administration, and other factors known to medical practitioners.
  • the antibody need not be, but is optionally formulated with one or more agents currently used to prevent or treat the disorder in question. The effective amount of such other agents depends on the amount of antibody present in the formulation, the type of disorder or treatment, and other factors discussed above. These are generally used in the same dosages and with administration routes as described herein, or about from 1 to 99% of the dosages described herein, or in any dosage and by any route that is empirically/clinically determined to be appropriate.
  • an antibody of the invention when used alone or in combination with one or more other additional therapeutic agents, will depend on the type of disease to be treated, the type of antibody, the type of polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region, the severity and course of the disease, whether the antibody or polypeptide comprising the variant Fc region, is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the patient's clinical history and response to the antibody or polypeptide comprising the variant Fc region, and the discretion of the attending physician.
  • the antibody or polypeptide comprising a variant Fc region of the invention is suitably administered to the patient at one time or over a series of treatments.
  • about 1 micro g/kg to 15 mg/kg (e.g., 0.1mg/kg-10mg/kg) of antibody can be an initial candidate dosage for administration to the patient, whether, for example, by one or more separate administrations, or by continuous infusion.
  • One typical daily dosage might range from about 1 micro g/kg to 100 mg/kg or more, depending on the factors mentioned above.
  • the treatment would generally be sustained until a desired suppression of disease symptoms occurs.
  • One exemplary dosage of the antibody or polypeptide comprising the variant Fc region would be in the range from about 0.05 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg.
  • one or more doses of about 0.5 mg/kg, 2.0 mg/kg, 4.0 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg (or any combination thereof) may be administered to the patient.
  • Such doses may be administered intermittently, e.g., every week or every three weeks (e.g., such that the patient receives from about two to about twenty, or e.g., about six doses of the antibody or polypeptide comprising the variant Fc region).
  • An initial higher loading dose, followed by one or more lower doses may be administered. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional techniques and assays.
  • an article of manufacture containing materials useful for the treatment, prevention and/or diagnosis of the disorders described above comprises a container and a label or package insert on or associated with the container.
  • Suitable containers include, for example, bottles, vials, syringes, IV solution bags, etc.
  • the containers may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic.
  • the container holds a composition which is by itself or combined with another composition effective for treating, preventing and/or diagnosing the condition and may have a sterile access port (for example the container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial having a stopper pierceable by a hypodermic injection needle).
  • At least one active agent in the composition is an antibody of the invention.
  • the label or package insert indicates that the composition is used for treating the condition of choice.
  • the article of manufacture may comprise (a) a first container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition comprises an antibody of the invention; and (b) a second container with a composition contained therein, wherein the composition comprises a further cytotoxic or otherwise therapeutic agent.
  • the article of manufacture in this embodiment of the invention may further comprise a package insert indicating that the compositions can be used to treat a particular condition.
  • the article of manufacture may further comprise a second (or third) container comprising a pharmaceutically-acceptable buffer, such as bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), phosphate-buffered saline, Ringer's solution and dextrose solution. It may further include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes.
  • BWFI bacteriostatic water for injection
  • phosphate-buffered saline such as bac
  • any of the above articles of manufacture may include an immunoconjugate of the invention in place of or in addition to an anti-myostatin antibody.
  • Human latent myostatin (also described herein as human myostatin latent form) (SEQ ID NO: 1) was expressed transiently using FreeStyle293-F cells (FS293-F cells) (Thermo Fisher, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Conditioned media containing expressed human myostatin latent form was acidified to pH6.8 and diluted with 1/2 vol of milliQ water, followed by application to a Q-sepharose FF anion exchange column (GE healthcare, Uppsala, Sweden).
  • the flow-through fraction was adjusted to pH5.0 and applied to a SP-sepharose HP cation exchange column (GE healthcare, Uppsala, Sweden), and then eluted with a NaCl gradient.
  • Fractions containing the human myostatin latent form were collected and subsequently subjected to a Superdex 200 gel filtration column (GE healthcare, Uppsala, Sweden) equilibrated with 1x PBS. Fractions containing the human myostatin latent form were then pooled and stored at -80 degrees C.
  • Human mature myostatin (also described herein as human myostatin mature form) (SEQ ID NO: 2) was purified from the purified human myostatin latent form.
  • the human myostatin latent form was acidified by addition of 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and applied to a Vydac 214TP C4 reverse phase column (Grace, Deerfield, IL, USA) and eluted with a TFA/CH 3 CN gradient. Fractions containing human mature myostatin were pooled, dried and stored at -80 degrees C. To reconstitute, human mature myostatin was dissolved in 4mM HCl.
  • TFA trifluoroacetic acid
  • myostatin latent and mature form from cynomolgus monkey (cynomolgus or cyno) (SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4, respectively) and mouse (SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6, respectively) were all performed exactly the same way as the human counterpart.
  • the sequence homology of mature form among human, cyno, and mouse are 100% identical, therefore, any of mature myostatin regardless of species were used as mature myostatin in all the necessary experiments.
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibodies were prepared, selected, and assayed as follows.
  • NZW rabbits Twelve to sixteen week old NZW rabbits were immunized intradermally with mouse latent myostatin and/or human latent myostatin (50-100 micro g/dose/rabbit). This dose was repeated 3-4 times over a one month period.
  • the spleen and blood from the immunized rabbit were collected.
  • Antigen-specific B-cells were stained with labelled antigen, sorted with FCM cell sorter (FACS aria III, BD), and plated in 96-well plates at a one cell/well density together with 25,000 cells/well of EL4 cells (European Collection of Cell Cultures) and with rabbit T-cell conditioned medium diluted 20 times, and were cultured for 7-12 days.
  • EL4 cells were treated with mitomycin C (Sigma) for 2 hours and washed 3 times in advance.
  • the rabbit T-cell conditioned medium was prepared by culturing rabbit thymocytes in RPMI-1640 containing Phytohemagglutinin-M (Roche), phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (Sigma) and 2% FBS. After cultivation, B-cell culture supernatants were collected for further analysis and pellets were cryopreserved.
  • B-cell culture supernatants were added to the ELISA plates, incubated for 1hour, and washed with TBS-T. Binding was detected by goat anti-rabbit IgG-horseradish peroxidase (BETHYL) followed by the addition of ABTS (KPL).
  • BETHYL goat anti-rabbit IgG-horseradish peroxidase
  • KPL ABTS
  • DNA encoding the variable regions of the heavy and light chain of each selected cell line was amplified by reverse transcription PCR and cloned into expression vectors with the heavy chain constant region G1m sequence (SEQ ID NO: 50 (the amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 7)) and with the light chain constant region k0MTC or k0MC sequence (SEQ ID NO: 53 or 194 (the amino acid sequence (both are the same) is shown in SEQ ID NO: 8)), respectively.
  • Recombinant antibodies were expressed transiently using the FreeStyle FS293-F cells and 293fectin (Life technologies), according to the manufacturer's instructions. Culture supernatant or recombinant antibodies were used for screening.
  • Recombinant antibodies were purified with protein A (GE Healthcare) and eluted in D-PBS or His buffer (20mM Histidine, 150mM NaCl, pH6.0). Size exclusion chromatography was further conducted to remove high molecular weight and/or low molecular weight component, if necessary.
  • HEK Blue Assay BMP1 activation
  • BMP1 activation A reporter gene assay was used to assess the biological activity of active myostatin in vitro.
  • HEK-Blue TM TGF-beta cells Invivogen which express a Smad3/4-binding elements (SBE)-inducible SEAP reporter genes, allow the detection of bioactive myostatin by monitoring the activation of the activin type 1 and type 2 receptors.
  • Active myostatin stimulates the production of SEAP which is secreted into the cell supernatant. The quantity of SEAP secreted is then assessed using QUANTIBlue TM (Invivogen).
  • HEK-Blue TM TGF-beta cells were maintained in DMEM medium (Gibco) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 50 micro g/mL streptomycin, 50 U/mL penicillin, 100 micro g/mL Normocin TM , 30 micro g/mL of Blasticidin, 200 micro g/mL of HygroGold TM and 100 micro g/mL of Zeocin TM .
  • DMEM assay medium
  • assay medium DMEM with 0.1% bovine serum albumin, streptomycin, penicillin and Normocin TM
  • mAb MST1032-G1m (see Table 2a for amino acid and nucleotide sequences) prevented protease-mediated activation of human, cynomolgus, and mouse latent myostatin, as reflected by lowered concentrations of secreted SEAP. MST1032-G1m showed almost comparable inhibition activity against human, cynomolgus, and mouse latent myostatin.
  • MST1032-G1m In the presence of mAb MST1032-G1m, myostatin activation was inhibited and thus a lower SEAP level was detected in the cell supernatant. MST1032-G1m inhibited spontaneous activation of latent myostatin, and showed almost comparable inhibition activity against human, cynomolgus, and mouse latent myostatin.
  • each well of each plate was incubated with biotinylated mature myostatin, human or mouse biotinylated latent myostatin, or biotinylated recombinant mouse myostatin propeptide- Fc chimera protein (R&D Systems) at 4nM/well/20 micro L for 2 hours. After washing, 20 micro L of antibody sample was added to the wells and the plates were left for 1 hour. The plates were washed and 20 micro L of anti-human IgG-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) (Abcam) diluted in HEPES-buffered saline was added, and the plates were left for another hour.
  • HR anti-human IgG-horseradish peroxidase
  • MST1032-G1m bound to latent myostatin (i.e., the non-covalent complex of mature myostatin and propeptides) and propeptide, but did not bind to mature myostatin.
  • MST1032-G1m specifically binds to the myostatin propeptide (e.g., the prppeptide portion), but not to active myostatin (e.g., mature region).
  • Antibody was captured onto the sensor surface by ProA/G. Antibody capture levels were typically 150 to 220 resonance units (RU). Then human, cyno, or mouse latent myostatin was injected at 3.125 to 50 nM prepared by two-fold serial dilution, followed by dissociation. The sensor surface was regenerated with 25 mM NaOH. Kinetic parameters were determined by processing and fitting the data to a 1:1 binding model using BIACORE (registered trademark) T200 Evaluation software, version 2.0 (GE Healthcare). The sensorgrams are shown in Figure 5. Association rate (ka), dissociation rate (kd), and binding affinity (KD) are listed in Table 3. The kinetic parameters of MST1032-G1m toward human, cyno, and mouse latent myostatin were comparable.
  • BIACORE registered trademark
  • KD binding affinity
  • mice Five-week-old SCID (C.B-17 SCID) mice (Charles River Laboratories Japan, Inc.(Kanagawa, JAPAN)) were treated with monoclonal antibodies at various doses or vehicle (PBS) given intravenously once per week for two weeks. On day 0, 7 and 14, full body lean mass and fat mass of the mice were assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (the minispec LF-50, Bruker Bio Spin, (Kanagawa, JAPAN)). The animals were euthanized on day 14, and the gastrocnemius and quadriceps muscles were dissected and weighed.
  • NMR nuclear magnetic resonance
  • the antibodies administrated at 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg resulted in significant increment of quadriceps and gastrocnemius wet weight relative to the vehicle group.
  • Grip strength was measured with a grip strength test meter (e.g., GPM-100B, MELQUEST Ltd., (Toyama, JAPAN)) on day 14. As shown in the results presented in Figures 7A-C, the lean body mass was increased by these antibodies except for MYO-029 (P>0.05). Grip strength of the MST1032-G1m-administered group was significantly increased relative to the vehicle (PBS) group, at 10 mg/kg (P ⁇ 0.05). 41C1E4 and REGN also significantly increased grip strength compared with the vehicle (PBS). Full body fat mass tended to be reduced by 10 mg/kg of MST1032-G1m. Fat mass reduction efficacy of MST1032-G1m was stronger than that of other anti-mature myostatin antibodies.
  • a grip strength test meter e.g., GPM-100B, MELQUEST Ltd., (Toyama, JAPAN)
  • Variable regions of the heavy and light chains for humanized MST1032 antibodies were designed. Some of the humanized MST1032 antibodies contain back mutation in framework region. The polynucleotides of the designed heavy and light chain variable regions were synthesised by GenScript Inc., and were cloned into expression vectors containing the heavy chain constant region SG1 sequence (SEQ ID NO: 52 (the amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 9)) and the light chain constant region SK1 sequence (SEQ ID NO: 54 (the amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 10)), respectively. Humanized antibodies were transiently expressed in FS293-F cells, and HEK Blue Assay and BIACORE (registered trademark) analysis were carried out as described above. As shown in Figure 8 and Table 4, and compared to Figures 1 and 2, humanized antibody (MS1032LO00-SG1) showed comparable inhibition activity and affinity to chimeric antibody (MST1032-G1m).
  • pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibody To generate pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibodies, histidine scanning mutagenesis was conducted for all CDRs of mAb MS1032LO00-SG1. Each amino acid in the CDRs was individually mutated to histidine using In-Fusion HD Cloning Kit (Clontech Inc. or Takara Bio company) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After confirming through sequencing that each variant was mutated correctly, variants were transiently expressed and purified by the method described above. All histidine-substituted variants were evaluated by a modified BIACORE (registered trademark) assay as compared to that described above.
  • BIACORE registered trademark
  • an additional dissociation phase at pH5.8 was integrated into the BIACORE (registered trademark) assay immediately after the dissociation phase at pH7.4. This is to assess the pH-dependent dissociation between antibody (Ab) and antigen (Ag) from the complexes formed at pH7.4 as opposed to the corresponding dissociation at pH5.8.
  • the dissociation rate at pH5.8 buffer was determined by processing and fitting data using the Scrubber 2.0 (BioLogic Software) curve fitting software.
  • the parental antibody (Ab001) showed no reduction in binding response at pH5.8 compared to the pH7.4 dissociation phase.
  • Several of the single-histidine substitutions resulted in a moderate to strong reduction in binding response at pH5.8 compared to the pH7.4 dissociation phase.
  • the dissociation rate at pH5.8 for each of the single-histidine substitution variants are shown in Table 5.
  • Ab002 showed the fastest Ab/Ag complex dissociation rate at pH5.8, more than 200 fold faster than parental antibody (Ab001).
  • Antibodies with a combination of these mutations in the CDRs were then generated.
  • the CDR sequences of the antibodies containing these various mutations are shown in Table 6.
  • Affinity improvement of pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibody To identify mutations which improve affinity at pH7.4 and/or in vitro inhibition activity, more than 500 variants were generated for heavy and light chain respectively, using at least one variant generated in Example 11 as a template. These variants had each amino acid in the CDRs substituted with 18 other amino acids, excluding the original amino acid and Cysteine. The binding ability of variants to human latent myostatin was assessed at 37 degrees C under pH7.4 using BIACORE (registered trademark) 4000 instrument (GE Healthcare).
  • Variants with improved affinity at pH7.4 and/or in vitro inhibition activity were selected, and combined with mutations improving pH dependency identified in Example 11.
  • four variants (MS1032LO01, 02, 03, and 04) were selected, and transiently expressed with SG1 or F760 (SEQ ID NO: 11 and 51) for BIACORE (registered trademark) binding kinetic analysis, in vitro and/or in vivo assays.
  • SG1 and F760 are human heavy chain constant regions.
  • the binding affinities of SG1 against human Fc gamma Rs are comparable to that for the natural IgG1 constant region, but that of F760 is abolished by Fc modification (also described herein as silent Fc).
  • Amino acid and nucleotide sequences of the four anti-myostatin variants are shown in Table 2a.
  • the separated plasma was stored at or below -80 degrees C until measurement.
  • the anti-latent myostatin antibodies used were MS1032LO00-SG1 and MS1032LO00-F760. Measurement of total myostatin concentration in plasma by electrochemiluminescence (ECL)
  • the concentration of total myostatin in mouse plasma was measured by ECL.
  • Anti-mature myostatin-immobilized plates were prepared by dispensing anti-mature myostatin antibody RK35 (as described in WO 2009/058346) onto a MULTI-ARRAY 96-well plate (Meso Scale Discovery) and incubated overnight at 4 degrees C. Mature myostatin calibration curve samples and mouse plasma samples diluted 40-fold or more were prepared. The samples were mixed in an acidic solution (0.2 M Glycine-HCl, pH2.5) to dissociate mature myostatin from its binding protein (such as propeptide).
  • the plasma total myostatin concentration at day 28 accumulated 248 fold compared to plasma total myostatin concentration at 5 minutes.
  • plasma total myostatin concentration at day 28 accumulated 37 fold compared to plasma total myostatin concentration at 5 minutes.
  • An approximately 7 fold difference of plasma total myostatin concentration at day28 was observed between MS1032LO00-F760 (silent Fc) and MS1032LO00-SG1 due to Fc gamma R binding.
  • the concentration of total myostatin in mouse plasma was measured by ECL as described in Example 15.
  • the time course of plasma total myostatin concentration after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody as measured by this method is shown in Figure 13. Effect of pH-dependent myostatin binding on myostatin accumulation in vivo
  • the pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MS1032LO01-SG1 and MS1032LO01-F760) were tested in vivo and comparison of plasma total myostatin concentration was made.
  • the total myostatin concentration measurement results after administration of MS1032LO00-SG1 and MS1032LO00-F760 described in Example 15 are also shown in Figure 13.
  • MS1032LO00 is non pH-dependent antibody
  • MS1032LO01 is pH-dependent antibody.
  • total myostatin concentration after administration of MS1032LO01-F760 was reduced compared to MS1032LO00-F760 due to pH-dependent binding.
  • MS1032LO01-SG1 has a superior property of enhancing myostatin clearance from plasma as a "sweeping antibody".
  • MS1032LO00-SG1 non-sweeping antibody
  • MS1032LO01-SG1 sweeping antibody
  • MS1032LO01-SG1 significantly increased quadriceps wet weight and grip strength at 1 and 5 mg/kg, and significantly increased lean body mass and gastrocnemius wet weight at 5 mg/kg relative to the vehicle group (PBS).
  • MS1032LO01-SG1 also significantly decreased fat mass at 1 and 5 mg/kg relative to the vehicle group (PBS).
  • MS1032LO00-SG1 showed no increase in lean body mass at 0.2 mg/kg.
  • MS1032LO01-SG1 drastically increased lean body mass, quadriceps wet weight, gastrocnemius wet weight and grip strength at 0.2 mg/kg.
  • a pH-dependent binding antibody shows greater muscle mass growth and muscle power improvement relative to a non pH-dependent binding antibody.
  • HRP anti-human IgG-horseradish peroxidase
  • HEK Blue Assay BMP1 and spontaneous activation
  • BMP1 and spontaneous activation A reporter gene assay was used to assess the biological activity of active GDF11 in vitro.
  • HEK-Blue TM TGF-beta cells Invivogen
  • SBE Smad3/4-binding element
  • SEAP reporter gene allow the detection of bioactive GDF11 by monitoring the activation of the activin type 1 and type 2 receptors.
  • Active GDF11 stimulates the production and secretion of SEAP into the cell supernatant. The quantity of SEAP secreted is then assessed using QUANTIBlue TM (Invivogen).
  • HEK-Blue TM TGF-beta cells were maintained in DMEM medium (Gibco) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 50 micro g/mL streptomycin, 50U/mL penicillin, 100 micro g/mL Normocin TM , 30 micro g/mL of Blasticidin, 200 micro g/mL of HygroGold TM and 100 micro g/mL of Zeocin TM .
  • DMEM assay medium
  • assay medium DMEM with 0.1% bovine serum albumin, streptomycin, penicillin and Normocin TM
  • Human GDF11 was incubated with or without recombinant human BMP1 (Calbiochem) and anti-latent antibody (MST1032-G1m) at 37 degrees C overnight. The sample mixtures were transferred to cells. After 24-hour incubation, the cell supernatant was mixed with QUANTIBlue TM and the optical density at 620 nm was measured in a colorimetric plate reader. As shown as Figure 16, MST1032-G1m did not prevent protease-mediated or spontaneous activation of human GDF11 and thus failed to inhibit the secretion of SEAP.
  • MS1032LO01-SG1 As the pH dependent antibody, MS1032LO01-SG1, showed superior efficacy in mouse, further optimization was conducted to increase pH dependency, to enhance up-take into cells, to increase stability, and so on by introducing mutations into the antibody CDRs or by changing framework regions.
  • MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO07-SG1, MS1032LO10-SG1, MS1032LO11-SG1, MS1032LO12-SG1, MS1032LO18-SG1, MS1032LO19-SG1, MS1032LO21-SG1, MS1032LO23-SG1, MS1032LO24-SG1, MS1032LO25-SG1, and MS1032LO26-SG1 were generated. Their amino acid and nucleotide sequences of these generate antibodies are shown in Table 11.
  • the affinity of MS1032 variant binding to human, cynomolgus monkey (cyno), or mouse latent myostatin at pH7.4 and pH5.8 was determined at 37 degrees C using BIACORE (registered trademark) T200 instrument (GE Healthcare) to assess the effect of pH on antigen binding.
  • ProA/G (Pierce) was immobilized onto all flow cells of a CM4 chip using an amine coupling kit (GE Healthcare). All antibodies and analytes were prepared in ACES pH7.4 or pH5.8 buffer containing 20 mM ACES, 150 mM NaCl, 1.2 mM CaCl 2 , 0.05% Tween 20, 0.005% NaN 3 . Each antibody was captured onto the sensor surface by proA/G.
  • Antibody capture levels were typically 130 to 240 resonance units (RU). Human, cyno, and mouse latent myostatin was injected at 3.125 to 50 nM prepared by two-fold serial dilution, followed by dissociation. The sensor surface was regenerated each cycle with 10 mM Glycine HCl pH1.5. Binding affinity was determined by processing and fitting the data to a 1:1 binding model using BIACORE (registered trademark) T200 Evaluation software, version 2.0 (GE Healthcare).
  • BIACORE registered trademark
  • KD The affinity (KD) of MS1032 variants binding to human, cynomolgus monkey (cyno), and mouse latent myostatin at pH7.4 and pH5.8 are shown in Table 12. All variants showed a KD ratio ((KD at pH5.8)/(KD at pH7.4)) of over 5, indicating pH dependent binding to latent myostatin.
  • the collected blood was centrifuged immediately at 14,000 rpm in 4 degrees C for 10 minutes to separate the plasma.
  • the separated plasma was stored at or below -80 degrees C until measurement.
  • the anti-latent myostatin antibodies tested were MS1032LO00-SG1, MS1032LO01-SG1, MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO11-SG1, MS1032LO18-SG1, MS1032LO19-SG1, MS1032LO21-SG1 and MS1032LO25-SG1.
  • ECL electrochemiluminescence
  • the concentration of total myostatin in mouse plasma was measured by ECL.
  • Anti-mature myostatin-immobilized plates were prepared by dispensing biotinylated anti-mature myostatin antibody RK35 (as described in WO 2009/058346) onto a MULTI-ARRAY 96-well streptavidin plate (Meso Scale Discovery) and incubated in blocking buffer for 2 hours at room temperature. Mature myostatin calibration curve samples and mouse plasma samples diluted 40-fold or more were prepared. The samples were mixed in an acidic solution (0.2 M Glycine-HCl, pH2.5) to dissociate mature myostatin from its binding protein (such as propeptide).
  • pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibodies could reduce myostatin accumulation compared to non pH-dependent anti-latent myostatin antibody (MS1032LO00-SG1) at day 28.
  • Blood was collected before the start of dosing and either 5 minutes, 7 hours and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after the end of dosing, or 5 minutes and 2, 4, and 7 hours and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after the end of dosing.
  • Blood was drawn from the femoral vein with a syringe containing heparin sodium. The blood was immediately cooled on ice, and plasma was obtained by centrifugation at 4 degrees C, 1700 x g for 10 minutes. The plasma samples were stored in a deep freezer (acceptable range: -70 degrees C or below) until measurement.
  • the anti-latent myostatin antibodies used were MS1032LO00-SG1, MS1032LO06-SG1012, MS1032LO06-SG1016, MS1032LO06-SG1029, MS1032LO06-SG1031, MS1032LO06-SG1033, and MS1032LO06-SG1034 (herein, SG1012, SG1016, SG1029, SG1031, SG1033, and SG1034 are the heavy chain constant regions constructed based on SG1 as described below).
  • a dose level of 2mg/kg was administered into the cephalic vein of the forearm or saphenous vein using a disposable syringe, and indwelling needle for the anti-latent myostatin antibodies MS1032LO19-SG1079, MS1032LO19-SG1071, MS1032LO19-SG1080, MS1032LO19-SG1074, MS1032LO19-SG1081, and MS1032LO19-SG1077 (herein, SG1079, SG1071, SG1080, SG1074, SG1081, and SG1077 are the heavy chain constant regions constructed based on SG1 as described below).
  • Plasma samples were stored in a deep freezer (acceptable range: -70 degrees C or below) until measurement. Measurement of total myostatin concentration in plasma by electrochemiluminescence (ECL)
  • the concentration of total myostatin in monkey plasma was measured by ECL as described in Example 23.
  • the time course of plasma total myostatin concentration after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody as measured by this method is shown in Figure 19.
  • Biotinylated drug was coated onto a MULTI-ARRAY 96-well streptavidin plate (Meso Scale Discovery) and incubated in low cross buffer (Candor) for 2 hours at room temperature. Monkey plasma samples were diluted 20 fold in low cross buffer before addition to the plate. Samples were incubated overnight at 4 o C. On the next day, the plate was washed three times with wash buffer before addition of SULFO TAG labelled anti monkey IgG secondary antibody (Thermo Fisher Scientific). After incubating for an hour at room temperature, the plate was washed three times with wash buffer.
  • MS1032LO06-SG1029, MS1032LO06-SG1031 and MS1032LO06-SG1034 are an increase in non-specific uptake in the cell due to increase in positive charge cluster of the antibody and an increase in Fc gamma R-mediated cellular uptake due to enhanced binding to Fc gamma R.
  • the inhibitory activity on human latent myostatin activation was further evaluated for a panel of 7 anti-latent myostatin antibodies (MST1032, MST1504, MST1538, MST1551, MST1558, MST1572, and MST1573; the sequence identifiers for amino acid sequences of these antibodies are shown in Table 13). As shown in Figure 21, all of the antibodies were able to inhibit the BMP1 mediated activation of human latent myostatin in a dose-dependent manner.
  • MST1032 antibody could detect the first five fragments, no bands were detected after the removal of amino acid 81-100 (SEQ ID NO:78). Both MST1538 and MST1572 antibodies bind to the first three fragments only, no bands were detected in the absence of amino acid 41-60 of SEQ ID NO:78. Antibody MST1573 only bound strongly to the first two fragments, suggesting that its epitope lies within amino acid 21-40 of SEQ ID NO:78 ( Figure 22D).
  • the Fc regions of antibody drugs should have cross-reactivity to non-human animals, especially to cynomolgus monkey which has close expression patterns and functions of Fc gamma Rs to human, so that the results obtained in non-human animals could be extrapolated into human.
  • the heavy chain gene of the human Fc gamma RIIb enhanced variant (herein, "Fc gamma RIIb enhanced” means "with enhanced Fc gamma RIIb-binding activity") disclosed in WO 2012/115241 was generated by substituting Pro at position 238 in EU numbering with Asp in the heavy chain of MS1032LO06-SG1 which is named M103205H795-SG1 (VH, SEQ ID NO: 86; CH, SEQ ID NO: 9).
  • the resultant heavy chain is referred to as M103205H795-MY009 (VH, SEQ ID NO: 86; CH, SEQ ID NO: 252).
  • M103202L889-SK1 (VL, SEQ ID NO: 96; CL, SEQ ID NO: 10) was used as the antibody light chain.
  • the recombinant antibody was expressed according to the method shown in Example 34.
  • the extracellular domains of Fc gamma Rs were prepared in the following manner.
  • the synthesis of the genes for the extracellular domain of human Fc gamma Rs were carried out in methods known to those skilled in the art based on the information registered in the NCBI. Specifically, Fc gamma RIIa was based on the sequence of NCBI accession # NM_001136219.1, Fc gamma RIIb was on NM_004001.3, Fc gamma RIIIa was on NM_001127593.1, respectively. Allotypes of Fc gamma RIIa and Fc gamma RIIIa were prepared according to the reports about polymorphism for Fc gamma RIIa (J. Exp. Med.
  • the amino acid sequences of the constructed extracellular domains of Fc gamma Rs were shown in the sequence list: (SEQ ID NO 210 for human Fc gamma RIIaR, SEQ ID NO 211 for human Fc gamma RIIaH, SEQ ID NO 214 for human Fc gamma RIIb, SEQ ID NO 217 for human Fc gamma RIIIaF, SEQ ID NO 218 for human Fc gamma RIIIaV, SEQ ID NO 220 for cyno Fc gamma RIIa1, SEQ ID NO 221 for cyno Fc gamma RIIa2, SEQ ID NO 222 for cyno Fc gamma RIIa3, SEQ ID NO 223 for cyno Fc gamma RIIb, SEQ ID NO 224 for cyno Fc gamma RIIIaS).
  • His-tag was added to their C-terminus and the obtained each gene was inserted into expression vector designed for mammalian cell expression.
  • the expression vector was introduced into the human embryonic kidney cell-derived FreeStyle293 cells (Invitrogen) to express the target protein. After culturing, the resulting culture supernatant was filtered and purified by the following four steps in principle.
  • the cation exchange chromatography using SP Sepharose FF was performed as the first step, an affinity chromatography against the His-tag (HisTrap HP) as the second step, a gel filtration column chromatography (Superdex200) as the third step, and sterile filtration as the fourth step.
  • the absorbance at 280 nm of the purified proteins were measured using a spectrophotometer and the concentration of the purified protein was determined using an extinction coefficient calculated by the method of PACE (Protein Science 4:2411-2423 (1995)).
  • the kinetic analysis of interactions between these antibodies and Fc gamma R was carried out using BIACORE (registered trademark) T200 or BIACORE (registered trademark) 4000 (GE Healthcare).
  • HBS-EP+ GE Healthcare
  • HBS-EP+ GE Healthcare
  • the measurement temperature was set to 25 degrees C.
  • a chip produced by immobilizing Protein A, Protein A/G or mouse anti-human IgG kappa light chain (BD Biosciences) onto a Series S Sensor Chip CM4 or CM5 (GE Healthcare) by the amine-coupling method was used. An antibody of interest was captured onto this chip to interact with each Fc gamma R that had been diluted with the running buffer, and binding to the antibody was measured.
  • the antibody captured on the chip was washed off by allowing reaction with 10 mM glycine-HCl, pH1.5 and 25 mM NaOH so that the chip was regenerated and used repeatedly.
  • the sensorgrams obtained as measurement results were analyzed by the 1:1 Langmuir binding model using the BIACORE (registered trademark) Evaluation Software to calculate the binding rate constant ka (L/mol/s) and dissociation rate constant kd (1/s), and the dissociation constant KD (mol/L) was calculated from these values.
  • the Rmax value obtained when globally fitting the sensorgram obtained as a result of analyzing the interaction of each Fc gamma R with IgG1 using the 1:1 Langmuir binding model was divided by the amount of SG1 captured, this was multiplied by the amount of MY009 captured, and the resulting value was used as Rmax.
  • This calculation is based on the hypothesis that the limit quantity of each Fc gamma R that can be bound by SG1 remains unchanged for all variants produced by introducing mutations into SG1, and the Rmax at the time of measurement is proportional to the amount of antibody bound on the chip at the time of measurement. Req was defined as the amount of binding of each Fc gamma R to each variant on the sensor chip observed at the time of measurement.
  • Table 14 shows the result of kinetic analysis of SG1 and MY009 against human and cynoFc gamma Rs.
  • the KD values in cells filled in gray were calculated using [Equation 2] since their affinity was too weak to be correctly determined by kinetic analysis.
  • Values of KD fold were calculated by dividing the KD value of SG1 by the KD value of the variant for each Fc gamma R.
  • human Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced variant MY009 does not show enhanced binding to cynoFc gamma RIIb but shows enhanced binding to human Fc gamma RIIb. Its affinity to cynoFc gamma RIIb was rather decreased by 0.4-fold compared to SG1, indicating that human Fc gamma RIIb-enhanced variant MY009 does not have cross-reactivity to cynoFc gamma Rs. Development of novel Fc variant that shows enhanced binding to both human and cynoFc gamma RIIb
  • novel Fc variant should have enhanced binding to both human and cynoFc gamma RIIb selectively and a decreased binding to other active Fc gamma Rs.
  • putative Fc binding residues in cynoFc gamma RIIb are completely the same as either allotype of cynoFc gamma RIIa ( Figure 23)
  • variable region of a glypican 3 antibody comprising the CDR of GpH7 which is an anti-glypican 3 antibody with improved plasma kinetics disclosed in WO 2009/041062 was used as the antibody heavy chain variable region (GpH7: SEQ ID NO: 225).
  • GpH7 SEQ ID NO: 225
  • GpL16-k0 SEQ ID NO: 226
  • B3 SEQ ID NO: 228) in which a K439E mutation has been introduced into G1d (SEQ ID NO: 227) produced by removing the C terminal Gly and Lys of IgG1 was used as the antibody H chain constant region.
  • This heavy chain which has been made by fusing GpH7 and B3, is referred to as GpH7-B3 (VH, SEQ ID NO: 225; CH, SEQ ID NO: 228).
  • the amino acid residues that are considered to be involved in Fc gamma R binding and the surrounding amino acid residues were substituted respectively with 18 amino acid residues excluding the original amino acid residue and Cys.
  • These Fc variants are referred to as B3 variants.
  • B3 variants were expressed and the binding of protein-A purified antibodies to each Fc gamma R (Fc gamma RIIa type H, Fc gamma RIIa type R, Fc gamma RIIb, and Fc gamma RIIIaF) was comprehensively evaluated as follows.
  • an Fc gamma receptor diluted with the running buffer was allowed to interact, the amount bound to an antibody was measured.
  • the amount of Fc gamma receptor bound depends on the amount of the captured antibodies, the amount of Fc gamma receptor bound was divided by the amount of each antibody captured to obtain corrected values, and these values were compared.
  • antibodies captured onto the chips were washed by 10 mM glycine-HCl, pH1.5, and the chips were regenerated and used repeatedly.
  • the value of the amount of Fc gamma R binding of each B3 variant was divided by the value of the amount of Fc gamma R binding of the parental B3 antibody (an antibody having the sequence of a naturally-occurring human IgG1 at positions 234 to 239, 265 to 271, 295, 296, 298, 300, and 324 to 337, according to EU numbering).
  • the value obtained by multiplying this value by 100 was used as an indicator of the relative Fc gamma R-binding activity of each variant.
  • Table 15 shows the binding profile of promising substitutions selected based on the following criteria (more than 40% to human Fc gamma RIIb, lower than 100% to human Fc gamma RIIaR and Fc gamma RIIaH, less than 10 % to human Fc gamma RIIIaF, compared to those of parental B3 antibody).
  • Table 16 shows the binding profile of these 16 variants to cynoFc gamma Rs.
  • the value of the amount of Fc gamma R binding was obtained by dividing the amount of Fc gamma R bound by the amount of each antibody captured. This value was further normalized using the value for SG1 as 100.
  • MY001 maintained binding to cynoFc gamma RIIb by 85% compared to SG1. Additionally MY001 showed reduced binding to cynoFc gamma RIIIaS and its binding to cynoFc gamma RIIa1, IIa2, and IIa3 is maintained.
  • G236N mutation is the unique substitution which shows similar binding profile to both human and cynoFc gamma Rs.
  • L234W and L234Y were selected for increasing selectivity to human Fc gamma RIIb over human Fc gamma RIIa.
  • G236A, G236S, A330R, A330K and P331E were selected for decreasing binding to human Fc gamma RIIIa. All other substitutions were selected for increasing binding to human Fc gamma RIIb.
  • the cross-reactivity of the selected substitutions to cynoFc gamma Rs were evaluated.
  • three substitutions, P396M, V264I, and E233D were also evaluated. The substitutions were introduced into M103205H795-SG1 and the variants were expressed using M103202L889-SK1 as light chain.
  • Table 18 shows kinetic analysis of selected substitutions including G236N against both human and cynoFc gamma Rs. Specifically, substitutions were introduced into M103205H795-SG1. The variants were expressed using M103202L889-SK1 as light chain and their affinity to cynoFc gamma RIIa1, IIa2, IIa3, IIb, IIIaS were analyzed. The KD values in cells filled in gray were calculated using [Equation 2] since their affinity was too weak to be correctly determined by kinetic analysis. Values of KD fold were calculated by dividing the KD value of SG1 by the KD value of the variant for each Fc gamma R.
  • G236N showed comparable binding affinity to cynoFc gamma RIIa1, cynoFc gamma RIIa2, cynoFc gamma RIIa3, and cynoFc gamma RIIb to SG1.
  • affinity to human Fc gamma RIIb is reduced to 0.6-fold
  • affinities to human Fc gamma RIIaH and human Fc gamma RIIaR are reduced to 0.2-fold and 0.1-fold, respectively, indicating that this substitution has high selectivity to human Fc gamma RIIb over human Fc gamma RIIa.
  • MY201, MY210, MY206, MY144, MY103, MY212, MY105, MY205, MY109, MY107, MY209, MY101, MY518, MY198 and MY197 showed enhanced binding both to human and cynoFc gamma RIIb by more than 4-fold compared to SG1.
  • MY205, MY209, MY198, and MY197 showed enhanced binding to both human and cynoFc gamma RIIb binding by more than 7-fold.
  • P396I, P396K, and P396L maintained human Fc gamma RIIb binding by more than 5-fold compared to SG1 and only P396L substitution enhanced affinity to human Fc gamma RIIb compared to MY052.
  • parent MY052 showed the highest affinity which is a 3.9-fold increase from SG1.
  • MY265 which is produced by substituting Asn with Thr at position 236 of MY201, maintained enhanced binding by 2.1-fold for human Fc gamma RIIb and 3.1-fold for cynoFc gamma RIIb, respectively compared to SG1.
  • MY265 also maintained reduced binding to both human and cynoFc gamma RIIIa.
  • affinity to human Fc gamma RIIaH and Fc gamma RIIaR was enhanced by more than 2.5-fold compared to SG1, G236T is the second favorable substitution at position 236.
  • affinity to Fc gamma RIIb With respect to affinity to Fc gamma RIIb, the addition of A231T, A231M, A231V, A231G, A231F, A231I, A231L, A231, A231W, P232V, P232Y, P232F, P232M, P232I, P232W, P232L increased binding to both human and cynoFc gamma RIIb compared to parent MY265. Above all, addition of A231T and A231G reduced human Fc gamma RIIaR binding compared to MY265.
  • MY213 showed higher binding affinity to both human and cynoFc gamma RIIb compared to MY209.
  • the affinities of MY213 to human Fc gamma RIIaH and human Fc gamma RIIaR are higher than those of MY209.
  • the tested 8 antibodies and their binding profiles are summarized in Table 24.
  • the heavy chain, MS103205H795-PK2 was prepared by introducing pI-increasing substitutions (S400R/D413K) into MS103205H795-MY101.
  • MS103205H795-MY351, MS103205H795-MY344, MS103205H795-MY335 were prepared by introducing another pI-increasing substitutions (Q311R/D413K) into MS103205H795-MY201, MS103205H795-MY205, MS103205H795-MY265, respectively.
  • All the MS1032LO06 variants were expressed with M103202L889-SK1 as light chain according to the method shown in Example 27 and their affinities to human and cynoFc gamma Rs were evaluated using the method in Example 27.
  • MY101 and PK2 which was prepared by introducing S400R/D413K into MY101, showed 9-fold and 8-fold enhanced human Fc gamma RIIb binding, respectively.
  • the affinities of MY101 and PK2 to human Fc gamma RIIa were remained comparable to SG1. With respect to other human and cynoFc gamma Rs, they showed almost the same binding profile.
  • MY351 showed similar binding profile with that of parent MY201, MY344 with that of parent MY205, and MY335 with that of parent MY265 (Table 21), respectively.
  • myostatin and anti-latent myostatin antibody were assessed in vivo upon co-administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody and human latent myostatin in all human Fc gamma R transgenic mice ( Figures 24 and 25).
  • An anti-latent myostatin antibody (0.3 mg/ml) and latent myostatin (0.05 mg/ml) were administered at a single dose of 10 ml/kg into the caudal vein.
  • Anti-CD4 antibody (1 mg/ml) was administered three times (every 10days) at a dose of 10 ml/kg into the caudal vein to suppress anti-drug antibody.
  • the concentration of total myostatin in mouse plasma was measured by ECL.
  • Anti-mature myostatin antibody-immobilized plates were prepared by dispensing anti-mature myostatin antibody RK35 (WO 2009058346) onto a MULTI-ARRAY 96-well plate (Meso Scale Discovery) and incubated overnight at 4 degrees C. Mature myostatin calibration curve samples and mouse plasma samples diluted 4-fold or more were prepared. The samples were mixed in an acidic solution (0.2 M Glycine-HCl, pH2.5) to dissociate mature myostatin from its binding protein (such as propeptide).
  • the mature myostatin concentration was calculated based on the response of the calibration curve using the analytical software SOFTmax PRO (Molecular Devices).
  • SOFTmax PRO Molecular Devices
  • the time course of total myostatin concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody and latent myostatin measured by this method is shown in Figure 24.
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibody concentration in mouse plasma was measured by LC/ESI-MS/MS.
  • concentrations of calibration standards were 1.56 25, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 micro g/mL in mice plasma.
  • Three micro L of the calibration standards and plasma samples were added to 50 micro L of Ab-Capture Mag (ProteNova), and allowed to incubate for 2 hours at room temperature. Afterward, the magnetic beads were recovered from samples and washed twice with 0.2 mL of 10 mmol/L PBS with 0.05% Tween 20. Subsequently, the magnetic beads were washed with 10 mmol/L PBS to ensure the removal of Tween 20.
  • the magnetic beads were suspended in 25 micro L of 7.5 mol/L Urea, 8 mmol/L dithiothreitol and 1 micro g/mL lysozyme (chicken egg white) in 50 mmol/L ammonium bicarbonate and the suspended samples were incubated for 45 minutes at 56 degrees C. Then, 2 micro L of 500 mmol/L iodoacetoamide was added and the samples were incubated for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C in the dark.
  • Lysyl Endopeptidase digestion was carried out by adding 150 micro L of 0.67 micro g/mL Lysyl Endopeptidase for Biochemistry (Wako) in 50 mmol/L ammonium bicarbonate and the samples were incubated for 3 hr at 37 degrees C. Subsequently, tryptic digestion was carried out by adding 10 micro L of 10 micro g/mL sequencing grade modified trypsin (Promega) in 50 mmol/L ammonium bicarbonate. Samples were allowed to digest under mixing overnight at 37 degrees C, and quenched by adding 5 micro L of 10% trifluoroacetic acid. Fifty micro L of digestion samples were subjected to analysis by LC/ESI-MS/MS.
  • LC/ESI-MS/MS was performed using Xevo TQ-S triple quadrupole instrument (Waters) equipped with 2D I-class UPLC (Waters).
  • Anti-latent myostatin antibody specific peptide YAFGQGTK and Lysozyme specific peptide GTDVQAWIR as an internal standard were monitored by the selected reaction monitoring (SRM).
  • SRM transition was [M+2H]2+ (m/z 436.2) to y8 ion (m/z 637.3) for anti-latent myostatin antibody, and [M+2H]2+ (m/z 523.3) to y8 ion (m/z 545.3) for lysozyme.
  • plasma total myostatin concentration at 7 hours decreased 5 fold compared to plasma total myostatin concentration at 5 minutes.
  • plasma total myostatin concentration at 7 hours decreased 28-200 fold compared to plasma total myostatin concentration at 5 minutes.
  • MS1032LO06-PK2 MS1032LO06-MY351, MS1032LO06-MY344 and MS1032LO06-MY335, plasma total myostatin concentration at 7 hours decreased 361-419 fold compared to plasma total myostatin concentration at 5 minutes.
  • MS103205H795-SG1012, MS103205H795-SG1029, MS103205 H795-SG1031, MS103205H795-SG1033, MS103205H795-SG1034 were prepared by introducing a N434A substitution into MS103205H795-MY101, MS103205 H795-MY344, MS103205H795-MY351, MS103205H795-MY201, MS103205H795-MY335, respectively.
  • MS103205H795-SG1016 was prepared by introducing pI-increasing substitutions (Q311R/D399K) into MS103205H795-SG1012.
  • MS103240H795-SG1071 and MS103240H795-SG1079 were prepared by introducing M428L/N434A/Y436T/ Q438R/S440E substitutions and N434A/Q438R/S440E substitutions into MS103240 H795-MY344 respectively (MS103240H795: VH, SEQ ID NO; 92).
  • MS103240H795-SG1074 and MS103240H795-SG1077 were prepared by introducing pI-increasing substitutions Q311R/P343R and M428L/N434A/Y436T/Q438R/S440E substitutions into MS103240H795-MY209 and MS103240H795-MY518, respectively.
  • MS103240H795-SG1080 and MS103240H795-SG1081 were prepared by introducing pI-increasing substitutions Q311R/P343R and N434A/Q438R/S440E substitutions into MS103240H795-MY209 and MS103240H795-MY518, respectively.
  • MS103240H795-SG1071 was prepared by introducing pI-increasing substitutions Q311R/D413K and M428L/N434A/Y436T/Q438R/S440E substitutions into MS103240H795-MY205.
  • MS103240H795-SG1079 was prepared by introducing pI-increasing substitutions Q311R/D413K and N434A/Q438R/S440E substitutions into MS103240H795-MY205.
  • MS1032LO06 variants and MS1032LO19 variants were expressed with M103202L889-SK1 and M103202L1045-SK1 respectively (M103202L1045: VL, SEQ ID NO: 97) as light chain according to the method shown in Example 34 and their affinities to human and cynoFc gamma Rs were evaluated using the method in Example 27.
  • the value of KD fold for each Fc variant was calculated by dividing the KD value of the parent SG1 by the KD value of the variant for each Fc gamma R.
  • the values of KD fold for MS1032LO06-SG1012 and MS1032LO19-SG1071 were calculated by divinding the KD values of MS1032LO06-SG1 and MS1032LO19-SG1 by the KD values of MS1032LO06-SG1012 and MS1032LO19-SG1071 respectively.
  • the accumulation of endogenous myostatin was assessed in vivo upon administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody in 2-4 year old Macaca fascicularis (cynomolgus monkey) from Cambodia (Shin Nippon Biomedical Laboratories Ltd., Japan).
  • a dose level of 30 mg/kg was injected into the cephalic vein of the forearm using a disposable syringe, extension tube, indwelling needle, and infusion pump. The dosing speed was 30 minutes per body.
  • Blood was collected before the start of dosing and either 5 minutes, 7 hours and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after the end of dosing, or 5 minutes and 2, 4, and 7 hours and 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days after the end of dosing.
  • Blood was drawn from the femoral vein with a syringe containing heparin sodium. The blood was immediately cooled on ice, and plasma was obtained by centrifugation at 4 degrees C, 1700 x g for 10 minutes. The plasma samples were stored in a deep freezer (acceptable range: -70 degrees C or below) until measurement.
  • the anti-latent myostatin antibodies used were MS1032LO00-SG1, MS1032LO06-SG1012, MS1032LO06-SG1016, MS1032LO06-SG1029, MS1032LO06-SG1031, MS1032LO06-SG1033, and MS1032LO06-SG1034 (herein, SG1012, SG1016, SG1029, SG1031, SG1033, and SG1034 are the heavy chain constant regions constructed based on SG1 as described below).
  • a dose level of 2mg/kg was administered into the cephalic vein of the forearm or saphenous vein using a disposable syringe, and indwelling needle for the anti-latent myostatin antibodies MS1032LO19-SG1079, MS1032LO19-SG1071, MS1032LO19-SG1080, MS1032LO19-SG1074, MS1032LO19-SG1081, and MS1032LO19-SG1077 (herein, SG1079, SG1071, SG1080, SG1074, SG1081, and SG1077 are the heavy chain constant regions constructed based on SG1 as described below).
  • Plasma samples were stored in a deep freezer (acceptable range: -70 degrees C or below) until measurement. Measurement of total myostatin concentration in plasma by electrochemiluminescence (ECL)
  • the concentration of total myostatin in monkey plasma was measured by ECL as described in Example 23.
  • the time course of plasma total myostatin concentration after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody as measured by this method is shown in Figure 26.
  • Biotinylated drug was coated onto a MULTI-ARRAY 96-well streptavidin plate (Meso Scale Discovery) and incubated in low cross buffer (Candor) for 2 hours at room temperature. Monkey plasma samples were diluted 20 fold in low cross buffer before addition to the plate. Samples were incubated overnight at 4 o C. On the next day, the plate was washed three times with wash buffer before addition of SULFO TAG labelled anti monkey IgG secondary antibody (Thermo Fisher Scientific). After incubating for an hour at room temperature, the plate was washed three times with wash buffer.
  • MS1032LO06-SG1029, MS1032LO06-SG1031 and MS1032LO06-SG1034 are an increase in non-specific uptake in the cell due to increase in positive charge cluster of the antibody and an increase in Fc gamma R-mediated cellular uptake due to enhanced binding to Fc gamma R.
  • amino acid substitutions introduced into the constant region are preferably those that decrease the number of negatively charged amino acids (such as aspartic acid and glutamic acid) while increasing the positively charged amino acids (such as arginine and lysine).
  • amino acid substitutions may be introduced at any position in the antibody constant region, and may be a single amino acid substitution or a combination of multiple amino acid substitutions.
  • the sites for introducing amino acid substitutions are preferably positions where amino acid side chains may be exposed on the antibody molecule surface. Particularly preferable examples include the method of introducing a combination of multiple amino acid substitutions at such positions that may be exposed on the antibody molecule surface.
  • the multiple amino acid substitutions introduced here are preferably positioned so that they are structurally close to each other.
  • the multiple amino acid substitutions introduced herein are preferably substitutions to positively charged amino acids, so that preferably they result in a state where multiple positive charges are present at structurally proximal positions.
  • the tested antibodies are summarized in Table 26.
  • the heavy chain, MS103205H795-SG141 was prepared by introducing pI-increasing substitutions Q311R/D399R into MS103205H795-SG1.
  • Other heavy chain variants were also prepared by introducing respective substitutions represented in Table 26 into MS103205H795-SG1.
  • All the MS1032LO06 variants were expressed with M103202L889-SK1 as light chain according to the method shown in Example 34.
  • binding assays between soluble mouse Fc gamma RII and antigen-antibody complexes were performed using BIACORE (registered trademark) T200 (GE Healthcare).
  • Soluble mouse Fc gamma RII was produced in the form of a His-tagged molecule by a method known to those skilled in the art.
  • An appropriate amount of an anti-His antibody was fixed onto Sensor chip CM5 (GE Healthcare) by the amine coupling method using a His capture kit (GE Healthcare) to capture mouse Fc gamma RII.
  • an antibody-antigen complex and a running buffer (as a reference solution) were injected, and interaction was allowed to take place with the mouse Fc gamma RII captured onto the sensor chip.
  • 20 mM N-(2-Acetamido)-2-aminoethanesulfonic acid, 150 mM NaCl, 1.2 mM CaCl 2 , and 0.05% (w/v) Tween 20 at pH7.4 was used as the running buffer, and the respective buffer was also used to dilute the soluble mouse Fc gamma RII.
  • 10 mM glycine-HCl at pH1.5 was used. All measurements were carried out at 25 degrees C.
  • the BIACORE (registered trademark) sensor chip is known to be negatively charged, and this charged state can be considered to resemble the cell membrane surface. More specifically, the affinity of an antigen-antibody complex for mouse Fc gamma RII fixed onto the negatively charged BIACORE (registered trademark) sensor chip is surmised to resemble the manner in which the antigen-antibody complex binds to mouse Fc gamma RII present on a similarly negatively charged cell membrane surface.
  • the antibodies produced by introducing pI-increasing modifications into the Fc region are antibodies in which the charge of the Fc region is more towards the positive side when compared with before introduction of the modifications. Therefore, the Coulombic interaction between the Fc region (positive charge) and the sensor chip surface (negative charge) can be considered to have been strengthened by the pI-increasing amino acid modifications. Furthermore, such effects are expected to take place similarly on the same negatively charged cell membrane surface; therefore, they are also expected to show an effect of accelerating the speed of uptake into cells in vivo.
  • the antigen-antibody complex made by SG141, P1499m, P1501m and P1540m shows highest binding to human Fc gamma RIIb.
  • the amino acid substitutions on Q311R/D399R, Q311R/P343R, Q311R/D413R and D401R/D413K are supposed to have strong charge effect on binding to human Fc gamma RIIb on the sensor chip.
  • pHrodoRed (Life Technlogies) was used to label human latent Myostatin (antigen) according to an established protocol, and antigen-antibody complexes were formed in a culture solution with the antibody concentration being 10 mg/mL and the antigen concentration being 2.5 mg/mL.
  • the culture solution containing the antigen-antibody complexes was added to culture plates of the above-mentioned MDCK cells which constitutively express human Fc gamma RIIb and incubated for one hour, and then the fluorescence intensity of the antigen taken up into the cells was quantified using InCell Analyzer 6000 (GE healthcare). The amount of antigen taken up was presented as relative values to the SG1 value which is taken as 1.00.
  • the antigen and antibodies added to the cell culture solution form antigen-antibody complexes in the culture solution.
  • the antigen-antibody complexes bind to human Fc gamma RIIb expressed on the cell membrane via the antibody Fc region, and are taken up into the cells in a receptor-dependent manner.
  • Antibodies used in this experiment binds to antigen in a pH-dependent manner; therefore, the antibody can dissociate from the antigen in the endosomes (acidic pH conditions) inside the cells. Since the dissociated antigen is labeled with pHrodoRed as described earlier, it fluoresces in the endosomes. Thus, a strong fluorescence intensity inside the cell is thought to indicate that the uptake of the antigen-antibody complexes into the cells is taking place more quickly or in larger amounts.
  • the antigen-antibody complex made by SG141, P1375m, P1378m, P1499m, P1524m, P1525m, P1532m, P1533m, P1540m, P1541m and P1543m shows stronger antigen uptake into the cells.
  • myostatin and anti-latent myostatin antibody were assessed in vivo upon co-administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody and latent myostatin in human FcRn transgenic mice in which mouse FcRn was substituted with human FcRn.
  • An anti-latent myostatin antibody (0.1 mg/ml) and mouse latent myostatin (0.05 mg/ml) were administered at a single dose of 10 ml/kg into the caudal vein in the experiment PK-2 (described in Figure 27).
  • An anti-latent myostatin antibody (0.3 mg/ml), human latent myostatin (0.05 mg/ml) and human normal immunoglobulin (CSL Behring AG) (100 mg/ml) were administered at a single dose of 10 ml/kg into the caudal vein in the experiment PK-4 (described in Figure 28). Blood was collected at 5 minutes, 15min, 1 hour, 4 hours, 7 hours, 1 day, 2days, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 28 days after administration in the experiment PK-2. Blood was collected at 5 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours, 7 hours, 1 day, 7 days, 14 days, 21 days, and 30 days after administration in the experiment PK-4.
  • the collected blood was centrifuged immediately at 15,000 rpm in 4 degrees C for 5 minutes to separate the plasma.
  • the separated plasma was stored at or below -20 degrees C until measurement.
  • the anti-latent myostatin antibodies used were MS1032LO06-SG1, MS1032LO06-P1375m, MS1032LO06-P1378m, MS1032LO06-P1383m in the experiment PK-2, and MS1032LO06-P1375m, MS1032LO06-P1499m in the experiment PK-4.
  • ECL electrochemiluminescence
  • the concentration of total myostatin in mouse plasma was measured by ECL as described in Example 28 (Ravetch PK).
  • the time course of total myostatin concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody and latent myostatin measured by this method is shown in Figures 27A and 28A.
  • the concentration of anti-latent myostatin antibody in mouse plasma was measured by ELISA in the experiment PK-2.
  • Anti-human IgG (gamma-chain specific) F(ab')2 antibody fragment (Sigma) was dispensed onto a Nunc-ImmunoPlate MaxiSorp (Nalge Nunc International) and allowed to stand overnight at 4 degrees C to prepare anti-human IgG-immobilized plates.
  • Calibration curve samples having plasma concentrations of 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.313, 0.156, 0.078, and 0.039 micro g/ml, and mouse plasma samples diluted 100-fold or more were prepared.
  • the samples were dispensed onto the anti-human IgG-immobilized plates, and allowed to stand for 1 hour at room temperature. Subsequently, Goat Anti-Human IgG (gamma-chain specific) Biotin conjugate (Southern Biotech) was added to react for 1 hour at room temperature. Then, Streptavidin-PolyHRP80 (Stereospecific Detection Technologies) was added to react for one hour at room temperature, and chromogenic reaction was carried out using TMB One Component HRP Microwell Substrate (BioFX Laboratories) as a substrate. After stopping the reaction with 1 N sulfuric acid (Showa Chemical), the absorbance at 450 nm was measured by a microplate reader.
  • the concentration in mouse plasma was calculated from the absorbance of the calibration curve using the analytical software SOFTmax PRO (Molecular Devices).
  • SOFTmax PRO Molecular Devices
  • the time course of antibody concentration in plasma after intravenous administration of anti-latent myostatin antibody and latent myostatin measured by this method is shown in Figure 27B.

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