WO2021229577A1 - Collagen as a delivery tool for metal-based anti-viral agents - Google Patents

Collagen as a delivery tool for metal-based anti-viral agents Download PDF

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WO2021229577A1
WO2021229577A1 PCT/IL2021/050547 IL2021050547W WO2021229577A1 WO 2021229577 A1 WO2021229577 A1 WO 2021229577A1 IL 2021050547 W IL2021050547 W IL 2021050547W WO 2021229577 A1 WO2021229577 A1 WO 2021229577A1
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collagen
nanoparticles
article
manufacture
composition
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PCT/IL2021/050547
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French (fr)
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Nadav Orr
Jasmine SEROR MAKNOUZ
Oded Shoseyov
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Collplant Ltd.
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Publication of WO2021229577A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021229577A1/en

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K33/00—Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
    • A61K33/24—Heavy metals; Compounds thereof
    • A61K33/38—Silver; Compounds thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K31/00—Medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients
    • A61K31/70—Carbohydrates; Sugars; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K31/715—Polysaccharides, i.e. having more than five saccharide radicals attached to each other by glycosidic linkages; Derivatives thereof, e.g. ethers, esters
    • A61K31/726—Glycosaminoglycans, i.e. mucopolysaccharides
    • A61K31/727—Heparin; Heparan
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K33/00—Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K33/00—Medicinal preparations containing inorganic active ingredients
    • A61K33/24—Heavy metals; Compounds thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K38/00—Medicinal preparations containing peptides
    • A61K38/16—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • A61K38/17—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • A61K38/39—Connective tissue peptides, e.g. collagen, elastin, laminin, fibronectin, vitronectin, cold insoluble globulin [CIG]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P31/00—Antiinfectives, i.e. antibiotics, antiseptics, chemotherapeutics
    • A61P31/12—Antivirals
    • A61P31/14—Antivirals for RNA viruses

Definitions

  • the present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to collagen as a delivery tool for metal-based anti- viral agents and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to silver nanoparticles.
  • Collagen is the most abundant protein constituting 30% of total protein and 6% of animal body weight.
  • Type I collagen a natural polymer, is a major extracellular matrix protein in mammals and exhibits favorable characteristics for promoting cell proliferation. It can influence the cell physiology and morphology, create a good matrix for endothelial cells in vitro, induce platelet aggregation, promote blood clotting, and consequently accelerate the healing of skin wounds.
  • Collagen has been used as a matrix to regenerate tissues for repairing skin, bone, knee meniscal, joint cartilage, esophagus, dura mater, muscle and nervous system.
  • the use of collagen combined with glycosaminoglycans as a skin implant has been already tested.
  • the ability of collagen gel to regenerate cornea and nerves has been also demonstrated by recent animal studies and clinical trials.
  • the combined collagen and hyaluronic acid can promote the revascularization of tissues in animal models.
  • Metal nanoparticle especially those made of noble metals, show excellent properties for biotechnology applications.
  • AgNPs have established a broad range of applications in the majority of biomedical studies, due to their antibacterial ability and selective toxicity to microorganisms [Wong et al., Med Chem Commun. 2010, 1: 125-131].
  • Silver nanoparticles have also been shown to be active against several types of human viruses including HIV, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial vims and monkey pox virus, as well as against animal corona vims [Galdiero S. et ah, 2011., 16:8894-8918; Lv X et ah, 2014. Biomaterials, 35:4195-4203; Du T. et al., 2018. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 10(5):4369-4378]
  • US Patent Application 20200023014 teaches collagen matrices comprising silver nanoparticles.
  • a method of treating a viral respiratory infection in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen and/or a collagen derivative and metal nanoparticles, thereby treating the viral respiratory infection.
  • a method of treating a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen and metal nanoparticles, wherein the composition is formulated for intrapulmonary administration, thereby treating the respiratory disease.
  • an article of manufacture comprising a device for intrapulmonary administration which and a composition comprising collagen and metal nanoparticles.
  • composition comprising heparin-stabilized metal nanoparticles and collagen.
  • composition comprising gelatin- stabilized metal nanoparticles, heparin and collagen.
  • the composition comprises collagen and gelatin.
  • the composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide.
  • the composition comprises collagen and a sulfated polysaccharide.
  • the sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin.
  • the collagen is recombinant collagen.
  • the collagen derivative is gelatin.
  • the gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
  • the recombinant collagen is processed from procollagen which is expressed in plants.
  • the metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
  • the metal is selected from the group consisting of Al, Au, Ti, Ni, Ag, Cr, Pd, Al, Mo, Nb, Cu, Pt, Co, Mg and Zn.
  • the metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
  • the collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
  • the collagen comprises monomeric collagen.
  • the metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of fibers of the fibrillated collagen.
  • the metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of monomers of the monomeric collagen.
  • the administering is intrapulmonary, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intratumoral, intravenous or mucosal.
  • the mucosal is nasal, oral, sublingual or ocular.
  • the administering comprises intrapulmonary administration.
  • the intrapulmonary administration is selected from the group consisting of intratracheal, intrabroncial and bronchio-alveolar administration.
  • the intrapulmonary administration is by an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
  • the nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
  • the inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
  • the composition is aerosolized.
  • the composition further comprises an additional anti-viral agent.
  • the viral respiratory infection is a coronaviral infection, rhinoviral infection or an influenza infection.
  • the composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide.
  • the polysaccharide comprises a sulfated polysaccharide.
  • the polypeptide comprises a collagen derivative.
  • the collagen derivative comprises gelatin.
  • the collagen is recombinant collagen.
  • the gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
  • the sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin.
  • the metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
  • the metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
  • the collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
  • the collagen comprises monomeric collagen.
  • the metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of fibers of the fibrillated collagen.
  • the metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of monomers of the monomeric collagen.
  • the intrapulmonary administration is selected from the group consisting of intratracheal, intrabroncial and bronchio-alveolar administration.
  • the intrapulmonary administration is by an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
  • the nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
  • the inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
  • the composition is aerosolized.
  • the respiratory disease is a respiratory infection.
  • the respiratory infection is a viral respiratory infection.
  • the composition further comprises an additional anti-viral agent.
  • the viral respiratory infection is a coronaviral infection, rhinoviral infection or an influenza infection.
  • the composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide.
  • the polypeptide is a collagen derivative.
  • the collagen derivative comprises gelatin.
  • the collagen is recombinant collagen.
  • the gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
  • the polysaccharide comprises a sulfated polysaccharide.
  • the sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin.
  • the metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
  • the metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
  • the collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
  • the id collagen comprises monomeric collagen.
  • the device is an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
  • the nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
  • the inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
  • the composition is aerosolized.
  • the composition further comprises an additional anti-viral agent.
  • the coronavirus of the coronaviral infection is selected from the group consisting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoVl); SARS-CoV-2 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
  • SARS-CoVl severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1
  • SARS-CoV-2 SARS-CoV-2
  • MERS-CoV Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus
  • FIG. 1 is an absorbance spectrum of non-gelatin- stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in doubled distilled water (DDW) and Dulbeeco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS).
  • AgNP non-gelatin- stabilized silver nanoparticles
  • DDW doubled distilled water
  • DPBS Dulbeeco's phosphate-buffered saline
  • FIG. 2 is an absorbance spectrum of recombinant gelatin (rhGelatin) stabilized AgNP (from AgNOs) in DDW and DPBS.
  • FIGs. 3A-C are TEM image of rhGelatin stabilized silver nanoparticles.
  • Figure 3A rhGelatin stabilized- silver nanoparticles from AgN0 3 in DDW
  • Figure 3B rhGelatin stabilized AgNPs from AgCiFFOi in DDW
  • Figure 3C rhGelatin stabilized AgNPs (from AgCiFFOi) in DPBS.
  • FIG. 4 is the profile of the absorbance peak ( ⁇ 410nm) of rhGelatin stabilized AgNP over time in DDW and DPBS.
  • FIG. 5 an absorbance spectrum of Sigma citrate AgNP in DDW and DPBS.
  • FIG. 6 an absorbance spectrum of citrate AgNP stabilized with recombinant collagen (rhCollagen) and Sigma citrate- AgNPs stabilized with rhGelatin in DPBS.
  • FIG. 7 an absorbance spectrum of citrate AgNP stabilized with rhCollagen and Sigma citrate- AgNPs stabilized with rhGelatin in 50% DMEM 50%DPBS.
  • FIG. 8 is a graph of normalized cell viability as a function of MOI (*** p ⁇ 0.001).
  • FIG. 9 is a graph of normalized cell viability at MOI 0.0025 (***,p ⁇ 0.001).
  • FIG. 10 is an absorbance spectrum of heparin stabilized AgNP (from AgNCh) in DDW.
  • FIG. 11 is a TEM image of heparin stabilized AgNP (from AgNO i) in DDW.
  • FIG. 12 is an absorbance spectrum of heparin stabilized AgNP (from AgNCh) in DDW and DPBS with and without rhcollagen.
  • FIG. 13 is an absorbance spectrum of heparin stabilized AgNP (from AgNO i) in DPBS and DDW with rhcollagen over time.
  • FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating the anti-viral activity of rhGelatine-AgNP +rhCollagen.
  • FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating the anti- viral activity of heparin- AgNP +rhCollagen.
  • the present invention in some embodiments thereof, relates to collagen as a delivery tool for metal-based anti- viral agents and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to silver nanoparticles.
  • Silver nanoparticles have also been shown to be active against several types of human viruses including HIV, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex vims, respiratory syncytial vims and monkey pox vims, as well as against animal corona vims.
  • the present inventors now conceive of formulating the nanoparticles with human recombinant collagen.
  • the collagen can serve to enhance the anti-viral effect of the nanoparticles and/or to stabilize the formulation itself.
  • the recombinant collagen forms a complex with metal nanoparticles under physiological conditions, enhancing the binding of the metal nanoparticles to the viral envelope through electrostatic interactions, increasing epithelial cell tolerance to the metal nanoparticles by reducing their toxicity and/or contributing to a reduction of the overall inflammatory response at the infected area.
  • a method of treating a respiratory disease e.g. a respiratory infection
  • a respiratory disease e.g. a respiratory infection
  • administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen or a derivative thereof and metal nanoparticles.
  • Contemplated respiratory diseases include respiratory infections, inflammatory respiratory diseases, such as asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis; genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis; and allergic conditions (atopy, allergic inflammation); bronchiectasis.
  • the respiratory infection may be bacterial or viral.
  • contemplated respiratory infection examples include coronaviral infections, rhinoviral infections, pneumonia, rihinitis and influenza infection.
  • the coronaviral infection may be caused by one of the following beta coronaviruses - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV or, SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavims (MERS-CoV).
  • SARS-CoV severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses
  • MERS-CoV Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavims
  • collagen refers to a polypeptide having a triple helix structure and containing a repeating Gly-X- Y triplet, where X and Y can be any amino acid but are frequently the imino acids proline and hydroxyproline.
  • the collagen is a type I, II, III, V, XI, or biologically active fragments therefrom.
  • a collagen of the present invention also refers to homologs (e.g., polypeptides which are at least 50 %, at least 55 %, at least 60 %, at least 65 %, at least 70 %, at least 75 %, at least 80 %, at least 85 %, at least 87 %, at least 89 %, at least 91 %, at least 93 %, at least 95 % or more say 100 % homologous to collagen sequences listed in Table 1 as determined using BlastP software of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) using default parameters).
  • the homolog may also refer to a deletion, insertion, or substitution variant, including an amino acid substitution, thereof and biologically active polypeptide fragments thereof.
  • the collagen of the present invention is capable of forming fibrils under suitable conditions.
  • the collagen may be atelocollagen, a telocollagen or digested procollagen.
  • telocollagen refers to collagen molecules lacking a portion of the N- and C-terminal telopeptides typically comprised in native collagen, but is capable of forming fibrils under suitable conditions. Atelocollagen is typically generated by enzyme extraction (e.g. protease treatment) of collagen/procollagen.
  • collagen refers to a collagen molecule (e.g. human) that comprises either an N-terminal propeptide, a C-terminal propeptide or both.
  • telocollagen refers to collagen molecules that lack both the N- and C-terminal propeptides typically comprised in procollagen but still contain the telopeptides.
  • the telopeptides of fibrillar collagen are the remnants of the N-and C-terminal propeptides following digestion with native N/C proteinases. Telocollagen is generated by acid extraction of procollagen or collagen.
  • the collagen is a mixture of the types of collagen above.
  • the collagen may be isolated from an animal (e.g. bovine, equine or porcine) or from human cadavers or may be genetically engineered using recombinant DNA technology as further described herein below. According to a specific embodiment, the collagen is devoid of animal- derived (i.e. non-human) collagen.
  • the collagen is recombinant human collagen.
  • the recombinant human collagen is generated in plants.
  • Dispersal and solubilization of native animal collagen can be achieved using various proteolytic enzymes (such as porcine mucosal pepsin, bromelain, chymopapain, chymotrypsin, collagenase, ficin, papain, peptidase, proteinase A, proteinase K, trypsin, microbial proteases, and, similar enzymes or combinations of such enzymes) which disrupt the intermolecular bonds and remove the immunogenic non-helical telopeptides without affecting the basic, rigid triple -helical structure which imparts the desired characteristics of collagen (see U.S.
  • proteolytic enzymes such as porcine mucosal pepsin, bromelain, chymopapain, chymotrypsin, collagenase, ficin, papain, peptidase, proteinase A, proteinase K, trypsin, microbial proteases, and, similar enzymes or combinations of such enzyme
  • the resulting soluble collagen can be subsequently purified by repeated precipitation at low pH and high ionic strength, followed by washing and re- solublization at low pH.
  • Plants expressing collagen chains and procollagen are known in the art, see for example, WO06035442A3; Merle et ah, FEBS Lett. 2002 Mar 27;515(l-3): 114-8. PMID: 11943205; and Ruggiero et ah, 2000, FEBS Lett. 2000 Mar 3;469(1): 132-6. PMID: 10708770; and U.S. Pat. Applications 2002/098578 and 2002/0142391 as well as U.S. Patent Nos. 6,617,431 each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the present invention also contemplates genetically modified forms of collagen/atelocollagen - for example collagenase-resistant collagens and the like [Wu et ah, Proc Natl. Acad Sci, Vol. 87, p.5888-5892, 1990].
  • Recombinant collagen may be expressed in any animal or non-animal cell.
  • non-animal cells include but are not limited to plant cells and other eukaryotic cells such as yeast and fungus.
  • animal cells include but are not limited to CHO cells and milk.
  • Plants in which human collagen may be produced may be of lower (e.g. moss and algae) or higher (vascular) plant species, including tissues or isolated cells and extracts thereof (e.g. cell suspensions).
  • Preferred plants are those which are capable of accumulating large amounts of collagen chains, collagen and/or the processing enzymes described herein below. Such plants may also be selected according to their resistance to stress conditions and the ease at which expressed components or assembled collagen can be extracted.
  • Examples of plants in which human procollagen may be expressed include, but are not limited to tobacco, maize, alfalfa, rice, potato, soybean, tomato, wheat, barley, canola, carrot, lettuce and cotton.
  • Production of recombinant procollagen is typically affected by stable or transient transformation with an exogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding human procollagen.
  • Production of human collagen in plants is typically affected by stable or transient transformation with an exogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding human procollagen.
  • the plants may be transformed with an exogenous polynucleotide that encodes a relevant protease.
  • the stability of the triple-helical structure of collagen requires the hydroxylation of prolines by the enzyme prolyl-4-hydroxylase (P4H) to form residues of hydroxyproline within the collagen chain.
  • P4H prolyl-4-hydroxylase
  • plants are capable of synthesizing hydroxyproline-containing proteins
  • the prolyl hydroxylase that is responsible for synthesis of hydroxyproline in plant cells exhibits relatively loose substrate sequence specificity as compared with mammalian P4H.
  • production of collagen containing hydroxyproline only in the Y position of Gly -X-Y triplets requires co-expression of collagen and human or mammalian P4H genes [Olsen et al, Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2003 Nov 28;55(12):1547-67]
  • the collagen is directed to a subcellular compartment of a plant that is devoid of endogenous P4H activity.
  • subcellular compartment devoid of endogenous P4H activity refers to any compartmentalized region of the cell in which activity of plant P4H or an enzyme having plant-like P4H does not support production of stable procollagen.
  • the subcellular compartment is a vacuole.
  • Accumulation of the expressed collagen in a subcellular compartment devoid of endogenous P4H activity can be effected via any one of several approaches.
  • the expressed collagen can include a signal sequence for targeting the expressed protein to a subcellular compartment such as the vacuole. Since it is essential that P4H co-accumulates with the expressed collagen chain, the coding sequence thereof is preferably modified accordingly (e.g. by addition or deletion of signal sequences). Thus, P4H is co-expressed with the collagen in the plant, whereby the P4H also includes a signal sequence for targeting to the same subcellular compartment (such as the vacuole).
  • both the collagen sequence and the P4H sequence are devoid of an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal, such that they passes through the ER and are retained in the vacuole, where the collagen is hydroxylated.
  • the present invention therefore contemplates genetically modified cells co-expressing both human collagen and a P4H, capable of correctly hydroxylating the collagen alpha chain(s) [i.e. hydroxylating only the proline (Y) position of the Gly -X-Y triplets].
  • P4H is an enzyme composed of two subunits, alpha and beta as set forth in Genbank Nos. P07237 and P13674. Both subunits are necessary to form an active enzyme, while the beta subunit also possesses a chaperon function.
  • the P4H expressed by the genetically modified cells of the present invention is preferably a mammalian P4H (e.g. human P4H which is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4).
  • P4H mutants which exhibit enhanced substrate specificity, or P4H homologues can also be used.
  • the type I collagen which is produced in a plant (or cell thereof) is generated by:
  • collagen is also modified by Lysyl hydroxylase, galactosyltransferase and glucosyltransferase. These enzymes sequentially modify lysyl residues in specific positions to hydroxylysyl, galactosylhydroxylysyl and glucosylgalactosyl hydroxylysyl residues at specific positions.
  • Lysyl hydroxylase 3 LH3
  • Genbank No. 060568 can catalyze all three consecutive modifying steps as seen in hydroxylysine-linked carbohydrate formation.
  • the genetically modified cells of the present invention may also express mammalian LH3.
  • An LH3 encoding sequence such as that set forth by SEQ ID NO: 7, can be used for such purposes.
  • the collagen and modifying enzymes described above can be expressed from a stably integrated or a transiently expressed nucleic acid construct which includes polynucleotide sequences encoding the procollagen alpha chains and/or modifying enzymes (e.g. P4H and LH3) positioned under the transcriptional control of functional promoters.
  • a nucleic acid construct (which is also termed herein as an expression construct) can be configured for expression throughout the whole organism (e.g. plant, defined tissues or defined cells), and/or at defined developmental stages of the organism.
  • Such a construct may also include selection markers (e.g. antibiotic resistance), enhancer elements and an origin of replication for bacterial replication.
  • nucleic acid constructs into both monocotyledonous and dicotyledenous plants
  • Potrykus, L Annu. Rev. Plant. Physiol., Plant. Mol. Biol. (1991) 42:205-225; Shimamoto et ah, Nature (1989) 338:274-276.
  • Such methods rely on either stable integration of the nucleic acid construct or a portion thereof into the genome of the plant, or on transient expression of the nucleic acid construct, in which case these sequences are not inherited by the plant's progeny.
  • a nucleic acid construct can be directly introduced into the DNA of a DNA-containing organelle such as a chloroplast.
  • DNA transfer into plant cells There are various methods of direct DNA transfer into plant cells. In electroporation, protoplasts are briefly exposed to a strong electric field. In microinjection, the DNA is mechanically injected directly into the cells using very small micropipettes. In microparticle bombardment, the DNA is adsorbed on microprojectiles such as magnesium sulfate crystals, tungsten particles or gold particles, and the microprojectiles are physically accelerated into cells or plant tissues.
  • microprojectiles such as magnesium sulfate crystals, tungsten particles or gold particles
  • procollagen or collagen expressing progeny are identified, such plants are further cultivated under conditions which maximize expression thereof.
  • Progeny resulting from transformed plants can be selected, by verifying presence of exogenous mRNA and/or polypeptides by using nucleic acid or protein probes (e.g. antibodies).
  • nucleic acid or protein probes e.g. antibodies.
  • the latter approach enables localization of the expressed polypeptide components (by for example, probing fractionated plants extracts) and thus also verifies the plant's potential for correct processing and assembly of the foreign protein.
  • the collagen is typically harvested.
  • Plant tissues/cells may be harvested at any time (e.g. at maturity), and the procollagen molecules are isolated using extraction approaches.
  • the harvesting is effected such that the procollagen remains in a state that it can be cleaved by protease enzymes.
  • a crude extract is generated from the transgenic plants of the present invention and subsequently contacted with the protease enzymes.
  • the propeptide or telopeptide-comprising collagen may be purified from the genetically engineered cells prior to incubation with protease, or alternatively may be purified following incubation with the protease. Still alternatively, the propeptide or telopeptide-comprising collagen may be partially purified prior to protease treatment and then fully purified following protease treatment. Yet alternatively, the propeptide or telopeptide-comprising collagen may be treated with protease concomitant with other extraction/purification procedures .
  • Exemplary methods of purifying or semi-purifying the telocollagen or atelocollagen of the present invention include, but are not limited to salting out with ammonium sulfate or the like and/or removal of small molecules by ultrafiltration or by chromatographic methods.
  • the protease used for cleaving the recombinant propeptide or telopeptide comprising collagen is not derived from an animal.
  • Exemplary proteases include, but are not limited to certain plant derived proteases e.g. ficin (EC 3.4.22.3) and certain bacterial derived proteases e.g. subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62), neutrase.
  • the protease is ficin.
  • the present inventors also contemplate the use of recombinant enzymes such as rhTrypsin and rhPepsin. Several such enzymes are commercially available e.g.
  • Ficin from Fig tree latex (Sigma, catalog #F4125 and Europe Biochem), Subtilisin from Bacillus licheniformis (Sigma, catalog #P5459) Neutrase from bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Novozymes, catalog # PW201041) and TrypZeanTM, a recombinant human trypsin expressed in corn (Sigma catalog #T3449).
  • collagen is typically solubilized in an acid solution where it is present in its monomeric form (i.e. non-fibrillated form).
  • exemplary acids for solubilizing monomeric collagen include, but are not limited to hydrochloric acid (HC1) and acetic acid.
  • collagen monomers refers to monomeric collagen that has not undergone the process of fibril assembly.
  • the collagen may be present in the acid solution at a concentration of about 1-100 mg/ml. According to a particular embodiment, the collagen is present in the acid solution at a concentration of about 3-20 mg/ml.
  • An exemplary concentration of HC1 which may be used to solubilize collagen monomers is about 10 mM HC1.
  • a concentration of about 0.05 mM - 50 mM acetic acid is used to solubilize the collagen monomers.
  • An exemplary concentration of acetic acid which may be used to solubilize collagen monomers is about 0.5 M acetic acid.
  • the collagen may be treated so as to promote fibrillogenesis thereof.
  • fibrillogenesis refers to the precipitation of soluble collagen in the form of fibrils.
  • Fibrillogenesis is entropy driven - the loss of water molecules from monomer surfaces drives the collagen monomers out of solution and into assemblies with a circular cross-section, so as to minimize surface area. Fibrillogenesis may be performed in a variety of ways including neutralization of the pH, increasing the temperature and/or the ionic strength.
  • An exemplary alkaline solution that may be added to increase the pH of the collagen is Na 2 HP0 4 (pH 11.2). Typically, an amount of alkaline solution is calculated such that the final pH of the collagen is about 7-7.5 (e.g. 7.4). NaiHPC (162mM) is typically added at a ratio of 1:7-1:9 v/v.
  • the collagen (either fibers or monomers) is present in the composition at a concentration between 0.01-10 mg/ml, more preferably between 0.1-1 mg/ml.
  • the collagen fibers or monomers are typically about 20-1000 nm in diameter for example about 200 nm in diameter.
  • the present invention contemplates using collagen derivatives in the composition as well as (or instead of the collagen).
  • An example of a collagen derivative is gelatin.
  • Gelatin refers to any gelatin, whether extracted by traditional methods or recombinant or biosynthetic in origin, or to any molecule having at least one structural and/or functional characteristic of gelatin.
  • Gelatin may be obtained by extraction from collagen derived from animal (e.g., bovine, porcine, rodent, chicken, equine, piscine, etc.) sources, for example, bones and tissues.
  • the gelatin may be derived from the same collagen that is used in the composition described herein.
  • the gelatin is obtained by processing of recombinant collagen (e.g. plant expressed recombinant human collagen). For example, heat treatment of collagen at >70 °C.
  • composition of this aspect of the present invention further comprises metal nanoparticles.
  • metal nanoparticle refers to a particle between 0.1-100 nm in diameter, between 1-100 nm in diameter, 1-50 nm in diameter, 1-20 nm in diameter. In one embodiment, the metal nanoparticle is about 10 nm in diameter.
  • metal nanoparticles include, but are not limited Al, Au, Ti, Ni, Ag, Cr, Pd, Al, Mo, Nb, Cu, Pt, Co and Mg. Also contemplated are to iron oxide, graphene oxide, titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide nanoparticles.
  • the nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles.
  • the silver nanoparticles may consist entirely of silver or may comprise additional components such as citrate, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or Branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) or those described in U.S. Patent Application 20100106233, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • additional components such as citrate, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or Branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) or those described in U.S. Patent Application 20100106233, which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • Silver nanoparticles are commercially available for e.g. from Sigma (CAT 730785).
  • the nanoparticles and the collagen are provided as a complex that is stable under physiological conditions.
  • the nanoparticles electrostatically interact with the collagen molecules.
  • the nanoparticles are stabilized with collagen/gelatin chains during the nanoparticles synthesis.
  • the nanoparticles e.g. silver nanoparticles
  • the nanoparticles are not crosslinked to the surface of the collagen fibers/monomers.
  • the collagen fibers/monomers are complexed with metal nanoparticles.
  • silver nanoparticles and collagen are mixed together in aqueous solution to form complexes.
  • Concentrated physiological buffer e.g. Phosphate, DPBS, PBS or DMEM
  • the collagen/gelatin may serve to increase the nanoparticle stability under physiological conditions.
  • silver nitrate salt may be mixed with the protein solution and reduced by a reducing agent (which may be the protein itself, or another compound such as sodium borohydride or citrate).
  • the Ag-i- ions are reduced by the reducing agent and form nanoparticles stabilized by the collagen/gelatin present in the solution.
  • the collagen fibers/monomers are coated with the nanoparticles by evaporation, sputtering, thermal spraying, electro- and/or electrolysis deposition.
  • the amount of metal nanoparticles in the composition is between 10-2000pg/ml or 20-200pg/ml [see for example, Zachar O., (2020). Formulations for COVID-19 Early Stage Treatment via Silver Nanoparticles Inhalation delivery at Home and Hospital. DOI: 10.14293/S2199-1006.1.SOR-.PPHBJEO.vl]
  • the weight ratio of collagen: metal nanoparticles in the composition is between 100:1- 1:2 or 50:1-1:1.
  • compositions include polypeptides and/or polysaccharides.
  • the polypeptide may be a collagen derivative as described herein above.
  • the polypeptide or polysaccharide is one which comprises anti-viral properties.
  • polysaccharides which have anti-viral properties include sulfated polysaccharides such as heparin, heparan sulfates, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and fucoidan.
  • sulfated polysaccharides such as heparin, heparan sulfates, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and fucoidan.
  • GAGs glycosaminoglycans
  • fucoidan fucoidan.
  • Other examples of sulfated polysaccharides are described in Kwon et al. Cell Discovery (2020) 6:50, and S. Song, et al., Food Fund ., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/D0FO02017F, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
  • the polysaccharide is heparin.
  • the silver nanoparticles may be generated using methods known in the art.
  • silver nanoparticles may be generated by reducing ionic silver salts (silver nitrate, AgN0 3 , or silver acetate, AgC 2 3 ⁇ 40 2 ) using sodium borohydride in the presence of a solution of collagen and/or collagen derivative (e.g. gelatin) and/or polysaccharide such as heparin.
  • ionic silver salts silver nitrate, AgN0 3 , or silver acetate, AgC 2 3 ⁇ 40 2
  • collagen and/or collagen derivative e.g. gelatin
  • polysaccharide such as heparin.
  • compositions comprising heparin-stabilized metal (e.g. silver) nanoparticles and collagen (e.g. recombinant collagen).
  • the heparin interacts with or binds to (non-covalently) the metal nanoparticles.
  • the collagen in the composition may bind non-covalently to the metal nanoparticles and/or the heparin.
  • the present inventors further propose compositions comprising gelatin- stabilized metal (e.g. silver) nanoparticles, heparin and collagen.
  • the gelatin interacts with or binds to (non-covalently) the metal nanoparticles.
  • the collagen and heparin in the composition may bind non-covalently to the metal nanoparticles and/or the gelatin.
  • the collagen and nanoparticle composition may be provided per se or as part of a pharmaceutical composition.
  • a pharmaceutical composition refers to a preparation of one or more of the active ingredients described herein with other chemical components such as physiologically suitable carriers and excipients.
  • the purpose of a pharmaceutical composition is to facilitate administration of a compound to an organism.
  • active ingredient refers to the silver nanoparticles accountable for the biological effect.
  • the active ingredient is the combination of the silver nanoparticles and collagen.
  • physiologically acceptable carrier and “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” which may be interchangeably used refer to a carrier or a diluent that does not abrogate the biological activity and properties of the administered compound.
  • the carrier may also include biological or chemical substances that modulate the immune response.
  • excipient refers to an inert substance added to a pharmaceutical composition to further facilitate administration of an active ingredient.
  • excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars and types of starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils and polyethylene glycols.
  • Suitable routes of administration may, for example, include oral, rectal, transmucosal, especially transnasal, intestinal or parenteral delivery, including intramuscular, subcutaneous and intramedullary injections as well as intrathecal, direct intraventricular, intracardiac, e.g., into the right or left ventricular cavity, into the common coronary artery, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intranasal, or intraocular injections.
  • the composition is formulated for intrapulmonary administration (e.g. intratracheal, intrabroncial or bronchio-alveolar administration).
  • intrapulmonary administration e.g. intratracheal, intrabroncial or bronchio-alveolar administration.
  • compositions of some embodiments of the invention may be manufactured by processes well known in the art, e.g., by means of conventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping or lyophilizing processes.
  • compositions for use in accordance with some embodiments of the invention thus may be formulated in conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers comprising excipients and auxiliaries, which facilitate processing of the active ingredients into preparations which, can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen.
  • the composition may be formulated as a dispersion for nebulization that is prepared by admixing the collagen suspension containing metal nanoparticles with an aqueous carrier and nebulized by a nebulizer, an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer or a micro-pump nebulizer.
  • the respirable fraction of the nebulized droplets is generally greater than about 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80%. with an air flow rate of 0.1- 1.0.3 ml/min.
  • the composition may be suitably adapted for delivery using a metered dose delivery device a dry powder inhalation device or a pressurized metered dose inhalation device.
  • the composition is aerosolized.
  • the active ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition may be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hank’s solution, Ringer’s solution, or physiological salt buffer.
  • physiologically compatible buffers such as Hank’s solution, Ringer’s solution, or physiological salt buffer.
  • penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art.
  • the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated readily by combining the active compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art.
  • Such carriers enable the pharmaceutical composition to be formulated as tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions, and the like, for oral ingestion by a patient.
  • Pharmacological preparations for oral use can be made using a solid excipient, optionally grinding the resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores.
  • Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carbomethylcellulose; and/or physiologically acceptable polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP).
  • disintegrating agents may be added, such as cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.
  • the active ingredients for use according to some embodiments of the invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from a pressurized pack or a nebulizer with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichloro-tetrafluoroethane or carbon dioxide.
  • a suitable propellant e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichloro-tetrafluoroethane or carbon dioxide.
  • the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount.
  • Capsules and cartridges of, e.g., gelatin for use in a dispenser may be formulated containing a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch.
  • compositions suitable for use in context of some embodiments of the invention include compositions wherein the active ingredients are contained in an amount effective to achieve the intended purpose. More specifically, a therapeutically effective amount means an amount of active ingredients effective to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate symptoms of a disorder or prolong the survival of the subject being treated.
  • the therapeutically effective amount or dose can be estimated initially from in vitro and cell culture assays.
  • a dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve a desired concentration or titer. Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans.
  • Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the active ingredients described herein can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in vitro, in cell cultures or experimental animals.
  • the data obtained from these in vitro and cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in human.
  • the dosage may vary depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized.
  • the exact formulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen by the individual physician in view of the patient's condition. (See e.g., Fingl, et al., 1975, in "The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics", Ch. 1 P-1) ⁇
  • Dosage amount and interval may be adjusted individually to provide tissue levels of the active ingredient are sufficient to induce or suppress the biological effect (minimal effective concentration, MEC).
  • MEC minimum effective concentration
  • the MEC will vary for each preparation, but can be estimated from in vitro data. Dosages necessary to achieve the MEC will depend on individual characteristics and route of administration. Detection assays can be used to determine plasma concentrations.
  • dosing can be of a single or a plurality of administrations, with course of treatment lasting from several days to several weeks or until cure is effected or diminution of the disease state is achieved.
  • compositions to be administered will, of course, be dependent on the subject being treated, the severity of the affliction, the manner of administration, the judgment of the prescribing physician, etc.
  • compositions of some embodiments of the invention may, if desired, be presented in a pack or dispenser device, such as an FDA approved kit, which may contain one or more unit dosage forms containing the active ingredient.
  • the pack may, for example, comprise metal or plastic foil, such as a blister pack.
  • the pack or dispenser device may be accompanied by instructions for administration.
  • the pack or dispenser may also be accommodated by a notice associated with the container in a form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals, which notice is reflective of approval by the agency of the form of the compositions or human or veterinary administration. Such notice, for example, may be of labeling approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prescription drugs or of an approved product insert.
  • Compositions comprising a preparation of the invention formulated in a compatible pharmaceutical carrier may also be prepared, placed in an appropriate container, and labeled for treatment of an indicated condition, as is further detailed above.
  • composition for treatment of a viral disease the composition may be formulated together with other known anti- viral agents.
  • composition may be administered to the subject with the other known anti-viral agent.
  • anti- viral agents contemplated by the present invention include, but are not limited to antiviral antibodies, viral protease inhibitors, anti-inflammatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies (mAh), and immune modulators, such as anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) agents, activators of toll-like receptors (TLR) and vaccines.
  • antiviral antibodies include, but are not limited to antiviral antibodies, viral protease inhibitors, anti-inflammatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies (mAh), and immune modulators, such as anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) agents, activators of toll-like receptors (TLR) and vaccines.
  • IL-6 anti-interleukin-6
  • TLR toll-like receptors
  • Additional antiviral agents include remdesivir, ribavirin, amantadine, rimantadine, and neuraminidase-inhibitors .
  • compositions, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
  • a compound or “at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
  • range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
  • a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range.
  • the phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
  • method refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.
  • treating includes abrogating, substantially inhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition, substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition.
  • Stable rhGelatin-AgNPs complexes were prepared by reducing ionic silver salts (silver nitrate, AgN0 3 , or silver acetate, AgCiFLOi) using sodium borohydride, in the presence of denatured rhCollagen (rhGelatin) as stabilizer.
  • the complex formation method was modified from a published method (Cardoso et al. Journal of Nanobiotechnology 2014, 12:36).
  • rhGelatin solution rhCollagen solution in 10 mM HCL was heated at 80 °C for 20 minutes. The rhGelatin was diluted to 0.1 mg/ml in double distillated water by thoroughly mixing and vortexing. Diluted solution was kept at 4 °C until further use.
  • Synthesis of rhGelatin stabilized AgNP 35 ml of 1 mM AgNC or AgCalbCE solutions were added to 35 ml of 0.1 mg/ml rhGelatin while stirring. The solution was left stirring for 10 minutes at RT.
  • Gelatin- stabilized silver nanoparticles were imaged with transmission electron microscope (TEM) ( Figures 3A-C). A size distribution of 3-9 nm, was calculated from the TEM image ( Figure 3A). The stability of gelatin-stabilized silver nanoparticles was assessed over time in DDW and DPBS. UV VIS spectrum was measured every few days to assess stability of rhGelatin stabilized AgNP overtime (up to 120 days) in DDW and DPBS. rhGelatin stabilized- AgNP were shown to be stable over at least 120 days in DDW and up to 43 days in DPBS without any additional stabilizer (Figure 4).
  • TEM transmission electron microscope
  • Citrate capped silver nanoparticles were purchased from Sigma (CAT 730785) 0.02 mg/ml in water).
  • UV VIS spectrophotometry 1/9 volume of 10X solution of DPBS was added to the AgNP solution to get to physiological salt concentration. Stability of the nanoparticles was assessed by measuring the UV-Vis absorbance spectra in UV VIS spectrophotometer (continuous spectrum mode, data point every 0.5nm) in DDW and DPBS.
  • rhGelatin stabilized- AgNP were prepared as described above. Stock glucose solution (250 mg/ml) and stock rhCollagen solution (50.2 mg/ml) were added to obtain a final concentration respectively of 4.5 and 0.4 mg/ml. 1/9 volume of stock DPBSxlO was eventually so as to reach physiological salt concentration.
  • the final formulation was as follows: rhGelatin stabilized AgNP + rhCollagen + Glucose in DPBS: 32 ppm AgNP(with rhGelatin)+ 0.4 mg/ml rhCollagen+4.5 mg/ml Glucose.
  • Antiviral activity of the formulation The formulation was incubated with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) (1:1) at different virus titer in a U-shape 96 well plate for 1.5 hrs at room temperature. The formulation concentration was kept constant while the virus was diluted x5 every row. Each formulation was tested in triplicates. Vero cells were then infected for 1 hr at 37 °C, 5% CO2, with the complexes of formulation+virus. Following the 1 hour incubation, fresh medium was added on top, and plates were kept in an incubator (37°C, 5% CO2) for 48-72 hours.
  • IBV infectious bronchitis virus
  • the percentage of stained area per well which reflects the proportion of live cells at the end of the incubation period, was calculated with Fiji, the open source image processing software based on the image processing program ImageJ.
  • Nanoparticle preparation 35 ml of ImM AgN0 3 solutions were added to 35 ml of 0.018 mg/ml Heparin while stirring. The solution was stirred for an additional 10 minutes at RT.
  • the supernatant product is dark orange, characteristic of silver nanoparticles solution.
  • UV-VIS spectra Absorbance spectrum was measured in UV VIS spectrophotometer in continuous spectrum mode (data point every 0.5 nm). A peak between 405-420 nm indicates the presence of AgNPs.
  • TEM imaging Samples (3ul drop) were placed on a glow discharged carbon coated 300 mesh copper TEM grids (Ted Pella, Inc.). After 20-30 seconds, the excess liquid was blotted off and the grid was left to dry in air. The samples were examined by a FEI Tecnai 12 G2 TWIN TEM operated at 120kV. Images were recorded using 4k x 4k FEI Eagle CCD camera. RESULTS
  • a typical UV-Vis Absorbance Spectrum of heparin stabilized silver nanoparticles in water (diluted 1:2 in DDW) is provided in Figure 10.
  • DPBS 10X BI 02-023-5A rhCollagen was added to the AgNP to reach afinal rhCollagen concentration of 1 mg/ml DPBS lOx was added volumetrically (1/10 of the final volume)
  • composition was vigorously vortexed and filtered with a 0.22 um filter.
  • a stock of characterized SARS-CoV-2 isolate (isolate USA - WA1/2020) with determined titer (using a standard TCID50 infectivity assay) was used.
  • RNA purification Viral genomic RNA in the cleared supernatant, measuring virion production, was determined by qRT-PCR. All conditions were tested in triplicate wells.

Abstract

A method of treating a viral respiratory infection in a subject is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen or a collagen derivative and metal nanoparticles.

Description

COLLAGEN AS A DELIVERY TOOL FOR METAL-BASED ANTI- VIRAL AGENTS
RELATED APPLICATION/S
This application claims the benefit of priority of US Patent Application No. 63/023,277 filed 12 May, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
SEQUENCE LISTING STATEMENT
The ASCII file, entitled 87798SequenceListing.txt, created on 10 May, 2021, comprising 49,152 bytes, submitted concurrently with the filing of this application is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to collagen as a delivery tool for metal-based anti- viral agents and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to silver nanoparticles.
Collagen is the most abundant protein constituting 30% of total protein and 6% of animal body weight. Type I collagen, a natural polymer, is a major extracellular matrix protein in mammals and exhibits favorable characteristics for promoting cell proliferation. It can influence the cell physiology and morphology, create a good matrix for endothelial cells in vitro, induce platelet aggregation, promote blood clotting, and consequently accelerate the healing of skin wounds.
Collagen has been used as a matrix to regenerate tissues for repairing skin, bone, knee meniscal, joint cartilage, esophagus, dura mater, muscle and nervous system. The use of collagen combined with glycosaminoglycans as a skin implant has been already tested. The ability of collagen gel to regenerate cornea and nerves has been also demonstrated by recent animal studies and clinical trials. Furthermore, it has been shown that the combined collagen and hyaluronic acid can promote the revascularization of tissues in animal models.
In the field of nanotechnology, collagen scaffold has been widely used in biological experiments for introducing chemical and pharmaceutical substances. Bakare et al. [Biomacromolecules. 2014, 15: 423-435] proposed a method for constructing a film by using poly(hydroxybutyrate valerate) (PHBV) grafted with scaffold type I collagen to support silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).
Metal nanoparticle, especially those made of noble metals, show excellent properties for biotechnology applications. In particular, AgNPs have established a broad range of applications in the majority of biomedical studies, due to their antibacterial ability and selective toxicity to microorganisms [Wong et al., Med Chem Commun. 2010, 1: 125-131]. Silver nanoparticles have also been shown to be active against several types of human viruses including HIV, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, respiratory syncytial vims and monkey pox virus, as well as against animal corona vims [Galdiero S. et ah, 2011., 16:8894-8918; Lv X et ah, 2014. Biomaterials, 35:4195-4203; Du T. et al., 2018. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces, 10(5):4369-4378]
US Patent Application 20200023014 teaches collagen matrices comprising silver nanoparticles.
Nogueira et al., International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, Volume 135, 15 August 2019, Pages 808-814 teaches silver nanoparticles stabilized by hydrolyzed collagen.
Additional background art includes Cardoso et al., Journal of Nanobiotechnology volume 12, Article number: 36 (2014).
Additional background art includes US Patent No. 8,455,717.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a viral respiratory infection in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen and/or a collagen derivative and metal nanoparticles, thereby treating the viral respiratory infection.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen and metal nanoparticles, wherein the composition is formulated for intrapulmonary administration, thereby treating the respiratory disease.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of manufacture comprising a device for intrapulmonary administration which and a composition comprising collagen and metal nanoparticles.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition comprising heparin-stabilized metal nanoparticles and collagen.
According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition comprising gelatin- stabilized metal nanoparticles, heparin and collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition comprises collagen and gelatin.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide. According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition comprises collagen and a sulfated polysaccharide.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen is recombinant collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen derivative is gelatin.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the recombinant collagen is processed from procollagen which is expressed in plants.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal is selected from the group consisting of Al, Au, Ti, Ni, Ag, Cr, Pd, Al, Mo, Nb, Cu, Pt, Co, Mg and Zn.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen comprises monomeric collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of fibers of the fibrillated collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of monomers of the monomeric collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the administering is intrapulmonary, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, intratumoral, intravenous or mucosal.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the mucosal is nasal, oral, sublingual or ocular.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the administering comprises intrapulmonary administration.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the intrapulmonary administration is selected from the group consisting of intratracheal, intrabroncial and bronchio-alveolar administration. According to embodiments of the present invention, the intrapulmonary administration is by an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition is aerosolized.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition further comprises an additional anti-viral agent.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the viral respiratory infection is a coronaviral infection, rhinoviral infection or an influenza infection.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the polysaccharide comprises a sulfated polysaccharide.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the polypeptide comprises a collagen derivative.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen derivative comprises gelatin.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen is recombinant collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen comprises monomeric collagen. According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of fibers of the fibrillated collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of monomers of the monomeric collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the intrapulmonary administration is selected from the group consisting of intratracheal, intrabroncial and bronchio-alveolar administration.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the intrapulmonary administration is by an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition is aerosolized.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the respiratory disease is a respiratory infection.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the respiratory infection is a viral respiratory infection.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition further comprises an additional anti-viral agent.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the viral respiratory infection is a coronaviral infection, rhinoviral infection or an influenza infection.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the polypeptide is a collagen derivative.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen derivative comprises gelatin.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen is recombinant collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the polysaccharide comprises a sulfated polysaccharide.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin. According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the id collagen comprises monomeric collagen.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the device is an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition is aerosolized.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the composition further comprises an additional anti-viral agent.
According to embodiments of the present invention, the coronavirus of the coronaviral infection is selected from the group consisting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoVl); SARS-CoV-2 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and images. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is an absorbance spectrum of non-gelatin- stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNP) in doubled distilled water (DDW) and Dulbeeco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS).
FIG. 2 is an absorbance spectrum of recombinant gelatin (rhGelatin) stabilized AgNP (from AgNOs) in DDW and DPBS.
FIGs. 3A-C are TEM image of rhGelatin stabilized silver nanoparticles. Figure 3A: rhGelatin stabilized- silver nanoparticles from AgN03 in DDW; Figure 3B: rhGelatin stabilized AgNPs from AgCiFFOi in DDW; Figure 3C: rhGelatin stabilized AgNPs (from AgCiFFOi) in DPBS.
FIG. 4 is the profile of the absorbance peak (~410nm) of rhGelatin stabilized AgNP over time in DDW and DPBS.
FIG. 5 an absorbance spectrum of Sigma citrate AgNP in DDW and DPBS.
FIG. 6 an absorbance spectrum of citrate AgNP stabilized with recombinant collagen (rhCollagen) and Sigma citrate- AgNPs stabilized with rhGelatin in DPBS.
FIG. 7 an absorbance spectrum of citrate AgNP stabilized with rhCollagen and Sigma citrate- AgNPs stabilized with rhGelatin in 50% DMEM 50%DPBS.
FIG. 8 is a graph of normalized cell viability as a function of MOI (*** p<0.001).
FIG. 9 is a graph of normalized cell viability at MOI 0.0025 (***,p<0.001).
FIG. 10 is an absorbance spectrum of heparin stabilized AgNP (from AgNCh) in DDW. FIG. 11 is a TEM image of heparin stabilized AgNP (from AgNO i) in DDW.
FIG. 12 is an absorbance spectrum of heparin stabilized AgNP (from AgNCh) in DDW and DPBS with and without rhcollagen.
FIG. 13 is an absorbance spectrum of heparin stabilized AgNP (from AgNO i) in DPBS and DDW with rhcollagen over time.
FIG. 14 is a graph illustrating the anti-viral activity of rhGelatine-AgNP +rhCollagen.
FIG. 15 is a graph illustrating the anti- viral activity of heparin- AgNP +rhCollagen.
DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to collagen as a delivery tool for metal-based anti- viral agents and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to silver nanoparticles.
Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details set forth in the following description or exemplified by the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways.
Silver nanoparticles have also been shown to be active against several types of human viruses including HIV, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex vims, respiratory syncytial vims and monkey pox vims, as well as against animal corona vims.
The present inventors now conceive of formulating the nanoparticles with human recombinant collagen. The collagen can serve to enhance the anti-viral effect of the nanoparticles and/or to stabilize the formulation itself.
According to a particular embodiment, the recombinant collagen forms a complex with metal nanoparticles under physiological conditions, enhancing the binding of the metal nanoparticles to the viral envelope through electrostatic interactions, increasing epithelial cell tolerance to the metal nanoparticles by reducing their toxicity and/or contributing to a reduction of the overall inflammatory response at the infected area.
Thus, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating a respiratory disease (e.g. a respiratory infection) in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen or a derivative thereof and metal nanoparticles.
Contemplated respiratory diseases include respiratory infections, inflammatory respiratory diseases, such as asthma, COPD and chronic bronchitis; genetic diseases such as cystic fibrosis; and allergic conditions (atopy, allergic inflammation); bronchiectasis.
The respiratory infection may be bacterial or viral.
Examples of contemplated respiratory infection include coronaviral infections, rhinoviral infections, pneumonia, rihinitis and influenza infection.
The coronaviral infection may be caused by one of the following beta coronaviruses - severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV or, SARS-CoV-2) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavims (MERS-CoV).
The term "collagen" as used herein, refers to a polypeptide having a triple helix structure and containing a repeating Gly-X- Y triplet, where X and Y can be any amino acid but are frequently the imino acids proline and hydroxyproline. According to one embodiment, the collagen is a type I, II, III, V, XI, or biologically active fragments therefrom.
A collagen of the present invention also refers to homologs (e.g., polypeptides which are at least 50 %, at least 55 %, at least 60 %, at least 65 %, at least 70 %, at least 75 %, at least 80 %, at least 85 %, at least 87 %, at least 89 %, at least 91 %, at least 93 %, at least 95 % or more say 100 % homologous to collagen sequences listed in Table 1 as determined using BlastP software of the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI) using default parameters). The homolog may also refer to a deletion, insertion, or substitution variant, including an amino acid substitution, thereof and biologically active polypeptide fragments thereof.
Table 1 below lists examples of collagen NCBI sequence numbers.
Table 1
Figure imgf000011_0001
According to one embodiment, the collagen of the present invention is capable of forming fibrils under suitable conditions.
Thus, for example, the collagen may be atelocollagen, a telocollagen or digested procollagen.
As used herein, the term "atelocollagen" refers to collagen molecules lacking a portion of the N- and C-terminal telopeptides typically comprised in native collagen, but is capable of forming fibrils under suitable conditions. Atelocollagen is typically generated by enzyme extraction (e.g. protease treatment) of collagen/procollagen.
The term "procollagen" as used herein, refers to a collagen molecule (e.g. human) that comprises either an N-terminal propeptide, a C-terminal propeptide or both.
The term "telocollagen" as used herein, refers to collagen molecules that lack both the N- and C-terminal propeptides typically comprised in procollagen but still contain the telopeptides. The telopeptides of fibrillar collagen are the remnants of the N-and C-terminal propeptides following digestion with native N/C proteinases. Telocollagen is generated by acid extraction of procollagen or collagen.
According to another embodiment, the collagen is a mixture of the types of collagen above.
The collagen may be isolated from an animal (e.g. bovine, equine or porcine) or from human cadavers or may be genetically engineered using recombinant DNA technology as further described herein below. According to a specific embodiment, the collagen is devoid of animal- derived (i.e. non-human) collagen.
According to one embodiment, the collagen is recombinant human collagen.
Preferably, the recombinant human collagen is generated in plants.
Below is a description of various methods of obtaining collagen used for the composition described herein. Methods of isolating collagen from animals are known in the art. Dispersal and solubilization of native animal collagen can be achieved using various proteolytic enzymes (such as porcine mucosal pepsin, bromelain, chymopapain, chymotrypsin, collagenase, ficin, papain, peptidase, proteinase A, proteinase K, trypsin, microbial proteases, and, similar enzymes or combinations of such enzymes) which disrupt the intermolecular bonds and remove the immunogenic non-helical telopeptides without affecting the basic, rigid triple -helical structure which imparts the desired characteristics of collagen (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,934,852; 3,121,049; 3,131,130; 3,314,861; 3,530,037; 3,949,073; 4,233,360 and 4,488,911 for general methods for preparing purified soluble collagen). The resulting soluble collagen can be subsequently purified by repeated precipitation at low pH and high ionic strength, followed by washing and re- solublization at low pH.
Plants expressing collagen chains and procollagen are known in the art, see for example, WO06035442A3; Merle et ah, FEBS Lett. 2002 Mar 27;515(l-3): 114-8. PMID: 11943205; and Ruggiero et ah, 2000, FEBS Lett. 2000 Mar 3;469(1): 132-6. PMID: 10708770; and U.S. Pat. Applications 2002/098578 and 2002/0142391 as well as U.S. Patent Nos. 6,617,431 each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
It will be appreciated that the present invention also contemplates genetically modified forms of collagen/atelocollagen - for example collagenase-resistant collagens and the like [Wu et ah, Proc Natl. Acad Sci, Vol. 87, p.5888-5892, 1990].
Recombinant collagen may be expressed in any animal or non-animal cell. Examples of non-animal cells include but are not limited to plant cells and other eukaryotic cells such as yeast and fungus. Examples of animal cells include but are not limited to CHO cells and milk.
Plants in which human collagen may be produced (i.e. expressed) may be of lower (e.g. moss and algae) or higher (vascular) plant species, including tissues or isolated cells and extracts thereof (e.g. cell suspensions). Preferred plants are those which are capable of accumulating large amounts of collagen chains, collagen and/or the processing enzymes described herein below. Such plants may also be selected according to their resistance to stress conditions and the ease at which expressed components or assembled collagen can be extracted. Examples of plants in which human procollagen may be expressed include, but are not limited to tobacco, maize, alfalfa, rice, potato, soybean, tomato, wheat, barley, canola, carrot, lettuce and cotton.
Production of recombinant procollagen is typically affected by stable or transient transformation with an exogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding human procollagen.
Production of human collagen in plants is typically affected by stable or transient transformation with an exogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding human procollagen. Optionally, the plants may be transformed with an exogenous polynucleotide that encodes a relevant protease.
The stability of the triple-helical structure of collagen requires the hydroxylation of prolines by the enzyme prolyl-4-hydroxylase (P4H) to form residues of hydroxyproline within the collagen chain. Although plants are capable of synthesizing hydroxyproline-containing proteins, the prolyl hydroxylase that is responsible for synthesis of hydroxyproline in plant cells exhibits relatively loose substrate sequence specificity as compared with mammalian P4H. Thus, production of collagen containing hydroxyproline only in the Y position of Gly -X-Y triplets requires co-expression of collagen and human or mammalian P4H genes [Olsen et al, Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 2003 Nov 28;55(12):1547-67]
Thus, according to one embodiment, the collagen is directed to a subcellular compartment of a plant that is devoid of endogenous P4H activity. As is used herein, the phrase "subcellular compartment devoid of endogenous P4H activity" refers to any compartmentalized region of the cell in which activity of plant P4H or an enzyme having plant-like P4H does not support production of stable procollagen.
According to one embodiment, the subcellular compartment is a vacuole.
Accumulation of the expressed collagen in a subcellular compartment devoid of endogenous P4H activity can be effected via any one of several approaches.
For example, the expressed collagen can include a signal sequence for targeting the expressed protein to a subcellular compartment such as the vacuole. Since it is essential that P4H co-accumulates with the expressed collagen chain, the coding sequence thereof is preferably modified accordingly (e.g. by addition or deletion of signal sequences). Thus, P4H is co-expressed with the collagen in the plant, whereby the P4H also includes a signal sequence for targeting to the same subcellular compartment (such as the vacuole). Preferably, both the collagen sequence and the P4H sequence are devoid of an endoplasmic reticulum retention signal, such that they passes through the ER and are retained in the vacuole, where the collagen is hydroxylated.
The present invention therefore contemplates genetically modified cells co-expressing both human collagen and a P4H, capable of correctly hydroxylating the collagen alpha chain(s) [i.e. hydroxylating only the proline (Y) position of the Gly -X-Y triplets]. P4H is an enzyme composed of two subunits, alpha and beta as set forth in Genbank Nos. P07237 and P13674. Both subunits are necessary to form an active enzyme, while the beta subunit also possesses a chaperon function.
The P4H expressed by the genetically modified cells of the present invention is preferably a mammalian P4H (e.g. human P4H which is encoded by, for example, SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 4). In addition, P4H mutants which exhibit enhanced substrate specificity, or P4H homologues can also be used.
According to a specific embodiment, the type I collagen which is produced in a plant (or cell thereof) is generated by:
(a) targeting to a vacuole of the plant or the isolated plant cell: a collagen alpha I chain encoded by SEQ ID NO: 3; a collagen alpha II chain encoded by SEQ ID NO: 4; a human prolyl 4 hydroxylase (P4H) alpha subunit encoded by SEQ ID NO: 5; and a human prolyl 4 hydroxylase (P4H) beta subunit encoded by SEQ ID NO: 6; and
(b) harvesting said plant or plant cell and isolating the collagen.
In mammalian cells, collagen is also modified by Lysyl hydroxylase, galactosyltransferase and glucosyltransferase. These enzymes sequentially modify lysyl residues in specific positions to hydroxylysyl, galactosylhydroxylysyl and glucosylgalactosyl hydroxylysyl residues at specific positions. A single human enzyme, Lysyl hydroxylase 3 (LH3), as set forth in Genbank No. 060568, can catalyze all three consecutive modifying steps as seen in hydroxylysine-linked carbohydrate formation.
Thus, the genetically modified cells of the present invention may also express mammalian LH3. An LH3 encoding sequence such as that set forth by SEQ ID NO: 7, can be used for such purposes.
The collagen and modifying enzymes described above can be expressed from a stably integrated or a transiently expressed nucleic acid construct which includes polynucleotide sequences encoding the procollagen alpha chains and/or modifying enzymes (e.g. P4H and LH3) positioned under the transcriptional control of functional promoters. Such a nucleic acid construct (which is also termed herein as an expression construct) can be configured for expression throughout the whole organism (e.g. plant, defined tissues or defined cells), and/or at defined developmental stages of the organism. Such a construct may also include selection markers (e.g. antibiotic resistance), enhancer elements and an origin of replication for bacterial replication.
There are various methods for introducing nucleic acid constructs into both monocotyledonous and dicotyledenous plants (Potrykus, L, Annu. Rev. Plant. Physiol., Plant. Mol. Biol. (1991) 42:205-225; Shimamoto et ah, Nature (1989) 338:274-276). Such methods rely on either stable integration of the nucleic acid construct or a portion thereof into the genome of the plant, or on transient expression of the nucleic acid construct, in which case these sequences are not inherited by the plant's progeny. In addition, several methods exist in which a nucleic acid construct can be directly introduced into the DNA of a DNA-containing organelle such as a chloroplast.
There are two principle methods of effecting stable genomic integration of exogenous sequences, such as those included within the nucleic acid constructs of the present invention, into plant genomes:
Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer: Klee et al. (1987) Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. 38:467-486; Klee and Rogers in Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics of Plants, Vol. 6, Molecular Biology of Plant Nuclear Genes, eds. Schell, J., and Vasil, L. K., Academic Publishers, San Diego, Calif. (1989) p. 2-25; Gatenby, in Plant Biotechnology, eds. Kung, S. and Amtzen, C. J., Butterworth Publishers, Boston, Mass. (1989) p. 93-112.
(ii) Direct DNA uptake: Paszkowski et al., in Cell Culture and Somatic Cell Genetics of Plants, Vol. 6, Molecular Biology of Plant Nuclear Genes eds. Schell, J., and Vasil, L. K., Academic Publishers, San Diego, Calif. (1989) p. 52-68; including methods for direct uptake of DNA into protoplasts, Toriyama, K. et al. (1988) Bio/Technology 6:1072-1074. DNA uptake induced by brief electric shock of plant cells: Zhang et al. Plant Cell Rep. (1988) 7:379-384. Fromm et al. Nature (1986) 319:791-793. DNA injection into plant cells or tissues by particle bombardment, Klein et al. Bio/Technology (1988) 6:559-563; McCabe et al. Bio/Technology (1988) 6:923-926; Sanford, Physiol. Plant. (1990) 79:206-209; by the use of micropipette systems: Neuhaus et al., Theor. Appl. Genet. (1987) 75:30-36; Neuhaus and Spangenberg, Physiol. Plant. (1990) 79:213-217; or by the direct incubation of DNA with germinating pollen, DeWet et al. in Experimental Manipulation of Ovule Tissue, eds. Chapman, G. P. and Mantell, S. H. and Daniels, W. Longman, London, (1985) p. 197-209; and Ohta, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1986) 83:715-719.
There are various methods of direct DNA transfer into plant cells. In electroporation, protoplasts are briefly exposed to a strong electric field. In microinjection, the DNA is mechanically injected directly into the cells using very small micropipettes. In microparticle bombardment, the DNA is adsorbed on microprojectiles such as magnesium sulfate crystals, tungsten particles or gold particles, and the microprojectiles are physically accelerated into cells or plant tissues.
Regardless of the transformation technique employed, once procollagen or collagen expressing progeny are identified, such plants are further cultivated under conditions which maximize expression thereof. Progeny resulting from transformed plants can be selected, by verifying presence of exogenous mRNA and/or polypeptides by using nucleic acid or protein probes (e.g. antibodies). The latter approach enables localization of the expressed polypeptide components (by for example, probing fractionated plants extracts) and thus also verifies the plant's potential for correct processing and assembly of the foreign protein.
Following cultivation of such plants, the collagen is typically harvested. Plant tissues/cells may be harvested at any time (e.g. at maturity), and the procollagen molecules are isolated using extraction approaches. Preferably, the harvesting is effected such that the procollagen remains in a state that it can be cleaved by protease enzymes. According to one embodiment, a crude extract is generated from the transgenic plants of the present invention and subsequently contacted with the protease enzymes.
For the generation of atelocollagen or collagen, the propeptide or telopeptide-comprising collagen may be purified from the genetically engineered cells prior to incubation with protease, or alternatively may be purified following incubation with the protease. Still alternatively, the propeptide or telopeptide-comprising collagen may be partially purified prior to protease treatment and then fully purified following protease treatment. Yet alternatively, the propeptide or telopeptide-comprising collagen may be treated with protease concomitant with other extraction/purification procedures .
Exemplary methods of purifying or semi-purifying the telocollagen or atelocollagen of the present invention include, but are not limited to salting out with ammonium sulfate or the like and/or removal of small molecules by ultrafiltration or by chromatographic methods.
According to one embodiment, the protease used for cleaving the recombinant propeptide or telopeptide comprising collagen is not derived from an animal. Exemplary proteases include, but are not limited to certain plant derived proteases e.g. ficin (EC 3.4.22.3) and certain bacterial derived proteases e.g. subtilisin (EC 3.4.21.62), neutrase. According to a particular embodiment, the protease is ficin. The present inventors also contemplate the use of recombinant enzymes such as rhTrypsin and rhPepsin. Several such enzymes are commercially available e.g. Ficin from Fig tree latex (Sigma, catalog #F4125 and Europe Biochem), Subtilisin from Bacillus licheniformis (Sigma, catalog #P5459) Neutrase from bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Novozymes, catalog # PW201041) and TrypZean™, a recombinant human trypsin expressed in corn (Sigma catalog #T3449).
Irrespective of how it is generated or isolated, collagen is typically solubilized in an acid solution where it is present in its monomeric form (i.e. non-fibrillated form). Exemplary acids for solubilizing monomeric collagen include, but are not limited to hydrochloric acid (HC1) and acetic acid.
As used herein, the phrase "collagen monomers" refers to monomeric collagen that has not undergone the process of fibril assembly. The collagen may be present in the acid solution at a concentration of about 1-100 mg/ml. According to a particular embodiment, the collagen is present in the acid solution at a concentration of about 3-20 mg/ml. An exemplary concentration of HC1 which may be used to solubilize collagen monomers is about 10 mM HC1.
According to one embodiment a concentration of about 0.05 mM - 50 mM acetic acid is used to solubilize the collagen monomers. An exemplary concentration of acetic acid which may be used to solubilize collagen monomers is about 0.5 M acetic acid.
If collagen fibers are used in the composition, following solubilization of the monomeric collagen, the collagen may be treated so as to promote fibrillogenesis thereof.
The term "fibrillogenesis" as used herein refers to the precipitation of soluble collagen in the form of fibrils.
Fibrillogenesis is entropy driven - the loss of water molecules from monomer surfaces drives the collagen monomers out of solution and into assemblies with a circular cross-section, so as to minimize surface area. Fibrillogenesis may be performed in a variety of ways including neutralization of the pH, increasing the temperature and/or the ionic strength.
An exemplary alkaline solution that may be added to increase the pH of the collagen is Na2HP04 (pH 11.2). Typically, an amount of alkaline solution is calculated such that the final pH of the collagen is about 7-7.5 (e.g. 7.4). NaiHPC (162mM) is typically added at a ratio of 1:7-1:9 v/v.
According to a particular embodiment, the collagen (either fibers or monomers) is present in the composition at a concentration between 0.01-10 mg/ml, more preferably between 0.1-1 mg/ml.
The collagen fibers or monomers are typically about 20-1000 nm in diameter for example about 200 nm in diameter.
As mentioned, the present invention contemplates using collagen derivatives in the composition as well as (or instead of the collagen).
An example of a collagen derivative is gelatin.
"Gelatin" as used herein refers to any gelatin, whether extracted by traditional methods or recombinant or biosynthetic in origin, or to any molecule having at least one structural and/or functional characteristic of gelatin. Gelatin may be obtained by extraction from collagen derived from animal (e.g., bovine, porcine, rodent, chicken, equine, piscine, etc.) sources, for example, bones and tissues. The gelatin may be derived from the same collagen that is used in the composition described herein. In one embodiment, the gelatin is obtained by processing of recombinant collagen (e.g. plant expressed recombinant human collagen). For example, heat treatment of collagen at >70 °C.
Methods of producing gelatin are described in US Patent Application No. 20030064074, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The composition of this aspect of the present invention further comprises metal nanoparticles.
As used herein, the term “metal nanoparticle” refers to a particle between 0.1-100 nm in diameter, between 1-100 nm in diameter, 1-50 nm in diameter, 1-20 nm in diameter. In one embodiment, the metal nanoparticle is about 10 nm in diameter.
Examples of metal nanoparticles include, but are not limited Al, Au, Ti, Ni, Ag, Cr, Pd, Al, Mo, Nb, Cu, Pt, Co and Mg. Also contemplated are to iron oxide, graphene oxide, titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide nanoparticles.
According to a particular embodiment, the nanoparticles are silver nanoparticles.
The silver nanoparticles may consist entirely of silver or may comprise additional components such as citrate, Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), or Branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) or those described in U.S. Patent Application 20100106233, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Silver nanoparticles are commercially available for e.g. from Sigma (CAT 730785).
The nanoparticles and the collagen are provided as a complex that is stable under physiological conditions. In one embodiment the nanoparticles electrostatically interact with the collagen molecules. In another embodiment the nanoparticles are stabilized with collagen/gelatin chains during the nanoparticles synthesis.
According to an embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the nanoparticles (e.g. silver nanoparticles) are not crosslinked to the surface of the collagen fibers/monomers.
According to a particular embodiment, the collagen fibers/monomers are complexed with metal nanoparticles. In one embodiment silver nanoparticles and collagen are mixed together in aqueous solution to form complexes. Concentrated physiological buffer (e.g. Phosphate, DPBS, PBS or DMEM) may be added to mimic the physiological environment. The collagen/gelatin may serve to increase the nanoparticle stability under physiological conditions. In a second embodiment, silver nitrate salt may be mixed with the protein solution and reduced by a reducing agent (which may be the protein itself, or another compound such as sodium borohydride or citrate). The Ag-i- ions are reduced by the reducing agent and form nanoparticles stabilized by the collagen/gelatin present in the solution. In another embodiment, the collagen fibers/monomers are coated with the nanoparticles by evaporation, sputtering, thermal spraying, electro- and/or electrolysis deposition.
Typically, the amount of metal nanoparticles in the composition is between 10-2000pg/ml or 20-200pg/ml [see for example, Zachar O., (2020). Formulations for COVID-19 Early Stage Treatment via Silver Nanoparticles Inhalation delivery at Home and Hospital. DOI: 10.14293/S2199-1006.1.SOR-.PPHBJEO.vl]
In one embodiment, the weight ratio of collagen: metal nanoparticles in the composition is between 100:1- 1:2 or 50:1-1:1.
Additional elements that may be included in the composition include polypeptides and/or polysaccharides.
The polypeptide may be a collagen derivative as described herein above.
In one embodiment, the polypeptide or polysaccharide is one which comprises anti-viral properties.
Examples of polysaccharides which have anti-viral properties include sulfated polysaccharides such as heparin, heparan sulfates, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and fucoidan. Other examples of sulfated polysaccharides are described in Kwon et al. Cell Discovery (2020) 6:50, and S. Song, et al., Food Fund ., 2020, DOI: 10.1039/D0FO02017F, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
According to a particular embodiment, the polysaccharide is heparin.
The silver nanoparticles may be generated using methods known in the art. For example, silver nanoparticles may be generated by reducing ionic silver salts (silver nitrate, AgN03, or silver acetate, AgC2¾02) using sodium borohydride in the presence of a solution of collagen and/or collagen derivative (e.g. gelatin) and/or polysaccharide such as heparin.
The present inventors propose compositions comprising heparin-stabilized metal (e.g. silver) nanoparticles and collagen (e.g. recombinant collagen). In these compositions, the heparin interacts with or binds to (non-covalently) the metal nanoparticles. The collagen in the composition may bind non-covalently to the metal nanoparticles and/or the heparin.
The present inventors further propose compositions comprising gelatin- stabilized metal (e.g. silver) nanoparticles, heparin and collagen. In these compositions, the gelatin interacts with or binds to (non-covalently) the metal nanoparticles. The collagen and heparin in the composition may bind non-covalently to the metal nanoparticles and/or the gelatin.
The collagen and nanoparticle composition may be provided per se or as part of a pharmaceutical composition. As used herein a "pharmaceutical composition" refers to a preparation of one or more of the active ingredients described herein with other chemical components such as physiologically suitable carriers and excipients. The purpose of a pharmaceutical composition is to facilitate administration of a compound to an organism.
Herein the term "active ingredient" refers to the silver nanoparticles accountable for the biological effect. In another embodiment, the active ingredient is the combination of the silver nanoparticles and collagen.
Hereinafter, the phrases "physiologically acceptable carrier" and "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" which may be interchangeably used refer to a carrier or a diluent that does not abrogate the biological activity and properties of the administered compound. The carrier may also include biological or chemical substances that modulate the immune response.
Herein the term "excipient" refers to an inert substance added to a pharmaceutical composition to further facilitate administration of an active ingredient. Examples, without limitation, of excipients include calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars and types of starch, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, vegetable oils and polyethylene glycols.
Techniques for formulation and administration of drugs may be found in “Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences,” Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, latest edition, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Suitable routes of administration may, for example, include oral, rectal, transmucosal, especially transnasal, intestinal or parenteral delivery, including intramuscular, subcutaneous and intramedullary injections as well as intrathecal, direct intraventricular, intracardiac, e.g., into the right or left ventricular cavity, into the common coronary artery, intravenous, intraperitoneal, intranasal, or intraocular injections.
According to a particular embodiment, the composition is formulated for intrapulmonary administration (e.g. intratracheal, intrabroncial or bronchio-alveolar administration).
Pharmaceutical compositions of some embodiments of the invention may be manufactured by processes well known in the art, e.g., by means of conventional mixing, dissolving, granulating, dragee-making, levigating, emulsifying, encapsulating, entrapping or lyophilizing processes.
Pharmaceutical compositions for use in accordance with some embodiments of the invention thus may be formulated in conventional manner using one or more physiologically acceptable carriers comprising excipients and auxiliaries, which facilitate processing of the active ingredients into preparations which, can be used pharmaceutically. Proper formulation is dependent upon the route of administration chosen. In one example, the composition may be formulated as a dispersion for nebulization that is prepared by admixing the collagen suspension containing metal nanoparticles with an aqueous carrier and nebulized by a nebulizer, an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer or a micro-pump nebulizer. The respirable fraction of the nebulized droplets is generally greater than about 40, 50, 60, 70, or 80%. with an air flow rate of 0.1- 1.0.3 ml/min. The composition may be suitably adapted for delivery using a metered dose delivery device a dry powder inhalation device or a pressurized metered dose inhalation device.
In one embodiment, the composition is aerosolized.
For injection, the active ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition may be formulated in aqueous solutions, preferably in physiologically compatible buffers such as Hank’s solution, Ringer’s solution, or physiological salt buffer. For transmucosal administration, penetrants appropriate to the barrier to be permeated are used in the formulation. Such penetrants are generally known in the art.
For oral administration, the pharmaceutical composition can be formulated readily by combining the active compounds with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers well known in the art. Such carriers enable the pharmaceutical composition to be formulated as tablets, pills, dragees, capsules, liquids, gels, syrups, slurries, suspensions, and the like, for oral ingestion by a patient. Pharmacological preparations for oral use can be made using a solid excipient, optionally grinding the resulting mixture, and processing the mixture of granules, after adding suitable auxiliaries if desired, to obtain tablets or dragee cores. Suitable excipients are, in particular, fillers such as sugars, including lactose, sucrose, mannitol, or sorbitol; cellulose preparations such as, for example, maize starch, wheat starch, rice starch, potato starch, gelatin, gum tragacanth, methyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, sodium carbomethylcellulose; and/or physiologically acceptable polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). If desired, disintegrating agents may be added, such as cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, agar, or alginic acid or a salt thereof such as sodium alginate.
For administration by nasal or pulmonary inhalation, the active ingredients for use according to some embodiments of the invention are conveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation from a pressurized pack or a nebulizer with the use of a suitable propellant, e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane, dichloro-tetrafluoroethane or carbon dioxide. In the case of a pressurized aerosol, the dosage unit may be determined by providing a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridges of, e.g., gelatin for use in a dispenser may be formulated containing a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base such as lactose or starch. Pharmaceutical compositions suitable for use in context of some embodiments of the invention include compositions wherein the active ingredients are contained in an amount effective to achieve the intended purpose. More specifically, a therapeutically effective amount means an amount of active ingredients effective to prevent, alleviate or ameliorate symptoms of a disorder or prolong the survival of the subject being treated.
Determination of a therapeutically effective amount is well within the capability of those skilled in the art, especially in light of the detailed disclosure provided herein.
For any preparation used in the methods of the invention, the therapeutically effective amount or dose can be estimated initially from in vitro and cell culture assays. For example, a dose can be formulated in animal models to achieve a desired concentration or titer. Such information can be used to more accurately determine useful doses in humans.
Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of the active ingredients described herein can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in vitro, in cell cultures or experimental animals. The data obtained from these in vitro and cell culture assays and animal studies can be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in human. The dosage may vary depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. The exact formulation, route of administration and dosage can be chosen by the individual physician in view of the patient's condition. (See e.g., Fingl, et al., 1975, in "The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics", Ch. 1 P-1)·
Dosage amount and interval may be adjusted individually to provide tissue levels of the active ingredient are sufficient to induce or suppress the biological effect (minimal effective concentration, MEC). The MEC will vary for each preparation, but can be estimated from in vitro data. Dosages necessary to achieve the MEC will depend on individual characteristics and route of administration. Detection assays can be used to determine plasma concentrations.
Depending on the severity and responsiveness of the condition to be treated, dosing can be of a single or a plurality of administrations, with course of treatment lasting from several days to several weeks or until cure is effected or diminution of the disease state is achieved.
The amount of a composition to be administered will, of course, be dependent on the subject being treated, the severity of the affliction, the manner of administration, the judgment of the prescribing physician, etc.
Compositions of some embodiments of the invention may, if desired, be presented in a pack or dispenser device, such as an FDA approved kit, which may contain one or more unit dosage forms containing the active ingredient. The pack may, for example, comprise metal or plastic foil, such as a blister pack. The pack or dispenser device may be accompanied by instructions for administration. The pack or dispenser may also be accommodated by a notice associated with the container in a form prescribed by a governmental agency regulating the manufacture, use or sale of pharmaceuticals, which notice is reflective of approval by the agency of the form of the compositions or human or veterinary administration. Such notice, for example, may be of labeling approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for prescription drugs or of an approved product insert. Compositions comprising a preparation of the invention formulated in a compatible pharmaceutical carrier may also be prepared, placed in an appropriate container, and labeled for treatment of an indicated condition, as is further detailed above.
For treatment of a viral disease the composition may be formulated together with other known anti- viral agents.
Additionally or alternatively, the composition may be administered to the subject with the other known anti-viral agent.
Examples of anti- viral agents contemplated by the present invention include, but are not limited to antiviral antibodies, viral protease inhibitors, anti-inflammatory drugs, monoclonal antibodies (mAh), and immune modulators, such as anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) agents, activators of toll-like receptors (TLR) and vaccines.
Additional antiviral agents include remdesivir, ribavirin, amantadine, rimantadine, and neuraminidase-inhibitors .
As used herein the term “about” refers to ± 10 %
The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to".
The term “consisting of’ means “including and limited to”.
The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.
As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.
Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween.
As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts.
As used herein, the term “treating” includes abrogating, substantially inhibiting, slowing or reversing the progression of a condition, substantially ameliorating clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition or substantially preventing the appearance of clinical or aesthetical symptoms of a condition.
Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below find experimental support in the following examples.
EXAMPLES
Reference is now made to the following examples, which together with the above descriptions illustrate some embodiments of the invention in a non limiting fashion.
Generally, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures utilized in the present invention include molecular, biochemical, microbiological and recombinant DNA techniques. Such techniques are thoroughly explained in the literature. See, for example, "Molecular Cloning: A laboratory Manual" Sambrook et ah, (1989); "Current Protocols in Molecular Biology" Volumes I-III Ausubel, R. M., ed. (1994); Ausubel et ah, "Current Protocols in Molecular Biology", John Wiley and Sons, Baltimore, Maryland (1989); Perbal, "A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning", John Wiley & Sons, New York (1988); Watson et ah, "Recombinant DNA", Scientific American Books, New York; Birren et al. (eds) "Genome Analysis: A Laboratory Manual Series", Vols. 1-4, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York (1998); methodologies as set forth in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,666,828; 4,683,202; 4,801,531; 5,192,659 and 5,272,057; "Cell Biology: A Laboratory Handbook", Volumes I- III Cellis, J. E., ed. (1994); "Culture of Animal Cells - A Manual of Basic Technique" by Freshney, Wiley-Liss, N. Y. (1994), Third Edition; "Current Protocols in Immunology" Volumes I-III Coligan J. E., ed. (1994); Stites et al. (eds), "Basic and Clinical Immunology" (8th Edition), Appleton & Lange, Norwalk, CT (1994); Mishell and Shiigi (eds), "Selected Methods in Cellular Immunology", W. H. Freeman and Co., New York (1980); available immunoassays are extensively described in the patent and scientific literature, see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,791,932; 3,839,153; 3,850,752; 3,850,578; 3,853,987; 3,867,517; 3,879,262; 3,901,654; 3,935,074; 3,984,533; 3,996,345; 4,034,074; 4,098,876; 4,879,219; 5,011,771 and 5,281,521; "Oligonucleotide Synthesis" Gait, M. J., ed. (1984); “Nucleic Acid Hybridization" Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., eds. (1985); "Transcription and Translation" Hames, B. D., and Higgins S. J., eds. (1984); "Animal Cell Culture" Freshney, R. L, ed. (1986); "Immobilized Cells and Enzymes" IRL Press, (1986); "A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning" Perbal, B., (1984) and "Methods in Enzymology" Vol. 1-317, Academic Press; "PCR Protocols: A Guide To Methods And Applications", Academic Press, San Diego, CA (1990); Marshak et al., "Strategies for Protein Purification and Characterization - A Laboratory Course Manual" CSHL Press (1996); all of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. Other general references are provided throughout this document. The procedures therein are believed to be well known in the art and are provided for the convenience of the reader. All the information contained therein is incorporated herein by reference.
EXAMPLE 1
Synthesis of stable Silver NanoParticles (AgNPs) - rhGelatin complexes Stable rhGelatin-AgNPs complexes were prepared by reducing ionic silver salts (silver nitrate, AgN03, or silver acetate, AgCiFLOi) using sodium borohydride, in the presence of denatured rhCollagen (rhGelatin) as stabilizer. The complex formation method was modified from a published method (Cardoso et al. Journal of Nanobiotechnology 2014, 12:36).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
AgNOs - Sigma, CAT 209139
AgC2H302- Sigma, CAT 204374
NaBH4 - Sigma, CAT 452882
Concentrated rhCollagen solution (20-50 mg/ml)
Preparation of rhGelatin solution: rhCollagen solution in 10 mM HCL was heated at 80 °C for 20 minutes. The rhGelatin was diluted to 0.1 mg/ml in double distillated water by thoroughly mixing and vortexing. Diluted solution was kept at 4 °C until further use. Synthesis of rhGelatin stabilized AgNP: 35 ml of 1 mM AgNC or AgCalbCE solutions were added to 35 ml of 0.1 mg/ml rhGelatin while stirring. The solution was left stirring for 10 minutes at RT. 2.1 ml of cold 100 mM sodium borohydride solution (final molar ratio of 6:1 between sodium borohydride and AgNC or AgCAECE) were slowly dropped while the solution was vigorously mixed (~ 1000 rpm). The reaction was kept protected from light. After ten minutes, the stirrer was stopped and the solution was centrifuged at 6200 g for 10 minutes at room temperature. The supernatant was collected, filtered through a 0.22 pm filter and kept at 4 °C protected from light. The supernatant product is dark orange, characteristic of silver nanoparticles solution.
Synthesis of non-gelatin stabilized AgNP: 30 ml of cold 2 mM NaBPE solution were mixed in ice for 20 minutes. 2 ml of 1 mM AgNC solution were added at a rate of approximately ldrop per second. Reaction was kept in the dark. Once addition of AgN03 solution was completed, the reaction was stopped and solution centrifuged for 15 minutes at RT 6200g. The supernatant was collected.
TEM Imaging: 3 pi samples were placed on a glow discharged carbon coated 300 mesh copper TEM grids (Ted Pella, Inc.). After 20-30 seconds, the excess liquid was blotted off and the grid was left to dry in air. The samples were examined by a FEI Tecnai 12 G2 TWIN TEM operated at 120kV. Images were recorded using 4k x 4k FEI Eagle CCD camera.
RESULTS
Absorbance spectrum of non-gelatin stabilized AgNPs was assessed in DDW and in DPBS (following addition of 1/9 volume of DPBSxlO stock solution) in UV VIS spectrophotometer (continuous spectrum mode, data point every 0.5 nm). Following DPBS addition a significant decrease in absorbance, and a shift of the peak from 388nm to 415nm is observed, indicating that AgNPs produced only from silver nitrate and sodium borohydride are not stable in DPBS (Figure 1).
Absorbance spectrum was measured for gelatin- stabilized silver nanoparticles by UV VIS spectrophotometry in continuous spectrum mode (data point every 0.5 nm). A peak between 405- 420 nm was identified indicating presence of AgNPs. A typical UV-Vis Absorbance Spectrum in water (diluted 1:2 in DDW) and DPBS (following addition of 1/9 volume of DPBS 10X stock solution) is provided in Figure 2.
Gelatin- stabilized silver nanoparticles were imaged with transmission electron microscope (TEM) (Figures 3A-C). A size distribution of 3-9 nm, was calculated from the TEM image (Figure 3A). The stability of gelatin-stabilized silver nanoparticles was assessed over time in DDW and DPBS. UV VIS spectrum was measured every few days to assess stability of rhGelatin stabilized AgNP overtime (up to 120 days) in DDW and DPBS. rhGelatin stabilized- AgNP were shown to be stable over at least 120 days in DDW and up to 43 days in DPBS without any additional stabilizer (Figure 4).
EXAMPLE 2
Stabilization of commercial Silver NanoParticles (AgNPs)
Citrate capped silver nanoparticles were purchased from Sigma (CAT 730785) 0.02 mg/ml in water).
UV VIS spectrophotometry : 1/9 volume of 10X solution of DPBS was added to the AgNP solution to get to physiological salt concentration. Stability of the nanoparticles was assessed by measuring the UV-Vis absorbance spectra in UV VIS spectrophotometer (continuous spectrum mode, data point every 0.5nm) in DDW and DPBS.
RESULTS
Spectra of the commercial nanoparticles is presented in Figure 5. A distinct peak was observed at 385 nm when sigma silver nanoparticles were dispersed in water (blue curve). Upon addition of DPBS, the solution immediately changed color from light yellow to gray and the absorbance curve showed a significant reduction in the peak (and shift to 405 nm). Both UV VIS spectrum results and color change indicate that Sigma AgNPs are unstable in DPBS.
In order to assess the ability of rhCollagen/rhGelatin to stabilize Sigma citrate-AgNP in physiological conditions, AgNP with and without rhCollagen or rhGelatin were suspended in a solution of DPBS and 4.5mg/ml glucose at 37°C. Upon addition of DPBS, Sigma citrate-AgNP solution becomes grey, while Sigma citrate-AgNP + rhCollagen or rhGelatin remained light yellow. The results are corroborated by the UV spectra of Figures 6 and 7.
EXAMPLE 3
Antiviral activity of complexes composed of rhCollagen and rhGelatin stabilized silver nanoparticles
Formulation: rhGelatin stabilized- AgNP were prepared as described above. Stock glucose solution (250 mg/ml) and stock rhCollagen solution (50.2 mg/ml) were added to obtain a final concentration respectively of 4.5 and 0.4 mg/ml. 1/9 volume of stock DPBSxlO was eventually so as to reach physiological salt concentration. The final formulation was as follows: rhGelatin stabilized AgNP + rhCollagen + Glucose in DPBS: 32 ppm AgNP(with rhGelatin)+ 0.4 mg/ml rhCollagen+4.5 mg/ml Glucose.
Antiviral activity of the formulation: The formulation was incubated with infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) (1:1) at different virus titer in a U-shape 96 well plate for 1.5 hrs at room temperature. The formulation concentration was kept constant while the virus was diluted x5 every row. Each formulation was tested in triplicates. Vero cells were then infected for 1 hr at 37 °C, 5% CO2, with the complexes of formulation+virus. Following the 1 hour incubation, fresh medium was added on top, and plates were kept in an incubator (37°C, 5% CO2) for 48-72 hours.
Following the incubation period, cells were fixed in 2% Formalin and stained with crystal violet to identify relative density of adhering cells.
The percentage of stained area per well, which reflects the proportion of live cells at the end of the incubation period, was calculated with Fiji, the open source image processing software based on the image processing program ImageJ.
Cell viability as a function of MOI is presented in Figure 8.
Cell viability comparison at M01=0.0025 is presented in Figure 9. Cell viability is significantly higher when virus is treated with rhGelatin stabilized AgNP-i- rhCollagen (hatched bar) compared to the no treatment bar (grey bar).
EXAMPLE 4
Synthesis of Silver NanoParticles (AgNPs) - Heparin complexes
MATERIALS:
AgNOs - Sigma, CAT 209139
NaBH4 - Sigma, CAT 452882
Heparin Sodium Salt from porcine intestinal mucosa - Sigma CAT H5515-250kU.
Nanoparticle preparation: 35 ml of ImM AgN03 solutions were added to 35 ml of 0.018 mg/ml Heparin while stirring. The solution was stirred for an additional 10 minutes at RT.
2.1 ml of cold 100 mM sodium borohydride solution (final molar ratio 6: 1 between sodium borohydride and AgNCF) were slowly dripped into the solution whilst vigorously stirring (-1000 rpm). The reaction was kept protected from light. After ten minutes, the stirrer was stopped and the solution was centrifuged at 6200 g for 10 minutes at room temperature. The supernatant was collected, filtered through a 0.22 um filter and stored at 4 °C, protected from light.
The supernatant product is dark orange, characteristic of silver nanoparticles solution.
UV-VIS spectra: Absorbance spectrum was measured in UV VIS spectrophotometer in continuous spectrum mode (data point every 0.5 nm). A peak between 405-420 nm indicates the presence of AgNPs. TEM imaging: Samples (3ul drop) were placed on a glow discharged carbon coated 300 mesh copper TEM grids (Ted Pella, Inc.). After 20-30 seconds, the excess liquid was blotted off and the grid was left to dry in air. The samples were examined by a FEI Tecnai 12 G2 TWIN TEM operated at 120kV. Images were recorded using 4k x 4k FEI Eagle CCD camera. RESULTS
A typical UV-Vis Absorbance Spectrum of heparin stabilized silver nanoparticles in water (diluted 1:2 in DDW) is provided in Figure 10.
The heparin stabilized silver nanoparticles were imaged with transmission electron microscope (TEM) as illustrated in Figure 11. The size was measured to be about 1.5 - 12 nm. EXAMPLE 5
Stability of Silver NanoParticles (AgNPs) - Heparin complexes in DPBS
METHODS
Preparation of Heparin- AgNP + rh Collagen in DPBS:
25 mg/ml rhCollagen in DDW Heparin- AgNP prepared as described above
DPBS 10X: BI 02-023-5A rhCollagen was added to the AgNP to reach afinal rhCollagen concentration of 1 mg/ml DPBS lOx was added volumetrically (1/10 of the final volume)
The composition was vigorously vortexed and filtered with a 0.22 um filter. RESULTS
AgNp prepared with heparin are very stable in DDW but not stable in DPBS. To stabilize the AgNP in DPBS, 1 mg/ml rhCollagen was added. Typical UV-Vis Absorbance spectra of Heparin- AgNP (diluted 1:2) in water (black line), DPBS (grey dotted line) and with lmg/ml rhCollagen in DPBS (black dotted line) is provided in Figure 12. UV VIS spectrum was measured every few days to assess stability of Heparin stabilized
AgNP overtime (up to 120 days) in DDW and further stabilized with rhCollagen in DPBS. Figure 13 shows how the peak of the spectra remain constant overtime both in DDW and in DPBS, when stabilized with rhCollagen. EXAMPLE 6
Antiviral activity ( against SARS-CoV-2) of complexes composed ofrhCollagen and rhGelatin/Heparin- Silver Nanoparticles
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Formulations:
1)rhGelatin - AgNP 35 ppm + rhCollagen 200 pg/ml, in DMEM-high glucose
2)Heparin - AgNP 20 ppm + rhCollagen 200 pg/ml, in DMEM-high glucose
A stock of characterized SARS-CoV-2 isolate (isolate USA - WA1/2020) with determined titer (using a standard TCID50 infectivity assay) was used.
For determination of the inhibitory activity, different dilutions of the two formulations (each) were concurrently pre-incubated with the virus and with the monolayer of Vero-E6 cells for 1 h. Subsequently, the cells were inoculated with the virus in a 24-well plate.
Following 1 hour of incubation, the cells were washed and fresh medium containing the formulations was added. At 72 hours post infection, the cells and cleared medium were harvested and subjected to RNA purification. Viral genomic RNA in the cleared supernatant, measuring virion production, was determined by qRT-PCR. All conditions were tested in triplicate wells.
RESULTS
The antiviral assay results of the rhGelatin AgNP +rhCollagen (Formulation #1) at increasing concentration are shown in Figure 14.
The antiviral assay results of the heparin AgNP +rhCollagen (Formulation #2) at increasing concentration are shown in Figure 14.
Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A method of treating a viral respiratory infection in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen and/or a collagen derivative and metal nanoparticles, thereby treating the viral respiratory infection.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition comprises collagen and gelatin.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein said composition comprises collagen and a sulfated polysaccharide.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein said sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin.
6. The method of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said collagen is recombinant collagen.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said collagen derivative is gelatin.
8. The method of claims 2 or 7, wherein said gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
9. The method of claim 6 or 8, wherein said recombinant collagen is processed from procollagen which is expressed in plants.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein said metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of Al, Au, Ti, Ni, Ag, Cr, Pd, Al, Mo, Nb, Cu, Pt, Co, Mg and Zn.
12. The method of claim 1 wherein said metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
13. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein said collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
14. The method of any one of claims 1-12, wherein said collagen comprises monomeric collagen.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein said metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of fibers of said fibrillated collagen.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein said metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of monomers of said monomeric collagen.
17. The method of any one of claims 1-16, wherein said administering is intrapulmonary, subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular·, intratumoral, intravenous or mucosal.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein said mucosal is nasal, oral, sublingual or ocular.
19. The method of any one of claims 1-17, wherein said administering comprises intrapulmonary administration.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said intrapulmonary administration is selected from the group consisting of intratracheal, intrabroncial and bronchio-alveolar administration.
21. The method of claims 19 or 20, wherein said intrapulmonary administration is by an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein said inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
24. The method of claim 1, wherein said composition is aerosolized.
25. The method of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the composition further comprises an additional anti- viral agent.
26. The method of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the viral respiratory infection is a coronaviral infection, rhinoviral infection or an influenza infection.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein a coronavirus of said coronaviral infection is selected from the group consisting of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS- CoVl); SARS-CoV-2 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV).
28. A method of treating a respiratory disease in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising collagen and metal nanoparticles, wherein the composition is formulated for intrapulmonary administration, thereby treating the respiratory disease.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein said composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein said polysaccharide comprises a sulfated polysaccharide.
31. The method of claim 29, wherein said polypeptide comprises a collagen derivative.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein said collagen derivative comprises gelatin.
33. The method of any one of claims 28-32, wherein said collagen is recombinant collagen.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein said gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
35. The method of claim 30, wherein said sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin.
36. The method of any one of claims 28-35, wherein said metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
37. The method of any one of claims 28-36, wherein said metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
38. The method of any one of claims 28-37, wherein said collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
39. The method of any one of claims 28-37, wherein said collagen comprises monomeric collagen.
40. The method of claim 38, wherein said metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of fibers of said fibrillated collagen.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein said metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of monomers of said monomeric collagen.
42. The method of claim 28, wherein said intrapulmonary administration is selected from the group consisting of intratracheal, intrabroncial and bronchio-alveolar administration.
43. The method of claims 28 or 42, wherein said intrapulmonary administration is by an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein said nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
45. The method of claim 43, wherein said inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
46. The method of claim 28, wherein said composition is aerosolized.
47. The method of any one of claims 28-46, wherein said respiratory disease is a respiratory infection.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein said respiratory infection is a viral respiratory infection.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein the composition further comprises an additional anti- viral agent.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein the viral respiratory infection is a coronaviral infection, rhinoviral infection or an influenza infection.
51. The method of claim 50, wherein a coronavirus of said coronaviral infection is selected from the group consisting of SARS-CoVl, SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV.
52. An article of manufacture comprising a device for intrapulmonary administration which and a composition comprising collagen and metal nanoparticles.
53. The article of manufacture of claim 52, wherein said composition further comprises a biomolecule selected from the group consisting of a polypeptide and a polysaccharide.
54. The article of manufacture of claim 53, wherein said polypeptide is a collagen derivative.
55. The article of manufacture of claim 54, wherein said collagen derivative comprises gelatin.
56. The article of manufacture of any one of claims 52-55, wherein said collagen is recombinant collagen.
57. The article of manufacture of claim 55, wherein said gelatin is generated from recombinant collagen.
58. The article of manufacture of claim 53, wherein said polysaccharide comprises a sulfated polysaccharide.
59. The article of manufacture of claim 58, wherein sulfated polysaccharide comprises heparin.
60. The article of manufacture of any one of claims 52-59, wherein said metal nanoparticles are selected from the group consisting of iron oxide nanoparticles, graphene oxide nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, and titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
61. The article of manufacture of any one of claims 52-59, wherein said metal nanoparticles comprise silver nanoparticles.
62. The article of manufacture of any one of claims 52-61, wherein said collagen comprises fibrillated collagen.
63. The article of manufacture of any one of claims 52-61, wherein said collagen comprises monomeric collagen.
64. The article of manufacture of claim 62, wherein said metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of fibers of said fibrillated collagen.
65. The article of manufacture of claim 63, wherein said metal nanoparticles are attached to the outer surface of monomers of said monomeric collagen.
66. The article of manufacture of claim 52, wherein said device is an inhaler, nebulizer, or vaporizer.
67. The article of manufacture of claim 66, wherein said nebulizer is selected from the group consisting of an air-jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, and a micro-pump nebulizer.
68. The article of manufacture of claim 66, wherein said inhaler is a dry powder inhaler or a metered dose inhaler.
69. The article of manufacture of claim 52, wherein said composition is aerosolized.
70. The article of manufacture of any one of claims 52-69, wherein the composition further comprises an additional anti- viral agent.
71. A composition comprising heparin-stabilized metal nanoparticles and collagen.
72. A composition comprising gelatin-stabilized metal nanoparticles, heparin and collagen.
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