AP257A

AP257A - A method of releasing an antigen from an antibody and methods for their use in diagnosis and therapy.

Info

Publication number: AP257A
Application number: APAP/P/1992/000376A
Authority: AP
Inventors: Beverley Jane Randle
Original assignee: Surface Active Ltd
Priority date: 1991-04-26
Filing date: 1992-04-24
Publication date: 1993-06-03
Also published as: DK0511011T3; US5855886A; IL101690A0; CN1069124A; GR3022065T3; JPH06506827A; NZ242510A; EP0511011B1; AU665758B2; HUT66753A; EP0511011A1; DE69214709T2; CN1047666C; ATE144624T1; WO1992019973A1; DE69214709D1; EP0582595A1; IE921342A1; CA2108451A1; IL101690A

Abstract

This invention relates to antibodies and is

Description

NOVEL ANTIBODIES, AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

This invention relates to antibodies and is particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with diagnostic and therapeutic methods using monoclonal, bi-or tri-specific antibodies. The invention also provides a method in which binding of a first antigen to a first antibody antigen binding site cause release of a second antigen from an adjacent second antibody antigen binding site.

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NOVEL ANTIBODIES, AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

This invention relates to antibodies and is particularly, though not exclusively, concerned with diagnostic and therapeutic methods using monoclonal or polyspecific, such as bi-or tri-specific antibodies.

Monoclonal-based antibody assays have not achieved full potential as they generally have to be performed by- trained operators in a laboratory. Even relatively simple assays require wasting steps and multiple manual addition of reagents.

There is a need for a one-step system, which would have a wide field of applications.

Monoclonal antibodies have also found application in treatment of disease. For example, monoclonal antibody conjugates have been used tc Localize and treat tumours in the body, destroying the tumour with toxic agents, including ricin and radioiodine, attached tc the antibody protein.

3ispecific antibodies have been developed from monoclonal antibody technology', in the example of bispecific immunoglobulin G each bispecific antibody has two antigen binding sices of differing specificities. Bispecific antibodies can be produced by fusing two different hybridomas which respectively secrete monoclonal antibodies against the antigens of interest to form a single hybrid-hybridoma or ’fusoma, isometimes called a polydoma) (Songsivilai, S and Lachmann ?.J ; 1990) Clin Exp Immunol 22/ 315 and Suresh MR et

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AP Ο Ο Ο 2 5 7 al (1986) Proc. Natl Acad Sci USA 83 , 7989 and GB2169921A).

Parent hybridomas can be removed by standard HAT selection or introduction of selectable drug resistance (De Lau B.M, et al ( 1989) J. Immunol Methods 11? ,1) . The first bispecific antibodies produced were used in a conventional immunoassay (Milstein C., and Cueiio A.C., (1983) Nature 305 537). The antibodies were produced by fusing a monoclonal antibodysecreting cell with spienocytes from an immune mouse. The first binding site was specific for an antigen of interest. The second binding site cf the enzyme was specific for a marker enzyme. The immunoassay demonstrated increased assay sensitivity, reduction in signal-co-noise ratio, simplification of staining procedures, and preservation of uitrastructurai detail.

3ispecific antibodies ha therapy regimes targeti: to the antibody, to turn:

Immune 1 Immunother 2 4 1) cytotoxic killer ceils 1990 ) Lancet 335 36 3 -.

375—380 '1591). Otbs scecific antibodies, sut the latter cater.

r - o .--to tumour nd anger r methoos as ο n e m i;

oouno extensive acc.ioation in novel toxins, wnio.t remain bcu.no

m.-mng oe.lular antigens on targets (Niota T., et a 1 and Guvre PM, Tibteon 9 , of producing bi-and tri:al linkace, are reviewed in

W091/09I34 discloses a bispecific antibody capable of binding both to an enzyme that converts an inactive anticancer prodrug into its active form and to a human cancer cell. An immunocompiex comprising the antibody and the enzyme can be administered to cancer patients together with the inactive prodrug to selectively kill cancer cells with minimal side effects. The enzyme remains bound to the antibody in an active form. Also disclosed are methods of producing polydomas.

It is an object of the invention to provide an immunoassay .method involving fewer, preferably only one, reaction steps than conventional immunoassay methods.

According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method in which binding of an antigen to one antibody antigen binding site causes release of another antigen from an adjacent second antibody antigen binding site. Whilst not wishing to be count oy theory the applicants believe that steric hindrance between the incoming antigen and the bound antigen causes re.ease of the bound antigen from the second antibody binding site. The first and second antibody antigen binding sites may be provided by the same multispecific antibody or by different antibodies which are physically adjacent. The term 'muitispecific embraces ail antibodies having more than one antiten binding site such as bispecific and trispecific anciriuies. The release of a bound molecule from the second site through binding of another molecule to a first site, may ____— ORIGINAL

AP Ο Ο Ο 2 5 7 be termed antibody-mediated signal transduction. The term antibody used herein embraces immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgA, IgM, IgD and IgE and other proteins having the antigenbinding properties of a naturally-occurring antibody or antibodies produced by recombinant DNA technology or any other such methods.

We have surprisingly found that where antibodies are coated on a microtitre tray at very high concentrations, for example greater than 10-100 ugml'¹, as compared to standard concentrations which are typically 1-5 ugml'', such that the antibodies are arranged in very close proximity to each ether binding of an antigen to one antibody antigen binding site can cause release of another antigen bound to an adjacent seecnc antibody antigen binding site. In a preferred embodiment an immunoassay comprises binding antibody to a surface at a concentration of protein of greater than about 20 ugmi' preferably greater than about 50 ug ml'.

The second antigen may be bound in an inactive form by the secor.o antibody antigen binding site and released in an active form on binding of the first antigen tc the first antibody antigen binding site. The second antigen may be a drug or other therapeutic agent, or an enzyme. The enzyme may be for example 3-galactosidase, or urease.

Monoclonal antibodies have been reported which block the action cf cancer therapy drugs. Tor example antibody MC-1

BAD ORIGINAL ft neutralizes the cytotoxic action of mitozantrone, a potent anti-cancer drug. (Flavell SU, Flavell DJ(1991) Br.J.Haematol 78 , 330-3). A bispecific antibody in accordance with the invention, with one site directed against a drug, inactivating that drug, will release active drug at the site of expression of the molecule to which a second antigenic site of the bispecific antibody is directed.

Release of the antigen from the second antigen binding site may lead to binding of the released antigen, or one of its reaction products if it is, for example, an enzyme or other catalytic molecule, or a reaction product of a reaction catalysed by it, at a third site on an adjacent antibody causing release of a bound third antigen from an adjacent fourth antigen binding

A diagnostic muitispecific antibody may induce release of a t.terapeut^c agent in a second ’therapeutic type muitispecifio antibody by oasoade action where the binding of a diagnostic tnoioatcr to a first binding site of the first antibody results in release of an enzyme already bound to the first enzyme at a seoono binding site, the released enzyme or one of its reaction products binding to a second antibody, and this secondary binding event then causes release of a therapeutic agent bound by the second antibody. Binding of a reaction proouct of the enzyme is preferred as this will produce amp^ification of the initial binding signal. In a trispecific ar.t.bcdv for diagnostic.'therapeutic use which also operates in

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AP000257 a cascade action, the first antigen binding site may be directed to the diagnostic marker, the second against an indicator enzyme and the third antigen binding site carrying a therapeutic agent in an inactive form. It will be appreciated that the antibody can be tailored to suit the application. For example an IgM antibody may be used which features ten different reaction steps. —

In a preferred embodiment one antigen binding site holds the diagnostic or therapeutic agent in an inactive form bv molecular binding at or near the site of indicator/therapeutic activity, such as the active site of a catalytic enzyme or the molecular component essential for therapeutic drug action.

In a diagnostic method the seccr.c antigen binding site is directed against the molecule under test, be it a marker indicative of a disease or microorganism etc. In the presence of this marker, the agent held in inactive form is released in an active form, resulting from stenc mncrance from the close proximity of the two different antibody antigen binding sites.

In a therapeutic application the bound inactive agent may be released by presence of the diagnostic molecule or other antigen under test or a molecule or other antigen carried on a bacterium, virus or other micro-organism against which treatment is being performed.

Further diagnostic uses of antibodies of the invention include:

.Measurement of S?-A in amniotic fluid, pharyngeal aspirate, _—-BAD ORIGINAL ft gut aspirate, blood, tissue section.

Assessment of risk of Respiratory Distress Syndrome, RDS, where absent or low levels of SP-A indicate risk.

Monitoring for appearance of lung function in infants suffering from RDS, adults with adult RDS. Increasing levels of SP-A indicate normal lung function.

Monitoring success of treatment of RDS with artificial surfactant replacement therapy. Return of appearance of lung function is characterised by appearance of SP-A.

The release of two different bound molecules from different antibodies may give a reaction that only occurs when both released molecules are present. A reaction product may bind to a further antibody triggering the release of the substrate, a.g a t.teraoeutio or diagnostic molecule bound to the further antibody. In a therapeutic application, two prodrugs may be releasee which only become active for treatment when both are creser.t, giving the active drug form. For example, in the creatment of lung cancer a first bispecific antibody has a first antigen binding site directed against lung surfactant iccprotei.n A ( SP-A” i which is expressed by most lung tumours ind a second antigen binding site directed against a prodrug k. A second biscecific antibody has a first antigen binding •ite directed against a transferrin receptor indicative or ratio maiignant growth and a second prodrug, prodrug B, in

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ΑΡ ο Ο η 2 5 7 which the combined prodrugs A and B produce an active anticancer complex. In use treatment of a lung cancer patient with a cocktail comprising the two antibodies having bound predrugs A and B will result in release of the prodrugs A and B in the presence of SP-A and the transferrin receptor to form the active anticancer complex. In diagnostic applications, the presence of two different diagnostic antigens can trigger a cascade enzyme reaction, the detectable diagnostic indicator product only being produced when both diagnostic epitopes are detected. For example, two bispecific antibodies may be used having first antigen binding sites specific for inhibin A ar.d 3 chains respectively and second antigen binding sites scecific for horse radish peroxidase and glucose oxidase respectively. In the presence of both inhibin A and 3 chains glucose Is converted by glucose oxidase producing peroxide which is then converted by the peroxidase with readily detectable substrate conversion of orthcphenyidiami.oe . Zn parallel with conventional antigen capture assays In which two different antigenic sites must be detected beftre a positive result Is obtained .

	first and	second antibody an	eigen binding sites may~be
prt	vided bv 'i	a mixture of two	monoclonal antibodies both
	high concen	tratiens, in excess	of 20 ug ml'', preferably,
5 0	ugmi for	coating a surface	in an immunoassay, ^zii

fusema, secreting parental monoclonal antibodies in addition tc a bispeoific antibody and iii; a bispecific antibody, having binding sites for different antigens, purified to

bad original \ ?ςη ο η ΠΑ homogeneity or produced by chemical modification. Event (i) may be considered as intermolecular transduction, whilst (iii) may be considered as intramolecular transduction. Event (ii) involves inter- and intra-molecular transduction.

Diagnostic intermolecular signalling can be achieved economically by a mixture of two preexisting monoclonal antibodies or by standard processing of unpurified bispecific antibody, for example, by affinity chromatography using Protein A or Protein G or icn exchange or gel filtration to isolate secreted immunoglobulin .

Intramolecular antibody signalling requires bi-and trispecific immunoglobulin purified to homogeneity. Purification to homogeneity may be achieved by sequential affinity chromatography steps, using an affinity matrix against which each antigenic site is directed. Thus, the multiscecific antibody is purifiec by chromatography or ion exchange using immobilized enzyme, therapeutic drug or diagnostic molecule.

lost efficient affinity chromatography may be achieved by using immobilized anti-idiotypic antibody matrixes, where the immobilized antibodies recognize an idiotypic determinant of one multiscecific antibody undergoing purification to homogeneity.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an. -mmu.ncassay method for determining the presence or absence

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AP Ο Ο Ο 2 5 7 of an antigen in a sample, the method comprising contacting the sample with a multispecific antibody having binding sites for the antigen and an enzyme, binding of the enzyme to the antibody inactivating the enzyme,in which binding of the antigen to the antibody results in release of bound enzyme from the antibody in an active form from the antibody and detecting the activity of the released active enzyme which indicates Fhe presence of the antigen in the sample. Thus this aspect of the invention provides a simple immunoassay method involving a single reaction step.

Whilst not wishing to be bound b' that steric hindrance between bound enzyme causes release of Therefore the enzyme is tvpioai size to facilitate steric hi:

Interest. The antibody used = sufficiently stable manner to e:

become unbound in the absence o:

enzvme is bound to the antibcdv y theory the applicants believe the incoming antigen and the the enzyme from the antibody, ly chosen on the basis of its ndrance with the antigen of should bind the enzyme in a -.sure tnat the enzyme foes neo f the antigen. Preferably one bv its derive site.

The antigen may be for example SP- A, a lack of which is indicative of a risk of Respiratory Distress Syndrome occurring in the preterm premature infant Hallman et ai (1988)Am J Obs Gynecol 158, 153 ) This respiratory condition affects 2¾ of ail newborn babies and is the mesr common cause of death in norma 1iv-formed babies in the first week of life.

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The enzyme may be for example β galactosidase, glucose oxidase, urease, carbonic anhydrase, or horseradish peroxidase, all of which are well characterised and easily assayable enzymes.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a multispecific antibody having binding sites for an antigen and an enzyme in which the enzyme is inactivated by binding to the antibody and is released from the antibody in an active form through binding of the antigen to the antibody. Preferably, the antibody is bispecific.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of detecting SP-A in a sample of mammalian body fluid comprising contacting the sample with a muitiscecific antibody having binding sites for SP-A and an enzyme, binding of the enzyme to the antibody inactivating the enzyme, in which binding of SP-A to the antibody results in release of enzyme in an active form from the antibody and detecting the presence of the released acttve enzyme which indicates the presence of SP-A in the sample. The enzyme may be 3-gaiactosidase.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided an immunoassay method for determining the presence or absence of an antigen in a sample, the method comprising contacting the sample with a first bispecific antibody having binding sites for the antigen and a first enzyme, a reaction product of the first enzyme acting as a substrate for a second enzyme at a second site which catalyses a readily-detectable reaction

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AP000257 indicating the presence of the antigen in the sample. The first enzyme may be glucose oxidase. The second enzyme may be horseradish peroxidase.

Any diagnostic method in accordance with the invention may be arranged to be carried out in a biosensor in which ’the multispecific antibody acts as the biological sensing element of the biosensor. Hitherto monoclonal antibodies have been ' used in electrode biosensors to detect human gonadotrophin ; Robinson G.A et al ( 1987) Biosensors 3., 147) ano

Staphylococcus aureus in food (xMirhabibollahi B, et al (1990)

J. Appl. Bacteriol 63 , 577). General application has, however, proved impossible as detector antibodies must be removed bv washing before measurement of antibody-bound antigen and also problems exist with enzyme regeneration. As the methods of the invention use an integral enzyme the bispecific antibody can ce incorporated directly into electrodes and semiconductor transducers. For example an oxygen electrode or an ion selective field effect transistor (ISFET) may include a bispecific antibody to which is bound glucose oxidase; of* a urea electrode, or a chemically sensitive field effect transistor CHEMFET) may include a bispecific antibody to which is bound urease.

Examples of enzymes and the preparation of multispecific antibodies which may be used in the method of the invention are now described below by way of example only.

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<? £ η η ο 9α β-galactosidase is well characterised and its activity can be easily assayed.

Glucose oxidase is isolated at low cost from Aspergillus nicer and has a molecular weight of 186kD. Glucose oxidase is a mannose-rich glycoprotein and consequently can be cross-linked to increase the local concentration of bound inactive enzyme through the mannose carbohydrate chain with retention of enzyme * activity. (Kozulic 3. et al (1987) Appl Biochem Siotechnol 15 ,265). The size of glucose oxidase polymers can be controlled by the chemical reaction. Glucose oxidase can be used as the enzyme component of an oxygen electrode.

Urease, which can be isolated from Jack beans at low cost, is a hexameric protein of 590kD, with one active site in each 96 kD subunit. Urease Is used as. the enzyme component in the urea electrode .

Carbonic anhydrase os a monomeric enzyme with a relatively lew molecular weight of 22kD. Carbonic anhydrase catalyses carbon dioxide hydration and hydrogen carbonate dehydration and oar. be isolated from human red blood ceils at low cost.

Horseradish peroxidase has a well characterised heme site ; La Mar GN et al (1980'J 3ioi Chem 25 5 , 6646) . Horseradish peroxidase may be used in a two site immunoassay method with glucose oxidase at a first site and horseradish peroxidase at a second site to produce an enzyme cascade with the hydrogen

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AP Ο Ο Ο 2 5 7 peroxide produced by glucose oxidase acting as a substrate for horseradish peroxidase.

The preparation of antibodies in accordance with the invention and methods of their use will now be described, by way’ of example only with reference to the accompanying Figures 1 to , . , . . E m wnich:

Fig 1 illustrates the operation of an antibody in accordance with the invention;

Fig 2 illustrates applications of antibodies in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 3 is a graph illustrating the activity of enzyme released from an antibody in accordance with the invention;and

Fig. 4 is a graph illustrating the activity of enzyme released from an antibody in accordance with the invention; and

Fig. Ξ is a graph illustrating the activity of enzyme released from an antibody in accordance with the invention.

The bispecific antibody 10 of immunoglobulin G type shown in Fig 1 comprises first and second binding sites 12 and 14 which bind in use first and second antigens 16 and 18 respectively. Binding of the first antigen 16 to first antigen binding site 12 causes release of bound second antigen 18 from the second

BAD ORIGINAL O \ ΰ Ο Ο 9Α binding site 14.

In the diagnostic application shown in Fig 2i) bispecific antibody 20 has first and second antigen binding sites 22,24 directed respectively to an analyte of interest 26, e.g. SPA and to an enzyme which has 28 readily detectable substrate conversion activity e.g. β-gaiactosidase. The enzyme is inactivated when bound to the antibody at the second binding site 24 for example by binding through or adjacent its active sice or through alteration of the active site's configuration.

Binding of the analyte	26	from a sample to	the first binding
site 22 causes release	of	the bound enzyme	28 into the media
where it's activity can	be	readily detected i	r.dicating presence
of the anaivte.

In the therapeutic application Illustrated in Fig 2ii) bispecific antibody 3C has first sites 32,32 directed resceotive_y of a cancer ceil 36, and tc an drug 38 is inactivated when bound binding site 34. Binding of t. binding site 32 causes release active form whereupon it can a! expressing antigen 36.

and second antigen bincing to an antigen on the surface

anti-cancer drug	38	-
:o the antibody at	the	□ eesnei
e antigen 36 to	the	f 1Γ3Σ
f the bound drug	38	in an
t against the cancer ceil

In the combined diagnostic/therapeutic application shown in Fio 2 i, two different biscecifio antibodies 40,42 are usee.

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Antibody 40 has specificity for an antigen 44 carried by a cancer cell and for an enzyme 46 which it binds in an inactive form. Antibody 42 has specificity for an anticancer drug 48 and for the enzyme 46 or a reaction product of the enzyme. Binding of the antigen 44 to antibody 40 causes release of the enzyme 46 in an active form. The activity of the released enzyme can be readily detected. The enzyme 46 or one of its reaction products then binds to the second antibody 42 which causes release of the drug 48 in an active form to kill the cancer ceil expressing antigen 44.

Bispecific antibodies are conveniently prepared by hybridcma ceil fusion technology. First suitable monoclonal antibody secreting hvbridoma ceils are isolated and characterised. Next the parental cell lines are rendered drug resistant by growth in various selection media. These drug resistant clones can Then be used for bispecific antibody production by cell fusion between parental ceil lines of differing drug resistant or between a drug resistant hybridoma and splenocytes from an immune mouse. After ceil fusion and selection, cultures are

X screened for production of antibodies of the desired reactivities. Chcsen cultures are cloned and secretion of bispecific immunoglobulin by the fuscma confirmed by immunoassay.

For use in the current invention, secreted immunoglobulin is enriched by protein A affinity chromatography. The enriched

I* ν Π η <> Π Λ chromatography steps to isolate homogeneous bispecific immunoglobulin.

PREPARATION OF BISPECIFIC ANTIBODIES

A) Preparation of hybridomas secreting suitable monoclonal antibodies

Bispecific antibodies are. conveniently prepared by fusoma technology.

First, monoclonal antibody-secreting ceil lines are isolated against the enzymes of interest and against the cytotoxic drug methotrexate.

Methotrexate is coupled to ovalbumin for increased immunogenicity on antigen (enzymepresentation. ?cr immunisation, enzymes are used in native form and in conyugates with keyhole limpet haemocyanin, for enhanced immunogeneicity.

Serum responses of immunised 3AL3/C mice are monitored and on generation of a suitable response hybridomas are prepared by ceil fusion of spienocytes frcm immune mice to mouse 5P2/0 myeloma cells. Hybridomas are screened initially against the target antigen or methotrexate conjugate by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Monoclonal antibodies produced by cloned hybridomas secreting the antibodies against the enzymes are then screened for ability to block enzyme-mediated substrate conversion reactions. Monoclonal antibodies having

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AP Ο Ο Ο 2 5 7 the ability to block such reactions may do so through binding to or near the active site. Methotrexate-reactive antibodies are screened for their ability to block the cytotoxic effect of methotrexate.

Hybridomas producing suitable monoclonal antibodies are then cultured in toxic media to isolate drug resistant clones suitable for fusoma production.

Two selectable markers are employed to develop suitable drug resistant clones for fusoma production. Hybridomas are cultured in 5ug per ml. of 6-thiogua.nine, to select hypoxanthine guanosine phosphoribosvl transferase deficient variants .

To induce thioguanine resistance 4 x 10' hvbridoma cells were dispersed into 6x48 well tissue culture plates containing alpha ΜΞΜ medium (Stan.ners C?,Siiceri 3 and Green H 1971, Nature, New 3ici 230 ,52; with 10% ( V/V, heat inactivated foetal calf serum ?CS),20% (V/V) conditioned medium from J774 macrophage ceril line .Cancer Research 19~7 37,346) and 5 ug per ml of '6chiogua.nine -Sigma A4650). After approximately 3 weeks ,clonal cutgrcwths cf drug resistant clones were visible. Clones were removed by pipette and subcultured. Antibody secretion was confirmed and selected cultures stored. These variants are then selected against in the standard HAT selection system L-ttiefieid J, W, (1964) Science 145, 709).

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Drug resistant cells are also selected by culture in increasing concentrations of the cardiac glycoside ouabain which inhibits the sodium potassium ATPase of the mammalian plasma membrane. Wild type cells die in the presence of ouabain whilst resistant clones can grow in 180-fold excess concentration of the drug (Mankovitz R et al (1974) Cell 2, 221).

To induce ouabain resistance, 2x10® hybridomas were grown and subcultured at confluence in alpha MEM, I0%(v/'v) FCS in increasing concentrations of ouabain (Sigma 03125) from 1 μΜ toO.SmM.

To induce double drug resistance (ie to ouabain and thioguanine)cells were grown in increasing concentrations of ouabain as above. Once capable of growth in 0.5mM ouabain medium,drug resistance to 5-thioguanine was induced as described above.

Hybridomas resistant to 5-thioguanine and to ouabain are cloned ready for fuscma production.

b Fusoma production

Fusomas secreting bispecific antibodies are produced by conventional techniques in a series of cell fusion experiments to select those producing bispecific antibodies with an enzymeORIGINAL ft

AP Ο Ο Ο 2 5 7 reactive arm and a second antibody binding site recognising the antigen of interest. The fusomas are derived from enzymereactive cells, whether splenocytes from immune mice or hybridomas, and from antigen reactive cells. Examples of antigen reactive cells include those producing the antibodies A15, recognising ovalbumin of 43kD, KLH1, recognising keyhole limpet haemocyanin of 800 kD and D4 and E8 both of which rdact with human lung surfactant apoprotein A (SP-A) (Randle BJ et * al (1992) in preparation). Antibody E8 is thought to be similar to antibody PE10 described in Kuroki Y et al Am. J Pathol 1986 124; 25-33. Cell fusion experiments are performed in three series:

1. Fusion of thioguanine resistant, HAT sensitive hybridomas antigen reactive or enzyme reactive to splenocytes of immune mice enzyme-reactive or antigen reactive selection by HAT .

2. Fusion of thioguanine resistant hybridomas either antigen or enzyme-reactive to ouabain resistant hybridomas, either antigen or enzyme-reactive selection by ouabain thiogua.nine medium.

3. Fusion of double resistant thioguanine/ouabai.n hybridomas either antigen or enzyme reactive to wild type hybridomas either antigen or enzyme reactive with selection in

HAT ouabain medium.

? r. fusions are oerformed by standard techniques . Thioguanine-

BAD ORIGINAL ft \ s Ο ο ο ** A resistant hybridomas are mixed with splenocytes from immune mice in the ratio 1:10 cells respectively (series 1) and fusoma cells prepared by incubation in 50% (w/v) polyethylene glycol 1500 in serum free medium for 75 seconds. The cell fusion event is terminated by timed addition of serum containing growth medium. The fusomas are then plated out in multiwell plates, up to 800 separate cultures, and grown in HAT selection medium for two weeks.

Where fusomas are produced by fusion of two preexisting hybridomas with differing selectable markers (series 2) the cells are mixed in a 1:1 ratio prior to fusion. The fusion event is performed in 50% (w/v; polyethylene glycol 1500 in serum free medium for 75 seconds. The reaction is terminated by timed addition of serum containing medium over 5 minutes. Fusomas are plated out in 200 separate cultures in muitiwell plates and in selection medium containing 5 ug per mi thioguanine and 0.5mM ouabain. Cultures are inspected for growth after two weeks in incubation at 37^JC, 5% C0_: (v/v) in air.

Where fusomas are produced by fusion of double drug resistant hybridomas to wild type hybridomas (series 3) the ceils are mixed in a 1:1 ratio prior to fusion. The fusion event is performed in 50% (W/V) polyethylene glycol 1500 in serum free medium for 75 seconds. The reaction is terminated by timed addition of serum containing medium over five minutes. Fusomas are plated out in 200 separate cultures in multiwell plates and

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AP000257 in HAT selection medium containing 0.5 inM ouabain.

Cultures are then screened for recognition of the enzyme or methotrexate. Reactive cultures are then tested for recognition of the chosen antigen. Cultures are screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for secretion of antibody reactive with the antigen of choice. Antigen is immobilised on 96-weil multiwell plates at a concentration of

5-10 ugml'¹ by incubation overnight at 4°C in 0.1M carbonate buffer pH 9.6, 50 ul per well. Plates are blocked with 100 μΐ per well 10% (v/v) fetal calf serum in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) for 2 hrs at room temperature. Culture supernatants under test are loaded in duplicate at 50 μΐ per well and incubated for 1 hr at room temperature. The plates are washed with 0.05% (v/v) Tween 20 in PBS and bound antibody is detected using a second layer enzyme-conjugated antimouse immunoglobulin antibody with subsequent detection for enzyme substrate conversion. Cultures identified as secreting biscecific antibodies are then cloned by standard techniques of limiting dilution and single ceil manipulation and grown up to produce milligramme quantities of the secreted immunoglobulins. The secreted antibodies are then characterised by ion exchange chromatography (Wong JT and Coivin RB (1987) J. Immunol. 139 , 1369) and purified for experimental diagnostic use. In the present example, affinity chromatography was used for immunoglobulin purification.

Preparation of assay

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Bispecific immunoglobulin or enriched immunoglobulin secreted by fusomas is immobilized on multiwell plates by incubation in ELISA coating buffer. Plates are blocked with 10% (V/V) PCS in PBS. The antibody is then loaded with enzyme by incubation with enzyme containing media. Unbound enzyme is removed by washing and the antibody enzyme complex is then ready for use.

The complex is used in two different ways to measure antigen. First antigen is added for 15 minutes, the supernatant removed and this supernatant then assayed for the presence of enzyme activity released from the complex. Secondly, in simultaneous one step format, the enzyme substrate is added to the comolex at the same time as the antigen. In both cases, enzyme activity is measured directly by the colour change associated with substrate conversion is indicative of the presence of antigen in the sample.

For example, lung surfactant apoprotein A purified by densitydependent centrifugation (Katyal SL and Singh G (1979) Lab Invest 40 562) is used to calibrate the assay. Samples of amniotic fluid from premature deliveries are then assayed for aoocrotein concentration.

Bispecific antibody demonstrating antibody-mediated signal transduction

Fuscma ceil line SAL 30.19 secretes a bispecific immunoglobulin

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AP Ο Ο Ο 2 5 7 reactive with SP-A and β-galactosidase (from Escherichia coli). The cell line was isolated from a cell fusion event between 6-thioguanine resistant D4 hybridoma (Randle et al 1992 in preparation), subclone D4tgl3 secreting an antibody reactive with SP-A and splenocytes from a BALB/c female mouse immunized weekly over an eight week period with 10 gg per dose of betagalactosidase (Sigma G5635) supported with an alum adjuvant.

gg of beta-galactosidase was given intravenous four days prior to the cell fusion experiment.

Cell fusion was performed by standard techniques and resulting ceil mixture was plated in HAT selection medium. Cultures were screened 17 days later. 714 fuscma cultures were obtained, 41 of which were found to secrete antibody reactive with betagalactosidase by indirect ELISA. 8 cultures secreted immunoglobulin reactive with both SP-A and beta-galactosidase as determined by Western Immunoblot. These cultures were cloned by limited dilution and 5 clonal cultures were selected for further study. One of these cell lines GAL 30.19 is now described. A sample of GAL'30.19 was deposited in accordance with the provisions of the Budapest Treaty at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures, Porton Down United Kingdom on 22nd April 1992 and has been accorded the accession number

92042211.

The cell line was routinely grown in alpha HAT medium and produces approximately 5 gg per ml of immunoglobulin in unstirred monolayer culture growth conditions.

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U 0 V V *lA

Enriched GAL 30.19 immunoglobulin was isolated by standard affinity chromatography techniques using Protein A Sepharose (Sigma P3391). Briefly, 1.2 litres of culture supernatant was adjusted to pH8.2 by addition of 1M Tris HC1, pH8.5, and run on to a 6ml Protein A sepharose column. After washing with 10 volumes of PBS, adjusted to pH8.2 by addition of 1M Tris HC1, pH8.5, bound immunoglobulin was eluted by use of sodium citrate buffer, pH3.5 0.IM. 1ml fractions were immediately neutralized with 700 ui of IM Tris HC1 pH8.5. Protein concentrations of the eluted fractions were determined by Coomassie Blue dye binding assay and antibody titre estimated by indirect ELISA. 5.35 mg of immunoglobulin was isolated from 1.2 litres of culture medium. Antibody titre of the most concentrated fraction was 1:10° for beta-galactosidase and 1:10^J for SP-A by indirect ELISA.

Antigen capture to demonstrate recognition of both beta-galactosidase and SP-A

Enriched 3AL30.19 can be used in an antigen capture ELISA format to detect beta gaiactosidase and SP-A. Briefly, immunoglobulin was coated at 5 ug per mi in carbonatebicarbonate buffer, pH9.5, 50 ul per well, in a 96 well flat bottom immunoassay plate (Falcon Cat No. 3912) overnight inouoaticn at 4^JC. Plates were blocked with 100 ul per well, 13* 'v,v; FCS in PBS, 2 hours at room temperature.

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AP Ο Ο Ο 2 5 7

Beta galactosidase antigen capture:

Increasing concentrations of beta galactosidase were loaded in 50 ul volumes, from 0-100 ug per ml, and incubated for 1 hour at room temperature. Wells were washed twice with 200 μΙ-PSS 0.5% (v/v) PBS Tween 20 and then bound beta galactosidase was detected by addition of enzyme substrate, beta galactosidase substrate buffer. The substrate comprised 20.5 mg of 0- nitropnenyl 0-D-galactopyranoside (Sigma N-1127; ONPG) dissolved in 1 ml of 0.1M pH 7.3 phosphate buffer with gentle wanning. 832 μΐ of ONPG solution was added to 5 ml of phosphate buffer containing bsa and magnesium chloride in the ratio of:

2.7 ml 0.1M pH 7.3 phosphate buffer:

0.1 ml 0.03M magnesium chloride with 0.5% (w/v) bovine serum albumin (bsa).

In antigen capture format, GAL 30.19 detected a minimum of 5 ug per mi of beta galactosidase.

SP-A antigen capture:

Concentrations of SP-A, from 5 to 100 ug per ml, were loaded in 50 ui volumes and incubated'for 1 hour at room temperature. Weils were washed twice with P5S Tween 20 and bound SP-A detected by addition of 50 ul per well 1:30 E8 biotin in PBS.

S3 hybridcma secretes a monoclonal antibody reactive with a second, distinct from D4, epitope of SP-A (Randle et al 1992 in preparation). Ξ8 immunoglobulin was substituted in the

-------------- BAD ORIGINAL $ approximate ratio of 3 biotin molecules per immunoglobulin: Stock E8-Biotin was 1 mg per ml for dilution). After incubation for 30 minutes, plates were washed twice with PBS Tween and wells were then incubated with 50 ul of 1:500 Avidinalkaline phosphatase in PBS (1 mg per ml stock in PBS: Sigma A2527) for 30 minutes at 4°C. Wells were washed three times with PBS Tween and then presence of alkaline phosphatase was detected by substrate conversion of para-nitro phenyl phosphate, disodium hexahydrate (Sigma 104-105E). Briefly, 50 ul per well of the substrate was added at 1 mg per mi in 1M diethanolamine buffer pH9.8, alkaline phosphatase substrate.

substrate buffer comprises ne alkaline phosphatase diethanolamine buffer 10% (v/vj, consisting of 9“mi diethanolamine, 800mi water, lOOmg of magnesium chloride hexahvdrate. 1M hydrochloric acid is added until the pH is 9.8, volume is then made up to 1 litre with water. Stored in dark at 4'C until use. Substrate conversion by enzyme was detected by measurement of optical density at 410nm. Using this antigen capture format, JAL 30.19 can detect a minimum of 5.25 μα per mi SP-A.

GAL30.19 blocks the activity of beta galactosidase ul enriched GAL30.19 Immunoglobulin at 1 mg per mi was added to 50 ul of beta galactosidase solution in PBS, concentration of 500 ug per ml. 100 μΐ of beta galactosidase substrate was adoed and substrate conversion was monitored at 410 nm. A control experiment using 50 u- of PBS in place of the antibody

AP Ο 00 2 5 7 solution was performed in parallel. After 5 min..tee, optical density of the enzyme product was 0.920 in the absence of antibody and 0.597 in the presence of GAL30.19 in the test sample. This demonstrates that GAL30.19 blocks the enzymic activity of beta galactosidase.

Purification of bispecific GAL30.19 immunoglobulin to homogeneity

Homogeneous bispecific immunoglobulin was isolated from enriched antibody by sequential affinity chromatography. The method of choice is sequential Affinity Chromatography. The immunoglobulins carrying the first antigenic site were isolated by affinity chromatography using a bead matrix carrying purified SP-A. Elution was performed using standard diethylamine pHll, 1M, buffer and fractions neutralized with Trie-HCl, pH8, 1M. The neutralized fractions were desalted by buffer exchange to PBS using G25 Sephadex (trade mark) filtration. The samples were then subjected to a second affinity chromatography step, using a'chromatography gel where the gel matrix carries a bead matrix carrying 0-galuctosidas.e. DEA elution was performed' and the homogenous bispecific antibody desalted and stored in PBS 0.02% azid< at 4^eC until used. On completion of the chromatography 2.7 j of enriched immunoglobulin yielded 0.38 mg of homogeneous ii munoglobulin. Kntibody titre of the most concentrated fraction was 1:10* for beta galactosidase and l:10^J for SP-A. Presencr of heavy and light chain polypeptides of GAL 30.19 was confirmed by

BAD ORIGINAL f i V v v A electrophoresis of the homogeneous sample in 10% (w/v) SDS

PAGE under reducing conditions.

Demonstration of antibody-mediated signal transduction

Transducing antibody activity has been demonstrated both with enriched GAL 30.19 immunoglobulin, isolated by Protein A affinity chromatography and with purified immunoglobulin, isolated to homogeneity from enriched antibody by sequential affinity chromatography on SP-A Sepharose and beta galactosidase Sepharose.

Example 1. Enriched immunoglobulin assay. (See Fig. 3)

Enriched 3AL30.19 immunoglobulin was coated at 50 ng per ml in ELISA coating buffer, carbonate/bicarbonate pK9.6, 50 μΐ per <e . 1, overnight ao 4~C. Plates were blocked with 100 μΐ per veil of 10* (V/V; FCS in PBS, 2 hours at room temperature, sells were che.n incubated with 50 μΐ of 20 μg per ml beta a_actcsidase (Sigma G5 535) in wash buffer, PBS with 0.5% (W/V' sa Sigma A7888) for 1 hour at room temperature. Weils were hen washed with 2 washes of 200 μΐ PBS Tween 20 (0.05% V/V) , c remove unbound enzyme from the immobilized transducing ntibody complex.

-ί. volumes of increasing concentrations of SP-A, the oecifio antigen, KLH, a non-specific antigen of 800 KD alton

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AP Ο Ο η 2 5 7 molecular weight and mouse immunoglobulin μ, IgM a non specific antigen of 1000 kD molecular weight from 6.25 to 100 ug ml“, diluted in wash buffer, were then loaded into duplicate wells. After 15 minutes, the supernatant was removed to assess release of enzyme from the complex by β-galactosidase substrate conversion. 50 μΐ volumes of the test were incubated with 50 μΐ of β-Galactosidase substrate buffer. Conversion from substrate to product was measured by optical density at 410 nm, indicating the presence of released enzyme in the supernatant.

Release of enzyme from the transduction complex was measured in the supernatant by ,3-galactosidase substrate conversion and measurement of product optical density at 410nm. Only in the presence of SP-A, which has a molecular weight of 1200kLaltons, and not in the presence of antigens of similar molecular weight KLH -800 kD and Ig M - LOOCkDaitons was enzyme released. The effect is titratable and, at hig.ner concentrations of SP-A, a saturation effect is noted.

in this format, the GAL 30.19 transducing antibody detects a minimum of 5.25 ug ml' SP-A. i

Example 2. Purified bispecific immunoglobulin assay

Demonstrating enzyme release in the presence of scecific antigen (See rig. 4 .

Purified GAL3C.19 imnuncgiccu.in was coated at 20 ug per mi in

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ELISA coating buffer, carbonate/bicarbonate pH9.6, 50 μΐ per well, overnight at 4 °C. Plates were blocked with 100 μΐ per well of 10% (v/v) FCS in PBS, 2 hours at room temperature. Weils were then incubated with 50 μΐ of 20 ug per ml of beta galactosidase (Sigma G5635) in wash buffer, PBS with 0.5% (w/v) bovine serum albumen (Sigma A7888), for 1 hour at room temperature. Wells were then washed with 2 washes of PBS Tween, to remove unbound enzyme from the immobilized Transducing Antibody complex.

μΐ volumes of increasing concentrations of SP-A, the specific antigen, and KLH, the non-specific antigen of equivalent molecular weight, from 6.25-100 ug per ml diluted in wash buffer, were then loaded into duplicate wells. After 15 minutes the supernatant was removed to assess release of enzyme from the complex by beta galactosidase substrate conversion .

3r_efly, 50 μΐ volumes of the test were incubated with 50 μΐ cf 3—galactosidase substrate buffer. Conversion of substrate to product was measured by optical density at 410nm, indicating tne oresence of released enzyme in the supernatant. ~_gnifleant release of beta galactosidase from the transducing oomplex only occurs _n the presence of the specific antigen SPA, and not in the presence of an antigen of similar molecular we lent, KLH.

Example 3 Demonstrating purified bispecific immunoglobulin

AP Ο 0 0 2 5 7 assay one-step antibody-mediated signal transduction (See Fig. ⁵⁾Transducing antibody complex was prepared as above and unbound beta galactosidase washed from the plates by two washes of.PBS Tween. Simultaneous enzyme release on specific antigen detection was then demonstrated as follows:

μΐ volumes of increasing concentrations of SP-A, the scecific antigen, and KLH, the non-specific antigen of equivalent molecular weight, were prepared from δ.25-100 ug per mi diluted in wash buffer and mixed with 50 μΐ volumes of beta galactosidase substrate buffer. The 100 μΐ samples of mixed antigen and beta galactosidase substrate were then added to wells containing the immobilized transducing antibody Comdex. Enzyme activity, from release of beta galactosidase from the complex, was measured by optical tensity at 410nm, colour being produced by enzyme mediated product formation.

Product formation was measured immediately following addition of samples (O') and at ten minutes ;1C', . Γη both cases, only presence of the specific antigen SP-A. recognized by GAL30.19,

results	in significant	product formation.	This clearly
indicates that for GAS	30.19 homogeneous	immunoglobulin,
antigen	detection resul	ts in enzyme release	in a one step
manner,	with signal trar	isduction of inactive	bound enzyme to

active oeta galactosidase capable of substrate conversion.

Claims

1 · A method of releasing an antigen from an antibody in which binding of a first antigen to a first antibody antigen binding site causes release cf a second antigen from an adjacent second antibody antigen binding site.

2. A method according to claim 1 in which the first and ' second antibody antigen binding sites are provided by the same antibody .

3· A method according to claim 2 in which the antibody is a ocspecific, trispecific or other multispecific antibody.

4 . A method according to claim 1 in which the first and second antibody antigen binding sites are provided by respective first and second antibodies.

3 · A method according to any preceding claim which is a oracnostcc, therapeutic, or cosmetic method conducted in vivo

3 · A diagnostic method according to claim 5 in which the second antigen is an enzyme or other detectable marker.

A therapeutic method according to claim 5 in which the second antigen is a therapeutic agent.

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8. A method according to claim 6 in which the first and second antibody antigen-binding sites are provided by an antibody or first and second antibodies bound to a surface at a concentration of protein of greater than about 20 pg ml'¹.

9. A method according to claim 8 in which the antibody or antibodies is/are bound to the surface at a concentration of protein of about 50-100 μα ml*¹.

10. A method according to claim 3 or 9 in which the surface is that of a well of a microtitre tray.

11- A method according to any preceding claim in which the second antigen is bound in an inactive form to the second antibody antigen binding site or is inactivated by binding to that site and released in ar. active form on binding of the first antigen to the first antigen to the first antibody antigen binding site.

12. A method accenting tc claim 11 in which the seccnc antigen is a drug or ether Therapeutic agent, an enzvme or a cosmetic agent.

12. A method according tc any preceding claim in which release of the second antigen from the second antigen binding site ls followed by bindinc cf tne released second antiae.n or a reaction product of the second antigen to a third antigen binding site which binding reuses release of a bound third

BAD ORIGINAL ft ·' antigen from an adjacent fourth antibody antigen binding site.

14. A kit for use in the method of claim 13 comprising a first antibody having first and second antigen binding sites for a diagnostic marker and an enzyme or other detectable diagnostic indicator respectively, binding to the antibody inactivating the enzyme or other detectable diagnostic marker, a second antibody having a first antigen binding site for the enzyme or other detectable diagnostic marker or a reaction produce of the enzyme or other detectable diagnostic marker or of a reaction catalysed by it and a second antigen binding site for a drug or other therapeutic agent respectively in which binding or the diagnostic marker to the first antibody causes release of the bound enzyme or other detectable diagnostic marker in an active form, the enzyme or other detectable diagnostic marker or a reaction product thereof then binding to the second antibody causing release of bound drug or other Therapeutic agent from the second antibody.

if . A trispecific antibody for use in the method of claim ii comprising a first antigen binding site directed to a diagnostic marker, a second antigen binding site directed to an indicator enzyme and a third antigen binding site having a bound drug or other therapeutic agent carried in an inactive form .

A muitispecific antibody having a first antigen binding

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AP000257 site directed to a first antigen being a marker indicative of a disease or microorganism and a second antigen binding site directed to a drug or other therapeutic agent in which binding of the first antigen to the first antigen binding site causes release of the therapeutic agent from the second binding site.

17. A kit or multispecific antibody according to claim 13, 14, 15 or 16 in which the drug or other therapeutic agent is ' bound in an inactive form to the second antigen binding site or is inactivated by binding to that site.

18. A therapeutic method according to any preceding claim in which a prodrug is released from tne antigen binding site and another prodrug is released from another site the prodrugs becoming active in each others presence.

19. A diagnostic method according tc any preceding claim in which first and second enzymes are released in active form from respective first and second antigen binding sites the two released enzymes together catalysing a reaction in each others presence.

20 . Ar. immunoassay for determining the presence or absence of an antigen in a sample, the method comprising contacting the sample with a multispecific antibody having binding sites for the antigen and an enzyme, binding of the enzyme to the antibody inactivating the enzyme, in which binding of the antigen to the antibody results in release of enzyme in an

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r.j

Η\λ Ο ο 9Α active form from the antibody and detecting the activity of the released enzyme which indicates the presence of the antigen in the sample.

21. A method according to claim 20 in which the antibody is a bispecific antibody.

22. A method according to claim 20 or 21 in which the enzyme is bound to the antibody by its active site.

An immunoassay according to claim 20, 21 or 22 in which the antigen is lung surfactant apoprotein A.

24. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 23 in wnich the enzyme is β-galactosidase, glucose oxidase, urease, carbonic anhydrase, or horseradish peroxidase.

25. A muitiscecific antibody having binding sites for an antigen and an enzyme in. which the enzyme is inactivated by cmcing to the antibody and is released from the antibody in an active form through binding of the antigen to the antibody.

25. A muitiscecific antibody according to claim 25 which is a biscecific antibody.

2~. A method of detecting lung surfactant apoprotein A in a sample of mammalian body fluid comprising contacting the sample with a multispecific antibody having binding sites for

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AP000257 lung surfactant apoprotein A and an enzyme, binding of the enzyme to the antibody inactivating the enzyme, in which binding of lung surfactant apoprotein A to the antibody results in release of enzyme in an active form from the antibody and detecting the activity of the released enzyme which indicates the presence of lung surfactant apoprotein A in the sample.

28. A method according to claim 27 in which the antibody is a bispecific antibody.

29. A method according to claim 28 in which the enzyme is 0-galactosidase.

30. A mul tispecif ic antibody fcr use in the method according to any one cf claims 2, 28 or 29 having binding sites for SP-A and an enzyme, binding of the enzyme to the antibody inactivating the enzyme, in which binding of SP-A tc the antibody results In release cf the enzyme in active form, frcm the antibody.

31. A method or antibcdy according to claim 27, 28, 29 or 30 in which the antibcdy is that produced by the ceiliine GAL2Q.19 as deposited in accordance with the previsions of the Budapest Treaty at the European Collection of Animal Ceil Cultures, Porton Down United Kingdom under the accession number

92042211 .

32. A biosensor fcr use in a diagnostic method or

BAD ORIGINAL immunoassay according to any preceding claim in which the antibody or antibodies providing the first and second antigen binding sites are bound to the surface of the biosensor.

33. A kit comprising a multispecific antibody according to claim 16 or 17 and a drug or other therapeutic agent bound to the antibody.

34. The cellline GAL30.19 as deposited in accordance with the provisions of the Budapest Treaty at the European Collection of Animal Cell Cultures, Porton Down United Kingdom under the accession number 92042211.