COMPOSITION OF NANOPARTICLES AS CARRIER FOR HPV-DERIVED IMMUNOGENIC FRAGMENTS

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a composition of nanoparticles as carrier for HPV-derived immunogenic fragments and the use of the composition for medical purposes, in particular for immunoprophylaxis or immunotherapy. The invention also relates to a vaccine containing the composition and/or nanoparticles.

Claims

1. Composition comprising nanoparticles which are loaded with pharmaceutically acceptable compounds comprising one or more human papilloma virus (HPV)-derived immunogenic fragments or a variant thereof, having silicon dioxide and functional groups on the surface, wherein the functional groups are capable to carry and/or stabilize both negative and positive charges of the pharmaceutically acceptable compounds, the zeta potential of the composition has a value of at least ±15 mV, the nanoparticles have a particle size below 150 nm.

2. Composition according to claim 1 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is derived from the E6 and/or E7 proteins of HPV16 and/or HPV18, preferably selected from SEQ ID NOs: 5-257.

3. Composition according to claim 1 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is at least 75% identical to an immunogenic fragment derived from the E6 and/or E7 proteins of HPV16 and/or HPV18, preferably selected from SEQ ID NOs: 258-295.

4. Composition according to claim 1 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is able to bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and/or MHC class II.

5. Composition according to claim 1 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is able to induce a cytotoxic T cell response.

6. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles are loaded with pharmaceutically acceptable compounds comprising one or more human papilloma virus (HPV)-derived immunogenic fragments and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) or any derivatives thereof.

7. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the nanoparticles have a surface loading density up to 0.5, preferably between 0.01 and 0.5, more preferred between 0.03 and 0.4, most preferred between 0.05 to 0.3, in relation to the total number of the pharmaceutically acceptable compounds with regard to the surface of the nanoparticle in nm.sup.2 [molecules/nm.sup.2].

8. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the net charge of the loaded nanoparticles in total is different to zero.

9. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the functional groups are connected to a linker L which is linked to the surface of the nanoparticles by way of a covalent or adsorptive bond.

10. Composition according to claim 9, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as functional group.

11. Composition according to claim 9, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) or amino-group (—NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3.sup.+) group as a functional group.

12. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable compound is conjugated to the nanoparticle by adsorptive attachment.

13. Composition according to claim 1 for use as vaccines or as immunostimulant.

14. Composition according to claim 1 for use as vaccines for the prevention of HPV infection or the treatment of HPV positive humans or the treatment of HPV positive tumors.

15. Vaccine comprising compositions according to claim 1.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The composition of the present invention contains nanoparticles which are loaded with one or more human papilloma virus (HPV)-derived immunogenic fragments or a variant thereof.

[0033] An “immunogenic fragment” according to the present invention is a peptide that is derived from a pathogenic antigen or epitope of a high-risk HPV genotype and able to induce an immune response in a patient. An immunogenic fragment of the invention is artificially produced.

[0034] A “peptide” according to the present invention is composed of any number of amino acids of any type, preferably naturally occurring amino acids, which preferably are linked by peptide bonds. The peptides can also exhibit posttranslational modifications, as e.g. phosphorylations, glycosylations, lipidations (like myristoylation or palmitoylation), citrullinations, acetylations (of lysine), hydroxylations (of proline or lysine).

[0035] An “antigen” according to the invention is a structure, which is capable of inducing a cellular or humoral immune response. Antigens are preferably proteinogenic, i.e. they are proteins, polypeptides or peptides. In principle, they can have any size, origin and molecular weight. They contain at least one antigenic determinant or an antigenic epitope.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment the antigen is a nucleic acids per se or is encoded by a nucleic acid, which, after transport into the nucleus of antigen-presenting cells, are translated into the proteinogenic antigen which is then presented by MHC molecules.

[0037] The nucleic acids can be single- and double-stranded DNA or RNA or oligonucleotides. The nucleic acids may also be a constituent of complexes with lipids, carbohydrates, proteins or peptides.

[0038] An “epitope” according to the invention, also known as antigenic determinant, is the part of an antigen that is recognized by the immune system, specifically by antibodies, B cells, or T cells. T cell epitopes are presented on the surface of an antigen-presenting cell, where they are bound to MHC molecules. In humans, professional antigen-presenting cells are specialized to present MHC class II peptides, whereas most nucleated somatic cells present MHC class I peptides. T cell epitopes presented by MHC class I molecules are typically peptides between 8 and 11 amino acids in length, whereas MHC class II molecules present longer peptides, 13-17 amino acids in length, and non-classical MHC molecules also present non-peptidic epitopes such as glycolipids.

[0039] A “variant” according to the present invention is an immunogenic fragment that is at least 75% identical to an immunogenic fragment derived from a pathogenic antigen or epitope of a high-risk HPV genotype.

[0040] The zeta potential of a nanoparticle is a commonly used parameter known to the skilled person to characterize the surface charge property of nanoparticles. It reflects the electrical potential of particles. To avoid agglomeration of the particles it is important that there are enough functionalities of the same charge which repel each other. Agglomerates cause the colloidal system to collapse. The resulting agglomerates have significantly larger particle diameters than the individual particles and therefore the desired transport mechanism via the fenestrated endothelium of the lymphatic vessels is no longer guaranteed. It is accepted as a measure for the stability of colloidal systems.

[0041] Current characterization methodologies are based on ensemble measurements (e.g. phase analysis light scattering, Doppler velocimetry, streaming potentiometry) that measure the average electrophoretic mobility of particles in suspension (Sci. Rep. 12 Dec. 2017; 7(1): 17479, PMCID: PMC5727177). It is particularly preferred to measure the zeta potential of the composition according to the invention with Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) (ZetaSizer Nano ZS, Malvern Instruments, UK).

[0042] The zeta potential of the composition according to the present invention has a value of at least ±15 mV, preferred ±30 mV, more preferred ±60 mV and most preferred between ±25 and ±40 mV. Therewith the composition, which is desirably a colloidal suspension, is stabilized, which means that the collapse of the system is essentially avoided.

[0043] The compositions according to the invention contain nanoparticles with a particle size below 150 nm, preferably 100 nm or less. More preferred are nanoparticles with a particle size of 50 nm or less, most preferred with a particle size between 20 and 30 nm. The particle size defined herein should be interpreted in such a way that a random distribution over the entire range is not present, but instead a defined particle size within the range is selected, of which the standard deviation is a maximum of 15%, preferably a maximum of 10%, wherein the standard deviation always relates to the local maximum in case of a bi- or multimodal distribution.

[0044] An indicator for the particle size of nanoparticles is the Z-average diameter. The Z-average diameter measured in dynamic light scattering is a parameter also known as the cumulant mean. It is the primary and most reliable parameter produced by the technique. The Z-average diameter is typically used in a quality control setting according to ISO 22412:2017. Dynamic light scattering techniques will give an intensity weighted distribution, where the contribution of each particle in the distribution relates to the intensity of light scattered by the particle. It is preferred to measure the intensity weighted distributions with a ZetaSizer Nano ZS (Malvern Instruments, UK).

[0045] In a preferred embodiment the Z-average diameter of the nanoparticles according to the invention is in the range of ≥5 and <150 nm, preferably ≥15 and ≤60 nm, more preferably ≥20 and ≤40 nm and still more preferably between 20 and 30 nm, measured according to ISO 22412:2017.

[0046] The particle size of the nanoparticles and the stability of the composition according to the invention are furthermore confirmed by means of filtration with a sterile filter with maximum 0.2 μm pore size. However, this is practical only for nanoparticles with a diameter less than 50 nm.

[0047] The stability of the composition of the invention can be demonstrated by its polydispersity index (PDI). The PDI in general is an indicator for the uniformity of a system; in the context of the invention for the uniformity and stability of the colloidal nanoparticle suspension. The PDI reflects the nanoparticle size distribution. Samples with a wider range of particle sizes have higher PDI, while samples consisting of evenly sized particles have lower PDI. The skilled person is aware of methods and instruments for the measurement of the PDI, in particular a ZetaSizer Nano ZS (Malvern Instruments, UK).

[0048] A PDI greater than 0.7 indicates that the sample has a broad size distribution. A PDI below 0.1 is considered to be monodisperse. The various size distribution algorithms work with data that falls between these two extremes. The calculations for these parameters are defined in the ISO standard document 13321:1996 E and ISO 22412:2008.

[0049] The compositions according to the invention show a PDI between 0 and 0.32, preferably between 0.1 and 0.3, more preferably between 0.1 and 0.2, most preferred less than 0.1. The compositions according to the invention have a PDI less than 0.1 and are preferably monodisperse.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment the Z-average diameter of the nanoparticles according to the invention is in the range of ≥20 and ≤40 nm and a PDI between 0.1 and 0.30 and a zeta potential between ±20 and ±40 mV.

[0051] In a more preferred embodiment the Z-average diameter of the nanoparticles according to the invention is in the range of 20 and 30 nm and a PDI between 0.1 and 0.2 and a zeta potential between ±25 and ±40 mV.

[0052] In a most preferred embodiment the Z-average diameter of the nanoparticles according to the invention is in the range of 20 and 30 nm and a PDI less than 0.1 and a zeta potential between ±25 and ±40 mV.

[0053] It is also possible to measure the particle size of the loaded and unloaded particles by TEM or SEM.

[0054] As used herein, the term “transmission electron microscopy (TEM)” refers to a microscopy technique whereby a beam of electrons is transmitted through an ultra thin specimen, interacting with the specimen as it passes through it. An image is formed from the electrons transmitted through the specimen, magnified and focused by an objective lens and appears on an imaging screen, a fluorescent screen in most TEMs, plus a monitor, or on a layer of photographic film, or to be detected by a sensor such as a CCD camera.

[0055] As used herein, the term “scanning electron microscope (SEM)” refers to a type of electron microscope that produces images of a sample by scanning the surface with a focused beam of electrons. The electrons interact with atoms in the sample, producing various signals that contain information about the surface topography and composition of the sample. The electron beam is scanned in a raster scan pattern, and the position of the beam is combined with the intensity of the detected signal to produce an image.

[0056] In FIG. 1a to 1d show TEM images of the following SiO.sub.2 particles:

[0057] FIG. 1a shows a TEM image of SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles with a particle size of 68 nm

[0058] FIG. 1b shows a TEM image of SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles with a particle size of 40 nm

[0059] FIG. 1c shows a TEM image of SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles with a particle size of 25 nm

[0060] FIG. 1d shows a TEM image of SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles with a particle size of 15 nm

[0061] FIG. 2 shows a SEM of SiO.sub.2 nanoparticles with a particle size of 150 nm.

[0062] In connection with the present invention, a “nanoparticle” is taken to mean a particulate binding matrix which has functionalities on its surface which function as recognition points for pharmaceutically acceptable compounds, e.g. antigens ultimately to be bound or adsorbed. The surface here encompasses all areas, i.e. besides the outer surface, also the inner surface of cavities (pores) in the particle. The functionalities may be directly or indirectly bound to the surface.

[0063] Any immunogenic fragment derived from a pathogenic antigen or epitope associated with any of the diseases or conditions provided herein can be used in the compositions and methods described herein. These include immunogenic fragments derived from a pathogenic antigen or epitope associated with cancer, infections or infectious disease. Preferred immunogenic fragments derived from a pathogenic antigen or epitope are those which are associated with a HPV infection, preferably caused by high-risk HPV genotypes.

[0064] So-called high-risk HPV genotypes are associated with the risk of developing a malignant condition, such as HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73, and 82. Moreover, the HPV proteins E6 and E7 are especially regarded as being crucial for HPV immune escape and malignant progression.

[0065] Thus, in a preferred embodiment of the invention the immunogenic fragment bound to the nanoparticles is derived from a high-risk HPV genotype, preferably selected from HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73, and 82.

[0066] In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention the immunogenic fragment is derived from the E6 and/or E7 proteins of HPV16 and/or HPV18 (SEQ ID NOs: 1-4), preferably selected from SEQ ID NOs: 5-257.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sequence listing SEQ ID HPV protein/ NO type variant amino acids sequence 1 HPV16 E6   1-158 MHQKRTAMFQDPQERPRKLPQLCTELQTTI HDIILECVYCKQQLLRREVYDFAFRDLCIVYR DGNPYAVCDKCLKFYSKISEYRHYCYSLYG TTLEQQYNKPLCDLLIRCINCQKPLCPEEKQ RHLDKKQRFHNIRGRWTGRCMSCCRSSRT RRETQL 2 HPV16 E7   1-98 MHGDTPTLHEYMLDLQPETTDLYCYEQLND SSEEEDEIDGPAGQAEPDRAHYNIVTFCCK CDSTLRLCVQSTHVDIRTLEDLLMGTLGIVC PICSQKP 3 HPV18 E6   1-158 MARFEDPTRRPYKLPDLCTELNTSLQDIEIT CVYCKTVLELTEVFEFAFKDLFVVYRDSIPH AACHKCIDFYSRIRELRHYSDSVYGDTLEKL TNTGLYNLLIRCLRCQKPLNPAEKLRHLNEK RRFHNIAGHYRGQCHSCCNRARQERLQRR RETQV 4 HPV18 E7   1-105 MHGPKATLQDIVLHLEPQNEIPVDLLCHEQL SDSEEENDEIDGVNHQHLPARRAEPQRHTM LCMCCKCEARIKLVVESSADDLRAFQQLFLN TLSFVCPWCASQQ 5 HPV 16 E6   1-30 MHQKRTAMFQDPQERPRKLPQLCTELQTTI 6 HPV 16 E6   7-15 AMFQDPQER 7 HPV 16 E6   8-18 MFQDPQERPRK 8 HPV 16 E6   9-18 FQDPQERPRK 9 HPV 16 E6  11-19 DPQERPRKL 10 HPV 16 E6  11-32 DPQERPRKLPQLCTELQTTIHD 11 HPV 16 E6  13-22 QERPRKLPQL 12 HPV 16 E6  15-22 RPRKLPQL 13 HPV 16 E6  15-23 RPRKLPQLC 14 HPV 16 E6  15-24 RPRKLPQLCT 15 HPV 16 E6  15-25 RPRKLPQLCTE 16 HPV 16 E6  18-26 KLPQLCTEL 17 HPV 16 E6  18-28 KLPQLCTELQT 18 HPV 16 E6  19-26 LPQLCTEL 19 HPV 16 E6  19-28 LPQLCTELQT 20 HPV 16 E6  23-31 CTELQTTIH 21 HPV 16 E6  25-33 ELQTTIHDI 22 HPV 16 E6  26-34 LQTTIHDII 23 HPV 16 E6  28-38 TTIHDIILECV 24 HPV 16 E6  29-37 TIHDIILEC 25 HPV 16 E6  29-38 TIHDIILECV 26 HPV 16 E6  29-39 TIHDIILECVY 27 HPV 16 E6  30-39 IHDIILECVY 28 HPV 16 E6  31-38 HDIILECV 29 HPV 16 E6  31-39 HDIILECVY 30 HPV 16 E6  31-41 HDIILECVYCK 31 HPV 16 E6  32-41 DIILECVYCK 32 HPV 16 E6  33-41 IILECVYCK 33 HPV 16 E6  34-41 ILECVYCK 34 HPV 16 E6  34-44 ILECVYCKQQL 35 HPV 16 E6  35-44 LECVYCKQQL 36 HPV 16 E6  37-46 CVYCKQQLLR 37 HPV 16 E6  37-54 CVYCKQQLLRREVYDFAF 38 HPV 16 E6  37-68 CVYCKQQLLRREVYDFAFRDLCIVYRDGNP YA 39 HPV 16 E6  38-45 VYCKQQLL 40 HPV 16 E6  38-46 VYCKQQLLR 41 HPV 16 E6  38-47 VYCKQQLLRR 42 HPV 16 E6  40-50 CKQQLLRREVY 43 HPV 16 E6  41-50 KQQLLRREVY 44 HPV 16 E6  42-50 QQLLRREVY 45 HPV 16 E6  42-52 QQLLRREVYDF 46 HPV 16 E6  43-52 QLLRREVYDF 47 HPV 16 E6  43-57 QLLRREVYDFAFRDL 48 HPV 16 E6  44-52 LLRREVYDF 49 HPV 16 E6  44-54 LLRREVYDFAF 50 HPV 16 E6  45-68 LRREVYDFAFRDLCIVYRDGNPYA 51 HPV 16 E6  47-54 REVYDFAF 52 HPV 16 E6  48-55 EVYDFAFR 53 HPV 16 E6  48-57 EVYDFAFRDL 54 HPV 16 E6  49-57 VYDFAFRDL 55 HPV 16 E6  49-58 VYDFAFRDLC 56 HPV 16 E6  49-59 VYDFAFRDLCI 57 HPV 16 E6  50-59 YDFAFRDLCI 58 HPV 16 E6  51-59 DFAFRDLCI 59 HPV 16 E6  52-60 FAFRDLCIV 60 HPV 16 E6  52-61 FAFRDLCIVY 61 HPV 16 E6  52-62 FAFRDLCIVYR 62 HPV 16 E6  53-61 AFRDLCIVY 63 HPV 16 E6  53-62 AFRDLCIVYR 64 HPV 16 E6  54-68 FRDLCIVYRDGNPYA 65 HPV 16 E6  55-86 RDLCIVYRDGNPYAVCDKCLKFYSKISEYRH Y 66 HPV 16 E6  57-67 LCIVYRDGNPY 67 HPV 16 E6  58-67 CIVYRDGNPY 68 HPV 16 E6  59-67 IVYRDGNPY 69 HPV 16 E6  59-68 IVYRDGNPYA 70 HPV 16 E6  59-69 IVYRDGNPYAV 71 HPV 16 E6  60-67 VYRDGNPY 72 HPV 16 E6  60-69 VYRDGNPYAV 73 HPV 16 E6  61-82 YRDGNPYAVCDKCLKFYSKISE 74 HPV 16 E6  65-75 NPYAVCDKCLK 75 HPV 16 E6  66-74 PYAVCDKCL 76 HPV 16 E6  66-75 PYAVCDKCLK 77 HPV 16 E6  66-76 PYAVCDKCLKF 78 HPV 16 E6  67-75 YAVCDKCLK 79 HPV 16 E6  67-76 YAVCDKCLKF 80 HPV 16 E6  67-77 YAVCDKCLKFY 81 HPV 16 E6  68-75 AVCDKCLK 82 HPV 16 E6  68-76 AVCDKCLKF 83 HPV 16 E6  68-77 AVCDKCLKFY 84 HPV 16 E6  68-78 AVCDKCLKFYS 85 HPV 16 E6  69-79 VCDKCLKFYSK 86 HPV 16 E6  71-78 DKCLKFYS 87 HPV 16 E6  72-80 KCLKFYSKI 88 HPV 16 E6  73-83 CLKFYSKISEY 89 HPV 16 E6  73-105 CLKFYSKISEYRHYCYSLYGTTLEQQYNKPL CD 90 HPV 16 E6  74-83 LKFYSKISEY 91 HPV 16 E6  74-88 LKFYSKISEYRHYCY 92 HPV 16 E6  75-83 KFYSKISEY 93 HPV 16 E6  75-84 KFYSKISEYR 94 HPV 16 E6  75-85 KFYSKISEYRH 95 HPV 16 E6  76-83 FYSKISEY 96 HPV 16 E6  76-85 FYSKISEYRH 97 HPV 16 E6  76-86 FYSKISEYRHY 98 HPV 16 E6  77-86 YSKISEYRHY 99 HPV 16 E6  78-86 SKISEYRHY 100 HPV 16 E6  78-88 SKISEYRHYCY 101 HPV 16 E6  79-86 KISEYRHY 102 HPV 16 E6  79-87 KISEYRHYC 103 HPV 16 E6  79-88 KISEYRHYCY 104 HPV 16 E6  80-88 ISEYRHYCY 105 HPV 16 E6  81-88 SEYRHYCY 106 HPV 16 E6  81-90 SEYRHYCYSL 107 HPV 16 E6  81-91 SEYRHYCYSLY 108 HPV 16 E6  82-90 EYRHYCYSL 109 HPV 16 E6  82-91 EYRHYCYSLY 110 HPV 16 E6  83-90 YRHYCYSL 111 HPV 16 E6  83-91 YRHYCYSLY 112 HPV 16 E6  84-91 RHYCYSLY 113 HPV 16 E6  84-94 RHYCYSLYGTT 114 HPV 16 E6  85-95 HYCYSLYGTTL 115 HPV 16 E6  86-96 YCYSLYGTTLE 116 HPV 16 E6  87-95 CYSLYGTTL 117 HPV 16 E6  87-96 CYSLYGTTLE 118 HPV 16 E6  88-95 YSLYGTTL 119 HPV 16 E6  89-99 SLYGTTLEQQY 120 HPV 16 E6  90-99 LYGTTLEQQY 121 HPV 16 E6  91-100 YGTTLEQQYN 122 HPV 16 E6  91-101 YGTTLEQQYNK 123 HPV 16 E6  91-112 YGTTLEQQYNKPLCDLLIRCIN 124 HPV 16 E6  92-99 GTTLEQQY 125 HPV 16 E6  92-101 GTTLEQQYNK 126 HPV 16 E6  93-101 TTLEQQYNK 127 HPV 16 E6  94-101 TLEQQYNK 128 HPV 16 E6  95-103 LEQQYNKPL 129 HPV 16 E6  97-106 QQYNKPLCDL 130 HPV 16 E6  98-106 QYNKPLCDL 131 HPV 16 E6  98-107 QYNKPLCDLL 132 HPV 16 E6  98-108 QYNKPLCDLLI 133 HPV 16 E6  99-106 YNKPLCDL 134 HPV 16 E6 101-108 KPLCDLLI 135 HPV 16 E6 101-111 KPLCDLLIRCI 136 HPV 16 E6 101-122 KPLCDLLIRCINCQKPLCPEEK 137 HPV 16 E6 105-115 DLLIRCINCQK 138 HPV 16 E6 106-115 LLIRCINCQK 139 HPV 16 E6 107-115 LIRCINCQK 140 HPV 16 E6 107-117 LIRCINCQKPL 141 HPV 16 E6 109-119 RCINCQKPLCP 142 HPV 16 E6 113-121 CQKPLCPEE 143 HPV 16 E6 118-126 CPEEKQRHL 144 HPV 16 E6 121-142 EKQRHLDKKQRFHNIRGRWTGR 145 HPV 16 E6 122-132 KQRHLDKKQRF 146 HPV 16 E6 125-133 HLDKKQRFH 147 HPV 16 E6 125-135 HLDKKQRFHNI 148 HPV 16 E6 127-134 DKKQRFHN 149 HPV 16 E6 127-135 DKKQRFHNI 150 HPV 16 E6 127-141 DKKQRFHNIRGRWTG 151 HPV 16 E6 128-135 KKQRFHNI 152 HPV 16 E6 128-136 KKQRFHNIR 153 HPV 16 E6 129-138 KQRFHNIRGR 154 HPV 16 E6 129-139 KQRFHNIRGRW 155 HPV 16 E6 131-139 RFHNIRGRW 156 HPV 16 E6 134-144 NIRGRWTGRCM 157 HPV 16 E6 136-144 RGRWTGRCM 158 HPV 16 E6 137-146 GRWTGRCMSC 159 HPV 16 E6 139-148 WTGRCMSCCR 160 HPV 16 E6 142-151 RCMSCCRSSR 161 HPV 16 E6 148-158 RSSRTRRETQL 162 HPV 16 E6 149-158 SSRTRRETQL 163 HPV 16 E6 151-158 RTRRETQL 164 HPV 16 E7   1-12 MHGDTPTLHEYM 165 HPV 16 E7   2-11 HGDTPTLHEY 166 HPV 16 E7   4-11 DTPTLHEY 167 HPV 16 E7   5-12 TPTLHEYM 168 HPV 16 E7   5-13 TPTLHEYML 169 HPV 16 E7   5-18 TPTLHEYMLDLQPE 170 HPV 16 E7   7-15 TLHEYMLDL 171 HPV 16 E7   7-17 TLHEYMLDLQP 172 HPV 16 E7   7-27 TLHEYMLDLQPETTDLYCYEQ 173 HPV 16 E7  11-18 YMLDLQPE 174 HPV 16 E7  11-19 YMLDLQPET 175 HPV 16 E7  11-20 YMLDLQPETT 176 HPV 16 E7  11-21 YMLDLQPETTD 177 HPV 16 E7  11-26 YMLDLQPETTDLYCYE 178 HPV 16 E7  12-19 MLDLQPET 179 HPV 16 E7  12-20 MLDLQPETT 180 HPV 16 E7  12-26 MLDLQPETTDLYCYE 181 HPV 16 E7  14-23 DLQPETTDLY 182 HPV 16 E7  15-23 LQPETTDLY 183 HPV 16 E7  15-24 LQPETTDLYC 184 HPV 16 E7  15-25 LQPETTDLYCY 185 HPV 16 E7  17-38 PETTDLYCYEQLNDSSEEEDEI 186 HPV 16 E7  18-25 ETTDLYCY 187 HPV 16 E7  18-26 ETTDLYCYE 188 HPV 16 E7  19-27 TTDLYCYEQ 189 HPV 16 E7  19-29 TTDLYCYEQLN 190 HPV 16 E7  21-40 DLYCYEQLNDSSEEEDEIDG 191 HPV 16 E7  21-42 DLYCYEQLNDSSEEEDEIDGPA 192 HPV 16 E7  35-50 EDEIDGPAGQAEPDRA 193 HPV 16 E7  42-52 AGQAEPDRAHY 194 HPV 16 E7  43-51 GQAEPDRAH 195 HPV 16 E7  43-52 GQAEPDRAHY 196 HPV 16 E7  43-53 GQAEPDRAHYN 197 HPV 16 E7  43-77 GQAEPDRAHYNIVTFCCKCDSTLRLCVQST HVDIR 198 HPV 16 E7  44-52 QAEPDRAHY 199 HPV 16 E7  44-62 QAEPDRAHYNIVTFCCKCD 200 HPV 16 E7  46-55 EPDRAHYNIV 201 HPV 16 E7  47-57 PDRAHYNIVTF 202 HPV 16 E7  48-57 DRAHYNIVTF 203 HPV 16 E7  48-62 DRAHYNIVTFCCKCD 204 HPV 16 E7  49-57 RAHYNIVTF 205 HPV 16 E7  50-57 AHYNIVTF 206 HPV 16 E7  50-60 AHYNIVTFCCK 207 HPV 16 E7  50-62 AHYNIVTFCCKCD 208 HPV 16 E7  51-58 HYNIVTFC 209 HPV 16 E7  51-59 HYNIVTFCC 210 HPV 16 E7  51-72 HYNIVTFCCKCDSTLRLCVQST 211 HPV 16 E7  52-60 YNIVTFCCK 212 HPV 16 E7  53-60 NIVTFCCK 213 HPV 16 E7  56-65 TFCCKCDSTL 214 HPV 16 E7  62-75 DSTLRLCVQSTHVD 215 HPV 16 E7  64-78 TLRLCVQSTHVDIRT 216 HPV 16 E7  66-74 RLCVQSTHV 217 HPV 16 E7  67-76 LCVQSTHVDI 218 HPV 16 E7  67-98 LCVQSTHVDIRTLEDLLMGTLGIVCPICSQKP 219 HPV 16 E7  69-76 VQSTHVDI 220 HPV 16 E7  69-86 VQSTHVDIRTLEDLLMGT 221 HPV 16 E7  71-85 STHVDIRTLEDLLMG 222 HPV 16 E7  72-97 THVDIRTLEDLLMGTLGIVCPICSQK 223 HPV 16 E7  73-84 HVDIRTLEDLLM 224 HPV 16 E7  76-86 IRTLEDLLMGT 225 HPV 16 E7  77-86 RTLEDLLMGT 226 HPV 16 E7  77-87 RTLEDLLMGTL 227 HPV 16 E7  78-86 TLEDLLMGT 228 HPV 16 E7  79-87 LEDLLMGTL 229 HPV 16 E7  80-90 EDLLMGTLGIV 230 HPV 16 E7  81-90 DLLMGTLGIV 231 HPV 16 E7  81-91 DLLMGTLGIVC 232 HPV 16 E7  82-89 LLMGTLGI 233 HPV 16 E7  82-90 LLMGTLGIV 234 HPV 16 E7  82-91 LLMGTLGIVC 235 HPV 16 E7  82-92 LLMGTLGIVCP 236 HPV 16 E7  83-93 LMGTLGIVCPI 237 HPV 16 E7  84-93 MGTLGIVCPI 238 HPV 16 E7  85-93 GTLGIVCPI 239 HPV 16 E7  86-93 TLGIVCPI 240 HPV 16 E7  86-94 TLGIVCPIC 241 HPV 16 E7  87-97 LGIVCPICSQK 242 HPV 16 E7  88-97 GIVCPICSQK 243 HPV 16 E7  89-97 IVCPICSQK 244 HPV 16 E7  98 VCPICSQKP 245 HPV18 E6  13-21 KLPDLCTEL 246 HPV18 E6  36-43 KTVLELTE 247 HPV18 E6  40-48 ELTEVFEFA 248 HPV18 E6  43-57 EVFEFAFKDLFVVYR 249 HPV18 E6  51-72 DLFVVYRDSIPHAACHKCIDFY 250 HPV18 E6  71-92 FYSRIRELRHYSDSVYGDTLEK 251 HPV18 E6 125-135 RRFHNIAGHYR 252 HPV18 E7    1-32 MHGPKATLQDIVLHLEPQNEIPVDLLCHEQL S 253 HPV18 E7   5-16 KATLQDIVLHLE 254 HPV18 E7   7-15 TLQDIVLHL 255 HPV18 E7  21-42 IPVDLLCHEQLSDSEEENDEID 256 HPV18 E7  86-94 FQQLFLNTL 257 HPV18 E7  88-97 QLFLNTLSFV 258 HPV16 E6V R17I   9-17 FQDPQERPI 259 HPV16 E6V R17I   9-19 FQDPQERPIKL 260 HPV16 E6V R17T  15-25 RPTKLPQLCTE 261 HPV16 E6V Q21D  18-28 KLPDLCTELQT 262 HPV16 E6V D32E  25-33 ELQTTIHEI 263 HPV16 E6V D32E  26-34 LOTTIHEII 264 HPV16 E6V D32E  28-38 TTIHEIILECV 265 HPV16 E6V  28-38 TTIHEIRLECV D32E, I34R 266 HPV16 E6V D32E  29-38 TIHEIILECV 267 HPV16 E6V  29-38 TIHEIRLECV D32E, I34R 268 HPV16 E6V D32E  31-41 HEIILECVYCK 269 HPV16 E6V  31-41 HEIRLECVYCK D32E, I34R 270 HPV16 E6V D32E  32-41 EIILECVYCK 271 HPV16 E6V I34R  34-41 RLECVYCK 272 HPV16 E6V A68G  60-69 VYRDGNPYGV 273 HPV16 E6V H85Y  79-89 KISEYRYYCYS 274 HPV16 E6V H85Y  81-90 SEYRYYCYSL 275 HPV16 E6V  81-90 SEYRYYCYSV H85Y, 276 HPV16 E6V L90V  81-91 SEYRHYCYSVY 277 HPV16 E6V L90V  82-90 EYRHYCYSV 278 HPV16 E6V H85Y  83-90 YRYYCYSL 279 HPV16 E6V L90V  83-90 YRHYCYSV 280 HPV16 E6V  83-90 YRYYCYSV H85Y, L90V 281 HPV16 E6V L90V  83-91 YRHYCYSVY 282 HPV16 E6V L90V  84-91 RHYCYSVY 283 HPV16 E6V H85Y  84-93 RYYCYSLYGT 284 HPV16 E6V L90V  84-94 RHYCYSVYGTT 285 HPV16 E6V L90V  86-95 YCYSVYGTTL 286 HPV16 E6V L90V  87-95 CYSVYGTTL 287 HPV16 E6V L90V  87-96 CYSVYGTTLE 288 HPV16 E6V L90V  88-95 YSVYGTTL 289 HPV16 E6V L90V  89-99 SVYGTTLEQQY 290 HPV16 E6V L90V  90-97 VYGTTLEQ 291 HPV16 E6V L90V  90-99 VYGTTLEQQY 292 HPV16 E7V L28F  21-28 DLYCYEQF 293 HPV16 E7V S63F  56-63 TFCCKCDF 294 HPV16 E7V S63F  56-65 TFCCKCDFTL 295 HPV16 E7V S63F  56-66 TFCCKCDFTLR

[0067] In a further embodiment of the present invention the immunogenic fragment is any immunogenic fragment that is at least 75% identical to an immunogenic fragment derived from the E6 and/or E7 proteins of HPV16 and/or HPV18. Examples of variants of the immunogenic fragment derived from the E6 (E6V) and/or E7 (E7V) proteins of HPV16 and/or HPV18 are shown in Table 1 (SEQ ID NOs: 258-295).

[0068] Interaction of CD8+ and CD4+ T cells with antigen-presenting MHC class I and MHC class II, respectively, plays a pivotal role in the induction and maintenance of cytotoxic T cell responses, and are also important for direct anti-tumor immunity. The term “cytotoxic T cell response” refers to the specific recognition of pathogenic antigens, epitopes or immunogenic fragments and the induction of apoptosis in infected cells by cytotoxic T cells.

[0069] The composition according to the present invention is characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is able to bind to MHC class I and/or MHC class II.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the immunogenic fragment is able to induce a cytotoxic T cell response.

[0071] Immunogenic fragments derived from the E6 and/or E7 proteins of HPV16 and/or HPV18, respectively, with the ability of binding to MHC class I and MHC class II, respectively, thereby inducing a cytotoxic T cell response, can be identified, for instance, by mass spectrometry (MS) of human HPV16+ and HPV18+ tumor cells, Enzyme Linked Immuno Spot (ELISpot) assay, in vitro cytotoxicity assay, anti-tumor activity measurements in MHC-humanized animal models, and bioinformatic approaches, such as MHC class I binding prediction tools (e.g., MHCflurry, MSIntrinsic, MixMHCPred, NetMHC, NetMHCpan, NetMHCcons).

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the immunogenic fragment comprises 3 to 35 amino acids. In particular, an immunogenic fragment comprises at least 3 amino acids, preferably at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, or at least 8 amino acids. In a preferred embodiment the immunogenic fragment does not exceed a length of 35 amino acids, preferably, it does not exceed a length of 25 amino acids, more preferably, it does not exceed a length of 20 amino acids. In a most preferred embodiment the immunogenic fragment has a length from 8 to 20 amino acids.

[0073] In an alternatively preferred embodiment of the invention the nanoparticles are loaded with pharmaceutically acceptable compounds comprising one or more HPV-derived immunogenic fragments and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) or any derivatives thereof.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the derivatives of poly(I:C) are poly(I:C) LMW (Low Molecular Weight Poly(I:C)) with an average size from 0.2 kb to 1 kb, poly(I:C) HMW (High Molecular Weight Poly(I:C)) with an average size from 1.5 kb to 8 kb, polyl:polyC.sub.12U.

[0075] According to the present invention, the nanoparticle(s) comprise silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2), optional in mixture with another material. The material thus can also be admixed with further components, where silicon dioxide typically has the highest proportion in a multicomponent system. The nanoparticles of the invention can comprise at least 80% of silicon dioxide, preferably at least 90%.

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the nanoparticles according to the invention, the material comprises silicon dioxide which is essentially pure, i.e. only comprises the impurities to be expected in the course of the preparation process. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the nanoparticle material consists of silicon dioxide.

[0077] Examples of other materials are metals, a metal chalcogenide, a magnetic material, a magnetic alloy, a semiconductor material, metal oxides, polymers, organosilanes, other ceramics or glass. The metal is selected from the group Au, Ag, Cu, Pt, Pd, Fe, Co, Gd, Ru, Rh and Zn, or any combination thereof.

[0078] In a further embodiment of the present invention the nanoparticles have a coating which comprises silicon dioxide. The core may comprise any other material such as metals, polymers or ferromagnetic metals such as Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 or Fe.sub.3O.sub.4. The core can even be devoid of silicon dioxide.

[0079] Silicon dioxide nanoparticles according to the invention have been described in, for example, WO 2010/006753 A2, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0080] The silicon dioxide nanoparticles can be prepared using, inter alia, the classical Stöber synthesis, in which monodisperse nanoscale silicon dioxide of defined size can be prepared by hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in aqueous-alcoholic-ammonia medium (J. Colloid Interface Sci. 1968, 26, 62).

[0081] The process of the preparation of silicon dioxide nanoparticles is described in detail in EP 0216 278 B1 and WO 2005/085135 A1, and consequently these documents are incorporated in their totality into the disclosure content of the present invention by way of reference. At least one amine is preferably used in the medium.

[0082] The silicon dioxide matrix of the nanoparticles according to the invention can be either porous or non-porous. The porosity is essentially dependent on the production process. In the synthesis in accordance with EP 0 216 278 B1, non-porous particles, in particular, are obtained.

[0083] According to the present invention the nanoparticles contain functional groups on their surface. These functional groups are capable to carry and/or stabilize both negative and positive charges. These charges may belong to pharmaceutically acceptable compounds such as (HPV)-derived immunogenic fragment and TLR agonists such as poly(I:C) and its derivatives.

[0084] Preferred TLR agonists are TLR3 agonists selected from the group consisting of poly(I:C) (dsRNA, TLR3 agonist, as well as RIG-I agonist), polyl:polyC.sub.12U (dsRNA, TLR3 agonist, trade name Ampligen®, INN: Rintatolimod) and NAB2 (Nucleic acid band 2, dsRNA isolated from yeast and identified as an agonist of the pattern-recognition receptors TLR3 and MDA-5). More preferred is poly(I:C) LMW (Low Molecular Weight Poly(I:C) with an average size from 0.2 kb to 1 kb), poly(I:C) HMW (High Molecular Weight Poly(I:C) with an average size from 1.5 kb to 8 kb), polyl:polyC.sub.12U or poly-ICLC. Most preferred is poly(I:C) LMW.

[0085] Functional groups which are capable to carry and/or stabilize both negative and positive charges are for example —SH, —COOH, —NH.sub.2, -guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH))NH.sub.2), —PO.sub.3H.sub.2, —PO.sub.2CH.sub.3H, —SO.sub.3H, —OH, —NR.sub.3.sup.+X.sup.−. Preferred functional groups are —COOH, -guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH))NH.sub.2) and —NH.sub.2. The functional groups may also be present in their salt form.

[0086] Compositions according to the invention comprise nanoparticles which have a surface loading density up to 0.5, preferably between 0.01 and 0.5, more preferred between 0.03 and 0.4, most preferred between 0.05 to 0.3, in relation to the total number of the pharmaceutically acceptable compounds with regard to the surface of the nanoparticle in nm.sup.2 [molecules/nm.sup.2].

[0087] This surface loading density is calculated by assuming a perfect sphere and by the molar loading per particle. For example: a spherical particle with a diameter of 25 nm has a surface of 1964 nm.sup.2 (A=π*d.sup.2) and a weight of 1.64E-8 ng (with an assumed density of 2000 kg/m.sup.3 for amorphous silica). The loading of such a particle with 5% by weight with the peptide KKKV-Cit-YMLDLQPET (M=1,910.31 g/mol) equals to 4.283E-22 mol. This value multiplied by the Avogadro constant results in 258 single molecules of KKKV-Cit-YMLDLQPET attached to one particle with 1964 nm.sup.2. This corresponds to a surface loading density of 0.13 molecules/nm.sup.2.

[0088] The compositions according to the invention are formulated to have a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, preferably between 6.5 and 7.8 and more preferably between 6.8 and 7.5, even more preferred between 7.2 and 7.4. The pH of a composition can be maintained by the use of a buffer such as acetate, citrate, phosphate, succinate, TRIS (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane) or histidine, typically employed in the range from about 1 mM to 50 mM. The pH of compositions can otherwise be adjusted by using physiologically acceptable acids or bases.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present invention the functional groups are —PO.sub.3H groups. Phosphorylated nanoparticles according to the invention could be for example prepared by reaction of (diethylphosphatoethyl)triethoxysilane with silica nanoparticles under addition of ammonia.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the functional groups are connected to the nanoparticle via a linker L. The linker can be connected to the nanoparticles e.g. by way of a covalent or adsorptive bond.

[0091] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the linker compound L comprises at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO.sup.−) group as functional group.

[0092] In a more preferred embodiment such linker further comprises at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2.sup.+)NH.sub.2) or amino-group (—NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3.sup.+) as functional group.

[0093] In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention the linker compound L contains at least a structural unit of the general formula (1)

*-(—O).sub.3Si—(CH.sub.2).sub.n—CH(COOX)—(CH.sub.2).sub.p—C(O)—NH—CH(COOX)—(CH.sub.2).sub.q—Y  (I)

[0094] wherein [0095] X is independently from each other H or a negative charge, [0096] Y is independently from each other —NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2, —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2, —NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3.sup.+, [0097] n, p and q are independently from each other 0 or a number from 1 to 25; and [0098] *- is the connection point to the nanoparticle.

[0099] In a preferred embodiment the linker compounds L contain at least a structural unit of formula (1) wherein n is 3, p is 1 and q is 4 and Y is independently from each other a —NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3.sup.+ group.

[0100] In a particularly preferred embodiment the linker compounds L contain at least a structural unit of formula (1) wherein n is 3, p is 1 and q is 3 and Y is independently from each other a —NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2 group.

[0101] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a process of preparation of nanoparticles according to the invention wherein [0102] in a first step (i) hydrolytic polycondensation of tetraalkoxysilanes and/or organotrialkoxysilanes in a medium which comprises water, at least one solubilizer and at least one amine or ammonia take place, where firstly a sol of primary particles is produced, and the resultant nanoparticles are subsequently brought to the desired particle size in a range from 5 to 150 nm in such a way that further nucleation is limited by continuous metering-in of corresponding silane in a controlled manner corresponding to the extent of reaction, and [0103] in a second step (ii) the nanoparticles from step (i) are reacted with [(3-triethoxysilyl)propyl]succinic anhydride, which in a simultaneous reaction forms an amide with L-arginine or L-lysine.

[0104] It is preferred to use in step (ii) of the process L-arginine.

[0105] In an alternative embodiment the linker compound L could be also obtained by the reaction of L-arginine with N-(3-triethoxysilylpropyl)maleimide. The reaction is carried out preferably at pH values above 8.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention it also possible to produce the linker compound L by reaction of [(3-triethoxysilyl)propyl]succinic anhydride with agmatine, histamine, cadaverine or spermidine.

[0107] A further embodiment of the present invention are nanoparticles comprising a silicon dioxide based surface with a linker compound L covalently or adsorptive bonded to it, wherein the Linker L contains at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) or amino-group (—NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3.sup.+) as a functional group. In a preferred embodiment the Linker L contains at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) or amino-group (—NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3.sup.+) and at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as a functional group. In a more preferred embodiment the Linker L contains at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) and at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as a functional group.

[0108] One embodiment of the nanoparticles according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0109] FIG. 3 shows the schematic drawing of the cross section of a nanoparticle according to the invention. A represents the surface functionalization with the linker compound L, B represents the amorphous SiO.sub.2 shell and C represents the core material, which could be void, water or any other material as well as amorphous SiO.sub.2. The diameter d1 is between 0 and 149 nm and d2 is between 10 and 150 nm.

[0110] In one embodiment of the invention the pharmaceutically acceptable compound is conjugated to the nanoparticle by adsorptive or covalent attachment. The adsorptive attachment is preferred.

[0111] A further object of the present invention are nanoparticles having silicon dioxide and functional groups on the surface and a particle size below 150 nm, comprising a linker L which is covalently or adsorptive bonded to it, wherein the Linker L comprises at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) or amino-group (—NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3.sup.+) group as a functional group.

[0112] A main advantage of the adsorptive binding of the pharmaceutically acceptable compound is that, in contrast to most covalent conjugations, no by-products are formed or remain in the “reaction” mixture. In case of a covalent attachment it could become necessary to chemically modify the molecule which should be attached by adding reactive functional groups to the molecule. This is a fundamental intervention in the structure of the peptide/antigen and constitutes a complex chemical modification in case of RNA- or DNA-based antigens or adjuvants. In addition, a covalent linkage of a known compound that has already been approved by the drug authorities creates a new, independent substance (New Chemical Entity, NCE) which, for regulatory reasons, requires a new approval.

[0113] In a preferred embodiment the linker compound L according to formula (1) is able to carry and/or stabilize by way of adsorption pharmaceutically acceptable compounds which have positive or negative charges.

[0114] In a particularly preferred embodiment the linker compound L according to formula (1) is able to carry and/or stabilize by way of adsorption pharmaceutically acceptable compounds which have negative charges.

[0115] In a more preferred embodiment the linker compound L according to formula (1) is able to carry and/or stabilize by way of adsorption pharmaceutically acceptable compounds which have phosphate or phosphonate groups.

[0116] It was surprisingly found that the electrostatic interaction between the arginine group of the linker compound L and the negative charge of the phosphate group of the pharmaceutically acceptable compound possesses a ‘covalent-like’ stability.

[0117] The term “attachment” here relates to any type of interaction between the surface functionality and the antigen, in particular covalent and non-covalent bonds, such as, for example, hydrophobic/hydrophilic interactions, van der Waals forces, ionic bonding, hydrogen bonds, ligand-receptor interactions, base pairing of nucleotides or interactions between epitope and antibody binding site.

[0118] In case where the pharmaceutically acceptable compound is hydrophobic, for example a hydrophobic peptide, it is advantageous to increase the hydrophilicity thereof. In case of a protein or peptide this is possible e.g. by an N- or C-terminal extension with polar amino acids. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the protein or peptide is extended with one or more polar amino acids selected from the group comprising aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, lysine, arginine, serine, threonine or tyrosine, preferably lysine, arginine, glutamic acid and aspartic acid more preferred lysine.

[0119] The present invention is therefore particularly directed to a tripartite bioconjugate which comprises an N- or C-terminal extension with polar amino acids for enhancing the solubility and which is connected to the linker compound L by adsorptive linkage, a linker unit U and an antigen/epitope which is illustrated in FIG. 4a.

[0120] A linker unit U according to the invention is for example used in antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) which contain various types of linkers. There are three main types of chemically cleavable linkers: acid cleavable, reducible disulfides and those cleavable by exogenous stimuli.

[0121] Examples of ADCs are Gemtuzumab ozogamicin (Mylotarg® by Pfizer, linker is 4-(4-acetylphenoxy)butanoic acid), Inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa® by Pfizer, linker is condensation product of 4-(4′-acetylphenoxy)-butanoic acid (AcBut) and 3-methyl-3-mercaptobutane hydrazide (known as dimethylhydrazide), Trastuzumab emtansin (Kadcyla® by Roche, linker is 4-[N-Maleimidomethyl]cyclohexan-1-carboxylate) or Brentuximab vedotin (also known as SGN-035; Adcetris® by Seattle Genetics Inc., linker is the dipeptide valine-citrulline).

[0122] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the peptides comprise as linker unit U comprising an N-terminal extension with an enzymatic cathepsin B-cleavable linker (catB-cleav-linker) to ensure the release of the native unmodified antigen for MHC class I or MHC class II. The enzymatic catB-cleav-linker comprises one of the cathepsin B sensitive dipeptides Val-Cit, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys or Val-Lys, preferred dipeptides are Val-Cit or Trp-Cit, more preferred is Val-Cit.

[0123] In one embodiment the compositions according to the invention comprise phosphorylated nanoparticles and one or more peptides which are conjugated to the nanoparticles by adsorptive attachment, wherein the peptide comprises Val-Cit or Trp-Cit as cathepsin B sensitive dipeptide.

[0124] FIG. 4b shows a preferred tripartite bioconjugate according to the invention. The peptide used in FIG. 4b is an extreme hydrophobic epitope derived from human NY-ESO-1 (SEQ ID NO: 297). For the N-terminal extension the enzymatic (cathepsin B) cleavable peptidic linker Val-Cit was used to ensure the release of the native unmodified antigen for MHC class I or MHC class II. For enhancing the solubility and the electrostatic attraction to the nanoparticle the extension part “Lys-Lys-Lys” was used. Also possible is the extension for example with Lys-Lys-Lys-Asp or Arg.sub.6.

[0125] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the HPV16 E7.sub.82-90 epitope LLMGTLGIV (SEQ ID NO: 233) is enlarged on the N-terminal site with the enzymatic cleavable linker Val-Cit and the cationic solubilizing sequence Lys-Lys-Lys, leading to KKKV-Cit-LLMGTLGIV.

[0126] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention the HPV16 E7.sub.11-19 epitope YMLDLQPET (SEQ ID NO: 174) is enlarged on the N-terminal site with the enzymatic cleavable linker Trp-Cit and the cationic solubilizing sequence Lys-Lys-Lys leading to KKKW-Cit-YMLDLQPET.

[0127] A further embodiment is a composition according to the invention comprising SiO.sub.2-nanoparticles having linker compounds L on the surface, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) and at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as functional groups and one or more peptides or antigens which are conjugated to the linker compound L by adsorptive attachment, wherein the peptide or antigen comprises a linker unit U and a hydrophilic elongation with one or more amino acids.

[0128] A preferred embodiment is a composition according to the invention comprising SiO.sub.2-nanoparticles having linker compounds L on the surface, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) and at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as functional groups and one or more peptides or antigens which are conjugated to the linker compound L by adsorptive attachment, wherein the peptide or antigen comprises a cathepsin B sensitive dipeptide and a hydrophilic elongation with Lys-Lys-Lys.

[0129] A more preferred embodiment is a composition according to the invention comprising SiO.sub.2-nanoparticles having linker compounds L on the surface, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) and at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as functional groups and one or more peptides or antigens which are conjugated to the linker compound L by adsorptive attachment, wherein the peptide or antigen comprises Val-Cit or Trp-Cit as cathepsin B sensitive dipeptide and a hydrophilic elongation with Lys-Lys-Lys.

[0130] Another embodiment is a composition according to the invention comprising SiO.sub.2-nanoparticles having linker compounds L on the surface, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one guanidino-group —HC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2.sup.+)NH.sub.2) and at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as functional groups and the model peptide SIINFEKL which is conjugated to the linker compound L by adsorptive attachment, wherein the peptide comprises Val-Cit or Trp-Cit as cathepsin B sensitive dipeptide and a hydrophilic elongation with Lys-Lys-Lys.

[0131] However, this hydrophilic modification of the peptide could lead to a stronger binding to MHC class I thereby displacing the target epitope and could provoke an immune response against an epitope not present on the tumor cells. To avoid this effect, there could be the need of a spacer between the hydrophilizing sub-molecule and the epitope.

[0132] An optional embodiment of the present invention is the use of so-called self-immolative spacers (PABC, p-aminobenzylcarbamate). Examples of such self-immolative spacers are compounds which comprise the structural unit of 4-aminobenzyl alcohol, 2-aminobenzyl alcohol or 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (EP-A 0 648 503, WO 2007/031734 A1, WO 2015/162291 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,180,095 B1, U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,345 B1).

[0133] A self-immolative spacer is defined as a molecular section which is chemically linked to at least two further molecular sections such that when one of the bonds to the molecular sections is released, the remaining bonds are split and the previously attached molecules are released.

[0134] If a self-immolative spacer is used, it is preferred that the spacer is placed between enzymatic catB-cleav-linker and the peptide. As an example the following bioconjugate could be produced: (Arg.sub.6)-(Val-Cit)-(PABC)-(SIINFEKL), wherein SIINFEKL (SEQ ID NO: 296) is a model antigen.

[0135] It was surprisingly found that the enzymatic catB-cleav-linker systems can be used without the need of a self-immolative spacer.

[0136] The epitopes used for therapeutic vaccination typically consist of 8 to 11 amino acids for MHC class I and a maximum of 25 amino acids for MHCclass II. For those epitopes there is no need for using a self-immolative spacer, because of the small size of these epitopes in comparison to much larger drugs, inhibiting an enzymatic cleavage A more preferred embodiment is a composition according to the invention comprising SiO.sub.2-nanoparticles having linker compounds L on the surface, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) and at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as functional groups and poly(I:C) or any derivatives thereof and one or more immunogenic fragments which are conjugated to the linker compound L by adsorptive attachment, wherein the an immunogenic fragment comprises a linker unit U and a hydrophilic elongation with one or more amino acids.

[0137] In specific embodiments, the immunogenic fragment can be selected from the group consisting of the following: [0138] (a) peptides suitable to induce an immune response against infectious diseases; [0139] (b) peptides suitable to induce an immune response against cancer cells.

[0140] In some embodiments, the immunogenic fragment is one that is useful for the prevention of infectious disease. Such treatment will be useful to treat a wide variety of infectious diseases affecting a wide range of hosts, preferably human, but including cow, sheep, pig, dog, cat, and other mammalian species and non-mammalian species.

[0141] Examples of cancers include, but are not limited to cervical cancer, anogential cancer, head and neck cancer or cytological abnormalities such as atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or any cancer caused by one or more HPV types.

[0142] Another example of a disease which is caused by a HPV infection is cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1), CIN2, CIN3. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), also known as cervical dysplasia, is the abnormal growth of cells on the surface of the cervix that could potentially lead to cervical cancer. More specifically, CIN refers to the potentially precancerous transformation of cells of the cervix.

[0143] One example of an infectious disease is a persistent infection with a high-risk HPV type.

[0144] HPV-derived immunogenic fragments are commonly used for immunoprophylaxis of HPV-related conditions, for instance, as vaccines or as immunostimulant.

[0145] The term “vaccine” or “immunostimulant” refers to a composition that comprises an immunogenic fragment capable of provoking an immune response in an individual, such as a human, wherein the composition optionally contains an adjuvant. A vaccine for HPV suitably elicits a protective immune response against incident infection, or persistent infection, or cytological abnormalities such as ASCUS, CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, or cancer caused by one or more HPV types.

[0146] Another object of the present invention is the composition comprising nanoparticles which are loaded with pharmaceutically acceptable compounds comprising one or more HPV-derived immunogenic fragments or a variant thereof according to the present invention for use as vaccines or as immunostimulant.

[0147] In one embodiment the compositions according to the invention are used as vaccines for personalized cancer treatment.

[0148] The compositions according to the invention are used as vaccines for the prevention of HPV infection or the treatment of HPV-positive humans or the treatment of HPV-positive tumors.

[0149] Also object of the present invention is a lyophilisate comprising nanoparticles according to the invention. The lyophilisate may comprise additives for example polymers (e.g. polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, hydroxyethyl starch, dextran and ficoll) and sugars, (e.g. trehalose, lactose, sucrose, glucose, galactose, maltose, mannose and fructose), polyhydroxy alcohols (e.g. mannitol, sorbitol and inositol), amino acids (e.g. glycine, alanine, proline and lysine) and methylamines (e.g. trimethylamine-N-oxide, betaine and sarcosine). Lyophilisates according to the invention could be resuspended with sterile water before vaccination.

[0150] A further object of the present invention is to provide a vaccine comprising compositions according to the invention.

[0151] Compositions according to the present invention are preferably stable dispersions.

[0152] The nanoparticles can be in dispersed form in any desired solvent, so long as the nanoparticles are neither chemically attacked nor physically modified by the solvent, and vice versa, so that the resultant nano-dispersion is stable, in particular pharmaceutically and physically stable. The dispersion is specifically characterized in that the nanoparticles are in monodisperse and non-aggregated form and have no tendency towards sedimentation, which results in sterile filterability.

[0153] A pharmaceutical composition according to the present invention is any composition which can be employed in the prophylaxis, therapy, control or post-treatment of patients who exhibit, at least temporarily, a pathogenic modification of the overall condition or the condition of individual parts of the patient organism, in particular as a consequence of infectious diseases, tumors or cancer. Thus, in particular, it is possible for the pharmaceutical composition in the sense of the invention to be a vaccine and/or an immunotherapeutic agent.

[0154] The compositions according to the invention may be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions that may be in the forms of solid or liquid compositions. Physiological saline solution or glycerol or glycols such as propylene glycol or polyethylene glycol may be included.

[0155] The compositions according to the present invention optionally may comprise other active ingredients or may comprise one or more of a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, carrier, buffer, stabilizer, isotonic agent, preservative or anti-oxidant or other materials well known to those skilled in the art. Such materials should be non-toxic and should not interfere with the efficacy of the pharmaceutically acceptable compound. The precise nature of the carrier or other material may depend on the route of administration, e.g. orally or parenterally.

[0156] For intravenous, cutaneous or subcutaneous injection, or injection at the site of affliction, the composition according to the present invention will be in the form of a parenterally acceptable aqueous solution which is pyrogen-free and has suitable pH, isotonicity and stability.

[0157] Preservatives are generally included in compositions according to the invention to retard microbial growth, extending the shelf life of the compositions and allowing multiple use packaging. Examples of preservatives include phenol, meta-cresol, benzyl alcohol, para-hydroxybenzoic acid and its esters, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, benzalkonium chloride, 1-thioglycerol and benzethonium chloride.

[0158] The nanoparticle-containing compositions of the invention may be administered to patients by any number of different routes, including enteral or parenteral routes. Parenteral administration of the pharmaceutical composition is preferred. Parenteral administration includes administration by the following routes: cutaneous or subcutaneous, nasal, vaginal, rectal, intramuscular, intraocular, transepithelial, intraperitoneal, intracardiac, intraosseous, intradermal, intrathecal, intraperitoneal, transdermal, transmucosal, and inhalational and topical (including dermal, ocular, rectal, nasal, vaginal, inhalation and aerosol), and rectal systemic routes. In a preferred embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is for local (e.g., mucosa, skin) applications.

[0159] Administration be performed e.g. by injection, or ballistically using a delivery gun to accelerate their transdermal passage through the outer layer of the epidermis. The nanoparticles can then be taken up, e.g. by dendritic cells, which mature as they migrate through the lymphatic system, resulting in modulation of the immune response and vaccination against the epitopic peptide and/or the antigen from which the epitopic peptide was derived or of which it forms a part. The nanoparticles may also be delivered in aerosols. This is made possible by the small size of the nanoparticles.

[0160] Particularly preferred is the injection an intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular injection. The administration can be carried out, for example, with the aid of so-called vaccination guns or by means of syringes. Mucosal administration, in particular mucosal vaccination, can be beneficial for cases were pathogens enter the body via the mucosal route. Mucosal delivery routes primarily include the oral and rectal route. Sometimes a pretreatment of the mucosa is necessary. It is also possible to prepare the substance as an aerosol, which is inhaled by the organism, preferably a human patient and taken up by the nasal and or bronchial mucosa. Other possible forms of mucosal administration are vaginal and rectal suppositories. These forms of administration are cost-effective (no consumables like syringes and needles), safe (very low risk of infection and operating errors), easy to apply and comprised with a high patients compliance (no needle fear). It also addresses the mucosal immune system (MALT) directly.

[0161] In one embodiment of the present invention the vaccines comprising the compositions according to the invention are used for a mucosal administration.

[0162] The exceptionally small size of the nanoparticles of the present invention is a great advantage for delivery to cells and tissues, as they can be taken up by cells even when linked to targeting or therapeutic molecules. Thus, the nanoparticles may be internalized by APCs, the immunogenic fragments processed and presented via MHC class I and MHC class II.

PARTICULARLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0163] 1. Composition comprising nanoparticles which are loaded with pharmaceutically acceptable compounds comprising one or more human papilloma virus (HPV)-derived immunogenic fragments or a variant thereof, having silicon dioxide and functional groups on the surface, wherein [0164] the functional groups are capable to carry and/or stabilize both negative and positive charges of the pharmaceutically acceptable compounds, [0165] the zeta potential of the composition has a value of at least ±15 mV, [0166] the nanoparticles have a particle size below 150 nm. [0167] 2. Composition according to embodiment 1 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is derived from a high-risk HPV genotype, preferably selected from HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73, and 82. [0168] 3. Composition according to embodiment 1 or 2 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is derived from the E6 and/or E7 proteins of HPV16 and/or HPV18, preferably selected from SEQ ID NOs: 5-257. [0169] 4. Composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 3 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is at least 75% identical to an immunogenic fragment derived from the E6 and/or E7 proteins of HPV16 and/or HPV18, preferably selected from SEQ ID NOs: 258-295. [0170] 5. Composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 4 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is able to bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and/or MHC class II. [0171] 6. Composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 5 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment is able to induce a cytotoxic T cell response. [0172] 7. Composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 6 characterized in that the immunogenic fragment has a length of 3 to 35 amino acids, more preferably of 5 to 25 amino acids, more preferably of 6 to 25 amino acids, more preferably of 7 to 25 amino acids, more preferably of 8 to 25 amino acids, most preferably of 8 to 20 amino acids. [0173] 8. Composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein the nanoparticles are loaded with pharmaceutically acceptable compounds comprising one or more human papilloma virus (HPV)-derived immunogenic fragments and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) or any derivatives thereof. [0174] 9. Composition according to embodiment 8, wherein derivatives of poly(I:C) are poly(I:C) LMW (Low Molecular Weight Poly(I:C)) with an average size from 0.2 kb to 1 kb, poly(I:C) HMW (High Molecular Weight Poly(I:C)) with an average size from 1.5 kb to 8 kb, polyl:polyC.sub.12U. [0175] 10. Composition according to embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the nanoparticles have a surface loading density up to 0.5, preferably between 0.01 and 0.5, more preferred between 0.03 and 0.4, most preferred between 0.05 to 0.3, in relation to the total number of the pharmaceutically acceptable compounds with regard to the surface of the nanoparticle in nm.sup.2 [molecules/nm.sup.2]. [0176] 11. Composition according to embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the Polydispersity Index (PDI) of the composition is between 0 and 0.32, preferably between 0.1 and 0.3, more preferably between 0.1 and 0.2, most preferred less than 0.1. [0177] 12. Composition according to any of embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the pH value of the composition is between 6.0 and 8.0. [0178] 13. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the zeta potential of the composition has a value of at least ±30 mV. [0179] 14. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the Z-average diameter of the nanoparticles is in the range of ≥5 and <150 nm, preferably ≥15 and ≤60 nm, more preferably ≥20 and ≤50 nm and still more preferably between 20 and 30 nm. [0180] 15. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the net charge of the loaded nanoparticles in total is different to zero. [0181] 16. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the functional groups are connected to a linker L which is linked to the surface of the nanoparticles by way of a covalent or adsorptive bond. [0182] 17. Composition according to embodiment 16, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one carboxyl (—COOH) or carboxylate (—COO—) group as functional group. [0183] 18. Composition according to embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the linker compound L comprises at least one guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2 or —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2) or amino-group (—NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3.sup.+) group as a functional group. [0184] 19. Composition according to any of embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the linker L comprises at least one further functional group L′, which is selected from the group —SH, —COOH, —NH.sub.2, -guanidino-group (—NHC(═NH))NH.sub.2), —PO.sub.3H.sub.2, —PO.sub.2CH.sub.3H, —SO.sub.3H, —OH, —NR.sub.3.sup.+X.sup.−. [0185] 20. Composition according to any of embodiments 10 to 13, wherein the linker compound L contains at least a structural unit of formula (1)

*-(—O)3Si—(CH2)n-CH(COOX)—(CH2)p-C(O)—NH—CH(COOX)—(CH2)q-Y  (I)

[0186] wherein [0187] X is independently from each other H or a negative charge, [0188] Y is independently from each other —NHC(═NH)NH.sub.2, —NHC(═NH.sub.2+)NH.sub.2, —NH.sub.2 or —NH.sub.3+, [0189] n, p and q are independently from each other 0 or a number from 1 to 25; and [0190] *- is the connection point to the nanoparticle. [0191] 21. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pharmaceutically acceptable compound is conjugated to the nanoparticle by adsorptive attachment. [0192] 22. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the immunogenic fragment is N- or C-terminally extended with polar amino acids. [0193] 23. Composition according to embodiment 22, wherein the polar amino acids are selected from the group aspartic acid, glutamic acid, histidine, lysine, arginine, serine, threonine, tyrosine. [0194] 24. Composition according to embodiment 22 or 23, wherein the peptides comprise an N-terminal extension with an enzymatic cathepsin B-cleavable linker. [0195] 25. Composition according to embodiment 24, wherein the enzymatic cleavable linker comprises one of the cathepsin B sensitive dipeptides Val-Cit, Phe-Cit, Leu-Cit, Ile-Cit, Trp-Cit, Phe-Lys, Ala-Lys or Val-Lys. [0196] 26. Composition according to embodiment 24 or 25, wherein a spacer is placed between enzymatic cleavable linker and peptide. [0197] 27. Composition according to embodiment 26, wherein the spacer is a self-immolative spacer. [0198] 28. Composition according to embodiment 26 or 27, wherein the spacer comprises the structural unit of 4-aminobenzyl alcohol, 2-aminobenzyl alcohol or 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. [0199] 29. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the nanoparticles comprise at least silicon dioxide (SiO.sub.2), optional in mixture with another material. [0200] 30. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the nanoparticles consist of SiO.sub.2. 31. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments for use as vaccine or as immunostimulant. [0201] 32. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments for personalized cancer treatment. [0202] 33. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments for use as vaccine for the prevention of HPV infection or the treatment of HPV positive humans or the treatment of HPV positive tumors. [0203] 34. Lyophilisate comprising compositions according to any of the preceding embodiments. [0204] 35. Vaccine comprising compositions according to any of the preceding embodiments. [0205] 36. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the compositions are stable dispersions. [0206] 37. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the pH value of the composition is between 7.2 and 7.4. [0207] 38. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition is isotonic. [0208] 39. Composition according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the composition contains further pharmaceutically acceptable additives.

Examples

Example 1

[0209] Preparation of Monodisperse Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles with 25 nm Diameter

[0210] 500 mL ethanol absolute were taken from a 500 mL graduated measuring cylinder into a 1000 mL glass bottle with screw cap. 358 mL sterile DI water was added and the mixture was well shaken.

[0211] 69.6 mL tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) were added to the bottle. The bottle was tightly closed and well shaken. After 1 hour waiting time the clear colorless mixture got room temperature (22° C.). Then 9.5 mL ammonia water (25%) was added quickly.

[0212] The bottle was shaken by hand very well for 10 seconds and stored at room temperature.

[0213] After 24 hours at room temperature additional 34.8 mL TEOS were added to the mixture (seed-growth process), in order to get a more narrow size distribution. After additional 24 hours at room temperature again 34.8 mL were added to the mixture (seed-growth process continued). After 24 hours at room temperature 50 μL of the reaction mixture were placed in a one-way PMMA cuvette (10 mm width) and diluted with 1.5 mL DI water (0.2 μm filtered). The cuvette was placed in a ZetaSizer Nano for particle size measurement (ZetaSizer Nano ZS, Malvern Instruments, UK).

[0214] Applied Parameters: [0215] Measurement Angle: 1730 Backscatter (NIBS default) [0216] Measurement Cell: DTS1070 (used for particle size and zeta potential) [0217] Refractive Index SiO2: 1.460 [0218] Absorption: 0.010 [0219] Dispersant: water [0220] Refractive Index: 1.330 [0221] Viscosity: 0.8872 cP (═sample viscosity) [0222] Temperature: 25° C. [0223] >10 measurement runs for particle size

[0224] Results: [0225] Z-average (volume based): 23.86 nm [0226] PDI: 0.108 [0227] Intensity Peak: 26.77 nm [0228] pH: 11.0 (freshly calibrated combination electrode)

[0229] The nanoparticle suspension was transferred into a 2 liter round bottom flask and the ethanol as well as the ammonia gas was removed by a rotary evaporator with heated water bath. 400 mL sterile DI water was added in portions. The volume was reduced down to 198.15 g.

[0230] The solid content (pure nano dispersed silicon dioxide) of the suspension was determined in triplicate via vaporization of 250 μL and weigh out the residue.

[0231] Result: [0232] Solid content: 163.3 mg/mL [0233] pH: 8.0 (freshly calibrated combination electrode)

[0234] The distillation residue was diluted with 264.5 mL sterile DI water, in order to get a solid content of 70.0 mg/mL.

Example 2

[0235] Functionalization of the Nanoparticles with L-Arginine to Get Arginylated Silica Nanoparticles (SiO.sub.2-Arg)

[0236] 462.65 g of the nanoparticle suspension obtained in Example 1 were placed into a 500 mL glass bottle. A magnetic stir was added and the bottle was placed onto a magnetic stirrer. 17.35 g L(+)-Arginine (CAS No. 74-79-3, PanReac AppliChem, Ph. Eur., USP. product code A1345.0500) were added to the nanoparticle suspension. When the arginine was completely dissolved a pH value of 10.8 was obtained, then 5.34 mL 3-(Triethoxysilyl)propylsuccinic anhydride (CAS No. 93642-68-3, Gelest Corp. product code: SIT8192.6) were slowly added at room temperature. The reaction mixture got very turbid but cleared up within about 30 minutes. During this time two reactions took place simultaneously:

[0237] The ethoxy groups of the silane got hydrolyzed, due to the high pH value. The created silanol groups precipitated onto the silica nanoparticles building a surface coating on top of the nanoparticles. In parallel the amino group of the excess arginine reacts with the succininc anhydride group, forming an amide bond.

[0238] The pH value dropped to 9.8, due to the consumption of arginine and mainly due to the formation of a carboxylic group, by opening the cyclic anhydride.

[0239] After 24 hours of stirring the suspension was transferred into 20 falcons tubes with a 100 kDa membrane (Pall Corp. Macrosep® Advance, product code MAP100038). The nanoparticle suspension was centrifuged for 10 minutes at 4,000 rpm (=2,737 g at the used centrifuge) to a volume at least 5 less than the starting volume. After centrifugation the volume in the falcon tubes was restored with sterile DI water and the centrifugation was repeated 5 times. The centrifugation step is necessary to remove excess arginine and possible unbound reaction products.

[0240] After centrifugation the solid content of the collected supernatants was determined in triplicate. The method was the same as in Example 1.

[0241] Result: [0242] Yield: 178.3 g [0243] Solid content: 97.16 mg/mL The nanoparticle suspension was diluted with 168.17 mL sterile DI water to get a final concentration of 50.0 mg/mL.

Example 3

[0244] Synthesis of Phosphorylated Silica Nanoparticles with 25 nm Diameter

[0245] 200 mL ethanol absolute were taken from a 250 mL graduated measuring cylinder into a 500 mL pressure-resistant glass bottle with screw cap 143.5 mL sterile DI water were added and the mixture was well shaken. 27.85 mL tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) were added to the bottle. The bottle was tightly closed and well shaken.

[0246] After 1 hour waiting time the clear colorless mixture got room temperature (22° C.). Then 3.95 mL ammonia water (25%) was added quickly. The bottle was shaken by hand very well for 10 seconds and stored at room temperature. After 24 hours at room temperature additional 1.5 mL (Diethylphosphatoethyl)triethoxysilane (CAS No. 757-44-8, Gelest Corp. product code SID3412.0) were added to the mixture at room temperature. 10 mL ammonia water (25%) was added too and the reaction mixture was placed in a water bath at 85° C. for 24 hours.

[0247] At this temperature two reactions took place in parallel: The ethoxy groups of the silane got hydrolyzed, due to the high pH value. The silanol groups precipitated onto the silica nanoparticles building a surface coating on top of the nanoparticles. In parallel, but much slower, the phosphoric acid ester got hydrolyzed to yield into the corresponding acid with ammonia as the counter ion. 50 μL of the reaction mixture were placed in a one-way PMMA cuvette (10 mm width) and diluted with 1.5 mL DI water (0.2 μm filtered). The cuvette was placed in a ZetaSizer Nano for particle size measurement.

[0248] Results: [0249] Z-average (volume based): 21.3 nm [0250] PDI: 0.144 [0251] Intensity Peak: 27.7 nm

[0252] The nanoparticle suspension was transferred into a 500 mL round bottom flask and the ethanol as well as the ammonia gas was removed by a rotary evaporator with heated water bath. 200 mL sterile DI water was added in portions. The volume was reduced down to 120 mL. This volume was placed into 6 falcon tubes with a 100 kDa membrane (Pall Corp. Macrosep® Advance, product code MAP100038). The nanoparticle suspension was centrifuged for 10 minutes at 4,000 rpm (═2,737 g at the used centrifuge) to a volume at least 80 less than the starting volume. After centrifugation the volume in the falcon tubes was restored with sterile DI water and the centrifugation was repeated 5 times. The centrifugation step is necessary to remove excess possible unbound reaction products. After centrifugation the solid content of the collected supernatants was determined in triplicate. The method was the same as in Example 1.

[0253] Result: [0254] Yield: 83.3 g [0255] Solid content: 104.0 mg/mL

[0256] The nanoparticle suspension was diluted with 86.6 mL sterile DI water to get a final concentration of 50.0 mg/mL.

##STR00001## ##STR00002##

##STR00003##

Example 4

[0257] Preparation of Poly(I:C)@ SiO.sub.2-Arg by Adsorptive Binding of Poly(I:C)

[0258] A mixture of 200 mL ethanol, 143.5 mL sterile de-ionized water and 27.85 mL tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was prepared. 3.70 mL ammonia, 25% (NH.sub.3 in water) were added at room temperature. The reaction mixture was mixed vigorously by shaking for 10 seconds and left at room temperature for 24 hours without stirring. The next day another portion of 27.85 mL tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) was added to the mixture. From the resulting mixture 50 μL were removed and measured by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS) on a ZetaSizer Nano ZS (Malvern). The following results were obtained: [0259] Z-average: 25.53 nm [0260] mean: 20.36 nm [0261] polydispersity index (PDI): 0.136

[0262] A portion of 100 ml of the silicon dioxide particles produced before were subsequently concentrated to a volume of about 30 ml on a rotary evaporator and filled up again to 100 ml. This procedure was repeated three times to remove the ethanol and ammonia from the reaction solution. The resulting suspension was washed five times over a 100 kDa membrane with sterile deionized water. After the last washing step, the solids content of the suspension was determined gravimetrically with 7.9% SiO.sub.2 and the suspension was adjusted to a solids content of 5.0% by adding the calculated amount of water.

[0263] 500 mg L-arginine (CAS number 74-79-3; company abcr GmbH, Germany) (═2.87 mmol) was added to 15 ml of the silicon dioxide particles produced in Example 1 (750 mg SiO.sub.2) and stirred while the arginine was completely dissolved. A clear particle suspension was obtained and to this suspension 127 μL (3-triethoxysilylpropyl) succinic anhydride (CAS number: 93642-68-3) (═0.45 mmol) were slowly added while stirring at room temperature.

[0264] 2.00 ml of the “argininylated” silica nanoparticles obtained above were mixed with 3.00 ml of a low molecular weight solution of poly(I:C) (poly(I:C)-LMW from InvivoGen, Toulouse, France with a size of 0.2 to 1 kb, CAS number 31852-29-6) with a concentration of 0.833 mg poly(I:C)/mL. After thoroughly mixing with a vortex mixer for 15 seconds and after one hour, the clear suspension was mixed with 250 mg of glucose. The formulation comprises:

[0265] 100 mg “argininylated” silica nanoparticles, SiO.sub.2-Arg (c=20 mg/mL)

[0266] 2.5 mg poly(I:C)-LMW (c=0.5 mg/mL)

[0267] 250 mg glucose (c=50 mg/mL) (for isotonization of the formulation)

[0268] The mixture was then filled into three sterile 2.0 mL HDPE vials using a 0.2 μm sterile filter. The obtained suspension is clear and completely transparent.

[0269] The poly(I:C) loaded particles pass easily a sterile filter. Two types of filters were used: Pall Life Sciences, Acrodisc Supor® Membrane (low protein binding) 0.2 μm, cat. no. PN4602 and VWR 0.2 μm Cellulose Acetate Membrane 0.2 μm, cat. no. 514-0061.

[0270] Even after adding larger amounts of poly(I:C), the suspension remains clear and completely transparent.

Example 5

[0271] Peptide Loading Capacity of SiO.sub.2-Arg Nanoparticles

[0272] In a peptide loading experiment 100 μL silica nanoparticles with a diameter of 25 nm (Z-average), a solid content of 20 mg/mL and an arginylated surface were loaded with different amounts of the model peptide KKKW-Cit-SIINFEKL. To simulate physiological conditions sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to get an isotonic suspension (0.9% NaCl). Up to 10% of peptide was added to the nanoparticles. KKKW-Cit-SIINFEKL has an iso-electric point of pH 10.24, indicating cationic properties determined by 4 basic amino acids (Lysine) and 1 acidic amino acid (Glutamic acid).

[0273] 50 μL of the corresponding particle-peptide-NaCl mixture was diluted with 1.5 mL sterile filtered de-ionized water and measured via dynamic light scattering (DLS) in a ZetaSizer Nano (Malvern Instruments, UK). For every sample #1 to 10 100 μL SiO.sub.2-Arg stock solution was used. The obtained results are listed in Table 2.

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Results of the dynamic light scattering [mg/mL] [mg] [%] [μL] [mg] [μL] z average # SiO.sub.2-Arg peptide peptide Peptide stock.sup.2 NaCl NaCl stock.sup.3 [nm] PDI 0 20 0.00 0.00 0.0 0.90 9.00 23.62 0.07 1 20 0.02 1.00 5.1 0.95 9.45 24.00 0.10 2 20 0.04 2.00 10.2 0.99 9.92 24.48 0.10 3 20 0.06 3.00 15.5 1.04 10.39 26.03 0.14 4 20 0.08 4.00 20.8 1.09 10.87 26.91 0.14 5 20 0.11 5.00 26.3 1.14 11.37 28.,70 0.18 6 20 0.13 6.00 31.9 1.19 11.87 59.09 0.27 7 20 0.15 7.00 37.6 1.24 12.39 44.58 0.20 8 20 0.17 8.00 43.5 1.29 12.91 440.5 0.58 9 20 0.20 9.00 49.5 1.35 13.45 1074 0.31 10 20 0.22 10.00 55.6 1.40 14.00 2753 0.21 .sup.1Stock solution SiO.sub.2-Arg: 20 mg/mL SiO.sub.2-Arg .sup.2Stock solution Peptide: 4 mg/mL Peptide (KKKW-Cit-SIINFEKL) .sup.3Stock solution NaCl: 100 mg/mL NaCl

[0274] FIG. 5a illustrates the Z average versus peptide concentration and FIG. 5b the PDI versus peptide concentration.

[0275] As shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b, up to 5% by weight of this peptide can be added to the nanoparticles, to keep a stable suspension without agglomeration or precipitation. Compared to bare particles the diameter is increasing slightly (+5 nm) and the PDI indicates a still quite narrow particle size distribution. This optical clear suspension is still passing a sterile filter.

[0276] The peptide loaded particles pass easily a sterile filter. Two types of filters were used: Pall Life Sciences, Acrodisc Supor® Membrane (low protein binding) 0.2 μm, cat. no. PN4602 and VWR 0.2 μm Cellulose Acetate Membrane 0.2 μm, cat. no. 514-0061.

[0277] With increased peptide loading the particle size increases, indicating the adsorptive peptide binding to the silica nanoparticles surface. At higher peptide concentrations—in the above example 6%—the nano-suspension is collapsing, indicated by clouding and a measureable increased particle size due to agglomeration. These suspensions do not pass a sterile filter and are very unfavorable for parenteral administration.

Example 6

[0278] Poly(I:C) Loading Capacity of SiO.sub.2-Arg Nanoparticles

[0279] In a loading experiment 50 μL silica nanoparticles with a diameter of 25 nm (Z average), a solid content of 20 mg/mL and an arginylated surface were loaded with different amounts of poly(I:C) solution in RNase/DNase-free water by Gibco™. The poly(I:C) (LMW) was obtained from Invivogen Europe (cat. no. tlrl-picw). To simulate physiological conditions sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to get an isotonic suspension (0.9% NaCl). Up to 8% of poly(I:C) were added to the nanoparticles. The colloid remained stable: no precipitation or clouding was observable. The particle sizes and distributions, as well as the zeta potentials confirm the visual observations.

[0280] For the Zeta potential was measured according to the Smoluchowski calculation model under the following conditions: [0281] Measurement Temp.: 25° C. [0282] Equilibration Time: 30 s

[0283] 10 to 100 runs per measurement, 5 measurements per sample (Zeta potential=mean of 5 measurements)

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Results of the dynamic light scattering [mg] [μL] Vol [mg] [μL] Z ave Peak int. Peak Zeta poly(I:C) poly(I:C) stock [μL] NaCl NaCl stock [nm] PDI [nm] [nm] potential — 50 — 0.45 4.50 33.83 0.557 12.69 *) — 0.00 (0%) — 50.0 0.45 4.50 22.79 0.077 20.23 24.47 −27.4 0.01 (1%) 4.0 54.0 0.49 4.86 22.92 0.067 21.42 24.25 −28.1 0.02 (2%) 8.2 58.2 0.52 5.23 23.12 0.075 19.96 23.97 −28.7 0.04 (4%) 16.7 66.7 0.60 6.00 23.35 0.075 20.04 25.23 −34.2 0.06 (6%) 25.5 75.5 0.68 6.80 23.45 0.08 19.96 34.93 −36.2 0.09 (8%) 34.8 84.8 0.76 7.63 23.97 0.134 **) 32.15 −37.2 *) two peaks: 27.38 nm (67.8%) and 362.6 nm (32.2%) **) two peaks: 7.691 nm (22.9%) and 18.4 nm (77.1%)

[0284] Up to a loading of 6% poly(I:C) LMW the measured Z average values increases due to increase of particle diameter by adsorbed poly(I:C) (FIG. 6b). Also the low PDI (<0.1) indicates a smooth particle loading (FIG. 6a). At 8% loading two peaks (at 7.691 and 18.4 nm) appear, also a strong peak broadening of the peak in direction to lower diameter values happens and the PDI value is getting worse (FIG. 7d). These data indicate particle “overloading”: unbound poly(I:C) generates an additional peak, resp. broadens the measurement peak.

[0285] FIGS. 7a to 7d show the Number % in a display of a ZetaSizer. The Number % is the representation of the particle distribution according to its percentage frequency.

[0286] FIG. 7a: Poly(I:C) LMW without nanoparticles

[0287] FIG. 7b: SiO.sub.2-Arg nanoparticles without poly(I:C)

[0288] FIG. 7c: SiO.sub.2-Arg nanoparticles loaded with 6% poly(I:C) by weight

[0289] FIG. 7d: SiO.sub.2-Arg nanoparticles loaded with 8% poly(I:C) by weight

Example 7

[0290] Loading of SiO.sub.2-Arg Nanoparticles with Peptides and Poly(I:C)

[0291] In a peptide and poly(I:C) loading experiment 100 μL silica nanoparticles with a diameter of 25 nm (Z average), a solid content of 20 mg/mL and an arginylated surface were loaded with different amounts of the model peptide KKKW-Cit-SIINFEKL and with 50 μg poly IC (LMW) each (20 μL of a poly (I:C) stock solution, having a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL).

[0292] To simulate physiological conditions sodium chloride (NaCl) was added to get an isotonic suspension (0.9% NaCl). Up to 4% of peptide were added to the nanoparticles. The colloid remained stable: no precipitation or clouding was observable. The particle sizes and distributions, as well as the zeta potentials confirm the visual observations.

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 5 Results of the dynamic light scattering [mg] [μL] Vol [mg] [μL] [μg] z ave int. Peak Peak Zeta pept.* pept.* stock [μL] NaCl NaCl stock Poly(I:C) [nm] PDI [nm] [nm] potential 0.04 (2%) 10.2 110.2 0.99 9.92 50 24.09 0.172 24.57 19.48 −37.1 0.06 (3%) 15.5 115.5 1.04 10.39 50 27.87 0.279 25.7 21.31 −27.6 0.08 (4%) 20.8 120.8 1.09 10.87 50 28.47 0.305 25.41 20.76 −25.9 *(pept. = peptide)

Example 8

[0293] Loading of SiO.sub.2-Arg Nanoparticles with ssRNA (Poly(U))

[0294] In an ssRNA loading experiment 400 μL silica nanoparticles with a diameter of 25 nm (Z average), a solid content of 50 mg/mL and an arginylated surface (in total 20 mg silicon dioxide) were loaded with 500 μL poly(U) solution with a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL (in total 0.5 mg poly(U) and 100 μL sodium chloride (NaCl) with a concentration of 90 mg/mL was added to get an isotonic suspension (0.9% NaCl). The loading of poly(U) on silica nanoparticles in this case is 2.44% by weight. 50 μL of this sample were measure by DLS. The poly(U) was obtained from InvivoGen Europe, Toulouse, France (Cat. Code: tlrl-sspu).

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Results of the dynamic light scattering [mg] [mg] [mg] [μL] Z ave Peak int. Peak Zeta poly(U) SiO2-Arg NaCl total volume [nm] PDI [nm] [nm] potential 0.5 (2%) 20.0 90 1000 23.19 0.065 20.21 24.93 −31.6

Example 9

[0295] Loading of SiO.sub.2-Arg Nanoparticles with Unmethylated DNA (CpG ODN)

[0296] In a DNA loading experiment 40 μL silica nanoparticles with a diameter of 25 nm (Z average), a solid content of 50 mg/mL and an arginylated surface (in total 2 mg silicon dioxide) were loaded with 50 μL ODN 2395 solution with a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL (in total 0.5 mg ODN 2395 and 10 μL sodium chloride (NaCl) with a concentration of 90 mg/mL was added to get an isotonic suspension (0.9% NaCl). The loading of on silica nanoparticles in this case is 2.44% by weight. 50 μL of this sample were measure by DLS.

[0297] ODN 2395 was obtained from InvivoGen, France (cat. code: tlrl-2395). It is a 22mer with the structure: 5′-tcgtcgttttcggccc:gcgcc-3′ (bases are phosphorothioate (nuclease resistant), palindrome is underlined)

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Results of the dynamic light scattering [mg] [mg] [mg] [μL] Z ave Peak int. Peak Zeta CPG ODN SiO2-Arg NaCl total volume [nm] PDI [nm] [nm] potential 0.05 (2.44%) 2.0 9 100 23.88 0.083 20.76 25.19 −28.5

Example 10

[0298] Example for Solubility Enhancement of Epitopes

[0299] On the N-terminal site of the enzymatically cleaved linker the addition of polar amino acids can be used to enhance the solubility of the whole peptide. The HLA-A:02 immunogenic HPV 16 E782-90 epitope LLMGTLGIV (SEQ ID NO: 233), for example, is extremely non-polar and has a very bad solubility in water. The use in a human vaccine is difficult. In animal studies researchers dissolve it in DMSO. The solubility after e.g. subcutaneous injection is questionable: dilution might result in precipitation of large peptide particles, which is very unfavorable for transport to lymphnodes.

[0300] According to the invention the epitope LLMGTLGIV was enlarged on the N-terminal site with the enzymatic cleavable linker Val-Cit and the cationic solubilizing sequence Lys-Lys-Lys, leading to [0301] KKKV-Cit-LLMGTLGIV.

[0302] The complete synthesis was done by automated microwave supported solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) in one run.

[0303] This peptide has an excellent solubility in water. After endosomal and/or cytosolic cleavage by cathepsin B the native HPV 16 E782-90 is released. Also the remaining KKKV-Cit is not immunogenic, due to the fact it's too short to be presented at any MHC class I or MHC class II.

Example 11

[0304] Human TLR-induced Cytokines in the Primary Human Macrophage Model (THP-1)

[0305] Production of cytokines after stimulation of differentiated THP-1 cells with poly(I:C), SiO.sub.2-Arg and poly(I:C)@ SiO.sub.2-Arg were performed with Multi-Analyte ELISArray from Qiagen. Nanoparticle diameter is 22.1 nm (Z-average), PDI 0.08.

[0306] All experiments were performed with low molecular weight poly(I:C)-LMW from InvivoGen Europe, Toulouse, France.

[0307] The screening of cytokines showed significant production of cytokines:

[0308] FIG. 8: Cytokine expression (arbitrary units) for different types of cytokines after 72 h stimulation

[0309] TNF-α, IL8 (CXCL8), MCP-1 (CCL2), RANTES (CCL5), IP-10 (CXCL10), MIG (CXCL9) were highly expressed after 72 h stimulation with poly(I:C) @SiO.sub.2-Arg. High cytokine release of IL8 (CXCL8), MCP-1 (CCL2), RANTES (CCL5), IP-10 (CXCL10), MIG (CXCL9) was also noticed for SiO.sub.2-Arg nanoparticles.

[0310] FIG. 9: Cytokine expression (arbitrary units) for different types of cytokines after 96 h stimulation

[0311] After 96 h stimulation with poly(I:C) @SiO.sub.2-Arg, the expression rate of cytokines IL1-P, IL12, IL17A, TARC, IFN-α is increased. High cytokine release of IL8 (CXCL8), MCP-1 (CCL2), RANTES (CCL5), IP-10 (CXCL10), MIG (CXCL9) was also noticed for SiO.sub.2-Arg nanoparticles.

[0312] To investigate whether the combination of the TLR3 agonist poly(I:C)-LMW and SiO.sub.2-Arg is able to stimulate cytokine release, the differentiated human macrophage-like THP-1 cells were incubated with poly(I:C)-LMW adsorptively bound to SiO.sub.2-Arg (poly(I:C)@ SiO.sub.2-Arg) or with the individual compounds and then subjected to cytokine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The supernatant of the THP-1 cells was analyzed for interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) at several time points (FIG. 10). IL-8 and TNF-α are important mediators of the innate immune system response, regulating the activity of various immune cells. The release of these two cytokines is proof of a successful stimulation of the immune system.

[0313] FIGS. 10a and 10b: Cytokine release at different time points after stimulation of differentiated THP-1 cells with poly(I:C) [12.5 μg/ml], SiO.sub.2-Arg [0.5 mg/ml] or the novel adjuvant (poly(I:C) [12.5 μg/ml] bounded on SiO.sub.2-Arg [0.5 mg/ml]).

[0314] FIG. 10a: Quantification of IL-8 release was performed using ELISA MAXTMDeluxe Set Human IL-8 from BioLegend, USA.

[0315] FIG. 10b: Quantification of TNF-α release was performed using ELISA MAXTMDeluxe Set Human TNF-α from BioLegend, USA.

Example 12

[0316] Experiments in the Influenza A Model of the Mouse

[0317] For the determination of the immunostimulatory potency of TLR3 agonists, a suspension is prepared according to Example 6 was tested in an in vivo study together with other active compounds as immunostimulators with regard to its prophylactic effect against a five-fold LD50 dose of the influenza A virus PR8/34.

[0318] The following active compounds were tested: [0319] Placebo: glucose solution (5%) [0320] free poly(I:C) LMW: Low Molecular Weight poly(I:C) comprises short strands of inosinic acid poly(I) homopolymer annealed to strands of cytidinic acid poly(C) homopolymer. The average size of poly(I:C) LMW is from 0.2 kb to 1 kb (InvivoGen, France) in glucose solution (5%) [0321] ZelNate®: FDA approved immunostimulant that aids in the prophylaxis of Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) due to Mannheimia haemolytica (Bayer AG, Germany) [0322] Poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-arginylated prepared according to Example 6 [0323] Silicon nanoparticles unmodified with a diameter of 25 nm in 5% glucose solution

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Overview of prophylaxis trials in mice, every group consists of ten mice Group No. active compound composition H1N1-dose; admin. A Placebo — 50 TCID.sub.50 (5 × LD.sub.50); i.n. B Zelnate ® 100 μL 50 TCID.sub.50 (5 × LD.sub.50); i.n. C poly(I:C) (LMW) 50 μg in 100 μL 50 TCID.sub.50 (5 × LD.sub.50); i.n. D SiO.sub.2 2 mg SiO.sub.2; 50 TCID.sub.50 (5 × LD.sub.50); i.n. (25 nm) (unmodified) E poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2- 2 mg SiO.sub.2- 50 TCID.sub.50 (5x LD50); i.n. Arg (25 nm) “argynilated” and 50 μg poly(I:C) (LMW) in 100 μL

[0324] In all cases the injection volume was 100 μL.

[0325] Each animal group (A to E), consisting of ten C57BL/6 mice, was treated 24 hours before administration of the influenza A virus subcutaneously with the respective active compound or placebo. The virus was administered intranasally.

[0326] In this study the body weight was used as a reliable and easy-to-measure marker for the animal health. Sick animals eat less and lose weight very quickly. For ethical reasons, the study defined a body weight loss of 25%, based on the body weight on the day of the virus administration, as the termination criterion. In contrast, in many publications from older studies, the “termination criterion” is the death of the animals due to the viral disease.

[0327] In this study, the formulation of poly(I:C) prepared according to Example 6, which is adsorptively bound to silica nanoparticles with an “argininylated” surface, showed a surprisingly strong immunostimulatory effect, which resulted in a statistically significantly longer survival rate of the animals of group E and to a significantly less weight loss.

[0328] The free poly(I:C), which is not bound to nanoparticles (group C), with the same concentration of active ingredient, does not show any statistically significant improvement compared to the placebo group (group A). The unmodified silica nanoparticles (group D) also showed no statistically significant improvement.

[0329] From the comparative experiments above, it could be shown that a TLR3 agonist which is adsorptively bound to silica nanoparticles (group E), is clearly superior over the free TLR3 agonist (group C) which was applied in the same concentration and under identical test conditions. The immune booster ZelNate® (group B) also showed no significant improvement in this study compared to the placebo group (group A). This also applies to the unmodified silica nanoparticles of group D, where no significant effect could be observed (FIGS. 11a and 11b).

[0330] FIG. 12 shows the clinical scores. Data are presented as mean clinical score (maximum score=5; death of animals, abort of experiment)±SEM (n=10) in relation to days after challenge.

Example 13

[0331] Generation of HPV16 E7.sub.11-19 Specific CD8 T Cell Immune Responses in Tumor-Free A2.DR1 Mice

[0332] The immunogenicity of human HPV16 E6/E7-derived, HLA-A2-binding epitopes can only be studied in genetically modified mice. Therefore the in vivo studies were performed using the HLA-humanized A2.DR1 BL6 mice. A2.DR1 mice are a highly sophisticated mouse model since they underwent a multitude of genetic alterations to exhibit the HLA-A2+/HLA-DR1+, H-2-phenotype and shown to assemble functional CD4.sup.+ and CD8.sup.+ T cell responses against multiple epitopes restricted by HLA-A2 and HLA-DR1. (Pajot, A. et al., A mouse model of human adaptive immune functions: HLA-A2.1-/HLA-DR1-transgenic H-2 class I-/class II-knockout mice, European Journal of Immunology, 2004, Vol. 34, p. 3060-3069).

[0333] The efficacy of various formulations was examined for their ability to induce high frequencies of immunogenic fragment-specific CD8.sup.+ T cells after three weekly, subcutaneous immunizations (Day 0: Prime, Day 7: Boost, Day 14: Boost, Day 21: Spleen Sampling).

[0334] Used Substances: [0335] poly(I:C)-HMW: The average size of poly(I:C)-HMW is 1.5 to 8 kb, InvivoGen, France [0336] SiO.sub.2—PO.sub.3H.sub.2 according to Example 3

[0337] Preparation of KKKW-Cit-E7.sub.11-19+ poly(I:C)-HMW @ SiO.sub.2-Arg:

[0338] 2.72 mg (1.48 μmol) KKKW-Cit-E7.sub.11-19 are dissolved in 592 μL DNase/RNase free distilled water under sterile conditions. The solution is added under vortexing to 2.37 ml of a 50 mg/mL stock solution of SiO.sub.2-Arg. 296 mg solid glucose are added and the solution is mixed until the solid has completely dissolved. Finally, 2.96 mL poly(I:C)-HMW is added as a 1.0 mg/mL stock solution while the sample is vortexed. The vaccine is filtered through a 0.45 μm filter. 1.8 mL each are filled into 3 separate vials (1 vial per immunization) and stored at 4° C.

[0339] The influence of the N-terminal peptide elongation of the immunogenic fragment HPV16 E7.sub.11-19 (SEQ ID NO: 174=YMLDLQPET) as well as the influence of the nanoparticles surface modification were investigated. To evaluate the vaccine-induced HPV16 E7.sub.11-19-specific CD8.sup.+ T cells, the ex vivo restimulated splenocytes were assessed in an IFN-γ intracellular cytokine staining (ICS) followed by flow cytometry (FIG. 13).

[0340] FIG. 13:

[0341] Y-Axis: [0342] HPV-001: RW-Cit-E7.sub.11-19 [50 nmol]+poly(I:C)-HMW [50 μg] [0343] HPV-002: RW-Cit-E7.sub.11-19 [50 nmol]+poly(I:C)-HMW [50 μg] @ SiO.sub.2-Arg [2.25 mg] [0344] HPV-003: RW-Cit-E7.sub.11-19 [50 nmol]+poly(I:C)-HMW [50 μg] @ SiO.sub.2—PO.sub.3H.sub.2 [2.25 mg] [0345] HPV-004: KKKW-Cit-E7.sub.11-19 [50 nmol]+poly(I:C)-HMW [50 μg] @ SiO.sub.2-Arg [2.25 mg]

[0346] X-Axis:

[0347] Percentage of IFN-γ+-CD8+ T Cells (Taken from Mouse Spleens)

[0348] Frequency of IFN-γ positive E7.sub.11-19 specific CD8.sup.+ T cells after ex vivo stimulation of splenocytes with E7.sub.11-19 in the presence of Golgi apparatus-transport-inhibitors. After subsequent IFN-γ ICS, IFN-γ positive E7.sub.11-19 specific T cells were determined by flow cytometry. Data are represented as the mean+/−SEM. Each dot represents one mouse.

[0349] As shown in FIG. 13, three immunizations with nanoparticles conjugated to epitope were able to induce antigen-specific splenic IFN-γ.sup.+ CD8.sup.+ T cells at higher frequencies in comparison to free epitope injections. Furthermore, the direct comparison of two surface modifications of nanoparticles (HPV-002 vs. HPV-003) demonstrated a better performance when the epitope was conjugated to SiO.sub.2-Arg (HPV-002).

[0350] Moreover, the influence of the N-terminal peptide elongation (HPV-002 vs. HPV-004) was analyzed, where the “KKKW-Cit-” modification (HPV-004) led to higher frequencies of epitope-specific CD8.sup.+ T cells.

[0351] This experiment successfully demonstrated the ability of the HPV16 vaccines according to the invention to induce a high frequency of epitope specific CD8.sup.+ T cells. In summary, SiO.sub.2-Arg as well as the “KKKW-Cit-” peptide elongation have shown their beneficial properties over SiO.sub.2—PO.sub.3H.sub.2 nanoparticles and the “RW-Cit-” peptide elongation. Therefore, the combination of both was used for assessing therapeutic efficacy in a tumor study.

Example 14

[0352] Therapeutic Efficacy in the PAP-A2-HPV16 Tumor Model

[0353] The final study goal is the development of a therapeutic anti-HPV16 vaccine, which would be given to patients diagnosed with either a precursor lesion or an established cancer. Therefore, the ability of the novel vaccines was tested to induce control of tumor growth in a therapeutic vaccination experiment.

[0354] Immunization schedule for early therapeutic treatment study in the PAP-A2-HPV16 tumor model: (Kruse, S. Therapeutic vaccination against HPV-positive tumors in a MHC-humanized mouse model, Ruperto Carola University Heidelberg, 2019, Dissertation; Kruse et al., Therapeutic vaccination using minimal HPV16 epitopes in a novel MHC-humanized, Oncoimmunology, 2019, Vol. 8, 1, p. e1524694):

[0355] To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of SiO.sub.2-Arg conjugated with HPV16 E7-derived immunogenic fragment, the HPV16 E6.sup.+/E7.sup.+ PAP-A2 tumor model in HLA-humanized A2.DR1 BL6 mice was used. 1.5-10.sup.6 PAP-A2 cells were injected subcutaneously, which should result in large tumors within 2 to 3 weeks. Starting with day 4 after tumor inoculation, the tumor-bearing mice were treated weekly (3 immunizations total, Prime-Boost-Boost) with the complete vaccine or with the individual compounds as controls, until the ethical endpoint (tumor volume 1000 mm.sup.3) was reached.

[0356] FIG. 14 shows the survival rate of mice, either receiving the free antigen HPV16 E7 YMLDLQPET (SEQ ID NO: 174)+poly(I:C) (HMW, high molecular weight), shown as “free antigen+TLR agonist” or KKKW-Cit-YMLDLQPET+poly(I:C) (HMW) both adsorptively bound to arginylated silica nanoparticles having a diameter of 23 nm, shown as “HPV16Nano”.

[0357] As shown in FIG. 14, the treatment of tumor-bearing mice with KKKW-Cit-YMLDLQPET+poly(I:C) (HMW) both adsorptively bound to arginylated silica nanoparticles (HPV16Nano) resulted in complete tumor regression (CR) in 5 out of 9 mice with overall survival rate of 55%. In contrast, 90% of carrier control (free antigen+TLR3 agonist) mice had to be eliminated due to excessive tumor growth. FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b show the individual tumor growth of both groups.

[0358] Taking together the results from therapeutic vaccinations with single compounds and with SiO.sub.2-Arg conjugated with epitope, it can be concluded that the best therapeutic anti-tumor results were achieved with the triple surface-arginylated nanoparticles conjugated with KKKW-Cit-YMLDLQPET vaccination.

Example 15

[0359] Cross-Presentation Experiments

[0360] MHC Class I Cross Presentation of OVA.sub.257-264 after Intracellular Processing in DC2.4 Cells

[0361] To demonstrate the functionality of the enzymatic cleavage (W-Cit) site attached to an immunogenic epitope, experiments on cross-presentation of the model antigen OVA.sub.257-264 (═SIINFEKL in one letter code for amino acids) in murine dendritic cells (DC2.4 cells, immortalized murine dendritic cells) were performed. Therefore, the expression of SIINFEKL on MHC class I after incubation with various OVA-derived constructs, with and without nanoparticles, was determined by antibody (25-D1.16, PE/Cy7 anti-mouse H-2Kb bound to SIINFEKL Antibody, Biolegend, Inc., USA) specific detection of the native epitope presented on MHC class I. Free, not MHC class I bound epitope or elongated/modified or other epitopes on MHC class I are not recognized by the antibody, which is highly selective to SIINFEKL presented on the MHC class I molecule H-2Kb.

[0362] In the experiment, the OVA.sub.257-264 presentation efficacy after incubation of 5-104 DC2.4 cells with 5 μM solutions of full length protein (OVA=Ovalbumin), N- and C-terminal elongated epitope (OVA.sub.247-264A.sub.5K, a so called synthetic long peptide (SLP)), N-terminal elongated epitope with a Cathepsin B cleavable sequence (exemplary shown RW-Cit-OVA.sub.257-264) or native epitope (OVA.sub.257-264), each with and without nanoparticles, was compared. Surface phosphorylated silica nanoparticles (SiO.sub.2—PO.sub.3H.sub.2) with an average diameter of 25 nm (comparable size to SiO.sub.2-Arg used in other experiments) were used as carrier. After an incubation time of 6 h, the test substances were removed by washing with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). In the next step, the cells were incubated with CD16/CD32 antibody in order to block the non-specific binding of the detection antibody to the Fc (Fragment, crystallizable) receptor of the cells. After incubation with 25-D1.16 antibody, the amount of cross-presented OVA.sub.257-264 was quantified by flow cytometry.

[0363] FIG. 16: OVA.sub.257-264 MHC class I presentation after 6 h incubation of H.sub.2-Kb positive cells with 5 μM solution of native or elongated OVA.sub.257-264 epitope or full length OVA protein with or without SiO.sub.2—PO.sub.3H.sub.2. Quantification was carried out by flow cytometry after labeling with 25-D1.16 detection antibody.

[0364] As shown in FIG. 16, only the native epitope and the elongated epitope with an enzymatic cleavage site are presented in significant amounts on the MHC. The uptake and thus the amount of presented epitope can be increased slightly by incubation with peptides adsorptively bound to nanoparticles. While the native epitope does not necessarily have to be internalized into the cell, since it can also be loaded exogenously onto the MHC molecule, the N-terminal elongated epitope must be internalized to release the native sequence. The detection of the native epitope on MHC class I after incubation of the cells with RW-Cit-OVA.sub.257-264 confirms a proof of the functionality of the enzymatic cleavage site.

Example 16

[0365] Stability Measurement in Human Serum

[0366] HEK-Blue™ hTLR3 Cells are designed to measure the stimulation of human TLR3 by monitoring the activation of NF-kB. HEK-Blue™ hTLR3Cells were obtained by co-transfection of the hTLR3 gene and an optimized secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene placed under the control of an NF-kB and AP-1-inducible promoter into HEK293 cells. Stimulation with a TLR3 ligand activates NF-kB and AP-1 which induce the production of SEAP. Levels of SEAP can be easily determined with HEK-Blue™ Detection, a cell culture medium that allows for real-time detection of SEAP. The hydrolysis of the substrate by SEAP produces a purple/blue color that can be easily detected with the naked eye or measured with a 96 well plate reader. (Invivogen, see https://www.invivogen.com/hek-blue-htlr3).

[0367] Poly(I:C) and poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg were exposed for 60 minutes at 37° C. to human serum (HS). The serum was used in concentrations of 5, 10 and 20%. A serum concentration of 20% corresponds quite well to the composition of peripheral lymph.

[0368] Poly(I:C) and poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg were added separately to human serum to get a concentration of 1 μg poly(I:C)/mL. In case of poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg the SiO.sub.2 concentration was 40 μg/mL. The poly(I:C) payload at SiO.sub.2-Arg in this case was about 2.5%. After exposure to HS 20 μL of the medium were taken and added to 180 μL HEK-Blue™hTLR3 cells in HEK-Blue™ Detection medium. This mixture was incubated for 13 hours at 37° C. and the plate was analyzed in a 96 well plate reader (Tecan Reader, Type: Infinite M200 Pro).

[0369] The results are shown in FIG. 17.

[0370] The calculated half-life of free poly(I:C) in 20% human serum under the chosen conditions is 24.2 minutes (18% of initial concentration after 60 minutes). Half-life calculation:

t.sub.1/2=ln 2/(ln 100/ln 18)*60 [min]

[0371] The half-life for poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg under the same conditions is calculated to 395 minutes (90% of initial concentration after 60 minutes)

t.sub.1/2=ln 2/(ln 100/ln 90)*60 [min]

[0372] So the attachment of poly(I:C) to arginylated silica nanoparticles increases the half-life by a factor of 16 (═395/24.2).

Example 17

[0373] Stability Measurement in Bovine Serum

[0374] HEK-Blue™ hTLR3 Cells are designed to measure the stimulation of human TLR3 by human TLR3 by monitoring the activation of NF-kB. HEK-Blue™hTLR3Cells were obtained by co-transfection of the hTLR3 gene and an optimized secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) reporter gene placed under the control of an NF-kB and AP-1-inducible promoter into HEK293 cells. Stimulation with a TLR3 ligand activates NF-kB and AP-1 which induce the production of SEAP. Levels of SEAP can be easily determined with HEK-Blue™ Detection, a cell culture medium that allows for real-time detection of SEAP. The hydrolysis of the substrate by SEAP produces a purple/blue color that can be easily detected with the naked eye or measured with a 96 well plate reader (Invivogen).

[0375] Poly(I:C) and poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg were exposed for 60 minutes at 37° C. to fetal bovine serum (FBS). The serum was used in concentrations of 5, 10 and 20%. A serum concentration of 20% corresponds quite well to the composition of peripheral lymph.

[0376] Poly(I:C) and poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg were added separately to bovine serum to get a concentration of 1 μg poly(I:C)/mL. In case of poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg the SiO.sub.2 concentration was 40 μg/mL. The poly(I:C) payload at SiO.sub.2-Arg in this case was about 2.5%. After exposure to FBS 20 μL of the medium were taken and added to 180 μL HEK-Blue™ hTLR3 cells in HEK-Blue™ Detection medium. This mixture was incubated for 13 hours at 37° C. and the plate was analyzed in a 96 well plate reader (Tecan Reader, Type: Infinite M200 Pro).

[0377] The results can be seen in FIG. 18:

[0378] While the free poly(I:C) shows clear signs of degradation at higher serum concentrations, poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg shows markedly higher stability. Half-life calculation for poly(I:C)@SiO.sub.2-Arg is useless, due to a very low decay rate.