Natural killer cells
11566226 · 2023-01-31
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
C12N2501/999
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
C12N2501/125
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
C07K14/705
CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
A61K35/17
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
Abstract
This invention relates to Natural Killer (NK) cell populations, to methods of producing the same and therapeutic applications thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to the expansion of NK cells by increasing the expression of specific transcription factors associated with NK cell production.
Claims
1. An ex vivo method for expanding a natural killer (NK) cell population, comprising the steps of: a) culturing an haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) comprising sample obtained from an individual with a compound that inhibits the action of REV-ERB; b) culturing said cells in the presence of a Notch ligand; and c) expanding said cells in vitro to produce an NK cell population.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the vessel in which the HPCs are cultured is coated with the Notch ligand.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the Notch ligand is delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), or a fragment thereof which retains the function of DLL4.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound increases E4bp4 expression by decreasing REV-ERB activity.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound decreases the activity of REV-ERB-α and/or REV-ERB-β, preferably REV-ERB-β.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound decreases the activity of REV-ERB-α and REV-ERB-β.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound is a REV-ERB antagonist, preferably an antagonist of REV-ERB-α and REV-ERB-β.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from a small molecule, a PROTAC reagent, a double stranded RNA (dsRNA), a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a small hairpin RNA (shRNA), a micro RNA, an antisense RNA, an aptamer, an antibody, a ribozyme, a peptide or a peptidomimetic.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the compound is a small molecule.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is SR8278, ARN5187, ethyl 2-(5-methylfuran-2-carbonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylate, 4-((4-chlorobenzyl)((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methyl)amino)-N-phenylpiperidine-1-carboxamide, 4-(((1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopentyl)amino)methyl)-2-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol, 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine or 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine, preferably SR8278.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is added no later than 2 days after isolating the HPCs in the sample of claim 1(a), and optionally the Notch ligand is present on or from 4 days after isolating said HPCs.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the sample of HPCs is obtained from bone marrow, cord blood and/or peripheral blood.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein: a) the REV-ERB inhibitory compound is added before the Notch ligand; or b) the Notch ligand is added before the REV-ERB inhibitory compound.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the Notch ligand and REV-ERB inhibitory compound are added simultaneously.
15. A method of treatment by increasing the number of NK cells in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound which inhibits the action of REV-ERB as defined in claim 7 and a Notch ligand.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the Notch ligand is delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4), or a fragment thereof which retains the function of DLL4.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein the compound and Notch ligand are used in combination with antibody-mediated immunotherapy.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(16) Natural Killer Cells
(17) Natural Killer (NK) cells exhibit the highest level of cytotoxic activity within the immune system. NK cells are similar to B cells and T cells, but lack specific cell surface antigen receptors. Instead, NK cells have activatory and inhibitory receptors that recognise motifs.
(18) NK cells circulate in the blood and the peripheral lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes and spleen. They can become activated by cytokines or upon encountering target cells. The recognition and elimination of target cells is based on balancing between inhibitory and activatory signals. Activatory signals are generated by activatory receptors (NKG.sub.2D, NKp.sub.46, NKp.sub.30) binding to ligands, which can be present not only on cancerous, pathogen-infected and damaged cells, but also on healthy cells. On the other hand, inhibitory signals are generated when inhibitory receptors (KIR, CD.sub.94/NKG.sub.2A) on NK cells bind to Major Histocompatability Complex (MHC) Class I molecules that are normally present on all healthy cells. MHC Class I molecules on target cells are absent or greatly downregulated, making them ideal NK cell targets. This allowed NK cells to distinguish between target and healthy cells. In order for NK cells to recognise and kill target cells, overall activatory signals must be greater than inhibitory signals.
(19) NK cells recognise and kill cancerous, pathogen-infected and damaged cells without prior sensitisation, making them part of the innate immune response. For example, NK cells provide an early response to virus infection, occurring prior to T cell killing of infected cells. NK cells can kill target cells within minutes. NK cells also secrete cytokines and “weaponise” other parts of the immune system. For example, NK cells promote T cell effector function and enhance antibody-directed cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
(20) NK cells are differentiated from haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) via the pathway set out in
(21) Due to the importance of NK cells in immune response, multiple clinical trials have tested the efficacy of NK cells in adoptive transfer protocols. Typically this is allogenic transfer, with the NK cells being isolated from a healthy donor and expanded. However, the downregulation of MHC Class I molecules on target cells is partial and the KIR genotype from donors and recipients may be similar. Due to this, NK cells transfused into recipients, even from different individuals may not attach target cells if their KIRs recognise MHC Class I molecules. Therefore, it is crucial that NK cell donors must be screened for their KIR genotype, where the donor must have the appropriate KIR allelic polymorphism to the recipient to allow recognition of target cells for destruction. Moreover, the expanded products were found to have lower clinical success rate than expected, with less ability to kill cancerous or infected cells.
(22) An NK cell may be defined in terms of its marker expression, its function/activity, or a combination thereof. Such definitions are standard in the art and methods are known by which marker expression and/or NK cell activity may be assessed. Thus, one of skill in the art would readily be able to categorise a cell as an NK cell using standard methodology and definitions.
(23) For example, mNK and cNK cells may be recognised by their expression of the surface markers CD16 (FcγRIII) and/or CD56, typically both CD16 and CD56 in humans, and NK1.1 or NK1.2 in some mice strains. NKp46 is another marker for mNK and cNK cells, and is expressed in humans and several mice strains. Thus, NKp46 may be used as a marker for NK cells either with or without CD16 and/or CD56 (in humans) or with or without NK1.1 or NK1.2 (in mice). Other examples of makers which can be used to identify/define NK cells according to the present invention include Ly49, natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), CD94, NKG2, killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), and/or leukocyte inhibitory receptors (ILT or LIR), or any combination thereof, including in combination with CD16 and or CD56 (in humans) or NK1.1/NK1.2 (in mice). In some preferred embodiments mature NK cells according to the invention (i.e. mNK and cNK cells) are CD56+ and CD45.sup.+, and may be also be CD16.sup.+. As used herein, the term mature human NK cell encompasses NK cells that are CD56.sup.bright (stage 4) and CD56.sup.dim (stage 5), both of which are CD56.sup.+. Mature NK cells may also be defined by the absence of markers, such as CD34, and lymphocyte markers CD3 and/or CD19. Thus, mature NK cells of the invention may be CD56.sup.+, CD45.sup.+, CD16.sup.+, CD3.sup.− and/or CD19.sup.−, or any combination thereof, such as CD56.sup.+, CD45.sup.+, CD16.sup.+, CD3.sup.− and CD19.sup.−.
(24) In addition or alternatively, an NK may be identified by/defined in terms of its activity. For example, an NK cell may be identified/defined by the presence of cytolytic granules within its cytoplasm, by its ability to secrete antimicrobial molecules such as α-defensins, and/or its ability to secrete cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ and TFG-β.
(25) Unless otherwise stated herein, a reference to NK cells includes a reference to iNK, mNK and cNK cells. HSCs, CLP cells and NKPs will typically be referred to as such.
(26) Expanded NK Cell Populations
(27) As disclosed herein, the invention provides methods for generating an expanded population of NK cells (referred to interchangeably herein as an expanded NK cell population or an NK cell population). Any of the disclosure herein in relation to NK cells of the present invention may also be applied to an expanded NK cell population of the invention.
(28) Accordingly, the present invention provides an expanded NK cell population. Typically an expanded NK cell population of the invention comprises iNK cells, mNK cells and/or cNK cells, or a combination thereof. Said population may comprise HPCs, such as HSCs, CLP cells and/or NKPs, or a combination thereof, although the numbers of such cells is typically low relative to the number of NK cells, as the majority of these HPCs have differentiated into NK cells in the population. Said population may comprise other immune and/or non-immune cells. Again, the number of any such cells is typically low relative to the number of NK cells present in the population.
(29) As a non-limiting example, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or more, up to 100% of the cells of an expanded NK cell population of the invention may be NK cells. Typically at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, or even more preferably at least 95% of the cells of an expanded NK cell population of the invention are NK cells.
(30) In some embodiments, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or more, up to 100% of the cells of an expanded NK cell population of the invention are mature NK cells (i.e. mNK cells and/or cNK cells). Preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, even more preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 98% or more of the cells of an expanded NK cell population of the invention are mature NK cells.
(31) The number of HPCs (including HSCs, CLP cells and/or NKPs) may be less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 14%, less than 13%, less than 12%, less than 11%, less than 10%, less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1% of the cells of the expanded NK cell population. Typically the number of HPCs (including HSCs, CLP cells and/or NKPs) is less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably less than 10%, even more preferably less than 5%, even more preferably less than 2% or less of the cells of the expanded NK cell population.
(32) The number of other immune and/or non-immune cells may be less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 25%, less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 14%, less than 13%, less than 12%, less than 11%, less than 10%, less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, less than 1% of the cells of the expanded NK cell population. Typically the number of other immune and/or non-immune cells is less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, more preferably less than 10%, even more preferably less than 5% of the cells, even more preferably less than 2%, or less of the expanded NK cell population.
(33) As described herein, the expanded NK cell populations made by the methods of the present invention offer several advantages over NK cell populations made by conventional adoptive transfer methods. In particular, the methods of the present invention enable the production of expanded populations with greater number of NK cells compared with conventional methods. Further, a greater proportion of the NK cells in a population of the invention are functional, preferably fully functional, compared with populations obtained by conventional methods, in which a large number of the NK cells are “exhausted”.
(34) As used herein, the term “exhausted” in the context of NK cells means that an NK cell or expanded NK cell population has lost at least some of its effector functions, such as cytotoxic function, cytokine production and/or ADCC. Thus, an exhausted NK cell or expanded NK cell population may exhibit impaired survival, impaired cytotoxic function, altered or impaired cytokine production and/or impaired ADCC. For example, an exhausted NK cell or exhausted NK cell population may exhibit at least a 50% reduction in one of its effector functions. For example, at least a 50% reduction in cytokine secretion, at least a 50% reduction in ADCC and/or at least 50% reduction in cytotoxic activity. These values may be quantified relative to any appropriate control as defined herein. Any appropriate technique can be used to determine effector function, and hence to quantify and reduction therein. Suitable techniques are known in the art. Alternatively and/or in addition, exhausted NK cells may exhibit altered marker expression, such as an increase in the expression of one or more inhibitory receptor (as described herein) and/or a decrease in the expression of one or more activatory receptor (as described herein). In some embodiments, increased expression of NKG2A and/or Tim3 may be used as a marker for NK cell exhaustion. Again, the expression of these markers may be quantified relative to any appropriate control as defined herein.
(35) In contrast, the terms “functional” and “fully functional” in the context of NK cells means that an NK cell or expanded NK cell population has all of the expected effector functions when responding to a given immune challenge. Thus, a (fully) functional NK cell or expanded NK cell population will typically exhibit cytotoxic function, cytokine production and/or ADCC as would be observed in vivo when NK cells are activated in response to an immune challenge, and will typically exhibit enhanced survival compared with NK cells produced using conventional methods. Alternatively and/or in addition, (fully) functional NK cells may exhibit altered marker expression, such as an increase in the expression of one or more activatory receptor (as described herein) and/or a decrease in the expression of one or more inhibitory receptor (as described herein). As a non-limiting example, a functional (mature) human NK cell may be CD56.sup.+ and/or CD45.sup.+, preferably both CD56.sup.+ and CD45.sup.+.
(36) As a non-limiting example, the cytotoxicity of NK cells can be determined using a degranulation assay in NK cells co-incubated with ‘target cells’. A degranulation assay involves analysing the expression of CD107a within the NK cell population. The amount of CD107a correlates with cytokine secretion and NK cell-mediated lysis of target cells. NK cells can also be analysed for the expression of Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which is the main cytokine secreted when functional NK cells are activated. NK cells that are functional should express similar or higher CD107a as well as IFN-γ when compared to a control.
(37) Any increase in NK cell number/functionality in an expanded NK cell population made by a method of the present invention may be compared with the NK cell number/function of an NK cell population obtained from a control method as described herein. A control method may be any standard method known in the art for producing NK cell populations. For example, a control method may use conventional adoptive transfer techniques, rather than a method using a REV-ERB inhibitor according to the present invention. NK cells and NK cell populations produced by such control/standard methods may be used as control cells and populations as described herein.
(38) As an expanded NK cell population of the present invention comprises significantly fewer exhausted NK cells compared to conventionally prepared NK cell populations, but instead contains a higher proportion of fully functional NK cells, this advantageously allows the use of smaller numbers of cells to treat patients.
(39) As described herein, the methods of the invention produce expanded NK cell populations with a higher proportion of (fully) functional NK cells compared with conventional methods, which produce populations with large numbers of “exhausted” NK cells. Typically, in an expanded NK cell population of the invention at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or more, up to 100% of the NK cells of an expanded NK cell population of the invention are (fully) functional. Typically at least 80%, preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95%, even more preferably at least 98% or more of the NK cells of an expanded NK cell population of the invention are fully functional, according to any definition (e.g. marker and/or effector function definition) herein.
(40) An expanded NK cell population of the invention may be produced by any of the methods disclosed herein. Typically an expanded NK cell population of the invention is produced by an ex vivo method as disclosed herein.
(41) Notch Ligand
(42) The Notch signalling pathway is primarily associated with promoting T cell development and repressing concomitant B cell development. Mammals have four types of Notch receptor—Notch1, Notch2, Notch3 and Notch4, all of which are single-pass heterodimeric transmembrane protein. Mammals have two types of canonical Notch ligands—Delta type and Jagged type, collectively known as DSL ligands. There are three delta-like ligands (DLLs), DLL1, DLL3 and DLL4 and two jagged (JAG) ligands, JAG1 and JAG2. DLL and JAG ligands typically comprise the following domains: a module at the N-terminus of Notch ligand (MNNL) domain and a Delta/Serrate/Lag-2 (DSL) domain, together with a number of EGF repeats. DLL3 comprises six EGF repeats. DLL1 and DLL4 comprise eight EGF repeats. JAG1 and JAG2 comprise 16 EGF repeats. There are also numerous non-canonical ligands, which may be membrane-bound or secreted.
(43) Unless explicitly stated herein, a reference herein to a Notch ligand is a reference to any Notch ligand, such as a ligand of Notch1, Notch2, Notch3 and/or Notch 4, preferably a ligand of at least Notch1. The protein sequence of human Notch1 is given in SEQ ID NO: 51 (GenBank Accession No. CR457221, version CR457221.1). Typically the Notch ligand of use in the present invention is a canonical Notch ligand. In some preferred embodiments, the Notch ligand is a DLL, more preferably DLL4. The protein sequence of human DLL4 is given in SEQ ID NO: 2 (GenBank Accession No. AF253468, version AF253468.1).
(44) A reference herein to a Notch ligand also embraces fragments thereof, provided said fragment retains the Notch-binding and activatory activity of the Notch ligand from which it is derived. As a non-limiting example, a Notch ligand fragment of the invention may comprise or consist of 170 consecutive amino acid residues or more in length (e.g. at least 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260, 270, 280,290, 300, 310, 320, 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 390, 400, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450, 460, 470, 480, 490, 500. 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, 560, 570, 580, 590, 600, 610, 620, 630, 640, 650, 660, 670, 680, or more consecutive amino acid residues in length, up to the total length of the Notch ligand, such as DLL4. Typically a functional fragment of a Notch ligand comprises at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 66%, at least 67%, at least 68%, at least 69%, at least 70% or more of the full-length Notch ligand, such as DLL4. As a non-limiting example, a fragment of a Notch ligand may comprise the MNNL domain and/or the DSL domain of said Notch ligand, such as DLL4. In some preferred embodiments, the Notch ligand fragment comprises (or consists of) both the MNNL and DSL domains of a Notch ligand of interest, such as the MNNL and DSL domains of DLL4. Examples of such fragments include, but are not limited to the following: (i) a Notch ligand fragment comprising or consisting of the portion of a Notch ligand of interest starting at the N-terminus and terminating at the end of the first EGF repeat, otherwise referred to as Notch Ligand (N-EGF1), such as DLL4 (N-EGF1); (ii) a Notch ligand fragment comprising or consisting of the portion of a Notch ligand of interest starting at the N-terminus and terminating at the end of the second EGF repeat, otherwise referred to as Notch Ligand (N-EGF2), such as DLL4 (N-EGF2); (iii) a Notch ligand fragment comprising or consisting of the portion of a Notch ligand of interest starting at the N-terminus and terminating at the end of the third EGF repeat, otherwise referred to as Notch Ligand (N-EGF3), such as DLL4 (N-EGF3); (iv) a Notch ligand fragment comprising or consisting of the portion of a Notch ligand of interest starting at the N-terminus and terminating at the end of the fourth EGF repeat, otherwise referred to as Notch Ligand (N-EGF4), such as DLL4 (N-EGF4); (v) a Notch ligand fragment comprising or consisting of the portion of a Notch ligand of interest starting at the N-terminus and terminating at the end of the fifth EGF repeat, otherwise referred to as Notch Ligand (N-EGF5), such as DLL4 (N-EGF5); (vi) a Notch ligand fragment comprising or consisting of the portion of a Notch ligand of interest starting at the N-terminus and terminating at the end of the sixth EGF repeat, otherwise referred to as Notch Ligand (N-EGF6), such as DLL4 (N-EGF6); or (vii) a Notch ligand fragment comprising or consisting of the portion of a Notch ligand of interest starting at the N-terminus and terminating at the end of the seventh EGF repeat, otherwise referred to as Notch Ligand (N-EGF7), such as DLL4 (N-EGF7). By way of comparision, the full-length DLL4 may be referred to as DLL4 (N-EGF8). Preferred examples of Notch ligand fragments include Notch ligand (N-EGF1) and Notch ligand (N-EGF2), such as DLL4 (N-EGF1) and DLL4 (N-EGF2).
(45) Alternatively or in addition, a Notch ligand, fragment thereof, or molecule that mimics the effect (e.g. function/activity) of a Notch ligand, such as DLL4 may comprise modifications, such as amino acid mutations which alter, typically increase, the affinity of the ligand/fragment/mimetic for its Notch receptor. Techniques for identifying such modifications are known in the art. For example, amino acids which increase the affinity of a Notch ligand/fragment/mimetic can be identified using yeast surface display. As a non-limiting example, in instances where the Notch ligand of interest is DLL4, the DLL4 ligand of the invention, a fragment or mimetic thereof may comprise an amino acid substitution at one or more of the following positions: (G)28, (F)107, (N)118, (I)143, (H)194, (L)206 and/or (K)215, or any combination thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the DLL4 ligand of the invention, a fragment or mimetic thereof comprises amino acid substitutions at positions (G)28, (F)107, and (L)206, more preferably at positions (G)28, (F)107, (N)118, (I)143, (H)194, (L)206 and (K)215. As a further non-limiting example, in instances where the Notch ligand of interest is DLL4, the DLL4 ligand of the invention, a fragment or mimetic thereof may one or more of the following amino acid substitutions G28S, F107L, N118I, I143F, H194Y, L206P and/or K215E, or any combination thereof. In some preferred embodiments, the DLL4 ligand of the invention, a fragment or mimetic thereof comprises the amino acid substitutions, G28S, F107L and L206P, more preferably G28S, F107L, N118I, I143F, H194Y, L206P and/or K215E.
(46) As a further non-limiting example, a functional fragment of DLL4 comprises at least residues 65 to 114 and 179 to 219 of full-length DLL4, preferably held in the correct conformation to allow interaction with the Notch ligand.
(47) In addition, the invention encompasses the use of molecules that would mimic the effect (e.g. activity/function) of a Notch ligand (also referred to herein as mimetics). For example, the use of peptides, stapled peptides, peptoids and peptidomimetics that would mimic the effect of the desired Notch ligand (such as DLL4) is embraced by the present invention. Methods for producing synthetic peptides and peptidomimetics (such as peptoids) are known in the art, as are the sequences of canonical and non-canonical Notch ligands. Thus, it would be routine for one of skill in the art to produce suitable molecules which mimic the effect of a desired Notch ligand using known techniques and based on the known Notch ligand sequences. As a non-limiting example, peptidomimetics may be designed to interact with key residues of Notch (e.g. Notch1) that are known to be involved in binding to DLL4, such as one or more of residues 415 (E415), 418 (L418), 420 (A420), 421 (N421), 422 (P422), 424 (E424), 425 (H425), 436 (F436), 447 (P447), 448 (R448), 450 (E450), 452 (D452), 469 (D469), 477 (1477), 480 (P480) of Notch (Notch1), or any combination thereof.
(48) Peptidomimetics are described herein in relation to REV-ERB inhibitors. That disclosure applies equally and independently to peptidomimetics of Notch ligands.
(49) The methods of the invention may encompass the use of any Notch ligand or fragment thereof which is capable of increasing NK cell production or molecule which mimics the effects thereof, particularly which may act synergistically with a compound of the invention which inhibits REV-ERB activity as disclosed herein, or a compound which results in the post-translational modification of E4bp4, and hence an increase in E4bp4 activity as disclosed herein.
(50) The present inventors have shown that E4bp4 directly binds to the regulatory region of the Notch1 gene in vivo and so could enhance the transcriptional regulation of Notch, and that Notch1 expression E4bp4.sup.−/− mice is significantly reduced. Following on from this, the present inventors found that short-term exposure of Notch ligands to murine HSCs and very early progenitors can promote NK cell development, even in the absence of the critical transcription factor E4bp4. Further, the present inventors have shown that the Notch ligand Delta-like ligand 4 (DLL4) is particularly effective in stimulating the expansion of NK cells.
(51) Accordingly, the present invention relates to the expansion of NK cells by exposure of the HPCs to a Notch ligand. In ex vivo or in vitro methods of the invention, this can comprise culturing the HPCs in the presence of a Notch ligand. For in vivo methods, this may comprise administering the compound together with a Notch ligand. In preferred embodiments, the Notch ligand is DLL4, or a fragment or variant thereof which retains the function of DLL4.
(52) In some embodiments, the methods of the invention comprise exposing the HPCs to DLL4, or a fragment or variant thereof which retains the function of DLL4. For example, in the ex vivo or in vitro methods of the invention, the HPCs may be cultured in the presence DLL4, or a fragment or variant thereof which retains the function of DLL4. For the ex vivo and in vitro methods of the invention, an increase in NK cell expansion can be achieved by coated the vessel in which the HPCs are cultured (i.e. the culture vessel) with the Notch ligand, such as DLL4 or a functional fragment or variant thereof.
(53) Variant sequences are described herein in relation to REV-ERB inhibitors. That disclosure applies, inter alia, equally and independently to variants of Notch ligands and fragments/mimetics thereof. The variant Notch ligands/fragments/mimetics of the invention typically at least retain the activity of the corresponding Notch ligands/fragments/mimetics of the invention. Thus, for example, the variant DLL4 ligands or fragments thereof of the invention retain the ability of the corresponding DLL4 molecules to bind to Notch1, and/or to enhance NK cell production. Thus, the variant DLL4 ligands/fragments/mimetics may retain at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, up to and including 100% of the activity of the unmodified DLL4 ligands/fragments/mimetics of the invention. In some embodiments, the variant DLL4 ligands/fragments/mimetics have greater activity than the corresponding unmodified DLL4 ligand/fragment/mimetic. For example, at least 110%, at least 120%, at least 130%, at least 140%, at least 150%, at least 175%, at least 200%, at least 250%, at least 300%, at least 400%, at least 500%, at least 600%, at least 700%, at least 800%, at least 900% or more activity compared with the corresponding unmodified DLL4 ligand/fragment/mimetic. For example, the variant DLL4 ligands/fragments/mimetics may have a K.sub.D value for binding to Notch1 that is at least 10-fold lower, at least 15-fold lower, at least 20-fold lower, at least 25-fold lower, at least 30-fold lower, or less than the corresponding unmodified DLL4 ligand/fragment/mimetic. E.g., the variant DLL4 ligands/fragments/mimetics may have a K.sub.D value for binding to Notch1 of less than 1 μM, less than 900 nM, less than 800 nM, less than 700 nM, less than 600 nM, less than 500 nM, less than 400 nM, less than 300 nM, less than 200 nM, less than 100 nM, less than 90 nM, less than 80 nM, less than 70 nM, less than 60 nM, less than 50 nM or less, preferably less than 500 nM, less than 400 nM, less than 300 nM or less. In some embodiments, the variant DLL4 ligands/fragments/mimetics can increase the number of NK cells, or give rise to an increase in NK cell production, of at least 1.5 fold, at least 1.6 fold, at least 1.7 fold, at least 1.8 fold, at least 1.9 fold, at least 2 fold, at least 2.1 fold, at least 2.2 fold, at least 2.3 fold, at least 2.4 fold, at least 2.5 fold, at least 3 fold or more relative to the corresponding unmodified DLL4 ligand/fragment/mimetic. The variant DLL4 ligands/fragments/mimetics may increase number of NK cells by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 100%, at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 300% or more compared with the corresponding unmodified DLL4 ligand/fragment/mimetic. This applies equally to any variants of the other Notch ligands/fragments/mimetics of the invention.
(54) The Notch ligands/fragments/mimetics of the invention may be labelled (or tagged). Any appropriate label may be used. Suitable labels are known in the art.
(55) E4bp4
(56) E4bp4 (also known as Nfil3) is a basic leucine zipper protein transcription factor which is involved in the regulation of IL-3 expression, and is involved in the coordinating the circadian clock. The genomic DNA sequence of the human E4bp4 gene is given in SEQ ID NO: 3 (Genbank Accession No. X64318, version X64318.1). As shown in
(57) Although IL-7 and IL-15 have been shown to regulate E4bp4 expression, generally very little is known about how either extrinsic or intrinsic stimuli influence E4bp4. Transcription factors such as E4bp4 can be hard to target because of their structure and function. For example, they usually lack enzymatic activity or cofactor binding sites. The present inventors have previously demonstrated that E4bp4 expression can be increased using a compound which inhibits the activity of REV-ERB, and that this results in an increase in NK cell number (see GB Application No. 1703476.0, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Without wishing to be bound by theory, REV-ERB binds to porphyrin heme, and it is this characteristic that is believed to make REV-ERB a druggable target (see below). In sum, the inventors have shown that by targeting REV-ERB and inhibiting its activity, it is possible to increase E4bp4 expression and hence increase NK cell number. Accordingly, the present invention is concerned with compounds which inhibit the action of REV-ERB, and their use in increasing E4bp4 expression, and hence NK cell number.
(58) Increase in E4bp4 Expression
(59) Accordingly, the present invention provides ex vivo methods for producing expanded NK cell populations, and therapeutic methods and applications for increasing NK cell number in a patient in need thereof. As disclosed herein, said methods and applications may involve the use of a compound which inhibits the action of REV-ERB. Typically said compounds act by increasing E4bp4 expression.
(60) An increase in E4bp4 expression may be measured relative to a control. Thus, the expression of E4bp4 in a sample of HPCs, an expanded NK cell population or in a sample obtained from an individual/patient to be treated according to the invention may be compared with the expression of E4bp4 in a control. Expression may be quantified in terms of gene and/or protein expression, and may be compared with expression of a control (e.g. housekeeping gene or protein). The actual amount of the E4bp4 gene, mRNA transcript and/or protein, such as the mass, molar amount, concentration or molarity of the E4bp4 gene, mRNA transcript and/or protein, or the number of mRNA molecules per cell in a sample of HPCs, an expanded NK cell population or in a sample obtained from an individual/patient to be treated according to the invention and the control may be assessed and compared with the corresponding value from the control. Alternatively, the expression of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein in a sample of HPCs, an expanded NK cell population or in a sample obtained from an individual/patient to be treated according to the invention may be compared with that of the control without quantifying the mass, molar amount, concentration or molarity of the one or more gene and/or protein.
(61) Typically the control is an equivalent population or sample in which no increase in E4bp4 expression has been effected. As a non-limiting example, in the case where an individual/patient is treated with a compound that inhibits REV-ERB activity in order to increase E4bp4 expression, a suitable control would be a different individual to which the compound has not been administered or the same individual prior to administration of the compound. Conventional methods for the ex vivo expansion of NK cells, including known methods may be considered control methods according to the present invention.
(62) In the context of the present invention, a reference to increasing E4bp4 expression may be understood to mean that, the expression of E4bp4 is increased by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 100%, at least 150%, at least 200% compared with the control. Typically E4bp4 expression is increased by at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90% or more compared with the control.
(63) A reference to increasing E4bp4 expression may be understood to mean that, the expression of E4bp4 is increased by at least 1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 2.1-fold, at least 2.2-fold, at least 2.3-fold, at least 2.4-fold, at least 2.5-fold, at least 2.6-fold, at least 2.7-fold, at least 2.8-fold, at least 2.9-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 4-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 6-fold, at least 7-fold, at least 8-fold, at least 9-fold, at least 10-fold or more relative to a control. Typically E4bp4 gene expression is increased by at least 2-fold, at least 2.1-fold, at least 2.2-fold, at least 2.3-fold, at least 2.4-fold, at least 2.5-fold, at least 2.6-fold, at least 2.7-fold, at least 2.8-fold, at least 2.9-fold, at least 3-fold, or more compared with the control. Typically E4bp4 protein expression is increased by at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, preferably at least 5-fold, more preferably at least 6-fold or more compared with the control.
(64) The expression of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein according to the invention may be determined by quantitative and/or qualitative analysis. Typically, gene expression may be expressed in terms of mRNA levels.
(65) The expression level of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein according to the invention encompasses the mass of the E4bp4 mRNA transcript and/or protein, the molar amount of the E4bp4 gene, mRNA transcript and/or protein, the concentration of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein and the molarity of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein. This expression level may be given in any appropriate units. For example, the concentration of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein may be given in pg/ml, ng/ml or μg/ml.
(66) The expression level of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein according to the invention may be measured directly or indirectly.
(67) The relative expression of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein according to the invention relative to a control may be determined using any appropriate technique. Suitable standard techniques are known in the art, for example Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and RT-qPCR.
(68) The expression level of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein may be increased compared with a control for at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, at least 24 hours, at least 30 hours, at least 36 hours, at least 42 hours, at least 48 hours, at least 54 hours, at least 60 hours, at least 72 hours, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 1 week. Preferably, the expression level of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein is increased for at least 12 to 72 hours. Typically this is assessed relative to the last administration of the compound which inhibits REV-ERB activity.
(69) The expression level of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein may be increased compared with a control for at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least ten, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40 or more passages of the NK cell precursors in culture. The expression level of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein may be altered indefinitely.
(70) REV-ERB
(71) REV-ERB proteins are members of the nuclear receptor family of intracellular transcription factors. The mRNA sequence of the human REV-ERBα gene (Nr1d1) is given in SEQ ID NO: 5 (Genbank Accession No. NM_021724, version NM_021724.4). The mRNA sequence of the human REV-ERBβ gene (Nr1d2) is given in SEQ ID NO: 7 (Genbank Accession No. AB307693, version AB307693.1). REV-ERB regulates the circadian clock, and has also been implicated in the regulation of cartilage breakdown.
(72) The present inventors have previously demonstrated that inhibition of REV-ERB activity is sufficient to elicit a significant increase in E4bp4 expression, and that this in turn brings about an expansion of NK cells, resulting in an increase in NK cell number (see GB Application No. 1703476.0, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Inhibition of REV-ERB activity can bring about an increase in NK cell number, and that typically the resulting NK cells are (fully) functional as defined herein. The effect of REV-ERB inhibition is mediated in an E4pb4-dependent manner. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that inhibition of REV-ERB activity results in an increase in E4bp4 expression (E4bp4 expression is normally repressed by REV-ERB), and that the E4bp4 acts to stimulate the production of NK cells (as shown in
(73) Accordingly, in some embodiments, the present invention is concerned with compounds which inhibit the action of REV-ERB, and their use in increasing E4bp4 expression, and hence NK cell number.
(74) Inhibition of REV-ERB Activity
(75) In some embodiments, the present invention relates to the use of compounds to inhibit the action of REV-ERB, i.e. compounds which inhibit REV-ERB activity. REV-REB activity may be inhibited by any appropriate means. Suitable standard techniques are known in the art. Inhibition may take place via any suitable mechanism, depending for example on the nature (see below) of the compound used, e.g. steric interference in any direct or indirect interaction or inhibition of REV-ERB. In the context of the present invention a REV-ERB inhibitor (interchangeably referred to herein as a REV-ERB antagonist) is any compound which inhibits, decreases, suppresses or ablates the action of REV-ERB, whether in part or completely.
(76) A decrease in REV-ERB activity may be measured relative to a control. Thus, the activity of REV-ERB in a sample of NK precursor or progenitor cells, an expanded NK cell population or in a sample obtained from an individual/patient to be treated according to the invention may be compared with the activity of REV-ERB in a control. Activity may be quantified in any appropriate terms, for example binding of REV-ERB to the E4bp4 gene, or in terms of E4bp4 expression as defined herein. Any appropriate technique or method may be used for quantifying REV-ERB activity. Suitable techniques are known in the art, for example luciferase assays for quantifying expression of a reporter gene.
(77) Typically the control is an equivalent population or sample in which no REV-ERB inhibitory compound has been added, for example a sample obtained from a different individual to which the compound has not been administered, or the same individual the prior to administration of the compound. Conventional methods for the ex vivo expansion of NK cells, including known methods may be considered control methods according to the present invention.
(78) In the context of the present invention, a reference to inhibiting REV-ERB activity may be understood to mean that, the activity of REV-ERB is decreased by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, up to total (100%) inhibition of REV-ERB activity, as compared with the control. Typically REV-ERB activity is decreased by at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, even more preferably at least 95% or more compared with the control.
(79) The activity of REV-ERB may be determined by quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, and may be measured directly or indirectly.
(80) The activity of REV-ERB relative to a control may be determined using any appropriate technique. Suitable standard techniques are known in the art, such as by quantifying E4bp4 expression, and/or luciferase assays.
(81) The activity of REV-ERB may be inhibited compared with a control for at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, at least 24 hours, at least 30 hours, at least 36 hours, at least 42 hours, at least 48 hours, at least 54 hours, at least 60 hours, at least 72 hours, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 1 week. Preferably, the activity of REV-ERB is decreased for at least 12 to 72 hours. Typically this is assessed relative to the last administration of the compound which inhibits REV-ERB activity.
(82) The activity of REV-ERB may be inhibited compared with a control for at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least ten, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40 or more passages of the cells (either in vivo, or cultured ex vivo or in vitro). The activity of REV-ERB may be inhibited and/or the expression level of the E4bp4 gene and/or protein may be altered indefinitely.
(83) In the context of the present invention any reference to inhibiting REV-ERB activity may be understood to mean inhibiting the activity of REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ. In preferred embodiments, the activity of both REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ is inhibited. Thus, the invention relates to compounds which inhibit REV-ERB activity, including compounds which inhibit REV-ERBα activity (i.e. REV-ERBα inhibitors, also referred to as REV-ERBα antagonists) and/or to compounds which inhibit REV-ERBβ activity (i.e. REV-ERBβ inhibitors, also referred to as REV-ERBβ antagonists). In preferred embodiments, the invention relates to compounds which inhibit the activity of both REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ (i.e. REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ inhibitors, also referred to as REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ antagonists).
(84) REV-ERB Antagonists/Inhibitors
(85) REV-ERB inhibitory compounds of the invention may be specific for REV-ERB. By specific, it will be understood that the compound binds to REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ, with no significant cross-reactivity to any other molecule, particularly any other protein. For example, modulator that is specific for REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ will show no significant cross-reactivity with human neutrophil elastase. Cross-reactivity may be assessed by any suitable method. Cross-reactivity of REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ inhibitor with a molecule other than REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ may be considered significant if the inhibitor binds to the other molecule at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 100% as strongly as it binds to REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ. An inhibitor that is specific for REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ may bind to another molecule such as human neutrophil elastase at less than 90%, 85%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25% or 20% the strength that it binds to REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ. Preferably, the inhibitor binds to the other molecule at less than 20%, less than 15%, less than 10% or less than 5%, less than 2% or less than 1% the strength that it binds to REV-ERBα and/or REV-ERBβ.
(86) REV-ERB inhibitory compounds of the invention may have off-target effects. An off-target effect is activity against a target other than REV-ERB. Typically compounds with off-target effects are encompassed by the present invention if the activity against the non-REV-ERB target is not significant compared with the activity against REV-ERB. Whether an off-target effect is significant may depend on the intended use of the compound. As a non-limiting example, a compound which may exert an off-target effect on the central nervous system would not be significant for a compound used in an ex vivo method as disclosed herein, but may be significant (depending on the magnitude of the off-target effect) for an in vivo therapeutic indication as disclosed herein. The presence and magnitude of any potential off target effects can be readily assessed using standard methods known in the art.
(87) Any suitable inhibitor may be used according to the invention, for example small molecules, PROTAC reagents, double stranded RNA (dsRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), small hairpin RNA (shRNA), microRNA, antisense (single stranded) RNA, peptides and peptidomimetics, antibodies, aptamers and ribozymes. Preferred inhibitors include small molecules and PROTAC reagents.
(88) Small Molecules
(89) Small molecules may be used to inhibit REV-ERB activity as described herein. As defined herein, small molecules are low molecular weight compounds, typically organic compounds. Typically, a small molecule has a maximum molecule weight of 900 Da, allowing for rapid diffusion across cell membranes. In some embodiments, the maximum molecular weight of a small molecule is 500 Da. Typically a small molecule has a size in the order of 1 nm.
(90) According to the present invention, small molecules may be able to exert an inhibitory effect on REV-ERB activity by binding to the porphyrin heme moiety of REV-ERB. Thus in some preferred embodiments, a compound that inhibits the action of REV-ERB according to the present invention is a compound which binds to the porphyrin heme moiety of REV-ERB, and hence inhibits the activity of REV-ERB. Alternatively, the small molecule may act via a different mechanism, for example, by binding to a non-heme portion of REV-ERB. Standard techniques are known in the art for the production of small molecules, which can then readily be tested for REV-ERB inhibitory activity as described herein
(91) ##STR00001##
Structure of Porphyrin Heme
(92) In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to the small molecule 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-2-[[5-(methylthio)-2-thienyl]carbonyl]-3-isoquinolinecarboxylic acid ethyl ester, herein referred to as SR8278 as a REV-ERB inhibitor.
(93) ##STR00002##
Structure of SR8278
(94) The invention also encompasses the use of variants of SR8278 which retain the REV-ERB inhibitory function of SR8278.
(95) Any small molecule which exerts an inhibitory effect on REV-ERB activity may be used as a REV-ERB inhibitor according to the present invention. Such small molecule inhibitors may also bind to REV-ERB. Examples of other small molecules which may be used as REV-ERB inhibitors according to the present invention include 4-[[[1-(2-fluorophenyl)cyclopentyl]amino]methyl]-2-[(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl]phenol (also referred to herein as ARN5187), ethyl 2-(5-methylfuran-2-carbonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylate, 4-((4-chlorobenzyl)((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methyl)amino)-N-phenylpiperidine-1-carboxamide, 4-(((1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopentyl)amino)methyl)-2-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol, 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine and 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine.
(96) ##STR00003##
Structure of ARN5187
(97) ##STR00004##
Structure of ethyl 2-(5-methylfuran-2-carbonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylate
(98) ##STR00005##
Structure of 4-((4-chlorobenzyl)((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methyl)amino)-N-phenylpiperidine-1-carboxamide
(99) ##STR00006##
Structure of 4-(((1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopentyl)amino)methyl)-2-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol
(100) ##STR00007##
Structure of 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine
(101) ##STR00008##
Structure of 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine
(102) The invention also encompasses the use of variants of ARN5187, ethyl 2-(5-methylfuran-2-carbonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylate, 4-((4-chlorobenzyl)((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methyl)amino)-N-phenylpiperidine-1-carboxamide, 4-(((1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopentyl)amino)methyl)-2-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol, 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine or 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine which retain the REV-ERB inhibitory function of ARN5187, ethyl 2-(5-methylfuran-2-carbonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylate, 4-((4-chlorobenzyl)((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methyl)amino)-N-phenylpiperidine-1-carboxamide, 4-(((1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopentyl)amino)methyl)-2-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol, 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine or 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine respectively.
(103) PROTAC Reagents
(104) Proteolysis targeting chimeras (also referred to as PROTACs or PROTAC reagents) may be used to inhibit REV-ERB activity as described herein. PROTACs are heterobifunctional small molecules that simultaneously bind a target protein and ubiquitin ligase, enabling ubiquitination and degradation of the target. In more detail, a PROTAC reagent typically comprises a ligand for the target protein (in the case of the present invention, REV-ERB) and a ligand for an E3 ligase recognition domain. Through the use of such a PROTAC, an E3 ligase is recruited to the PROTAC-bound REV-ERB, inducing ubiquitin transfer from the E3 ligase complex to the target protein (in the case of the present invention, REV-ERB). Once the PROTAC has induced a sufficient degree of ubiquitination of the target, it is then recognised and degraded by the proteasome.
(105) As a non-limiting example, a PROTAC reagent may be produced by conjugating a ligand for an E3-ligase to a small molecule inhibitor as described herein (preferably SR8278) via a linker. In a preferred embodiment, a PROTAC reagent comprises a ligand for the E3 RING Cullin ligase von-Hippel Lindau protein (VHL) or cereblon—a part of a CRL4 E3 RING Cullin ligase complex, connected to a small molecule inhibitor of the invention via a linker. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the PROTAC reagent comprises a ligand for the E3 RING Cullin ligase von-Hippel Lindau protein (VHL) connected to SR8278, connected via a linker. In other particularly preferred embodiments, the PROTAC reagent comprises cereblon (a part of a CRL4 E3 RING Cullin ligase complex) and SR8278, connected via a linker.
(106) Because of their mechanism of action, PROTAC reagents simply need any ligand for the target protein. The functional pharmacology of the ligand, in the absence of the linker and E3 ligase ligand, is unimportant. Therefore in some embodiments a REV-ERB inhibitory PROTAC reagent of the present invention may comprises a small molecule REV-ERB agonist as the ligand, such as GSK4112 (1,1-Dimethylethyl N-[(4-chlorophenyl)methyl]-N-[(5-nitro-2-thienyl)methyl])glycinate, SR6452).
(107) Double-Stranded RNA
(108) Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules may be used to inhibit REV-ERB activity as described herein. dsRNA molecules may be used in RNAi to inhibit REV-ERB activity.
(109) Using known techniques and based on a knowledge of the sequence of REV-ERB, dsRNA molecules can be designed to antagonise REV-ERB by sequence homology-based targeting of the corresponding RNA sequence. Such dsRNAs will typically be small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), small hairpin RNAs (shRNAs), or micro-RNAs (miRNAs). The sequence of such dsRNAs will comprise a portion that corresponds with that of a portion of the mRNA encoding REV-ERB. This portion will usually be 100% complementary to the target portion within the mRNA transcribed from the REV-ERB gene, but lower levels of complementarity (e.g. 90% or more or 95% or more) may also be used. Typically the % complementarity is determined over a length of contiguous nucleic acid residues. A dsRNA molecule of the invention may, for example, have at least 80% complementarity to the target portion within the mRNA transcribed from the REV-ERB gene measured over at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, or more nucleic acid residues, up to the dsRNA molecule having at least 80% complementarity the mRNA transcribed from the REV-ERB gene of the invention over the entire length of the dsRNA molecule.
(110) In a preferred embodiment, the dsRNA is a shRNA. ShRNA can be delivered to NK cell precursors by any appropriate means. Suitable techniques are known in the art and include the use of plasmid, viral and bacterial vectors to deliver the shRNA. Typically, the shRNA is delivered using a viral vector delivery system. In a preferred embodiment, the viral vector is a lentiviral vector.
(111) Generally, once the shRNA has been delivered to an NK precursor cell, it is then transcribed in the nucleus and processed. The resulting pre-shRNA is exported from the nucleus and then processed by dicer and loaded into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). The sense (passenger) strand is degraded. The antisense (guide) strand directs RISC to mRNA that has a complementary sequence. In the case of perfect complementarity, RISC cleaves the mRNA. In the case of imperfect complementarity, RISC represses translation of the mRNA. In both of these cases, the shRNA leads to target gene silencing.
(112) A variant sequence may have at least 80% sequence identity to an shRNA sequence of the invention, measured over any appropriate length of sequence. Typically the % sequence identity is determined over a length of contiguous nucleic acid or amino acid residues. A variant sequence of the invention may, for example, have at least 80% sequence identity to a sequence of the invention measured over at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60, at least 70, at least 80, at least 90, or more nucleic acid or amino acid residues.
(113) For example, a variant shRNA molecule of the invention may have at least 80% sequence identity with an shRNA molecule of the invention measured over at least 10, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 60 or more nucleic acid residues, up to the variant shRNA molecule having at least 80% sequence identity with the shRNA molecule of the invention over the entire length of the variant shRNA molecule.
(114) Antisense RNA
(115) Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecules, also known as antisense RNA, may be used to inhibit REV-ERB activity as described herein.
(116) Using known techniques and based on a knowledge of the sequence of the REV-ERB gene, antisense RNA molecules can be designed to antagonise the REV-ERB gene by sequence homology-based targeting of the corresponding RNA. The sequence of such antisense will comprise a portion that corresponds with that of a portion of the mRNA transcribed from the REV-ERB gene. This portion will usually be 100% complementary to the target portion within the transcribed mRNA but lower levels of complementarity (e.g. 90% or more or 95% or more) may also be used.
(117) Aptamers
(118) Aptamers are generally nucleic acid molecules that bind a specific target molecule. Aptamers can be engineered completely in vitro, are readily produced by chemical synthesis, possess desirable storage properties, and elicit little or no immunogenicity in therapeutic applications. These characteristics make them particularly useful in pharmaceutical and therapeutic utilities.
(119) As used herein, “aptamer” refers in general to a single or double stranded oligonucleotide or a mixture of such oligonucleotides, wherein the oligonucleotide or mixture is capable of binding specifically to a target. Oligonucleotide aptamers will be discussed here, but the skilled reader will appreciate that other aptamers having equivalent binding characteristics can also be used, such as peptide aptamers.
(120) In general, aptamers may comprise oligonucleotides that are at least 5, at least 10 or at least 15 nucleotides in length. Aptamers may comprise sequences that are up to 40, up to 60 or up to 100 or more nucleotides in length. For example, aptamers may be from 5 to 100 nucleotides, from 10 to 40 nucleotides, or from 15 to 40 nucleotides in length. Where possible, aptamers of shorter length are preferred as these will often lead to less interference by other molecules or materials.
(121) Aptamers may be generated using routine methods such as the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment (SELEX) procedure. SELEX is a method for the in vitro evolution of nucleic acid molecules with highly specific binding to target molecules. It is described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,654,151, 5,503,978, 5,567,588 and WO 96/38579.
(122) The SELEX method involves the selection of nucleic acid aptamers and in particular single stranded nucleic acids capable of binding to a desired target, from a collection of oligonucleotides. A collection of single-stranded nucleic acids (e.g., DNA, RNA, or variants thereof) is contacted with a target, under conditions favourable for binding, those nucleic acids which are bound to targets in the mixture are separated from those which do not bind, the nucleic acid-target complexes are dissociated, those nucleic acids which had bound to the target are amplified to yield a collection or library which is enriched in nucleic acids having the desired binding activity, and then this series of steps is repeated as necessary to produce a library of nucleic acids (aptamers) having specific binding affinity for the relevant target.
(123) Peptidomimetics
(124) Peptidomimetics are compounds which mimic a natural peptide or protein with the ability to interact with the biological target and produce the same biological effect. Peptidomimetics may have advantages over peptides in terms of stability and bioavailability associated with a natural peptide. Peptidomimetics can have main- or side-chain modifications of the parent peptide designed for biological function. Examples of classes of peptidomimetics include, but are not limited to, peptoids and β-peptides, as well as peptides incorporating D-amino acids.
(125) Antibodies
(126) Antibodies may be used to inhibit REV-ERB activity as described herein.
(127) As used herein, the term antibody encompasses the use of a monoclonal antibody or polyclonal antibody, as well as the antigen-binding fragments of a monoclonal or polyclonal antibody, or a peptide which binds to REV-ERB with specificity. The antibody may be a Fab, F(ab′)2, Fv, scFv, Fd or dAb.
(128) Variant Sequences
(129) A sequence identity of at least 80% includes at least 82%, at least 84%, at least 86%, at least 88%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, and 100% sequence identity (to each and every sequence presented herein and/or to each and every SEQ ID NO presented herein).
(130) Any of a variety of sequence alignment methods can be used to determine percent identity, including, without limitation, global methods, local methods and hybrid methods, such as, e.g., segment approach methods. Protocols to determine percent identity are routine procedures within the scope of one skilled in the. Global methods align sequences from the beginning to the end of the molecule and determine the best alignment by adding up scores of individual residue pairs and by imposing gap penalties. Non-limiting methods include, e.g., CLUSTAL W, see, e.g., Julie D. Thompson et al., CLUSTAL W: Improving the Sensitivity of Progressive Multiple Sequence Alignment Through Sequence Weighting, Position-Specific Gap Penalties and Weight Matrix Choice, 22 (22) Nucleic Acids Research 4673-4680 (1994); and iterative refinement, see, e.g., Osamu Gotoh, Significant Improvement in Accuracy of Multiple Protein. Sequence Alignments by Iterative Refinement as Assessed by Reference to Structural Alignments, 264(4) J. Mol. Biol. 823-838 (1996). Local methods align sequences by identifying one or more conserved motifs shared by all of the input sequences. Non-limiting methods include, e.g., Match-box, see, e.g., Eric Depiereux and Ernest Feytmans, Match-Box: A Fundamentally New Algorithm for the Simultaneous Alignment of Several Protein Sequences, 8(5) CABIOS 501-509 (1992); Gibbs sampling, see, e.g., C. E. Lawrence et al., Detecting Subtle Sequence Signals: A Gibbs Sampling Strategy for Multiple Alignment, 262 (5131) Science 208-214 (1993); Align-M, see, e.g., Ivo Van Walle et al., Align-M—A New Algorithm for Multiple Alignment of Highly Divergent Sequences, 20 (9) Bioinformatics:1428-1435 (2004). Thus, percent sequence identity is determined by conventional methods. See, for example, Altschul et al., Bull. Math. Bio. 48: 603-16, 1986 and Henikoff and Henikoff, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915-19, 1992.
(131) Variants of the specific sequences provided above may alternatively be defined by reciting the number of nucleotides or amino acids that differ between the variant sequences and the specific reference sequences provided above. Thus, in one embodiment, the sequence may comprise (or consist of) a nucleotide sequence that differs from the specific sequences provided above at no more than 5, no more than 4, no more than 3, no more than 2 nucleotide positions, for example at no more than 1 nucleotide position. Conservative substitutions are preferred.
(132) The variant nucleic acid molecules and peptides of the invention typically still retain the activity of the corresponding molecules of the invention. Thus, for example, the variant shRNA molecules of the invention retain the ability of the corresponding shRNA molecules to inhibit the expression of REV-ERB. The variant shRNA molecules may retain at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, up to and including 100% of the modulatory activity of the shRNA molecules of the invention. This applies equally to any other variants of the inhibitors of the invention.
(133) The compounds of the invention may be labelled (or tagged). Any appropriate label may be used. Suitable labels are known in the art.
(134) Post-Translational Modification of E4bp4
(135) As shown in the Examples, the present inventors have demonstrated that post-translational modification of E4bp4 can increase E4bp4 activity. Furthermore, increasing E4bp4 activity by post-translational modification results in an increase in NK cell number (as defined herein).
(136) Accordingly, the present invention provides a method of expanding an NK cell population, comprising the steps of: a) culturing an haematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) comprising sample obtained from an individual/patient; b) contacting said sample with a compound which results in the post-translational modification of E4bp4, thereby causing an increase in E4bp4 activity; and c) expanding said cells in vitro to produce an NK cell population. Said method can be used together with, or independently from the methods disclosed herein relating to increased E4bp4 expression by decreasing REV-ERB activity, and/or the methods disclosed herein relating to increasing NK cell number by culturing HPCs in the presence of a Notch ligand.
(137) The invention also provides a compound which results in the post-translational modification of E4bp4 for use in a method of therapy by increasing production of NK cells in a patient, wherein said compound increases E4bp4 activity. The invention further provides a method of treatment by increasing the number of NK cells in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound which results in the post-translational modification of E4bp4, wherein said compound increases E4bp4 activity. Again, said therapeutic indications can be used together with, or independently from the indications disclosed herein relating to increased E4bp4 expression by decreasing REV-ERB activity, and/or the indications disclosed herein relating to increasing NK cell number by culturing HPCs in the presence of a Notch ligand.
(138) Any of the disclosure herein in relation to methods of increasing NK cell number, methods of expanding NK cells in the context of compounds which inhibit the action of REV-ERB, and/or Notch ligands, expanded NK cell populations produced by said methods and therapeutic indications relating to said compounds and populations applies inter alia to the disclosed methods of increasing E4bp4 activity to increase NK cell number. As non-limiting examples, the feeder cell layers, growth factors and/or other culture conditions and diseases to be treated may be the same in relation to the post-translational modification aspects as for the REV-ERB inhibition and/or Notch ligand aspects disclosed herein.
(139) Types of Post-Translational Modification
(140) Said method encompasses any post-translational modification which results in an increase in E4bp4 activity. Non-limiting examples of post-translation modification include phosphorylation, SUMOylation, the addition of a hydrophobic group (e.g. myristoylation, palmitoylation), addition of a cofactor, the addition of small chemical groups (e.g. acylation, alkylation, amidation, glycosylation), glycation, carbamylation, cabonylation, chemical modifications (e.g. deamidation) and/or structural changes. Typically said post-translational modification results in a reduction in phosphorylation at one or more phosphorylation site within wild-type (unmodified) E4bp4 and/or a reduction in SUMOylation at one or more SUMOylation site within wild-type (unmodified) E4bp4, or a combination thereof. As shown in the Examples herein, wild-type (unmodified) E4bp4 is typically SUMOylated at one or more of residues K10, K116, K219, K337 and/or K394 or residues corresponding thereto, or any combination thereof. Typically wild-type (unmodified) E4bp4 is SUMOylated at least at residue K219 (or a corresponding residue). Alternatively or in addition, wild-type (unmodified) E4bp4 is typically phosphorylated at residues S286, S301 and S353, or residues corresponding thereto, or any combination thereof. Accordingly, in some preferred embodiments, a compound of the invention reduces, inhibits or ablates SUMOylation at residue K219 (or a residue corresponding thereto), and/or reduces, inhibits or ablates phosphorylation at residues S286, S301 and S353 (or corresponding residues), or any combination thereof. Thus, according to the present invention, a compound may be used to (a) reduce SUMOylation at one or more of residues K10, K116, K219, K337 and/or K394 of E4bp4, or a residue corresponding thereto, or any combination thereof; and/or reduce phosphorylation at one or more of residues S286, S301 and/or S454, or a residue corresponding thereto, or any combination thereof.
(141) Any compound which is capable of eliciting a post-translational modification of E4bp4, wherein said modification increases the activity of E4bp4 is encompassed by the present invention. In some preferred embodiments, said compound inhibits, reduces or ablates the phosphorylation and/or SUMOylation that occurs in wild-type (unmodified) E4bp4. Any appropriate kinase inhibitor may be used to inhibit, reduce or ablate phosphorylation of E4bp4. Suitable kinase inhibitors are known in the art and their selection would be routine to one of skill in the art. Non-limiting examples of suitable kinase inhibitors include 4-(4-(2,3-Dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-5-pyridin-2-yl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)benzamide (D4476) and 4,5,6,7-Tetrabromo-2-azabenzimidazole, 4,5,6,7-Tetrabromobenzotriazole (TBB).
(142) Increase in E4bp4 Activity
(143) The present invention relates to the use of compounds post-translationally modify E4bp4 and hence to increase E4bp4 activity. An increase in E4bp4 activity may be measured relative to a control. Thus, the activity of E4bp4 in a sample of NK precursor or progenitor cells, an expanded NK cell population or in a sample obtained from an individual/patient to be treated according to the invention may be compared with the activity of E4bp4 in a control. Activity may be quantified in any appropriate terms, for example an increase in the expression of any downstream target of E4bp4. Any appropriate technique or method may be used for quantifying E4bp4 activity. Suitable techniques are known in the art, for example luciferase assays for quantifying expression of a reporter gene.
(144) Typically the control is an equivalent population or sample in which no compound has been added to post-translationally modify E4bp4, for example a sample obtained from a different individual to which the compound has not been administered, or the same individual the prior to administration of the compound. Conventional methods for the ex vivo expansion of NK cells, including known methods may be considered control methods according to the present invention.
(145) In the context of the present invention, a reference to increasing E4bp4 activity may be understood to mean that, the activity of E4bp4 is increased by at least 1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 2.1-fold, at least 2.2-fold, at least 2.3-fold, at least 2.4-fold, at least 2.5-fold, at least 2.6-fold, at least 2.7-fold, at least 2.8-fold, at least 2.9-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 4-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 6-fold, at least 7-fold, at least 8-fold, at least 9-fold, at least 10-fold or more relative to a control. Typically E4bp4 activity is increased by at least 2-fold, at least 2.1-fold, at least 2.2-fold, at least 2.3-fold, at least 2.4-fold, at least 2.5-fold, at least 2.6-fold, at least 2.7-fold, at least 2.8-fold, at least 2.9-fold, at least 3-fold, or more compared with the control. E4bp4 activity may be measured indirectly be determining the increase in NK cell number. Thus, the number of NK cells may be increased by at least 1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 2.1-fold, at least 2.2-fold, at least 2.3-fold, at least 2.4-fold, at least 2.5-fold, at least 2.6-fold, at least 2.7-fold, at least 2.8-fold, at least 2.9-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 4-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 6-fold, at least 7-fold, at least 8-fold, at least 9-fold, at least 10-fold or more relative to a control. Typically the number of NK cells is increased by at least 2-fold, at least 2.1-fold, at least 2.2-fold, at least 2.3-fold, at least 2.4-fold, at least 2.5-fold, at least 2.6-fold, at least 2.7-fold, at least 2.8-fold, at least 2.9-fold, at least 3-fold, or more compared with the control.
(146) The activity of E4bp4 may be determined by quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, and may be measured directly or indirectly. The activity of E4bp4 relative to a control may be determined using any appropriate technique. Suitable standard techniques are known in the art.
(147) The activity of E4bp4 may be increased compared with a control for at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, at least 24 hours, at least 30 hours, at least 36 hours, at least 42 hours, at least 48 hours, at least 54 hours, at least 60 hours, at least 72 hours, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 1 week. Preferably, the activity of E4bp4 is increased for at least 12 to 72 hours. Typically this is assessed relative to the last administration of the compound which post-translationally modified E4bp4.
(148) The activity of E4bp4 may be increased compared with a control for at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least ten, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40 or more passages of the cultured cells. The activity of E4bp4 may be increased indefinitely.
(149) Methods of Expanding NK Cells
(150) The present invention relates to a method for expanding an NK cell population. Typically said methods involve culturing NK cell precursors (HPCs) in the presence of a Notch ligand. Said method may be in vitro, in vivo or ex vivo. Typically the method of the invention is ex vivo. Said method comprises containing HPCs with a Notch ligand and expanding said cells to produce an NK cell population. The methods of the invention allow for the rapid expansion of NK cells, reducing the time needed for their culture, and hence the risk of exhaustion, enhancing the cytotoxicity of the NK cells when transfused into a patient.
(151) When said method is carried out in vivo, said method is a therapeutic method as described herein. In such embodiments, all the disclosure herein in relation to therapeutic indications and applications of the invention is applicable to said methods.
(152) As disclosed herein, the present inventors have shown that Notch ligands, particularly DLL4, can be used to enhance the production of NK cells. Accordingly, the invention provides an ex vivo method for expanding an NK cell population comprising: (a) culturing an HPC comprising sample obtained from an individual/patient in the presence of a Notch ligand, a fragment thereof which retains the function of said Notch ligand, or a molecule which mimics the function of said Notch ligand; and (b) culturing the cells produced by step (a) in the presence of IL-15; thereby producing an expanded NK cell population.
(153) Step (a) and (b) may be carried out concurrently or in any order. For example, step (a) may be carried out first, followed by step (b), such that the cells are first exposed to a Notch ligand and then IL-15. Alternatively, step (b) may be carried out first, followed by step (a), such that the cells are first cultured in the presence of IL-15 and then in the presence of a Notch ligand. Alternatively, steps (a) and (b) may be carried out concurrently, such that the cells are simultaneously cultured in the presence of a Notch ligand and IL-15. Preferably step (a) is carried out first, followed by step (b).
(154) The Notch ligand may be any Notch ligand (including functional fragments thereof and molecules which mimic the action/function/effect of the Notch ligand of interest) as defined herein. Typically the Notch ligand is DLL4, a fragment thereof which retains the function of DLL4, or a molecule which mimics the function of DLL4 (as defined herein).
(155) Typically in step (a) the HPCs are cultured in the absence of exogenous IL-15, with exogenous 11-15 being added in step (b) only. As a non-limiting example, IL-15 may be used at a concentration of about 1 ng/ml to about 100 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 50 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 40 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 30 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 20 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 10 ng/ml or less. In some embodiments IL-15 is used at a concentration of about 50 ng/ml, about 40 ng/ml, about 35 ng/ml, about 30 ng/ml, about 25 ng/ml, about 20 ng/ml or about 10 ng/ml, preferably about 30 ng/ml.
(156) Additional external stimuli, such as growth factors and/or cytokines, may be used to further enhance the production of NK cells. Said external stimuli may be present in step (a) and/or step (b) as appropriate. Non-limiting examples of suitable external stimuli include IL-7, Flt3L, stem cell factor (SCF), thrombopoietin (TPO), IL-3 and/or IL-6, or any combination thereof. In some preferred embodiments, IL-7, Flt3L and/or SCF, or any combination thereof is used. More preferably IL-7, Flt3L and SCF are used.
(157) As a non-limiting example, IL-7 may be used at a concentration of about 1 ng/ml to about 100 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 50 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 25 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 10 ng/ml or less. In some embodiments IL-7 is used at a concentration of about 50 ng/ml, about 25 ng/ml, about 20 ng/ml, about 15 ng/ml, about 10 ng/ml or about 5 ng/ml, preferably about 10 ng/ml. As a non-limiting example, Flt3L may be used at a concentration of about 1 ng/ml to about 100 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 50 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 25 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 10 ng/ml or less. In some embodiments Flt3L is used at a concentration of about 50 ng/ml, about 25 ng/ml, about 20 ng/ml, about 15 ng/ml, about 10 ng/ml or about 5 ng/ml, preferably about 10 ng/ml. As a non-limiting example, SCF may be used at a concentration of about 1 ng/ml to about 200 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 150 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 100 ng/ml, about 1 ng/ml to about 50 ng/ml or less. In some embodiments SCF is used at a concentration of about 150 ng/ml, about 125 ng/ml, about 120 ng/ml, about 110 ng/ml, about 100 ng/ml, about 90 ng/ml, about 80 ng/ml or about 75 ng/ml, preferably about 100 ng/ml.
(158) Typically IL-7, Flt3L and SCF are used together in step (a) only, step (b) only or in both steps (a) and (b). In some preferred embodiments, the HPCs are cultured in the presence of IL-7, Flt3L and/or SCF, more preferably IL-7, Flt3L and SCF, in step (a).
(159) The Notch ligand (such as DLL4) may be present in solution (e.g. in the culture medium) or used to coat the vessel in which the HPCs are cultured. Preferably the Notch ligand (e.g. DLL4) is used to coat the vessel in which the HPCs are cultured. As a non-limiting example, the Notch ligand (e.g. DLL4) may be used at a concentration of about 1 μg/ml to about 100 μg/ml, about 1 μg/ml to about 50 μg/ml, about 1 μg/ml to about 25 μg/ml, about 1 μg/ml to about 10 μg/ml or less. In some embodiments the Notch ligand (e.g. DLL4) is used at a concentration of about 50 μg/ml, about 25 μg/ml, about 20 μg/ml, about 15 μg/ml, about 10 μg/ml, or about 5 μg/ml, preferably about 10 μg/ml. Additional substrates and/or linkers may be used to facilitate the attachment of the Notch ligand (such as DLL4) to the surface of the culture vessels. Examples of such substrates are known in the art, such as poly-L-lysine.
(160) Step (a) and/or step (b) of the method of the invention may involve culturing said cells in the presence or absence of a stromal support cell or feeder cell, or population thereof. As used herein, the terms stromal cell, feeder cell and stromal support cell are synonymous and may be used interchangeably. Examples of such support/feeder cells include, but are not limited to, OP9 cells and/or EL08-1D2 cells. Typically step (a) is carried out in the absence of a stromal support cell or population thereof. In some preferred embodiments, both step (a) and step (b) are carried out in the absence of a stromal support cell or population thereof. In other words, these steps may be carried out coating the Notch ligand of the invention (e.g. DLL4) directly onto tissue culture plastic.
(161) Steps (a) and (b) may be of any appropriate duration to maximise the production of NK cells. As a non-limiting example, step (a) may involve the culture of HPCs in the presence of a Notch ligand (such as DLL4) for at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, at least 24 hours, at least 30 hours, at least 36 hours, at least 42 hours, at least 48 hours, at least 54 hours, at least 60 hours, at least 72 hours, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 1 week, i.e. step (a) may be any of these durations. Typically step (a) is 72 hours to 1 week in length. As a non-limiting example, step (b) may involve the culture of the cells produced by step (a) in the presence of IL-15 for at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, at least 24 hours, at least 30 hours, at least 36 hours, at least 42 hours, at least 48 hours, at least 54 hours, at least 60 hours, at least 72 hours, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks or longer, until the desired number of NK cells is produced. Thus, step (b) may be any of these durations. Typically step (b) is 1 week or more in length, in some preferred embodiments step (b) is 7 to 9 days in length, in even more preferred embodiments, step (b) is about two weeks in length.
(162) Alternatively, the duration of step (a) and/or step (b) may be measured in terms of the number of cell passages. For example, step (a) and/or step (b) may be at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least ten, at least 20, at least 30, at least 40 or more passages of the cells (either in vivo, or cultured ex vivo or in vitro).
(163) The durations of step (a) and step (b) are independent, and any duration of step (a) above may be used in combination with any duration of step (b) above. In some preferred embodiments, step (a) is 72 to 1 week in length and step (b) is 1 week (or more) in length.
(164) The present inventors have also demonstrated that combining the use of a Notch ligand (such as DLL4) and REV-ERB inhibition results in a surprisingly potent means for enhancing NK cell production, allowing for the production of large numbers of functional NK cells that are suitable for in vivo therapeutic use more rapidly than the current methods. It is surprising that these two independent mechanisms (Notch ligand and REV-ERB inhibition) can be used together to demonstrate a greater increase in NK cell number than either mechanism provides alone.
(165) Accordingly, the present invention provides in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo methods for expanding NK cells using the combination of a Notch ligand and REV-ERB inhibition. When said method is carried out in vivo, said method is a therapeutic method as described herein. In such embodiments, all the disclosure herein in relation to therapeutic indications and applications of the invention is applicable to said methods. Typically the method of the invention is ex vivo.
(166) Thus, the invention provides an ex vivo method for expanding an NK cell population comprising the steps of: (a) culturing an HPC comprising sample obtained from an individual/patient with a compound that inhibits the action of REV-ERB (as described herein); (b) culturing said cells in the presence of a Notch ligand (such as DLL4); and (c) expanding said cells in vitro to produce an NK cell population. Step (a) and (b) may be carried out concurrently or in any order. For example, step (a) may be carried out first, followed by step (b), such that the cells are first exposed to a REV-ERB inhibitory compound and then cultured in the presence of a Notch ligand. Alternatively, step (b) may be carried out first, followed by step (a), such that the cells are first cultured in the presence of a Notch ligand and then in the presence of a REV-ERB inhibitory compound. Alternatively, steps (a) and (b) may be carried out concurrently, such that the cells are simultaneously cultured in the presence of a REV-ERB inhibitory compound and a Notch ligand.
(167) In some preferred embodiments, step (a) may be carried out first, followed by step (b), such that the cells are first cultured in the presence of a REV-ERB inhibitory compound and then in the presence of a Notch ligand. Thus, in those embodiments the invention provides an ex vivo method for expanding an NK cell population comprising the steps of: (a) culturing an HPC comprising sample obtained from an individual/patient with a compound that inhibits the action of REV-ERB (as described herein); (b) culturing said cells in the presence of a Notch ligand (such as DLL4); and (c) expanding said cells in vitro to produce an NK cell population.
(168) The compound may be any REV-ERB inhibitory compound of the invention as described herein. Typically said compound increases E4bp4 expression by decreasing REV-ERB activity as described herein. The Notch ligand may be any Notch ligand of the invention as described herein. In some preferred embodiments the REV-ERB inhibitory compound is SR8278. In some preferred embodiments the Notch ligand is DLL4, a functional fragment thereof or a molecule which mimics the activity/function of DLL4. In some particularly preferred embodiments, the REV-ERB inhibitory compound is SR8278 and the Notch ligand is DLL4, a functional fragment thereof or a molecule which mimics the activity/function of DLL4.
(169) The Notch ligand (such as DLL4) may be present in solution (e.g. in the culture medium) or used to coat the vessel in which the HPCs are cultured. Preferably the Notch ligand (e.g. DLL4) is used to coat the vessel in which the HPCs are cultured. Any appropriate concentration of Notch ligand may be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable Notch ligand concentrations are described herein. In other words, these steps may be carried out coating the Notch ligand of the invention (e.g. DLL4) directly onto tissue culture plastic.
(170) The HPCs may be cultured in the presence or absence of a stromal support cell or feeder cell, or population thereof. Any appropriate stromal cell may be used, including, but not limited to OP9 stromal cells and/or EL08-1D2 stromal cells. In some preferred embodiments, the cells are cultured in the absence of a stromal support cell or population thereof.
(171) Alternatively and/or in addition, the HPCs may be cultured in the presence of cytokines and growth factors associated with the development of cells in the NK cell differentiation pathway, including factors required for HPCs growth and/or factors required for NK cell growth and/or differentiation. Non-limiting examples of such factors include IL-3, IL-7, Flt3L, stem cell factor (SCF), TPO, IL-3, IL-6, and/or IL-15, or any combination thereof. Any appropriate concentration of such factors may be used. Non-limiting examples of suitable concentrations of these factors are described herein.
(172) In some embodiments, the ex vivo method comprises a single stage in which the HPCs in a sample obtained from an individual/patient are cultured, contacted with a compound of the invention and a Notch ligand and expanded to form an NK cell population, typically under substantially constant culture conditions (i.e. steps (a) and (b) of the method are carried out concurrently). Typically this involves incubating the HPCs with factors such as IL-3, IL-7, SCF, Flt3L and/or IL-15, preferably all of these factors. The HPCs may be cultured in the presence or absence of stromal cells/cell layer, such as EL08-1D2 stromal cells.
(173) In some embodiments, the ex vivo method comprises two stages. The first is a lymphoid production stage, in which the HPCs in a sample obtained from an individual/patient are cultured. Typically this involves incubating the HPCs with cytokines and growth factors associated with lymphoid production, such as Flt3L, IL-7 and/or SCF. This stage may last for at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, or more days. In some preferred embodiments, this stage lasts for two days.
(174) This is followed by a stage of NK cell expansion. Typically this involves culturing the cells in cytokines and growth factors associated with NK cell development, such as IL-15, and may involve transferring the cultured HSCs to a suitable stromal (support) cell layer, such as OP9 stromal cells. The second stage lasts for the remainder of the ex vivo culture period (as defined herein). The culture medium may be changed as often as required during this second stage in order to facilitate NK cell expansion.
(175) In some embodiments, the REV-ERB inhibitory compound of the invention is added in stage 1 (lymphoid production) and the Notch ligand in the second stage (NK cell expansion). In other embodiments, the Notch ligand is added in stage 1 (lymphoid production) and the REV-EB inhibitory compound in the second stage (NK cell expansion). In yet other embodiments, both the REV-ERB inhibitory compound and the Notch ligand added in the first stage (lymphoid production). In further embodiments, both the REV-ERB inhibitory compound and the Notch ligand added in the second (NK cell expansion phase). If the REV-ERB inhibitory compound and the Notch ligand added in the same stage (either stage 1 or stage 2), that stage may be further divided so that: (i) the REV-ERB inhibitory compound is added before the Notch ligand; or (ii) the Notch ligand is added before the REV-ERB inhibitory compound. Alternatively, the Notch ligand and REV-ERB inhibitory compound may be added simultaneously in the same stage.
(176) Typically the REV-ERB inhibitory compound is added during the first stage, and the Notch ligand is added during the second stage, and preferably at the start of this second stage.
(177) The HPC comprising sample may be cultured ex vivo for at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 7 days, at least 8 days, at least 9 days, at least 10 days, at least 11 days, at least 12 days, at least 13 days, at least 14 days, at least 15 days, at least 16 days, at least 17 days, at least 18 days or more. Typically said sample is cultured for at least 9 days in order to produce an expanded NK cell population. These culture periods are for the total culture period of the ex vivo method, i.e. if there are two stages, these periods are for the total (stage 1 plus stage 2).
(178) The REV-ERB inhibitory compound of the invention may be added to the sample comprising HPCs within one week, within six days, within five days, within four days, within three days, within two days, within one day of isolating the HPCs in the sample, or on the same day as isolating the NK cell precursors. Typically this is the same day that the sample is obtained from the patient. Preferably the REV-ERB inhibitory compound of the invention is added to the sample within two days of isolating the HPCs in the sample, such as on the day of isolation of the HPCs. Most preferably the REV-ERB inhibitory compound of the invention is added to the sample two days post isolation of the HPCs.
(179) The Notch ligand of the invention may be added to the sample comprising HPCs within one week, within six days, within five days, within four days, within three days, within two days, within one day of isolating the HPCs in the sample, or on the same day as isolating the NK cell precursors. Typically this is the same day that the sample is obtained from the patient. Preferably the Notch ligand of the invention is added to the sample within four days of isolating the HPCs in the sample, such as on day two following isolation of the HPCs. Most preferably the Notch ligand of the invention is added to the sample two or four days post isolation of the HPCs.
(180) Preferred embodiments of the invention comprise (i) adding the REV-ERB inhibitory compound and the Notch ligand to the sample on the day of isolation of the HPCs; (ii) adding the REV-ERB inhibitory compound to the sample on the day of isolation of the HPCs and adding the Notch ligand to the sample on day two post isolation of the HPCs; or (iii) adding the REV-ERB inhibitory compound to the sample on day two post isolation of the HPCs and adding the Notch ligand to the sample on day four post isolation of the HPCs; with option (iii) being particularly preferred. As demonstrated in the Examples, these particular conditions maximise the synergy between the REV-ERB inhibition and the Notch ligand, and hence maximising the expansion of NK cells.
(181) The method of the invention may further comprise modulating (increasing or decreasing the expression and/or activity of one or more additional gene and/or protein in the HPCs in order to enhance NK cell expansion. This modulation may be elicited by a compound of the invention, including the same compound of the invention as used to inhibit the activity of REV-ERB. Alternatively, one or more additional compounds may be used to modulate the expression and/or activity of the one or more additional gene and/or protein. Said modulation may occur directly or indirectly. Indirect modulation encompasses downstream effects caused by a compound of the invention inhibiting the activity of REV-ERB.
(182) Any of the methods of the invention may be used on its own or in combination with other methods of the invention. For example, methods of the invention relating to inhibiting the action of REV-ERB and culturing HPCs in the presence of a Notch ligand may be combined with the invention relating to culturing in the presence of DLL4 or a functional fragment thereof (i.e. the Notch ligand is DLL4 or a DLL4 fragment) and in the presence of IL-15 and/or the invention relating to post-translational modification of E4bp4 in order to increase E4bp4 activity. Any combination of the methods as disclosed herein is envisaged by the present invention.
(183) In all methods of the invention, the sample comprising HPCs obtained from an individual/patient may be a sample obtained from bone marrow, cord blood and/or peripheral blood. Thus, the sample may be a cord or peripheral blood sample, or a bone marrow sample or biopsy. The sample may be obtained from the individual who is to be treated with the NK cell population produced by a method of the invention (i.e. a patient). Alternatively, the sample is obtained from a healthy individual.
(184) According to the present invention, a sample comprising HPCs is any sample from an individual which comprises a sufficient number of HPCs (as described herein), such that an expanded NK cell population can be obtained by contacting said sample with a compound according to the present invention. Typically the sample comprises HSCs. Preferably said sample is enriched for HSCs, such as a cord or peripheral blood sample or a bone marrow sample or biopsy as described herein.
(185) A method of the invention may result in an increase in, the number of NK cells of at least 1.5-fold, at least 2-fold, at least 2.1-fold, at least 2.2-fold, at least 2.3-fold, at least 2.4-fold, at least 2.5-fold, at least 2.6-fold, at least 2.7-fold, at least 2.8-fold, at least 2.9-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 4-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 6-fold, at least 7-fold, at least 8-fold, at least 9-fold, at least 10-fold or more relative to a control. Typically the number of NK cells is increased by at least 2-fold, at least 2.1-fold, at least 2.2-fold, at least 2.3-fold, at least 2.4-fold, at least 2.5-fold, at least 2.6-fold, at least 2.7-fold, at least 2.8-fold, at least 2.9-fold, at least 3-fold, or more compared with the control.
(186) A method of the invention may accelerate the production of phenotypically mature NK cells. In other words, the method of the invention may reduce the time taken to arrive at a population of mature NK cells. A reduction in the run time of the method offers a further advantage over the conventional methods for NK cell expansion known in the art. As a non-limiting example, current clinical procedures for the expansion of NK cells can take more than two weeks to generate an NK cell population that comprises about 20% mature NK cells. In contrast, a method of the invention may achieve an equivalent population in 10 days or less, preferably in one week or less. A method of the invention may achieve a population of at least 40% mature NK cells, preferably at least 45%, at least 46%, at least 47%, at least 48%, or at least 49% mature NK cells, even more preferably at least 50% mature NK cells in three weeks or less, 20 days or less, 19 days or less, 18 days or less, 17 days or less, 16 days or less, 15 days or less, two weeks or less, 13 days or less, or 12 days or less. Preferably a method of the invention can achieve a population of at least 45% mature NK cells within two weeks or less.
(187) Typically any ex vivo method of the present invention involves a final step to purify the expanded NK cell population. This ensures a pure population for therapeutic administration as described herein. Purification of the expanded NK cell population may be by any appropriate means. Standard cell purification methods are known in the art, such as cell sorting, including fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS). In some methods of the invention, particularly those involving the combination of a Notch ligand and a REV-ERB inhibitory compound, the % of NK cells in the final cell population may be very high (typically greater than 85%, preferably greater than 90%, more preferably greater than 95%, and may approach 100%). In such instances, a final purification step may optionally be omitted.
(188) Therapeutic Indications
(189) The invention provides products containing a compound which inhibits the action of REV-ERB and a Notch ligand as a combined preparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in a method of therapy by increasing the production of NK cells in a patient.
(190) The Notch ligand for use in said method of therapy may be any Notch ligand as described herein. In some preferred embodiments, the Notch ligand is DLL4 or a fragment thereof which retains the function of DLL4.
(191) The REV-ERB antagonist for use in said method of therapy may be any REV-ERB antagonist as described herein. Typically the REV-ERB antagonist for use in said method increases E4bp4 expression by decreasing REV-ERB activity.
(192) A reference herein to products of the invention is a reference to the combination of a REV-ERB antagonist and Notch ligand as described herein (for simultaneous, separate or sequential use).
(193) Any REV-ERB antagonist and any Notch ligand of the invention may be used in combination. As a non-limiting example, DLL4 or a functional fragment thereof may be used in combination with SR8278, ARN5187, ethyl 2-(5-methylfuran-2-carbonyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline-3-carboxylate, 4-((4-chlorobenzyl)((5-nitrothiophen-2-yl)methyl)amino)-N-phenylpiperidine-1-carboxamide, 4-(((1-(4-fluorophenyl)cyclopentyl)amino)methyl)-2-((4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)methyl)phenol, 1-(2-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine or 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(3-((1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)methyl)benzyl)cyclopentan-1-amine, preferably SR8278.
(194) Typically the method of therapy comprises administering the products (as described herein) to a patient or subject. The Notch ligand and REV-ERB antagonist may be administered simultaneously, separately or sequentially. For separate or sequential administration, the Notch ligand may be administered first, followed by the REV-ERB antagonist, or vice versa.
(195) Sequential administration may mean that the two products are administered immediately one after the other, or that the second product is administered within 1 minute, within two minutes, within three minutes, within four minutes, within five minutes, within 10 minutes, within 15 minutes, within 20 minutes, within 25 minutes, within 30 minutes, within 45 minutes, within one hour, or more of the first product being administered.
(196) Separate administration may mean that the second product is administered within one hour, within two hours, within three hours, within six hours, within 12 hours, within 24 hours, within 2 days, within 3 days, within 4 days, within 5 days, within 6 days, within 7 days or more of the first product being administered.
(197) As used herein, the term “increasing the number of NK cells” and “increasing production of NK cells” can be understood to mean that the compound or products of the invention elicit(s) a significant increase in the number of NK cells in a patient. This increase in NK cell number may be measured relative to a control (as described herein in the context of increasing E4bp4 expression and inhibiting REV-ERB activity).
(198) A reference to an increase in the number of NK cells and/or increasing NK cell production may be quantified in terms of a fold increase relative to a control. Typically a compound of the invention can increase the number of NK cells, or give rise to an increase in NK cell production, of at least 1.5 fold, at least 1.6 fold, at least 1.7 fold, at least 1.8 fold, at least 1.9 fold, at least 2 fold, at least 2.1 fold, at least 2.2 fold, at least 2.3 fold, at least 2.4 fold, at least 2.5 fold, at least 3 fold or more relative to a control.
(199) Alternatively, a reference to increasing the number of NK cells and/or increasing NK cell production may be understood to mean that, the number of NK cells is increased by at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 100%, at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 300% or more compared with the control. Typically the number of NK cells is increased by at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, even more preferably at least 90% or more compared with a control.
(200) In some embodiments, an increase in the number of NK cells and/or increase in NK cell production may be defined in terms of the absolute number of NK cells in a sample or patient, such as the percentage of NK cells, for example the percentage of NK cells in the circulating lymphocyte population. For example, a compound of the invention may cause an increase in NK number, resulting in a percentage of NK cells of at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80% or more.
(201) The number of NK cells may be determined by quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, and may be measured directly or indirectly. The number of NK cells relative to a control may be determined using any appropriate technique. Suitable standard techniques, such as flow cytometry, FACS and MACS, are known in the art.
(202) The number of NK cells may be increased compared with a control for at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, at least 24 hours, at least 30 hours, at least 36 hours, at least 42 hours, at least 48 hours, at least 54 hours, at least 60 hours, at least 72 hours, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 1 week, at least 2 weeks, at least 3 weeks, at least 1 month or more. Typically this is assessed relative to the last administration of the compound which inhibits REV-ERB activity and/or the Notch ligand.
(203) The number of NK cells may be quantified in terms of the total number of NK cells in a sample from an individual/patient or culture sample (from an ex vivo method of the invention).
(204) In the context of the therapeutic uses and methods of the invention, a “subject” or “patient” (these terms are used interchangeably herein) is any animal patient that would benefit from an increase in the number of NK cells. Typical animal patients are mammals, such as primates. Preferably the patient is a human.
(205) Thus, the present invention provides a method of treatment by increasing the number of NK cells in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound which inhibits the action of REV-ERB (as described herein) and a Notch ligand (as described herein).
(206) Additionally, the present invention provides the use of a compound which inhibits the action of REV-ERB and a Notch ligand in the manufacture of a medicament. Said medicament increases the number of NK cells in a patient.
(207) The therapeutic use or method of the invention may comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound or products of the invention (as defined herein), either alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, to a subject or individual.
(208) As used herein, the term “treatment” or “treating” embraces therapeutic or preventative/prophylactic measures.
(209) The compounds or products of the invention may also be used as a preventative therapy. As used herein, the term “preventing” includes preventing the onset of symptoms associated with a disease or disorder that may be treated by increasing NK cell number and/or reducing the severity or intensity of said symptoms. The term “preventing” includes inducing or providing protective immunity against such diseases or disorders, particularly infectious diseases as described herein. Immunity may be quantified using any appropriate technique, examples of which are known in the art.
(210) A compound or products of the invention may be administered to a patient already having a disease or disorder which may be treated by increasing NK cell number. For example, the patient may be suspected of having an infectious disease or cancer as described herein, and may or may not be showing symptoms of said disease or disorder. When administered to such a patient, a compound or products of the invention can cure, delay, reduce the severity of, or ameliorate one or more symptoms, and/or prolong the survival of a subject beyond that expected in the absence of such treatment.
(211) Alternatively, a compound or products of the invention may be administered to a patient who may ultimately be infected with a particular infectious disease, or develop a disease or disorder as described herein, in order to cure, delay, reduce the severity of, or ameliorate one or more symptoms, and/or prolong the survival of a subject beyond that expected in the absence of such treatment, or, in the case of infectious diseases help prevent that patient from transmitting said disease.
(212) The treatments and preventative therapies of the present invention are applicable to a variety of different subjects of different ages. In the context of humans, the therapies are applicable to children (e.g. infants, children under 5 years old, older children or teenagers) and adults. In the context of other animal subjects (e.g. mammals such as primates), the therapies are applicable to immature subjects and mature/adult subjects.
(213) The invention relates to the treatment of any disease or disorder which may be beneficially treated with by increasing the number of NK cells in a patient. Such diseases and disorders include cancer, infectious diseases (acute and chronic), autoimmune diseases and diseases or disorders related to female infertility or pregnancy. Infectious diseases that may be treated according to the present invention include viral infection, and infection by other pathogens, including bacteria, protists, fugal, or helminth pathogens. Typically said pathogens are intracellular pathogens which have at least one intracellular phase in their life cycle. Infections of particular interest include viral infections, and zoonotic infections that are of particular importance from a public health perspective. Cancers that may be treated according to the present invention include bladder cancer, blood cancers, leukaemia, bone cancers, bowel cancer, brain tumours, breast cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, melanoma, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer and uterine cancer. Autoimmune diseases that may be treated according to the present invention include systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and obesity-induced insulin resistance. As used herein, the term diseases or disorders related to female infertility or pregnancy includes, but is not limited to, fetal growth restriction, preterm labour, defects in uterine vascular remodelling and preeclampsia.
(214) The compounds or products of the invention may be used in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agents or treatments, which typically may be selected from a conventional treatment for the disease or disorder to be treated. As a non-limiting example, if a compound or products of the invention are for use in the treatment of a cancer, such as lung cancer, then said compound or products may be used in combination with conventional treatments for lung cancer, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery. When used in combination with one or more additional therapeutic agent or treatment, a compound or products of the invention may be administered before, simultaneously with, or after the administration of the one or more additional therapeutic agent or treatment.
(215) In some preferred embodiments, a compound or products of the invention is for use in combination with antibody-mediated immunotherapy. Antibody-mediated immunotherapy involves the administration of antibodies to a patient to target disease-specific antigens. Such antibodies could be used to increase the specificity and killing activity of NK cells, which express receptors for the Fc regions of IgG antibodies. Activation of these Fc receptors, leads to NK cell activation, resulting in cytokine secretion and release of cytotoxic granules by the activated NK cell, causing lysis of the cell expressing the disease antigen. Such combination therapy is particularly preferred for the treatment of cancer (using antibodies to tumour-specific antigens). Any antibody used in immunotherapy may be used in combination with a compound or products of the invention. Non-limiting examples of such antibodies include anti-CD20 mAbs (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic lymphoma), anti-ganglioside D2 (anti-GD2) mAbs (neuroblastoma, melanoma), anti-human epidermal growth factor (anti-HER2) mAbs (breast and gastric cancers), anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (anti-EGFR) mAbs (colorectal and head and neck cancer).
(216) The invention also provides the use of a compound which results in the post-translational modification of E4bp4, thereby causing an increase in E4bp4 activity (as described herein) in a therapeutic use or method as described herein. Any and all of the disclosure herein in relation to therapeutic indications of a compound or products of the invention may apply equally and independently to therapeutic applications of compounds which result in the post-translational modification of E4bp4, according to the present invention. As a non-limiting example, the present invention provides a compound which results in the post-translational modification of E4bp4, thereby causing an increase in E4bp4 activity (as described herein) for use in a method of therapy, for example in the treatment of cancer, an infectious diseases, an autoimmune disease or a disease or disorder related to female infertility or pregnancy. As another non-limiting example, the invention provides a method of treatment by increasing the number of NK cells in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of a compound which results in the post-translational modification of E4bp4, thereby causing an increase in E4bp4 activity.
(217) In other aspects, the invention provides the use of an expanded NK cell population (as described herein) in a therapeutic use or method as described herein. Any and all of the disclosure herein in relation to therapeutic indications of a compound or products of the invention may apply equally and independently to therapeutic applications of the expanded NK cell populations of the invention. As a non-limiting example, the present invention provides an expanded NK cell population (as described herein) for use in a method of therapy, for example in the treatment of cancer, an infectious diseases, an autoimmune disease or a disease or disorder related to female infertility or pregnancy. As another non-limiting example, the invention provides a method of treatment by increasing the number of NK cells in a patient in need thereof, comprising administering to said patient a therapeutically effective amount of an expanded NK cell population.
(218) Pharmaceutical Compositions and Formulations
(219) The terms “compound” or “products” are herein used interchangeably with the terms “therapeutic/prophylactic composition”, “formulation” or “medicament”.
(220) The compound, products or expanded NK cell population of the invention (as defined above) can be combined or administered in addition to a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent and/or excipient. Alternatively or in addition the compound, products or expanded NK cell population of the invention can further be combined with one or more of a salt, excipient, diluent, adjuvant, immunoregulatory agent and/or antimicrobial compound.
(221) Pharmaceutically acceptable salts include acid addition salts formed with inorganic acids such as, for example, hydrochloric or phosphoric acids, or with organic acids such as acetic, oxalic, tartaric, maleic, and the like. Salts formed with the free carboxyl groups may also be derived from inorganic bases such as, for example, sodium, potassium, ammonium, calcium, or ferric hydroxides, and such organic bases as isopropylamine, trimethylamine, 2-ethylamino ethanol, histidine, procaine, and the like.
(222) Administration of immunogenic compositions, therapeutic formulations, medicaments and prophylactic formulations is generally by conventional routes e.g. intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or mucosal routes. The administration may be by parenteral injection, for example, a subcutaneous, intradermal or intramuscular injection. For example, formulations comprising antibodies or expanded NK cell populations of the invention may be particularly suited to administration intravenously, intramuscularly, intradermally, or subcutaneously. Administration of small molecule REV-ERB inhibitors may be injection, such as intravenously, intramuscularly, intradermally, or subcutaneously, or by oral administration (small molecules with molecule weight of less than 500 Da typically exhibiting oral bioavailability).
(223) Accordingly, immunogenic compositions, therapeutic formulations, medicaments and prophylactic formulations of the invention may be prepared as injectables, either as liquid solutions or suspensions. Solid forms suitable for solution in, or suspension in, liquid prior to injection may alternatively be prepared. The preparation may also be emulsified, or the peptide encapsulated in liposomes or microcapsules.
(224) The active immunogenic ingredients (such as the compounds, products or expanded NK cell populations of the invention) are often mixed with excipients which are pharmaceutically acceptable and compatible with the active ingredient. Suitable excipients are, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol, or the like and combinations thereof. In addition, if desired, the vaccine may contain minor amounts of auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, and/or adjuvants which enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine.
(225) Generally, the carrier is a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier. Non-limiting examples of pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include water, saline, and phosphate-buffered saline. In some embodiments, however, where the composition comprises a compound or products of the invention, this may be in lyophilized form, in which case it may include a stabilizer, such as BSA. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to formulate the composition with a preservative, such as thiomersal or sodium azide, to facilitate long term storage.
(226) Examples of additional adjuvants which may be effective include but are not limited to: complete Freunds adjuvant (CFA), Incomplete Freunds adjuvant (IFA), Saponin, a purified extract fraction of Saponin such as Quil A, a derivative of Saponin such as QS-21, lipid particles based on Saponin such as ISCOM/ISCOMATRIX, E. coli heat labile toxin (LT) mutants such as LTK63 and/or LTK72, aluminium hydroxide, N-acetyl-muramyl-L-threonyl-D-isoglutamine (thr-MDP), N-acetyl-nor-muramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine (CGP 11637, referred to as nor-MDP), N-acetylmuramyl-L-alanyl-D-isoglutaminyl-L-alanine-2-(1′-2′-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-hydroxyphosphoryl oxy)-ethylamine (CGP 19835A, referred to as MTP-PE), and RIBI, which contains three components extracted from bacteria, monophosphoryl lipid A, trehalose dimycolate and cell wall skeleton (MPL+TDM+CWS) in a 2% squalene/Tween 80 emulsion, the MF59 formulation developed by Novartis, and the AS02, AS01, AS03 and AS04 adjuvant formulations developed by GSK Biologicals (Rixensart, Belgium).
(227) Examples of buffering agents include, but are not limited to, sodium succinate (pH 6.5), and phosphate buffered saline (PBS; pH 6.5 and 7.5).
(228) Additional formulations which are suitable for other modes of administration include suppositories and, in some cases, oral formulations or formulations suitable for distribution as aerosols. For suppositories, traditional binders and carriers may include, for example, polyalkylene glycols or triglycerides; such suppositories may be formed from mixtures containing the active ingredient in the range of 0.5% to 10%, preferably 1%-2%.
(229) Oral formulations include such normally employed excipients as, for example, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate, and the like. These compositions take the form of solutions, suspensions, tablets, pills, capsules, sustained release formulations or powders.
(230) The dosage ranges for administration of the compounds or products of the present invention are those which produce the desired therapeutic effect. It will be appreciated that the dosage range required depends on the precise nature of the compound or products, the route of administration, the nature of the formulation, the age of the patient, the nature, extent or severity of the patient's condition, contraindications, if any, and the judgement of the attending physician. Variations in these dosage levels can be adjusted using standard empirical routines for optimisation. Similarly, the dose of a compound or products of the invention for use in a method of the invention, particularly an ex vivo method, can be readily determined by one of skill in the art, and is any dose that produces the desired increase in NK cell number and/or elicits the desired expansion in NK cells, to produce an expanded NK cell population. As a non-limiting example, doses of SR8278 according to the present invention may give rise to a final concentration of about 2 to about 20 μM, about 2 to about 15 μM, about 5 to about 15 μM, about 5 to about 14 μM, about 4 to about 13 μM, about 5 to about 12 μM, about 5 to about 11 μM, or preferably about 5 to about 10 μM.
(231) The invention also provides the use of an expanded NK cell population (as described herein) in a pharmaceutical formulation. Any and all of the disclosure herein in relation to formulations of a compound of the invention may apply equally and independently to therapeutic applications of the expanded NK cell populations of the invention.
(232) Key to SEQ ID NOs
(233) TABLE-US-00001 Delta-like ligand 4 gene sequence (AF253468.1) SEQ ID NO: 1 1 atggcggcag cgtcccggag cgcctctggc tgggcgctac tgctgctggt ggcactttgg 61 cagcagcgcg cggccggctc cggcgtcttc cagctgcagc tgcaggagtt catcaacgag 121 cgcggcgtac tggccagtgg gcggccttgc gagcccggct gccggacttt cttccgcgtc 181 tgccttaagc acttccaggc ggtcgtctcg cccggaccct gcaccttcgg gaccgtctcc 241 acgccggtat tgggcaccaa ctccttcgct gtccgggacg acagtagcgg cggggggcgc 301 aaccctctcc aactgccctt caatttcacc tggccgggta ccttctcgct catcatcgaa 361 gcttggcacg cgccaggaga cgacctgcgg ccagaggcct tgccaccaga tgcactcatc 421 agcaagatcg ccatccaggg ctccctagct gtgggtcaga actggttatt ggatgagcaa 481 accagcaccc tcacaaggct gcgctactct taccgggtca tctgcagtga caactactat 541 ggagacaact gctcccgcct gtgcaagaag cgcaatgacc acttcggcca ctatgtgtgc 601 cagccagatg gcaacttgtc ctgcctgccc ggttggactg gggaatattg ccaacagcct 661 atctgtcttt cgggctgtca tgaacagaat ggctactgca gcaagccagc agagtgcctc 721 tgccgcccag gctggcaggg ccggctgtgt aacgaatgca tcccccacaa tggctgtcgc 781 cacggcacct gcagcactcc ctggcaatgt acttgtgatg agggctgggg aggcctgttt 841 tgtgaccaag atctcaacta ctgcacccac cactccccat gcaagaatgg ggcaacgtgc 901 tccaacagtg ggcagcgaag ctacacctgc acctgtcgcc caggctacac tggtgtggac 961 tgtgagctgg agctcagcga gtgtgacagc aacccctgtc gcaatggagg cagctgtaag 1021 gaccaggagg atggctacca ctgcctgtgt cctccgggct actatggcct gcattgtgaa 1081 cacagcacct tgagctgcgc cgactccccc tgcttcaatg ggggctcctg ccgggagcgc 1141 aaccaggggg ccaactatgc ttgtgaatgt ccccccaact tcaccggctc caactgcgag 1201 aagaaagtgg acaggtgcac cagcaacccc tgtgccaacg ggggacagtg cctgaaccga 1261 ggtccaagcc gcatgtgccg ctgccgtcct ggattcacgg gcacctactg tgaactccac 1321 gtcagcgact gtgcccgtaa cccttgcgcc cacggtggca cttgccatga cctggagaat 1381 gggctcatgt gcacctgccc tgccggcttc tctggccgac gctgtgaggt gcggacatcc 1441 atcgatgcct gtgcctcgag tccctgcttc aacagggcca cctgctacac cgacctctcc 1501 acagacacct ttgtgtgcaa ctgcccttat ggctttgtgg gcagccgctg cgagttcccc 1561 gtgggcttgc cgcccagctt cccctgggtg gccgtctcgc tgggtgtggg gctggcagtg 1621 ctgctggtac tgctgggcat ggtggcagtg gctgtgcggc agctgcggct tcgacggccg 1681 gacgacggca gcagggaagc catgaacaac ttgtcggact tccagaagga caacctgatt 1741 cctgccgccc agcttaaaaa cacaaaccag aagaaggagc tggaagtgga ctgtggcctg 1801 gacaagtcca actgtggcaa acagcaaaac cacacattgg actataatct ggccccaggg 1861 cccctggggc gggggaccat gccaggaaag tttccccaca gtgacaagag cttaggagag 1921 aaggcgccac tgcggttaca cagtgaaaag ccagagtgtc ggatatcagc gatatgctcc 1981 cccagggact ccatgtacca gtctgtgtgt ttgatatcag aggagaggaa tgaatgtgtc 2041 attgccacgg aggtataa Delta-like ligand 4 amino acid sequence (AF253468.1) SEQ ID NO: 2 MAAASRSASGWALLLLVALWQQRAAGSGVFQLQLQEFINERGVLASGRPCEPGCRTFERVCLKHFQAVVSPGPCT FGTVSTPVLGTNSFAVRDDSSGGGRNPLQLPFNFTWPGTFSLITEAWHAPGDDLRPEALPPDALISKIAIQGSLA VGQNWLLDEQTSTLTRLRYSYRVICSDNYYGDNCSRLCKKRNDHFGHYVCQPDGNLSCLPGWTGEYCQQPICLSG CHEQNGYCSKPAECLCRPGWQGRLCNECIPHNGCRHGTCSTPWQCTCDEGWGGLFCDQDLNYCTHHSPCKNGATC SNSGQRSYTCTCRPGYTGVDCELELSECDSNPCRNGGSCKDQEDGYHCLCPPGYYGLHCEHSTLSCADSPCFNGG SCRERNQGANYACECPPNFTGSNCEKKVDRCTSNPCANGGQCLNRGPSRMCRCRPGFTGTYCELHVSDCARNPCA HGGTCHDLENGLMCTCPAGFSGRRCEVRTSIDACASSPCFNRATCYTDLSTDTFVCNCPYGFVGSRCEFPVGLPP SFPWVAVSLGVGLAVLLVLLGMVAVAVRQLRLRRPDDGSREAMNNLSDFQKDNLIPAAQLKNTNQKKELEVDCGL DKSNCGKQQNHTLDYNLAPGPLGRGTMPGKEPHSDKSLGEKAPLRLHSEKPECRISAICSPRDSMYQSVCLISEE RNECVIATEV E4bp4 gene sequence (X64318.1) SEQ ID NO: 3 1 gcccctttct ttctcctcgt cggcccgaga gcaggaacac gataacgaag gaggcccaac 61 ttcattcaat aaggagcctg acggatttat cccagacggt agaacaaaag gaagaatatt 121 gatggatttt aaaccagagt ttttaaagag cttgagaata cggggaaatt aatttgttct 181 cctacacaca tagatagggt aaggttgttt ctgatgcagc tgagaaaaat gcagaccgtc 241 aaaaaggagc aggcgtctct tgatgccagt agcaatgtgg acaagatgat ggtccttaat 301 tctgctttaa cggaagtgtc agaagactcc acaacaggtg aggacgtgct tctcagtgaa 361 ggaagtgtgg ggaagaacaa atcttctgca tgtcggagga aacgggaatt cattcctgat 421 gaaaagaaag atgctatgta ttgggaaaaa aggcggaaaa ataatgaagc tgccaaaaga 481 tctcgtgaga agcgtcgact gaatgacctg gttttagaga acaaactaat tgcactggga 541 gaagaaaacg ccactttaaa agctgagctg ctttcactaa aattaaagtt tggtttaatt 601 agctccacag catatgctca agagattcag aaactcagta attctacagc tgtgtacttt 661 caagattacc agacttccaa atccaatgtg agttcatttg tggacgagca cgaaccctcg 721 atggtgtcaa gtagttgtat ttctgtcatt aaacactctc cacaaagctc gctgtccgat 781 gtttcagaag tgtcctcagt agaacacacg caggagagct ctgtgcaggg aagctgcaga 841 agtcctgaaa acaagttcca gattatcaag caagagccga tggaattaga gagctacaca 901 agggagccaa gagatgaccg aggctcttac acagcgtcca tctatcaaaa ctatatgggg 961 aattctttct ctgggtactc acactctccc ccactactgc aagtcaaccg atcctccagc 1021 aactccccga gaacgtcgga aactgatgat ggtgtggtag gaaagtcatc tgatggagaa 1081 gacgagcaac aggtccccaa gggccccatc cattctccag ttgaactcaa gcatgtgcat 1141 gcaactgtgg ttaaagttcc agaagtgaat tcctctgcct tgccacacaa gctccggatc 1201 aaagccaaag ccatgcagat caaagtagaa gcctttgata atgaatttga ggccacgcaa 1261 aaactttcct cacctattga catgacatct aaaagacatt tcgaactcga aaagcatagt 1321 gccccaagta tggtacattc ttctcttact cctttctcag tgcaagtgac taacattcaa 1381 gattggtctc tcaaatcgga gcactggcat caaaaagaac tgagtggcaa aactcagaat 1441 agtttcaaaa ctggagttgt tgaaatgaaa gacagtggct acaaagtttc tgacccagag 1501 aacttgtatt tgaagcaggg gatagcaaac ttatctgcag aggttgtctc actcaagaga 1561 cttatagcca cacaaccaat ctctgcttca gactctgggt aaattactac tgagtaagag 1621 ctgggcattt agaaagatgt catttgcaat agagcagtcc attttgtatt atgctgaatt 1681 ttcactggac ctgtgatgtc atttcactgt gatgtgcaca tgttgtctgt ttggtgtctt 1741 tttgtgcaca gattatgatg aagattagat tgtgttatca ctctgcctgt gtatagtcag 1801 atagtcatat gcgtaaggct gtatatatta agnttttatt tttgttgttc tattataaag 1861 tgtgtaagtt accagtttca ataaaggatt ggtgacaaac acagaaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa 1921 aaa E4bp4 amino acid sequence (X64318.1) SEQ ID NO: 4 MQLRKMQTVKKEQASLDASSNVDKMMVLNSALTEVSEDSTIGEDVLLSEGSVGKNKSSACRRKREFIPDEKKDAM YWEKRRKNNEAAKRSREKRRLNDLVLENKLIALGEENATLKAELLSLKLKFGLISSTAYAQEIQKLSNSTAVYFQ DYQTSKSNVSSFVDEHEPSMVSSSCISVIKHSPQSSLSDVSEVSSVEHTQESSVQGSCRSPENKFQIIKQEPMEL ESYTREPRDDRGSYTASIYQNYMGNSFSGYSHSPPLLQVNRSSSNSPRISETDDGVVGKSSDGEDEQQVPKGPIH SPVELKHVHATVVKVPEVNSSALPHKLRIKAKAMQIKVEAFDNEFEATQKLSSPIDMISKRHFELEKHSAPSMVH SSLIPFSVQVINIQDWSLKSEHWHQKELSGKTQNSFKIGVVEMKDSGYKVSDPENLYLKQGIANLSAEVVSLKRL IATQPISASDSG REV-ERBα gene sequence (NM_021724.4) SEQ ID NO: 5 1 gggcacgagg cgctccctgg gatcacatgg tacctgctcc agtgccgcgt gcggcccggg 61 aaccctgggc tgctggcgcc tgcgcagagc cctctgtccc agggaaaggc tcgggcaaaa 121 ggcggctgag attggcagag tgaaatatta ctgccgaggg aacgtagcag ggcacacgtc 181 tcgcctcttt gcgactcggt gccccgtttc tccccatcac ctacttactt cctggttgca 241 acctctcttc ctctgggact tttgcaccgg gagctccaga ttcgccaccc cgcagcgctg 301 cggagccggc aggcagaggc accccgtaca ctgcagagac ccgaccctcc ttgctacctt 361 ctagccagaa ctactgcagg ctgattcccc ctacacactc tctctgctct tcccatgcaa 421 agcagaactc cgttgcctca acgtccaacc cttctgcagg gctgcagtcc ggccacccca 481 agaccttgct gcagggtgct tcggatcctg atcgtgagtc gcggggtcca ctccccgccc 541 ttagccagtg cccagggggc aacagcggcg atcgcaacct ctagtttgag tcaaggtcca 601 gtttgaatga ccgctctcag ctggtgaaga catgacgacc ctggactcca acaacaacac 661 aggtggcgtc atcacctaca ttggctccag tggctcctcc ccaagccgca ccagccctga 721 atccctctat agtgacaact ccaatggcag cttccagtcc ctgacccaag gctgtcccac 781 ctacttccca ccatccccca ctggctccct cacccaagac ccggctcgct cctttgggag 841 cattccaccc agcctgagtg atgacggctc cccttcttcc tcatcttcct cgtcgtcatc 901 ctcctcctcc ttctataatg ggagcccccc tgggagtcta caagtggcca tggaggacag 961 cagccgagtg tcccccagca agagcaccag caacatcacc aagctgaatg gcatggtgtt 1021 actgtgtaaa gtgtgtgggg acgttgcctc gggcttccac tacggtgtgc acgcctgcga 1081 gggctgcaag ggctttttcc gtcggagcat ccagcagaac atccagtaca aaaggtgtct 1141 gaagaatgag aattgctcca tcgtccgcat caatcgcaac cgctgccagc aatgtcgctt 1201 caagaagtgt ctctctgtgg gcatgtctcg agacgctgtg cgttttgggc gcatccccaa 1261 acgagagaag cagcggatgc ttgctgagat gcagagtgcc atgaacctgg ccaacaacca 1321 gttgagcagc cagtgcccgc tggagacttc acccacccag caccccaccc caggccccat 1381 gggcccctcg ccaccccctg ctccggtccc ctcacccctg gtgggcttct cccagtttcc 1441 acaacagctg acgcctccca gatccccaag ccctgagccc acagtggagg atgtgatatc 1501 ccaggtggcc cgggcccatc gagagatctt cacctacgcc catgacaagc tgggcagctc 1561 acctggcaac ttcaatgcca accatgcatc aggtagccct ccagccacca ccccacatcg 1621 ctgggaaaat cagggctgcc cacctgcccc caatgacaac aacaccttgg ctgcccagcg 1681 tcataacgag gccctaaatg gtctgcgcca ggctccctcc tcctaccctc ccacctggcc 1741 tcctggccct gcacaccaca gctgccacca gtccaacagc aacgggcacc gtctatgccc 1801 cacccacgtg tatgcagccc cagaaggcaa ggcacctgcc aacagtcccc ggcagggcaa 1861 ctcaaagaat gttctgctgg catgtcctat gaacatgtac ccgcatggac gcagtgggcg 1921 aacggtgcag gagatctggg aggatttctc catgagcttc acgcccgctg tgcgggaggt 1981 ggtagagttt gccaaacaca tcccgggctt ccgtgacctt tctcagcatg accaagtcac 2041 cctgcttaag gctggcacct ttgaggtgct gatggtgcgc tttgcttcgt tgttcaacgt 2101 gaaggaccag acagtgatgt tcctaagccg caccacctac agcctgcagg agcttggtgc 2161 catgggcatg ggagacctgc tcagtgccat gttcgacttc agcgagaagc tcaactccct 2221 ggcgcttacc gaggaggagc tgggcctctt caccgcggtg gtgcttgtct ctgcagaccg 2281 ctcgggcatg gagaattccg cttcggtgga gcagctccag gagacgctgc tgcgggctct 2341 tcgggctctg gtgctgaaga accggccctt ggagacttcc cgcttcacca agctgctgct 2401 caagctgccg gacctgcgga ccctgaacaa catgcattcc gagaagctgc tgtccttccg 2461 ggtggacgcc cagtgacccg cccggccggc cttctgccgc tgcccccttg tacagaatcg 2521 aactctgcac ttctctctcc tttacgagac gaaaaggaaa agcaaaccag aatcttattt 2581 atattgttat aaaatattcc aagatgagcc tctggccccc tgagccttct tgtaaatacc 2641 tgcctccctc ccccatcacc gaacttcccc tcctccccta tttaaaccac tctgtctccc 2701 ccacaaccct cccctggccc tctgatttgt tctgttcctg tctcaaatcc aatagttcac 2761 agctgagctg gcttcaaaaa aaaaaaaaaa aaa REV-ERBα amino acid sequence (NM_021724.4) SEQ ID NO: 6 MTTLDSNNNTGGVITYIGSSGSSPSRTSPESLYSDNSNGSFQSLTQGCPTYFPPSPTGSLTQDPARSFGSIPPSL SDDGSPSSSSSSSSSSSSFYNGSPPGSLQVAMEDSSRVSPSKSTSNITKLNGMVLLCKVCGDVASGEHYGVHACE GCKGFERRSIQQNIQYKRCLKNENCSIVRINRNRCQQCRFKKCLSVGMSRDAVREGRIPKREKQRMLAEMQSAMN LANNQLSSQCPLETSPTQHPTPGPMGPSPPPAPVPSPLVGESQFPQQLTPPRSPSPEPTVEDVISQVARAHREIF TYAHDKLGSSPGNFNANHASGSPPATTPHRWENQGCPPAPNDNNTLAAQRHNEALNGLRQAPSSYPPTWPPGPAH HSCHQSNSNGHRLCPTHVYAAPEGKAPANSPRQGNSKNVLLACPMNMYPHGRSGRTVQEIWEDFSMSFTPAVREV VEFAKHIPGFRDLSQHDQVTLLKAGTFEVLMVRFASLFNVKDQTVMFLSRTTYSLQELGAMGMGDLLSAMFDFSE KLNSLALTEEELGLETAVVLVSADRSGMENSASVEQLQETLLRALRALVLKNRPLETSRFTKLLLKLPDLRTLNN MHSEKLLSFRVDAQ REV-ERBβ gene sequence (AB307693.1) SEQ ID NO: 7 1 atggaggtga atgcaggagg tgtgattgcc tatatcagtt cttccagctc agcctcaagc 61 cctgcctctt gtcacagtga gggttctgag aatagtttcc agtcctcctc ctcttctgtt 121 ccatcttctc caaatagctc taattctgat accaatggta atcccaagaa tggtgatctc 181 gccaatattg aaggcatctt gaagaatgat cgaatagatt gttctatgaa aacaagcaaa 241 tcgagtgcac ctgggatgac aaaaaatcat agtggtgtga caaaatttag tggcatggtt 301 ctactgtgta aagtctgtgg ggatgtggcg tcaggattcc actatggagt tcatgcttgc 361 gaaggctgta agggtttctt tcggagaagt attcaacaaa acatccagta caagaagtgc 421 ctgaagaatg aaaactgttc tataatgaga atgaatagga acagatgtca gcaatgtcgc 481 ttcaaaaagt gtctgtctgt tggaatgtca agagatgctg ttcggtttgg tcgtattcct 541 aagcgtgaaa aacagaggat gctaattgaa atgcaaagtg caatgaagac catgatgaac 601 agccagttca gtggtcactt gcaaaatgac acattagtag aacatcatga acagacagcc 661 ttgccagccc aggaacagct gcgacccaag ccccaactgg agcaagaaaa catcaaaagc 721 tcttctcctc catcttctga ttttgcaaag gaagaagtga ttggcatggt gaccagagct 781 cacaaggata cctttatgta taatcaagag cagcaagaaa actcagctga gagcatgcag 841 ccccagagag gagaacggat tcccaagaac atggagcaat ataatttaaa tcatgatcat 901 tgcggcaatg ggcttagcag ccattttccc tgtagtgaga gccagcagca tctcaatgga 961 cagttcaaag ggaggaatat aatgcattac ccanatggcc atgccatttg tattgcaaat 1021 ggacattgta tgaacttctc caatgcttat actcaaagag tatgtgatag agttccgata 1081 gatggatttt ctcagaatga gaacaagaat agttacctgt gcaacactgg aggaagaatg 1141 catctggttt gtccaatgag taagtctcca tatgtggatc ctcataaatc aggacatgaa 1201 atctgggaag aattttcgat gagcttcact ccagcagtga aagaagtggt ggaatttgca 1261 aagcgtattc ctgggttcag agatctctct cagcatgacc aggtcaacct tttaaaggct 1321 gggacttttg aggttttaat ggtacggttc gcatcattat ttgatgcaaa ggaacgtact 1381 gtcacctttt taagtggaaa gaaatatagt gtggatgatt tacactcaat gggagcaggg 1441 gatctgctaa actctatgtt tgaatttagt gagaagctaa atgccctcca acttagtgat 1501 gaagagatga gtttgtttac agctgttgtc ctggtatctg cagatcgatc tggaatagaa 1561 aacgtcaact ctgtggaggc tttgcaggaa actctcattc gtgcactaag gaccttaata 1621 atgaaaaacc atccaaatga ggcctctatt tttacaaaac tgcttctaaa gttgccagat 1681 cttcgatctt taaacaacat gcactctgag gagctcttgg cctttaaagt tcacccttaa REV-ERBβ amino acid sequence (AB307693.1) SEQ ID NO: 8 MEVNAGGVIAYISSSSSASSPASCHSEGSENSFQSSSSSVPSSPNSSNSDTNGNPKNGDLANIEGILKNDRIDCS MKTSKSSAPGMTKNHSGVTKFSGMVLLCKVCGDVASGFHYGVHACEGCKGFFRRSIQQNIQYKKCLKNENCSIMR MNRNRCQQCRFKKCLSVGMSRDAVREGRIPKREKQRMLIEMQSAMKTMMNSQFSGHLQNDTLVEHHEQTALPAQE QLRPKPQLEQENIKSSSPPSSDFAKEEVIGMVTRAHKDTFMYNQEQQENSAESMQPQRGERIPKNMEQYNLNHDH CGNGLSSHFPCSESQQHLNGQFKGRNIMHYPXGHAICIANGHCMNFSNAYTQRVCDRVPIDGFSQNENKNSYLCN TGGRMHLVCPMSKSPYVDPHKSGHEIWEEFSMSFTPAVKEVVEFAKRIPGFRDLSQHDQVNLLKAGTFEVLMVRF ASLFDAKERTVTELSGKKYSVDDLHSMGAGDLLNSMFEFSEKLNALQLSDEEMSLFTAVVLVSADRSGIENVNSV EALQETLIRALRTLIMKNHPNEASIFTKLLLKLPDLRSLNNMHSEELLAFKVH forward primer A for detection of E4bp4 wildtype allele SEQ ID NO: 9 CTCTGAGCTTGGCTGATGTG reverse primer for the detection of E4bp4 SEQ ID NO: 10 GCTTCAAGTCTCCACCAAGC primer for the detection of the E4bp4 null allele SEQ ID NO: 11 CCATGCTCCTGTCTTGATGA side chain on SUMO modified peptide SEQ ID NO: 12 GGTQQQFV mouse E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 13 MQLRKMQTIKKEPAPLDPTS rat E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 14 MQLRKMQAIKKEPASLDPTG human E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 15 MQLRKMQTVKKEQASLDASS chicken E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 16 MQLRKMQTLKKEHGSVDTSS Xenopus E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 17 MPTIKKEQECADSRM mouse E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 18 LENKLIALGEENATLKAELL rat E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 19 LENKLIALGEENATLKAELL human E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 20 LENKLIALGEENATLKAELL chicken E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 21 LENKLIALGEENATLKAELL Xenopus E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 22 LENKLIALGEENASLKTELL mouse E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 23 PENKFPVIKQEPVELESFAR rat E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 24 PENKFPVIKQEPVELESFAR human E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 25 PENKFQIIKQEPMELESYTR chicken E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 26 PENKFQIIKQEPIELER Xenopus E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 27 TDIKSQRIKQEQMEAGNFSR mouse E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 28 RIKAKAMQVKVEALDSEFEG rat E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 29 RIKAKAMQVKVEALDSEFEG human E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 30 RIKAKAMQIKVEAFDNEFEA chicken E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 31 RIKAKAMQVKVEAMDNDYDA Xenopus E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 32 RIKAKAMQIKVESLESELNS mouse E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 33 VTNIQDWSLKSEHWHHKELS rat E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 34 VTNIQDWSLRSEHWHHKELG human E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 35 VTNIQDWSLKSEHWHQKELS chicken E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 36 VTNIQDWSLKPELWHQKELN Xenopus E4bp4 peptide comprising potential SUMO modification site SEQ ID NO: 37 VTNIQDWPLKPGQWHHRELE Forward primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 38 CTATATTTTTGCCTTGACAGCTAAAGG Reverse primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 39 GAAGTACGAAGCATGCTTGC Forward primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 40 CACATCTGTGAGCTATTTTTGG Reverse primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 41 GACTGACTAAACTAACATTCCCAC Forward primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 42 CTCAGAAACTGGCCTCAAGC Reverse primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 43 CACTTGCAGTCAGGCGTTC Forward primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 44 CACGCCATCTTAAAGAGCTC Reverse primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 45 GTAACCAACTGCACTCTTCTCC Forward primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 46 CACCAAGAATTCCCAGGAG Reverse primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 47 GAGTGCAGTCACGTGCTGAC Forward primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 48 CTCAGACTCTCTCGGTAAGTGTC Reverse primer for amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus SEQ ID NO: 49 CGTGTGGAGCTACTCTGGC Human Notch1 cDNA sequence (CR457221.1) SEQ ID NO: 50 1 atgtcaaaca tgagatgtgt ggactgtggc acttgcctgg gtcacacacg gaggcatcct 61 acccttttct ggggaaagac actgcctggg ctgaccccgg tggcggcccc agcacctcag 121 cctgcacagt gtcccccagg ttccgaagaa gatgctccag caacacagcc tgggccccag 181 ctcgcgggac ccgacccccc gtgggctccc gtgttttgta ggagacttgc cagagccggg 241 cacattgagc tgtgcaacgc cgtgggctgc gtcctttggt cctgtccccg cagccctggc 301 agggggcatg cggtcgggca ggggctggag ggaggcgggg gctgcccttg ggccacccct 361 cctagtttgg gaggagcaga tttttgcaat accaagtata gcctatggca gaaaaaatgt 421 ctttaa Human Notch1 protein sequence (CR457221.1) SEQ ID NO: 51 MSNMRCVDCGTCLGHTRRHPTLFWGKTLPGLTPVAAPAPQPAQCPPGSEEDAPATQPGPQLAGPDPPWAPVFCRR LARAGHIELCNAVGCVLWSCPRSPGRGHAVGQGLEGGGGCPWATPPSLGGADFCNTKYSLWQKKCL
EXAMPLES
(234) The invention will be further clarified by the following examples, which are intended to be purely exemplary of the invention and are in no way limiting.
Example 1—E4bp4 is SUMOlylated
(235) To investigate how E4bp4 protein functions might be regulated, a yeast-two-hybrid screen was performed to try to identify binding partners for the E4bp4 protein. Eleven proteins received multiple hits in the screen, but the protein with the highest number of positive identifications was PIAS1 (Table 1). PIAS1 is a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) E3 ligase required for the addition of post-translational SUMO modifications, suggesting that E4bp4 may be post-translationally SUMOylated.
(236) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 1 E4bp4 interacting partners from yeast-two-hybrid screen. Gene Name Positive clones Protein function C18orf25 1 Unknown CHD1 1 DNA helicase binding protein DSP 2 Cytoskeletal protein FLJ13057 5 Unknown FLJ544447 1 Unknown FLNA 1 Cytoskeletal protein HIPK1 1 Serine/threonine protein kinase HIPK3 5 Serine/threonine protein kinase PIAS1 20 SUMO E3 ligase PIAS3 2 SUMO E3 ligase RANBP2 1 SUMO E3 ligase RNF111 1 SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase SETX 2 DNA helicase SNRP70 2 Splicesomal ribonucleoprotein SORL1 1 Neuronal apolipoprotein E receptor TLK2 2 Tousled-like serine/threonine kinase U5-200KD 1 RNA helicase ZBTB16 1 Zinc finger transcription factor ZMYM5 5 Zinc Finger MYM-Type Protein ZNF198 5 Zinc Finger Transcriptional cofactor ZNF237 5 Zinc Finger Transcriptional cofactor
(237) SUMO proteins are reversible post-translational protein modifiers and mammals express four SUMO isoforms, designated SUMO1 to SUMO4. Mature SUMO2 and SUMO3 proteins differ by only three amino acids and are functionally homologous, whilst SUMO4 cannot be efficiently processed in mammalian cells and is not thought to be functional. E4bp4 was expressed in HeLa cells stably expressing 6His-SUMO1, 6His-SUMO2 and 6His-SUMO3 and, following enrichment of all SUMOylated proteins by Ni.sup.2+ affinity chromatography, higher molecular weight forms of E4bp4 were observed (
(238) E4bp4 was examined for the presence of the SUMOylation consensus motif ψ-K-x-E in its primary amino acid sequence (
(239) To confirm the presence of SUMO modifications, purified E4bp4 protein was analysed by mass spectrometry (MS). Studying SUMO modifications by MS is challenging as SUMOylated forms of a protein are generally low in abundance and standard trypsin cleavage results in long SUMO peptide ‘tails’ remaining conjugated to target peptides, making them difficult to detect in standard MS21. A system was developed where FLAG epitope-tagged E4bp4 protein was expressed in 293T cells, purified by immunoprecipitation and sequentially digested with both trypsin and Glu-C. This novel double digest strategy aimed to produce short E4bp4 peptides with reduced SUMO isopeptide side chains on modified peptides. Using this approach a SUMO modified peptide was predicted to have a -GGTQQQFV side chain attached to a modified lysine. MS/MS analysis readily identified an E4bp4 peptide with a SUMO modification at K219, further confirming the presence of this POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATION (PTM) (
Example 2—SUMOylation of E4bp4 Influences NK Cell Development
(240) The potential effect of these SUMO modifications on E4bp4's function as a transcription factor in NK cell development was then investigated.
(241) SUMOylation can affect the function of a transcription factor in different ways: cellular localisation; interactions with other proteins or; ability to regulate the expression of target genes. As E4bp4 is critical for the development of NK cells, it was postulated that SUMOylation may regulate this function. Therefore, the ability of E4bp4 to promote NK cell development with and without SUMO modifications was compared. Lineage negative (Lin.sup.−) BM cells were isolated from E4bp4.sup.−/− mice and transduced with a retrovirus expressing either the WT-form of E4bp4 or one of the E4bp4 mutants lacking SUMO modification sites. WT-form E4bp4 rescued NK cell development from E4bp4.sup.−− Lin.sup.− BM cells as previously reported, however, the number of NK cells produced was significantly higher when the cells expressed E4bp4 SUMOylation mutants (
Example 3—E4bp4 is Multiply Phosphorylated and these Modifications Influence NK Cell Development
(242) To determine which residues of E4bp4 are phosphorylated FLAG-E4bp4 expressed in 293T cells was purified and digested the protein using trypsin for LC-MS/MS analysis. The tandem MS conclusively revealed that E4bp4 has three phosphorylation sites at serines 286, 301 and 353 (
Example 4—SUMOylation and Phosphorylation do not Affect the Stability of E4bp4
(243) SUMOylation and phosphorylation can both affect the stability of a transcription factor and influence its proteasomal degradation. As the absence of both of these PTMs enhanced the function of E4bp4 during NK cell development, it was investigated whether the mutant versions of E4bp4, lacking PTM sites, had altered stability. Using a cycloheximide time course assay on cell lines stably expressing the 5×-SUMO, S286-353A mutants or the WT-form of E4bp4, the stability of each form of E4bp4 was compared. Both mutants had very similar half-lives to WT E4bp4 with protein levels reduced by almost half after 8 hours of cycloheximide treatment (
Example 5—the Transcriptional Activity of E4bp4 can be Regulated by SUMOylation and Phosphorylation
(244) E4bp4 was first identified as a transcriptional repressor and has been shown to repress the expression of numerous target genes in vivo e.g. 11-13 in TH2 cells. However, E4bp4 has likewise been found to transactivate the expression of various target genes, including Id2 and Eomes in NK cells. It was postulated that SUMOylation and phosphorylation might influence the ability of E4bp4 to control target gene expression. To analyse the effect on gene transcription, a luciferase reporter gene assay was used as readout. Cells were co-transfected with an E4bp4 expression vector and a plasmid with three E4bp4 DNA binding sequences upstream of the pGL3 promoter luciferase reporter. E4bp4 was found to act as a transcriptional repressor in this context (
(245) The mouse NK cell line MNK was transduced with the WT-form of E4bp4, the 5×-SUMO and S286-353A mutants. E4bp4 promoted Eomes expression in these cells and a similar level of expression was seen in the presence of both E4bp4 mutants (
Example 6—E4bp4 can Act Through Notch to Promote NK Cell Development
(246) The effect of E4bp4 on the expression of Notch1, and whether this might potentially influence NK cell production, was investigated. Transient Notch signalling has previously been shown to induce the development of NK cells from Pax5.sup.−/− pro-B cells and murine HSCs. First, it was examined whether Notch1 is a direct transcriptional target of E4bp4. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) it was determined whether E4bp4 could directly bind to the regulatory region of the Notch1 gene in vivo. MNK-1 cells were transduced with FLAG-tagged E4bp4 and protein-chromatin complexes were precipitated by either IgG, anti-FLAG or anti-E4bp4 antibodies. The regulatory regions around the transcriptional start site (TSS) of Notch1 were searched and six putative E4bp4 binding sites identified (
(247) As E4bp4 appeared to regulate Notch1 expression, it was speculated that enhanced Notch signalling, at an early stage, could potentially affect the development of NK cells from E4bp4.sup.−/− HPCs. To study NK cell development from HPCs in the presence or absence of Notch signalling, Lin.sup.− BM cells were cultured on either OP9 stromal cells or OP9-DL1 cells (that express the Notch ligand delta-like 1) (
(248) It was then investigated whether abrogation of Notch signalling would have any direct influence on NK cell development by using a method engendering Cre-mediated deletion of the Rbpj.sup.f1ox/flox gene. Recombination signal-binding protein J.sub.K (RBP-J) is a transcriptional cofactor critical for the expression of target genes activated by the Notch signalling pathway. HPCs isolated from Rbpj.sup.f1ox/flox mice were transduced by a lentivirus co-expressing Cre recombinase and truncated human CD2. The human CD2 expression served to mark all transduced cells. Following transduction, HPCs were cultured on OP9 cells with IL-15 or first cultured on rDLL4-coated plates for 3 days before transfer to OP9 plus IL-15 (
Example 7—the Combination of SR8278 and DLL4 Treatment Results in a Significant Increase in NK Cell Production Ex Vivo
(249) The effect of combining REV-ERB inhibition and Notch ligand exposure on NK cell production was investigated.
(250) HPCs were cultured in four sets of conditions in addition to control (non-treated) conditions: (i) treated with SR8278 on day 2 of culture (no recombinant DLL4, rDLL4); (ii) cultured on rDLL4 (no SR8278); (iii) cultured on rDLL4 and treated with SR8278 on day 0 of culture; or (iv) treated with SR8278 on day 0 of culture, cultured on rDLL4 from day 2. Aside from the different treatments, the culture conditions were otherwise identical to those previously described for NK cell production from HPCs.
(251) As shown in
(252) This experiment was repeated with an expanded set of culture conditions, as set out in
(253) These data show that treatment of HPCs with SR8278 prior to (or simultaneously with) exposure to rDLL4 synergized to enhance NK cell production. E4bp4 is essential for the canonical production of NK cells. E4bp4 expression is increased by SR8278. Without being bound by theory, this can be explained by the induction of E4bp4 expression by SR8278, which in turn subsequently induces the expression of the Notch receptor. Later exposure to the Notch ligand, rDLL4 will maximize the effect on NK cell production.
(254) Therefore, synergy between rDLL4 indicates that the rapid expansion of NK cells due to rDLL4 exposure following SR8278 treatment may well produce NK cells that have enhanced functionality in terms of their cytotoxicity, cytokine expression and survival post-transfusion to a recipient. Such NK cells would have a significant functional enhancement compared to existing techniques used to produce cells for adoptive transfer.
Example 8—Exposure to Notch Ligand Greatly Accelerates the Production of Phenotypically Mature Human NK Cells
(255) As is shown in
(256) Materials and Methods
(257) Mice
(258) Wild type mice, E4bp4 heterozygous mice (E4bp4.sup.+/−), E4bp4 knockout mice (E4bp4.sup.−/−) and REV-ERB-α knockout mice (Rev-erb-α.sup.−/−) were used. All mice were on a C57BL/6 background, between 6 and 12 weeks old and matched for age and gender. Rbpj.sup.flox/flox mice were on a FVB background. All animal husbandry and experimental procedures were carried out according to UK Home Office regulations and local guidelines. E4bp4 mice were genotyped with the forward primer 5′CTCTGAGCTTGGCTGATGTG3′ (primer A) and reverse primer 5′GCTTCAAGTCTCCACCAAGC3′ (primer B) for detection of the wild type allele or 5′CCATGCTCCTGTCTTGATGA3′ for detection of the null allele.
(259) Cells and Cell Culture
(260) OP9-GFP stromal cells were cultured in Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Media (IMDM) (Sigma Aldrich) supplemented with 20% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), and Penicillin/Streptavidin (P/S). For experiments done on 96-well plates, OP9 stromal cells were plated at the concentration of 2000 cells/well and incubated at 37° C., 5% CO.sub.2 for 1 day before the addition of HPCs. For experiments done on 24-well plates, OP9 stromal cells were plated at the concentration of 4000 cells/well and were incubated at 37° C. 5% CO.sub.2 for 2 days prior to addition of HPCs. EL08.1D2 stromal cells were cultured in Minimum Essential Medium Eagle-Alpha Modification (Alpha-MEM) supplemented with 50% Myelocult M5300 (Stem Cell Technologies), 7.5% FBS, 50 μM β-Mercaptoethanol, 1 μM Hydrocortisone and 1% P/S (Sigma Aldrich). For human CD34.sup.+ progenitor cell experiments, EL08.1D2 were irradiated at 3000 rads/30 Gy and plated in 96-well EmbryoMax Gelatin (Millipore)-coated plates at the concentration of 20,000 cells/well. There were cultured at 32° C., 5% CO.sub.2 overnight, before CD34.sup.+ cells were transferred onto them.
(261) Mouse HPC Isolation
(262) Lineage negative HPCs were purified from mouse bone marrow by crushing the leg bones in Phosphate-buffered Saline (PBS) with 2% fetal calf serum (FCS) (STEMCELL Technologies), topped up to 40 ml with magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) buffer (PBS, 2 mM EDTA, 0.5% BSA, sterile and filtered) and centrifuged at 800 g for 2 minutes. The cells were resuspended in PE-conjugated cocktail, (20 μl of anti-B220 (RA3-6B2), anti-mouse CD2 (RM2-5, anti-Ter119 (TER119) and anti-NK.1.1 (PK136) and 5 μl of anti-CD11b (M1/70) and anti-GR-1 (RB6-8C5) antibodies (all from Bioscience)) incubated for 5 minutes at 4° C., centrifuged and resuspended in anti-PE microbeads for 15 minutes at 4° C. Cells were washed in MACS buffer and passed through MACS columns. This allowed negative selection of HPCs. Following lineage depletion, 50 μl of the cells was analysed using flow cytometry to check for purity.
(263) In Vitro Development of NK Cells from HPCs
(264) The HPCs were plated and cultured in 24-well plates at a concentration of 5×10.sup.5 HPCs/well in 1 ml of complete cytokine medium (Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) (Sigma Aldrich), 10% FCS, 50 μM β-Mercaptoethanol, 10 ng/ml Flt3-ligand (Flt3L) (R&D Systems), 10 ng/ml IL-7 (R&D Systems), 100 ng/ml stem cell factor (SCF) (R&D Systems) and 1% P/S) for 2 days at 37° C., 5% CO.sub.2. The HPCs were then transferred onto OP9 cells at 4500 cells/well for 96-well plate experiments and 3×10.sup.4 cells/well for 24-well plate experiments in mouse NK cells differentiation medium (Alpha-MEM (Sigma Aldrich) plus 20% FCS, 1% P/S and 30 ng/ml IL-15). Cells were left in culture at 37° C., 5% CO.sub.2 for 7 days with a change of mouse NK cells differentiation medium at day 3 or 4.
(265) In Vitro Development of Human Umbilical Cord Blood Progenitor Cells
(266) CD34.sup.+ umbilical cord blood progenitor cells were provided by Anthony Nolan Research Institute, University College London. These cells were isolated from whole cord blood and were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for storage and transport. Cells were thawed, counted and then plated on EL08.1D2 plates prepared previously at a concentration of 1000 cells/well in human NK cells differentiation medium (Alpha-MEM plus 20% Human AB serum (Invitrogen), 50 μM β-Mercaptoethanol and 1% P/S along with 5 ng/ml human-IL-3 (Peprotech), 20 ng/ml human-IL-7 (Peprotech), 10 ng/ml human-Flt3-L (Peprotech), 20 ng/ml human-SCF (Peprotech) and 10 ng/ml human-IL-15 (Peprotech). Note that human-IL-3 is only needed for the first week of culture. Cells were left in the culture at 37° C., 5% CO.sub.2 for 14 or 16 days with a change of human NK differentiation medium at day 7 and 12.
(267) Flow Cytometry
(268) Cells to be analysed by flow cytometry were passed through 40 μm cell strainers to remove clumps and washed with PBS buffer, centrifuged at 800 g for 2 minutes and resuspended in 100 μl fluorescent activated cell sorting (FACS) buffer (PBS plus 1% BSA) with appropriate fluorochrome conjugated antibodies at a dilution of 1 in 300. Cells were stained with the following antibodies, all of which were anti-mouse and are from eBioscience unless specified: 2B4 (clone m2B4(B6)458.1; BioLegend), CD2 (RM2-5), CD3 (17A2), CD11b (M1/70), CD19 (1D3), CD27 (LG.7F9), CD122 (TM-b1), CD127 (A7R34), B220 (RA3-6B2), ckit (ACK2), Flt3 (A2F10), Gr1 (RB6-8C5), NK1.1 (PK136), Sca1 (D7), Ter119 (TER119), NKp46 (29A1.4) anti-human CD45 (H130), anti-human CD2 (RPA-2.10) and anti-human CD56 (CMSSB). The lineage cocktail contained B220, CD2, CD11b, Gr1, NK1.1, and Ter119. Cells were stained in the dark at 4° C. for 30 minutes and then washed with 2 ml FACS buffer, centrifuged and resuspend in 300 μl FACS buffer plus Propidium Iodide (PI) also at a dilution of 1 in 300. Flow cytometry was performed using LSRFortessa™ cell analyser (Becton Dickinson Bioscience), sorted using FACSAria (Becton Dickinson) as indicated and full data analysis was done using FlowJo Software.
(269) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
(270) Individual PCR reactions contained 200 μM dNTPS, 1 μM forward primer (Primer A), 1 μM reverse primer (Primer B or C) and 0.5 U Taq polymerase. PCR reactions were set to the following conditions: 94° C. for 3 minutes (1 cycle); 94° C. for 30 seconds, 59° C. for 3 seconds, 72° C. for 45 seconds (40 cycles); 72° C. for 3 minutes (1 cycle); hold at 4° C.
(271) DNA Electrophoresis
(272) DNA electrophoresis was performed using 1% agarose (Sigma) dissolved in TAE buffer plus 500 ng/ml Ethidium Bromide (Sigma). DNA obtained from PCR reactions was analysed by gel electrophoresis was performed at 100 volts for approximately 45 minutes. Gels were imaged using EC3 Imaging System (Ultra Violet Products Ltd).
(273) RNA Purification
(274) RNA was extracted using Qiagen RNeasy Micro Kit according to the manufacture's protocol (Qiagen). Centrifugation was done at 8000 g for 15 seconds and the flow through discarded. Briefly, 350 μl of Buffer RLT+10% β-Mercaptoethanol were added to the harvested cells. RNA was further precipitated using 300 μl of 70% ethanol and transferred to RNeasy MinElute Spin Column and centrifuged. Next, 350 μl of buffer RW1 was added to the MinElute Spin Column and centrifuged. This was followed by the addition of 10 μl of DNase I (Qiagen) and 70 μl Buffer RDD (Qiagen) and left at room temperature for 15 minutes. 350 μl of Buffer RW1 was added to wash off DNase I and centrifuged. 500 μl of Buffer RPE was then added to the column and centrifuged, followed by the addition of 500 μl of 80% ethanol and centrifuged for 2 minutes. Finally, 14 μl of RNase-free water was added to elute the RNA and the column was spun for 1 minute at full speed. The concentration of RNA in each sample was measured using Nanodrop, and all samples were diluted to the same working concentration.
(275) Reverse Transcription (Conversion of RNA into cDNA)
(276) Reverse transcription was performed using Transcriptor First Strand cDNA Synthesis kit (Roche). Following the manufacturer's protocol, a template-primer mixture for one 20 μl reaction was prepared, where all reagents are provided in the kit: RNA (1 μg to 5 μg), 2 μl Random Hexamer Primer, top the reaction up to 13 μl with water (PCR-grade). Next, the template-primer mixture was denatured by heating the tube for 10 minutes at 65° C. to remove RNA secondary structures. To that template-primer mixture, 4 μl of Transcriptor Reverse Transcriptase Reaction Buffer, 0.5 μl of Protector RNase Inhibitor, 2 μl of Deoxynycleotide Mix and 0.5 μl of Transcriptor Reverse Transcriptase was added. The reagents was mixed and placed In a thermal block cycler with the following settings: 25° C. for 10 minutes; 55° C. for 30 minutes; 85° C. for 5 minutes and store at 4° C.
(277) Quantification of Targeted Expressed RNA Using Realtime qPCR
(278) TABLE-US-00003 Temperature (° C.) Time 95 20 minutes 95 3 seconds 96 30 seconds
Conditions Used for RT-qPCR
(279) A standard curve was constructed using splenocytes cDNA diluted to 1, 1:10, 1:100, 1:1000 and 1:10000. To the 2 μl of cDNA produced in the previous step, 5 μl Taqman master mix (Applied Biosystem), 0.5 μl of Taqman gene expression assay kit of Hprt, Nfil3, Id2 or Eomes (Applied Biosystem) and 2.5 μl of RNase-free water. The program used is shown in Table 1 and the reaction was run for 47 cycles.
(280) Analysis of SUMOylation In Vivo Using 6his-SUMO HeLa Cells
(281) The HeLa cell lines 6His-SUMO-1, 6His-SUMO-2, 6His-SUMO-3 and parental HeLa cells were transfected with pCMV-E4BP4 or pCMV (empty vector). After an input sample was removed, the remaining cells were lysed in 6 M Guanidinium-HCl, before Ni.sup.2+ affinity purification. Ni.sup.2+ NTA agarose beads (Qiagen) were incubated with cell lysates overnight (O/N) at 4° C. Samples were washed with 8 M Urea and His-tagged proteins were eluted with 200 mM imidazole.
(282) Immunoprecipitation of FLAG-E4bp4
(283) E4bp4 cDNA was cloned into the pCMV-script vector (Promega) using primers to incorporate a 5′ FLAG tag after the start codon. HeLa cell lines 6His-SUMO1, 6His-SUMO2 and 6His-SUMO3 were transfected with pCMV-FLAG-E4bp4 or pCMV (empty vector). Cells were lysed using a two-step lysis protocol and lysates were incubated with anti-FLAG M2 Affinity Gel (Sigma Aldrich) O/N at 4° C. Samples were centrifuged and the supernatant was removed. Each sample was washed with TBS (50 mM Tris-HCl, 50 mM NaCl, pH 7.4) before elution of purified material by Laemmli sample buffer.
(284) Western Blotting
(285) Cell lysates and protein samples were mixed 1:1 with Laemmli sample buffer and reduced by boiling in 5% β-mercaptoethanol. Samples were separated on 8% polyacrylamide gels, transferred to PVDF membranes and membranes were probed with primary antibodies against: E4bp4 (C18; Santa Cruz Biotech), SUMO2/3 (AbCam), FLAG (M2; Sigma Aldrich), 6×-His (4D11; AbCam), α-Tubulin (DM1A; eBioscience), RanGAP1 (AbCam), Histone H3 (AbCam). Appropriate HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies (Abam) were used with Western Lightning® Plus-ECL detection reagents (Perkin Elmer) to determine chemiluminescence. Images of exposed blots were digitally acquired using the ChemiDoc™ XRS+ system (Bio-Rad).
(286) Site Directed Mutagenesis
(287) Single base pair mutations were made in the E4bp4 cDNA (K10R, K116R, K219R, K337R, K394R, S286A, S301A, and S353A), in the pCMV-script expression vector, using the QuikChange® XL site-directed mutagenesis kit (Agilent) and appropriately designed primers. Each mutant was also cloned into the pMSCV-IRES-hCD2 retroviral expression vector. The 5×-SUMO and S286-353A mutants were also cloned into the lentiviral expression vector pCSGW.
(288) Mass Spectrometry Analysis
(289) 293T cells were transfected with pCMV-FLAG-E4bp4 and pCDNA3-VP35 using Lipofectamine 2000 (Life Technologies). The presence of the Ebola virus VP35 protein, helped to enhance recombinant protein expression. E4bp4 was immunoprecipitated from whole cell lysates using anti-FLAG M2 Affinity Gel (Sigma Aldrich). Bound material was eluted using 150 ng/μl FLAG peptide (Sigma Aldrich). Purified E4bp4 was concentrated using vacuum centrifugation and resuspended in 100 mM ammonium bicarbonate pH 8. Samples were reduced with 5 mM dithiothreitoland 14 mM iodoacetamide was used to label reduced cysteines. Proteomics-grade trypsin (Promega) was used to digest the E4bp4 protein for 6 h at 37° C. For SUMOylated peptide analysis samples were sequentially digested with GluC (Roche) for 6 h at RT.
(290) Phosphorylated peptides were enriched using TiO.sub.2 (GL sciences) and phosphopeptides were eluted with 150 mM ammonium hydroxide and 50% acetonitrile (v/v) (Millipore). Peptides were chromatographically resolved on an Ultimate 3000 RS-LC-nano System (Dionex), with an Acclaim PepMap100, C18 stationary phase (Thermo Fisher). Real-time tandem mass spectra were acquired on an LTQ Velos Pro linear ion trap (Thermo Scientific). Initial phosphopeptide identification from the LC-MS/MS data was performed using a Sequest search in Proteome discoverer 1.3 (Thermo Fisher) against the Mouse Uniprot database (accessed: 19/08/14) including dynamic side-chain modifications including phosphorylation (+79.966) on serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. Putative phosphopeptides were then validated using an algorithm for phosphorylation site identification and manually assessed for accuracy.
(291) The SUMOylated peptides were analysed using a mixture of data-dependent acquisitions and targeted MS/MS scans to search for peptides containing putative sites of SUMOylation based on a SUMO tag of GGTQQFV. Specifically, targeted MS/MS scans were always collected for the following m/z values, which correspond to E4bp4 peptides predicted to have SUMOylated lysines: K10 m/z 2+=531.99; K116 m/z 2+=796.49; K219 m/z 2+=853.54; K337 m/z 2+=825.52).
(292) Cycloheximide Time Course
(293) 3T3 cells were stably transduced with pMSCV-E4bp4-hCD2 (or E4bp4 mutant versions) and after 48 h cells were bulked sorted for high hCD2 expression. Transduced cell lines were incubated with 50 μg/ml cycloheximide (Sigma-Aldrich) for 0-16 h. Nuclear extracts were prepared for all samples using NE-PER extraction regents (Pierce).
(294) Luciferase Assay
(295) E4bp4 transcriptional activity was analysed using the pGL3-E4bp4-CS vector24, containing the Firefly luciferase reporter gene and the Dual-Luciferase® reporter assay system (Promega). 3T3 cells were transfected with pMSCV-E4bp4-hCD2, pGL3-E4bp4-CS (or empty vector) and pRL-CMV (normalisation control). After 48 h, cells were lysed and the Dual-Luciferase® reporter assay system was used to determine Luciferase activities.
(296) Quantitative PCR
(297) MNK-1 cells were transduced with pCSGW-E4bp4 (or E4bp4 5× SUMO or E4bp4 S286-353A mutants). RNA was isolated using the RNeasy mini kit (Qiagen) and cDNA was synthesised using 1st Strand cDNA synthesis kit (Roche). QPCR was performed using TaqMan (Life Technologies) assays for Hprt1 (Mm00446968_ml), E4bp4 (E4bp4; Mm00600292_s1), Eomes (Mm01351985_m1), Gata3 (Mm00484683_m1), Notch1 (Mm00435249_m1) and T-bet (Tbx21; Mm00450960_ml). Samples were analysed using an Applied Biosystems 7500 Fast Real-Time PCR system. Ct values from samples were compared with a standard curve made from a known concentration of plasmid DNA (Eomes, T-bet, Gata3) or cDNA from a known number of murine splenocytes (Notch, Hprt1). The expression of all genes was normalised to Hprt1.
(298) Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
(299) Regulatory regions of Notch1 were searched for putative E4bp4-binding sites (T(T/G)A(T/C)GTAA) using MatInspector (Genomatix). MNK-1 cells were transduced with a lentivirus expressing FLAG-E4bp4 and ChIP immunoprecipitation performed. Briefly, protein-DNA complexes were immunoprecipitated with IgG (EMD Millipore), M2 antibody to FLAG (Sigma-Aldrich), or polyclonal E16 antibody to E4bp4 (Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc.). Purified DNA was amplified using SYBR Select master mix (Life Technologies) and primers designed to recognise putative E4bp4-binding regions (Table 2).
(300) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 2 Primers for the amplification of putative E4bp4-binding regions in Notch1 locus Forward Reverse primer primer Amplicon Region (5′-3′) (5′-3′) (bp) Notch1 A CTATATTTTT GAAGTACGAA 168 GCCTTGACAG GCATGCTTGC CTAAAGG Notch1 B CACATCTGTG GACTGACTAA 170 AGCTATTTTT ACTAACATTC GG CCAC Notch1 C CTCAGAAACT CACTTGCAGT 144 GGCCTCAAGC CAGGCGTTC Notch1 D CACGCCATCT GTAACCAACT 135 TAAAGAGCTC GCACTCTTCT CC Notch1 E CACCAAGAAT GAGTGCAGTC 144 TCCCAGGAG ACGTGCTGAC Notch1 F CTCAGACTCT CGTGTGGAGC 160 CTCGGTAAGT TACTCTGGC GTC
In Vitro Development of NK Cells from Transduced Lineage Negative Bone Marrow Cells
(301) Lin.sup.− BM cells were isolated from mouse leg bones and cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% FCS (Stemcell Technologies), 50 μM β-mercaptoethanol (Gibco), 10 ng/ml Flt3L (PeproTech), 10 ng/ml IL-7 (PeproTech), and 100 ng/ml SCF (PeproTech). After 48 h cells were transduced by spinfection at 700 g and 20° C. for 45 min with 8 μg/ml Polybrene. For positive controls, cells were transduced with pMSCV-IRES-hCD2, containing WT E4bp4. Transduced cells were cultured for 72 h before being resuspended in α-MEM supplemented with 20% FCS, β-mercaptoethanol, and 30 ng/ml IL-15 (PeproTech) and re-plated onto OP9 stromal cells for a further 7 days of culture.
(302) To investigate Notch1 signalling, Lin.sup.− BM cells were cultured on OP9, OP9-DL1 or plates pre-coated with rDLL1 (R&D Systems) or rDLL4 (R&D Systems). Plates were pre-coated with 10 μg/ml rDLL1/rDLL4 for 3 h at room temperature. Cells were incubated in α-MEM supplemented with 10% FCS, β-mercaptoethanol, 1 mM Sodium Pyrvuate, 25 mM HEPES and for the first 7 days with Flt3L, IL-7, and SCF. Cells were incubated for another 7 days on either on OP9 or OP9-DL1 in the presence of IL-15.
(303) Rbpj.sup.flox/flox Lin.sup.− BM cells were lentivirally transduced on the day of isolation with pCSGW-Cre (or empty vector) that co-expresses hCD2. Cells were transduced by spinfection and were cultured for two days in the presence of Flt3L, IL-7, and SCF. Cells were either transferred onto rDLL4-coated plates for three more days of culture or transferred directly on OP9. Cells were cultured on OP9 for 7 days with IL-15. For flow cytometry analysis, all cells were gated for hCD2 expression to identify the population transduced with lentivirus.
(304) Statistical Analysis
(305) Statistical analysis was done using Mann-Whitney test in GraphPad Prism 7
(306) Discussion
(307) NK cells are lymphocytes that are capable of producing cytokines, influencing other immune cells as well as killing cancerous, pathogen-infected or damaged cells directly. Due to these properties, researchers are interested in boosting the number of NK cells in order to enhance cytotoxicity against cancerous or pathogen-infected cells. NK cells develop from HSCs in the bone marrow and are controlled by a tightly regulated process involving various transcription factors and cytokines. E4bp4 is the most critical gene regulating NK cell development. E4bp4 has a profound effect on NK cell production despite there being only a relatively small increase in E4bp4 mRNA levels during NK cell development. Little is known about any means that exist to control the activity of E4bp4 protein. The ability to control E4bp4 expression would have highly significant implications for the development and production of NK cells.
(308) The present inventions have previously demonstrated that upon administration of SR8278, the production of NK cells in NK cell production assays increases more than 2-fold. In the assays conducted, the optimum time to add SR8278 to the HPC culture for in vitro NK cell production was at Day 2 and the optimum dose was 10 μM. The addition of SR8278 was also found to significantly increase human NK cell development from human HPCs cultured in vitro.
(309) The present inventors have demonstrated that the E4bp4 protein has multiple SUMO modifications and is predominantly modified by the SUMO2/3 isoform. K219 as a site an endogenous site of SUMO modification. The MS analysis of the E4bp4 protein also revealed it is phosphorylated at three sites; S286, S301 and S353.
(310) E4bp4 plays a central role in NK cell development where its expression in CLPs is required to commit developing cells to the NK lineage. The inventors have shown that the SUMOylation and phosphorylation sites of E4bp4 have a dramatic influence both on the activity of E4bp4 and on NK cell development. When comparing the activity of WT-form E4bp4 to mutant forms that lack SUMOylation or phosphorylation sites, the mutant forms were found to consistently promote greater levels of NK cell production. The two types of post-translational modification reported on herein, act in a similar manner to negatively regulate the activity of E4bp4 during NK cell production. E4bp4 was previously demonstrated to be a limiting factor for NK cell development, as transduction of E4bp4+/+ Lin− BM cells with E4bp4 caused increased levels of NK cell production3,5. Transducing E4bp4+/+ cells with mutant forms of E4bp4 also increased NK cell production but to a greater extent than the WT-form E4bp4. This demonstrated that SUMOylation and phosphorylation both negatively regulate the activity of E4bp4, as removing the sites of these modifications increases E4bp4 activity and ultimately NK cell production. As E4bp4 is critical for NK cell development, it is highly likely that its activity is tightly controlled by multiple mechanisms as aberrant activity could lead to defective haematopoiesis. There are no other well characterized examples where the PTM of a single transcription factor can have such a dramatic effect on a complex biological process such as lineage development.
(311) SUMOylation and phosphorylation were both found to suppress the transcriptional activity of E4bp4 regardless of whether it was activating or repressing transcription. The effect of WT-form E4bp4 and the PTM mutant forms on the expression of transcription factors known to regulate lymphoid commitment was compared. The remarkable outcome of this comparison was that Notch1 expression was upregulated in the presence of WT-form E4bp4 but that expression was significantly further enhanced in the presence of both the E4bp4 5×-SUMO mutant and the S286-353A phosphorylation mutant.
(312) Notch signalling activated by extrinsic ligands has previously been suggested to have a role in the development of both murine and human NK cells. It must act transiently during the early phase of NK cell development, as prolonged signalling induces T cell development. The inventors have shown that Cre-mediated deletion of Rbpj in HPCs results in impaired NK cell development, which is the first report of an intrinsic role for Notch in NK cell development. In particular, the data herein demonstrates that Notch signalling significantly enhances NK cell development. In particular, mice with conditional deletion of Notch1 in their haematopoietic cells do not have significantly reduced numbers of NK cells. This could be because the E4bp4-mediated transcriptional network in the conditional knockout cells remains intact and can compensate for the lack of Notch1. Early stages of NK cell development may be somewhat impaired with Notch1 deleted, but homeostatic processes could lead to the accumulation of normal numbers of peripheral NK cells in steady state conditions.
(313) Like Notch, E4bp4 is required during early lymphocyte development and must be expressed in CLPs for them to commit to the NK lineage, however it is dispensable for the maturation and functionality of mature NK cell8. E4bp4 and Notch1 are also important for the development of other innate lymphoid cell types, for example, lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells, where Notch signalling is required to engage the LTi developmental pathway but needs to be turned off later to avoid diversion to T cell fate. The inventors have found that E4bp4 transcriptionally regulates Notch1 as it binds directly to regulatory regions of the Notch1 gene and in the absence of E4bp4, Notch1 expression was reduced in HPCs. E4bp4 most prominently bound to a region 1.8 Kb upstream of the TSS of Notch1 in a similar manner to other transcription factors, such as DLX5 and ERβ, known to regulate Notch1 expression. Strikingly, increased Notch signalling during the early part of NK cell development alone was sufficient to completely rescue the development of NK cells from E4bp4.sup.−/− -progenitor cells. This strongly suggests that Notch1 acts downstream of E4bp4 during NK cell development. This rescue was only achieved when Notch ligands were present during the early stage of NK cell development. The rescue from E4bp4.sup.−/− progenitors was achieved using both DLL1 expressing OP9 stromal cells and rDLL1 and rDLL4 proteins immobilised on plastic plates. The rDLL4 had a much greater effect than the rDLL1 on NK cell development as DLL4 binds Notch1 with much higher affinity than DLL1.
(314) As Notch1 ligands are expressed in the bone marrow microenvironment, it appears that the availability of Notch signalling at the appropriate time can drive NK cell development. Similarly to E4bp4, Notch1 has also been found to regulate the expression of Eomes48, which could be a further means by which Notch1 enhances NK cell development via the E4bp4-regulated pathway. Thus, the data shown here for NK cells is indicative of a central mechanism linking extrinsic signals via E4bp4 to direct transcriptional control of all ILC production.
(315) In sum, control of E4bp4 expression and/or activity by extrinsic stimuli such as Notch ligands has significant implications for the production of human NK cells for use in immunotherapy. The conventional methods for the production of NK cells from various sources (e.g. induced-pluripotent stem cells and umbilical cord blood stem cells) involves the use of cytokines and stromal cells to commit the cells to the NK lineage, but influencing E4bp4 expression and/or activity, and/or Notch signalling could provide a simple strategy to enhance the process. Thus, the manipulation of E4bp4 activity and/or expression and/or Notch signalling, either alone, and particularly in combination, has potential utility in the production of future NK cell immunotherapeutic products, including the direct mobilisation of NK cell production in vivo as immunotherapy.