Title of Invention

A CONJUGATE OF AN INJECTED BACTERIAL EFFECTOR PROTEIN AND A CARRIER THAT TARGETS THE EFFECTOR PROTEIN TO A TARGET CELL

Abstract The instant invention discloses a conjugate of an injected bacterial effector protein and a carrier that targets the effector protein to a target cell, such as herein defined, wherein the carrier comprises a first domain that specifically binds to the target cell and wherein the effector exerts its effect in the cytosol of the cell.
Full Text PHARMACEUTICAL USE OF SECRETED
BACTERIAL EFFECTOR PROTEINS
The present invention relates to pharmaceutical use of secreted, injected
bacterial effector proteins. In particular, the present invention relates to
manufacture and use of such proteins and combination and conjugation of the
proteins with carriers.
A number of deficiencies exist in the availability and suitability of neuronal
therapies. At the present time, a large number of neuronal disorders have
inadequate provisions for therapeutic intervention. For example there is
currently no effective treatment for neuronal damage caused by ischemia or
trauma. Other neurodegenerative disorders such as Motor neurone disease,
Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and prion disorders such as CJD are
all poorly addressed by current therapies. This reflects in part the complexity
of the nervous system and the difficulties in targeting suitable therapies to the
specific cells affected. Neuronal repair after damage is another disorder for
which there is no effective treatment.
A number of neurological disorders are known that arise from neuronal trauma
that stimulates nerve damage due to internal processes such as apoptosis. It
is known to treat such disorders using a superoxide dismutase in combination
with a components that targets the enzyme to neurons. However, further active
compounds for treatment of neuronal disease are desired.
It is known to use type ill effectors in pharmaceutical compositions.
US 5972899 describes a composition comprising Shigella IpaB, an IpaB fusion
protein or a functional derivative or antagonist, or IpaB DNA for delivery to a
eukaryotic cell to induce or to inhibit apoptosis. Site-specific delivery may be
achieved within a targeted immunoliposome. Cell-type specificity is achieved
by the incorporation of a cell-type selective monoclonal antibody into the lipid
bilayer. Disadvantages associated with this delivery method include the very
large size, low stability and poor tissue penetration of immunoliposomes, and
difficulties associated with consistent immunoliposome manufacture for
therapeutic use. There is also the likelihood of a high background effect due
to fusion of immunoliposomes with non-target cell types, caused by the
inherent properties of the liposome membrane.
WO 01/19393 describes Type III effector proteins linked to a protein
transduction domain of the HIV TAT protein. DNA constructs encoding the
effector-transducer fusion protein are targeted to host cells comprising a Type
III secretion system using a tissue-specific viral or plasmid vector. Upon
expression in the transformed host cells, the effector-transducer conjugate is
secreted and undergoes secondary redistribution and uptake by neighbouring
cells.
The HIV TAT transduction domain is not specific to any cell type, hence,
targeting of effector is carried out solely at the DNA level. Disadvantages of
targeting effector DNA (rather than targeting effector protein) include the time
lag for processing of effector DNA to effector protein. Where viral vectors are
used, there are the risks of immunogenic effects and of the vector integrating
into the genome.
WO 00/37493 describes Bordetella pertussis effector virulence genes
associated with a Type III secretion system. The pathogenicity genes or
encoded polypeptides are used in vaccine compositions and may be
conjugated to another molecule or provided with a carrier for delivery.
Pathogenicity polypeptide may be delivered via a vector directing expression
of Bordetella pathogenicity polynucleotide in vivo.
WO 98/56817 describes pharmaceutical compositions comprising a non-
pathogenic organism expressing the YopJ protein, and YopJ protein combined
with a carrier, for delivery of YopJ to gastrointestinal cells from the gut. The
delivery mechanism disclosed in this document is via the normal bacterial Type
III secretion system - that is, one step from bacterium to target cell.
WO 99/52563 describes targeting of proteins produced by recombinant
Yersinia to the cytosol of eukaryotic cells for diagnostic/ therapeutic purposes.
Fusion proteins with the YopE targeting signal are expressed in Yersinia cells
and delivered directly to eukaryotic cells via the Type III secretion system in the
presence of the SycE chaperone.
US 5965381 describes the in vitro use of recombinant Yersinia to deliver
proteins to eukaryotic cells for immune diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
The proteins are fused to a delivery sequence, recognised by the Yersinia Type
III secretion system.
It is not advantageous to make use of bacteria for delivering therapeutic
proteins due to the risk of iliciting an unwanted immune response.
The present invention has as an object the provision of new pharmaceutical
compositions for a variety of uses. A further object is to provide new
pharmaceutical compositions for treatment of neuronal cells.
Accordingly, the present invention provides new therapies based upon a new
class of bacterial-derived proteins, though the scope of the invention is
intended to embrace also fragments and derivatives and modifications thereof
that retain the properties of the native proteins.
A first aspect of the invention thus lies in a pharmaceutical composition,
comprising a bacterial injected effector secreted by the type III or IV secretion
pathway.
The pharmaceutical composition can be used for treatment of a subpopulation
of cells in a patient, especially for a treatment selected from promoting survival
of cells, preventing damage to cells, reversing damage to cells, promoting
growth of cells, inhibiting apoptosis, inhibiting release of an inflammatory
mediator from cells and promoting division of cells, or for a treatment selected
from inhibiting survival of cells, inhibiting growth of cells, inhibiting division of
cells, promoting apoptosis, killing cells, promoting release of an inflammatory
mediator from cells and regulating nitric oxide release from cells.
A carrier can be provided to target the effector protein to a target cell, optionally
targeting the effector to a cell selected from an epithelial cell a neuronal cell,
a secretory cell, an immunological cell, an endocrine cell, an inflammatory cell,
an exocrine cell, a bone cell and a cell of the cardiovascular system.
Another means of delivery of the effector is via a conjugate of the effector,
protein and the carrier, the two suitably linked by a linker. One particularly
preferred linker is cleavable, in that it can be cleaved after entry into the target
cell so as to release the effector from the carrier. This linker can be a di-
sulphide bridge or a peptide sequence including a site for a protease found in
the target cell. In another embodiment of the invention, the linker is composed
of two cooperating proteins, a first cooperating protein associated with the
effector and the second associated with the cell targetting component. These
respective parts can be administered separately and combine in vivo to link the
effector to the cell targetting component. An example of such a two-part linker
is botulinum toxin C21 in cooperation with C22.
In one embodiment of the invention, described in more detail below, a
composition comprises a neuronal cell targeting component, linked by a
cleavable linker to the effector protein. Preferably, the neuronal cell targeting
component comprises a first domain targeting the effector to a neuronal cell
and a second domain that translocates the effector into the cytosol of the
neuronal cell.
Preparation of the compositions of the invention can be by combining a type
III effector protein with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In such
compositions, the effector protein may be on its own or may be chemically
linked with a (targetting) carrier. Another preparation method is to express a
DNA that encodes a polypeptide having a first region that corresponds to the
effector protein and a second region that codes for the carrier. A third region,
between the first and second regions, which is cleaved by a proteolytic enzyme
present in the target cell is optionally included.
A specific composition of the invention, for delivery of a bacterial type III
effector protein to neuronal cells, comprises:-
the effector protein; linked by a cleavable linker to
a neuronal cell targeting component, comprising a first domain that binds
to a neuronal cell and a second domain that translocates the effector protein
of the composition into the neuronal cell. It is preferred that the first domain is
selected from (a) neuronal cell binding domains of clostridial toxins; and (b)
fragments, variants and derivatives of the domains in (a) that substantially
retain the neuronal cell binding activity of the domains of (a).
It is further preferred that the second domain is selected from (a) domains of
clostridial neurotoxins that translocate polypeptide sequences into cells, and
(b) fragments, variants and derivatives of the domains of (a) that substantially
retain the translocating activity of the domains of (a).
In use of a composition of the invention for treatment of a neuronal condition,
the linker is cleaved in the neuronal cell so as to release the effector protein
from the targeting component, thus enabling the effector to have effect in the
cell without being hindered by attachment to the targeting component.
Hence, also, the invention provides a method of delivering a bacterial type III
effector protein to a neuronal cell comprising administering a composition of
the invention.
The first domain may suitably be selected from (a) neuronal cell binding
domains of clostridial toxins; and (b) fragments, variants and derivatives of the
domains in (a) that substantially retain the neuronal cell binding activity of the
domains of (a). The second domain is suitably selected from (a) domains of
clostridial neurotoxins that translocate polypeptide sequences into cells, and
(b) fragments, variants and derivatives of the domains of (a) that substantially
retain the translocating activity of the domains of (a). The second domain is
further suitably selected from:-
(a) a translocation domain that is not a HN domain of a clostridial toxin
and is not a fragment or derivative of a HN domain of a clostridial toxin;
(b) a non-aggregating translocation domain as measured by size in
physiological buffers;
(c) a HN domain of a diphtheria toxin,
(d) a fragment or derivative of (c) that substantially retains the
translocating activity of the HN domain of a diphtheria toxin,
(e) a fusogenic peptide,
(f) a membrane disrupting peptide, and
(g) translocating fragments and derivatives of (e) and (f).
In an embodiment of the invention a construct comprises effector protein linked
by a disulphide bridge to a neuronal cell targeting component comprising a first
domain that binds to a neuronal cell and a second domain that translocates the
effector protein into the neuronal cell. This construct is made recombinantly as
a single polypeptide having a cysteine residue on the effector protein which
forms a disulphide bridge with a cysteine residue on the second domain. The
effector protein is covalently linked, initially, to the second domain. Following
expression of this single polypeptide, effector protein is cleaved from the
second domain leaving the effector protein linked only by the disulphide bridge
to the rest of the construct.
Particular aspects of the invention reside in further choices for the binding and
translocation domains, and one such aspect provides a non-toxic polypeptide,
for delivery of the effector protein to a neuronal cell, comprising:-
a binding domain that binds to the neuronal cell, and
a translocation domain that translocates the effector protein into the
neuronal cell,
wherein the translocation domain is not a HN domain of a clostridial neurotoxin
and is not a fragment or derivative of a HN domain of a clostridial toxin.
The binding domain is suitably comprised of or derived from clostridial heavy
chain fragments or modified clostridial heavy chain fragments. As used herein,
the term "modified clostridial heavy chain fragment" means a polypeptide
fragment that retains similar biological functions to the corresponding heavy
chain of a botufinum. or tetanus neurotoxin but differs in its amino acid
sequence and other properties compared to the corresponding heavy chain.
The invention more specifically provides such constructs that are based on
fragments derived from botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins.
In a further aspect, the invention also provides a polypeptide, for delivery of a
effector protein to a neuronal cell, comprising:-
a binding domain that binds to the neuronal cell, and
a translocation domain that translocates the effector protein into the
neuronal cell,
wherein the resulting construct is non-aggregating.
Whether the construct is an aggregating one is usually apparent from a lack of
solubility of the construct, and this may be seen upon simple visual inspection
of the construct in aqueous media: non-aggregating domains result in
constructs of the invention that are partially or preferably totally soluble
whereas aggregating domains result in non-soluble aggregates of polypeptides
having apparent sizes of many tens or even hundreds the size of a single
polypeptide. Generally, the construct should be non-aggregating as measured
by its size on gel electrophoresis, and domain sizes or apparent domain sizes
thus measured should preferably be less than 1.0 x 106 daltons, more
preferably less than 3.0 x 105 daltons, with the measuring being suitably carried
out on native PAGE using physiological conditions.
A still further aspect of the invention provides a polypeptide, for delivery of a
effector protein to a neuronal cell, comprising:-
a binding domain that binds to the neuronal cell, and
a translocation domain that translocates the effector protein into the
neuronal cell,
wherein the translocation domain is selected from (1) a HN domain of a
diphtheria toxin, (2) a fragment or derivative of (1) that substantially retains the
translocating activity of the HN domain of a diphtheria toxin, (3) a fusogenic
peptide, (4) a membrane disrupting peptide, (5) a HN from botulinum toxin C2
and (6) translocating fragments and derivatives of (3), (4) and (5).
It is to be noted that botulinum toxin C2 is not a neurotoxin as it has no neuronal
specificity, instead it is an enterotoxin and suitable for use in the invention to
provide a non-aggregating translocation domain.
A yet further aspect of the invention provides a polypeptide, for delivery of a
effector protein to a neuronal cell, comprising:-
a binding domain that binds to the neuronal cell, and
a translocation domain that translocates the effector protein into the
neuronal cell,
wherein the polypeptide has reduced affinity to neutralising antibodies to
tetanus toxin compared with the affinity to such antibodies of native tetanus
toxin heavy chain.
The above aspects may singly or in any combination be exhibited by
polypeptides of the invention and thus a typical preferred polypeptide of the
invention (i) lacks the neurotoxic activities of botulinum and tetanus toxins, (ii)
displays high affinity to neuronal cells corresponding to the affinity of a
clostridial neurotoxin for those cells, (iii) contains a domain which can effect
translocation across cell membranes, and (iv) occurs in a less aggregated state
than the corresponding heavy chain from botulinum or tetanus toxin in
physiological buffers.
A significant advantage of the polypeptides of particular aspects of the
invention is their non-aggregated state, thus rendering them more usable as
soluble polypeptides. The polypeptides according to the invention generally
include sequences from the Hc domains of the botulinum and tetanus
neurotoxins and these are combined with functional domains from other
proteins, such that the essential functions of the native heavy chains are
retained. Thus, for example, the Hc domain of botulinum type F neurotoxin is
fused to the translocation domain derived from diphtheria toxin to give modified
clostridial heavy chain fragment. Surprisingly, such polypeptides are more
useful as constructs for delivering substances to neuronal cells than are the
native clostridial heavy chains.
The current invention provides constructs containing type III secreted effector
proteins and optionally other functional domains that effect the specific delivery
of the type III effector moiety to neuronal cells These constructs have a variety
of clinical uses for the treatment of neuronal diseases.
The type III secretion mechanism of Gram negative bacterial pathogens is a
complex system used to deliver proteins to eukaryotic cells. The secretion
mechanism utilises at least 10-15 essential proteins to form an injection needle
that extends from the surface of the bacteria and penetrates into the host cell.
The effector proteins are then trafficked across the bacterial and host
membranes through the lumen of the needle and injected directly into the cell
cytosol. This process involves a still undefined secretion signal and involves
specific chaperone proteins that deliver the effector to the secretion machinery.
The system delivers a wide range of protein effectors capable of modulating
host cell function in such a way as to allow the persistence or spread of the
pathoge in the host. These effectors modulate a number of signalling
pathways and one pathogen may export several effectors that regulate different
pathways either concurrently or during different phases of its life cycle. Type
III secretion systems have been described in a wide range of pathogenic
bacteria including but not restricted to :
Mammalian pathogens; Yersinia species (including pestis, pseudotuberculosis,
enterocolitica), Salmonella species (including typhimurium, enterica, dublin,
typhi ) Escherichia coli, Shigella species (e.g flexneri), Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Chlamydia species (e.g.pneumoniae, trachomatis), and Bordetella
species, and Burkholderia species
Plant pathogens; Pseudomonas syringae, Erwinia species, Xanthomonas
species, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Rhizobium species
Insect pathogens; Sodalis glossinidius, Edwardsiella ictaluri, and Plesiomonas
species
Effector proteins from any of these species, whether mammalian pathogens or
not, have therapeutic potential for treating human or animal disease.
Table 1 lists a number of type III effectors that have been identified to date.
The type IV secretion system shows a remarkable degree of similarity to the
type III system in that it forms a needle-like structure through which effector
proteins are injected into the host cell cytoplasm. However, the proteins
involved in the structure of the needle are different for the two systems and the
effectors are also divergent. The effectors function to modulate cellular
signalling to establish and maintain the intracellular niche and/or promote
invasion and proliferation. The system is described as essential in a number
of important bacterial pathogens including Legionella pneumophila, Bordetella
pertussis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bartonella henselae,
Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, Coxiella burnetii, Brucella abortus,
Neisseria species and Rickettsia species (e.g. prowazekii). Similar type IV
secretion systems exist in plant or invertebrate pathogens and are also a
source of therapeutic agents. A number of described type IV effectors are also
listed in table 1 with proposed functions.
The function of a variety of type III effectors has been described in recent
years. Interestingly a number of effectors from different organisms have
evolved to target particular signalling pathways suggesting some similarities in
the mechanism of pathogenicity. The precise specificity of particular effectors
may vary according to pathogen and cell type and this range of activities make
them attractive candidates for therapeutic applications. Examples of some of
the families of effectors useful in the present invention are described below:
GTPase activating proteins. YopE from Yersiniapseudotuberculosis, SptP from
Salmonella typhimuhum and ExoS and ExoT from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
are all GTPase activating proteins (GAPs) for Rho family GTPases and are
characterised by a conserved "arginine finger" domain (Black and Bliska,
(2000) Molecular Microbiology 37:515-527; Fu and Galan (1999) Nature
401:293-297; Goehring et al (1999) Journal of Biological Chemistry 274:36369-
36372). By increasing the hydrolysis of bound GTP they promote the formation
of the inactive GDP-bound of the GTPase. This acts to down-regulate the
function of a range of GTPases in cells. YopE is a 23kDa effector which is
translocated into the cytosol of cells during infection by Y.pseudotuberculosis
and other strains. Studies in vitro have shown that it acts as a GAP for RhoA,
Cdc42 and Rac1, but not for Ras (Black and Bliska, (2000) Molecular
Microbiology 37:515-527). A point mutation within the arginine finger motif
causes a loss of GAP activity and this correlates directly with its biological
activity in cells. In in vivo studies carried out using a cell model that mimics the
normal site of Yersinia infection YopE appears to have a greater specificity for
Cdc42 (Andor et al (2001) Cellular Microbiology 3:301 -310). The GAP activity
of SptP shows greater specificity for Cdc42 and Rad compared to RhoA. The
GAP activity of particular proteins is likely to vary for different cell types and
delivery routes. SptP, ExoS and ExoT are bifunctional enzymes with additional
enzymatic domains (SptP, tyrosine phosphatase; ExoS, ExoT, ADP-
ribosyltransferase). In the case of ExoS this activity blocks the activation of Ras
GTPase allowing a co-ordinated modulation of different signalling pathways
(Henriksson et al (2000) Biochemical Journal 347:217-222).
Guanine nucleotide exchange factor. SopE and SopE2 from Salmonella
typhimurium and related proteins act as guanine nucleotide exchange factors
(GEFs) for a range of GTPases (Hardt et al (1998) Cell 93:815). GEFs function
by enhancing the rate of replacement of bound GDP by GTP causing the
activation of the GTPase. This effectively upregulates the activity of specific
GTPases in the cell. Native SopE is a 240 amino acid protein which is injected
into the host cell cytosol by S.typhimurium. The N-terminal 77 amino acids of
the protein act as a secretion signal and are dispensable for the biological
activity of the protein (Hardt et al (1998) Cell 93:815). In in vitro studies SopE
acts as a GEF for CDc42, Rac1, Rac2, RhoA, and RhoG. Cellular GEFs show
a high degree of specificity for particular GTPases and it is likely that SopE will
show greater specificity in vivo. This specificity is likely to vary according to cell
type and delivery route. The type IV effector, RalF, from Legionella
pneumophila is a further exchange factor affecting the function of small
GTPases. In this case the target is the ADP ribosylation factor (ARF) family and
this is the first example of a bacterial effector that targets this family (Nagai et
al (2002) Science 295;679-682).
Covalent modification of GTPase. The type III effector YopT from Y.pestis and
certain other Yersinia strains has similar effects in vivo to YopE (Iriarte and
Cornelis (1998) Molecular Microbiology 29:915-929). In HeLa cells YopT
causes a shift in the electrophoretic mobility of RhoA but not Cdc-42 or Rac
(Zumbihl et al (1999) Journal of Biological Chemistry 274:29289-29293). It is
still not known whether this represents a direct modification of RhoA by YopT
or whether other cellular factors are involved. The specificity of YopT for RhoA
offers significant therapeutic possibilities.
Regulation of cell signalling via protein kinase and phosphatase. YopO/YpkA
from Yersinia spp are protein kinase related to eukaryotic serine/threonine
kinases (Galyov et a/(1993) Nature 361:730-732). YopO/YpkA causes a similar
cell rounding to that observed for other effectors such as YopE suggesting a
role in modulating GTPase function. The small GTPases RhoA and Racl have
been shown to bind to YopO and YpkA suggesting that these are the
intracellular targets for the kinase (Barz C et al (2000) FEBS Letters 482:139-
143). The type IV effector CagA from Helicobacter pylori also affects the
cytoskeleton of infected cells and its activity is dependent on its
phosphorylation by intracellular kinases. CagA functions via the SHP-2 tyrosine
phosphatase to modulate downstream signalling.
Inositol phosphatases. SigD from Salmonella typhimurium, SopB from S.dublin
and IpgD from Shigella flexneri are all putative inositol phosphatases. In
intestinal cells SopB causes an accumulation of inositol 1,4,5,6,
tetrakisphosphate. Mutations in active site of SopB abolishes both its
phopshatase activity and the accumulation of inositol tetrakisphosphate (Norris
et al (1998) Proceedings of the National Academy of Science U. S.A 95:14057-
14059). SopB appears to hydrolyse a wide range of inositol and
phosphatidylinositol phosphates in vitro although its precise intracellular target
remains to be defined (Eckmann et al (1997) Proceedings of the National
Academy of Science U.S.A 94:14456-14460). SigD appears to have a different
specificity in vivo as it does not lead to an increase in the levels of inositol
1,4,5,6, tetrakisphosphate (Eckmann et al (1997)). Although again the precise
intracellular target has not been defined, SigD has been shown to lead to the
activation of Akt /Protein kinase B in epithelial cells (Steele-Mortimer (2000)
Journal of Biological Chemistry 275:37718-37724). The activity has been
shown to be dependent on the presence of a synaptojanin-homologous region
close to the C-terminus of the protein (Marcus et al (2001) FEBS letters
494:201-207). The homologous protein IpgD also stimulates the activation of
Akt in these cells (Marcus et al (2001)). The potential to activate Akt offers a
number of therapeutic opportunities as it is a key regulator of cellular survival
(reviewed in Vanhaesebroeck and Alessi (2000) Biochemical Journal 346:561-
576).
Inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase. YopJ from Yersinia pestis
is another translocated effector with a wide range of homologs including AvrA
from Salmonella spp. and a variety of effectors from plant pathogens. YopJ has
been shown to inactivate a broad range of mitogen-activated protein kinase
kinases (MKKs) (Orth et al (1999) Science 285:1920-1923) causing apoptosis
in macrophages. YopJ is suggested to act as a ubiquitin-like protein protease
causing increased turnover of signalling molecules via removal of a Sumo-1 tag
from the MKK (Orth et al (2000) Science 290:1594-1597). Interestingly in cell
models of cytokine production and macrophage killing AvrA shows no activity
despite its homology to YopJ suggesting that the specificity of the proteins may
be different (Schesser K et al (2000) Microbial Pathogenesis 28:59-70). In
neuronal cells these different specificities may offer potential therapeutic
applications for modulating MKKs involved in apoptosis or inflammatory
responses.
Modulators of cellular trafficking. SpiC from Salmonella enterica inhibits the
fusion of endosomal vesicles to prevent the exposure of Salmonella to
lyosomal degradation (Uchiya et al (1999) EMBO Journal 18:3924-3933). The
ability to modulate intracellular trafficking pathways offers a number of
therapeutic opportunities for modulating cycling of receptors or release of
material from membrane bound vesicles.
A number of additional effector proteins are implicated in regulating and
maintaining the intracellular compartments occupied by bacterial pathogens.
Salmonella, in common with many other pathogens, establishes a specialised
intracellular compartments. Salmonella has a dedicated type III secretion
system that secretes proteins into the host cell cytosol from within this
compartment and the effectors secreted by this system (including SpiC,
SopE/E2, SseE.F.G.J, PipA.B, SifA,B)maintain the integrity of this
compartment. A recent paper described the synergistic effects of SseJ and
SifA in regulating processes from the vacuolar membrane (Ruiz-Albert et al
(2002) Molecular microbiology 44;p645-661). These proteins and their
counterparts from other intracellular pathogens have significant potential for
treating disorders affecting intracellular trafficking pathways. RalF and a
number of the other effectors described previously may also have significant
therapeutic potential for such disorders.
The botulinum neurotoxins are a family of seven structurally similar, yet
antigenically different, protein toxins whose primary site of action is the
neuromuscular junction where they block the release of the transmitter
acetylcholine. The action of these toxins on the peripheral nervous system of
man and animals results in the syndrome botulism, which is characterised by
widespread flaccid muscular paralysis (Shone (1986) in 'Natural Toxicants in
Foods', Editor D. Watson, Ellis Harwood, UK). Each of the botulinum
neurotoxins consist of two disulphide-linked subunits; a 100 kDa heavy subunit
which plays a role in the initial binding and internalisation of the neurotoxin into
the nerve ending (Dolly et. al. (1984) Nature, 307,457-460) and a 50 kDa light
subunit which acts intracellularly to block the exocytosis process (Mclnnes and
Dolly (1990) Febs Lett., 261, 323-326; de Paiva and Dolly (1990) Febs Lett.,
277, 171-174). Thus it is the heavy chains of the botulinum neurotoxins that
impart their remarkable neuronal specificity.
Tetanus toxin is structurally very similar to botulinum neurotoxins but its primary
site of action is the central nervous system where it blocks the release of
inhibitory neurotransmitters from central synapses (Renshaw cells). As
described for the botulinum toxins above, it is domains within the heavy chain
of tetanus toxin that bind to receptors on neuronal cells.
The binding and internalisation (translocation) functions of the clostridial
neurotoxin (tetanus and botulinum) heavy chains can be assigned to at least
two domains within their structures. The initial binding step is energy-
independent and appears to be mediated by one or more domains within the
Hc fragment of the neurotoxin (C-terminal fragment of approximately 50kDa)
(Shone et al. (1985), Eur. J. Biochem., 151,75-82) while the translocation step
is energy-dependent and appears to be mediated by one or more domains
within the HN fragment of the neurotoxin (N-terminal fragment of approximately
50kDa).
Isolated heavy chains are non-toxic compared to the native neurotoxins and yet
retain the high affinity binding for neuronal cells. Tetanus and the botulinum
neurotoxins from most of the seven serotypes, together with their derived
heavy chains, have been shown to bind a wide variety of neuronal cell types
with high affinities in the nM range (e.g botulinum type B neurotoxin; Evans et
al. (1986) Eur. J. Biochem. 154, 409-416). Another key characteristic of the
binding of the tetanus and botulinum heavy chains to neuronal cells is that the
receptor ligand recognised by the various toxin serotypes differ. Thus for
example, botulinum type A heavy chain binds to a different receptor to
botulinum type F heavy chain and these two ligands are non-competitive with
respect to their binding to neuronal cells (Wadsworth et al. (1990), Biochem J.
268, 123-128). Of the clostridial neurotoxin serotypes so far characterised
(tetanus, botulinum A, B, C,, D, E and F), all appear to recognise distinct
receptor populations on neuronal cells. Collectively, the clostridial.neurotoxin
heavy chains provide high affinity binding ligands that recognise a whole family
of receptors that are specific to neuronal cells.
The present invention also provides constructs for the delivery of type III
effector proteins specifically to neuronal cells. The mechanism by which the
type III effector protein is delivered to the cell by these constructs is completely
different to that used by the host bacteria. Instead of being injected directly into
the cellular cytosol, specific constructs of the invention deliver the type III
effector protein to cells via a number of sequentially acting biologically active
domains and by a process resembling receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Surprisingly, when delivered by this completely different mechanism, the type
III effector proteins are biologically active within the cellular cytosol.
Particular constructs of the invention comprise three functional domains
defined by their biological activities. These are:
the type III effector moiety (for examples see Tablei);
a targeting domain that binds the construct to receptors and that
provides a high degree of specificity to neuronal cells; and
a translocation domain that after internalisation of the construct, effects
the translocation of the type III effector moiety through the endosomal
membrane into the cell cytosol.
The type III effector-containing construct may also contain 'linker proteins' by
which these domains are interconnected. In one embodiment of the invention
the type III effector moiety is linked to the translocation domain via a disulphide
bridge.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the targeting domain is derived
from a clostridial neurotoxin binding fragment (Hc domain). This may be derived
from tetanus toxin or any one of the eight botulinum toxin serotypes (A-G).
Delivery via the clostridial neurotoxin receptors differs significantly to the normal
delivery route of the type III effectors and offers a number of advantages:
The clostridial Hc fragments bind with high affinity to receptors on the cell
surface and provide high specificity to neuronal cells. The clostridial
neurotoxins are internalised via an acidic endosome which triggers the
translocation of the type III effector moiety across the membrane and into the
cytosol.
For non-neuronal cells a wide range of high affinity binding domains have been
defined for specific cell types. Examples are described for a number of cellular
targets.
The agent can comprise a ligand or targeting domain, which binds to an
endocrine cell and is thus rendered specific for these cell types. Examples of
suitable ligands include iodine; thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH); TSH
receptor antibodies; antibodies to the islet-specific monosialo-ganglioside GM2-
1; insulin, insulin-like growth factor and antibodies to the receptors of both; TSH
releasing hormone (protirelin) and antibodies to its receptor; FSH/LH releasing
hormone (gonadorelin) and antibodies to its receptor; corticotrophin releasing
hormone (CRH) and antibodies to its receptor; and ACTH and antibodies to its
receptor.
Ligands suitable to target an agent to inflammatory cells include (i) for mast
cells, complement receptors in general, including C4 domain of the Fc IgE, and
antibodies/ligands to the C3a/C4a-R complement receptor; (ii) foreosinophils,
antibodies/ligands to the C3a/C4a-R complement receptor, anti VLA-4
monoclonal antibody, anti-IL5 receptor, antigens or antibodies reactive toward
CR4 complement receptor; (iii) for macrophages and monocytes, macrophage
stimulating factor, (iv) for macrophages, monocytes and neutrophils, bacterial
LPS and yeast B-glucans which bind to CR3, (v) for neutrophils, antibody to
0X42, an antigen associated with the iC3b complement receptor, or IL8; (vi)
for fibroblasts, mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-beta (M6P/ IGF-
II) receptorand PA2.26, antibody to a cell-surface receptor for active fibroblasts
in mice.
Ligands suitable to target an agent to exocrine cells include pituitary adenyl
cyclase activating peptide (PACAP-38) or an antibody to its receptor.
Ligands suitable to target an agent to immunological cells include Epstein Barr
virus fragment/surface feature or idiotypic antibody (binds to CR2 receptor on
B-lymphocytes and lymph node follicular dendritic cells).
Suitable ligands for targeting platelets for the treatment of disease states
involving inappropriate platelet activation and thrombus formation include
thrombin and TRAP (thrombin receptor agonist peptide) or antibodies to
CD31/PECAM-1, CD24 or CD106/VCAM-1, and ligands for targeting
cardiovascular endothelial cells for the treatment of hypertension include GP1 b
surface antigen recognising antibodies.
Suitable ligands for targeting osteoblasts for the treatment of a disease
selected from osteopetrosis and osteoporosis include calcitonin, and for
targeting an agent to osteoclasts include osteoclast differentiation factors (eg.
TRANCE, or RANKL or OPGL), and an antibody to the receptor RANK.
In one embodiment of the invention the translocation domain is derived from
a bacterial toxin. Examples of suitable translocation domains are those derived
from the clostridial neurotoxins or diphtheria toxin.
In another embodiment of the invention, the translocation domain is a
membrane disrupting or 'fusogenic' peptide, which functions as a translocation
domain. An example of such a peptide is that derived from influenza virus
haemagglutinin HA2 (residues 1-23).
In one example of the construct of the invention, the type III effector protein is
SigD from Salmonella spp. In another example of the construct of the
invention, the type III effector protein is YopE from Yersinia spp.
In an example of the construct of the invention in which the type III effector
moiety is SigD from Salmonella spp, the construct may consist of the following:-
the SigD type III effector moiety;
the translocation domain from diphtheria toxin;
the binding domain (Hc domain) from botulinum type A neurotoxin; and
a linker peptide to enable attachment of the SigD effector to the
translocation domain via a disulphide bridge.
In an another example of the construct of the invention in which the type III
effector moiety is SigD from Salmonella spp, the construct consists of the
following:-
the SigD type III effector moiety;
the translocation domain in the form of a fusogenic peptide;
the binding domain (Hc domain) from botulinum type F neurotoxin; and
a linker peptide to enable attachment of the SigD effector to the
translocation domain via a disulphide bridge.
In an example of the construct of the invention in which the type III effector
moiety is YopE from Yersinia spp, the construct may consist of the following:-
the YopE type III effector moiety;
the translocation domain from diphtheria toxin;
the binding domain (Hc domain) from botulinum type F neurotoxin; and
a linker peptide to enable attachment of the YopE effector to the
translocation domain via a disulphide bridge.
The invention enables manipulation of cell signalling, and in a specific example
SigD is incorporated into a construct of the invention and can be used to
promote neuronal cell survival under stress. By targeting the appropriate
intracellular signalling pathway, it is possible to simultaneously regulate a
number of pathways to improve the prospects for neuronal survival. SigD (also
known as SopB) activates the protein kinase Akt, which is a key intermediate
in the pro-survival signalling pathways mediated by various growth factors.
Not only does Akt up-regulate pro-survival transcription factors such as NF-kB,
but it also down-regulates several pro-apoptotic factors such as Bad and
Forkhead.
A number of type III and IV effectors function to maintain the intracellular niche
of the bacteria within the host cell. Whilst some bacterial pathogens are
released into the cell cytosol, many form and maintain a specialised
intracellular compartment sometimes termed a vacuole. One of the principle
functions of many effector protein is to regulate the fusion of the compartment
with other intracellular compartments such as potentially damaging
phagolysosomal. At the same time the pathogen may need to promote fusion
with other membrane bound compartments, including recycling endosomes, to
either provide nutrients to the encapsulated pathogen or allow the
dissemination of the pathogen to other locations. Intracellular pathogens offer
a wide range of effector molecules for regulating intracellular trafficking and
membrane fusion.
The mechanism underlying the fusion of membrane bound vesicles is
conserved in a number of cellular processes. Broadly speaking, membrane
fusion events are classified either as secretory processes for the release of
material from the plasma membrane, or as endocytic processes that move
material from the plasma membrane to the lysosomal system. This simplified
classification does not take into account retrograde and anterograde
processes, which occur within these pathways, or multiple points of
communication between the two pathways. The underlying mechanism in all
membrane fusion events can be broken down into 4 component phases:
The transported material is concentrated at a specific site on the donor
membrane and is "pinched off in a vesicle that becomes separated from this
membrane.
The vesicle is transported to the acceptor membrane along cytoskeletal fibres
(e.g. microtubules).
The vesicle then attaches to the acceptor membrane via a "docking/tethering"
mechanism mediated by SNARE complex proteins.
The vesicle and the acceptor membrane fuse to release the contents of the
vesicle through the acceptor membrane.
Thus similar SNARE proteins and regulatory proteins underpin the fusion of
endosomal vesicles with the lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum with the Golgi
and trans-Golgi network, and secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane.
The functional conservation of the membrane fusion mechanism means that
a bacterial effector protein that would normally regulate the fusion of a specific
event can be directed to modulate other fusion events. For example, an
effector that blocks endosomal fusion with the lysosome can be redirected to
block the fusion of secretory vesicles with the plasma membrane, or ER
vesicles with the Golgi network.
One of the key classes of regulatory proteins that have been defined in vesicle
trafficking are small GTPases of the Ras superfamily termed Rab proteins (or
Ypt proteins in yeast). Rabproteins are implicated in every stage of memb' *ne
fusion. For example Rab 1,2,5 and 9 are involved in sorting material for
transport (stage 1 above), Rab5,6,27 and Sec4 mediate transport (stage 2),
Rab1,5, Ypt1,7 Sec4 influence docking to the acceptor membrane (stage 3)
and other Rab proteins implicated in promoting membrane fusion. The list
above shows that certain Rab proteins, such as Rab1 and Rab5, are involved
in more than 1 stage of the fusion process. Similarly some Rab proteins are
present on all membrane vesicles whilst others have more specialised roles in
specific fusion events.
Rab proteins are key potential targets for modification by either bacterial
pathogens intent on blocking or promoting membrane fusion events or by
therapeutic agents designed to regulate intracellular trafficking. One of the first
effector proteins to be described as having an effect on Rab function was the
secreted effector protein SopE2 from Salmonella species. SopE2 acts as a
guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rab5a resulting in increased activation
of the protein on the cell membrane. This activity has been correlated with
increased survival of Salmonella in infected HeLa cells and macrophages (Cell
Micobiol. 3 p473). SpiC is another Salmonella effector that blocks endosome
fusion (EMBO J. 18p3924-3933). Unlike SopE, which shows some
conservation with normal cellular regulators of GTPase, SpiC shows no clear
homology to other proteins. Its ability to block one of the four stages of vesicle
fusion is known. It could exert its activity at the level of the SNARE proteins,
modulate Rab function directly or operate at the level of one of the regulators
of Rab function. Membrane insertion is essential for Rab activity. Rab proteins
form a stable complex with Rab escort protein (REP) in the cytosol and this is
a substrate for a geranyl geranyl transferase (RabGGT) which adds a C-
terminal isoprenoid moiety. In the absence of REP or RabGGT the Rab protein
would remain in an inactive form in the cytosol. REP also mediates the
membrane insertion of the modified Rab into the donor membrane. Rab
proteins can also be retrieved from the membrane via the action of Rab GDP
dissociation inhibitor (RabGDI). All of these proteins are potential targets for
bacterial pathogens to alter membrane fusion events. The precise effect would
depend on whether alterations cause an increase or decrease in the levels of
active Rab in the donor membrane, and the specificity for particular Rab
proteins.
A number of human diseases have now been identified in which mutations
affect either Rab proteins or their regulators. These human diseases serve to
illustrate the cellular effects of alterations in Rab control in cells. Thus
mutations in Rab27 (Griscelli syndrome), REP1 (choroiderma), RabGDIa (X-
linked mental retardation) and RabGGT a subunit (Hermansky-Pudlack
syndrome) are all implicated in human disease (as reviewed in Seabra et al
Trends in Molecular Medicine (2002) 8;23-26, Olkkonen and Ikonen New
England Journal of Medicine (2000) 343; 1104)). A wide range of human
diseases involve defects in intracellular trafficking (as reviewed in Aridor and
Hannan Traffic (2000) 1;836-851). Modulation of membrane fusion via the
specialised properties of bacterial effector proteins directed at one of the 4
mechanisms described above offers therapeutic opportunities for these
diseases and others where transport properties are affected.
The targeting of the membrane fusion event between secretory vesicles and
the plasma membrane allow the control of secretion from cells. Effectors that
alter regulation of specific Rab proteins, either directly or via one of the
mechanisms described above, including Rab3a,b,c and d, Rab8a and b,
Rab26, Rab27a Rab37, or affect any of the other molecular events of
membrane fusion (1-4 described above) can regulate secretion. Effector
proteins can be applied to either increase or decrease secretion from a specific
cell type. In a therapeutic context this is valuable for the treatment of a wide
range of disorders including muscle spasms (blephorospasm, torticolis etc)
hypersecretion disorders (COPD, bronchitis, asthma).
By modulating the fusion of recycling endosomes with either the lysosome or
the plasma membrane it also possible to modulate the presentation of specific
families of cell surface marker. Again effectors directed to alter regulation of
specific Rab proteins, such as Rab4a and b, Rab11a and b, Rab15, Rab17,
Rab18 or affect other molecular events in the fusion mechanism, can either up
or down regulate presentation of cell surface marker. Therapeutically this has
enormous potential for altering the response of cells to external stimuli (e.g.
modulating response to growth factors, hormones, cytokines, chemokines or
other signalling molecules), modifying the recognition of cells by external
factors (e.g. immune surveillance) or for switching cell signalling pathways on
or off.
Using constructs of the invention, therapeutic intervention can be provided in
neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Prion diseases
(vCJD). Both diseases are characterised by the accumulation of insoluble
protein plaques due to misfolding of cellular proteins. In both cases an
intracellular amplification of misfolded protein, via passage through endosomal-
lysosomal compartments, is implicated in the progression of the disease.
Neuronally targeted bacterial effectors as described herein, which modulate the
fusion of endosomal and lysosomal compartments, allow control of the
accumulation of insoluble protein. As this is one of the key survival strategies
of many intracelullar bacterial pathogens, a number of therapeutic molecules
are available, for example Salmonella effectors such as SpiC, SptP and
SopE2.
In still further embodiments of the invention, constructs are provided for
inhibition or promotion of secretion, containing a type III effector and a
targeting moiety. Specific effectors for this purpose are selected from SpiC,
SopE, RalF, Sse E, F, 6 and J, PipA, PipB, SifA and SifB. These constructs
target the membrane fusion event between secretory vesicles and the plasma
membrane to allow the control of secretion from cells. Effectors that alter
regulation of specific Rab proteins, either directly or via one of the mechanisms
described above, including Rab3a,b,c and d, Rab8a and b, Rab26, Rab27a
Rab37, or affect any of the other molecular events of membrane fusion, can
regulate secretion. Effector proteins can be applied to either increase or
decrease secretion from a specific cell type. In a therapeutic context this is
valuable for the treatment of a wide range of disorders including muscle
spasms (blephorospasm, torticolis etc) hypersecretion disorders (COPD,
bronchitis, asthma).
The pathogenic strategy to establish a specialised intracellular niche and to
modulate fusion of that compartment with other vesicles is conserved for a vast
range of pathogens. Not only does this provide a vast range of molecules
capable of modulating the cellular events as described above, but it also
provides an array of potential therapeutic targets for such molecules. Although
many of the intracellular pathogens described in table 2 establish membrane
bound compartments, the precise biochemistry and the signalling events and
effectors needed to maintain these compartments are very different. A few
intracellular pathogens escape from the phagosomal or endosomal
compartment in which they enter the cell. The effector proteins involved in this
process are incompatible with the life cycle of pathogens that remain in
membrane compartments. The effector proteins of two intracellular pathogens
existing in membrane bound vesicles are also not necessarily compatible. For
example, enhancement of Rab5a activity by Salmonella in macrophages is
correlated with enhanced survival (Cell Microbiology 3;473-). However,
increases in Rab5a expression/activity accelerates intracellular destruction of
Listeria monocytogenes in macrophages (J. Biological Chemistry 274;11459).
The Salmonella effector proteins that are likely to be involved in Rab5a
recruitment (e.g. SopE2, SpiC or other SPI-2 secreted effectors) are therefore
potential therapeutic agents for treating intracellular Listeria.
In its crudest form anti-microbial therapy could involve treating one intracellular
pathogen with a second pathogen on the basis that the two intracellular
compartments and requirements of the organisms would not be compatible.
For example treatment of TB infected macrophages with Salmonella might be
expected to result in provoked "vacuole" lysosome fusion within the
macrophage leading to the eradication of the TB. The type and fate of the
super-infecting pathogen would have to be carefully chosen so as not to
exacerbate the infectivity or spread of the original organism.
A refinement of the superinfection strategy would therefore focus on the
targeted delivery of effector molecules to specific target cells as described by
this invention. This could either utilise a highly attenuated pathogen (e.g.
Salmonella that only secretes SopE2 or SptP) or targeted protein delivery (e.g.
using a toxin delivery domain, antibody or similar cell targeting ligands).
Protective antigen from Bacillus anthracis would be capable of targeting
effectors to macrophages for the treatment of a wide range of bacterial
pathogens. The specific addition of carbohydrate moieties will enable specific
targeting of pools of macrophages via the mannose receptor (e.g Vyas et al,
InternationalJournal of Pharmaceutics (2000) 210p1 -14). A cell surface marker
specific for infected cells (as distinct from uninfected cells) would offer an ideal
target for delivery systems. The cell type infected by the pathogen would
determine the choice of delivery ligand whilst the precise fate of the cell
compartment would determine the choice of effector (e.g. cell apoptosis, lysis,
endosome-lysosome fusion, endosome acidification etc).
A key benefit of this type of therapy is that the effector proteins are not
intrinsically toxic to the cell and therefore delivery of the protein to uninfected
target cells is unlikely to have any deleterious effects. In this case, whilst
desirable, the precise specificity of the targeting ligand is not essential for
successful therapy.
The wide range of intracellular pathogens and the difficulty in
treating/immunising against these organisms make this approach a valuable
alternative to antibiotic therapy. The method is also attractive as avoidance of
the antimicrobial agent either means that the pathogen must produce a
molecule capable of overriding the effector-induced cell stimulus or must
significantly modify its lifestyle. For obligate intracellular pathogens or where
the intracellular stage is essential for propagation, this may offer greater hopes
for extended antimicrobial use than current antibiotic strategies targeted at
specific biochemical interactions.
In another example of the invention in which the effector protein is SpiC from
Salmonella spp, the construct may consist of the following:-
the SpiC effector moiety fused to a domain capable of interacting with
protective antigen;
the protective antigen from Bacillus anthracis;
where the construct is either co-administered or where the SpiC moiety
is administered after the protective antigen.
The constructs of the invention are preferably produced either wholly or
partially by recombinant technology. In an embodiment of the invention where
a construct of the invention is produced by recombinant technology, the
construct of the invention will be produced as a single multi-domain polypeptide
comprising from the N-terminus:-
the type III effector moiety;
a linker peptide;
the translocation domain; and
the binding domain.
In such a construct, the C-terminus of the type III effector protein is fused to the
N-terminus of the translocation domain via the linker peptide. An example of
such a linker peptide is the sequence CGLVPAGSGP which contains the
thrombin protease cleavage site and a cysteine residue for disulphide bridge
formation. The latter single chain fusion protein may then be treated with
thrombin to give a dichain protein in which the type III effector is linked to the
translocation domain by a disulphide link. In another example of a linker
peptide in which the translocation domain does not contain a free cysteine
residue near its C-terminus, such as is the case when the translocation domain
is a fusogenic peptide, the linker peptide contains both cysteine residues
required for the disulphide bridge. An example of the latter linker peptide is the
amino acid sequence: CGLVPAGSGPSAGSSAC.
In an example of the construct of the invention in which the type 111 effector
moiety is SigD from Salmonella spp produced by recombinant technology, the
construct may consist of polypeptide containing (from the N-terminus) the
following domains:-
the SigD type III effector moiety;
linker peptide (sequence CGLVPAGSGP) to enable attachment of the
SigD effector to the translocation domain via a disulphide bridge;
the translocation domain from diphtheria toxin (residues 194-386); and
the binding domain (Hc domain) from botulinum type A neurotoxin
(residues 872-1296).
The constructs of the invention may also be produced using chemical cross-
linking methods. Various strategies are known by which type III effector
proteins can be linked to a polypeptide consisting of the translocation domain
and binding domain using a variety of established chemical cross-linking
techniques. Using these techniques a variety of type III effector constructs can
be produced. The type III effector protein is, for example, derivatised with the
cross-linking reagent N-succinimidyl 3-[2-pyridyldithio] propionate. The
derivatised type III effector is then linked to a peptide containing a translocation
domain and binding domain via a free cysteine residue present on the
translocation domain.
Protein effectors can be altered to allow their delivery to intracellular
compartments other than their usual site of action. For example, mitochondrial
or nuclear targeting signals could be added to direct the effector to these
compartments. By covalently linking the effector to the targeting domain the
effector can be retained in the endosome/lysosome compartment, which would
not normally be accessible by bacterial delivery. Effectors can be targeted to
specific membrane locations via lipid modifications including myristoylation,
palmitoylation, orthe addition of short proteins domains that might include SH2,
SH3, WW domains, fragments of Rab proteins or synaptojanin-like domains.
Those practised in the art would recognise that these targeting strategies offer
an advantage for certain therapeutic strategies.
Constructs of the invention may be introduced into either neuronal or non-
neuronal tissue using methods known in the art. By subsequent specific binding
to neuronal cell tissue, the targeted construct exerts its therapeutic effects.
Ideally, the construct is injected near a site requiring therapeutic intervention.
The construct of the invention may be produced as a suspension, emulsion,
solution or as a freeze dried powder depending on the application and
properties of the therapeutic substance. The construct of the invention may be
resuspended or diluted in a variety of pharmaceutically acceptable liquids
depending on the application.
"Clostridial neurotoxin" means either tetanus neurotoxin or one of the seven
botulinum neurotoxins, the latter being designated as serotypes A, B C,, D, E,
F or G, and reference to the domain of a toxin is intended as a reference to the
intact domain or to a fragment or derivative thereof which retains the essential
function of the domain.
"Conjugate" means, in relation to two polypeptides, that the polypeptides are
linked by a covalent bond, typically forming a single polypeptide as a result, or
by a di-sulphide bond.
"Binding domain" means a polypeptide which displays high affinity binding
specific to a target cell, e.g. neuronal cell binding corresponding to that of a
clostridial neurotoxin. Examples of binding domains derived from clostridial
neurotoxins are as follows:-
Botulinum type A neurotoxin - amino acid residues (872 -1296)
Botulinum type B neurotoxin - amino acid residues (859 - 1291)
Botulinum type C neurotoxin - amino acid residues (867 - 1291)
Botulinum type D neurotoxin - amino acid residues (863 -1276)
Botulinum type E neurotoxin - amino acid residues (846 -1252)
Botulinum type F neurotoxin - amino acid residues (865 -1278)
Botulinum type G neurotoxin - amino acid residues (864 - 1297)
Tetanus neurotoxin - amino acid residues (880 -1315)
"High affinity binding specific to neuronal cell corresponding to that of a
clostridial neurotoxin" refers to the ability of a ligand to bind strongly to cell
surface receptors of neuronal cells that are involved in specific binding of a
given neurotoxin. The capacity of a given ligand to bind strongly to these cell
surface receptors may be assessed using conventional competitive binding
assays. In such assays radiolabelled clostridial neurotoxin is contacted with
neuronal cells in the presence of various concentrations of non-radiolabelled
ligands. The ligand mixture is incubated with the cells, at low temperature (0-
3°C) to prevent ligand internalization, during which competition between the
radiolabelled clostridial neurotoxin and non-labelled ligand may occur. In such
assays when the unlabelled ligand used is the same as that of the labelled
neurotoxin, the radiolabelled clostridial neurotoxin will be displaced from the
neuronal cell receptors as the concentration of non-labelled neurotoxin is
increased. The competition curve obtained in this case will therefore be
representative of the behaviour of a ligand which shows "high affinity binding
specificity to neuronal cells corresponding to that of a clostridial neurotoxin", as
used herein.
A carrier that "targets" a particular cell generally does so due to binding of the
carrier, or a portion thereof, to that cell and, by way of example, many different
ligands with given cell type specificity are described herein.
"Translocation domain" means a domain or fragment of a protein which effects
transport of itself and/or other proteins and substances across a membrane or
lipid bilayer. The latter membrane may be that of an endosome where
translocation will occur during the process of receptor-mediated endocytosis.
Translocation domains can frequently be identified by the property of being
able to form measurable pores in lipid membranes at low pH (Shone et al. Eur
J. Biochem. 167, 175-180). Examples of translocation domains are set out in
more detail below:
Diphtheria toxin - amino acid residues (194 - 386)
Botulinum type A neurotoxin - amino acid residues (449 - 871)
Botulinum type B neurotoxin - amino acid residues (441 - 858)
Botulinum type C neurotoxin - amino acid residues (442 - 866)
Botulinum type D neurotoxin - amino acid residues (446 - 862)
Botulinum type E neurotoxin - amino acid residues (423 - 845)
Botulinum type F neurotoxin - amino acid residues (440 - 864)
Botulinum type G neurotoxin - amino acid residues (442 - 863)
Tetanus neurotoxin - amino acid residues (458 - 879)
Translocation domains are frequently referred to herein as "HN domains".
"Translocation" in relation to translocation domain, means the intemalization
events that occur after binding to the cell surface. These events lead to the
transport of substances into the cytosol of target cells.
"Injected effector secreted by type III or type IV secretion system" means
bacterial proteins that are injected into host cells (mammalian, plant, insect, fish
or other) via a modified pilus or "needle-like" injection system frequently
referred to as type III or type IV secretion systems" and the term embraces
fragments, modifications and variations thereof that retain the essential effector
activity.
The invention thus uses modification of intracellular signalling for promoting
neuronal growth. Many of the effectors and inhibitors that control the
development of the growth cone act through common intracellular signalling
pathways that modulate the phosphorylation state of cytoskeletal components
and that ultimately determine whether the axon grows or collapses. The
appropriate manipulation of intracellular signalling is therefore a powerful
approach for eliminating the need for multiple inhibitors of the many factors
shown to induce apoptosis and growth cone collapse. The up-regulation of
transcription factors that inhibit apoptosis is an example of manipulation of
intracellular signalling to promote neural regeneration.
Strategies for therapeutic intervention using the effectors and compositions of
the invention include the delivery of agents to eliminate stress-inducing factors
and the modification of intracellular signalling to promote cell survival. The
latter approach is particularly powerful and the present invention describes
conjugates with type III effector moieties which allow such strategies to be
pursued.
The constructs of this invention use a specific targeting system to ensure
delivery of the therapeutic agent to the desired cells and uses bacterial toxins
that have evolved to regulate key stages in the cell signalling machinery of the
cells. This strategy offers a number of advantages over other drug platforms.
The cell specificity ensures that any alterations in cell signalling occur only in
the cells where this modification is desirable and not in other adjacent cells. For
example, in neuronal cell-targeted constructs, changes in signalling would only
take place in neurones and not in adjacent glial cells where such changes
might not be desirable. By targeting key intermediates in the signalling
pathway it is possible to co-ordinately regulate a number of overlapping cellular
events to promote the desired effect. For example, the activation of Akt by SigD
causes an effect on cells by co-ordinating a number of signalling pathways to
actively promote cell survival and block the induction of apoptosis in response
to stress factors. This is also a good example of an effector that activates a
component of a cell-signalling pathway. Most drug discovery approaches tend
to identify inhibitors of specific components.
The invention is now illustrated in the following specific examples.
Examples:
Example 1. Cloning and expression of type III effector genes.
Standard molecular biology protocols were used for all genetic manipulations
(Sambrookef a/1989, Molecular cloning; A laboratory manual. Second Edition,
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York.). Genes encoding Type III
effectors, truncated versions removing the N-terminal hydrophobic domain (e.g
removal of amino acids 1-28 for SigD, 1-69 for SptP, 1-76 for SopE), or
individual sub-domains (e.g. ExoS GAP domain amino acids 96-234 and ADP-
ribosyltransferase domain amino acids 232-453), were amplified from genomic
DNA by PCR to generate suitable restriction sites for cloning. In some cases
synthetic genes were prepared with codon usage, optimised for expression in
E.coli. Restriction enzymes such as BamHI (5') and Bg/Ii (3') were used for
cloning with reading frames maintained. Constructs were sequenced to
confirm the presence of the correct sequence. Constructs for expression were
subcloned, as a suitable fragment, into an expression vector carrying a T7
polymerase promoter site (e.g. pET28, pET30 or derivatives (Novagen Inc,
Madison, Wl)), to generate a fusion with maltose binding protein (e.g. pMALc2x
(NEB)) or into other expression vectors known to those familiar with the art.
Clones with confirmed sequences were used to transform expression hosts:
For T7 polymerase vectors E.coli BL21 (DE3) (Studier and Moffatt 1986
Journal of Molecular Biology 189:113-130) JM109 (DE3) or equivalent strains
with a DE3 lysogen. For pMalc2x JM109, BL21, TG1, TB1 or other suitable
expression strains.
In addition to the expression of type III effectors as standard fusion proteins an
additional approach was used to generate fusion proteins. The type III effector
or truncated effector generated as above were cloned into the 51 end of a gene
encoding a cell targeting ligand, which include toxin fragments, antibodies,
growth factors, lectins, interleukins, peptides. These fusion proteins were
cloned and expressed as either 6-His tagged, MBP tagged or other fusions as
described above.
Expression cultures were grown in Terrific Broth containing 30ug/ml kanamycin
and 0.5% (w/v) glucose to an OD600 of 2.0 and protein expression was induced
with 500uM IPTG for 2 hours. Cells were lysed by either sonication or suitable
detergent treatment (e.g. Bugbuster reagent; Novagen), cell debris pelleted by
centrifugation and the supernatant loaded onto a metal chelate column charged
with Cu2+ (Amersham-Pharmacia Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden).
The recombinant proteins expressed from pET vectors contain amino-terminal
histidine (6-His) and T7 peptide tags allowing proteins to be purified by affinity
chromatography on either a Cu2+ charged metal chelate column. After loading
proteins on the column and washing, proteins were eluted using imidazole. All
buffers were used as specified by manufacturers. Where appropriate removal
of the purification tag was carried out according to manufacturers instructions.
MBP fusions were purified on amylose resin columns as described by the
manufacturer (NEB) following growth in Terrific Broth containing 100 ug/ml
ampicillin and lysis as described above.
Other fusion systems were used according to manufacturer's instructions and
purification carried out on suitable columns using defined methods.
Example 2. Production of recombinant targeting vectors consisting of
translocation and binding domains
Standard molecular biology protocols were used for ail genetic manipulations
(Sambrook et al 1989, Molecular cloning; A laboratory manual. Second Edition,
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, New York.) Clostridial neurotoxin binding
domains (BoNT/Hc or TeNT/Hc) derived from either their native genes or
synthetic genes with codon usage optimised for expression in E.coli were
amplified by PCR. Introduced BamHI (5') restriction sites and Hindlll, Sa/I or
EcoRI (3') sites were used for most cloning operations with reading frames
designed to start with the first base of the restriction site. Constructs were
sequenced to confirm the presence of the correct sequence. The translocation
domain of diphtheria toxin (DipT) was amplified from its native gene to
introduce BamHI and Bgl\\ sites at the 5' and 3' ends respectively. This BamHI
and Bg/ll fragment was subcloned into the BamHI site at the 5' end of the Hc
fragment to generate an in-frame fusion. The entire heavy chain fragment
(DipT-Hc) was excised as a BamHl-Hind\\\ or BamHI-Sa/l or BamHI-EcoRI
fragment and subcloned into a suitable expression vector.
Constructs for expression were subcloned into either an expression vector
carrying a T7 polymerase promoter site (e.g. pET28, pET30 or derivatives
(Novagen Inc, Madison, Wl)) or to generate a fusion with maltose binding
protein (e.g. pMALc2x (NEB)) as a suitable fragment. Clones with confirmed
sequences were used to transform expression hosts: For T7 polymerase
vectors E.coli BL21 (DE3) (Studier and Moffatt 1986 Journal of Molecular
Biology 189:113-130) JM109 (DE3) or equivalent strains with a DE3 lysogen.
For pMalc2x JM109, BL21, TG1, TB1 or other suitable expression strains.
The recombinant proteins expressed from pET vectors contain amino-terminal
histidine (6-His) and T7 peptide tags allowing proteins to be purified by affinity
chromatography on either a Cu2+ charged metal chelate column. Expression
cultures were grown in Terrific Broth containing 30microg/ml kanamycin and
0.5% (w/v) glucose to an OD600 of 2.0 and protein expression was induced with
500microM IPTG for 2 hours. Cells were lysed by either sonication or suitable
detergent treatment (e.g. Bugbuster reagent; Novagen), cell debris pelleted by
centrifugation and the supernatant loaded onto a metal chelate column charged
with Cu2+ (Amersham-Pharmacia Biotech, Uppsala, Sweden). After loading
proteins on the column and washing, proteins were eluted using imidazole. All
buffers were used as specified by manufacturers. Where appropriate removal
of the purification tag was carried out according to manufacturers instructions.
MBP fusions were purified on amylose resin columns as described by the
manufacturer (NEB) following growth in Terrific Broth containing 100 microg/ml
ampicillin and lysis as described above.
Thrombin or factor Xa protease sites were included within the protein for
subsequent removal of these purification tags.
Additional sequences for adding affinity purification tags and one or more
specific protease sites for the subsequent removal of these affinity tags may
also be included in the reading frame of the gene products.
Other coding sequences that enable expression of the desired protein would
also be acceptable. Other tags or linking sites may also be incorporated into
the sequence.
Using the techniques described above, targeting vector fragments were
constructed by fusing domains of the Hc fragments of either botulinum type A,
type F or tetanus neurotoxins with the translocation domain of diphtheria toxin.
Example 3. Preparation of botulinum heavy chains by chemical methods.
The various serotypes of the clostridial neurotoxins may be prepared and
purified from various toxigenic strains of Clostridium botulinum and Clostridium
tetani by methods employing standard protein purification techniques as
described previously (Shone and Tranter 1995, Current Topics in Microbiology,
194, 143-160; Springer). Samples of botulinum neurotoxin (1mg/ml) are
dialysed against a buffer containing 50mM Tris-HCI pH 8.0,1M NaCI and 2.5M
urea for at least 4 hours at 4°C and then made 100mM with dithiothreitol and
incubated for 16h at 22°C. The cloudy solution, which contains precipitated light
chain, is then centrifuged at 15000 x g for 2 minutes and the supernatant fluid
containing the heavy chain retained and dialysed against 50mM HEPES pH 7.5
containing 0.2M NaCI and 5mM dithiothreitol for at least 4 hours at 4°C. The
dialysed heavy chain is centrifuged at 15000 x g for 2 minutes and the
supernatant retained and dialysed thoroughly against 50mM HEPES pH 7.5
buffer containing 0.2M NaCI and stored at -70°C. The latter procedure yields
heavy chain >95% pure with a free cysteine residue which can be used for
chemical coupling purposes. Biological (binding) activity of the heavy chain
may be assayed as described in Example 5.
The heavy chains of the botulinum neurotoxins may also be produced by
chromatography on QAE Sephadex as described by the methods in Shone and
Tranter (1995) (Current Topics in Microbiology, 194, 143-160; Springer).
Example 4. Chemical conjugation of proteins
Recombinant SigD type III effector from Salmonella spp. was cloned and
purified as described in Example 1. The SigD type III effector was chemically
modified by treatment with a 3-5 molar excess of N-succinimidyl 3-[2-
pyridyldithio] propionate (SPDP) in 0.05M Hepes buffer pH 7.0 containing 0.1M
NaCI for 60 min at 22°C. The excess SPDP was removed by dialysis against
the same buffer at 4°C for 16h. The substituted SigD effector was then mixed
in a 1:1 ratio and incubated at 4°C for 16h with a targeting vector comprising
a translocation domain (with an available free cysteine residue) and a neuronal
targeting domain (see Example 2). The latter may also be native heavy chain
purified from Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin purified as described in
Example 3. During the incubation period the SigD effector was conjugated to
the targeting vector fragment by a free sulphydryl group. After incubation, the
SigD-construct was purified by gel filtration chromatography on Sephadex
G200.
Example 5. Assay of the biological activity of constructs -
demonstration of high affinity binding to neuronal cells.
Clostridial neurotoxins may be labelled with 125-iodine using chloramine-T and
its binding to various cells assessed by standard methods such as described
in Evans et al. 1986, Eur J. Biochem., 154, 409 or Wadsworth et al. 1990,
Biochem. J. 268, 123), In these experiments the ability of Type III constructs
to compete with native clostridial neurotoxins for receptors present on neuronal
cells or brain synaptosomes was assessed. All binding experiments were
carried out in binding buffers. For the botulinum neurotoxins this buffer
consisted of: 50mM HEPES pH 7.0,30mM NaCI, 0.25% sucrose, 0.25% bovine
serum albumin. For tetanus toxin, the binding buffer was: 0.05M tris-acetate
pH 6.0 containing 0.6% bovine serum albumin. In a typical binding experiment
the radidlabelled clostridial neurotoxin was held at a fixed concentration of
between 1-20nM. Reaction mixtures were prepared by mixing the radiolabelled
toxin with various concentrations of unlabelled neurotoxin or construct. The
reaction mixtures were then added to neuronal cells or rat brain synaptosomes
and then incubated at 0-3°C for 2hr. After this period the neuronal cells of
synaptosomes were washed twice with binding ice-cold binding buffer and the
amount of labelled clostridial neurotoxin bound to cells or synaptosomes was
assessed by S-counting. In an experiment using an Type III effector construct
what contained the binding domain from botulinum type A neurotoxin, the
construct was found to compete with 125l-labelled botulinum type A neurotoxin
for neuronal cell receptors in a similar manner to unlabelled native botulinum
type A neurotoxin. These data showed that the construct had retained binding
properties of the native neurotoxin.
Example 6. Recombinant Type III effector constructs
Recombinant Type III effector-targeting vector constructs were prepared
comprising a combination of the following elements:-
- a type III effector (e.g. SigD from Salmonella spp.)
- a linker region, which allows the formation of a disulphide bond between the
type III effectors and the translocation domain and which also contains a
unique protease cleavage site for cleavage by factor Xa or thrombin to allow
the formation of a dichain molecule;
- a translocation domain from diphtheria toxin or a endosomolytic (fusogenic)
peptide from influenza virus haemagglutinin); and
- a neuronal cell-specific binding domain (e.g. from tetanus or botulinum
neurotoxin type A or botulinum neurotoxin type F).
The protein sequences of these various domains form specific embodiments
of the invention and are shown below the examples.
To confirm the nature of their structure, the recombinant Type III effector-
targeting vector constructs were converted to the dichain form by treatment with
a unique protease corresponding to the cleavage site sequences within the
linker region. Conjugates containing the thrombin cleavage site were treated
with thrombin (20microg per mg of conjugate) for 20h at 37°C; conjugates
containing the factor Xa cleavage site were treated with factor Xa (20microg per
mg of conjugate) for 20 min at 22°C.
On SDS-PAGE gels, under non-reducing conditions, the majority of Type III
effector-targeting vector construct appeared as single band. In the presence
of reducing agent (dithiothreitol) two bands were observed corresponding to the
type III effector and targeting vector (translocation and binding domains). These
data illustrate that, after treatment with the unique protease, the conjugates
consist of the latter two components which are linked by a disulphide bridge.
Example 7. Formation of Type III effector constructs from Type III
effector-diphtheria toxin A (CRM197) fusion proteins.
Type III effector-targeting vector constructs may also formed in vitro by
reconstitution from two recombinant fragments. These are:-
A Type III effector fused to inactive diphtheria fragment A (CRM197) as
described in Example 1.
A recombinant targeting vector in which the translocation domain of diphtheria
toxin is fused to a neuronal targeting domain such as that from a clostridial
neurotoxin. Production of these is described in Example 2.
Type III effector constructs may be formed by mixing fragments 1 and 2 in
equimolar proportions in the presence of 10mM dithiothreitol and them
completely removing the reducing agent by dialysis against phosphate buffered
saline at pH 7.4 followed by dialysis against HEPES (0.05M, pH 7.4)
containing 0.15 M NaCI. As described above in Example 6, these constructs
appear as a single band in SDS gels under non-reducing conditions and two
bands in the presence of a reducing agent.
Example 8. Formulation of the Type III effector construct for clinical use.
In a formulation of the Type III effector construct for clinical use, recombinant
Type III effector construct would be prepared under current Good
Manufacturing Procedures. The construct would be transferred, by dilution, to
a solution to give the product stability during freeze-drying. Such a formulation
may contain Type III effector construct (concentration between 0.1-10 mg/ml)
in 5mM HEPES buffer (pH 7.2), 50mM NaCI, 1% lactose. The solution, after
sterile filtration, would be aliquotted, freeze-dried and stored under nitrogen at
-20°C.
Example 9. Production of constructs with neuroprotective properties.
SigD was cloned (without the first 29 condons) using the methods outlined in
Example 1. The protein was expressed and purified either as a fusion with
maltose binding protein (e.g. using pMALc2x) or with a Histidine6 (e.g. using
pET28a). Purification tags were then removed by standard procedures after
affinity purication of the fusion protein. Chemical constructs of SigD were
prepared as outlined in Example 4.
A recombinant construct of the invention containing SigD linked to the
translocation domain and binding domain of botulinum type A neurotoxin was
prepared as outlined in Example 6 using the standard molecular biology
procedures outlined in Example 1.
Application of the above constructs to neuronal cells leads to the receptor-
mediated intemalisation of SigD and subsequent activation of Akt Kinase.
Such cells have an enhanced ability to withstand stress such as growth factor
removal.
Example 10. Constructs for the treatment of neurodenerative disease
Constructs for treatment of neurodegenerative disease and containing the
effectors SpiC, SptP or SopE2 were prepared as outlined in Example 9.
Example 11. Constructs for regulating cellular secretion and expression
of cell surface receptors
For neuronal cells, constructs containing the effectors SpiC, SopE, RalF,
SseE.F.G and J, PipA and B, SifA and B were prepared as outlined in
Example 9.
For non-neuronal cells, the targeting domain may be replaced by a ligand with
specificity for the target cell type. Such ligands may be selected from a list
including: antibodies, carbohydrates, vitamins, hormones, cytokines, lectins,
interleukins, peptides, growth factors, cell attachment proteins, toxin fragments,
viral coat proteins.
Example 12 Constructs for the treatment of intracellular pathogens
Constructs containing the effectors SopE/SopE2, RalF, SpiC, SseE.F.G or J,
PipA or B, SifA or B, or other effectors, for example those described in table
1, are useful therapeutic agents for treatment of disease.
Constructs were prepared essentially as described in example 9 but with a
suitable binding domain selected from a list including; antibodies,
carbohydrates, vitamins, hormones, cytokines, lectins, interleukins, peptides,
growth factors, cell attachment proteins, toxin fragments, viral coat proteins etc.
For targeting to macrophages this might include protective antigen from
Bacillus anthracis or a carbohydrate moiety such as a mannose modification
allowing specific uptake.
A recombinant construct of the invention includes an effector protein and a
binding domain suitable for targeting the effector to a desired cell type.
When delivered to cells such constructs result in cellular events that cause the
death of the intracellular pathogen, prevent its release from the infected cell
type or otherwise reduce its ability to infect and cause disease.
Further embodiments of the invention are represented by all combinations of
the recited effectors with the recited linker-translocation domain-binding domain
conjugates.
The present application includes a sequence listing in which the following
sequences referred to by their SEQ ID No.s represent the following
embodiments of the invention:-
SEQ ID. NO. DESCRIPTION
1 Diphtheria toxin translocation domain
2 Diphtheria toxin translocation domain, TeNT-Hc
3 Thrombin linker, Diphtheria toxin translocation domain,
TeNT-Hc
4 Factor Xa linker, Diphtheria toxin translocation domain,
TeNT-Hc
5 Diphtheria toxin translocation domain, BoNT/F-Hc
6 Thrombin linker, Diphtheria toxin translocation domain,
BoNT/F-Hc
7 Factor Xa linker, Diphtheria toxin translocation domain,
BoNT/F-Hc
8 AAC46234 invasion gene D protein [Salmonella
typhimurium] SigD
AAF21057 invasion protein D [Salmonella typhimurium]
SopB
CAC05808 IpgD, secreted by the Mxi-Spa machinery,
modulates entry of bacteria into epithelial cells [Shigella
flexneri]
AAC 69766 targeted effector protein [Yersinia pestis]
YopJ
AAC02071 SopE [Salmonella typhimurium]
AAC44349 protein tyrosine phosphatase SptP
[Salmonella typhimurium]
NP_047628 targeted effector [Yersinia pestis] YopE
AAK39624 exoenzyme S [Pseudomonas aeruginosa]
AAG03434 exoenzyme T [Pseudomonas aeruginosa]
NP_047619 Yop targeted effector [Yersinia pestis] YopT
NP_052380 protein kinase YopO [Yersinia enterocolitica]
AAF82095 outer protein AvrA [Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica serovar Dublin]
AAC44300 SpiC [Salmonella typhimurium]
SigD with the first 29 codons removed, thrombin linker,
diphtheria translocation domain, TeNT-Hc
SigD with the first 29 codons removed, factor Xa linker,
diphtheria translocation domain, TeNT-Hc
SigD with the first 29 codons removed, thrombin linker,
diphtheria toxin translocation domain, with BoNT/F-Hc
SigD, factor Xa linker, diphtheria toxin translocation
domain, with BoNT/F-Hc
YopT, factor Xa linker, diphtheria translocation domain,
TeNT-Hc
YopT, factor Xa linker, diphtheria toxin translocation
domain, with BoNT/F-Hc
SpiC, thrombin linker, diphtheria translocation domain,
TeNT-Hc
SpiC, factor Xa linker, diphtheria translocation domain,
TeNT-Hc
SpiC fused to a domain consisting the N-terminal 254
residues from Bacillus anthracis lethal factor capable of
interacting with protective antigen
Bacillus anthracis protective antigen
Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin component 1
Clostridium botulinum C2 toxin component 2
Table 1: Examples of type III and type IV effectors and their activity.
Effector Biochemical function Possible applications
YopT Yersinia spp Inactivates Rho GTPases by Stimulate nerve regrowth
direct following damage
ExoS (N-terminal domain) GTPase activating protein for Stimulate nerve regrowth
Pseudomonas aeuruginosa Rho GTPases
YopE Yersinia spp
ExoS (C-terminal domain) ADP-ribosyltranferase Block Ras/Rap signalling
P.aeuruginosa modifies Ras and Rap pathways
GTPases
SptP (N-terminal domain) GAP activity for Rac 1/ Cdc
Salmonella spp 42
SopE/E2 S.typhimurium Guanine nucleotide exchange Regulates nitric oxide
factor for Cdc42/Rac release
YpkO/YopO Yersinia spp Serine/threonine kinase
modifies RhoA/Rac
YopP/YopJ Yersinia spp Blocks activation of various Induction of apoptosis in
AvrXv/AvrBsT Xanthomonas MAP kinase pathways tumour cells
campestris Block release of
inflammatory mediators
from damaged cells
SopB/SigA/SigD Salmonella Activate AKT kinase Block apoptosis in
spp damaged/ageing
IpgD Shigella flexneri neurons
SpiC S.entehca Block endosome fusion Prevent neurotransmitter
release from pain fibres
IpaB Induces apoptosis by direct Induction of apoptosis in
SipB activation of caspase 1 glioma/neurobiastoma
cells
Orf19 E.coli Affects mitochondrial function Modulation of induction
IpgB Shigella flexneri of cell death and other
mitochondrial functions
Unidentified effector Blocks apoptosis Prevent apoptosis in
Chlamydia spp damaged/ageing
neurones
RalF Listeria monocytogenes Guanine nucleotide exchange Promote or prevent
factor for ARF membrane
compartment fusion
SpiC, SopE, SseE.F.G or J, Various Treating intracellular
PipA or B, SifA or B, pathogens or disorders
Salmonella spp. RalF, of intracellular
Listeria monocytogenes trafficking
CagA Helicobacter pylori Cytoskeletal modification Alter uptake or release
of membrane vesicle
contents
YopM Yersinia spp, PopC Leucine rich repeat protein. Upregulation of genes
Ralstonia solanacearum Possible transcription factors involved in cell cycle
and cell growth (YopM)
or other genes.
WE CLAIM :
1. A conjugate of a type III injected bacterial effector protein and a
carrier that targets the effector protein to a target cell, such as
herein defined, wherein the carrier comprises a binding domain that
specifically binds to the target cell.
2. A conjugate as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the binding domain of
the carrier undergoes receptor-mediated endocytosis, and wherein
the carrier further comprises a second domain that translocates the
effector across an endosomal membrane into the cytosol of the cell.
3. A conjugate as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the effector
protein is linked by a linker to the carrier.
4. A conjugate as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the linker is cleavable,
in that it can be cleaved after entry into the target cell so as to
release the effector from the carrier.
5. A conjugate as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the carrier
specifically binds to a target cell selected from an epithelial cell, a
neuronal cell, a secretory cell, an immunological cell, an endocrine
cell, an inflammatory cell, an exocrine cell, a bone cell and a cell of
the cardiovascular system.
6. A conjugate as claimed in any previous claim, which is a single
polypeptide.
7. A conjugate as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the injected
bacterial effector protein has an activity selected from activating
GTPase, inactivating GTPase, enhancing replacement of bound
GDP by GTP, causing covalent modification of GTPase, protein
kinase activity, protein phosphatase, inositol phosphatase activity,
inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinase kinase, regulation of
gene expression, transcription factor and modulation of cellular
trafficking.
8. A conjugate as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the second domain is
selected from (a) domains of clostridial neurotoxins that translocate
polypeptide sequences into cells, and (b) fragments, variants and
derivatives of the domains of (a) that retain the translocating activity
of the domains of (a).
9. A conjugate as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the second domain is
selected from:
(a) a non-aggregating translocation domain as measured by size in
physiological buffers;
(b) a Hn domain of a diphtheria toxin,
(c) a fragment or derivative of (b) that retains the translocating
activity of the HN domain of a diphtheria toxin,
(d) a fusogenic peptide,
(e) a membrane disrupting peptide, and
(f) translocating fragments and derivatives of (d) and (e).
10. A conjugate as claimed in any previous claim, wherein the binding
domain is selected from (a) neuronal cell binding domains of
clostridial toxins; and (b) fragments, variants and derivatives of the
domains in (a) that retain the neuronal cell binding activity of the
domains of (a).
11. A conjugate as claimed in any of Claims8 to 10, wherein the linker
is cleaved in the target cell so as to release the effector protein from
the targeting component.
12. A conjugate as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the linker is a
disulphide bridge or a site for a protease found in the target cell.
13. A method of preparation of a conjugate according to any of Claims
1-12 by combining the effector protein with the carrier.
14. A method as claimed in Claim 13, comprising chemically cross-
linking the effector protein with the carrier.
15. A method as claimed in Claim 13, comprising linking the carrier to
the effector protein via a linker, and linking the effector protein to
the second domain of the carrier via a disulphide bridge.
16. A method of preparation of a conjugate as claimed in any of Claims
1-12, comprising expressing a DNA that encodes a polypeptide,
wherein said polypeptide comprises said effector protein and said
carrier.
17. A method as claimed in Claim 16, wherein the polypeptide
comprises a linker, between the effector protein and the carrier,
wherein said linker is cleaved by a proteolytic enzyme present in
the target cell.
18. A method as claimed in Claim 16 or 17, wherein said DNA
comprises a first DNA sequence that codes for the effector protein
and a second DNA sequence that codes for the carrier.
19. A DNA construct encoding a conjugate as claimed in any of Claims
1-12.
The instant invention discloses a conjugate of an injected bacterial effector
protein and a carrier that targets the effector protein to a target cell, such as herein
defined, wherein the carrier comprises a first domain that specifically binds to the
target cell and wherein the effector exerts its effect in the cytosol of the cell.

Documents:

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-abstract.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-assignment.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-claims.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-correspondence.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-description (complete).pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-examination report.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-form 1.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-form 13.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-form 18.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-form 3.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-form 5.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-gpa.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-reply to examination report.pdf

1388-kolnp-2003-granted-specification.pdf


Patent Number 234017
Indian Patent Application Number 1388/KOLNP/2003
PG Journal Number 18/2009
Publication Date 01-May-2009
Grant Date 29-Apr-2009
Date of Filing 29-Oct-2003
Name of Patentee HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY
Applicant Address PORTON DOWN, SALISBURY WILTSHIRE SP4 0JG
Inventors:
# Inventor's Name Inventor's Address
1 SUTTON JOHN MARK HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY, PORTON DOWN, SALISBURY WILTSHIRE SP4 0JG
2 SHONE CLIFFORD CHARLES HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY, PORTON DOWN, SALISBURY WILTSHIRE SP4 0JG
PCT International Classification Number A61K 38/16
PCT International Application Number PCT/GB2002/02384
PCT International Filing date 2002-05-21
PCT Conventions:
# PCT Application Number Date of Convention Priority Country
1 0112687.9 2001-05-24 U.K.