Chemistry: natural resins or derivatives; peptides or proteins; – Peptides of 3 to 100 amino acid residues – 25 or more amino acid residues in defined sequence
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-09
2001-07-31
Stucker, Jeffrey (Department: 1648)
Chemistry: natural resins or derivatives; peptides or proteins;
Peptides of 3 to 100 amino acid residues
25 or more amino acid residues in defined sequence
C530S403000, C530S861000, C424S184100, C424S188100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06268472
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates to peptide fragments derived from the p17 gag protein of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which is the causative organism of the disease known as Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The invention relates to the use of these p17 peptide fragments and analogues as a component of an AIDS vaccine and to the resulting AIDS vaccine compositions which are capable of eliciting TH1 associated antibodies and other aspects of a TH1 immune response.
(2) Discussion of the Prior Art
There has been extensive research over the past several years, first to identify the cause of AIDS and after the positive identification of the retroviruses generically referred to as HIV, as the causative organism, efforts have concentrated on more detailed analysis of the genetic makeup, molecular biology, pathogenesis, biochemistry, development of highly sensitive methods of detection of virus and antibodies and treatments, and therapies. Extensive progress has been made in all of these areas yet much work needs to be done to effectively combat the spread of AIDS. An essential part of the approach for combatting the spread of the highly infectious HIV virus is the development of effective vaccines that stimulate the appropriate components of the immune system. In this regard, knowledge of natural history of infection with HIV and the various immune responses and the clinical condition and the outcome may be useful in preparing effective vaccine preparations for either therapeutic or preventive means. In this regard accurate diagnosis of the stage of disease and the immune status with regard to HIV and the knowledge that certain means are available may encourage infected patients to alter or modify their lifestyles in such manner as to reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Additionally, identification of protective antibodies based on epitope recognition can offer a more effective mechanism for staging and/or diagnosing the AIDS or pre-AIDS disease. Such staging and early diagnosis of seropositive individuals may then allow for vaccinations to provide the appropriate protective immune responses for treating the seropositive individual.
For many infectious diseases it is now recognized that the presence or absence of antibody is not as critical in the satisfactory clearance of the agent and disease resolution as much as it is the class or subclass of antibody, other immune system activities such as cytotoxic T lymphocytes and the particular antigens of the agent being recognized. For example, resolution of intracellular infections, such as tuberculosis, require activation of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and helper T cell activities, properties of CD4+ T cells (Finkelman et al. 1990, Ann Rev Immunol 8:303). CD4+ T helper cells have been delineated into TH1 and TH2 subsets in the mouse based on the cytokines produced and other activities which are promoted or associated with the T cell (Snapper et al 1987, Science 236:944; Salgame et al 1991, Science 254:279; 10 Romagnani 1992, Immunol Today 13:379). In the mouse TH1 cells promote DTH, produce IL-2, interferon-&ggr; and promote IgG2a synthesis whereas TH2 cells produce IL-4, IL-10, promote B cell growth and differentiation leading to IgG1and IgE production (Bretsher et al 1992, Science 257:539). CD8+ cytotoxic T cell responses are also associated with TH1 responses (Cox et al.1992 Immunol Today 13:445). Based upon this information the nature of the T cell response generated by a specific immunization protocol can be evaluated by measurement of the specific lymphokine and/or antibodies produced by the individual (Finkelman et al. 1990, Annu Rev Immunol 8:303; Mosmann et al. 1989, Ann Rev Immunol 7:145). More recently it has been recognized that CD8+ cells responsible for CTL activity form a part of the cellular immune response mediated by TH1 cells (Taylor-Robinson et al. 1993,Science 260:1931).
HIV has several major classes of proteins referred to as the outer envelope structural group (env gp120 and p41), gag (or internal structural proteins p24, p17) and several nonstructural and regulatory genes and encoded proteins. Examination of the immune response and the disease state can be of assistance in designing new agents as vaccines. In one study, the response to HIV gag was polyisotypic (all/most class or subclasses, IgM, IgG1, IgG3 and IgA) but antibodies to env were strikingly restricted to IgG1, (Khalife et al 1988, AIDS Res. and Hu. Retroviruses 4:3). The immune response to the nonstructural protein F (3′ orf) also was restricted to IgM, IgA and IgG1 but not as much as the response to env and Khalife, et al, ibid further noted that IgG4 and IgE response which was gag restricted was also restricted to Hemophiliacs group.
Interestingly, in regard to man and HIV it is recognized that the disappearance of a particular subclass of antibodies IgG3 to a conserved p17 protein molecule is most closely associated with disease progression. Antibodies to HIV of IgG1 and IgG2 subclasses are found in nearly all sera from HIV infected individuals at different stages of the disease. However, the presence of IgG3 is largely associated with gag proteins (p17, p24 and p55). Conversely almost all antibodies to the major viral surface proteins p41 and gp120 are of the IgG1 subclass and are present even in late stage disease (McDougal et al 1987 J. Clin, Invest 80:316-24).
The findings of McDougal et al ibid and also Jiang et al (J AIDS 1992, 5:382) are, in part, at odds with those of Broliden et al (1989 Clin. Expt. Immunol. 76: 216). Broliden ibid found IgG3 antibodies, predominantly against gag proteins at all stages of disease, and IgG1 which was against all HIV antigens declining in latter stages of the disease in contrast to McDougal et al ibid. Jiang et al ibid showed that anti p17 antibodies declined with disease progression and, in part, this was associated with antibodies to certain peptides of p17 including HGP-30. Broliden et al, ibid, refer to neutralizing antibody as being of the IgG3 subclass but conclude that no HIV neutralizing antibodies of IgG3 have been found. Broliden et al, ibid, in their study relates with HIV ADCC to IgG1and not IgG3, (see also Ljunggren et al 1987,8, J. Immunol Meth 104:7, Clin Exp. Immunol 1987, 73:343). Others suggest that ADCC is associated with IgG3. Often it is found that ADCC is associated with IgG3 (“The Human IgG Subclasses: Molecular Analysis of Structure, function and Regulation” Shakib, F. ed., Pergamon Press, 1990: Jeffries et al, Chapter 6, p.93; Pound et al, Chapter 7, p.111; Weiner, Chapter 8, p.135).
Rook et al (J. Immunol 1987, 138:1064) have shown that ADCC was associated with higher levels of antibodies to gag p24 than env. These workers did not examine antibodies to p17, various synthetic peptides of the proteins or the isotypes of the antibodies. Rook et al, ibid, also demonstrated higher levels of ADCC in asymptomatic HIV seropositive individuals than in AIDS patients.
The SCID Hu PBL mouse provides a very useful model that can be reconstituted with human cells and that can be infected with multiple strains of HIV (Mosier et al 1991, Science 251:791). This model allows for studying not only infection but also immunological intervention and control. Use of recombinant (r) gp160 (rgp160) for vaccination and demonstration of limited and short lived protection in the SCID model has been shown by Mosier et al (1993, Proc. Nat Acad. Sci 90:2443-2447). They showed the usefulness of this model in a preliminary report (Mosier et al, 1992, AIDS Res. Hu. Retroviruses 8:1387). Anti HIV neutralizing antibody has been shown by passive immunization in this SCID hu model to afford some protection (Parren et al 1995, AIDS 9(6):F1-6).
An interesting finding for p17, one of the two major gag proteins, involved a region thereof of 30 amino acids, namely the peptide HGP-30, whose sequence contains T and B cell epitopes immunoreactive with p17 of HIV (Sarin et al 1986, Science 232:1135; Naylor et al 1987, Proc Nat. Acad S
Sarin Prem S.
Zimmerman Daniel H.
Cel Sci Corporation
Stucker Jeffrey
LandOfFree
Modified HGP-30 peptides, conjugates, compositions and... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Modified HGP-30 peptides, conjugates, compositions and..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modified HGP-30 peptides, conjugates, compositions and... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2461697