Multispecific antibodies, immunoconjugates, antigen-recognizing receptors, immunoresponsive cells, pharmaceutical compositions, nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, methods, and kits

Abstract

Provided are antibodies and antibody derivatives that bind to OX40 and methods of using the same. In some embodiments, the antibodies or antibody derivatives disclosed herein comprise single domain antibodies that bind to OX40. In some embodiments, the antibody derivatives are multispecific antibodies that bind to OX40 and additional antigens (e.g., CTLA4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims priority to International Patent Application PCT / CN2021 / 139273, filed December 17, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein and claim priority thereto.

[0002] The present invention relates to antibodies and antibody derivatives that bind to OX40 and methods of use thereof. In some embodiments, the antibody derivatives are multispecific antibodies that bind to OX40 and an additional antigen, such as CTLA4. [Background technology]

[0003] OX40, also known as tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (Tnfrsf4) and CD134, is a type 1 transmembrane glycoprotein that is mainly expressed by immune cells such as T cells. OX40 can inhibit activation-induced cell death and promote the survival of antigen-specific memory T cells by inducing the expression of anti-apoptotic and cell cycle progression proteins. OX40 costimulatory signals can also activate the NF-kB pathway to directly stimulate effector T cells. In addition, OX40 is found in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) of various cancers, including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, ovarian cancer, gastric cancer, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Previous studies have shown that activation of OX40 and / or its ligand (OX40L) can induce antitumor effects. Therefore, there is a need in the art for the development of molecules and methods that target OX40 to treat cancer.

[0004] Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4), also known as CD152, GRD4 and ALPS5, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily and can transmit inhibitory signals to T cells. Blocking the CTLA4 pathway can induce antitumor effects by activating effector T cells and reducing Treg-mediated T cell inhibition. For example, anti-CTLA4 blocking with ipilimumab can prolong the overall survival of patients with advanced melanoma. Therefore, there is a need in the art for the development of molecules and methods that target CTLA4 to treat cancer. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies and antibody derivatives that specifically bind to OX40 with high affinity, including monospecific anti-OX40 antibodies and multispecific antibodies that bind to OX40 and one or more additional targets. In some embodiments, the one or more additional targets are CTLA4. In some embodiments, the antibodies, antibody derivatives, or multispecific antibodies disclosed herein include single domain antibodies that bind to OX40. The present invention further provides methods of making and using the antibodies, antibody derivatives, and multispecific antibodies disclosed herein and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, for use in treating diseases and disorders such as, for example, cancer. The present invention is based in part on the discovery of novel single domain antibodies that bind to OX40, which can enhance the immune response to tumor cells, and also on the discovery of novel multispecific antibodies that bind to OX40 and CTLA4, which can provide improved anti-tumor effects by enhancing the immune response to tumor cells.

[0006] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody disclosed herein binds to OX40 and CTLA4. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising an agonistic anti-OX40 antibody comprising a single domain antibody that binds to OX40, and ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an antagonistic anti-CTLA4 antibody that binds to CTLA4. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a VHH. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody or VHH comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH).

[0007] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody is -7 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of 5x10 -8 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of 1x10 -8 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -10 M ~ approx. 5x10 -8 Binds to OX40 at the KD of M.

[0008] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference anti-OX40 single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region, which is selected from the group consisting of: a) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; b) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; c) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:13; d) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:14, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:15, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:16; a) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 17 and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 18; b) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22 and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 23; c) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 26, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 27 and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 28; g) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 31, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 32 and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 33; h) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 36, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 37 and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 38. i) a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 37 and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 38;j) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:46, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:47, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:48; k) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:51, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:52, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:53; l) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:56, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:57, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:58; m) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:61, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:62, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:63; a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 71, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 72, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 73; n) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 66, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 67, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 68; o) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 71, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 72, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 73; or p) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 76, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 77, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 78.

[0009] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising: a) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31, 36, 41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66, 71 or 76, or a variant of said amino acid sequence comprising up to about three amino acid substitutions; b) a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62, 67, 72 or 77, or a variant of said amino acid sequence comprising up to about three amino acid substitutions; and c) a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 8, 13, 18, 23, 28, 33, 38, 43, 48, 53, 58, 63, 68, 73 or 78, or a variant of said amino acid sequence comprising up to about three amino acid substitutions. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 domain, a CDR2 domain and a CDR3 domain, wherein said CDR1 domain, CDR2 domain and CDR3 domain comprise the CDR1 domain, CDR2 domain and CDR3 domain, respectively, contained in a reference heavy chain variable region, wherein the reference heavy chain variable region comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69, 74 and 79.

[0010] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:6, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:7, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:8. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:11, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:12, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:13. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:16, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:17, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:18. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:21, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:22, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:23. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:26, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:27, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:28. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:31, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:32, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:33.In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:36, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:37, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:38. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:41, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:42, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:43. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:46, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:47, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:48. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:51, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:52, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:53. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:56, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:57, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:61, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:62, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:63. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:66, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:67, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:68.In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:71, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:72, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:73. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:76, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:77, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:78.

[0011] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least about 90% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69, 74, and 79. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:14. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:19. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:24. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:29. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:34. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:39. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:44. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:49. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:54. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:59. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:64. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:69.In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 79. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a humanized framework.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding portion comprises an anti-CTLA4 antibody that cross-competes with a reference anti-CTLA4 antibody, the reference antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising: (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141; (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142; and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising: (1) a CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:144; (2) a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:145; and (3) a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:146. In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding portion comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141, (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142, and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143, and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising (1) a CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:144, (2) a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:145, and (3) a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:146. In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding portion comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:147, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody comprises a human antibody.

[0013] In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding portion comprises an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising two antibody heavy chains and two antibody light chains. In some embodiments, the first antigen-binding portion comprises one or more anti-OX40 antibodies. In some embodiments, the first antigen-binding portion comprises four anti-OX40 antibodies. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of at least one of the two anti-CTLA4 light chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of each of the two anti-CTLA4 light chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion. In some embodiments, the N-terminus of at least one of the two anti-CTLA4 light chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion. In some embodiments, the N-terminus of each of the two anti-CTLA4 light chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of at least one of the two anti-CTLA4 heavy chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of each of the two anti-CTLA4 heavy chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion. In some embodiments, the N-terminus of at least one of the two anti-CTLA4 heavy chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion. In some embodiments, the N-terminus of each of the two anti-CTLA4 heavy chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first antigen-binding moiety is linked to the second antigen-binding moiety via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises about 4 to about 30 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:97-140.

[0015] In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody of the second antigen binding portion comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG, an IgA, an IgD, an IgE, and an IgM Fc region. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody of the second antigen binding portion comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG1, an IgG2, an IgG3, and an IgG4 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises a human Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG1 Fc region. In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises an S267E and L328F mutation or an N325S and L328F mutation. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG4 Fc region. In some embodiments, the IgG4 Fc region comprises an S228P mutation. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a full length immunoglobulin, a single chain Fv (scFv) fragment, a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, a F(ab')2, an Fv fragment, a disulfide bond stabilized Fv fragment (dsFv), (dsFv)2, a VHH, a VHH-Fc fusion, an Fv-Fc fusion, an scFv-Fc fusion, an scFv-Fv fusion, a diabody, a tribody, a tetrabody, or any combination thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises: i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; and ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141, (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142, and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143; and and a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in NO:146. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises: i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; and ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141, (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142, and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143; and and a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in NO:146.In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises: i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:13; and ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141, (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142, and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143; and and a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a light chain variable region (VL) comprising a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in NO:146.

[0017] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, and ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:147 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9, and ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:147 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:14, and ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:147 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:148.

[0018] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:151 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:152. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:147 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:152. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:151 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:153 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:154. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:149 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:154. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:153 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:150. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:155 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:156. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:147 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:156. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:155 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:157 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:158. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:149 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:158.In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:157 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:150. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:159 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:160. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:147 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:160. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:159 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:161 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:162. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:149 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:162. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:161 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:150. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:155 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:160. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:157 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:162. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:159 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:156. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:161 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:158.

[0019] The present invention further provides an immunoconjugate, which comprises any of the multispecific antibodies disclosed herein linked to a therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a cytotoxin. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a radioisotope.

[0020] The present invention further provides an antigen-recognizing receptor, the antigen-recognizing receptor comprising an extracellular antigen-binding domain comprising any of the multispecific antibodies disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or a recombinant T cell receptor. In some embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is a CAR. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprised in the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a VHH, a scFv, a Fab, a Fab', a di-scFv, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprised in the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises an anti-OX40 VHH and an anti-CTLA4 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 VHH and the anti-CTLA4 scFv are linked via a peptide linker.

[0021] The present invention further provides an immunoresponsive cell comprising an antigen recognition receptor as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the immunoresponsive cell is selected from a T cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), a regulatory T cell, a natural killer T (NKT) cell, and a myeloid cell. In some embodiments, the immunoresponsive cell is a T cell.

[0022] The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a) a multispecific antibody, immunoconjugate or immunoresponsive cell disclosed herein, and b) a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier agent.

[0023] The present invention further provides nucleic acids encoding one or more of the multispecific antibodies disclosed herein, including one or more vectors of the nucleic acids disclosed herein, and including host cells of the nucleic acids disclosed herein.

[0024] The invention further provides a method for producing a multispecific antibody as disclosed herein, the method comprising expressing the multispecific antibody in a host cell as disclosed herein, and isolating the multispecific antibody from the host cell.

[0025] The present invention further provides a method of reducing tumor burden in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a multispecific antibody, immunoconjugate, immunoresponsive cell or drug composition disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method reduces the number of tumor cells. In some embodiments, the method reduces tumor size. In some embodiments, the method eradicates the tumor in the subject. In some embodiments, the tumor is selected from mesothelioma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pleural tumor, glioblastoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, synovial sarcoma, thymic cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric tumor, cholangiocarcinoma, head and neck cancer, hematological cancer, and combinations thereof.

[0026] The present invention further provides a method of treating and / or preventing neoplasm, the method comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of a multispecific antibody, immunoconjugate, immunoresponsive cell or pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein. The present invention further provides a method of prolonging survival of a subject suffering from a neoplasm, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a multispecific antibody, immunoconjugate, immunoresponsive cell or pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the neoplasm is selected from mesothelioma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pleural tumor, glioblastoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, synovial sarcoma, thymic cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric tumor, cholangiocarcinoma, head and neck cancer, hematological cancer and combinations thereof.

[0027] The present invention further provides a multispecific antibody as disclosed herein for use as a medicament to treat cancer. The present invention further provides a pharmaceutical composition as disclosed herein for use as a medicament to treat cancer. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from mesothelioma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pleural tumor, glioblastoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, synovial sarcoma, thymic cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric tumor, cholangiocarcinoma, head and neck cancer, hematological cancer, and combinations thereof.

[0028] The present invention further provides kits comprising the multispecific antibodies, immunoconjugates, immunoresponsive cells, pharmaceutical compositions, nucleic acids, vectors or host cells disclosed herein, in some embodiments, the kits further comprise instructions for the treatment and / or prevention of tumors. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1A] A schematic diagram of an exemplary anti-OX40 bivalent antibody is shown. [Figure 1B] Binding of the c5E10 antibody to recombinant human or mouse OX40 ECD as assessed by ELISA is shown. [Figure 1C] We present a strategy for engineering four human-mouse chimeric OX40 ECDs, each containing one human OX40 ECD, in which one of the four cysteine-rich domains (CRDs) was replaced with the corresponding mouse OX40 CRD domain. [Figure 1D] Binding of different anti-OX40 antibodies to human OX40 ECD or human-mouse chimeric OX40 ECD as assessed by ELISA is shown. [Figure 2A]Whole cell binding of humanized anti-OX40 antibodies to human or cynomolgus OX40 assessed by flow cytometry was shown. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 2A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 2B), and CHO cells expressing cynomolgus OX40 (Figure 2C) were incubated with the indicated anti-OX40 bivalent antibodies and stained with Alexa Fluor488-conjugated anti-human IgGFc antibody. Fluorescence intensity was measured by flow cytometry. [Figure 2B] Whole cell binding of humanized anti-OX40 antibodies to human or cynomolgus OX40 assessed by flow cytometry was shown. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 2A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 2B), and CHO cells expressing cynomolgus OX40 (Figure 2C) were incubated with the indicated anti-OX40 bivalent antibodies and stained with Alexa Fluor488-conjugated anti-human IgGFc antibody. Fluorescence intensity was measured by flow cytometry. [Figure 2C] Whole cell binding of humanized anti-OX40 antibodies to human or cynomolgus OX40 assessed by flow cytometry was shown. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 2A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 2B), and CHO cells expressing cynomolgus OX40 (Figure 2C) were incubated with the indicated anti-OX40 bivalent antibodies and stained with Alexa Fluor488-conjugated anti-human IgGFc antibody. Fluorescence intensity was measured by flow cytometry. [Figure 3A] A schematic diagram of an exemplary anti-OX40 tetravalent antibody is shown. [Figure 3B] The binding affinities of 1B3 and 2B7 bivalent and tetravalent antibodies to recombinant human OX40-Fc as measured by Octet are shown. [Figure 4A]Whole cell binding of anti-OX40 antibodies to human and cynomolgus OX40 assessed by flow cytometry. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 4A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 4B), parental OX40-negative CHO cells (Figure 4C) and CHO cells expressing cynomolgus OX40 (Figure 4D) were incubated with 1B3 and 2B7 bivalent and tetravalent antibodies and the binding of these antibodies to the cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. [Figure 4B] Whole cell binding of anti-OX40 antibodies to human and cynomolgus OX40 assessed by flow cytometry. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 4A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 4B), parental OX40-negative CHO cells (Figure 4C) and CHO cells expressing cynomolgus OX40 (Figure 4D) were incubated with 1B3 and 2B7 bivalent and tetravalent antibodies and the binding of these antibodies to the cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. [Figure 4C] Whole cell binding of anti-OX40 antibodies to human and cynomolgus OX40 assessed by flow cytometry. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 4A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 4B), parental OX40-negative CHO cells (Figure 4C) and CHO cells expressing cynomolgus OX40 (Figure 4D) were incubated with 1B3 and 2B7 bivalent and tetravalent antibodies and the binding of these antibodies to the cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. [Figure 4D] Whole cell binding of anti-OX40 antibodies to human and cynomolgus OX40 assessed by flow cytometry. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 4A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (Figure 4B), parental OX40-negative CHO cells (Figure 4C) and CHO cells expressing cynomolgus OX40 (Figure 4D) were incubated with 1B3 and 2B7 bivalent and tetravalent antibodies and the binding of these antibodies to the cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. [Figure 5A]We demonstrated the effect of anti-OX40 antibodies on IL-2 release from human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMCs) stimulated with staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) (Figure 5A). We showed that 1B3 and 2B7 tetravalent antibodies increased IL-2 secretion from PBMCs stimulated with SEB when co-cultured with human FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. [Figure 5B] We showed that 1B3 and 2B7 tetravalent antibodies had no effect on IL-2 production in PBMCs stimulated with SEB when human FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells were not present in the cell culture. [Figure 6A] We showed that anti-OX40 antibody induced the release of IL-2 and IFNγ from activated T cells. Human T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 3 days in the presence (Figure 6A and Figure 6C) or absence (Figure 6B and Figure 6D) of mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. IL-2 (Figure 6A and Figure 6B) and IFNγ (Figure 6C and Figure 6D) in the cell culture supernatants were assessed by TR-FRET. [Figure 6B] We showed that anti-OX40 antibody induced the release of IL-2 and IFNγ from activated T cells. Human T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 3 days in the presence (Figure 6A and Figure 6C) or absence (Figure 6B and Figure 6D) of mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. IL-2 (Figure 6A and Figure 6B) and IFNγ (Figure 6C and Figure 6D) in the cell culture supernatants were assessed by TR-FRET. [Figure 6C] We showed that anti-OX40 antibody induced the release of IL-2 and IFNγ from activated T cells. Human T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 3 days in the presence (Figure 6A and Figure 6C) or absence (Figure 6B and Figure 6D) of mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. IL-2 (Figure 6A and Figure 6B) and IFNγ (Figure 6C and Figure 6D) in the cell culture supernatants were assessed by TR-FRET. [Figure 6D]We showed that anti-OX40 antibody induced the release of IL-2 and IFNγ from activated T cells. Human T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 3 days in the presence (Figure 6A and Figure 6C) or absence (Figure 6B and Figure 6D) of mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. IL-2 (Figure 6A and Figure 6B) and IFNγ (Figure 6C and Figure 6D) in the cell culture supernatants were assessed by TR-FRET. [Figure 7A] We demonstrated that anti-OX40 antibody promotes T cell proliferation. Human T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 5 days in the presence (Figure 7A) or absence (Figure 7B) of mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. T cell proliferation was measured by adding 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazole (MTS) and measuring OD490 after color development. Human T cells were labeled with 2.5 μM carboxyluciferin succinimide (CFSE) and stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 5 days using mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. T cell proliferation was monitored by flow cytometry (FIG. 7C), and the relationship between T cell proliferation and anti-OX40 antibody concentration was plotted (FIG. 7D). [Figure 7B]We demonstrated that anti-OX40 antibody promotes T cell proliferation. Human T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 5 days in the presence (Figure 7A) or absence (Figure 7B) of mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. T cell proliferation was measured by adding 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazole (MTS) and measuring OD490 after color development. Human T cells were labeled with 2.5 μM carboxyluciferin succinimide (CFSE) and stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 5 days using mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. T cell proliferation was monitored by flow cytometry (FIG. 7C), and the relationship between T cell proliferation and anti-OX40 antibody concentration was plotted (FIG. 7D). [Figure 7C] We demonstrated that anti-OX40 antibody promotes T cell proliferation. Human T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 5 days in the presence (Figure 7A) or absence (Figure 7B) of mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. T cell proliferation was measured by adding 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazole (MTS) and measuring OD490 after color development. Human T cells were labeled with 2.5 μM carboxyluciferin succinimide (CFSE) and stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 5 days using mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. T cell proliferation was monitored by flow cytometry (FIG. 7C), and the relationship between T cell proliferation and anti-OX40 antibody concentration was plotted (FIG. 7D). [Figure 7D]We demonstrated that anti-OX40 antibody promotes T cell proliferation. Human T cells were stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 5 days in the presence (Figure 7A) or absence (Figure 7B) of mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. T cell proliferation was measured by adding 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazole (MTS) and measuring OD490 after color development. Human T cells were labeled with 2.5 μM carboxyluciferin succinimide (CFSE) and stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and either 2B7 tetravalent antibody or these two reference antibodies for 5 days using mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. T cell proliferation was monitored by flow cytometry (FIG. 7C), and the relationship between T cell proliferation and anti-OX40 antibody concentration was plotted (FIG. 7D). [Figure 8A] We demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of anti-OX40 antibodies in a human OX40 knock-in MC38 colon tumor model in C57BL / 6 mice. Mice were inoculated subcutaneously with 0.5x106 MC38 tumor cells. When tumors reached approximately 60mm3 in size, mice were treated twice weekly for 3 weeks with the indicated doses of anti-OX40 antibodies. (Figure 8A) Dose-dependent inhibition of tumor growth by 2B7 tetravalent antibody was demonstrated. The Y-axis shows the average tumor size of 8 mice per group, and the X-axis shows the number of days after treatment. [Figure 8B] The average body weights of the mice in each group during the treatment period are shown. [Figure 8C] Tumor growth curves in mice treated with anti-OX40 antibody are shown. Mice were treated with 3 mg / kg of 2B7 tetravalent antibody or reference antibody twice a week for 3 weeks. 2B7 is more effective than the reference antibody. [Figure 8D] Figure 8C shows individual tumor volumes over time in each treatment group. [Figure 9A]We demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of anti-OX40 antibodies in a CT26 colon cancer model in human OX40 knock-in BALB / c mice. Mice were subcutaneously injected with 0.5x106 CT26 tumor cells. When tumors reached approximately 65mm3 in size, mice were intraperitoneally treated with the indicated doses of 2B7 tetravalent antibody or reference antibody 2 twice a week for 3 weeks. (Figure 9A) Tumor growth curves of mice treated with anti-OX40 antibodies are shown. [Figure 9B] Tumor growth curves for one mouse in each treatment group are shown in Figure 9A. [Figure 9C] The mean body weight in each treatment group is shown. [Figure 10A] We demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of anti-OX40 antibodies in a human OX40 knock-in Pan02 pancreatic tumor model in C57BL / 6 mice. Mice were subcutaneously injected with 3x106 Pan02 tumor cells. When the average tumor size reached 92.6mm3, mice were randomized into groups of 10 and received the indicated treatments. (Figure 10A) A comparison between 2B7 and reference 2 antibodies is shown. [Figure 10B] A comparison was shown between 2B7 monotherapy and combination therapy with various anti-PD1 antibodies (RMP1-14). [Figure 10C] The average body weight of mice in each treatment group is shown. [Figure 10D] Individual tumor volumes over time in each treatment group are shown. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram of an exemplary anti-OX40 / CTLA4 multispecific antibody is shown. [Figure 12A] Whole cell binding of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies to cells expressing human OX40 and / or CTLA4 was shown. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 12A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 12B), and CHO cells expressing human CTLA4 (FIG. 12C) were incubated with serial dilutions of the indicated antibodies and stained with Alexa Fluor488-conjugated anti-human IgG Fc antibody. Geometric (Geo) mean values ​​of fluorescence intensity were measured by flow cytometry. [Figure 12B]Whole cell binding of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies to cells expressing human OX40 and / or CTLA4 was shown. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 12A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 12B), and CHO cells expressing human CTLA4 (FIG. 12C) were incubated with serial dilutions of the indicated antibodies and stained with Alexa Fluor488-conjugated anti-human IgG Fc antibody. Geometric (Geo) mean values ​​of fluorescence intensity were measured by flow cytometry. [Figure 12C] Whole cell binding of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies to cells expressing human OX40 and / or CTLA4 was shown. Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 12A), CHO cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 12B), and CHO cells expressing human CTLA4 (FIG. 12C) were incubated with serial dilutions of the indicated antibodies and stained with Alexa Fluor488-conjugated anti-human IgG Fc antibody. Geometric (Geo) mean values ​​of fluorescence intensity were measured by flow cytometry. [Figure 13A] Anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies demonstrated the ability to stimulate the OX40 signal pathway. Human OX40 and luc2P / NF-κB reporter gene were stably transfected into Jurkat cells. The cells were incubated with c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi, c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi and c5E10-Ipi-tetra in the presence of control CHO cells (Figure 13A) or CHO cells expressing human CTLA4 (Figure 13B) for 6 hours. Luciferase expression was measured by Bright-Glo luciferase assay system. [Figure 13B]Anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies demonstrated the ability to stimulate the OX40 signal pathway. Human OX40 and luc2P / NF-κB reporter gene were stably transfected into Jurkat cells. The cells were incubated with c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi, c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi and c5E10-Ipi-tetra in the presence of control CHO cells (Figure 13A) or CHO cells expressing human CTLA4 (Figure 13B) for 6 hours. Luciferase expression was measured by Bright-Glo luciferase assay system. [Figure 14A] We demonstrated the ability of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies to block CTLA4. Anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies were compared to anti-OX40 VHH antibodies (Figure 14A) and ipilimumab (Figure 14B). Antibodies were incubated with effector cells expressing CTLA4 and aAPC / Raji cells for 16 hours. Bio-Glo reagent was added and luminescence was quantified on a PerkinElmer Ensight plate reader. [Figure 14B] We demonstrated the ability of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies to block CTLA4. Anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies were compared to anti-OX40 VHH antibodies (Figure 14A) and ipilimumab (Figure 14B). Antibodies were incubated with effector cells expressing CTLA4 and aAPC / Raji cells for 16 hours. Bio-Glo reagent was added and luminescence was quantified on a PerkinElmer Ensight plate reader. [Figure 15A] The ADCC effect of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies was shown. ADCC effector cells were co-cultured with CHO cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 15A), CHO cells expressing human CTLA4 (FIG. 15B), or control CHO cells (FIG. 15C) in the presence of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies for 6 hours. The ADCC effect was evaluated by ADCC luciferase reporter gene activity. [Figure 15B]The ADCC effect of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies was shown. ADCC effector cells were co-cultured with CHO cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 15A), CHO cells expressing human CTLA4 (FIG. 15B), or control CHO cells (FIG. 15C) in the presence of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies for 6 hours. The ADCC effect was evaluated by ADCC luciferase reporter gene activity. [Figure 15C] The ADCC effect of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies was shown. ADCC effector cells were co-cultured with CHO cells expressing human OX40 (FIG. 15A), CHO cells expressing human CTLA4 (FIG. 15B), or control CHO cells (FIG. 15C) in the presence of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies for 6 hours. The ADCC effect was evaluated by ADCC luciferase reporter gene activity. [Figure 16A] We demonstrated that anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies selectively deplete activated Treg cells (Figure 16A). We showed surface expression of OX40 and CTLA-4 on activated Treg and CD4+ Teff cells from two representative donors. [Figure 16B] The ADCC effect of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies on activated CD4+ Teff or Treg from two representative donors was shown and was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from killed cells. Activated CD4+ Teff cells or Treg were used as target cells and NK96 / CD16a cells were used as effector cells, with an E:T ratio of 5:1. Cells were incubated with c5E10-Ipi-tetra or c5E10-control IgG-tetra for 4 hours at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator, and target cell killing was analyzed by quantifying LDH released from killed cells. [Figure 16C] We showed that the ADCC effect of c5E10-Ipi-tetra and ipilimumab against activated Tregs was assessed by LDH release from killed cells. [Figure 17A]Anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies 1B3-Ipi and 2B7-Ipi and their binding to cells expressing human OX40 and CTLA4 were shown (FIG. 17A). A schematic diagram of the 1B3-Ipi and 2B7-Ipi bispecific antibodies is shown. [Figure 17B] Figure 1 shows total cell binding of 1B3-Ipi and 2B7-Ipi to Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 as assessed by FACS. [Figure 17C] The binding of 2B7-Ipi to Jurkat cells expressing human OX40 is shown, as compared with ATOR-1015. [Figure 17D] The binding of 1B3-Ipi, 2B7-Ipi, and ipilimumab to Jurkat cells expressing ATOR-1015 and human CTLA4 was shown. [Figure 18A] We demonstrated the ability of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies to stimulate the OX40 signaling pathway. Stably transfected Jurkat reporter cells were incubated with the indicated antibodies in the presence (Figure 18A) or absence (Figure 18B) of FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. OX40-stimulated signals were assessed by the Bright-Glo luciferase assay system. [Figure 18B] We demonstrated the ability of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies to stimulate the OX40 signaling pathway. Stably transfected Jurkat reporter cells were incubated with the indicated antibodies in the presence (Figure 18A) or absence (Figure 18B) of FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. OX40-stimulated signals were assessed by the Bright-Glo luciferase assay system. [Figure 19] Comparison of CTLA4 blocking activity of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies, ipilimumab and ATOR-1015. CTLA4 effector cells and aAPC / Raji cells were incubated with serial dilutions of 1B3-Ipi, 2B7-Ip, ipilimumab and ATOR-1015 for 16 hours. Bio-Glo reagent was added and luminescence was quantified on a PerkinElmer Ensight plate reader. [Figure 20A] The ADCC effect of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies was shown. ADCC effector cells were co-cultured with human OX40 / CHO cells (Figure 20A) or human CTLA4 / CHO (Figure 20B) for 6 hours in the presence of 1B3-Ipi, 2B7-Ipi, 1B3, 2B7 or ipilimumab. The ADCC effect was evaluated by ADCC luciferase reporter gene activity. [Figure 20B] The ADCC effect of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies was shown. ADCC effector cells were co-cultured with human OX40 / CHO cells (Figure 20A) or human CTLA4 / CHO (Figure 20B) for 6 hours in the presence of 1B3-Ipi, 2B7-Ipi, 1B3, 2B7 or ipilimumab. The ADCC effect was evaluated by ADCC luciferase reporter gene activity. [Figure 21A] The effect of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibody on IL-2 release from human PBMC stimulated with SEB was shown. Human PBMC were stimulated with 100 ng / ml SEB for 2 days in the presence (FIG. 21A) or absence (FIG. 21B) of FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. IL-2 released into the cell culture supernatant was measured by TR-FRET. [Figure 21B] The effect of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibody on IL-2 release from human PBMC stimulated with SEB was shown. Human PBMC were stimulated with 100 ng / ml SEB for 2 days in the presence (FIG. 21A) or absence (FIG. 21B) of FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells. IL-2 released into the cell culture supernatant was measured by TR-FRET. [Figure 22A] We demonstrated the in vivo efficacy of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies in a human OX40 / CTLA4 double knock-in MC38 colon tumor model in C57BL / 6 mice. 0.5x106 MC38 tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously per mouse. When tumors reached approximately 50mm3 in size, mice were randomized into groups and administered 1 or 10mg / kg 2B7-Ipi twice a week for 3 weeks. (Figure 22A) We demonstrated that 10mg / kg 2B7-ipi significantly inhibited tumor growth. [Figure 22B] The mean body weights by group during the treatment period are shown. [Figure 23A] The in vivo efficacy of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies in a human OX40 / CTLA4 double knock-in MC38 colon tumor model in C57BL / 6 mice was demonstrated. 0.5x106 MC38 tumor cells were inoculated subcutaneously per mouse. When tumors reached approximately 50mm3 in size, mice were randomized into groups and treated with 6.7mg / kg 2B7-Ipi-tetra, 5mg / kg 2B7-tetra, 5mg / kg ipilimumab, or a combination of 5mg / kg 2B7-tetra and 5mg / kg ipilimumab twice weekly for 18 days (Figure 23A). Tumor growth curves for each treatment group were shown. [Figure 23B] Survival curves of mice in each treatment group are shown. [Figure 24A] The in vivo efficacy of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies in a human OX40 / CTLA4 double knock-in C57BL / 6 mouse MB49 bladder cancer model was demonstrated. 0.5x106 MC38 tumor cells were subcutaneously inoculated per mouse. When tumors reached approximately 90mm3 in size, mice were randomized into groups and administered 2.5, 5, or 10mg / kg 2B7-Ipi-tetra once every 3 days for 15 days (Figure 24A). Tumor growth curves for each treatment group were shown. [Figure 24B] Survival curves of mice in each treatment group are shown. [Figure 24C] The mean body weight for each treatment group is shown. [Figure 25A]Tumor rechallenge study after anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibody treatment in MB49 bladder cancer model in human OX40 / CTLA4 double knock-in C57BL / 6 mice is shown. One month after the goal of the previous study (28 days after the start of treatment), 12 tumor-free mice were randomly divided into three groups (4 mice each) and 0.5x106 MB49, MC38 or B16F10 (mouse melanoma cell line) cells were injected into the control group (5 mice each, B6 mice without previous tumor cell injection) and the three tumor-free mouse groups for rechallenge study (Figures 25A, 25D and 25G). Tumor growth curves of MB49 (25A), MC38 (25D) and B16F10 (25G) cells in the control and tumor-free mouse groups are shown, respectively. [Figure 25B] Survival curves of the groups injected with MB49 (25B), MC38 (25E) and B16F10 (25H) cells are shown, respectively. [Figure 25C] The changes in mouse body weight in the groups injected with MB49 (25B), MC38 (25E) and B16F10 (25H) cells are shown, respectively. [Figure 25D] Tumor growth curves of MB49 (25A), MC38 (25D) and B16F10 (25G) cells in control and tumor-free mice are shown, respectively. [Figure 25E] Survival curves of the groups injected with MB49 (25B), MC38 (25E) and B16F10 (25H) cells are shown, respectively. [Figure 25F] The changes in mouse body weight in the groups injected with MB49 (25B), MC38 (25E) and B16F10 (25H) cells are shown, respectively. [Figure 25G] Tumor growth curves of MB49 (25A), MC38 (25D) and B16F10 (25G) cells in control and tumor-free mice are shown, respectively. [Fig. 25H] Survival curves of the groups injected with MB49 (25B), MC38 (25E) and B16F10 (25H) cells are shown, respectively. [Figure 25I] The changes in mouse body weight in the groups injected with MB49 (25B), MC38 (25E) and B16F10 (25H) cells are shown, respectively. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] The present invention provides isolated monoclonal antibodies and antibody derivatives that specifically bind to OX40 with high affinity, including monospecific anti-OX40 antibodies and multispecific antibodies that bind to OX40 and one or more additional targets (e.g., CTLA4). In some embodiments, the antibodies or antibody derivatives disclosed herein include single domain antibodies that bind to OX40. The present invention further provides methods of making and using the antibodies and antibody derivatives disclosed herein and pharmaceutical compositions that include these antibodies and antibody derivatives, for use in treating diseases and disorders such as cancer. The present invention is based in part on the discovery of novel single domain antibodies that bind to OX40, which can provide improved anti-tumor effects by targeting tumor cells and / or increasing the immune response against tumor cells, and is also based on the discovery of novel multispecific antibodies that bind to OX40 and CTLA4, which can provide improved anti-tumor effects by increasing the immune response against tumor cells.

[0031] For purposes of clarity, and not limitation, specific embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are divided into the following:

[0032] 1. Definition, 2. Antibodies and antibody derivatives, 3. How to use; 4. Drug formulations; and 5. Products.

[0033] 1. Definition The term "antibody" as described herein includes full length antibodies and any antigen-binding fragments thereof (i.e., antibody fragments). An "antibody" may be a separate molecule or part of an antibody derivative. Exemplary antibody derivatives include, but are not limited to, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), antigen-recognizing receptors (e.g., chimeric antigen receptors), antibody conjugates that include additional protein or non-protein moieties (e.g., antibody-drug conjugates or antibodies coated on polymers), and other multifunctional molecules that include antibodies.

[0034] "Full-length antibody", "complete antibody" and "whole antibody" refer to an antibody having a heavy chain comprising an Fc region similar to the structure of a natural antibody or as defined herein. In some embodiments, a full-length antibody comprises two heavy chains and two light chains. In some embodiments, the variable regions of the light and heavy chains are responsible for antigen binding. The variable regions of the heavy and light chains may be referred to as "VH" and "VL", respectively. The variable regions in the two chains usually comprise three highly variable loops, which are referred to as complementarity determining regions (CDRs) (light chain (LC) CDR comprising LC-CDR1, LC-CDR2 and LC-CDR3, heavy chain (HC) CDR comprising HC-CDR1, HC-CDR2 and HC-CDR3). The CDR boundaries of the antibodies and antigen-binding fragments disclosed herein may be defined or identified by well-known conventions, such as those of Kabat, Chothia, MacCallum, IMGT and AHo, as described below. The three CDRs of a heavy or light chain are inserted between flanking segments called framework regions (FRs), which are more conserved than the CDRs, forming a scaffold that supports the highly variable loops. The constant regions of the heavy and light chains are not involved in antigen binding, but exhibit multiple effector functions. Antibodies are classified based on the amino acid sequence of the antibody heavy chain constant region. The five main classes or isotypes of antibodies are IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, which are characterized by the presence of α, δ, ε, γ, and μ heavy chains, respectively. Some of the main antibody classes are divided into subclasses, e.g., IgG1 (γ1 heavy chain), IgG2 (γ2 heavy chain), IgG3 (γ3 heavy chain), IgG4 (γ4 heavy chain), IgA1 (α1 heavy chain), or IgA2 (α2 heavy chain). In some embodiments, the full-length antibody is glycosylated. In some embodiments, the full-length antibody comprises glycans linked to its Fc region. In some embodiments, a full-length antibody comprises branched glycans.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "antigen-binding portion," "antibody fragment," and "antibody portion" of an antibody refer to one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to an antigen. It has been shown that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a full-length antibody. Examples of antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fv, Fab, Fab', Fab'-SH, F(ab')2, diabodies, linear antibodies, single-chain antibody molecules (e.g., scFv and scFv-Fc), single domain antibodies, VHH, VHH-Fc, nanobodies, domain antibodies, bivalent domain antibodies, or any other fragment of an antibody that binds to an antigen or combinations thereof. "VHH" refers to a single domain antibody isolated from a camelid. In some embodiments, the VHH comprises the heavy chain variable region of a camelid heavy chain antibody. In some embodiments, the size of the VHH does not exceed about 25 kDa. In some embodiments, the size of the VHH does not exceed about 20 kDa. In some embodiments, the size of the VHH does not exceed about 15 kDa.

[0036] An "antibody that cross-competes for binding" with a reference antibody refers to an antibody that blocks the binding of the reference antibody to its antigen by 50% or more in a competitive assay, and conversely, the reference antibody blocks the binding of the antibody to its antigen by 50% or more in a competitive assay. Exemplary competitive assays are described in Antibodies, Harlow and Lane (Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, NY).

[0037] "Fv" is the smallest antibody fragment, which contains a complete antigen recognition and binding site. The fragment consists of a dimer of one heavy and one light chain variable domain in tight non-covalent association. Folding of the two domains releases six highly variable loops (three loops each in the heavy and light chains), which provide the amino acid residues for antigen binding and confer the binding specificity of the antibody to the antigen. However, even a single variable domain (or even a half Fv containing only the three CDRs with specificity for the antigen) can recognize and bind the antigen, although it may do so with a lower affinity than the complete binding site.

[0038] "Single-chain Fv" (also abbreviated as "sFv" or "scFv") is a VFv that is linked to a single polypeptide chain. H and V L In some embodiments, the scFv polypeptide is an antibody fragment comprising the V H and V L The scFv further comprises a polypeptide linker between the domains that enables the scFv to form the desired structure for antigen binding. For a general description of scFvs, see Pluckthun, The Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, vol. 113, Rosenburg and Moore eds., Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 269-315 (1994).

[0039] For the purposes of this specification, a "receptor human framework" or "human framework" is a framework that comprises the amino acid sequence of a light chain variable domain (VL) framework or a heavy chain variable domain (VH) framework derived from a human immunoglobulin framework or a human shared framework. A receptor human framework "derived" from a human immunoglobulin framework or a human shared framework may comprise the same amino acid sequence or may comprise amino acid sequence changes. In some embodiments, the number of amino acid changes may be 10 or less, 9 or less, 8 or less, 7 or less, 6 or less, 5 or less, 4 or less, 3 or less, or 2 or less. In some embodiments, the VL receptor framework and the VL human immunoglobulin framework sequence or the human shared framework sequence are identical in terms of sequence.

[0040] "Affinity" refers to the strength of the sum of non-covalent interactions between a single binding site of a molecule (e.g., an antibody) and its binding partner (e.g., an antigen). Unless otherwise specified, as used herein, "binding affinity" refers to internal binding affinity, which reflects a 1:1 interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., an antibody and an antigen). The affinity of a molecule X for a partner Y may be typically expressed as a dissociation constant (KD). Affinity may be measured by conventional methods known in the art, including those described herein. Specific illustrations and exemplary embodiments for measuring binding affinity are described below.

[0041] An "affinity matured" antibody refers to an antibody that has one or more modifications in one or more CDRs or hypervariable regions (HVRs), compared to a parent antibody that does not possess such modifications, which modifications provide an improved affinity of the antibody for antigen.

[0042] The terms "anti-OX40 antibody" and "antibody that binds to OX40" refer to an antibody that can bind to OX40 with sufficient affinity so that it can be used as a diagnostic and / or therapeutic agent targeting OX40. In one embodiment, the extent of binding of an anti-OX40 antibody to an unrelated, non-OX40 protein is less than about 10% of the binding of the antibody to OX40, as measured, for example, by a surface plasmon resonance assay. In some embodiments, an antibody that binds to OX40 has the following dissociation constants (KD): < about 1 μM, < about 100 nM, < about 10 nM, < about 1 nM, < about 0.1 nM, < about 0.01 nM, or < about 0.001 nM (e.g., 10 -8 M or smaller, e.g. 10 -8 M to 10 -12 M, for example 10 -9 M to 10 -10 M). In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody binds to an OX40 epitope that is conserved in OX40 from different species. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody binds to an epitope on OX40 in the ECD of the protein. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody binds to an epitope on OX40 in domain 2 (CRD2) of the protein.

[0043] The term "chimeric" antibody refers to an antibody in which a portion of the heavy and / or light chain is derived from a particular source or species, while the remaining portions of the heavy and / or light chain are derived from a different source or species. In some embodiments, a chimeric antibody disclosed herein comprises a murine heavy chain variable region and a human Fc region. In some embodiments, a chimeric antibody disclosed herein comprises a camelid heavy chain variable region and a human Fc region.

[0044] As used herein, "CDR" or "complementarity determining region" refers to discontinuous antigen-binding sites within the variable regions of heavy and / or light chains. These specific regions have been described in Kabat et al., J. Biol. Chem. 252:6609-6616 (1977), Kabat et al., US Dept. of Health and Human Services, “Sequences of proteins of immunological interest” (1991), Chothia et al., J. Mol. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987), Al-Lazikani B. et al.,J. Mol. Biol.,273:927-948 (1997), MacCallum et al.,J. Mol. Biol. 262:732-745 (1996), Abhinandan and Martin,Mol. Immunol.,45:3832-3839 (2008), Lefranc MP et al.,Dev. Comp. Immunol.,27:55-77 (2003), and Honegger and Pluckthun, J. Mol. Biol., 309:657-670 (2001), where overlapping or subsets containing amino acid residues are defined when compared to one another. However, it is intended that the application of any one definition to refer to an antibody or grafted antibody or variant thereof is within the scope of the term as defined and used herein. The amino acid residues covering the CDRs defined in each of the above references are included in Table 1 below for comparison. CDR prediction algorithms and interfaces are known in the art and include, for example, Abhinandan and Martin, Mol. Immunol., 45:3832-3839 (2008), Ehrenmann F. et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 38:D301-D307 (2010), and Adolf-Bryfogle J. et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 43:D432-D438 (2015).The contents of the references referred to in this section are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, may be used in this application, and may be included in one or more claims herein.

[0045] [Table 1] 1 Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Kabat et al. (ibid.). 2 Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Chothia et al. (ibid.). 3 Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of MacCallum et al. (ibid.). 4 Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Lefranc et al. (ibid.). 5 Residue numbering follows the nomenclature of Honegger and Pluckthun (ibid.).

[0046] The phrases "variable region residue numbering, e.g., according to Kabat" or "amino acid position numbering, e.g., according to Kabat" and variations thereof refer to the numbering system used for the heavy or light chain variable regions of the antibody assembler of Kabat et al., supra. Using this numbering system, the actual linear amino acid sequence may contain fewer or additional amino acids corresponding to a shortening or insertion of a variable region FR or CDR. For example, a heavy chain variable region may contain a single amino acid insertion after residue 52 of H2 (residue 52a according to Kabat) and inserted residues after heavy chain FR residue 82 (e.g., residues 82a, 82b and 82c, etc., according to Kabat). The Kabat numbering of residues of a given antibody can be determined by alignment of the antibody sequence with the "standard" Kabat numbering sequence at the regions of homology.

[0047] In some embodiments, the amino acid residues covering the CDRs of a single domain antibody are defined according to the IMGT nomenclature of Lefranc et al., supra. In some embodiments, the amino acid residues covering the CDRs of a full length antibody are defined according to the Kabat nomenclature of Kabat et al., supra. In some embodiments, the residue numbering in an immunoglobulin heavy chain, e.g., an Fc region, is that of the EU index as set forth in Kabat et al., supra. The "EU index as set forth in Kabat" is the residue numbering of the human IgG1 EU antibody.

[0048] "Framework" or "FR" refers to those variable domain residues other than the CDR residues as herein defined.

[0049] A "humanized" antibody refers to a chimeric antibody of amino acid residues from non-human CDRs / HVRs or amino acid residues from human FRs. In some embodiments, a humanized antibody comprises at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the HVRs / CDRs correspond to those of a non-human antibody and all or substantially all of the FRs correspond to those of a human antibody. A humanized antibody optionally comprises at least a portion of an antibody constant region derived from a human antibody. A "humanized form" of an antibody (e.g., a non-human antibody) refers to an antibody that has been humanized.

[0050] A "human antibody" is an antibody having an amino acid sequence that corresponds to that of an antibody produced by a human and / or that has been produced by any of the techniques disclosed herein for the production of human antibodies. This definition of a human antibody specifically excludes humanized antibodies that contain non-human antigen-binding residues. Human antibodies may be produced using a variety of techniques known in the art, including phage display libraries. Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227:381 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol., 222:581 (1991). Also usable for the production of human monoclonal antibodies are the methods described in Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy, Alan R. Liss, p. 77 (1985); Boerner et al., J. Immunol., 147(1):86-95 (1991). See also van Dijk and van de Winkel, Curr. Opin. Pharmacol., 5:368-74 (2001). Human antibodies may be produced as follows: An antigen is administered to a transgenic animal that has been modified to produce such antibodies in response to antigen challenge, but in which the endogenous locus has been disabled, such as an immunized xenograft mouse (xenomice) (e.g., XENOMOUSE TM (See U.S. Patent Nos. 6,075,181 and 6,150,584 for related technology.) For human antibodies produced by human B cell hybridoma technology, see further, e.g., Li et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 103:3557-3562 (2006).

[0051] "Percent amino acid sequence identity (%)" or "homology" between the polypeptide and antibody sequences identified herein is defined as the percentage of amino acid residues in a candidate sequence that are the same as those in the polypeptide being compared, after sequence alignment (taking into account any conservative substitutions as part of sequence identity). For the purpose of determining percent amino acid sequence identity, alignment can be achieved in a variety of ways in the art, for example, using publicly available computer software, such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN, Megalign (DNASTAR) or MUSCLE software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters to be used for measuring alignment, including any algorithm that achieves maximum alignment within the full length of the sequences being compared. However, for the purposes of this specification, the sequence comparison computer program MUSCLE is used to generate values ​​of percent amino acid sequence identity (Edgar, RC, Nucleic Acids Research 32(5):1792-1797, 2004; Edgar, RC, BMC Bioinformatics 5(1):113, 2004).

[0052] "Homology" refers to sequence similarity or sequence identity between two polypeptides or two nucleic acid molecules. When a position in two compared sequences is occupied by the same base or amino acid monomer subunit, for example, when a position in each of two DNA molecules is occupied by adenine, the molecules are homologous at that position. The percentage of homology between two sequences is a function of the number of matching or homologous positions shared by the two sequences divided by the number of positions compared, multiplied by 100. For example, if 6 out of 10 positions in two sequences are matching or homologous, the two sequences are 60% homologous. For example, the DNA sequences ATTGCC and TATGGC have 50% homology. Usually, the comparison is performed when the two sequences are aligned to give maximum homology.

[0053] The "light chains" of any mammalian species of antibody (e.g., immunoglobulin) can be assigned to one of two clearly distinct types, called kappa ("κ") and lambda ("λ"), depending on the amino acid sequence of their constant domain.

[0054] The term "constant domain" refers to a portion of an immunoglobulin molecule that has a more conserved amino acid sequence relative to another portion of the immunoglobulin, the variable domain, and which contains the antigen-binding site. The constant domain is composed of the C H 1. C H 2 and C H 3 Domain (C H ) and light chain C L The domain.

[0055] In some embodiments, the "CH1 domain" (also called "C1" for "H1" domain) typically extends from about amino acid 118 to about amino acid 215 (EU numbering system).

[0056] In some embodiments, the "hinge region" is generally defined in IgG as the region corresponding to Glu216 to Pro230 of human IgG1 (Burton, Molec. Immunol. 22:161-206 (1985)). Hinge regions of other IgG isotypes can be aligned with the IgG1 sequence by placing the first and last cysteine ​​residues that form S-S bonds between the heavy chains in the same positions.

[0057] In some embodiments, the "CH2 domain" of a human IgG Fc region (also called the "C2" domain) typically extends from about amino acid 231 to about amino acid 340. The CH2 domain is unique because it is not tightly paired with another domain. Instead, two N-linked branched carbohydrate chains are inserted between the two CH2 domains of an intact native IgG molecule. Speculation has it that the carbohydrates provide an alternative to domain-domain pairing and may contribute to stabilization of the CH2 domain. Burton, Molec Immunol. 22:161-206 (1985).

[0058] In some embodiments, the "CH3 domain" (also referred to as the "C2" domain) comprises residues between the CH2 domain and the C-terminus of the Fc region (i.e., from about amino acid residue 341 to the C-terminus of the antibody sequence), usually at amino acid residue 446 or 447 of IgG.

[0059] "Fc region" or "fragment crystallizable region" herein is intended to define the C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain, and includes native sequence Fc regions and variant Fc regions, or dimers thereof. In some embodiments, a human IgG Fc region extends from Cys226 to its carboxyl terminus. In some embodiments, a human IgG Fc region extends from Pro231 to its carboxyl terminus. In some embodiments, a human IgG Fc region comprises a CH2 domain and a CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the C-terminal lysine of the Fc region (residue 447 according to the EU numbering system) may be removed, for example, during production or purification of the antibody, or by recombinant engineering of the nucleic acid encoding the antibody heavy chain. In some embodiments, a composition of whole antibodies may include antibodies with all K447 residues removed, antibodies in which the K447 residue has not been removed, or a mixture of antibodies with or without the K447 residue. Native sequence Fc regions applicable to the antibodies described herein include human IgG1, IgG2 (IgG2A, IgG2B), IgG3 and IgG4 Fc regions.

[0060] "Fc receptor" or "FcR" describes a receptor that binds to the Fc region of an antibody. A preferred FcR is a native human FcR. In addition, a preferred FcR is one that binds an IgG antibody (gamma receptor) and includes receptors of the FcγRI, FcγRII and FcγRIII subclasses, including allelic variants and splice forms of these receptors. FcγRII receptors include FcγRIIA ("activating receptors") and FcγRIIB ("inhibiting receptors"), which have similar amino acid sequences and the primary distinction is in their cytoplasmic domains. Activating receptor FcγRIIA contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) in its cytoplasmic domain. Inhibiting receptor FcγRIIB contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) in its cytoplasmic domain. (See M. Daeron, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 15:203-234 (1997). Reviews of FcRs are provided by Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 9:457-92 (1991), Capel et al., Immunomethods 4:25-34 (1994), and de Haas et al., J. Lab. Clin. Med. 126:330-41 (1995). The term "FcR" as used herein is intended to cover other FcRs and includes FcRs identified in the future.

[0061] The term "epitope" as used herein refers to the specific atom or amino acid group on an antigen to which an antibody or antibody derivative binds. Two antibodies or antigen-binding portions can bind to the same epitope in an antigen if they have competitive binding to the antigen.

[0062] As used herein, the terms "specifically binds", "specifically recognizes" and "has specificity for" refer to an interaction that is measurable and reproducible, such as the binding of a target to an antibody or antibody portion, which determines the presence of the target in the presence of a heterogeneous group of molecules (including biomolecules). For example, an antibody or antibody portion that specifically recognizes a target (which may be an epitope) is an antibody or antibody portion that binds to the target with a longer affinity, avidity, readiness and / or duration than binding to other targets. In some embodiments, the extent of binding of the antibody to an unrelated target is about 10% less than the extent of binding of the antibody to the target, as measured, for example, by radioimmunoassay (RIA). In some embodiments, an antibody that specifically binds to a target has a dissociation constant (K D )≦10 -5 M, ≦10 -6 M, ≦10 -7 M, ≦10 -8 M, ≦10 -9 M, ≦10 -10 M, ≦10 -11 M or ≦10 -12 In some embodiments, the antibody specifically binds to an epitope of a protein that is conserved among proteins from different species. In some embodiments, specific binding may include, but is not limited to, exclusive binding. The binding specificity of an antibody or antigen-binding domain may be determined experimentally by methods known in the art. Such methods include Western blot, ELISA-, RIA-, ECL-, IRMA-, EIA-, BIACORE. TM These include, but are not limited to, assays and peptide scanning.

[0063] An "isolated" antibody (or construct) is an antibody that has been identified, isolated and / or recovered from a component of its production environment (e.g., natural or recombinant). In some embodiments, an isolated polypeptide is free or substantially free of association with all other components in the production environment.

[0064] An "isolated" nucleic acid molecule encoding a construct, antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described herein is a nucleic acid molecule that has been identified and isolated from at least one contaminant nucleic acid molecule that is normally associated with it in its production environment. In some embodiments, an isolated nucleic acid is free or substantially free from association with all components associated with the production environment. An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding a polypeptide and antibody described herein is formally distinct from the naturally occurring form or background. Thus, an isolated nucleic acid molecule is distinct from a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide and antibody described herein that is naturally present in a cell. An isolated nucleic acid includes a nucleic acid molecule contained in a cell that normally contains the nucleic acid molecule, but the nucleic acid molecule is present extrachromosomally or in a chromosomal location that is different from its natural chromosomal location.

[0065] The term "control sequences" refers to DNA sequences necessary for the expression of an operably linked coding sequence in a particular host organism. For example, control sequences applicable to prokaryotes include promoters, optional operon sequences, and ribosome binding sites. Eukaryotic cells are known to utilize promoters, polyadenylation signals, and enhancers.

[0066] A nucleic acid is "operably linked" when it is in a functional relationship with another nucleic acid sequence. For example, a presequence or secretory leader sequence DNA is operably linked to a polypeptide DNA if it is expressed as a preprotein involved in the secretion of the polypeptide, a promoter or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it affects the transcription of the sequence, or a ribosome binding site is operably linked to a coding sequence if it is located to promote translation. Usually, "operably linked" means that the DNA sequences being linked are contiguous, and in the case of a secretory leader sequence, contiguous and in reading frame. Enhancers, however, do not necessarily have to be contiguous. Linking is accomplished by convenient restriction sites. If no such sites exist, synthetic oligonucleotide adaptors or linkers are used in accordance with conventional practice.

[0067] The term "vector" as used herein refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of propagating another nucleic acid to which it is linked. The term includes vectors that are self-replicating nucleic acid structures and vectors that are integrated into the genome of a host cell into which they are introduced. Some vectors are capable of directing the expression of a nucleic acid to which they are operably linked. Such vectors are referred to herein as "expression vectors."

[0068] As used herein, the terms "transfected" or "transformed" or "transduced" refer to the process of transferring or introducing exogenous nucleic acid into a host cell. A "transfected" or "transformed" or "transduced" cell is a cell that has been transfected, transformed or transduced with exogenous nucleic acid, including the primary subject cell and its progeny.

[0069] The terms "host cell," "host cell line," and "host cell culture" are used interchangeably and refer to cells into which exogenous nucleic acid has been introduced, including the progeny of such cells. Host cells include "transformants" and "transformed cells," which include the primary transformed cell and its progeny, regardless of the number of passages. The nucleic acid content of the progeny may differ from the parent cell and may contain mutations. Mutant progeny that have the same function or biological activity as screened or selected for in the originally transformed cell are included herein.

[0070] The terms "subject," "individual," and "patient" are used interchangeably herein and refer to a mammal, including, but not limited to, a human, bovine, equine, feline, canine, rodent, or primate. In some embodiments, the subject is a human.

[0071] An "effective amount" of a drug refers to an amount that effectively achieves a desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect at the required dosage and within the required time period. The particular dosage may vary depending on one or more of the particular drug selected, the subsequent administration regimen (whether or not combined with other compounds), the time of administration, the imaging tissue, and the physical delivery system associated therewith.

[0072] A "therapeutically effective amount" of a substance / molecule, agonist or antagonist of the present application may vary depending on factors such as, for example, the disease state, age, sex and weight of the individual and the ability of the substance / molecule, agonist or antagonist to elicit a desired response in the individual. A therapeutically effective amount is further an amount in which any toxic or adverse effects of the substance / molecule, agonist or antagonist are countered by a therapeutically beneficial effect. A therapeutically effective amount can be delivered in one or more administrations.

[0073] A "prophylactically effective amount" refers to an amount effective, at dosages and for periods of time necessary, to achieve the desired prophylactic effect. Typically, but not necessarily, such a prophylactically effective amount will be less than the therapeutically effective amount, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease.

[0074] As used herein, "treatment" or "treating" is a method for obtaining a beneficial or desired result (including a clinical result). For purposes of this application, beneficial or desired clinical results include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: alleviating one or more symptoms caused by a disease, reducing the extent of the disease, stabilizing the disease (e.g., preventing or slowing the worsening of the disease), preventing or slowing the spread of the disease (e.g., metastasis), preventing or slowing the recurrence of the disease, slowing or slowing the rate of progression of the disease, improving the disease state, providing relief (partial or total) of the disease, reducing the dosage of one or more other drugs required to treat the disease, slowing the progression of the disease, increasing or improving quality of life, increasing weight gain, and / or prolonging survival. "Treatment" further covers reducing the pathological consequences of cancer (e.g., tumor volume). The methods of this application contemplate any one or more of these aspects of treatment. "Treatment" does not necessarily mean that the disease being treated is cured.

[0075] It should be understood that embodiments of the present application described herein include "consisting of an embodiment" and / or "consisting essentially of an embodiment."

[0076] As used herein, "about" or "approximately" means that a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art is within an acceptable error range, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., limited by the measurement system. In some embodiments, "about" may mean within three or more than three standard differences, in accordance with the practice in the art. In some embodiments, "about" may refer to a range of at most 20% (e.g., at most 10%, at most 5%, or at most 1%) of a given value. In some embodiments, particularly with respect to biological systems and methods, the term may mean within an order of magnitude, e.g., within 5-fold or within 2-fold, of a value.

[0077] As used herein, the term "modulation" refers to a change in a positive or negative direction. Exemplary modulations include changes of about 1%, about 2%, about 5%, about 10%, about 25%, about 50%, about 75%, or about 100%.

[0078] As used herein, the term "increase" refers to a change in the positive direction of at least about 5%. The change may be about 5%, about 10%, about 25%, about 30%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100% or more.

[0079] As used herein, the term "reduction" refers to a change in the negative direction of at least about 5%. The change may be about 5%, about 10%, about 25%, about 30%, about 50%, about 75% or even about 100%.

[0080] As used herein, the term "about XY" has the same meaning as "about X to about Y."

[0081] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "or," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0082] "Effector functions" refer to those biological activities of the Fc region of an antibody, which vary depending on the antibody isotype. Examples of antibody effector functions include C1q binding and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), Fc receptor binding, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), phagocytosis, down-regulation of cell surface receptors (e.g., B cell receptors), and B cell activation.

[0083] "Immunoconjugate" refers to an antibody conjugated to one or more heterologous molecules (including, but not limited to, cytotoxic agents).

[0084] The term "drug formulation" refers to a formulation in a form that allows the biological activity of the active ingredient contained therein to be effective and that does not contain other ingredients that are unacceptably toxic to the subject to which the formulation is administered.

[0085] As used herein, a "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier agent" refers to an ingredient in a drug formulation that is non-toxic to a subject, other than an active ingredient. Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier agents include, but are not limited to, buffers, excipients, stabilizers, or preservatives.

[0086] The term "variable region" or "variable domain" refers to the domain of an antibody heavy or light chain, which is involved in binding the antibody to an antigen. In some embodiments, the heavy and light chain variable domains of a natural antibody (VH and VL, respectively) usually have a similar structure, with each domain containing four conserved framework regions (FR) and three CDRs. (See, for example, Kindt et al. Kuby Immunology, 61 ed., WH Freeman and Co., page 91 (2007)). A single VH or VL domain is sufficient to confer antigen-binding specificity. It should be noted that a VH or VL domain can be used to isolate specific antigen-binding antibodies from antigen-binding antibodies and to screen libraries of complementary VL or VH domains, respectively. See, e.g., Portolano et al., J. Immunol. 150:880-887 (1993); Clarkson et al., Nature 352:624-628 (1991).

[0087] As used herein, the term "antigen recognition receptor" refers to a receptor that can activate an immunoresponsive cell (e.g., a T cell) in response to its binding to an antigen. Non-limiting examples of antigen recognition receptors include natural and modified T cell receptors ("TCRs") and chimeric antigen receptors ("CARs").

[0088] As used herein, the term "chimeric antigen receptor" or "CAR" refers to a molecule that comprises an extracellular antigen-binding domain and a transmembrane domain fused to an intracellular signaling domain that can activate or stimulate an immunoresponsive cell. In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises an antibody or an antibody fragment, such as a VHH or scFv. In some embodiments, an antibody (e.g., a VHH or scFv) is fused to a transmembrane domain, which is fused to an intracellular signaling domain. In some embodiments, a CAR is selected that has a high binding affinity or avidity for an antigen.

[0089] "Immunoresponsive cell" refers to a cell that functions in the immune response, or an ancestor or progeny thereof.

[0090] "OX40", "OX40 protein" or "OX40 polypeptide" refers to any OX40 polypeptide from any vertebrate origin (mammalian, e.g., primate (e.g., human and cynomolgus monkey)), or any fragment thereof, and may optionally include at most one, at most two, at most three, at most four, at most five, at most six, at most seven, at most eight, at most nine, or at most ten amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions. The term includes full-length, unprocessed OX40 and any form of OX40 produced by processing in a cell. The term further includes naturally occurring OX40 variants, e.g., splice variants or allelic variants. In some embodiments, the OX40 polypeptide comprises or has an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, at least about 99%, or at least about 100% homology or identity to the sequences having the following NCBI reference numbers: NP_003318.1, XP_016857721.1, XP_011540378.1, XP_016857720.1, XP_011540377.1, XP_011540376.1, or XP_011540379.1 (homology herein may be determined using standard software such as BLAST or FASTA). In some embodiments, the OX40 polypeptide comprises or has an amino acid sequence as the entire or continuous portion of SEQ ID NO:93.

[0091] "The term ECD of OX40 refers to the extracellular domain of OX40. In some embodiments, the ECD is domain 2 (CRD2) of the ECD of OX40. In some embodiments, the ECD is domain 4 (CRD4) of the ECD of OX40. In some embodiments, an exemplary OX40 polypeptide may comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:94. In some embodiments, domain 2 (CRD2) of the ECD of an exemplary OX40 polypeptide may comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:95. In some embodiments, domain 4 (CRD4) of the ECD of an exemplary OX40 polypeptide may comprise the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:96.

[0092] 2. Antibodies and Antibody Derivatives The present invention provides antibodies and antibody derivatives. In some embodiments, the present invention is based in part on the discovery of single domain antibodies that bind to OX40, which can be used in anti-tumor therapy, where the antibodies selectively activate OX40-mediated signaling pathways to induce beneficial anti-tumor effects of immune cells against tumor cells. In some embodiments, the antibodies disclosed herein are agonistic antibodies, which enhance OX40-mediated signaling pathways. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies enhance the anti-tumor immune response of immune cells expressing OX40 protein. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies include single domain antibodies, such as camelid antibodies or VHH antibodies. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies have improved tissue penetration capabilities due to their smaller size compared to conventional antibodies in IgG, Fab and / or scFv format with the same potency.

[0093] In some embodiments, the antibodies of the invention may be or include monoclonal antibodies (including chimeric, humanized, or human antibodies). In some embodiments, the antibodies disclosed herein include humanized antibodies. In some embodiments, the antibodies include an acceptor human framework, such as a human immunoglobulin framework or a human shared framework.

[0094] In some embodiments, the antibody of the invention may be an antibody fragment, such as an Fv, Fab, Fab', scFv, diabody or F(ab')2 fragment. In some embodiments, the antibody is a full length antibody, such as a complete IgG1 antibody, or other antibody type or isotype as defined herein. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative of the invention may incorporate any of the features (as described in this application (e.g., in Sections 2.1-2.12, detailed herein)) either alone or in combination.

[0095] The antibodies and antibody derivatives of the invention can be used, for example, in the diagnosis or treatment of neoplasms or cancers. In some embodiments, tumors and cancers whose growth can be inhibited using the antibodies of the invention include tumors and cancers that are normally responsive to immunotherapy. In some embodiments, the tumors and cancers include breast cancer (e.g., breast cell carcinoma), ovarian cancer (e.g., ovarian cell carcinoma) and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Other examples of cancers that can be treated with the methods of the invention include melanoma (e.g., metastatic malignant melanoma), prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, bone cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, chronic or acute leukemia (including acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia), lymphoma (e.g., Hodgkin's lymphoma or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lymphocytic lymphoma, primary CNS lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma), nasopharyngeal cancer, head or neck cancer, skin cancer or intraocular malignant melanoma, uterine cancer, rectal cancer, anal region cancer, stomach cancer, testicular cancer, uterine cancer, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, external vagina, esophageal cancer, small intestine cancer, endocrine system cancer, thyroid cancer, parathyroid cancer, breast cancer, gland), soft tissue sarcoma, urethral cancer, penile cancer, childhood solid tumors, bladder cancer, kidney or ureter cancer, carcinoma of the breast pelvis, central nervous system (CNS) neoplasms, tumor angiogenesis, spinal tumors, brain stem glioma, pituitary adenoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, epidermoid carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, environmentally induced cancers including asbestos (e.g., mesothelioma), and combinations of the above cancers.

[0096] 2.1 Exemplary Monospecific and Multispecific Antibodies 2.1.1 Exemplary Anti-OX40 Antibodies The present invention provides isolated antibodies that bind to OX40 protein. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies of the present invention bind to the ECD of OX40. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies bind to domain 2 (CRD2) and / or domain 4 (CRD4) of the ECD of OX40. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies bind to domain 2 (CRD2) of the ECD of OX40. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies bind to domain 4 (CRD4) of the ECD of OX40. In some embodiments, the ECD comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:94. In some embodiments, the domain 2 (CRD2) of the ECD comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:95. In some embodiments, the domain 4 (CRD4) of the ECD comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:96. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies bind to the same epitope as the anti-OX40 antibodies described herein (e.g., 1B3 or 2B7).

[0097] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies disclosed herein can act as agonists of OX40-mediated signaling pathways. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies can enhance OX40 protein-dependent signaling pathways. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies can increase the activity of signaling pathways by at least about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 99% or about 99.9%. In some embodiments, treatment with anti-OX40 antibodies shows anti-tumor effects in subjects, thereby reducing tumor growth and / or prolonging the survival of the subject. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibodies increase the immune response and / or anti-tumor effect of immune cells (e.g., T cells and / or NK cells expressing OX40) against tumor cells. In some embodiments, anti-OX40 antibodies, including single domain antibodies (e.g., VHH), have a smaller molecular size than a full-length antibody of the same potency because the size of the single domain antibody is smaller than the Fab domain of the full-length antibody, and thus can cause superior tissue infiltration, for example, at a tumor site, compared to a full-length antibody of the same potency. In some embodiments, treatment with anti-OX40 antibodies shows superior anti-tumor effects compared to treatment with a full-length anti-OX40 antibody of the same potency.

[0098] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a single domain antibody that binds to OX40. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a VHH. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH). In some embodiments, the single domain antibody is linked to an Fc region. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody is not linked to an Fc region.

[0099] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody is about 1x10 -7 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -8In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 5x10 -9 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -9 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -10 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -11 M ~ approx. 1x10 -7 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -10 M ~ approx. 1x10 -7 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -10 M ~ approx. 1x10 -8 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -11 M ~ approx. 1x10 -9 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 2x10 -10 M ~ approx. 5x10 -9 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -9 M ~ approx. 5x10 -8 In some embodiments, the single domain antibody binds to OX40 with a KD of about 1x10 -10 M ~ approx. 1x10 -9 Binds to OX40 at the KD of M.

[0100] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody is bivalent, trivalent, tetravalent, pentavalent, hexavalent, heptavalent, or octavalent. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody is bivalent. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody is tetravalent. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody is hexavalent. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a VHH domain and an Fc region. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising a VHH domain, a CH1 domain, and an Fc region. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a light chain comprising a VHH domain and a CL domain.

[0101] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:13. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:16, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:17, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:18. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:21, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:23.In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:27, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:31, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:32, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:33. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:36, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:37, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:38. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:41, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:42, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:43. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:46, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:47, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:48.In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:51, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:52, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:53. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:56, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:57, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:61, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:62, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:63. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:66, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:67, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:68. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:71, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:72, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:73.In some embodiments, the single domain antibody cross-competes with a reference single domain antibody for binding to OX40, the reference single domain antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:76, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:77, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:78.

[0102] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising: a) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 6, 11, 16, 21, 26, 31, 36, 41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66, 71 or 76, or a variant of said amino acid sequence comprising up to about three amino acid substitutions; b) a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27, 32, 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62, 67, 72 or 77, or a variant of said amino acid sequence comprising up to about three amino acid substitutions; and c) a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising any one of the amino acid sequences of NO:3, 8, 13, 18, 23, 28, 33, 38, 43, 48, 53, 58, 63, 68, 73 or 78, or a variant of said amino acid sequence comprising up to about three amino acid substitutions.

[0103] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 domain, a CDR2 domain and a CDR3 domain, wherein the CDR1 domain, the CDR2 domain and the CDR3 domain respectively comprise the CDR1 domain, the CDR2 domain and the CDR3 domain comprised in a reference heavy chain variable region, wherein the reference heavy chain variable region comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69, 74 and 79.

[0104] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:6, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:7, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:8. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:11, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:12, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:13. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:16, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:17, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:18. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:21, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:22, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:23. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:26, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:27, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:28. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:31, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:32, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:33.In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:36, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:37, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:38. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:41, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:42, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:43. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:46, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:47, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:48. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:51, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:52, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:53. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:56, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:57, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:61, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:62, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:63. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:66, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:67, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:68.In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:71, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:72, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:73. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:76, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:77, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:78.

[0105] In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region, the heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69, 74, and 79. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region, the heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69, 74, and 79.

[0106] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:4. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:9. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:14. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:19. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:24. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:29. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:34. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:39. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:44. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:49. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:54. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:59. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:64. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:69. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:74. In some embodiments, a single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:79.

[0107] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain or a light chain, the heavy chain or light chain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 and 81-92. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a heavy chain or a light chain, the heavy chain or light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 and 81-92. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:5. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:10. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:15. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:20. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:25. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:30. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:35. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:40. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:45. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 55. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 60.In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:65. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:70. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:75. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:80. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:81. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:83. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:85. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:87. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:89. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:90. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:91. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:92. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:82. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:84. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:88.

[0108] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:81, 83, 85, and 87. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:82, 84, 86, and 88. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:81 and a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:82. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:83 and a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:84. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:85 and a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:87 and a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:88. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:81 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:84. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a heavy chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:83 and a light chain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:82.

[0109] In some embodiments, any amino acid sequence contained in a heavy chain variable region may contain at most about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 amino acid substitutions, deletions, and / or additions. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitutions are conservative substitutions.

[0110] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises a humanized framework, hi some embodiments, the humanized framework comprises the framework sequence of the heavy chain variable region sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, 14, 19, 24, 29, 34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69, 74 or 79.

[0111] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody does not comprise an Fc region. In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody further comprises an Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises a human Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE, and IgM Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG1 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG2 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG4 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises one or more amino acid modifications, substitutions, or mutations described in Section 2.7.3.

[0112] In some embodiments, the heavy chain variable region is linked to the Fc region via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises about 4 to about 30 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises about 4 to about 15 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:97-140.

[0113] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody comprises a full-length immunoglobulin, a single chain Fv (scFv) fragment, a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, a F(ab')2, an Fv fragment, a disulfide bond stabilized Fv fragment (dsFv), (dsFv)2, a VHH, an Fv-Fc fusion, an scFv-Fc fusion, a VHH-Fv fusion, a diabody, a tribody, a tetrabody, or any combination thereof.

[0114] In some embodiments, the antibody is included in a larger molecule as an antibody derivative. In some embodiments, the antibody derivative is a multispecific antibody, e.g., a bispecific antibody, where the multispecific antibody comprises a second antibody portion that specifically binds to a second antigen. In some embodiments, the second antigen is a tumor-associated antigen. In some embodiments, the tumor associated antigen is selected from the group consisting of Her-2, EGFR, PD-L1, MSLN, c-Met, B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA), carbonic anhydrase IX (CA1X), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CD5, CD7, CD10, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD33, CD34, CD38, CD41, CD44, CD47, CD49f, CD56, CD74, CD123, CD133, CD138, CD276 (B7H3), epithelial glycoprotein (EGP2), trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP-2), epithelial glycoprotein-40 (EGP-40), epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), receptor tyrosine protein kinase erb-B2, 3, 4, folate binding protein (FBP), fetal acetylcholine receptor (AChR), folate receptor-a, The second antigen is selected from ganglioside G2 (GD2), ganglioside G3 (GD3), human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), LewisA (CA1.9.9), LewisY (LeY), L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1CAM), mucin 16 (Muc-16), mucin 1 (Muc-1), NG2D ligand, oncofetal antigen (h5T4), prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA), prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA), tumor associated glycoprotein 72 (TAG-72), Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), vascular endothelial growth factor R2 (VEGF-R2), Wilms tumor protein (WT-1), tyrosine protein kinase transmembrane receptor type 1 (ROR1), PVR, PVRL2, GPC3, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the second antigen is an immune checkpoint modulator. In some embodiments, the immune checkpoint modulating agent is selected from TIGIT, PD1, CTLA4, LAG-3, 2B4, BTLA, and any combination thereof.In some embodiments, the binding of the antibody derivative or multispecific antibody to the second antigen inhibits the immune checkpoint modulator. In some embodiments, the second antigen is an immune costimulatory molecule or a subunit of the T cell receptor / CD3 complex. In some embodiments, the immune costimulatory molecule is selected from CD28, ICOS, CD27, 4-1BB, OX40, and CD40, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the binding of the antibody derivative or multispecific antibody to the second antigen activates the immune costimulatory molecule. In some embodiments, the subunit of the T cell receptor / CD3 complex is selected from the group consisting of CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the binding of the antibody derivative or multispecific antibody to the second antigen activates the T cell receptor / CD3 complex.

[0115] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody is linked to the second antigen-binding moiety via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises about 4 to about 30 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises about 4 to about 15 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:97-140.

[0116] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody is conjugated to a therapeutic agent or label. In some embodiments, the label is selected from a radioisotope, a fluorescent dye, and an enzyme.

[0117] 2.1.2 Exemplary Anti-CTLA4 Antibodies The present invention further provides an anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody disclosed herein binds to CTLA4 protein with high affinity. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody is an antagonistic antibody, where the binding of the antibody moiety to CTLA4 can inhibit the immune signaling pathway mediated by CTLA4. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody can activate immune cells, such as T cells and / or NK cells. In some embodiments, the antibody is ipilimumab or a variant thereof.

[0118] In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody cross-competes with a reference anti-CTLA4 antibody, the reference antibody comprising: a) a heavy chain variable region (VH) sequence comprising: (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141; (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142; and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143; and a light chain variable region (VL) sequence comprising: (1) a CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:144; (2) a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:145; and (3) a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:146.

[0119] In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) sequence comprising (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141, (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142, and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143, and a light chain variable region (VL) sequence comprising (1) a CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:144, (2) a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:145, and (3) a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:146.

[0120] In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 147, and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence having at least about 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 148. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 147, and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 148.

[0121] In some embodiments, any amino acid sequence contained in the heavy chain variable region and / or light chain variable region may contain at most about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, or about 10 amino acid substitutions, deletions, and / or additions. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitutions are conservative substitutions.

[0122] In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody does not comprise an Fc region. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody further comprises an Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises a human Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG, an IgA, an IgD, an IgE, and an IgM Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG1, an IgG2, an IgG3, and an IgG4 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG1 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG2 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG4 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises one or more amino acid modifications, substitutions, or mutations described in Section 2.7.3.

[0123] In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody comprises a human antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody comprises a humanized antibody comprising a humanized framework.

[0124] 2.1.3 Exemplary Multispecific Antibodies The present invention further provides multispecific antibodies, e.g., bispecific antibodies. Multispecific antibodies are antibody derivatives that have binding specificities for at least two different antigens or antigen epitopes. In some embodiments, one of the binding specificities is for an epitope present on OX40, and another is for an epitope present on a different antigen. In some embodiments, one of the binding specificities is for an epitope present on CTLA4, and another is for an epitope present on a different antigen. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibodies of the present invention can bind to an epitope on OX40 and an epitope on CTLA4. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibodies of the present invention may include full-length antibodies, antibody fragments, and / or any combination thereof.

[0125] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibodies disclosed herein bind to OX40 and CTLA4. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibodies are bispecific antibodies. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibodies have at least two different binding specificities, see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 5,922,845 and 5,837,243, Zeilder (1999) J. Immunol. 163:1246-1 252; Somasundaram (1999) Hum. Antibodies 9:47-54, Keler (1997) Cancer Res. 57:4008-4014. For example, but not limited to, the present subject matter provides a multispecific antibody comprising an antigen binding portion for a first epitope present on OX40 and a second antigen binding portion for a second epitope present on CTLA4. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first antigen-binding portion that comprises an anti-OX40 antibody disclosed herein and a second antigen-binding portion that comprises an anti-CTLA4 antibody disclosed herein.

[0126] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 / anti-CTLA4 antibodies disclosed herein can act as agonists of OX40 signaling and / or antagonists of CTLA4 signaling. In some embodiments, without being limited to any theory, the anti-OX40 / anti-CTLA4 antibodies can enhance the anti-tumor function of immune cells. In some embodiments, the treatment with the anti-OX40 / anti-CTLA4 antibodies shows a better anti-tumor effect than the treatment with a combination of a monospecific anti-OX40 antibody and a monospecific anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, the treatment with the anti-OX40 / anti-CTLA4 antibodies shows a better anti-tumor effect than the treatment with a combination of a monospecific anti-OX40 antibody and a monospecific anti-CTLA4 antibody.

[0127] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 / anti-CTLA4 multispecific antibody comprises a first antigen-binding portion and a second antigen-binding portion, the first antigen-binding portion comprises an anti-OX40 antibody, the antibody comprising a single domain antibody that binds to OX40, and the second antigen-binding portion comprises an anti-CTLA4 antibody, the antibody comprising a single domain antibody that binds to CTLA4. In some embodiments, the first antigen-binding portion comprises an anti-OX40 antibody disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding portion comprises an anti-CTLA4 antibody disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the second antigen-binding portion comprises an anti-CTLA4 antibody, which is ipilimumab or a variant thereof.

[0128] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 / anti-CTLA4 multispecific antibody may be a multivalent antibody. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody may be bivalent, trivalent, tetravalent, pentavalent, hexavalent, heptavalent, or octavalent. In some embodiments, each of the first and second antigen binding moieties of the anti-OX40 / anti-CTLA4 antibody may be monovalent, bivalent, trivalent, tetravalent, pentavalent, hexavalent, heptavalent, or octavalent. In some embodiments, each of the first and second antigen binding moieties is monovalent. In some embodiments, each of the first and second antigen binding moieties is bivalent. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody is bivalent. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody is tetravalent. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody is hexavalent. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody is octavalent.

[0129] In some embodiments, the second antigen binding moiety comprises an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising two antibody heavy chains and two antibody light chains. In some embodiments, the first antigen binding moiety comprises one or more anti-OX40 antibodies. In some embodiments, the first antigen binding moiety comprises two anti-OX40 antibodies. In some embodiments, the first antigen binding moiety comprises four anti-OX40 antibodies. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of at least one of the two anti-CTLA4 light chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen binding moiety. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of each of the two anti-CTLA4 light chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen binding moiety. In some embodiments, the N-terminus of at least one of the two anti-CTLA4 light chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen binding moiety. In some embodiments, the N-terminus of each of the two anti-CTLA4 light chains is linked to the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen binding moiety. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of at least one of the two anti-CTLA4 heavy chains is linked to an anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding moiety. In some embodiments, the C-terminus of each of the two anti-CTLA4 heavy chains is linked to an anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding moiety. In some embodiments, the N-terminus of at least one of the two anti-CTLA4 heavy chains is linked to an anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding moiety. In some embodiments, the N-terminus of each of the two anti-CTLA4 heavy chains is linked to an anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding moiety.

[0130] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises: i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3; and ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) sequence comprising: (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141, (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142, and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143; and and a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a light chain variable region (VL) sequence comprising a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in NO:146.

[0131] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises: i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8; and ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) sequence comprising: (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141, (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142, and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143; and and a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a light chain variable region (VL) sequence comprising a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in NO:146.

[0132] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises: i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:13; and ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) sequence comprising: (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:141, (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:142, and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:143; and and a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a light chain variable region (VL) sequence comprising a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in NO:146.

[0133] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, and ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:147 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:148.

[0134] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9, and ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:147 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:148.

[0135] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:14, and ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:147 and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:148.

[0136] In some embodiments, the first antigen-binding moiety is linked to the second antigen-binding moiety via a linker. In some embodiments, the linker is a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises about 4 to about 30 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises about 4 to about 15 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs:97-140.

[0137] In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody of the second antigen-binding portion comprises an Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises a human Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG, IgA, IgD, IgE, and IgM Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG1 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG2 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG4 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises one or more amino acid modifications, substitutions, or mutations described in Section 2.7.3.

[0138] In some embodiments, the anti-OX40 antibody of the first antigen-binding portion comprises a humanized framework. In some embodiments, the humanized framework comprises the framework sequence of the heavy chain variable region sequence of SEQ ID NO:9 or 14.

[0139] In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody of the second antigen-binding moiety comprises a human antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CTLA4 antibody of the second antigen-binding moiety comprises a humanized antibody comprising a humanized framework.

[0140] In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:151 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:152. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:147 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:152. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:151 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:153 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:154. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:149 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:154. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:153 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:150. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:155 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:156. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:147 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:156. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:155 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:157 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:158. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:149 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:158.In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:157 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:150. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:159 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:160. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:147 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:160. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:159 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:148. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:161 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:162. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:149 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:162. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:161 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:150. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:155 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:160. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:157 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:162. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:159 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:156. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises a first chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:161 and a second chain comprising the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:158.

[0141] 2.2 Antibody affinity In some embodiments, the antibodies or antibody derivatives disclosed herein have high binding affinity for their target antigens. In some embodiments, the antibodies or antibody derivatives have a binding affinity of about 1x10 -7 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to a target with a KD of about 1x10 -8 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to a target with a KD of about 5x10 -9 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to a target with a KD of about 1x10 -9 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to a target with a KD of about 1x10 -10 It binds to a target with a KD smaller than M.

[0142] In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative is about 1x10 -11 M ~ approx. 1x10 -7 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to the target with a KD of about 1x10 -10 M ~ approx. 1x10 -7 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to the target with a KD of about 1x10 -10 M ~ approx. 1x10 -8 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to the target with a KD of about 1x10 -11 M ~ approx. 1x10 -9 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to a target with a KD of about 2x10 -10 M ~ approx. 5x10 -9 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to the target with a KD of about 1x10 -9 M ~ approx. 5x10 -8 In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative binds to the target with a KD of about 1x10 -10 M ~ approx. 1x10 -9 It binds to the target with a KD of M.

[0143] The KD of an antibody or antibody derivative may be assayed by methods known in the art, including but not limited to Western blot, ELISA-, RIA-, ECL-, IRMA-, EIA-, Octet-BIACORE® test and peptide scanning.

[0144] In some embodiments, the KD may be measured using a BIACORE® surface plasmon resonance assay. For example, but not limited to, measurements are performed on an immobilized antigen CMS chip at about 10 response units (RU) using a BIACORE® 3000 (Biacore, Piscataway, NJ) at 25°C. In some embodiments, a carboxymethylated dextran synth sensor chip (CMS, Biacore) is activated with N-ethyl-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) according to the supplier's manual. The antigen is diluted to 5 μg / ml (about 0.2 μM) with 10 mM sodium acetate (pH 4.8) and injected at a flow rate of 5 μl / min to achieve about 10 response units (RU) of conjugated protein. After the antigen is injected, 1 M ethanolamine is injected to block unreacted groups. To perform kinetic measurements, two-fold serial dilutions of Fab (0.78 nM to 500 nM) are injected in PBS with 0.05% polysorbate 20 (TWEEN®-20™) surfactant (PBST) at a flow rate of approximately 25 μl / min at 25° C. Association rates are calculated by simultaneously fitting the association and dissociation sensorgrams using a simple one-to-one Langmuir binding model (BIACORE® Evaluation Software version 3.2) (k on ) and dissociation rate (k off The equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) may be calculated as the ratio of koff / kon. See, e.g., Chen et al., J. Mol. Biol. 293:865-881 (1999). If the binding rate by the surface plasmon resonance assay is 10 6 M -l s -1If the association rate exceeds 100%, the association rate can be determined using a fluorescence quenching technique, which measures the increase or decrease in fluorescence emission intensity (excitation = 295 nm, emission = 340 nm, 16 nm bandpass) of 20 nM anti-antigen antibody (Fab format) in PBS, pH 7.2 at 25°C in the presence of increasing antigen concentrations. The antigen concentration can be measured, for example, using a spectrophotometer (Aviv Instruments) in cut-off configuration or an 8000 series SLM-AMINCO with a stirred absorption cell. TM It is measured by a spectrometer such as a ThermoSpectronic spectrophotometer.

[0145] 2.3 Antibody fragments In some embodiments, the antibodies of the invention include antigen-binding or antibody fragments. Antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab', Fab'-SH, F(ab')2, VHH, Fv and scFv fragments, and other fragments described herein. For a review of some antibody fragments, see Hudson et al. Nat. Med. 9:129-134 (2003). For a review of scFv fragments, see, e.g., Pluckthtin, The Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, vol. 113, Rosenburg and Moore eds., (Springer Verlag, New York), pp. 269-315 (1994), and may also refer to WO 93 / 16185, and U.S. Patent Nos. 5,571,894 and 5,587,458. For a discussion of Fab and F(ab)2 fragments that contain rescue receptor binding epitope residues and have increased in vivo half-lives, see US Pat. No. 5,869,046.

[0146] In some embodiments, the antibodies of the invention may be diabodies. Diabodies are antibody fragments that have two antigen-binding sites, which may be bivalent or bispecific. See, e.g., EP 404,097, WO 1993 / 01161, Hudson et al., Nat. Med. 9:129-134 (2003), and Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6444-6448 (1993). Tribodies and tetrabodies are also described in Hudson et al., Nat. Med. 9:129-134 (2003).

[0147] In some embodiments, the antibodies of the invention may comprise single domain antibodies. Single domain antibodies are antibody fragments that comprise all or a portion of the heavy chain variable region or all or a portion of the light chain variable region of an antibody. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody is a human single domain antibody (Domantis, Inc., Waltham, MA, see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,248,516 B1). In some embodiments, the single domain antibody is a camelid single domain antibody. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody is a VHH. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody is humanized.

[0148] Antibody fragments may be produced by a number of techniques, including, but not limited to, proteolytic digestion of intact antibodies and recombinant host cell (e.g., E. coli or phage) production, as described herein.

[0149] 2.4 Chimeric and humanized antibodies In some embodiments, the antibody of the present invention is a chimeric antibody. Some chimeric antibodies are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567 and Morrison et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81:6851-6855 (1984). In some embodiments, a chimeric antibody comprises a non-human variable region (e.g., a variable region derived from a mouse) and a human constant region. In some embodiments, a chimeric antibody is a "class-switched" antibody whose class or subclass has been changed from that of the parent antibody. Chimeric antibodies include antigen-binding fragments thereof.

[0150] In some embodiments, the antibody of the present invention may be a humanized antibody. Humanization is typically performed on a non-human antibody to reduce immunogenicity to humans while retaining the specificity and affinity of the parent non-human antibody. Generally, a humanized antibody comprises one or more variable domains, in which the HVRs, e.g., CDRs, (or a portion thereof) are derived from a non-human antibody, and one or more framework (FR) (or any portion thereof) are derived from a human antibody sequence. The humanized antibody may optionally further comprise at least a portion of a human constant region. In some embodiments, some FR residues in the humanized antibody are replaced by corresponding residues from a non-human antibody (e.g., an antibody derived from HVR residues), e.g., to restore or improve antibody specificity or affinity.

[0151] Humanized antibodies and methods for their production are described, e.g., in Almagro and Fransson, Front. Biosci. 13:1619-1633 (2008), and in, e.g., Riechmann et al., Nature 332:323-329 (1988); Queen et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029-10033 (1989), U.S. Patent Nos. 5,821,337, 7,527,791, 6,982,321, and 7,087,409, Kashmiri et al., Methods 36:25-34 (2005) (SDR (a-CDR) grafting is described), Padlan, Mol. Immunol. 28:489-498 (1991). (wherein "resurfacing" is described), Dall'Acqua et al., Methods 36:43-60 (2005) (wherein "FR shuffling" is described), and further described in Osbourn et al., Methods 36:61-68 (2005) and Klimka et al., Br. J. Cancer, 83:252-260 (2000) (wherein a "guide selection" method for FR shuffling is described).

[0152] Human framework regions that may be used for humanization include framework regions selected by the "best-fit" method (see, e.g., Sims et al. J. Immunol. 151:2296 (1993)), framework regions derived from shared sequences of human antibodies of a particular subclass of light or heavy chain variable region (see, e.g., Carter et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA,89:4285 (1992) and Presta et al. J. Immunol.,151:2623 (1993)), human mature (somatically mutated) framework regions or human germline framework regions (see, e.g., Almagro and Fransson, Front. Biosci. 13:1619-1633 (2008)), and framework regions obtained by screening FR libraries (see, e.g., Baca et al., J. Biol. Chem. 272:10678-10684 (2008)). (1997) and Rosok et al., J. Biol. Chem. 271:22611-22618 (1996)).

[0153] 2.5 Human antibodies In some embodiments, the antibodies of the invention may be human antibodies (e.g., human domain antibodies or human DAbs). Human antibodies may be produced using a variety of different techniques known in the art. Human antibodies are generally described in van Dijk and van de Winkel, Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 5:368-74 (2001), Lonberg, Curr. Opin. Immunol. 20:450-459 (2008), and Chen, Mol. Immunol. 47(4):912-21 (2010). Transgenic mice or rats capable of producing fully human single domain antibodies (or DAbs) are known in the art. See, for example, US20090307787A1, U.S. Patent No. 8,754,287, US20150289489A1, US20100122358A1 and WO 2004049794.

[0154] Human antibodies (e.g., human DAbs) can be produced by administering an immunogen to a transgenic animal that has been modified to produce fully human antibodies or complete antibodies with human variable regions in response to antigenic challenge. Such animals usually contain all or part of the human immunoglobulin loci, which replace the endogenous immunoglobulin loci or are present extrachromosomally or randomly integrated into the animal's chromosomes. In such transgenic mice, the endogenous immunoglobulin loci are usually inactivated. For a review of methods for obtaining human antibodies from transgenic animals, see Lonberg, Nat. Biotech. 23:1117-1125 (2005). Also see, e.g., XENOMOUSE, et al., J. Immunol. 2004, 143:1117-1125 (2005). TM See U.S. Patent Nos. 6,075,181 and 6,150,584, which describe HuMab® technology, U.S. Patent No. 5,770,429, which describes HuMab® technology, U.S. Patent No. 7,041,870, which describes KM MOUSE® technology, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2007 / 0061900, which describes VelociMouse® technology. The human variable regions from whole antibodies produced by such animals may be further modified, for example, by conjugation to different human constant regions.

[0155] Human antibodies (e.g., human DAbs) may be produced by hybridoma-based methods. Human myeloma and murine human heteromyeloma cell lines for producing human monoclonal antibodies have been described (see, e.g., Kozbor J. Immunol., 133:3001 (1984); Brodeur et al., Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1987); and Boerner et al., J. Immunol., 147:86 (1991)). Human antibodies produced by human B-cell hybridoma technology are also described in Li et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 103:3557-3562 (2006). Other methods include those described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 7,189,826 (which describes the production of monoclonal human IgM antibodies from hybridoma cell lines) and Ni, Modern Immunology, 26(4):265-268 (2006) (which describes human-human hybridomas). Human hybridoma technology (Trioma technology) is also described in Vollmers and Brandlein, Histology and Histopathology, 20(3):927-937 (2005) and Vollmers and Brandlein, Methods and Findings in Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, 27(3):185-91 (2005).

[0156] Human antibodies (e.g., human DAbs) may be produced by isolating Fv clone variable domain sequences selected from a human phage display library. Such variable domain sequences may then be combined with the necessary human constant domains. A description of techniques for selecting human antibodies from an antibody library follows.

[0157] 2.6 Library-derived antibodies Combinatorial libraries can be screened for antibodies with the desired activity or activities to isolate the antibodies of the invention. For example, several methods are known in the art for generating phage display libraries and screening these libraries for antibodies with the required binding properties. Other methods are described, for example, in Hoogenboom et al. Methods in Molecular Biology 178:1-37 (O'Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, NJ, 2001), and further in McCafferty et al., Nature 348:552-554; Clackson et al., Nature 352:624-628 (1991); Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol. 222:581-597 (1992); Marks and Bradbury, Methods in Molecular Biology 248:161-175 (Lo, ed., Human Press, Totowa, NJ, 2003); Sidhu et al., J. Mol. Biol. 338(2):299-310 (2004); Lee et al., J. Mol. Biol. 340(5):1073-1093 (2004), Fellouse, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 101(34):12467-12472 (2004), Lee et al., J. Immunol. Methods 284(1-2):119-132(2004). Methods for constructing single domain antibody libraries are described in U.S. Patent No. 7,371,849.

[0158] In some phage display methods, V H and V LThe gene libraries can be cloned respectively, randomly recombined in a phage library, and screened for antigen-binding phages as described in Winter et al., Ann. Rev. Immunol., 12:433-455 (1994). Phages usually display antibody fragments as scFv or Fab fragments. Libraries from immune sources can provide high affinity antibodies to immunogens without constructing hybridomas. Alternatively, naive libraries can be cloned (e.g., from humans) without the need for any immunization, to provide a single source of antibodies against a wide range of non-self and self antigens, as described in Griffiths et al., EMBO J, 12:725-734 (1993). Finally, natural libraries can be synthesized by cloning unrearranged V gene segments from stem cells and using PCR primers containing random sequences to encode highly variable CDR3 regions and complete the rearrangement in vitro, as described in Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol., 227:381-388 (1992). Patent publications describing human antibody phage libraries include, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,750,373, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005 / 0079574, 2005 / 0119455, 2005 / 0266000, 2007 / 0117126, 2007 / 0160598, 2007 / 0237764, 2007 / 0292936, and 2009 / 0002360.

[0159] Antibodies or antibody fragments isolated from a human antibody library are considered human antibodies or human antibody fragments herein.

[0160] 2.7 Antibody variants The present invention further provides amino acid sequence variants of the disclosed antibodies. For example, it may be necessary to improve the binding affinity and / or other biological properties of the antibody. Amino acid sequence variants of the antibody can be produced by introducing appropriate modifications into the nucleotide sequence encoding the antibody or by peptide synthesis. Such modifications include, but are not limited to, deletion and / or insertion and / or substitution of residues within the amino acid sequence of the antibody. Any combination of deletion, insertion and substitution can be made to arrive at the final construct, provided that the final (i.e. modified) antibody has the required properties, e.g., antigen binding.

[0161] 2.7.1 Substitution, insertion and deletion mutants In some embodiments, antibody variants with one or more amino acid substitutions are provided. Target sites for substitution mutagenesis include HVRs (or CDRs) and FRs. Conservative substitutions are provided under the heading of "preferred substitutions" in Table 2. More substantial changes are provided under the heading of "exemplary substitutions" in Table 2, and are further described below with reference to amino acid side chain classes. Amino acid substitutions can be introduced into an antibody of interest and the products screened to obtain a desired activity (e.g., retained / improved antigen binding, reduced immunogenicity, or improved ADCC or CDC).

[0162] [Table 2]

[0163] Amino acids can be grouped according to common chain properties as follows: (1) hydrophobic: norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile, (2) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln, (3) acidic: Asp, Glu, (4) alkaline: His, Lys, Arg, (5) residues that affect chain orientation: Gly, Pro, and (6) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe. In some embodiments, non-conservative substitutions entail exchanging a member of one of these classes for another class.

[0164] In some embodiments, one type of substitutional variant involves the substitution of one or more hypervariable region residues of a parent antibody (e.g., a humanized or human antibody). Typically, the resulting variants, which are used for further studies, are selected to modify (e.g., improve) some biological property (e.g., increased affinity, decreased immunogenicity) relative to the parent antibody and / or to substantially retain some biological property of the parent antibody. An exemplary substitutional variant is an affinity matured antibody, which is easy to generate, for example, using phage display-based affinity maturation techniques (e.g., those disclosed herein). Briefly, one or more HVR (or CDR) residues are mutated and the variant antibodies are displayed on phage and screened for a particular biological activity (e.g., binding affinity).

[0165] Changes (e.g., substitutions) can be made in the HVRs (or CDRs) to, for example, improve antibody affinity. Such changes can be made in HVR (or CDR) "hot points," i.e., residues encoded by codons frequently mutated during somatic maturation (see, e.g., Chowdhury, Methods Mol. Biol. 207:179-196 (2008)), and / or in the SDRs (a-CDRs), and the resulting mutant VH or VL can be tested for binding affinity. Affinity maturation by construction and reselection from a secondary library is described, for example, in Hoogenboom et al. in Methods in Molecular Biology 178:1-37 (O'Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, NJ, (2001). In some embodiments of affinity maturation, diversity is introduced into the variable genes selected for maturation by any one of a variety of methods (e.g., error-prone PCR, chain shuffling, or oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis), producing a secondary library. The library is then screened to identify any antibody variants with the desired affinity. Another method of introducing diversity relates to the HVR (or CDR) directed method, in which several HVR (or CDR) residues (e.g., 4-6 residues at a time) are randomized. For example, alanine scanning mutagenesis or modeling can be used to specifically identify HVR (or CDR) residues involved in antigen binding. In particular, CDR-H3 and CDR-L3 are routinely targeted.

[0166] In some embodiments, substitutions, insertions or deletions may occur within one or more HVRs (or CDRs) so long as such changes do not substantially reduce the ability of the antibody to bind to the antigen. For example, conservative changes (e.g., conservative substitutions according to the present specification) may be made in an HVR (or CDR) that do not substantially reduce binding affinity. Such changes may be in HVR (or CDR) "hot points" or outside the CDR. In some embodiments of the variant VHH sequences provided above, each HVR (or CDR) is either unchanged or contains no more than one, two or three amino acid substitutions.

[0167] As described in Cunningham and Wells (1989) Science, 244:1081-1085, a useful method for identifying antibody residues or regions that can undergo targeted mutagenesis is called "alanine scanning mutagenesis". In such methods, a target residue or group of residues (e.g., charged residues, e.g., Arg, Asp, His, Lys, and Glu) is identified and substituted with neutral or negatively charged amino acids (e.g., alanine or polyalanine) to determine whether the antibody-antigen interaction is affected. Additional substitutions can be introduced at the amino acid positions to demonstrate functional sensitivity to the initial substitution. Alternatively or additionally, a crystal structure of an antigen-antibody complex is used to identify contact points between the antibody and the antigen. Such contact and adjacent residues may be targeted or eliminated as substitution candidates. Mutants may be screened to determine whether they contain the desired attributes.

[0168] Amino acid sequence insertions include amino- and / or carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues. An example of a terminal insertion is an antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue. Other insertional variants of the antibody molecule include the fusion to the N- or C-terminus of the antibody to an enzyme (e.g., in the case of ADEPT) or a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antibody.

[0169] 2.7.2 Glycosylation variants In some embodiments, the antibody is altered to increase or decrease the degree of glycosylation of the construct. Adding or deleting glycosylation sites to an antibody can be readily accomplished by altering the amino acid sequence to create or remove one or more glycosylation sites.

[0170] If the antibody comprises an Fc region (e.g., scFv-Fc), the carbohydrate attached thereto can vary. Natural antibodies produced by mammalian cells usually contain branched bicontact angle oligosaccharides, which are usually linked to the Fc region C by N-linkages. H The oligosaccharide is linked to Asn297 of the .2 domain. See, e.g., Wright et al. TIBTECH 15:26-32 (1997). The oligosaccharide may contain various carbohydrates, such as mannose, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), galactose, sialic acid, and fucose attached to the GlcNAc in the "stem" of the bicontact angle oligosaccharide structure. In some embodiments, modifications can be made to the oligosaccharides in the antibody to produce antibody variants with some improved properties.

[0171] In some embodiments, the antibody has a carbohydrate structure that lacks fucose attached (directly or indirectly) to the Fc region. For example, the fucose content in such antibodies may be 1%-80%, 1%-65%, 5%-65%, or 20%-40%. The amount of fucose is determined by calculating the average amount of fucose in the Asn297 glycan relative to the sum of all glycostructures (e.g., complex, hybrid, and high mannose structures) attached to Asn297 as measured by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, e.g., as described in WO 2008 / 077546. Asn297 refers to an asparagine residue located at about 297 (EU numbering of Fc region residues) in the Fc region; however, due to minor sequence variations in antibodies, Asn297 may also be located about ±3 amino acids upstream or downstream of position 297, i.e., positions 294-300. Such fucosylation variants may have improved ADCC function. See, for example, U.S. Patent Publication Nos. US2003 / 0157108 (Presta, L.) and US2004 / 0093621 (Kyowa Hakko Kogyo Co., Ltd.). Examples of publications relating to "defucosylated" or "fucose-deficient" antibody variants include US2003 / 0157108, WO 2000 / 61739, WO 2001 / 29246, US2003 / 0115614, US2002 / 0164328, US2004 / 0093621, US2004 / 0132140, US 2004 / 0110704, US2004 / 0110282, US2004 / 0109865, WO 2003 / 085119, WO 2003 / 084570, WO 2005 / 035586, WO 2005 / 035778, WO2005 / 053742, WO2002 / 031140, Okazaki et al. J. Mol. Biol. 336:1239-1249 (2004), Yamane-Ohnuki et al. Biotech. Bioeng. 87:614 (2004).Examples of cell lines capable of producing defucosylated antibodies include protein fucosylation-deficient Lec13 CHO cells (Ripka et al. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 249:533-545 (1986); U.S. Patent Application No. US2003 / 0157108 A1, Presta, L; and WO 2004 / 056312 A1, Adams et al.), and knockout cell lines, such as α-1,6-fucosyltransferase gene FUT8, knockout CHO cells (see, e.g., Yamane-Ohnuki et al. Biotech. Bioeng. 87:614 (2004); Kanda, Y. et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng., 94(4):680-688 (2006); and WO2003 / 085107).

[0172] In some embodiments, the antibody has a bisected oligosaccharide, for example, where the bi-contact angle oligosaccharide attached to the Fc region of the antibody is bisected by GlcNAc. Such antibody variants may have reduced fucosylation and / or improved ADCC function. Examples of such antibody variants are described, for example, in WO 2003 / 011878 (Jean-Mairet et al.), U.S. Patent No. 6,602,684 (Umana et al.), and US2005 / 0123546 (Umana et al.). Further provided are antibody variants having at least one galactose residue linked to the Fc region in the oligosaccharide. Such antibody variants may have improved CDC function. Such antibody variants are described, for example, in WO 1997 / 30087 (Patel et al.), WO 1998 / 58964 (Raju, S.), and WO 1999 / 22764 (Raju, S.).

[0173] 2.7.3 Fc Region Variants In some embodiments, the Fc region of an antibody or antibody derivative of the invention may comprise a human Fc region sequence (e.g., a human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 Fc region), which comprises an amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution) at one or more amino acid positions. In some embodiments, an Fc region variant can be produced by introducing one or more amino acid modifications into the Fc region of an antibody portion (e.g., scFv-Fc or VHH-Fc).

[0174] In some embodiments, the Fc region has some (but not all) effector functions that make it a desirable candidate for applications in which the half-life of the antibody in vivo is important, but some effector functions (e.g., complement and ADCC) are not necessary or are deleterious. In vitro and / or in vivo cytotoxicity assays can be performed to confirm the reduction / depletion of CDC and / or ADCC activity. For example, Fc receptor (FcR) binding assays can be performed to ensure that the antibody does not have FcγR binding capacity (and thus may lack ADCC activity) but can retain FcRn binding capacity. Primary cells for mediating ADCC, NK cells, express only FcγRIII, whereas monocytes express FcγRI, FcγRII, and FcγRIII. FcR expression on hematopoietic cells is summarized in Ravetch and Kinet, Annu. Rev. Immunol. 9:457-492 (1991). Non-limiting examples of in vitro assays for assessing ADCC activity of target molecules are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,500,362 (see, e.g., Hellstrom, I. et al. Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 83:7059-7063 (1986) and Hellstrom, I et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 82:1499-1502 (1985)), 5,821,337 (see, e.g., Bruggemann, M. et al., J. Exp. Med. 166:1351-1361 (1987)). Alternatively, non-radioactive assay methods (e.g., ACTI for flow cytometry) can be used. TMNon-radioactive cytotoxicity assays (see CellTechnology, Inc. Mountain View, CA, and CytoTox 96® Non-radioactive Cytotoxicity Assay (Promega, Madison, WI)) can be employed. Useful effector cells for such assays include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and natural killer (NK) cells. Alternatively or additionally, ADCC activity of the molecule of interest may be assessed in vivo (e.g., in an animal model), e.g., as disclosed in Clynes et al. Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 95:652-656 (1998). C1q binding assays can be performed to confirm that the antibody is unable to bind C1q and therefore lacks CDC activity. See, e.g., binding of C1q and C3c to ELISA in WO 2006 / 029879 and WO 2005 / 100402. To assess complement activation, CDC assays may be performed (see, e.g., Gazzano-Santoro et al., J. Immunol. Methods 202:163 (1996); Cragg, MS et al., Blood 101:1045-1052 (2003); and Cragg, MS and MJ Glennie, Blood 103:2738-2743 (2004)). FcRn binding and in vivo clearance / half-life assays may be performed using methods known in the art (see, e.g., Petkova, SB et al., Int'l. Immunol. 18(12):1759-1769 (2006)).

[0175] Antibodies with reduced effector function include those with one or more substitutions at Fc region residues 238, 265, 269, 270, 297, 327 and 329 (U.S. Patent No. 6,737,056). Such Fc mutants include Fc mutants with substitutions of two or more at amino acid positions 265, 269, 270, 297 and 327, including the so-called "DANA" Fc mutant in which residues 265 and 297 are replaced by alanine (U.S. Patent No. 7,332,581).

[0176] Certain antibody variants with improved and decreased binding avidity to FcRs have been described (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,737,056, WO 2004 / 056312, and Shields et al., J. Biol. Chem. 9(2):6591-6604 (2001)).

[0177] In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises one or more mutations based on EU numbering of residues. In some embodiments, the Fc region is an IgG1 Fc region. In some embodiments, the Fc region is an IgG2 or IgG4 Fc region.

[0178] In some embodiments, the IgG1 or IgG4 Fc region comprises one or more modified effector function mutations. In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises a L234A mutation and / or a L235A mutation. In some embodiments, the IgG4 Fc region comprises a F234A and / or a L235A mutation. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises a substitution at position 297, e.g., N297A, N297Q, or N297G.

[0179] In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises one or more mutations that modify antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises one or more mutations that reduce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises one or more mutations that enhance antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises L235V, F243L, R292P, Y300L, and P396L mutations. In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises S239D, A330L, and I332E mutations. In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises L235V, F243L, R292P, and Y300L mutations. In some embodiments, the IgG1 Fc region comprises substitutions at positions 298, 333 and / or 334 of the Fc region, such as S298A, E333A and K334A.

[0180] In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises one or more mutations that alter co-binding with an Fc receptor (e.g., FcγRIIa and / or FcγRIIb). In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises one or more mutations that enhance co-binding with an Fc receptor. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises one or more mutations that enhance co-binding with Fc receptors. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises one or more mutations that enhance co-binding with FcγRIIa, FcγRIIb, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises S267E and L328F mutations. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises N325S and L328F mutations.

[0181] In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an IgG4 Fc region comprising an S228P mutation.

[0182] In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises knob-in-hole mutations, and the two different antibody chains form a heterodimer to produce a multispecific antibody. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody disclosed herein comprises knob-in-hole mutations selected from T366S, L368A, T366W, Y349C, Y407V, S354C, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises knob-in-hole mutations of T366S and L368A in the hole chain and T366W in the knob chain. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises knob-in-hole mutations of T366S, L368A and Y407V in the hole chain and T366W in the knob chain. In some embodiments, the multispecific antibody comprises the following knob-in-hole conformation mutations in the hole chain: Y349C, T366S, L368A and Y407V, and in the knob chain: S354C and T366W.

[0183] In some embodiments, changes are made in the Fc region that result in altered (i.e., improved or decreased) C1q binding and / or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,194,551, WO 1999 / 51642 and Idusogie et al. J. Immunol. 164:4178-4184 (2000).

[0184] In some embodiments, the antibody (e.g., scFv-Fc or VHH-Fc) variant comprises a variant Fc region that contains one or more amino acid substitutions that alter the half-life and / or modify binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). US2005 / 0014934A1 (Hinton et al.) describes antibodies with extended half-life and improved avidity for the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) that are responsible for the transfer of maternal IgG to the fetus (Guyer et al., J. Immunol. 117:587 (1976) and Kim et al., J. Immunol. 24:249 (1989)). (1994). These antibodies comprise an Fc region with one or more substitutions that alter binding of the Fc region to FcRn. Such Fc variants include those Fc variants with substitutions at one or more Fc region residues, for example, substitution at Fc region residue 434 (U.S. Patent No. 7,371,826). In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises M428L and N434S mutations. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises M252Y, S254T and T256E mutations.

[0185] In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an Fc region variant described in Duncan & Winter, Nature 322:738-40 (1988); Wang et al., Protein Cell 2018, 9(1):63-73; U.S. Patent No. 5,648,260; U.S. Patent No. 5,624,821; and WO 1994 / 29351.

[0186] 2.7.4 Cysteine ​​Engineered Antibody Variants In some embodiments, this may involve the production of cysteine ​​engineered antibody moieties, e.g., "thioMAbs," in which one or more residues of an antibody are replaced by cysteine ​​residues. In some embodiments, the substituted residues are located at accessible sites of the antibody. By replacing these residues with cysteine ​​residues, reactive thiol groups are positioned at accessible sites of the antibody and may be used to conjugate the antibody with other moieties, e.g., drug moieties or linker-drug moieties, to produce immunoconjugates, as further described herein. In some embodiments, any one or more of residues A118 (EU numbering) of the heavy chain and S400 (EU numbering) of the heavy chain Fc region may be replaced by cysteine. Cysteine ​​engineered antibody moieties may be generated, for example, by the methods described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,521,541.

[0187] 2.8 Antibody derivatives In some embodiments, the antibodies described herein may be further modified into antibody derivatives containing other proteins or non-protein moieties known in the art and readily available. Non-protein moieties suitable for antibody derivatization include, but are not limited to, water-soluble polymers. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), polymers of ethylene glycol / propylene glycol, carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly 1,3-dioxolane, poly 1,3,6-trioxane, ethylene / maleic anhydride copolymers, polyamino acids (homopolymers or random copolymers), dextran or poly(n-vinylpyrrolidone) polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol homopolymer, polypropylene oxide / ethylene oxide polymers, polyoxyethylene polyols (e.g., glycerol), polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof. Polyethylene glycol propionaldehyde may have advantages in manufacturing due to its stability in water. The polymers may have any molecular weight and may be branched or unbranched. The number of polymers attached to an antibody can vary, and when more than one type of polymer is attached, they can be the same or different molecules. In general, the number and / or type of polymers used for derivatization can be determined based on a variety of considerations, including, but not limited to, the particular property or function of the antibody to be improved, whether the antibody derivative will be used for diagnosis under limited conditions, etc.

[0188] In some embodiments, the antibody may be further modified into an antibody derivative that includes one or more biologically active proteins, polypeptides, or fragments thereof. As used interchangeably herein, "biological activity" or "having biological activity" refers to a biological activity that exhibits a specific function in vivo, for example, it may mean binding to a specific biomolecule (e.g., protein, DNA, etc.) and promoting or inhibiting the activity of such a biomolecule. In some embodiments, the biologically active protein or fragment thereof includes proteins and polypeptides administered to a patient as active drug substances, proteins and polypeptides used for the prevention or treatment and diagnosis of a disease or condition (e.g., enzymes used in diagnostic tests or in vitro assays), and proteins and polypeptides administered to a patient to prevent a disease (e.g., vaccines).

[0189] 2.9 Production Method The antibodies and antibody derivatives disclosed herein can be produced using any available or known technique in the art. For example, but not limited to, the antibodies and antibody derivatives can be produced using recombinant methods and compositions described in U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567. Detailed procedures for producing the antibodies and antibody derivatives are described in detail in the examples below.

[0190] The present subject matter further provides an isolated nucleic acid encoding an antibody or antibody derivative disclosed herein. For example, the isolated nucleic acid can encode an amino acid sequence comprising the VL and / or an amino acid sequence comprising the VH of the antibody, e.g., the light chain and / or the heavy chain of the antibody.

[0191] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid may be present in one or more vectors (e.g., expression vectors). As used herein, the term "vector" refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of transporting another nucleic acid linked to it. One type of vector is a "plasmid," which refers to a circular double-stranded DNA loop to which another DNA segment can be linked. Another type of vector is a viral vector, in which another DNA segment can be linked to the viral genome. Some vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors and episomal mammalian vectors having a bacterial origin of replication). Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) are integrated into the genome of the host cell after being introduced into the host cell, and thereby replicate along with the host genome. Also, some vectors expression vectors can direct the expression of genes to which they are operably linked. Generally, expression vectors used in recombinant DNA techniques are always in the form of plasmids (vectors). However, the disclosed subject matter is intended to include other expression vectors having equivalent functions, such as viral vectors (e.g., replication defective retroviruses, adenoviruses and adeno-associated viruses).

[0192] The different parts of the antibody or antibody derivative disclosed herein can be constructed in a single polycistronic expression cassette, multiple expression cassettes in a single vector, or multiple vectors. Examples of elements that produce polycistronic expression cassettes include, but are not limited to, various viral and non-viral internal ribosome entry sites (IRES, e.g., FGF-1 IRES, FGF-2 IRES, VEGF IRES, IGF-II IRES, NF-kB IRES, RUNX1 IRES, p53 IRES, Hepatitis A IRES, Hepatitis C IRES, Pestivirus IRES, Foot and Mouth Disease Virus IRES, Picornanilus IRES, Poliovirus IRES, and Encephalomyocarditis Virus IRES), and cleavable linkers (e.g., 2A peptides, e.g., P2A, T2A, E2A, and F2A peptides). Also suitable is the combination of a retroviral vector with an appropriate packaging thread, where the capsid protein has the function of infecting human cells. Cell lines producing various amphipathic viruses are known and include, but are not limited to, PA12 (Miller, et al. (1985) Mol. Cell. Biol. 5:431-437), PA317 (Miller, et al. (1986) Mol. Cell. Biol. 6:2895-2902), and CRIP (Danos, et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:6460-6464). Non-amphipathic particles are also suitable, for example using VSVG, RD114 or GALV envelopes and any other pseudotyped particles known in the art.

[0193] In some embodiments, a nucleic acid encoding an antibody or antibody derivative of the invention and / or one or more vectors comprising the nucleic acid can be introduced into a host cell. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid can be introduced into a cell by any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, transfection, electroporation, microinjection, infection with a viral or phage vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence, cell fusion, chromosome-mediated gene transfer, microcell-mediated gene transfer, spheroplast fusion, and the like. In some embodiments, the host cell can include, for example, a host cell transformed with a vector comprising a nucleic acid, the nucleic acid encoding a single domain antibody and / or an amino acid sequence comprising the VH of the single domain antibody. In some embodiments, the host cell can include, for example, a host cell transduced with (1) a vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding an amino acid sequence comprising the VL of the antibody and an amino acid sequence comprising the VH of the antibody, or (2) a first vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding an amino acid sequence comprising the VL of the antibody and a second vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding an amino acid sequence comprising the VH of the antibody. In some embodiments, the host cell is a eukaryotic cell, such as a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell or a lymphocyte (eg, YO, NSO, Sp20 cell).

[0194] In some embodiments, methods of producing an antibody or antibody derivative disclosed herein may include culturing host cells (into which nucleic acid encoding the antibody or antibody derivative has been introduced) under conditions suitable for antibody or antibody derivative expression, and optionally recovering the antibody or antibody derivative from the host cells and / or host cell medium. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative is recovered from the host cells by chromatographic techniques.

[0195] For recombinant production of the antibody or antibody derivative of the invention, for example, nucleic acids encoding the antibody or antibody derivative described above can be isolated and inserted into one or more vectors for further cloning and / or expression in a host cell. These nucleic acids can be readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes capable of specifically binding to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of the antibody or antibody derivative). Suitable host cells for cloning or expressing antibody-encoding vectors include prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells as described herein. For example, antibodies or antibody derivatives may be produced in bacteria, particularly when fucosylation and Fc effector functions are not required. For bacterial expression of antibody fragments and polypeptides, see, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,648,237, 5,789,199 and 5,840,523. (See further Charlton, Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 248 (BKC Lo, ed., Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2003), pp. 245-254, which describes expression of antibody fragments in E. coli.) After expression, the antibody or antibody derivative can be isolated from the bacterial cell paste as a soluble fraction and further purified.

[0196] In addition to prokaryotes, eukaryotic microbes (e.g., filamentous fungi or yeast) are also suitable cloning or expression hosts for antibody-encoding vectors, including fungal and yeast strains in which the glycosylation pathway has been "humanized" to produce antibodies or antibody derivatives with partial or complete human glycosylation patterns. See Gemgross, Nat. Biotech. 22:1409-1414 (2004) and Li et al., Nat. Biotech. 24:21 0-215 (2006). Suitable host cells for expressing glycosylated antibodies may be derived from multicellular organisms (invertebrates and vertebrates). Examples of invertebrate cells include plants and insect cells. Many baculovirus strains have been identified that can be used in combination with insect cells, particularly for transfection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells. In some embodiments, plant cell cultures may be used as host cells. See, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 5,959,177, 6,040,498, 6,420,548, 7,125,978, and 6,417,429 (PLANTIBODIES PRODUCING ANTIBODIES IN TRANSGENIC PLANTS). TM (where the technology is described)

[0197] In some embodiments, vertebrate cells may be used as host cells, for example but not limited to, mammalian cell lines adapted to suspension growth may be useful. Non-limiting examples of useful mammalian host cell lines include monkey kidney CV1 line (COS-7) transduced with SY40, human embryonic kidney line (293 or 293 cells, e.g., as described in Graham et al., J Gen Viral. 36:59 (1977)), baby hamster kidney cells (BHK), mouse Sertoli cells (TM4 cells, e.g., as described in Mather, Biol. Reprod. 23:243-251 (1980)), monkey kidney cells (CV 1), African green monkey kidney cells (VERO-76), human cervical carcinoma cells (HELA), canine kidney cells (MDCK), buffalo rat liver cells (BRL 3A), human lung cells (W138), human liver cells (Hep 02), mouse mammary tumor (MMT 060562), e.g., as described in Mather et al., Annals NY Acad. Sci. 383:44-68 (1982), TRI cells, MRC 5 cells, and FS4 cells. Other useful mammalian host cell lines include Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, including DHFK CHO cells (Urlaub et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:42 I6 (1980)) and myeloma cell lines (e.g., YO, NSO, and Sp2 / 0). For a review of some mammalian host cell lines suitable for the production of antibodies or antibody derivatives, see, e.g., Yazaki and Wu, Methods in Molecular Biology, Vol. 248 (BKC Lo, ed., Humana Press, Totowa, NJ), pp. 255-268 (2003).

[0198] In some embodiments, techniques for producing bispecific and / or multispecific antibodies include, but are not limited to, recombinantly discovering two immunoglobulin heavy chain light chain pairs with the same specificity, where one or both heavy or light chains are fused to an antigen binding moiety with a different specificity (e.g., a single domain antibody, e.g., a VHH), recombinant co-expression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain light chain pairs with different specificities (see Milstein and Cuello, Nature 305:537 (1983), PCT Patent Application No. WO 93 / 08829 and Traunecker et al., EMBO J 10:3655 (1991)), and "knobs-in-holes" engineering (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,168). Bispecific antibodies may also be produced by engineering electrostatic steering effects to produce antibody Fc-heterodimeric molecules (WO 2009 / 089004A 1), cross-linking two or more antibodies or fragments (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980 and Brennan et al., Science, 229:81 (1985)), using leucine zippers to produce bispecific antibodies (see, e.g., Kostelny et al., J Immunol., 148(5):1547-1553 (1992)), using "diabody" technology to produce bispecific antibody fragments (see, e.g., Hollinger et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:6444-6448 (1993)), and using single-chain Fv (sFv) dimers (see, e.g., Gruber et al., J. Immunol., 152:5368 (1994)), and trispecific antibodies can be made, e.g., as described in Tutt et al. J Immunol. 147:60 (1991).

[0199] Bispecific and multispecific molecules of the invention can also be produced using chemical techniques (see, e.g., Kranz (1981) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 78:5807), "polydoma" technology (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,474,893), or recombinant DNA technology. Additionally, bispecific and multispecific molecules of the presently disclosed subject matter may be produced by conjugating constituent binding specificities, e.g., a first epitope and a second epitope binding specificity, by methods known in the art and described herein. For example, but not limited to, each binding specificity of the bispecific and multispecific molecule may be produced together or separately and then conjugated to each other by recombinant fusion protein technology. When the binding specificities are proteins or peptides, covalent conjugation can be performed using a variety of coupling or cross-linking agents. Non-limiting examples of cross-linking agents include protein A, carbodiimide, N-succinimidyl-S-acetyl-thioacetate (SATA), N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithio)propionate (SPDP), and sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (sulfo-SMCC) (see, e.g., Karpovsky (1984) J. Exp. Med. 160:1686; Liu (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 82:8648). Other methods include those described by Paulus (Behring Ins. Mitt. (1985) No. 78,118-132; Brennan (1985) Science 229:81-83); Glennie (1987) J Immunol. 139:2367-2375). When the binding specificities are antibodies (e.g., two humanized antibodies), they may be conjugated via sulfhydryl bonds in the C-terminal hinge regions of the two heavy chains. In some embodiments, prior to conjugation, the hinge region may be modified to contain an odd number of sulfhydryl residues (e.g., one).

[0200] In some embodiments, the two binding specificities of a bispecific antibody may be encoded in the same vector and expressed and assembled in the same host cell. The method is particularly useful when the bispecific and multispecific molecules are MAb x MAb, MAb x Fab, Fab x F(ab')2 or Ligand x Fab fusion proteins. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibodies of the invention may be single chain molecules, e.g., single chain bispecific antibodies, single chain bispecific molecules comprising one single chain antibody and a binding determinant cluster, or single chain bispecific molecules comprising two binding determinant clusters. Bispecific and multispecific molecules may be single chain molecules or may comprise at least two single chain molecules. Methods for producing bispecific and multispecific molecules are described, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 5,260,203, U.S. Patent No. 5,455,030, U.S. Patent No. 4,881,175, U.S. Patent No. 5,132,405, U.S. Patent No. 5,091,513, U.S. Patent No. 5,476,786, U.S. Patent No. 5,013,653, U.S. Patent No. 5,258,498, and U.S. Patent No. 5,482,858. This specification further includes engineered antibodies having three or more functional antigen binding sites (e.g., epitope binding sites), including "octopus antibodies" (see, e.g., US 2006 / 0025576 A1).

[0201] In some embodiments, an animal system can be used to produce the antibodies or antibody derivatives of the invention. The animal system for producing hybridomas is the murine system.

[0202] In the mouse, the production of hybridomas is a well-established procedure. Immunization protocols and techniques for isolating immunized splenocytes for fusion are known in the art. Fusion partners (e.g., mouse myeloma cells) and fusion procedures are also known (see, e.g., Harlow and Lane (1988), Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor New York).

[0203] 2.10 Assay The antibodies and antibody derivatives of the present invention according to the present invention can be identified, screened or characterized for their physical / chemical properties and / or biological activity by a number of assays known in the art and according to the present invention.

[0204] In some embodiments, the antigen-binding activity of the antibody or antibody derivative of the invention can be tested by known methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay (RIA) or Western blot assay). Each of these assays detects the presence of a protein-antibody complex of particular interest, usually by a labeled reagent (e.g., an antibody) with specificity for the complex of interest. For example, an antibody or antibody derivative can be detected by an enzyme-linked antibody or antibody fragment that recognizes and specifically binds to the antibody or antibody derivative. Alternatively, the antibody or antibody derivative can be detected by any one of several other immunoassays. For example, the antibody or antibody derivative can be radiolabeled and used in a radioimmunoassay (RIA) (see, e.g., Weintraub, B., Principles of Radioimmunoassays, Seventh Training Course on Radioligand Assay Techniques, The Endocrine Society, March 1986, which is incorporated herein by reference). For example, radioisotopes can be detected by means such as a Geiger counter or a scintillation counter or by autoradiography.

[0205] In some embodiments, competitive assays may be used to identify antibodies or antibody derivatives that compete with the antibodies of the invention for binding to OX40. In some embodiments, such competing antibodies bind to the same epitope (e.g., linear or conformational epitope) that the antibodies disclosed herein bind. Detailed exemplary methods for locating epitopes that bind antibodies are provided in Morris (1996) "Epitope Mapping Protocols," Methods in Molecular Biology, vol. 66 (Humana Press, Totowa, NJ).

[0206] In a non-limiting example of a competitive assay, immobilized OX40 can be incubated in a solution containing a first labeled antibody or antibody derivative that binds to OX40 and a second unlabeled antibody, and the ability of the second unlabeled antibody to compete with the first antibody for binding to OX40 can be tested. The second antibody can be present in hybridoma supernatant. As a control, immobilized OX40 is incubated in a solution containing the first labeled antibody but not the second unlabeled antibody. After incubation under conditions that allow binding of the first antibody to OX40, excess unbound antibody is removed and the amount of label associated with immobilized OX40 is measured. A significant decrease in the amount of label associated with immobilized OX40 in the test sample compared to the control sample indicates that the second antibody competes with the first antibody for binding to OX40. See Harlow and Lane (1988) Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual ch.14 (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY).

[0207] The present invention provides assays for identifying antibodies or antibody derivatives thereof that have biological activity. The biological activity may include, for example, immune cell or immune activation reporter genes (e.g., NFAT reporter genes or NF-κB reporter genes). Antibodies that have such biological activity in vivo and / or in vivo are further provided.

[0208] 2.11 Immune complexes The present subject matter further provides immunoconjugates, which include an antibody or antibody derivative disclosed herein conjugated to one or more detection probes and / or a cytotoxic agent (e.g., a chemotherapeutic agent or drug, a growth inhibitory agent, a toxin (e.g., a protein toxin, an enzymatically active toxin of bacterial, fungal, plant or animal origin, or fragments thereof)), or a radioisotope. For example, an antibody or antigen-binding portion of the disclosed subject matter may be operatively linked (e.g., by chemical coupling, genetic fusion, non-covalent association or other modes) to one or more other binding molecules, e.g., another antibody, an antibody fragment, a peptide, or a binding mimetic.

[0209] In some embodiments, the immunoconjugate is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), in which the antibody is conjugated to one or more drugs, such as maytansinoids (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,208,020 and 5,416,064 and European Patent EP 1 266 636). 5,770,701, 5,770,710, 5,773,001, and 5,877,296; Hinman et al., Cancer Res. 53:3336-3342 (1993); and Lode et al., Cancer Res. 58:2925-2928 (1998). (1998)), anthracyclines such as daunomycin or doxorubicin) (Kratz et al., Current Med Chem. 13:477-523 (2006); Jeffrey et al., Bioorganic & Med. Chem. Letters 16:358- 362 (2006); Torgov et al., Bioconj. Chem. 16:717-721 (2005); Nagy et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 97:829-834 (2000); Dubowchik et al., Bioorg. & Med. Chem. Letters 12:1529-1532 (2002); King et al., J Med. Chem. 45:4336-4343 (2002), and U.S. Patent No. 6,630,579), methotrexate, vindesine, taxanes such as docetaxel, paclitaxel, larotaxel, tesetaxel, and ortaxel, trichothecenes, and CC1065.

[0210] In some embodiments, an immunoconjugate comprises an antibody described herein conjugated to an enzymatically active toxin or fragment thereof, including, but not limited to, diphtheria A chain, nonbinding active fragments of diphtheria toxin, exotoxin A chain (from Pseudomonas aeruginosa), ricin A chain, abrin A chain, modeccin A chain, α-swellin, abrin, dianthin, Phytolaca americana (PAPI, PAPII, and PAP-S), momordica charantia inhibitor, jatrosin, crotin, sapaonaria officinalis inhibitor, gelonin, mitogellin, restrictocin, phenomycin, enomycin, and the trichothecenes.

[0211] In some embodiments, the immunoconjugate comprises an antibody as described herein conjugated to a radioactive atom to form a radioconjugate. Multiple radioisotopes may be used in the production of radioconjugates. Non-limiting examples include At 211 , I 131 , I 125 , Y 90 , Re 186 , Re 188 , Sm 153 , Bi 212 , P 32 , Pb 212 and radioactive isotopes of Lu. When a radioactive conjugate is used for detection, it may include radioactive atoms used in scintillation studies, such as tc99m or 1123, or spin labels used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging (also called magnetic resonance imaging, MRI), such as iodine-123, iodine-131, indium-11, fluorine-19, carbon-13, nitrogen-15, oxygen-17, gadolinium, manganese, or iron.

[0212] A variety of bifunctional protein coupling agents (e.g., N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridinedimercapto)propionate (SPDP), succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)cyclohexane-1-carboxylate (SMCC), iminosulfan (IT), bifunctional derivatives of imidoesters (e.g., dimethyladipimidate HCl), active esters (e.g., disuccinimidyl suberate), aldehydes (e.g., glutaraldehyde), disazo compounds (e.g., bis(p-azidobenzoyl)hexanediamine), double nitrogen derivatives (e.g., bis-(p-diazobenzoyl)-ethylenediamine), diisocyanates (e.g., tolylene 2,6-diisocyanate), and bis-active fluorine compounds (e.g., 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene)) can be used to prepare conjugates of antibodies and cytotoxic agents. For example, ricin immunotoxins can be prepared as described in Vitetta et al., Science 238:1098 (1987). Carbon-4-labeled l-isothiocyanatobenzyl-3-methyldiethylenetriamine-pentaacetic acid (MX-DTPA) is an exemplary chelating agent for conjugating radionucleotides to antibodies. See WO 94 / 11026. The linker may be a "cleavable linker" that facilitates the release of the cytotoxic drug in cells. For example, acid-labile linkers, peptidase-sensitive linkers, photolabile linkers, dimethyl linkers, or disulfide-containing linkers can be used (Chari et al., Cancer Res. 52:127-1 31 (1992), U.S. Patent No. 5,208,020).

[0213] Immunoconjugates or ADCs herein expressly cover such conjugates prepared using crosslinkers, including, but not limited to, commercially available BMPS, EMCS, GMBS, HBVS, LC-SMCC, MBS, MPBH, SBAP, SIA, SIAB, SMCC, SMPB, SMPH, sulfo-EMCS, sulfo-GMBS, sulfo-KMUS, sulfo-MBS, sulfo-SIAB, sulfo-SMCC, sulfo-SMPB, and SVSB (succinimidyl-(4-vinylsulfone)benzoate) (e.g., from Pierce Biotechnology, Inc., Rockford, Ill., USA).

[0214] 2.12 Antigen Recognition Receptor The subject matter of the present invention further provides an antigen-recognizing receptor comprising the antibody or antibody fragment disclosed herein.Antigen-recognizing receptors are receptors that are activated in response to their binding to an antigen and can stimulate or inhibit an immunoresponsive cell (e.g., a T cell).Non-limiting examples of antigen-recognizing receptors include natural and recombinant T cell receptors ("TCRs"), chimeric costimulatory receptors (CCRs), chimeric antigen receptors ("CARs") or inhibitory CARs (iCARs). The design and use of antigen-recognizing receptors are well known in the art and have been described in the literature, for example, International Publication Nos. WO 2018 / 027155, WO 2019 / 099483, WO 2019 / 157454, WO 2019 / 133969, WO 2019 / 099993, WO 2015 / 142314, WO 2018 / 027197, and WO 2014055668.

[0215] In some embodiments, the subject matter provides chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) comprising the antibodies, antibody fragments, or multispecific antibodies disclosed herein. CARs are engineered receptors that can graft or confer a desired specificity onto immune effector cells. In some embodiments, CARs can be used to graft the specificity of a monoclonal antibody onto T cells, facilitating the transfer of its coding sequence via a vector. In some embodiments, the CAR is a "first generation" CAR, which is typically composed of an extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv or VHH) fused to a transmembrane domain, which is fused to a cytoplasmic / intracellular signaling domain. "First generation" CARs provide de novo antigen recognition regardless of HLA-mediated antigen presentation and can trigger activation of immune responsive cells (e.g., CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) via their CD3z chain signaling domain in a single fusion molecule. In some embodiments, the CAR is a "second generation" CAR, which further comprises intracellular signaling domains from various costimulatory molecules (e.g., CD28, 4-1BB, ICOS, OX40, CD27, CD40 / My88, and NKGD2) to the cytoplasmic tail region of the CAR to provide additional signals to the immunoresponsive cell, thereby "second generation" CARs include those that provide both costimulation (e.g., CD28 or 4-1BB) and activation (CD3z). In some embodiments, the CAR is a "third generation" CAR, which comprises multiple costimulatory domains (e.g., CD28 and 4-1BB) and activation (CD3z). In some embodiments, the CAR is a second generation CAR. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain that binds an antigen, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain, where the intracellular signaling domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the CAR further comprises a hinge / spacing region between the extracellular antigen binding domain and the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises an antibody, antibody fragment, or multispecific antibody disclosed herein.In some embodiments, the antibody, antibody fragment, or multispecific antibody comprises a VHH, Fab, or scFv. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises a multispecific antibody disclosed herein.

[0216] In some embodiments, the subject invention provides a recombinant TCR comprising an antibody or antibody fragment disclosed herein. A native TCR is a protein complex comprising a heterodimeric protein linked by disulfide bonds, the heterodimeric protein being composed of two variable chains expressed as part of a complex with a CD3 chain molecule. A native TCR is present on the surface of a T cell and is responsible for recognizing antigens as peptides that bind to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. In some embodiments, a native TCR comprises an α chain and a β chain (encoded by the TRA and TRB genes, respectively). In some embodiments, a TCR comprises a γ chain and a δ chain (encoded by the TRG and TRD genes, respectively). Each of the α, β, γ and δ chains comprises two extracellular domains, a variable (V) region and a constant (C) region. The constant region is close to the cell membrane and is followed by a transmembrane region and a short cytoplasmic tail region. The variable region binds to the peptide / MHC complex. Each variable region comprises three complementarity determining regions (CDRs). In some embodiments, the TCR comprises a receptor complex with CD3δ, CD3γ, CD3ε and CD3ζ. A T cell expressing the TCR complex is activated when the TCR complex binds to its antigen and MHC (peptide / MHC).

[0217] In some embodiments, the recombinant TCR is a non-naturally occurring TCR. In some embodiments, the recombinant TCR comprises a recombinant alpha chain and / or a recombinant b chain, where a portion or the entire variable region of the recombinant alpha chain and / or the recombinant b chain is replaced with an antibody or antibody fragment disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment comprises a VHH, VH, VL, Fab or scFv. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody fragment comprises a VHH. In some embodiments, the recombinant TCR binds to an antigen of interest in an MHC / HLA-independent manner. In some non-limiting embodiments, antigen binding can activate an immunoresponsive cell comprising the recombinant TCR.

[0218] The present subject matter provides an immunoresponsive cell, which comprises (a) an antigen-recognizing receptor (e.g., CAR or TCR) disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor can activate the immunoresponsive cell. The immunoresponsive cell of the present subject matter can be a cell of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system, including B, T, and natural killer (NK) cells, provides for the production of antibodies, regulation of the cellular immune system, detection of foreign agents in the blood, detection of cells foreign to the host, and the like. Non-limiting examples of immunoresponsive cells of the lymphatic system include T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, embryonic stem cells, and pluripotent stem cells (e.g., from which lymphocytes can be differentiated). T cells can be lymphocytes that mature in the thymus and are primarily responsible for cell-mediated immunity. T cells are involved in the adaptive immune system. The T cells of the subject invention may be any type of T cell, including, but not limited to, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, memory T cells (including central memory T cells, stem-cell-like memory T cells / stem-like memory T cells) and two types of effector memory T cells, such as TEM cells and TEMRA cells, regulatory T cells (also called inhibitory T cells), natural killer T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells and gd T cells. Cytotoxic T cells (CTL or killer T cells) are a subset of T lymphocytes that can induce the death of infected somatic or tumor cells. The patient's own T cells can be genetically modified to target specific antigens by introducing an antigen recognition receptor (e.g., CAR or TCR). In some embodiments, the immunoresponsive cells are T cells. The T cells may be CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells. In some embodiments, the T cells are CD4+ T cells. In some embodiments, the T cells are CD8+ T cells. Natural killer (NK) cells may be lymphocytes that are part of cell-mediated immunity and function during the innate immune response. NK cells do not need to be pre-activated to exert a cytotoxic effect on target cells.The types of human lymphocytes that are the subject of the present invention include, but are not limited to, peripheral donor lymphocytes, as described, for example, in Sadelain, M., et al. 2003 Nat Rev Cancer 3:35-45 (disclosing peripheral donor lymphocytes genetically modified to express CARs), Morgan, RA, et al. 2006 Science 314:126-129 (disclosing peripheral donor lymphocytes genetically modified to express full-length tumor antigen-recognizing T cell receptor complexes including a and b heterodimers), Panelli, MC, et al. 2000 J Immunol 164:495-504, Panelli, MC, et al. 2000 J Immunol 164:4382-4392 (disclosing lymphocyte cultures derived from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in tumor biopsies), and Dupont, J., et al. 2005 Cancer Res. 65:5417-5427; Papanicolaou, GA, et al. 2003 Blood 102:2498-2505 (disclosing the use of artificial antigen presenting cells (AAPC) or pulsed dendritic cells selective in vitro expanded antigen-specific peripheral blood leukocytes). In some embodiments, the immunoresponsive cells (e.g., T cells) may be autologous, non-autologous (e.g., allogeneic), or derived in vitro from engineered progenitor or stem cells.

[0219] 3. How to use The present subject matter further provides methods of using the disclosed antibodies and antibody derivatives. In some embodiments, these methods relate to therapeutic uses of the antibodies or antibody derivatives of the invention. In some embodiments, these methods relate to diagnostic uses of the antibodies or antibody derivatives of the invention.

[0220] 3.1 Treatment method The present invention provides methods and uses of the antibodies or antibody derivatives disclosed herein for treating diseases and disorders or enhancing immune responses. In some embodiments, the antibodies, antibody derivatives or drug compositions comprising the antibodies, antibody derivatives disclosed herein can be administered to a subject (e.g., a mammal (e.g., a human)) to treat diseases and disorders or enhance immune responses. In some embodiments, these diseases and disorders involve immune checkpoint inhibition and / or aberrant OX40 activity. In some embodiments, diseases and disorders treatable by the antibodies or antibody derivatives disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, tumors (e.g., cancer).

[0221] In some embodiments, the present invention provides an antibody or antibody derivative (or a fragment thereof) described herein for use in the manufacture of a medicament. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an antibody or antibody derivative (or a fragment thereof) described herein for use in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an antibody or antibody derivative (or a fragment thereof) described herein for use in the treatment of cancer in a subject. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antibody derivative (or a fragment thereof) according to the present invention for use in the treatment of cancer in a subject. In some embodiments, the cancer may be blood cancer (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma), ovarian cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, brain cancer, colon cancer, intestinal cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, gastric tumor, glioblastoma, laryngeal cancer, melanoma, neuroblastoma, adenocarcinoma, glioma, soft tissue sarcoma, and miscellaneous cancers (including prostate cancer and small cell lung cancer). The applicable cancers further include any known cancer in the field of oncology, including astrocytoma, fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma, medulloblastoma, primary neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), chondrosarcoma, osteogenic sarcoma, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, small and large cell lung adenocarcinoma, chordoma, angiosarcoma, endothelial sarcoma, squamous cell carcinoma, bronchioloalveolar carcinoma, epithelial adenocarcinoma and their liver metastases, lymphangiosarcoma, lymphangioendothelial sarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, synovium, mesothelioma, Ewing's tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, colon carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, sweat adenoma, papillary carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, bone marrow carcinoma, , bronchogenic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, choriocarcinoma, seminoma, embryonal carcinoma, Wilms' tumor, medulloblastoma, medullopharyngioma, ependymoma, pineal tumor, hemangioblastoma, acoustic neuroma, oligodendroglioma, meningioma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, breast tumors (e.g., ductal and lobular adenocarcinoma), cervical squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, uterine epithelial and ovarian epithelial carcinoma, prostate cancer, transitional squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder, B and T lymphoma (nodular and dispersed), plasmacytoma, acute and chronic leukemia, malignant melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma.

[0222] In some embodiments, the cancer may be melanoma, NSCLC, head and neck cancer, urothelial cancer, breast cancer (e.g., triple-negative breast cancer, TNBC), gastric cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), non-Hodgkin lymphoma primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (NHL PMBCL), mesothelioma, ovarian cancer, lung cancer (e.g., small cell lung cancer), esophageal cancer, nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), biliary tract cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, or thyroid cancer.

[0223] In some embodiments, the subject to be treated is a mammal (e.g., a human, a non-primate, a rat, a mouse, a cow, a horse, a pig, a sheep, a goat, a dog, a cat, etc.). In some embodiments, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, the subject is suspected of having cancer, is at risk of having cancer, or has been diagnosed with cancer or any other disease with aberrant OX40 expression or activity.

[0224] Methods for diagnosing many cancers or any other diseases that show abnormal OX40 activity and the clinical description of these diseases are known in the art. Such methods include, but are not limited to, for example, immunohistochemistry, PCR, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Other details regarding methods for diagnosing abnormal OX40 activity or expression are described, for example, in Gupta et al. (2009) Mod Pathol. 22(1):128-133, Lopez-Rios et al. (2013) J Clin Pathol. 66(5):381-385, Ellison et al. (2013) J Clin Pathol 66(2):79-89, and Guha et al. (2013) PLoS ONE 8(6):e67782.

[0225] It may be administered by any suitable route, including, for example, intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously. In some embodiments, an antibody or antibody derivative (or fragment thereof) and / or composition according to the present invention may be administered in combination with a second, third, or fourth agent (including, for example, an anti-tumor agent, a growth inhibitory agent, a cytotoxic agent, or a chemotherapeutic agent) to treat a disease or disorder associated with aberrant OX40 activity. Such agents include, for example, docetaxel, gefitinib, FOLFIRI (irinotecan, 5-fluorouracil, and folinic acid), irinotecan, cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel, bevacizumab (anti-VEGF antibody), FOLFOX-4, infused fluorouracil, folinic acid and oxaliplatin, alfaltinib, gemcitabine, capecitabine, pemetrexed, tecartinib, everolimus, CpG-ODN, rapamycin, lenalidomide, belofinil, endostatin, lapatinib, PX-866, Imprime PGG, and irinotinib. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative (or fragment thereof) is conjugated to another agent.

[0226] In some embodiments, an antibody or antibody derivative (or fragment thereof) and / or composition provided herein is administered in combination with one or more other therapies (e.g., radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and / or targeted therapy). In some embodiments, an antibody, antibody derivative (or fragment thereof) and / or composition provided herein is administered in combination with radiation therapy. In some embodiments, an antibody, antibody derivative (or fragment thereof) and / or composition provided herein is used to treat a tumor or cancer as disclosed herein in combination with radiation therapy.

[0227] Depending on the indication to be treated and factors related to administration known to those of skill in the art, the antibody or antibody derivative according to the present invention is administered in a dose effective to treat the indication while minimizing toxicity and side effects. In the treatment of cancer, a typical dose may be, for example, in the range of 0.001 to 1000 μg, however, doses lower or higher than the exemplary range are within the scope of the present invention. The daily dose may be about 0.1 μg / kg to about 100 mg / kg of total body weight, about 0.1 μg / kg to about 100 μg / kg of total body weight, or about 1 μg / kg to about 100 μg / kg of total body weight. As mentioned above, the therapeutic or prophylactic effect can be monitored by periodically evaluating the treated patient. For repeated administration over several days or more, depending on the symptoms, treatment is repeated until the desired inhibition of disease symptoms occurs. However, other dosage regimes may be useful and are within the scope of the present invention. The desired dose may be delivered by administration of a single bolus of the composition, multiple boluses of the composition, or continuous infusion of the composition.

[0228] The drug composition comprising the antibody or antibody derivative disclosed herein may be administered once, twice, three or four times a day. The composition may be administered less frequently than daily, for example, six times a week, five times a week, four times a week, three times a week, two times a week, once a week, once every two weeks, once every three weeks, once a month, once every two months, once every three months, or once every six months. The composition may be administered in a sustained release formulation, for example, in an implant, which gradually releases the composition for use over a period of time and allows the composition to be administered less frequently, for example, once a month, once every 2-6 months, once a year, or even once. A sustained release device (e.g., pellets, nanoparticles, microparticles, nanospheres, microspheres, etc.) may be administered by injection or surgical implantation at various locations.

[0229] Cancer treatment may be evaluated, for example, but not limited to, by tumor regression, tumor weight or size reduction, time to progression, survival time, progression-free survival, overall response rate, duration of response, quality of life, protein expression and / or activity. Methods for determining efficacy of treatment can be used, including, for example, measuring response by radiological imaging.

[0230] In some embodiments, the therapeutic effect is measured as percent tumor growth inhibition (% TGI) and is calculated using the equation 100-(T / C x 100), where T is the mean relative tumor volume of treated tumors and C is the mean relative tumor volume of untreated tumors. In some embodiments, the % TGI is about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%), about 94%), about 95%, or greater than 95%.

[0231] 3.2 Diagnostic and imaging methods Labeled antibodies or antibody derivatives may be used diagnostically to detect, diagnose or monitor diseases and / or disorders associated with OX40 expression, aberrant expression and / or activity. For example, antibodies and antibody derivatives according to the present disclosure may be used in in situ, in vivo, ex vivo and in vitro diagnostic or imaging assays. Methods for detecting OX40 polypeptide expression include (a) measuring expression of the polypeptide in cells (e.g., tissues) or body fluids of an individual using one or more antibodies or antibody derivatives, and (b) comparing the gene expression level to a standard gene expression level, where an increase or decrease in the measured gene expression level compared to the standard expression level indicates aberrant expression.

[0232] Another embodiment according to the invention includes a method for diagnosing a disease or disorder involving expression or abnormal expression of OX40 in an animal (e.g., a mammal, such as a human). The method includes detection of OX40 molecules in a mammal. In some embodiments, the diagnosis includes (a) administering an effective amount of a labeled antibody or antibody derivative to the mammal, (b) waiting a period of time after administration to allow the labeled antibody or antibody derivative to preferentially concentrate at sites expressing OX40 in the subject (and remove unbound labeled molecules to background levels), (c) determining a background level, and (d) detecting the labeled molecule in the subject, such that detection of the labeled molecule above background level indicates that the subject suffers from a particular disease or disorder involving expression or abnormal expression of OX40. The background level may be determined in different ways, and these methods include comparing the amount of detected labeled molecule with a standard value previously determined for one specific system.

[0233] The antibodies and antibody derivatives herein may be used to measure protein levels in biological samples using classical immunohistological methods well known to those of skill in the art (see, e.g., Jalkanen, et al., J. Cell. Biol. 101:976-985 (1985); Jalkanen, et al., J. Cell. Biol. 105:3087-3096 (1987)). Other antibody-based methods useful for detecting protein gene expression include immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and radioimmunoassays (RIAs). Suitable antibody assay labels are known in the art and include enzyme labels (e.g., glucose oxidase), radioisotopes, such as iodine ( 131 I, 125 I, 123 I, 121 I), Carbon ( 14 C), sulfur ( 35 S), tritium ( 3 H), Indium ( 115m In, 113mIn, 112 In, 111 In), and technetium ( 99 Tc, 99m Tc), thallium ( 201 Ti), Gallium ( 68 Ga, 67 Ga), palladium ( 103 Pd), Molybdenum ( 99 Mo), Xenon ( 133 Xe), fluorine ( 18 F), 153 Sm, 177 Lu, 159 Gd, 149 Pm, 140 La, 175 Yb, 166 Ho, 90 Y, 47 Sc, 186 Re, 188 Re, 142 Pr, 105 Rh, 97 These include Ru, luminol, and fluorescent labels (eg, fluorescein, rhodamine, and biotin).

[0234] Techniques known in the art can be applied to labeling antibodies (or fragments thereof) according to the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, the use of bifunctional conjugates (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 5,756,065, 5,714,631, 5,696,239, 5,652,361, 5,505,931, 5,489,425, 5,435,990, 5,428,139, 5,342,604, 5,274,119, 4,994,560, and 5,808,003).

[0235] Alternatively, or additionally, the level of a nucleic acid or mRNA encoding an OX40 polypeptide in a cell can be measured, for example, by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH, see WO 98 / 45479, disclosed October 1998), DNA blotting, RNA blotting or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, such as real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR), using a nucleic acid-based probe corresponding to a nucleic acid encoding OX40 or its complementary sequence. Overexpression of OX40 can also be studied by measuring shed antigen in biological fluids (e.g., serum), for example, using antibody-based assays (see, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,933,294, published June 12, 1990; WO 91 / 05264, published April 18, 1991; U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,638, published March 28, 1995; and Sias et al., J. Immunol. Methods 132:73-80 (1990)). In addition to the above assays, those skilled in the art can obtain various in vivo and ex vivo assays. For example, cells in a mammalian body can be exposed to an antibody, which is optionally labeled with a detectable label (e.g., a radioisotope), and the binding of the antibody to the cells can be evaluated, for example, by radioactive external scanning or by analyzing a sample (e.g., a biopsy or other biological sample) taken from a mammal previously exposed to the antibody.

[0236] 4. Drug Formulations The present subject matter further provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an antibody or antibody derivative disclosed herein and a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier agent. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition may comprise a combination of multiple (e.g., two or more) antibodies and / or antibody derivatives of the present subject matter.

[0237] In some embodiments, the disclosed drug formulations may be prepared by combining an antibody or antibody derivative having a desired purity with any one or more pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier agents (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed (1980)) and may take the form of a lyophilized formulation or an aqueous solution. For example, lyophilized antibody formulations are described, but are not limited to, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,958. In some embodiments, aqueous antibody formulations may include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,171,586 and WO 2006 / 044908, the latter formulations including histidine-acetate buffers. In some embodiments, the antibody or antibody derivative may have a purity of greater than about 80%, greater than about 90%, greater than about 91%, greater than about 92%, greater than about 93%, greater than about 94%, greater than about 95%, greater than about 96%, greater than about 97%, greater than about 98%, greater than about 99%, greater than about 99.1%, greater than about 99.2%, greater than about 99.3%, greater than about 99.4%, greater than about 99.5%, greater than about 99.6%, greater than about 99.7%, greater than about 99.8%, or greater than about 99.9%.

[0238] Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier agents are typically nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include, but are not limited to, buffers (e.g., phosphates, citrates, and other organic acids), antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine acid, preservatives (e.g., octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride, hexamethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, phenethylammonium chloride, phenol, butanol or benzyl alcohol, alkylparabens (e.g., methyl or propylparaben), catechol, resorcinol, cyclohexanol, 3-pentanol, and m-cresol), low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues), and / or other suitable carriers. Proteins such as polypeptides, serum albumin, gelatin or immunoglobulins, hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine or lysine, monosaccharides, disaccharides and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose or dextrins, chelating agents such as EDTA, sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol, chloride counterions such as sodium, metal complexes (e.g., Zn-protein complexes), and / or non-ionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycol (PEG). Exemplary pharmacologic carrier agents herein further include mesenchymal drug dispersion agents, such as soluble neutral active hyaluronidase glycoproteins (sHASEGPs), e.g., human soluble PH-20 hyaluronidase glycoproteins, e.g., rHuPH20 (HYLENEX®, Baxter International, Inc.). Several exemplary sHASEGPs, including rHuPH20, and methods of use are described in US Patent Publications 2005 / 0260186 and 2006 / 0104968. In some embodiments, the sHASEGP is combined with one or more additional glycosaminoglycanases (e.g., chondroitinases).

[0239] The carrier agent may be suitable for intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, parenteral, spinal or epidermal administration (e.g., by injection or infusion). Depending on the route of administration, the active compound (e.g., an anti-OX40 antibody or a multispecific antibody disclosed herein) may be coated in a material to protect the compound from the effects of acids and other natural conditions that may inactivate the compound.

[0240] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be used in combination therapy, i.e., may be administered in combination with other drugs. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein may further comprise one or more active ingredients, which are essential for the particular indication being treated, e.g., have complementary activities and do not adversely affect each other. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical formulation may comprise a second active ingredient for treating the same disease being treated by the first therapeutic agent. Such active ingredients are present in appropriate combination in an amount effective for the desired purpose. For example, the formulations of the present invention may further comprise one or more active ingredients, which are essential for the particular indication being treated, preferably have complementary activities and do not adversely affect each other. For example, it may be desirable to further provide a second therapeutic agent for treating the same disease. Such active ingredients are present in appropriate combination in an amount effective for the desired purpose.

[0241] The compositions of the present invention may be administered in various ways known in the art. The route and / or mode of administration depends on the desired results. These active compounds may be prepared with a carrier that protects the compound from rapid release, for example, controlled release formulations, including implants, transdermal patches, and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers may be used, for example, ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid. Many methods for preparing such formulations are described, for example, in Sustained and Controlled Release Drug Delivery Systems, JR Robinson, ed, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1978. In some embodiments, the drug compositions are manufactured under the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

[0242] A sustained release formulation comprising the antibody or antibody derivative disclosed herein may be prepared. Suitable examples of sustained release formulations include semipermeable matrices comprising solid hydrophobic polymers of the antibody or antibody derivative, the matrices being in the form of shaped articles (e.g., films or microcapsules). In some embodiments, the active ingredient can be embedded in microcapsules, for example, prepared by coacervation techniques or interfacial polymerization, such as hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatin-microcapsules and poly(methyl methacrylate) microcapsules in colloidal drug delivery systems (e.g., liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nanoparticles and nanocapsules) or crude emulsions, respectively. Such techniques are disclosed in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980).

[0243] To administer the antibody or antibody derivative of the present invention by some administration routes, it may be necessary to coat the compound with or administer it with a material that prevents its inactivation. For example, the compound may be administered to a subject in a suitable carrier agent (e.g., liposome) or diluent. Pharmaceutically acceptable diluents include saline and aqueous buffer solutions. Liposomes include water-in-oil-in-water CGF emulsions and conventional liposomes (Strejan et al. (1984) J Neuroimmunol. 7:27).

[0244] Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions and sterile powders for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable solutions or dispersions. The substances used for such media and agents for pharmaceutical activity are well known in the art.

[0245] Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active compound, its use in the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention is contemplated. Supplementary active compounds may also be doped into the compositions.

[0246] Therapeutic compositions should usually be sterile, substantially isotonic, and stable under production and storage conditions. The compositions may be formulated as solutions, microemulsions, liposomes, or other ordered structures suitable for high drug concentration. The carrier may be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, ethanol, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, and liquid polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof. Proper fluidity may be maintained by the use of (for example) a coating (for example, lecithin), by the maintenance of a desired particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants. In many cases, it is preferred to include an isotonic agent in the composition, for example, sugar, polyol (for example, mannitol, sorbitol), or sodium chloride. Prolonged absorption of these injectable compositions can be achieved by including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, such as monostearate and gelatin.

[0247] Sterile injectable solutions may be prepared by doping a desired amount of one or more of the antibodies or antibody derivatives disclosed herein with a suitable solvent and one or more of the above-listed ingredients, if necessary, followed by sterilization microfiltration (e.g., filtration through a sterile filtration membrane). Typically, dispersions are prepared by doping the active compound into a sterile medium, which contains a basic dispersion medium and other desired ingredients from those listed above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying (lyophilization), which produce a powder of the active ingredient and any other desired ingredients from the previously sterile-filtered solution.

[0248] Therapeutic compositions can also be administered using medical devices known in the art. For example, therapeutic compositions of the present invention can be administered with needleless hypodermic injection devices, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,399,163, 5,383,851, 5,312,335, 5,064,413, 4,941,880, 4,790,824, or 4,596,556. Examples of implants and modules that can be used in the present invention include U.S. Patent No. 4,487,603, which discloses an implantable micro infusion pump for dispensing drugs at a controlled rate, U.S. Patent No. 4,486,194, which discloses a therapeutic device for administering drugs through the skin, U.S. Patent No. 4,447,233, which discloses a drug infusion pump for delivering drugs at precise infusion rates, U.S. Patent No. 4,447,224, which discloses a variable flow rate implantable infusion device for continuous drug delivery, U.S. Patent No. 4,439,196, which discloses an osmotic drug delivery system having multiple compartments, and U.S. Patent No. 4,475,196, which discloses an osmotic drug delivery system. Many such implants, delivery systems, and modules are known.

[0249] For therapeutic compositions, the formulations of the present invention include those suitable for oral, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), rectal, vaginal and / or parenteral administration. These formulations may conveniently be present in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any method known in the pharmaceutical art. The amount of antibody or antibody derivative that can be combined with a carrier material to produce a single dosage form varies depending on the subject being treated and the particular mode of administration. The amount of antibody or antibody derivative that can be combined with a carrier material to produce a single dosage form is usually that amount of the composition that produces a therapeutic effect. Usually, the amount is, in percentage, about 0.01% to about 99%, about 0.1% to about 70%, or about 1% to about 30% of active ingredient.

[0250] Dosage forms for topical or transdermal administration of the compositions of the present invention include powders, sprays, ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, solutions, patches and inhalants. The active compound may be mixed under sterile conditions with a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier and any preservatives, buffers or propellants which may be required.

[0251] The phrases "parenteral administration" and "administration by parenteral means" refer to modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and include, but are not limited to, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural, and intrasternal injection and infusion.

[0252] These pharmaceutical compositions may contain auxiliary agents, such as preservatives, wetting agents, emulsifying agents, and dispersing agents. Prevention of the presence of microorganisms can be ensured by sterilization procedures, as described above, and by the inclusion of various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, and the like. It may also be desirable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, sodium chloride, and the like, in these compositions. In addition, prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the inclusion of agents which delay absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

[0253] In some embodiments, when the antibodies or antibody derivatives of the present invention are administered to humans and animals as drugs, they can be administered alone or in combination with a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier agent as a drug composition, which contains, for example, about 0.01% to about 99.5% (or about 0.1% to about 90%) of the antibody or antibody derivative.

[0254] 5. Products The presently disclosed subject matter further provides articles of manufacture containing materials for use in the treatment, prevention and / or diagnosis of the above-mentioned disorders.

[0255] In some embodiments, the product includes a container and a label or packaging insert on or associated with the container. Non-limiting examples of suitable containers include bottles, vials, syringes, IV solution bags, and the like. The container may be formed of a variety of materials (e.g., glass or plastic). The container holds a composition that is effective for treating, preventing, and / or diagnosing a disease (by itself or in combination with another composition) and may have a sterile access port (e.g., the container may be an intravenous solution bag or a vial with a stopper that can be pierced by a hypodermic needle).

[0256] In some embodiments, at least one active agent in the composition is an antibody or antibody derivative of the invention. The label or packaging insert can indicate that the composition is used for treating a selected condition.

[0257] In some embodiments, the article of manufacture may include (a) a first container containing a composition comprising an antibody or antibody derivative of the invention, and (b) a second container containing a composition comprising another cytotoxic or therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the article of manufacture may further include a packaging insert indicating that the composition can be used to treat a particular condition.

[0258] Alternatively, or additionally, the article of manufacture may further comprise another container, e.g., a second or third container, which includes, but is not limited to, a pharma- ceutically acceptable buffer, such as, but not limited to, bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), phosphate buffered saline, Ringer's solution, and dextrose solution. The article of manufacture may include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, and syringes.

[0259] [Table 3] [Table 4] [Table 5] [Table 6] [Table 7] [Table 8] [Table 9] [Table 10] [Table 11] [Table 12] [Table 13] [Table 14] [Table 15] [Table 16] [Table 17] [Table 18] [Table 19] [Table 20]

[0260] The following examples are merely illustrative of the subject matter of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting in any manner. EXAMPLES

[0261] Example 1 Immunization, generation and recognition of anti-OX40 VHH antibodies Recombinant human OX40 extracellular domain (ECD) protein conjugated to His-label (OX40 ECD-His) or human IgG1-Fc (OX40-ECD-Fc) was produced in-house and used to immunize llamas according to standard procedures. Serum antibody titers were measured by ELISA and antibody titers were greater than 1:100,000 after four rounds of immunization (1 round OX40 ECD-His, 3 rounds OX40 ECD-Fc). Whole blood was then collected for PBMC isolation. Total RNA was extracted from purified PBMCs, reverse transcribed to generate cDNA, and amplified by PCR according to standard procedures. VHH antibody gene fragments were amplified by PCR, gel purified, subcloned into the phage pellicle vector pADL-23c (Antibody Design Labs#PD0111) and transformed into TG1-sensitive cells (Lucigen). Transformed TG1 cells were cultured in 2xYT medium and co-cultured overnight with auxiliary phages to produce phages displaying the targeted VHH. Phages in the culture supernatant were harvested by centrifugation and screened for three rounds using streptavidin-conjugated Dynabeads M280 (ThermoFisher #11205D), coated with biotinylated human OX40 ECD-Fc in the first round and with biotinylated human OX40 ECD-His in the second and third rounds. Bacteriophages displaying human OX40 binders were eluted and used to infect SS320 cells. Colonies were picked up and cultured in 2xYT medium containing IPTG to secrete VHH antibodies. Supernatants containing VHH antibodies were screened by ELISA using human OX40ECD-Fc or human OX40EC-His pre-coated plates. The top human OX40 binding proteins, including 5E10, were picked and sequenced, and their CDR and VHH sequences are as shown in the sequence listing (SEQ ID NO:1-5).

[0262] Llama VHH clone 5E10 was fused to human IgG1 Fc to form a chimeric bivalent antibody (c5E10) as shown in FIG. 1A and sequence listing. The protein was expressed in ExpiCHO cells and purified by Protein A affinity chromatography. The binding affinity of bivalent c5E10 to human and mouse OX40 was measured by ELISA. Briefly, human or mouse OX40 ECD fused to 1 μg / ml Fc was coated onto 96-well high binding plates and incubated overnight at 4° C. After sealing with 3% BSA in PBS, 5-fold serial dilutions of biotin-labeled c5E10 were added and incubated for 1 h at RT. After washing five times with PBS + 0.05% Tween® 20, bound c5E10 was detected by HRP-conjugated aviotin followed by TMB substrate. As shown in FIG. 1B, c5E10 bound to human OX40 in a dose-dependent manner, but not to mouse OX40.

[0263] OX40 ECD contains four cysteine-rich domains (CRDs), allowing its ligand binding, resulting in receptor aggregation and activation of downstream signals. Because c5E10 does not bind to mouse OX40, human-mouse OX40 chimeras were produced, in which each human OX40 CRD was replaced with its mouse OX40 counterpart, as shown in FIG. 1C, which was used to recognize the OX40 CRD domain to which c5E10 binds. Human OX40 ECD or human-mouse chimeric ECD was fused to human IgG1 Fc, and the fusion protein was purified by Protein A affinity chromatography. 1 μg / ml Fc-fused human OX40 ECD or human-mouse chimeric OX40 ECD was coated on a 96-well high-binding plate and incubated overnight at 4° C., and the binding of biotin-labeled OX40 antibody to these proteins was measured by ELISA as described above. Substitution of human CRD2 almost completely eliminated the binding of c5E10 to human OX40 (Figure 1D), indicating the binding of c5E10 to human OX40 CRD2. Anti-OX40 antibodies PF-8600 and MEDI0562 were used as controls. PF-8600 was synthesized internally according to the sequence disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,960,515. MEDI0562 was synthesized internally based on the sequence disclosed in U.S. Publication No. 2016 / 0137740A1. As shown in Figure 1D, the PF-8600 analog did not bind to the mD1 chimera, indicating that the PF-8600 analog bound to human OX40 CRD1, and the MEDI0562 analog showed a sharp decrease in binding to mD3, indicating that the MEDI0562 analog bound to human OX40 CRD3.

[0264] To compare the binding epitopes of c5E10, the PF-8600 analogs and the MEDI0562 analogs, Octet competitive binding assays were performed using anti-human IgGFc (AHC) biosensors loaded first with one antibody and then with the other antibody shown in Table 3. As shown in Table 3, c5E10 did not compete with the PF-8600 analogs or the MEDI0562 analogs, consistent with binding to different OX40 CRDs.

[0265] [Table 21]

[0266] Example 2. Humanization and affinity maturation of anti-OX40 VHH antibodies IgBlast analysis was performed using the llama 5E10 sequence to search for human lineage genes in the database. Humanization was achieved by grafting the CDRs of llama 5E10 into the best-matched human lineage IGHV3-23 and restoring the mutations V37F and W47F within framework 2, as the two Phe(F) are llama marker residues. For affinity maturation, NNK-based primers were designed to encode the highly variable CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3. A library containing site-saturation mutagenesis was produced using PCR assembly and cloned into the phagemid vector pADL-23c. Library DNA was transformed into TG1 cells, and clone sequences were inspected to ensure the quality of randomness. After two rounds of selection by incubation of unheated or heat-treated phages on beads coated with human OX40ECD-His, the eluted phages were used to infect SS330 cells, and colonies were picked and cultured in 2xYT medium containing IPTG. Binding of the VHH antibodies in the supernatant to human OX40 was measured by ELISA using human OX40 ECD-Fc or human OX40 ECD-His pre-coated plates. The first 15 clones and their CDR and VHH sequences are listed in the sequence listing (SEQ ID NO:6-80).

[0267] The bivalent antibodies of these 15 clones were generated by fusing VHH and human IgG1 Fc, expressed in ExpiCHO cells, and purified by Protein A affinity column. The binding affinity of the VHH-Fc bivalent antibodies to human or cynomolgus OX40 was evaluated by flow cytometry using human OX40-transfected Jurkat cells (human OX40 / Jurkat) (Figure 2A), human OX40-transfected CHO cells (human OX40 / CHO) (Figure 2B), and cynomolgus OX40-transfected CHO cells (cynomolgus OX40 / CHO) (Figure 2C). The antibodies with the indicated concentrations were incubated with cells on ice for 30 min in FACS buffer (3% FBS in PBS), and then the free antibodies were washed off with FACS buffer. Anti-human IgG Fc antibody (1:500) coupled to Alexa fluor488 (Alexa Fluor488 AffiniPure goat anti-human IgG, Fcg fragment specific, Jackson labs) was incubated with the cells for an additional 30 min on ice. After washing the cells to remove free antibody, FACS analysis was performed using CytoFlex (Beckman Coulter). Binding affinities were calculated using a GraphPad Prism three-parameter logistic equation. As shown in Figures 2A-2C, these clones bound to both human OX40-expressing cells and cynomolgus OX40-expressing cells.

[0268] Example 3. In vitro characterization of anti-OX40 antibodies An anti-OX40 tetravalent antibody was constructed in which the heavy and light chain variable regions of human IgG1 were replaced with the VHH sequences of clone 1B3 or clone 2B7, and a GS linker was inserted between the VHH and the CH1 or CL of IgG1. The structure of the tetravalent antibody is shown in Figure 3A. The tetravalent antibody was produced from instantaneously transfected ExpiCHO cells and purified by Protein A affinity column. The binding kinetics and affinity of 1B3 and 2B7 bivalent and tetravalent antibodies to human OX40 were measured by Octet binding assay using human OX40 ECD-Fc immobilized on a biosensor chip. The equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) of 1B3 and 2B7 bivalent and tetravalent antibodies were calculated (Table 4). Both the bivalent and tetravalent antibodies showed high binding affinity to human OX40.

[0269] [Table 22]

[0270] Using the above procedure, the binding affinity of the anti-OX40 antibodies was further evaluated by flow cytometry using human OX40 / Jurkat cells and human OX40 / CHO cells. As shown in Figure 4A and 4B, both the bivalent and tetravalent antibodies showed significantly higher binding affinity to Jurkat and CHO cells expressing human OX40. As shown in Figure 4C, the tetravalent antibody did not bind to non-transfected CHO cells, indicating specific interaction of the antibody with human OX40 expressed on the transfected cells. The cross-reactivity of the antibodies to cynomolgus OX40 was evaluated by FACS analysis using cynomolgus OX40 / CHO cells. Compared to human OX40, both the 1B3 and 2B7 antibodies bound to cynomolgus OX40 with similar affinity (Figure 4D).

[0271] The costimulatory activity of anti-OX40 antibodies (1B3-tetra and 2B7-tetra) was evaluated by stimulating human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBMCs) with Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B (SEB). For measurements without FcγRIIB cross-linking, human PBMCs were stimulated with 100ng / ml SEB (ToxinTechnology, cat.BT202red) and incubated with 1:5 gradient dilutions of 1B3-tetra or 2B7-tetra for 2 days at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator. For measurements with FcγRIIB binding cross-linking, 10,000 FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells were seeded overnight in a 96-well plate. The next day, human PBMCs were added and stimulated with 100ng / ml SEB for 2 days in the presence of 1B3-tetra or 2B7-tetra. IL-2 in the culture supernatant was quantified using a human IL-2 LANCE Ultra TR-FRET detection kit (PerkinElmer, cat.TRF1221). As shown in Figure 5A, when PBMCs were co-cultured with FcγRIIB / HEK293, IL-2 expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner by 1B3-tetra and 2B7-tetra. When not cross-linked by FcγRIIB, anti-OX40 antibodies cannot enhance the release of IL-2 in PBMCs activated by SEB (Figure 5B). The results indicated the clinical safety of 1B3-tetra and 2B7-tetra anti-OX40 antibodies, because anti-OX40 agonist antibodies that can activate OX40 signals without the need for cross-linking mediated by the inhibitory receptor FcγRIIB can activate OX40 signals in peripheral tissues where FcγRIIB expression is not high, thereby causing peripheral toxicity.

[0272] The agonistic effect of 2B7-tetra on T cell activation and proliferation was further studied and compared with two reference anti-OX40 antibodies. Reference 1 was synthesized in-house based on IBI-101, the sequence of which was disclosed in US20200140562A1. Reference 2 was synthesized in-house based on BG445-3, the sequence of which was disclosed in WO 2019223733A1. Purified T cells (0.1x10 6 T cells (100 / well) were stimulated with the indicated OX40 antibodies and anti-CD3 beads (ThermoFisherScientific, cat.11151D) (beads:T cells ratio = 1:1) for 3 days. IL-2 and IFNγ in the culture supernatant were measured using a human IL-2 and IFNγ (PerkinElmer, cat.TRF1217) LANCE Ultra TR-FRET detection kit. The ability of 2B7-tetra and the reference antibodies to costimulate T cells was confirmed by a concentration-dependent increase in IL-2 and IFNγ secretion when T cells were co-cultured with FcγRIIB / HEK293 (Figures 6A and 6C). In the absence of FcγRIIB / HEK293, these anti-OX40 antibodies were unable to enhance IL-2 or IFN-γ release in T cells from anti-CD3 stimulation (Figures 6B and 6D).

[0273] To evaluate the effect of anti-OX40 antibodies on T cell proliferation, purified T cells were co-cultured with mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 and stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and anti-OX40 antibodies for 5 days. Then, 20 μl of 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazole (MTS, Promega, cat. G3580) was added per well, and OD490 was measured after color development. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, 2B7-tetra and the reference antibody promoted T cell proliferation when cross-linked by FcγRIIB expressed on HEK293 (Figure 7A), and these antibodies were inactivated when FcγRIIB / HEK293 was not co-cultured with T cells (Figure 7B).

[0274] In addition to the MTS assay, T cells labeled with carboxyluciferin succinimide (CFSE) were co-cultured with mitomycin C-treated FcγRIIB / HEK293 and stimulated with anti-CD3 beads and anti-OX40 antibody for 5 days. Then, cells were stained with Sytox Red to distinguish live and dead cells before FACS analysis. Figure 7C shows the live cell population in the SytoxRed negative gate, where CFSE-negative cells are FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells, cells containing high CFSE are non-proliferating resting T cells, and cells containing diluted CFSE levels are proliferating T cells. The results showed that OX40 antibody promoted T cell proliferation, with an increase in CFSE-diluted proliferating T cells and a decrease in resting T cells. The percentage of proliferating T cells was further calculated using the following formula: proliferating T cells / (proliferating T cells+non-proliferating T cells)*100 and shown in Figure 7D. Results showed that 2B7-tetra and the reference antibody induced T cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, similar to that observed in the MTS assay.

[0275] Example 4. In vivo characterization of anti-OX40 antibodies in the MC38 colon tumor model The antitumor effect of anti-OX40 antibody was evaluated in the MC38 tumor model. Mouse MC38 colon tumor cells were subcutaneously implanted into human OX40 knock-in C57BL / 6 mice (Biocytogen, Boston, USA). The tumor size was approximately 60 mm. 3 At the time of reaching 100 mg / kg, mice were randomly divided into groups of 8 and intraperitoneally injected with 2B7-tetra twice a week for 3 weeks. Tumor volume (TV) was calculated by the following formula: V=0.5*(a*b 2 ), where a and b are the long and short diameters of the tumor, respectively. The tumor growth inhibition rate (TGI) was calculated by the following formula: TGI=[1-(T t -T0) / (C t -C0)] × 100%, where T0 and T t are the average TVs at time 0 and t in the antibody treatment group, and C0 and C tis the average TV at time 0 and time t in the vehicle group. 2B7 showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on MC38 tumor growth, and on the 15th day after treatment, 2B7 inhibited tumor growth by 19.5% at 1 mg / kg and 61.0% at 10 mg / kg, respectively (Figure 8A). The difference in mouse body weight between each group was very small (Figure 8B), and no toxicity phenomenon was observed during treatment.

[0276] To compare the antitumor activity of 2B7 with the above-mentioned Reference 1 and Reference 2, mice were further injected intraperitoneally with 3 mg / kg of each antibody twice a week for 3 weeks. As shown in Figure 8C, 2B7 showed a more effective antitumor effect than the two reference antibodies throughout the entire study. On the 17th day after treatment, the TGI of 2B7, Reference 1 and Reference 2 were 48.8%, 41.7% and 35.3%, respectively. Figure 8D shows the individual tumor volume over time in each group.

[0277] Example 5. In vivo characterization of anti-OX40 antibodies in the CT26 colon cancer model A CT26 colon cancer model was established in human OX40 knock-in BALB / c mice and used to analyze the antitumor activity of anti-OX40 antibody (Crownbio, Taicang, China). The size of CT26 tumors was approximately 65 mm 3 At the time of reaching 18 days after treatment, mice were randomly divided into groups of 8 mice each and treated with 2B7-tetra and reference 2 antibodies by intraperitoneal injection twice a week. As shown in Figure 9A, compared to the vehicle group, 2B7 showed a dose-dependent antitumor effect at 3 mg / kg and 10 mg / kg. At the same dose of 3 mg / kg, 2B7 showed a stronger antitumor effect than reference 2. Specifically, on the 18th day after treatment, the average tumor size in the vehicle control group was 2393.1 mm 3 The mean tumor volumes in the 3 mg / kg and 10 mg / kg 2B7-tetra groups were 1321.7 and 825.5 mm, respectively. 3 , which showed a TGI of 46.0% and 67.3%, respectively. The mean tumor volume and TGI on day 18 in mice receiving 3 mg / kg reference 2 was 1955.2 mm 3, 18.8%. Individual tumor volumes over time for each group are shown in Figure 9B. The average body weights of mice in the 2B7 and Reference 2 treatment groups were not significantly different from the vehicle group (Figure 9C), indicating that 2B7 and Reference 2 were well tolerated in this study.

[0278] Example 6. In vivo characterization of anti-OX40 antibodies in the Pan02 pancreatic tumor model Compared with MC38 and CT26 tumor models, the Pan02 pancreatic tumor model had significantly fewer effector T cells, inhibited infiltrating T cells, and was generally less sensitive to checkpoint inhibitors. The antitumor activity of 2B7-tetra alone or in combination with the murine PD1 antibody RMP1-14 was studied in the Pan02 tumor model. The Pan02 cell line was subcutaneously implanted into human OX40 knock-in C57BL / 6 mice (Crownbio, Taicang, China). The tumor size was 92.6 mm 3 At day 38, mice were randomly divided into groups of 10 and intraperitoneally administered 1 or 5 mg / kg 2B7 or 5 mg / kg reference 2 antibody once every 3 days. As shown in Figure 10A, 5 mg / kg 2B7 is statistically more effective than 5 mg / kg reference 2 (p=0.014). At day 38, the TGIs of 1 mg / kg 2B7, 5 mg / kg 2B7 and 5 mg / kg reference 2 are 64.7%, 78.1% and 55.5%, respectively.

[0279] Reports suggest that in some mouse models, sequential administration of anti-OX40 and anti-PD1 antibodies is more effective than single antibody therapy and simultaneous administration of anti-OX40 and anti-PD1 antibodies. To determine whether the sequence and timing of anti-OX40 and anti-PD1 combination therapy is important in the Pan02 tumor model, the study further included combination treatment groups in which: (1) mice were simultaneously treated with 2B7 5 mg / kg and RMP1-14 2 mg / kg every 3 days for a total of 12 doses; (2) mice were treated with 2B7 5 mg / kg on days 0, 3, 6, 18, 21, and 24 and RMP1-14 2 mg / kg on days 9, 12, 15, 27, 30, and 33; and (3) mice were treated with RMP1-14 2 mg / kg on days 0, 3, 6, 18, 21, and 24 and 2B7 5 mg / kg on days 9, 12, 15, 27, 30, and 33. As shown in Figure 10B, the anti-PD1 antibody RMP1-14 alone was ineffective in the Pan02 tumor model, with a TGI of 23.2% at day 38 for 2 mg / kg RMP1-14. Mice administered 2B7 followed by delayed administration of RMP1-14 showed superior antitumor activity compared to simultaneous treatment, and RMP1-14 administered first followed by delayed administration of 2B7 showed the least activity among the combination regimens (Figure 10B). At day 38, the TGIs for synchronous treatment, delayed 2B7 treatment combined with RMP1-14, and delayed RMP1-14 treatment combined with 2B7 were 68.0%, 30.4%, and 69.8%, respectively. Surprisingly, 5 mg / kg 2B7 alone showed a higher TGI (78.1%) than all combination regimens. There were no significant differences in body weight between the mice in these groups (Figure 10C). Individual tumor volumes over time for each treatment group are shown in Figure 10D.

[0280] Example 7. Generation and characterization of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies The above anti-OX40 antibodies and the anti-CTLA4 antibody ipilimumab were used to generate various anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies. For example, the anti-OX40 VHH clone 5E10 was fused to the N-terminus of ipilimumab heavy chain, light chain or both to generate c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi (Figure 11, first schematic from the left), c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi (Figure 11, second schematic from the left) and c5E10-Ipi-tetra (Figure 11, third schematic from the left). The protein sequences were listed in SEQ ID NO:141-154. c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi, c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi and c5E10-Ipi-tetra were produced from transfected ExpiCHO cells and purified by Protein A affinity column for further analysis.

[0281] The binding affinity of c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi, c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi and c5E10-Ipi-tetra antibodies to human OX40 and CTLA4 was evaluated by flow cytometry using human OX40 stabilized transfected Jurkat cells (human OX40 / Jurkat), CHO cells (human OX40 / CHO) and human CTLA4 stabilized transfected CHO cells (human CTLA4 / CHO). The antibodies were serially diluted and incubated with the transfected cells on ice for 30 min. The cells were washed with staining buffer (3% FBS / PBS) to remove free antibodies, stained with Alexa Fluor488-conjugated anti-human IgG Fc antibody and used for FACS analysis. As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, all forms of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies showed high binding affinity to human OX40 / Jurkat (Figure 12A) and human OX40 / CHO cells (Figure 12B), similar to that of the anti-OX40 monospecific antibody c5E10 (bivalent VHH-Fc). As shown in Figure 12C, all forms of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies showed high binding affinity to human CTLA4 / CHO cells, similar to that of ipimab.

[0282] Thus, the ability of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies to stimulate the OX40 signaling pathway was evaluated by a luciferase reporter gene assay measuring NF-kB-mediated luciferase reporter gene transcription. When reporter gene cells were co-cultured with parental CHO cells, c5E10-Ipi-tetra showed stronger stimulatory activity than c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi and c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi (Figure 13A), indicating that the anti-OX40 VHH in c5E10-Ipi-tetra can assemble OX40 into more active trimers to induce stimulatory signals compared to anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies with bivalent anti-OX40 VHH. Conversely, when reporter gene cells were cocultured with human CTLA4 / CHO cells, c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi, c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi and c5E10-Ipi-tetra were all able to stimulate OX40 signaling (Figure S4B), indicating that c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi and c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi enhanced their ability to cross-link and assemble OX40 into active trimers by binding to CTLA4 on CTLA4 / CHO cells.

[0283] Optimal T cell activation requires costimulatory signals provided by CD28 signaling. However, CTLA4 has stronger binding affinity to CD80 / CD86 than CD28, and thus could block CD28-mediated T cell activation through CD80 / CD86. Blocking the association of CTLA4 with CD80 / CD86 allowed the interaction of CD80 / CD86 with CD28 and enhanced T cell activation. A CTLA4 blocking reporter gene assay (Promega, cat. JA3001) was used to evaluate the ability of c5E10-Ipi-LCN-bi, c5E10-Ipi-HCN-bi and c5E10-Ipi-tetra to block CTLA4-mediated T cell inhibition. In this assay, Jurkat cells stably expressing human CTLA4 were used as effector cells and a luciferase reporter gene driven by the native promoter that is activated in response to TCR / CD28. 100,000 CTLA4 effector cells and 50,000 aAPC / Raji cells were co-cultured in the presence of antibodies for 16 hours at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator. Bio-Glo reagent was then added and incubated for 10 minutes in the dark at room temperature, after which luminescence was measured using a PerkinElmer EnSight multimode plate reader. As shown in Figure 14A, all forms of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies showed CTLA4 blocking activity, except for c5E10-bi (anti-OX40 bivalent VHH-Fc) which served as a negative control. As shown in Figure 14B, both bivalent and tetravalent anti-OX40 VHHs of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies showed CTLA4 blocking activity comparable to ipilimumab.

[0284] Binding of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies to target cells expressing human OX40 and / or CTLA4 may result in binding of the antibody Fc region and subsequent Fc receptor-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). The ADCC activity of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bivalent and tetravalent bispecific antibodies was analyzed using an ADCC reporter gene assay. In the assay, Jurkat cells stably expressing FcγRIIIa(V158)(CD16a) and a luciferase reporter gene driven by an NFAT-regulated promoter were used as effector cells, and human OX40 / CHO, human CTLA4 / CHO or parental CHO cells were used as target cells. 15,000 target cells and 75,000 effector cells were co-cultured in the presence of the indicated antibodies for 6 hours at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator. Luciferase expression / activity was quantified by adding Bright Glo reagent and measuring luminescence using a PerkinElmer EnSight multimode reader. As shown in Figure 15A, anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies and c5E10-bi induced strong ADCC signals on human OX40 / CHO cells, which express high levels of OX40, thereby allowing strong cross-linking of the Fc regions of these antibodies. As shown in Figure 15B, when effector cells were co-cultured with human CTLA4 / CHO cells, anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies showed a dose-dependent ADCC signal. Conversely, when effector cells were co-cultured with parental CHO cells, anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies did not induce an ADCC signal (Figure 15C).

[0285] Regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the tumor microenvironment expressed high levels of OX40 and CTLA4. To evaluate the ADCC activity of anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies against activated Tregs, human Tregs and CD4+CD25 effector cells (Teffs) were isolated using EasySep human CD4+CD127lowCD25+ regulatory T cell sorting kit (StemCell Technologies, cat.18063), and the isolated Tregs and CD4+Teffs were stimulated with Dynabeads human T activator CD3 / CD28 and cultured for 2 days at 37°C in a 5% CO2 incubator to facilitate T cell expansion and activation (ThermoFisher Scientific, cat.11132D). The expression of OX40 and CTLA4 in activated Tregs and CD4+Teffs was analyzed by FACS. Figure 16A shows FACS results from two representative donors, showing that more than 80% of activated Tregs and CD4+Teffs expressed OX40, and activated Tregs expressed higher levels of CTLA4 than activated CD4+Teffs. c5E10-control IgG-tetra was generated as a control antibody by replacing the anti-CTLA4 antibody in c5E10-Ipi-tetra with an anti-HER2 antibody. Activated Tregs and CD4+Teff cells were co-cultured with CD16a-expressing NK92 cells (effector cells) (E:T=5:1) in the presence of c5E10-Ipi-tetra or c5E10-control IgG-tetra for 4 hours, and the LDH released from dead cells was measured using a cytotoxicity detection kit (LDH) (Sigma, cat.11644793001). c5E10-Ipi-tetra showed superior Treg consumption ability to c5E10-control IgG-tetra, and both of these antibodies showed low ADCC activity against CD4+Teff cell activation (Figure 16B), indicating that c5E10-Ipi-tetra can consume activated Treg more selectively than the control bispecific antibody. Furthermore, c5E10-Ipi-tetra bispecific antibody had a significantly higher ability to consume activated Treg than ipilimumab, a CTLA4 monospecific antibody, as shown in Figure 16C.

[0286] Example 8. Generation and characterization of humanized anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies As shown in Figure 17A, the humanized and affinity matured clones 2B7 and 1B3 were used to generate humanized anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies. The protein sequences were listed in SEQ ID NO:155-162. The binding affinity of 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra to human OX40 and CTLA4 was evaluated by flow cytometry. As shown in Figure 17B, 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra did not show significant differences in expressing binding affinity to human OX40 Jurkat cells, and the binding of the two anti-OX40 / CTLA4 antibodies to human OX40 / Jurkat cells was similar to that of the anti-OX40 monospecific antibodies 1B3-tetra and 2B7-tetra. Ipilimumab was used as a negative control. The binding of 2B7-Ipi-tetra to human OX40 was further compared to the reference anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibody ATOR-1015, where the ATOR-1015 analog was internally synthesized according to the sequence disclosed in the international publication WO2018 / 202649A1. As shown in FIG. 17C, in the low concentration range, the ATOR-1015 analog showed significantly weaker binding to human OX40 / Jurkat than 2B7-Ipi-tetra. The binding of 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra to Jurkat expressing human CTLA4 was compared to ipilimumab and ATOR-1015 by flow cytometry. As shown in FIG. 17D, 2B7-Ipi-tetra, 1B3-Ipi-tetra and ATOR-1015 analog showed similar binding affinity to human CTLA4 / Jurkat. Ipilimumab was used as a positive control.

[0287] As described above, the OX40 signal stimulating activity of 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra was analyzed using the OX40-stimulated luciferase reporter gene assay. As shown in Figures 18A and 18B, 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra induced OX40 stimulating signals in reporter gene cell lines in the presence (Figure 18A) and absence (Figure 18B) of FcγRIIB / HEK293, and their OX40 stimulating activity was comparable to that of 1B3-tetra and 2B7-tetra, which are monospecific tetravalent antibodies against OX40. These results indicated that anti-OX40 tetravalent antibodies could aggregate OX40 independent of Fc cross-linking.

[0288] As described above, the ability of 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra to block the interaction of CTLA4 with CD80 / CD86 on APC cells was analyzed using a CTLA4 blocking reporter gene assay. As shown in Figure 19, 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra dose-dependently inhibited CTLA4-mediated T cell inhibition, which was weaker than the positive control ipilimumab group but similar. Conversely, ATOR-1015 did not inhibit CTLA4-mediated T cell inhibition, which was probably because ATOR-1015 blocks the interaction of both CTLA4 and CD28 with CD80 / CD86 expressed on APC cells (aAPC / Raji) and thus cannot induce T cell costimulatory signals via CD28.

[0289] As described above, the ADCC effects of 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra were evaluated using an ADCC reporter gene assay. ADCC effector cells were co-cultured with human OX40 / CHO cells (Figure 20A) or human CTLA4 / CHO cells (Figure 20B) for 6 hours. The ADCC signal was monitored by the expression of a luciferase reporter gene. As shown in Figure 20A, both 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra showed ADCC effects similar to those of anti-OX40 monospecific antibodies in the presence of CHO cells expressing human OX40. Ipilimumab did not bind to human OX40 / CHO and was used as a negative control. As shown in Figure 20B, both 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra showed ADCC effects similar to those of ipilimumab in the presence of CHO cells expressing human CTLA4. Anti-OX40 monospecific antibodies did not bind to human OX40 / CHO and were used as a negative control.

[0290] Both OX40 and CTLA4 were involved in regulating T cell activation. To evaluate whether humanized anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies could enhance T cell activation, the Fc regions of the antibodies were cross-linked with 100ng / ml SEB (Toxin Technology, cat.BT202red) in the presence of FcγRIIB / HEK293 cells (Figure 21A). In contrast, PBMCs were stimulated with SEB with specific antibodies but without FcRIIB / HEK293 cells (Figure 21B). 1B3-Ipi-tetra and 2B7-Ipi-tetra were as active as the corresponding anti-OX40 monospecific antibodies in inducing IL-2 production by PBMCs activated in the presence of FcγRIIB / HEK293 (Figure 21A), indicating that cross-linking of antibodies via their Fc regions bound to FcγRIIB could drive T cell activation by OX40 costimulatory signals. Conversely, in the absence of Fc-FcγRIIB cross-linking, 1B3-tetra and 2B7-tetra are inactivated as shown in FIG. 21B, whereas the anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibody is activated at high doses, which may be due to the antibody binding to CTLA4 expressed on activated T cells via the anti-CTLA4 moiety and thus cross-linking.

[0291] Example 9. In vivo characterization of humanized anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies using the MC38 colon tumor model The antitumor effect of 2B7-Ipi-tetra was further evaluated in the MC38 colon tumor model. Murine MC38 colon tumor cells were subcutaneously implanted into human OX40 / CTLA4 double knock-in C57BL / 6 mice (Biocytogen, Boston, USA). The tumor size was approximately 50 mm. 3 At the time of reaching 100 mg / kg, mice were randomly divided into groups and intraperitoneally administered 2B7-Ipi-tetra at 1 or 10 mg / kg, twice weekly for 3 weeks. Tumor volume (TV) was calculated by the following formula: V=0.5*(a*b 2 ), where a and b are the long and short diameters of the tumor, respectively. The tumor growth inhibition rate (TGI) was calculated by the following formula: TGI=[1-(Tt -T0) / (C t -C0)] × 100%, where T0 and T t are the average TVs at time 0 and t in the antibody treatment group, and C0 and C t is the average TV at time 0 and time t in the vehicle group. As shown in Figure 22A, compared with the control group, 10 mg / kg 2B7-Ipi-tetra inhibited tumor growth by 89.5% on day 17 after treatment, and the lower dose did not significantly inhibit tumor growth. As shown in Figure 22B, compared with the vehicle group, antibody treatment did not significantly change the body weight of the mice, indicating that the treatment was well tolerated.

[0292] The antitumor efficacy of 2B7-Ipi-tetra was further evaluated in the MC38 colon tumor model and compared with 2B7-tetra, ipilimumab, and their combination. Murine MC38 colon tumor cells were subcutaneously implanted into human OX40 / CTLA4 double knock-in C57BL / 6 mice (Biocytogen, Boston, USA). Tumors were approximately 50 mm in size. 3 At that time, mice were randomly assigned to groups and intraperitoneally administered vehicle control (10 ml / kg), 6.7 mg / kg 2B7-Ipi-tetra, 5 mg / kg 2B7-tetra, 5 mg / kg ipilimumab, or a combination of 5 mg / kg 2B7-tetra and 5 mg / kg ipilimumab twice weekly for 18 days. Tumor volume (TV) was calculated by the following formula: V=0.5*(a*b 2 ), where a and b are the long and short diameters of the tumor, respectively. The tumor growth inhibition rate (TGI) was calculated by the following formula: TGI=[1-(T t -T0) / (C t -C0)] × 100%, where T0 and T t are the average TVs at time 0 and t in the antibody treatment group, and C0 and C tis the average TV at time 0 and t in the vehicle group. As shown in Figure 23A, on day 18 of treatment, 2B7-Ipi-tetra showed the strongest tumor growth inhibition (TGI = 57.6%) compared with 2B7-tetra (TGI = 47.6%), ipilimumab (TGI = 30.2%) and their combination (TGI = 48.6%). As shown in Figure 23B, 2B7-Ipi-tetra extended lifespan longer than the other treatments (1 / 8 alive on day 28 of treatment, compared with zero alive in the other groups). No significant weight loss was observed in any of the treatment groups, indicating that the treatment was well tolerated. The results showed that the anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibody had therapeutic advantages over anti-OX40 and anti-CTLA4 monospecific antibodies and their combination.

[0293] Example 10. In vivo characterization of humanized anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibodies using the MB49 bladder cancer model The antitumor effect of 2B7-Ipi-tetra was further evaluated in an MB49 bladder cancer model. Murine MB49 bladder cancer cells were subcutaneously implanted into human OX40 / CTLA4 double knock-in C57BL / 6 mice (Biocytogen, Boston, USA). The tumor size was approximately 90 mm. 3 At the time of reaching 100 mg / kg, mice were randomly divided into groups and intraperitoneally administered vehicle control (10 ml / kg), 2.5, 5 or 10 mg / kg of 2B7-Ipi-tetra every 3 days for 15 days. Tumor volume (TV) was calculated by the following formula: V=0.5*(a*b 2 ), where a and b are the long and short diameters of the tumor, respectively. The tumor growth inhibition rate (TGI) was calculated by the following formula: TGI=[1-(T t -T0) / (C t -C0)] × 100%, where T0 and T t are the average TVs at time 0 and t in the antibody treatment group, and C0 and C tis the average TV at time 0 and time t in the vehicle group. As shown in FIG. 24A, compared to the control group, 2B7-Ipi-tetra significantly inhibited tumor growth at all doses on the 20th day of treatment, with the high doses of 5 and 10 mg / kg showing almost complete tumor eradication. As shown in FIG. 24B, compared to the control group, all treatment groups showed increased mouse lifespan. As shown in FIG. 24C, compared to the vehicle group, antibody treatment did not significantly change the mouse's body weight, indicating that the treatment was well tolerated.

[0294] One month after the goal of the previous study (28 days after the start of treatment), 12 of the 15 mice in the study were tumor-free and were used in the tumor rechallenge study. The 12 tumor-free mice were randomly divided into three groups (4 mice each) and administered 0.5x10 6 1000 cells of MB49, MC38 or B16F10 (mouse melanoma cell lines) cells were injected into a control group (5 mice each, B6 mice that had not received previous tumor cell injections) and three groups of tumor-free mice for the rechallenge study. Tumor volumes and body weights were monitored 2-3 times a week until the end of the rechallenge study. As shown in Figures 25A, 25D and 25G, MB49 (25A), MC38 (25D) and B16F10 (25G) tumor cells grew exponentially as expected in the control groups, but in tumor-free mice previously treated with 2B7-Ipi-tetra bispecific antibody, these cells failed to grow. As shown in Figures 25B, 25E ​​and 25H, compared to the control group, all tumor-free mice previously treated with 2B7-Ipi-tetra bispecific antibody showed an increased life span after the rechallenge study. As shown in Figures 25C, 25F and 25I, the body weights of the mice did not change significantly in the rechallenge study. The results showed that after treatment, the anti-OX40 / CTLA4 bispecific antibody had a sustained antitumor effect.

[0295] In addition to the various embodiments shown and claimed, the disclosed subject matter further contemplates other embodiments having other combinations of the features disclosed and claimed herein. As such, the specific features presented herein may be combined with each other in other ways within the scope of the disclosed subject matter such that the disclosed subject matter includes any suitable combination of the features disclosed herein. The above description of specific embodiments of the disclosed subject matter has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. The above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed subject matter to those embodiments disclosed.

[0296] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the structure and methodology of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosed subject matter cover such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0297] Various publications, patents, and patent applications are cited herein, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Claims

1. A multispecific antibody that binds to OX40 and CTLA4, i) a first antigen-binding moiety comprising an agonistic anti-OX40 antibody comprising a single domain antibody that binds to OX40; ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an antagonistic anti-CTLA4 antibody that binds to CTLA4; The single domain antibody comprises one heavy chain variable region, which a) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3; b) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8; c) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 12, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 13; d) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 16, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 17, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 18; e) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 23; f) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 26, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 27, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 28; g) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 31, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 32, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 33; h) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 36, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 37, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 38; i) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 41, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 42, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 43; j) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 46, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 47, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 48; k) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 51, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 52, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 53; l) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 56, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 57, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 58; m) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 61, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 62, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 63; n) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 66, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 67, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 68; o) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 72, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 73; or p) a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 76, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 77, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 78; a multispecific antibody, wherein the second antigen-binding portion comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising: (1) a CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 141; (2) a CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 142; and (3) a CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 143; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising: (1) a CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 144; (2) a CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 145; and (3) a CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:

146.

2. 2. The multispecific antibody of claim 1, wherein the anti-CTLA4 antibody of the second antigen-binding portion comprises an Fc region selected from an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 Fc region.

3. The multispecific antibody of claim 2 , wherein the Fc region comprises an IgG1 Fc region.

4. The multispecific antibody of claim 3 , wherein the IgG1 Fc region comprises the mutations S267E and L328F or the mutations N325S and L328F.

5. i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising: (1) CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 141; (2) CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 142; and (3) CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 143; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising: (1) CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 144; (2) CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 145; and (3) CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:

146.

6. i) a first antigen-binding portion comprising a single domain anti-OX40 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, a heavy chain variable region CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12, and a heavy chain variable region CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13; ii) a second antigen-binding portion comprising an anti-CTLA4 antibody comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising: (1) CDR-H1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 141; (2) CDR-H2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 142; and (3) CDR-H3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 143; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising: (1) CDR-L1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 144; (2) CDR-L2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 145; and (3) CDR-L3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:

146.

7. 10. An immunoconjugate comprising a multispecific antibody according to claim 1 linked to a therapeutic agent.

8. The immunoconjugate of claim 7 , wherein the therapeutic agent is a cytotoxin.

9. The immunoconjugate of claim 8 , wherein the therapeutic agent is a radioisotope.

10. An antigen-recognizing receptor comprising an extracellular antigen-binding domain comprising the multispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 6.

11. The antigen-recognizing receptor according to claim 10, which is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or a recombinant T-cell receptor.

12. The antigen-recognition receptor according to claim 10 or 11, which is a CAR.

13. An immunoresponsive cell comprising an antigen-recognizing receptor according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The immunoresponsive cell of claim 13, wherein the immunoresponsive cell is selected from T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), regulatory T cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, and myeloid cells.

15. The immune response cell of claim 14 , wherein the immune response cell is a T cell.

16. 16. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: a) a multispecific antibody according to any one of claims 1 to 6, an immunoconjugate according to any one of claims 7 to 9, an immunoresponsive cell according to any one of claims 13 to 15, and b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier agent.

17. 7. One or more nucleic acids encoding the multispecific antibody of any one of claims 1 to 6.

18. 18. One or more vectors comprising the nucleic acid of claim 17.

19. 19. A host cell comprising the nucleic acid of claim 17 or the vector of claim 18.

20. 20. A method for producing a multispecific antibody according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising expressing the multispecific antibody in a host cell according to claim 19 and isolating the multispecific antibody from the host cell.

21. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 16, which is used as a drug.

22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 16, which is used to treat cancer.

23. 23. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 22, wherein the cancer exhibits high microsatellite instability (MSI).

24. 24. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 22 or 23, wherein the cancer is selected from mesothelioma, lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, pleural tumor, glioblastoma, esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, synovial sarcoma, thymic cancer, endometrial cancer, gastric tumor, bile duct cancer, head and neck cancer, blood cancer, and combinations thereof.

25. A kit comprising an antibody described in any one of claims 1 to 6, an immunoconjugate described in any one of claims 7 to 9, a pharmaceutical composition described in claim 16, one or more nucleic acids described in claim 17, one or more vectors described in claim 18, or an immunoresponsive cell described in any one of claims 13 to 15.

26. 26. The kit of claim 25, further comprising a manual for treating and / or preventing tumors.

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