Diagnosis and therapy of cancer involving cancer stem cells

Abstract

To provide novel therapies to treat cancer patients.SOLUTION: The present invention provides methods for diagnosis or treatment of cancer diseases involving cancer stem cells comprising targeting claudin (CLDN) 6. In particular, the present invention provides a method of determining cancer stem cells comprising detecting cells expressing CLDN6.Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of treating or preventing cancer comprising inhibiting and / or eliminating cancer stem cells by administering an antibody having the ability of binding to CLDN6 to a cancer patient.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Conventional cancer therapy has primarily attempted to selectively detect and eradicate cancer cells that typically grow rapidly (i.e., cells that form the tumor bulk) and to exert a toxic effect on cancer cells by interfering with the cellular mechanisms involved in cell proliferation and DNA replication. Moreover, standard oncology regimens are largely designed to administer the highest dose of radiation or the highest dose of chemotherapy without excessive toxicity, i.e., often referred to as the "maximum tolerated dose" (MTD). [Background technology]

[0002] Chemotherapy protocols also often include the administration of combinations of chemotherapeutic agents in an attempt to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Despite the wide variety of chemotherapeutic agents available, these therapies suffer from a number of drawbacks. For example, chemotherapeutic agents cause significant and often dangerous side effects due to non-specific side effects on rapidly proliferating cells, whether normal or malignant.

[0003] Other types of cancer therapies include surgery, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy, epigenetic therapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy to eradicate tumor cells in the patient. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, all conventional approaches to cancer therapy have significant drawbacks for the patient, including lack of efficacy (especially in terms of long-term outcomes) and toxicity. Thus, new therapies for treating cancer patients are needed.

[0005] There is increasing evidence that a subpopulation of cancer cells that retains stem-like properties exists in tumors. This subpopulation is called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Compared with normal stem cells, cancer stem cells have similar properties and have the capacity for self-renewal and formation of all the heterogeneous cell types of tumors. A useful assay for analyzing the CSC-like properties of tumor cells is the colony formation assay. Using this assay, the self-renewal and tumorigenic potential of single tumor cells can be easily examined.

[0006] Cancer stem cells are believed to have the ability to initiate tumor formation, sustain tumor growth, and possibly lead to tumor seeding at distant organ sites in the body. Cancer stem cells constitute a unique subpopulation of tumors that are more tumorigenic, relatively slow-growing or quiescent, and often relatively more chemotherapy-resistant than the rest of the tumor cells (i.e., tumor bulk). Because conventional cancer therapies target rapidly growing cells (i.e., cells that form the tumor bulk), these treatments are believed to be relatively ineffective in targeting and injuring cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells can express other characteristics that make them relatively chemotherapy-resistant, such as multidrug resistance and anti-apoptotic pathways. The inability to properly target and eradicate cancer stem cells is the main reason why standard tumor treatment regimens fail to ensure long-term benefits in many cancer patients. Thus, cancer stem cells may not only be the main reason for cancer recurrence and drug ineffectiveness after treatment, but also the main reason for malignant cancer metastasis. Therefore, one possibility for curing cancer is to eliminate cancer stem cells.

[0007] Claudins are integral membrane proteins located within epithelial and endothelial tight junctions. Claudins have four transmembrane segments and two extracellular loops, with predicted N- and C-termini localized in the cytoplasm. The claudin (CLDN) family of transmembrane proteins plays an important role in the maintenance of epithelial and endothelial tight junctions and may also be involved in cytoskeletal maintenance and cell signaling. CLDN6 is expressed in a range of different human cancer cells, but normal tissue expression is restricted to the placenta.

[0008] Herein, we present data demonstrating that CLDN6 expression is upregulated during the generation of pluripotent cells.Furthermore, CLDN6 is strongly associated with known markers of cancer stem cells, and CLDN6-positive tumor cells show enhanced colony formation.We also demonstrate that therapy using CLDN6-specific antibodies can overcome the chemotherapy resistance of tumors such as ovarian cancer, and that the combination of chemotherapy and CLDN6 antibody therapy has a remarkable synergistic effect.

[0009] The findings presented herein indicate that CLDN6 is a novel marker for cancer stem cells and that by targeting CLDN6, cancer stem cells can be targeted for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for measuring cancer stem cells, comprising detecting cells that express CLDN6.

[0011] In one embodiment, the presence of cells expressing CLDN6 indicates the presence of cancer stem cells, and / or the amount of cells expressing CLDN6 correlates with the amount of cancer stem cells. In one embodiment, cells expressing CLDN6 are detected in a sample obtained from a cancer patient, such as before, during, and / or after treatment for cancer. In one embodiment, the method comprises a quantitative and / or qualitative measurement of cells expressing CLDN6. In one embodiment, the method comprises comparing the amount of cells expressing CLDN6 to the amount of cells expressing CLDN6 in a reference sample or to a predefined reference range. The reference sample can be a sample from a patient who has not been diagnosed with cancer. The predefined reference range can be based on a population of patients who have not been diagnosed with cancer. In one embodiment, the method comprises monitoring the amount of cancer stem cells in a cancer patient, wherein monitoring the amount of cancer stem cells in a cancer patient preferably comprises comparing the amount of cancer stem cells in a sample obtained from the cancer patient to the amount of cancer stem cells in a sample obtained earlier from the cancer patient. In one embodiment, the sample obtained from the cancer patient is a sample taken from the cancer patient during or after administration of a cancer therapy.

[0012] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of monitoring the effect of cancer therapy in a cancer patient, comprising: (i) measuring the amount of cancer stem cells in a sample obtained from the cancer patient during or after administration of cancer therapy; and (ii) comparing the amount of cancer stem cells in the sample obtained from the cancer patient with the amount of cancer stem cells in a sample obtained earlier from said cancer patient, wherein measuring the amount of cancer stem cells in the sample obtained from the cancer patient and / or measuring the amount of cancer stem cells in the sample obtained earlier from said cancer patient comprises measuring the amount of cells expressing CLDN6.

[0013] In one embodiment, the earlier sample from the cancer patient is a sample taken from the cancer patient before, during or after administration of a cancer therapy.

[0014] In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, a stabilization or decrease in the amount of cancer stem cells indicates that the cancer therapy is effective. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, an increase in the amount of cancer stem cells indicates that the cancer therapy is not effective. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the cancer therapy is a cancer therapy directed against cancer stem cells. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the sample obtained from the cancer patient is a biological fluid or a tumor biopsy. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the sample has been subjected to one or more pretreatment steps. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the cells expressing CLDN6 are detected or the amount is measured by detecting or measuring the amount of CLDN6 protein and / or CLDN6 mRNA. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the present invention, the cells expressing CLDN6 are detected or the amount is measured by using an immunoassay, preferably selected from the group consisting of Western blot, immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), "sandwich" immunoassay, immunoprecipitation assay, precipitation reaction, gel diffusion precipitation reaction, immunodiffusion assay, agglutination assay, complement fixation assay, immunoradiometric assay, fluorescent immunoassay, immunofluorescence, protein A immunoassay, flow cytometry and FACS analysis. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the present invention, the cells expressing CLDN6 are detected or the amount is measured by using an antibody capable of binding to CLDN6. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the present invention, the cells expressing CLDN6 are cancer cells expressing CLDN6 and / or cells present at the tumor site.

[0015] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating or preventing cancer, comprising inhibiting and / or eliminating cancer stem cells by administering to a cancer patient an antibody capable of binding to CLDN6.

[0016] In one embodiment, cancer stem cells express CLDN6. In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy. In one embodiment, inhibiting and / or eliminating cancer stem cells enhances the anti-cancer effect of chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy, wherein the enhanced anti-cancer effect of chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy preferably comprises prolonging the survival time of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy.

[0017] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating or preventing cancer, comprising administering to a cancer patient (i) an antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and (ii) chemotherapy.

[0018] In one embodiment, the cancer comprises cancer stem cells that express CLDN6. In one embodiment, administering the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 results in the inhibition or elimination of cancer stem cells that express CLDN6. In one embodiment, administering the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 enhances the anti-cancer effect of chemotherapy, where the enhancement of the anti-cancer effect of chemotherapy preferably includes the prolongation of the survival time of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

[0019] In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the elimination of cancer stem cells results in a cure of the cancer. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and the chemotherapy are administered in synergistically effective amounts. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the chemotherapy is administered at a dose lower than the maximum tolerated dose. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the chemotherapy comprises administering an agent selected from the group consisting of taxanes, platinum compounds, nucleoside analogs, camptothecin analogs, anthracyclines, prodrugs thereof, salts thereof, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the chemotherapy comprises administering an agent selected from the group consisting of paclitaxel, cisplatin, carboplatin, prodrugs thereof, salts thereof, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the cancer stem cells are present at the tumor site of the cancer patient. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the cancer is resistant to chemotherapy, particularly when administered as a monotherapy. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 exerts an inhibitory and / or cytotoxic effect on cancer stem cells, where the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 exerts its inhibitory and / or cytotoxic effect on cancer stem cells, preferably by mediating one or more of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)-mediated lysis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediated lysis, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 is linked to a therapeutic moiety, which may be an antibody drug conjugate as described herein. In one embodiment, the therapeutic moiety is a cytotoxic drug, a chemotherapeutic agent, or a radionuclide. In one embodiment, the therapeutic moiety acts on slowly proliferating cells. In one embodiment of the method of all aspects of the invention, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 binds to the first extracellular loop of CLDN6.In one embodiment of the methods of all aspects of the present invention, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 contains a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:5 or a fragment thereof and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:4 or a fragment thereof.

[0020] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method of treating or preventing cancer comprising administering to a cancer patient an antibody drug conjugate comprising an antibody having the ability to bind to CLDN6, covalently attached by a linker to at least one toxin drug moiety.

[0021] In one embodiment, the toxin drug moiety is cell membrane permeable. In one embodiment, at least one of the toxin drug moieties acts on slowly growing cells. In one embodiment, the toxin drug moiety is a maytansinoid or an auristatin. In one embodiment, the maytansinoid is selected from the group consisting of DM1 and DM4. In one embodiment, the auristatin is selected from the group consisting of monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) and monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF). In one embodiment, the linker is a cleavable linker, preferably a cathepsin-cleavable linker. In one embodiment, the antibody is linked to the linker via a cysteine ​​thiol of the antibody.

[0022] In one embodiment, the cancer comprises cancer stem cells expressing CLDN6. In one embodiment, administering the antibody drug conjugate results in the inhibition or elimination of cancer stem cells expressing CLDN6. In one embodiment, the elimination of cancer stem cells results in a cure for cancer. In one embodiment, the cancer stem cells are present at the tumor site of the cancer patient. In one embodiment, the antibody drug conjugate exerts an inhibitory and / or cytotoxic effect on the cancer stem cells, where the antibody drug conjugate exerts its inhibitory and / or cytotoxic effect on the cancer stem cells, preferably by inducing apoptosis and / or inhibiting proliferation.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further comprises administering chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy. In one embodiment, administering the antibody drug conjugate enhances the anti-cancer effect of chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy, wherein the enhanced anti-cancer effect of chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy preferably comprises prolonging the survival of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and / or radiation therapy.

[0024] In one embodiment, the antibody drug conjugate and chemotherapy are administered in synergistically effective amounts. In one embodiment, the chemotherapy is administered at a dose lower than the maximum tolerated dose. In one embodiment, the chemotherapy comprises administering an agent selected from the group consisting of taxanes, platinum compounds, nucleoside analogs, camptothecin analogs, anthracyclines, prodrugs thereof, salts thereof, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the chemotherapy comprises administering an agent selected from the group consisting of paclitaxel, cisplatin, carboplatin, prodrugs thereof, salts thereof, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the cancer is resistant to chemotherapy, particularly when administered as a monotherapy.

[0025] In one embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 has an affinity and / or specificity to CLDN6 suitable for enabling endocytosis of the antibody and / or antibody drug conjugate, particularly when present in an antibody drug conjugate. In one embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 in the antibody drug conjugate binds to the first extracellular loop of CLDN6. In one embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 in the antibody drug conjugate contains a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:5 or a fragment thereof, and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:4 or a fragment thereof.

[0026] In one embodiment of the methods of all aspects of the invention, CLDN6 has an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 2. In one embodiment of the methods of all aspects of the invention, the cancer comprises primary cancer, advanced cancer, metastatic cancer, recurrent cancer, or a combination thereof.

[0027] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for treating or preventing cancer, comprising (i) measuring cancer stem cells in a cancer patient by the method of the present invention and (ii) administering a cancer therapy against the cancer stem cells to the cancer patient. In one embodiment, the cancer therapy against the cancer stem cells comprises carrying out the method of treating or preventing cancer of the present invention.

[0028] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for preventing cancer chemotherapy resistance, cancer recurrence or cancer metastasis, in particular during or after cancer treatment, comprising treating cancer by the method of the present invention.

[0029] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a medical preparation for treating or preventing cancer, comprising (i) an antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and (ii) a chemotherapeutic agent. The antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and the chemotherapeutic agent may be present in the medical preparation as a mixture or separately from each other. The medical preparation may be in the form of a kit comprising a first container containing the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and a second container containing the chemotherapeutic agent. The medical preparation may further comprise printed instructions regarding the use of the preparation for treating or preventing cancer, in particular the use of the preparation in the method of the present invention. The various embodiments of the medical preparation and in particular the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and the chemotherapeutic agent are as described herein.

[0030] In a particular aspect, the present invention provides a medical preparation comprising (i) an antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and (ii) paclitaxel. The antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and paclitaxel may be present in the medical preparation as a mixture or separately from each other. The medical preparation may be intended for treating or preventing cancer, such as ovarian cancer. The medical preparation may be in the form of a kit comprising a first container containing an antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 and a second container containing paclitaxel. The medical preparation may further comprise printed instructions for the use of the preparation for the treatment or prevention of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, in particular for the use of the preparation in the method of the present invention. Various embodiments of the medical preparation and, in particular, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6, are as described herein.

[0031] In a further aspect, the present invention provides an antibody drug conjugate comprising an antibody having the ability to bind to CLDN6 covalently attached by a linker to at least one toxin drug moiety.

[0032] In one embodiment, the toxin drug moiety is cell membrane permeable. In one embodiment, at least one of the toxin drug moieties acts on slowly growing cells. In one embodiment, the toxin drug moiety is a maytansinoid or an auristatin. In one embodiment, the maytansinoid is selected from the group consisting of DM1 and DM4. In one embodiment, the auristatin is selected from the group consisting of monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) and monomethyl auristatin F (MMAF). In one embodiment, the linker is a cleavable linker, preferably a cathepsin-cleavable linker. In one embodiment, the antibody is linked to the linker via a cysteine ​​thiol of the antibody.

[0033] In one embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 has an affinity and / or specificity to CLDN6 suitable for enabling endocytosis of the antibody and / or antibody drug conjugate, particularly when present in an antibody drug conjugate. In one embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 in the antibody drug conjugate binds to the first extracellular loop of CLDN6. In one embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 in the antibody drug conjugate contains a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:5 or a fragment thereof, and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:4 or a fragment thereof.

[0034] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the antibody drug conjugate of the present invention and a pharma- ceutically acceptable diluent, carrier or excipient.

[0035] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a medical preparation comprising the antibody drug conjugate of the present invention and a chemotherapeutic agent. Preferably, the medical preparation is intended for treating or preventing cancer. The antibody drug conjugate and the chemotherapeutic agent may be present in the medical preparation as a mixture or separately from each other. The medical preparation may be in the form of a kit comprising a first container containing the antibody drug conjugate and a second container containing the chemotherapeutic agent. The medical preparation may further comprise printed instructions on the use of the preparation for the treatment or prevention of cancer, in particular the use of the preparation in the method of the present invention. The various embodiments of the medical preparation and in particular the antibody drug conjugate and the chemotherapeutic agent are as described herein.

[0036] In a particular aspect, the present invention provides a medical preparation comprising the antibody drug conjugate of the present invention and paclitaxel. The antibody drug conjugate and paclitaxel may be present in the medical preparation as a mixture or separately from each other. The medical preparation may be intended for treating or preventing cancer, such as ovarian cancer. The medical preparation may be in the form of a kit comprising a first container containing the antibody drug conjugate and a second container containing paclitaxel. The medical preparation may further comprise printed instructions on the use of the preparation for treating or preventing cancer, such as ovarian cancer, in particular the use of the preparation in the method of the present invention. Various embodiments of the medical preparation and, in particular, the antibody drug conjugate, are as described herein.

[0037] The present invention also provides agents and compositions described herein, such as antibody drug conjugates, antibodies capable of binding to CLDN6, and / or chemotherapeutic agents for use in the methods described herein. For example, the present invention also provides antibody drug conjugates or antibodies capable of binding to CLDN6 for administration with a chemotherapeutic agent, such as paclitaxel.

[0038] In one embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 is a monoclonal, chimeric or humanized antibody, or a fragment of an antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody mediates cell death when bound to cellular CLDN6, particularly CLDN6 expressed by a cell on its cell surface, wherein the cell is preferably a cancer stem cell, such as a cancer stem cell of a cancer described herein.

[0039] According to the invention, the cancer is preferably ovarian cancer, in particular ovarian adenocarcinoma and ovarian teratocarcinoma, lung cancer, including small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), in particular lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, large cell carcinoma (LCC), gastric cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, in particular basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, head and neck cancer, in particular malignant pleomorphic adenoma, sarcoma, in particular synovial sarcoma and carcinosarcoma, bile duct carcinoma, cancer of the bladder, in particular transitional The cancer is selected from the group consisting of epithelial and papillary carcinoma, renal carcinoma, particularly renal cell carcinoma including renal clear cell carcinoma and papillary renal cell carcinoma, colon carcinoma, small intestine carcinoma including carcinoma of the ileum, particularly small intestinal adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the ileum, placental choriocarcinoma, cervical carcinoma, testicular cancer, particularly testicular seminoma, testicular teratoma and testicular embryonal carcinoma, uterine carcinoma, germ cell tumors such as teratocarcinoma or embryonal carcinoma, particularly germ cell tumors of the testis and ovary, and metastatic forms thereof.

[0040] According to the present invention, the cancer cells and / or cancer stem cells expressing CLDN6 are preferably cells of the cancers described herein.

[0041] In one embodiment, the cancers described herein are CLDN6 positive. In one embodiment, the cancer cells of the cancers described herein are CLDN6 positive. In one embodiment, the cancer cells of the cancers described herein express CLDN6 on their cell surface.

[0042] In one embodiment, the cancer described herein includes primary cancer, advanced cancer, metastatic cancer, recurrent cancer, or a combination thereof, for example a combination of primary cancer and metastatic cancer.In one embodiment, the cancer is partially or completely resistant to chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel monotherapy.In one embodiment, the cancer is ovarian cancer, particularly ovarian cancer that is partially or completely resistant to chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel monotherapy.

[0043] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1]CLDN6 mRNA is expressed in human iPS cells. Human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) were transfected using Lipofectamine RNAiMAX (Life Technologies) without RNA (no RNA control) or with the reprogramming cocktail (unmodified OSKMNL+EBK+miR mix) and cells were harvested at days 5, 12 and 19 after treatment. RNA was extracted, transcribed into cDNA and then analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR using an ABI PRISM 7300 sequence detection system and software (Applied Biosystems with QuantiTect SYBR green Kit (Qiagen)). Fold induction of CLDN6 expression in cells treated with the reprogramming cocktail (black bars) compared to HFF cells (gray bars) from day 1 of treatment is shown. CLDN6 mRNA expression was normalized to the mRNA expression of the housekeeping gene HPRT1. OSKMNL = transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, cMYC, NANOG and LIN28; EBK = IFN escape proteins E3, K3 and B18R; miR mix = miRNA-302a / b / c / d and 367. [Diagram 2] CLDN6 is expressed on the surface of human iPS cells. HFF cells were transfected without RNA (no RNA control) or with the reprogramming cocktail (unmodified OSKMNL+EBK+miR mix) and cells were harvested on days 5 (A), 12 (B) and 19 (C) after treatment. Cells were stained with 1 μg / ml of CLDN6-specific IMAB027-AF647 and SSEA-4-V450 antibodies (2.5 μl per test, purchased from BD) for 30 min at 4°C and surface expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiments were performed in duplicate and representative dot plots are shown. OSKMNL=transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, cMYC, NANOG and LIN28, EBK=IFN escape proteins E3, K3 and B18R, miR mix=miRNA-302a / b / c / d and 367. [Diagram 3]CLDN6 surface expression in ovarian cancer cell lines. To analyze CLDN6 expression, 1E6 cells were stained with 1 μg / ml IMAB027-AF647 for 30 min at 4°C and surface expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. In (A) COV318 cells are shown. Experiments were performed in triplicate and one representative dot plot is presented. In (B) PA-1 cells stably transfected with control vector PA-1 76) or vectors expressing shRNA against CLDN6 (clones PA-1 50 and PA-1 54) are shown. Experiments were performed in triplicate and one representative dot plot is presented. shRNA = small hairpin RNA. [Figure 4] CLDN6 is important for colony formation of ovarian cancer cells. To analyze colony formation behavior, COV318, PA-1 50 and PA-1 54 cells were stained with 1 μg / ml IMAB027-AF647 for 30 min at 4 °C, and then 700 (COV318) or 500 (PA-1 50 / 54) CLDN6-positive or CLDN6-negative cells were sorted into 6-well plates. Cells were allowed to form colonies for 14 days and then stained with 0.5% crystal violet for 20 min. (A) Representative images of each cell line are shown. (B) Quantification of colonies was performed by manual counting. Means and standard deviations of three independent experiments are shown. [Figure 5A] (Figure 5) CLDN6 is co-expressed with CSC markers CD24, CD90 and CD44 in the ovarian cancer cell line COV318. 1E6 COV318 cells were stained for 30 min at 4°C with antibodies against various surface markers according to the FACS panel shown in Table 1, and CSC marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiments were performed in triplicate. (Figure 5A) In (A), a representative dot plot of co-localization of CLDN6 with various established CSC markers is shown. [Figure 5B] In (B), the percentage of colocalization of CD44, CD24, CD90 and CLDN6 positive cells was calculated using the different gating methods shown on the x-axis of the diagram. Means and standard deviations of three experiments are shown. [Figure 6A](Figure 6) Enrichment of CLDN6-expressing cells results in the accumulation of established CSC markers. COV318 cells were stained with 0.5 μg / ml IMAB027 and APC-conjugated goat anti-human IgG secondary antibody (1:300), after which CLDN6-positive and CLDN6-negative fractions were isolated by FACS sorting. Cells from both fractions were expanded for 10 days. 1E6 cells from each fraction were stained for 30 min at 4°C with antibodies against various surface markers according to the FACS panel shown in Table 1. Experiments were performed in triplicate. (Figure 6A) In (A), representative dot plots of the expression levels of various CSC markers in the CLDN6-positive and CLDN6-negative fractions and their colocalization with CLDN6 are shown. [Figure 6B] In (B), the percentage of CSC marker expression levels is shown as a diagram, and enrichment factors (fold expression) for the relevant markers CD44, CD90 and CD24 were calculated by comparing the percentage of positive cells in the CLDN6 positive and CLDN6 negative fractions. [Figure 7A] (Figure 7) CLDN6-high expressing cell lines show enrichment of CSC markers compared to CLDN6-low expressing cells. CLDN6-high expressing ovarian cancer cell lines OV90 (A) and PA-1 (B) or testicular cancer cell lines NEC-8 (C) and NEC-14 (D) 1E6 cells were stained with antibodies against various surface markers according to the FACS panel shown in Table 1 for 30 min at 4°C, and CSC marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiments were performed in triplicate, and representative dot plots are shown. [Figure 7B] 1E6 cells of CLDN6-highly expressing ovarian cancer cell lines OV90 (A) and PA-1 (B) or testicular cancer cell lines NEC-8 (C) and NEC-14 (D) were stained with antibodies against various surface markers for 30 min at 4°C according to the FACS panel shown in Table 1, and CSC marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiments were performed in triplicate, and representative dot plots are shown. [Figure 7C]1E6 cells of CLDN6-highly expressing ovarian cancer cell lines OV90 (A) and PA-1 (B) or testicular cancer cell lines NEC-8 (C) and NEC-14 (D) were stained with antibodies against various surface markers for 30 min at 4°C according to the FACS panel shown in Table 1, and CSC marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiments were performed in triplicate, and representative dot plots are shown. [Figure 7D] 1E6 cells of CLDN6-highly expressing ovarian cancer cell lines OV90 (A) and PA-1 (B) or testicular cancer cell lines NEC-8 (C) and NEC-14 (D) were stained with antibodies against various surface markers for 30 min at 4°C according to the FACS panel shown in Table 1, and CSC marker expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. Experiments were performed in triplicate, and representative dot plots are shown. [Figure 8] Antitumor effect of IMAB027 in combination with paclitaxel in a primary xenograft tumor model. Subcutaneous human ES-2 xenograft tumors ectopically expressing human CLDN6 were treated with 15 mg / kg paclitaxel by ip injection on days 3, 10 and 17 after implantation. Antibody maintenance therapy was initiated on day 4 with three weekly injections of 35 mg / kg IMAB027 (alternating iv / ip / ip). (A) Mean tumor growth kinetics (±SEM) after treatment with IMAB027 (white squares), paclitaxel (grey circles), IMAB027 in combination with paclitaxel (black squares) or vehicle control (white circles). Arrows indicate the time of therapy initiation. (B) Survival curves of treated mice. Group size: n=12. [Figure 9]Antitumor activity of IMAB027 in combination with cisplatin in an advanced xenograft tumor model. Subcutaneous human NEC14 xenograft tumors were allowed to grow to an average size of approximately 100 mm3 before the start of treatment. Mice were treated with 1 mg / kg cisplatin by ip injection daily from day 6 to day 10 after implantation and with 35 mg / kg IMAB027 injections (alternating iv / ip / ip) three times a week from day 6 as maintenance therapy. (A) Mean tumor growth kinetics (± SEM) after treatment with IMAB027 (black circles), cisplatin (white squares), IMAB027 in combination with cisplatin (black squares) or vehicle control (white circles). Arrows indicate the time of therapy initiation. (B) Individual tumor sizes (mean ± standard deviation) in mice 24 days after implantation. (C) Survival curves of treated mice. Group size: n=19. P values: *, p<0.05; **, p<0.01 and ***, p<0.001. [Figure 10] Antitumor activity of IMAB027 in combination with carboplatin in an advanced xenograft tumor model. Advanced human NEC14 xenograft tumors were treated with IMAB027 alone or in combination with cytostatics as described in Figure 9. Instead of cisplatin, mice were treated with 30 mg / kg carboplatin by bolus ip injection on days 6, 13 and 20. (A) Mean tumor growth kinetics (±SEM) after treatment with IMAB027 (black circles), carboplatin (white squares), IMAB027 in combination with carboplatin (black squares) or vehicle control (white circles). Arrows indicate the time of therapy initiation. (B) Individual tumor sizes (mean ± standard deviation) in mice 24 days after implantation. (C) Survival curves of treated mice. Group size: n=19. P values: *, p<0.05; **, p<0.01 and ***, p<0.001. [Figure 11]CLDN6 is important for the sphere-forming behavior of ovarian cancer cells. To analyze the effect of CLDN6 on sphere formation, CLDN6-positive and CLDN6-negative COV318 cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting after staining with 0.5 μg / ml IMAB027. CLDN6-positive and CLDN6-negative COV318 cells were grown in ultra-low attachment plates under sphere-forming conditions (serum-free DMEM / F12 medium containing 0.4% bovine serum albumin, 20 ng / ml basic fibroblast growth factor, 10 ng / ml epidermal growth factor and 5 μg / ml insulin). (A) Representative images of first-generation spheres of CLDN6-positive (CLDN6+) and CLDN6-negative (CLDN6-) COV318 cells at days 3, 8 and 19 after sorting. (B) Representative images of second-generation spheres obtained from single cells of CLDN6+ first-generation spheres from (A) at day 22 after sorting. [Figure 12] Enrichment of CLDN6 positive cells after treatment with platin derivatives. COV318 cells were treated with 500ng / ml cisplatin or 2,000ng / ml carboplatin for 4 days. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (white bars) and 6 days (black bars), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using the CLDN6 specific antibody IMAB027 and an isotype control antibody. Expression of treated COV318 cells is shown compared to untreated cells. For evaluation, values ​​of the isotype control were subtracted from the CLDN6 staining. [Figure 13]Enrichment of CLDN6 positive cells after intraperitoneal implantation. COV318 cells were injected intraperitoneally in athymic nude mice. Mice that developed ascites were euthanized and both ascites and solid tumors were harvested for further characterization. Isolated cells were analyzed for CLDN6 expression immediately after preparation and after several passages of maintenance in culture. (A) Flow cytometric analysis of CLDN6 expression in parental COV318 cells using the CLDN6 specific antibody IMAB027 and an isotype control antibody. (B) CLDN6 expression in cells derived from ascites at various times after isolation and solid tumors from the ovary, liver, stomach, pancreas and diaphragm (*: ascites at days 5 and 35; **: solid tumors at days 12 and 29). Fluorescence intensity is displayed on the x-axis. The number of events displayed on the y-axis is expressed as a percentage of the maximum number of events. [Figure 14] CLDN6 correlates with ovarian cancer stem cell markers in primary tumor samples. 42 ovarian cancer samples were analyzed for mRNA expression levels of CLDN6 and various ovarian cancer stem cell markers as described by qRT-PCR using the Fluidigm detection system and software. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlation of CLDN6 with cancer stem cell specific markers. In (A) a scatter plot of significant correlations is shown (P value ≦0.05). In (B) a summary of all correlations is shown. [Figure 15A](Figure 15) IMAB027-mediated ADCC after treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel. ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A-D) and 10 days (E-J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) CLDN6 expression was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15B] The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15C]The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15D] The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15E]The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15F] The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15G]The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15H] The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15I]The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 15J] The ADCC activity of IMAB027 in combination with chemotherapy was analyzed using COV362(Luc) target cells. To do so, cells were treated for 4 days with the indicated concentrations of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan. After treatment, cells were grown for an additional 3 days (A–D) and 10 days (E–J), respectively, in the absence of cytostatic drugs. Control cells were cultured without cytostatic drugs. (A, C, E, G, I) ADCC experiments were performed with IMAB027 (black line) or isotype control antibody (grey line) using PBMCs from healthy donors at an effector (PBMC) to target cell ratio of approximately 40:1. Data points (n=4 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. (B, D, F, H, J) Expression of CLDN6 was analyzed by flow cytometry using IMAB027. The black dotted line represents CLDN6 expression in untreated cells, and the grey solid histogram represents CLDN6 expression after treatment. [Figure 16]Antitumor activity of IMAB027 in combination with PEB treatment in a highly advanced xenograft tumor model. Subcutaneous human NEC14 xenograft tumors were grown to a highly advanced stage in nude mice. Tumor treatment with PEB (cisplatin, etoposide and bleomycin) and IMAB027 was initiated on day 13. Mice receiving the PEB regimen were treated with 1 mg / kg cisplatin and 5 mg / kg etoposide on days 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, and with 10 mg / kg bleomycin by ip injection on days 13, 17 and 21. Antibody IMAB027 was administered by alternating iv / ip / ip injections of 35 mg / kg three times a week from day 13 to day 101 after implantation. Vehicle control groups received 0.9% NaCl solution and drug substance buffer instead. Mice were observed for a total of 220 days. (A), (B) Mean tumor growth kinetics (±SEM) of untreated mice and mice treated with IMAB027, PEB or PEB in combination with IMAB027. Arrows indicate the time point of therapy initiation (Dunn's multiple comparison test: ***, p<0.001). (C) Survival curves of untreated mice and mice treated with IMAB027, PEB or PEB in combination with IMAB027 (Mantel-Cox test: *, p<0.05; **, p<0.01). Group size: n=14. [Figure 17] Relative binding affinity and cytotoxicity of IMAB027, IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE. (A) Binding of IMAB027, IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE was measured by flow cytometric analysis on OV90 cells that endogenously express CLDN6. (B) Dose-response curves for IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE-mediated reduction of OV90 cell viability. Tumor cells were incubated with IMAB027-DM1 or IMAB027-vcMMAE for 72 h. Reduction in cell viability was measured using an XTT-based viability assay. Data points (n=3 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. MFI: mean fluorescence intensity. [Figure 18]Antitumor effect of IMAB027-DM1 conjugates on advanced xenograft tumors. Nude mice bearing established subcutaneous human OV90 xenograft tumors were treated with a single intravenous injection of 1.78, 5.33 or 16 mg / kg IMAB027-DM1 or vehicle control on day 10 post-implantation. Subcutaneous tumor size was measured twice weekly (mean ± SEM). Group size: n=5, *: p<0.05; **: p<0.01. [Figure 19A] (FIG. 19) Dose ranging of IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE conjugates on advanced OV90 xenograft tumors. Nude mice with established subcutaneous human OV90 xenograft tumors were treated with a single intravenous injection of IMAB027-DM1, IMAB027-vcMMAE, vehicle or repeated injections of IMAB027 on day 10 post-implantation. (FIG. 19A) Tumor growth in mice treated with 1.33, 2.67 or 5.33 mg / kg IMAB027-DM1 iv (top) or 4, 8 or 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE iv (bottom) compared to vehicle control and IMAB027 (35 mg / kg, weekly iv / ip / ip). Subcutaneous tumor size was measured twice weekly (mean±SEM). [Figure 19B] Kaplan-Meier survival curves for mice treated with vehicle or 4, 8 or 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE. Mice were sacrificed when tumors reached a volume of 1400 mm3 or when tumors became ulcerated. Group size: n=10, *: p<0.05; **: p<0.01, ***: p<0.001. [Figure 20]Dose ranging of IMAB027-vcMMAE conjugates on advanced PA-1 xenograft tumors. Nude mice bearing established subcutaneous human PA-1 xenograft tumors were treated with a single intravenous injection of IMAB027-vcMMAE, vehicle control or repeated injections of IMAB027 on day 15 post-implantation. (A) Mean tumor growth (mean ± SEM) and (B) Kaplan-Meier survival curves for mice treated with vehicle control, IMAB027 (35 mg / kg, weekly iv / ip / ip) or 4, 8 or 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE. Mice were sacrificed when tumors reached a volume of 1400 mm3 or when tumors became ulcerated. Group size: n=8, *: p<0.05; **: p<0.01. (C) Representative immunohistochemical staining for CLDN6 within PA-1 xenograft tumor sections at various time points post-implantation. [Figure 21] Antitumor effect of IMAB027-vcMMAE on advanced MKN74 xenograft tumors. Nude mice bearing established subcutaneous human MKN74 xenograft tumors were treated with intravenous injection of 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE or vehicle control on day 7 post-implantation. (A) Mean tumor growth (mean ± SEM) and (B) Kaplan-Meier survival curves of mice treated with vehicle control or IMAB027-vcMMAE. Mice were sacrificed when tumors reached a volume of 1400 mm3 or when tumors became ulcerated. Group size: n=10. (C) Flow cytometry analysis of CLDN6 expression in MKN74 tumor cells before implantation and representative immunohistochemical staining of untreated MKN74 xenograft tumors on day 31 post-implantation. **: p<0.01, ***: p<0.001. [Figure 22]Antitumor effects of IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE on advanced intraperitoneal metastatic human ovarian tumors. Nude mice were implanted intraperitoneally with the human ovarian cancer cell line PA-1 (Luc), which ectopically expresses luciferase. After formation of intraperitoneal metastatic xenograft tumors, animals were treated with 16 mg / kg IMAB027-DM1, IMAB027-vcMMAE or vehicle control by ip injection 14 days after implantation. After luciferin administration, metastatic growth was measured by luminescence activity using an IVIS Lumina Imaging System. (A) Quantification of metastatic burden in mice treated with IMAB027-DM1, IMAB027-vcMMAE or vehicle. (B) In vivo whole-body luminescence images of nude mice 28 days after implantation. Group size: n=8 (vehicle) or n=9 (IMAB027-DM1, IMAB027-vcMMAE), **: p<0.01, ****: p<0.0001. [Figure 23A] (FIG. 23) Endocytosis of CLDN6-binding antibodies by human cancer cells. Endocytosis of CLDN6-binding IMAB027, chimAB5F2D2 or isotype control antibodies was measured using a cytotoxicity-based assay that relies on co-internalization of target-binding antibodies and saporin-conjugated anti-human IgG Fab fragments (FabZaps). PA-1, OV90 or NEC14 human cancer cells were incubated with IMAB027, chimAB5F2D2 or isotype control antibodies and anti-human FabZaps for 72 hours. (FIG. 23A) Dose-response curves for IMAB027 / FabZap and chimAB5F2D2 / FabZap-mediated reduction of PA-1, OV90 and NEC14 cell viability, respectively. Data points (n=3 replicates) are presented as mean ± SD. [Figure 23B] Comparison of IMAB027 normalized EC50 (rel EC50) and maximum (rel maximum) of flow cytometry binding and endocytosis. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The present invention will be described in detail below, but it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific methods, protocols and reagents described herein, which may vary.It should also be understood that the terms used herein are only intended to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, which is limited only by the scope of the appended claims.Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art.

[0046] In the following, elements of the present invention are described. Although these elements are listed with specific embodiments, it should be understood that they may be combined in any manner and in any number to create additional embodiments. The various described examples and preferred embodiments should not be construed as limiting the present invention to only the embodiments expressly described. The description should be understood to support and encompass embodiments combining the expressly described embodiments with many of the disclosed elements and / or preferred elements. Furthermore, any permutation and combination of all elements described in this application should be considered to be disclosed by the description of this application unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0047] Preferably, the terms used herein are defined as set forth in "A multilingual glossary of biotechnological terms: (IUPAC Recommendations)", H.G.W. Leuenberger, B. Nagel, and H. Kolbl, Eds., Helvetica Chimica Acta, CH-4010 Basel, Switzerland, (1995).

[0048] The practice of the present invention is, unless otherwise indicated, based on the teachings of the art (e.g., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2 ndConventional methods of chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and recombinant DNA techniques are used, as described in The Genetics of the Invention (see, for example, J. Sambrook et al., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor 1989).

[0049] Throughout this specification and the claims that follow, unless the context otherwise requires, the word "comprises" and variations such as "comprising" are understood to mean the inclusion of the described member, integer or step or group of members, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other member, integer or step or group of members, integers or steps, although in some embodiments such other member, integer or step or group of members, integers or steps may be excluded, i.e. the subject matter resides in the inclusion of the described member, integer or step or group of members, integers or steps. The terms "a" and "the" and similar references used in connection with describing the present invention (particularly in connection with the claims) should be construed to include both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to be a shorthand way of individually referring to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each separate value is incorporated herein as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "etc.") provided herein is intended merely to better illustrate the invention and does not impose limitations on the invention or the claims. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0050] Several documents are cited throughout the text of this specification. Each of the documents cited herein (including all patents, patent applications, scientific publications, manufacturer's specifications, instructions, etc.), whether supra or infra, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Nothing herein should be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to antedate such disclosure by virtue of prior invention.

[0051] Claudins are a family of proteins that are the most important components of tight junctions, where they establish a paracellular barrier that controls the flow of molecules in the intercellular space between cells of epithelia. Claudins are transmembrane proteins that cross the membrane four times, with both N- and C-termini located in the cytoplasm. The first extracellular loop, called EC1 or ECL1, consists of an average of 53 amino acids, and the second extracellular loop, called EC2 or ECL2, consists of about 24 amino acids. Cell surface proteins of the claudin family, such as CLDN6, are expressed in tumors of various origins and are particularly suitable as target structures in the context of antibody-mediated cancer immunotherapy due to their selective expression (but not in normal tissues associated with toxicity) and localization to the plasma membrane.

[0052] CLDN6 has been identified as being specifically expressed in tumor tissues, and the only normal tissue that expresses CLDN6 is the placenta, where low amounts of CLDN6 are detected at the RNA level.CLDN6 has been found to be expressed in, for example, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, melanoma, head and neck cancer, sarcoma, cholangiocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma and bladder cancer.

[0053] In various embodiments of the present invention, cancer diseases associated with CLDN6 expression include ovarian cancer, particularly ovarian adenocarcinoma and ovarian teratocarcinoma, lung cancer, including small cell lung cancer (SCLS) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), particularly lung squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma, gastric cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma, head and neck cancer, particularly malignant pleomorphic adenoma, sarcoma, particularly synovial sarcoma and carcinosarcoma, cholangiocarcinoma, bladder cancer, and bladder cancer. Cancer, particularly transitional cell carcinoma and papillary carcinoma, renal cancer, particularly renal cell carcinoma including renal clear cell carcinoma and papillary renal cell carcinoma, colon cancer, small intestine cancer including ileum cancer, particularly small intestine adenocarcinoma and ileum adenocarcinoma, testicular embryonal carcinoma, placental choriocarcinoma, cervical cancer, testicular cancer, particularly testicular seminoma, testicular teratoma and embryonal testicular cancer, uterine cancer, germ cell tumors such as teratocarcinoma or embryonal carcinoma, particularly testicular germ cell tumors, and metastatic forms thereof. In one embodiment, the cancer disease associated with CLDN6 expression is selected from the group consisting of ovarian cancer, lung cancer, metastatic ovarian cancer and metastatic lung cancer. Preferably, the ovarian cancer is carcinoma or adenocarcinoma. Preferably, the lung cancer is carcinoma or adenocarcinoma, preferably bronchiolar carcinoma, such as bronchiolar carcinoma or bronchiolar adenocarcinoma.

[0054] As used herein, the term "CLDN" refers to claudin and includes CLDN6. Preferably, the claudin is a human claudin.

[0055] The term "CLDN6" preferably relates to human CLDN6, in particular a protein comprising, preferably consisting of, the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:2 in the sequence listing, or a variant of said amino acid sequence. The first extracellular loop of CLDN6 preferably comprises amino acids 28 to 80, more preferably amino acids 28 to 76 of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2. The second extracellular loop of CLDN6 preferably comprises amino acids 138 to 160, preferably amino acids 141 to 159, more preferably amino acids 145 to 157 of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2. The first and second extracellular loops preferably form the extracellular portion of CLDN6.

[0056] The term "variant" according to the present invention refers in particular to mutants, splice variants, conformational variants, isoforms, allelic variants, species variants and species homologs, especially those that occur naturally. Allelic variants refer to changes in the normal sequence of a gene, the significance of which is often unclear. Complete gene sequencing often identifies numerous allelic variants for a given gene. Species homologs are nucleic acid or amino acid sequences originating from a different species than that of a given nucleic acid or amino acid sequence. The term "variant" encompasses any post-translational modification variants and conformational variants.

[0057] According to the present invention, the term "claudin-positive cancer" or similar terms refers to a cancer comprising cancer cells that express claudins, preferably cancer cells that express claudins on the surface of said cancer cells. CLDN6 is expressed on the surface of a cell if CLDN6 is located on the surface of the cell and accessible for binding by a CLDN6-specific antibody added to the cell.

[0058] "Cell surface" is used according to its ordinary meaning in the art and thus includes the outside of a cell that is accessible to binding by proteins and other molecules. For example, a transmembrane protein that has one or more extracellular portions is considered to be expressed on the cell surface.

[0059] The term "extracellular portion" in the context of the present invention refers to a part of a molecule, such as a protein, that faces the extracellular space of a cell and is preferably accessible from the outside of said cell, for example by an antigen-binding molecule, such as an antibody, located on the outside of said cell. Preferably, the term refers to one or more extracellular loops or a domain or fragment thereof.

[0060] The terms "part" or "fragment" are used interchangeably herein and refer to a continuous element. For example, a part of a structure, such as an amino acid sequence or a protein, refers to a continuous element of said structure. A part, part or fragment of a structure preferably comprises one or more functional properties of said structure. For example, a part, part or fragment of an epitope or peptide is preferably immunologically equivalent to the epitope or peptide from which it is derived. A part or fragment of a protein sequence preferably comprises a sequence of at least 6, in particular at least 8, at least 10, at least 12, at least 15, at least 20, at least 30, at least 50 or at least 100 consecutive amino acids of the protein sequence.

[0061] According to the present invention, CLDN6 is not substantially expressed in cells when the level of expression is lower than that in placental cells or tissues.Preferably, the level of expression is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1% or 0.05% or even lower than that in placental cells or tissues.Preferably, CLDN6 is not substantially expressed in cells when its level of expression is at most 2-fold, preferably 1.5-fold, higher than that in non-cancerous tissues other than the placenta, and preferably does not exceed that in said non-cancerous tissues.Preferably, CLDN6 is not substantially expressed in cells when the level of expression is lower than the detection limit and / or when the level of expression is so low that it does not allow binding by a CLDN6-specific antibody added to the cells.

[0062] According to the present invention, CLDN6 is expressed in a cell when its expression level exceeds the level of expression in non-cancerous tissue other than placenta by more than 2 times, preferably more than 10 times, 100 times, 1000 times or 10000 times.Preferably, CLDN6 is expressed in a cell when the level of expression is higher than the detection limit and / or when the level of expression is high enough to allow binding by a CLDN6-specific antibody added to the cell.Preferably, CLDN6 expressed in a cell is expressed or exposed on the surface of said cell.

[0063] It has been found that CLDN6 expression is detectable only in the placenta as mRNA, but no protein is detectable at all. Therefore, statements made herein regarding CLDN6 expression in the placenta preferably relate to mRNA expression.

[0064] According to the present invention, the term "disease" refers to any pathological condition, including cancer, particularly the forms of cancer described herein. Reference herein to cancer or a particular form of cancer also encompasses cancer metastasis thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the disease to be treated according to the present application involves cells expressing CLDN6, particularly cancer stem cells expressing CLDN6.

[0065] "Diseases associated with cells expressing CLDN6" or similar expressions means according to the present invention that CLDN6 is expressed in cells of diseased tissues or organs. In one embodiment, the expression of CLDN6 in cells of diseased tissues or organs is increased compared to the situation in healthy tissues or organs. Increase refers to an increase of at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, at least 50%, at least 100%, at least 200%, at least 500%, at least 1000%, at least 10000% or even more. In one embodiment, expression is only observed in diseased tissues, while expression in the corresponding healthy tissues is suppressed. According to the present invention, diseases associated with cells expressing CLDN6 include cancer diseases. Furthermore, according to the present invention, cancer diseases are preferably those in which cancer cells express CLDN6.

[0066] As used herein, "cancer disease" or "cancer" encompasses diseases characterized by dysregulated cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and / or migration. "Cancer cells" refers to abnormal cells that grow by rapid and uncontrolled cell proliferation and continue to grow after the stimuli that initiated new growth have ceased. Preferably, the "cancer disease" is characterized by cells that express CLDN6, in particular cancer stem cells that express CLDN6.

[0067] The term "cancer" according to the present invention includes leukemia, seminoma, melanoma, teratoma, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, glioma, rectal cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, adrenal cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer, intestinal cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, intestinal cancer, head and neck cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lymph node cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, ear, nose and throat (ENT) cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer and metastases thereof. Examples thereof are lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, colon carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, cervical carcinoma or metastases of the above mentioned cancer types or tumors. The term cancer according to the present invention also includes cancer metastases.

[0068] According to the present invention, a "carcinoma" is a malignant tumor derived from epithelial cells. This group is the most common cancer, including common forms of breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer.

[0069] "Adenocarcinoma" is a cancer that arises from glandular tissue. This tissue is also part of a larger tissue category known as epithelial tissue. Epithelial tissue includes skin, glands and various other tissues that line the cavities and organs of the body. Epithelia are embryologically derived from ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm. To be classified as an adenocarcinoma, cells do not necessarily have to be part of a gland, as long as they have secretory properties. This form of carcinoma can occur in some higher mammals, including humans. Well-differentiated adenocarcinomas tend to resemble the glandular tissue from which they originate, while poorly differentiated forms may not. By staining the cells from the biopsy, the pathologist determines whether the tumor is an adenocarcinoma or some other type of cancer. Adenocarcinoma can arise in many tissues of the body due to the ubiquity of glands in the body. Although not every gland secretes the same substances, as long as there is an exocrine function to the cells, they are considered glands, and therefore the malignant form is named adenocarcinoma. Malignant adenocarcinomas often metastasize if given enough time to invade and spread to other tissues. Ovarian adenocarcinoma is the most common type of ovarian carcinoma and includes serous and mucinous adenocarcinoma, clear cell adenocarcinoma and endometrioid adenocarcinoma.

[0070] "Metastasis" refers to the spread of cancer cells from their original site to another part of the body. The formation of metastasis is a very complex process, which depends on the detachment of malignant cells from the primary tumor, invasion of the extracellular matrix, penetration of the endothelial basement membrane to enter body cavities and vessels, and then invasion of the target organ after being carried by blood. Finally, the growth of new tumors at the target site depends on angiogenesis. Tumor metastasis often occurs even after removal of the primary tumor, because tumor cells or components remain and can develop metastatic potential. In one embodiment, the term "metastasis" according to the present invention relates to "distant metastasis", which refers to metastasis far away from the primary tumor and the regional lymph node system. In one embodiment, the term "metastasis" according to the present invention relates to lymph node metastasis.

[0071] A refractory cancer is a malignancy for which a particular treatment is ineffective, either initially or over time becoming refractory to treatment. The terms "refractory," "refractory," or "resistant" are used interchangeably herein.

[0072] As used herein, the term "cancer stem cells" refers to cells that may be precursors of highly proliferative cancer cells. Cancer stem cells have the ability to regrow tumors as demonstrated by their ability to form tumors in immunocompromised mice. Cancer stem cells also typically proliferate slowly relative to the bulk of the tumor, i.e., cancer stem cells are generally quiescent. In some, but not all, embodiments, cancer stem cells may be a small fraction of the tumor, such as about 0.1-10%. Cancer stem cells may have one or more or all of the following characteristics or properties: (i) they may be capable of initiating tumors and / or sustaining tumor growth; (ii) they are generally considered to be relatively less mutating than the bulk of the tumor (e.g., due to slower proliferation and therefore fewer DNA replication-dependent errors, improved DNA repair, and / or epigenetic / non-mutagenic changes that contribute to their malignant potential); (iii) they may have many characteristics of normal stem cell(s) (e.g., similar cell surface antigen and / or intracellular expression profile, self-renewal program, multidrug resistance, immature phenotype, etc. characteristic of normal stem cells) and may be derived from normal stem cell(s); (iv) they may be a source of metastasis; (v) they may be slowly growing or quiescent; (vi) they may be tumorigenic (e.g., as measured by NOD / SCID transplantation experiments); (vii) they may be relatively resistant to traditional therapies (i.e., chemoresistant); and (viii) they may comprise a subpopulation of the tumor (e.g., compared to the tumor bulk).

[0073] "Treating" refers to administering a treatment, such as a compound or composition or a combination of compounds or compositions, to a subject to prevent or eliminate disease, including reducing tumor size or number in the subject, to halt or slow the progression of disease in the subject, to prevent or slow the onset of new disease in the subject, to reduce the frequency or severity of symptoms and / or recurrences in a subject who currently has or has previously had the disease, and / or to prolong, i.e., increase or extend, the survival of the subject. In particular, the term "treating a disease" encompasses curing, shortening the duration, ameliorating, preventing, slowing or arresting the progression or worsening, or preventing or delaying the onset of the disease or its symptoms.

[0074] In the context of the present invention, terms such as "protect" or "prevent" relate to the prevention or treatment or both of the onset and / or spread of disease in a subject, and in particular to minimizing the likelihood that a subject will develop a disease or delaying the onset of a disease. For example, a subject at risk for cancer is a candidate for a therapy to prevent cancer.

[0075] "At risk" refers to a subject that is identified as having a higher than normal probability of developing disease, particularly cancer, compared with the general population.In addition, subjects who have had or currently have disease, particularly cancer, are subjects who are at high risk of developing disease, since such subjects may continue to develop disease.Subjects who currently have or have had cancer are also at high risk of cancer metastasis.

[0076] The term "patient" according to the present invention means a subject for treatment, especially a diseased subject, including a human, a non-human primate or another animal, especially a mammal, such as a cow, horse, pig, sheep, goat, dog, cat or rodent, such as a mouse and a rat. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the patient is a human.

[0077] As used herein, the term "combination" in relation to the administration of a therapy refers to the use of more than one therapy or therapeutic agent. The use of the term "in combination" does not limit the order in which the therapy or therapeutic agent is administered to a subject. The therapy or therapeutic agent can be administered before, simultaneously with, or after the administration of a second therapy or therapeutic agent to a subject. Preferably, the therapy or therapeutic agent is administered to a subject in an order, amount, and / or time interval that allows the therapy or therapeutic agent to act together. In certain embodiments, the therapy or therapeutic agent is administered to a subject in an order, amount, and / or time interval that provides a higher benefit than if they were administered otherwise, particularly independently of each other. Preferably, the higher benefit is a synergistic effect.

[0078] "Target cells" refers to any unwanted cells, such as cancer cells, particularly cancer stem cells. In a preferred embodiment, the target cells express CLDN6.

[0079] According to the present invention, the term "chemotherapy" relates to treatment with one or more chemotherapeutic agents or combinations of chemotherapeutic agents, such as cytostatic or cytotoxic agents. Chemotherapeutic agents according to the present invention include cytostatic and cytotoxic compounds.

[0080] According to the present invention, the term "chemotherapeutic agent" includes taxanes such as paclitaxel and docetaxel, and platinum compounds such as cisplatin and carboplatin, and combinations thereof. A preferred combination may include a combination of a taxane and a platinum compound, for example paclitaxel and carboplatin, particularly for the treatment of ovarian cancer. A further preferred combination may include a combination of a platinum compound such as cisplatin with etoposide and / or bleomycin, particularly for the treatment of ovarian cancer, particularly ovarian germ cell tumors, and / or for the treatment of germ cell tumors, particularly ovarian and testicular germ cell tumors. According to the present invention, reference to a chemotherapeutic agent is intended to include any prodrug, such as an ester, a salt, or a derivative, such as a conjugate of said agent. An example is a conjugate of said agent with a carrier substance, for example protein-bound paclitaxel, such as albumin-bound paclitaxel. Preferably, the salt of said agent is pharmaceutically acceptable.

[0081] Taxanes are a class of diterpene compounds originally derived from natural sources such as plants of the genus Taxus, but some have been synthetically produced. The primary mechanism of action of the taxane class of drugs is the disruption of microtubule function, thereby inhibiting the process of cell division. Taxanes include docetaxel (Taxotere) and paclitaxel (Taxol).

[0082] According to the present invention, the term "docetaxel" means a compound of the formula: [ka] It refers to a compound having the formula:

[0083] In particular, the term "docetaxel" refers to the compound 1,7β,10β-trihydroxy-9-oxo-5β,20-epoxytax-11-ene-2α,4,13α-trityl 4-acetate 2-benzoate 13-{(2R,3S)-3-[(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-amino]-2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoate}.

[0084] According to the present invention, the term "paclitaxel" means a compound of the formula: [ka] It refers to a compound having the formula:

[0085] In particular, the term "paclitaxel" refers to the compound (2α,4α,5β,7β,10β,13α)-4,10-bis-(acetyloxy)-13-{[(2R,3S)-3-(benzoylamino)-2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropanoyl]oxy}-1,7-dihydroxy-9-oxo-5,20-epoxytax-11-en-2-ylbenzoate.

[0086] According to the present invention, the term "platinum compound" refers to a compound that contains platinum in its structure, such as a platinum complex, and includes compounds such as cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin.

[0087] The term "cisplatin" or "cisplatinum" has the formula: [ka] This refers to the compound cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) (CDDP).

[0088] The term "carboplatin" refers to a compound of the formula: [ka] This refers to the compound cis-diammine(1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato)platinum(II).

[0089] The term "oxaliplatin" has the following formula: [ka] This refers to a compound that is a platinum compound complexed to a diaminocyclohexane carrier ligand.

[0090] In particular, the term "oxaliplatin" refers to the compound, [(1R,2R)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine](ethanedioato-O,O')platinum(II). Injectable oxaliplatin is also commercially available under the trade name Eloxatine.

[0091] Additional chemotherapeutic agents contemplated for use in the present invention, alone or in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents such as taxanes or platinum compounds, include, but are not limited to, nucleoside analogs, camptothecin analogs, and anthracyclines.

[0092] The term "nucleoside analog" refers to structural analogs of nucleosides, a category that includes both purine and pyrimidine analogs.

[0093] The term "gemcitabine" has the following formula: [ka] It is a compound which is a nucleoside analogue of the formula:

[0094] In particular, the term refers to the compound 4-amino-1-(2-deoxy-2,2-difluoro-β-D-erythro-pentofuranosyl)pyrimidin-2(1H)-one or 4-amino-1-[(2R,4R,5R)-3,3-difluoro-4-hydroxy-5-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-2-yl]-1,2-dihydropyrimidin-2-one.

[0095] The term "nucleoside analogues" encompasses fluoropyrimidine derivatives such as fluorouracil and its prodrugs. The term "fluorouracil" or "5-fluorouracil" (5-FU or f5U), commercially available under the trade names Adrucil, Carac, Efudix, Efudex and Fluoroplex, has the following formula: [ka] It is a compound which is a pyrimidine analogue of the formula:

[0096] In particular, the term refers to the compound 5-fluoro-1H-pyrimidine-2,4-dione.

[0097] The term "capecitabine" (Xeloda, Roche) refers to a chemotherapy agent that is a prodrug that is converted to 5-FU in tissues. Capecitabine, which can be administered orally, has the following formula: [ka] has.

[0098] In particular, this term refers to the compound pentyl [1-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-5-fluoro-2-oxo-1H-pyrimidin-4-yl]carbamate.

[0099] The term "folinic acid" or "leucovorin" refers to a compound useful in synergistic combination with the chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil. Thus, when referring to the administration of 5-fluorouracil or a prodrug thereof herein, in one embodiment, said administration may include administration in combination with folinic acid. Folinic acid has the following formula: [ka] has.

[0100] In particular, the term refers to the compound (2S)-2-{[4-[(2-amino-5-formyl-4-oxo-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1H-pteridin-6-yl)methylamino]benzoyl]amino}pentanedioic acid.

[0101] According to the present invention, the term "camptothecin analog" refers to a derivative of the compound camptothecin (CPT; (S)-4-ethyl-4-hydroxy-1H-pyrano[3',4':6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14-(4H,12H)-dione). Preferably, the term "camptothecin analog" refers to a derivative of the following structure: [ka] It refers to a compound containing:

[0102] According to the invention, preferred camptothecin analogues are inhibitors of the DNA enzyme topoisomerase I (topo I). Preferred camptothecin analogues according to the invention are irinotecan and topotecan.

[0103] Irinotecan is a drug that prevents DNA unwinding by inhibiting topoisomerase I. In chemical terms, it has the following formula: [ka] Camptothecin is a semisynthetic analogue of the natural alkaloid camptothecin, having the formula:

[0104] In particular, the term "irinotecan" refers to the compound, (S)-4,11-diethyl-3,4,12,14-tetrahydro-4-hydroxy-3,14-dioxo 1H-pyrano[3',4':6,7]-indolizino[1,2-b]quinolin-9-yl-[1,4'-bipiperidine]-1'-carboxylate.

[0105] Topotecan has the formula: [ka] It is a topoisomerase inhibitor.

[0106] In particular, the term "topotecan" refers to the compound (S)-10-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-4-ethyl-4,9-dihydroxy-1H-pyrano[3',4':6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14(4H,12H)-dione monohydrochloride.

[0107] Anthracyclines are a class of drugs commonly used in cancer chemotherapy that are also antibiotics. Structurally, all anthracyclines share a common four-ring 7,8,9,10-tetrahydrotetracene-5,12-quinone structure and usually require glycosylation at specific sites.

[0108] Anthracyclines preferably exert one or more of the following mechanisms of action: 1. Inhibit DNA and RNA synthesis by intercalating between the base pairs of DNA / RNA strands, thus preventing replication of rapidly proliferating cancer cells, 2. Inhibit topoisomerase II enzyme, preventing relaxation of supercoiled DNA, thus blocking DNA transcription and replication, 3. Generate iron-mediated free oxygen radicals that damage DNA and cell membranes.

[0109] According to the present invention the term "anthracycline" relates to an agent, preferably an anti-cancer agent, for inducing apoptosis, preferably by inhibiting the DNA rebinding of topoisomerase II.

[0110] Examples of anthracyclines and anthracycline analogues include, but are not limited to, daunorubicin (daunomycin), doxorubicin (adriamycin), epirubicin, idarubicin, rhodomycin, pirarubicin, valrubicin, N-trifluoro-acetyldoxorubicin-14-valerate, aclacinomycin, morpholinodoxorubicin (morpholino-DOX), cyanomorpholino-doxorubicin (cyanomorpholino-DOX), 2-pyrrolino-doxorubicin (2-PDOX), 5-imino-daunomycin, mitoxantrone and aclacinomycin A (aclarubicin). Mitoxantrone is a member of the anthracenedione class of compounds, which are anthracycline analogues that lack the sugar moiety of anthracyclines but retain a planar polycyclic aromatic ring structure that allows for intercalation into DNA.

[0111] Particularly contemplated as an anthracycline in the context of the present invention is epirubicin, which has the following formula: [ka] It is an anthracycline drug having the formula: ##STR00001## and is marketed in the United States under the trade name Ellence, and elsewhere under the trade name Pharmorubicin or Epirubicin Ebewe. In particular, the term "epirubicin" refers to the compound (8R,10S)-10-[(2S,4S,5R,6S)-4-amino-5-hydroxy-6-methyl-oxan-2-yl]oxy-6,11-dihydroxy-8-(2-hydroxyacetyl)-1-methoxy-8-methyl-9,10-dihydro-7H-tetracene-5,12-dione. Epirubicin is preferred in some chemotherapy regimens over doxorubicin, the most common anthracycline, because it is believed to cause fewer side effects.

[0112] The term "etoposide" refers to a semisynthetic derivative of podophyllotoxin that exhibits antitumor activity. Etoposide inhibits DNA synthesis by forming a complex with topoisomerase II and DNA. This complex induces double-stranded DNA breaks and prevents repair by topoisomerase II binding. Accumulated DNA breaks prevent entry into the mitotic phase of cell division, leading to cell death. Etoposide has the following formula: [ka] has.

[0113] In particular, the term refers to the compound 4'-demethyl-epipodophyllotoxin 9-[4,6-O-(R)-ethylidene-β-D-glucopyranoside], 4'-(dihydrogen phosphate).

[0114] The term "bleomycin" refers to a glycopeptide antibiotic produced by the bacterium Streptomyces verticillus. When used as an anticancer agent, it works by causing breaks in DNA. Bleomycin preferably has the following formula: [ka] The compound contains a compound having the formula:

[0115] According to the present invention, when chemotherapy is administered in combination with an antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 (which may be in a conjugate with at least one toxin drug moiety, i.e., as an antibody drug conjugate), the chemotherapy is administered before and / or simultaneously with administration of the antibody (as a mixture or as a separate composition). Preferably, administration of chemotherapy is started prior to administration of the antibody. Preferably, chemotherapy is started or administered before administration of the antibody to increase CLDN6 expression in cancer cells, such as cancer stem cells, and enhance the antitumor activity of the antibody. Preferably, administration of chemotherapy is started at least 2 days, at least 4 days, at least 6 days, at least 8 days, at least 10 days, at least 12 days, or at least 14 days before the first administration of the antibody. Administration of chemotherapy may continue during administration of the antibody or may be stopped before or during administration of the antibody, for example 1 to 3 days, 1 to 7 days, 1 to 10 days, 1 to 14 days before administration of the antibody. Preferably, the chemotherapeutic agents include taxanes, such as paclitaxel or docetaxel, and / or platinum compounds, such as cisplatin or carboplatin.

[0116] The term "antigen" relates to an agent such as a protein or peptide containing an epitope against which an immune response is and / or should be directed. In a preferred embodiment, the antigen is a tumor-associated antigen such as CLDN6, i.e. a component of a cancer cell that may originate from the cytoplasm, the cell surface and the cell nucleus, in particular an antigen that is produced, preferably in large amounts, intracellularly or as a surface antigen on the cancer cell.

[0117] In the context of the present invention, the term "tumor-associated antigen" or "tumor antigen" preferably relates to a protein which is specifically expressed in a limited number of tissues and / or organs or at a particular developmental stage under normal conditions and which is expressed or aberrantly expressed in one or more tumor or cancer tissues. In the context of the present invention, tumor-associated antigens are preferably associated with the cell surface of cancer cells and are preferably not expressed at all or only rarely expressed in normal tissues.

[0118] The term "epitope" refers to an antigenic determinant in a molecule, i.e., the part in a molecule that is recognized by the immune system, e.g., by an antibody. For example, an epitope is a distinct three-dimensional site on an antigen that is recognized by the immune system. Epitopes usually consist of chemically active surface groups of molecules, such as amino acids or sugar side chains, and usually have specific three-dimensional structural characteristics as well as specific charge characteristics. Conformational and non-conformational epitopes are distinguished in that the binding to the former but not the latter is lost in the presence of denaturing solvents. An epitope of a protein such as CLDN6 preferably comprises a continuous or discontinuous portion of said protein and is preferably 5 to 100, preferably 5 to 50, more preferably 8 to 30, and most preferably 10 to 25 amino acids in length, for example the epitope may be preferably 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 amino acids in length.

[0119] The term "antibody" includes glycoproteins comprising at least two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds, and any molecule comprising an antigen-binding portion of such a glycoprotein. The term "antibody" includes monoclonal antibodies, recombinant antibodies, human antibodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, fragments or derivatives of antibodies, including, but not limited to, single chain antibodies, antigen-binding antibody fragments such as scFv and Fab and Fab' fragments, and also includes all recombinant forms of antibodies, including antibodies expressed in prokaryotes, non-glycosylated antibodies, and any antigen-binding antibody fragments and derivatives described herein. Each heavy chain is composed of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as VH) and a heavy chain constant region. Each light chain is composed of a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as VL) and a light chain constant region. The VH and VL regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termed complementarity determining regions (CDRs), interspersed with more conserved regions, termed framework regions (FRs). Each VH and VL is composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from amino-terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4. The variable regions of the heavy and light chains contain binding domains that interact with antigens. The constant region of the antibody can mediate the binding of the immunoglobulin to host tissues or factors, including various cells of the immune system (e.g., effector cells) and the first component (Clq) of the classical complement system.

[0120] The term "monoclonal antibody" as used herein refers to a preparation of antibody molecules of single molecular composition. Monoclonal antibodies exhibit a single binding specificity and affinity. In one embodiment, monoclonal antibodies are produced by hybridomas that contain B cells obtained from a non-human animal, such as a mouse, fused to an immortalized cell.

[0121] The term "recombinant antibody", as used herein, encompasses all antibodies that are made, expressed, created or isolated by recombinant means, such as (a) antibodies isolated from an animal (e.g., a mouse) that is transgenic or transchromosomal for immunoglobulin genes or a hybridoma made therefrom, (b) antibodies isolated from a host cell that has been transformed to express the antibody, e.g., from a transfectoma, (c) antibodies isolated from a recombinant combinatorial antibody library, and (d) antibodies made, expressed, created or isolated by any other means, including splicing of immunoglobulin gene sequences into other DNA sequences.

[0122] The term "human antibody," as used herein, is intended to include antibodies having variable and constant regions derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. Human antibodies may include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced by random or site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by somatic mutation in vivo).

[0123] The term "humanized antibody" refers to a molecule having an antigen-binding site substantially derived from an immunoglobulin from a non-human species, where the remaining immunoglobulin structure of the molecule is based on the structure and / or sequence of a human immunoglobulin. The antigen-binding site may comprise a complete variable domain fused to a constant domain, or may comprise only the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) grafted into appropriate framework regions within the variable domain. The antigen-binding site may be wild-type or may be modified by one or more amino acid substitutions, e.g., to more closely resemble human immunoglobulins. Some forms of humanized antibodies preserve all CDR sequences (e.g., a humanized mouse antibody containing all six CDRs from a mouse antibody). Other forms have one or more CDRs that are altered compared to the original antibody.

[0124] The term "chimeric antibody" refers to an antibody in which a portion of each of the amino acid sequences of the heavy and light chains is homologous to the corresponding sequence in an antibody from a particular species or belonging to a particular class, while the remaining segments of the chains are homologous to the corresponding sequence in another antibody. Typically, the variable regions of both the light and heavy chains mimic the variable regions of an antibody from one species of mammal, while the constant portions are homologous to the sequences of an antibody from another species. One obvious advantage of such chimeric forms is that the variable regions can be conveniently derived from currently known sources, for example, using B cells or hybridomas from readily available non-human host organisms, in combination with constant regions from human cell preparations. The variable regions have the advantage of ease of preparation and their specificity is independent of the source, while the constant regions that are human are less likely to provoke an immune response from a human subject when the antibody is injected than constant regions from a non-human source. However, the definition is not limited to this particular example.

[0125] Antibodies may be derived from various species, including but not limited to mouse, rat, rabbit, guinea pig and human.

[0126] Antibodies as described herein include IgA, such as IgA1 or IgA2, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgE, IgM and IgD antibodies. In various embodiments, the antibody is an IgG1 antibody, more particularly an IgG1, kappa or IgG1, lambda isotype (i.e. IgG1, κ, λ), an IgG2a antibody (e.g. IgG2a, κ, λ), an IgG2b antibody (e.g. IgG2b, κ, λ), an IgG3 antibody (e.g. IgG3, κ, λ) or an IgG4 antibody (e.g. IgG4, κ, λ).

[0127] As used herein, a "heterologous antibody" is defined with respect to the transgenic organism producing such an antibody. The term refers to an antibody that is not constructed from the transgenic organism and generally has an amino acid sequence or encoding nucleic acid sequence that corresponds to one found in an organism derived from a species other than the transgenic organism.

[0128] As used herein, a "heterohybrid antibody" refers to an antibody having light and heavy chains of different organismal origins. For example, an antibody having a human heavy chain combined with a murine light chain is a heterohybrid antibody.

[0129] The antibodies described herein are preferably isolated. As used herein, "isolated antibodies" are intended to refer to antibodies that are substantially free of other antibodies with different antigen specificities (e.g., an isolated antibody that specifically binds to CLDN6 is substantially free of antibodies that specifically bind to antigens other than CLDN6). An isolated antibody that specifically binds to an epitope, isoform or variant of human CLDN6 may, however, have cross-reactivity to other related antigens, such as related antigens from other species (e.g., CLDN6 species homologs). Furthermore, an isolated antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material and / or chemicals. In one embodiment of the present invention, the "isolated" monoclonal antibody combination relates to antibodies that have different specificities and are combined in a well-defined composition or mixture.

[0130] The term "antigen-binding portion" (or simply "binding portion") of an antibody or "antigen-binding fragment" (or simply "binding fragment") of an antibody or similar terms 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 binding fragments encompassed by the term "antigen-binding portion" of an antibody include (i) a Fab fragment, which is a monovalent fragment consisting of the VL, VH, CL and CH domains; (ii) an F(ab')2 fragment, which is a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region; (iii) an Fd fragment consisting of the VH and CH domains; (iv) an Fv fragment consisting of the VL and VH domains of one arm of an antibody; (v) a dAb fragment (Ward et al., (1989) Nature 341:544-546), consisting of the VH domain; (vi) an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR), and (vii) a combination of two or more isolated CDRs, optionally linked by a synthetic linker. Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv fragment, VL and VH, are encoded by separate genes, they can be linked using recombinant methods by a synthetic linker that allows them to be made as a single-chain protein (known as single-chain Fv (scFv); see, for example, Bird et al. (1988) Science 242:423-426; and Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883) in which the VL and VH regions pair to form a monovalent molecule. Such single-chain antibodies are also intended to be encompassed by the term "antigen-binding fragment" of an antibody. A further example is a binding domain immunoglobulin fusion protein that includes (i) a binding domain polypeptide fused to an immunoglobulin hinge region polypeptide, (ii) an immunoglobulin heavy chain CH2 constant region fused to the hinge region, and (iii) an immunoglobulin heavy chain CH3 constant region fused to the CH2 constant region. The binding domain polypeptide can be a heavy chain variable region or a light chain variable region.Binding domain immunoglobulin fusion proteins are further disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 2003 / 0118592 and 2003 / 0133939. These antibody fragments are obtained using conventional techniques known to those with skill in the art, and the fragments are screened for utility in the same manner as are intact antibodies.

[0131] The term "binding domain" in the context of the present invention characterizes a structure, e.g. of an antibody, which binds / interacts with a given target structure / antigen / epitope. A binding domain according to the present invention therefore represents an "antigen interaction site".

[0132] For purposes of the present invention, all antibodies and antibody derivatives, such as antibody fragments, described herein are encompassed by the term "antibody." The term "antibody derivative" refers to any modified form of an antibody, such as a conjugate of an antibody with another agent or another antibody, or an antibody fragment.

[0133] Naturally occurring antibodies are generally monospecific, i.e., they bind to a single antigen. The present invention includes antibodies that bind to a target cell (by engaging with CLDN6) and to a second entity, such as a cytotoxic cell (e.g., by engaging with the CD3 receptor). The antibodies of the present invention may be bispecific or multispecific, e.g., trispecific, tetraspecific, etc.

[0134] The term "bispecific molecule" is intended to encompass agents that have two different binding specificities. For example, the molecule can bind to or interact with (a) a cell surface antigen and (b) a receptor, such as an Fc receptor, on the surface of an effector cell. The term "multispecific molecule" is intended to encompass agents that have more than two different binding specificities. For example, the molecule can bind to or interact with (a) a cell surface antigen, (b) a receptor, such as an Fc receptor, on the surface of an effector cell, and (c) at least one other component. Thus, the term "antibody capable of binding to CLDN6" encompasses, but is not limited to, bispecific, trispecific, tetraspecific and other multispecific molecules against CLDN6 and against other targets, such as an Fc receptor on an effector cell. The term "bispecific antibody" also encompasses diabodies. Diabodies are bivalent, bispecific antibodies in which the VH and VL domains are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but use a linker that is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain, thereby allowing them to pair with the complementary domains on another chain and create two antigen-binding sites (see, e.g., Holliger, P., et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:6444-6448; Poljak, RJ, et al. (1994) Structure 2:1121-1123).

[0135] In the context of the present invention, an "antibody having the ability to bind to CLDN6" is preferably capable of eliciting an immune effector function as described herein. Preferably, said immune effector function is directed against cells, such as cancer stem cells, carrying the tumor-associated antigen CLDN6 on their surface.

[0136] The term "immune effector function" in the context of the present invention encompasses any function mediated by components of the immune system that results in the inhibition of tumor growth and / or the inhibition of tumor development, including, for example, the inhibition of tumor dissemination and metastasis. Preferably, the immune effector function results in the killing of cancer cells, particularly cancer stem cells. Such functions include complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), the induction of apoptosis in cells bearing tumor-associated antigens, the cytolysis of cells bearing tumor-associated antigens, and / or the inhibition of the proliferation of cells bearing tumor-associated antigens. Binding agents may also act simply by binding to tumor-associated antigens on the surface of cancer cells. For example, an antibody may block the function of tumor-associated antigens or induce apoptosis simply by binding to tumor-associated antigens on the surface of cancer cells.

[0137] According to the present invention, the antibody may be conjugated to a therapeutic moiety or agent, such as a toxin drug moiety, particularly a cytotoxin, a drug (e.g., an immunosuppressant), or a radioisotope. A cytotoxin or cytotoxic drug includes any agent that is harmful to cells, particularly killing cells. Examples include taxol, cytochalasin B, gramicidin D, ethidium bromide, emetine, mitomycin, etoposide, tenoposide, vincristine, vinblastine, colchicine, doxorubicin, daunorubicin, dihydroxyanthracin dione, mitoxantrone, mithramycin, actinomycin D, amanitin, 1-dehydrotestosterone, glucocorticoids, procaine, tetracaine, lidocaine, propranolol, and puromycin, as well as analogs or homologs thereof. Suitable therapeutic agents for forming antibody conjugates include antimetabolites (e.g., methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, cytarabine, fludarabine, 5-fluorouracil decarbazine), alkylating agents (e.g., mechlorethamine, thiotepa, chlorambucil, melphalan, carmustine (BSNU) and lomustine (CCNU), cyclophosphamide, busulfan, dibromomannitol, streptozotocin, mitomycin C and cis-dichlorodiamineplatinum(II) (DDP) (cisplatin), anthracyclines (e.g., daunorubicin (formerly daunomycin) and doxorubicin), antibiotics (e.g., dactinomycin (formerly actinomycin)), and the like. Examples of toxin drug moieties include, but are not limited to, cyclophosphamide (cyclophosphamide), bleomycin, mithramycin and anthramycin (AMC), and antimitotic agents such as vincristine and vinblastine. In a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic agent is a cytotoxic or radiotoxic agent. In another embodiment, the therapeutic agent is an immunosuppressant. In yet another embodiment, the therapeutic agent is GM-CSF. In a preferred embodiment, the therapeutic agent is doxorubicin, cisplatin, bleomycin sulfate, carmustine, chlorambucil, cyclophosphamide or ricin A. Particularly preferred toxin drug moieties according to the present invention are compounds that inhibit microtubule assembly and have antiproliferative and / or cytotoxic effects.

[0138] Particularly preferred according to the present invention is an antibody linked to a therapeutic component or agent, such as a cytotoxin, that acts on slowly growing or quiescent cells, such as cancer stem cells. Such therapeutic components include therapeutic components that act on mRNA and / or protein synthesis. Several inhibitors of transcription are known. For example, actinomycin D, which is both a transcription inhibitor and a DNA damaging agent, intercalates into DNA and thus inhibits the initial stage of transcription. Flavopiridol targets the elongation stage of transcription. α-amanitin directly binds to RNA polymerase, resulting in the inhibition of both initiation and elongation stages.

[0139] The antibodies can also be coupled to radioactive isotopes, such as iodine-131, yttrium-90, or indium-111, to generate cytotoxic radiopharmaceuticals.

[0140] The antibody conjugates of the present invention can be used to modulate a given biological response, and the drug moiety should not be construed as being limited to classical chemotherapeutic agents. For example, the drug moiety can be a peptide, protein, or polypeptide having a desired biological activity. Such proteins can include, for example, enzymatically active toxins or active fragments thereof, such as abrin, ricin A, pseudomonas exotoxin, or diphtheria toxin; proteins such as tumor necrosis factor or interferon gamma; or biological response modifiers, such as lymphokines, interleukin 1 ("IL-1"), interleukin 2 ("IL-2"), interleukin 6 ("IL-6"), granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor ("GM-CSF"), granulocyte colony stimulating factor ("G-CSF"), or other growth factors. Further preferred drug moieties according to the present invention are curcumin, salinomycin, and sulforaphane.

[0141] Techniques for conjugating such therapeutic moieties to antibodies are well known and are described, for example, in Arnon et al., "Monoclonal Antibodies For Immunotargeting Of Drugs In Cancer Therapy", in Monoclonal Antibodies And Cancer Therapy, Reisfeld et al. (eds.), pp. 243-56 (Alan R. Liss, Inc. 1985); Hellstrom et al., "Antibodies For Drug Delivery", in Controlled Drug Delivery (2nd Ed.), Robinson et al. (eds.), pp. 623-53 (Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1987); Thorpe, "Antibody Carriers Of Cytotoxic Agents In Cancer Therapy: A Review", in Monoclonal Antibodies '84: Biological And Clinical Applications, Pinchera et al. (eds.), pp. 475-506 (1985); "Analysis, Results, And Future Prospective Of The Therapeutic Use Of Radiolabeled Antibodies" in See "In Cancer Therapy", in Monoclonal Antibodies For Cancer Detection And Therapy, Baldwin et al. (eds.), pp. 303-16 (Academic Press 1985), and Thorpe et al., "The Preparation And Cytotoxic Properties Of Antibody-Toxin Conjugates", Immunol. Rev., 62:119-58 (1982).

[0142] In one preferred embodiment, an antibody according to the invention is conjugated to one or more maytansinoid molecules.

[0143] Maytansinoids are potent microtubule-targeting compounds that inhibit the proliferation of cells in mitosis. Maytansinoids are derivatives of maytansine, a 19-membered ansamacrolide structure linked to a chlorinated benzene ring. Maytansine has the following formula: [ka] has.

[0144] Certain microorganisms have also been discovered to produce maytansinoids, such as maytansinol and C-3 maytansinol esters (U.S. Pat. No. 4,151,042). Synthetic maytansinol and maytansinol analogs are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,137,230; 4,248,870; 4,256,746; 4,260,608; 4,265,814; 4,294,757; 4,307,016; 4,308,268; and 4,309,759, which are incorporated herein by reference. Nos. 8,269; 4,309,428; 4,313,946; 4,315,929; 4,317,821; 4,322,348; 4,331,598; 4,361,650; 4,364,866; 4,424,219; 4,362,663 and 4,371,533 and in Kawai et al (1984) Chem. Pharm. Bull. 3441-3451.

[0145] Maytansinoids are well known in the art and can be synthesized by known techniques or isolated from natural sources.Particularly preferred maytansinoids according to the present invention are thiol-containing derivatives of maytansine, such as DM1 and DM4.Such thiol-containing derivatives of maytansine include compounds in which the methyl group attached to the carbonyl group is replaced by a group containing a free sulfhydryl group, such as a -R-SH group, where R represents an alkylene group or other carbon-containing group.

[0146] DM1, also known as mertansine, has the following formula: [ka] It is a maytansinoid having the formula:

[0147] In particular, the term "mertansine" or "DM1" refers to the compound, N 2' -Deacetyl-N 2' -(3-mercapto-1-oxopropyl)-maytansine.

[0148] "DM4" is a compound, N 2' -Deacetyl-N 2' -(4-methyl-4-mercapto-1-oxopentyl)-maytansine.

[0149] Anti-CLDN6 antibody-maytansinoid conjugates are prepared by chemically linking an anti-CLDN6 antibody to a maytansinoid molecule without significantly reducing the biological activity of either the antibody or the maytansinoid molecule. An average of 3-4 maytansinoid molecules can be attached per antibody molecule, but even one molecule of toxin / antibody is expected to enhance cytotoxicity compared to the use of naked antibody.

[0150] In this regard, the term "antibody covalently attached to at least one toxin drug moiety" encompasses the situation where one or more molecules of the same drug are covalently attached to the antibody molecule as well as the situation where different drugs are covalently attached to the antibody molecule. In the latter situation, one or more molecules of each of the different drugs may be attached to the antibody molecule or combinations thereof (e.g., one molecule of one drug is attached and several molecules of another drug are attached).

[0151] In some embodiments of the invention, the antibody is conjugated to a dolastatin or auristatin peptide analog and derivative (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,635,483; 5,780,588, incorporated herein by reference). Auristatins are synthetic analogs of dolastatin 10, a natural product derived from the marine mollusc Dolabela auricularia. Like maytansinoids, auristatins are microtubule disrupting agents. The dolastatin or auristatin drug moiety may be attached to the antibody via the N (amino) terminus or C (carboxyl) terminus of the peptide drug moiety.

[0152] Exemplary auristatin embodiments include monomethylauristatin drug moieties, such as MMAE and MMAF, preferably N-terminally linked.

[0153] MMAE, also known as monomethylauristatin E, has the following formula: [ka] has.

[0154] In particular, the term "MMAE" refers to the compound (S)-N-((3R,4S,5S)-1-((S)-2-((1R,2R)-3-(((1S,2R)-1-hydroxy-1-phenylpropan-2-yl)amino)-1-methoxy-2-methyl-3-oxopropyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl)-3-methoxy-5-methyl-1-oxoheptan-4-yl)-N,3-dimethyl-2-((S)-3-methyl-2-(methylamino)butanamide)butanamide. MMAE is actually desmethyl-auristatin E, i.e., the N-terminal amino group has only one methyl substituent rather than two as in auristatin E itself.

[0155] Particularly preferred according to the invention are antibody-vc auristatin conjugates, such as antibody-vcMMAE conjugates. According to the invention, the term "antibody-vc auristatin" or "vcMMAE" refers to an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) containing an auristatin, such as MMAE, linked to an antibody by the lysosomal cleavable dipeptide, valine-citrulline (vc).

[0156] MMAF, also known as monomethylauristatin F, refers to the compound (S)-2-((2R,3R)-3-((S)-1-((3R,4S,5S)-4-((S)-N,3-dimethyl-2-((S)-3-methyl-2-(methylamino)butanamido)butanamido)-3-methoxy-5-methylheptanoyl)pyrrolidin-2-yl)-3-methoxy-2-methylpropanamido)-3-phenylpropanoic acid.

[0157] There are many linking groups known in the art for creating antibody-drug conjugates.

[0158] In one embodiment of the present invention, the antibody is linked to the drug by a bifunctional crosslinking reagent. As used herein, "bifunctional crosslinking reagent" refers to a reagent that has two reactive groups, one capable of reacting with the antibody and the other capable of reacting with the drug, thereby forming a conjugate, to link the antibody to the drug. Any suitable bifunctional crosslinking reagent can be used in the context of the present invention, so long as the linker reagent provides for the retention of the drug, e.g., cytotoxicity, and targeting properties of the antibody. Preferably, the linker molecule links the drug to the antibody via a chemical bond, such that the drug and antibody are chemically bound (e.g., covalently bonded) to each other.

[0159] In one embodiment, the bifunctional cross-linking reagent comprises a non-cleavable linker. A non-cleavable linker is any chemical moiety that can link a drug, such as a maytansinoid, to an antibody in a stable covalent bond. Preferably, the non-cleavable linker is not cleaved under physiological conditions, particularly inside a cell. Thus, the non-cleavable linker is substantially resistant to acid-induced cleavage, light-induced cleavage, peptidase-induced cleavage, esterase-induced cleavage and disulfide bond cleavage under conditions in which the drug or antibody remains active. Suitable cross-linking reagents that form a non-cleavable linker between a drug and an antibody are well known in the art. In one embodiment, the drug is linked to the antibody via a thioether bond. Examples of non-cleavable linkers include linkers with maleimide or haloacetyl-based moieties for reaction with a drug, such as a sulfhydryl group of a maytansinoid. Such bifunctional crosslinkers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to, N-succinimidyl 4-(maleimidomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylate (SMCC) and the "long chain" analogue of SMCC, N-succinimidyl-4-(N-maleimidomethyl)-cyclohexane-1-carboxy-(6-amidocaproate) (LC-SMCC). Preferably, the bifunctional crosslinker is SMCC. Using such linkers, drugs such as mertansine can be linked to amino groups such as the free NH2 groups of lysine residues of antibodies via 4-(3-mercapto-2,5-dioxo-1-pyrrolidinylmethyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid. Each antibody-drug conjugate molecule may contain one antibody molecule bound to several molecules of mertansine.

[0160] In one particularly preferred embodiment, the linking reagent is a cleavable linker. Preferably, the cleavable linker is cleavable under physiological conditions, particularly inside the cell. Examples of suitable cleavable linkers include disulfide linkers, acid labile linkers, photolabile linkers, peptidase labile linkers and esterase labile linkers. Disulfide-containing linkers are linkers that are cleavable via disulfide exchange, which can occur under physiological conditions. Acid labile linkers are linkers that are cleavable at acid pH. For example, certain intracellular compartments such as endosomes and lysosomes have an acidic pH (pH 4-5), providing suitable conditions for cleaving acid labile linkers. Photolabile linkers are useful at the body surface and in many body cavities that are accessible to light. Additionally, infrared light can penetrate tissues. Peptidase labile linkers can be used to cleave specific peptides inside or outside the cell. In one embodiment, the cleavable linker is cleaved under mild conditions, i.e., conditions within the cell where the activity of the cytotoxic agent is not affected.

[0161] In one particularly preferred embodiment, the linker is a linker comprising or consisting of the dipeptide, valine (Val)-citrulline (Cit) (vc), which is cleaved by cathepsins inside tumor cells.

[0162] According to the present invention, the term "cancer therapy against cancer stem cells" refers to any therapy that can be used to target cancer stem cells, preferably to kill and / or reduce the proliferation or viability of cancer stem cells. Such therapies include i) naked or therapeutic moiety-bound antibodies, antibody fragments and proteins (e.g., antibodies or antibody conjugates with the ability to bind to CLDN6 as described above) that target specific cell surface targets on cancer stem cells, such as CLDN6, or ii) small molecules that reduce the proliferation or viability of cancer stem cells. In certain embodiments, said agent binds to an antigen that is expressed at a higher level on cancer stem cells than on normal stem cells. In certain embodiments, said agent specifically binds to a cancer stem cell antigen.

[0163] The term "binding" according to the present invention preferably relates to specific binding.

[0164] According to the present invention, an antibody is capable of binding to a given target if it has significant affinity for the given target in a standard assay and binds to the given target. "Affinity" or "binding affinity" is often measured using the equilibrium dissociation constant (K D ) Preferably, the term "significant affinity" refers to a -5 M or less, 10 -6 M or less, 10 -7 M or less, 10 -8 M or less, 10 -9 M or less, 10 -10 M or less, 10 -11 M or less, or 10 -12 M or a lower dissociation constant (K D ) to bind to a specific target.

[0165] If an antibody has no significant affinity for a target in a standard assay and does not bind significantly, in particular does not bind detectably, to said target, said antibody is (substantially) unable to bind to said target. Preferably, said antibody does not bind detectably to said target when present at a concentration of up to or greater than 2, preferably 10, more preferably 20, in particular 50 or 100 μg / ml. Preferably, the K for binding to a given target to which the antibody can bind is D At least 10 times, 100 times, or 10 times 3 Double, 10 4 Double, 10 5 Double or 10 6 Twice as high as K D If the antibody binds to the target at 0, then the antibody does not have significant affinity for the target. For example, the K D 10 -7 M, the K for binding to a target for which the antibody does not have significant affinity Dis at least 10 -6 M, 10 -5 M, 10 -4 M, 10 -3 M, 10 -2 M or 10 -1 It's M.

[0166] An antibody is specific for a given target if it can bind to a given target but cannot bind to other targets, i.e. it has no significant affinity for other targets in standard assays and does not significantly bind to other targets. According to the present invention, an antibody is specific for CLDN6 if it can bind to CLDN6 but cannot (substantially) bind to other targets. Preferably, an antibody is specific for CLDN6 if its affinity and binding to such other targets does not significantly exceed its affinity or binding to proteins unrelated to CLDN6, such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), casein, human serum albumin (HSA), or non-claudin transmembrane proteins, such as MHC molecules or transferrin receptors, or any other specific polypeptide. Preferably, an antibody has a K for binding to a target for which the antibody is not specific. D At least 10 times, 100 times, or 10 times 3 Double, 10 4 Double, 10 5 Double or 10 6 Twice lower K D An antibody is specific for a given target if it binds to the given target at D 10 -7 M, the K D is at least 10 -6 M, 10 -5 M, 10 -4 M, 10 -3 M, 10 -2 M or 10 -1 It's M.

[0167] Binding of an antibody to a target can be experimentally measured using any suitable method, for example, see Berzofsky et al., "Antibody-Antigen Interactions" In Fundamental Immunology, Paul, WE, Ed., Raven Press New York, NY (1984), Kuby, Janis Immunology, WH Freeman and Company New York, NY (1992), and the methods described herein. Affinity can be readily measured using conventional techniques, for example, by equilibrium dialysis; by using a BIAcore 2000 instrument using the general procedures outlined by the manufacturer; by radioimmunoassay using radiolabeled target antigen; or by other methods known to those skilled in the art. Affinity data can be analyzed, for example, by the method of Scatchard et al., Ann NYAcad.ScL, 51:660 (1949). The measured affinity of a particular antibody-antigen interaction can be different when measured under different conditions, for example, under different salt concentrations, pH. Thus, affinity and other antigen binding parameters, such as K D ,I C 50 The measurement is preferably carried out using standard solutions of antibody and antigen and standard buffers.

[0168] As used herein, "isotype" refers to the antibody class (e.g., IgM or IgG1) that is encoded by heavy chain constant region genes.

[0169] As used herein, "isotype switching" refers to the phenomenon in which the class, or isotype, of an antibody changes from one Ig class to one of the other Ig classes.

[0170] The term "naturally occurring" as used herein when applied to an object refers to the fact that the object can be found in nature. For example, a polypeptide or polynucleotide sequence that exists in an organism (including viruses) that can be isolated from a natural source and has not been intentionally modified by humans in a laboratory is naturally occurring.

[0171] As used herein, the term "rearranged" refers to a configuration of a heavy or light chain immunoglobulin locus in which a V segment is positioned immediately adjacent to a DJ or J segment in a conformation that essentially encodes a complete VH or VL domain, respectively. Rearranged immunoglobulin (antibody) loci can be identified by comparison to germline DNA, and rearranged loci have at least one recombined heptamer / 9amer homology element.

[0172] The term "unrearranged" or "germline configuration" as used herein with respect to a V segment refers to a configuration in which the V segment has not been recombined so that it is immediately adjacent to a D or J segment.

[0173] Preferably, the binding of the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 to cells expressing CLDN6 induces or mediates the death of the cells expressing CLDN6. The cells expressing CLDN6 are preferably cancer stem cells, particularly cells of cancer diseases described herein, such as cancer stem cells of ovarian cancer. Preferably, the antibody induces or mediates the death of the cells by inducing one or more of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)-mediated lysis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediated lysis, apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation of the cells expressing CLDN6. Preferably, the ADCC-mediated lysis of the cells occurs in the presence of effector cells, which in certain embodiments are selected from the group consisting of monocytes, mononuclear cells, NK cells, and PMNs. The inhibition of cell proliferation can be measured in vitro by quantifying cell proliferation in an assay using bromodeoxyuridine (5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine, BrdU). BrdU is a synthetic nucleoside that is an analogue of thymidine, and can be incorporated into newly synthesized DNA of replicating cells (during the S phase of the cell cycle), replacing thymidine during DNA replication. Detecting the incorporated chemical, for example using an antibody specific for BrdU, indicates a cell that was actively replicating its DNA.

[0174] In a preferred embodiment, the antibodies described herein have the following characteristics: a) Specificity for CLDN6; b) a binding affinity to CLDN6 of about 100 nM or less, preferably about 5-10 nM or less, more preferably about 1-10 nM or less; c) the ability to induce or mediate CDC on CLDN6-positive cells; d) the ability to induce or mediate ADCC on CLDN6-positive cells; e) the ability to inhibit proliferation of CLDN6 positive cells; f) Ability to induce apoptosis in CLDN6-positive cells The compound may be characterized by one or more of the following:

[0175] In one embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 has the ability to bind to an epitope present in CLDN6, preferably an epitope located within the extracellular domain of CLDN6, in particular the first extracellular loop, preferably within amino acid positions 28-76 of CLDN6 or the second extracellular loop, preferably within amino acid positions 141-159 of CLDN6. In a particular embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 binds to an epitope on CLDN6 that is not present on CLDN9. Preferably, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 binds to an epitope on CLDN6 that is not present on CLDN4 and / or CLDN3. Most preferably, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 binds to an epitope on CLDN6 that is not present on CLDN proteins other than CLDN6.

[0176] The antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 preferably binds to CLDN6 but not to CLDN9, and preferably not to CLDN4 and / or CLDN3. Preferably, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 is specific to CLDN6. Preferably, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 binds to CLDN6 expressed on the cell surface. In a particular preferred embodiment, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 binds to a natural epitope of CLDN6 present on the surface of a living cell.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, the antibody having the ability of binding to CLDN6 comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 5, 7, 9, and fragments thereof.

[0178] In a preferred embodiment, the antibody having the ability of binding to CLDN6 comprises a light chain variable region (VL) comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, and fragments thereof.

[0179] In certain preferred embodiments, the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 comprises a combination of a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL) selected from the following possibilities (i) to (vii): (i) the VH comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 or a fragment thereof, and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 4 or a fragment thereof; (ii) the VH comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 or a fragment thereof, and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 6 or a fragment thereof; (iii) the VH comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 7 or a fragment thereof, and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 8 or a fragment thereof; (iv) the VH comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 9 or a fragment thereof, and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 10 or a fragment thereof; (v) the VH comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 or a fragment thereof, and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 4 or a fragment thereof; (vi) the VH comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 or a fragment thereof, and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 11 or a fragment thereof; (vii) the VH comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:5 or a fragment thereof, and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:12 or a fragment thereof.

[0180] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the antibody having the ability of binding to CLDN6 comprises the following combination of heavy chain variable regions (VH) and light chain variable regions (VL): The VH comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:5, or a fragment thereof, and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:4, or a fragment thereof.

[0181] The term "fragment" refers in particular to one or more of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of the heavy chain variable region (VH) and / or the light chain variable region (VL), preferably at least the CDR3 variable region. In one embodiment, said one or more of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) are selected from the set of complementarity determining regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the term "fragment" refers to the complementarity determining regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 of the heavy chain variable region (VH) and / or the light chain variable region (VL).

[0182] In one embodiment, an antibody comprising one or more CDRs, sets of CDRs or combinations of sets of CDRs described herein comprises said CDRs together with their intervening framework regions. Preferably, the portion comprises at least about 50% of either or both of the first and fourth framework regions, said 50% being the C-terminal 50% of the first framework region and the N-terminal 50% of the fourth framework region. Construction of antibodies performed by recombinant DNA techniques may result in the introduction of N- or C-terminal residues of the variable region encoded by linkers introduced to facilitate cloning or other engineering steps, including the introduction of linkers for linking the variable regions of the invention to further protein sequences including immunoglobulin heavy chains, other variable domains (e.g. in the production of diabodies) or protein tags.

[0183] In one embodiment, an antibody comprising one or more CDRs, a set of CDRs or a combination of a set of CDRs described herein comprises said CDRs within a human antibody framework.

[0184] Reference herein to an antibody comprising a particular chain or a particular region or sequence in relation to its heavy chain preferably relates to the situation where all heavy chains of said antibody comprise said particular chain, region or sequence, and this applies correspondingly to the light chains of the antibody.

[0185] It should be understood that the antibodies described herein can be delivered to a patient by administering a nucleic acid, such as an RNA, encoding the antibody and / or by administering a host cell containing a nucleic acid, such as an RNA, encoding the antibody. Thus, when administered to a patient, the nucleic acid encoding the antibody can be present in naked form or in a suitable delivery vehicle, for example in the form of a liposome or viral particle or within a host cell. The nucleic acid provided can produce antibodies over an extended period of time in a sustained manner that alleviates the instability that is at least partially associated with therapeutic antibodies. The nucleic acid to be delivered to a patient can be produced by recombinant means. If the nucleic acid is administered to a patient without being present within a host cell, the nucleic acid is preferably taken up by the patient's cells for expression of the antibody encoded by the nucleic acid. If the nucleic acid is administered to a patient while present within a host cell, the nucleic acid is preferably expressed by the host cell within the patient to produce the antibody encoded by the nucleic acid.

[0186] The term "nucleic acid" as used herein is intended to include DNA and RNA, such as genomic DNA, cDNA, mRNA, recombinantly produced and chemically synthesized molecules. Nucleic acids can be single-stranded or double-stranded. RNA includes in vitro transcribed RNA (IVT RNA) or synthetic RNA.

[0187] The nucleic acid may be contained in a vector. The term "vector" as used herein includes any vector known to those skilled in the art, including plasmid vectors, cosmid vectors, phage vectors such as lambda phage, viral vectors such as adenovirus or baculovirus vectors, or artificial chromosome vectors such as bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC), yeast artificial chromosomes (YAC) or P1 artificial chromosomes (PAC). The vector includes expression vectors and cloning vectors. Expression vectors include plasmids and viral vectors, and generally contain a desired coding sequence and the appropriate DNA sequences required for the expression of the operably linked coding sequence in a particular host organism (e.g., bacteria, yeast, plants, insects or mammals) or in an in vitro expression system. Cloning vectors are generally used to manipulate and amplify a particular desired DNA fragment, and may lack functional sequences required for the expression of the desired DNA fragment.

[0188] In the context of the present invention, the term "RNA" refers to a molecule that comprises ribonucleotide residues, preferably consisting entirely or substantially of ribonucleotide residues. "Ribonucleotide" refers to a nucleotide that has a hydroxyl group at the 2' position of a β,D-ribofuranosyl group. The term encompasses double-stranded RNA, single-stranded RNA, isolated RNA such as partially purified RNA, essentially pure RNA, synthetic RNA, recombinantly produced RNA, and modified RNA that differs from naturally occurring RNA by the addition, deletion, substitution and / or alteration of one or more nucleotides. Such alterations may include the addition of non-nucleotide material, for example to the end of the RNA or internally, for example at one or more nucleotides of the RNA. Nucleotides in an RNA molecule may also include non-standard nucleotides, for example non-naturally occurring or chemically synthesized nucleotides or deoxynucleotides. These altered RNAs may be referred to as analogs or analogs of naturally occurring RNA.

[0189] According to the present invention, the term "RNA" includes "mRNA" meaning "messenger RNA", and preferably relates to "mRNA" and to "transcription products" that can be produced using DNA as a template and that code for peptides or proteins. mRNA typically comprises a 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR), a protein or peptide coding region and a 3' untranslated region (3'-UTR). mRNA has a limited half-life in cells and in vitro. Preferably, mRNA is produced by in vitro transcription using a DNA template. In one embodiment of the present invention, RNA is obtained by in vitro transcription or chemical synthesis. Methods for in vitro transcription are known to those skilled in the art. For example, various in vitro transcription kits are commercially available.

[0190] In one embodiment of the invention, the RNA is a self-replicating RNA, such as a single-stranded self-replicating RNA. In one embodiment, the self-replicating RNA is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA. In one embodiment, the self-replicating RNA is a viral RNA or an RNA derived from a viral RNA. In one embodiment, the self-replicating RNA is an alphavirus genomic RNA or is derived from an alphavirus genomic RNA. In one embodiment, the self-replicating RNA is a viral gene expression vector. In one embodiment, the virus is Semliki Forest Virus. In one embodiment, the self-replicating RNA comprises one or more transgenes, at least one of said transgenes encoding an antibody as described herein. In one embodiment, when the RNA is a viral RNA or is derived from a viral RNA, the transgene may partially or completely replace viral sequences, such as viral sequences encoding structural proteins. In one embodiment, the self-replicating RNA is an in vitro transcribed RNA.

[0191] The genome of alphaviruses is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA(+)) that codes for two open reading frames (ORFs) for large polyproteins. The ORFs at the 5' end of the genome code for the nonstructural proteins nSP1 to nSP4 (nsP1 to 4), which are translated and processed into an RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (replicase); the ORFs at the 3' end code for the structural proteins - capsid and glycoproteins. Both ORFs are separated by a so-called subgenomic promoter (SGP), which controls the transcription of the structural ORF. When utilized as gene vectors, the structural proteins after the SGP are generally replaced by a transgene. To package such vectors into viral particles, the structural proteins are generally expressed in trans from a helper construct. Alphaviruses replicate in the cytoplasm of infected cells exclusively at the RNA level. After infection, the ssRNA (+) genome serves as mRNA for the translation of the nsP1234 polyprotein precursor, which is processed by autoproteolysis into fragments nsP123 and nsP4 in the early stages of the viral life cycle. The fragments nsP123 and nsP4 form the (-) strand replicase complex that transcribes (-) strand RNA from the genomic RNA template. In the later stages, the nsP1234 polyprotein is completely cleaved into single proteins that assemble into the (+) strand replicase complex that synthesizes the new (+) strand genome, as well as the subgenomic transcripts that code for structural proteins or transgenes. The subgenomic RNA as well as the new genomic RNA are capped and polyadenylated and therefore recognized as mRNA after infection of the target cell. Only the new genomic RNA contains a packaging signal that ensures the exclusive packaging of the genomic RNA into budding virions. The advantage of alphavirus replicons for vectorology is based on the positive orientation of the capped and polyadenylated RNA genome. Translatable replicon RNA can be readily synthesized in vitro, whereby capping can be achieved by adding a cap analog to the in vitro transcription reaction, and a polyA tail can be encoded as a polyT track on the plasmid template.In vitro transcribed (IVT) replicons are transfected by conventional transfection techniques and grow rapidly even with low amounts of starting IVT RNA. Within a few hours after introduction, the transgene positioned downstream of the SGP is transcribed into subgenomic RNA at very high copy numbers, about 40,000 to 200,000 copies per cell, and it is therefore not surprising that the recombinant protein is strongly expressed. Depending on the specific objective, the IVT replicon can be directly transfected into target cells or packaged into alphavirus particles with a helper vector that provides the structural gene in trans. Introduction into skin or muscle results in high and sustained local expression in parallel with a strong induction of humoral and cellular immune responses.

[0192] In order to enhance the expression and / or stability of the RNA used in accordance with the present invention, the RNA may be modified, preferably without altering the sequence of the expressed peptide or protein.

[0193] The term "modification" in relation to RNA used according to the present invention includes any modification of RNA that is not naturally occurring in said RNA.

[0194] In one embodiment of the invention, the RNA used according to the invention does not have uncapped 5'-triphosphates. Removal of such uncapped 5'-triphosphates can be achieved by treating the RNA with a phosphatase.

[0195] The RNA according to the present invention may have modified naturally occurring or synthetic ribonucleotides to increase its stability and / or reduce its cytotoxicity.For example, in one embodiment, in the RNA used according to the present invention, cytidine is partially or completely replaced by 5-methylcytidine, preferably completely replaced.Alternatively or additionally, in one embodiment, in the RNA used according to the present invention, uridine is partially or completely replaced by pseudouridine, preferably completely replaced.

[0196] In one embodiment, the term "modification" relates to providing an RNA with a 5' cap or a 5' cap analog. The term "5' cap" refers to the cap structure found at the 5' end of an mRNA molecule, generally consisting of a guanosine nucleotide linked to the mRNA by a unique 5'-5' triphosphate bond. In one embodiment, the guanosine is methylated at position 7. The term "conventional 5' cap" refers to a naturally occurring RNA 5' cap, preferably the 7-methylguanosine cap (m7G). In the context of the present invention, the term "5' cap" includes 5' cap analogs that have been modified to resemble the RNA cap structure and have the ability to stabilize the RNA when bound to the RNA, preferably in vivo and / or in a cell.

[0197] Providing an RNA with a 5' cap or 5' cap analog can be accomplished by in vitro transcribing a DNA template in the presence of the 5' cap or 5' cap analog and co-transcriptionally incorporating the 5' cap into the generated RNA strand, or the RNA can be generated, for example, by in vitro transcription and the 5' cap attached to the RNA post-transcriptionally using a capping enzyme, for example vaccinia virus capping enzyme.

[0198] RNA may contain further modifications. For example, further modifications of RNA used in the present invention may be changes in the 5'UTR or 3'UTR, such as the extension or truncation of the naturally occurring poly(A) tail or the introduction of a non-translated region (UTR) not associated with the coding region of said RNA, for example the insertion of one or more, preferably two copies of the 3'UTR from a globin gene, such as α2 globin, α1 globin, β globin, preferably β globin, more preferably human β globin.

[0199] Therefore, to increase the stability and / or expression of the RNA used according to the invention, the RNA may be modified to be present with a polyA sequence, preferably having a length of 10-500, more preferably 30-300, even more preferably 65-200, especially 100-150 adenosine residues. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the polyA sequence has a length of about 120 adenosine residues. In addition, the incorporation of two or more 3' untranslated regions into the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the RNA molecule can result in an increase in the translation efficiency. In one particular embodiment, the 3'UTR is derived from the human β-globin gene.

[0200] Preferably, the RNA expresses the protein or peptide that it encodes when delivered, ie, transfected, to a cell, particularly a cell present in vivo.

[0201] The term "transfection" refers to the introduction of a nucleic acid, in particular RNA, into a cell. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "transfection" also encompasses the introduction of a nucleic acid into a cell or the uptake of a nucleic acid by such a cell, where the cell may be present in a subject, e.g. a patient. Thus, according to the present invention, the cells for transfection of the nucleic acids described herein may be present in vitro or in vivo, e.g. the cells may form part of an organ, tissue and / or organism of a patient. According to the present invention, transfection may be transient or stable. For some applications of transfection, it is sufficient that the transfected genetic material is only expressed transiently. Since the nucleic acid introduced in the transfection process is not usually integrated into the nuclear genome, the foreign nucleic acid is diluted or degraded through mitosis. Cells that allow episomal amplification of the nucleic acid greatly reduce the rate of dilution. If it is desired that the transfected nucleic acid actually remains in the genome of the cell and its daughter cells, stable transfection must occur. RNA can be transfected into cells to transiently express its encoded protein.

[0202] The term "stability" of an RNA relates to the "half-life" of the RNA. "Half-life" relates to the period required to remove half of the activity, amount or number of a molecule. In the context of the present invention, the half-life of an RNA is an indication of the stability of said RNA. The half-life of an RNA may affect the "duration of expression" of the RNA. An RNA with a long half-life can be expected to be expressed for a long period of time.

[0203] In the context of the present invention, the term "transcription" refers to the process in which the genetic code in a DNA sequence is transcribed into RNA. The RNA can then be translated into protein. According to the present invention, the term "transcription" includes "in vitro transcription", where the term "in vitro transcription" refers to the process in which RNA, in particular mRNA, is synthesized in vitro in a cell-free system, preferably using a suitable cell extract. Preferably, a cloning vector is applied to generate the transcription product. These cloning vectors are generally called transcription vectors and are included in the term "vector" according to the present invention.

[0204] The term "translation" according to the present invention relates to the process in the ribosomes of a cell in which a chain of messenger RNA directs the assembly of a sequence of amino acids to make a peptide or protein.

[0205] The term "expression" is used according to the present invention in its most general sense and includes the production of RNA and / or peptides or proteins, for example by transcription and / or translation. With respect to RNA, the terms "expression" or "translation" particularly relate to the production of peptides or proteins. It also includes partial expression of a nucleic acid. Furthermore, expression can be transient or stable. According to the present invention, the term expression also encompasses "ectopic expression" or "abnormal expression".

[0206] "Ectopic expression" or "abnormal expression" according to the present invention means that expression is altered, preferably increased, compared to a reference, e.g., a state in a subject that does not have a disease associated with ectopic or abnormal expression of a particular protein, e.g., a tumor antigen. Increased expression refers to an increase of at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, at least 50% or at least 100% or more. In one embodiment, expression is only found in diseased tissues, while expression in healthy tissues is suppressed.

[0207] The term "specifically expressed" means that a protein is essentially expressed only in a specific tissue or organ. For example, a tumor antigen specifically expressed in placenta means that said protein is mainly expressed in placenta, and not expressed in other tissues or not expressed to a significant extent in other tissues or organ types. Thus, a protein that is exclusively expressed in placental cells and is expressed to a significantly lower extent in other tissues is specifically expressed in placental cells. In some embodiments, a tumor antigen can also be specifically expressed in more than one tissue type or organ under normal conditions, for example, in two or three tissue types or organs, but preferably in three or less different tissues or organ types. In this case, the tumor antigen is specifically expressed in these organs.

[0208] According to the present invention, the term "RNA encoding" means that the RNA can be expressed to produce the protein or peptide that it encodes when present in the appropriate environment, preferably within a cell.

[0209] Some aspects of the invention are based on the adoptive transfer of host cells that are transfected in vitro with nucleic acid, such as RNA, encoding an antibody as described herein, preferably after ex vivo expansion from low precursor frequency to clinically relevant cell numbers, and transferred into a recipient, such as a patient. Host cells used for treatment according to the invention can be autologous, allogeneic or syngeneic to the recipient to be treated.

[0210] The term "autologous" is used to refer to anything derived from the same subject. For example, "autologous transplant" refers to the transplantation of tissue or organs derived from the same subject. Such procedures are advantageous because they overcome immunological barriers that would otherwise result in rejection.

[0211] The term "allogeneic" is used to denote anything derived from different individuals of the same species. Two or more individuals are said to be allogeneic to one another if the genes at one or more loci are not identical.

[0212] The term "syngeneic" is used to describe any individuals or tissues that have the same genotype, i.e., derived from identical twins or from the same inbred strain of animals or their tissues.

[0213] The term "xenogeneic" is used to denote something that is composed of multiple dissimilar elements. As an example, the transfer of bone marrow from one individual to a different individual constitutes a xenogeneic transplant. A xenogeneic gene is a gene that is derived from a source other than the subject.

[0214] The term "peptide" according to the present invention includes oligopeptides and polypeptides and refers to a substance comprising 2 or more, preferably 3 or more, preferably 4 or more, preferably 6 or more, preferably 8 or more, preferably 9 or more, preferably 10 or more, preferably 13 or more, preferably 16 or more, preferably 21 or more, and preferably up to 8, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50, especially up to 100 amino acids covalently linked by peptide bonds. The term "protein" refers to large peptides, preferably peptides having more than 100 amino acid residues, although in general the terms "peptide" and "protein" are synonymous and are used interchangeably herein.

[0215] The teachings given herein with respect to specific amino acid sequences, such as those shown in the sequence listing, should also be interpreted as relating to sequences that are functionally equivalent to the specific sequences, such as variants of the specific sequences that result in amino acid sequences that exhibit the same or similar properties as those of the specific amino acid sequences. One important property is to retain the binding of the antibody to its target or to maintain the effector function of the antibody. Preferably, a sequence that is variant with respect to a specific sequence, when it replaces the specific sequence in the antibody, retains the binding of the antibody to CLDN6 and preferably the function of the antibody as described herein, such as CDC-mediated lysis or ADCC-mediated lysis.

[0216] For example, the sequences shown in the sequence listing may be modified to remove one or more, preferably all, free cysteine ​​residues, in particular by substituting the cysteine ​​residue with an amino acid other than cysteine, preferably serine, alanine, threonine, glycine, tyrosine, leucine or methionine, most preferably alanine or serine.

[0217] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the sequences of the CDRs, hypervariable regions and variable regions in particular may be modified without losing the ability to bind to CLDN6. For example, the CDR regions are identical or highly homologous to regions of the antibodies specified herein. By "highly homologous" it is contemplated that 1-5, preferably 1-4, such as 1-3 or 1 or 2 substitutions may be made within the CDRs. In addition, the hypervariable and variable regions may be modified to show substantial homology with regions of the antibodies specifically disclosed herein.

[0218] For the purposes of the present invention, "variants" of an amino acid sequence include amino acid insertion variants, amino acid addition variants, amino acid deletion variants and / or amino acid substitution variants. Amino acid deletion variants, including deletions at the N-terminus and / or C-terminus of a protein, are also referred to as N-terminal and / or C-terminal truncation variants.

[0219] Amino acid insertion variants include the insertion of one or more amino acids into a particular amino acid sequence. In the case of amino acid sequence variants with insertions, one or more amino acid residues are inserted at a particular site in the amino acid sequence, although random insertion with appropriate screening of the resulting product is also possible.

[0220] Amino acid addition variants include amino- and / or carboxy-terminal fusions of one or more amino acids, for example 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 or more amino acids.

[0221] Amino acid deletion variants are characterized by the removal of one or more amino acids from the sequence, for example the removal of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 or more amino acids. The deletion can be located anywhere in the protein.

[0222] Amino acid substitution variants are characterized by the removal of at least one residue in the sequence and the insertion of another in its place. It is preferred that the modification is present at a position in the amino acid sequence that is not conserved between homologous proteins or peptides and / or that the amino acid is replaced by another amino acid with similar properties. Preferably, the amino acid changes in the protein variants are conservative amino acid changes, i.e., the substitution of a similarly charged or uncharged amino acid. Conservative amino acid changes include the substitution of one of a family of amino acids whose side chains are related. Naturally occurring amino acids are generally divided into four families: acidic (aspartic acid, glutamic acid), basic (lysine, arginine, histidine), non-polar (alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan) and uncharged polar (glycine, asparagine, glutamine, cysteine, serine, threonine, tyrosine) amino acids. Phenylalanine, tryptophan and tyrosine are sometimes classified together as aromatic amino acids.

[0223] Preferably, the degree of similarity, preferably the degree of identity, between a given amino acid sequence and an amino acid sequence that is a variant of said given amino acid sequence is at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99%. The degree of similarity or identity is preferably given for an amino acid region that is at least about 10%, at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90% or about 100% of the entire length of the reference amino acid sequence. For example, if the reference amino acid sequence consists of 200 amino acids, the degree of similarity or identity is preferably given for at least about 20, at least about 40, at least about 60, at least about 80, at least about 100, at least about 120, at least about 140, at least about 160, at least about 180 or about 200 amino acids, preferably consecutive amino acids. In a preferred embodiment, the degree of similarity or identity is given for the entire length of the reference amino acid sequence. Alignment to determine sequence similarity, preferably sequence identity, can be performed using tools known in the art, preferably using best sequence alignment, for example using Align, using standard settings, preferably EMBOSS::Needle, matrix:Blosum62, cap open 10.0, gap extension 0.5.

[0224] "Sequence similarity" indicates the percentage of amino acids that are identical or which are conservative amino acid substitutions. "Sequence identity" between two amino acid sequences indicates the percentage of amino acids that are identical between the sequences.

[0225] The term "percent identity" is intended to represent the percentage of amino acid residues that are identical between the two sequences to be compared, obtained after the best alignment, and this percentage is purely statistical, the differences between the two sequences being distributed randomly and over their entire length. Sequence comparison between two amino acid sequences is conventionally performed by comparing these sequences after optimal alignment, said comparison being performed segment by segment or "comparison window" to identify and compare local regions of sequence similarity. Optimal alignment of sequences for comparison can be created manually or by the local homology algorithm of Smith and Waterman, 1981, Ads App. Math. 2, 482, by the local homology algorithm of Neddleman and Wunsch, 1970, J. Mol. Biol. 48, 443, by the similarity search method of Pearson and Lipman, 1988, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 85, 2444, or by computer programs using these algorithms (GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, BLAST P, BLAST N and TFASTA from the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package, Genetics Computer Group, 575 Science Drive, Madison, Wis.).

[0226] The percent identity is calculated by determining the number of identical positions between the two sequences being compared, dividing this number by the number of positions being compared to obtain the percent identity between the two sequences, and multiplying the result by 100.

[0227] The term "cell" or "host cell" preferably relates to an intact cell, i.e. a cell with an intact membrane from which its normal intracellular components such as enzymes, organelles or genetic material have not been released. An intact cell is preferably a viable cell, i.e. a living cell capable of performing its normal metabolic functions. Preferably, said term relates to any cell that can be transfected with an exogenous nucleic acid according to the present invention. Preferably, a cell is transfected with an exogenous nucleic acid and is capable of expressing said nucleic acid in a recipient when transferred to the recipient. The term "cell" encompasses bacterial cells; other useful cells are yeast cells, fungal cells or mammalian cells. Suitable bacterial cells include cells from gram-negative strains such as Escherichia coli, Proteus and Pseudomonas strains, and gram-positive strains such as Bacillus, Streptomyces, Staphylococcus and Lactococcus strains. Suitable fungal cells include cells from species of Trichoderma, Neurospora and Aspergillus. Suitable yeast cells include cells from species of Saccharomyces (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae), Schizosaccharomyces (e.g., Schizosaccharomyces pombe), Pichia (e.g., Pichia pastoris and Pichia methanolicd), and Hansenula. Suitable mammalian cells include, for example, CHO cells, BHK cells, HeLa cells, COS cells, 293 HEK, and the like. However, amphibian cells, insect cells, plant cells, and any other cells used in the art for expression of heterologous proteins can also be used.Mammalian cells, such as cells from humans, mice, hamsters, pigs, goats and primates, are particularly preferred for adoptive transfer. Cells may be derived from many tissue types, including primary cells and cell lines, such as cells of the immune system, particularly antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and T cells, stem cells such as hematopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, and other cell types. Antigen-presenting cells are cells that present antigens on their surface in the context of major histocompatibility complexes. T cells can recognize this complex using their T cell receptors (TCRs).

[0228] The term "transgenic animal" refers to an animal having a genome that includes one or more transgenes, preferably heavy and / or light chain transgenes, or transchromosomes (integrated or not integrated into the animal's native genomic DNA), and preferably capable of expressing the transgenes. For example, a transgenic mouse may have a human light chain transgene and either a human heavy chain transgene or a human heavy chain transchromosome, such that the mouse produces human anti-CLDN6 antibodies when immunized with CLDN6 antigen and / or cells expressing CLDN6. The human heavy chain transgene may be integrated into the mouse's chromosomal DNA, as in the case of transgenic mice such as HCo7 or HCol2 mice, e.g., HuMAb mice, or the human heavy chain transgene may be maintained extrachromosomally, as in the case of transchromosomal (e.g., KM) mice described in WO 02 / 43478. Such transgenic and transchromosomal mice are capable of producing multiple isotypes of human monoclonal antibodies against CLDN6 (eg, IgG, IgA and / or IgE) by undergoing VDJ recombination and isotype switching.

[0229] As used herein, "reduce," "lower," or "inhibit" refers to an overall decrease or ability to cause an overall decrease in a level, e.g., a level of expression or level of proliferation of a cell, preferably by 5% or more, 10% or more, 20% or more, more preferably 50% or more, and most preferably 75% or more.

[0230] Terms such as "increase" or "enhance" preferably relate to an increase or enhancement of at least about 10%, preferably at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, more preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, even more preferably at least 80%, and most preferably at least 100%, at least 200%, at least 500%, at least 1000%, at least 10000% or even more.

[0231] The following provides a discussion of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effect of antibodies, but should not be construed as a limitation on the invention in any way.

[0232] The antibodies described herein preferably interact with components of the immune system, preferably via ADCC or CDC.The antibodies described herein can also be used to target payloads (e.g., radioisotopes, drugs or toxins) to kill tumor cells directly, or can be used synergistically with traditional chemotherapeutic agents to attack tumors via complementary mechanisms of action that may include anti-tumor immune responses that may be compromised due to the cytotoxic side effects of chemotherapeutic agents on T lymphocytes.However, the antibodies described herein can also act simply by binding to CLDN6 on the cell surface, thus, for example, blocking cell proliferation.

[0233] Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity ADCC refers to the cell killing capacity of effector cells, particularly lymphocytes, as described herein, which preferably requires that the target cell is marked by an antibody.

[0234] ADCC preferably occurs when an antibody binds to an antigen on a tumor cell and the antibody Fc domain engages with the Fc receptor (FcR) on the surface of an immune effector cell. Several families of Fc receptors have been identified, and certain cell populations characteristically express defined Fc receptors. ADCC can be considered as a mechanism that directly induces various degrees of immediate tumor destruction, leading to antigen presentation and induction of T cell responses against the tumor. Preferably, in vivo induction of ADCC leads to T cell responses and host-derived antibody responses against the tumor.

[0235] Complement-dependent cytotoxicity CDC is another cell killing method that can be directed by antibodies. IgM is the most effective isotype for complement activation. Both IgG1 and IgG3 are also very effective in directing CDC via the classical complement activation pathway. Preferably, in this cascade, the formation of an antigen-antibody complex is initiated by the C-terminal end of the participating antibody molecule, such as an IgG molecule. H This results in the exposure of multiple C1q binding sites in close proximity on the 2 domain (C1q is one of the three subcomponents of complement C1). Preferably, these exposed C1q binding sites convert the previously low affinity C1q-IgG interaction into a high avidity interaction, which initiates a cascade of events involving a series of other complement proteins, resulting in the proteolytic release of the effector cell chemotactic / activating agents C3a and C5a. Preferably, the complement cascade ends with the formation of a membrane attack complex, which creates pores in the cell membrane that facilitate the free passage of water and solutes in and out of the cell.

[0236] The antibodies described herein can be produced by a variety of techniques, including conventional monoclonal antibody techniques, such as the standard somatic cell hybridization technique of Kohler and Milstein, Nature 256:495 (1975). Although somatic cell hybridization procedures are preferred in principle, other techniques for producing monoclonal antibodies can also be used, such as viral or oncogenic transformation of B lymphocytes or phage display techniques using libraries of antibody genes.

[0237] The preferred animal system for producing hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies is the mouse system. The production of hybridomas in mice is a very well-established procedure. Immunization protocols and techniques for isolating immune splenocytes for fusion are known in the art. Fusion partners (e.g., mouse myeloma cells) and fusion procedures are also known.

[0238] Other preferred animal systems for producing hybridomas secreting monoclonal antibodies are the rat and rabbit systems (described, e.g., in Spieker-Polet et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 92:9348 (1995); see also Rossi et al., Am. J. Clin. Pathol. 124:295 (2005)).

[0239] In yet another preferred embodiment, human monoclonal antibodies can be made using transgenic or transchromosomal mice carrying parts of the human immune system rather than the mouse system. These transgenic and transchromosomal mice include those known as HuMAb mice and KM mice, respectively, and are collectively referred to herein as "transgenic mice." Production of human antibodies in such transgenic mice can be performed as detailed for CD20 in WO 2004 / 035607.

[0240] Yet another method for generating monoclonal antibodies is to directly isolate the antibody-encoding genes from lymphocytes that produce antibodies with defined specificities, see e.g. Babcock et al., 1996; A novel strategy for generating monoclonal antibodies from single, isolated lymphocytes producing antibodies of defined specificities. For details on recombinant antibody engineering, see also Welschof and Kraus, Recombinant antibodies for cancer therapy ISBN-0-89603-918-8 and Benny KC Lo Antibody Engineering ISBN 1-58829-092-1.

[0241] To generate antibodies, mice can be immunized with carrier-bound peptides derived from the antigen sequence, i.e., the sequence against which the antibody is to be directed, with an enriched preparation of recombinantly expressed antigen or a fragment thereof, and / or with cells expressing the antigen, as described above. Alternatively, mice can be immunized with DNA encoding the antigen or a fragment thereof. If immunization with a purified or enriched preparation of the antigen does not result in antibodies, mice can also be immunized with cells expressing the antigen, e.g., a cell line, to stimulate an immune response.

[0242] Immune responses can be monitored over the course of the immunization protocol with plasma and serum samples obtained by tail vein or retroorbital bleeds. Mice with sufficient titers of immunoglobulin can be used for fusions. To increase the percentage of hybridomas secreting specific antibodies, mice can be boosted intraperitoneally or intravenously with antigen-expressing cells 3 days before sacrifice and splenectomy.

[0243] To generate hybridomas that produce monoclonal antibodies, spleen cells and lymph node cells from immunized mice can be isolated and fused to a suitable immortalized cell line, such as a mouse myeloma cell line. The resulting hybridomas can then be screened for production of antigen-specific antibodies. Individual wells can then be screened for antibody-secreting hybridomas by ELISA. Antibodies with specificity for the antigen can be identified by immunofluorescence and FACS analysis using antigen-expressing cells. Antibody-secreting hybridomas can be replated, screened again, and subcloned by limiting dilution if still positive for monoclonal antibodies. Stable subclones can then be cultured in vitro to generate antibodies in tissue culture medium for characterization.

[0244] Antibodies can also be produced in host cell transfectomas, for example, using a combination of recombinant DNA technology and gene transfection techniques as are well known in the art (Morrison, S. (1985) Science 229:1202).

[0245] For example, in one embodiment, the gene of interest, e.g., an antibody gene, can be ligated into an expression vector, such as a eukaryotic expression plasmid as used by the GS gene expression system disclosed in WO 87 / 04462, WO 89 / 01036, and EP 338 841, or other expression systems known in the art. The purified plasmid carrying the cloned antibody gene can be introduced into eukaryotic host cells, such as CHO cells, NS / 0 cells, HEK293T cells, or HEK293 cells, or other eukaryotic cells, such as plant-derived cells, fungi, or yeast cells. The method used to introduce these genes can be methods described in the art, such as electroporation, lipofectin, lipofectamine, and others. After introduction of these antibody genes into the host cells, cells expressing the antibody can be identified and selected. These cells are transfectomas, which can then be amplified for expression levels and scaled up to produce the antibody. Recombinant antibodies can be isolated and purified from these culture supernatants and / or cells.

[0246] Alternatively, the cloned antibody genes can be expressed in other expression systems, including prokaryotic cells such as microorganisms, e.g., E. coli. Furthermore, antibodies can be produced in transgenic non-human animals, such as milk from sheep and rabbits or eggs from chickens, or in transgenic plants; see, e.g., Verma, R., et al. (1998) J. Immunol. Meth. 216:165-181; Pollock, et al. (1999) J. Immunol. Meth. 231:147-157; and Fischer, R., et al. (1999) Biol. Chem. 380:825-839.

[0247] Chimerization Mouse antibodies are highly immunogenic in humans when applied repeatedly, resulting in reduced therapeutic efficacy. The main immunogenicity is mediated by the heavy chain constant region. The immunogenicity of mouse antibodies in humans can be reduced or completely avoided if the respective antibodies are chimerized or humanized. Chimeric antibodies are antibodies whose different portions originate from different animal species, e.g., those with a variable region originating from a mouse antibody and a human immunoglobulin constant region. Antibody chimerization is achieved by linking the heavy and light chain variable regions of a mouse antibody with human heavy and light chain constant regions (e.g., as described in Kraus et al., Methods in Molecular Biology series, Recombinant antibodies for cancer therapy ISBN-0-89603-918-8). In a preferred embodiment, a chimeric antibody is made by linking a human kappa light chain constant region to a mouse light chain variable region. In an equally preferred embodiment, a chimeric antibody can be made by linking a human lambda light chain constant region to a mouse light chain variable region. Preferred heavy chain constant regions for producing chimeric antibodies are IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4. Other preferred heavy chain constant regions for producing chimeric antibodies are IgG2, IgA, IgD and IgM.

[0248] Humanization Antibodies interact with target antigens primarily through amino acid residues located within the six heavy and light chain complementarity determining regions (CDRs). For this reason, the amino acid sequences within the CDRs are more diverse between individual antibodies than sequences outside the CDRs. Because the CDR sequences are involved in most antibody-antigen interactions, it is possible to express recombinant antibodies that mimic the properties of a particular naturally occurring antibody by constructing an expression vector that contains the CDR sequences from a particular naturally occurring antibody grafted onto framework sequences from a different antibody with different properties (see, for example, Riechmann, L. et al. (1998) Nature 332:323-327; Jones, P. et al. (1986) Nature 321:522-525; and Queen, C. et al. (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029-10033). Such framework sequences can be obtained from public DNA databases that contain germline antibody gene sequences. These germline sequences differ from mature antibody gene sequences because they do not contain fully assembled variable genes formed by V(D)J joining during B cell maturation. Germline gene sequences also differ from the sequences of high affinity secondary repertoire antibodies, which are individually uniform across the entire variable region.

[0249] The ability of the antibody to bind the antigen can be determined using standard binding assays, such as ELISA, Western blot, immunofluorescence and flow cytometric analysis.

[0250] To purify the antibody, the selected hybridomas can be grown in 2-liter spinner flasks for monoclonal antibody purification. Alternatively, the antibody can be produced in a dialysis bioreactor. The supernatant can be filtered and concentrated if necessary, and then subjected to affinity chromatography with protein G-sepharose or protein A-sepharose. The eluted IgG can be checked by gel electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography to ensure purity. The buffer can be exchanged into PBS, and the concentration can be measured by OD280 using an extinction coefficient of 1.43. The monoclonal antibody can be aliquoted and stored at -80°C.

[0251] To determine whether selected monoclonal antibodies bind to unique epitopes, site-directed or multi-site directed mutagenesis can be used.

[0252] To determine the antibody isotype, an isotype ELISA can be performed with various commercially available kits (e.g. Zymed, Roche Diagnostics). The wells of a microtiter plate can be coated with anti-mouse Ig. After blocking, the plate is reacted with monoclonal antibodies or purified isotype controls for 2 hours at ambient temperature. The wells can then be reacted with either mouse IgG1, IgG2a, IgG2b or IgG3, IgA or mouse IgM specific peroxidase-conjugated probes. After washing, the plate can be developed with ABTS substrate (1 mg / ml) and analyzed at an OD of 405-650. Alternatively, the IsoStrip Mouse Monoclonal Antibody Isotyping Kit (Roche, Cat. No. 1493027) can be used as described by the manufacturer.

[0253] Flow cytometry can be used to reveal the presence of antibodies in the serum of immunized mice or the binding of monoclonal antibodies to live cells expressing the antigen. Cell lines expressing the antigen naturally or after transfection and negative controls lacking antigen expression (grown under standard growth conditions) can be mixed with various concentrations of monoclonal antibodies in hybridoma supernatants or in PBS containing 1% FBS and incubated for 30 minutes at 4°C. After washing, APC- or Alexa647-labeled anti-IgG antibodies can be bound to the antigen-bound monoclonal antibodies under the same conditions as the primary antibody staining. Samples can be analyzed by flow cytometry in a FACS machine utilizing side light scatter properties to gate on single live cells. To distinguish antigen-specific monoclonal antibodies from non-specifically bound antibodies in a single measurement, the method of co-transfection can be used. Cells transiently transfected with plasmids encoding the antigen and a fluorescent marker can be stained as described above. Transfected cells can be detected in a different fluorescent channel than antibody-stained cells. Since the majority of transfected cells express both transgenes, the antigen-specific monoclonal antibody will selectively bind to cells expressing the fluorescent marker, while the non-specific antibody will bind to non-transfected cells in equal proportions. A selective assay using fluorescence microscopy may be used in addition to or instead of the flow cytometry assay. Cells may be stained exactly as described above and examined by fluorescence microscopy.

[0254] Immunofluorescence microscopy can be used to reveal the presence of antibodies in the serum of immunized mice or the binding of monoclonal antibodies to live cells expressing the antigen. For example, cell lines expressing the antigen naturally or after transfection and negative controls lacking antigen expression are grown in chamber slides under standard growth conditions in DMEM / F12 medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS), 2 mM L-glutamine, 100 IU / ml penicillin and 100 μg / ml streptomycin. The cells can then be fixed with methanol or paraformaldehyde or left untreated. The cells can then be reacted with monoclonal antibodies against the antigen for 30 minutes at 25°C. After washing, the cells can be reacted under the same conditions with an Alexa555-labeled anti-mouse IgG secondary antibody (Molecular Probes). The cells can then be examined by fluorescence microscopy.

[0255] Cell extracts from cells expressing the antigen and appropriate negative controls can be prepared and subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. After electrophoresis, the separated antigens are transferred to nitrocellulose membranes, blocked, and probed with the monoclonal antibodies to be tested. IgG binding can be detected using anti-mouse IgG peroxidase and developed with ECL substrate.

[0256] The antibody can be further tested for reactivity with the antigen by immunohistochemistry in a manner well known to those skilled in the art, for example using paraformaldehyde or acetone fixed frozen sections or paraformaldehyde fixed paraffin embedded tissue sections from non-cancerous or cancerous tissue samples obtained from patients during routine surgery or from mice bearing xenograft tumors inoculated with cell lines expressing the antigen naturally or after transfection. For immunostaining, the antibody reactive to the antigen can be incubated and then incubated with horseradish peroxidase-conjugated goat anti-mouse or goat anti-rabbit antibody (DAKO) according to the supplier's instructions.

[0257] Antibodies can be tested for their ability to mediate phagocytosis and killing of cells expressing CLDN6. Testing monoclonal antibody activity in vitro provides an initial screen prior to testing in vivo models.

[0258] Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) Briefly, polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), NK cells, monocytes, mononuclear cells or other effector cells from healthy donors can be purified by Ficoll Hypaque density gradient centrifugation followed by lysis of contaminating red blood cells. Washed effector cells are suspended in RPMI supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal bovine serum or 5% heat-inactivated human serum and incubated for 1 h to 4 min to obtain CLDN6-expressing cells. 51 Cr-labeled target cells can be mixed with various ratios of effector cells to target cells. Alternatively, target cells may be labeled with a fluorescence enhancing ligand (BATDA). Highly fluorescent chelates of europium with the enhancing ligand released from dead cells can be measured by fluorometer. Another selective technique may utilize transfection of target cells with luciferase. Added lucifer yellow can then only be oxidized by live cells. Purified anti-CLDN6 IgG can then be added at various concentrations. An irrelevant human IgG can be used as a negative control. The assay can be performed for 4-20 hours at 37°C depending on the effector cell type used. 51 Samples can be assayed for cell lysis by measuring the release of Cr or the presence of EuTDA chelate in the culture supernatant. Alternatively, luminescence resulting from the oxidation of Lucifer Yellow can be a measure of viable cells.

[0259] Anti-CLDN6 monoclonal antibodies can also be tested in various combinations to determine whether cytolysis is enhanced with multiple monoclonal antibodies.

[0260] Complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) Monoclonal anti-CLDN6 antibodies can be tested for their ability to mediate CDC using a variety of known techniques. For example, serum for complement can be obtained from blood using methods known to those skilled in the art. Various methods can be used to measure the CDC activity of mAbs. For example, 51 Cr release can be measured, or an increase in membrane permeability can be assessed using a propidium iodide (PI) exclusion assay. Briefly, target cells were washed and 5×10 5 100 / ml can be incubated with various concentrations of mAb at room temperature or at 37°C for 10-30 min. Serum or plasma can then be added to a final concentration of 20% (v / v) and the cells can be incubated at 37°C for 20-30 min. All cells from each sample can be added to the PI solution in a FACS tube. The mixture can then be immediately analyzed by flow cytometric analysis using a FACSArray.

[0261] In an alternative assay, induction of CDC can be measured in adherent cells. In one embodiment of this assay, cells are soaked in 3×10 4 Cells are seeded at a density of 10000 / well into tissue culture flat-bottom microtiter plates. The next day, growth medium is removed and cells are incubated in triplicate with antibodies. Control cells are incubated with growth medium or growth medium containing 0.2% saponin for measurement of background lysis and maximum lysis, respectively. After 20 min incubation at room temperature, the supernatant is removed and 20% (v / v) human plasma or serum in DMEM (pre-warmed to 37° C.) is added to the cells and incubated for another 20 min at 37° C. All cells from each sample are added to a propidium iodide solution (10 μg / ml). The supernatant is then replaced with PBS containing 2.5 μg / ml ethidium bromide and the fluorescence emission after excitation at 520 nm is measured at 600 nm using a Tecan Safire. The percentage of specific lysis is calculated as follows: % specific lysis=(sample fluorescence−background fluorescence) / (maximum lysis fluorescence−background fluorescence)×100.

[0262] Induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cell proliferation by monoclonal antibodies To test for the ability to initiate apoptosis, monoclonal anti-CLDN6 antibodies can be incubated with, for example, CLDN6-positive or CLDN6-transfected tumor cells for about 20 hours at 37°C. Cells can be harvested, washed in Annexin V binding buffer (BD biosciences), and incubated with Annexin V conjugated with FITC or APC (BD biosciences) for 15 minutes in the dark. All cells from each sample can be added to PI solution (10 μg / ml in PBS) in FACS tubes and immediately evaluated by flow cytometry (as described above). Alternatively, general inhibition of cell proliferation by monoclonal antibodies can be detected with a commercially available kit. The DELFIA Cell Proliferation Kit (Perkin-Elmer, Cat. No. AD0200) is a nonisotopic immunoassay based on the measurement of incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) during DNA synthesis of proliferating cells in microplates. Incorporated BrdU is detected using a europium-labeled monoclonal antibody. To allow for antibody detection, cells are fixed with Fix solution and DNA is denatured. Unbound antibody is washed away and DELFIA inducer is added to dissociate europium ions from the labeled antibody into solution where they form highly fluorescent chelates with components of the DELFIA inducer. Fluorescence, measured using time-resolved fluorometry for detection, is proportional to DNA synthesis in the cells of each well.

[0263] Preclinical trials The binding agents described herein can also be tested in in vivo models (e.g., in immunodeficient mice bearing xenograft tumors inoculated with cell lines expressing CLDN6) to measure their effectiveness in controlling the growth of tumor cells expressing CLDN6.

[0264] In vivo testing after xenografting of CLDN6-expressing tumor cells into immunocompromised mice or other animals can be performed using the antibodies described herein. Tumor-free mice can be administered the antibodies and then injected with tumor cells to measure the effect of the antibodies in preventing tumor formation or tumor-related symptoms. Tumor-bearing mice can be administered the antibodies and the therapeutic effect of each antibody in reducing tumor growth, metastasis or tumor-related symptoms can be measured. Application of the antibodies can be combined with application of other substances, such as cytostatics, growth factor inhibitors, cell cycle blockers, angiogenesis inhibitors or other antibodies, to measure synergistic effects and potential toxicity of the combination. To analyze toxic side effects mediated by the antibody, animals can be inoculated with the antibody or control reagents and thoroughly examined for symptoms that may be related to CLDN6 antibody treatment. Possible side effects of in vivo application of CLDN6 antibodies include toxicity in CLDN6-expressing tissues, including placenta, among others. Antibodies that recognize CLDN6 in humans and other species, such as mice, are particularly useful for predicting potential side effects mediated by application of monoclonal CLDN6 antibodies in humans.

[0265] Mapping of epitopes recognized by antibodies can be performed as detailed in "Epitope Mapping Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology)" by Glenn E. Morris, ISBN-089603-375-9 and "Epitope Mapping: A Practical Approach" by Olwyn MRWestwood, Frank C. Hay, Practical Approach Series, 248.

[0266] The compounds and agents described herein may be administered in the form of any suitable pharmaceutical composition.

[0267] The pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention are preferably sterile and contain an effective amount of the antibodies described herein and optionally additional agents discussed herein to produce the desired reaction or desired effect.

[0268] The pharmaceutical compositions will normally be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared in a manner known per se.The pharmaceutical composition may, for example, be in the form of a solution or suspension.

[0269] Pharmaceutical compositions may contain salts, buffer substances, preservatives, carriers, diluents and / or excipients, all of which are preferably pharma- ceutically acceptable. The term "pharmaceutical acceptable" refers to the non-toxicity of substances that do not interact with the action of the active ingredients of the pharmaceutical composition.

[0270] Pharmaceutically unacceptable salts can be used to prepare pharma- ceutically acceptable salts and are encompassed by the present invention. Such pharma- ceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, those prepared from the following acids: hydrochloric acid, hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, maleic acid, acetic acid, salicylic acid, citric acid, formic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, etc. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts can also be prepared as alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts, such as sodium, potassium, or calcium salts.

[0271] Suitable buffering substances for use in the pharmaceutical compositions include acetic acid in a salt, citric acid in a salt, boric acid in a salt and phosphoric acid in a salt.

[0272] Suitable preservatives for use in the pharmaceutical compositions include benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, parabens and thimerosal.

[0273] Injectable formulations may contain pharma- ceutically acceptable excipients, such as lactated Ringer's solution.

[0274] The term "carrier" refers to a natural or synthetic organic or inorganic component with which an active ingredient is combined to facilitate, enhance or enable application. According to the present invention, the term "carrier" also includes one or more compatible solid or liquid fillers, diluents or encapsulating substances suitable for administration to a patient.

[0275] Possible carrier materials for parenteral administration are, for example, sterile water, Ringer's solution, lactated Ringer's solution, sterile sodium chloride solution, polyalkylene glycols, hydrogenated naphthalenes and, particularly, biocompatible lactide polymers, lactide / glycolide copolymers or polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers.

[0276] The term "excipient" as used herein is intended to indicate any substance that may be present in a pharmaceutical composition and which is not an active ingredient, such as a carrier, binder, lubricant, thickener, surfactant, preservative, emulsifier, buffer, flavoring agent or coloring agent.

[0277] The agents and compositions described herein may be administered by any conventional route, for example, parenteral administration, including injection or infusion. Administration is preferably parenteral, for example, intravenous, intraarterial, subcutaneous, intradermal or intramuscular routes.

[0278] Compositions suitable for parenteral administration usually include sterile aqueous or non-aqueous preparations of active compounds, preferably isotonic with the blood of the recipient. Examples of compatible carriers and solvents are Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are usually used as a medium for solution or suspension.

[0279] The agents and compositions described herein are administered in an effective amount. An "effective amount" refers to an amount that achieves a desired response or a desired effect, either alone or together with further administrations. In the case of the treatment of a particular disease or a particular condition, the desired response is preferably related to the prevention of the progression of the disease. This includes delaying the progression of the disease and in particular preventing or reversing the progression of the disease. The desired response in the treatment of a disease or condition can also be the delay of the onset or the prevention of the onset of said disease or said condition. In particular, the term "effective amount" refers to an amount of treatment sufficient to cause the prevention of the onset, recurrence or onset of cancer and one or more symptoms thereof, reduce the severity, duration of cancer, ameliorate one or more symptoms of cancer, prevent the progression of cancer, cause the regression of cancer, and / or prevent the metastasis of cancer. In one embodiment of the present invention, said amount of treatment is effective to achieve the stabilization, reduction or elimination of the cancer stem cell population and / or the eradication, removal or suppression of primary cancer, metastatic cancer and / or recurrent cancer.

[0280] The effective amount of the agent or composition described herein depends on the condition to be treated, the severity of the disease, the patient's individual parameters, including the age, physiological state, size and weight of the patient, the duration of treatment, the type of concomitant treatment (if any), specific route of administration and similar factors.Therefore, the dose of the agent described herein to be administered may depend on such various parameters.If the initial dose is insufficient in the patient's response, a higher dose (or an effectively higher dose achieved by a different, more localized route of administration) may be used.

[0281] The agents and compositions described herein can be administered to a patient to treat or prevent a cancer disease, such as a cancer disease as described herein, characterized by the presence of cancer stem cells that express CLDN6.

[0282] The agents and compositions provided herein may be used alone or in combination with conventional treatment regimens such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and / or bone marrow transplantation (autologous, syngeneic, allogeneic or unrelated).

[0283] Cancer treatment is a field where combination strategies are particularly desirable, since the combined action of two, three, four or even more anticancer drugs / therapies often produces a much stronger synergistic effect than the effect of a single-therapy approach.Therefore, in another embodiment of the present invention, cancer treatment can be effectively combined with various other drugs.This includes, for example, combination with traditional tumor therapy, multi-epitope strategy, additional immunotherapy, and therapeutic approaches that target angiogenesis or apoptosis (for review, see, for example, Andersen et al. 2008: Cancer treatment: the combination of vaccination with other therapies. Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy, 57(11):1735-1743).Sequential administration of different agents can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells at different checkpoints, while other agents can inhibit, for example, neovascularization, malignant cell survival or metastasis, potentially transforming cancer into a chronic disease.

[0284] The following list provides some non-limiting examples of anti-cancer agents and therapies that can be used in combination with the present invention:

[0285] 1.Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is the standard treatment for many types of cancer. Most common chemotherapeutic agents act by killing rapidly dividing cells, which is one of the main characteristics of cancer cells. Therefore, combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents, such as alkylating agents, metabolic antagonists, anthracyclines, plant alkaloids, topoisomerase inhibitors, and other antitumor drugs that affect either cell division or DNA synthesis, can significantly improve the therapeutic effect of the present invention by removing suppressor cells and restarting the immune system, making tumor cells more susceptible to immune-mediated killing, or by additional activation of cells of the immune system. The synergistic anticancer effects of chemotherapy drugs and vaccination-based immunotherapy drugs have been demonstrated in many studies (see, for example, Quoix et al. 2011: Therapeutic vaccination with TG4010 and first-line chemotherapy in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: a controlled phase 2B trial. Lancet Oncol. 12(12): 1125-33; see also Liseth et al. 2010: Combination of intensive chemotherapy and anticancer vaccines in the treatment of human malignancies: the hematological experience. J Biomed Biotechnol. 2010: 6920979; see also Hirooka et al 2009: A combination therapy of gemcitabine with immunotherapy for patients with inoperable locally advanced pancreatic cancer. Pancreas 38(3): e69-74). There are hundreds of chemotherapy drugs available that are basically suitable for combination therapy.Some (non-limiting) examples of chemotherapeutic agents that can be used in combination with the present invention are carboplatin (Paraplatin), cisplatin (Platinol, Platinol-AQ), crizotinib (Xalkori), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar), docetaxel (Taxotere), doxorubicin (Adriamycin), erlotinib (Tarceva), etoposide (VePesid), fluorouracil (5-FU), gemcitabine (Gem), and ribavirin (Rafenib). zar), imatinib mesylate (Gleevec), irinotecan (Camptosar), liposome-encapsulated doxorubicin (Doxil), methotrexate (Folex, Mexate, Amethopterin), paclitaxel (Taxol, Abraxane), sorafinib (Nexavar), sunitinib (Sutent), topotecan (Hycamtin), trabectedin (Yondelis), vincristine (Oncovin, Vincasar PFS) and vinblastine (Velban).

[0286] 2.Surgery Cancer surgery - surgery to remove the tumor - remains the cornerstone of cancer treatment. Surgery can be combined with other cancer treatments to remove any remaining tumor cells. Combining a surgical method with a subsequent immunotherapy treatment is a promising approach that has been demonstrated time and again.

[0287] 3. Radiation Radiation therapy remains an important component of cancer treatment, with approximately 50% of all cancer patients receiving radiation therapy during the course of their disease. The primary goal of radiation therapy is to cause cancer cells to lose their ability to proliferate (cell division). The types of radiation used to treat cancer are photon radiation (x-rays and gamma rays) and particle radiation (electrons, protons, and neutrons). There are two ways to deliver radiation to the location of the cancer. External radiation is delivered from outside the body by directing high-energy rays (photon, proton, or particle radiation) at the location of the tumor. Internal radiation, or brachytherapy, is delivered from inside the body directly to the tumor site by a source sealed in a catheter or seed. Radiotherapy techniques that can be applied in combination with the present invention are, for example, fractionation (radiotherapy delivered in a fractionated manner, e.g., daily fractionated doses of 1.5 to 3 Gy given over several weeks), three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT; delivering radiation to the gross tumor volume), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT; computer-controlled intensity modulation of multiple radiation beams), image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT; a technique that includes pre-radiotherapy imaging that allows for correction), and stereotactic radiotherapy (SRBT; delivering very high individualized doses to only a few treatment fractions). For a review of radiotherapy, see Baskar et al. 2012: Cancer and radiation therapy: current advances and future directions. Int. J Med Sci. 9(3):193-199.

[0288] 4. Antibodies Antibodies (preferably monoclonal antibodies) achieve their therapeutic effect on cancer cells through various mechanisms. Antibodies can exert direct effects to cause apoptosis or programmed cell death. They can block components of signal transduction pathways, such as growth factor receptors, effectively halting the growth of tumor cells. In cells expressing monoclonal antibodies, they can lead to the formation of anti-idiotypic antibodies. Indirect effects include recruiting cells with cytotoxicity, such as monocytes and macrophages. This type of antibody-mediated cell killing is called antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Antibodies also bind complement, resulting in direct cytotoxicity, known as complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Combining surgical methods with immunotherapeutic drugs or methods is a successful approach, as revealed, for example, in Gadri et al. 2009: Synergistic effect of dendritic cell vaccination and anti-CD20 antibody treatment in the therapy of murine lymphoma. J Immunother. 32(4): 333-40. The following list provides some non-limiting examples of anti-cancer antibodies and potential antibody targets (in brackets) that can be used in combination with the present invention: abagovomab (CA-125), abciximab (CD41), adecatumumab (EpCAM), afutuzumab (CD20), alacizumab pegol (VEGFR2), altumomab pentetate (CEA), amatuximab (MORAb-009), anatumomab mafenatox (TAG-72), apolizumab (HLA-DR), arcitumomab (CEA), bavituximab (phosphatidylserine), bectumomab (CD22), belimumab (BAFF), bevacizumab (VEGF-A), bivatuzumab mertansine (CD44 v6), blinatumomab (CD19), brentuximab vedotin (CD30TNFRSF8), cantuzumab mertansine (mucin CanAg), cantuzumab ravtansine (MUC1), capromab pendetide (prostate cancer cells), carlumab (CNTO888), catumaxomab (EpCAM, CD3), cetuximab (EGFR), sitatuzumab bogatox (EpCAM), cixutumumab (IGF-1 receptor), claudiximab (claudins), clivatuzumab tetraxetan (MUC1), conatumumab (TRAIL-R2), dacetuzumab (CD40), dalotuzumab (insulin receptor phospho-like growth factor I receptor), denosumab (RANKL), detumomab (B lymphoma cells), drozitumab (DR5), ecromeximab (GD3 ganglioside), edrecolomab (EpCAM), elotuzumab (SLAMF7), enavatuzumab (PDL192), ensituximab (NPC-1C), epratuzumab (CD22), ertumaxomab (HER2 / neu, CD3), etaracizumab (integrin αvβ3), farletuzumab (folate receptor 1), FBTA05 (CD20), ficlatuzumab (SCH900105), figitumumab (IGF-1 receptor), framvotumab (glycoprotein 75), fresolimumab (TGF-β), galiximab (CD80), ganitumab (IGF-I), gemtuzumab ozogamicin (CD33), gevokizumab (IL-1β), dilentuximab (carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA-IX)), grembatumumab vedotin ( GPNMB), ibritumomab and tiuxetan (CD20), icrucumab (VEGFR-1), igovomab (CA-125), indatuximab and ravtansine (SDC1), intetumumab (CD51), inotuzumab and ozogamicin (CD22), ipilimumab (CD152), iratumumab (CD30), labetuzumab (CEA), lexatumumab (TRAIL-R2), ribivirumab (Hepatitis B surface antigen), lintuzumab (CD33), lorvotuzumab-mertansine (CD56), lucatumumab (CD40), rumiliximab (CD23), mapatumumab (TRAIL-R1), matuzumab (EGFR), mepolizumab (IL-5), milatuzumab (CD74), mitumomab (GD3 ganglioside receptor agonist). CID), mogamulizumab (CCR4), moxetumomab-pasudotox (CD22), nacolomab-tafenatox (C242 antigen), naptumomab-estafenatox (5T4), narunatumab (RON), necitumumab (EGFR), nimotuzumab (EGFR), nivolumab (IgG4), ofatumumab (CD20), olaratumab (PDGF-Rα), onartuzumab (human scatter factor receptor kinase), oportuzumab monatox (EpCAM), oregovomab (CA-125), oxelumab (OX-40), panitumumab (EGFR), patritumab (HER3), pemtumomab (MUC1), pertuzumab (HER2 / neu), pintumomab (adenocarcinoma antigen), pritumumab (vimentin), racotumomab (N-glycolylneuraminic acid), radletumab (fibronectin extra domain B), rafivirumab (rabies virus glycoprotein quality control), ramucirumab (VEGFR2), rilotumumab (HGF), rituximab (CD20), lobatumumab (IGF-1 receptor), samaryzumab (CD200), sibrotuzumab (FAP), siltuximab (IL-6), tabalumab (BAFF), tacatuzumab tetraxetan (α-fetoprotein), taplitumomab paptox (CD19), tenatumomab (tenascin-C), teprotumumab (CD221), ticilimumab (CTLA-4), tigatuzumab (TRAIL-R2), TNX-650 (IL-13), tositumomab (CD20), trastuzumab (HER2 / neu), TRBS07 (GD2), tremelimumab (CTLA-4), tucotuzumab-celmoleukin (EpCAM), ublituximab (MS4A1), urelumab (4-1BB), volociximab (integrin α5β1), votumumab (tumor antigen CTAA16.88), zalutumumab (EGFR), and zanolimumab (CD4).

[0289] 5. Cytokines, chemokines, costimulatory molecules, and fusion proteins The combination of cytokines, chemokines, costimulatory molecules and / or fusion proteins thereof with pharmaceutical compositions encoding the antigens of the present invention to induce beneficial immune-modulating or tumor-inhibiting effects is another embodiment of the present invention. Various chemokines with C, CC, CXC and CX3C structures can be used to increase the infiltration of immune cells into tumors and promote the migration of antigen-presenting cells to tumor-draining lymph nodes. Some of the most promising chemokines are, for example, CCR7 and its ligands CCL19 and CCL21, as well as CCL2, CCL3, CCL5 and CCL16. Other examples are CXCR4, CXCR7 and CXCL12. In addition, costimulatory or regulatory molecules, such as, for example, B7 ligands (B7.1 and B7.2), are useful. Other cytokines, such as in particular the interleukins (e.g. IL-1 to IL17), interferons (e.g. IFNα1 to IFNα8, IFNα10, IFNα13, IFNα14, IFNα16, IFNα17, IFNα21, IFNβ1, IFNW, IFNE1 and IFNK), hematopoietic factors, TGFs (e.g. TGF-α, TGF-β and other members of the TGF family), finally members of the tumor necrosis factor family of receptors and their ligands, as well as 4-1BB, 4-1BB-L, CD137, CD137L, CTLA-4GITR, GITRL, Fas, Fas-L, T Other stimulatory molecules are also useful, including, but not limited to, NFR1, TRAIL-R1, TRAIL-R2, p75NGF-R, DR6, LTβR, RANK, EDAR1, XEDAR, Fn114, Troy / Trade, TAJ, TNFRII, HVEM, CD27, CD30, CD40, 4-1BB, OX40, GITR, GITRL, TACI, BAFF-R, BCMA, RELT and CD95 (Fas / APO-1), glucocorticoid-inducible TNFR-associated protein, TNF receptor-associated apoptosis-mediating protein (TRAMP) and death receptor 6 (DR6). CD40 / CD40L and OX40 / OX40L in particular are important targets for combination immunotherapy due to their direct effects on T cell survival and proliferation.For review see Lechner et al. 2011: Chemokines, costimulatory molecules and fusion proteins for the immunotherapy of solid tumors. Immunotherapy 3(11), 1317-1340.

[0290] 6. Bacterial treatment Researchers have used anaerobic bacteria such as Clostridium novyi to deplete the interior of hypoxic tumors. These should then die when they come into contact with the oxygenated side of the tumor, meaning that they are harmless to the rest of the body. Another strategy is to use anaerobic bacteria transformed with an enzyme that can convert a non-toxic prodrug into a toxic drug. With the proliferation of bacteria in the necrotic and hypoxic areas of the tumor, the enzyme is expressed only in the tumor. Thus, a systemically applied prodrug is metabolized into a toxic drug only in the tumor. This has been demonstrated to be effective with the non-pathogenic anaerobic bacteria, Clostridium sporogenes.

[0291] 7. Kinase inhibitors Another large group of potential targets for complementary cancer therapy are kinase inhibitors, because the proliferation and survival of cancer cells are closely linked to the deregulation of kinase activity. A wide range of inhibitors have been used to restore normal kinase activity and thus reduce tumor growth. The group of target kinases includes receptor tyrosine kinases such as BCR-ABL, B-Raf, EGFR, HER-2 / ErbB2, IGF-IR, PDGFR-α, PDGFR-β, c-Kit, Flt-4, Flt3, FGFR1, FGFR3, FGFR4, CSF1R, c-Met, RON, c-Ret, ALK, cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases such as c-SRC, c-YES, Abl, JAK-2, serine / threonine kinases such as ATM, Aurora A & B, CDK, mTOR, PKCi, PLK, b-Raf, S6K, STK11 / LKB1 and lipid kinases such as PI3K, SK1. Small molecule kinase inhibitors are, for example, PHA-739358, nilotinib, dasatinib and PD166326, NSC 743411, lapatinib (GW-572016), canertinib (CI-1033), semaxinib (SU5416), vatalanib (PTK787 / ZK222584), sutent (SU11248), sorafenib (BAY 43-9006) and leflunomide (SU101). For further information, see, for example, Zhang et al. 2009: Targeting cancer with small molecule kinase inhibitors. Nature Reviews Cancer 9, 28-39.

[0292] 8. Toll-like receptors Members of the Toll-like receptor (TLR) family are important links between innate and adaptive immunity, and the action of many adjuvants depends on the activation of TLRs. Many established vaccines against cancer incorporate ligands of TLRs to enhance vaccine responses. In addition to TLR2, TLR3, and TLR4, TLR7 and TLR8 in particular have been considered for cancer therapy in passive immunotherapy approaches. The closely related TLR7 and TLR8 contribute to antitumor responses by influencing immune cells, tumor cells, and the tumor microenvironment, and can be activated by nucleoside analog structures. All TLRs have been used as sole immunotherapies or as cancer vaccine adjuvants, and can be used synergistically with the formulations and methods of the present invention. For more information, see van Duin et al. 2005: Triggering TLR signaling in vaccination. Trends in Immunology, 27(1): 49-55.

[0293] 9. Angiogenesis inhibitors In addition to therapies that target immunomodulatory receptors that are affected by tumor-mediated escape mechanisms and immune suppression, there are therapies that target the tumor environment. Angiogenesis inhibitors prevent the extensive growth of blood vessels (angiogenesis) that tumors need to survive. For example, the angiogenesis promoted by tumor cells to meet the increased nutritional and oxygen demands of tumor cells can be blocked by targeting various molecules. Non-limiting examples of angiogenesis mediating or inhibitory molecules that may be combined with the present invention include soluble VEGF (VEGF isoforms VEGF121 and VEGF165, receptors VEGFR1, VEGFR2 and co-receptors neuropilin 1 and neuropilin 2) 1 and NRP-1, angiopoietin 2, TSP-1 and TSP-2, angiostatin and related molecules, endostatin, vasostatin, calreticulin, platelet factor 4, TIMPs and CDAI, Meth-1 and Meth-2, IFN-α, -β and -γ, CXCL10, IL-4, -12 and -18, prothrombin (kringle domain 2), Antithrombin III fragment, prolactin, VEGI, SPARC, osteopontin, maspin, canstatin, proliferin-related protein, restin, as well as agents such as bevacizumab, itraconazole, carboxyamidotriazole, TNP-470, CM101, IFN-α, platelet factor 4, suramin, SU5416, thrombospondin, VEGFR antagonists, angiogenic inhibitors plus heparin, cartilage-derived angiogenesis inhibitor, matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors, 2-methoxyestradiol, tecogalan, tetrathiomolybdate, thalidomide, thrombospondin, prolactin α Vβ3 inhibitors, linomide, tasquinimod. For a review, see Schoenfeld and Dranoff 2011:Anti-angiogenesis immunotherapy.Hum Vaccin.(9):976-81.

[0294] 10. Small molecule targeted therapy Small molecule targeted therapy drugs are generally inhibitors of enzyme domains on mutated, overexpressed or otherwise important proteins in cancer cells. Notable non-limiting examples are the tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib (Gleevec / Glivec) and gefitinib (Iressa). The use of small molecules that target some kinases, such as sunitinib malate and / or sorafenib tosylate, in combination with vaccines for cancer therapy has also been described in a previous patent application, US Patent Application No. 2009004213.

[0295] 11. Virus-based vaccines There are many virus-based cancer vaccines available or under development that can be used in a combination therapeutic approach with the formulation of the present invention. One advantage of using such viral vectors is their intrinsic ability to initiate an immune response, with inflammatory reactions occurring as a result of viral infection creating the danger signals necessary for immune activation. An ideal viral vector should be safe and should not introduce an anti-vector immune response that would allow anti-tumor specific responses to be enhanced. Recombinant viruses, such as vaccinia virus, herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, retrovirus and avipox virus, have been used in animal tumor models and, based on their promising results, human clinical trials have been initiated. Particularly important virus-based vaccines are small particles that contain specific proteins from the virus's envelope, virus-like particles (VLPs). Virus-like particles do not contain any genetic material from the virus and cannot cause infection, but can be constructed to present tumor antigens on their envelope. VLPs can be derived from a variety of viruses, such as Hepatitis B virus or other viral families including Parvoviridae (e.g., adeno-associated virus), Retroviridae (e.g., HIV), and Flaviviridae (e.g., Hepatitis C virus).Reviews are given in Sorensen and Thompsen 2007: Virus-based immunotherapy of cancer: what do we know and where are we going? APMIS 115(11): 1177-93; virus-like particles against cancer are reviewed in Buonaguro et al. 2011: Developments in virus-like particle-based vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer. Expert Rev Vaccines 10(11): 1569-83; and Guillen et al. 2010: Virus-like particles as vaccine antigens and adjuvants: application to chronic disease, cancer immunotherapy and infectious disease preventive strategies. Procedia in Vaccinology 2(2), 128-133.

[0296] 12.Multi-epitope strategy The use of multiple epitopes shows promising results for vaccination. High-speed sequencing technology combined with intelligent algorithmic systems can allow the development of tumor mutanomes and provide multiple epitopes for personalized vaccines that can be used in conjunction with the present invention. For more information, see 2007:Vaccination of metastatic colorectal cancer patients with matured dendritic cells loaded with multiple major histocompatibility complex class I peptides.J Immunother 30:762-772; and Castle et al.2012:Exploiting the mutanome for tumor vaccination.Cancer Res 72(5):1081-91.

[0297] 13. Adoptive T cell transfer For example, the combination of tumor antigen vaccination and T cell transfer is described in Rapoport et al. 2011: Combination immunotherapy using adoptive T-cell transfer and tumor antigen vaccination on the basis of hTERT and survivin after ASCT for myeloma. Blood 117(3):788-97.

[0298] 14. Peptide-based targeted therapy Peptides can bind to cell surface receptors or to the diseased extracellular matrix surrounding tumors. Radionuclides linked to these peptides (e.g., RGD) ultimately kill cancer cells when the nuclide decays in the vicinity of the cells. In particular, oligomers or multimers of these binding motifs are of great interest, as they can provide enhanced tumor specificity and avidity. For non-limiting examples, see Yamada 2011: Peptide-based cancer vaccine therapy for prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and malignant glioma. Nihon Rinsho 69(9):1657-61.

[0299] 15. Other Therapies There are numerous other cancer therapies that can be combined with the present invention to produce synergistic effects. Non-limiting examples are apoptosis-targeting therapy, hyperthermia, hormonal therapy, telomerase therapy, insulin-enhancing therapy, gene therapy, and photodynamic therapy.

[0300] Various methods known in the art can be used to detect and / or measure the amount of cells expressing CLDN6.

[0301] For example, immunoassays can be used to detect CLDN6 protein expression in cells or on cell surface.According to the present invention, immunoassays include but are not limited to Western blot, immunohistochemistry, radioimmunoassay, ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), "sandwich" immunoassay, immunoprecipitation assay, precipitation reaction, gel diffusion precipitation reaction, immunodiffusion assay, agglutination assay, complement fixation assay, immunoradiometric assay, fluorescent immunoassay, immunofluorescence, protein A immunoassay, flow cytometry or FACS analysis.

[0302] In one embodiment, the cells are combined with one or more labeled antibodies capable of binding to CLDN6 prior to detection and / or measurement of the amount.

[0303] Alternatively, to detect and / or measure the amount of cells expressing CLDN6, the expression of CLDN6 mRNA may be detected or the amount of CLDN6 mRNA may be measured.

[0304] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the sample obtained from a patient for detecting and / or measuring the amount of cells expressing CLDN6 is a biological fluid, including but not limited to blood, bone marrow, serum, urine or interstitial fluid.In another embodiment, the sample from a patient is a tissue sample (e.g., a biopsy from a subject having or suspected of having cancerous tissue).Most preferably, the sample is a tumor biopsy.

[0305] According to the method of the present invention, the sample can be a biological sample that is subjected to one or more pretreatment steps before detecting cells expressing CLDN6 and / or measuring the amount of cells.In a particular embodiment, the biological fluid is pretreated by centrifugation, filtration, precipitation, dialysis or chromatography or by a combination of such pretreatment steps.In another embodiment, the tissue sample is pretreated by freezing, chemical fixation, paraffin embedding, dehydration, permeabilization or homogenization, and then by centrifugation, filtration, precipitation, dialysis or chromatography or by a combination of such pretreatment steps.

[0306] The amount of cancer stem cells in a sample can be expressed, for example, as a percentage of the total cells or total cancer cells in the sample, or quantified relative to area (e.g., cells per field), volume (e.g., cells per ml) or weight (e.g., cells per ml).

[0307] The amount of cancer stem cells in the test sample can be compared to the amount of cancer stem cells in the reference sample(s). In one embodiment, the reference sample is a sample obtained from a subject undergoing therapy at an earlier time point (e.g., before undergoing therapy as a baseline reference sample, or at an earlier time point during undergoing therapy). In this embodiment, the therapy desirably causes a decrease in the amount of cancer stem cells in the test sample compared to the reference sample. In another embodiment, the reference sample is obtained from a healthy subject without detectable cancer or from a patient in remission for the same type of cancer. In this embodiment, the therapy desirably causes a test sample to have an amount of cancer stem cells equal to or less than the amount of cancer stem cells detected in the reference sample. In certain embodiments, a stabilization or decrease in the amount of cancer stem cells compared to an earlier (previously detected) amount of cancer stem cells measured for the subject indicates an improvement in the subject's prognosis or a beneficial response to therapy, while an increase compared to an earlier amount of cancer stem cells indicates the same prognosis or a worsening prognosis and / or a poor response to therapy.

[0308] In some embodiments, a cell surface marker, such as CLDN6 in combination with other markers typical of cancer stem cells, is used to measure the amount of cancer stem cells in a sample.

[0309] The present invention also provides a kit comprising one or more containers filled with reagents for detecting, measuring the amount or monitoring cells expressing CLDN6. In one embodiment, the kit optionally includes instructions for use of the reagents for quantifying cancer stem cells or monitoring the effect of cancer therapy by detecting and / or measuring the amount of cells expressing CLDN6, particularly for use of the reagents in the methods of the present invention. In one embodiment, the kit includes an agent that specifically binds to CLDN6 protein or CLDN6 mRNA. In some embodiments, the agent is an antibody or antibody fragment. In other embodiments, the agent is a nucleic acid. For nucleic acid detection, the kit typically includes (but is not limited to) a probe specific for CLDN6 mRNA. For quantitative PCR, the kit typically includes preselected primers specific for CLDN6 nucleic acid sequences. Quantitative PCR kits may also include enzymes suitable for amplifying nucleic acids (e.g., polymerase such as Taq), and deoxynucleotides and buffers necessary for the reaction mixture for amplification. Quantitative PCR kits may also include a probe specific for CLDN6 nucleic acid sequences. In some embodiments, the quantitative PCR kit also contains components suitable for reverse transcribing RNA, including an enzyme (e.g., reverse transcriptase) and primers for reverse transcription, along with deoxynucleotides and buffers necessary for the reverse transcription reaction.

[0310] In certain embodiments, the agent is detectably labeled. Additionally, the kits may include instructions for performing the assays and methods for interpreting and analyzing data resulting from the performance of the assays.

[0311] Based on the results obtained (i.e., whether cancer stem cells are present or whether the amount of cancer stem cells is stabilized or decreased), the doctor can choose a specific cancer therapy, for example, a cancer therapy against cancer stem cells, or choose to continue therapy.Alternatively, based on the results that cancer stem cells are not present or the amount of cancer stem cells is increased, the doctor can choose to administer a cancer therapy that is not against cancer stem cells, or to continue, change or discontinue therapy.

[0312] In certain embodiments of the invention, when comparing a cancer stem cell population in a sample obtained from a patient undergoing cancer therapy with a sample taken earlier from said patient, if it is determined that the reduction in the cancer stem cell population is insufficient, the physician has a number of options for adjusting the therapy.

[0313] For example, the physician may then increase the dosage of the cancer therapy, the frequency of administration, the duration of administration, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, after a decision has been made, an additional cancer therapy may be administered to the patient in place of or in combination with the first therapy.

[0314] In other specific embodiments, when comparing the cancer stem cell population in the sample obtained from the patient undergoing cancer therapy with the sample obtained from the patient earlier, and determining that the reduction in the cancer stem cell population is acceptable, the doctor may choose not to adjust the cancer therapy.For example, the doctor may choose not to increase the dose, frequency of administration, duration of administration, or any combination thereof, of the cancer therapy.Furthermore, the doctor may choose to add additional therapy or combine the therapies.

[0315] This invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. EXAMPLES

[0316] Example 1 CLDN6 is expressed on the surface of human induced pluripotent stem cells To analyze whether CLDN6 is expressed in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), transcript expression of CLDN6 was monitored in neonatal HFFs (human foreskin fibroblasts, System Bioscience) treated at several time points with a reprogramming cocktail (unmodified OSKMNL+EBK+miR mix; OSKMNL = in vitro transcribed (IVT) RNAs for transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, cMYC, NANOG and LIN28, EBK = IVT-RNAs for IFN escape proteins E3, K3 and B18R and a miRNA mix consisting of miR-302a / b / c / d and 367; following the protocol described in International Publication No. PCT / EP2012 / 04673) or mock-transfected HFFs (no RNA control) and analyzed using an ABI PRISM 7300 sequence detection system and software (Applied Biosystems with QuantiTect SYBR green). The cells were analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) using a 30-μg / mL ELISA Kit (Qiagen). Cells were cultured in Nutristem serum-free medium (Stemgent, Cambridge (MA)) supplemented with 10 ng / ml bFGF and 0.5 μM thiazovivin. The reprogramming cocktail was transfected using Lipofectamine RNAiMAX (Life Technologies) on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of the experiment. As a control, cells were treated with Lipofectamine RNAiMAX alone (no RNA control). We detected a clear almost 6000-fold upregulation of CLDN6 compared to untreated HFFs on day 19 of treatment, and observed an approximately 2000-fold upregulation of CLDN6 on day 12 of treatment (Figure 1). Thus, CLDN6 is expressed in human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

[0317] We used flow cytometry to address whether CLDN6 is also expressed on the surface of iPSCs. To ensure that iPSCs are specifically detected, we combined this analysis with staining for the widely accepted stem cell marker, SSEA-4, since iPSCs grow on HFF feeder cells. For this, HFF cells treated with the reprogramming cocktail or mock control (no RNA) were harvested on days 5, 12 and 19 of treatment, stained with 1 μg / ml of CLDN6-specific IMAB027-AF647 and 2 μl of SSEA-4 antibody for 30 min at 4° C., and surface expression was analyzed by flow cytometry. We also included Viability Dye 7-AAD in our staining protocol to exclude dead cells from our analysis. Experiments were performed in duplicate and 50,000 events were recorded from each sample using a BD Canto II flow cytometer. Analysis of the recorded cells was performed using FlowJo software, and a representative dot plot is shown (Figure 2).

[0318] On day 5, CLDN6 is not detectable on the surface HFFs, either with or without reprogramming cocktail treatment. Surprisingly, 15% of HFFs are found to express SSEA-4, regardless of whether they are treated with reprogramming cocktail or not. This can be explained by the fact that the HFFs used are neonatal fibroblasts, and these cells are able to maintain a certain positivity rate for SSEA-4. On day 12 of treatment, about 63% of treated HFFs are positive for SSEA-4, with about 15% of CLDN6-SSEA-4 double positive fraction. On day 19 of treatment, 15% of treated HFFs are positive for CLDN6 and SSEA-4, indicating distinct subpopulations. The CLDN6-SSEA-4 positive subpopulation represents only iPSCs, while the CLDN6-SSEA-4 negative subpopulation is considered to be HFF feeder cells or not reprogrammed cells, and the SSEA-4 single positive cells are presumed to represent cells at the beginning of reprogramming.

[0319] Since we found that 15% of HFF cells were positive for SSEA-4 but not for CLDN6, we speculate that CLDN6 is a more specific marker for human iPSCs than SSEA-4. SSEA-4 is also expressed in neonatal HFFs, whereas CLDN6 appears to be specifically expressed only in fully reprogrammed HFF cells, which are the iPSC fraction.

[0320] Thus, CLDN6 is specifically expressed on the surface of human iPSCs.

[0321] Example 2 CLDN6 is important for colony formation of ovarian cancer cells An effective assay for analyzing the CSC-like properties of tumor cells is colony formation assay. Using this assay, the self-renewal ability and tumorigenicity of single tumor cells can be easily examined. To analyze whether CLDN6 plays a role in tumorigenesis, we selected, on the one hand, ovarian tumor cell line COV318, which shows only a subpopulation of CLDN6-positive cells, and, on the other hand, homogeneous CLDN6-expressing cell line PA-1 (clone PA-1 50, PA-1 54), which carries stable lentiviral short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated CLDN6 knockdown; see Figure 3.

[0322] Cells were stained for CLDN6 with 1 μg / ml IMAB027-AF647 for 30 min at 4° C. and then sorted for their CLDN6 expression by FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorting) using a BD FACSAria cell sorter. 500 (PA-1 50, PA-1 54) or 700 (COV318) cells of CLDN6-positive and CLDN6-negative subpopulations were sorted directly into wells of a 6-well plate and grown for up to 14 days until sufficient colonies were formed. Medium was changed twice a week. Colonies were stained with 0.5% crystal violet in 10% ethanol for 20 min, fixed, washed three times with distilled water, and air-dried. Photographs were taken and colonies were manually counted. At least 50 cells were considered a colony. Figure 4 shows a representative colony formation assay of COV318 and CLDN6 knockdown cell lines PA-1 50 and 54 cells. Interestingly, CLDN6-negative cells showed significantly lower colony formation than CLDN6-positive cells in both cell lines. From these results, we conclude that CLDN6 plays an important role in colony formation, which is an essential characteristic of cancer stem cells.

[0323] Example 3 CLDN6 is co-expressed with CSC markers CD24, CD90 and CD44 in ovarian cancer cell lines The use of specific surface marker expression profiles is a common strategy for the identification and isolation of CSCs from solid tumors and cell lines. Surface markers used in the literature for the isolation of CSCs from ovarian cancer include CD44, CD24, CD90, CD34, CD117 and CD133. To analyze whether a CSC subpopulation can be identified in ovarian cancer cell lines that contain a small subpopulation of CLDN6-positive cells, we set up a FACS panel containing antibodies against these surface markers (Table 1). In addition, we also included antibodies for the detection of CLDN6 in the panel to examine the rate of co-localization of CLDN6 with widely established CSC markers, thus determining the potential of CLDN6 to serve as a marker for CSCs. For this, 1E6 cells of the cell line COV318 were stained with the indicated amounts of antibodies (see Table 1) for 30 minutes at 4°C, and then the cells were analyzed for their surface marker expression profile by flow cytometry. We also included Viability Dye eFluor® 506 in our staining protocol to exclude dead cells from our analysis. Experiments were performed in triplicate and 50,000 events were recorded from each sample using a BD Canto II flow cytometer. Analysis of recorded cells was performed using FlowJo software.

[0324] [Table 1] Table 1: CSC FACS panel. Shows the FACS panel used for analysis of CSC markers and CLDN6 expression in ovarian cancer cell lines. The amount of antibody and conjugated fluorochrome used for the corresponding marker are listed.

[0325] FACS analysis revealed that COV318 cells express subpopulations of CSC markers CD44, CD90 and CD24, and that CLDN6 at least partially colocalized with all three markers (Figure 5A). We then used different gating strategies to calculate the percentage of colocalization of all four markers. First, we calculated the percentage of CD44, CD24, CD90 and CLDN6 positive cells in the entire live cell population. We found that 0.18% of live cells were positive for all four markers. We then calculated the percentage of CD44, CD24 and CD90 positive cells in the live cell population, which may represent the CSC fraction. Compared to the entire live cell population, we found that 0.23% of cells were positive for all three markers, while compared to the CLDN6 positive subpopulation, we found that a fraction of 20.1% of cells were triple positive, indicating an 87-fold concentration of the three markers in the CLDN6 positive subfraction. In the final step, we calculated the percentage of CLDN6-positive cells in the total live cell population on the one hand, and in the CD44 / CD24 / CD90-positive subpopulation on the other hand. We found concentrations of CLDN6-expressing cells ranging from 0.91% in the total cell population to 66.87% in the CSC fraction, representing a 74-fold increase (Figure 5B).

[0326] Taken together, these data indicate that CLDN6 accumulates in the CSC fraction and vice versa, CSC markers are enriched in the CLDN6-positive subpopulation. These findings indicate that CLDN6 is a marker for CSCs.

[0327] Example 4 Enrichment of CLDN6-expressing cells leads to accumulation of established CSC markers CD44, CD24 and CD90 CSC fractions isolated from cell lines and tumors have been shown to be frequently enriched for CSC markers such as CD44 and CD24. To analyze the potential of CLDN6 to serve as a novel marker for CSCs, we investigated whether cell isolation of the CLDN6-positive fraction from bulk cells would result in the accumulation of established ovarian CSC markers.

[0328] For this, COV318 cells were stained with 0.5 μg / ml IMAB027 for 30 min at 4 °C, then incubated with goat anti-human IgG secondary antibody (1:300) for 10 min at 4 °C, after which CLDN6-positive and CLDN6-negative cell fractions were isolated from COV318 cells by FACS sorting using a BD FACSAria cell sorter. Selected cells were then grown for 10 days under standard growth conditions. 1E6 cells of both subpopulations were stained for CSC markers CD44, CD24, CD90, CD34, CD117 and CD133 for 30 min at 4 °C (see Table 1 for details) and their surface marker expression profile was analyzed by flow cytometry. 50,000 events were recorded from each sample using a BD Canto II flow cytometer, and analysis of the recorded cells was performed using FlowJo software.

[0329] FACS analysis showed that approximately 50% of cells in the fraction classified as CLDN6 positive were still positive for CLDN6 after 10 days of culture under standard conditions, while cells classified as CLDN6 negative were completely negative for CLDN6. Importantly, we observed that the CLDN6 positive fraction showed accumulation of CSC markers CD44, CD24 and CD90 when compared to the CLDN6 negative fraction of COV318 cells. Representative dot plots of the different samples are shown in Figure 6A. Further quantification of the expression levels of these markers revealed a 99-fold enrichment of CD44, an 8-fold enrichment of CD90 and a 33-fold enrichment of CD24 when comparing the CLDN6 positive and CLDN6 negative subpopulations (Figure 6B).

[0330] These findings demonstrate that CLDN6 can be used as a selection marker to separate the CSC fraction from bulk cell lines and indicate that CLDN6 is a novel CSC marker.

[0331] Example 5 CLDN6-high expressing cell lines show enrichment of CSC markers compared with CLDN6-low expressing cells CLDN6 has been shown to be highly expressed in germ cell tumors, ovarian adenocarcinomas and some cancers with primitive phenotypes. If CLDN6 is a CSC marker, accumulation of cells with CSC-like characteristics in such cell lines or tumors would be expected, and thus accumulation of CSC marker-positive cells.

[0332] We investigated four CLDN6-high expressing cell lines, ovarian cancer cell lines OV90 and PA-1, and testicular cancer cell lines NEC-8 and NEC-14, for their expression levels of established CSC markers. For this, 1E6 cells of each cell line were stained for surface markers CD44, CD24, CD90, CD34, CD117, and CD133, and CLDN6 for 30 minutes at 4°C (see Table 1 for details), and then the cells were analyzed for their expression profile by flow cytometry. Experiments were performed in triplicate, 50,000 events were recorded from each sample using a BD Canto II flow cytometer, and analysis of the recorded cells was performed using FlowJo software. Dead cells were excluded from the analysis by counterstaining the cells with viability dye eFluor® 506. Representative dot plots from each sample are shown in Figure 7.

[0333] FACS analysis revealed that all cell lines examined were approximately 95% positive for CLDN6. As expected, these CLDN6-high expressing cell lines also showed accumulation of established CSC markers in addition to CLDN6, with OV90 cells showing high expression of CD44, CD133, CD24 and CD117, PA-1 cells showing high expression of CD44, CD133, CD90 and CD117, and NEC-8 and NEC-14 cells showing elevated levels of the markers CD133, CD90, CD24 and CD117.

[0334] These findings indicate that the CLDN6 high-expressing cell lines are enriched for CSC-like cells, further supporting that CLDN6 is a CSC marker.

[0335] Example 6 Treatment of advanced human xenograft tumors with a combination of CLDN6 antibodies and chemotherapeutic drugs synergistically inhibits tumor cell proliferation and prolongs survival Hsd: athymic nude Foxn1 nu Mice were implanted with human cancer cell lines. After tumors were established, tumor-bearing mice were divided into groups and administered a CLDN6-specific monoclonal antibody (IMAB027), a chemotherapy drug, or a combination of both. Control groups received antibody buffer (vehicle control).

[0336] Specifically, for treatment of human ES-2 (CLDN6) xenograft tumors, human ovarian cancer cell line ES-2 stably transfected with human CLDN6 was cultured in minimum essential medium (Life Technologies) containing 1× non-essential amino acid solution (Life Technologies), 700 μg / ml G418 (Life Technologies) and 10% FCS (Life Technologies) at 37°C in a humidified incubator with 5% CO2. For transplantation, 6-week-old female Hsd:athymic nude Foxn1 nu Mice were incubated at 5 x 10 in 200 μl of PBS. 6 ES-2 (CLDN6) cells were inoculated subcutaneously in the flank. Three days after subcutaneous tumor inoculation, mice were treated with either saline control, antibody or chemotherapy monotherapy, and antibody / cytostatic combination therapy groups (n=12 per group). 15 mg / kg paclitaxel or saline control was administered on days 3, 10, and 17 after implantation. Antibody maintenance treatment began on day 4 with bolus injections (alternating iv / ip / ip) of 35 mg / kg IMAB027 or vehicle control (IMAB027 buffer) three times a week. Tumor burden and animal health were monitored twice weekly. When tumors reached 1400 mm 3 Mice were sacrificed when the tumor reached its maximum volume or became ulcerated. Tumor growth inhibition was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test.

[0337] For treatment of advanced human NEC14 xenograft tumors, the human testicular germ cell tumor cell line NEC14 was cultured according to the supplier's instructions in RPMI 1640 medium GlutaMAX™ (Life Technologies) containing 10% FCS (Life Technologies) at 37°C in a humidified incubator with 5% CO2. For transplantation, 6-8 week old female Hsd:athymic nude Foxn1 nu Mice were incubated at 2 x 10 in 200 µl of PBS 7 NEC14 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the flank. In the progression post-treatment study, tumors were grown to 50–150 mm 3 Tumors were allowed to grow to a volume of 1400 mm and mice were grouped into control, antibody or cytostatic monotherapy and antibody / cytostatic combination therapy groups (n=19 per group) prior to treatment. Six days after implantation, drugs alone or in combination or vehicle control (saline) were administered as follows: bolus ip injections of 1 mg / kg cisplatin on days 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10; bolus ip injections of 30 mg / kg carboplatin on days 6, 13 and 20; and antibody maintenance treatment with bolus injections (alternating iv / ip / ip) of 35 mg / kg IMAB027 or vehicle control (IMAB027 buffer) three times a week. Tumor volumes were monitored twice weekly. When tumors grew to 1400 mm 3 Mice were sacrificed when the tumor reached its maximum volume or became ulcerated. Tumor growth inhibition was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test.

[0338] Compared to the control group, treatment of human ES-2(CLDN6) xenograft tumors ectopically expressing human CLDN6 with paclitaxel is ineffective and shows no antitumor activity. In contrast, IMAB027 inhibits tumor growth and prolongs survival in mice. Treatment with IMAB027 in combination with paclitaxel synergistically inhibits tumor growth (Figure 8).

[0339] Moreover, both cisplatin and IMAB027 as single agents can highly significantly reduce tumor growth in NEC14 tumor-bearing animals. However, after initial tumor growth inhibition, we observed recurrent tumor growth in most animals. In a combination therapy approach, cisplatin and IMAB027 act synergistically to not only inhibit tumor growth but also induce complete NEC14 tumor remission. The survival data show the most impressive therapeutic effect of IMAB027 in combination with cisplatin. Compared to the single agent approach, almost all mice treated with IMAB027 together with cisplatin were still alive at 90 days after tumor implantation (Figure 9).

[0340] In the post-progression treatment of mice bearing NEC14 xenograft tumors, other platin derivatives such as carboplatin show very limited antitumor activity. The combination of IMAB027 with carboplatin, however, results in synergistic tumor inhibition with highly efficient inhibition of tumor growth and prolonged survival (Figure 10).

[0341] Thus, the combination of chemotherapy with CLDN6-specific antibodies increases tumor growth inhibition and prolongs survival in mice implanted with human tumor cells. The combination of chemotherapy with antibodies produces a synergistic effect in inhibiting tumor cell growth and prolonging survival.

[0342] Example 7 CLDN6 is a CSC marker Example 7.1: CLDN6 is important for the sphere-forming behavior of ovarian cancer cells Another useful assay for analyzing the CSC-like properties of tumor cells is the sphere formation assay. Using this assay, the ability of cells for anchorage-independent growth, a typical feature of CSCs, can be easily examined. To analyze whether CLDN6 plays a role in anchorage-independent growth of tumor cells, we selected COV318 cells, an ovarian tumor cell line that contains only a subpopulation of CLDN6-positive cells. COV318 cells were sorted for their CLDN6 expression, and CLDN6-positive and CLDN6-negative cell populations were allowed to form spheres under stem cell-specific conditions for 21 days. The sphere formation assay revealed that CLDN6-positive COV318 cells exhibited the ability to form spheres when cultured under stem cell-specific conditions, whereas CLDN6-negative cells were almost completely killed (Figure 11A). These findings indicate that the CLDN6-positive fraction is a stem cell-enriched population that exhibits the ability of anchorage-independent growth.

[0343] To define the ability of CLDN6-positive COV318 cells to go through numerous cycles of cell division while maintaining an undifferentiated state, we analyzed the ability of the spheres to generate second-generation spheres. For this, the first-generation spheres of CLDN6-positive COV318 cells (22 days after seeding) were dissociated into single cells and then plated again. On the 23rd day after replating, it was clearly possible to observe that second-generation spheres had formed and that these newly formed spheres were morphologically more regular than the initial first-generation spheres (Figure 11B). These observations further confirm that the CLDN6-positive fraction of COV318 cells is the stem cell fraction of this cell line.

[0344] Taken together, these results clearly indicate that CLDN6 plays a prominent role in anchorage-independent growth of ovarian cancer cells, an essential feature of cancer stem cells.

[0345] Example 7.2: Enrichment of CLDN6-positive COV318 cells after treatment with chemotherapeutic drugs in vitro The ovarian cancer cell line COV318 shows heterogeneous expression of CLDN6, with a very small subpopulation of cells (approximately 0.3-0.5%) expressing CLDN6. Treatment of COV318 with platin derivatives in vitro generates a residual cell population with a higher percentage (>2%) of CLDN6-positive cells in each case (Figure 12). The specific accumulation of CLDN6-positive cells after treatment indicates that these cells may have a selective survival or proliferation advantage during chemotherapy. Resistance to conventional chemotherapy is a hallmark of CSCs.

[0346] Example 7.3: Enrichment of CLDN6-positive COV318 cells in vivo In a previous study, we found that COV318 cells injected subcutaneously into the flank of athymic nude mice were weakly tumorigenic. In contrast, mice receiving COV318 cells by intraperitoneal injection developed malignant ascites and peritoneal tumors within more than 100 days. Unlike parental COV318 cells (Figure 13A), the majority of cells isolated from ascites and tumors were CLDN6 positive (Figure 13B, upper panel). COV318 cells again lost CLDN6 expression in vitro after being cultured under standard conditions (Figure 13B, lower panel). This means that CLDN6-positive COV318 cells exhibit greater tumorigenicity, suggesting that the small CLDN6-positive subpopulation contains CSCs.

[0347] Example 7.4: CLDN6 correlates with ovarian cancer stem cell markers in primary tumor samples Because our previous results showed that CLDN6 colocalized with some CSC markers in ovarian cancer cell lines, we next investigated whether CLDN6 expression also correlated with CSC markers in primary tumor samples from ovarian cancer patients.

[0348] For this, mRNA expression of CLDN6 and selected markers described in the literature as cancer stem cells specific for ovarian cancer (CTCFL, LIN28B, CD24, GNL3, EpCAM, CD44, ABCG2, ALDH1A1, AMACR, ATXN1, BMI1, BMP4, CD34, CD117, Myd88, Nanog, Notch 1, Pou5F1, CD133, Snail, Sox 2) was analyzed by qRT-PCR in 42 human ovarian cancer samples. Subsequent correlation analysis of these markers with CLDN6 was performed using Spearman r. Scatter plots from significant correlations and a summary of all correlations are shown in Figure 14.

[0349] Positive correlations were found for CTCFL, LIN28B, CD24, GNL3, and EPCAM with CLDN6, whereas CD44 was found to be negatively correlated with CLDN6 in the ovarian cancer samples analyzed (Figure 14A). No significant correlations were found for all other markers examined (Figure 14B).

[0350] These findings further support that CLDN6 is a CSC marker.

[0351] Example 8 Antitumor activity of anti-CLDN6 antibody is enhanced by combination with chemotherapy Example 8.1: Effect of chemotherapeutic agents on IMAB027-mediated ADCC The effect of chemotherapy on IMAB027-mediated ADCC was analyzed using COV362(Luc) cells pretreated with carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin and topotecan, respectively. As shown by flow cytometry, pretreatment of target cells leads to an increase in the protein level of CLDN6 on the cell surface (Figure 15B, D, F, H and J). Compared to untreated target cells, the maximum lysis of cells treated with chemotherapy increases by up to 3-fold (Figure 15A, C, F, G and I). In summary, the antitumor activity of IMAB027 can be enhanced in combination with chemotherapy drugs.

[0352] Example 8.2: The combination of IMAB027 with the multi-agent chemotherapy PEB (cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin) highly effectively enhances tumor growth inhibition and prolongs survival in mice implanted with the human tumor cell line NEC14 Hsd: athymic nude Foxn1 nu Mice were implanted subcutaneously with the human testicular germ cell tumor cell line NEC14. Mice with highly advanced tumors were randomized and treated with the antibody IMAB027, the multiagent chemotherapy PEB (cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin), or a combination of IMAB027 and PEB.

[0353] Compared to untreated and IMAB027-treated mice, polychemotherapy highly significantly reduces tumor growth (Figure 16A). However, after tumors initially responded to PEB treatment, tumors began to grow in the majority of animals by day 30. Sustained inhibition of tumor growth was only achieved in the combined approach, where PEB and IMAB027 acted synergistically (Figure 16B). Untreated mice showed a median survival of 30 days, whereas mice treated with IMAB027 and PEB had median survivals of 34 and 97 days, respectively. In the PEB-treated group, 3 / 14 (21%) mice showed complete tumor remission, and 1 / 14 (7%) mice had tumors of approximately 30 mm at the end of the study. 3 The majority of mice presented with residual tumor masses of 1000 mg / kg / day. Surprisingly, complete tumor regression was observed in 12 / 14 (86%) mice treated with PEB in combination with IMAB027. Eleven mice were cured without any recurrence for over 6 months, and one tumor-free mouse was euthanized on day 93 due to poor general health (Figure 16C). The study showed that animals with very advanced human NEC14 testicular tumors administered PEB in combination with IMAB027 had significantly longer survival times and significantly higher response rates compared to animals treated with multi-agent chemotherapy alone.

[0354] Example 9 Anti-CLDN6 antibody-drug conjugates are highly effective in treating CLDN6-expressing tumors Example 9.1: Binding and antitumor activity of toxin-conjugated IMAB027 in vitro The relative binding affinity of IMAB027-drug conjugates IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE was tested on the ovarian cancer cell line OV90 using flow cytometry. In saturation binding experiments, antibody concentration was plotted against median fluorescence intensity (MFI), and EC50 (the antibody concentration that binds half of the binding sites at equilibrium) and maximum binding were calculated by nonlinear regression. Compared to unconjugated IMAB027, both IMAB027-drug conjugates showed similar low EC50 values, with saturation of binding being achieved at low concentrations (Figure 17A). The cytotoxic activity of IMAB027-drug conjugates was measured on OV90 cells using an XTT proliferation assay. Dose-response curves show similar inhibition of tumor cell proliferation for IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE in vitro (Figure 17B). In summary, IMAB027 conjugated to DM1 or vcMMAE binds to CLDN6-positive target cells with similar relative affinity and induces tumor cell killing very effectively.

[0355] Example 9.2: Treatment of advanced human xenograft tumors with toxin-conjugated IMAB027 anti-CLDN6 antibody inhibits tumor cell proliferation, prolongs survival, and mediates complete tumor regression The antitumor activity of the CLDN6-specific antibody IMAB027 conjugated to a cytotoxic drug was tested in mice implanted with CLDN6-positive human cancer cell lines. In this targeted approach, IMAB027 was conjugated to the maytansinoids DM1 or auristatin E (MMAE) and targeted to athymic nude Foxn1 cells bearing advanced xenograft tumors. nu Tumor growth was observed in the mice.

[0356] Treatment of advanced human OV90 ovarian subcutaneous xenograft tumor model: The antitumor effect of toxin-conjugated IMAB027 was tested in mice bearing advanced human xenograft tumors with uniform CLDN6 expression. Treatment was initiated 10 days after tumor cell implantation. After a single iv bolus injection, IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE highly significantly inhibited tumor growth of OV90 ovarian cancer cell xenograft tumors that uniformly express CLDN6 (Figures 18 and 19A). More importantly, a single application of 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE resulted in complete tumor remission in 60% of treated mice (Figure 19B).

[0357] Treatment of advanced human PA-1 ovarian subcutaneous xenograft tumor model: The antitumor effect of toxin-conjugated IMAB027 was also tested in an advanced xenograft tumor model with heterogeneous CLDN6 expression. After subcutaneous implantation, PA-1 xenograft tumors lost CLDN6 expression after a period of time (Figure 20C). Treatment was initiated on day 15, at which point PA-1 xenograft tumors began to lose CLDN6 expression. Animals were administered 4, 8 or 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE by a single iv bolus injection. Control animals received unconjugated IMAB027 or vehicle control buffer instead.

[0358] Treatment with IMAB027-vcMMAE highly significantly inhibited tumor growth of PA-1 xenograft tumors and extended survival of tumor-bearing mice, whereas IMAB027 or IMAB027-DM1 (data not shown) had no effect on PA-1 tumor growth (Figures 20A and B).

[0359] The reduced level of CLDN6-positive tumor cells in the tumor bulk is likely responsible for the weak antitumor activity of IMAB027 and IMAB027-DM1 in this in vivo tumor model. IMAB027-DM1 is linked to the non-membrane-permeant toxin DM1 by a non-cleavable linker. In contrast, IMAB027-vcMMAE is linked to the cell membrane-permeant toxin MMAE by a cathepsin-cleavable linker. The release of the membrane-permeant form of MMAE after cellular processing promotes the killing of tumor cells that lack the specific epitope (bystander effect). Therefore, treatment with IMAB027-vcMMAE is highly effective in eradicating PA-1 tumors that contain both CLDN6-positive and CLDN6-negative cells.

[0360] In summary, IMAB027-vcMMAE is highly efficient in killing human xenograft tumors with heterogeneous CLDN6 expression through targeted cell activation killing of bystander cells.

[0361] Treatment of advanced human MKN74 gastric subcutaneous xenograft tumor model: Unlike PA-1 xenograft tumors, which lose CLDN6 expression in advanced tumors, MKN74 xenograft tumors acquire CLDN6 expression. <0.3% cells of the gastric cancer cell line MKN74 are CLDN6 positive in vitro as shown by flow cytometry using the CLDN6-specific antibody IMAB027. Interestingly, a significant number of tumor cells show CLDN6 expression after subcutaneous implantation in athymic nude mice (Figure 21C). Treatment of established MKN74 xenograft tumors with 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE results in highly significant inhibition of tumor growth and prolongs survival (Figures 21A and B).

[0362] The tumor growth inhibition observed with IMAB027-vcMMAE may be caused by bystander cell activated killing of target cells.

[0363] Treatment of advanced human PA-1 ovarian intraperitoneal xenograft tumor model: In addition to treating sc xenograft tumors, toxin-conjugated IMAB027 antibodies were also tested for their antitumor activity in an ip xenograft tumor model using PA-1 cells ectopically expressing luciferase for in vivo observations (Figure 22). Mice were administered 16 mg / kg IMAB027-DM1 or 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE by a single bolus iv injection 14 days after tumor cell implantation.

[0364] In vivo bioluminescence intensity measurements revealed tumor growth inhibition of peritoneal PA-1 metastases after treatment with IMAB027-DM1. Furthermore, IMAB027-vcMMAE demonstrated significantly greater antitumor activity than IMAB027-DM1 or vehicle, resulting in complete regression of peritoneal tumors in 100% of animals (Figure 22).

[0365] In summary, IMAB027-vcMMAE and IMAB027-DM1 are highly effective without toxic side effects within the concentration range tested in vivo. IMAB027-DM1 significantly inhibited tumor growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors and reduced tumor growth of peritoneal xenograft tumors. IMAB027-vcMMAE highly significantly inhibited tumor growth and extended survival in animals bearing subcutaneous or peritoneal human xenograft tumors with homogeneous or even heterogeneous CLDN6 expression. Most impressive is that the majority of tumor-bearing animals were cured after treatment with MMAE-conjugated antibodies. The excellent antitumor activity of IMAB027-vcMMAE, especially observed in animals whose tumors show heterogeneous CLDN6 expression, reveals that the IMAB027-vcMMAE conjugate is suitable for treating tumors with a low percentage of CLDN6 positivity.

[0366] Example 9.3: Endocytosis of CLDN6-specific antibodies depends on their affinity and the CLDN6 binding epitope The cytotoxic effect of toxin-conjugated antibodies strictly depends on their target-mediated potential for internalization. Therefore, the generation of antibodies with high endocytosis rate is an essential key factor in the development of toxin-conjugated antibodies.

[0367] The efficiency of endocytosis was tested in vitro by incubating human cancer cells that endogenously express CLDN6 with a CLDN6-reactive monoclonal chimeric antibody and an anti-human Fab fragment conjugated to the toxin saporin. Internalization of the CLDN6-binding antibody / Fab-saporin complex results in specific killing of the cells and can be measured using a cell viability assay. Screening of various CLDN6-reactive antibodies reveals that endocytosis depends not only on the binding affinity of the antibody but also on the antigen epitope. We observe that binding of CLDN6-specific antibodies to an epitope within the first extracellular loop of CLDN6 supports endocytosis in OV-90 and PA-1 human cancer cells. Of note, the CLDN6-reactive antibody 5F2D2, which binds with similar or higher affinity to another epitope, shows lower cytotoxic potential in this assay (Figure 23).

[0368] Example 10 Test materials and methods used in Examples 7 to 9 above Cell culture: COV362(Luc) and PA-1(Luc) cells stably expressing luminescent reporter genes were generated by stable transfection of the cell lines COV362 (ECACC, 07071910) and PA-1 (ATCC, CRL-1572), respectively, with firefly luciferase.

[0369] NEC14 (JCRB, 0162) and MKN74 (JCRB, 0255) cells were cultured in RPMI1640 medium (Gibco, 61870-010) supplemented with 10% heat-inactivated FCS (Gibco, 10270-106). COV318 (ECACC, 07071903) and COV362 (Luc) cells were cultured in DMEM (Gibco, 41965-039) containing 2 mM GlutaMAX (Gibco, 35050-038) and 10% heat-inactivated FCS. PA-1 and PA-1(Luc) cells were cultured in MEM (Gibco, 31095-029) supplemented with 1.5 g / l sodium bicarbonate (Invitrogen, 25080), 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Invitrogen, 11360), 1% non-essential amino acids (Gibco, 11140-035) and 10% heat-inactivated FCS. OV90 (ATCC, CRL-11732) cells were cultured in a 1:1 mixture of MCB105 (Sigma, M6395) and 199 medium (Sigma, M4530) supplemented with 1.5 g / l sodium bicarbonate and 15% heat-inactivated FCS. Cells were grown at 37 °C and 5% CO2.

[0370] Measurement of CLDN6 expression by flow cytometry: Cells were harvested using 0.05% trypsin / EDTA (Gibco, 25300-054), washed with FACS buffer (PBS containing 2% FCS (Gibco, 10270-106) and 0.1% sodium azide (Applichem, A1430)) and cultured at 2 × 10 6Cells were resuspended in FACS buffer at a concentration of 100 μl cells / ml. 100 μl of the cell suspension was incubated with anti-CLDN6 antibody IMAB027 or isotype control human IgG1 antibody (Sigma, I5154) at a concentration of 2.5 μg / ml for 30 min at 4°C. Cells were washed three times with FACS buffer and incubated with APC-conjugated F(ab')2 fragment goat anti-human IgG (Jackson ImmunoResearch, 109-136-170) diluted 1:200 in FACS buffer for 30 min at 4°C. Cells were washed twice and resuspended in FACS buffer. Binding was analyzed by flow cytometry using a BD FACSArray (BD Biosciences) and FlowJo software (Tree Star Inc.). Dead cells were excluded from the analysis using the live / dead dye propidium iodide (Sigma, P4864).

[0371] Treatment of COV318 cells with platin derivatives: COV318 cells (1.2 × 10 per 100 mm cell culture dish) 6 Cells) were grown under standard conditions. After 24 hours, cells were treated with 0.5 μg / ml cisplatin or 2 μg / ml carboplatin and incubated for 96 hours. The medium was changed and the treated cells were grown under standard growth conditions. After 3 and 6 days, cells were analyzed for CLDN6 expression by flow cytometry.

[0372] Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) after treatment with a cytotoxic agent: The effects of carboplatin and paclitaxel on IMAB027-mediated ADCC were measured using the human ovarian cancer cell line COV362 stably transfected with luciferase as a reporter. COV362(Luc) cells (3 × 10 per 150 mm cell culture dish) were cultured at 10 °C for 1 h. 6Cells) were grown under standard conditions. After 24 hours, cells were treated with 5ng / ml paclitaxel, 20μg / ml carboplatin, 25ng / ml gemcitabine, 20ng / ml doxorubicin or 7.5ng / ml topotecan and incubated for 4 days. The medium was changed and the treated cells were grown under standard growth conditions for an additional 3 days for carboplatin and gemcitabine or 10 days for paclitaxel, doxorubicin or topotecan.

[0373] Cells were harvested using 0.05% trypsin / EDTA (Gibco, 25300-054) and cultured at 2 × 10 in DMEM containing 2 mM glutamine (Gibco, 25030-081) and 20 mM HEPES (Gibco, 15630-056). 5 The concentration of cells / ml was adjusted to 1 × 10 4 Cells / well were seeded into white 96-well PP plates and incubated at 37° C. and 5% CO 2 for approximately 5 hours.

[0374] PBMCs (peripheral blood mononuclear cells) were isolated from human donor blood samples by density gradient centrifugation using Ficoll Hypaque (GE Healthcare, 17144003). PBMCs containing interphase were isolated and the cells were washed three times with PBS containing 2 mM EDTA. PBMCs were cultured at 1.6 × 10 7 The cells were resuspended in X-Vivo 15 medium (Lonza, BE04-418Q) at a concentration of 100 cells / mL and stored at 37° C. and 5% CO 2 until assayed.

[0375] 25 μl of IMAB027 and isotype control antibodies were added to the cells at the indicated concentrations, followed by 25 μl of PBMC suspension and cells were incubated for 24 hours at 37° C. and 5% CO2.

[0376] 10 μl of 8% Triton X-100 in PBS (Sigma, T8787) was added to the total lysis control and 10 μl of PBS was added to the maximum live cell control and samples, after which 50 μl of luciferin mixture (3.84 mg / ml D-luciferin (Sigma Aldrich, 50227) and 160 mM HEPES in ddH2O) was added and cells were incubated for 90 min at room temperature in the dark. Bioluminescence was measured using a luminometer (Infinite M200, TECAN). Results are shown as integrated digital relative light units.

[0377] Specific lysis is calculated as follows:

number

[0378] Intraperitoneal implantation of COV318 cells in athymic nude mice: The in vivo tumorigenicity of the human ovarian cancer cell line COV318 and accumulation of CLDN6-positive cells were examined in mice. Therefore, 2 × 10 7 COV318 cells were cultured in 6-8 week-old female Hsd:athymic nude Foxn1 nuMice were injected intraperitoneally. Mice were observed daily. Animals were euthanized once significant life-threatening symptoms appeared. Tumor and ascites cells were isolated and cultured for further analysis. Tumors were mechanically dissociated, passed through a mesh, and washed with DMEM medium (Gibco, 41965-039). To obtain single cell suspensions, tumor cells were treated with Accutase (Life Technologies, A11105-01) for 30 min at 37°C, passed through a 40 μm cell strainer, and washed with DMEM medium. Ascites was collected and contaminating red blood cells were removed by using ACK (ammonium chloride potassium) lysis buffer (Invitrogen, A10492-01). Tumor and ascites cells were grown under standard conditions using standard COV318 medium (Gibco, 15140) supplemented with penicillin / streptomycin. Cells were screened for CLDN6 expression by flow cytometry.

[0379] Treatment of highly advanced human NEC14 xenograft tumors: For transplantation, 6-8 week old female Hsd:athymic nude Foxn1 mice nu Mice were incubated at 2 x 10 in 200 µl of PBS 7 NEC14 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the flank. Treatment trials after advanced disease showed tumors growing to a maximum of 170 mm 3 The tumors were allowed to grow for 13 days to a volume of 1.0 μg / mL, and mice were divided into control, IMAB027, PEB (cisplatin, etoposide, bleomycin) and IMAB027 / PEB groups (n=14 per group) prior to treatment.

[0380] On day 13 after implantation, drugs were administered as follows: bolus ip injection of 1 mg / kg cisplatin on days 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17; bolus ip injection of 5 mg / kg etoposide on days 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17; bolus ip injection of 10 mg / kg bleomycin on days 13, 17 and 21. IMAB027 was applied by alternating bolus iv / ip / ip injections of 35 mg / kg IMAB027 three times a week from day 13 to day 101. As vehicle controls, mice received drug substance buffer instead of antibody or 0.9% NaCl solution instead of PEB, respectively.

[0381] Tumor burden and animal health were monitored twice weekly. 3 Mice were sacrificed when the tumor reached a volume of 0.05 mg / kg or when the tumor became ulcerated. Inhibition of tumor growth was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test.

[0382] Sphere formation assay: For the sphere formation assay, COV318 cells were stained for CLDN6 with 0.5 μg / ml IMAB027 for 30 min at 4 °C, then incubated with goat anti-human IgG secondary antibody (1:300) for 10 min at 4 °C, after which the cells were sorted for their CLDN6 expression using a BD FACSAria cell sorter. Then, 1 × 10 6 CLDN6-positive or -negative sorted cells were seeded in wells of a 6-well Ultra Low Attachment Plate (Corning) in serum-free DMEM / F12 medium containing 0.4% bovine serum albumin, 20 ng / ml basic fibroblast growth factor, 10 ng / ml epidermal growth factor, and 5 μg / ml insulin, and the cells were allowed to form spheres under these stem cell-specific conditions for 21 days. The medium was changed every other day without disrupting the spheres, and representative photographs were taken regularly.

[0383] For the generation of second generation spheres, first generation spheres of CLDN6 positive COV318 cells (22 days after inoculation) were dissociated into single cells and then plated again into wells of 6-well Ultra Low Attachment Plates. Again, the medium was changed every other day without disrupting the formed spheres, and representative photographs were taken regularly.

[0384] Quantitative real-time RT-PCR using BioMark™ HD System (Fluidigm): Forty-two human ovarian cancer samples were analyzed by TaqMan® Gene Expression Assays (Life technologies) and qRT-PCR for selected ovarian cancer stem cell specific factors (CTCFL, LIN28B, CD24, GNL3, EpCAM, CD44, ABCG2, ALDH1A1, AMACR, ATXN1, BMI1, BMP4, CD34, CD117, Myd88, Nanog, Notch 1, Pou5F1, CD133, Snail, Sox 2) using Bio Mark™ HD System (Fluidigm). RNA isolation from ovarian cancer samples was performed using RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen) and cDNA was synthesized using PrimeScript RT Reagent Kit (Takara Bio Inc.) according to the respective manufacturer's instructions. Samples were prepared and analyzed according to Fluidigm® Advanced Development Protocol 28-Fast Gene Expression Analysis using TaqMan® GE Assays rev A2. Loading of the 96.96 Gene Expression Dynamic Array IFC was performed by an IFC Controller HX. Chip arrays were analyzed by a Fluidigm BioMark™ HD system. TaqMan PreAmp MasterMix was purchased from Applied Biosystems. Data sets were evaluated according to the ΔΔCt method. Correlation analysis of selected ovarian cancer stem cell markers and CLDN6 was performed using Spearman r. The significance of correlation values ​​was evaluated by a test on correlation coefficients. p-values ​​were adjusted for multiple testing using the method of Benjamini and Hochberg, and adjusted p-values ​​≦0.05 were considered significant.

[0385] Toxin conjugation of CLDN6 antibodies: Toxin conjugation of monoclonal antibodies was performed at Piramal Healthcare (Grangemouth, UK).

[0386] For DM1 conjugation, naked antibodies were modified with SMCC (6x molar) which reacts with the free NH2 residues of lysine groups by incubation in PBS (pH 7.2) at room temperature for 1 h. The modified antibodies were then dialyzed into 35 mM citrate buffer (pH 5.0) and the linker to antibody ratio was measured using a reverse Ellman assay. DM1 (6x molar) was conjugated to the maleimide moiety of the SMCC linker via its sulfhydryl group by incubation at room temperature for 17 h. The conjugated antibodies were dialyzed into formulation buffer (20 mM His, 85 mg / ml sucrose, pH 5.8) and stored at -80°C. Drug-antibody ratios were analyzed by UV spectroscopy, monomer content by SEC-HPLC, and free drug content by RP-HPLC.

[0387] For MMAE conjugation, naked antibodies were dialyzed into PBS (pH 7.2) and modified by thiolating the free NH2 groups of lysine residues using Traut's reagent (2-iminothiolane) (20x molar) for 2 h at room temperature. The thiolated antibodies were then dialyzed into 35 mM citrate buffer (pH 5.5) and the linker-to-antibody ratio was measured using a reverse Ellman assay. vcMMAE (6x molar) was conjugated to the sulfhydryl groups of the thiolated antibodies via the valine of the cathepsin-cleavable linker by incubation for 15 h at room temperature. The conjugated antibodies were dialyzed into formulation buffer (20 mM His, 85 mg / ml sucrose, pH 5.8) and stored at -80°C. Drug-antibody ratios were analyzed by UV spectroscopy, monomer content by SEC-HPLC, and free drug content by RP-HPLC.

[0388] Measurement of relative binding affinity by flow cytometry: Cells were harvested using 0.05% trypsin / EDTA (Gibco, 25300-054), washed with FACS buffer (PBS containing 2% FCS (Gibco, 10270-106) and 0.1% sodium azide (Applichem, A1430)) and cultured at 2 × 10 6Cells were resuspended in FACS buffer at a concentration of 100 μl cells / ml. 100 μl of the cell suspension was incubated with IMAB027, IMAB027-DM1 or IMAB027-vcMMAE (titer series from 0.1 ng / ml to 20 μg / ml) for 30 min at 4 °C. Cells were then washed three times with FACS buffer and incubated with anti-human IgG (Jackson ImmunoResearch, 109-136-170) diluted 1:200 in FACS buffer for 30 min at 4 °C. Cells were then washed twice and resuspended in 100 μl FACS buffer. Binding was analyzed by flow cytometry using a BD FACSArray (BD Biosciences) and FlowJo software (Tree Star Inc.).

[0389] Viability assay for toxin-bound IMAB027: The effect of IMAB027-DM1 and IMAB027-vcMMAE on the viability of human tumor cell lines was measured in vitro using a colorimetric assay that detects cellular metabolic activity (Cell Proliferation Kit XTT from AppliChem).

[0390] OV90 cells were harvested using 0.05% trypsin / EDTA (Gibco, 25300-054) and 2500 cells were seeded in 50 μl of growth medium in 96-well cultures. After 24 h, a series of concentrations of DM1-conjugated and MMAE-conjugated IMAB027 or isotype control antibodies diluted in 50 μl of medium were added. Cells were cultured for 3–7 days until untreated cells reached approximately 80% confluency. Cell viability was analyzed using the AppliChem Cell Proliferation Kit II (AppliChem, A8088-1000) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After 3–5 h of incubation with XTT reagent, 100 μl of cell supernatant was transferred to a new 96-well assay plate and absorbance was measured at 480 nm (reference 630 nm) using a spectrophotometer (Tecan).

[0391] Viability was calculated using the following equation:

number

[0392] EC50 values ​​were determined by nonlinear regression using GraphPad Prism 6 software.

[0393] Treatment of advanced subcutaneous OV90 xenograft tumors: Human ovarian cancer cell line OV90 was cultured under standard conditions. For transplantation, 6-8 week old female Hsd:athymic nude Foxn1 nu Mice were inoculated with 1 x 10 cells in 200 μl of PBS. 7 OV90 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the flank. In the progression post-treatment study, tumors were allowed to grow for 10 days and reach a size of 50–150 mm 3 Mice bearing established tumors were randomly assigned to vehicle and antibody groups (n=10) prior to treatment. Tumor volume (TV=(length x width) 2 ) / 2) was observed twice a week. 3 The tumor growth rate was expressed as 1 / 100 and a tumor growth curve over time was generated.

[0394] In the first dose-ranging study, animals received a single iv injection of vehicle, IMAB027-DM1 (1.78 mg / kg, 5.33 mg / kg, or 16 mg / kg) and were sacrificed 35 days after implantation. In the second dose-ranging study, animals received a single iv injection of vehicle, IMAB027-vcMMAE (4 mg / kg, 8 mg / kg, or 16 mg / kg), or IMAB027-DM1 (1.33 mg / kg, 2.67 mg / kg, or 5.33 mg / kg). IMAB027 was administered three times weekly by alternating bolus iv / ip / ip injections of 35 mg / kg IMAB027. Tumors were >1400 mm 3 Mice were sacrificed when they reached a larger volume or became ulcerated. Inhibition of tumor growth was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test. Survival rates were analyzed using the Mantel-Cox test.

[0395] Treatment of advanced subcutaneous PA-1 xenograft tumors and immunohistochemistry of tumor sections: Human ovarian cancer cell line PA-1 was cultured under standard conditions. For transplantation, 6-8 week old female Hsd:athymic nude Foxn1 nu Mice were inoculated with 1 x 10 cells in 200 μl of PBS. 7 PA-1 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the flank. In the progression post-treatment study, tumors were allowed to grow for 15 days and reach a size of 40–120 mm 3 Mice bearing established tumors were randomly assigned to vehicle and antibody groups (n=10) prior to treatment. Tumor volume (TV=(length x width) 2 ) / 2) was observed twice a week. 3 The tumor growth rate was expressed as 1 / 100 and a tumor growth curve over time was generated.

[0396] Animals were given a single iv injection of vehicle, IMAB027-vcMMAE (4 mg / kg, 8 mg / kg or 16 mg / kg) or IMAB027-DM1 (4 mg / kg, 8 mg / kg or 16 mg / kg). IMAB027 was administered three times weekly by alternating bolus iv / ip / ip injections of 35 mg / kg IMAB027. 3 Mice were sacrificed when they reached a larger volume or became ulcerated. Inhibition of tumor growth was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test. Survival rates were analyzed using the Mantel-Cox test.

[0397] To analyze CLDN6 expression during tumor establishment and progression, PA-1 tumors from untreated mice were excised on days 7, 14, and 56, respectively, formalin-fixed, and embedded in paraffin. 4-μm tissue sections were prepared from FFPE (formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded) blocks of each specimen, mounted on adhesive slides (SuperFrost Ultra Plus, Thermo Fisher Scientific), and baked at 60°C for 60 min. Prior to staining, FFPE tissue sections were deparaffinized. Sections were boiled at 120°C for 10 min in 10 mM citric acid supplemented with 0.05% Tween-20 (pH 6.0). Endogenous peroxidase was quenched by incubation in 0.3% H2O2 in PBS. After washing with PBS, nonspecific antibody binding sites were blocked with blocking buffer (10% goat serum in PBS) for 30 min at room temperature and then incubated overnight with 0.2 μg / ml primary rabbit anti-claudin 6 antibody (IBL-America, 18865) diluted in blocking buffer. Samples were then washed three times with PBS and incubated with the respective secondary diluted antibody (Power Vision HRP goat anti-rabbit; Immunologic) for 30 min at room temperature. Visualization was performed using substrate developer (VectorRed; Vector Laboratories) for 4 min 30 s. After counterstaining with hematoxylin, dehydration and mounting, sections were analyzed using a Leica DM2000 microscope.

[0398] Treatment of advanced subcutaneous MKN74 xenograft tumors and immunohistochemistry of tumor sections: Human gastric cancer cell line MKN74 was cultured under standard conditions. For transplantation, 6-8 week old female Hsd:athymic nude Foxn1 nu Mice were inoculated with 1 x 10 cells in 200 μl of PBS. 7 MKN74 cells were inoculated subcutaneously into the flank. In the post-progression treatment study, tumors were allowed to grow for 7 days and reach a size of 200±30 mm 3 Mice bearing established tumors were randomly assigned to vehicle and antibody groups (n=10) prior to treatment. Tumor volume (TV=(length x width) 2 ) / 2) was observed twice a week. 3The tumor growth rate was expressed as 1 / 100 and a tumor growth curve over time was generated.

[0399] Animals received vehicle control buffer or 16 mg / kg IMAB027-vcMMAE by single bolus iv injection on day 8. Tumors were 1400 mm 3 Mice were sacrificed when they reached a larger volume or became ulcerated. Tumor growth inhibition was analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and post-hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test. Tumor growth inhibition was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and post-hoc Dunn's multiple comparison test. Survival rates were analyzed using the Mantel-Cox test.

[0400] CLDN6 target expression in MKN74 cells was analyzed by flow cytometry prior to implantation and by histochemistry on untreated MKN74 xenograft tumors excised at day 31.

[0401] For immunohistochemistry, 3 μm thick tissue sections were prepared, mounted on glass slides, and air-dried for 90 min at room temperature. All tissue sections were fixed in -20°C acetone for 10 min and washed in PBS for 5 min. Endogenous peroxidase was quenched by incubation with 0.03% hydrogen peroxide (Dakocytomation EnVision System, K4011) for 15 min. After washing with PBS, nonspecific antibody binding sites were blocked with blocking buffer (10% goat serum in PBS) for 30 min at room temperature, and then incubated with 5 μg / ml IMAB027-FITC for 60 min at room temperature. Samples were then washed three times with PBS and incubated with the respective secondary diluted antibodies (Bright Vision poly-HRP anti-rabbit IgG, Immunologic, DPVR-110HRP) for 30 min at room temperature. Visualization was performed using substrate developer (VectorRed; Vector Laboratories) for 2 min 30 s. After counterstaining with hematoxylin, dehydration and mounting, sections were analyzed using a Leica DM2000 microscope.

[0402] Treatment of advanced intraperitoneal PA-1(Luc) xenograft tumors: We used the human ovarian teratocarcinoma cell line PA-1(Luc), which stably expresses firefly luciferase as a luminescence reporter gene, as an intraperitoneal xenograft tumor model to examine the antitumor activity of the toxin-conjugated IMAB027 antibody in vivo. Previous transplantation experiments revealed that intraperitoneal inoculation of PA-1(Luc) cells gave rise to intraperitoneal tumor nodules.

[0403] Resuspend 1 x 10 cells in PBS 7 PA-1(Luc) cells in female HSD: athymic nude Foxn1 nu Mice were intraperitoneally injected with 150 mg / kg of luciferase. Bioluminescence imaging began 14 days after tumor cell inoculation and was then performed once a week until the end of the study. D-Luciferin (PerkinElmer, 122796) was dissolved in sterile water and injected intraperitoneally (150 mg / kg, injection volume 200 μl) 5 min before imaging with an IVIS Lumina Imaging System (Advanced Molecular Vision). Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and placed in the dark chamber of the IVIS Lumina, and emitted photons were quantified for a 1 min integration time. The intensity of transmitted light resulting from luciferase expressing PA-1 cells in the animals was displayed as a pseudocolor image, where blue is the weakest intensity and red is the strongest bioluminescent signal. Grayscale photographic images of the mice were also obtained under LED low light illumination. Images were overlaid using Living Image software (Xenogen). Comparable lighting settings were used for all images. To quantify bioluminescence, regions of interest (ROIs) were defined and the total flux in each ROI was measured in photons / second (p / s). Background bioluminescence values ​​obtained from non-signal emitting regions of the animal were subtracted from each bioluminescence value for each animal.

[0404] On day 14, mice were randomized and treated intraperitoneally with 16 mg / kg IMAB027-DM1 or IMAB027-vcMMAE, respectively. Control animals received vehicle buffer. Tumor growth was monitored weekly by bioluminescence imaging from the ventral view, followed by analysis of total flux (photons / sec) within a region of interest covering the abdomen of the mice.

[0405] Endocytosis: Endocytosis of CLDN6-binding antibodies was measured using a cytotoxicity-based endocytosis assay based on the co-internalization of target-binding antibodies and saporin-conjugated anti-human IgG Fab fragments (Fab-ZAP human, Advanced Targeting Systems, IT-51). Saporin is a ribosome-inactivating protein that impairs protein biosynthesis after internalization, thus resulting in cell death.

[0406] PA-1 cells were harvested using 0.05% trypsin / EDTA (Gibco, 25300-054) and diluted to 2.5 × 10 3 Cells / well were seeded in 50 μl of growth medium in 96-well culture plates. After 24 h, Fab-ZAP and then IMAB027 or isotype control antibody were added in a volume of 25 μl each. CLDN6 antibody was administered in a 6 or 8 step dilution series, whereas Fab-ZAP was applied at a constant concentration (Fab-ZAP:antibody ratios 3:1 to 6561:1). Cells were cultured for an additional 72 h in a humidified CO2 incubator at 37 °C. Afterwards, cell viability was analyzed using the Cell Proliferation Kit II from AppliChem (AppliChem, A8088-1000) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Absorbance was measured at 480 nm (reference 630 nm) using a spectrophotometer (Tecan).

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a cancer characterized by cancer cells expressing CLDN6, the pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody capable of specifically binding to CLDN6 on a cell surface, The antibody induces or mediates the killing of cells expressing CLDN6, The antibody is (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 or a variant thereof; and (ii) a light chain variable region (VL) comprising an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 12 or a variant thereof; Including, the antibody is used in combination with chemotherapy; The chemotherapy increases CLDN6 expression in cancer cells; The chemotherapy comprises: (a) a chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, topotecan, cisplatin, and salts thereof; or (b) PEB, a multi-drug chemotherapy including cisplatin or a salt thereof, etoposide or a salt thereof, and bleomycin or a salt thereof; Pharmaceutical compositions.

2. A pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a cancer characterized by cancer cells expressing CLDN6, comprising: The pharmaceutical composition comprises: (i) one or more nucleic acid sequences encoding an antibody having the ability to specifically bind to CLDN6 on a cell surface; or (ii) a recombinant cell expressing an antibody capable of specifically binding to CLDN6 on the cell surface; Including, The antibody is (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 or a variant thereof; and (ii) a light chain variable region (VL) comprising an amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 12 or a variant thereof; Including, The antibody induces or mediates the killing of cells expressing CLDN6, the antibody is used in combination with chemotherapy; The chemotherapy increases CLDN6 expression in cancer cells; The chemotherapy comprises: (a) a chemotherapeutic agent selected from the group consisting of carboplatin, gemcitabine, paclitaxel, doxorubicin, topotecan, cisplatin, and salts thereof; or (b) PEB, a multi-drug chemotherapy including cisplatin or a salt thereof, etoposide or a salt thereof, and bleomycin or a salt thereof; Pharmaceutical compositions.

3. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2, The pharmaceutical composition, wherein the one or more nucleic acid sequences are contained in one or more vectors.

4. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 2, The pharmaceutical composition, wherein the one or more nucleic acids are RNA.

5. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of salts, buffer substances, preservatives, carriers, diluents and excipients.

6. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The pharmaceutical composition comprises a liposome as a delivery vehicle for the one or more nucleic acids.

7. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, A pharmaceutical composition, wherein CLDN6 has an amino acid sequence according to SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO:

2.

8. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The pharmaceutical composition, wherein said chemotherapy is initiated or administered prior to administration of said antibody, thereby enhancing the anti-tumor activity of said antibody.

9. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, A pharmaceutical composition, wherein the antibody binds to the first extracellular loop of CLDN6.

10. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The pharmaceutical composition, wherein the antibody is a bispecific antibody.

11. 11. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, A pharmaceutical composition, wherein the bispecific antibody binds to (i) the cell surface antigen CLDN6 and (ii) a receptor on the surface of an effector cell.

12. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The variant is at least 95% identical to the amino acid sequence over the entire length of the amino acid sequence.

13. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The variant results from a modification of the amino acid sequence, The modification of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:5 is the substitution of one or more cysteine ​​residues with asparagine residues, and / or A pharmaceutical composition, wherein the modification of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 12 is a substitution of one or more cysteine ​​residues with glycine residues.

14. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The antibody is (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 or a variant thereof; and (ii) a light chain variable region (VL) comprising the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 12 or a variant thereof; A pharmaceutical composition comprising the complementarity determining regions CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 of:

15. 15. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 14, The amino acid sequence of the CDR region of the variant of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5 is identical to the amino acid sequence of the CDR region of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 5; and A pharmaceutical composition, wherein the amino acid sequence of the CDR region of the variant of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:12 is identical to the amino acid sequence of the CDR region of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:

12.

16. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The pharmaceutical composition, wherein the cancer is resistant to chemotherapy.

17. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The pharmaceutical composition, wherein the antibody capable of binding to CLDN6 exerts an inhibitory and / or cytotoxic effect on cancer cells by mediating one or more of complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC)-mediated lysis, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC)-mediated lysis, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of proliferation.

18. 3. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 1 or 2, The cancer comprises primary cancer, advanced cancer, metastatic cancer, recurrent cancer, or a combination thereof.

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