Anti-TIGIT antibodies and their applications

Abstract

The present invention provides antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind to TIGIT, and compositions thereof. The present invention also provides nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present invention, expression vectors and host cells that express the antibodies or functional fragments thereof of the present invention, and therapeutic and diagnostic uses thereof.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to anti-TIGIT antibodies and the use of these antibodies and compositions thereof in the treatment of cancer. [Background technology]

[0002] TIGIT (T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains) is an immunoregulatory receptor that consists of one extracellular immunoglobulin domain, a type I transmembrane region, and two ITIM motifs and is expressed mainly in activated T cells and NK cells (Non-Patent Document 1). The ligands recognized by TIGIT are poliovirus receptor (PVR, CD155) and nectin 2 (PVRL2 / CD112). The ligand is overexpressed in several different tumor cells. It has been reported that TIGIT binds to the ligand PVR with high affinity. The binding of TIGIT to the ligand activates an inhibitory signal induced by two motifs present in the cytoplasmic tail of TIGIT: an immunoreceptor tail tyrosine (ITT)-type motif and a tyrosine-based inhibitory (ITIM) motif with a dominance of immune response (Non-Patent Document 2). Binding of tumor cell surface ligands to the ITIM domain of TIGIT on the surfaces of NK cells and T cells suppresses NK cytotoxicity and T cell activity, inducing an immune evasion mechanism in tumor cells. Several patent documents have reported that anti-TIGIT antibodies, which have the effect of blocking the binding of TIGIT to its ligand, can suppress the immunosuppressive effect induced by TIGIT, and thus can be applied to the treatment of diseases such as tumors (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, Patent Document 4).

[0003] There is an unsatisfied need for drugs that can reduce the inhibitory activity of human TIGIT, either alone or in combination with other drugs, thereby making the attack by cells of the immune system against tumor cells more effective, specific, safe and / or stable. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2004 / 024068 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2009 / 126688 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2015 / 009856 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2016 / 028656 [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Stanietsky et al., PNAS. 2009, 106, 17858-17863 [Non-Patent Document 2] Liu et al., Cell death and differentiation 2013, 20, 456-464; Stanietsky et al., European journal of immunology, 2013, 43, 2138-2150 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention provides an anti-TIGIT antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, which has a unique CDR sequence configuration and binds to human TIGIT with high affinity and specificity. The anti-TIGIT antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention is applied to, for example, the treatment of cancer, either as a sole therapy or in combination with other therapies and / or other anticancer agents.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention provides an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TIGIT with high specificity.

[0008] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises one to three heavy chain complementarity determining regions selected from HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, wherein the HCDR1 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 or 11, the HCDR2 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 2 or 12, and the HCDR3 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 3 or 13. The amino acid sequence may be the same as or have at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from NO:3 or 13.

[0009] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, and HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3.

[0010] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:11, HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:12, and HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:13.

[0011] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises one to three light chain complementarity determining regions selected from LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3, wherein the LCDR1 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6 or 16, the LCDR2 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:7 or 17, and the LCDR3 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8 or 18.

[0012] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, wherein the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:7, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8.

[0013] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, wherein the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:16, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:17, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.

[0014] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, and light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, wherein the HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, the HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, the HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:7, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8.

[0015] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, and light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, wherein the HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:11, the HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:12, the HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:13, the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:16, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:17, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.

[0016] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH), wherein the heavy chain variable region (VH) comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to any one of the amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NO:4, 14, 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29.

[0017] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the light chain variable region (VL) comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to any one of the amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NO:9, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30.

[0018] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to any one of the amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 4, 14, 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29, and the VL comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to any one of the amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30.

[0019] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:4 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:9.

[0020] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:14 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:19.

[0021] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:21 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:22.

[0022] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:23 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:24.

[0023] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:25 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:26.

[0024] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:27 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28.

[0025] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:29 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:30.

[0026] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a light chain and / or a heavy chain, wherein the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain is set forth in SEQ ID NO:31 or 32, and / or the amino acid sequence of the light chain is set forth in SEQ ID NO:32 or 34.

[0027] In some embodiments, the antibody of the present invention has a heavy chain amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:31 and a light chain amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:32, or the antibody has a heavy chain amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:33 and a light chain amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:34.

[0028] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention has the property of being cross-linked to human TIGIT and cynomolgus TIGIT proteins.

[0029] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention has the property of blocking or inhibiting the binding of TIGIT to its natural ligands PVR and / or PVRL2.

[0030] In some embodiments, the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present invention block or inhibit the bioactive effects induced by TIGIT.

[0031] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention is a murine antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, or a fully human antibody.

[0032] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention is a whole antibody, a single chain antibody, a Fab antibody, a Fab' antibody, a (Fab')2 antibody, or a bi(multi)specific antibody.

[0033] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present invention are of any IgG subtype, such as IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4.

[0034] The invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the above-described antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.

[0035] The present invention provides a recombinant or expression vector comprising one or more of the above nucleic acid sequences, which vector is adapted for recombinant production of the above antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.

[0036] The invention provides a host cell comprising one or more of the above recombinant or expression vectors, or the above nucleic acid molecule, or for expressing an antibody according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0037] The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising the above-described antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, and a pharma- ceutically acceptable vector or excipient composition.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises a PD-1 axis antagonist.

[0039] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises: 1) the property of binding to human TIGIT with a KD of at least about 5 nM, at least about 1 nM, at least about 0.1 nM, at least about 0.01 nM, or at least about 0.001 nM; 2) Cross-reactivity with cynomolgus monkey TIGIT; The present invention has at least one of the following:

[0040] A second aspect of the invention further relates to a method for producing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the invention, comprising providing an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the invention, or an expression vector comprising said nucleic acid, in particular a vector for recombinantly producing the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the invention in a host cell.

[0041] A third aspect of the invention further relates to a host cell comprising one or more of the above-mentioned recombinant or expression vectors and to a method for producing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the invention, said method comprising culturing said host cell, purifying and recovering said antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.

[0042] The invention further provides a method for producing said antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, comprising culturing said host cell and recovering said antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof from the culture.

[0043] A fourth aspect of the invention further relates to a method for treating cancer in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of any anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described herein or a pharmaceutical composition thereof.

[0044] In one embodiment, the present invention further relates to the use of any of the anti-TIGIT antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof in the manufacture of a medicament for treating cancer in a subject.

[0045] The present invention further provides a use of the above-mentioned antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, nucleic acid molecule, vector, host cell or pharmaceutical composition for the manufacture of a medicament for treating and / or preventing a disease or condition induced by TIGIT, preferably, the disease or condition is cancer.

[0046] The fifth aspect of the present invention further relates to the combined administration of one or more therapies (e.g., therapeutic methods and / or other therapeutic agents) to a subject with cancer. In some embodiments, the therapeutic methods include administering to the subject an effective amount of an anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or a pharmaceutical composition thereof according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the therapeutic methods include surgery and radiation therapy. In some embodiments, the other therapeutic agents are selected from chemotherapeutic agents, PD-1 axis antagonists, or other tumor-targeted therapeutic agents, preferably PD-1 axis antagonists.

[0047] In some embodiments, the present invention further relates to the use of a combination of any of the anti-TIGIT antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof described herein and a PD-1 axis antagonist in the manufacture of a medicament for treating cancer in a subject.

[0048] In some embodiments, the PD-1 axis antagonist is selected from an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, or an anti-PD-L2 antibody.

[0049] A sixth aspect of the present invention further relates to a method for detecting TIGIT in a sample, the method comprising the steps of: a) contacting the sample with any of the anti-TIGIT antibodies or fragments thereof described herein; and b) detecting a complex formed by the anti-TIGIT antibody or fragment thereof and TIGIT. In one embodiment, the anti-TIGIT antibody is detectably labeled.

[0050] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a reagent kit or article of manufacture comprising any of the anti-TIGIT antibodies or fragments thereof described herein, in some embodiments, the reagent kit or article of manufacture comprises the anti-TIGIT antibodies or fragments thereof described herein, optionally a pharma- ceutically acceptable excipient, and optionally one or more other therapeutic agents (e.g., a chemotherapeutic agent, a PD-1 axis antagonist, or a tumor-targeting therapeutic agent).

[0051] The present invention further includes any combination of any of the embodiments described herein. Any of the embodiments described herein or any combination thereof applies to any and all anti-TIGIT antibodies or fragments thereof, methods and uses of the invention described herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] The effect of hybridoma antibodies on T cell activity as detected by luciferase assay is shown. [Diagram 2] The binding effect of the chimeric antibody to TIGIT detected by Elisa is shown. [Diagram 3] The effect of the chimeric antibody on T cell activity as detected by the Luciferase assay is shown. [Figure 4] The binding effect of humanized antibodies to TIGIT as detected by Elisa is shown. [Diagram 5] The effect of humanized antibodies on T cell activity as detected by Luciferase assay is shown. [Figure 6] 1 shows the blocking effect of humanized antibodies on the binding of TIGIT to the ligand PVR, as detected by FACS. [Figure 7] Pharmacoactivity study of humanized TIGIT antibody and its combination with anti-PD-1 antibody in TIGIT transgenic mice bearing MC38 tumors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] The present invention provides an anti-TIGIT antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, which has a unique CDR sequence configuration and binds to human TIGIT with high affinity and specificity. The anti-TIGIT antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof according to the present invention is applied to, for example, the treatment of cancer, either as a sole therapy or in combination with other therapies and / or other anticancer agents.

[0054] (definition) Unless otherwise indicated, the practice of the present invention will employ conventional techniques of molecular biology (including recombinant techniques), microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, immunology and the like, which are within the skill of the art.

[0055] In order to make the present invention easier to understand, technical terms are defined as follows. Unless expressly defined elsewhere in this specification, technical terms used herein have the meanings that are commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. For definitions and terms in the field, experts are referred to Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (Ausubel). Abbreviations for amino acid residues are the standard three-letter and / or one-letter codes used in the field to represent one of the 20 commonly used L-amino acids. Unless expressly stated otherwise in this specification, singular expressions used in this specification (including claims) include plural meanings.

[0056] The term "about" when used in conjunction with numerical values ​​is meant to include numerical values ​​in a range from 5% below the stated numerical value as a lower limit to 5% above the stated numerical value as an upper limit.

[0057] The term "TIGIT" as used herein refers collectively to T cell Ig and ITIM domain protein, and unless otherwise specified, any naturally occurring TIGIT from any vertebrate (e.g., mammals such as primates (e.g., humans) and rodents (e.g., mice and rats)). The term includes "full-length" unprocessed TIGIT, and any form of TIGIT or any fragment thereof produced by intracellular processing. The term further includes naturally occurring variants of TIGIT, such as splice variants or allelic variants. In one embodiment, TIGIT is full-length TIGIT from human and cynomolgus monkey or a fragment thereof (e.g., a mature fragment lacking its signal peptide). In one embodiment, human TIGIT is mature TIGIT (amino acid residues 1-21 are the leader peptide) that is similar to the sequence of amino acid residues 22-244 of Genbank Accession No. NP_776160.2 (SEQ ID NO:31). In one embodiment, human TIGIT is the TIGIT extracellular domain that is similar to the sequence of amino acid residues 22-141 of Genbank Accession No. NP_776160.2. In one embodiment, cynomolgus monkey (Wacaca fascicuiaris) TIGIT is the mature TIGIT that is similar to the sequence of amino acid residues 22-245 of Genbank Accession No. XP_005548158.1.

[0058] "Percentage (%) of amino acid sequence identity" is defined as the percentage of amino acid residues in a candidate sequence that are similar to the amino acid residues in a comparison polypeptide sequence, when the sequences are compared (with gaps introduced, if necessary) to obtain the maximum percentage of sequence identity, and no conservative substitutions are part of the sequence identity. To measure the percentage of amino acid sequence identity, sequences are compared using various methods in the art, such as using commonly available personal computer software, such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN, or MEGALIGN (DNASTAR). Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for measurement and comparison, including any algorithms required to obtain the most comprehensive comparison over the entire length of the sequences to be compared.

[0059] "Immune response" refers to the effect of, for example, lymphocytes, antigen-presenting cells, phagocytes, granulocytes and soluble macromolecules (including antibodies, cytokines and complement) produced by such cells or the liver, which selectively damage, destroy or remove from the body invading pathogens, pathogen-infected cells or tissues, cancer cells or normal human cells or tissues in the case of autoimmune or pathological inflammation.

[0060] A "signal transduction pathway" or "signal transduction activity" is a biochemical causal relationship, usually due to an interaction between proteins, e.g., the binding of a growth factor to a receptor, by which a signal is transmitted from one part of a cell to another part of the cell. Generally, the transmission involves the specific phosphorylation of one or more tyrosine, serine, or threonine residues in one or more proteins in a series of reactions that result in a signal transduction. Usually, the penultimate process involves a nuclear event, which results in a change in gene expression.

[0061] The terms "activity" or "biological activity" or "biological properties" or "biological characteristics" are interchangeable and include, but are not limited to, epitope / antigen affinity and specificity, the ability to neutralize or antagonize TIGIT activity in vivo or in vitro, IC50, in vivo stability of the antibody, and immunogenic properties of the antibody. Other biological properties or characteristics of an antibody that can be assessed as known in the art include, for example, cross-reactivity (i.e., cross-reactivity, usually with non-human homologs of the target peptide, or with other proteins or tissues), the ability to retain high expression levels of the protein in mammalian cells. The aforementioned properties or characteristics are observed, measured, or assessed using techniques known in the art, including, but not limited to, ion resonance analysis such as ELISA, FACS, or BIACORE, neutralization measurements in vivo or in vitro, receptor binding, production and / or secretion of cytokines or growth factors, signal transduction, immunohistochemistry of tissue sections of different origins (human, primate, or any other origin).

[0062] By "antibody" is meant any form of antibody having the desired biological activity, and thus when used in the broadest sense, it specifically includes, but is not limited to, monoclonal antibodies (including full-length monoclonal antibodies), polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), humanized antibodies, fully human antibodies, chimeric antibodies, and camelized single domain antibodies.

[0063] "Isolated antibody" refers to the purified state of the binding compound, and in such case means that the molecule is substantially free of other biological molecules, e.g., nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, sugars, cell debris and other substances such as growth medium. The term "isolated" does not mean completely free of such substances, or free of water, buffers or salts, unless present in amounts that would clearly interfere with the experimental or therapeutic use of the binding compound herein.

[0064] A "monoclonal antibody" is an antibody obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies, i.e., each antibody from the population is the same except for minor variations that may occur naturally. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific and are directed against a single antigenic epitope. In contrast, a conventional (polyclonal) antibody preparation will usually contain a large number of antibodies directed against (or having specificities for) different epitopes. The modifier "monoclonal" indicates the character of the antibody as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by any particular method.

[0065] In nature, a "full-length antibody" is an immunoglobulin molecule that contains four peptide chains: two heavy (H) chains (full-length, about 50-70 kDa) and two light (L) chains (full-length, about 25 kDa), linked together by disulfide bonds. Each heavy chain consists of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as VH) and a heavy chain constant region (abbreviated herein as CH). The heavy chain constant region consists of three domains, CH1, CH2, and CH3. Each light chain consists of a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as VL) and a light chain constant region. The light chain constant region consists of one domain, CL. The VH and VL regions are further divided into highly variable complementarity determining regions (CDRs) and conserved regions between them, called framework regions (FRs). Each VH or VL region is composed of three CDRs and four FRs arranged from the amino terminus to the carboxyl 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 regions of the antibody can mediate the binding of the immunoglobulin to host tissues or factors, including cells of the immune system (e.g., effector cells) and the first component (Clq) of the representative complement system.

[0066] An "antigen-binding fragment" of an antibody ("parent antibody") includes fragments or derivatives of an antibody, but typically includes at least one fragment of the antigen-binding or variable region (e.g., one or more CDRs) of the parent antibody and retains at least one binding specificity of the parent antibody. Examples of antibody-binding fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, and Fv fragments, diabodies, linear antibodies, single-chain antibody molecules such as sc-Fv, nanobodies formed from antibody fragments, and multispecific antibodies. When antigen-binding activity is expressed in molar concentrations, a binding fragment or derivative typically retains at least 10% of its antigen-binding activity. It is preferred that a binding fragment or derivative retains at least 20%, 50%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 100% or more of the antigen-binding affinity of the parent antibody. Antigen-binding fragments of antibodies are expected to contain conservative or non-conservative amino acid substitutions (referred to as "conservative variants" or "functionally conservative variants" of an antibody) that do not appreciably alter its biological activity. The term "binding compound" refers to both antibodies and binding fragments thereof.

[0067] A "single-chain Fv" or "scFv" antibody refers to an antibody fragment comprising the VH and VL domains of an antibody, wherein these domains are present in a single polypeptide chain. The Fv polypeptide generally further comprises a polypeptide ringer between the VH and VL domains which enables the scFv to form the desired structure for antigen binding.

[0068] A "domain antibody" is an immunologically functional immunoglobulin fragment that contains only the heavy or light chain variable region. In some cases, two or more VH regions are covalently linked with a peptide Ringer to form a bivalent domain antibody. The two VH regions of a bivalent domain antibody can target the same or different antigens.

[0069] A "bivalent antibody" contains two antigen-binding sites. In some cases, the two binding sites have the same antigen specificity. However, a bivalent antibody may be bispecific.

[0070] "Diabody" refers to a small antibody fragment with two antigen-binding sites, said fragment comprising a heavy chain variable domain (VH) linked to a light chain variable domain (VL) in the same polypeptide chain (VH-VL or VL-VH), which is forced to pair with a complementary domain of another chain by using a Ringer that is so short that pairing between the two domains in the same chain is not possible, producing two antigen-binding sites.

[0071] A "chimeric antibody" is an antibody having the variable domains of a first antibody and the constant domains of a second antibody, where the first and second antibodies are from different species. Typically, the variable domains are from an antibody obtained from a laboratory animal such as a rodent (the "parent antibody"), and the constant domain sequences are obtained from a human antibody, making the resulting chimeric antibody less likely to induce an adverse immune response in a human subject compared to the parent rodent antibody.

[0072] A "humanized antibody" is a form of antibody that contains sequences derived from human and non-human (e.g., mouse, rat) antibodies. Generally, a humanized antibody will contain substantially all of at least one, and usually two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the hypervariable regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the framework (FR) regions are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. A humanized antibody optionally contains at least a portion of a human immunoglobulin constant region (Fc).

[0073] A "fully human antibody" is an antibody that contains only human immunoglobulin protein sequences. For example, a fully human antibody may contain mouse glycosylation when produced in a mouse, a mouse cell, or a hybridoma derived from a mouse cell. Similarly, a "mouse antibody" is an antibody that contains only mouse immunoglobulin sequences. Alternatively, a fully human antibody may contain rat glycosylation when produced in a rat, a rat cell, or a hybridoma derived from a rat cell. Similarly, a "rat antibody" is an antibody that contains only rat immunoglobulin sequences.

[0074] An "isotype" antibody is an antibody class (e.g., IgM, IgE, IgG, such as IgG1, IgG2, or IgG4) that is provided by the heavy chain constant region genes. Isotypes also include modified forms of one of these classes, where modifications have been made to alter Fc function, e.g., enhance or reduce effector subfunction or binding to an Fc receptor.

[0075] The term "PD-1 axis antagonist" refers to a molecule that inhibits the interaction of a PD-1 axis-binding ligand with one or more of its binding ligands, thereby eliminating T cell dysfunction due to signaling from the PD-1 signaling axis, thereby restoring or enhancing T cell function (e.g., proliferation, cytokine production, target cell killing). As used herein, PD-1 axis antagonists include PD-1 antagonists (e.g., anti-PD-1 antibodies), PD-L1 antagonists (e.g., anti-PD-L1 antibodies), and PD-L2 antagonists (e.g., anti-PD-L2 antibodies).

[0076] The term "PD-1 antagonist" refers to a molecule that reduces, blocks, inhibits, eliminates or interferes with signal transduction resulting from the interaction of PD-1 with one or more of its binding ligands (e.g., PD-L1, PD-L2). In some embodiments, a PD-1 antagonist is a molecule that inhibits the binding of PD-1 to one or more of its binding ligands. In some specific embodiments, a PD-1 antagonist inhibits the binding of PD-1 to PD-L1 and / or PD-L2. For example, PD-1 antagonists include anti-PD-1 antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, immunoadhesins, fusion proteins, oligopeptides and other molecules that reduce, block, inhibit, eliminate or interfere with signal transduction resulting from the interaction of PD-1 with PD-L1 and / or PD-L2. In one embodiment, the PD-1 antagonist reduces the negative costimulatory signal induced by or through a cell surface protein expressed on T lymphocytes (signaling induced through PD-1), thereby reducing dysfunction of dysfunctional T cells (e.g., enhancing effector responses to antigen recognition). In some embodiments, the PD-1 antagonist is an anti-PD-1 antibody. In a specific embodiment, the PD-1 antagonist is nivolumab, pembrolizumab, pidilizumab, or any of the anti-PD-1 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof disclosed by WO2014 / 206107.

[0077] The term "PD-L1 antagonist" refers to a molecule that reduces, blocks, inhibits, eliminates or interferes with signal transduction resulting from the interaction of PD-L1 with one or more of its binding ligands (e.g., PD-1, B7-1). In some embodiments, a molecule that inhibits the binding of PD-L1 to its binding ligands. In a particular aspect, a PD-L1 antagonist inhibits the binding of PD-L1 to PD-1 and / or B7-1. In some embodiments, PD-L1 antagonists include anti-PD-L1 antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, immunoadhesins, fusion proteins, oligopeptides and other molecules that reduce, block, inhibit, eliminate or interfere with signal transduction resulting from the interaction of PD-L1 with one or more of its binding ligands (e.g., PD-1, B7-1). In one embodiment, the PD-L1 antagonist reduces negative costimulatory signals induced by or through cell surface proteins expressed on T lymphocytes (signaling induced through PD-L1), thereby enhancing T cell activity (e.g., enhancing effector responses to antigen recognition). In some embodiments, the PD-L1 antagonist is an anti-PD-L1 antibody. In a specific embodiment, the anti-PD-L1 antibody is atezolizumab, durvalumab, or any of the anti-PD-L1 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof disclosed in WO2018 / 153320.

[0078] The term "PD-L2 antagonist" refers to a molecule that reduces, blocks, inhibits, eliminates or interferes with signaling resulting from the interaction of PD-L2 with one or more of its binding ligands (e.g., PD-1). In some embodiments, a PD-L2 antagonist is a molecule that inhibits the binding of PD-L2 to one or more of its binding ligands. In a particular aspect, a PD-L2 antagonist inhibits the binding of PD-L2 to PD-1. In some embodiments, PD-L2 antagonists include anti-PD-L2 antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, immunoadhesins, fusion proteins, oligopeptides and other molecules that reduce, block, inhibit, eliminate or interfere with signaling resulting from the interaction of PD-L2 with one or more of its binding ligands (e.g., PD-1). In one embodiment, the PD-L2 binding antagonist reduces a negative costimulatory signal induced by or through a cell surface protein expressed on T lymphocytes (signaling induced via PD-L2), thereby enhancing T cell activity (e.g. enhancing effector responses to antigen recognition).

[0079] The term "etigilimab" refers to an antibody or an isotype thereof that is similar to the sequence of CAS Registry Number: 2044984-83-8. In a specific embodiment, the etigilimab is of the IgG4 isotype.

[0080] The term "nucleic acid" or "polynucleotide" refers to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) and polymers thereof in single- or double-stranded form. Unless expressly limited, the term includes nucleic acids containing analogs of known natural nucleotides that have similar binding properties as the reference nucleic acid and are metabolized in a manner similar to naturally occurring nucleotides (see U.S. Patent No. 8,278,036 to Kariko et al., which discloses mRNA molecules in which uridine is substituted with pseudouridine, methods of synthesizing said mRNA molecules, and methods of using them to deliver therapeutic proteins in vivo). Unless otherwise indicated, a particular nucleic acid sequence further encompasses conservative and modified variants thereof (e.g., degenerate codon substitutions), alleles, orthologs, SNPs, complementary sequences, and sequences specifically designated. Specifically, the replacement of degenerate codons is achieved by generating sequences in which the third position of one or more alternative (or all) codons is replaced with a mixed-base and / or deoxyinosine residue (Batzer et al., Nucleic Acid Res. 19:5081 (1991); Ohtsuka et al., J. Biol. Chem. 260:2605-2608 (1985); Rossolini et al., Mol. Cell. Probes 8:91-98 (1994)).

[0081] A "construct" is any recombinant polynucleotide molecule (e.g., a plasmid, cosmid, virus, autonomously replicating polynucleotide molecule, bacteriophage, linear or circular, single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA polynucleotide molecule) derived from any source, capable of genomic integration or autonomous replication, and configured to be linked (i.e., operably linked) to one or more polynucleotide molecules in a functionally operable manner. Recombinant constructs usually contain a polynucleotide of the invention operably linked to transcription initiation regulatory sequences, which direct transcription of the polynucleotide in a host cell. Both specific and non-specific (i.e., endogenous) promoters are used to direct expression of the nucleic acids of the invention.

[0082] A "vector" is any recombinant polynucleotide construct that may be used for transformation purposes (i.e., to introduce heterologous DNA into a host cell). One type of vector is a "plasmid", which is a circular double-stranded DNA circle to which other DNA segments may be ligated. Another type of vector is a viral vector, to which other DNA segments may be ligated into the viral genome. Some vectors are capable of autonomous replication in a host cell into which they are introduced (e.g., bacterial vectors having a bacterial origin of replication and episomal mammalian vectors). Other vectors (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) integrate into the genome of the host cell when introduced into a host cell, and thus replicate along with the host genome. Additionally, some vectors are capable of inducing the expression of genes to which they are operatively linked. These vectors are referred to herein as "expression vectors".

[0083] As used herein, the term "expression vector" refers to a nucleic acid molecule capable of replicating and expressing a target gene when transformed, transfected or transferred into a host cell. Expression vectors contain one or more phenotypic selectable markers and an origin of replication to allow for vector maintenance and, if necessary, amplification in the host.

[0084] Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, "activation," "stimulation," and "treatment" as used in reference to a cell or receptor, e.g., ligand activation, stimulation, or treatment as used in reference to a cell or receptor, have the same definition. "Ligand" includes natural and synthetic ligands, e.g., cytokines, cytokine variants, analogs, muteins, and binding compounds derived from antibodies. "Ligand" also includes small molecules, e.g., peptide mimetics of cytokines and peptide mimetics of antibodies. "Activation" refers to activation of a cell regulated by internal mechanisms and external or environmental factors. "Response / reaction," e.g., the response of a cell, tissue, organ, or organism, includes changes in biochemistry or physiological behavior (e.g., concentration, density, adhesion or migration within a biological compartment, gene expression rate, or differentiation state), where the change is related to activation, stimulation, or treatment, or related to internal mechanisms, e.g., genetic programming.

[0085] The term "treatment" or "therapy" of any disease or condition as used herein refers, in one embodiment, to the amelioration of the disease or condition (i.e., the alleviation, arrest or reduction of the progression of the disease or at least one of its clinical symptoms). In another embodiment, "treatment" or "therapy" refers to the alleviation or improvement of at least one physical parameter, including physical parameters that are not discernible by the patient. In another embodiment, "treatment" or "therapy" refers to the modification of the disease or condition in the body (e.g., stabilization of discernible symptoms), physiology (e.g., stabilization of physical parameters), or both. Unless expressly described herein, methods for assessing the treatment and / or prevention of a disease are generally known in the art.

[0086] A "subject" includes any human or non-human animal. The term "non-human animal" includes all vertebrates, mammals and non-mammals, for example, non-human primates, sheep, dogs, cats, horses, cows, chickens, amphibians, reptiles, etc. As used herein, the term "cyno" or "cynomolgus monkey" refers to a cynomolgus monkey.

[0087] Administration "in combination with" one or more other therapeutic agents includes simultaneous (concomitant) administration and consecutive administration in any order.

[0088] The terms "therapeutically effective amount," "therapeutically effective dose," and "effective amount" refer to an amount of the TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention, when administered alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents to a cell, tissue, or subject, that effectively prevents or ameliorates the symptoms of one or more diseases or conditions or the progression of the disease or condition. A therapeutically effective dose refers to an amount of the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof sufficient to ameliorate symptoms, e.g., treat, cure, prevent, or ameliorate the relevant medical condition, or increase the speed of the treatment, cure, prevention, or amelioration of such a condition. When an active ingredient is administered to an individual alone, the therapeutically effective dose is the amount of that ingredient alone. When administered in combination, whether administered in combination, sequentially, or simultaneously, the therapeutically effective dose is the combined amount of active ingredients that produces a therapeutic effect. An effective amount of a therapeutic agent will improve a diagnostic standard or parameter by at least 10%, but usually at least 20%, preferably at least about 30%, more preferably at least 40%, and most preferably at least 50%.

[0089] "Cancer" and "cancerous" refer to or describe physiological disorders in mammals that are normally characterized by unregulated cell growth. This definition includes benign tumors, malignant tumors, and dormant tumors or tumor micrometastases. Cancer includes, but is not limited to, carcinoma, lymphoma, blastoma, sarcoma, and leukemia. These cancers include squamous cell carcinoma, lung cancer (including small cell lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and lung squamous cell carcinoma), peritoneal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, stomach cancer (including gastrointestinal cancer), pancreatic cancer, glioblastoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, hepatoma, breast cancer, colon cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, salivary gland cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, vulvar cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, various head and neck cancers, B-cell lymphomas (low-grade / follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), small lymphocytic (SL) NHL, intermediate-grade / follicular NHL, intermediate-grade diffuse NHL, high-grade immunoblastic NHL, high-grade lymphoblastic NHL, high-grade small non-cleaved cell NHL, bulky lesions, and other types of lymphomas. Specific mention is made of chronic myeloblastic leukemia (CHL), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), hairy cell leukemia, chronic myeloblastic leukemia, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), and vascular abnormalities associated with phakomatoses, edema (e.g., associated with brain tumors), and Meigs syndrome.

[0090] (Anti-TIGIT antibodies and their production) The terms "anti-TIGIT antibody," "anti-TIGIT," "TIGIT antibody," or "antibody that binds to TIGIT" refer to an antibody that binds to TIGIT protein or a fragment thereof with sufficient affinity so as to be used as a diagnostic and / or therapeutic agent targeting TIGIT.

[0091] The antibodies of the present invention may be produced by any suitable method for producing antibodies. Any suitable form of TIGIT may be used as an immunogen (antigen) for producing antibodies. By way of non-limiting example, any TIGIT variant or fragment thereof may be used as an immunogen. In some embodiments, hybridoma cells for producing monoclonal anti-human TIGIT antibodies from mice may be produced by methods well known in the art. These methods include, but are not limited to, the hybridoma technology first studied and developed by Kohler et al. (1975) (Nature 256:495-497). Depending on the standard form, mouse pancreatic cells are preferably isolated and fused with a mouse myeloma cell line by PEG or electrical fusion. Hybridoma cells secreting antibodies with TIGIT inhibitory activity are then obtained by selection. The DNA sequence of the immunoglobulin variable region of the hybridoma cells of the present invention can be measured by a method based on degenerate primer PCR.

[0092] When antibodies from rodents (e.g., mice) are used as therapeutic drugs in vivo, they cause unwanted antibody immunogenicity, and repeated use can cause immune responses against the therapeutic antibodies in the human body, which at the very least can result in loss of therapeutic efficacy and at worst, potentially fatal anaphylaxis. One method to reduce the immunogenicity of rodent antibodies involves the production of chimeric antibodies, in which mouse variable regions are fused with human constant regions (Liu et al., (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:3439-43). However, retention of the complete rodent variable region in the chimeric antibody still causes adverse immunogenicity in patients. Grafting complementarity determining region (CDR) loops of rodent variable domains into human frameworks (i.e., humanization) has been further used to minimize rodent sequences (Jones et al. (1986) Nature 321:522; Verhoeyen et al. (1988) Science 239:1534).

[0093] In some embodiments, chimeric or humanized antibodies of the invention are produced based on the sequences of the mouse monoclonal hybridoma antibodies produced above. DNA encoding the heavy and light immunoglobulin chains is obtained from the target mouse hybridoma, but is modified using standard molecular biology techniques to include non-mouse (e.g., human) immunoglobulin sequences.

[0094] In some embodiments, the chimeric TIGIT antibodies of the present invention are prepared by effectively linking hybridoma-derived immunoglobulin heavy and light chain variable regions to human IgG constant regions using methods known in the art (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567 to Cabilly et al.) to obtain chimeric heavy and light chains. In some embodiments, the constant region contained in the chimeric antibody of the present invention is selected from any subtype of human IgG, such as IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4, and is preferably IgG4.

[0095] In some embodiments, the chimeric TIGIT antibodies of the present invention are obtained by transfecting expression plasmids of one type of chimeric light chain and one type of chimeric heavy chain into an expressing cell by "mixing and mapping," and the binding of the antibodies obtained by this "mixing and mapping" to TIGIT is measured by the above-mentioned binding assay and other conventional binding assays (e.g., ELISA).

[0096] The precise amino acid sequence boundaries of the variable region CDRs of the antibody of the present invention can be determined in any known manner, including, for example, those based on the three-dimensional structure of the antibody and the topology of the CDR ring as described by Chothia (Chothia et al. (1989) Nature 342:877-883; Al-Lazikani et al., "Standard conformations for the canonical structures of immunoglobulins", Journal of Molecular Biology, 273, 927-948 (1997)), those based on the variability of the antibody sequence as described by Kabat (Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 4th edition, US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (1987)), AbM (University of Bath), Contact (University College London), and the international ImMunoGeneTics database (IMGT) (1999 Nucleic Acids Research, 27, 209-212), and the North CDR definition based on affinity propagation clustering using a large number of crystal structures. The CDRs of the antibody of the present invention can be determined by those skilled in the art in any form (e.g., different assignment systems or combinations) in the art.

[0097] It should be recognized that there may be differences in the boundaries of the CDRs of the variable regions of the same antibody obtained by different allocation systems, i.e., there are differences in the CDR sequences of the variable regions of the same antibody defined by different allocation systems. Thus, when an antibody is defined by a specific CDR sequence defined in the present invention, the scope of said antibody also includes antibodies whose variable region sequences contain said specific CDR sequences, but where a different format (e.g., a different allocation system or combination) is used such that such CDR boundaries differ from the specific CDR boundaries defined in the present invention.

[0098] Antibodies with different specificities (i.e., different binding sites for different antigens) have different CDRs. However, despite the differences in CDRs between antibodies, only a limited number of amino acid positions in the CDRs directly participate in binding to the antigen. The "minimum binding unit" for antigen binding can be provided by determining the minimum overlapping region using at least two of the Kabat, Chothia, AbM, Contact and North methods. The minimum binding unit may be a subpart of a CDR. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the residues in the remaining part of the CDR sequence can be determined by the structure of the antibody and protein folding. Thus, the present invention contemplates variants of any CDR provided in the present application. For example, in a variant of a CDR, the amino acid residues of the minimum binding unit can be retained as they are, and the remaining CDR residues defined according to Kabat or Chothia can be replaced with conservative amino acid residues.

[0099] The humanized antibody of the present invention may be prepared by inserting mouse CDR regions into human germline framework regions using methods known in the art. See U.S. Patent No. 5,225,539 to Winter et al. and U.S. Patent Nos. 5,530,101, 5,585,089, 5,693,762 and 6,180,370 to Queen et al. Briefly, applicant searches the human immunoglobulin gene database at the NCBI (http: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / igblast / ) site for human germline IgG genes with high homology to the cDNA sequences of mouse antibody variable regions, and humanization is achieved by CDR grafting, which is essentially selected. However, even if the CDR loops are exchanged, it is not possible to uniformly produce antibodies with binding properties homologous to those of the starting antibody. In humanized antibodies, it is often necessary to change framework residues (FRs) (residues involved in supporting the CDR loops) to maintain the affinity of antigen binding. Briefly, the humanization process includes the following steps: A. Compare the gene sequence of each candidate antibody with the gene sequence of human embryonic antibody to find highly homologous sequences. B. Analyze and examine HLA-DR affinity to select human embryonic framework sequences with low affinity. C. Use computer simulation technology to analyze the amino acid sequences of the variable region and its surrounding frameworks through molecular docking to examine their spatial binding mode. By calculating electrostatic force, van der Waals force, hydrophilicity, and entropy value, the important single amino acid in the gene sequence of each candidate antibody that acts with TIGIT to maintain the spatial framework is analyzed, and it is grafted into the selected human embryonic gene framework, and based on this, the amino acid sites in the framework region that must be reserved are marked to synthesize the humanized antibody.

[0100] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present invention include antibodies with amino acid sequences that have at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to the above antibodies (particularly the CDR regions set forth in the sequences above), but with amino acid deletion, insertion or substitution mutations. In some embodiments, the antibodies of the present invention have no more than 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 amino acid mutations in the CDR regions, with amino acid deletion, insertion or substitution mutations, when compared to the CDR regions set forth in the specific sequences of the present invention.

[0101] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises one to three heavy chain complementarity determining regions selected from HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, wherein the HCDR1 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 1 or 11, the HCDR2 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 2 or 12, and the HCDR3 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 3 or 13. The amino acid sequence may be the same as or have at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from NO:3 or 13.

[0102] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, and HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3.

[0103] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:11, HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:12, and HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:13.

[0104] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises one to three light chain complementarity determining regions selected from LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3, wherein LCDR1 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6 or 16, LCDR2 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:7 or 17, and LCDR3 comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8 or 18.

[0105] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, wherein the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:7, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8.

[0106] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, wherein the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:16, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:17, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.

[0107] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, and light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, wherein the HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, the HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, the HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:3, the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:6, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:7, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:8.

[0108] In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, and light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, wherein the HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:11, the HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:12, the HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:13, the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:16, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:17, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:18.

[0109] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH), wherein the heavy chain variable region (VH) comprises an amino acid sequence that is similar to or has at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:4, 14, 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29.

[0110] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the light chain variable region (VL) comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO:9, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30.

[0111] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 4, 14, 21, 23, 25, 27, and 29, and the VL comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identical to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30.

[0112] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:4 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:9.

[0113] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:14 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:19.

[0114] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:21 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:22.

[0115] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:23 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:24.

[0116] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:25 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:26.

[0117] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:27 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:28.

[0118] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:30.

[0119] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention is a murine antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, or a fully human antibody.

[0120] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention is a whole antibody, a single chain antibody, a Fab antibody, a Fab' antibody, a (Fab')2 antibody, or a bi(multi)specific antibody.

[0121] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present invention are of any IgG subtype, such as IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4.

[0122] In some embodiments, one or more amino acid modifications can be introduced into the Fc region of an antibody of the invention to produce a variant Fc region. The variant Fc region may comprise a human Fc region sequence (e.g., a human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 Fc region) that includes an amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution) at one or more amino acid positions.

[0123] In some embodiments, it may be necessary to produce cysteine ​​engineered antibodies, such as "ThioMAbs," in which one or more residues thereof have been replaced with cysteine ​​residues.

[0124] In some embodiments, the antibodies of the present invention may be further modified to include other non-protein moieties known in the art and readily available. Moieties suitable for inducing the effect of antibodies include, but are not limited to, water-soluble polymers. Non-limiting examples of water-soluble polymers include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), ethylene glycol / propylene glycol copolymers, carboxymethylcellulose, dextran, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly-1,3-dioxane, poly-1,3,6-trioxane, ethylene / maleic anhydride copolymers, polyamino acids (homopolymers or random copolymers), dextran or poly(n-vinylpyrrolidone), polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol homopolymer, polypropylene oxide / ethylene oxide copolymer, polyoxyethylated polyols (e.g., glycerin), polyvinyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

[0125] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention has one or more of the following characteristics: (1) the ability to specifically bind to human TIGIT protein; (2) the ability to cross-react with cynomolgus monkey TIGIT; (3) the ability to inhibit the binding of TIGIT to PVR and / or PVRL2; (4) the ability to inhibit activation signaling induced by TIGIT; (5) the ability to promote the activation effect of a PD-1 axis antagonist on T cells; and (6) the ability to significantly inhibit tumor growth when administered alone or in combination with a PD-1 axis antagonist.

[0126] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention specifically binds to TIGIT with a KD of about 1 nM or higher affinity (e.g., 1 nM-2 pM, 1 nM, 100 pM, 10 pM, or 2 pM). In one embodiment, the antibody of the present invention that specifically binds to human TIGIT also cross-reacts with cynomolgus monkey TIGIT. As described herein, "cross-reactivity" refers to the ability of an antibody to react with homologous proteins from other species. Whether an antibody specifically binds to human TIGIT can be determined by any measurement method known in the art. Examples of binding affinity measurement assays known in the art include surface plasmon resonance (e.g., BIACORE) or similar technologies (e.g., ForteBio).

[0127] In some embodiments, the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention has inhibitory activity, e.g., inhibiting TIGIT expression (e.g., cell surface TIGIT expression), activity, and / or signal transduction, or interfering with the interaction of TIGIT with PVR and / or PVRL2. The TIGIT antibody of the present invention, upon binding to or interacting with TIGIT (e.g., human TIGIT), completely or partially reduces or modulates TIGIT expression or activity. The antibody, upon interacting with human TIGIT polypeptide and / or peptide, completely, significantly, or partially reduces or modulates TIGIT biological function. An antibody is said to be capable of completely inhibiting TIGIT expression or activity if the expression or activity level of TIGIT in the presence of the antibody is reduced by at least 95% (e.g., 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100%) compared to the expression or activity level of TIGIT in the absence of interaction (e.g., binding) with the antibody described herein. A TIGIT antibody is said to be able to clearly inhibit TIGIT expression or activity if the expression or activity level of TIGIT in the presence of a TIGIT antibody is reduced by at least 50% (e.g., 55%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%) compared to the expression or activity level of TIGIT in the absence of binding to a TIGIT antibody described herein. An antibody is said to be able to partially inhibit TIGIT expression or activity if the expression or activity level of TIGIT in the presence of the antibody is reduced by less than 95% (e.g., 10%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%) compared to the expression or activity level of TIGIT in the absence of interaction (e.g., binding) with an antibody described herein.

[0128] (Antibody Expression) In one aspect, the invention relates to a host cell comprising one or more expression vectors and a method for producing any of the antibodies or fragments thereof of the invention, the method comprising culturing the host cell, purifying and recovering the antibody or antigen-binding fragment.

[0129] In one aspect, the present invention provides a nucleic acid encoding any of the above anti-TIGIT antibodies or fragments thereof, which may include a nucleic acid encoding the amino acid sequence of the light chain variable region and / or the heavy chain variable region of the antibody, or may include a nucleic acid encoding the amino acid sequence of the light chain and / or the heavy chain of the antibody.

[0130] In one embodiment, there is provided one or more vectors comprising said nucleic acid, hi one embodiment, the vector is an expression vector.

[0131] The present invention provides mammalian host cells for expressing the recombinant antibodies of the present invention, including the numerous immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), particularly Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, NSO, SP2 / O cells, HeLa cells, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, A549 cells, 293T cells, and numerous other cell lines. Mammalian host cells include human, mouse, rat, dog, monkey, pig, goat, cow, horse, and hamster cells. Particularly preferred cell lines are selected by determining which cell lines have high expression levels.

[0132] In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for producing an anti-TIGIT antibody, comprising introducing an expression vector into a mammalian host cell and culturing the host cell for a sufficient period of time to produce the antibody, such that the antibody is expressed in the host cell, or more preferably, the antibody is secreted into the host cell growth medium, and recovering the antibody from the medium by standard protein purification methods.

[0133] Antibodies expressed in different cell lines or in transgenic animals may show different glycosylation. However, all antibodies encoded by the nucleic acid molecules provided herein or containing the amino acid sequences provided herein are part of the present invention, regardless of the glycosylation of the antibody. Similarly, in some embodiments, non-rockweed glycosylated antibodies have an advantage because their sugar structure is a common component of natural human serum IgG, and therefore they are generally more potent in vitro and in vivo than their rockweed glycosylated counterparts and may not be immunogenic.

[0134] Pharmaceutical Compositions and Drug Formulations The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to one or more TIGITs. The anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or pharmaceutical composition thereof according to the present invention can be administered in combination with suitable carriers, excipients and other agents in a formulation to provide improved transfer, delivery, tolerance, etc.

[0135] The term "pharmaceutical composition" refers to a formulation in which the biological activity of any active ingredient that it may contain is present in an effective form and which does not contain other ingredients that are unacceptably toxic to the subject receiving the formulation.

[0136] A pharmaceutical formulation containing the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described herein can be produced by mixing the anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention having a predetermined purity with one or more optional pharmaceutical additives (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16th edition, edited by Osol, A. (1980)), and preferably the pharmaceutical formulation is in the form of an aqueous solution or a lyophilized formulation.

[0137] The pharmaceutical compositions or formulations of the present invention may further comprise one or more other active ingredients, provided that the active ingredients are as required for the particular indication being treated, and preferably have such active ingredients with complementary activities that do not adversely affect each other. In some embodiments, the other active ingredients are chemotherapeutic agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, growth inhibitors, antibiotics, or any known anti-tumor or anti-cancer agents, and the active ingredients are present in suitable combinations in amounts effective for the intended use. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention further comprise a composition of a polynucleotide encoding an anti-TIGIT antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.

[0138] (Medicinal uses of antibodies) In one aspect, the present invention relates to a method of administering to a subject an effective amount of any anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described herein, or an immunoconjugate or pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, for inducing an immune response that enhances anti-tumor activity or mechanisms induced by T cells or NK cells.

[0139] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of administering to a subject an effective amount of any anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described herein, or an immunoconjugate or pharmaceutical composition comprising said antibody or antigen-binding fragment, for treating or alleviating various cancers, immune-related diseases, and T cell dysfunction diseases.

[0140] In another aspect, the invention relates to co-administering to a subject an effective amount of one or more therapies (e.g., a therapy and / or other therapeutic agent). In some embodiments, the therapy comprises surgery and / or radiation therapy. In some embodiments, the other therapeutic agent is selected from a chemotherapeutic agent, a PD-1 axis antagonist (e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody or an anti-PD-L2 antibody).

[0141] In another aspect, the present invention relates to the use of an anti-inflammatory agent as described herein in the production or manufacture of a medicament. The present invention provides the use of a TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein the medicament is for treating a related disease or condition referred to herein. The present invention further provides the use of an anti-TIGIT antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof and a PD-1 axis antagonist (e.g., an anti-PD-1 antibody or an anti-PD-L1 antibody or an anti-PD-L2 antibody) described herein in the production or manufacture of a medicament, wherein the medicament is for treating a related disease or condition referred to herein.

[0142] In some embodiments, the methods and uses described herein further comprise administering to said individual one or more therapies (e.g., therapy and / or other therapeutic agents). The antibodies of the present invention may be used alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents of therapy. For example, they may be administered in combination with at least one additional therapeutic agent.

[0143] (Methods used for diagnosis and detection) In some embodiments, any of the anti-TIGIT antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof of the present invention may be used to detect the presence of TIGIT in a biological sample. As used herein, the term "detection" includes quantitative detection or qualitative detection. In some embodiments, the biological sample is blood, serum, or other liquid sample derived from an organism. In some embodiments, the biological sample includes cells or tissues.

[0144] The present invention includes all combinations of the specific embodiments described. Further embodiments of the present invention and the full scope of applicability will become apparent from the specific description provided below. However, while preferred embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described and illustrated in specific examples, these descriptions and examples are provided by way of illustration only, since modifications and amendments within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from these specific descriptions. For all purposes, all disclosures, patents and applications cited herein, including the foregoing, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0145] The present invention uses the following abbreviations: RLU stands for relative light units. BSA indicates bovine serum albumin. EXAMPLES

[0146] Example 1: Recombinant protein hTIGIT-ECD-mFC The cDNA sequence encoding the TIGIT extracellular domain was amplified by conventional PCR technology, and the amplified fragment was cloned by conventional cloning technology into a self-constructed eukaryotic expression plasmid system (MX2-mFc, Fc region containing mouse IgG2a), which contained a puromycin selection system, to produce the recombinant fusion protein expression plasmid hTIGIT-ECD-mFC. The hTIGIT-ECD-mFC recombinant protein was expressed and purified by the expressing cell 293E.

[0147] The amino acid sequence of human TIGIT extracellular domain (hTIGIT-ECD) is the 24th to 155th amino acids of NCBI registration number NM_173799.4, and is used for detecting the immunogen and activity of the antibody of the present invention. The sequence of the cynomolgus monkey TIGIT extracellular domain (cynoTIGIT-ECD) has NCBI accession number XP_015300912.1 and is used to detect the activity of the antibody of the present invention.

[0148] Example 2: Production and selection of hybridoma antibodies Hybridoma antibodies were produced using standard molecular biology techniques. Briefly, recombinant protein hTIGIT-ECD-mFC was used as an antigen, mixed with an equal amount of immune adjuvant, and five 6-week-old female Balb / c mice were immunized. After the first immunization, one boost immunization was performed three weeks after the first immunization, and one boost immunization was performed every two weeks thereafter, for a total of six immunizations. After the final boost immunization, mice with high anti-hTIGIT antibody titers in the serum were selected to serve as the source of immune cells for cell fusion experiments. Pancreatic cells were isolated using standard hybridoma techniques and fused with mouse myeloma cell line SP2 / 0 cells (ATCC) using a conventional electrotransfection method (see the manual of the electrotransfection device from BTX). The fused cells were resuspended in DMEM complete synthetic medium (Corning) containing HAT and uniformly plated on 384-well plates containing mouse cultured cells.

[0149] While supernatants secreted from monoclonal hybridomas were initially assessed based on desired antibody / antigen binding characteristics (e.g., binding specificity for TIGIT, ability to block binding of TIGIT to PVR, ability to block TIGIT-induced bioactivity), supernatant antibodies secreted from hybridomas 2018 and 23020 were utilized for further characterization.

[0150] Example 3: Effect of mouse anti-TIGIT antibody on T cell activity T cells are activated by stimulating the T cell receptor (TCR) to recognize specific peptides presented through major histocompatibility complex class I or class II proteins on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Activated TCR initiates a cascade of signaling events that can be monitored through reporter genes driven by transcription factors (e.g., activator-protein-I (AP-I), nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT), or nuclear factor kappa light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκb)). T cell responses are regulated by engagement of constitutively or inducibly expressed coreceptors on T cells. Programmed cell death protein (PD1) and TIGIT are negative regulators of T cell activity. PD-1 and TIGIT interact with their ligands (PD-L1) and PVR (or / and PVRL2), respectively, expressed on APCs or including cancer cells, and such interactions result in the suppression of positive signaling by recruiting phosphatases to the TCR signalosome to deliver inhibitory signals. Two engineered stable expressing cell lines, Jurkat cells (Jurkat / NFAT-Luc / hPD-1-hTIGIT) and CHO cells (CHO / hPD-L1-hPVRL2), were constructed to measure T cell signaling induced by the interaction between APCs and T cells.

[0151] Specifically, CHO cells stably expressing hPD-L1 / hPVRL2 were plated in a 96-well plate, and the cell volume in each well was 5 × 10 4 and incubated overnight at 37°C, 7% CO2. Remove the cell supernatant, add 40 μL of anti-TIGIT antibody (2018, 23020, or MBSA43) diluted solution (starting concentration 10 μg / ml, titrated 3-fold) per well and / or add 40 μL of JS001 (0.5 μg / ml) in advance, add 40 μL of Jurkat reporter cells capable of persistently expressing hPD-1 / hTIGIT / NFAT-luciferase, and adjust the total cell number to 1 × 10 5 The cells were cultured at 37°C and 7% CO2 for 6 hours, luciferase reagent was added, and luminescence was detected using a microplate reader.

[0152] MBSA43 is a commercially available anti-human TIGIT antibody, purchased from ThermoFisher, with the lot number 16-9500-82. JS001: An anti-PD-1 antibody (CN201310258289, antibody 38) developed in-house by Kimitsu Bio.

[0153] The data was analyzed using GraphPad Prism 5, and the EC50 value of TIGIT antibody-induced T cell activation was calculated to evaluate the effect of anti-TIGIT antibody alone or in combination with anti-PD-1 antibody (JS001) on T cell activity. For details, see Figure 1 and Table 1 below.

[0154] [Table 1]

[0155] According to the results, (1) Antibodies 2018 and 23020 can significantly promote T cell activity. (2) The activation effect of antibody 2018 on T cells is clearly better than that of the commercially available antibody MBSA43. (3) There is a synergistic effect between the activation of T cells by antibodies 2018, 23020, and MBSA43 and the activation by the anti-PD-1 antibody JS001.

[0156] Example 4: Construction and expression of chimeric antibodies The DNA sequences of the antibody variable regions expressed in hybridomas 2018 and 23020 were determined by a method based on degenerate primer PCR. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of 2018 and 23020 are shown in Table 2.

[0157] [Table 2]

[0158] Human IgG4 heavy chain constant region Fc fragment (SEQ ID NO:35) and light chain constant region were cloned from human blood cells (Beijing Blood Institute) and linked to pCDNA3.1 plasmid for modification. The heavy chain and light chain variable region sequence fragments were synthesized by Genscript, the heavy chain was digested with Bspq I, and the light chain was digested with Bspq I, and then linked to the corresponding modified pCDNA3.1 plasmid, and the expression plasmids of IgG4 chimeric heavy chain (ch-HC) or light chain (ch-LC) were determined by sequencing. The expression plasmids of the different chimeric heavy chain and light chain were mixed and paired, and transfected into expression cells to obtain four types of chimeric antibodies numbered ch1 to ch4 (see Table 3).

[0159] [Table 3]

[0160] (Example 5: Detection of binding activity between chimeric anti-TIGIT antibody and antigen TIGIT by ELISA) That is, 1μg / ml human TIGIT-ECD-mFc was coated on a 96-well ELISA plate and incubated at a constant temperature of 37℃ for 60-90 minutes. Then, the solution in the wells was discarded, washed three times with washing buffer, and blocked with PBS solution containing 2% BSA for 60 minutes. After washing three times with washing buffer, different concentrations of chimeric antibody dilutions were added and incubated at 37℃ for 60 minutes. Next, after washing three times with washing buffer, anti-IgG4-HRP diluted 1:5000 was added and incubated at 37℃ for 30 minutes. Next, after washing three times with washing buffer, 100μL of TMB substrate solution was added for development and reacted at room temperature for 30 minutes. Next, the reaction was terminated with 100μL of 2M hydrochloric acid solution, and the absorbance was read at 450nm.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 2, the binding of chimeric antibodies ch1 and ch4 to human TIGIT was highly specific, with EC50 values ​​of 32.49 ng / mL and 8.932 ng / mL, respectively.

[0162] Example 6: Effect of chimeric anti-TIGIT antibodies on T cell activity Based on the experimental principle and method of Example 3, the effects of the chimeric antibodies ch1 and ch4 on T cell activity were detected by a luciferase reporter gene experiment (Luciferase Assay). As shown in FIG. 3, the chimeric antibodies ch1 and ch4 can obviously enhance the fluorescent signal, i.e., promote the activation of T blood cells, with EC50 of 76.64 ng / mL and 103.9 ng / mL, respectively.

[0163] Example 7: Humanization of antibodies For antibody humanization, first, human germline IgG genes with high homology to the cDNA sequence of mouse antibody variable region were searched for in the human immunoglobulin gene database on the NCBI (http: / / www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov / igblast / ) site. The amino acid sequence of the variable region CDR and its precise boundary were further defined by the Kabat numbering system or the IMGT numbering system. The mouse antibody variable region CDR sequences defined by IMGT are shown in Table 4. In principle, human IGVH and IGVk with high homology to mouse antibody variable region were selected as humanization templates, and humanization was performed by CDR grafting. In brief, the humanization process includes the following steps: A. Compare the gene sequence of each candidate antibody with the gene sequence of human embryonic antibody to find a sequence with high homology; B. Analyze and examine the HLA-DR affinity, and select a human embryonic framework sequence with low affinity; C. Use computer simulation technology to analyze the variable region and its surrounding framework amino acid sequence by molecular docking to examine their spatial binding mode. By calculating electrostatic force, van der Waals force, hydrophilicity and entropy value, the important single amino acid that acts with TIGIT to maintain the spatial framework in the gene sequence of each candidate antibody was analyzed, and it was grafted into the selected human embryonic gene framework, and based on this, the amino acid site of the framework region that should be reserved was marked, and a humanized antibody was synthesized. Based on each of the above factors, a total of 81 humanized antibodies were designed for selecting antibody activity. The amino acid sequence information of antibodies hu3, hu20, hu62, hu69 and hu81 is shown in Table 5. The full-length amino acid sequence information of antibodies hu3 and hu20 is shown in Table 6.

[0164] [Table 4]

[0165] [Table 5]

[0166] [Table 6]

[0167] (Example 8: Detection of binding specificity of humanized antibody to human TIGIT by ELISA) The binding specificity of the humanized antibody to human TIGIT was detected by a conventional ELISA detection method. That is, 0.5 μg / ml human TIGIT-ECD-mFc was coated on a 96-well ELISA plate and incubated at a constant temperature of 37 °C for 60 to 90 minutes. Next, the solution in the wells was discarded, washed three times with washing buffer, and blocked for 60 minutes by adding PBS solution containing 2% BSA. After washing three times with washing buffer, antibody dilutions of different concentrations were added and incubated for 60 minutes at 37 °C. Next, after washing three times with washing buffer, anti-IgG4-HRP diluted 1:5000 was added and incubated for 30 minutes at 37 °C. Next, after washing three times with washing buffer, 100 μL of TMB substrate solution was added for color development and reacted at room temperature for 30 minutes. Next, the reaction was terminated with 100 μL of 2 M hydrochloric acid solution, and the absorbance was read at 450 nm.

[0168] As shown in Figure 4, the antibodies hu3, hu20, hu62, hu69 and hu81 bind to human TIGIT with high specificity, with EC50 of 23.20ng / mL, 37.84ng / mL, 8.60ng / mL, 10.66ng / mL and 9.83ng / mL, respectively. In addition, the specificity of the antibodies hu3, hu62, hu69 and hu81 bind to TIGIT is obviously better than that of the control antibody Etigilimab.

[0169] Example 9: Effect of humanized anti-TIGIT antibodies on T cell activity Based on the experimental principle and method of Example 3, the effects of the humanized anti-TIGIT antibodies hu3, hu20, hu62, hu69 and hu81 on T cell activity were detected by luciferase reporter gene experiment (Luciferase Assay).

[0170] As shown in Figure 5, antibodies hu3, hu20, hu62, hu69 and hu81 can significantly enhance the fluorescent signal, i.e. promote the activation of T blood cells, with EC50 of 139.9ng / mL, 42.39ng / mL, 109.4ng / mL, 102.7ng / mL and 88.43ng / mL, respectively. In addition, the effect of antibodies hu3, hu20, hu62, hu69 and hu81 in promoting the activation of T blood cells is obviously better than that of the control antibody Etigilimab.

[0171] (Example 10: Detection of blocking effect of antibodies on the binding of hTIGIT to its ligand hPVR by FACS) The blocking effect of antibodies on the binding of hTIGIT to its ligands, such as hPVR, was measured and detected by competitive flow cytometry (FACS). Briefly, different concentrations of antibody dilutions (starting at 30 μg / ml, titrated 3-fold) were mixed with PVR-mFC (1 μg / ml, 50 μL) and incubated at room temperature for 30 min. Then, the mixtures and cell suspensions (293F-hPVR stably expressing cell line, 2.5 × 10 4 Cells / well) were incubated at 37°C for 15 min. Then, after elution with PBS three times, 100 μL of goat anti-human IgG-PE antibody was added and incubated for 30 min in the dark. After elution with PBS three times, cells were detected by FACS. Live cells were gated by FSC / SSC and their geometric mean fluorescence intensity was measured.

[0172] As shown in FIG. 6, the humanized antibody of the present invention effectively blocks the binding of TIGIT to cell surface PVR.

[0173] Example 11: Detection of binding between humanized antibodies and different types of TIGIT by BIACORE The affinity and binding kinetics of the antibody of the present invention and TIGIT were detected by Biacore T200 (GE). First, an S series CM5 chip (GE) was set in the device, and 40 μg / mL sheep anti-human Fc fragment antibody (Jackson Immune Research) dissolved in sodium acetate-acetic acid buffer (pH 5.0) was bound to the chip surface. The buffer used for detecting antibody-antigen binding was HBS-EP+ from GE Healthcare Life Sciences. The antibodies hu3 and hu20 were each diluted to 8 μg / mL and captured on the chip surface. The antigen hTIGIT Fc was diluted to 20 nM and injected onto the chip surface for 180 s at a flow rate of 30 μL / min, and the binding and dissociation signals between the antibody and antigen were detected. The data obtained using a 1:1 binding model was analyzed using Biacore T200 Evaluation Software 3.0 software. By fitting, the binding rate ka (1 / Ms), which is the rate constant for the binding between the antibody and the antigen, the dissociation rate kd (1 / s), and the equilibrium dissociation constant KD (M) were obtained, and are shown in Table 7.

[0174] [Table 7]

[0175] The results show that the antibody of the present invention has high affinity to human and cynomolgus monkey TIGIT, and the KD value between the antibody and humans is low at 0.13 nM.

[0176] Example 12: Inhibitory effect of humanized antibodies on tumor growth in mice This study involved establishing an MC38 colon cancer animal model using B-hPD-1 / hTIGIT humanized mice (female, purchased from Baiaosaitu Jiangsu Gene Biotechnology Co., Ltd.) and investigating the synergistic antitumor effect of anti-TIGIT antibody and its combination with anti-PD1 antibody.

[0177] MC38 cells resuspended in PBS were diluted to 5 × 10 5 The tumors were subcutaneously inoculated into the right dorsal region of B-hPD-1 / hTIGIT humanized mice at a concentration of 0.1 cells / 0.1 mL and a volume of 0.1 mL / mouse. The mean tumor volume was 80-100 mm.3 When the tumor volume reached 100%, appropriate mice were selected according to the tumor volume and body weight of the mice and were grouped into groups, and the mice were evenly allocated to 8 experimental groups with 8 mice per group, and administration was started on the day of grouping. For specific administration methods, see Table 8.

[0178] [Table 8]

[0179] Note: a: The administration volume is calculated based on the body weight of the experimental animal at 10 μL / g. b: BIW means twice weekly administration. ip: intraperitoneal injection. KLH hIgG4: negative control antibody. JS001: An anti-PD-1 antibody (CN2013102582892, antibody 38) developed in-house by Kimitsu Bio.

[0180] During the experimental period, tumor volumes and animal body weights were measured twice weekly from day 6 (before administration) and continuously monitored for 3 weeks. The long diameter (L) and short diameter (W) of the tumor were measured using a caliper, and V = L × W 2 Tumor volume (V) was calculated using the formula: γ / 2. Tumor volume versus time graphs were generated for each group of mice. Statistical significance was determined by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Analysis was statistically significant when P value was <0.05.

[0181] After the 26-day experiment, the mice were euthanized. The isolated tumor tissues were photographed and weighed, and the weight and volume (final tumor volume) of the mouse tumors in each group were measured to calculate the tumor growth inhibition rate (TGI (%)).

[0182] According to the results, (1) As shown in Figure 7, when administered alone, after 3 weeks, the administration groups of Group 2 (JS001, 0.3 mg / kg), Group 3 (hu20, 1 mg / kg), Group 4 (hu20, 3 mg / kg) and Group 5 (hu20, 10 mg / kg) showed a clear inhibitory effect on tumor growth in MC38 tumor-bearing mice, with smaller tumor volume and slower tumor growth than the administration group of Group 1 (KLH hIgG4, 10 mg / kg). When administered in combination, the combination administration groups (Group 6 vs. Group 3 / Group 2, Group 7 vs. Group 4 / Group 2, Group 8 vs. Group 5 / Group 2) showed a clear inhibitory effect on tumor growth in MC38 tumor-bearing mice compared to the administration groups administered alone, that is, the combined administration of the anti-TIGIT monoclonal antibody hu20 and the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody JS001 according to the present invention showed a good synergistic anti-tumor effect.

[0183] (2) In the present invention, the tumor growth inhibition rate in each group of mice was further calculated at the end of the experiment on day 26 (after tumor transplantation). The formula for calculating the tumor growth inhibition rate is as follows: Inhibition rate on tumor growth TGI(%)=[1-(T i -T0) / (V i -V0)] × 100% However, T i - T0 = final tumor volume after administration of treatment group - tumor volume before administration of treatment group, V i -V0 = final tumor volume after administration of the control group - tumor volume before administration of the control group (tumor volume before administration on day 6). The calculation results are shown in Table 9.

[0184] [Table 9]

[0185] Mean±SD: Mean ± standard deviation

[0186] The results showed that at the end of the experiment (26 days after tumor implantation), the groups receiving the combination of anti-TIGIT antibody hu20 and anti-PD-1 antibody JS001 (Group 6 vs. Group 3 / Group 2, Group 7 vs. Group 4 / Group 2, Group 8 vs. Group 5 / Group 2) had a significantly higher tumor growth inhibition rate (TGI) (%) than the groups receiving either hu20 or JS001 alone.

Claims

1. heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, and light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3; (1) the HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, the HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, the HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 3, the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 6, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 7, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 8, or (2) An isolated anti-TIGIT antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, wherein the HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 11, the HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 12, the HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 13, the LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 16, the LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 17, and the LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:

18.

2. comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL); The VH comprises an amino acid sequence similar to or having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to any one of the amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 4, 14, 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29; and / or 2. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of claim 1, wherein the VL comprises an amino acid sequence that is the same as or has at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to any one of the amino acid sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs: 9, 19, 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30.

3. comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL); (1) an antibody in which the VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 9; or (2) an antibody in which the VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 19; or (3) an antibody in which the VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 21 and the VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 22; or (4) an antibody in which VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 23 and VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 24; or (5) An antibody in which VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 25 and VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 26; or (6) An antibody in which VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 27 and VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 28; or (7) An antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof according to claim 2, characterized in that the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of an antibody in which VH comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 29 and VL comprises the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:

30.

4. An antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain is shown in SEQ ID NO: 31 or 33 and / or the amino acid sequence of the light chain is shown in SEQ ID NO: 32 or 34.

5. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to claim 4, characterized in that the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain is shown in SEQ ID NO: 31 and the amino acid sequence of the light chain is shown in SEQ ID NO: 32, or the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain is shown in SEQ ID NO: 33 and the amino acid sequence of the light chain is shown in SEQ ID NO:

34.

6. An antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the antibody is a mouse antibody, a chimeric antibody, or a humanized antibody.

7. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is a complete antibody, a single-chain antibody, a Fab antibody, a Fab' antibody, a (Fab')2 antibody, or a bispecific antibody.

8. An antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the antibody is an IgG subtype.

9. The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described in claim 8, characterized in that the antibody is of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4 type.

10. 10. An isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. A recombinant vector or expression vector comprising one or more of the isolated nucleic acid molecules of claim 10 and adapted for the recombinant production of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1-9.

12. A host cell comprising one or more of the recombinant vectors or expression vectors described in claim 11, or the isolated nucleic acid molecule described in claim 10, and / or expressing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described in any one of claims 1-9.

13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 9 and a pharma- ceutically acceptable vector or excipient composition.

14. 14. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 13, further comprising a PD-1 axis antagonist.

15. Use of an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof described in any one of claims 1 to 9, an isolated nucleic acid molecule described in claim 10, a vector described in claim 11, a host cell described in claim 12, or a pharmaceutical composition described in claim 14 in the manufacture of a drug for treating and / or preventing a disease or condition induced by TIGIT.

16. The use described in claim 15, wherein the disease or condition is cancer.

17. The use of claim 15, wherein the drug further comprises one or more other therapeutic agents, including chemotherapeutic agents, PD-1 axis antagonists, and angiogenesis inhibitors.

18. A method for producing an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described in any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising culturing a host cell described in claim 12, and recovering the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof from the culture.

19. 10. Use of a combination of an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof described in any one of claims 1-9 and an anti-PD-1 axis antagonist in the manufacture of a medicament for treating cancer in a subject.

20. The use of claim 19, wherein the anti-PD-1 axis antagonist is selected from an anti-PD-1 antibody, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, or an anti-PD-L2 antibody.

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