Bispecific antibodies targeting IL-1R1 and NLPR3

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to modulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, in particular NLRP3 inflammasome modulators capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3 for use in treating or preventing inflammatory eye diseases such as glaucoma. [Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to modulators of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, in particular antibodies and fragments thereof, and aptamer molecules (small RNA / DNA molecules capable of forming secondary and tertiary structures capable of binding to proteins or other intracellular targets), each of which has binding specificity for a member of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In particular, the present invention extends to the use of such antibodies and aptamers, and fragments thereof, for the treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and activation, in particular inflammatory eye diseases such as glaucoma. [Background technology]

[0002] It is a group of protein complexes that recognize a wide range of inflammation including stimuli including pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Various inflammasome complexes are known, and in particular, NLRP3 is the most studied inflammasome due to the variety of signals that activate NLRP3, such as LPS, bacterial toxins, dust, stress signals such as ATP, crystals and particulate matter, cholesterol crystals, oxidized LDL, amyloid beta, prion protein fibrils and fibrillar α-synuclein, shear stress, and pressure.

[0003] The NLRP3 (nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NACHT)), leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 inflammasome has been implicated in many infectious diseases and numerous degenerative inflammatory type diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes, inflammatory eye disease, other eye diseases such as dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, aging, dermatological conditions, and cancer.

[0004] The primary role of the NLRP3 protein is to sense danger signals or foreign substances and then relay the signal to caspase-1, which activates the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, which then initiates inflammation to protect the body. IL-1β is the most studied of all cytokines due to its central role in the inflammatory process. Activating IL-1β is beneficial for the body, but in many diseases, this inflammation can become uncontrolled and contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease. To date, most therapeutic strategies have been focused on developing therapeutic agents that counter IL-1β to suppress inflammation, but as we propose here, there are many advantages to targeting the upstream regulator of this cytokine, namely, the NLRP3 inflammasome.

[0005] Although the mechanism of activation is still not fully understood, it has been shown that inflammasome-mediated processing of IL-1β involves two pathways: first, the NFκB pathway is activated by DAMPs or PAMPs via Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and / or CD36 receptors, which leads to the transcription and expression of the pro-form of IL-1β and NLRP3.

[0006] A second signal may also be required, whereby stimulation of purinergic receptors by DAMPs such as ATP leads to an increase in intracellular calcium and cell swelling, which leads to potassium efflux from the cell, lysosomal destabilization, membrane permeabilization, mitochondrial damage, and subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species, leading to NLRP3 activation. Other studies have shown that oxidized LDL cholesterol can in fact function as two signals required for NLRP3 activation. In all studies, potassium efflux appears to be the only common factor for NLRP3 activation.

[0007] The NLRP3 protein then interacts with ASC (apoptosis-associated speck-like protein) through homotypic interactions of the pyrin domain. ASC then interacts with procaspase-1, resulting in the cleavage and activation of caspase-1, which in turn cleaves pro-IL-1β into its active form. IL-1β is then cleaved to produce the biologically active secreted form.

[0008] Today's best treatments for inflammasome-related disorders target IL-1β, the major product of inflammasome activity. In the past two decades, many anti-IL-1β therapeutics have been developed. However, anti-IL-1β therapeutics have several drawbacks. For all anti-cytokine drugs, host defense against opportunistic organisms as well as routine bacterial infections has become a major concern. The reason is the indolent and dangerous nature of these infections. Anti-IL-1β therapeutics have other side effects such as nausea, neutrophilia, and adverse allergic reactions.

[0009] Some advantages of anti-NLRP3 therapy over IL-1β therapeutics include: Because NLRP3 is a nod-like receptor, recognition of the root cause of the disease, ie, recognition of a foreign / dangerous substance, may be advantageous over suppressing the response. This would mean that IL-1β is not secreted via the NLRP3 pathway activated by disease-specific stimuli such as oxidized LDL, β-amyloid or α-synuclein or certain pathogens. However, due to the lack of other pathways involved in IL-1β activation, IL-1β may still be activated via other pathways in response to other non-disease-related stimuli that are required in extreme situations (such as large-scale or opportunistic infections).

[0010] Inflammasomes are associated with specialized forms of cell death, pyronecrosis (independent of caspase-1) and pyroptosis, which can occur in cases of exacerbated inflammation. Thus, anti-NLRP3 therapy also reduces these death pathways, which have been demonstrated to be involved in the pathogenesis of certain diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Pyroptosis is a risk factor for plaque rupture in this disease in response to oxidized LDL.

[0011] Several previously characterized small molecule inhibitors have recently been shown to also affect NLRP3 inflammasome function. The sulfonylurea drug glyburide is one example of such an inhibitor. MCC950 (shown below) is another example of a specific small molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome. [ka]

[0012] However, there are several problems with the currently available inhibitors: Indeed, many of these currently available inhibitors of inflammasome function have not been clinically successful, are non-specific and, importantly, have extremely short half-lives.

[0013] The development of humanized antibody-based therapeutics may prove to offer many advantages over small molecule inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Some advantages of humanized antibodies over small molecule inhibitors are: -Non-recognition by the human immune system. ·Longer half-life in circulation than non-human antibodies. Higher specificity than small molecule inhibitors. Interactions with challenging targets that have so far eluded small molecule drugs. The best examples of this are protein-protein interactions, which are characterized by large, often flat surfaces with slightly charged pockets. Chimeric and humanized mAbs, the mAbs most frequently entering clinical trials, have higher approval success rates (18% and 24%, respectively) than new chemical entities (NCEs), including small molecule drugs (5%), especially in oncology. · The commercial potential of biologics is extremely promising. The share of biologics in total prescription and non-prescription drug sales grew from 12% in 2004 to 19% in 2011. What's more interesting is that biologics accounted for 17% of the top 100 best-selling drugs in 2004, and 34% in 2011. The global biologics market is estimated to reach nearly $4 billion by 2025. · Biologics appear to offer better overall economic benefits than small molecule drugs. Studies have also shown that biologics have a lower attrition rate than small molecules: 24.4% of biologics that enter preclinical trials are ultimately marketed, compared to only a 7.1% success rate for small molecule drugs. Biologics performed better than small molecules at all stages of development, with an astonishing 116% success rate in phase 2.

[0014] NLRP3 (also known as NALP3 and cryopyrin) is a cytoplasmic protein, and therefore any therapeutic agent must enter cells to target this protein. Humanized antibodies are extremely large in size and would prove difficult to enter the cytosol. The development of small antibody fragments also offers the possibility of overcoming such challenges, where the antibody fragment may be a Fab fragment, which is an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, or a single-chain variable fragment that is a fusion protein of the variable regions of the heavy and light chains of an antibody linked by a peptide linker. As will be further discussed below, the inventors have devised additional strategies to ensure that therapeutic antibodies or aptamers and their fragments can enter cells.

[0015] There are several reports in the field that describe the targeting of NLRP3 inflammasome or related molecules using various agents.For example, WO2013 / 007763A1 discloses inhibitors that can be localized intracellularly and bound to cytosol of members of the inflammasome family, including NLRP3, for use in acne prevention / treatment methods.

[0016] US Patent Publication No. 20080008652A1 discloses methods and compositions for modulating immune responses and adjuvant activity, inter alia, through modulation of cryopyrin (NPRL3) signaling. Humanized antibodies targeting cryopyrin regulatory proteins or cryopyrin signaling pathway components are mentioned, and methods for making cryopyrin antibodies are disclosed.

[0017] WO2002026780A2 discloses an antibody that binds to a PAAD domain-containing polypeptide, as well as a method for treating various conditions, including inflammation, by administering an anti-PAAD antibody. Single-chain antibodies, chimeric, bifunctional, and humanized antibodies, as well as antigen-binding fragments thereof, are also mentioned.

[0018] WO2011109459A2 discloses a method for treating inflammatory skin / hair diseases by providing a composition comprising at least one antibody that specifically binds to a component of a mammalian inflammasome, such as ASC or NLRP1. Commercially available antibodies against ASC and NPRL1 are mentioned.

[0019] EP2350315B1 discloses methods and kits for early diagnosis of atherosclerosis, including measuring the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC and / or caspase 1. Expression levels can be measured by methods involving antibodies, such as human antibodies, humanized antibodies, recombinant antibodies and antibody fragments, including Fab, Fab', F(ab)2, F(ab')2, Fv and scFv.

[0020] WO2013119673A1 discloses a method for evaluating a patient suspected of having a CNS injury, comprising measuring the levels of at least one inflammasome protein, such as NLRP1 (NALP-1), ASC, and caspase 1. Commercially available antibodies against NLRP1, ASC, and caspase 1 are mentioned.

[0021] WO2007077042A1 discloses a method for treating gout or pseudogout, comprising administering a NALP3 inflammasome inhibitor, which is described as acting downstream of the NALP3 inflammasome and is selected from among antibodies that inhibit the activity of IL-1.

[0022] WO2013138795A1 discloses a fusion protein comprising a Surf+ penetrating polypeptide and an antibody or antibody mimetic moiety (AAM moiety) that binds to an intracellular target, wherein the fusion protein enters the cell, binds to the intracellular target and inhibits binding between the target and another protein in the cell.

[0023] The present invention provides novel and effective modulators of NLRP3 inflammasome for the treatment and prevention of inflammatory diseases mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and activation, particularly inflammatory eye diseases such as glaucoma. Such modulators include bi-antibodies or aptamers, or fragments thereof, that target both IL-1R1 and NLRP3. The bi-antibody first enters cells by binding to IL-1R1, which induces rapid internalization, and once internalized, the bi-antibody then targets the intracellular protein NLRP3, inhibiting the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome, and then disrupts IL-1β secretion from cells, reducing the initiation / amplification of inflammation. Summary of the Invention

[0024] Thus, in a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an NLRP3 inflammasome modulator capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3 for use in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory eye diseases.

[0025] Optionally, the inflammatory eye disease is glaucoma.

[0026] Optionally, the modulator can also bind to the PYD domain of NLRP3.

[0027] Optionally, the modulator is selected from the group comprising a polyclonal antibody, a monoclonal antibody, a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody, a fusion protein, or an aptamer molecule, combinations thereof, and fragments of each of these.

[0028] The modulator may be a bi-antibody capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3. Optionally, the modulator is a recombinant humanized bi-antibody capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3.

[0029] Optionally, the modulator is a bi-antibody comprising one or more binding regions of a first antibody capable of binding to IL-1R1 and one or more binding regions of a second antibody capable of binding to NLRP3. Optionally, the modulator is a bi-antibody comprising one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of a first antibody capable of binding to IL-1R1 and one or more CDRs of a second antibody capable of binding to NLRP3. Optionally, the first and / or second antibody are monoclonal antibodies.

[0030] Optionally, the modulator is selected from an antibody fragment capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3. Optionally, the antibody fragment is selected from one or more of a Fab, Fv, Fab', (Fab')2, scFv, bis-scFv, minibody, Fab2, and Fab3.

[0031] Optionally, the modulator is selected from a recombinant humanized antibody or antibody fragment capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3.

[0032] Optionally, the modulator is an antibody or antibody fragment raised against one or more antigens selected from both IL-1R1 and NLRP3. Optionally, the modulator is raised against one or more antigens selected from all or a portion of both IL-1R1 and NLRP3. Optionally, the modulator is raised against one or more antigens selected from NLRP3, optionally bound to a carrier protein such as keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) (hereinafter NLRP3 immunogen), and IL-1R1, optionally recombinant IL-1R1.

[0033] Optionally, the extracellular domain of IL-1R1 (hereinafter IL-1R1 immunogen) comprises the following sequence: MKVLLRLICFIALLISSLEADKCKEREEKIILVSSANEIDVRPCPLNPNEHKGTITWYKDDSKTPVSTEQASRIHQHKEKLWFVPAKVEDSGHYYCVVRNSSYCLRIKISAKFVENEPNLCYNAQAIFKQKLPVAGD GGLVCPYMEFFKNENNELPKLQWYKDCKPLLLDNIHFSGVKDRLIVMNVAEKHRGNYTCHASYTYLGKQYPITRVIEFITLEENKPTRPVIVSPANETMEVDLGSQIQLICNVTGQLSDIAYWKWNGSVIDEDDPVLG EDYYSVENPANKRRSTLITVLNISEIESRFYKHPFTCFAKNTHGIDAAYIQLIYPVTNFQKLEGGPSVFIFPPNIKDVLMISLTPKVTCVVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTIRVVSHLPIQ HQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPSPIERTISKPKGLVRAPQVYTLPPPAEQLSRKDVSLTCLVVGFNPGDISVEWTSNGHTEENYKDTAPVLDSDGSYFIYSKLNMKTSKWEKTDSFSCNVRHEGLKNYYLKKTISRSPGK * (Sequence number 1). ( * or ** means stop codon throughout this specification).

[0034] Optionally, the NLRP3 immunogen comprises the following sequence: EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (sequence number 30).

[0035] Optionally, the NLRP3 immunogen comprises a carrier protein linked to the sequence EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (SEQ ID NO: 30), optionally linked to the N-terminus of the sequence EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (SEQ ID NO: 30).

[0036] Carrier proteins conjugated to peptides are known in the art to help the peptides generate a stronger immune response. Optionally, the carrier protein is KLH.

[0037] Optionally, the carrier protein is linked via a linker to the sequence EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (SEQ ID NO: 30), optionally the linker is hydrazide-Ahx.

[0038] Optionally, the NLRP3 immunogen is KLH-hydrazide-Ahx-EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (SEQ ID NO: 30).

[0039] As understood in the art, hydrazides are a class of organic compounds characterized by a nitrogen-nitrogen covalent bond having four substituents, at least one of which is an acyl group. Ahx refers to a 6-carbon linear aminohexanoic acid linker.

[0040] Optionally, the modulator can be produced, and optionally is produced against one or more immunogens selected from an NLRP3 immunogen and an IL-1R1 immunogen, the IL-1R1 immunogen having the sequence: MKVLLRLICFIALLISSLEADKCKEREEKIILVSSANEIDVRPCPLNPNEHKGTITWYKDDSKTPVSTEQASRIHQHKEKLWFVPAKVEDSGHYYCVVRNSSYCLRIKISAKFVENEPNLCYNAQAIFKQKLPVAGD GGLVCPYMEFFKNENNELPKLQWYKDCKPLLLDNIHFSGVKDRLIVMNVAEKHRGNYTCHASYTYLGKQYPITRVIEFITLEENKPTRPVIVSPANETMEVDLGSQIQLICNVTGQLSDIAYWKWNGSVIDEDDPVLG EDYYSVENPANKRRSTLITVLNISEIESRFYKHPFTCFAKNTHGIDAAYIQLIYPVTNFQKLEGGPSVFIFPPNIKDVLMISLTPKVTCVVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTIRVVSHLPIQ HQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPSPIERTISKPKGLVRAPQVYTLPPPAEQLSRKDVSLTCLVVGFNPGDISVEWTSNGHTEENYKDTAPVLDSDGSYFIYSKLNMKTSKWEKTDSFSCNVRHEGLKNYYLKKTISRSPGK * (SEQ ID NO:1) ( * means a stop codon) and the NLRP3 immunogen comprises the sequence: KLH-hydrazide-Ahx-EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (SEQ ID NO: 30).

[0041] Optionally, a modulator can be produced, and optionally produced, against an IL-1R1 immunogen, and has the sequence: MKVLLRLICFIALLISSLEADKCKEREEKIILVSSANEIDVRPCPLNPNEHKGTITWYKDDSKTPVSTEQASRIHQHKEKLWFVPAKVEDSGHYYCVVRNSSYCLRIKISAKFVENEPNLCYNAQAIFKQKLPVAGD GGLVCPYMEFFKNENNELPKLQWYKDCKPLLLDNIHFSGVKDRLIVMNVAEKHRGNYTCHASYTYLGKQYPITRVIEFITLEENKPTRPVIVSPANETMEVDLGSQIQLICNVTGQLSDIAYWKWNGSVIDEDDPVLG EDYYSVENPANKRRSTLITVLNISEIESRFYKHPFTCFAKNTHGIDAAYIQLIYPVTNFQKLEGGPSVFIFPPNIKDVLMISLTPKVTCVVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTIRVVSHLPIQ HQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPSPIERTISKPKGLVRAPQVYTLPPPAEQLSRKDVSLTCLVVGFNPGDISVEWTSNGHTEENYKDTAPVLDSDGSYFIYSKLNMKTSKWEKTDSFSCNVRHEGLKNYYLKKTISRSPGK * (SEQ ID NO: 1), ( * means a stop codon) and one or more binding regions of the first antibody comprising the sequence: It is a dual antibody that comprises one or more binding regions of a second antibody raised against an NLRP3 immunogen comprising KLH-hydrazide-Ahx-EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (sequence number 30).

[0042] Optionally, a modulator can be produced, and optionally produced, against an IL-1R1 immunogen, and has the sequence: MKVLLRLICFIALLISSLEADKCKEREEKIILVSSANEIDVRPCPLNPNEHKGTITWYKDDSKTPVSTEQASRIHQHKEKLWFVPAKVEDSGHYYCVVRNSSYCLRIKISAKFVENEPNLCYNAQAIFKQKLPVAGD GGLVCPYMEFFKNENNELPKLQWYKDCKPLLLDNIHFSGVKDRLIVMNVAEKHRGNYTCHASYTYLGKQYPITRVIEFITLEENKPTRPVIVSPANETMEVDLGSQIQLICNVTGQLSDIAYWKWNGSVIDEDDPVLG EDYYSVENPANKRRSTLITVLNISEIESRFYKHPFTCFAKNTHGIDAAYIQLIYPVTNFQKLEGGPSVFIFPPNIKDVLMISLTPKVTCVVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTIRVVSHLPIQ HQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPSPIERTISKPKGLVRAPQVYTLPPPAEQLSRKDVSLTCLVVGFNPGDISVEWTSNGHTEENYKDTAPVLDSDGSYFIYSKLNMKTSKWEKTDSFSCNVRHEGLKNYYLKKTISRSPGK * (SEQ ID NO: 1), ( * means a stop codon) and one or more complementarity determining regions (CDRs) of the first antibody comprising the sequence: It is a dual antibody that comprises one or more CDRs of a second antibody raised against an NLRP3 immunogen comprising KLH-hydrazide-Ahx-EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (sequence number 30).

[0043] Optionally, the first and / or second antibody is a monoclonal antibody.

[0044] Optionally, the consensus sequence of the heavy chain of the first antibody (against IL-1R1) is [ka] It is.

[0045] Optionally, the heavy chain CDRs of the first antibody comprise: [ka] Includes.

[0046] Optionally, the consensus sequence of the light chain of the first antibody (against IL-1R1) is [ka] It is.

[0047] Optionally, the light chain CDRs of the first antibody comprise: [ka] Includes.

[0048] Optionally, the consensus sequence of the heavy chain of the second antibody (against NLRP3) is [ka] It is.

[0049] Optionally, the heavy chain CDRs of the second antibody comprise: [ka] Includes.

[0050] Optionally, the consensus sequence of the light chain of the second antibody (against NLRP3) is [ka] It is.

[0051] Optionally, the light chain CDRs of the second antibody comprise: [ka] Includes.

[0052] Optionally, the modulator can bind to IL-1R1 and NLRP3 simultaneously. Optionally, or in addition, the modulator can bind to IL-1R1 and NLRP3 sequentially.

[0053] Optionally, the light chain of the bispecific antibody of the invention has the following amino acid sequence: MVSSAQFLGLLLLCFQGTRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLT FGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVKWKIDGSERQNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEATHKTSTSPIVKSFNRNEC ** (Sequence number 57).

[0054] Optionally, the heavy chain of the bispecific antibody of the invention has the following amino acid sequence: ** (SEQ ID NO: 59).

[0055] "Binding simultaneously" to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3 means that the modulator can bind to each of IL-1R1 and / or NLRP3, whether or not said IL-1R1 and / or NLRP3 are formed as a complex.

[0056] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an NLRP3 inflammasome modulator as defined herein, in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention, for use in the treatment or prevention of inflammation-related disorders in the pathogenesis of which the NLRP3 inflammasome is known to play an important role as described above, optionally an inflammatory eye disease such as glaucoma as described in the first aspect of the invention.

[0057] The advantage of bispecific antibodies as modulators is that they can be used at lower, and therefore less toxic, concentrations than single antibodies, thereby reducing the potential for cytotoxicity. The bispecificity allows for more stable and purer antibodies.

[0058] Being biological, they have a longer half-life and therefore offer a major advantage over small molecule inhibitors.

[0059] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a method for the treatment and / or prevention of inflammation-related disorders, optionally inflammatory eye diseases such as glaucoma, said method comprising the steps of: providing a therapeutically effective amount of an NLRP3 inflammasome modulator that inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation and / or signaling, as defined herein in relation to the first aspect of the invention; and Administering a therapeutically effective amount of said compound to a subject in need of such treatment.

[0060] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the use of an NLRP3 inflammasome modulator as defined herein in relation to the first aspect of the invention in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an inflammation-related disorder, optionally an inflammatory eye disease such as glaucoma.

[0061] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a method for reducing or preventing or treating at least one symptom of an inflammation-related disorder, optionally an inflammatory eye disease such as glaucoma, in a subject, the method comprising selectively inhibiting and / or reducing activation of the inflammasome pathway by use of an NLRP3 inflammasome modulator as defined herein in conjunction with the first aspect of the invention.

[0062] Optionally, the modulator is for use in treating or preventing at least one symptom of an inflammation-related disorder in a subject, the method comprising selectively inhibiting and / or reducing activation of the inflammasome pathway by use of the modulator of the first and second aspects.

[0063] Optionally, the light chain of the bispecific antibody has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57 and the heavy chain of the bispecific antibody has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and may be referred to herein as InflaMab or Inflamab.

[0064] Optionally, InflaMab may have disease-modifying effects on systemic conditions such as, but not limited to, atherosclerosis, thereby preventing / suppressing inflammation and thus preventing plaque accumulation and / or plaque rupture, thereby reducing the risk of myocardial infarction.

[0065] Optionally, InflaMabs may have disease-modifying effects in ocular diseases such as, but not limited to, glaucoma, thereby preventing / suppressing inflammation, reducing intraocular pressure, and / or preventing loss of retinal ganglion cells and axons, protecting the optic nerve, preserving vision, and / or preventing blindness.

[0066] Optionally, InflaMabs may have disease-modifying effects in neurological conditions such as, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, thereby preventing / inhibiting inflammation, reducing / inhibiting amyloid plaque deposition, and / or preventing cognitive impairment.

[0067] The modulators of the first and second aspects defined herein may be useful in individuals with multi-morbidities or comorbidities associated with inflammation.

[0068] Optionally, the modulator of any of the above described embodiments of the invention, designated as InflaMab, is a 210 kilodalton (kDa) bispecific murine antibody composed of two pairs of light chains and two pairs of heavy chains, with an scFv domain fused to the N-terminus, complexed together via disulfide bonds.

[0069] As used herein, "inflammation-related disorders" include, but are not limited to, atherosclerosis; inflammatory eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, inflammatory eye disease, depression, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, aging, dermatological conditions and cancer.

[0070] Optionally, the subject is a mammal, such as a human.

[0071] The term "antibody" should be construed as any binding member or substance having a binding domain with the required specificity. The antibody of the present invention may be a monoclonal antibody, or a fragment, functional equivalent or homologue thereof. The term includes any polypeptide comprising an immunoglobulin binding domain, whether natural or wholly or partially synthetic. Thus, chimeric molecules comprising an immunoglobulin binding domain fused to another polypeptide, or an equivalent, are encompassed.

[0072] Fragments of a whole antibody can perform the function of antigen binding. Examples of such binding fragments are Fab fragments containing the VL, VH, CL and CH1 antibody domains; Fv fragments consisting of the VL and VH domains of a single antibody; F(ab')2 fragments: bivalent fragments containing two binding Fab fragments; single chain Fv molecules (scFv), in which the VH and VL domains are linked by a peptide linker that allows the two domains to join together to form an antigen binding site; or bi- or trispecific antibodies, which can be multivalent or multispecific fragments constructed by gene fusion.

[0073] A fragment of an antibody or polypeptide for use in the present invention generally refers to a stretch of amino acid residues of at least 5-7 contiguous amino acids, often at least about 7-9 contiguous amino acids, typically at least about 9-13 contiguous amino acids, more preferably at least about 20-30 contiguous amino acids, and most preferably at least about 30-40 or more contiguous amino acids.

[0074] The term "antibody" includes antibodies that have been "humanized." Methods for making humanized antibodies are known in the art.

[0075] Aptamers are peptide molecules that bind to specific target molecules. Aptamers are in the range between small molecules and biologics. They offer significant advantages over antibody therapeutics in terms of size, ease of synthesis and modification.

[0076] The modulators described herein can be used in assays such as ELISA to detect NLRP3 from human blood or tissue samples.Thus, in a further aspect, the present invention provides a kit comprising one or more modulators of the first aspect of the present invention.Optionally, the kit further comprises instructions for use of said kit.Optionally, the kit is for detecting NLRP3 in human cells, blood or tissue samples. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] Shown is a 4-20% denaturing, reducing and non-reducing SDS-PAGE analysis of IL-1R1 FC. Molecular weight markers are shown in kilodaltons. [Diagram 2] Graph showing screening of 1 st bleed for UUC IL-1R. [Diagram 3] Graph showing screening of second bleed for UUC IL-1R. [Figure 4] Graph showing results after fusion screening. [Diagram 5] This is a graph of the first protoclone 24-well screening. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph of LD1 screening results. [Figure 7] 1 is a graph of the 24-well plate screening results. [Figure 8] Graph of final selected hybridomas from F237 5D1-1A8. [Figure 9] Graph of final selected hybridomas from F237 5D1-1A8 final 24-well screen. [Figure 10] 1 shows immunofluorescence images of IL-1R1 internalization into THP1 cells. Fluorescence microscopy images taken from THP1 macrophages treated with LPS and ATP to induce expression of IL-1R1. [Figure 11-1] FIG. 13: Flow cytometry of IL-1R1 internalization into THP1 cells. [Figure 11-2] FIG. 13: Flow cytometry of IL-1R1 internalization into THP1 cells. [Figure 12] The results of PCR using several combinations of Ig variable domain primers are shown. [Figure 13] Schematic representation of the CDR loops. (Reference: Lefranc, M.-P. et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol., 27, 55-77 (2003) PMID: 12477501). [Figure 14] Schematic representation of the CDR loops (Lefranc, M.-P. et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol., 27, 55-77 (2003) PMID: 12477501). [Figure 15] Structure of NLRP3. Bergsbaken, T.; Fink, SL; Cookson, BT (2009). "Pyroptosis: Host cell death and inflammation". Nature Reviews Microbiology. 7(2): 99-109. doi: 10.1038 / nrmicro2070. PMC 2910423. PMID 19148178. and Dagenais, M.; Skeldon, A.; Saleh, M. (2011). "The inflammasome: In memory of Dr. Jurg Tschopp". Cell Death and Differentiation. 19(1): 5-12. doi: 10.1038 / cdd.2011.159. PMC 3252823.PMID22075986.http: / / jonlieffmd.com / blog / cellular-intelligence-blog / inflammasomes-are-large-complex-signaling-platforms [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a sequence alignment of the consensus sequences of the C-terminal domains of human and mouse NALP (NLRP) proteins using CLUSTAL0 (1.2.4). [Figure 17] Novafold predicted structure of peptide FUS_746_001 (yellow) aligned to NLRP3 PDB:3QF2 showing secondary structural features using Protean 3D version 14.0.1. [Figure 18] 13 is a graph of immunized mice expressing high levels of NLRP3 mAb. [Figure 19] Graph showing screening of first bleed for UUC NLRP3. [Figure 20]Graph showing screening of second bleed for UUC NLRP3. [Figure 21] Graph showing results after fusion screening. [Figure 22] This is a graph of the first protoclone 24-well screening. [Diagram 23] 1 is a graph of LD1 screening results. [Figure 24] 1 is a graph of the 24-well plate screening results. [Diagram 25] Graph of final selected hybridomas from F226. [Figure 26] FIG. 1 shows the results of a dot blot analysis. [Figure 27] FIG. 1 shows the results of Western blot analysis. [Figure 28] The results of PCR using several combinations of Ig variable domain primers are shown. [Figure 29] Schematic representation of the CDR loops (Lefranc, M.-P. et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol., 27, 55-77 (2003) PMID: 12477501). [Diagram 30] Schematic representation of the CDR loops (Lefranc, M.-P. et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol., 27, 55-77 (2003) PMID: 12477501). [Diagram 31] FIG. 1 shows the bispecific design and plasmid map of InflaMab. [Diagram 32] FIG. 1 shows the results of 4-20% SDS-PAGE analysis of InflaMab. Molecular weight markers are shown in kilodaltons. [Diagram 33] InflaMab prevents IL-1β release. (Note, "Ulster Ab" is synonymous with "InflaMab" and "Bispecific Ab"). [Diagram 34] Inflamab prevents the activation of caspase-1 in THP1 cells. [Diagram 35]FIG. 1 shows internalization of Inflamab. [Diagram 36] FIG. 1 shows constitutive expression of NLRP3 in mouse and human ONH. [Figure 37] FIG. 1 shows constitutive NLRP3 expression in astrocytes of the human ONH. [Figure 38] We show that 7 days after microbead injection, assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the ONH is concomitant with the induction of inflammatory mediators. [Figure 39] We show that early induction of inflammatory mediators and accumulation of Iba1+ cells in the ONH is abrogated in inflammasome-deficient (ASC KO) mice. [Diagram 40] In a microbead-induced glaucoma mouse model, we show that ASC and NLRP3 are required for IOP-induced axonal degeneration and cell death of RGCs. [Diagram 41] In a microbead model of glaucoma, we show that the NLRP3 small molecule inhibitor MCC950 prevents RGC cell death. [Diagram 42] In a microbead model of glaucoma, InflaMab is shown to prevent RGC cell death. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] In certain uses or methods of treatment, the modulators of the invention, e.g., bispecific antibodies, act according to steps including: 1. Targeting the bispecific antibody to IL-1R1 to allow internalization and entry of the antibody into cells. 2. Targeting antibodies against NLRP3 to inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and subsequent IL-1β release from cells, thereby reducing inflammation. 3. Targeting antibodies to IL-1R1 to induce internalization of IL-1R1, thereby making less IL-1R1 available for IL-1β binding, further reducing the potential and amplification of inflammation.

[0079] Such modulators of the first aspect of the invention surprisingly provide an additional inhibitory effect on the inflammasome as a whole, and not just on the NLRP3 protein portion, and therefore provide more effective inhibitors of inflammasome-associated diseases.

[0080] Working Example Transient expression of IL-1R1 FC fusions (Example 1) Generation of monoclonal antibodies against IL-1R1 (Example 2) IL-1R1 monoclonal antibody sequencing results report (Example 3) NLRP3 peptide synthesis (Example 4) Generation of monoclonal antibodies against NLRP3 (Example 5) NLRP3 monoclonal antibody sequencing results report (Example 6) InflaMab Design (Example 7) Transient expression of InflaMab (Example 8) InflaMab for Atherosclerosis / Coronary Artery Disease (Example 9)

[0081] Example 1: Transient expression of IL-1R1 Fc fusions IL-1R1 Fc was transiently expressed and purified in HEK293 cells. The size and purity of the purified protein were assessed by SDS PAGE, and endotoxin levels were examined. Finally, the activity of the protein was assessed using ELISA.

[0082] A mammalian expression vector encoding an interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R1) Fc fusion protein was transfected into HEK293 cells. The expressed Fc fusion protein was then purified from the cell culture supernatant using standard chromatography techniques. The concentration and purity of the purified product were determined.

[0083] Transient transfection of HEK293 cells and protein purification DNA encoding the amino acid sequence of IL-1R1 Fc (see Example 1A) was synthesized and inserted into mammalian transient expression plasmid pD2610-v1 (DNA2.0). IL-1R1 Fc was expressed using HEK293 cell-based transient expression, and the resulting antibody-containing cell culture supernatant was clarified by centrifugation and filtration. Two lots of IL-1R1 Fc were purified from the cell culture supernatant via Protein A affinity chromatography (using an AKTA chromatography device). The purified protein was dialyzed / buffer exchanged into phosphate-buffered saline. The purity of the recombinant protein was determined to be >95% as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel (Figure 1). Protein concentration was determined by measuring absorbance (A280 of 1.0 mg / ml = 1.37). Details of the purified product are summarized in Table 1. FIG. 1 shows 4-20% denaturing, reducing and non-reducing SDS-PAGE analysis of IL-1R1 FC. Molecular weight markers are shown in kilodaltons. Lanes are as follows: [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0084] Example 1A: IL-1R1 Fc amino acid sequence MKVLLRLICFIALLISSLEADKCKEREEKIILVSSANEIDVRPCPLNPNEHKGTITWYKDDSKTPVSTEQASRIHQHKEKLWFVPAKVEDSGHYYCVVRNSSYCLRIKISAKFVENEPNLCYNAQAIFKQKLPVAGD GGLVCPYMEFFKNENNELPKLQWYKDCKPLLLDNIHFSGVKDRLIVMNVAEKHRGNYTCHASYTYLGKQYPITRVIEFITLEENKPTRPVIVSPANETMEVDLGSQIQLICNVTGQLSDIAYWKWNGSVIDEDDPVLG EDYYSVENPANKRRSTLITVLNISEIESRFYKHPFTCFAKNTHGIDAAYIQLIYPVTNFQKLEGGPSVFIFPPNIKDVLMISLTPKVTCVVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTIRVVSHLPIQ HQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPSPIERTISKPKGLVRAPQVYTLPPPAEQLSRKDVSLTCLVVGFNPGDISVEWTSNGHTEENYKDTAPVLDSDGSYFIYSKLNMKTSKWEKTDSFSCNVRHEGLKNYYLKKTISRSPGK * (SEQ ID NO:1)

[0085] Example 2: Generation of monoclonal antibodies against IL-1R1 The goal of this project is to generate monoclonal antibodies against IL-1R1. A group of five mice were immunized and screened for a positive immune response. After selection of suitable candidates for fusion, splenocytes were fused with partner cells to generate a hybridoma group. This group underwent a series of limiting dilution and screening assays to generate a complete monoclonal cell line.

[0086] Cell line nomenclature The product name "F237 5D1-1A8-2A5" refers to one of 10 selected monoclonal hybridoma cell lines. The name is composed of elements that describe the production pathway at each stage. Each hybridoma selected from post-fusion screening and each limiting dilution is given a number that corresponds to the plate number and well position on the plate where the hybridoma was selected (i.e., 5D1-1A8-2A5). This nomenclature allows tracking of the origin of each individual hybridoma and allows clear differentiation of the screening process.

[0087] [Table 3]

[0088] material [Table 4] [Table 5]

[0089] Device CO 2 Cell culture static incubator (SANYO) ·Plate reader Sunrise (Tecan) Centurion Scientific K40R Centrifuge ·Grant-Bio Multishaker PSU 20

[0090] method Antigen preparation Once the immunogen (IL-1R1) was purified, these solutions were diluted to 200 μg / ml in sterile EF-PBS and 600 μl was aliquoted for immunization and 150 μl for boosting and ELISA screening. These aliquots were labeled and stored at -20°C.

[0091] immunity A group of 5 BalbC mice was subcutaneously immunized with 200 μl of 1:1 Freund's complete adjuvant (Sigma) and 600 μl of the IL-1R1 emulsion prepared herein. Two weeks after the first immunization, the group was immunized with a second injection, substituting only Freund's incomplete adjuvant (Sigma) at the same volume and concentration as the original injection. One week after the second immunization, mice were ear-punched (NP, RP, LP, LRP, 2LP) and test bleeds were screened as described herein to obtain preliminary results. Three weeks after the second immunization, the group was immunized a third time in the same manner as the second injection. One week after the third immunization, test bleeds were screened and mice with RP ear tags were then selected for fusion.

[0092] ELISA of test blood samples Tail bleeds were obtained from a group of 5 BalbC mice and centrifuged at 8000 rpm at room temperature for 10 minutes. Serum was collected from each mouse, plated on the same day as screening, and stored at -20°C. This screening was performed twice to select suitable mice for fusion.

[0093] The day before screening, Maxi Sorp plates were coated by adding approximately 100 μl / well of IL-1R1 at 1 μg / ml in 50 mM sodium carbonate coating buffer (pH 9.5). Another coating solution was prepared by diluting APO-A1 to 1 μg / ml in the same coating buffer. These solutions were added to alternating rows of the plate, allowing for two wells to be added for each sample showing positive and negative results. The plate was incubated overnight at 4° C. stationary.

[0094] The following morning, the coating buffer was removed and 200 μl / well of blocking solution (4.0% w / v semi-skimmed milk powder, 1xPBS) was added and agitated at 150 rpm for 2 hours at room temperature. The plates were washed 3 times with PBS-T (0.1% v / v Tween 20). PBS was added to each well at 100 μl / well and 1 μl of each test blood serum was added to each positive and negative well. The plates were incubated at 150 rpm (Grant Shaker) for 2 hours at room temperature. The samples were then removed and washed 4 times with PBS-T. 100 μl / well of 1:5000 diluted GAM-HRP (Sigma, UK) was added and the plates were incubated at room temperature for 1 hour with agitation at 150 rpm. The secondary antibody was removed and the plates were washed 4 times with PBS-T and once in PBS. 100 μl / well of TMB substrate solution was added and incubated at 37°C for 10 minutes. 50 μl of 1M HCl was added per well and the plate was immediately read at 450 nm using a Tecan Sunrise plate reader.

[0095] After a second test bleed ELISA screen, mice bearing the RP ear tag were selected for fusion by developing the greatest positive immune response.

[0096] booster injection A third booster injection was administered one week after the final immunization to BalbC mice RP with 100 μl of 200 μg / ml aliquot IL-1R1 without adjuvant.

[0097] Fusion F237 One week prior to fusion, SP2 cells were removed from liquid nitrogen and subcultured in 10% FCS DMEM supplemented with 1% Pen / Strep, 1% L-glutamine until 3x12ml T75 flasks were 75%-90% confluent on the day of fusion. On the day of fusion, SP2 cells were removed by tapping the flasks and centrifuged at 1000 rpm, 37°C for 5 min. Cells were resuspended in 20ml SFM DMEM, centrifuged again, and resuspended in 10ml SFM DMEM. SP2 cells were stored in sterile tubes in SFM at 37°C, 6% CO.2 Store below room temperature until needed.

[0098] After euthanasia, spleens were aseptically removed from mice that showed the strongest immune response. Splenocytes were extracted with a fine gauge needle by puncturing both ends of the spleen and flushing with 10-15 ml of SFM DMEM. Splenocytes were transferred to a sterilized tube and washed twice with 20 ml of serum-free DMEM by centrifugation at 1300 rpm at 37°C for 5 min, gently removing the supernatant. Splenocytes were resuspended in 10 ml of serum-free DMEM in the sterilized tube.

[0099] SP2 cells were added to the splenocytes using SP2 cells stored at 37°C. The SP2 / splenocyte culture was centrifuged at 1300 rpm at 37°C for 5 min. After discarding the supernatant, 1 ml of PEG was added dropwise to the SP2 / splenocyte culture while continuously stirring for 3 min. 1 ml of SFM DMEM was added to the fusion mixture and stirred for 4 min. 10 ml of SFM DMEM was added to the new culture and incubated in a 37°C water bath for 5 min. The cells were then centrifuged at 1000 rpm at 37°C for 5 min. The pellet was resuspended in 200 mL of HATR medium and seeded at 200 μl / well into 10x 96-well culture plates, which were incubated at 37°C for 30 min at 6% CO prior to screening. 2 The mixture was incubated at 37°C for 11 days.

[0100] Post-fusion screening and post-LD screening Eleven days after fusion, protoclones were screened by ELISA. 20x Maxi Sorp 96-well plates were coated with 1 μg / ml APO-A1 as a negative control for specificity as described herein. The coating solution was removed and the plates were blocked as described herein. Samples were prepared by removing 160 μl of supernatant from each well of 10 fusion plates, limiting dilution plates, or 24-well plates and transferring them to a new 96-well culture plate containing 50 μl of 1xPBS. Two hours after blocking, the blocking solution was removed and the plates were washed three times with PBS-T. Samples from each dilution plate were added to the ELISA plate at a concentration of 100 μl / well by adding one every two columns from each dilution plate to the ELISA plate to account for the specificity of the coating antigen. Two wells per ELISA were incubated with 100 μl of 1xPBS as a negative control. These samples were incubated at room temperature for 2 hours at 150 rpm.

[0101] Limiting dilution Hybridoma populations were expanded in 24-well plates, and once sufficiently grown, a secondary screen was performed to select the most specific and most highly productive populations in rounds of limiting dilution.

[0102] Both limiting dilutions were performed for 1-3 protoclones by seeding 2-4x 96-well plates at 1 cell / well in 200 μl medium / well, respectively. Plates were prepared by counting each culture in a 24-well plate, followed by a 10x dilution to 200 cells in 40 ml as intermediate dilutions. Cultures were seeded at 200 μl / well and incubated at 37°C, 6% CO until wells were 80%-90% confluent. 2 The plates were incubated at RT for 7-10 days. Wells from both limiting dilutions were screened by ELISA as described herein.

[0103] Final clone selection After the second limiting dilution, 10 clones were selected by growth in 24-well plates. Each clone was incubated at 37°C, 6% CO until each well was 80%-90% confluent. 2 The cells were grown at RT for 6 days. Once clones were well established in the 24-well plates, 1 ml / well of each clone was transferred to a T25 flask containing 5 ml fresh 10% HATR DMEM for cryopreservation.

[0104] Cryopreservation of monoclonal cell lines Once clones were well established in the T25 flasks (80%-90% confluency), each 5 ml culture was centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 5 min at 37°C and resuspended in 1 ml of fresh 10% DMEM HATR medium. Each 1 ml culture was transferred to a cryovial containing 300 μl of 1:1 ratio of FCS / DMSO. The vials were sealed, placed in Mr. Frosty, and transferred to a -70°C freezer for short-term storage.

[0105] Cell preparation for sequencing Anti-IL-1R1 produced from clone F237 5D1-1A8-2A5 was selected for sequencing. When cultures reached confluence in T25 flasks, the supernatant was discarded. Cells were removed by scraping into 2 ml of fresh medium and centrifuged at 7,600 rpm at room temperature for 5 minutes. The supernatant was then discarded and the pellet was flash frozen in liquid nitrogen and placed in -70°C until ready for mRNA extraction.

[0106] Immunologic and test blood screening A colony of mice was immunized with IL-1R1 immunogen (produced in-house in CHO cells) and periodic test bleeds were obtained over an 11-week period. Test bleeds were screened for IL-1R1 mAb expression levels using ELISA and for internalization capacity using the pHrodo fluorescent assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific,UK https: / / www.thermofisher.com / order / catalog / product / P35369 and https: / / www.sigmaaldrich.com / catalog / product / sigma / m4280?lang=en®ion=GB).

[0107] result Test blood collection 1 One week after the second immunization, tail bleeds were obtained from five mice each and screened against IL-1R and APO-A1 to determine suitable animals for fusion and the relative specificity of the polyclonal antibodies produced (see Figure 2).

[0108] Test blood collection 2 After screening of sera from tail bleeds, mice bearing the RP ear tag exhibited the best immune response and were therefore selected for fusion of their splenocytes with the fusion partner SP2 cultures (see FIG. 3).

[0109] Post-fusion screening When the wells of each plate reached 70%-80% confluency, the plates were screened for IL-1R1 and APO-A1 by ELISA. Hybridoma populations generating the highest responses were selected by growth in 24-well plates (see FIG. 4).

[0110] First 24-well plate screening Clones were selected from the post-fusion screen and arrayed into 24-well plates for expansion followed by secondary screening to determine suitable protoclones for the first round of limiting dilution (see FIG. 5).

[0111] Limiting dilution screening 1 When the first limiting dilution plates were confluent, the limiting dilutions were screened against IL-1R1 and APO-A1 by ELISA. A population of 11 hybridomas was selected from F237 2H12, F237 5D1, and F237 7E6, which showed the highest and most specific responses (see FIG. 6).

[0112] Second 24-well plate screening When clones reached confluence in 24-well plates, each clone was screened by ELISA against IL-1R1 and APO-A1. F237-5D1-1A8 was selected for a second round of limiting dilution across 4x 96-well plates (see Figure 7).

[0113] Limiting dilution 2 screening When the wells of each plate reached 70%-80% confluency, the plates were screened for IL-1R1 and APO-A1 by ELISA. The hybridoma population generating the highest response and greatest specificity was selected for expansion and cryopreservation in 24-well plates (see FIG. 8). Internalization of IL-1R1 into THP1 cells was visualized by immunofluorescence. Fluorescence microscopy images taken from THP1 macrophages treated with LPS and ATP to induce expression of IL-1R1 (see FIG. 10). Cells were incubated with mouse serum from several different mice containing a test antibody against IL-1R1, which was coupled to pHrodo™ dye (the only dye that fluoresces intracellularly). Strong IL-1R1 immunoreactivity was observed in the nucleus and cytoplasm of THP1 cells. IL-1R1 and DAPI staining at x40 magnification. No staining was observed with secondary antibody only treated control cells. Images are from 4 different wells used in 2 different experiments. The best mouse was selected to proceed to the fusion hybridoma and cloning stages.

[0114] THP1 macrophages (see FIG. 11) were treated with LPS and ATP to induce expression of IL-1R1. The cells were incubated with mouse serum from several mice containing a test monoclonal antibody against IL-1R1, which was conjugated to pHrodo™ dye (the only dye that fluoresces intracellularly) and analyzed by flow cytometry. More fluorescence was observed in the IL-1R1 antibody treated cells (i) compared to cells treated with control secondary antibody only (ii). Using this data and the data from FIG. 3, the best mice were selected to proceed to the fusion hybridoma and cloning stages.

[0115] conclusion The goal of this project was to generate a series of antibodies against IL-1R1. Mice were immunized and screened, and RP was selected for fusion. Ten monoclonal hybridoma cell lines were generated from two rounds of limiting dilution. Each population was selected for highest production and highest specificity against IL-1R1. These final cell lines have been frozen, and the antibodies expressed by the cell lines will be sequenced.

[0116] Example 3: IL-1R1 Monoclonal Antibody Sequencing mRNA was extracted from hybridoma cell pellets. Total RNA was extracted from the pellets using a conventional RNA extraction protocol. Cell pellets were homogenized with RNA STAT-60 reagent. Upon addition of chloroform, the homogenate separated into aqueous and organic phases, and total RNA was isolated in the aqueous phase. RNA was precipitated with isopropanol, followed by an ethanol wash and solubilization in water.

[0117] RT-PCR cDNA was generated from the RNA by reverse transcription using an oligo(dT) primer. PCR reactions were set up using variable domain primers to amplify both the VH and VL regions of the monoclonal antibody DNA giving the following bands (see Figure 12):

[0118] The VH and VL products were inserted into the Invitrogen sequencing vector pCR2.1, transformed into TOP10 cells, and screened by PCR for positive transformants. Selected colonies were picked and analyzed by DNA sequencing on an ABI3130xI Genetic Analyzer. The results are shown below.

[0119] Sequencing results Heavy chain V H Amino acid sequence alignment [ka]

[0120] [ka] [ka] The variable domains are highlighted in bold. The complementarity determining regions (CDRs) as determined by the IMGT numbering system are underlined (Lefranc, M.-P. et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 27, 209-212 (1999)) (see FIG. 13).

[0121] Legend for amino acid shading in Figure 13: Blue shaded circles are hydrophobic (non-polar) residues in frameworks 1-3 at positions that are the majority hydrophobic of the antibody. The yellow shaded circles are proline residues. Boxes indicate key residues at the start and end of the CDRs. The amino acids in red in the framework are structurally conserved amino acids.

[0122] Light chain V L Amino acid sequence alignment: [ka]

[0123] [ka] [ka] The variable domains are highlighted in bold. The complementarity determining regions (CDRs) as determined by the IMGT numbering system are underlined (Lefranc, M.-P. et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 27, 209-212 (1999)) (see FIG. 14).

[0124] Legend for amino acid shading in Figure 14: Blue shaded circles are hydrophobic (non-polar) residues in frameworks 1-3 at positions that are the majority hydrophobic of the antibody. The yellow shaded circles are proline residues. Boxes indicate key residues at the start and end of the CDRs. The amino acids in red in the framework are structurally conserved amino acids. VH sequencing results: VH1.1 DNA sequence: ACAACTGCTGGATTGCAGTGGGTACAGAAGATGTCAGGAAAGGGTTTGAAATGGATTGGCTGGATGAACACCCAGTCTGAAGTGCCAAAATATGCAGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACGGATTGCCTTCTCTTTGGAAACCGCTGCCAGTACTGCATATTTACA GATAAACAACCTCAAAACTGAGGACACGGCAACGTATTTCTGTGCGAAATCGGTCTATTTTAACTGGAGATATTTCGATGTCTGGGGTGCAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCAAAACGACCCCCACCCGTTTATCCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 16) VH1.1 amino acid sequence: MEWSCVMLFLMAAAQSIQAQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTPPPVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 2) VH1.3 DNA sequence: ACAACTGCTGGACTGCAGTGGGTACAGAAGATGTCAGGAAAGGGTTTGAAATGGATTGGCTGGATGAACACCCAGTCTGAAGTGCCAAAATATGCAGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACGGATTGCCTTCTCTTTGGAAACCGCTGCCAGTACTGCATATTTACA GATAAACAACCTCAAAACTGAGGACACGGCAACGTATTTCTGTGCGAAATCGGTCTATTTTAACTGGAGATATTTCGATGTCTGGGGTGCAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCAAAACGACCCCCACCCGTTTATCCCTTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 17) VH1.3 amino acid sequence: MGWSWVMLFLMAAAQSIQAQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTPPPVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 4) VH1.4 DNA sequence: ATGGAATGCAGCTGTGTAATGCTCTTTCTCATGGCAGCAGCTCAAAGTATCCAAGCACAGATCCAGTTGGTGCAGTCTGGACCTGAGCTGAGGAAGCCTGGAGAGACAGTCAGGATCTCCCGCAAGGCTTCTGGGTATCCCTTCACAACTGCTGGATTGCAGTGGGTACAGAAGATGTCAGGAAAGGTTTGAAATGGATTGGCTGGATGAACACCCAGTCTGAAGTGCC AAAATATGCAGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACGGATTGCCTTCTTTGGAAACCGCTGCCAGTACTGCATATTTACAGATAAACAACCTCAAAACTGAGGACACGGCAACGTATTTCTGTGCGAAATCGGTCTATTTTAACTGGAGATATTTCGATGTCTGGGGTGCAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCATCCGTCTTCCCCCTGGCA (SEQ ID NO: 18) VH1.4 amino acid sequence: MECSCVMLFLMAAAQSIQAQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISRKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTPPSVFPLA (SEQ ID NO: 3) VH2.1 DNA sequence: ATGGGTTGGGTGTGGAACTTGCTATTCCTCATGGCAGCAGCTCAAAGTATCCAAGCACAGATCCAGCTGGTGCAGTCTGGACCTGAGCTGAGGAAGCCTGGAGAGACAGTCAGGATCTCCTGCAAGGCTTCTGGGTATCCCTTCACAACTGCTGGATTGCAGTGGGTACAGAAGATGTCAGGAAAGGGTTTGAAAATGGATTGGCTGGATGAACACCCAGTCTGAAGTGCC AAAATATGCAGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACGGATTGCCTTCTTTGGAAACCGCTGCCAGTACTGCATATTTACAGATAAACAACCTCAAAACTGAGGACACGGCAACGTATTTCTGTGCGAAATCGGTCTATTTTAACTGGAGATATTTCGATGTCTGGGGTGCAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCACCCGTCTATCCACTGGTC (SEQ ID NO: 19) VH2.1 amino acid sequence: MGWVWNLLFLMAAAQSIQAQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTPPPVYPLV (SEQ ID NO: 5) VH1.2 DNA sequence: ATGGATTGGGTGTGGACCTTGCCATTCCTCATGGCAGCAGCTCAAAGTATCCAAGCACAGATCCAGTTGGTGCAGTCTGGACCTGAGCTGAGGAAGCCTGGAGAGACAGTCAGGATCTCCTGCAAGGCTTCTGGGTATCCCTTCACAACTGCTGGATTGCAGTGGTACAGAAGATGTCAGGAAAGGGTTTGAATGGATTGGCTGGATGAACACCCAGTCTGAAGTGCC AAAATATGCAGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACGGATTGCCTTCTTTGGAAACCGCTGCCAGTACTGCATATTTACAGATAAACAACCTCAAAACTGAGGACACGGCAACGTATTTCTGTGCGAAATCGGTCTATTTTAACTGGAGATATTTCGATGTCTGGGGTGCAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCATCTGTCTATCCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 20) VH1.2 amino acid sequence: MDWVWTLPFLMAAAQSIQAQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTPPSVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 8) VH2.3 DNA sequence: ATGGGTTGGGTGTGGAACTTGCCATTCCTCATGGCAGCAGCTCAAAGTATCCAAGCACAGATCCAGTTGGTGCAGTCTGGACCTGAGCTGAGGAAGCCTGGAGAGACAGTCAGGATCTCCTGCAAGGCTTCTGGGTATCCCTTCACAACTGCTGGATTGCAGTGGGTACAGAAGATGTCAGGAAAGGGTTTGAAAATGGATTGGCTGGATGAACACCCAGTCTGAAGTACC AAAATATGCAGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACGGATTGCCTTCTTTGGAAACCGCTGCCAGCACTGCATATTTACAGATAAACAACCTCAAAACTGAGGACACGGCAACGTATTTCTGTGCGAAATCGGTCTATTTTAACTGGAGATATTTCGATGTCTGGGGTGCAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCACCCGTCTATCCATTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 21) VH2.3 amino acid sequence: MGWVWNLPFLMAAAQSIQAQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTPPPVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 7) VH2.4 DNA sequence: ATGGATTGGCTGTGGAACTTGCCATTCCTCATGGCAGCAGCTCAAAGTATCCAAGCACAGATCCAGTTGGTGCAGTCTGGACCTGAGCTGAGGAAGCCTGGAGAGACAGTCAGGATCTCCTGCAAGGCTTCTGGGTATCCCTTCACAACTGCTGGATTGCAGTGGGTACAGAAGATGTCAGGAAAGGGTTTGAAAATGGATTGGCTGGATGAACACCCAGTCTGAAGTGCC AAAATATGCAGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACGGATTGCCTTCTTTGGAAACCGCTGCCAGTACTGCATATTTACAGATAAACAACCTCAAAACTGAGGACACGGCAACGTATTTCTGTGCGAAATCGGTCTATTTTAACTGGAGATATTTCGATGTCTGGGGTGCAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCACCCGTCTATCCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 22) VH2.4 amino acid sequence: MDWLWNLPFLMAAAQSIQAQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTPPPVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 9) VH2.5 DNA sequence: ATGGGTTGGGTGTGGACCTTGCCATTCCTCATGGCAGCAGCTCAAAGTATCCAAGCACAGATCCAGTTGGTGCAGTCTGGACCTGAGCTGAGGAAGCCTGGAGAGACAGTCAGGATCTCCTGCAAGGCTTCTGGGTATCCCTTCACAACTGCTGGATTGCAGTGGGTACAGAAGATGTCAGGAAAGGGTTTGAAAATGGATTGGCTGGATGAACACCCAGTCTGAAGTGCC AAAATATGCAGAAGAGTTCAAGGGACGGATTGCCTTCTTTGGAAACCGCTGCCAGTACTGCATATTTACAGATAAACAACCTCAAAACTGAGGACACGGCGACGTATTTCTGTGCGAAATCGGTCTATTTTAACTGGAGATATTTCGATGTCTGGGGTGCAGGGACCACGGTCACCGTCTCCTCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCACCCGTCTATCCCCTGGTC (SEQ ID NO: 23) VH2.5 amino acid sequence: MGWVWTLPFLMAAAQSIQAQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTPPPVYPLV (SEQ ID NO: 6)

[0125] VL sequencing results: VK1.1 DNA sequence: ATGAGGGCCCCTGCTCAGTTTCTTGGGCTTTTGCTTCTCTGGACTTCAGCCTCCAGATGTGACATTGTGATGACTCAGTCTCCAGCCACCCTGTCTGTGACTCCAGGAGATAGAGTCTCTCTTT CCTGCAGGGCCAGCCAGAGTATTAGCGACTACTTATCCTGGTATCAACAAAGATCTCATGAGTCTCCAAGGCTTATCATCAAATATGCTTCCCAATCCATCTCTGGGATCCCCTCCAGGTTCAG TGGCAGTGGATCAGGGTCAGACTTCACTCTCAGTATCAACAGTGTGGAACCTGAAGATGTTGGAGTGTATTACTGTCAACATGGTCACAGCTTTCCGCTCACGTTCGGTTCTGGGACCAAGCTG GAGCTGAAACGGGCTGATGCTGCACCAACTGTATCCATCTTCCCACCATCCAGTGAGCAGTTAACATCTGGAGGTGCCTCAGTCGTGTGCTTCTTGAACAACTTCTACCCCAAAGA (SEQ ID NO: 24) VK1.1 amino acid sequence: MRAPAQFLGLLLLWTSASRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLTFGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPK (SEQ ID NO: 10) VK1.3 DNA sequence: ATGAGGTCCCCTGCTCAGTTCCTTGGGCTTTTGCTTTTCTGGACTTCAGCCTCCAGATGTGACATTGTGATGACTCAGTCTCCAGCCACCCTGTCTGTGACTCCAGGAGATAGAGTCTCTCTT TCCTGCAGGGCCAGCCAGAGTATTAGCGACTACTTATCCTGGTATCAACAAAGATCTCATGAGTCTCCAAGGCTTATCATCAAATATGCTTCCCAATCCATCTCTGGGATCCCCTCCAGGTTCA GTGGCAGTGGATCAGGGTCAGACTTCACTCTCAGTATCAACAGTGTGGAACCTGAAGATGTTGGAGTGTATTACTGTCAACATGGTCACAGCTTTCCGCTCACGTTCGGTTCTGGGACCAAGC TGGAGCTGAAACGGGCTGATGCTGCACCAACTGTATCCATCTTCCCACCATCCAGTGAGCAGTTAACATCTGGAGGTGCCTCAGTCGTGTGCTTCTTGAACAACTTCTACCCCAAA (SEQ ID NO: 25) VK1.3 amino acid sequence: MRSPAQFLGLLLFWTSASRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLTFGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPK (SEQ ID NO: 12) VK1.4 DNA sequence: ATGAGGTCCCCAGCTCAGTTTCTGGGGCTTTTGCTTTTCTGGACTTCAGCCTCCAGATGTGACATTGTGATGACTCAGTCTCCAGCCACCCTGTCTGTGACTCCAGGAGATAGAGTCTCTCTTT CCTGCAGGGCCAGCCAGAGTATTAGCGACTACTTATCCTGGTATCAACAAAGATCTCATGAGTCTCCAAGGCTTATCATCAAATATGCTTCCCAATCCATCTCTGGGATCCCCTCCAGGTTCAG TGGCAGTGGATCAGGGTCAGACTTCACTCTCAGTATCAACAGTGTGGAACCTGAAGATGTTGGAGTGTATTACTGTCAACATGGTCACAGCTTTCCGCTCACGTTCGGTTCTGGGACCAAGCTG GAGCTGAAACGGGCTGATGCTGCACCAACTGTATCCATCTTCCCACCATCCAGTGAGCAGTTAACATCTGGAGGTGCCTCAGTCGTGTGCTTCTTGAACAACTTCTACCCCAGAGA (SEQ ID NO: 26) VK1.4 amino acid sequence: MRSPAQFLGLLLFWTSASRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLTFGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPR (SEQ ID NO: 13) VK1.5 DNA sequence: ATGAGGGCCCCTGCTCAGCTCCTGGGGCTTTTGCTTTTCTGGACTTCAGCCTCCAGATGTGACATTGTGATGACTCAGTCTCCAGCCACCCTGTCTGTGACTCCAGGAGATAGAGTCTCTCTTT CCTGCAGGGCCAGCCAGAGTATTAGCGACTACTTATCCTGGTATCAACAAAGATCTCATGAGTCTCCAAGGCTTATCATCAAATATGCTTCCCAATCCATCTCTGGGATCCCCTCCAGGTTCAG TGGCAGTGGATCAGGGTCAGACTTCACTCTCAATATCAACAGTGTGGAACCTGAAGATGTTGGAGTGTATTACTGTCAACATGGTCACAGCTTTCCGCTCACGTTCGGTTCTGGGACCAAGCTG GAGCTGAAACGGGCTGATGCTGCACCAACTGTATCCATCTTCCCACCATCCAGTGAGCAGTTAACATCTGGAGGTGCCTCAGTCGTGTGCTTCTTGAACAACTTCTATCCCAAAGA (SEQ ID NO: 27) VK1.5 amino acid sequence: MRAPAQLLGLLLFWTSASRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLNINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLTFGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPK (SEQ ID NO: 11) VK2.1 DNA sequence: ATGGTATCCTCAGCTCAGTTCCTTGGACTTTTGCTTTTCTGGACTTCAGCCTCCAGATGTGACATTGTGATGACTCAGTCTCCAGCCACCCTGTCTGTGACTCCAGGAGATAGAGTCTCTCTT TCCTGCAGGGCCAGCCAGAGTATTAGCGACTACTTATCCTGGTATCAACAAAGATCTCATGAGTCTCCAAGGCTTATCATCAAATATGCTTCCCAATCCATCTCTGGGATCCCCTCCAGGTTCA GTGGCAGTGGATCAGGGTCAGACTTCACTCTCAGTATCAACAGTGTGGAACCTGAAGATGTTGGAGTGTATTACTGTCAACATGGTCACAGCTTTCCGCTCACGTTCGGTTCTGGGACCAAGC TGGAGCTGAAACGGGCTGATGCTGCACCAACTGTATCCATCTTCCCACCATCCAGTGAGCAGTTAACATCTGGAGGTGCCTCAGTCGTGTGCTTCTTGAACAACTTCTACCCCAAA (SEQ ID NO: 28) VK2.1 amino acid sequence: MVSSAQFLGLLLFWTSASRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLTFGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPK (SEQ ID NO: 14) VK2.6 DNA sequence: ATGGTGTCCACAGCTCAGTTCCTTGGACTTTTGCTTTTCTGGACTTCAGCCTCCAGATGTGACATTGTGATGACTCAGTCTCCAGCCACCCTGTCTGTGACTCCAGGAGATAGAGTCTCTCTTT CCTGCAGGGCCAGCCAGAGTATTAGCGACTACTTATCCTGGTATCAACAAAGATCTCATGAGTCTCCAAGGCTTATCATCAAATATGCTTCCCAATCCATCTCTGGGATCCCCTCCAGGTTCAG TGGCAGTGGATCAGGGTCAGACTTCACTCTCAGTATCAACAGTGTGGAACCTGAAGATGTTGGAGTGTATTACTGTCAACATGGTCACAGCTTTCCGCTCACGTTCGGTTCTGGGACCAAGCTG GAGCTGAAACGGGCTGATGCTGCACCAACTGTATCCATCTTCCCACCATCCAGTGAGCAGTTAACATCTGGAGGTGCCTCAGTCGTGTGCTTCTTGAACAACTTCTACCCCAGAGA (SEQ ID NO: 29) VK2.6 amino acid sequence: MVSTAQFLGLLLFWTSASRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLTFGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPR (SEQ ID NO: 15)

[0126] Example 4 - NLRP3 antigen synthesis Designing peptides (antigens) against NLRP3 to generate antibody responses capable of suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome formation The NLRP3 inflammasome is a heterogeneous protein complex that forms in mammalian cells in response to inflammatory stimuli, and the ability to regulate and attenuate its formation may have important therapeutic potential for a range of inflammatory diseases. Peptides derived from the NALP3 protein sequence are designed that should generate antibodies capable of blocking the binding of NALP3 to other protein components in the NALP33 inflammasome complex.

[0127] NLRP3 activation occurs through self-assembly of the NLRP protein with ASC, which is a heterocomplex of CARD, PYD and caspase 1 domains. NLRP3 and ASC interact through their respective PYD domains, which contain a large proportion of highly conserved charged amino acid residues that interact to form electrostatic interactions and stabilize the complex (see FIG. 15).

[0128] Figure 16 shows a sequence alignment of the consensus sequences of the C-terminal domains of human and mouse NALP (NLRP) proteins using CLUSTAL0 (1.2.4). Red indicates residues found to be essential for NLRP / ASC interaction by site-directed mutagenesis (Vajjhala et al., 2012).

[0129] Peptide selection was focused on the 1–61 sequence region, which has been extensively studied and is involved in interactions with ASC (Vajjhala et al., 2012). This region has also been well modeled by crystallography, and many PDB structures are available for this domain. The PDB model 3QF2, consisting of the PYR domain of NLRP3, was selected as the most useful PDB structural reference. Initial peptide candidate sequences were selected based on their convenience and visibility as possible epitopes, and also on the degree of similarity between mouse and human sequences, while retaining differences from other NLRP variants. These initial three peptides were modeled into 3D structures using NovaFold.

[0130] NovaFold analysis NovaFold is a 3D protein modeling software that predicts protein or peptide folds using a combination of the I-TASSER algorithm: template-based threading (from PDB) and first-principles methods. In this context, it is used to predict the presence of secondary structural features in peptides known to be exhibited by in situ sequence in the parent protein. This can help optimize the selection of peptide sequences that best reflect the fold and proximity-based relationships in the parent protein and help maximize the immunogenic potential of the protein in the antibody, resulting in a fully active antibody against the corresponding epitope in the full-length protein.

[0131] Peptide modeling and alignment The four separate sequences were modeled using NovaFold and the resulting top scoring models were then aligned to the parent NLRP3 structure as shown in PDB:3QF2. [Table 6]

[0132] Modeling and comparison indicate that peptide FUS_746_001 is a favorable candidate for use as a peptide immunogen: in addition to showing the greatest alignment with the model of the parent protein, it also shows high similarity in predicted secondary structure and is an accessible epitope target. The peptide FUS_746_001 alignment with the NovaFold predicted structure is shown in FIG.

[0133] conclusion Software modeling should always be taken as a recommendation, not a conclusive one, and should be interpreted on this basis, especially when strong secondary structural features are not known to be found in the parent molecule. However, even with this in mind, this modeling indicates that peptide FUS_746_001, sequence EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (SEQ ID NO: 30), would be the best candidate for selection as an immunogen for this project, based on alignment to the parent protein and predicted antigenicity. The peptide also shows very few points of difference between mouse and human, which is also a desirable feature, aiding in the generation of an antibody response in mice that allows cross-reactivity between these species, while minimizing cross-reactivity to other NLRP types. Note: For cross-linking to KLH, adding an N-terminal Cys residue is recommended.

[0134] References Zhang, Y., 2008. I-TASSER server for protein 3D structure prediction. BMC Bioinformatics, 23 Jan. 9(40). Vajjhala,PR,Mirams,RE,and Hill,JM(2012).Multiple binding sites on the pyrin domain of ASC protein allow self-association and interaction with NLRP3 protein.J.Biol.Chem.287,41732-41743.

[0135] NLRP3 antigen synthesis The NLRP3 peptide was synthesized by bioSynthesis Inc, Texas, conjugated to KLH via an additional C-terminal cysteine ​​residue using maleimide coupling. ELISA screening results of the first bleed from mice immunized with NLRP3 immunogen (see FIG. 18).

[0136] Example 5 - Generation of monoclonal antibodies against NLRP3 A group of five mice were immunized and screened for a positive immune response. After selection of suitable candidates for fusion, splenocytes were fused with partner cells to generate a hybridoma group. This group was subjected to a series of limiting dilution and screening assays to generate a complete monoclonal cell line.

[0137] Cell line nomenclature The product name "F226 7A7-1E1-2D5" refers to one of 10 selected monoclonal hybridoma cell lines. The name is composed of elements describing the production pathway at each stage. Each hybridoma selected from post-fusion screening and each limiting dilution was given a number corresponding to the plate number and well position on the plate where the hybridoma was selected (i.e., 7A7-1E1-2D5). This nomenclature allows tracking of the origin of each individual hybridoma and allows clear differentiation of the screening process.

[0138] [Table 7]

[0139] material [Table 8] [Table 9]

[0140] Device CO 2 Cell culture static incubator (SANYO) ·Plate reader Sunrise (Tecan) Centurion Scientific K40R Centrifuge ·Grant-Bio Multishaker PSU 20

[0141] method Antigen preparation Upon receipt of the immunogen, NLRP3 peptide-KLH conjugate (bioSynthesis Inc, Texas), these solutions were diluted to 400 μg / ml in sterile EF-PBS and 600 μl was aliquoted for immunization and 150 μl for boosting and ELISA screening. These aliquots were labeled and stored at -20°C.

[0142] immunity A group of 5 BalbC mice was subcutaneously immunized with 200 μl of 1:1 Freund's complete adjuvant (Sigma) and a 600 μl aliquot of the NLRP3 peptide-KLH complex emulsion prepared herein. Two weeks after the first immunization, the group was immunized with a second injection, substituting only Freund's incomplete adjuvant (Sigma) at the same volume and concentration as the original injection. One week after the second immunization, mice were ear punched (NP, RP, LP, LRP, 2LP) and test bleeds were screened as described herein to obtain preliminary results. Three weeks after the second immunization, the group was immunized a third time in the same manner as the second injection. One week after the third immunization, test bleeds were screened and then RPs were selected for fusion.

[0143] ELISA of test blood samples Tail bleeds were obtained from a group of 5 BalbC mice and centrifuged at 8000 rpm at room temperature for 10 minutes. Serum was collected from each mouse, plated on the same day as screening, and stored at -20°C. This screening was performed twice to select suitable mice for fusion.

[0144] The day before screening, Maxi Sorb plates were coated by adding 100 μl / well of 1 μg / ml free NLRP3 peptide in 50 mM sodium carbonate coating buffer (pH 9.5). Another coating solution was prepared by diluting APO-A1 to 1 μg / ml in the same coating buffer. These solutions were added to alternating rows of the plate, allowing for the addition of each sample showing positive and negative results in two wells. The plate was incubated overnight at 4° C. stationary.

[0145] The following morning, the coating buffer was removed and 200 μl / well of blocking solution (4.0% w / v semi-skimmed milk powder, 1xPBS) was added and agitated at 150 rpm for 2 hours at room temperature. The plates were washed 3 times with PBS-T (0.1% v / v Tween 20). PBS was added to each well at 100 μl / well and 1 μl of each test blood serum was added to each positive and negative well. The plates were incubated at 150 rpm (Grant Shaker) for 2 hours at room temperature. The samples were then removed and washed 4 times with PBS-T. 100 μl / well of 1:5000 diluted GAM-HRP (Sigma, UK) was added and the plates were incubated at room temperature for 1 hour with agitation at 150 rpm. The secondary antibody was removed and the plates were washed 4 times with PBS-T and once in PBS. 100 μl / well of TMB substrate solution was added and incubated at 37°C for 10 minutes. 50 μl of 1M HCl was added per well and the plate was immediately read at 450 nm using a Tecan Sunrise plate reader.

[0146] After a second test bleed ELISA screening, RP was selected for fusion by expressing the highest positive immune response. booster injection A third booster injection was given to BalbC mice RP one week after the final immunization with 100 μl of 200 μg / ml aliquot IL-1R without adjuvant.

[0147] Fusion F226 One week prior to fusion, SP2 cells were removed from liquid nitrogen and subcultured in 10% FCS DMEM supplemented with 1% Pen / Strep, 1% L-glutamine until 3x12ml T75 flasks were 75%-90% confluent on the day of fusion. On the day of fusion, SP2 cells were removed by tapping the flasks and centrifuged at 1000 rpm, 37°C for 5 min. Cells were resuspended in 20ml SFM DMEM, centrifuged again, and resuspended in 10ml SFM DMEM. SP2 cells were stored in sterile tubes in SFM at 37°C, 6% CO. 2 Store below room temperature until needed.

[0148] After euthanasia, spleens were aseptically removed from mice that showed the strongest immune response. Splenocytes were extracted with a fine gauge needle by puncturing both ends of the spleen and flushing with 10-15 ml of SFM DMEM. Splenocytes were transferred to a sterilized tube and washed twice with 20 ml of serum-free DMEM by centrifugation at 1300 rpm at 37°C for 5 min, gently removing the supernatant. Splenocytes were resuspended in 10 ml of serum-free DMEM in the sterilized tube.

[0149] SP2 cells were added to the splenocytes using SP2 cells stored at 37°C. The SP2 / splenocyte culture was centrifuged at 1300 rpm at 37°C for 5 min. After discarding the supernatant, 1 ml of PEG was added dropwise to the SP2 / splenocyte culture while continuously stirring for 3 min. 1 ml of SFM DMEM was added to the fusion mixture and stirred for 4 min. 10 ml of SFM DMEM was added to the new culture and incubated in a 37°C water bath for 5 min. The cells were then centrifuged at 1000 rpm at 37°C for 5 min. The pellet was resuspended in 200 mL of HATR medium and seeded at 200 μl / well into 10x 96-well culture plates, which were incubated at 37°C for 30 min at 6% CO prior to screening. 2 The mixture was incubated at 37°C for 11 days.

[0150] Post-fusion screening and post-LD screening Eleven days after fusion, protoclones were screened by ELISA. 20x Maxi Sorb 96-well plates were coated with 1 μg / ml APO-A1 as a negative control for specificity as described in section 0. The coating solution was removed and the plates were blocked as described herein. Samples were prepared by removing 160 μl of supernatant from each well of 10 fusion, limiting dilution, or 24-well plates and transferring them to a new 96-well culture plate containing 50 μl of 1xPBS. After 2 hours of blocking, the blocking solution was removed and the plates were washed 3 times with PBS-T. Samples from each dilution plate were added at a concentration of 100 μl / well to the ELISA plate by adding one every two columns from each dilution plate to the ELISA plate to reveal the specificity of the coating antigen. Two wells per ELISA were incubated with 100 μl of 1xPBS as a negative control. These samples were incubated at 150 rpm for 2 hours at room temperature.

[0151] Limiting dilution Hybridoma populations were expanded in 24-well plates, and once sufficiently grown, a secondary screen was performed to select the most specific and most highly productive populations in rounds of limiting dilution. Both limiting dilutions were performed for 1-3 protoclones by seeding 2-4x 96-well plates at 1 cell / well in 200 μl medium / well, respectively. Plates were prepared by counting each culture in a 24-well plate, followed by a 10x dilution to 200 cells in 40 ml as intermediate dilutions. Cultures were seeded at 200 μl / well and incubated at 37°C, 6% CO until wells were 80%-90% confluent. 2 The plates were incubated at RT for 7-10 days. Wells from both limiting dilutions were screened by ELISA as described in section 0.

[0152] Final clone selection After the second limiting dilution, 10 clones were selected for growth in 24-well plates. Each clone was incubated at 37°C, 6% CO until each well was 80%-90% confluent. 2 The cells were grown at RT for 6 days. Once clones were well established in the 24-well plates, 1 ml / well of each clone was transferred to a T25 flask containing 5 ml fresh 10% HATR DMEM for cryopreservation.

[0153] Cryopreservation of monoclonal cell lines Once clones were well established in the T25 flasks (80%-90% confluency), each 5 ml culture was centrifuged at 1000 rpm for 5 min at 37°C and resuspended in 1 ml of fresh 10% DMEM HATR medium. Each 1 ml culture was transferred to a cryovial containing 300 μl of 1:1 ratio of FCS / DMSO. The vials were sealed, placed in Mr. Frosty, and transferred to a -70°C freezer for short-term storage.

[0154] Cell preparation for sequencing Anti-NLRP3 produced from clone F226 7A7-1E1-2D5 was selected for sequencing. When cultures reached confluence in T25 flasks, the supernatant was discarded. Cells were removed by scraping into 2 ml of fresh medium and centrifuged at 7,600 rpm at room temperature for 5 minutes. The supernatant was then discarded and the pellet was flash frozen in liquid nitrogen and placed in -70°C until ready for mRNA extraction.

[0155] Immunologic and test blood screening A colony of mice was immunized with the NLRP3 peptide-KLH conjugate (bioinformatically designed and synthesized by bioSynthesis Inc, Texas) and periodic test bleeds were obtained over a period of 11 weeks, after which the test bleeds were screened against the antigen.

[0156] Upon identification of positive mice, fusion was performed and then the supernatants from the hybridoma clones were examined.Specific antibodies were then subjected to limiting dilution and cloning to generate stable hybridoma cell lines against NLRP3.

[0157] Antibodies were screened against the target protein, NLRP3, using ELISA to select clones with signals at least three times higher than background. Antibodies from 24 clones were selected and further in-house testing was performed to select the best 6 clones.

[0158] result Test blood collection 1 One week after the second immunization, tail bleeds were obtained from five mice each and screened against unconjugated NLRP3 peptide and APO-A1 to determine suitable animals for fusion and the relative specificity of the polyclonal antibodies produced (see FIG. 19).

[0159] Test blood collection 2 After screening of sera from tail bleeds, 2RP showed the best immune response and was therefore selected for fusion with the fusion partner SP2 culture of its splenocytes (see FIG. 20).

[0160] Post-fusion screening When the wells of each plate reached 70%-80% confluency, the plates were screened against NLRP3 peptides and APO-A1 by ELISA. Hybridoma populations generating the highest responses were selected by growth in 24-well plates (see FIG. 21).

[0161] First 24-well plate screening Clones were selected from the post-fusion screening and arrayed into 24-well plates for expansion followed by secondary screening to determine suitable protoclones for the first round of limiting dilution. Three clones were selected and limiting dilutions were prepared (see FIG. 22).

[0162] Limiting dilution screening 1 When the first limiting dilution plate was confluent, the limiting dilution was screened against NLRP3 peptide and APO-A1 by ELISA. A group of 31 hybridomas was selected from F226, 5B7 and 7A7, which showed the highest and most specific response. No clones derived from 3D4 were suitable (see FIG. 23).

[0163] Second 24-well plate screening When clones reached confluence in 24-well plates, each clone was screened by ELISA against NLRP3 peptide and APO-A1. F226 5B7-1E10, 5B7-1G2, 7A7-1C4 and 7A7-1E1 were selected for each clone for a second round of limiting dilution across 2x 96-well plates (see Figure 24).

[0164] Limiting dilution 2 screening When the wells of each plate reached 70%-80% confluency, the plates were screened against NLRP3 peptides and APO-A1 by ELISA. The population of 24 hybridomas generating the highest response and greatest specificity was selected for expansion and cryopreservation in 24-well plates (see FIG. 25).

[0165] Dot blot analysis is shown in Figure 26. Dot blot was performed with protein lysates from THP-1 macrophages to test anti-NLRP3 monoclonal antibody-containing supernatants collected from the best 24 clones from fusion hybridoma cell lines (A25 = positive control: commercial anti-NLRP3 monoclonal antibody (R&D Systems), A26 = negative control: PBS). Clones 6, 11, 15, 16, 18 and 20 were selected and further tested by Western blotting.

[0166] Western blot analysis is shown in Figure 27. Western blot was performed with protein lysates from THP-1 macrophages to test anti-NLRP3 monoclonal antibody-containing supernatants collected from the best 6 clones from the fusion hybridoma cell line untreated (lane 1) and stimulated with LPS and ATP (lane 2, (protein ladder lane 3)). Clone 18 was selected for sequencing and used for bispecific monoclonal antibody development.

[0167] conclusion The goal of this project was to generate a series of antibodies against NLRP3 that are functional in disrupting the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Mice were immunized and screened, and 2RP was selected for fusion. 24 monoclonal hybridoma cell lines were generated from two rounds of limiting dilution. Each population was selected for highest production and highest specificity for NLRP3. Clone F226 7A7-1E1-2D5 was shown to be the most active in preventing NLRP3 assembly in in vitro assays. These final cell lines have been frozen, and the antibodies expressed by this 7A7-1E1-2D5 will be sequenced for the next step in the production of bispecific InflaMab.

[0168] Example 6 - NLRP3 monoclonal sequencing mRNA was extracted from hybridoma cell pellets on Feb. 23, 2016. Total RNA was extracted from the pellets using Fusion Antibodies Ltd's in-house RNA extraction protocol (see Example 3).

[0169] RT-PCR cDNA was generated from the RNA by reverse transcription using an oligo(dT) primer. PCR reactions were set up using variable domain primers to amplify both the VH and VL regions of the monoclonal antibody DNA giving the following bands (see Figure 28):

[0170] The VH and VL products were inserted into the Invitrogen sequencing vector pCR2.1, transformed into TOP10 cells, and screened by PCR for positive transformants. Selected colonies were picked and analyzed by DNA sequencing on an ABI3130xl Genetic Analyzer. The results are shown below.

[0171] Sequencing results Heavy chain V H Amino acid sequence alignment [ka]

[0172] [ka] [ka] The variable domains are highlighted in bold. The complementarity determining regions (CDRs) as determined by the IMGT numbering system are underlined (Lefranc, M.-P. et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 27, 209-212 (1999)) (see FIG. 29).

[0173] Legend for amino acid shading in Figure 29: Blue shaded circles are hydrophobic (non-polar) residues in frameworks 1-3 at positions that are the majority hydrophobic of the antibody. The yellow shaded circles are proline residues. Boxes indicate key residues at the start and end of the CDRs. The amino acids in red in the framework are structurally conserved amino acids.

[0174] Light chain V L Amino acid sequence alignment: [ka]

[0175] [ka] [ka] The variable domains are highlighted in bold. The complementarity determining regions (CDRs) as determined by the IMGT numbering system are underlined (Lefranc, M.-P. et al., Nucleic Acids Research, 27, 209-212 (1999)) (see FIG. 30).

[0176] Legend for amino acid shading in Figure 30: Blue shaded circles are hydrophobic (non-polar) residues in frameworks 1-3 at positions that are the majority hydrophobic of the antibody. The yellow shaded circles are proline residues. Boxes indicate key residues at the start and end of the CDRs. The amino acids in red in the framework are structurally conserved amino acids.

[0177] VH sequencing results: VH1.1 DNA sequence: ATGAACTTCGGGTTGAGCTTGGTTTTCCTTGTCCTTGTTTTAAAAGGTGCCCAGTGTGAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTAGTGAAGCCTGGAGGGTCCCTGAAACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACTTTCAGTGACTATTACATGTATT GGGTTCGCCAGACTCCGGAAAAGAGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGCAACCATTAGTGATGGTGGTACTTACACCTACTATCCAGACAGTGTGAAGGGGCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATGCCAAGAACAACCTTTACCTGCAAATGAACAGTCTGAAG (SEQ ID NO: 44) VH1.1 amino acid sequence: MNFGLSLVFLVLVLKGAQCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNNLYLQMNSLK (SEQ ID NO: 33) VH3.1 DNA sequence: ATGGACTTCGGGTTGAGCTGGGTTTTCCTTGTCCTTGTTTTAAAAGGTGTCCAGTGTGAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTAGTGAAGCCTGGAGGGTCCCTGAAACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACTTTCATGACTATTACATGTATTGGGTTCGCCAGACTCCGGAAAAGAGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGCAACCATTAGTGATGGTGGTACTTACACCTACTA TCCAGACAGTGTGAAGGGGCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATGCCAAGAACAACCTTTACCTGCAAATGAACAGTCTGAAGTCTGAGGACACAGCCATGTATTACTGTGCAAGAGGATGGGTTTCTACTATGGTTAAACTTCTTTCCTCCTTTCCTTACTGGGGCCAAGGGACTCTGGTCACTGTCTCTGCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCATCTGTCTATCCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 45) VH3.1 amino acid sequence: MDFGLSWVFLVLVLKGVQCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNNLYLQMNSLKSEDTAMYYCARGWVSTMVKLLSSFPYWGQGTLVTVSAAKTTPPSVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 36) VH3.4 DNA sequence: ATGGACTTCGGGCTGAGCAGGGTTTTCCTTGTCCTTGTTTTAAAAGGTGTCCAGTGTGAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTAGTGAAGCCTGGAGGGTCCCTGAAACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACTTTCAGTGACTATTACATGTATTGGGTTCGCCAGACTCCGGAAAAGAGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGCAACCATTAGTGATGGTGGTACTTACACCTACTA TCCAGACAGTGTGAAGGGGCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATGCCAAGAACAACCTTTACCTGCAAATGAACAGTCTGAAGTCTGAGGACACAGCCATGTATTACTGTGCAAGAGGATGGGTTTCTACTATGGTTAAACTTCTTTCCTCCTTTCCTACTGGGGCCAAGGGACTCTGGTCACTGTCTCTGCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCATCTGTCTATCCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 46) VH3.4 amino acid sequence: MDFGLSRVFLVLVLKGVQCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNNLYLQMNSLKSEDTAMYYCARGWVSTMVKLLSSFPYWGQGTLVTVSAAKTTPPSVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 35) VH3.5 DNA sequence: ATGGACTTCGGGCTGAGCTGGGTTTTCCTTGTCCTTGTTTTAAAAGGTGTCCAGTGTGAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTAGTGAAGCCTGGAGGGTCCCTGAAACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACTTTCATGACTATTACATGTATTGGGTTCGCCAGACTCCGGAAAAGAGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGCAACCATTAGTGATGGTGGTACTTACACCTACTA TCCAGACAGTGTGAAGGGGCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATGCCAAGAACAACCTTTACCTGCAAATGAACAGTCTGAAGTCTGAGGACACAGCCATGTATTACTGTGCAAGAGGATGGGTTTCTACTATGGTTAAACTTCTTTCCTCCTTTCCTTACTGGGGCCAAGGGACTCTGGTCACTGTCTCTGCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCATCTGTCTATCCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 47) VH3.5 amino acid sequence: MDFGLSWVFLVLVLKGVQCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNNLYLQMNSLKSEDTAMYYCARGWVSTMVKLLSSFPYWGQGTLVTVSAAKTTPPSVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 36) VH3.7 DNA sequence: TTTTCCTTGTCCTTGTTTTAAAAGGTGTCCAGTGTGAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTAGTGAAGCCTGGAGGGTCCCTGAAACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACTTTCATGACTATTACATGTATTGGGTTCGCCAGACTCCGGAAAAGAGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGCAACCATTAGTGATGGTGGTACTTACACCTACTATCCAGACAGTG TGAAGGGGCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATGCCAAGAACAACCTTTACCTGCAAATGAACAGTCTGAAGTCTGAGGACACAGCCATGTATTACTGTGCAAGAGGATGGGTTTCTACTATGGTTAAACTTCTTTCCTCCTTTCCTTACTGGGGCCAAGGGACTCTGGTCACTGTCTCTGCAGCCAAACGACACCCCCATCTGTCTATCCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 48) VH3.7 amino acid sequence: FLVLVLKGVQCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNNLYLQMNSLKSEDTAMYYCARGWVSTMVKLLSSFPYWGQGTLVTVSAAKTTPPSVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 33) VH3.8 DNA sequence: ATGGACTTCGGGCTGAGCTGGGTTTTCCTTGTCCTTGTTTTAAAAGGTGTCCAGTGTGAAGTGCAGCTGGTGGAGTCTGGGGGAGGCTTAGTGAAGCCTGGAGGGTCCCTGAAACTCTCCTGTGCAGCCTCTGGATTCACTTTCATGACTATTACATGTATTGGGTTCGCCAGACTCCGGAAAAGAGGCTGGAGTGGGTCGCAACCATTAGTGATGGTGGTACTTACACCTACTA TCCAGACAGTGTGAAGGGGCGATTCACCATCTCCAGAGACAATGCCAAGAACAACCTTTACCTGCAAATGAACAGTCTGAAGTCTGAGGACACAGCCATGTATTACTGTGCAAGAGGATGGGTTTCTACTATGGTTAAACTTCTTTCCTCCTTTCCTTACTGGGGCCAAGGGACTCTGGTCACTGTCTCTGCAGCCAAAACGACACCCCCATCTGTCTATCCACTGGCC (SEQ ID NO: 49) VH3.8 amino acid sequence: MDFGLSWVFLVLVLKGVQCEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDNAKNNLYLQMNSLKSEDTAMYYCARGWVSTMVKLLSSFPYWGQGTLVTVSAAKTTPPSVYPLA (SEQ ID NO: 36)

[0178] VL sequencing results: VL1.1 DNA sequence: ATGGCCTGGATTTCTCTTATATTCTCTCCTGGCTCTCAGCTCAGGGGCCATTTCCCAGGCTGTTGTGACTCAGGAATCTGCACTCACCACATCACCTGGTGAAACAGTCACACTCACTTGTCGCTCAAGTACTGGGCTGTTACAACTAGTAACTATGCCAACTGGGTCCAAGAAAAACCAGATCATTTATTCACTGGTCTAGTAGGTGGTACCAACAACCGAGCT CCAGGTGTTCCTGCCAGATTCTCAGGCTCCCTGATTGGAGACAAGGCTGCCCTCACCATCACAGGGGCACAGACTGAGGATGAGGCAATATATTTCTGTGCTCTATGGTACAGCAATTATTGGGTGTTCGGTGGAGGAACCAAACTGACTGTCCTAGGCCAGCCCAAGTCTTCGCCATCAGTCACCCTGTTCCCACCCTCCACTGAAGAGCTAAGCTTGGG (SEQ ID NO: 50) VL1.1 amino acid sequence: MAWISLIFSLLALSSGAISQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLVGGTNNRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKSSPSVTLFPPSTEELSL (SEQ ID NO: 37) VL1.2 DNA sequence: ATGGCCTGGACTTCACTCTTACTCTCTCCTGGCTCTCAGCTCAGGGGCCATTTCCCAGGCTGTTGTGACTCAGGAATCTGCACTCACCACATCACCTGGTGAAACAGTCACACTCACTTGTCGCTCAAGTACTGGGGCTGTTACAACTAGTAACTATGCCAACTGGGTCCAAGAAAAACCAGATCATTTATTCACTGGTCTAATAGGTGGTACCAACAACCGAGCT CCAGGTGTTCCTGCCAGATTCTCAGGCTCCCTGATTGGAGACAAGGCTGCCCTCACCATCACAGGGGCACAGACTGAGGATGAGGCAATATATTTCTGTGCTCTATGGTACAGCAATTATTGGGTGTTCGGTGGAGGAACCAAACTGACTGTCCTAGGCCAGCCCAAGTCTTCGCCATCAGTCACCCTGTGCCCGCCCTCCTCAGAGAAGCTAAGCTTGGG (SEQ ID NO: 51) VL1.2 amino acid sequence: MAWTSLLLSLLALSSGAISQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLIGGTNNRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKSSPSVTLCPPSSEKLSL (SEQ ID NO: 39) VL1.4 DNA sequence: ATGGCCTGGATTCCTCTTTTATTCTCTCCTGGCTCTCAGCTCAGGGGCCATTTCCCAGGCTGTTGTGACTCAGGAATCTGCACTCACCACATCACCTGGTGAAACAGTCACACTCACTTGTCGCTCAAGTACTGGGGCTGTTACAACTAGTAACTATGCCAACTGGGTCCAAGAAAAACCAGATCATTTATTCACTGGTCTAATAGGTGGTACCAACAACCGAGCT CCAGGTGTTCCTGCCAGATTCTCAGGCTCCCTGATTGGAGACAAGGCTGCCCTCACCATCATAGGGGCACAGACTGAGGATGAGGCAATATATTTCTGTGCTCTATGGTACAGCAATTATTGGGTGTTCGGTGGAGGAACCAAACTGACTGTCCTAGGCCAGCCCAAGTCTTCGCCATCAGTCACCCTGTTCCCGCCCTCCTTAGAAAAGCTTAGCTTGGG (SEQ ID NO: 52) VL1.4 amino acid sequence: MAWIPLLFSLLALSSGAISQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLIGGTNNRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTIIGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKSSPSVTLFPPSLEKLSL (SEQ ID NO: 41) VL1.5 DNA sequence: ATGGCCTGGATTTCACTTTTACTCTCTCCTGGCTCTCAGCTCAGGGGCCATTTCCCAGGCTGTTGTGACTCAGGAATCTGCACTCACCACATCACCTGGTGAAACAGTCACACTCACTTGTCGCTCAAGTACTGGGGCTGTTACAACTAGTAACTATGCCAACTGGGTCCAAGAAAAACCAGATCATTTATTCACTGGTCTAATAGGTGGTACCAACAACCGAGCT CCAGGTGTTCCTGCCAGATTCTCAGGCTCCCTGATTGGAGACAAGGCTGCCCTCACCATCACAGGGGCACAGACTGAGGATGAGGCAATATATTTCTGTGCTCTATGGTACAGCAATTATTGGGTGTTCGGTGGAGGAACCAAACTGACTGTCCTAGGCCAGCCCAAGTCTTCGCCATCAGTCACCCTGTTTCCACCCTCCACAGAAGAGCTAAGCTTGGG (SEQ ID NO: 53) VL1.5 amino acid sequence: MAWISLLLSLLALSSGAISQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLIGGTNNRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKSSPSVTLFPPSTEELSL (SEQ ID NO: 42) VL1.6 DNA sequence: ATGGCCTGGATTTCACTTATCTTCTCTCTCCTGGCTCAGCTCAGGGGCCATTTCCCAGGCTGTTGTGACTCAGGAATCTGCACTCACCACATCACCTGGTGAAACAGTCACACTCACTTGTCGCTCAAGTACTGGGGCTGTTACAACTAGTAACTATGCCAACTGGGTCCAAGAAAAACCAGATCATTTATTCACTGGTCTAATAGGTGGTACCAGCAACCGAGCT CCAGGTGTTCCTGCCAGATTCTCAGGCTCCCTGATTGGAGACAAGGCTGCCCTCACCATCACAGGGGCACAGACTGAGGATGAGGCAATATATTTCTGTGCTCTATGGTACAGCAATTATTGGGTGTTCGGTGGAGGAACCAAACTGACTGTCCTAGGCCAGCCCAAGTCTTCGCCATCAGTCACCCTGTACCCGCCCTCTACAAAGGAGCTTAGCTTGGG (SEQ ID NO: 54) VL1.6 amino acid sequence: MAWISLIFSLLALSSGAISQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLIGGTSNRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKSSPSVTLYPPSTKELSL (SEQ ID NO: 38) VL1.7 DNA sequence: ATGGCCTGGACTTCTCTCTTATTCTCTCCTGGCTCTCAGCTCAGGGGCCATTTCCCAGGCTGTTGTGACTCAGGAATCTGCACTCACCACATCACCTGGTGAAACAGTCACACTCACTTGTCGCTCAAGTACTGGGGCTGTTACAACTAGTAACTATGCCAACTGGGTCCAAGAAAAACCAGATCATTTATTCACTGGTCTAATAGGTGGTACCAACAACCGAGCT CCAGGTGCTCCTGCCAGATTCTCAGGCTCCCTGATTGGAGACAAGGCTGCCCTCACCATCACAGGGGCACAGACTGAGGATGAGGCAATATATTTCTGTGCTCTATGGTACAGCAATTATTGGGTGTTCGGTGGAGGAACCAAACTGACTGTCCTAGGCCAGCCCAAGTCTTCGCCATCAGTCACCCTGTGCCCGCCCTCTACAGAAAAGCTAAGCTTGGG (SEQ ID NO: 55) VL1.7 amino acid sequence: MAWTSLLFSLLALSSGAISQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLIGGTNNRAPGAPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPKSSPSVTLCPPSTEKLSL (SEQ ID NO: 40)

[0179] Example 7 - InflaMab Design - Development of a bispecific antibody against both IL-1R1 and NLRP3 The variable domain sequences of monoclonal antibodies IL-1R1 and NLRP3 were sequenced. An antibody was constructed using an IL-1R1 antibody with an IgG2a mouse constant domain sequence. A short linker was added to the C-terminus of the heavy chain, and the linker (GGGGS) 3 The DNA and amino acid sequences can be found below.

[0180] The construct was inserted into the ATUM vector pD2610-v5 and verified by sequencing. Figure 31 shows the bispecific design and plasmid map of InflaMab.

[0181] Designed bispecific antibody sequences Light chain DNA sequence: (SEQ ID NO:56)

[0182] Light chain amino acid sequence: MVSSAQFLGLLLLCFQGTRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLT FGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVKWKIDGSERQNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEATHKTSTSPIVKSFNRNEC ** (SEQ ID NO:57)

[0183] Heavy chain DNA sequence:

[0184] Heavy chain amino acid sequence: MGWTLVFLFLLSVTAGVHSQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLETAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTAPSVYPLAPVCGDTTGSSVTLGCLVKGYFPEPVTLTWNS GSLSSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVTSSTWPSQSITCNVAHPASSTKVDKKIEPRGPTIKPCPPCKCPAPNLLGGPSVFIFPPKIKDVLMISLSPIVTCVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTLRVVSALPIQHQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPAPIERTISKPKGSV RAPQVYVLPPPEEEMTKKQVTLTCMVTDFMPEDIYVEWTNNGKTELNYKNTEPVLDSDGSYFMYSKLRVEKKNWVERNSYSCSVVHEGLHNHHTTKSFSRTPGKGSAGGSGGDSEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFT ISRDNAKNNLYLQMNSLKSEDTAMYYCARGWVSTMVKLLSSFPYWGQGTLVTVSAGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLIGGTNNRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPK ** (SEQ ID NO:59)

[0185] Example 8 - InflaMab (bispecific for IL-1R1 and NLRP3) transient expression The goal was to perform transient transfection of InflaMab vector DNA into ExpiCHO cells. After cultivation, expressed InflaMab was purified from the culture supernatant and QC analysis was performed on the purified protein. InflaMab is a 210 kilodalton (kDa) bispecific murine antibody composed of two pairs of light chains and two pairs of heavy chains, with scFv domains fused to the N-terminus, complexed together via disulfide bonds. A mammalian expression vector encoding InflaMab was transfected into ExpiCHO cells. The expressed antibody was then purified from clarified culture supernatant via Protein A affinity chromatography. The concentration of the purified antibody was measured using a NanoDrop Lite, Thermofisher, and the purity was assessed by SDS-PAGE.

[0186] array DNA encoding the amino acid sequence of InflaMab was synthesized and inserted into the mammalian transient expression plasmid pD2610-v5 (Atum). Plasmid InflaMab: >InflaMab light chain (theoretical MW=26.7kDa) MVSSAQFLGLLLLCFQGTRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLTFGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVKWKIDGSERQNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEATHKTSTSPIVKSFNRNEC (SEQ ID NO: 57) >InflaMab heavy chain (theoretical MW=79.3kDa) (SEQ ID NO:59)

[0187] Transient transfection of CHO cells Suspension adapted ExpiCHO cells (Thermo Fisher, UK) were routinely cultured at 37°C and 8% CO 2 1.0-3.0x10 were cultured every 2-3 days in a 500 ml Erlenmeyer vent flask with stirring at 135 rpm under low pressure. 5The cells were cultured at 1000x cells / ml. Plasmid DNA for gene transfer was isolated using the Purelink Hipure plasmid filter maxiprep kit (Thermo Fisher, UK) according to the manufacturer's instructions. DNA was quantified using a Nano Drop lite photometer according to the manufacturer's instructions.

[0188] 24 hours before transfection, ExpiCHO cells were cultured at 4.0x10 6 Seed in ExpiCHO expression medium at a concentration of cells / ml and incubated at 135 rpm, 37 °C, 8% CO 2 On the day of transfection, 250 ml of ExpiCHO cells were grown at a final density of 6.0x10 in ExpiCHO Expression Medium. 6 Plasmid DNA was diluted to 1.0 μg / ml and 0.32% (v / v) Expifectamine CHO reagent (Thermo Fisher) was diluted separately in 4% (v / v) OptiPro SFM (Thermo Fisher). The Expifectamine CHO / Optipro complex was added dropwise to the plasmid DNA / Optipro complex. The transfection mix was immediately added to the ExpiCHO cells. The transfected cells were incubated at 135 rpm, 37°C, 8% CO 2 The mixture was incubated overnight under

[0189] 20 hours after transfection, cultures were supplemented with 0.6% (v / v) ExpiCHO Enhancer (Thermo Fisher, UK) and 24% ExpiCHO Feed (Thermo Fisher, UK). Cell viability was closely monitored and cultures were harvested on day 8 by centrifugation at 4000 rpm for 40 min at room temperature.

[0190] Purification of InflaMab Purification was performed using AKTA (GE Healthcare) chromatography equipment. All AKTA equipment was thoroughly disinfected with 1 M NaOH before use. After centrifugation, filtered (0.22 μm) cell culture supernatant was applied to an AKTA system equipped with a 1 ml HiTrap Protein A column (equilibrated with wash buffer). After loading, the column was washed with 20 column volumes of wash buffer. Bound antibodies were step-eluted with 10 column volumes of elution buffer. All elution fractions were neutralized with Tris pH 9.0 buffer. Elution fractions corresponding to the elution peak were selected for overnight dialysis into PBS. Purity of the antibody was >95% as judged by SDS polyacrylamide midi gel.

[0191] SDS-PAGE analysis (see Figure 32) Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE) was performed on the purified antibodies using standard methods. Molecular weight markers are shown in kilodaltons. The lanes in Figure 32 are as follows: [Table 10]

[0192] InflaMab is ≧95% as determined by analysis of SDS polyacrylamide gels. Under reducing conditions, both the heavy and light chains of the antibody were visible and observed at the expected molecular weights of approximately 80 and 27 kDa, respectively. Under non-reducing conditions, only one larger band and several smaller bands were observed. Additional bands (impurities) may be the result of non-glycosylated IgG and IgG degradation products (e.g., a single [partial] light chain, two heavy chains and one light chain, two heavy chains, two heavy chains and one light chain combinations).

[0193] Evaluation of purified InflaMab The purified InflaMab was analyzed using a Nanodrop Lite spectrophotometer with extinction coefficients of 330 and 685M. -1 cm -1(or 1.0 mg / ml = 1.7 of A280 [assuming MW = 184,276 Da]) was used to quantitate according to the manufacturer's instructions. A total of 17.5 mg of InflaMab was purified from 0.3 liters of transfected cell culture supernatant. [Table 11]

[0194] Summary: InflaMab Material: Purified antibody Origin: Produced in Chinese hamster (Crimson hamster) ovary cell line (no hamster or animal components added) [Table 12] Harmless, non-infectious. For research use only.

[0195] Inflamab prevents IL-1β release (see Figures 33a and b). For Figures 33a and b, THP1 cells were cultured in 96-well plates at 100,000 cells / 200 μl complete medium. THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages using PMA (100 μg / ml for 72 hours). After 24 hours of rest, differentiated THP1 cells were stimulated with LPS (1 μg / ml) for 3 hours and treated with IL-1R1 / NLRP3 Ab (1 μM) or IL-1R1 / NLRP3 Ab (1 nM) (Figure 33b) in a dose-dependent manner from 0.0025 ng / ml to 2.5 ng / ml for 30 minutes, followed by treatment with ATP (5 mM) for 1 hour. IL-1β release in the supernatant was measured by ELISA.

[0196] Inflamab prevents activation of caspase-1 in THP1 cells (see FIG. 34). For FIG. 34, THP1 cells were cultured in 96-well plates at 100,000 cells / 200 μl complete medium. THP-1 cells were differentiated into macrophages using PMA (100 μg / ml for 72 hours). After 24 hours of rest, differentiated THP1 cells were stimulated with LPS (1 μg / ml) for 3 hours and treated with IL-1R1 / NLRP3 Ab (1 μg / ml) for 30 minutes, followed by ATP (5 mM) for 1 hour. Caspase-1 activation was assessed by staining cells with a non-cytotoxic fluorescently labeled inhibitor of caspase-1 (FAM-FLICA) and DAPI (nuclear stain). Cells were treated with LPS alone (negative control), LPS+ATP (positive control), mouse IgG2a (1 μg / ml, Ab control), or IL-1r / NLRP3 bispecific Ab (1 μg / ml, experimental). Representative confocal images of each group are shown. Green = active caspase 1 and blue = Dapi / nuclear staining.

[0197] Internalization of Inflamab (see FIG. 35). For FIG. 35, THP1 cells were cultured in 96-well plates at 100,000 cells / 200 μl complete medium. Differentiation of THP1 cells was induced by PMA (100 μg / ml for 72 hours). After 24 hours of rest, differentiated THP1 cells were stimulated with LPS (1 μg / ml) for 3 hours and treated with pHrodo red-labeled IL-1r / NLRP3 Ab (1 μg / ml) for 30 minutes, followed by ATP (5 mM) for 1 hour. Internalization of Ab was tracked using pHrodo red-labeled bispecific Ab, which only fluoresces when internalized. (A) Representative confocal images show internalization of pHrodo red-labeled bispecific Ab in differentiated THP1 cells. (B) Representative confocal images show a significant decrease in caspase-1 activation (green) in THP1 cells that had internalized the bispecific Ab (red, white arrows) compared to THP1 cells that had not internalized the Ab (green only).

[0198] Example 9 - Targeting NLRP3 for glaucoma Background and Significance Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is characterized by the progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Recent studies estimate that approximately 60 million people worldwide currently suffer from glaucoma, and with a rapidly expanding aging population, this figure is predicted to exceed 100 million by 2040 [1]. Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma, leaving intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction as the only treatment strategy for all types of glaucoma [2]. However, although high IOP is the major risk factor for the development of glaucoma, lowering IOP alone does not prevent disease progression, and even after successful IOP reduction, many patients still experience significant vision loss [3]. Furthermore, the increasing incidence of normal tension glaucoma [4,5] and the absence of neurodegeneration in some patients with high IOP [6] indicate that IOP-independent mechanisms contribute to glaucoma development and progression as well, highlighting the need for the development of IOP-independent neuroprotective therapies to prevent disease progression and preserve vision.

[0199] Glaucoma is a complex, multifactorial disease, and although the exact mechanisms mediating axonal degeneration and RGC cell death are not fully understood, there is growing evidence that axonal damage precedes RGC death in the optic nerve head (ONH) [7,8]. Furthermore, axonal damage in the ONH has been associated with glial activation and inflammation [9,10]. In humans and experimental models of glaucoma, activated astrocytes [10,11] and activated microglia [9,12] have been detected in the ONH, coinciding with increased expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNFα and neurotoxic mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and glutamate [12-14]. However, the extent to which elevated IOP induces glial activation and how the inflammatory cascade is amplified and sustained is not fully understood.

[0200] The NLRP3 inflammasome is an intracellular multiprotein complex that induces inflammation in response to signals generated by infectious microorganisms, as well as endogenous signals associated with cellular stress and tissue injury.

[15] Dysregulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis.

[16] More recently, activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome has been linked to RGC cell death after retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury and optic nerve crush injury.[17,18]

[0201] result Focusing specifically on the ONH region, where glial activation and inflammation have been linked to early axonal damage, NLRP3 has been shown to be constitutively expressed in mouse and human ONH [Figure 36], and astrocyte-specific expression was confirmed by immunofluorescence showing colocalization of NLRP3 with the astrocyte-specific marker GFAP in human ONH [Figure 37]. By using a microbead-induced glaucoma mouse model together with fluorescent reporter mice to track inflammasome activation in vivo [19,20], it was shown that NLRP3 inflammasome activation occurs early in the ONH after IOP elevation and coincides with the induction of inflammatory mediators in the ONH [Figure 38]. Using knockout mice lacking the ASC adaptor protein (ASC KO), an essential component of the NLRP3 inflammasome, it was shown that the early induction of inflammatory mediators and the accumulation of Iba1+ immune cells in the ONH are inflammasome activation-dependent [Figure 39]. Furthermore, using mice specifically lacking NLRP3 (NLRP3 KO), it was shown that NLRP3 specifically mediates axonal degeneration and RGC cell death in a microbead-induced glaucoma mouse model

[20] [Figure 40]. However, the most clinically relevant study revealed that systemic treatment of mice with a commercially available NLRP3 small molecule inhibitor (MCC950)

[21] prevented RGC cell death in a microbead-induced glaucoma mouse model [Figure 41]. This study provides a proof-of-concept that pharmacological targeting of NLRP3 could serve as a neuroprotective therapeutic for glaucoma. However, due to its extremely short half-life, MCC950 must be administered systemically every other day for the long study period, and furthermore, systemic blockade of the NLRP3 inflammasome in aging populations is less than ideal as a promising therapeutic for glaucoma, as the inflammasome plays an essential role in host defense against infection [15,22]. In glaucoma, a disease restricted to RGCs and their axons, local delivery of inhibitors to the vitreous would be ideal, but inhibitors with longer half-lives would be required to limit the number of intravitreal injections.Biologics are known to have longer half-lives than small molecules,

[23] and there is strong precedent in ophthalmology for the use of topical biologics for treating eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration.

[0202] In vitro studies clearly demonstrated the ability of Inflamab (NLRP3 / IL1R1) to inhibit inflammasome activation (Figure 33a-Figure 35), and in vivo studies are currently underway to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of InflaMab (NLRP3 / IL1R1 bispecific antibody) when administered intravitreally in a microbead-induced glaucoma mouse model. In the current study, WT C57BL / 6J mice received a single intravitreal injection of Inflamab (final vitreous concentrations of 2.5, 25, or 250 ng / ml) on day 0 immediately prior to microbead injection, and mice receiving saline only (no beads) served as non-glaucomatous controls. RGC function is currently measured by pERG using a fully integrated ERG system for rodents (Celeris). Changes in pERG amplitude will be measured in mice receiving microbeads only and compared to mice receiving microbeads + Inflamab (final vitreous concentrations of 2.5, 25, and 250 ng / ml) or saline only (no beads) [Figure 42]. In these studies, preliminary pERG results showed restoration of RGC function in microbead-injected mice treated with Inflamab at a final vitreous concentration of 250 ng / ml compared to microbeads only, or microbeads + Inflamab at 2.5 or 25 ng / ml. Visual acuity measurements using an optokinetic reflex-based spatial frequency threshold test, as well as RGC and axon quantification, will be performed to further demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of Inflamab and include additional control groups (microbead-injected mice treated with appropriate IgG control antibodies).

[0203] NLRP3 is constitutively expressed in mouse and human optic nerve heads (see FIG. 36). (A) Protein lysates were prepared from ONH tissues of WT C57BL / 6J mice and subjected to immunoblotting for NLRP3 (red) along with actin (green) as a loading control. Conjunctiva (conj) from C57BL / 6J WT mice was used as a positive control, and ONH and conjunctival tissues from NLRP3 KO mice were used as negative controls. Western blot analysis shows that NLRP3 is constitutively expressed in non-glaucomatous mouse ONH. (B) Immunohistochemistry of sections of non-glaucomatous human optic nerves shows constitutive expression of NLRP3 (red) in the lamina cribrosa region of the optic nerve head, with no constitutive expression in the myelinated portion of the optic nerve.

[0204] NLRP3 is constitutively expressed in optic nerve head astrocytes of normal (non-glaucomatous) human eyes (see FIG. 37). Immunofluorescence of human optic nerve sections shows colocalization of NLRP3 (red) with the astrocyte-specific marker GFAP (green) in the non-myelinated lamina cribrosa region of the optic nerve head. Dapi (blue) was used to identify all nucleated cells. Images are representative stainings performed on optic nerve sections obtained from three individual (non-glaucomatous) human optic nerves.

[0205] NLRP3 inflammasome assembly in the ONH coincides with induction of inflammatory mediators 7 days after microbead injection (Figure 38). ASC speck formation was monitored in vivo using fluorescent reporter mice (ASC Citrine / Cre+). (A) Cryoscopic sections were stained with GFAP (astrocytes, pink), MBP (myelin, red) and DAPI (blue) on day 7 after microbead or saline injection as a control. (B) The total number of ASC Citrine specks (green) was counted using Image J in the ONH region (top of ONH to myelinating zone (dotted line)) and in the neural retina (N=5 sections per eye). A significant increase in the number of ASC Citrine specks was observed in the ONH but not in the retina 7 days after microbeads compared to saline. ***P<0.001, N=4 per group. (C) Staining with NLRP3 showed constitutive expression of NLRP3 (red) and ASC (green) in the ONH of saline-injected control eyes, but ASC and NLRP3 were not colocalized (merged image). In contrast, 7 days after microbead injection, ASC citrine specks were colocalized with NLRP3 (yellow staining in merged image), indicating inflammasome assembly and activation of NLRP3. (D) Quantitative PCR on ONH and retinal tissues 7 days after microbead injection showed significant increases in GFAP, IL-1β, IL-18, and TNFα in the ONH but not in the retina compared to uninjected contralateral eyes (fold over control). N=5 mice / group (qPCR), *P<0.05, **P>0.001, ***P<0.001.

[0206] Macrophage infiltration and inflammatory gene expression in WT and ASC KO mice after IOP elevation (see FIG. 39). (A) Frozen sections (3 per eye) were taken from WT and ASC KO eyes 0, 7, and 14 days after microbead injection, and the total number of Iba1+ cells (macrophages / microglia) was counted in the ONH region (from the top of the ONH to the myelinating zone). (B) Results show a significant increase in Iba1+ cells in WT, but not ASC KO ONH at D7 and D14 after microbead injection. (C) Quantitative PCR on ONH tissue 7 and 14 days after microbead injection showed a significant increase in IL-1β and IL-18 mRNA levels in WT compared to uninjected contralateral eyes (fold over control). This increase in inflammatory gene expression was completely abrogated in ASC KO mice. N = 5 mice / group (immunofluorescence) and N = 6–8 mice / group (qPCR), *P < 0.05, **P > 0.001, ***P < 0.001.

[0207] RGC and axon analysis in WT, ASC KO, and NLRP3 KO mice (see FIG. 40). C57BL / 6J WT, ASC KO, and NLRP3 KO mice received anterior chamber injections of sterile polystyrene microbeads (7.2x106, 15 μm) or saline as a control. The uninjected contralateral eye served as a negative control, and IOP measurements were continued every 3 days for 4 weeks using a rebound tonometer (TonoLab). (A) IOP analysis shows a significant increase in IOP in microbead-injected WT, ASC KO, and NLRP3 KO mice compared to saline and uninjected contralateral controls, with no significant differences in the time course or magnitude of microbead-induced IOP between WT, ASC KO, and NLRP3 KO mice. (B) RGC density 4 weeks after microbead injection was quantified in retinal flat mounts stained with β-III tubulin (a %RGC specific marker) and data were expressed as %RGC survival compared to the contralateral uninjected eye. (C) Axon density was quantified in the optic nerve stained with PPD and data were expressed as % axon survival compared to the contralateral uninjected eye. N=8-10 / group, ****P<0.0001.

[0208] RGC analysis in WT mice treated with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 (see Figure 1). To determine whether treatment with MCC950 (a small molecule NLRP3 inhibitor) can prevent RGC cell death in a microbead-induced glaucoma mouse model, WT C57BL / 6J mice received intraperitoneal injections of MCC950 (10 mg / kg, starting on day 0) every other day for 4 weeks. Contralateral eyes not receiving any injections and mice receiving vehicle only served as negative controls. (A) IOP analysis shows that microbead-injected WT mice treated with vehicle or MCC950 had a significant increase in IOP compared to no bead controls, with no significant differences in the time course or magnitude of microbead-induced IOP between vehicle and MCC950 treated mice. (B) Representative confocal images of retinal flat mounts 4 weeks after microbead injection stained with the RGC-specific marker Brn3a (red) and the nuclear marker Dapi (blue). (C) Four weeks after microbead injection, RGC density was quantified and showed a significant reduction in RGC density in microbead-injected WT mice that received vehicle only compared to uninjected (no beads) contralateral eyes. In contrast, mice treated with MCC950 showed RGC protection, with RGC density similar to uninjected (no beads) controls. N=5 / group, ***P<0.001.

[0209] RGC function in WT mice treated with the NLRP3 inhibitor InflaMab (see Figure 42). To determine whether topical treatment with InflaMab (NLRP3 / IL-1R1) could protect RGCs in a microbead-induced glaucoma mouse model, WT C57BL / 6J mice received a single intravitreal injection of Inflamab (final vitreous concentrations of 2.5, 25, or 250 ng / ml) on day 0 immediately prior to microbead injection. Mice receiving saline only (no beads) served as normal (non-glaucomatous) controls. RGC function was measured by pERG using a fully integrated rodent ERG system (Celeris), and changes in pERG amplitude were measured in mice receiving microbeads only and compared to mice receiving microbeads + Inflamab (2.5, 25, and 250 ng / ml) or saline only (no beads). N=4-5 / group. These studies are currently ongoing. Preliminary pERG results presented herein demonstrate restoration of RGC function in microbead-injected mice treated with Inflamab at a final vitreous concentration of 250 ng / ml compared to microbeads alone or microbeads + Inflamab at 2.5 or 25 ng / ml. Visual acuity measurements using an optokinetic reflex-based spatial frequency threshold test, as well as RGC and axon quantification, will also be performed to further demonstrate the neuroprotective effects of Inflamab and additional control groups (microbead-injected mice treated with appropriate IgG control antibodies).

[0210] References 1.Tham YC,X Li,TY wong,HA Quigley,T Aung,CY Cheng.Global prevalence of glaucoma and projections of glaucoma burden through 2040.Ophthalmol.2014;121911):2081-2090. 2.Casson RJ,G Chidlow,et al.Definition of glaucoma;clinical and experimental concepts.Clin Exp Ophthalmol.2012;40(4):341. 3.Leske MC,A Heijl,M Hussein et al.,Factors for glaucoma progression and the effect of treatment:the early manifest glaucoma trial.Arch Ophthalmol.2003;121:48-56. 4.Mudumbai R.C.2013.Clinical update on normal tension glaucoma.Sem.Ophthalmol.28(3):173-179. 5.Song B.J.,J.Caprioli.2014.New directions in the treatment of normal tension glaucoma.Indian J.Ophthalmol.62(5):529-537. 6.Leibowitz HM,DE Krueger,LR Maunder ,et al.The Framingham Eye Study monograph:an ophthalmological and epidemiological study of cataract,glaucoma,diabetic retinopathy,macular degeneration,and visual acuity in a general population of 2631 adults,1973-1975.Surv.Ophthalmol.1980;24suppl:335- 610. 7.Howell GR,RT Libby,TC Jakobs,RS Smith,FC Phalan,et al.Axons of retinal ganglion cells are insulted in the optic nerve early in DBA / 2J glaucoma.J Cell Biol.2007;179:1523-1537. 8.Buckingham BP,DM Inman,W Lambert,E Oglesby,DJ Calkins et al.Progressive ganglion cell degeneration precedes neuronal loss in a mouse model of glaucoma.J Neurosci 2008;28:2735-2744. 9.Bordone MP,MF Gonzalez Fleitas,LA Pasquini,A Bosco et al.Involvement of microglia in early axoglial alterations of the optic nerve induced by experimental glaucoma.J Neurochem 2017;142:323-337. 10.Sun D,J Qu,TC Jakobs.Reversible reactivity by optic nerve astrocytes.Glia.2013;61(8):1218-1235. 11.Hernandez MR,OA Agapova,P Yang,M Salvador-Silva,CS Ricard,S Aoi.Differential gene expression in astrocytes from human normal and glaucomatous optic nerve head analyzed by cDNA microaray.Glia 2002;38:45-64. 12.Yuan L ,AH Neufeld.Activated microglia in the human glaucomatous optic nerve head.J Neurosci Res.2001;64:523-532. 13.G.Tezel.2006.Oxidative stress in glaucomatous neurodegeneration:mechanisms and consequences.Pro Retin Eye Res 25490. 14.Tezel,G,and MB Wax.2003.Glial modulation of retinal ganglion cell death in glaucoma.J Glaucoma 12:63-68. 15.Mariathasan S,DM Monack.Inflammasome adaptors and sensors:intracellular regulators of infection and inflammation.Nat Rev Immunol.2007;7:31-40. 16.Freeman LC,JP Ting.The pathogenic role of the inflammasome in neurodegenerative diseases.J Neuroinflam 2018;15(1):164. 17.Chi W,F Li,H Chen,Y Wang,Y Zhu et al.Caspase-8 promotes NLRP1 / NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β production in acute glaucoma.Proc Natl Acad Sci USA.2014;111(30):11181-6. 18.Puyang Z,L Feng,H Chen,P Liang,JB Troy,X Liu.Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss is Delayed Following Optic Nerve Crush in NLRP3 Knockout Mice.Sci Rep 2016;6:20998. 19.Tzeng TC,S Schattgen,B Monks,et al.,A Fluorescent Reporter Mouse for Inflammasome Assembly Demonstrates an Important Role for Cell-Bound and Free ASC Specks during In Vivo Infection.Cell Re.2016;16(2):571-82 20.Gregory-Ksander,MS,F Fei,A Krishnan,T Tzeng,et al.Destructive neuroinflammation triggered by activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the glaucomatous optic nerve head.Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci.2017;58(8):2021. 21.Coll RC,AAB Robertson,JJ Chae,SC Higgins,et al.,A small molecule inhibitor of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a potential therapeutic for inflammatory diseases.Nat Med.2015;21(3):248-255. 22.McGilligan VE,MS Gregory Ksander,L Dayu,JE Moore et al.Staphylococcus aureus Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome in Human and Rat Conjunctival Goblet Cells.PLoS One,2013;;8(9):e74010. 23.Hong Wan.An overall comparison of small molecules and large biologics in ADME testing.ADMET & DMPK 4(1)(2016)1-22.

[0211] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, but can be modified or varied without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A composition for use in treating or preventing an inflammatory eye disease, comprising an NLRP3 inflammasome modulator capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3, the modulator is a bispecific antibody capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3, or an antibody fragment capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3; the bispecific antibody comprises a complementarity determining region (CDR) of a first antibody capable of binding to IL-1R1 and a CDR of a second antibody capable of binding to NLRP3; the heavy chain CDRs of the first antibody comprise CDR1: GYPFTTAG (SEQ ID NO: 60); CDR2: MNTQSEVP (SEQ ID NO: 61); and CDR3: AKSVYFNWRYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 62), and the light chain CDRs of the first antibody comprise CDR1: QSISDY (SEQ ID NO: 63); CDR2: YAS; and CDR3: QHGHSFPLT (SEQ ID NO: 64); the heavy chain CDRs of the second antibody comprise CDR1: GFTFSDYY (SEQ ID NO: 65); CDR2: ISDGGTYT (SEQ ID NO: 66); and CDR3: ARGWVSTTMKLLSSFPY (SEQ ID NO: 67), and the light chain CDRs of the second antibody comprise CDR1: TGAVTTSNY (SEQ ID NO: 68); CDR2: GTN; and CDR3: ALWYSNYWV (SEQ ID NO: 69); The inflammatory eye disease is glaucoma. composition.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the modulator is also capable of binding to the PYD domain of NLRP3.

3. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the modulator is selected from the group comprising a monoclonal antibody, a humanized antibody, a chimeric antibody, a fusion protein, or an aptamer molecule, combinations thereof, and fragments of each of these.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the modulator is a recombinant humanized bispecific antibody capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3.

5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the first and / or second antibody is a monoclonal antibody.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the antibody fragment is selected from one or more of Fab, Fv, Fab', (Fab')2, scFv, bis-scFv, minibody, Fab2, and Fab3.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the modulatory agent is selected from a recombinant humanized antibody or antibody fragment capable of binding to both IL-1R1 and NLRP3.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the modulatory agent is an antibody or antibody fragment directed against one or more antigens selected from both IL-1R1 and NLRP3.

9. The composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the modulator is an antibody or antibody fragment raised against one or more antigens selected from NLRP3 and IL-1R1.

10. IL-1R1 has the sequence: MKVLLLRLICFIALLISSLEADKCKEREEKIILVSSANEIDVRPPCPLNPNEHKGTITWYKDDSKTPVST EQASRIHQHKEKLWFVPAKVEDSGHYYCVVRNSSYCLRIKISAKFVENEPNLCYNAQAIFKQKLPVAGD GGLVCPYMEFFKNENNELPKLQWYKDCKPLLLDNIHFSGVKDRLIVMNVAEKHRGNYTCHASYTYLGKQ YPITRVIEFITLEENKPTRPVIVSPANETMEVDLGSQIQLICNVTGQLSDIAYWKWNGSVIDEDDPVLG EDYYSVENPANKRRSTLITVLNISEIESRFYKHPFTCFAKNTHGIDAAYIQLIYPVTNFQKLEGGPSV FIFPPNIKDVLMISLTPKVTCVVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTIRVVSHLPIQ HQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPSPIERTISKPKGLVRAPQVYTLPPPAEQLSRKDVSLTCLVVGFNPGDIS VEWTSNGHTEENYKDTAPVLDSDGSYFIYSKLNMKTSKWEKTDSFSCNVRHEGLKNYYLKKTISRSPGK ＊ (SEQ ID NO: 1) The composition according to claim 8 or 9, comprising an extracellular domain of IL-1R1 comprising the following (hereinafter, IL-1R1 immunogen):

11. The composition of claim 8 or 9, wherein NLRP3 comprises KLH-EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (SEQ ID NO: 30).

12. The modulator has the sequence: MKVLLLRLICFIALLISSLEADKCKEREEKIILVSSANEIDVRPPCPLNPNEHKGTITWYKDDSKTPVST EQASRIHQHKEKLWFVPAKVEDSGHYYCVVRNSSYCLRIKISAKFVENEPNLCYNAQAIFKQKLPVAGD GGLVCPYMEFFKNENNELPKLQWYKDCKPLLLDNIHFSGVKDRLIVMNVAEKHRGNYTCHASYTYLGKQ YPITRVIEFITLEENKPTRPVIVSPANETMEVDLGSQIQLICNVTGQLSDIAYWKWNGSVIDEDDPVLG EDYYSVENPANKRRSTLITVLNISEIESRFYKHPFTCFAKNTHGIDAAYIQLIYPVTNFQKLEGGPSV FIFPPNIKDVLMISLTPKVTCVVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTIRVVSHLPIQ HQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPSPIERTISKPKGLVRAPQVYTLPPPAEQLSRKDVSLTCLVVGFNPGDIS VEWTSNGHTEENYKDTAPVLDSDGSYFIYSKLNMKTSKWEKTDSFSCNVRHEGLKNYYLKKTISRSPGK ＊ (SEQ ID NO: 1) A complementarity determining region (CDR) of a first antibody raised against an IL-1R1 immunogen comprising: array: KLH-hydrazide-Ahx-EDYPPQKGCIPLPRGQTEKADHVD (SEQ ID NO: 30) CDRs of a second antibody raised against an NLRP3 immunogen comprising The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 11, which is a bispecific antibody comprising:

13. The bispecific antibody has the amino acid sequence: MVSSAQFLGLLLLCFQGTRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQ RSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEDVGVYYCQHGHSFPLT FGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVKWKIDGSER QNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLLTKDEYERHNSYTCEATHKTSTSPIVKSFNRNEC ＊＊ (SEQ ID NO:57) The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising:

14. The bispecific antibody has the amino acid sequence: MGWTLVFLFLLSVTAGVHSQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLE TAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTAPSVYPLAPVCGDTTGSSVTLGCLVKGYFPEPVTLTWNSGSL SSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVTSSTWPSQSITCNVAHPASSTKVDKKIEPRGPTIKPCPPCKCPAPNLLGGPSVFIFPPKIKDVLMISL SPIVTCVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTLRVVSALPIQHQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPAPIERTISKPKGSVRAPQV YVLPPPEEEMTKKQVTLTCMVTDFMPEDIYVEWTNNGKTELNYKNTEPVLDSDGSYFMYSKLRVEKKNWVERNSYSCSVVHEGLHNHHTTKS FSRTPGKGSAGGSGGDSEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDDNAK NNLYLQMNSLKSEDTAMYYCARGWVSTMVKLLSSFPYWGQGTLVTVSAGGGGSGGGGSGGGGGSQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLIGGTNNRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPK** (SEQ ID NO: 59) The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, comprising:

15. The bispecific antibody, comprising the amino acid sequence: MVSSAQFLGLLLLCFQGTRCDIVMTQSPATLSVTPGDRVSLSCRASQSISDYLSWYQQRSHESPRLIIKYASQSISGIPSRFSGSGSGSDFTLSINSVEPEEDVGVYYCQHGHSSFPLTFGSGTKLELKRADAAPTVSIFPPSSEQLTSGGASVVCFLNNFYPKDINVKWKIDGSERQNGVLNSWTDQDSKDSTYSMSSTLTLTKDEYERHNSYTCEATHKTSTSPIVKSFNRNEC** (SEQ ID NO:57) and MGWTLVFLFLLSVTAGVHSQIQLVQSGPELRKPGETVRISCKASGYPFTTAGLQWVQKMSGKGLKWIGWMNTQSEVPKYAEEFKGRIAFSLE TAASTAYLQINNLKTEDTATYFCAKSVYFNWRYFDVWGAGTTVTVSSAKTTAPSVYPLAPVCGDTTGSSVTLGCLVKGYFPEPVTLTWNSGSL SSGVHTFPAVLQSDLYTLSSSVTVTSSTWPSQSITCNVAHPASSTKVDKKIEPRGPTIKPCPPCKCPAPNLLGGPSVFIFPPKIKDVLMISL SPIVTCVVDVSEDDPDVQISWFVNNVEVHTAQTQTHREDYNSTLRVVSALPIQHQDWMSGKEFKCKVNNKDLPAPIERTISKPKGSVRAPQV YVLPPPEEEMTKKQVTLTCMVTDFMPEDIYVEWTNNGKTELNYKNTEPVLDSDGSYFMYSKLRVEKKNWVERNSYSCSVVHEGLHNHHTTKS FSRTPGKGSAGGSGGDSEVQLVESGGGLVKPGGSLKLSCAASGFTFSDYYMYWVRQTPEKRLEWVATISDGGTYTYYPDSVKGRFTISRDDNAK NNLYLQMNSLKSEDTAMYYCARGWVSTMVKLLSSFPYWGQGTLVTVSAGGGGSGGGGSGGGGGSQAVVTQESALTTSPGETVTLTCRSSSTGAVTTSNYANWVQEKPDHLFTGLIGGTNNRAPGVPARFSGSLIGDKAALTITGAQTEDEAIYFCALWYSNYWVFGGGTKLTVLGQPK** (SEQ ID NO: 59) having The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images