Novel tm4SF5-specific antibody

Abstract

The present invention relates to an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, which specifically binds to TM4SF5 and can thus be effectively used for preventing, treating, and diagnosing diseases caused by the overexpression of TM4SF5.

Description

Novel TM4SF5-specific antibodies

[0001] The present invention relates to TM4SF5-specific antibodies and uses thereof.

[0002] TM4SF (transmembrane 4 superfamily) proteins are a group of hydrophobic proteins of approximately 25-50 kDa, which have four transmembrane domains, two extracellular loops, and two short cytoplasmic tails. They are also called tetraspanins or tetraspans. The TM4SF proteins form complexes on the cell membrane with cell adhesion molecules such as integrins to form large tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TERMs), which contribute to various biological functions such as cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration.

[0003] TM4SF5 (transmembrane 4 L six family member 5 or Four-transmembrane L6 superfamily member 5) is a member of the tetraspanin group, an insoluble protein with four domains that pass through the cell membrane, two ring structures existing outside the cell, one ring structure existing inside the cytoplasm, and two terminal structures. TM4SF5 is a homologue of TM4SF1 (tumor-associated antigen L6), and TM4SF5 mRNA is known to be highly overexpressed in pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma. In addition, when TM4SF5 protein was artificially expressed in COS7 cells, actin reorganization and focal adhesion turnover occurred, suggesting that TM4SF5 may be involved in cell migration through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) (Lee SA et al., J Clin Invest 2008, 118(4):1354-66). In addition, the TM4SF5 protein has been assumed to be a cancer-related gene due to its high amino acid sequence homology with the cancer-related gene L6, and it has been reported to be related to the onset and progression of cancer. TM4SF5 is involved in cell proliferation by promoting the progression of the G1 / S cycle through intracellular p27Kip1 expression and RhoA GTPase activity (Kim H et al., Biochim Biophys Acta 2010 1803(8):975-82), and it is known that cross-talk between the TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-β1) and EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) signaling pathways, which are major factors involved in EMT, induces the expression of TM4SF5, leading to EMT (Kang M et al., Biochem J 2012 443(3):691-700).

[0004]

[0005] As TM4SF5 has emerged as a new specific protein for cancer diagnosis and an anticancer target, research has been conducted on methods for diagnosing cancer by targeting TM4SF5. Furthermore, research is being conducted in various fields to inhibit the biological activity of TM4SF5 for cancer treatment by targeting TM4SF5. In particular, research has been conducted on compounds that inhibit TM4SF5, and for example, it has been reported that sulfonamide and sulfonate-substituted chalcone compounds inhibit the biological activity of TM4SF5 (Korean Patent No. 10-0934706). In addition to compounds that inhibit the biological activity of TM4SF5 as described above, the importance of developing antibody therapeutics that specifically bind to TM4SF5 has been highlighted.

[0006] Accordingly, the inventors of the present invention developed a humanized antibody that specifically binds to human TM4SF5 protein and further improved it to complete the present invention.

[0007]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a TM4SF5-related disease comprising the antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a composition for diagnosing a TM4SF5-related disease comprising the antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a polynucleotide encoding the antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof and a transformant comprising the polynucleotide.

[0012]

[0013] The antibody of the present invention can be usefully used for the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of diseases in which TM4SF5 protein is overexpressed.

[0014]

[0015] Figures 1 and 2 show the results of confirming the physical properties of huAb27-8, huAb27-9, huAb27-43, and huAb27-69 antibodies produced using the same vector and expression system as the chimeric antibody. (Figures 1A, 2A: SDS-PAGE, Figures 1B, 2B: SE-HPLC)

[0016] Figure 3 shows the results of analysis of huAb27-8 scFv-Fc and huAb27-9 scFv-Fc antibody proteins through SDS-PAGE and SE-HPLC analysis performed under reducing and non-reducing conditions.

[0017] Figure 4 shows the results of confirming the binding affinity of huAb27-8, huAb27-9, huAb27-43, and huAb27-69 antibodies produced using the same vector and expression system as the chimeric antibody.

[0018] Figure 5 shows the amino acid sequence of the huAb27-9 scFv-Fc antibody.

[0019] Figure 6 illustrates a method for predicting immunogenicity.

[0020] Figures 7 and 8 are the results of predicting the immunogenicity of the VH and VL regions of humanized antibodies, respectively.

[0021] Figure 9 shows the results of affinity confirmation through SPR analysis of Ab27 scFv-Fc and humanized Ab27-9 scFv-Fc.

[0022] Figure 10 shows the results of examining the degree of cytotoxicity against SNU398 cells and HCT116 cells by treating the manufactured humanized antibody.

[0023] Figure 11 illustrates the process of performing affinity optimization using untargeted mutagenesis.

[0024] Figure 12 shows the panning results of an error-prone PCR library.

[0025] Figure 13 shows the sequence analysis results of clones selected through screening.

[0026] Figure 14 shows the results of binding affinity measurement (ELISA) of clones selected through screening.

[0027] Figure 15 shows the SDS-PAGE and SE-HPLC results of the selected antibody E01.

[0028] Figure 16 shows the affinity measurement results (Biocore) of the selected antibody E01.

[0029] Figure 17 shows the target region of CDR randomization.

[0030] Figure 18 shows the panning results of the CDR randomized library.

[0031] Figure 19 shows the sequence analysis results of clones selected through screening.

[0032] Figure 20 shows the results of affinity measurement of selected antibodies.

[0033] Figure 21 shows the screening results of the combinatorial library.

[0034] Figure 22 shows the sequence analysis results of clones selected through combinatorial library screening.

[0035] Figure 23 shows the affinity measurement results (Biacore) of antibodies selected through combinatorial library screening.

[0036] Figure 24 shows the results of ELISA binding analysis of six clones (T1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 2-1, 2-3).

[0037] Figure 25 shows the results of analyzing the binding affinity for hEC2-Fc-myc antigen using ELISA and Octet after producing six types of antibodies as IgG antibodies.

[0038] Figure 26 shows the results of measuring the cell surface binding affinity of EO1, T35, S3, S13, and S43 antibodies through FACS and IF experiments.

[0039] Figure 27 shows the results of measuring cell surface binding affinity through FACS and IF experiments by adding glycine to the elbow region of EO1 and S43 antibodies.

[0040] Figure 28 shows the results of measuring the KD value using a BiOCORE device by adding glycine to the elbow region of EO1 and S43 antibodies.

[0041] Figure 29 shows the results of analyzing the level of internalization of antibodies by adding glycine to the elbow region of EO1 and S43 antibodies.

[0042] Figure 30 shows the results of confirming the toxicity against SNU398 cells by adding glycine to the elbow region of EO1, S43 antibodies.

[0043] Figure 31 shows the results of a soft agar assay to confirm the toxicity of EO1, S43 antibodies to SNU398 cells by adding glycine to the elbow region.

[0044] Figure 32 shows the results of in vivo confirmation of the tumor suppression activity of Ab27 scFv_Fc 300ug, Hz #9 H(G)L(GG), EO1 H(G)L(GG), and S43 IgG antibodies in the SNU398 xenograft model.

[0045] Figures 33 and 34 show the results of confirming the cell surface target binding ability of clones 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 2-1, and 2-3 through FACS and IF.

[0046] Figure 35 shows the results of confirming the KD values ​​of clones 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, and 2-1 using a BIACORE device.

[0047] Figure 36 shows the results of purification of selected clones S43, 1-5, 2-1 (request for confirmation).

[0048] Figure 37 shows the SPR analysis results of S43, 1-5, and 2-1.

[0049] Figure 38 shows the results of confirming the cell target binding ability of S43 and 1-5, 2-1 through FACS and IF experiments.

[0050] Figures 39 and 40 show the results of internalization experiments of S43, 1-5, and 2-1. Figure 39 shows the results of analyzing the extent of antibody remaining on the surface of Tp cells by FACS after 0 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr, and 6 hr, and Figure 40 shows the results of a Co-IF experiment with lysotracker, a lysosomal marker, to track the movement of TM4SF5 antibody to lysosomes after internalization.

[0051] Figure 41 shows the results of confirming the growth inhibition ability of SNU398 cells, a liver cancer cell line, of S43, 1-5, and 2-1.

[0052] Figure 42 shows the tumor suppression ability of S43, 1-5, and 2-1 confirmed through a soft agar assay.

[0053] Figure 43 shows the effect of combined administration of S43, 1-5, 2-1 with sorafenib and cetuximab.

[0054] Figure 44 shows the results of confirming the tumor metastasis inhibition ability of 1-5 in vivo.

[0055] Figure 45 shows the results of confirming the anticancer efficacy in a SNU398 cell xenograft mouse model.

[0056] Figure 46 shows the results of evaluating the anticancer efficacy of antibodies 1-5 and 2-1 in the SNU449 T7 xenograft model.

[0057] Figure 47 shows the results of confirming the anticancer efficacy in a xenograft mouse model of HT-29 cells.

[0058] Figure 48 shows the results of evaluating the tumor targeting ability in vivo by conjugating a fluorescent dye to an antibody.

[0059]

[0060] One aspect of the present invention is an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5.

[0061] As one specific example, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is characterized by having a variable region comprising a CDR selected from the following:

[0062] (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 16, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 17, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 18; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0063] (ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 24, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 25, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 26; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13;

[0064] (iii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 32, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 33, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 34; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13; and

[0065] (iv) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 40, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 41, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 42; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 48, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 49, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 50;

[0066] Here, the CDR sequences are designated according to the Kabat numbering system.

[0067] Any one of the above specific examples of an antibody or binding fragment thereof is characterized by having a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 16, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 17, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 18; and a light chain variable region comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13.

[0068] Any one of the above specific examples of an antibody or binding fragment thereof is characterized by having a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 24, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 25, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 26; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13.

[0069] Any one of the above specific examples of an antibody or binding fragment thereof is characterized by having a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 32, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 33, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 34; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13.

[0070] Any one of the above specific examples of an antibody or binding fragment thereof is characterized by having a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 40, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 41, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 42; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 48, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 49, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 50.

[0071] Any one of the above specific examples of an antibody or binding fragment thereof is characterized by having a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 19 or SEQ ID NO: 27, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 20 or SEQ ID NO: 28, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 5, as designated by the Chothia numbering system.

[0072] Any one of the above specific examples of an antibody or binding fragment thereof is characterized by comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 22 and 30, and a light chain variable region (VL) of SEQ ID NO: 9.

[0073] Any one of the above specific examples of an antibody or binding fragment thereof is characterized by comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) of SEQ ID NO: 38 and a light chain variable region (VL) of SEQ ID NO: 46.

[0074] Any one of the above specific examples of an antibody or binding fragment thereof is characterized in that it is selected from the group consisting of a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, a F'(ab)2 fragment, a Fd fragment, an Fv fragment, a diabody, a biparatopic peptide, a domain antibody (dAb), a CDR-grafted antibody, a single-chain antibody (scFv), a scFv-Fc, a scFv-zipper, a scFab, a single-chain antibody fragment, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a minibody, a linear antibody, a chelating recombinant antibody, a tribody, a bibody, an intrabody, a nanobody, a small modular immunopharmaceutical (SMIP), an antigen-binding domain immunoglobulin fusion protein, a single-domain antibody, and a VHH-containing antibody.

[0075] Any one of the above specific examples is characterized in that the antibody or binding fragment thereof is IgG or scFv-Fc.

[0076]

[0077] Another aspect of the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a TM4SF5-related disease, comprising an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5.

[0078] As a specific example, the TM4SF5-associated disease is characterized by being selected from among steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, oral cancer, pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, bone cancer, connective tissue cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, soft tissue sarcoma, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma hematological cancer.

[0079] As another specific example, the TM4SF5-related disease is characterized by being selected from among steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma.

[0080] A pharmaceutical composition according to any one of the above specific examples is characterized in that it is administered together with a substance selected from the group consisting of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, sorafenib, and cetuximab.

[0081] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for preventing or treating a TM4SF5-associated disease, comprising administering to a subject an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5.

[0082] Another aspect of the present invention is a polynucleotide encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5.

[0083] Another aspect of the present invention is an expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5.

[0084] Another aspect of the present invention is a transformant comprising a polynucleotide encoding an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5; or an expression vector comprising the same.

[0085] Another aspect of the present invention is a composition for diagnosing a TM4SF5-related disease comprising an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5.

[0086] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for diagnosing a TM4SF5-related disease, comprising a step of detecting TM4SF5 (transmembrane 4 L six family member 5) protein in a biological sample through an antigen-antibody reaction using an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5.

[0087]

[0088] This is explained in detail as follows. Meanwhile, each description and embodiment disclosed in the present invention can also be applied to each other description and embodiment. In other words, all combinations of the various elements disclosed in the present invention fall within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the scope of the present invention should not be considered limited by the specific descriptions described below.

[0089] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain, using no more than routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Furthermore, such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

[0090] Additionally, numerous papers and patents are referenced and cited throughout this specification. The disclosures of these cited papers and patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to provide a clearer understanding of the state of the art and the scope of the present invention.

[0091]

[0092] In the present invention, the term "antibody" refers to a protein molecule that acts as a ligand that specifically recognizes an antigen, including an immunoglobulin molecule that immunologically has reactivity with a specific antigen.

[0093] The term also encompasses bispecific molecules (e.g., bispecific antibodies), diabodies, triabodies, and tetrabodies. A full antibody is a structure having two full-length light chains (LC) and two full-length heavy chains (HC), each light chain linked to a heavy chain by a disulfide bond.

[0094] The antibodies of the present invention include IgA, IgD, IgE, IgM, and IgG, and IgG is a subtype, including IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. In one embodiment, the antibody provided by the present invention may be an IgG antibody.

[0095] In the present invention, the terms “antigen-binding fragment” and “antibody fragment” are used interchangeably to refer to any fragment of the antibody of the present invention that retains antigen-binding activity.

[0096] The antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof of the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, a F'(ab)2 fragment, a Fd fragment, an Fv fragment, a single-chain antibody, a diabody, a biparatopic peptide, a domain antibody (dAb), a CDR-grafted antibody, a single-chain antibody (scFv), a single-chain antibody fragment, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a minibody, a linear antibody, a chelating recombinant antibody, a tribody, a bibody, an intrabody, a nanobody, a small modular immunopharmaceutical (SMIP), an antigen-binding domain immunoglobulin fusion protein, a single-domain antibody, and a VHH-containing antibody. In one embodiment, the antibody provided in the present invention may be a scFv antibody.

[0097] The above Fd refers to the heavy chain portion included in the Fab fragment. The Fab has a structure with a variable region of the light chain and heavy chain, a constant region (framework region (FR)) of the light chain, and the first constant region (CH1 domain) of the heavy chain, and has one antigen-binding site. Fab' differs from Fab in that it has a hinge region containing one or more cysteine ​​residues at the C-terminus of the heavy chain CH1 domain. F(ab')2 antibodies are produced when cysteine ​​residues in the hinge region of Fab' form a disulfide bond. Fv (variable fragment) refers to the smallest antibody fragment that has only a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region. Double disulfide Fv (dsFv) has a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region linked by a disulfide bond, and single-chain Fv (scFv) has a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region covalently linked, generally via a peptide linker. These antibody fragments can be obtained using proteolytic enzymes (for example, Fab can be obtained by restriction digestion of whole antibodies with papain, and F(ab')2 fragments can be obtained by digestion with pepsin), or can be produced, for example, through genetic recombination technology.

[0098] For example, the antibody of the present invention may be a humanized antibody.

[0099] In the present invention, the term "humanized antibody" means an antibody in the form of a human antibody in which all or part of the CDR sequence of a mouse monoclonal antibody is grafted onto a human antibody. For example, a humanized variable region can be produced by recombining the CDRs of a mouse monoclonal antibody with FRs derived from a human antibody, and this can be produced by recombining it with the constant region of a desired human antibody.

[0100] As an example, the antibody of the present invention may comprise a modification of the elbow region.

[0101] The term "elbow region" in the present invention refers to the junction between the variable domain and the constant domain in the heavy and light chains of an antibody. The C-terminus of the variable domain (VH or VL) is directly connected to the N-terminus of the most N-terminal constant domain (typically CH1 or CL), and the junction between the C-terminus of the variable domain (VH or VL) and the N-terminus of the most N-terminal constant domain (typically CH1 or CL) is referred to as the "elbow" or "elbow region."

[0102] For example, the antibody of the present invention may include a modification in which a glycine is added to the elbow region of the heavy chain and / or light chain, for example, but is not necessarily limited thereto, a modification in which one or two glycines are added.

[0103]

[0104] In the present invention, the variable region of the heavy chain may be named 'VH', the variable region of the light chain may be named 'LH', the CDRs of the heavy chain may be named 'VH-CDR1', 'VH-CDR2', 'VH-CDR3' or 'HCDR1', 'HCDR2', 'HCDR3', respectively, the CDRs of the light chain may be named 'VL-CDR1', 'VL-CDR2', 'VL-CDR3' or 'LCDR1', 'LCDR2', 'LCDR3', respectively, the FRs of the heavy chain may be named 'VH-FR1', 'VH-FR2', 'VH-FR3', 'VH-FR4', respectively, and the FRs of the light chain may be named 'VL-FR1', 'VL-FR2', 'VL-FR3', 'VL-FR4', respectively.

[0105] The variable regions of the light and heavy chains include three variable regions called complementarity-determining regions (CDRs) and four framework regions (FRs). The CDRs primarily bind to epitopes on the antigen. The CDRs of each chain are typically named CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, sequentially starting from the N-terminus, and are also identified by the chain on which the particular CDR is located.

[0106] The term "CDR" or "complementarity determining region" as used herein refers to the non-contiguous antigen-binding site found within the variable regions of both heavy and light chain polypeptides. Since the number of amino acids in the CDR of an antibody varies from antibody to antibody, it is necessary to number the conserved amino acid sequence (e.g., the frame region) and the variable region starting from the N-terminus according to a certain rule for many types of individual VH or VL. Representative numbers include the Kabat, Chothia, and IMGT numbering systems, each of which differs in the order in which the amino acids in the CDR region are numbered. The Kabat, Chothia, and IMGT numbering systems are described in detail in the references incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Biol. 196:901-917 (1987); Lefranc, MP et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol. 27: 55-77 (2003); and MacCallum et al., J. Mol. Biol. 262:732-745 (1996). The above definitions include overlapping or subsets of amino acid residues when compared to each other. HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3 represent heavy chain CDRs, and LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3 represent light chain CDRs.

[0107] In addition to the above-mentioned references, CDRs can be defined according to the Kabat, Chothia, or IMGT numbering system using known databases such as http: / cao.labshare.cn / AbRSA / abrsa.php.

[0108]

[0109] In one embodiment, the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention has a heavy chain variable region comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 16, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 17, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 18, and a light chain variable region comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13.

[0110] In one embodiment, the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention has a heavy chain variable region comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 24, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 25, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 26, and a light chain variable region comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13.

[0111] In one embodiment, the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention has a heavy chain variable region comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 32, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 33, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 34, and a light chain variable region comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13.

[0112] In one embodiment, the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention has a heavy chain variable region comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 40, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 41, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 42; and a light chain variable region comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 48, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 49, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 50.

[0113] In one embodiment, the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention has a heavy chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 14; and a light chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 9.

[0114] In one embodiment, the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention has a heavy chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 22; and a light chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 9.

[0115] In one embodiment, the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention has a heavy chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 30; and a light chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 9.

[0116] In one embodiment, the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention has a heavy chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a light chain variable region of SEQ ID NO: 46.

[0117]

[0118] In the present invention, sequence numbers 3, 4, 5, 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26, 32, 33, 34, 40, 41, and 42 are CDRs defined by Kabat numbering based on sequence comparison.

[0119] In the present invention, sequence numbers 6, 7, 8, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 35, 36, 37, 43, 44, and 45 are CDRs defined by Chothia numbering based on sequence comparison.

[0120] Meanwhile, sequence numbers 11 to 13 and sequence numbers 54 to 56 may be CDRs defined by Kabat or Chothia numbering.

[0121] In the present invention, sequence numbers 51 to 71 are CDRs defined by IMGT numbering based on sequence comparison.

[0122]

[0123] The antibody that binds to the TM4SF5 protein of the present invention is an antibody that can bind to the TM4SF5 protein and inhibit the activity of the TM4SF5 protein, and has the characteristic of binding to the TM4SF5 protein with high affinity.

[0124] In the present invention, the "TM4SF5 (transmembrane 4 L six family member 5) protein" refers to a type belonging to the TM4SF (transmembrane 4 superfamily), a group of membrane receptors that cross the cell membrane four times, and a protein that mediates a signal transduction pathway involved in regulating cell development, activation, growth, and mobility. The TM4SF5 protein has four regions that cross the cell membrane, two ring structures existing outside the cell, one ring structure existing in the cytoplasm, and two terminal structures, and among the two ring structures existing outside the cell, the length of the second external loop (extracellular loop 2) is longer than that of the EC1 (first external loop, extracellular loop 1), and the main amino acid residues involved in interaction with other molecules are present in the EC2.

[0125] The above TM4SF5 protein is not particularly limited in type, but may preferably be human TM4SF5 protein. In addition, the TM4SF5 protein includes, but is not limited to, both native and mutant TM4SF5 proteins. The native TM4SF5 protein generally refers to a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of the native TM4SF5 protein, and the amino acid sequence of the native TM4SF5 protein generally refers to an amino acid sequence found in a naturally occurring TM4SF5 protein. Information on the TM4SF5 can be obtained from known databases such as GenBank of the National Institutes of Health of the United States, and may be, for example, information on the TM4SF5 protein having Accession Number NP_003954 (Gene ID: 9032), but is not limited thereto.

[0126]

[0127] Meanwhile, the expression “having” in this application refers to an amino acid sequence represented by a specific sequence number may be understood as “comprising” the amino acid sequence, and in some embodiments, may be modified to “consisting essentially of” or “consisting of” the amino acid sequence.

[0128]

[0129] As an example of a method for producing an antibody of the present invention, it can be performed by producing a hybridoma using B lymphocytes obtained from an immunized animal (Koeher and Milstein, 1976, Nature, 256:495), or by using phage display technology, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0130] An antibody library using phage display technology is a method of directly obtaining antibody genes from B lymphocytes without producing hybridomas and expressing antibodies on the surface of phage. Phage display technology can overcome many of the difficulties associated with producing monoclonal antibodies through B-cell immortalization. In general, phage display technology includes the steps of: 1) inserting an oligonucleotide with a random sequence into the gene region corresponding to the N-terminus of the phage coat protein pIII (or pIV); 2) expressing a fusion protein of a portion of the native coat protein and a polypeptide encoded by the oligonucleotide with a random sequence; 3) treating the phage with a receptor substance capable of binding to the polypeptide encoded by the oligonucleotide; 4) eluting the peptide-phage particles bound to the receptor using low pH or a binding competitive molecule; 5) amplifying the phage eluted by panning in a host cell; 6) repeating the above method to obtain a desired amount; and 7) determining the sequence of an active peptide from the DNA sequence of phage clones selected by panning.

[0131] For example, the method for producing a monoclonal antibody of the present invention can be performed using phage display technology. Those skilled in the art can easily produce the antibody of the present invention by referring to known phage display technologies, such as those known in the papers of Barbas et al. (METHODS: A Companion to Methods in Enzymology 2:119, 1991 and J. Virol. 2001 Jul; 75(14):6692-9) and Winter et al. (Ann. Rev. Immunol. 12:433, 1994). For example, known yeast display technology can also be used.

[0132] Polynucleotides encoding the monoclonal antibodies or display clones of the present invention can be readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures. For example, oligonucleotide primers designed to specifically amplify the heavy and light chain coding regions from hybridoma or phage template DNA can be used. Once isolated, the polynucleotide can be placed into an expression vector, which can then be introduced into a suitable host cell, resulting in production of the desired monoclonal antibody from the transformed host cell (i.e., a transformant).

[0133] Therefore, the method for producing the antibody or binding fragment thereof of the present invention may include, but is not limited to, a step of amplifying a polynucleotide encoding the antibody or binding fragment thereof in an expression vector containing the polynucleotide encoding the antibody or binding fragment thereof.

[0134]

[0135] An expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding an antibody of the present invention, or a binding fragment thereof, may be a vector capable of replicating and / or expressing the polynucleotide in a eukaryotic or prokaryotic cell, including, but not limited to, mammalian cells (e.g., human, monkey, rabbit, rat, hamster, mouse cells, etc.), plant cells, yeast cells, insect cells, or bacterial cells (e.g., Escherichia coli, etc.). The expression vector may be a vector operably linked to an appropriate promoter so that the nucleotide can be expressed in a host cell, and may include at least one selectable marker. For example, the polynucleotide may be introduced into a phage, plasmid, cosmid, mini-chromosome, virus, or retrovirus vector.

[0136] An expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding the antibody or a binding fragment thereof may be an expression vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain or a light chain of the antibody, or an expression vector comprising both a polynucleotide encoding a heavy chain or a light chain.

[0137] In the present invention, the transformant into which the expression vector has been introduced is not particularly limited, but may be a bacterial cell such as Escherichia coli, Streptomyces, or Salmonella Typhimurium transformed by introducing the expression vector; a yeast cell; a fungal cell such as Pichia pastoris; an insect cell such as Drosophila or Spodoptera Sf9 cell; an animal cell such as CHO (Chinese hamster ovary cells), SP2 / 0 (mouse myeloma), human lymphoblastoid, COS, NSO (mouse myeloma), 293T, Bow melanoma cells, HT-1080, BHK (baby hamster kidney cells), HEK (human embryonic kidney cells), PERC.6 (human retinal cells); or a plant cell.

[0138] As used herein, the term "introduction" refers to a method of delivering a vector containing a polynucleotide encoding the antibody or a binding fragment thereof into a host cell. This introduction can be performed by various methods known in the art, such as calcium phosphate-DNA co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfection, polybrene-mediated transfection, electroporation, microinjection, liposome fusion, lipofectamine, and protoplast fusion. Furthermore, transduction refers to delivering a target molecule into a cell using a viral particle by means of infection. Furthermore, the vector can be introduced into a host cell by gene bombardment or the like. In the present invention, the term "introduction" may be used interchangeably with "transformation."

[0139]

[0140] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier in addition to the antibody of the present invention or a binding fragment thereof, and the carrier may comprise a non-naturally occurring carrier.

[0141] The term "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" of the present invention refers to a carrier or diluent that does not stimulate an organism and does not inhibit the biological activity and properties of the administered compound. Acceptable pharmaceutical carriers for compositions formulated as liquid solutions include those that are sterile and biocompatible, such as saline solution, sterile water, Ringer's solution, buffered saline, albumin injection solution, dextrose solution, maltodextrin solution, glycerol, ethanol, and a mixture of one or more of these components. If necessary, other conventional additives such as antioxidants, buffers, and bacteriostatic agents may be added. In addition, diluents, dispersants, surfactants, binders, and lubricants may be additionally added to formulate the composition into injectable formulations such as aqueous solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, pills, capsules, granules, or tablets.

[0142] The above pharmaceutical composition may have any one dosage form selected from the group consisting of tablets, pills, powders, granules, capsules, suspensions, oral solutions, emulsions, syrups, sterilized aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solvents, suspensions, emulsions, lyophilized preparations, and suppositories, and may be in various oral or parenteral dosage forms. When formulated, it is prepared using diluents or excipients such as commonly used fillers, bulking agents, binders, wetting agents, disintegrants, and surfactants. Solid preparations for oral administration include tablets, pills, powders, granules, and capsules, and these solid preparations are prepared by mixing one or more compounds with at least one excipient, such as starch, calcium carbonate, sucrose or lactose, gelatin, etc. In addition to simple excipients, lubricants such as magnesium stearate and talc are also used. Liquid preparations for oral administration include suspensions, solutions, emulsions, and syrups. In addition to commonly used simple diluents such as water and liquid paraffin, they may contain various excipients such as wetting agents, sweeteners, fragrances, and preservatives. Preparations for parenteral administration include sterile aqueous solutions, non-aqueous solvents, suspensions, emulsions, lyophilized preparations, and suppositories. Non-aqueous solvents and suspensions can include propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable oils such as olive oil, and injectable esters such as ethyl oleate. Suppository bases can include witepsol, macrogol, Tween 61, cacao butter, laurin butter, and glycerogelatin.

[0143] Additionally, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention can be administered in a pharmaceutically effective amount.

[0144] As used herein, the term "pharmaceutically effective amount" means an amount sufficient to treat a disease at a reasonable benefit / risk ratio applicable to medical treatment, and the effective dosage level can be determined according to factors including the type and severity of the individual, age, sex, type of disease, activity of the drug, sensitivity to the drug, time of administration, route of administration and excretion rate, duration of treatment, concurrently used drugs, and other factors well known in the medical field. The composition of the present invention can be administered as an individual therapeutic agent or in combination with other therapeutic agents, and can be administered sequentially or simultaneously with conventional therapeutic agents. And it can be administered singly or in multiple doses. It is important to administer an amount that can achieve the maximum effect with the minimum amount without side effects by taking all of the above factors into consideration, and it can be easily determined by those skilled in the art.

[0145] Additionally, the pharmaceutical composition may be administered orally or parenterally (e.g., intravenously, subcutaneously, intraperitoneally, or topically) depending on the intended method. For example, it may be administered parenterally.

[0146]

[0147] The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered as an individual therapeutic agent, or may be administered together with another active ingredient that exhibits a preventive or therapeutic effect on a TM4SF5-related disease. When the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is administered together with another active ingredient, this may be referred to as "combined administration" or "combined administration." In this case, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that specifically binds to TM4SF5 of the present invention and the other active ingredient may be administered as a single mixture or in separate forms.

[0148] In the present invention, "combined administration," "combined administration," or "combining" should be understood to refer to simultaneous, separate, sequential, or reverse administration, with no limit to the order. That is, combination is not limited to simultaneous administration, but can also be a dosage form in which the two substances act together on an individual, enabling each substance to perform its respective function at a level equal to or greater than its original function. Therefore, when the term "combined administration" is used herein, whether the administration is sequential, reverse, or separate, the order of administration is not particularly limited, and the interval between administrations of the secondary components can be such that the beneficial effects of the combination are not lost.

[0149] For example, the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention may be administered together with a substance selected from the group consisting of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, sorafenib, and cetuximab.

[0150] In one embodiment of the present invention, excellent effects were confirmed by co-administering doxorubicin or sorafenib with the antibody of the present invention.

[0151]

[0152] The TM4SF5-related disease of the present invention is a disease caused by overexpression of TM4SF5. For example, the TM4SF5-related disease may be a disease selected from among steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, liver cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, oral cancer, pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, bone cancer, connective tissue cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, soft tissue sarcoma, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma hematological cancer.

[0153] For example, in cancer, the TM4SF5 protein is known to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is involved in the development, invasion, or metastasis of cancer, and ultimately results in the loss of contact inhibition of cells, resulting in multilayer proliferation (Lee SA et al., J Clin Invest 2008, 118(4):1354-66). In addition, TM4SF5 expressed in cancer cells interacts with integrin α 5 intracellularly, thereby activating the FAK / c-Src / STAT3 signaling pathway, which induces the expression and secretion of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), an important factor in angiogenesis, and can induce angiogenesis of vascular endothelial cells (Choi S et al., Blood 2009 113(8):1845-55). Therefore, substances that inhibit the function of TM4SF5 may exhibit anticancer effects.

[0154] In one embodiment of the present invention, the effect of improving symptoms of colon cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, etc. was confirmed by using an antibody that specifically binds to the TM4SF5 protein. Therefore, the antibody of the present invention or a binding fragment thereof can improve the prevention or treatment of diseases caused by overexpression of the TM4SF5 protein.

[0155] As used herein, the term "prevention" may refer to any action that inhibits or delays the onset of a disease by administering the composition of the present invention. Furthermore, as used herein, the term "treatment" may refer to any action that improves or beneficially alters the symptoms of a disease by administering the composition of the present invention.

[0156]

[0157] Overexpression of the TM4SF5 protein is observed in various cells and is associated with the development of various diseases. Therefore, the antibody of the present invention, or a binding fragment thereof, which binds to the TM4SF5 protein with high specificity and affinity, can also be usefully used to diagnose diseases related to the presence or level of expression of the TM4SF5 protein.

[0158] The method for providing information for the above diagnosis can detect the TM4SF5 protein by reacting an antibody specific to TM4SF5 of the present invention with a separated biological sample of an individual suspected of having a disease and detecting the formation of an antigen-antibody complex, thereby providing information for diagnosing cancer.

[0159] Specifically, it may be a method for providing information for diagnosing cancer or a method for diagnosing cancer, comprising: (a) treating a separated biological sample of an individual suspected of having a TM4SF5-related disease with the antibody to detect a TM4SF5 protein through an antigen-antibody reaction; and (b) comparing the level of the TM4SF5 protein detected in (a) with a control group, and determining that the individual is a patient with a TM4SF5-related disease if the level of the TM4SF5 protein is higher than that of the control group.

[0160] The term "biological sample" as used herein includes, but is not limited to, tissues, cells, whole blood, serum, plasma, autopsy samples (brain, skin, lymph nodes, spinal cord, etc.), cell culture supernatants, ruptured eukaryotic cells, and bacterial expression systems. These biological samples can be reacted with the antibodies of the present invention, with or without manipulation, to determine the presence of the TM4SF5 protein or the presence or absence of cancer.

[0161] The term "antigen-antibody complex" of the present invention refers to a combination of the TM4SF5 protein antigen in a sample and the antibody of the present invention that recognizes it, and the formation of such an antigen-antibody complex can be detected by any method such as a colorimetric method, an electrochemical method, a fluorimetric method, a luminometric method, a particle counting method, a visual assessment, or a scintillation counting method. However, it is not necessarily limited to these and various applications and applications are possible.

[0162] Various labels can be used to detect the above antigen-antibody complex. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, enzymes, fluorescent substances, ligands, luminescent substances, microparticles, or radioactive isotopes. At this time, enzymes used as detection labels include acetylcholinesterase, alkaline phosphatase, β-D-galactosidase, horseradish peroxidase, β-latamase, etc.; fluorescent substances include fluorescein, Eu3+, Eu3+ chelate, or cryptate, etc.; ligands include biotin derivatives, etc.; luminescent substances include acridinium ester, isoluminol derivatives, etc.; microparticles include colloidal gold, colored latex, etc.; and radioactive isotopes include 57Co, 3H, 125I, 125I-Bonton Hunter reagent, etc.

[0163] For example, antigen-antibody complexes can be detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). ELISA includes various ELISA methods, including a direct ELISA that uses a labeled antibody that recognizes an antigen attached to a solid support, an indirect ELISA that uses a labeled secondary antibody that recognizes a capture antibody in a complex of antibodies that recognize the antigen attached to the solid support, a direct sandwich ELISA that uses another labeled antibody that recognizes the antigen in a complex of antibodies and antigen attached to the solid support, and an indirect sandwich ELISA that uses a labeled secondary antibody that recognizes the antibody after reacting it with another antibody that recognizes the antigen in a complex of antibodies and antigen attached to the solid support.

[0164] The above antibodies may have a detection label, and if they do not have a detection label, these antibodies can be captured and identified by treating them with another antibody having a detection label.

[0165]

[0166] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail through examples and experimental examples. However, these examples and experimental examples are intended to exemplify the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these examples and experimental examples.

[0167]

[0168] Example 1. Production of humanized Ab27 antibody and screening of huAb27-9

[0169] 1-1. Humanized antibody design and huAb27-9 screening

[0170] For humanization of Ab27 antibody, a TM4SF5 binding antibody selected through previous research, human framework donor was performed using a fixed approach using a specific framework and a best-fit approach by homology matching.

[0171] As a fixed framework, we designed huAb27-1, huAb27-2, and huAb27-3 using the Herceptin (Genentech) backbone (Human Heavy chain subgroup III, Human Kappa Light chain subgroup I), which is known to be superior in terms of stability and immunogenicity, considering CDR-grafting and backmutation. The FR backbone of Herceptin, known to be structurally stable and have low immunogenicity, was used, but in the case of Ab27, when grafted onto the FR backbone, the antigen-binding ability was less than 30% of that of the chimeric antibody, so we switched to a "best-fit" strategy that selects the FR backbone based on homology.

[0172] As a best-fit approach, huAb27-10 to huAb27-111 were designed using the IGHV1, IGHV5, IGHV7 (Human Heavy chain subgroup I), IGKV2 (Human Kappa Light chain subgroup II), IGKV3 (Human Kappa Light chain subgroup III), and IGKV4 (Human Kappa Light chain subgroup IV) frameworks, taking into account CDR-grafting, back-mutation, structure stabilizing mutation, and FR backbone.

[0173] As the primary screening criterion for humanized antibodies obtained by transient expression, avidity measurement was performed as follows. Anti-human IgG (Fc) antibody was immobilized on the surface of a CM5 chip using a Biacore T200 (GE Healthcare) instrument, and the humanized antibody was captured. The avidity measurement was performed by injecting hEC2-GST-His protein as an analyte. First, the immobilization step was performed according to the user manual of the human Ab capture kit (GE Healthcare, 22-0648-88), and HBS-EP (GE HealthCare, BR-10-0669) was used as the sample and system buffer. The Ab27 antibody was diluted by half from 200 nM and the avidity was measured at a flow rate of 30 μl / min with association / dissociation times of 2 and 5 minutes, respectively. Regeneration was performed by injecting 3 M MgCl2 for 30 seconds at a flow rate of 30 μl / min for each cycle. After kinetics measurements were completed, KD values ​​were calculated using the 1:1 binding model of BIAevaluation software version 1.0.

[0174] Among the produced antibodies, huAb27-8, huAb27-9, huAb27-43, and huAb27-69 antibodies were produced using the same vector and expression system as the chimeric antibody, and their physical properties (Fig. 1, Fig. 2) and binding affinity were confirmed.

[0175] scFv-Fc reformatting was performed as follows.

[0176] The expression vector was constructed using the In-Fusion® HD Cloning kit (Clontech, 638909) by PCR amplifying huAb27-8 and huAb27-9 into the FUSE-hIgG1-Fc2 (Invivogen, pfuse-hg1fc2) vector. This method does not treat the amplified insert DNA with restriction enzymes, but rather linearizes only the vector to be combined, and then clones using a homologous overlap method with identical sequences of approximately 15 to 18 bp at both ends. pFUSE-huAb27-8 scFv-Fc and pFUSE-huAb27-9 scFv-Fc were constructed using the IL2 signal peptide sequence present in the vector as the signal sequence. The VH, VL, and Fc regions of huAb27-43 and huAb27-69 were amplified by PCR into the pFUSE vector, and pFUSE-huAb27-43 scFv-Fc and pFUSE-huAb27-69 scFv-Fc were constructed using EcoRI / BamHI restriction enzymes, respectively.

[0177] Freestyle™ 293-F (Invitrogen, R79007) cells were transfected with each scFv-Fc expression vector plasmid DNA at a ratio of 1:1 using PEI. The day before transfection, HEK293F cells were cultured at 1x10 6Cells were subcultured at a density of 10 cells / ml in 300 ml volumes and transfected the following day using polyethylenimine (PEI, Polyscience #23966). Two constructs were mixed in a ratio of 1:2 (Construct: PEI) in 30 ml of Freestyle 293 expression medium (Gibco, #12338-018), left at room temperature for 20 minutes, then mixed with the cells subcultured the previous day and cultured for 5 days in a shaking CO2 incubator at 37°C, 125 rpm, and 8% CO2. After centrifugation, only the supernatant was used for purification by fitting (Corning, #431174).

[0178] Antibody proteins were purified using HiTrap MabSelect SuRe (Protein A affinity chromatography), and the purified antibodies were subjected to SDS-PAGE under reducing and non-reducing conditions. The purity and mobility of the purified proteins were confirmed by SE-HPLC (Waters HPLC, Aliance 2695, UV / Vis Detector 2489) analysis (Fig. 3).

[0179] Using the above method, huAb27-8, huAb27-9, huAb27-43, and huAb27-69 antibodies were produced in IgG1 and scFv-Fc forms, expressed and purified, and their binding affinity was confirmed (Fig. 4).

[0180] 1-2. Mass production and additional verification

[0181] Mass production of antibodies for use in in vitro and in vivo efficacy tests was performed.

[0182] Expression vector conversion

[0183] The huAb27-9 scFv-Fc sequence, previously cloned into the pFUSE-hIgG-Fc2 vector, was introduced into the Ab27 vector backbone for subcloning. Restriction enzyme SfiI was used, and the signal sequence was the same as the original sequence within the Ab27 vector, completing cloning. The amino acid sequence of the huAb27-9 scFv-Fc antibody is shown in Figure 5.

[0184] Ab27 scFv-Fc was transiently expressed in 1 L of ExpiCHO cell line, and huAb27-9 scFv-Fc was transiently expressed in 500 ml of ExpiCHO cell line, and then purified. Purification was performed using AKTAprime equipment, and the entire culture was divided into 50 ml portions and bound to the column. Purification conditions are as shown in the table below (Table 1).

[0185] Purification methodColumnElution BufferNeutralizationAffinity ChromatographyHiTrap MabSelectSuRe(GE Healthcare)0.1M Citrate Buffer + 5% Sucrose(pH 3.0)1M Tris (pH 9.0)

[0186] After purification, buffer exchange and concentration were performed with 1XPBS. A small amount of precipitate was observed to form during the concentration process. Finally, antibodies were recovered at concentrations as shown below (Table 2).

[0187] Measurement EquipmentAntibody NameFinal ConcentrationTotal RecoveryNanodropAb27 (1st)0.85 mg / mL68.8 mgAb27 (2nd)1.2 mg / mL78 mghuAb27-91.5 mg / mL100 mg

[0188] Confirmation of immunogenicity

[0189] In silico immunogenicity prediction based on IEDB was used for HLA types for MHC class I and MHC class II (Fig. 6). In vitro IC for 9 amino acid sequences was used. 50 Based on experimental data, we used the Consensus method, which is a combination of in silico methods with proven prediction performance for MHC class I (ANN, SMM, CombLib, NetMHCpan) and MHC class II (NN-align, SMM-align, CombLi, NetMHCIIpan). The immunogenicity analysis of a given amino acid sequence was performed easily and quickly through a web-based analysis established within the center. By simply entering the amino acid sequence information, we aimed to derive the immunogenicity prediction result by selecting each HLA type for MHC class I and MHC class II. We analyzed 26 HLA types that frequently appear in many people, and the results were visualized in Red, Orange, and Yellow in order of sequences with high to low probability of being epitopes causing immunogenicity for easy viewing.

[0190] The immunogenicity of the VH region was predicted to be in the order of huAb27-8 (low) < huAb27-9 (medium) < Mouse Ab27 (high) (Fig. 7). Both huAb27-8 and huAb27-9 were predicted to have lower immunogenicity than the commercially available antibody drug Omalizumab, which is known to have an immunogenicity of 0%. In addition, the immunogenicity of the VL region was predicted to be similar for both mouse and human (Fig. 8). Both huAb27-8 and huAb27-9 were predicted to have immunogenicity at a level similar to that of the commercially available antibody drug Omalizumab, which is known to have an immunogenicity of 0%.

[0191] Check affinity

[0192] As a result of SPR analysis of Ab27 scFv-Fc and humanized Ab27-9 scFv-Fc, the KD values ​​were obtained as 10.48 nM and 7.23 nM, respectively, showing an affinity difference of approximately 1.4 times (Fig. 9).

[0193] Cytotoxicity tests on cancer cell lines

[0194] The degree of cytotoxicity was confirmed by treating the previously produced humanized antibodies at 100ug / ml and 250ug / ml, and the cell growth reduction effect was clearly observed when treated at 250ug / ml, and growth was inhibited in the order of #9 > #69 > #43 > Ab27 scFv_Fc > #8 > Ab27 wIgG in SNU398 cells, and growth inhibition was confirmed in the order of #69 > #9 > #43 > #8 > Ab27 wIgG > Ab27 scFv_Fc in HCT116 cells (Fig. 10).

[0195] In summary, humanized antibody #9 scFv-Fc was superior to Ab27 scFv_Fc in terms of affinity and cancer cell growth inhibition, and thus humanized antibody #9 (huAb27-9) was selected as a humanized antibody for future improvement.

[0196] The sequence of humanized antibody #9 (huAb27-9) is as shown in SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 13. Specifically, the VH sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, the VL sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 9, the HCDR sequences defined by Kabat numbering are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 5, the HCDR sequences defined by Chothia numbering are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 6 to 8, and the LCDR sequences, which are defined by Kabat / Chothia numbering and have the same results, are shown in SEQ ID NOs: 11 to 13. The sequences of the entire heavy chain and light chain are shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO: 10, respectively.

[0197]

[0198] Example 2: Affinity Optimization of huAb27-9 Antibody

[0199] In the process of affinity optimization of huAb27-9 antibody, two approaches were used: untargeted mutagenesis and targeted mutagenesis.

[0200]

[0201]

[0202] 2-1. Untargeted library screening and E01 antibody derivation

[0203] To optimize affinity using untargeted mutagenesis, we attempted to introduce mutations into both CDR and FR in the scFv form. Libraries were constructed using the error-prone PCR method with error rates of 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.8%, and clones were selected through a panning process (Fig. 11).

[0204] As above, it was confirmed that enrichment was achieved in the third panning through the panning process (Fig. 12).

[0205] The results of sequence analysis of 33 clones selected through ELISA are as follows. There was a certain degree of correlation between clones that were repeatedly enriched during the panning process and those that showed high binding in phage ELISA (Fig. 13).

[0206] The above clones were expressed in E. coli in the form of scFv, and the binding affinity was measured by ELISA using purified proteins. The binding affinity of the E1 clone was improved. In the range of 0.01 nM to 800 nM, six clones including WT were not saturated, so the apparent K DAlthough it was not possible to obtain the binding affinity, it was predicted that the binding affinity would be improved by more than 10 times as the E1 clone showed a saturation pattern in the same concentration range of 39.7 nM (Fig. 14).

[0207] The selected antibody was converted to IgG1, transiently expressed in Expi293 cells, and purified using a MabSeletSure column. After purification, the antibody size and properties were confirmed through SDS-PAGE and SE-HPLC analysis (Fig. 15).

[0208] Binding strength measurements were performed using antigen direct immobilization, which immobilizes the TM4SF5-Fc antigen protein onto the chip surface using purified IgG1 protein (Fig. 16). The results showed a threefold increase in antigen binding strength compared to the parent antibody, huAb27-9, and a binding strength similar to that of the chimeric antibody.

[0209] 2-2. Targeted library screening

[0210] To perform affinity optimization using targeted mutagenesis, a randomized library of CDR regions including hot spots was constructed in the form of FabΔC. The target CDR regions were selected based on the regions exposed as loops among the CDR regions based on the Kabat / IMGT criteria (Fig. 17).

[0211] Diversity 10 8 We created a library with a diversity 30 to 70 times higher than the theoretical diversity, with over 80% of the functional level.

[0212]

[0213]

[0214] The CDR-randomized library produced as described above was selected through a panning process using phage display technology. Amplification was confirmed from the fourth panning round (Fig. 18).

[0215] Panning results of CDR randomized library TM4SF5BSARatioMethod1st1.9E+05 bead2nd3.4E+043.5E+041.0tube3rd5.4E+043.7E+041.5bead4th2.0E+053.5E+045.7bead5th1.6E+053.1E+045.2tube

[0216] Sequence analysis of the selected clones revealed that mutations were primarily concentrated in CDR-H1 and H2, and mutations were also identified in CDR-L2 (Fig. 19). However, clones derived from CDR-L2 did not show a significant increase in binding affinity compared to WT, so these were excluded. A combinatorial library of CDR-H1 and H2 was constructed and screened.

[0217] The selected antibodies were converted to IgG1 form, and the antigen-antibody affinity was measured using a GST fusion protein (Expression host cell: HEK) using the anti-human Fc capture method. The antigen binding affinity of huAb27-9_T35 was increased 3.5-fold compared to the parent antibody, huAb27-9 (Fig. 20).

[0218] 2-3. Combinatorial library screening

[0219] A combinatorial library of CDR-H1 and H2, which are the regions where mutations mainly occurred in clones selected from the targeted library, was prepared at 1.4 x 10 9 It was produced at a diversity level. After screening through the panning process, it was confirmed that amplification occurred from the 4th panning (Fig. 21).

[0220] Sequence analysis of the selected clones revealed mutations primarily at residues 31 and 32 of CDR-H1 and positions 53 and 54 of CDR-H2. The selected clones were converted to IgG1 and their binding affinity was analyzed (Figure 22).

[0221] The selected antibodies were converted to IgG1 form, transiently expressed in HEK 293 cells, and antigen-antibody affinities were measured using GST fusion proteins (expression host cells: E. coli) using the anti-human Fc capture method. The antigen binding affinities of huAb27-9_E01, M49, M82, and M74 were increased compared to the parent antibody huAb27-9 (Fig. 23). Antibodies huAb27-9_M49 were designated S3, huAb27-9_M82 S13, and huAb27-9_M74 S43.

[0222] 2-4. Targeted library screening

[0223] Four sub-libraries (Fab format) were constructed to provide diversity in the HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3, and LCDR3 regions (Kabat criteria) of the huAb27-9 antibody. Each sub-library was constructed using primers (NNS) designed to sequentially change up to four amino acids. Clones with improved affinity were selected by reducing the amount of antigen or increasing the number of washes in each biopanning round. ELISA and sequence analysis of the output clones yielded a total of 15 unique clones (3 from the HCDR1 sublibrary, 11 from the HCDR2 sublibrary, and 1 from the HCDR3 sublibrary). ELISA binding analysis versus expression revealed that six clones had improved affinity compared to huAb27-9 (Figure 24).

[0224] After producing six types of antibodies as IgG antibodies, the binding affinity to the hEC2-Fc-myc antigen was analyzed using ELISA and Octet, and all clones showed improved binding affinity than huAb27-9 (Fig. 25).

[0225] The T2-1 clone was 41.4 times more potent than huAb27-9 by ELISA (EC50 value) and 41.4 times more potent than Octet (K D value) was improved by 12.6 times. The T1-5 clone was an Octet (K D The improvement was 7.7 times based on the value. All six clones had 4 amino acids mutated at the same position in HCDR2.

[0226]

[0227] Example 3: Characterization and efficacy evaluation of selected antibody clones

[0228] 3-1. Antibody clones and additional screening

[0229] In order to improve the binding affinity of Hz#9 (huAb27-9) IgG, affinity maturation was performed using Targeted mutagenesis and Untargeted mutagenesis methods, and the target binding affinity of the produced antibodies was measured using a BIACORE device to select five types, EO1, T35, S3, S13, and S43. The cell surface binding affinity of the selected antibodies was measured through FACS and IF experiments, and the results are shown in Figure 26.

[0230] In FACS experiments, EO1 and S43 showed similar binding affinity to Cp and Tp cells at 0.03 ug compared to Hz #9 IgG, but showed slightly weaker binding affinity than Hz #9 H(G)L(GG). S3 and S13 did not show any binding affinity difference between Cp and Tp cells at 0.03 ug.

[0231] In IF, unlike the FACS results, the produced antibodies appeared to bind to the cell surface significantly more than Hz #9 IgG, and EO1 and S3 showed binding affinity similar to Hz #9 H(G)L(GG), while S13 and S43 were shown to bind better than Hz #9 H(G)L(GG). T35 was measured to have significantly lower binding affinity in both FACS and IF experiments.

[0232] Therefore, among the five antibodies, EO1 and S43 antibodies were selected as candidate antibodies.

[0233] 3-2. Confirmation of target binding affinity of antibodies with glycine added to the elbow region

[0234] To further increase the binding affinity of the selected EO1 and S43 antibodies to the target, antibodies were produced by adding “G” and “GG” amino acids to the elbow region of the IgG heavy chain and light chain.

[0235] In order to measure the binding affinity of the produced antibodies, their ability to bind to targets on the cell surface was measured through FACS and IF experiments, and the results are shown in Figure 27.

[0236] In FACS experiments, the cell surface target binding affinity was in the following order: EO1 H(G)L(GG) >= EO1 (G2) > EO1 (G) > S43 IgG > EO1 H(GG)L(G) > S43 (G2) > S43 H(G)L(GG) > hz #9 IgG > EO1 IgG > S43 (G) > S43 H(GG)L(G). When the “G” and “GG” sequences were added to EO1, the binding affinity increased significantly compared to the existing antibody, but S43 showed a tendency to decrease the binding affinity compared to the existing antibody.

[0237] In the IF experiment, the binding affinity was in the order of S43 (G2) > S43 = S43 H(G)L(GG) > EO1 H(G)L(GG) > EO1 (G2) > EO1 H(GG)L(G) > EO1 G > S43 (G) > EO1 > S43 H(GG)L(G) > hz #9 IgG. As with the FACS results, EO1 showed increased binding affinity compared to the existing antibody when the “G” and “GG” sequences were added, and in the case of S43, only S43 (G2) showed increased binding affinity, while the remaining antibodies showed decreased binding affinity compared to the existing antibody. In the FACS experiment, EO1 H(G)L(GG) antibody showed the highest binding affinity, and in the IF experiment, S43 (G2) antibody showed the highest binding affinity.

[0238] In order to measure the target binding affinity of the manufactured antibody, the KD value was measured using a BIACORE device, and the results are shown in Figure 28.

[0239] The BIACORE experiment results showed that the binding affinity was in the order of S43 G2 > EO1 HG,L-GG wIgG = S43 > Hz #9 HG-LGG >EO1 > Hz #9 IgG, and the KD value of EO1 H(G)L(GG) was reduced by about 2 times compared to EO1, and that of S43 (G2) was reduced by about 1.5 times compared to S43.

[0240] 3-3. Internalization Verification

[0241] TM4SF5 antibodies have the property of being internalized over time after binding to their cell surface targets. Therefore, to compare the internalization characteristics of these antibodies, the extent of antibody retention on the surface of Tp cells was analyzed using FACS, and the results are shown in Figure 29.

[0242] The produced antibodies were internalized in the following order: Hz #9 H(G)L(GG) 0.05ug > S43 H(G)L(GG) 0.1ug > hz #9 IgG 0.1ug > EO1 IgG 0.1ug > EO1 H(G)L(GG) 0.03ug > S43 IgG 0.06ug > S43 (G2) 0.1ug.

[0243] In summary, Hz #9 IgG H(G)L(GG), EO1 IgG H(G)L(GG), and S43 IgG showed significantly improved target binding affinity, cell surface binding affinity, and internalization compared to Hz #9 IgG. Therefore, these antibodies were selected for subsequent experiments.

[0244] The results of Examples 3-2 and 3-3 are summarized in the table below.

[0245]

[0246] 3-4. Confirmation of tumor growth inhibition activity in vitro

[0247] In order to compare the growth inhibition ability of the selected TM4SF5 antibodies on the liver cancer cell line SNU398 cells, the humanized antibodies were treated at 100 ug / ml and 250 ug / ml to determine the degree of cytotoxicity, and the results are shown in Figure 30.

[0248] As a result, when 250ug / ml of antibody was treated, the cell growth reduction effect was clearly observed, and cell growth was inhibited in the following order: S43 IgG > Ab27 scFv_Fc > Hz #9 H(G)L(GG) > Ab27 IgG = EO1 H(G)L(GG) > Hz #9 IgG.

[0249] The TM4SF5 antibody has the property of inhibiting tumorigenesis in the hepatoma cell line SNU398 cells. To determine whether the selected antibody can inhibit the tumorigenic capacity of cancer cells, a soft agar assay was performed on SNU398 cells, and the results are shown in Figure 31.

[0250] When treated with antibodies, the number of colonies of SNU398 cells with a size of 0.5 mm or more was significantly reduced, and colony formation was inhibited in the order of Hz #9 H(G)L(GG) > S43 IgG > EO1 H(G)L(GG) > Ab27 IgG.

[0251] 3-5. Confirmation of tumor suppression activity in vivo

[0252] To confirm the tumor suppressive properties of the selected antibodies in vitro, SNU398 cell xenografts were performed in nude mice. When tumor cells reached approximately 100 mm3, 300 μg of human IgG, Ab27 scFv_Fc, Hz #9 H(G)L(GG), EO1 H(G)L(GG), and S43 IgG 300 μg / mouse were injected intraperitoneally (ip) three times a week (total of 7 injections). The results are shown in Figure 32.

[0253] As a result, in the SNU398 xenograft model, Ab27 scFv_Fc IR 39%, Hz #9 H(G)L(GG) IR 35%, EO1 H(G)L(GG) IR 41%, and S43 IgG IR 48% were observed. The tumor inhibitory effects of the antibodies were in the following order: S43 IgG > EO1 H(G)L(GG) > Ab27 scFv_Fc > Hz#9 H(G)L(GG). Therefore, among the selected antibodies, S43 appeared to have the best tumor inhibitory ability, and there was no significant body weight change.

[0254]

[0255] Example 4: Characterization and efficacy evaluation of selected antibody clones

[0256] The six clones selected in Example 2-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8, 2-1, and 2-3, were produced in IgG form and verified by ELISA and BLI (Octet) analysis.

[0257] The cell surface target binding affinity of the selected antibodies was analyzed by FACS and IF experiments. The experimental results are shown in Figures 33 and 34.

[0258] In the FACS experiment, the binding affinity was in the order of Hz #9 H(G)L(GG) > 2-1 > 1-7 > 1-5 > 1-6 > 1-8 > Hz #9 IgG > 2-3, and in the IF, the binding affinity was in the order of 1-5 > 1-7 > Hz #9 H(G)L(GG) > 2-1 > 1-6 = 2-3 > 1-8 > Hz #9 IgG. Consequently, 2-3 was excluded from the candidates because its binding affinity was lower than that of Hz #9 IgG in the FACS.

[0259] In order to measure the binding affinity of the selected antibodies to the TM4SF5 target, the KD value was measured using a BIACORE device, and the results are shown in Figure 35. As a result of the BIACORE experiment, the binding affinity was measured as 1-5 IgG > Hz #9 IgG = 1-6 IgG = 1-7 IgG = 2-1 IgG, and it was confirmed that 1-5 IgG had a particularly high binding affinity compared to other antibodies.

[0260] As a result, when FACS, IF, and BIACORE experiments were comprehensively reviewed, among antibodies 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 2-1, and 2-3, antibodies 1-5 and 2-1 showed significantly improved target binding affinity compared to Hz #9 IgG, and thus antibodies 1-5 and 2-1 were selected for future experiments.

[0261]

[0262] Example 5: Comparative evaluation of selected clones

[0263] 5-1. Purification and SPR analysis results

[0264] For in vivo efficacy evaluation, major selection antibodies were mass-produced through transient expression in animal cells (project provided by the Osong Advanced Medical Industry Promotion Foundation).

[0265] After transient expression of 1-3 L per strain using the Expi-CHO-S system, the culture medium was secured and purified by affinity chromatography (AKTA Avant 150, MabSelect SuRe column) (Fig. 36). The final yield was approximately 100-200 mg / strain. The final buffer was 1XPBS, pH 7.2. The endotoxin test results showed that E01 had 5.56 EU / mg Ab.

[0266] The results of SPR analysis of the selected antibodies are shown in Figure 37. K DThe values ​​were 4.19 nM for S43 and 3.94 nM for 1-5, which was about 4 times higher than that of chimeric Ab27 (16.7 nM) and about 2.4 times higher than that of humanized antibody Ab27-hz9 (9.46 nM).

[0267]

[0268] 5-2. Cell target binding analysis

[0269] To analyze the cell target binding affinity of S43, 1-5, and 2-1 selected in the previous example, FACS and IF experiments were performed. The results are shown in Figure 38.

[0270] In FACS experiments, the binding affinity was in the order of 2-1 = 1-5 > S43 > Hz #9 IgG. However, in the case of 2-1, the shift difference between the Cp cell and the Tp cell tended to be significantly smaller than that of other antibodies, so it was judged that the binding specificity to TM4SF5 was weaker than that of other antibodies. In IF, the binding affinity was in the order of 1-5 IgG > 2-1 IgG = Ab27 scFv_Fc = S43 IgG > Hz #9 IgG.

[0271]

[0272] 5-3. Internalization Analysis

[0273] To compare the internalization characteristics of the TM4SF5 humanized antibody over time after binding to its cell surface target with those of the previously selected S43, the antibody was bound to the surface of Tp cells, and the extent of antibody remaining was analyzed by FACS after 0 hours, 2 hours, 4 hours, and 6 hours. The experimental results are shown in Figure 39.

[0274] Fluorescence measurement of the cell membrane residual amounts of the selected antibodies showed that they were internalized in the following order: Hz #9 IgG 0.5ug > S43 0.1ug > 2-1 IgG 0.2ug = Ab27 scFv_Fc 0.05ug > 1-5 IgG 0.2ug. 1-5 showed high cell surface binding affinity, but the degree of internalization was significantly lower than that of other antibodies.

[0275] To track the movement of TM4SF5 antibody into lysosomes after internalization, we performed a Co-IF experiment with the lysosome marker lysotracker. The antibody was bound to SNU449Tp cells at 50 μg / ml for 3 hours. After removing the antibody, internalization was performed for 0 and 3 hours. The cells were then stained with 200 nM lysotracker for 2 hours, and fluorescence was measured using a confocal microscope. The experimental results are shown in Figure 40.

[0276] The measurement results confirmed that the antibody co-localized with lysotracker, and co-localization increased when internalized for 3 hours compared to 0 hours. Co-localization of lysotracker and antibody within the cell was measured in the order of S43 > 1-5 > Ab27. However, even in cells with 0 hours of internalization, there was a tendency for the antibody to be internalized during the lysotracker staining process, resulting in a high co-localization.

[0277]

[0278] 5-4. Confirmation of in vitro tumor suppression effect

[0279] To compare the growth inhibition ability of the liver cancer cell line SNU398 cells, the antibodies were treated at 100 ug / ml and 250 ug / ml to determine the degree of cytotoxicity. The results are shown in Figure 41.

[0280] As a result of the experiment, when 250ug / ml of antibodies were treated, Ab27 scFv_Fc, 1-5 IgG, 2-1 IgG, and S43 IgG all showed a 30% cell growth reduction effect.

[0281] Additionally, a soft agar assay was performed to determine whether the selected antibodies could reduce the tumorigenic capacity of cancer cells in vitro. The experimental results are shown in Figure 42.

[0282] When treated with antibodies, the number of colonies of SNU398 cells with a size of 0.5 mm or more was significantly reduced, and colony formation was inhibited in the order of S43 IgG > 1-5 > 2-1 > Ab27.

[0283]

[0284] 5-5. Stability Check

[0285] To measure the stability of the selected antibody, the antibody was stored in a refrigerator at 4°C for 39 days and the concentration change was measured.

[0286]

[0287]

[0288] In the case of hz #9 IgG, the concentration decreased by about 23% after 39 days, but S43 IgG, 1-5 IgG, and 2-1 IgG all decreased by less than 10%, indicating that the stability of the affinity-matured antibodies was significantly increased compared to Hz #9 IgG.

[0289]

[0290] 5-6. In vitro verification of the efficacy of combined administration

[0291] The effects of sorafenib and cetuximab as combination drugs on colon cancer cell lines HT-29 and HCT116 cells were confirmed in vitro.

[0292] To confirm tumor formation inhibition, soft agar assay was performed, and colony formation was measured 14 days after treatment with 1-5 IgG 100ug / ml alone, S43 IgG 100ug / ml alone, Cetuximab 100ug / ml alone, Sorafenib 500nM alone, 1-5 and Cetuximab in combination, 1-5 and Sorafenib in combination, S43 and Cetuximab in combination, and S43 and Sorafenib in combination. The experimental results are shown in Fig. 43.

[0293] Experimental results showed that 1-5 and S43 exhibited tumor-inhibitory effects in colon cancer cell lines, and that the tumor-inhibitory effect was increased by co-administration with sorafenib and cetuximab.

[0294]

[0295] 5-7. Confirmation of tumor metastasis inhibition effect in vivo

[0296] To determine whether antibodies reduce the ability of liver cancer cell lines to metastasize through blood vessels as an in vivo early metastasis model, nude mice were administered 300 μg of 1-5 IgG intraperitoneally, and SNU398 cells were administered via the tail vein. After 24 hours, the lungs were removed and the amount of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) was measured by qPCR.

[0297] As a result, circulating tumor cells were effectively reduced by 1-5 IgG, and 1-5 IgG showed a reduction effect of approximately 97.8%.

[0298]

[0299] 5-8. Confirmation of tumor suppression effect in vivo

[0300] 5-8-1. Confirmation of efficacy in the SNU398 cell xenograft model

[0301] To verify whether the selected antibody inhibits the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SNU398, xenografts were performed in nude mice. When the tumor cells reached approximately 100 mm3, 300 μg / mouse of human IgG, 300 μg / mouse of Ab27 scFv_Fc, 300 μg / mouse of 1-5 IgG, 500 μg / mouse, and 300 μg / mouse of 2-1 IgG were injected intraperitoneally (ip) three times a week (a total of six injections). The experimental results are shown in Figure 45.

[0302] In a xenograft model, Ab27 scFv_Fc 300ug / mouse showed IR 36%, 1-5 IgG 300ug / mouse IR 49%, 1-5 500ug / mouse IR 50%, and 2-1 300ug / mouse IR 37%. The tumor inhibitory effect was in the order of 1-5 IgG > 2-1 IgG > Ab27 scFv_Fc. There was no significant difference in tumor inhibitory ability even when 1-5 IgG was administered in doses exceeding 300ug, and 300ug / mouse was confirmed to be the saturating concentration. There was no significant change in body weight due to administration of any antibody.

[0303]

[0304] 5-8-2. Confirmation of efficacy in the SNU449 T7 xenograft model

[0305] The anticancer efficacy of antibodies 1-5 and 2-1 was evaluated in the SNU449 T7 xenograft model. T7 cells were 1X10 6 Tumor size 100mm 2 weeks after subcutaneous injection 3 When the target was reached, the antibody was injected intraperitoneally (ip) twice a week at 300 ug / mouse. The experimental results are shown in Fig. 46.

[0306] Experimental results showed that 1-5 and 2-1 exhibited tumor growth inhibition efficacy at a level similar to that of Ab27.

[0307] Western blot analysis of tumor lysates from previous xenograft studies and this study (Fig. 46) revealed that S43 inhibited FAK (moderate), c-Src, and STAT3 phosphorylation. 1-5 inhibited p27 and STAT3 phosphorylation, and 2-1 inhibited FAK and p27 phosphorylation.

[0308]

[0309] 5-8-3. Confirmation of effectiveness in the SNU449 T7 xenograft model

[0310] To investigate the tumor suppression ability of the colon cancer cell line HT-29 cells, xenograft was performed in nude mice.

[0311] Tumor cells about 100 mm 3 When the degree reached, human IgG, 1-5 IgG, S43 IgG, and Cetuximab 300 ug / mouse were injected intraperitoneally (ip) three times a week (total of 8 injections). The results are shown in Figure 47.

[0312] In a xenograft model, 1-5 IR 46.4%, S43 IR 46.9%, and Cetuximab IR 33.8% were observed. The tumor suppression effect was in the order of S43 IgG > 1-5 IgG > Cetuximab. 1-5 and S43 showed similar tumor suppression ability, which was similar or superior to Cetuximab. There was no significant change in body weight. S43 decreased the phosphorylation levels of FAK, STAT3, and p27. The effect of 1-5 was relatively moderate.

[0313]

[0314] 5-9. Confirmation of tumor targeting ability in vivo

[0315] To analyze the tissue distribution of a selected antibody in a mouse model, a fluorescent dye was conjugated to the antibody. T7 cells, a TM4SF5-expressing clone derived from the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line SNU449, were injected subcutaneously into nude mice. When the tumors reached approximately 125 mm^3, the antibody conjugated with the fluorescent dye was administered via the tail vein, and the fluorescence value was measured in the body using IVIS. The experimental results are shown in Figure 48.

[0316] While human IgG was largely degraded after 96 hours, 1-5 and S43 were found to be distinctly distributed in tumors. Both antibodies exhibited excellent tumor-targeting ability, and 1-5, in particular, was more abundant in tumors than S43, indicating slightly superior tumor-targeting ability in vivo.

[0317]

[0318] The sequences of antibodies S43, 1-5, 2-1, and E01 selected through experiments are as described in SEQ ID NOs: 14 to 50. The CDRs defined through IMGT are as described in Table 12. The VL sequence and LCDR sequence of antibodies S43, 1-5, and 2-1 were identical to those of humanized antibody huAb27-9.

[0319]

[0320]

[0321]

[0322]

[0323]

[0324] From the above description, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical spirit or essential characteristics. In this regard, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted as encompassing all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the following claims and their equivalent concepts, rather than the detailed description above.

Claims

1. An antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5, having a variable region comprising a CDR selected from the following: (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 16, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 17, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 18; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13; (ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 24, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 25, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 26; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13; (iii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 32, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 33, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 34; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13; and (iv) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 40, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 41, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 42; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 48, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 49, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 50; Here, the CDR sequences are designated according to the Kabat numbering system.

2. In the first paragraph, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is an antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof that binds to TM4SF5, having a variable region comprising a CDR selected from the following: (i) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 16, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 17, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 18; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13; (ii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 24, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 25, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 26; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13; and (iii) a heavy chain variable region (VH) comprising HCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 32, HCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 33, and HCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 34; and a light chain variable region (VL) comprising LCDR1 of SEQ ID NO: 11, LCDR2 of SEQ ID NO: 12, and LCDR3 of SEQ ID NO: 13; Here, the CDR sequences are designated according to the Kabat numbering system.

3. In paragraph 1, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof i) a heavy chain variable region (VH) of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14, 22 and 30, and a light chain variable region (VL) of SEQ ID NO: 9; or ii) An antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) of SEQ ID NO: 38 and a light chain variable region (VL) of SEQ ID NO:

46.

4. In the first paragraph, the antibody is an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, which is IgG or scFv-Fc.

5. A pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating a TM4SF5-related disease, comprising an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In the fifth paragraph, the TM4SF5-related disease is selected from fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, liver cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, oral cancer, pharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, bone cancer, connective tissue cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, soft tissue sarcoma, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma blood cancer.

7. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 5, wherein the TM4SF5-related disease is selected from among fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis, liver cancer, gastric cancer, colon cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and soft tissue sarcoma.

8. A pharmaceutical composition according to claim 5, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is administered together with a substance selected from the group consisting of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), oxaliplatin, doxorubicin, sorafenib, and cetuximab.

9. A polynucleotide encoding an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

10. An expression vector comprising the polynucleotide of clause 9.

11. A transformant containing the polynucleotide of Article 10 or an expression vector containing the same.

12. A composition for diagnosing a TM4SF5-related disease comprising an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

13. A method for providing information for diagnosing a TM4SF5-related disease, comprising a step of detecting TM4SF5 (transmembrane 4 L six family member 5) protein in a biological sample through an antigen-antibody reaction using an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof of any one of claims 1 to 4.

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